[Effect of exercise program and curcumin supplementation on serum level of immunoglobulin A in rats exposed to lead acetate]

Lead as an environmental pollutant can damage the immune system. This study was done to determine the effect of moderate-intensity exercise and Curcumin supplement on serum level of immunoglobulin A in rats exposed to lead acetate. In this experimental study, 46 male rats were allocated into six groups including; Control [C], vehicle [V], lead [L], lead and exercise [LE], lead and curcumin [LC], Lead+exercise+curcumin [LEC]. Animals in training groups ran on treadmill for 8 weeks [25- 64 minutes per daily, 15-22 meter/minute and 0% grade]. Animals in Lead, LE, LC and LEC groups were received lead acetate [20 mg/kg/bw] and vehicle animals were received ethyl oleat [30 mg/kg/bw] Intraperitoneally for 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Rats in curcumin and LEC groups were received Curcumin [30mg/kg/bw], for 3 day per week for 8 weeks. IgA level were measured by single radial immuno diffusion method. Lead acetate significantly increased MDA levels at P<0.05 in animals. IgA level was 0.2, 0.41 and 0.47 mg/dL in Lead, LE and LEC groups [P<0.05]. The simultaneous use of endurance exercise training and curcumin due to increased IgA activity has beneficial effects against lead poisoning

Teratogenic effect of lead acetate on Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata

Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata were studied under the effect of lead acetate for 48 hours exposure at larval stages. Since, lead is widely distributed industrial pollutant in the world. It is significant environmental pollutant which contaminates foods, water, soil and air and insect could get easily the influence of such pollutants. Therefore, the teratogenic effects of lead [lead acetate] on external morphology on fruit flies was determined. The effects of lead acetate, in the concentrations of 0.125 mg., 0.25 mg., 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg on Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera zonata, were studied at 48 hours post treatment. It was observed that under the effects of lead abnormalities and malformation were developed in the larvae of flies. Teratomorphic changes were observed as elongated wings, de-shaped wings, elongated and folded legs, change in melanization of larvae, pupae and adults. Some other structural abnormalities of larvae and pupal shape were also observed. Thus, the Diptera flies could present a useful module for the rapid screening of the environmental hazards due to lead contamination, which exerts a definite physiological and morphological effect on Diptera flies. Therefore, in this respect Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera zonzta, could be included in a test system for heavy metals toxicity determination

Lead exposure changes gastric motility in rats: role of nitric oxide [no]

Abdominal colic, constipation and delay in gastric emptying are symptoms of lead poisoning, but there is scant information about the effect of lead on gastric motility. In the present study, we investigated the effect of lead acetate on gastric motility in rats. Animals were divided into nine groups [n=8]; four groups were exposed to lead acetate solution [1%] for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks [Pb1, Pb2, Pb3, and Pb4 groups, respectively]. Sodium acetate solution was given to another four groups for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks [Na1, Na2, Na3, and Na4 groups, respectively] and the control group had free access to tap water. Gastric motility was measured in the basal and acetylcholine [Ach]-stimulated states using a physiograph instrument. Nitric oxide metabolite of gastric tissue was determined by Griess micro-assay. There were no significant differences between basal and Ach-stimulated gastric motility in Pb1, Pb2, Na1, and Na2 groups. However, it was significantly greater in Pb3 and Pb4 groups when compared with Na3 and Na4 groups in both basal and Ach-stimulated states [P<0.05]. In addition, nitric oxide metabolite of gastric tissue was more in all Pb groups in comparison with their Na counterparts [P<0.05]. We found that lead exposure could affect gastric motility via the nitric oxide pathway

[Evaluating the protective effects of melissa officinalis on learning deficits of rat's offspring exposed to lead acetate during pre-and postnatal periods]

Lead contamination dramatically influences different body systems especially the central nervous system. Lead absorption during gestational period has deleterious effects on fetal differentiation and development and it may possibly result in learning deficits in adulthood. Recent studies have demonstrated positive effects of Melissa officinalis on memory improvement in some neural disorders. The aim of the present study is to investigate the protective effects of Melissa on learning deficits in lead acetate exposed rats. In this experimental study in department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad [2008-2009], 40 mated Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups as follows: control, negative control [Pb], Melissa [M] and Pb+M, and each in 3 different subgroups. The treatment started from the 7th day of gestation and continued during pregnancy and lactation. The learning ability and memory retention of four months old offspring were tested by complex T-maze. The collected data was analyzed by the SPSS software using one-way ANOVA and Toki test. A significant difference was found between lead exposed group and other groups regarding the time to reach the goal and the number of errors; while there was no meaningful difference between the control and other experimental groups. In lead exposed rats, learning deficits were obviously noticed. Since there was meaningful difference between control and Pb+M subgroups, Melissa can possibly improve learning deficits in lead acetate exposed rats

Effect of an extract of Aloe vera on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4) in rats / Efeito de um extrato de Aloe vera na biodistribuição do pertecnetato de sódio (Na99mTcO4) em ratos

PURPOSE: Aloe vera is a tropical plant popularly known in Brazil as babosa. We have investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera on the biodistribution of Na99mTcO4 and laboratorial parameters in Wistar rats. METHODS: Twelve animals were divided into treated and control groups. In the treated group, Aloe vera was given by gavage (5mg/mL/day) during 10 days. The control group received sorbitol by the same way and period. One hour after the last dose, we injected 0.1mL of Na99mTcO4 by orbital plexus. After 60 min, all the animals were killed. Samples were harvested from the brain, liver, heart, muscle, pancreas, stomach, femur, kidneys, blood, testis and thyroid and the percentage of radioactivity ( percentATI/g) was determined. Biochemical dosages were performed. RESULTS: There was a significant increase of percentATI/g in blood, femur, kidneys, liver, stomach, testis and thyroid and also in blood levels of AST and ALT. A significant decrease in levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine and urea occurred. The statistical analyses were performed by Mann-Whitney test and T-Student test (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of Aloe vera facilitated the uptake of Na99mTcO4 in organs of rats and it was responsible to a high increase of levels of AST and ALT.

OBJETIVO: Aloe vera é uma planta tropical popularmente conhecida no Brasil por "babosa". Investigou-se o efeito de extrato aquoso do A. vera na biodistribuição do pertecnetato de sódio (Na99mTcO4) e em parâmetros laboratoriais de ratos Wistar. MÉTODOS: Doze animais foram divididos em 2 grupos: tratado e controle. No grupo tratado, o extrato de A. vera foi administrado via oral (5mg/mL/dia) por 10 dias. O grupo controle recebeu sorbitol do mesmo modo. Uma hora após a última dose, ambos receberam 0,1mL de Na99mTcO4 via plexo orbital. Após 60 minutos, os animais foram sacrificados. Foram retiradas amostras do cérebro, fígado, coração, músculo, pâncreas, estômago, fêmur, rins, sangue, testículos e tiróide e determinou-se o percentual de radioatividade por grama ( por centoATI/g) de cada uma. Dosagens bioquímicas foram realizadas. RESULTADOS: Houve um aumento significativo do por centoATI/g no sangue, fêmur, rins, fígado, estômago, testículos e tiróide e nos níveis sanguíneos das enzimas AST e ALT. Ocorreu uma diminuição significativa dos níveis de glicose, colesterol, triglicérides, creatinina e uréia. Análises estatísticas foram feitas pelos testes de Mann-Whitney e T-student (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O extrato aquoso de A. vera facilitou a captação do Na99mTcO4 em órgãos de ratos e foi responsável pelo aumento dos níveis de AST e ALT.

Avaliação do efeito cumulativo do antimoniato de meglumina sobre a prole de camundongos swiss: ensaio biológico / Evaluate the cumulative effect of meglumine antimoniate on the progeny of swiss mice: biologic assay

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito do antimoniato de meglumina na transferência materno-fetal na geração F1 (prole de matrizes expostas ao composto), e conseqüências em progênies F2. MÉTODOS: Camundongos fêmeas Swiss foram tratados com antimoniato de meglumina, via subcutânea, com administração diária, do sétimo ao 12º dia de gestação (ddg), na dose equivalente a 100mgSb v/kg peso/dia. O grupo controle recebeu apenas o veículo (água destilada). Após o nascimento da prole (geração F1), 59 fêmeas foram examinadas diariamente para determinação do ciclo estral. Quando determinado o ciclo estro, acasalou-se 18 fêmeas com machos da mesma linhagem. No 18º ddg, as fêmeas foram eutanasiadas por câmara de CO2, o abdômen incisado e o útero exposto, quando avaliou-se os sítios de desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal quanto ao número de reabsorções, fetos vivos e mortos. Todos os fetos e placentas foram pesados para calcular o índice placentário. Três placentas de cada ninhada foram separadas para análise microscópica. RESULTADOS: A exposição ao antimoniato de meglumina não interferiu no ciclo estral dos animais tratados, pelo fato de não alterar o intervalo precoital e o índice de fertilidade. Não foram observadas alterações placentárias em progênies F2. CONCLUSÃO: O antimoniato de meglumina não altera a performance reprodutiva das mães expostas cronicamente. Estes dados sugerem que ocorre uma gradual eliminação do antimoniato de meglumina no organismo materno, sem acarretar danos a proles futuras.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effect of Meglumine Antimoniate on maternal-fetal transference in F1 generations (offspring of dams exposed to the drug), and embryotoxicity in F2 generations. METHODS: Female Swiss mice were treated with daily s.c. injection of Meglumine Antimoniate (100mgSb v/kg bw/day) from day 7 until day 12 of pregnancy. The control group received only the vehicle (distilled water). After birth of offspring (F1 generation), 59 females were examined daily for determination of the estral cycle. When the cycle estrus was determined, males were mated with 18 females of the same lineage. On day 18 of pregnancy, females were euthanasied in a chamber of CO2 and after incision of the abdomen, the uterus was exposed. Then, resorptions as well as living and dead fetuses were evaluated, also the number of embryo/fetal implantation sites. Fetuses and their placenta were weighted to calculate the placental index. Three placentas of each litter were separated for microscopic analysis. RESULTS: Administration of the Meglumine Antimoniate did not interfere in the estral cycle of the treated group, since it did not alter the precoital interval and fertility index. Placenta alterations were not observed in the F2 generations. CONCLUSION: Meglumine Antimoniate did not interfere in the reproductive performance, after chronic exposition of dams. Data suggest that there is a gradual elimination of Meglumine Antimoniate by the maternal organism without damaging the future offspring.

El plomo inhibe la corriente activada por protones (ASIC) en las neuronas de los ganglios dorsales / Lead inhibits proton gated currents (ASIC) in dorsal root ganglion neurons

Antecedentes. Los canales iónicos ASIC (del inglés Acid Sensing Ion Channel) son canales iónicos activados por reducciones transitorias en el pH extracelular. Pese a no conocerse con exactitud su mecanismo, la activación ocurre por medio de la unión de protones al dominio extracelular del canal y es modulada por iones calcio y zinc. Objetivo. El hecho de que los cationes divalentes modifiquen el funcionamiento del canal nos llevó a preguntar si el plomo, otro catión divalente, sería capaz de alterar el funcionamiento de los ASIC. Métodos y resultados. Mediante el uso de la técnica de fijación de voltaje en configuración de célula completa en las neuronas de los ganglios de la raíz dorsal de la rata, encontramos que el plomo inhibe la corriente ASIC en forma dependiente de la concentración. Conclusiones. Estos resultados contribuyen a definir los mecanismos de activación de los canales ASIC y a explicar algunos de los mecanismos tóxicos del plomo en el organismo.

BACKGROUND: Acid sensing ion channels (ASIC) are ionic channels activated by transient pH reductions in the ext raceilularenvi ronment. Although the activation mechanism is not fully elucidated, it is clear that the channel is activated by proton binding to its extraceilular domain, a process that is modulated by calcium and zinc. OBJECTIVE: The fact that divalent cations are able to modify ASIC operation, lead us to consider if lead, anotherdivalent cation and widely distributed neurotoxicant, is also capable to affect ASIC function. METHODS: For this purpose, we recordedASiC currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. RESULTS: The results indicated that lead inhibits ASIC currents in a concentration -dependent fashion. CONCLUSIONS: These results contribute to the understanding of the activation mechanism of ASIC and to explain some of the toxic mechanisms of lead in the organism.

Lead induced spermatoxicity in mouse and MPG treatment.

Protective efficacy of MPG (2-mercaptopropionyl glycine) was studied against the toxic effects of lead acetate in Swiss albino mice. The animals were treated with single dose of lead acetate @ 180, 200 and 250 mg/kg b.wt. in presence and absence of MPG. The results indicated that the body weight was slightly higher in MPG treated groups on day 10 as compared to only respective lead treated groups in all the three dose level. However, significantly lower body weight was observed in both lead treated and lead along with MPG treated groups as compared to control. Patten of mortality is similar in both lead treated and lead plus MPG treated groups. Conspicuous degenerative changes in testicular tissues and elevation in sperm head shape abnormality were observed in both lead treated and lead along with MPG treated groups but the sperm head shape abnormality and damage were more in lead treated groups as compared to lead plus MPG treated groups. But this difference was non-significant between the two groups. These observations suggest that MPG may not be significantly effective against lead induced damage in testicular tissues at cellular level. However, MPG is able to maintain slightly lower level of sperm abnormality in all the three dose level as compared to their respective lead treated groups. Further, studies are needed to find out the optimum dose of MPG for protection against the lower doses of lead induced lethality as MPG is not significantly effective against the higher doses of lead.

Apoptosis, bcl2 expression, and cell cycle analyses in nickel(II)-treated normal rat kidney cells

Nickel compounds are carcinogenic to human and are potent inducers of kidney and lung tumors in experimental animals. In this study, the effects of nickel(II) acetate on apoptosis, cell cycle and bcl2 expression in normal rat kidney (NRK- 52E) cells were investigated. Nickel(II) induced apoptosis in NRK-52E cells as demonstrated by DNA laddering. Apparent DNA laddering was observed in cells treated with 480 microM for 48 hr. In the flow cytometric analysis using propidium iodide fluorescence, an increase of cell proportion in G2/M phase was shown in cells exposed to at least 320 microM of nickel(II) acetate, from 7.7% for 0 microM of nickel(II) to 16.5% for 480 microM of nickel(II) acetate. Induction of apoptotic cell death by nickel(II) was accompanied by reduction of bcl2 protein expression, while the level of p53 protein was not changed. Taken together, our data indicate that nickel(II)-induced apoptosis in NRK-52E cells is accompanied by G2/M cell cycle arrest, regardless of p53 function, and that bcl2-mediated signaling pathway may be involved in positive regulation of nickel(II)-induced apoptotic cell death in NRK-52E cells.

Effect of homeopathic drugs plumbum and opium on experimentally induced lead toxicity in rats.

Homeopathic drugs plumbum 1M and Opium 30 were partially effective in the recovery of delta ALAD activity of the lead (150 mg% lead acetate) intoxicated rats. Plumbum 1M did not exhibit protective effect when dietary lead at high concentrations (> 25 mg% lead acetate) were given concurrently as assessed by blood delta ALAD activity and hemoglobin concentration. However it was partially effective in the recovery of delta ALAD activity and relieving anemia caused by chronic exposure of low doses of lead (below 15 mg% lead acetate).

Chronic lead exposure induces alterations on local circuit neurons

Se estudiaron los efectos de la exposición crónica por plomo en ratas lactantes, particularmente en las neuronas de circuito local (LCN) del hipocampo. La administración del plomo se inició en la primera semana de vida de la cría, a través de la leche de la madre. Durante la lactancia el agua de bebida de la madre contenía 1 g% de acetato de plomo (p/v) dosis subclínica. Después de destete las ratas jóvenes fueron tratadas con la misma concentración de agua adulterada con plomo. Los estudios con el microscopio electrónico se realizaron a los 30, 45, 60, 75 y 90 días de edad. Después de 2 meses de exposición al plomo se encontraron bordes irregulares y citoplasma condensado en las células no piramidales, en cesto y granulosas. En el neuropilo se vieron ciertos axones y terminales sináptico, así como algunas dendritas lisas en forma de cuentas de rosario, más condensadas y oscuras que los elementos circundantes. Coincidente con las alteraciones de las LCN, los astrocitos mostraron un aumento de los gliofilamentos. Estos resultados sugieren que la actividad funcional de las LCN podría modificarse por los cambios observados. Estas alteraciones constituirían el sustrato morfológico de pequeños cambios neuropsicológicos observados en ratas expuestas a concentraciones relativamente bajas de plomo

Pentavalent antimonial nephrotoxicity in the rat

Estudou-se a funcao renal de ratos tratados com Glucantime (Antimoniato de Meglumine, Rhodia) e Pentostam (estibogloconato de Sodio, Wellcome) na dose de 30 mg de "Sb POT v" por 100g de peso por dia, durante 30 dias. Observou-se um disturbio na concentracao urinaria, que foi reversivel 7 dias apos cessada a administracao das drogas. O estudo histopatologico do rim, por meio da microscopia optica, nao evidenciou alteracoes significativas. Por outro lado, ratos tratados com altas doses dos antimoniais (220mg de "Sb POT v" por 100g de peso por dia) mostraram alteracoes funcionais e histopatologicas renais compativeis com necrose tubular aguda

Mode of action of iron on arylsulphatases under acute lead acetate treated conditions in rats.

Arylsulphatases A, B and C were found to be inhibited in liver and kidney tissues under lead acetate-treated conditions (both in vivo and in vitro) in rats. When lead acetate-treated animals (in vivo) were supplemented with ferric ammonium citrate (in vivo), a remarkable recovery was found in the activities of all arylsulphatases A, B and C whereas ferric ammonium citrate itself had no effect on the activities of arylsulphatases. When both the in vivo and in vitro lead acetate-treated arylsulphatases were supplemented with the purified ferritins (in vitro) it was observed that lead-induced inhibition of the activities of arylsulphatases was successfully reversed. It was also found that ferritins were able to bind a large quantity of lead. These results indicated that ferritins were directly involved for reactivation of arylsulphatases which were inhibited by lead. It was well established that a response to iron administration in rats was an immediate de novo stimulation of ferritin biosynthesis. Iron might therefore protect the enzymatic activities of arylsulphatases by enhancing the level of ferritin in liver and kidney tissues which is known to bind a large quantity of lead thereby ameliorating their toxic effects in the living system.

Comparative toxicological study of some antibilharzial drugs

The data obtained in this work could be summarized as follows: 1. The LD 50 of tartar emetic was 49/kg, it produced a significant reduction of haemoglobin content and haematocrite value. It was the most toxic drug to the heart and lungs. Pharmacological studies showed that it produced direct depression on the isolated rabbits, heart, a perasympathomimetic effect manifested on isolated rabbits, intestine and blood pressure of anaesthetized dogs. 2. The LD 50 of astiban was 290 mg/kg. The results of subacute toxicity tests were similar to those obtained with tartar emetic but it was devoid of any toxic effect on heart. Pharmacological studies showed that it produced parasyupathomimetic effect on isolated rabbit's heart. 3. LD 50 of Hycanthone was 57 mg/ kg. No effect on the blood picture of rats was observed it was more toxic to the liver. It produced direct cardiac inhibition on the isolated rabbit's hearts, parasympathomimetic effect on the isolated rabbit's intestine and blood pressure of dog. 4. LD 50 of niridazole was 990 mg/ kg. The results of subacute toxicity tests were similar to those obtained with hycanthone. It is more toxic to brain it produced direct cardiac inhibition on the rabbit's heart and hypotension in dog