International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 9 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Review

The hormone-emotion-behavioural gene-neuromessenger labyrinth: Pertinent questions

N. A. Adamafio

Department of Biochemistry, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana. E-mail: [email protected], [email protected].

Accepted 10 September, 2019

Abstract

The discovery of behavioural genes has raised the prospect that behaviour may be governed, in part, by the actions of mutant gene products on the brain. These are mostly enzymes or proteins involved in processes related to neurotransmission. In addition, numerous studies have demonstrated the effects of specific hormones on behaviour. Furthermore, the ability of intense emotions to stimulate or suppress the synthesis of a variety of hormones is well-documented. An incredibly murky picture of multi-directional interrelationships between behavioural genes, emotions and biochemical messengers is emerging, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between causes and effects. This article seeks to highlight a number of unresolved issues in this intriguing area of behavioural endocrinology and examine the ramifications of behavioural gene discoveries.

Keywords: Hormones, emotions, neuromessengers, HPA axis, behavioural genes.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 9 (2), pp. 001-004, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Beneficial effect of taurine in spontaneous hypertensive rats: Implication of its antioxidant activity

R. Chahine*, J. Hanna, C. Bassil, N. Rihana, A. Mounayar and H. Greige

Laboratory of Physiology, Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.

Accepted 02 December, 2019

Abstract

Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, has been reported to play an antihypertensive role but the mechanism underlying this activity is yet to be defined. In this study, we investigate the effect of taurine on blood pressure by oral administration in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Total heart weight, left ventricular weight, lipid peroxidation as well as glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase activities (SOD) were determined together with histopathological examination of heart tissue. Results indicate that four weeks of oral taurine administered significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure from 174.6 ± 6.4 to 140.08 ± 8.2 mm Hg (p < 0.05). This was associated with significant reduction of the left ventricular mass in cardiac tissues. Lipid peroxidation of the heart tissue was depressed, while SOD and GSH activities significantly increased in SHR under taurine treatment. Moreover, histological inspection of cardiac sections revealed a smaller cardiomyocytes diameter in taurine- treated animals when compared to controls. We conclude that taurine reduces blood pressure in SHR and decreases cardiac hypertrophy by impacting the antioxidant activity.

Key words: Taurine, antioxidant, hypertension, spontaneous hypertensive rats.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 9 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Analysis of some lipid parameters following lithium administration

P. D. Shallie¹*, A. K. Adefule¹, H. B. Akpan¹, D. Fakoya² and E. N. Adejumo³

¹Anatomy Department, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.

²Biochemistry Department Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.

³Chemical Pathology Department, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Accepted 07 September, 2019

Abstract

Lithium is a drug of choice for treatment of some psychological disorders including manic depression. Wistar Rats (male and female) were housed in individual improvised cages. The rats were acclimatized for two weeks after which they were randomly grouped into 3 viz control, lithium treated and lithium with saline treated group and treated for four weeks. The lithium treated group received 40 mM lithium bicarbonate per kg of feed for the first 1 week while the dosage was increased to 60mM per kg of feed for the rest of the 3 weeks. Lithium saline group received saline solution in addition to lithium. The control group was given normal feed and water liberally for the period of the experiment. At the end of the experiment the serum and the tissue cholesterol and triglycerides were quantified and the serum lithium level also determined. The results showed significant values for weight loss, serum lithium and cholesterol. The lipid parameters generally decreased. In conclusion the systemic changes in plasma lipid parameters at the cellular level induce changes in metabolism and cell membrane and this should be considered seriously in patients who are under lithium therapy for a long period because the clinically important consequence is significant.

Key words: Wistar rats, lithium, lipid parameters, cell membrane.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 9 (2), pp. 001-004, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the methanolic extract of the stem bark of Ficus vallis-choudae delile (Moraceae)

A. Lawan¹*, U. A. Katsayal² and A. H. Yaro³

¹Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

²Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

³Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Accepted 16, November 2019

Abstract

The methanolic stem bark extract of Ficus vallis-choudae was investigated for anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activity. The anti- inflammatory effects were investigated using rat paw edema model, while the analgesic effects were studied using acetic acid induced writhing in mice. The results obtained revealed that the methanolic stem bark extract of F. vallis – choudae in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg posses significant (P < 0.05) dose dependent anti-inflammatory effect and inhibit abdominal contractions caused by acetic acid in mice. The intraperitoneal LD50 in mice was found to be 470 mg/kg. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins. The results of this study indicated the presence of biologically active substances which may be beneficial in the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Key words: Acetic acid - induced writhing, Anti-nociceptive, Anti-inflammatory, F. Vallis-choudae, Rat paw edema.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 9 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Cell surface protein expression of stem cells from human adipose tissue at early passage with reference to mesenchymal stem cell phenotype

Solomon Sathishkumar¹*, Preethi Mohanashankar² and Boopalan P. R. J. V. C³

¹Department of Physiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu – 632002, India.

²Centre for Stem Cell Research, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India.

³Orthopaedics Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India.

Accepted 16 September, 2019

Abstract

Research is now being focused on stem cell therapy for repair of diseased and damaged tissues. Various sources for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified. The ideal source of MSCs is still unclear. An ideal source for MSCs should be one which could be easily accessed, causes minimal patient discomfort and also gives a high yield of cells with characteristic cell surface protein expression of MSCs at early passage. Thus, this study analysed the cell surface protein expression of human adipose stem cells (ASCs) at early passage with reference to mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and differentiation into cells of mesodermal origin. Adipose tissue was obtained as waste material from patients undergoing certain elective surgical procedures, after taking informed consent. Flow cytometry analysis of ASCs showed both positive and negative cell surface protein expression, highly characteristic for MSCs as early as passage 0 or 1 (early passage). Under appropriate culture conditions ASCs showed osteogenic differentiation evidenced by presence of calcium phosphate identified by alizarin red staining and adipogenic differentiation evidenced by lipid rich vacuoles within the cells, recognized by oil red O staining. Since adipose tissue is available in large quantities and has a high yield of stem cells, availability of high percentage of characteristic MSCs at early passage will reduce the time for expansion in culture, the costs involved and the risk of cell contamination. Thus adipose tissue is a promising source of stem cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Key words: Adipose stem cells, mesenchymal phenotype, early passage.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 9 (2), pp. 001-004, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of monosodium glutamate on hematological parameters in Wistar rats

Ashaolu J. O.¹*, Ukwenya V. O.¹, Okonoboh A. B.², Ghazal O. K.², Jimoh A. A. G.³

¹Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.

²Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

³Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Accepted 09 October, 2019

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive commonly consumed as a flavor enhancer. However, both animal models and human clinical reports have established its harmful effects. The rats in two groups (A₁ and B₁) were administered with 5.5 g/kg body weight (b.wt) and 2.75 g/kg b.wt of MSG for 14 and 28 days respectively each, while Groups A₂ and B₂ were withdrawal groups for A₁ and B₁ which were sacrificed 14 days post-administration. At the end of the study periods, blood samples were analyzed for hematological parameters. Test results showed significant effect (p<0.05 compared to control) on the neutrophil and lymphocyte count which are indicative of a compromised immune status and poisoning in the treated animals. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values analyzed were all indicative of an anemic condition in the treated animals. These findings support that MSG despite its flavoring functions, is detrimental to health.

Key words: Monosodium glutamate, hematological parameters, neutrophil and lymphocyte count, RBC count, PCV, hemoglobin concentration, MCV, MCH, MCHC, immunity, anemia, automatic hematological assay analyzer.