Insulin and Zinc Co-Administration Ameliorate Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction in Male Rats.

Impaired male reproductive function is a major complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). Whether or not insulin, when co-administered with zinc will reverse or ameliorate reproductive dysfunction in male diabetics is not known. This study thus sought to establish if co-administration of insulin and zinc reverses or ameliorates male reproductive dysfunction in DM better than either insulin or zinc. Five (5) normal and twenty (20) diabetic sexually mature rats were assigned into five groups of five animals each. Group A consisted of normal rats and had access to only food and water. Group B consisted of diabetic animals with no treatment and served as DM control. Groups C and D consisted of diabetic animals and received insulin and zinc respectively. Group E consisted of diabetic animals and received both insulin and zinc. All diabetic animals had free access to food and water. Insulin in all cases was given subcutaneously twice daily in the morning and evening at 1 unit and 4 units respectively. Zinc (10mg/kg) was given orally once daily. Treatments in all cases commenced two weeks after DM was confirmed. The treatment lasted ten days. Samples were thereafter collected for analyses. DM decreased sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability, normal sperm cells, semen pH, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone, while increasing sperm cells with defective tails. DM also impaired testicular morphology. Insulin and zinc co-administration improved sperm viability, sertoli cell count, Johnsen's score, serum FSH, LH and testosterone. Co-administration also improved semen pH towards normal. Insulin or zinc ameliorated several aspects of DM-induced male sexual dysfunction. However, the co-administration of insulin and zinc provided better results.

Effect of quercetin on cadmium chloride-induced impairments in sexual behaviour and steroidogenesis in male Wistar rats.

Cadmium chloride (CdCl2 ) has been reported to cause reproductive toxicity in male rats, mainly through oxidative stress. This study examined its effect on sexual behaviour, as one of the mechanisms of reproductive dysfunction, as well as the possible ameliorative effect of quercetin (QE) on same. Thirty male Wistar rats (10 weeks old), weighing 270-300 g, were used for this study. They were either orally administered 2% DMSO, CdCl2 (5 mg/kg b.w.), QE (20 mg/kg b.w.) or CdCl2 +QE, once daily for 4 weeks, before sexual behavioural studies. The 5th group received CdCl2 for 4 weeks and allowed 4-week recovery period, before sexual behavioural test. Rats were sacrificed after sexual behavioural studies. The blood, testis and penis were collected for biochemical assays. Cadmium increased mount, intromission and ejaculatory latencies, but reduced their frequencies, compared to control. Serum nitric oxide increased, while penile cyclic guanosine monophosphate reduced in the CdCl2 -exposed rats, compared to control. CdCl2 increased testicular cholesterol, but reduced 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) and 17ß-HSD activities, and testosterone concentration. QE better attenuated these negative changes compared to withdrawal of CdCl2 treatment. In conclusion, CdCl2 suppressed steroidogenesis, penile erection and sexual behaviour, with poor reversal following withdrawal, while QE attenuated these effects.

Testicular toxicity following separate and combined administration of PDE5 inhibitors and opioid: assessment of recovery following their withdrawal.

We previously observed that PDE5 inhibitors and opioids were widely abused in Nigeria. Here, we examined the effect of high doses of sildenafil, tadalafil, tramadol and sildenafil + tramadol on reproductive toxicity in male rats. Rats were either administered normal saline (0.2 ml), sildenafil (10 mg/kg), tadalafil (10 mg/kg), tramadol (20 mg/kg) or sildenafil + tramadol (10 and 20 mg/kg respectively) p. o. for 8 weeks. The recovery groups were allowed 8-week recovery period before sacrifice. Results showed that body weight change, testicular and epididymal weights, epididymal sperm count and sperm viability were significantly reduced in all treated groups compared with the control. Spermatozoa with abnormal morphology were significantly increased in all treated groups compared with the control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly reduced, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in all treated groups compared with the control. The severity of toxicity was highest in sildenafil + tramadol group. There was no complete recovery from reproductive toxicity following withdrawal of the various treatments. High doses of sildenafil, tadalafil, tramadol or sildenafil + tramadol result in testicular oxidative stress-induced reproductive toxicity with poor reversal following withdrawal.

Gender and environmental influences on visual acuity in Owerri, Nigeria.

This study assessed the gender and environmental influences on visual function among adults in Owerri, Nigeria. Visual acuity (V.A.) is a measure of visual function in health and disease. Visual disability together with other disabling conditions is a barrier to development, yet there is little known about the visual acuity and determinants of visual function in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Results of a cross-sectional analytical study conducted between September 2007 and November 2009 using 3451 adults living in Owerri, Nigeria consisting of 2606 persons (test) and 845 persons( control), randomly selected are presented. Data were obtained using interviewer administered structured - questionnaires and standard procedures were used to determine gender and environmental influences on visual acuity. There were more females with poor vision than males in both study and control groups. The majority of the subjects were aged 40-49. At 6 metres, 20.9% and 39.1% of study and control groups in the right eye; 31.8% and 41.2% of study control groups respectively in the left eye had unaided V.A. ≥ 6/6. Similarly at 6m, 18.0% and 4.3% of study and control groups in the right eye; 15.2% and 5.0% of study and control groups respectively in the left eye had unaided V.A. < 6/18. Twenty-nine per cent and 25.0% of study and control groups respectively had unaided V.A. at near of N5. Over 70.0% had ≤ N6 at near and V.A. improvement with pin-hole device. Emmetropia was found in 20.5% (study) and 23.2% (control). The percentage prevalence of reduced VA was higher among ametropics and rural dwellers. The contributory factors were poor nutrition & irrational and uncontrolled use of chloroquine as first line drug for malaria treatment. Health education on diet, drug use and safe environmental health practices especially for persons living in rural areas in developing countries are recommended.

Prevalence; Distribution and Determinants of Myopia in Owerri; Nigeria

Background: Uncorrected myopia is a significant cause of visual impairment and avoidable blindness. Incidence of open-angle glaucoma has been shown to occur more often in myopia. This cross-sectional analytical study determined the prevalence; distribution and determinants of myopia in the adult population of Imo State; Nigeria with a view to establish a reference data for research purposes and future intervention in this locality. Materials and Method: A total of 3451 adults living in Owerri consisting of 2606 persons as test group and 845 persons as controls were randomly selected using standard optometric methods including subjective refraction. Results: Refractive error (ametropia) was found in 79.5 study and 76.8 control. Myopia was found in 23.4 study and 19.6 control. Highest prevalence of myopia was observed in females aged 40-49 years. Fifty percent of study and 68.1 of control group had myopia of -0.50DS to -3.00DS while 4.0 and 2.4 of study and control group respectively had myopic astigmatism. In all; 27.7 study and 16.2 control had myopia 5.00DS. The highest degree of myopia found in this study was - 24.00DS. Conclusion: This study provided information on the prevalence; distribution and determinants of myopia in Owerri; Nigeria and the data could be a basis for improved visual health care in the south-eastern sub-region of Nigeria

Astigmatism: Prevalence; Distribution and Determinants in Owerri; Nigeria

Background: Astigmatism impairs focusing ability of the eyes at far and near distances. This causes distortion; blurred vision; eye strain; headache; makes difficult visual tasks such as reading; driving (especially at night); focusing on the classroom board and computer screen. This study determined the prevalence; distribution and determinants of astigmatism in Owerri; Imo State; Nigeria in order to establish a baseline data for the state. Materials and Methods: Three thousand; four hundred and fifty - one adults consisting of 2606 persons as test subjects and 845 persons as controls were randomly selected for the study. Structured - questionnaire was administered to the subjects and thereafter; the visual acuity at far and near including tonometry; ophthalmoscopy; perimetry; retinoscopy and subjective refraction were done. Astigmatic correction was prescribed in the minus cylinder format and astigmatism was defined as a cylindrical error less than -0.50 diopter cylinder in any axis. Astigmatism was classified by axis as with-the-rule (WTR); against-the-rule; and oblique astigmatism. Results: A prevalence of 20.9 and 22.5 of astigmatism was found in the study and control groups respectively. From the astigmatics; 59.4 and 61.1 of females in the study and control groups respectively (especially females aged 40-49) were mostly affected. WTR astigmatism of =1.00DC (P = 0.000) was statistically significant between study and control groups. A higher prevalence of astigmatism was found in subjects domiciled in the rural areas and caused by factors like environmental influences; poor nutrition and irrational first line drug use of chloroquine. Conclusion: To achieve the targets of vision 2020; we recommend periodic visual examination and health education on diet; drug use and safe environmental practises especially for people living in rural areas in low income economy like ours

Presbyopia: Prevalence; Distribution and Determinants in Owerri; Nigeria

Background: Presbyopia causes blurring and impairment of vision at near. It is the most common physiologic change in the adult eye with advancing age. Good near vision is a necessity for domestic activities; office work and near vision tasks other than reading and writing; especially among adults in a resource-limited economy. The study determined the prevalence; distribution and determinants of presbyopia; presbyopic spectacle coverage; and provided data for ready-made near vision spectacles in Imo State; Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of three thousand; four hundred and fifty-one adults consisting of 2606 persons as study group and 845 persons as controls were randomly selected for the study. Structured questionnaire was administered to the subjects. Their visual acuity at far and near including tonometry; ophthalmoscopy; perimetry; retinoscopy and subjective refraction were done. Subjects who could not read N6 and emmetropes; who are 40 years and above were considered as presbyopic. Results: The prevalence of presbyopia was 70.9 and 75.0 of study and control groups respectively. Females aged 40-49 were in the majority (57.1 and 51.9 of females in the study and control groups respectively). Subjects requiring additions at near of ?+1.50DS to 2.00DS were in the majority (39.0 and 46.4 of study and control groups respectively). Amongst the presbyopes 61.3 and 78.7 of study and control groups respectively did not have presbyopic correction. The subjects were also ignorant of corneal inlay technology in treatment of presbyopia. A higher prevalence exists among rural dwellers and the contributory factors were environmental influences; poor nutrition and irrational use of chloroquine for treatment of malaria. Conclusion: Over seventy-percent of presbyopia was found in this study. The determinants were age; gender; nutrition and drug use. Majority of the presbyopes were domicile in the rural area and did not have corrective spectacles. We recommend visual health education; regular vision screening and intervention to achieve the targets of vision 2020 in low-and-medium-income countries

Contributory role of adenosine deaminase in metabolic syndrome.

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an enzyme of purine metabolism commonly associated with severe combined immunodeficiency disease and believed to modulate bioactivity of insulin. Its contributory role in patients with metabolic syndrome (having features such as obesity, insulin resistance, fasting hyperglycaemia, lipid abnormalities and hypertension) in South Eastern Nigeria was studied. Body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), Glycated haemoglobin (GHbA1c), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (usually impaired in metabolic syndrome) and total serum ADA activity were measured in different groups of patients with metabolic syndrome (test subjects) and apparently healthy subjects (controls). The test subjects comprised six subgroups made up of the following; obese diabetic (N=25), obese non-diabetic (N=25), Non-obese diabetic (N=25), patients with hypercholesterolaemia (N=25), LDL-cholesterolaemia (N=25) and HDL-cholesterolaemia (N=25). The results showed that the mean values of all the parameters studied (BMI, FBG, GHbA1c, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) were higher in the test subjects than their controls. BMI did not correlate significantly with FBG, GHbA1c, and ADA in the test and control subjects respectively. The mean serum ADA activity in the test subjects of obese diabetic, obese non-diabetic and non-obese diabetic subjects was higher than in controls (p< 0.001). ADA activity was also higher in the test subjects of hypercholesterolaemia, HDL-cholesterolaemia and LDL-cholesterolaemia than in control (p< 0.001). ADA activity also correlated positively with hypercholesterolemia (r = 0.640; p<0.001), HDL-cholesterolaemia (r = 0.646; p<0.001) and LDL-cholesterolaemia (r = 0.932; p<0.001), with the highest correlation in the LDL-cholesterolaemia. In conclusion, ADA activity is increased significantly in all parameters of metabolic syndrome studied and showed a significant correlation with all the three groups of dyslipidaemic subjects studied. ADA could therefore be used in daily routine laboratory assessment of most metabolic diseases especially in obese and diabetic patients.

Effect of honey consumption on intestinal motility in male albino rats.

This study investigated the effects of honey on intestinal motility and transit using twenty (20) male albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 210-220g. The rats were randomly grouped into control and honey-fed (test) groups of ten (10) rats each. The control group was fed on normal rat chow ( Pfizer Company, Nigeria ) and water while the test group was fed on rat feed, water and honey ( 1 ml of honey to every 10 ml initial drinking water daily) for twenty two (22) weeks after which the rats were starved over night before the experiment and sacrificed by stunning. Laparatomy was immediately performed, proximal and distal portions of the intestine identified, cut and put in aerated tyrode solution. Cut sections of the ileum (2-3cm) were mounted on organ bath instrument for motility experiment with varying concentrations of acetylcholine and carbachol. Contractions were recorded as well as the intestinal transit in each group and lengths of intestine with total mean values calculated. Results obtained showed that honey significantly decreased (p<0.01 ) intestinal transit in the test group (21.15±0.75 ) compared with the control group ( 35.96±1.15); decreased intestinal motility in the test group compared with the control and caused significant percentage reduction of intestinal motility with varied concentrations of acetylcholine and carbachol in the test group ( Ach-75.00±0.75%; Carbachol-79.00±0.28%) compared with the control group (Ach-62.00±0.39%; Carbachol-51.00±0.39%). In conclusion, unprocessed Nigerian honey decreased intestinal transit, caused intestinal smooth muscle inhibition and motility and reduced sensitivity of gastrointestinal tract to cholinergic agents.

Effect of Gongronema latifolium ethanol leaf extract on gastric acid secretion and cytoprotection in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: Gongronema latifolium leaves have been used in folklore medicine to manage diabetes mellitus and alleviate dyspepsia. This study aimed to provide a pharmacological basis to the medicinal use ofGongronema latifolium as an antidiabetic and antiulcerogenic agent in diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Ethanol extract from the leaf (200 mg/kg bodyweight) of Gongronema latifolium was administered to both streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control groups orally for 14 days. Gastric acid secretion was measured and ulcer was induced using ethanol and four-hour pyloric ligation. RESULTS: The mean bodyweight was significantly lower (p < 0.01), while the mean weight of the stomach, liver and small intestine to bodyweight ratio was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the two diabetic groups compared to control. Extract significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the blood glucose level similar to the non-diabetic control. Basal and stimulated acid secretion in diabetic control rats was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased when compared to control. Extract administration increased the stimulated gastric acid secretion to a level significantly (p < 0.05) higher than control while reduction in gastric secretion by ranitidine was similar compared with control. Gongronema latifolium treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced ulcer scores in both ulcer models and increased mucus weight in the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Gongronema latifolium antiulcerative activity is due to its prevention of chemical-induced stomach injury.

Gastric cytoprotection and honey intake in albino rats.

Beneficial effect of honey has been widely reported particularly on wound healings, gastrointestinal disorders and as antibacterial agent. However, there is paucity of report on its cytoprotective effect on the gastric mucosa despite its common usage worldwide including Nigeria. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the effect of this widely consumed substance on gastric mucosa using animal model and also to explore possible mechanism of its action on the gastric mucosa .Twenty male adult albino rats of Wistar strain, weighing between 210-220g were used in the experiment. They were randomly assigned into two groups, the control group and the honey-fed (test) group, each containing ten rats. The Control group was fed on normal rat feed and water while the test group was fed on normal rat feed with honey added to its drinking water (1ml of honey for every initial 10ml of water for each rat daily) for twenty two weeks. After twenty two weeks the rats were weighed after being starved overnight. They were anaesthetized with urethane (0.6ml/100g body weight). Gastric ulceration was induced using 1.5ml acid-alcohol prepared from equivolume of 0.1NHCl and 70% methanol introduced into the stomach via a portex cannula tied and left in place following an incision made on the antral-pyloric junction of the stomach. The acid-alcohol was allowed to stay for 1hr. After 1hr, laparatomy was performed and the stomach isolated, cut open along the greater curvature, rinsed with normal saline and fastened in place with pins on a dissecting board for ulcer examination and scores. The result obtained showed mean ulcer scores of 14.5+/-0.70 for the control group and 1.6+/-0.11 for the test group. The result showed that honey significantly reduced ulcer scores as well as caused scanty haemorrhage in the test group compared with increased ulcer scores and multiple haemorrhage in the control group. It is therefore concluded that honey intake offered cytoprotection on the gastric mucosa of albino rats.

Effect of honey intake on serum cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein levels in albino rats and potential benefits on risks of coronary heart disease.

The beneficial effect of honey has been widely reported particularly in the treatment of wounds and gastrointestinal tract disorders. However there is paucity of reports on its effect on the plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) including cholesterol levels despite common consumption of honey worldwide including, Nigeria. The effect of the widely consumed unrefined Nigeria honey on plasma HDL, VLDL, LDL, TG, cholesterol and cardiovascular risk predictive index (CVPI) was studied using 20 adult male albino rats to ascertain its scientific and clinical relevance. The rats were randomly assigned into 2 groups, the control and honey-fed (test) groups, ten in each group. The rats weighed between 190-200gm at the start of the study. The control group was fed on normal rat (Pfizer-Nigeria) while the test group was fed on normal rat feed and honey (1ml of honey was added to 10ml of drinking water given once every day) for 22 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized with thiopentone sodium and blood collected by cardiac puncture. Serum TG, HDL, VLDL, LDL and total cholesterol in the control and the test groups were determined. The results showed significant increase in the level of plasma TG, HDL, and VLDL in the test group when compared with the control group. In contrast, there were significant decreases in the levels of plasma LDL and total cholesterol in the test when compared with the control group. Computed values of CVPI showed significant increase in the test values compared to that of the control. It is concluded that consumption of unrefined Nigeria honey significantly improved lipid profile and computed cardiovascular disease predictive index in male albino rats.

Effect of aqueous fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica on intestinal fluid and glucose transfer in rats.

Intestinal fluid and glucose absorption was studied in jejunal and ileal segments in Xylopia aethiopica fed rats using inverted sac technique. Thirty male Wistar rats were assigned into three groups of 10 rats each; control, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica treated groups. The control group received normal rat chow and water while the low dose and high dose groups received oral administration of Xylopia aethiopica extract at doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight respectively in addition to daily rat chow and water intake for 28 days. The results showed significant reduction and increase in fluid transfer in the jejunum and ileum respectively compared with control. 100mg/kg increased gut fluid uptake in the ileum while 200mg/kg treatment reduced uptake in jejunum compared with control. Both doses had significantly increased jejunal and ileal glucose transfer. Gut glucose uptake was increased in jejunum and ileum of Xylopia aethiopica treated groups. Both doses increased the crypt depth but significantly decreased the villus height in the ileum. In conclusion, increased ileal gut fluid uptake may be beneficial in diarrheal state while an enhanced glucose uptake implies that glucose substrate may be made available to cells for synthesize of ATP for cellular activities.

The comparative effects of chronic consumption of kola nut (Cola nitida) and caffeine diets on locomotor behaviour and body weights in mice.

The comparative effects of chronic [28 days] consumption of kola nut and its active constituent, caffeine diets on locomotor behaviour and body weights in mice were investigated. Thirty adult Swiss white mice [15-30 g body weight], were used for the study. The open field-maze was employed for the evaluation of locomotor behaviour. Mice in the control group [n=10] were fed normal rodent chow, mice in the kola nut-fed group [n=10] were fed kola diet [25 % wt/wt of rodent chow] while those in the caffeine-fed group [n=10] were fed caffeine diet [0.66% wt/wt of rodent chow] for 4 weeks. All animals were allowed free access to clean drinking water. Daily food intake, water intake and body weight change were also measured. Daily food intake in the kola nut and caffeine-fed group of mice was significantly [P<0.001 respectively] lower than the control. There was also a significant [P<0.001] decrease in daily water intake in the caffeine-fed group compared to the control whereas, the apparent decrease of water intake in the kola nut-fed group was not significantly different from the control. Body weight change was also significantly [P<0.001 and P<0.05 respectively] lower in the kola nut and caffeine-fed groups of mice when compared to the control. The frequency of rearing in the open field was significantly [P<0.01] lower in the caffeine-fed group of mice when compared to the control. The frequency of grooming was also significantly [P<0.05] lower in the caffeine-fed group of mice when compared to the control. There was also a significant [P<0.05] decrease in the frequency of light-dark transitions in the light/dark transition box for the caffeine-fed group when compared to the control. The results showed that chronic consumption of kola nut and caffeine diets caused decrease in food intake and body weight. Consumption of caffeine-diet also significantly decreased water intake and locomotor activity. The effect of kola nut-diets on water intake and locomotor activity was not significant. Hence, the effect of kola nut on locomotor behaviour and water intake may not be due to caffeine only.

Effect of occupational exposure to local powdered tobacco (snuff) on pulmonary function in south eastern Nigerians.

The effect of occupational exposure to local powdered tobacco (snuff) on pulmonary function was studied. Snuff industry workers in Onitsha and Enugu markets were studied and compared with age, weight, and height-matched control not exposed to any known air pollutant. The pulmonary indices studied include forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] and ratio of FEV1/FVC as percentage using a vitalograph spirometer and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate [PEFR], using a mini Wright Peak Expiratory Flow Meter. The respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms frequently associated with these workers were also analyzed and dust sampling in both test and control environments was also done. The mean anthropometric parameters, [age, height and body weight] between the two groups were not statistically different. The results obtained showed statistically significant impairment of lung function of workers chronically exposed to snuff. FVC, FEV1 and PEFR in the exposed [test] subjects were significantly decreased in comparison with the control subjects [P<0.05]. However, the mean value of FEV1/FVC [%] of the test subjects was 86.8% which was within the normal range and was not significantly different from control. This signified that the test subjects had restrictive pattern of lung function defect. All respiratory symptoms, such as cough, chest tightness had a higher prevalence in test subjects than their control group. The lung function indices of snuff-producing workers proportionately decreased with their length of exposure in the industry. The respirable dust level in the vicinity [indoor] of the snuff-workers [1.11+/-0.35 mg/m3] was significantly [P<0.001] higher than in the control environment[0.37+/-0.086 mg/m3]. Although it was not possible to determine all the factors that may be responsible for lung function impairment, the dust sampling result showed that chronic exposure to Nigerian snuff [powered tobacco] dust impairs lung function and the effect is progressive with time.

Bile secretion in albino rat following chronic honey intake.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of honey intake on bile secretion, bile electrolytes, bilirubin and cholesterol levels including plasma cholesterol in albino rats. 20 male albino rats (200-210 g) were used in the study. The rats were assigned randomly into 2 groups (control and honey-fed groups), each group containing 10 rats. The control was fed on normal rat feed and water while the test group was fed on normal rat feed with honey added to its drinking water (1 ml of honey to every initial 10 ml of water) for 22 weeks. After 22 weeks the animals were starved for 12 hrs before the experiment, weighed and anaesthetized with sodium thiopentone (6 mg/100 mg body weight) intraperitoneally. The common bile duct was cannulated and bile collected for 3 hrs. The rate of bile flow was noted, the concentrations of bile electrolytes and bilirubin, bile and plasma cholesterol levels were determined in the control and test groups. The results obtained showed a significant [P<0.05] decrease in the rate of bile flow in the test (0.30+/-0.03 ml/hr) compared with the control groups (0.45+/-0.04 ml/hr). There were no significant differences in the concentration of bile electrolytes and bilirubin in the two groups. However, there was a significant [P<0.05] increase in the bile cholesterol and decrease in plasma cholesterol levels in the test rats compared with the control. It is therefore concluded that chronic consumption of unprocessed Nigerian honey resulted in decrease bile flow, increase bile cholesterol and decrease plasma cholesterol in albino rats.

The relative incidence of diabetes mellitus in ABO/Rhesus blood groups in South-Eastern Nigeria.

A total of 224 diabetics and 221 non-diabetics (control) were involved in this study, to determine the relative incidence of diabetes mellitus in ABO/Rhesus blood group. The current criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were applied in differentiating the diabetics from the non-diabetics. Blood group, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and random blood sugar (RBG) were determined using standard methods. Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes mellitus were identified in this study. Biodata information were obtained during history taking and from subject hospital case note. The mean age of diabetics was 50.9 +/- 11.4 (SD) with age range of 24-72 years. Mean age for control was 49.21 +/- 9.25 with age range of 24-70 years. There were no significant differences between the mean ages of the two groups. Blood group O(-) and A(+) were significantly (P < 0.01) higher among the diabetics than non diabetics. Blood group O(+) was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in diabetics than in the control population. Blood group O(-) and A(+) therefore appears to be more susceptible to diabetes mellitus.

Intestinal motility and transit following chronic ingestion of different forms of palm oil diets.

This study was aimed at finding the effect of palm oil diets on the small intestinal motor activity and transit in rats. Adult albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups of ten rats each. The first group was fed on rat chow containing 15% (wt/wt) of fresh palm oil diets for fifteen weeks. The second was fed on rat chow containing 15% (wt/wt) thermally oxidized diet while the third group was the control and so was fed on rat chow only. Water and feed were allowed freely to all the groups. Intestinal motility and transit were measured after the feeding period. Results show that there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in basal tone of the ileum from rats fed on thermally oxidized palm oil diet when compared with fresh palm oil fed and control diets respectively. Contraction to acetylcholine (10(-11) - 10(-5)M) showed a biphasic tone with highest contraction at lower doses of acetylcholine and lowest tone at 10(-7)M in both fresh palm oil-fed and thermally oxidized oil-fed groups when compared with control. There was a significant (P < 0.05) attenuation of inhibition of atropine effect in the oxidized oil fed group when compared with control while there was a significant (P < 0.01) increase in transit of food material in the intestine of oxidized oil-fed group when compared with control and fresh palm oil-fed groups. These results show that chronic ingestion of oxidized palm oil diet causes an increase in basal tone of ileum and enhances intestinal motility and transit in the rat.

The Effect of Cold and Haemorrhagic Stress on Reticulocytes in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Background: In this study; the effect of cold and haemorrhagic stressors in male albino Wistar rats will be investigated. Methods: Cold stress was induced by placing the animals in thermostatic chamber containing ice cold water (0-10oC) and well aerated. Rats were allowed to stay for 5; 10; 15 and 20 minutes before they were bled from the tail vein at 2; 4; 6; 8 and 24 hours for reticulocyte counts. For the haemorrhagic stress; 30of blood was withdrawn from the vein after which reticulocytes were counted at 2; 4; 6; 8 and 24 hours. Results: Cold and haemorrhagic stress caused increased reticulocyte counts in male albino Wistar rats. The controls were not subjected to any condition. In cold stress; the maximum percentage reticulocyte count was (at zero hour) 6.21 + 0.21while the control was 1.02 + 0.12. In the case of the haemorrhagic stressor; the percentage reticulocyte was seen to peak at the 6th hour (6.19 + 0.12) and subsequently decrease to 2.59 + 0.02. The probable causes of this rise in reticulocytes are discussed. Conclusion: In cold and haemorrhagic stress; reticulocyte count peaked at 2 and 6 hours respectively; depicting when maximum erythropoietic activity was reached in blood forming organs

Pattern of neurobehaviour in albino rats in the open field following oral artesunate administration.

The neurobehavioural patterns in the open field following oral artesunate administration was studied using 40 albino rats randomly assigned to three Groups, namely A, B and C. Prior to the test, all the animals were acclimatized for 5 minutes in the open field maze. Group A (8 males and 8 females) received therapeutic doses of artesunate (1.42 mg/kg per oral (p.o.)--using oro-gastric tubes while Group B (8 males and 8 females) received pharmacological doses of 4.26 mg/kg (p.o.). Group C served as the control and were administered only distilled water (p.o.). Gross behavioural changes were noted following the therapeutic and pharmacological administration of artesunate for five days. Rats in Groups A and B showed marked decrease in loco motor activity (line crossing) and exploratory (rearing and walling) activities in comparison with the control (P<0.05). The centre square activity was significantly decreased in Groups A and B in comparison with the control (P<0.01). The number of faecal boli and urine puddles did not change significantly in Groups A and B when compared with the control (P>0.05). However, the frequency of grooming was significantly lower in Groups A and B rats than in the control (P<0.01). The frequency and duration of freezing were significantly higher in Groups A and B rats than in the control rats (P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the values for the male and female rats. There was also no dose dependent effect of artesunate on the activities studied. Oral administration of artesunate significantly decreases loco motor and exploratory behaviours in the albino rat.