Effects of Walnuts (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Juglans regia</Emphasis>) on Learning and Memory Functions

Walnut has been regarded as a health food that is delicious and nutritious. Both preventive and therapeutic effects of walnut are well documented. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are reported to have beneficial effects on brain function. The present work was designed to evaluate the effects of walnuts on learning and memory in male rats. The effect of oral intake of walnut was also monitored on food intake. Walnut was given orally to rats for a period of 28 days. Memory function in rats was assessed by elevated plus maze (EPM) and radial arm maze (RAM). A significant improvement in learning and memory of walnut treated rats compared to controls was observed. Walnut treated rats also exhibited a significant decrease in food intake while the change in growth rate (in terms of percentage) remained comparable between the two groups. Analysis of brain monoamines exhibited enhanced serotonergic levels in rat brain following oral intake of walnuts. The findings suggest that walnut may exert its hypophagic and nootropic actions via an enhancement of brain 5-HT metabolism.     

Antidiabetic effect of essential oil from Artemisia sieberi growing in Jordan in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of essential oil extracted from aerial parts of Artemisia sieberi in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Fifty rats were divided into five groups of 10 each. Group I normal rats received 1 mL day(-1) of dimethyl sulfoxide (control); group II normal rats received a single dose (80 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) of essential oil extract of Artemisia sieberi; group III diabetic rats received 1 mL day-of dimethyl sulfoxide; group IV diabetic rats received the oil extract (80 mg kg(-1) b.wt.); group V diabetic rats received metformin (14.2 mg kg(-1) b.wt.). All treatments were orally administered once a day for six weeks. Changes in blood glucose concentration, body weight and food and water intake were measured and the data obtained were compared with that of metformin. The essential oil extract significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose level as well as food and water intake in diabetic rats accompanied by an increase in body weight gain with no apparent side effect when compared with untreated diabetic rats. These effects were found to be closely similar to that of metformin, a common antidiabetic drug. On other hand, no apparent improvement on body weight gain in diabetic rats treated with metformin. In addition, for all parameters measured, the oil extract showed no effect in normal rats. In conclusion, the essential oil of Artemisia sieberi exhibited antidiabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Present findings support the possible use of the essential oil of Artemisia sieberi as a remedy for diabetes mellitus in humans.     

Chemical characterization and biological effects of immature durum wheat in rats

A durum wheat cultivar, Simeto, was grown in experimental fields and samples were collected at various stages of development (from 9 to 45 days after flowering) to assess changes in chemical composition during maturation. Fructans, in particular low molecular weight fructo-oligosaccharides, accumulated in the first 2–3 weeks after anthesis. The cultivar was then grown in an open field and collected at 15 days after anthesis and at maturity 45 days after anthesis. Experimental diets containing 53% wholemeal from immature or mature wheat, were fed for 6 and 12 weeks to two groups of growing rats. Glutathione, vitamins C and E and total hydrophilic or lipophilic antioxidant concentrations were determined in mature and immature wholemeal. The effects of feeding immature and mature wheat diets for the two experimental periods on the immune system, antioxidant status and plasma lipids were studied. Feeding immature wheat increased the proliferation rates of lymphocytes, indicating a stimulating effect on the immune response, decreased the plasma triglycerides and cholesterol levels, indicating a positive effect on lipid profiles. Antioxidant concentrations in blood and lymphocytes did not change significantly.     

Effects of short and long term treatment of Ballota undulata on female albino rats fertility and pregnancy

The objectives of this study is to investigate the toxic effects of Ballota undulata (300 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) on the reproductive system after administration to female Sprague-Dawley rats for two time periods 4 and 12 weeks. Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two treatment and two control groups of 10 rats each. The two treated groups received 15 mg kg(-1) b.wt. of Ballota undulata for two periods of 4 and 12 weeks. Female rats were allowed mating with males after treatment. Several pregnancy parameters were investigated including: total number of pregnant rats, body weight and reproductive organ weight, number of implantation sites, number of resorption sites and number of viable fetuses. The significance of these results was calculated using student's t and Chi-square tests. Exposure to Ballota undulata for 4 weeks did not have significant effects on most parameters investigated. However, a slight decrease in the relative ovarian and embryo weights was observed. Administration of Ballota undulata for 12 weeks significantly reduced the percentage of pregnancies and the number of implantation sites when compared with controls. In addition, a decrease in ovarian weights and in viable fetuses' number was also observed. Histological sections of ovaries of female treated with Ballota undulata were found to have congested blood vessels in cortical and medullary regions. We also noted the arrestment of developing follicles at primary and secondary stages in addition to presence of degenerative areas and hypercellullarity in medulla. Long term treatment with Ballota undulata might lead to diversified negative effects on fertility and pregnancy in female rats.     

“紫娟”普洱茶茶褐素对高脂饮食大鼠生长发育的影响

以"紫娟"普洱茶茶褐素为对象,研究"紫娟"普洱茶茶褐素对高脂饮食大鼠生长发育的影响。将实验大鼠分为正常对照组,高脂模型组,低、中、高剂量(即动物给药量0.135、0.405、1.215 g/kg)茶褐素组及阳性对照组。观察"紫娟"普洱茶茶褐素对大鼠摄食量、饮水量、体质量、体长、肝脏指数的影响;通过电子显微镜观察茶褐素对实验大鼠肝脏病理变化的影响。结果表明:干预期结束后,"紫娟"普洱茶茶褐素对大鼠的进食、饮水、体长无影响;与高脂模型组相比,茶褐素组能抑制高脂饮食大鼠体质量的增长速度,不同程度地抑制了实验大鼠肝脏的脂变,减少肝脏脂肪沉积,具有预防实验动物脂肪肝形成的作用,中、高剂量茶褐素组效果尤为明显(P<0.5)。     

Histopathological effects of short and long-term treatment of Orchis antolica crude root extract on female albino rats fertility and pregnancy

The present study has investigated the effects of Orchis antolica (dose of 400 mg/kg/Body Wight) on female rats reproductive system for two time periods 4 and 12 weeks. Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two treatment and two control groups of 10 rats each. The two treated groups received 400 mg/kg/body weight of Orchis antolica for two periods of 4 and 12 weeks. Female rats were allowed mating with untreated males when treatment ended. Pregnancy parameters such as: total number of pregnancy, body weight, reproductive organ weight, number of implantation sites, number of resorption sites and number of viable fetuses. The significance of these results was calculated using student's "t" and Chi- square tests. Treatment with Orchis antolica for 4 weeks did not have any significant effects on most parameters investigated except for a slight increase in the relative ovarian and embryo weights. Orchis antolica for 12 weeks induces a significant increased in the percentage of pregnancies and the number of implantation sites when compared with controls. Further, an increase in ovarian weights and in viable fetuses count was also observed. Histological sections of treated female ovaries were found to have an empty blood vessels within the cortical and modularly regions. We also noted an increased in the developing follicles at primary and secondary stages in addition to an absence of degenerative areas and increased cellularity in medulla. Long-term treatment with Orchis antolica might lead to diversified positive effects on fertility and pregnancy in female rats.     

Preventive effects of flaxseed and sesame oil on bone loss in ovariectomized rats

A study was designed to examine the effects of dietary flaxseed oil (FO) and sesame oil (SO) which are rich successively in n-3 and (n-9 and n-6) on biochemical parameters and histological status of bone. Sixty-four 90-day-old female wistar rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups: sham-operated rat (sham)+ control diets, ovariectomized rat (OVX) + control diets, OVX + 7% FO, OVX + 7% SO, OVX + 10% FO, OVX + 10% SO. After 4 weeks of treatments, rats were euthanized; blood and tissues were collected for analyses. Markers of bone formation which is alkaline phosphatase activity and markers of bone resorption which is tartrate resistant acid phosphatase activity were measured. Present results showed that OVX increased significantly ALP and TRAP activity and the examination of bone tissue showed disruptive and lytic bone trabeculae. Animals fed 10% FO and 10% SO of fat reduced these parameters and improved bone microarchitecture. Whereas, there was no improvement in biochemical and histological states in OVX rats that received 7% of PUFAs successively provided from FO and SO diets. In conclusion, our results are encouraging because they suggest that PUFAs intake may help to prevent osteoporosis associated with estrogens deficiency. However, further studies are needed to determine the mechanism by which a diet rich in n-3 or lignans modulate bone tissue.     

Long-Term Feeding of Chitosan Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in a High-Fructose-Diet-Impaired Rat Model of Glucose Tolerance

This study was designed to investigate the effects of long-term feeding of chitosan on plasma glucose and lipids in rats fed a high-fructose (HF) diet (63.1%). Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged seven weeks were used as experimental animals. Rats were divided into three groups: (1) normal group (normal); (2) HF group; (3) chitosan + HF group (HF + C). The rats were fed the experimental diets and drinking water ad libitum for 21 weeks. The results showed that chitosan (average molecular weight was about 3.8 × 10⁵ Dalton and degree of deacetylation was about 89.8%) significantly decreased body weight, paraepididymal fat mass, and retroperitoneal fat mass weight, but elevated the lipolysis rate in retroperitoneal fats of HF diet-fed rats. Supplementation of chitosan causes a decrease in plasma insulin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, and leptin, and an increase in plasma adiponectin. The HF diet increased hepatic lipids. However, intake of chitosan reduced the accumulation of hepatic lipids, including total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) contents. In addition, chitosan elevated the excretion of fecal lipids in HF diet-fed rats. Furthermore, chitosan significantly decreased plasma TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), the TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and increased the HDL-C/(LDL-C + VLDL-C) ratio, but elevated the plasma TG and free fatty acids concentrations in HF diet-fed rats. Plasma angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) protein expression was not affected by the HF diet, but it was significantly increased in chitosan-supplemented, HF-diet-fed rats. The high-fructose diet induced an increase in plasma glucose and impaired glucose tolerance, but chitosan supplementation decreased plasma glucose and improved impairment of glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance. Taken together, these results indicate that supplementation with chitosan can improve the impairment of glucose and lipid metabolism in a HF-diet-fed rat model.     

白茶提取物对纳米SiO2诱导的大鼠肺纤维化的抑制作用及机制

硅肺是吸入SiO₂粉尘引起的以肺间质纤维化为主的全身性疾病。探讨了白茶提取物对纳米SiO₂诱导大鼠肺纤维化的抑制作用及机制。54只Wistar大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、白毫银针提取物组、白牡丹提取物高和低剂量组、EGCG组共6个组,每组9只大鼠。除正常组外的其余5个组采用非暴露式气管插管方法造模纳米SiO₂粉尘(80 mg·mL^-1),每天以灌胃方式给予药物两周之后,检测肺组织中羟脯氨酸(HYP)、一氧化氮(NO)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)和谷光甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)含量以及肺组织形态学变化。结果显示,与模型组相比,白茶提取物各处理组及EGCG组病理形态改变有不同程度的减轻,其中白毫银针提取物组的效果最佳。白茶提取物各处理组与EGCG组的大鼠肺NO含量和炎症因子IL-6都显著低于模型组(P<0.05),GSH-Px活力高于模型组(P<0.05),高剂量白牡丹提取物对降低NO含量和升高GSH-Px活力效果最好;本研究表明,白茶提取物对于纳米SiO₂引起的大鼠肺纤维化氧化应激损伤具有有效的减缓和修复作用,主要与其抗氧化作用和抑制炎症反应相关。     

Evaluation of the protein quality of rice supplemented with bean or crayfish in rats

Weanling male rats (45–60 g) were used to compare the supplemental effects to rice protein of bean or crayfish protein. Rats were fed various combinations of rice plus bean (B) or crayfish (C) to provide 1.6 g N/100 g of the daily diet for 28-day growth studies and a 7-day N balance period. Five different diets were fed. Six rats were assigned to each diet on the basis of body weight. Combinations of R:B of 80:20 and of R:C of 80:20 produced food intake, weight gain, PER, N intake, digested and retained N; and liver weight values that were comparable. However, increasing C to 30% of the dietary protein led to reduced value for food intake, weight gain, PER, N intake, digested and retained N, BV, NPU, and liver weight when compared with values obtained when B was increased to 30% (P<0.05). The results appear to indicate that, above a certain level of supplementation, brown bean protein is superior to crayfish as a supplement to rice protein.     

Anti-Obese Effect of Glucosamine and Chitosan Oligosaccharide in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Objective: This study is to evaluate the anti-obese effects of glucosamine (GLC) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on high-fat diet-induced obese rats. Methods: The rats were randomly divided into twelve groups: a normal diet group (NF), a high-fat diet group (HF), Orlistat group, GLC high-, middle-, and low-dose groups (GLC-H, GLC-M, GLC-L), COS1 (COS, number-average molecular weight ≤1000) high-, middle-, and low-dose groups (COS1-H, COS1-M, COS1-L), and COS2 (COS, number-average molecular weight ≤3000) high-, middle-, and low-dose groups (COS2-H, COS2-M, COS2-L). All groups received oral treatment by gavage once daily for a period of six weeks. Results: Rats fed with COS1 gained the least weight among all the groups (P < 0.01), and these rats lost more weight than those treated with Orlistat. In addition to the COS2-H and Orlistat groups, the serum total cholesterol (CHO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared to the HF group (P < 0.01). The various doses of GLC, COS1 and COS2 reduced the expression levels of PPARγ and LXRα mRNA in the white adipose tissue. Conclusions: The results above demonstrated that GLC, COS1, and COS2 improved dyslipidemia and prevented body weight gains by inhibiting the adipocyte differentiation in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet. Thus, these agents may potentially be used to treat obesity.     

豆豉对早期动脉粥样硬化大鼠主动脉平滑肌细胞凋亡的影响

观察豆豉对早期动脉粥样硬化大鼠主动脉平滑肌细胞凋亡及相关凋亡基因突变型p53和Fas蛋白表达的调节作用,以探讨其机制.采用高脂饲料喂养法建立大鼠早期动脉粥样硬化模型,同时连续10周灌胃给予豆豉提取物进行干预.末次给药后处死动物,光镜下观察血管平滑肌细胞的形态,透射电镜观察超微结构,采用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率以及凋亡相关基因突变型p53和Fas蛋白的表达.模型对照组主动脉平滑肌细胞的凋亡率及增值指数(FI)明显高于正常对照组(P＜0.05),053蛋白表达上调;豆豉干预组(20 g生药·kg-1,dO g生药·kg-1)大鼠主动脉平滑肌细胞的凋亡率明显高于模型对照组(P＜0.05),增殖指数明显低于模型对照组(P＜0.05),Fas蛋白表达上调(P＜0.05),p53蛋白表达下调(P＜0.05),光镜及透射电镜可见主动脉损伤明显较模型对照组改善.豆豉可调节早期动脉粥样硬化大鼠血管平滑肌细胞凋亡与增殖的平衡,其机制可能与调节突变型p53和Fas蛋白的表达有关.     

THE INFLUENCE OF TYPE AND LEVEL OF SUPPLEMENTARY FEED ON INTAKE AND PERFORMANCE OF BEEF CATTLE ON PASTURE

Two experiments, each of 6 weeks dehydration, were conducted in 1972. In Expt 1, 24 cattle were grazed in individnal paddocks during July and August and received one of 4 treatments over a 6-weeks period: no supplements; straw ad lib; 3.3 kgj. day sugar-beet pulp; 4.0 kg/day molasses. Mean daily live weight gains were significantly increased by the sugar-beet pulp and molasses supplements; which also increased OM and DOM intake significantly. The increase in total OM intake per kg OM in the supplement was 0.48 for sugar-beet pulp and 0.67 for molasses. In Expt 2, 18 cattle grazed in groups of 3 during November and December. Two groups each received 0.5, 3.5 or 6.5 kg/day sugar-beet pulp over a 6–weeks period. There was no significant difference in live weight gain between treatments, and no significant difference in total intake. Intake from pasture declined with increasing level of supplement, so that the average increase in OM intake per kg OM in the supplement was 0.28. Hie results are discussed in relation to availability of pasture and the effects of the supplements on intake.     

Effect of flax seeds and date palm leaves extracts on serum concentrations of glucose and lipids in alloxan diabetic rats

The aim of the present investigation was to examine the effect of Flax Seeds (FS) and Date Palm Leaves (DPL) extracts on the concentration of serum glucose and lipids in alloxan diabetic rats. Rats were divided into six groups, normal control rats (without treatment with either FS or DPL), normal control rats treated with either FS or DPL extract for four weeks, diabetic control rats and diabetic rats treated with either FS or DPL extract for four weeks. The concentration of glucose in diabetic rats treated with FS (D+FS) for four weeks was significantly decreased from 17.20 +/- 2.33 to 8.14 +/- 0.54 mmol L(-1) (p < 0.001). Serum total cholesterol concentration (TC) of diabetic rats treated with either FS or DPL extract showed significant decrease by 40 and 31% respectively in the fourth week. Also, serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration was significantly decreased after two weeks of treatment (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). However, no significant changes were obtained in serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. Results of the present study showed that FS extract has a hypoglycaemic effect against alloxan diabetic rats. Present findings also showed that treatment of alloxan diabetic rats with either FS or DPL extract significantly decreased serum concentration of TC and LDL-C. Present findings suggest that both of FS and DPL extracts could have a protective effect against diabetes complications as well as against hyperlipidemia through improvement of lipid profile.     

Morphological changes of rabbit lacrimal gland cells from amiodarone administration

Background: Amiodarone is a drug that is used for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia after cardiac ischemia. This drug as beta blocker decreases arrhythmia rate but it has many side effects on different tissues. Since there are rare reports about changes of lacrimal glands, this research has been carried out to study the morphological and ultrastructural changes of lacrimal gland cells after amiodarone administration. Methods: Male rabbits (n = 14) were divided into control and experimental groups. Experimental group were intra peritoneally injected with a daily single dose of 80 mg/kg amiodarone for two weeks. The control group only received normal saline. At the end of the injection period, the two groups were anesthetized and perfused with Karnovsky's fixative. The lacrimal glands were removed, fixed and then prepared for light and electron microscopic studies. Quantitative studies on lacrimal gland cell micrographs were performed by point counting method. The results were statistically compared between the two groups. Results: Light microscopic observation showed many secretory granules in the cytoplasm of the lacrimal gland cells, which were also seen in the lumen of acini. Ultrastructure study of these cells showed the presence of inclusions in their cytoplasm with homogenous and dense structure. In quantitative analysis, the volume fractions (Vv) of mitochondria and nucleus to the cell showed no differences between the two groups but the Vv of euchromatin to the nucleus was different (P<0.05 ). Conclusion: The presented results show adverse effects of amiodarone on rabbit lacrimal gland cells.     

Pre-treatment effect of different doses of soy isoflavones on spatial learning and memory in an ovariectomized animal model of Alzheimer's disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of dietary soy meals (with or without isoflavone) on dementia in ovariectomized (OVX) animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Female Wistar's rats with the exception of intact group were ovariectomized at the first line of study. Animals were divided into 2 main groups: control (c) and pre-treatment groups. Animals in pre-treatment groups received one of five types of diet during four weeks prior Nucleus Basalis Magnocellularis (NBM) electrical lesion normal diet (0), 10 g soy with isoflavone (10), 20 g soy with isoflavone (20), 10 g soy without isoflavone (-10) and 20 g soy without isoflavone (-20) in 30 g daily diet. The spatial learning and memory were tested using Morris water maze after electrical lesion. Rats were trained in water maze to find a hidden escape Platform. Rats received 6 blocks that each block consisted of 3 trials. Following acquisition trials, one probe trial was conducted in which the platform was removed. Soy meal diet (with or without isoflavone) in ovariectomized rats with Alzheimer's disease caused improvement of performance across 18 trials of Acquisition. Our results suggest that soy meal is a potential alternative to estrogen in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.     

茶多酚改善胰岛素抵抗的初步研究

研究了茶多酚（Tea Polyphenols,TP）降低肝脏中甘油三酯（Triglyceride, TG）含量从而对2型糖尿病性脂肪肝模型大鼠胰岛素抵抗的改善作用。健康SD大鼠分为6组：健康组、模型组、TP组、二甲双胍组、FL组和FL+TP组。所有大鼠在实验结束时测量体重、血清甘油三酯、肝脏中甘油三酯、空腹血糖、血清胰岛素等指标。TP组和二甲双胍组较模型组空腹血糖、血清胰岛素含量和胰岛素敏感指数下降;FL+TP组、TP组较FL组、模型组肝脏中甘油三酯含量下降。茶多酚可显著降低肝脏中的甘油三酯含量,调节脂代谢紊乱并改善胰岛素抵抗。     

Effect of silymarin on metabolic factors of food-restricted over conditioned Wistar rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the changes in serum metabolic factors of over conditioned pregnant rats treated with silymarin in food restriction condition. Sixty pregnant Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. All rats received high energy diet before treatments. Control group were fed ad libitum (Non-FR). Rats in other groups received 50% of the food intake of Non-FR group and served as food-restricted (FR) groups. Three of five FR groups received 150, 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) silymarin, respectively (FR-150, 200, 400). Another FR group (FR-Con) and the Non-FR group did not receive any silymarin. Glucose, triglyceride, LDL and HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, thyroid hormones and cortisol were measured in serum. All factors were significantly different between groups except free-T4 and T4. Serum glucose concentrations in FR-150 and 200 and Non-FR groups were lower than FR-Con and FR-400. Silymarin significantly increased serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and cholesterol contents in FR groups. The highest levels of these factors were noted in 200 mg silymarin-treated group. HDL cholesterol was highest in FR-Con; meanwhile FR-200 group had the lowest HDL cholesterol. Serum cortisol decreased in treated and untreated FR groups except FR-150 group. Free-T3 and T3 concentrations in FR-400 and FR-Con groups were higher than the other silymarin treated groups. In conclusion our results indicate that 200 mg kg(-1) of silymarin in Wistar rats is the best dosage to achieve metabolic benefits. Silymarin has positive effects on lipid metabolism and can modulate serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in food restriction condition. Also, the present findings suggest that silymarin under food restriction situation exerts a decreasing effect upon peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.     

Pancreatic islet beta cell protective effect of oral vanadyl sulphate in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, an ultrastructure study

We sought to determine the ultrastructure of pancreatic islet beta cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with oral vanadyl sulphate. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intravenous injection of 40 mg kg(-1) streptozotocin. The same volume of normal saline was injected in sham animals. Animals were divided into treated and control groups. Vanadyl sulphate was added to the drinking water of the treated animals at a concentration of 1 mg mL(-1) up to three months. Two months after vanadyl sulphate withdrawal animals were killed. Ultrastructure of islet beta cells were studied by transmission electron microscope. In diabetic treated rats plasma glucose and fluid intake returned to normal levels within three months while control animals remained diabetic. Well granulated cytoplasm, well developed endoplasmic reticulum, increase in the number of immature granules in the cytoplasm with no clear signs of cell injury were found in the islet beta cells of diabetic treated rats. Lymphocyte filteration, nuclear picnosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization were found frequently in the islet beta cells of untreated diabetic rats. In conclusion as was evident in thin sections of panceatic islet beta cells of treated diabetic rats in this study, vanadyl sulphate through preserving islet beta cells structure and ultrastructure contributes in reversing diabetic signs and symptoms in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.     

Nutritional responses of rats fed mixtures of plant and animal proteins

Twenty four male rats (45–65 g) were used to determine the nutritional responses to mixed plant and animal protein diets. Rats were fed various mixtures of sorghum (S), pigeon pea (PP), bread fruit (TAP) plus crayfish (CR) to provide 1.6 g N/100g of daily diet for a 35-day study period. Three different diets were fed to 6 rats assigned to each diet on the basis of body weight. Combination of PP:CR caused increases in N intake and retention, weight gain, and PER higher than for those of the other test groups. Its values for N intake and retention, and BV were higher than for those of the control except for food intake, NPU, weight gain and PER. Substitution of CR (20%) with TAP and PP as supplements to S decreased food intake, weight gain and PER and increased N intake, digested and retained N, NPU and BV. The results appear to indicate that (a) PP:CR blend was better than other blends as judged by the parameters, and (b) TAP and PP were superior to CR alone as supplement to S.