Acute aflatoxin B1-induced gastro-duodenal and hepatic oxidative damage is preceded by time-dependent hyperlactatemia in rats.

Elevated serum lactate concentration has been used to predict the risk of fatality in various disease states in acutely ill patients or poisoning with different chemicals. However, its utility in predicting disease progression during acute aflatoxicosis has not been investigated. This study was designed to evaluate changes in blood lactate levels following acute exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and to determine whether changes in blood lactate levels bear any relationship with biochemical and/or morphological lesions in the stomach, duodenum, and liver. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 7 rats /group) including Group A (control) receiving vehicle alone and Groups B and C treated with single oral doses of AFB1 at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, respectively. AFB1 produced significant (p < 0.05) time- and dose-dependent increase in blood lactate concentration as early as 1 h following its administration, with further increases observed at 3 h and 6 h. The hyperlactatemia accompanied tissue oxidative changes including increased H2O2 and MDA, as well as depletion in glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total thiols in gastro-duodenal and hepatic tissues. The oxidative changes were reflected in morphological alterations observed at histopathology with more severe lesions observed with the higher dose of AFB1. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß) were, however, differently modified by AFB1 administration. Taken together, the results from this study gives indication that hyperlactatemia may find utility in predicting the severity of tissue damage induced by acute AFB1 exposure.

The vertebral column, ribs, and sternum of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus waterhouse).

Examined bones were obtained from eight adult African giant rats, Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse. Animals used had an average body mass of 730.00 ± 41.91 gm and body length of 67.20 ± 0.05 cm. The vertebral formula was found to be C7, T13, L6, S4, Ca31-36. The lowest and highest points of the cervicothoracic curvature were at C5 and T2, respectively. The spinous process of the axis was the largest in the cervical group while others were sharp and pointed. The greatest diameter of the vertebral canal was at the atlas (0.8 cm) and the lowest at the caudal sacral bones (2 mm). The diameter of the vertebral foramen was the largest at C1 and the smallest at the S4; the foramina were negligibly indistinct caudal to the sacral vertebrae. There were 13 pairs of ribs. The first seven pairs were sternal, and six pairs were asternal of which the last 2-3 pairs were floating ribs. The sternum was composed of deltoid-shaped manubrium sterni, four sternebrae, and a slender processus xiphoideus. No sex-related differences were observed. The vertebral column is adapted for strong muscular attachment and actions helping the rodent suited for speed, agility, dexterity, and strength which might enable it to overpower prey and escape predation.