RESUMO
The effect of the extract of Cucumis metuliferus fruit on some male reproductive parameters was investigated in albino rats. The LD50 of the extract was above 5000 mg/kg body weight when administered orally. Histological studies showed that there was no remarkable change in the testes histology compare to the control. The effects on sperm cells showed a statistically significant (P0.05) increase in total sperm count with an insignificant (P0.05) increase in viability count in rats treated with 500 mg/kg dose point. On the other hand; 1000 mg/kg dose point produced significant (P0.05) decrease in total sperm count and viability count compare to control. This result suggests that C. metuliferus fruit extracts could be beneficial in increasing sperm/semen integrity
Assuntos
Experimentação Animal , Cucumis , Nigéria , Reprodução , Contagem de EspermatozoidesRESUMO
The effects of the aqueous extract of Chrysanthellum indicum (CI) on calcium activation and mobilization were studied using the rat portal vein. The extract caused a concentration-dependent contraction of the portal vein. KCl (80 mM), norepinephrine (NA, 10(-6)M) and CI (4 mg/ml) evoked sustained contraction of the portal vein. In Ca-free medium (with EGTA) the contractions evoked by these agents were reduced significantly. The times-to-peak of KCl, NA and CI were similar -in normal PSS, but in Ca-free medium the times-to-peak for KCl and CI were greatly increased. The contractions induced by CI were not inhibited by chlorpropamide and prazosin, but were blocked by verapamil. The data obtained suggest that the aqueous extract of CI utilizes extracellular calcium pools to bring about contractile response and this effect might be mediated through the activation of potential-sensitive channels.
