Ameliorative effect of Docosahexaenoic acid and gamma-linolenic acid on blood glucose level in lead treated Swiss albino mice during gestation and lactation.

ABSTRACT

Numbers of studies in animal models have shown changes in blood glucose level after lead administration. In the present study, ameliorative effect of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) on random blood glucose level of normal and lead exposed pregnant and lactating Swiss albino mice were compared. Pregnant females were exposed to heavy metal lead orally on diet containing 4.5% lead nitrate and 4.5% lead acetate trihydrate during gestation to 3rd week of lactation. Blood glucose level was examined on 15th day of gestation and 10th day of lactation. The results indicated that in lead intoxicated pregnant females, blood glucose level increased. It can be concluded that not only lead exposure during gestation can severely affect the growth and development of pups but can also produce adverse effect on one already having increased blood glucose or diabetes. DHA and GLA showed ameliorative effect on blood glucose level in Swiss albino mice.