Browsing by Author "Chandrasekharan Nair, A M"

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Assesment of cadmium toxicity in cattle of Eloor industrial area
(Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Nisha, A R; Chandrasekharan Nair, A M
A study was undertaken to assess impact of environmental pollution with cadmium in cattle of Eloor industrial belt. Areas around Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT), India, Aluminium Company (INDAL), Binani Zinc and Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL) were selected for the study. As the first step, retrospective analysis of case sheets was done in Eloor and Muppathadam Veterinary hospitals. In Eloor veterinary hospital out of the 1503 case sheets examined 851 digestive disorders, 126 repeat breeders, 75 respiratory diseases and 41 deficiency diseases were observed. Out of 5920 case sheets analysed in Muppathadam veterinary hospital 3348 digestive disorders, 1284 repeat breeders 398 respiratory diseases and 433 deficiency diseases were observed. Disease conditions like digestive disorders, deficiency diseases and repeat breeders are suggestive of cadmium toxicity. The field samples like water and forages, biological samples like blood, serum, urine dung and milk were collected from cattle in the industrial field localities. The cadmium content in this field and biological sample were estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Animals kept in the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy were taken as controls. Field samples like water and fodder were also collected from area around University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy. The cadmium content of water from Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south, Eloor north ranges from 0.03 – 0.04 ppm. These were significantly higher than controls (0.01 ppm). The cadmium content of fodder from Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south, Eloor north ranges from 2.60 – 6.53. These were also significantly higher than controls (0.65 ppm). The cadmium level of blood, serum, milk, urine and dung from cattle of Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south and Eloor north were significantly higher than controls. Haematologocal values like total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume showed significant decrease in catle of test areas than controls. Other haematologic values like differential leucocyte count, total leucocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration did not show any significant changes. Total serum protein and albumin values from cattle of Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south and Eloor north were significantly lower than control values. Serum enzymes like aspartate amino transferase, alamine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in cattle from test areas than controls. It can be concluded that field and biological samples collected from the vicinities around Fertilizers and Chemicals, Travancore (FACT), Binani Zinc and Indian Aluminium Company (INDAL) are contaminated with cadmium.
Comparative study of the hypoglycemic effect of Azadirachta indica (Neem),Ocimum sanctum Tulsi) and Tinospora cordifolia (Chittamruthu) and their combination in diabetic rats
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Archana Sathyan; Chandrasekharan Nair, A M
The present study was undertaken to assess and compare the hypoglycemic effects of alcoholic extracts of Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum leaves and Tinospora cordifolia vines and their combination at 200 mg/kg dose rate in alloxan diabetic rats and to compare their efficacy with standard oral hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide. The experiment was conducted in forty eight alloxan induced diabetic rats of either sexes for a period of 37 days. Rats were divided into six groups of eight each. Group I was administered alcoholic extract of Azadirachta indica at 200mg/kg for 30 days from 7th day onwards, Group II received Ocimum sanctum alcoholic extract at the same dose rate and Group III was given Tinospora extract at 200 mg/kg. A combination of alcoholic extracts of Azadirachta, Ocimum and Tinospora was fed to Group IV at 200 mg/kg body weight. Group V received glibenclamide at 0.5 mg/animal/day for 30 days and Group VI served as diabetic control. Blood glucose level was estimated on zero day, 7th, 15th, 21st, 30th and 37th day. Body weight was taken at weekly intervals. Serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride and liver glycogen were estimated at 37th day of the experiment. All the treatment groups (I, II, III and IV) showed a gradual increase in body weight during the experimental period, but it was seen that the body weights never returned to their original weights before the commencement of the experiment. Among the treatment Groups I, II and III, Group I given Azadirachta extract had the maximum decrease in blood glucose level. Group IV which received a combination of the three drugs had a higher reduction compared to Group I, II and III. Results suggested a synergistic effect of the combination. However, the effect was comparatively lower than that of glibenclamide. Significant reduction in serum cholesterol level was seen in Group I, II and III. Highest cholesterol level was seen in Group II and the lowest serum cholesterol level was seen in Group IV. Serum triglyceride level was highest in Group II and III. Group I had a comparatively lower serum triglyceride level. Lowest triglyceride level was shown by Group IV treated with combination. Treatment with all the three drugs resulted in no significant change in the liver glycogen levels. Combination treatment also failed to produce any significant alteration in the reduced liver glycogen levels. Group I, II and III had a liver glycogen levels comparable to that of the control Group VI. From the study, it can be concluded that among the three drugs, Azadirachta has the highest hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect. The combination treatment produced a comparatively higher effect than that of the three drugs, suggesting a synergistic action. However, the effects of the three drugs and their combination are less when compared to that of glibenclamide and the mechanism of action of the three plants are different from that of glibenclamide.
Copper sulphate, zinc sulphate and mancozeb toxicity in ducks
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Chandrasekharan Nair, A M; Rajagopalan, M K
An investigation was undertaken to assess the chronic toxicity of copper sulphate, zinc sulphate and Mancozeb in ducklings. The experiment was carried out in three phases. In the first phase four groups of ducklings were used. Birds in group I, II and III were reared on feed supplemented with 100, 200 and 300 ppm copper respectively. Group IV was reared on control feed. In the second and third phases the experiment was repeated with zinc and Mancozeb respectively. The latter was added at a rate of 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm to diet. The body weight of the ducklings was assessed at fortnight intervals. The erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, ESR, PCV, total and differential leucocyte count, serum AST, AL T and Alkaline phosphatase were noted at monthly intervals. The cell mediated immunity was recorded at intervals of forty five days. Humoral immunity was assessed by estimating the antibody titer at 15 days intervals. The element content in the serum and tissue was also recorded. The gross and histo-pathological lesions were noted at the end of the experiment after six months. The results revealed that body weight of the ducklings was not significantly influenced by feeding copper at the above levels. However, all the treated birds showed a tendency for higher body weight gain than controls. Erythrocyte count was more in the group fed with 100 ppm copper and less in the group fed with 200 and 300 ppm . All the treated birds showed a tendency for low haemoglobin value. The PCV,ESR,total and differential leucocyte count were not significantly affected. In all the groups the difference in the level of AST, ALT and Alkaline phosphatase. was not clinically significant, Cell mediated and humoral immunity were not significantly altered by copper at the above levels. The serum copper level showed an increase proportional to the duration of treatment and level of copper in the feed. Liver showed more concentration of copper than kidney and muscle.The birds in the group III showed histo-pathological lesion in the kidney. Zinc supplementation in the feed also has no significant influence on the body weight gain. However, the group fed with 200 PPM zinc showed a tendency towards an increase of the body weight gain and the group fed with 100 and 300 PPM zinc showed a tendency towards a decrease in the body weight gain. The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin level showed an upward trend in group I. In all the treated groups the PCV, leucocyte count, serum AL T and Alkaline phosphatase showed an upward trend. In group III humoral immunity showed a favourable response. A rapid increase in the level of zinc in the serum proportional to the level in the feed and period of treatment was observed. The tissue zinc concentration was significantly higher in the liver in group I, but it was not proportional to the serum zinc. Histopathologically, mild depletion of lymphoid cells in the spleen of group Ill, congestion and diffuse calcification of small blood vessels of kidney in group II and III were noticed. The body weight of birds reared on Mancozeb added diet was affected adversely in groups Il and Ill. The leucocyte count was reduced in group Ill. The erythrocyte count, Haemoglobin, ESR and PCV were not affected by the treatment. The serum ALT was increased significantly in group Ill. Alkaline phosphatase was increased for the first few months. Humoral and cell mediated immunity was not affected. Serum zinc and manganese level showed an upward trend. The accumulation of zinc was more in the muscles than in the kidney or liver. Most of the treated birds showed focal area of sub- capsular haemorrhage and streaks of necrosis in the borders of liver. Histo- pathologically necrotic changes were seen in the liver, kidney and spleen.
Evaluation of the immunomodulatory effect of Emblica officinalis (amla) fruit pulp extracts in mice
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Suja Rani, S; Chandrasekharan Nair, A M
The immunomodulatory activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Emblica offictnalis was investigated on the basis of their effects on humoral, cell mediated and cellular immune mechanism in mice. The extracts were also qualitatively tested for the presence of various active principles in it. One hundred and forty four mice taken for the study were divided into two in which one group was tested with alcoholic extract while the other with aqueous extract. The extracts were fed at two dose levels ie, l00mg and 200 mg/kg bodyweight for 19 days. The controls in both groups received vehicle alone (five percent gum acacia). Various physiological, biochemical, haematological and immunological parameters like bodyweight, organ weight, total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, serum total protein, serum globulin, Haemagglutination (HA) titre, Delayed Type of Hypersensitivity (DTH), Macrophage Migration Index (MMI) and NitroBlue Tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction test were performed for evaluating the immunomodulatory potential of the extract. Both the extracts were found to increase the bodyweight and spleen weight significantly when fed at a higher dose rate of 200mglkg for 19 days. The total leukocyte count was increased to a maximum of 13.9O±2.05 and 12.77±<>.78 xI03/cu.mm respectively in aqueous and alcoholic extract treated groups on 1~ day of experiment, compared to control groups (7.l8±<>.72 and 7.IS± 0.72). Lymphocytic leukocytosis was seen after drug treatment. Serum total protein and globulin levels were also increased by the administration of extracts of Emblica. The drug administration increased the globulin concentration to 1.88±<>.42 and 1.97±0.21goA» on 19th day for alcoholic and aqueous extract treated groups respectively which was significantly higher than the control groups. The increase in HA antibody titre indicated the augmentation of humoral immune response to SRBC by Emblica officina/is. Administration of Amla extracts significantly increased cell mediated immune response as evidenced by increase in DTH response. Both the extracts were found to increase the macrophage migration area to 10.93±2.21 and 11.87±3.54 mm' in aqueous and alcoholic extract treated group respectively on 19th day of experiment compared to the controls (5.33±1.61 and 4.78±2.18). Thus a 1.5 to 2.5 fold increase in MMI could be noticed. The results of NBT test gave a maximum of 53.28 percent increase in respiratory burst activity of macrophage in aqueous extract treated group while the alcoholic extract treated group had a maximum of 46.04 percent increase from their controls. The phytochemical study of the Emblica extracts revealed the presence of active principles like tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, diterpenes, triterpenes and saponins in it. Thus the present study establishes the positive immunomodulatory activity of dried Emblica officinalis fruit pulp extracts, in a concentration dependent manner acting via humoral, cell mediated and cellular immune response.
Hypoglycemic, hypolipidaemic and cytoprotective effects of lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera) in sprague-dawley rats
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Jeyamurugan, M; Chandrasekharan Nair, A M
A study was undertaken to assess the hypoglycemic, hypolipidaemic and cytoprotective effects of ethanolic extract of red and white lotus seeds in male Sprague-Dawley rats. It was carried out in different animal models and compared with respective reference drug. The extracts of red and white lotus seeds were administered at the rate of 600 mg kg-1 for 28 days. The experiment was carried out in two hundred and seventy six rats. The blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, serum HDL, serum triglycerides and plasma free fatty acids was estimated on 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of treatment in the respective animal models. The LDL cholesterol was calculated with help of formula. Type I diabetic rats treated with lotus seeds (red and white) extract showed significant reduction in blood glucose from 14th day onwards and in case of metformin from 7th day onwards. On 28th day oral glucose tolerance test and on 29th day liver glycogen and GLUT2 gene expressions were carried out. A significant increase in liver glycogen and reduction in GLUT2 gene expression was observed in all the treated groups. Glucose tolerance also showed significant improvement in all the treated group. In case of type II diabetic rats there was significant reduction in glucose levels from 21st day of treatment in extracts treated groups. Metformin treated group showed significant reduction from 7th day onwards. There was significant increase in liver glycogen, GLUT4 gene expression and glucose tolerance in all the treated groups. The pancreatectomized rats showed significant reduction in blood glucose levels from 21st day onwards in all the treated groups. Histopathological examination of pancreas revealed that there was significant proliferation of beta cells and increasing number of active cells was seen in all the treated groups. Hypercholesterolemic animals treated with lotus seed extract showed significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL levels from 14th day treatment onwards. In case of simvastatin treated group significant reduction was noticed from 7th day treatment onwards. A significant increase in HDL level was observed on 28th day and from 7th day in extract and simvastatin treated groups respectively. A significant reduction in liver total lipid was noticed in all the treated group on 29th day. Hypertriglyceridemic animals treated with the extract showed significant reduction in triglycerides from 14th day treatment onwards. In case of fenofibrate significant reduction was observed from 7th day treatment onwards. The free fatty acid levels reduced significantly from 21st and 14th day onwards for extract and fenofibrate treated groups respectively. Liver total lipid level showed significant reduction in all the treated groups on 29th day. Pancreatitis was induced by repeated administration of alloxan in rats. They were treated with lotus seed extracts for 28 days. Pancreas was collected after sacrificing the animals for estimation of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and lipid peroxidation. The superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in pancreas of extract and metformin treated group. It was significant from 14th day treatment onwards. There was a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation level in red and white lotus seed extract treated group from 21st and 14th day treatment respectively. In case of metformin treated group significant reduction was noticed from 14th day of treatment. Histopathological examination of pancreas revealed islet hyperplasia with more number of active cells in a duration dependent fashion in all the treated groups. From the study, it can be concluded that both red and white lotus seed extract have hypoglycemic, hypolipidaemic and cytoprotective effects. However, the effects are less than that of respective reference drug.
Immunomodulatory effect of fractions of ethanolic extract from Emblica officinalis (Amla) fruit pulp in mice
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Senthil Kumar, P K; Chandrasekharan Nair, A M
The immunomodulatory activity of acetone soluble and acetone insoluble fractions of ethanolic extract of Emblica officinalis was investigated in the present study. The extracts were also qualitatively tested for the presence of various active principles. One hundred and forty four male swiss albino mice were used to assess humoral and cellular immunity by feeding the extracts at dose level of 200 mg per kg body weight for 19 days. Few animals were also administered with dexamethasone at the dose rate of 0.75 mg per kg body weight intra peritoneally for seven days before the start of the experiment to suppress the immune system and thereby to study the effect of extracts on immunosuppressed animals also. The control group received vehicle alone (five percent gum acacia). Various physiological, haematological, biochemical, enzymatic and immunological parameters like body weight, relative organ weight, total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, total serum, protein, serum globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, quantification of superoxide dismutase and catalase, haemagglutination test, Jerene’s plaque forming assay to assess the humoral immune response and tests like delayed type of hypersensitivity, macrophage migration index, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test to assess the cellular immune response were performed. Both the fractions increased the body weight, spleen weight and liver weight in normal as well as in immunosuppressed animals. A significantly increased total WBC counts on days 5, 12 and 19 and the distribution of lymphocytes on days 12 and 19 were seen in normal animals. In immunosuppressed animals, non-significant increase in both total leukocyte counts and distribution of lymphocytes from day zero to nineteen was seen. Total serum protein as well as serum globulin concentration was significantly increased and albumin globulin ratio was significantly decreased in immunocompetent animals treated with both the fractions on 12th and 19th day. However, both the fractions showed only a non-significant increase in total serum protein and serum globulin in normal as well as in immunosuppressed animals, from zero day to 19th day. Significant increase was noticed in superoxide dismutase and catalase level in immunocompetent animals treated with both the fractions on 19th day. A significant stimulation of humoral immune response as indicated by an increase in antibody titre and number of antibody producing cells on both 12th and 19th day of acetone soluble and acetone insoluble fraction treated immunocompetent animals was noted. Immunosuppressed animals also showed a non-significant increase in both antibody titre and number of antibody producing cells through out the experiment. The bone marrow cellularity and foot pad swelling reaction showed a significant stimulation in immunocompetent animals on 12th and 19th day. In immunosuppressed animals also, foot pad swelling response showed a significant increase on 19th day but bone marrow cellularity was not significant. In immunocompetent animals the acetone soluble and acetone insoluble fractions showed a significant increase in macrophage migration index (MMI) and Nitro blue Tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction test value on 12th and 19th day. However, in immunosuppressed animals both the fractions showed only a non-significant increase. The phytochemical study on both the fractions of ethanolic extract of dried Emblica officinalis fruit pulp revealed that diterpenes and triterpenes were present in acetone soluble fraction and tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycosides, and saponins were present in acetone insoluble fraction. Thus the present study showed the higher immunostimulant activity for acetone soluble fractions in immunocompetent as well as immunosuppressed animals.