Animal Research International

1747 – 1751

Authors: KONYA, Roseline Sonayee, ZITTE, Leelee Famii and CHUKWU, Kenneth Obinna

The effect of Euphorbia kamerunica latex on the blood of albino rat (Rattus novergicus) was studied. Two different samples were prepared, one with 10% E. kamerunica latex in blood of albino rat and the other, whole blood. Blood from each of the two samples was analyzed haematologically for the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophils. The results of the study showed that there was a drop in all the blood parameters in the blood sample with the latex as compared with the whole blood. The PCV dropped from 17% to 9%, (47.06% reduction), Hb reduced from 5.1g/dl to 3.2g/dl (37.25% reduction), RBC had a three log reduction from 3.7x10 12 to 2.7x10 9 (99.88% reduction), WBC fell from 4.2x10 9 to 3.2x10 7 (99.24 % reduction) while neutrophils dropped from 20% to 15% (25.00% reduction) in the blood with latex. The proximate analysis of the latex revealed that it contains 62.13 ± 0.48 % lipid, 0.16 ± 0.01 % carbohydrate, 3.69 ± 0.05 % protein and 3.86 ± 0.24 % ash. The result of this in vitro study demonstrated that Euphorbia kamerunica has some toxic effects on the blood of Rattus novergicus.

1779 – 1785

Authors: IGWEBUIKE, Udensi M., UGWUOKE, Wilfred I. and UDOUMOH, Anietie F

The study evaluated the histological characteristics of the tongue in ten adult common pigeons, with a view to highlighting the relationship between structure and function of the tongue in the common pigeon. The results showed that the entire dorsal surface of the tongue was covered by a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, while the ventral surface of the tongue exhibited a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the tongue body and apex. In addition, intraepithelial taste buds occurred in the dorsal epithelium of the tongue body and apex. The dense fibrous sub-epithelial connective tissue of the tongue root and body showed presence of mucus-secreting lingual glands and solitary lymphoid nodules. These were absent in the tongue apex. Furthermore, skeletal muscle fibres were abundant in the root and body of the tongue but not in the tongue apex. A paraglossum composed of hyaline cartilage was situated in the core of the tongue, extending from the tongue body to the tongue apex. In longitudinal section, the papillary crest appeared as evaginations of the dorsal lingual epithelium at the boundary between the root and body of the tongue. The evagination, composed entirely of epithelial cells lacked a connective tissue core. It was concluded that these histological features are essential adaptations that support the functions of the tongue during food intake, especially in the common pigeon which feeds mainly on grains and seeds

1792 – 1798

Authors: IBEMENUGA, Keziah Nwamaka

The contamination of the aquatic systems with heavy metals from natural anthropogenic sources has become a global problem which poses threats to ecosystems and natural communities. Hence this study reviews the effects of heavy metals in freshwater fishes. Fishes bioaccumulate heavy metals (including cadmium, zinc, lead and copper) through various organs such as gills, liver, stomach and intestine. The effects of these heavy metals are highlighted.

1805 – 1808

Authors: ODUOLA, Adedayo Olatunbosun, OBEMBE, Abiodun, ADEOGUN, Adedapo and AWOLOLA, Taiwo Samson

Baseline survey is an integral component of a malaria vector control programme, providing valuable information on mosquito behaviour that guide the suitability of chosen interventions. A need assessment of baseline entomological indices towards the future implementation of indoor residual spray (IRS) was conducted in Osun State, Nigeria. Indoor resting mosquitoes were collected in human households from three Local Government Areas. These were morphologically identified, subjected to species specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and analyzed for sporozoite infection and blood meal origin using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All female Anopheles identified fed on human blood but tested negative to Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite antigen. The PCR analysis showed a predominance of An. gambiae s.s. (95%) over An. arabiensis (5%). The preponderance of indoor resting An. gambiae s.s and the incidence of exophilic An. arabiensis suggest a combination of IRS and long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for this region.

1817 – 1825

Authors: AMAECHI, Ebube Charles, OHAERI, Carmelita Chima and UKPAI, Onyinye Mkpola

Soil transmitted helminths (STHs) are known to be endemic in developing tropical countries. A study on the prevalence and risk factors associated with STHs infections among children in three selected primary schools in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State was undertaken between February and July, 2012. The stool samples collected from 338 children aged 5 – 13 years in the three primary schools were analyzed using direct normal saline and formal-ether concentration technique for the presence of STHs. Closed ended pre-tested questionnaire was used for collection of data on sociodemographic and personal health habits associated with STHs. Three different helminths were observed. These included Ascaris lumbricoides (8.2%), hookworm (5.1%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.9%). Multiple infections were however observed in individuals. Of the 338 stool samples examined, 256 were infected giving a prevalence of 75.7%. The prevalence of STHs was significantly higher in males than females in age group 5 – 7 years. A. lumbricoides was the most encountered parasites in the study, while Central Primary School, Obohia recorded the highest prevalence (90.2%) of infection in the three schools sampled. The month of July (peak of the rainy season) recorded the highest prevalence rate (92.9%). Those who defecated in bushes and other unhygienic places had the highest infection of 89.9%, while those that had water closet had the least infection of 40.5%. Those that used wells and streams as main source of water had an infection of 96.9%. Inadequate basic social amenities have contributed to the spread of parasite in the area. Government should make available the much needed amenities to the populace to alleviate the spread of the diseases in the study area and should also create public awareness on the dangers of the disease.