Effect of incorporation of chicken blood plasma on physico-chemical properties of cakes.

Level of inclusion of chicken blood plasma (CBP) in the preparation of cakes was assessed in respect of certain physico-chemical quality traits. The cakes were prepared with and without added flavour. In each group, seven cakes were prepared from 0 (control) to 60% level of inclusion of CBP with 10% interval. The cakes at 40% level of incorporation of CBP recorded highest visual grades for colour and consistency. There was gradual rise in cake volume up to 40% level and on further increase in level of inclusion of CBP resulted into subsequent fall in cake volumes. The pH of cakes did not differ significantly up to 20% level but it increased beyond 20%. The moisture, total ash and crude protein contents of cakes exhibited an increasing trend from 0 to 60% level of inclusion of CBP. The ether extract of cakes showed a gradual decrease at increased level of inclusion of CBP. There was no significant effect of flavour for all the parameters studied. Based on the overall results, it may be concluded that CBP could be successfully used up to 30% level of inclusion for value addition in egg products.

Hepatotoxic alterations induced by subchronic exposure of rats to formulated fenvalerate (20% EC) by nose only inhalation.

OBJECTIVE: Fenvalerate (20% EC) is a synthetic pyrethroid, which is commonly used in India by farmers for the protection of many food and vegetable crops against a wide variety of insects. However, its inhalation toxicity data is very limited in the literature due to the fact that the exposure levels associated with these effects were usually not reported. Hence, inhalation exposure was carried out to investigate the hepatotoxic effects. METHOD: Adult male rats were exposed to fen for 4 h/day, 5 days a week for 90 days by using Flow Past Nose Only Inhalation Chamber. Sham treated control rats were exposed to compressed air in the inhalation chamber for the same period. RESULTS: The results indicated hepatomegaly, increased activities of serum clinical enzymes (indicative of liver damage/dysfunction) along with pronounced histopathological damage of liver. CONCLUSION: The hepatotoxic potential of formulated Fen (20% EC) in rats exposed by nose only inhalation is being reported for the first time and warrant adequate safety measures for human beings exposed to this insecticide, particularly by inhalation route.

Acute dehydrating disease caused by Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 induce increases in innate cells and inflammatory mediators at the mucosal surface of the gut.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The general concept is that as Vibrio cholerae is not invasive, it mediates a non-inflammatory type of infection. This is being re-evaluated based on available data that natural cholera infection or cholera toxin induces a Th2-type of immune profile and stimulates the humoral immune response, innate cells, and mediators in the host. METHODS: To perform a comprehensive analyses of the inflammatory components, we studied mucosal biopsies from patients, both adults and children with acute watery diarrhoea caused by V cholerae O1 and O139. Patients with cholera, adults (n = 30) and children (n = 18), as well as healthy controls (n = 24) were studied. Histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies were carried out to elucidate the contribution of the different factors using paraffin and frozen duodenal and/or rectal sections as appropriate. Samples were collected during the acute stage and during early and/or late convalescence. RESULTS: Following natural cholera infection, patients responded with increases in neutrophil polymorphs during the acute stage (p<0.001) compared with healthy controls whereas mucosal mast cells (MMC) (p = 0.008) and eosinophils (p = 0.034) increased in the gut during convalescence. Electron microscopic analyses of duodenal biopsies from adult patients showed increased piecemeal degranulation in both MMC and eosinophils and accumulation of lipid bodies in MMC. Duodenal biopsies from V cholerae O1 infected patients showed upregulation of myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, PGHS-1, SCF, tryptase, tumour necrosis factor alpha, alpha-defensin, and eotaxin during the acute stage and chymase, interleukin 3 and major basic protein during convalescence. CONCLUSION: We have shown that innate cells and their mediators are upregulated in acute watery diarrhoea. These cells and factors of the innate arm may be important in the host's defence against cholera. Such effects may need to be simulated in a vaccine to achieve long lasting protection from cholera.

Partial VP1/2A gene sequence based molecular epidemiology of wild type 1 poliovirus isolates from some parts of India.

Genomic variability within the sequences of VP1/2A junction among polioviruses from across the globe has revealed the existence of several endemic genotypes and their epidemiological inter-relationships; but such data on Indian isolates are scanty. The present work was intended to ascertain the persistence and transmission pattern of different genotypes of wild type 1 polioviruses circulating in India. Forty-eight wild type 1 poliovirus isolates obtained from different parts of India during 1996-8 were subjected to RT-PCR and nucleotide sequencing using M13 tailed primers. A 293 base pair region was amplified and sequenced for genetic variation study. Considering the 15% divergence of the sequences from Sabin 1, the isolates from six different states of India confirmed a single dominant genotype 4. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation and active inter-state transmission of many genetically distinct strains of wild poliovirus type 1 belonging to genotype 4. This warrants the need for insisting on more efficient surveillance mechanisms so as to assess the impact of an extensive pulse polio immunization programme in India.

Steroidogenic alterations in testes and sera of rats exposed to formulated Fenvalerate by inhalation.

Fenvalerate (Fen) is a synthetic pyrethroid, which is commonly used for destroying a variety of insect pests damaging several vegetable, fruit, and cotton crops. This insecticide is also used to mitigate household insects like flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and so forth. Human beings are exposed to formulated Fen preparations mostly by inhalation during spraying in fields for crop protection, for control of household insects, and also during handling and packaging at manufacturing plants. Limited online information is available regarding toxic effects of formulated Fen exposure on mammalian reproductive system. The present study has been undertaken to investigate male reproductive toxic effects of a formulated preparation of Fen (20% EC) particularly in relation to steroidogenic alterations in testes and sera of rats exposed by nose-only inhalation for (4 hours/day and five days a week) for three months. The results indicate significant reduction in the weight of testes, epididymal sperm counts, and sperm motility, along with decrease in marker testicular enzymes for testosterone biosynthesis viz. 17-beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (17-beta-HSD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), leading to net decrease in serum testosterone concentration in group of rats exposed to one-fifth LC50 of Fen (20% EC) by inhalation (4 hours/day, five days a week) subchronically for three months. These results for the first time indicate the role of testosterone in Fen (20% EC)-induced male reproductive toxicity of rats subchronically exposed by inhalation probably due to neuroendocrine-mediated phenomenon and hormone-disrupting property of the insecticide.

Effect of trichloroethylene (TCE) inhalation on biotransformation enzymes of rat lung and liver.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is widely used as an industrial solvent and cleaning fluid. In the present study the toxic effects of TCE inhalation on pulmonary and hepatic biotransformation enzymes in rats have been investigated by assay of aniline hydroxylase (AH), aminopyrine-N-demethylase (APD), benzo-a-pyrene hydroxylase (BH) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities and glutathione (GSH) contents in liver as well as lungs of exposed animals. In both organs phase I and phase II drug metabolizing enzymes have been found to be increased along with decrease in GSH contents following TCE inhalation. Pulmonary as well as hepatic MFO's seem to be activated by inhaled TCE probably in an attempt for its rapid detoxification and reduced glutathione is used during its biotransformation.

Toxicity of trichloroethylene following inhalation and drinking contaminated water.

The neurobehavioural effects of trichloroethylene (TCE) were studied in rats following administration of the solvent orally (350, 700 and 1400 ppm in drinking water for 90 days) and through inhalation (376 ppm for 4 h a day, 5 days per week for 180 days). Various aspects of spontaneous locomotor activity were assessed at different periods after exposure through either of the routes. Oral exposure to TCE had no significant effect on spontaneous locomotor activity or cognitive ability, whereas inhalation to the solvent resulted in an increase in the distance travelled and horizontal activity counts at day 30 but a decrease at day 60 of exposure. The time spent in ambulatory and stereotypic movements as well as the number of stereotypic movements were enhanced significantly only at day 30. The resting time was decreased at day 30 but enhanced at day 60 of exposure. The learning ability was not affected significantly up to day 180. The results highlight the neurotoxic potential of inhalation exposure to TCE.

Trichloroethylene induced testicular toxicity in rats exposed by inhalation.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an organic solvent used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, thinner for paints and varnishes, anesthetic agent, and so forth. Human beings are appreciably exposed to TCE vapours by inhalation route. The present study has been undertaken to investigate whether TCE inhalation may also bring about testicular toxic effects. Our results indicate that inhalation of TCE by male rats for 12 and 24 weeks brings about significant reduction in absolute testicular weight, and alters marker testicular enzymes activity associated with spermatogenesis and germ cell maturation, along with marked histopathological changes showing depletion of germs cells and spermatogenic arrest.

Pulmonary toxicity of a formulated preparation of fenvalerate in rats subchronically exposed by nose only inhalation for 90 days.

OBJECTIVE: The pulmonary toxicity of a commercially available formulated preparation of Fenvalerate (Fen), a synthetic pyrethroid has been studied in rats following subchronic nose only inhalation exposure route. METHOD: Adult male rats were exposed to Fen for 4 h/day, 5 days a week for 90 days by using Flow Past Dynamic Nose only Inhalation Chamber. RESULTS: Fen exposed rats showed a significant increase in enzymatic activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) which are considered as biochemical indicators of pulmonary damage. The concomitant histopathological examination of Fen exposed rats' lung revealed inflammatory changes viz., influx of mononuclear cells admixed with a few giant cells in alveolar lumen, hypetrophied bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial lining cells and presence of edematous fluid in alveolar lumen alongwith congested parenchymatous blood vessels. CONCLUSION: These results for the first time indicate the pulmonary toxic effects of a commonly used formulated Fen preparation by using rat model and nose only inhalation as the route of exposure.

Hepatoxic alterations induced by inhalation of trichlorethylene (TCE) in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Trichlorethylene (TCE) is one of the most potent organic unsaturated solvents being used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, thinner for paints varnishes and electroplating, etc. and has been reported to be a hepatoxicant through oral and dermal exposure. However, its inhalation toxicity data is very limited in the literature due to the fact that the exposure levels associated with these effects were usually not reported. Hence, inhalation toxicity study was carried out for hepatotoxic studies. METHODS: Inhalation toxicity studies was carried out by exposing rats to TCE for 8, 12 and 24 weeks in a dynamically operated whole body inhalation chamber. Sham treated control rats were exposed to compressed air in the inhalation chamber for the same period. RESULTS: Significant increase in liver weight (liver enlargement) appeArance of necrotic lesion with fatty changes and marked necrosis were observed after longer duration (12 and 24 weeks) of TCE exposure. The lysosomal rupture resulted in increased activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase alongwith reduced glutathione content and total increased sulfhydryl content in liver tissue. CONCLUSION: TCE exposure. through inhalation route induces hepatotoxicity in terms of marked necrosis with fatty changes and by modulating the lysosomal enzymes.

Steroidogenic alterations in testes and sera of rats exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE) by inhalation.

1. Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an organic unsaturated solvent used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, thinner for paints/varnishes, anaesthetic agents etc. Human beings are considerably exposed to TCE vapours by inhalation route. 2. TCE has been reported to induce spontaneous abortions and congenital cardiac malformation in occupationally exposed women. However, scanty on-line information is available regarding toxic effects of TCE on male reproductive efficiency in experimental animals. 3. Our earlier observations with TCE inhalation in male rats (376 p.p.m., 4 h/day, 5 days a week) for 12 and 24 weeks using whole body dynamic inhalation chamber consistently showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in total epididymal sperm count and sperm motility. The mating experiments of above TCE inhaled rats with virgin unexposed females showed significantly decreased fertility. 4. These observations prompted us to investigate whether or not primary testicular steroidal precursors (cholesterol and ascorbic acid) and testosterone have any role in TCE induced significantly decreased epididymal sperm count, sperm motility and overall male reproductive inefficiency resulting therefrom. 5. The results indicate significant decrease (P<0.05) in total epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, specific activities of enzymes Glucose 6-p dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and 17 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (17betaHSD) with concomitant decrease in serum testosterone concentrations in TCE inhaled rats showing reduced male reproductive efficiency. There was net accumulation in total cholesterol contents in testes of TCE exposed rats. 6. The findings in the present study indicate possible impairment of testosterone biosynthesis in TCE inhaled rats after 12 and 24 weeks. These findings also serve in parts to elucidate the mechanism of reproductive inefficiency in TCE exposed rats. The role of testosterone in this phenomenon is being reported for the first time.

Histobiochemical changes in lung of protein deficient rats following repeated exposures of MIC vapour.

Adult male albino rats, maintained on normal or protein deficient diets from weanling, were exposed to repeated doses of MIC vapour (0.32 mg/L for 8 min for 5 consecutive days) under static conditions. Histopathology and the activities of alkaline and acid phosphatases and GSH content of lung were studied upto day 14 after exposure. Mild but repeated exposures of MIC vapour caused severe pulmonary lesions like denudation of bronchiolar epithelial lining tissue, cellular infiltration, edema, emphysema followed by hyperplasia, hypertrophy, fibrosis and intraluminal fibroplasia. The activities of alkaline and acid phosphatases were increased at earlier intervals while GSH content decreased significantly and remained low throughout the experimental duration. Protein deficiency was found to aggravate the toxic potentials of MIC in present condition.

Histomorphological changes in lung of rats following exposure to wood smoke.

Rats were exposed to repeated, intermittent exposure to smoke generated from combustion of 1g wood/15 min, total period for 75 min daily under dynamic exposure conditions, over a period of 15, 30 and 45 days. First 15 days exposure caused mild bronchiolitis, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of bronchiolar epithelial lining cells, some necrosed lining cells desquamated into lumens, congestion of parenchymatous blood vessels, oedema, hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles, peribronchiolar and perivascular infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells, and mild emphysema. These lesions progressed further during 30 and 45 days of exposure, though emphysematous changes remain constant. By 30 days and 45 days, hyperplastic and hypertrophic changes of bronchioles become quite marked, with mononuclear cells infiltration and alveolar septa thickening. Hematological studies show marginal alterations in hemoglobin levels, ESR, PCV and TLCS during 15 days, where as significant changes in eosinophil were observed during 30 and 45 days, and ESR during 45 days only. The results indicate progressive pathomorphological pulmonary lesions with subsequent exposure to wood smoke in controlled conditions.

Excess choline availability: a transient effect on spermatogenesis in the rat.

The reproductive effects of choline (trimethyl-beta-hydroxyethylammonium) are unknown. Excess dietary intake of choline may occur in humans. Adult male rats were administered i.p. aqueous choline chloride (25 mg/rat, daily for 12 or 24 days). Administration of excess choline for 12 days did not significantly alter spermatogenesis. Administration for 24 days depleted pachytene spermatocytes until posttreatment day 5, while slight proliferation of spermatogonia was noted from day 5 onwards. By day 12, the tubules showed almost normal cellular associations. It is suggested that perhaps a prolonged administration of excess choline may prove to be toxic to male reproduction.

Modulation of biochemical and cytological profile of bronchoalveolar lavage constituents in rats following split-dose multiple inhalation exposure to methyl isocyanate.

1. Studies were carried out to explore the acute pulmonary effects of equal, split-dose, multiple inhalation exposures of rats to methyl isocyanate (MIC), (0.32 mg l-1, 8 min x 10 exposures) as reflected by alterations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) constituents and to evaluate recovery, if any, following survival in a MIC-free environment, 10 d after the last MIC exposure. 2. In the BALF of MIC-exposed rats, there was an increase in the total number of cells and the number of cells showing enhanced dye uptake and reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium chloride. The cell-free BALF showed increases in total protein, sialic acids and lactic acid contents and lactate dehydrogenase activity. 3. In rats exposed to MIC and sacrificed 10 d after survival in a MIC-free environment, there was a reduction in the cellular and biochemical constituents of BALF. The phagocytic potential of macrophages was, however, also decreased under this regime.

Stage specific effect during one seminiferous epithelial cycle following ethylene glycol monomethyl ether exposure in rats.

Stage specific effect of single oral dose (500 mg/kg body wt) of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) was characterised during one cycle of seminiferous epithelium in rats. Maximum peritubular membrane damage and germinal epithelial distortion were observed at stages IX-XII. Cell death occurred during conversion of zygotene to pachytene spermatocytes (stage XIII) and between dividing spermatocytes and step I spermatids (stage late XIII-XIV). Profound effect was noted during first meiotic division than during second meiotic division. Presence of multinucleated secondary spermatocytes indicated cytokinesis arrest. The spermatogenesis was delayed and consequently frequency of tubules at stages I-VIII was reduced by day 10. Many of the tubules were devoid of round spermatids on day 12. Possibly, EGME (or it's metabolite) distorted the barrier system at stages IX-XIV and damaged the cells mostly at stages XII-early XIV.

Testicular toxicity of methylmercury: analysis of cellular distribution pattern at different stages of the seminiferous epithelium.

Stage-specific distribution of methylmercury (MM) and spermatogenic changes were analyzed in rats administered 5 or 10 micrograms MM/kg, ip, daily for 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. MM deposition, as grain number/cm2 was noted in basal portions at later stages on day 15, which increased gradually by day 90. MM deposition was in the order of stages IV, VII, XIV, IX, being higher in adluminal portions on days 30 and 60. MM-enriched cytoplasmic masses leaked out through disintegrated tubular membrane on days 60 and 90. Epithelial damage, at stages late XIV through IV, V through VI, VII through VIII, XIII through mid-XIV, and IX through XII, accorded with the gradual deposition of MM. As profound cell death occurred between zygotenes to pachytenes and dividing spermatocytes to step 1 spermatids, the spermatids were conspicuously decreased at later times. It is possible that MM distorts the barrier system at stages IX through XII, gets distributed within the tubule, and hence may pose a direct or Sertoli cell mediated effect at stages XII through early XIV in a dose-duration-MM burden related manner.