Department of Physiology
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- ItemOpen AccessChloroquine reduces blood pressure and forearm vascular resistance and increases forearm blood flow in healthy young adults.(WILEY-BLACKWELL, 1993) Anigbogu, C.N.; Adigun, S.A.; Adegunloye, B.J.; Idong, I.The effects of chloroquine on resting blood pressure, forearm blood flow (FBF), and forearm vascular resistance (FVR) and on the responses to cold stimulation were studied in healthy young adults. Chloroquine sulphate (800 mg) reduced systolic pressure and increased FBF (P<0.05) but had no effect on resting FVR. Cold immersion increased systolic pressure (from 108.8 ±1.7 mmHg to 127.8 ± 6.9 mmHg; P<0.05) diastolic pressure (from 73.4 ±2.7 to 95.2 ±6.2 mmHg; P<0.01) and FVR (from 5.9±0.9 to 13.0±l.9 a.u.; P<0.001) but reduced FBF (from 14.3±1.64 to 101 ± 1.29 ml min‐1; P<0.05). Chloroquine reduced the increase in FVR reduced by cold stimulation (P<0.01), but had little effect on the BF and FBF responses to cold stimulation. The hypotensive effect of chloroquine could be attributed, at least in part, to the observed fall in vascular resistance.
- ItemOpen AccessAnti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of rhizozome extract of Zingeber Officinale.(African. J. Biomedical Research., 2002) Raji Y., Udoh U.S., Oluwadara O.O., Akinsomisoye O.S., Awobajo O., Adeshoga K.The rhizome extract of Zingiber officinale was investigated for anti inflammatory and analgesic properties in albino rats and Swiss mice respectively. The extract (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w) produced significantly (P<0.05) inhibition of the carrageenan – induced rat paw oedema and a reduction in the number of writhing induced by acetic acid in mice. The results show that rhizome extract of Z.officinale possesses anti inflammatory and analgesic agent(s).
- ItemOpen AccessAnti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of rhizozome extract of Zingeber Officinale.(African. J. Biomedical Research., 2002) Raji Y., Udoh U.S., Oluwadara O.O., Akinsomisoye O.S., Awobajo O., Adeshoga K.The rhizome extract of Zingiber officinale was investigated for anti inflammatory and analgesic properties in albino rats and Swiss mice respectively. The extract (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w) produced significantly (P<0.05) inhibition of the carrageenan – induced rat paw oedema and a reduction in the number of writhing induced by acetic acid in mice. The results show that rhizome extract of Z.officinale possesses anti inflammatory and analgesic agent(s).
- ItemOpen AccessImpact of chloroform extract of Carica papaya seeds on estrous circle and fertility in female albino rats(2005) Morakinyo, A.O; Awobajo, F; Oloyo, A; Raji, Y; Akinsomisoye, O.S; Kunle-Alabi, O.T; Esegbue-Peters, P.RThe impact of oral administration of 100 mg kg~'bw of chloroform extract of Carica papaya seed (CPE) on oestrous cycle, fertility and serum 17 ß-oestradiol levels, in female rats was investigated. Ten proestrous rats received 2.5% tween 80 in normal saline (vehicle for CPE) .......
- ItemOpen AccessGonadal responses to Antipsychotic drugs: Chlorpromazine and Thioridazine reversibly suppress testicular functions in male rats(2005) Raji Y; Ifabunmi OS; Morakinyo AOThis work was undertaken to investigate the individual effects and probable mechanism of action of chlorpromazine hydrochloride (largactil) and thioridazine hydrochloride (melleril) on male reproductive functions, in albino rats. A total of 45 adult male albino Wistar-strain rats were used. Five rats served as the control while the remaining forty rats were divided into four groups, of 10 rats each. Rats in group I were treated with 2.3 mg kg-1 BW, while those of group II received 5.7 mg kg-1 BW of chlorpromazine. Rats in group III, were treated with 1.7 mg kg-1 BW, while those of group IV received 2.3 mg kg-1 BW of thioridazine. Control rats received vehicle of the drugs (i.e. distilled water). Drugs and vehicle were administered orally on a daily basis. Five rats, in each of the four drug-treated groups served as the recovery rats. Sperm characteristics evaluation, serum levels of testosterone and histopathological alterations in the testis were assessed both after four weeks of continuous drug administrations and four weeks of drug withdrawal. Chlorpromazine and thioridazine significantly caused a reduction in the absolute weights of the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicles (p<0.01) at high and low doses. Weight of the prostate gland was also reduced significantly (p<0.05) at the high dose. The epididymal sperm motility, viability (life/death ratio) and counts were significantly reduced (p<0.01) at high dose of chlorpromazine and thioridazine. Moreover, sperm morphological abnormalities were significantly increased (p<0.01) at both doses of the drugs. Reduction in serum levels of testosterone for both drugs was statistically significant (p<0.01). The histopathological alterations observed in the testis includes moderate to severe degeneration of seminiferous tubular epithelium. Fertility and other associated changes were restored within four weeks of cessation of treatment. Chlorpromazine and thioridazine appear to have reversible antifertility actions in male albino rats. These actions were probably mediated within the testis and epididymis.
- ItemOpen AccessEffects of methanol extract of Ricinus Communis seed (Linn) on male albino rats(2006) Raji, Y; Oloyo, AK; Morakinyo, AOAim: To investigate the effect of methanol extract of Ricinus communis seed (RCE) on male rats reproductive functions. Methods: Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were gavaged with 0.2 mL of 2.5 % tween 80 (RCE vehicle; control) or 20 mg/(kg·d) and 40 mg/(kg·d) of RCE, respectively, for 30 days, and group 4 was also gavaged with 40 mg/(kg·d) of RCE, but was allowed a recovery periold of 30 days. Five untreated female rats were cohabited with male rats in each group from day 25 of RCE treatment for 5 days, except group 4, where cohabitation began on day 25 of the recovery period. All male rats were sacrificed 24 h after the experiments. The female rats were laparatomized on day 19 of pregnancy and the number and weight of litters were recorded. Results: There was a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the weight of the reproductive organs, sperm functions and serum levels of testosterone in RCE treated rats. There was disorganization in the cytoarchitecture of the testes, disruption of the seminiferous tubules and erosion of the germinal epithelium. The number and weight of litters of rats in groups 2 and 4 decreased significantly (P < 0.05) but no changes were observed in group 3. RCE caused no changes in liver, kidney, heart or body weights in male rats. Conclusion: RCE has a reversible negative impact on male reproductive functions, which appears to be mediated via gonadal disruption in testosterone secretion.
- ItemOpen AccessIn vivo and In vitro Reproductive Toxicity Assessment of Ampicillin and Cloxacillin in Mammalian models.(International J. of Pharmacology, 2006) Raji Y.; Awobajo F. O.; Kunle-Alabi O.T.; Gbadegesin M. A.; Bolarinwa A. F.Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the individual impact of ampicillin and cloxacillin on male reproduction using both in vivo and in vitro models. In the in vivo study, forty adult male albino rats divided into five groups were treated daily with 0.5 mL sterile water (control), 4 mg/100 g b.w/day of ampicillin and 6 mg/100 g b.w/day of cloxacillin. Each drug treated group had a corresponding recovery group. Vehicle and drugs were administered orally for two weeks at the end of which rats were sacrificed; the recovery rats were sacrificed two weeks later. Body and reproductive organ weights and histomorphometric analyses of the testes and epididymides were carried out. Sperm counts, motility, viability and morphology and serum testosterone levels were determined. In the in vitro study, semen from the West African Dwarf Buck (WADB) was extended in graded concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 mg mL 1) of ampicillin and cloxacillin individually for 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h. The in vivo results show that both drugs did not adversely affect body weigh but caused significant reduction (p<0.05) in the weight of the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and prostate glands. Similarly there was a significant decrease in sperm counts, motility, viability and morphologically normal spermatozoa. Seminiferous tubular diameter and epididymal ductular diameter were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in both ampicillin and cloxacillin treated rats when compared with the control. These changes were accompanied by significant decrease in serum testosterone levels. Discontinuation of treatment led to recovery of organ weighs, testosterone secretion and sperm functions. In the in vitro experiments, sperm motility was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the two drugs. This reduction was both dose and duration dependent. The results suggest that ampicillin and cloxacillin could induce reversible infertility in male, which could be mediated by decrease in testosterone secretion.
- ItemOpen AccessEvaluation of the abortifacient properties of chloroform extract of Carica papaya L seed in female albino rats(2006) Raji, Yinusa; Morakinyo, AO; Akinsomisoye, OS; Oloyo, AK; Esegbue-Peters, PRC; Kunle-Alabi, OTThis study was carried out to investigate the impact of oral administration of chloroform extract of Carica papaya seed (CPE) on implantation and pregnancy in female albino rats. The study was divided into three experimental sections. Each section was subdivided into 4 groups treated, respectively with 25, 50 and 100 mg kg 1 b.w CPE and 2.5% tween 80 in normal saline (vehicle for CPE; control). Rats in section 1 were treated with CPE for two weeks before mating (pre-coital). Rats in section 2 were administered CPE from day 1 of pregnancy till term (post coital) while rats in section 3 received the extract for two weeks before mating and thereafter throughout term (pre and post-coital). Implantation sites and resorptions were determined in some of the pregnant rats after laparotomy. The gestation period, litter size and fetal weight were recorded in the remaining rats. The litters were also observed for any morphological alterations. The extract treated rats had significant decreases in litter size and implantation count (p<0.01). The percentage resorptions increased in a dose dependent manner while the fetal weight and morphology remain unchanged when compared with the normal untreated control groups. The percentage resorptions were high in CPE treated rats when compared with the control group. None of the 100 mg kg 1 b.w CPE treated female rats had litters. The results suggest that the chloroform extract of Carica papaya seed has anti-implantation and abortifacient properties in female albino rats.
- ItemOpen AccessFourteen days oral administration of therapeutic dosage of some Antibiotics reduced serum Testosterone in male rats.(Nigerian. J of Health and Biomedical Research, 2006) Awobajo. F.O.; Raji.Y.; Olatunji-Bello.I. I.; Kunle-Alabi.F.T.; Adesanya A.O.; Awobajo T. O.; ;Fourteen days oral administration of therapeutic dose of Ampicillin (4mg/100g/day), Cloxacillin (6mg/100g/day) and Tetracycline (12mg/100g/day) separately to healthy adult male albino rats significantly reduced their serum testosterone level as assessed by enzyme immunoassay. The control group received equal volume of the vehicle (Normal saline) throughout the period of the treatment. A significant reduction (P<0 .05) in testicular and epididymal weight was also produced by Cloxacillin, Cloxacillin and Tetracycline respectively. Ampicillin administration on the other hand significantly reduced (P<0 .05) prostrate gland weight. After subjecting the treated animals to a recovery period ranging from 1-2 weeks, during which the drug administration was discontinued, all the animals recovered fully from the antifertility effect of these antibiotics on the serum testosterone level by the end of the second week. A significant recovery in the epididymal, testicular and prostrate gland weight was also recorded in the Cloxacillin and Tetracycline, Cloxacillin, and Ampicillin treated animals respectively. The result suggests that the reversible antifertility effects of these antibiotics were produced via the disruption of testosterone hormone production process. This was also accompanied by reduction in the weight of some of the male reproductive organs.
- ItemOpen AccessReproductive, Hematological and Biochemical profiles of male rats treated with aqueous extract of Spondias Mombin bark.(International Journal of Pharmacology, 2006) Raji, Y; Gbadegesin, M.A.; Osonuga, O.A.; Rahmat, A.A.; Akinsomisoye, O.S.; Awobajo, F.O.; Kunle-Alabi, O.T.; Esegbue, P.R.C.; Osonuga, I.O.; Lamidi, A.F.Aqueous extract of Spondias mombin in different dilutions was employed to assess its impact on male reproductive, haematologic and biochemical indices of male albino rats. A single daily intragastric administration of 8.4, 16.8 and 33.6 mg kg-1 b.w day-1 of the extract for four weeks did not cause any adverse effect on body and organ weights except the weight of the liver that showed a slight increase. There was a marked dose-dependent reduction (p<0.05) in epididymal sperm progressive motility, sperm count, viability (live/dead ratio) and a dose-dependent increase (p<0.05) in percentage abnormal spermatozoa. Abnormalities like double heads, double tails, detached heads and broken tails were frequently observed. Epididymal α-glucosidase activity was significantly reduced (p<0.05). However, prostatic acid phosphatase activity and citric acid levels and seminal fructose concentrations remained unchanged following Spondias mombin treatment. Blood analysis showed that red cell and white cell counts and haematocrit (Hct) levels were in the normal range. Bilirubin, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), urea and protein concentrations were slightly altered by the extract of Spondias mombin. Discontinuation of the extract resulted in full recovery within four weeks of treatment cessation. The results suggest that aqueous extract of the bark of Spondias mombin has reversible antifertility action, the testis and the epididymis probably being the prime sites of action.
- ItemOpen AccessEffects of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) on testicular functions in the rat(2008) Morakinyo, AO; Oloyo, AK; Raji, Y; Adegoke, OAThis study was carried out to investigate the impact of oral administration of chloroform extract of Carica papaya seed (CPE) on implantation and pregnancy in female albino rats. The study was divided into three experimental sections. Each section was subdivided into 4 groups treated, respectively with 25, 50 and 100 mg kg 1 b.w CPE and 2.5% tween 80 in normal saline (vehicle for CPE; control). Rats in section 1 were treated with CPE for two weeks before mating (pre-coital). Rats in section 2 were administered CPE from day 1 of pregnancy till term (post coital) while rats in section 3 received the extract for two weeks before mating and thereafter throughout term (pre and post-coital). Implantation sites and resorptions were determined in some of the pregnant rats after laparotomy. The gestation period, litter size and fetal weight were recorded in the remaining rats. The litters were also observed for any morphological alterations. The extract treated rats had significant decreases in litter size and implantation count (p<0.01). The percentage resorptions increased in a dose dependent manner while the fetal weight and morphology remain unchanged when compared with the normal untreated control groups. The percentage resorptions were high in CPE treated rats when compared with the control group. None of the 100 mg kg 1 b.w CPE treated female rats had litters. The results suggest that the chloroform extract of Carica papaya seed has anti-implantation and abortifacient properties in female albino rats.
- ItemOpen AccessAntireproductive effects of calcium channel blockers on male rats(2009) Morakinyo, AO; Iranloye, BO; Adegoke, OADrugs have been shown to adversely affect male fertility and recently anti-hypertensive drugs were added to the list. The anti-fertility effects of nifedipine and similar calcium channel blockers are well-illustrated in in vitro experiments but not in vivo. The present study was designed to experimentally elucidate the sub-chronic effect of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem on sperm functions and reproductive hormone levels in vivo. Male rats (150–200 g) were divided into four groups of ten rats each. Group 1 (control) received distilled water; Group 2 received nifedipine 0.57 mg/kg BW; Group 3 were given verapamil 3.40 mg/kg BW and Group 4 were given diltiazem 2.57 mg/kg BW. Each drug-treated group had its own recovery group from which treatment was discontinued for 30 days before the animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of FSH, LH and testosterone. Semen evaluation was done and the testes, seminal vesicle, epididymis and prostate were removed, and weighed immediately. Results Nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem significantly decreased (P\0.05) sperm count and motility in drug treated groups. The weight of the epididymis was significantly reduced (P\0.05) in the drug treated rats. Semen parameters and other associated changes were restored after 30 days of drug withdrawal.
- ItemOpen AccessEffects of Zingiber officinale on reproductive functions in male rats(2009) Morakinyo, AO; Adeniyi, OS; Arikawe, APTo investigate the effects of Zingiber Officinale on male reproductive functions and study the mechanisms underlying these effects, aqueous extract of Zingiber Officinale were administered orally to two groups of male rats at 500mg/kg b.w. and 1000mg/kg b.w. A third group served as control and received the treatment vehicle, distilled water. Treatment lasted for 14 and 28 days before sacrifice. Organ weight, epididymal sperm counts, motility, viability and morphology, seminal fructose, testicular malonhydialdehyde, and serum testosterone were determined. The treatment caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in the weight of the testis and epididymis. There were dose and duration dependent increases in sperm count and motility (P<0.05). There was also a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum testosterone level. Malonhydialdehyde levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Our results indicated that extract of Zingiber Officinale possesses pro-fertility properties in male rats which might be a product of both its potent antioxidant properties and androgenic activities.
- ItemOpen AccessKnowledge of the Nutritional and Medicinal Use of Some Vegetables among a Cross Section of Market Women in Two Major Food Markets in Lagos State, South West Nigeria(Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 2010) Awobajo, F.O.; Olatunji-Bello, I.I.; Obilade, T.T.; Odugbemi, T.O.The knowledge of the nutritional and medicinal benefits of some vegetables found around the south west-Nigeria was tested among cross section of market women in Lagos state Nigeria, using questionnaires and coloured pictures of seventeen of these vegetables. This study was carried out in Lagos state which houses a cross section of the nation ethnic groups and also serves as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. One thousand market women with varying level of education were selected and tested on proper identification and their knowledge on nutritional and medicinal benefits of seventeen vegetables found around them. Sociodemographic data such as age, educational status were also recorded. The results revealed high percentage school dropout among the market women. There is also a level of ignorance about the available vegetables around among the market women thou there seems to be a good appreciation of their medicinal values. Considering the capital base of these women especially the largest age bracket of 21-45 years, we suggested that financially empowering them will reduce the vicious circle of poverty associated with school dropout among girls in Nigeria. The populace need to be educated about the readily available vegetables around them to reducing the incidence of macronutrient deficiencies.
- ItemOpen AccessEffect of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) on sodium arsenite-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 13(1): 39-45(2010) Morakinyo, AO; Achema, PU; Adegoke, OAArsenite is a major environmental chemical and a known reproductive toxicant via the depression of spermatogenesis and androgenesis in males. The possibility of sodium arsenite reproductive toxicity been caused by autooxidation was investigated in this study taking advantage of the anti-oxidant properties of ginger and its androgenic activities. The effect of exposure to sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg BW/day) by gavage via oral cannula without or with aqueous ginger extract (500mg/kg BW/day) co-treatments for 30 days was evaluated in adult male rats. The weight of the reproductive organs, sperm count, motility, and morphology were evaluated. Plasma FSH, LH and testosterone levels were assayed. Lipid peroxidation (indexed by MDA) and antioxidants enzymes likes GSH, SOD, CAT were assessed. Sodium arsenite treatment decreased the reproductive organs weight: testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle; sperm functions: count, motility and normal morphology; plasma hormones level: FSH, LH and testosterone. There was a decrease in the activities of GSH, SOD and CAT as well as an increase in MDA concentration. Co-administration of aqueous ginger extract with arsenite was found to protect against adverse change in the reproductive organ weight, attenuate the decrease in sperm functions, enhance plasma reproductive hormones level along with increased antioxidants activities and reduced peroxidation. This study showed that sodium arsenite apart from being a hormonal disrupter also causes oxidative stress which contributed to the reproductive damage in the male rats. The protective effects of ginger on reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress as evidenced by the clear restoration of sperm functions, testicular steroidogenesis and reproductive organo-somatic indices could be attributed to its antioxidants and androgenic properties.
- ItemOpen AccessAntioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Zingiber officinale(2011) Morakinyo, AO; Oludare, GO; Aderinto, OT; Tasdup, AOxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases. The use of natural antioxidant as a therapeutic option is desirable and increasingly being practiced. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the in-vitro antioxidant property of Zingiber officinale, a known food additive. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Zingiber officinale were evaluated for antioxidant activities using DPPH, ABTS and SOD scavenging assay; and lipid peroxidation assay. The results obtained indicated that both extracts possess potent antioxidant property as shown by significant scavenging of ABTS and SOD radicals. Similarly, MDA level (lipid peroxidation) was significantly reduced by the both extracts. However, there was no significant scavenging activity using the DPPH assay. The present study indicates that both aqueous and ethanol extracts of ginger are significant sources of natural antioxidant. Therefore, consumption of the plant material might be helpful in combating the progression of various diseases with oxidative stress components.
- ItemOpen AccessModulation of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokines: possible mechanism of antidiabetic effect of ginger extracts.(2011) Morakinyo, AO; Akindele, AJ; Ahmed, ZZingiber officinale is used in African traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its complications. This investigation tested the hypothesis that extracts of Zingiber officinale inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation by enhancing antioxidant enzymes and TNF-α activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Wistar rats were randomly divided into groups (n=6) receiving different oral treatments consisting of vehicle, aqueous ginger extract (250 and 500 mg/kg), ethanol ginger extract (250 and 500 mg). The effect of Z. officinale was assessed in the STZ-induced diabetic rats after 6-week treatment on blood glucose; oxidative stress (using MDA level, SOD, CAT and GSH activities); and inflammation (using TNF-α). Both extracts of Z. officinale increased the intracellular activities of SOD, CAT and GSH. The extracts however caused a significant decrease in the MDA and inflammatory TNF-α level. These data indicate that mechanism of antidiabetic effects of ginger may be in part, due to inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory activity.
- ItemOpen AccessAnti-fertility effect of calcium channel blockers on male rats: association with oxidative stress.(2011) Morakinyo, AO; Iranloye, BO; Daramola, AO; Adegoke, OAPurpose: Calcium ions are vital in many biologic processes including a variety of enzymatic reactions, activation of excitable cells, coupling of electrical activation to cellular secretion, haemostasis, bone metabolism and sperm functions. Calcium channel blockers (CCB) appear to have a reversible anti-fertility effect on male rats which does not occur through inhibition of the pituitary-gonadal axis. While the effects of CCB on male reproductive function have been investigated, less information is available regarding other reproductive indices and the underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of male reproductive dysfunction. Therefore, the involvement of oxidative mechanisms in the adverse manifestation induced by CCB on male reproductive functions is investigated in this study. Methods: For this purpose, lipid peroxidation; enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reduced; epididymal sperm count, motility; histopathology of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate glands; and reproductive performance were determined. Results: CCB administration in rats causes significant oxidative stress in the male reproductive milieu in term of increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and a concomitant decrease in catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione enzyme activities in the testes. In addition, CCB treatment significantly decreased the sperm count, sperm motility, fertility index, implantation count, and litter size in this study. Conclusion: There is substantial evidence that CCB induces significant oxidative stress in the testes, which appears to be responsible for the adverse effects of decreased sperm count and motility ultimately leading to reduced fertility in rats.
- ItemOpen AccessCalcium antagonists modulate oxidative stress and acrosomal reaction in rat spermatozoa(2011) Morakinyo, AO; Iranloye, BO; Adegoke, OAIntroduction: Calcium ions are vital in many biological processes and qualify as an almost ubiquitous intracellular second messenger. This indicates the multiplicity of the effects associated with drug actions aimed at interfering with calcium ions. To examine the cellular process involved in the induction of infertility in males by calcium antagonist (CA) even in the presence of normal semen parameters, we studied the effects of different CA namely; nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem on oxidative balance and acrosome reaction in the sperm. Material and methods: For this purpose, lipid peroxidation, antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione, and acrosomal reaction were determined in sperm samples of rats. Results: Calcium antagonist causes significant oxidative stress in the epididymal sperm with increased malondialdehyde level and a concomitant decrease in antioxidant activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. The percentage value of acrosomal-reacted sperm in the nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazemtreated rats were 41 ±2.45, 39 ±2.92 and 42 ±1.22 respectively, compared with the control group value of 86 ±2.92. Conclusions: It appears CA oxidatively modify the sperm resulting in functional inhibition of acrosomal reaction. Suppression of the sperm acrosomal reaction is known to have serious adverse implications for fertilization.
- ItemOpen AccessHypotensive effects of the crude extracts of Solanum macrocarpum in Sprague-Dawley rats.(2011) Iranloye, BO; Ajayi, GO; Morakinyo, AO; Olajide, AOHypertension remains a major health problem in terms of treatment, management and control despite recent advances in modern medicine. In the face of the prevalence of this major health problem, lack of accessibility to modern health facilities, rising cost of orthodox medical care where available, lack of definitive curative regiment and prolong treatment which discourages adherence, the use of functional foods with medicinal potential is of major importance as it is proximal, less constraining and inexpensive. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the hypotensive activity of a commonly used fruit and food, Solanum macrocarpum, and the probable mechanism of action. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups of 6 animals each. The normotensive and salt-induced hypertensive rats were treated with both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of S. macrocarpum for 4 weeks. The blood pressure, pulse pressure and heart rate of the rats were measured. Urine and serum samples were collected from the rats and analysed for their cation contents. The results indicated that both extracts of S. macrocarpum significantly reduced the blood pressure in salt-induced hypertensive rats demonstrated which was demonstrated by marked decrease in the SBP, DBP, MAP, HR and PP. Furthermore, both extracts increased the GFR, urine volume and urinary Na+ and K+ excretions. This study demonstrated that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of S. macrocarpum has hypotensive effect on both normotensive and hypertensive rats possibly due to its diuretic activities.
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