Effects of Ballota nigra on glucose and insulin in alloxan-diabetic albino rats

The hypoglycemic effect of Ballota nigra extract on albino rats was investigated. Alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus was accompanied by several fold increases in plasma glucose. Administration of aqueous extract of B. nigra extract significantly reduced glucose in both healthy and diabetic rats. These results suggest that B. nigra possess hypoglycemic effects in rats and therefore, can be useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Effect of alpha-tocopheryl acetate on blood biochemical parameters in albino rats as affected by acoustic stress

Experiments on random-bred white male rats have demonstrated the activation of induced lipid peroxidation in red cell membranes, elevation on the basal level of plasma lipid peroxides, a decrease in the content of alpha-tocopherol in plasma and red blood cell membranes, considerable shifts in the content of esterified and free cholesterol in plasma and red blood cell membranes under prolonged acoustic stress (91 dB). Administration of alpha-tocopheryl acetate in a dose of 1 mg/kg exerted a beneficial effect on the test parameters under prolonged acoustic stress.     

Effects of ethyl alcohol and acetaldehyde on certain biochemical parameters of blood in Wistar rats

Ethyl alcohol injected intraperitoneally to rats in a dose of 3 g/kg of body weight caused hypoglycaemia which was not observed after similar administration of acetaldehyde in a dose od 0.3 g/kg. The serum levels of lipids and total cholesterol were unchanged after administration of ethyl alcohol while acetaldehyde decreased to cholesterol level 0.5, 1.5 and 3 hours after administration. Both these compounds raised the serum activity of AspAT and AlAT, and this rise was observed 0.5 hour after ethyl alcohol and 6 hours after acetaldehyde.     

Changes in blood biochemical parameters in tail-suspended rats

There have been many studies on the effects of gravity on animals and humans. In particular, weightlessness and the time course of physiological shifts in space acclimation are the most significant problems in a space environment. In a laboratory setting, tail suspension in rats has been utilized for simulation of weightlessness. We therefore utilized this technique in order to study the influence of microgravity on blood constituents in rats. It was clarified that some blood biochemical parameters were effected for the duration of suspension exposure, and they are reported here.     

Effects of physical training and detraining on resting cardiovascular parameters in albino rats

The time course of shifts induced by physical training in the resting cardiovascular parameters was investigated in swim-trained albino rats. Measurements were performed weekly, both during a 14-weeks training period and 5 weeks after cessation of regular swimming. Cardiac output (dye dilution) blood pressure (electromanometry) and heart rate (ECG) were measured under intraperitoneal urethan anesthesia. In comparison with non-exercising controls, rats at the end of the training period displayed lower heart rate, smaller stroke volume and cardiac output, and a higher peripheral resistance. The early phase of regular training, however, was characterized by an elevated cardiac output, heart rate and stroke volume, and by a decreased peripheral resistance. After discontinuation of regular training, cardiac output was elevated as well, but this was brought about only by the increased stroke volume, because resting heart rate was still lower than in the controls. Blood pressure did not change during the whole experimental period. Considering that similar shifts have been reported in humans, the changes in the resting cardiovascular status may be responsible for the similar complaints and symptoms often observed in undertrained athletes or in athletes who had interrupted high intensity regular training.     

Effect of selenium supplementation on some blood biochemical parameters in male rats

The long-term effect of selenium supplementation on blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and plasma TBARS’ production (as an index of peroxidation) was evaluated in 15-mo-old male rats fed a diet supplemented with 0.25 or 0.50 ppm selenium, for 12 mo. A group of nonsupplemented age-matched rats was the control. In addition, triglycerides, phospholipids, total and free cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and HDL-phospholipid levels were measured in plasma. Plasma testosterone levels were also determined in order to control the aging process in these animals. The GSH-Px activity and the peroxidation level were unchanged in all the groups. However, concerning the lipid parameters, a decrease in triglycerides concentration was observed in both treated groups (p<0.05). Therefore, in these experimental conditions, despite no observed changes in parameters related to lipid peroxidation, selenium seems to be involved with triglycerides metabolism, eventually improving the triglycerides status of aged animals.     

Effects of intraperitoneally‐administered vitamin E and selenium on the blood biochemical and haematological parameters in rats

The aim of this work was to determine the role of intraperitoneally‐administered vitamin E and selenium on the biochemical and haematological parameters in the blood of rats. Thirty‐two adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. All rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group was used as the control. The second group was intraperitoneally administered with vitamin E (±‐α‐tocopheroryl acetate, 10 mg day⁻¹), the third group with Se (Na₂SeO₃ 0·2 mg over a day), and the fourth group with vitamin E and Se (vitamin E 10 mg + Na₂SeO₃ 0·2 mg over a day). This administration was done for 5 weeks. Blood samples were taken from animals at the end of the dosage period and biochemical parameters in serum samples and haematological parameters in total blood were determined. The levels of total cholesterol (p<0·01) and number of white blood cells (p<0·001) in blood were significantly higher in the vitamin E group than in the control group. The levels of ALP, total cholesterol (p<0·01) and number of white blood cells (p<0·01) in blood were significantly higher in the selenium group than in the controls. The levels of glucose (p<0·05), ALP (p<0·01), total cholesterol (p<0·001) and number of white blood cells (p<0·01) were higher in the vitamin E and selenium combined group than in the controls. Other parameters considered within this trial (ALT, LDH, creatinine, albumin, total protein, amylase, creatine kinase, HDL, triglycerides, total lipid, sodium, chloride, uric acids, red blood cell, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, MCV, MCH, MCHC) did not show statistically significant differences between the control and injected groups. The results indicated that blood glucose and total cholesterol levels, ALP activity and white blood cell counts were significantly increased by intraperitoneal administration of vitamin E and selenium in rats. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of chronic insulin treatment on blood pressure in rats

There is an evident epidemiological association between plasma insulin levels and blood pressure. The mechanism that relates insulin to blood pressure and the role of insulin in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension have not been clearly defined. The present study was designed to examine the effects of chronic hyperinsulinism on blood pressure and to determine different related morphological variables. WistarKyoto rats were subcutaneously injected with insulin (25 UI/Kg of weight) daily during the eight weeks of the experiment. Data were collected on systolic and diastolic arterial pressures and heart rate by plethysmography and direct recording (in the last week), and on morphological variables. A statistically significant elevation of systolic arterial pressure was produced after the sixth week of hyperinsulinaemia. At the end of the treatment, the systolic arterial pressure was 173.7 +/- 26.1 in the hyperinsulinaemic rats versus 153.09 +/- 21.7 in the control group. The values obtained by direct recording and by plethysmography did not differ. These results indicate that chronic hyperinsulinism produces a significant elevation in systolic blood pressure levels in the rats studied.     

Influences of stearidonic acid-enriched soybean oil on the blood and organ biochemical parameters in rats

In this study, we administered various diets of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n?3) soybean oil to rats and examined the subsequent blood and organ biochemical parameters. Male Wistar rats (seven rats/group, six groups total) were fed diets supplemented with a test oil for 4 weeks. Diets containing test oils were: FFC diet (fish-oil-free control diet), C diet (control group, assuming a Japanese diet), SDA25 diet (25% 18:4n?3 soybean oil in the C diet), SDA50 (50% 18:4n?3 soybean oil in the C diet), ALA diet (34% flaxseed oil in the C diet), and EPA+DHA diet (34% fish oil in the C diet). The intake of 18:4n?3 showed increased relative efficiency of 20:5n?3 accretions in serum and liver triacylglycerol and significantly decreased the serum triacylglycerol level in rats. The results suggested that the consumption of 18:4n?3 soybean oil may modify the lipid and fatty acid profiles of body fats, even when EPA and DHA derived from fish is consumed.     

The effect of thyroid hormones on blood insulin level and metabolic parameters in diabetic rats

The effect of exogenous thyroid hormones on blood insulin and metabolic parameters in diabetic rats was investigated. Three groups of rats were treated with streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg b.w., intravenously) and one group receiving only saline served as control. Beginning with the third day after STZ treatment, until the last day before decapitation, i.e. for 11 days, two groups of diabetic rats were treated with T3 (50 microg/kg b.w., i.p.) or T4 (250 microg/kg b.w., i.p.). After two weeks, STZ injected rats had lower body weight, hyperglycemia with a simultaneous drop in blood insulin and decrease of T3 and T4 concentrations in comparison to control animals. Liver glycogen content was also reduced, whereas serum lactate, free fatty acids, triglycerides and cholesterol were elevated. Exogenous thyroid hormones given to diabetic rats substantially attenuated hyperglycemia without any significant changes in blood insulin concentration. An additional reduction of body weight gain and depletion in liver glycogen stores were also observed. Thyroid hormones augmented serum lactate and cholesterol and had no beneficial effect on elevated free fatty acids and triglycerides. It can be concluded that in spite of partial restriction of hyperglycemia, thyroid hormones evoked several unfavourable changes strongly limiting their potential use in diabetes.     

Effects of welding fumes on haematological parameters of male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Welders or metal workers not being an exception are exposed to metals ions or oxides (fumes) at trace concentrations either through direct contact supplementation at occupational sites or indirectly through uptake from contaminated food, water or contaminated soil, dust, or air. The study aims to determine the effects of welding fumes exposure on haematological parameters in blood of experimental animals. The fumes were collected from welding sites during the activity by a skilled welder. 130 male experimental animals were utilized and made into 13 groups. 12 groups were given dosages calculated to correspond to real life workers exposure regimes and 1 group served as control. The dosages were administered intratracheally after been anaesthetized weekly for 12 weeks. The animals were sacrificed and whole blood samples were taken which was then subjected to haematological analysis. The parameters have revealed changes in values whereby RBC, WBC, % lymphocytes, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, PLT, PCT and P-LCC have exceeds the control groups values. There was an increase across the treatment groups. However, lymphocytes, MID, granulocytes, % granulocytes, MCHC and MPV have values which were less than the control and no different from one another statistically. This indicates that exposure to welding fumes could cause alterations to most RBC, WBC and PLT indices majorly by effecting an increase. Further studies should be carried out on the response of other markers of toxicity so as to have a broad perception of the effects.     

Effects of vitamin C on liver enzymes and biochemical parameters in rats anesthetized with halothane

Halothane is an important human and veterinary anesthetic, which produces free radicals during biotransformation. Occasionally, these free radicals may cause hepatic injury, especially in case of multiple halothane exposures over short periods. Vitamin C may protect cellular lipids and lipoproteins against oxidative damage by the free radicals. This study investigated the effects of vitamin C on liver enzymes and other biochemical parameters in rats anesthetized with halothane. One group of rats was used as a control, and saline (0.9% NaCl) was injected intraperitoneally into these animals as a placebo. The second group of rats was used as an anesthesia control group and was only anesthetized by halothane for 2 h. The third group was anesthetized by halothane and injected vitamin C intraperitoneally. Activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes were significantly increased (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively) by halothane anesthesia, but decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively) with administration of vitamin C. Concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total bilirubin and creatinine were statistically affected (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively) by injection of vitamin C. Values of erythrocyte counts, packet cell volumes, hemoglobin concentration, leukocyte counts, rates of neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly affected (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) by halothane anesthesia. The values of erythrocyte counts, leukocyte counts, neutrophil and lymphocyte rates were significantly decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively) with administration of vitamin C. Based upon these results, vitamin C may play an important role in the prevention of hepatic cellular injury inflicted by halothane anesthesia.     

先天性白内障大鼠血液生化及血液流变学分析

目的：测定先天性白内障大鼠血液常规、生化正常值及血液流变学变化。方法采用XS-800i血常规分析仪和OLYMPUS AV2700生化自动分析仪对185～211 g大鼠共计90只进行血液常规和生化检测及用SA-6600自动血流变测试仪对血液进行流变学的测定。结果血像检测结果是白内障与正常对照同性比较无差异显著性（P ＞0.05）;小眼白内障与正常对照同性比较红细胞宽度（RDW）间差异显著（P ＜0.01或 P ＜0.05）。血生化检测结果是白内障大鼠与正常对照组同性间比较白蛋白（ALB）差异显著（P ＜0.01或P ＜0.05）雌性与对照组比较尿素（Ure）差异显著（P ＜0.01）,小眼白内障雌性与正常对照比较肌酐（Cr）差异非常显著（P ＜0.01）。白内障、小眼白内障大鼠的红细胞是雄性的低于雌性（P ＜0.05,P ＜0.01）而血小板是雄性的高于雌性（P ＜0.01）,肌酐是雄性低于雌性P ＜0.01）,正常组雄雌间无差异;血液流变学各组间无差异显著性。结论白内障大鼠与正常组大鼠间某些血常规及生化指标有一定的差异,该数据为该鼠在这领域的使用提供参考。     

Effects of negatively charged aerosol on blood and cerebrospinal fluid parameters in rats

Adult male rats were exposed for 90 to 140 minutes to negatively charged tapwater aerosol. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected to determine effects of the exposure on selected hematologic and serum chemistry parameters, and ionized calcium and pH in cerebrospinal fluid. Of the 27 variables assayed, 24 yielded sufficient data for statistical analysis. Two parameters, serum alkaline phosphatase and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, were significantly different (p<0.05) from control values, probably representing chance occurrences. It appears that whatever biological effects may be exerted by electro-aerosols, they are not mediated by the parameters investigated in this study.     

Dietary supplementation with l-lysine affects body weight and blood hematological and biochemical parameters in rats

Molecular Biology Reports - l-Lysine (Lys) is a popular additive in foods, but the physiological effects of excess Lys supplementation are poorly understood and upper limits of safe intake have not...     

Effects of sub-acute exposure to static magnetic field on hematologic and biochemical parameters in pregnant rats

This study investigated the effects of a static magnetic field (SMF) on hematopoiesis and biochemical parameters in female rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to SMF (128 mT-1 hour/day from day 6 to day 19 of pregnancy). At 25 degrees C, the exposure of rats 1 hour/day for 13 consecutive days to SMF induced an increase in hematocrit (Ht) level (+6%, p < 0.05), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (+12%, p < 0.05) and LDH levels (67%, p < 0.05 ), suggesting an hypoxia-like state. Moreover, exposure to SMF increased blood glucose and decreased insulin release, leading to a diabetic-like state in pregnant rats.