How Bad Is Aluminum Exposure to Reproductive Parameters in Rats?

The objective of this study was to evaluate influence of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on growth performance, mineral accumulations in the tissues (livers, kidneys, and muscles), antioxidant capacities, and meat quality of broilers fed lead (Pb)-contaminated diet. One-hundred forty-four male broiler chicks were randomly divided into three treatment groups, receiving a corn-soybean meal basal diet (the control group), the basal diet contaminated with 10 mg/kg Pb (the Pb group), and the basal diet with 10-g/kg Pal supplementation and 10-mg/kg Pb contamination (the Pal/Pb group) from 1 to 42 days of age, respectively. Treatments did not affect growth performance of broilers in the 42-day study (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, Pb contamination increased Pb accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and muscles (P < 0.05); elevated malondialdehyde accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and breast muscles; glutathione peroxidase activity in the livers and superoxide dismutase activity in the kidneys (P < 0.05); exacerbated drip loss in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05); and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05) of broilers at 42 days of age. The values of these parameters were reversed in the Pal/Pb group to levels comparable with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, Pal supplementation reduced redness value in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05), and decreased Cu concentration in the pectoralis muscles and livers at 42 days of age as well as its accumulation in the kidneys at both 21 and 42 days of age compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). The results suggested that dietary Pal supplementation would decrease Pb residue in the tissues, alleviate oxidative stress, and affect meat quality of broilers exposed to Pb.     

miR-30b 的组织特异性研究

目的:研究miR-30b的组织特异性,检测其在心,肝,脑,肾,脾和骨骼肌中的表达情况。方法:选取C57BL/6J雄性小鼠6只,用real-time PCR方法检测小鼠心,肝,脑,肾,脾和骨骼肌中miR-30b的表达量。结果:miR-30b在小鼠肝脏中表达量最低,与肝相比,在心,脑,肾,脾和骨骼肌中的相对表达量分别为13.13±0.899,9.497±0.717,4.478±1.031,6.751±0.596,2.538±0.79。且与肝相比均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:miR-30b在各组织中的表达存在差异,在心脏中的表达量最高,提示miR-30b可能与心脏的发生发展密切相关,为深入探索miR-30b的功能奠定了基础。     

Effects of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), and ethanol on the expression and activity of cytochrome P450s from the channel catfish

Injection of 1 mg kg⁻¹ of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) caused an increase in a CYP1A-like protein of approximately 56 kDa from the kidneys of juvenile channel catfish as determined by western blot analysis using antibodies raised against trout CYP1A1. Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity from kidneys of MIB-injected fish was significantly elevated as compared to ethanol-injected controls. Static exposure of juvenile channel catfish to 10 ppm MIB caused a statistically significant induction of a CYP2K-like protein of approximately 53 kDa from the livers of treated catfish as determined by western blot analysis using antibodies raised against trout CYP2K1. Treatment of juvenile channel catfish with ethanol (1 ml kg⁻¹) reduced the expression of one kidney and two constitutive liver P450s, while increasing another kidney form. There was no difference in carbon tetrachloride-induced lipid peroxidation in livers after ethanol treatment. Thus, MIB and ethanol affect the expression of at least three P450 isoforms in channel catfish tissues.     

Lead poisoning in whooper and tundra swans

Six weak whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) and two weak tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) were found at Swamp Miyajima (Hokkaido, Japan) in May 1998. Anorexia, depression, green watery feces, pale conjunctiva, and anemia were observed. Radiographs showed from six to 38 suspected lead pellets in the gizzard. Blood lead concentrations were 2.5-6.7 microg/g (mean+/-SD=4.6+/-1.14 microg/g) on day 1. After blood collection, the birds were treated with calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (CaEDTA) given intravenously and force fed. Despite treatment, seven birds died the next day. Green, bile-stained livers and pale or green kidneys were observed on necropsy. Microscopically, bile pigment was widespread in the liver and acid-fast intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in renal tubular epithelium. Lead concentrations in livers and kidneys were 14.0-30.4 microg/g and 30.2-122 microg/g wet weight, respectively. Only one bird survived and this whooper swan continued to be treated with CaEDTA and activated charcoal. No lead shot was observed in the proventriculus and gizzard by radiography on day 64 and the blood lead concentration decreased from 2.9 microg/g to 0.09 microg/g during that same period. After 4 mo of rehabilitation, the whooper swan was returned to the wild. Lead intoxication continues to be a problem at Swamp Miyajima.     

HPLC analysis of furazolidone in goats given the therapeutic dose

Furazolidone (FZ) was given to Nubian goats at the recommended therapeutic dose of 10 mg/kg body wt, for 5 days. The animals were slaughtered 24 hr after the last dose, and their livers, gluteal muscles, kidneys and hearts analysed for FZ residues by an HPLC method with a detection limit of 0.05 micrograms g-1. The drug was detected in the muscle and liver at concentrations of 0.256 +/- 0.009, 0.101 +/- 0.016 micrograms g-1 tissue, respectively. No detectable concentrations of the drug were found in the kidney and heart.     

Residues of brodifacoum and other anticoagulant pesticides in target and non‐target species,Nelson Lakes National Park,New Zealand

Abstract

Cereal‐based bait containing 20 ppm brodifacoum was used in bait stations continuously from December 1997 to August 2000 in the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project area, for controlling brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), ship rat (Rattus rattus), and house mouse (Mus musculus) populations. Concurrently (and before and after), baits containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, flocoumafen, coumatetralyl, or warfarin were also used in St Arnaud village and on farms immediately adjacent to the project area. Brodifacoum residues were detected in the livers of 234 mammals from eight species, and two birds from two species captured alive, and a further seven birds from five species found dead in the project area (cause of death unknown). The highest concentration of brodifacoum residues in mammalian livers was recorded during the period brodifacoum was used in the project area. However, residues were present in the livers of some individuals at least 24 months after brodifacoum use in the project area stopped. These residues may have persisted in animals surviving brodifacoum use in the project area, and/or been transported into the area by animals moving to and from the adjacent village and farms, where brodifacoum use continued. Residues of flocoumafen, coumatetralyl, or warfarin, used only in the village and on farms, were also detected in the livers of animals captured up to at least 8 km from the nearest source. The results concur with other studies cautioning against indiscriminate or prolonged use of persistent anticoagulants for vertebrate pest control. However, the risks from such pesticides must be balanced against the demonstrable benefits of reducing pest abundance.     

Influence of various enzyme inductors and combinations of inductors on DDT residue elimination in rats]

A study was under-taken to investigate the influence of pretreatments with various hepatic microsomal enzyme inducers on the elimination of DDT residues in rats previously contaminated with p,p' -DDT at 5 mg/kg/day, during 20 days. The following inducers were used : phenobarbital (50 a mg/kg/day, i.p.), 3,4-benzopyrene (20 mg/kg/day, s.c.) and norethandrolone (20 mg/kg/day, s.c.), all given during 14 consecutive days. Each inducer was administered singly or in combination with the other two according to a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial experiment. The animals were then sacrificed for the measurement of p,p' -DDT, p,p' -DDD and p,p' -DDE residues in the blood, brain, abdominal fat, liver and kidneys. The results show that phenobarbital lowers markedly the concentration of total residues in the fat tissue and brain and that norethandrolone brings about a reduction of the residues in the blood, brain and kidneys, but not in the fat tissue. On the opposite, 3,4-benzopyrene produces an increase of the residues in the brain, liver and kidneys. Phenobarbital thus appears to be more efficacious than the other two inducers in facilitating the elimination of DDT residues from the fat tissue. In addition, it appears that under the experimental conditions used during this investigation, the elimination of DDT residues is not further accelerated by combining the inducers one with each other.     

Trace Element Distribution in Selected Edible Tissues of Zebu (Bos indicus) Cattle Slaughtered at Jimma,SW Ethiopia

The amount of trace elements present in edible bovine tissues is of importance for both animal health and human nutrition. This study presents data on trace element concentrations in semitendinosus and cardiac muscles, livers and kidneys of 60 zebu (Bos indicus) bulls, sampled at Jimma, Ethiopia. From 28 of these bulls, blood samples were also obtained. Deficient levels of copper were found in plasma, livers, kidneys and semitendinosus muscles. Suboptimal selenium concentrations were found in plasma and semitendinosus muscles. Semitendinosus muscles contained high iron concentrations. Trace elements were mainly stored in the liver, except for iron and selenium. Cardiac muscles generally contained higher concentrations of trace elements than semitendinous muscles except for zinc. A strong association was found between liver and kidney concentrations of copper, iron, cobalt and molybdenum. Liver storage was well correlated with storage in semitendinosus muscle for selenium and with cardiac muscle for cobalt and selenium. Plasma concentrations of copper, selenium, cobalt were well related with their respective liver concentrations and for cobalt and selenium, also with cardiac muscle concentrations. The data suggest multiple trace element deficiencies in zebu cattle in South-West Ethiopia, with lowered tissue concentrations as a consequence. Based on the comparison of our data with other literature, trace element concentrations in selected edible tissues of Bos indicus seem quite similar to those in Bos taurus. However, tissue threshold values for deficiency in Bos taurus cattle need to be refined and their applicability for Bos indicus cattle needs to be evaluated.     

禽流感H5N1型病毒对沙鼠致病性的初步研究

[目的]观察禽流感H5N1型病毒对沙鼠的致病性;[方法]在生物安全三级实验室,将禽流感H5N1型病毒通过滴鼻接种乙醚麻醉后沙鼠,观察14天,记录沙鼠的体温体重、临床症状、病理变化、病毒分离及抗体变化;[结果]沙鼠感染后发病主要表现在第2天至第6天,攻毒组沙鼠出现反应迟钝、皱毛、弓背、食欲下降、呼吸急促、打堆等症状,攻毒组沙鼠的体温降低和体重减轻,死亡率为44%,在第8天检出抗体,主要病理变化表现为肺出现严重淤血、水肿、出血,镜下可见肺间质充血,血管周围炎性细胞浸润,肝和胸腺淤血,肾出血,肾小管变形。     

Trypanocidal drugs and the role of kidney forms of Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) musculi in immunity of mice against reinfection

Adrenals, hearts, kidneys, livers, lungs, and spleens were removed from C3H/Anf mice which had been inoculated with Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) musculi and no longer exhibited parasitemias. Imprints of each organ were examined microscopically, and each was homogenized and injected into recipient mice. It was confirmed that trypanosomes could be detected only in the donor kidneys. Lampit or Ethidium treatment eliminated bloodstream and kidney forms when administration was initiated after the development of patent parasitemias. However, mice treated with Lampit on the same day they were inoculated with T. musculi developed parasitemias later than animals injected with drug after parasites had appeared in their blood. Both Lampit and Ethidium depressed antibody production as detected in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of antisera from animals having parasitemias at the time of treatment. The elimination of kidney forms by Lampit or Ethidium treatment did not reduce the resistance of mice to reinfection by T. musculi 12 weeks or 15 and 22 weeks, respectively, after the initial inoculation of these animals with the parasites. Kidney forms were not required for the sustained protective immunity of the mice against reinfection during the intervals of these experiments.     

Ochratoxin A as the cause of spontaneous nephropathy in fattening pigs.

At a number of slaughters nephropathy and high ochratoxin A contents in kidneys have been observed in fattening pigs from two Swedish farms. In one herd the source of contamination was barley grown on the home farm and stored under such conditions that the growth of fungal species (Penicillium verrucosum var. verrucosum) producing ochratoxin A occurred, with the subsequent formation of the toxin. In this case high ochratoxin A levels in fattening pigs were found during a period of about 18 months. In the second herd, where compounded feed was used, it was impossible to locate the source of contamination. It was presumed that a consignment of feed was damaged by rain during storage at the farm. Ochratoxin A was found in fattening pigs from this herd for a period of about 2 months. Ochratoxin A appeared in the kidneys of all investigated pigs. In some animals the livers, whole blood, and plasma were analyzed, too. The livers contained somewhat lower amounts of ochratoxin A than the kidneys, whereas the content in whole blood and plasma, respectively, was 5 and 13 times greater. Kidneys spontaneously contaminated with ochratoxin A, when stored for 10 months at -70 degrees C, showed no systematic decrease in toxin content.     

Untersuchungen zur Weiterentwicklung der Futtermittelanalyse

Afiatoxin caused some reduction in moisture contents of chest and liver, lipids of thigh and blood, blood glucose, muscular protein and GOT in liver. It led also to increase of moisture contents of thigh and kidneys; chest lipids; blood cholesterol; protein of liver, kidneys and blood and blood creatinine.

The different supplements used herein led to increasing moisture of muscles, liver and kidneys (except on oil addition); lipids of muscles (except of chest on high energy diet) and blood (except on amino acids‐supplemented diet); blood cholesterol (except on high energy one); protein of thigh (except on high protein one) and blood (except on high energy or amino acids diets) and liver GPT (except on high energy diet). The additives led also to low blood glucose; protein of chest (except on high energy), liver, and kidneys; blood creatinine; liver GOT (particularly with high energy or amino acids); plasma GOT (on high amino acids) and plasma GPT.

The 2‐week withdrawal period led to low moisture contents of muscles and kidneys of most treatments, although they continued higher than in the control for chest, liver and kidneys. It increased blood glucose and cholesterol with continuous higher lipid content of muscles and blood and blood cholesterol than in the control. It led to elevated protein content of muscles, liver (except on the control or supplements mixture), kidneys (on the aflatoxin alone or with the amino acids) and blood (except on the control or afiatoxin alone or with high protein) and blood creatinine (except on the control or on the high energy or the supplements mixture). It increased the total proteins in all treatments than in the control (except muscular proteins on supplements mixture and liver protein on high energy) and also blood creatinine (except on high energy or supplements mixture). Thus, this period was not enough for complete recovery of kidney disturbances. Values of either hepatic transaminases presented nearly no differences among treatments.     

Immunomicroscopical localization of human preformed natural antibodies against pig tissues in xenogeneic transplantation

Summary The targets of preformed natural antibodies need to be identified whenever the use of pig organs is considered for human transplantation. In this study we used extracorporeal perfusion of pig organs with human blood, immunocytological techniques and immuno-electron microscopy to identify the targets and the nature of human preformed natural antibodies against pig antigens. The antibodies were found to be mainly of the IgG and IgM type and directed not only against endothelial cells, but also against mesenchymal and epithelial structures. To reproduce an in vivo situation, a Bio-pump was used to xenoperfuse pig kidneys and livers with human fresh oxygenated blood at 37°C, drawn from polycythaemic patients. Biopsies showed a deposition of human IgG and IgM on tubuli and glomeruli of pig kidneys and on endothelial cells of pig livers. Preperfusion of pig liver with human blood for 45 minutes before perfusion of kidneys significantly reduced the deposition of the natural antibodies.     

Morphologic studies on the effect of acrylnitrile in subchronic intoxication experiments in the white rat]

100 female and male white rats were treated with acrylnitrile using 4 various dosages. It was our practice to give orally acrylnitrile in physiological sodium chloride solution by probang, and the treatment was continued for 69 days from Monday to Friday in the week. After the treatment with acrylnitrile from the 70th day the animals were killed in intervals. Blood of orbital venous plexus was analysed by electrophoresis for determination of serum proteins, and organs were investigated histologically. It has been shown that of all organs the greatest alterations have been found in livers, kidneys and lungs. Taking by surprise our studies indicated that the application of 1/16 LD50 acrylnitrile dosage cause greater morphological damages in liver than those applications of higher concentrations in other groups.     

Some effects of continuous low-dose congenital exposure to methylmercury on organ growth in the rat fetus

Congenital low-dose exposure of rat fetuses to methylmercury produced smaller offspring without anatomical abnormalities. The present study explored the mechanisms of the smallness of fetuses. The pregnant rats were given methylmercury water (25 ppm) from day 1 of pregnancy continuously until day 20 of gestation. There was a negative correlation of fetal weight and maternal and fetal mercury burden. The whole organ DNA and protein content of the livers and kidneys in the experiments were significantly lower than the control (P less than 0.05) indicating that there were fewer cells per organ in the mercury exposed fetuses. When the data were compared on a per gram of tissue basis, there was no significanct difference, indicating that the number and size of the cells of each were not diminished. The incorporation of 3H-thymidine into fetal tissue DNA was also substantially lower in the experimental group indicating decreased proliferative activity. We conclude from this study that, at least for some major organs, the decreased size in the mercury exposed fetuses is due to fewer cells in the organs due to decreased proliferative activity.     

Acid-base state of blood and accumulation of strontium in tissues of rats

It is shown that the increase of strontium content 1.5, 1.7, 2.0, 1.7, and 5.1 times, respectively, in the liver, kidneys, heart, muscles and bones of poisoned rats leads to the state of subcompensated metabolic acidosis in them. Experimental deepening of metabolic acidosis with per os introducing of chloride acid parallel with intramuscular injection of strontium chloride reduces the accumulation of strontium in the muscles and kidneys 1.6, in the liver - 1.5, in bones - 2.7 times. Introduction of rats into metabolic acidosis state after their poisoning with strontium causes acceleration of mentioned metal elimination process from the muscles and kidneys 1.5 times, from the liver 1.3 times, from the bones 1.4 times, on the 20th day of research. The issues concerning subcompensated metabolic alkaloses observed in rats' blood, poisoned by strontium after per os introducing of sodium hydrocarbon. It is proved that this phenomenon does not influence accumulation of strontium both in the heart and bones, and it does not essentially reduce the accumulation of this element in the muscles, liver and kidneys. Therefore, the experimental results performed evidence that in the case of changing the acid-base state indices of blood in the direction of metabolic acidosis, one could reach the reduction of strontium accumulation in poisoned animals' organism, and acceleration of mentioned metal elimination process. It should be mentioned that metabolic alkaloses does not influence the intensity of the mentioned metal elimination process.     

Effects of shock waves on oxidative stress and some trace element levels of rat liver and diaphragm muscles

This study was designed to investigate whether the short-term extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) exposure to kidney produces an oxidative stress and a change in some trace element levels in liver and diaphragm muscles of rats. Twelve male Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into two groups, each consisting of six rats. The animals in the first group did not receive any treatment and served as control group. The right-side kidneys of animals in group 2 were treated with two-thousand 18 kV shock waves while anesthetized with 50 mg kg(-1) ketamine. The localization of the right kidney was achieved after contrast medium injection through a tail vein under fluoroscopy control. The animals were killed 72 h after the ESWL treatment, and liver and diaphragm muscles were harvested for the determination of tissue oxidative stress and trace element levels. Although the malondialdehyde level increased, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities decreased in the livers and diaphragm muscles of ESWL-treated rats. Although glutathione level increased in liver, it decreased in diaphragm muscles of ESWL-treated animals. Fe, Mg and Mn levels decreased, and Cu and Pb levels increased in the livers of ESWL-treated animals. Fe and Cu levels increased, and Mg, Pb, Mn and Zn levels decreased in the diaphragm muscles of ESWL-treated animals. It also causes a decrease or increase in many mineral levels in liver and diaphragm muscles, which is an undesirable condition for the normal physiological function of tissues.     

Schwermetalle in Organen und Federn von Graureihern (Ardea cinerea) und Kormoranen (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Zusammenfassung Mittels der Atomabsorptionsspektroskopie wurden Lebern, Nieren und Federn von Graureihern und von diesjährigen Kormoranen auf Cadmium und Blei untersucht.Cadmium war in Geweben der Kormorane höher konzentriert als in gleichaltrigen Graureihern (Leber 0,063 bzw. 0,039, Niere 0,113 bzw. 0.104 mg/kg Frischmasse; Federn 0,077 bzw. 0,025 mg/kg Trockenmasse). Dies könnte auf unterschiedliche Nahrung oder unterschiedliche physiologische Situation der Vögel zurückzuführen sein. Als Maximum wurden in der Niere eines Kormorans 0,375 mg/kg gemessen. Bei den Graureihern konnte in Lebern und Nieren eine Altersakkumulation erkannt werden. Blei war in den Geweben beider Arten unterschiedlich hoch konzentriert. Kormorane enthielten in Lebern 0,124 und in Nieren 0,147 mg/kg Frischmasse sowie in Federn 0,442 mg/kg Trockenmasse, Graureiher 0,110, 0,157 bzw. 0,739 mg/kg. Die höchsten Konzentrationen wurden in Federn gemessen und betrugen bei einem Graureiher 4,525 mg/kg. Eine Altersakkumulation konnte bei Graureihern in Lebern nachgewiesen werden. Zusammenhänge zwischen Feder- und Organbelastungen wurden nur bei diesjährigen Graureiher- erkannt: Federcadmium und Lebercadmium korrelierten positiv miteinander.

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Heavy metals in tissue and feathers of Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea) and Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)

Summary The livers, kidneys and feathers of 40 Grey Herons and 20 Cormorants were investigated by AAS to determine the extent of contamination with cadmium and lead. The birds had been shot in autumn 1979–1986 in Schleswig-Holstein. All results are given in mg/kg (ppm) wet mass (liver, kidney) or dry weight (feather). On the average, the contamination by cadmium in the livers (0.063), kidneys (0.113) and feathers (0.077) was higher in Cormorants than in Grey Herons (0.039, 0.104 and 0.025). These differences may be the result of different food or physiology. The livers and kidneys of young Grey Herons contained less cadmium than the tissue of older birds. The feathers of male Grey Herons contained more cadmium than feathers of females do. This was also the case in kidneys of male Cormorants as compared to the females. Cadmium values in livers and kidneys were positive correlated. No general tendency was detectable in regards to lead contamination. The results concerning Cormorants were 0.124 (liver), 0.147 (kidney), 0.442 (feather) and concerning Grey Herons 0.110, 0.157 and 0.739. The livers of old Grey Herons were more highly contaminated by lead than livers of young ones. The feathers of male Herons contained two times more lead than the feathers of females do.In general, a concentration of heavy metals in feathers does not indicate a contamination of livers or kidneys. A correlation between the values in feathers and tissue was evident only in one case, where a positive correlation was found between feather- and liver cadmium in young male Grey Herons.

     

The effects of short-term acute cadmium exposure on blue tilapia,Oreochromis aureus

Synopsis Disease-free blue tilapia,Oreochromis aureus, exposed to cadmium (0.5 ppm and 10 ppm) showed very significant and dramatic decrease in food consumptions. Food consumptions returned to near normal 21 days after fish were returned to cadmium-free water. Along with anorexia there were decreases in body weights during the period when fish were exposed to cadmium. Fish in cadmium-free water that were pair-fed to cadmium-exposed fish (0.5 ppm) did not gain weight but there were no decreases in body weights. Cadmium was still in tissues 34 days after the fish were placed in cadmium-free water and the accumulation was highest in the kidney; this was followed by liver, brain, gill filaments and muscles. The accumulations of the heavy metal (in kidneys and gills) were significantly higher in fish exposed to high than low cadmium levels. There were no differences in complement levels (haemolytic acitivity) in cadmium-exposed and cadmium-free fish. However, cadmium-exposed fish did not produce detectable haemagglutinating antibodies against sheep red blood cells while cadmium-free fish responded well to the antigen. The anorexia in cadmium-exposed fish contributed to the depression in antibody production.     

Improving glycogenesis in Streptozocin (STZ) diabetic mice after administration of green algae Chlorella

Chlorella, a type of unicellular fresh water algae, has been a popular foodstuff in Japan and Taiwan. Studies have shown the hypoglycemic effects of Chlorella in alloxan-induced and Streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals. However, the mechanisms by which Chlorella treatment affects blood glucose homeostasis have not been studied. Diabetes in ICR mice was induced by injection of STZ. Lipogenesis in vivo was measured by incorporating 3H-H2O into lipids in brown and white adipose tissues. Glucose uptake in the liver and soleus muscles was measured by assaying 2-deoxy-D-[1,2-3H] glucose levels. The effects of Chlorella on serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured with commercial assay kits. Insulin-stimulated lipogenic rates in brown and white adipose tissues were unaffected by Chlorella. However, Chlorella increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in the livers and soleus muscles in normal and STZ mice compared to that in their respective controls (p < 0.01). In addition, fasting NEFA levels were lower in Chlorella-treated STZ mice compared to H2O-treated STZ mice (p < 0.005). The current results suggest that the hypoglycemic effects of Chlorella are due to an enhancement of glucose uptake in the liver and in soleus muscles. The improved insulin sensitivity after Chlorella treatment could be also due to lower NEFA levels, since insulin sensitivity is usually blunted by elevated NEFA in diabetes.