The chronically reserpinized rat: decreased glycolytic activity in the submandibular gland

Hepatoprotective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Garlic Against Reserpine Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Reserpine, a bioactive compound isolated from the roots of Rauwolfia serpentine, is known to deplete dopamine, a neurotransmitter. The clinical application of reserpine has been associated to manage hypertension, insanity, insomnia and schizophrenia. However, the usage of reserpine as a drug is restricted because of its ability of inducing excess free radicals production and oxidative stress resulting into damage to liver and other organs. Here, we have explored the antioxidative potential of extract of garlic prepared using ethanol (EEG) against reserpine-induced hepatic damage in the albino Wister rats.The animals were divided into four different groups containing 6 animals in each: (1) control + placebo, (2) control + EEG, (3) reserpine and (4) reserpine with EEG. The reserpine treatment resulted into sharp increase in the level of MDA and significant reduction in the activitiesof key antioxidative enzymes (SOD, GST, and CAT) in the rat liver. It also caused sharp perturbations in the levels of certain hepatic transaminases (ALT, AST) and glycolytic LDH. The histopathological results revealed hepatic necrosis, which could have occurred due to reserpine induced lipid peroxidation as well as reduction in the levels of antioxidant species.The administration of EEG, however, significantly ameliorated reserpine induced hepatotoxicity. These results reflected the ameliorative property of EEG, which was probably mediated via its antioxidant function as it contains several bioactive molecules with free radical quenching potential.This study suggestedthe prospective application of EEG as a supplement to combat the side effects of reserpine.

The chronically pilocarpine-treated rat in the study of cystic fibrosis: investigations on submandibular gland and pancreas

The chronically pilocarpine-treated rat has been proposed as an animal model for the disease cystic fibrosis, a generalized exocrinopathy. The effect of chronic pilocarpine treatment on structure, composition, and function of the acinar cells of rat submandibular gland and pancreas was investigated by electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis, and biochemical analysis. The morphological effects of chronic pilocarpine treatment were most pronounced in the pancreas. The number and size of the zymogen granules was increased, and the granules had a less electron-dense appearance. X-ray microanalysis at the cellular level showed in both the submandibular gland and the pancreas a significant increase in calcium and a decrease in sodium. The increase in cellular calcium concentrations can be explained by an increase in the relative volume of secretory material in the cell (assessed by morphometry) and an increase in the local calcium concentration in the secretory material (assessed by X-ray microanalysis at the subcellular level). Chronic pilocarpine treatment caused a disturbance of glycolysis and energy metabolism in the submandibular gland, but no significant effects in this respect were noted in the pancreas. On the other hand, a nearly twofold increase of the pancreatic amylase activity was noted. The pancreas appeared somewhat hyperreactive towards cholinergic stimulation.