Papers by Gasem Abu-Taweel
Swiss-Webster strain mice were administered 'lead' at the doses of 0.1 and 0.2%... more Swiss-Webster strain mice were administered 'lead' at the doses of 0.1 and 0.2% (w/v) in their drinking water. Treatment started from postnatal day I (PD1) after delivery until PD15. The mothers were then switched to plain tap water. The treated pups showed a decline in their body weight gain. Further, the opening of their eyes and appearance of their body hairs were also delayed. A gradual suppression in the development of the early sensory motor reflexes of the treated pups was also observed. Alterations in the levels of total acid and alkaline phosphatases in the liver, and acetylcholinesterase in the brain tissues were noticed in the developing treated offspring. The 'Tube Restraint Test' of the female offspring, showed alterations in their latency to first bite as well as the number of bites. Almost all behavioural indices of 'Locomotory Test' were significantly increased in the male treated offspring. The toxicity of lead is discussed in the light of the developmental stages of the offspring.
African Journal of …, 2011
Recently, there has been much controversy on the role of testosterone on social and aggression be... more Recently, there has been much controversy on the role of testosterone on social and aggression behaviors. This work aimed to determine the effect of testosterone decrease, induced by aluminum exposure on the level of aggression. Male Swiss-Webster strain mice were classified into three groups. The first (control group) received distilled water, while the second and third groups were administrated 300 and 600 mg/kg aluminum chloride, respectively, by oral route for 20 days. Thereafter, they were subjected to "standard opponent" test. A significant decrease in testosterone levels in the treated groups was obtained at both the low and high doses of aluminum. Expectedly, significant decreases were observed in the social contacts, threat, attack and number of fights of both treated groups in a dose dependant manner. All blood parameters revealed a dose dependent significant decrease as well. A significant decrease in both serotonin and dopamine levels was simultaneously obtained with the decrease of testosterone level especially at the high dose of aluminum. In contrast, at the high dose, acetylcholine recorded significantly high value. In conclusion, aluminum-induced testosterone decrease resulted in a significant decline in aggression, several blood parameters and levels of neurotransmitters.
ipac.kacst.edu.sa, 2008
Lead ( Pb ) was given to Swiss-Webster female mice at the concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2% ( w/v ) ... more Lead ( Pb ) was given to Swiss-Webster female mice at the concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2% ( w/v ) , containing 550 and 1100ppm of lead respectively, in their drinking water. Treatment started from day 1 of pregnancy until day 15 postnatally . Thereafter, the dams were switched to plain tap water. After the weaning period ( 21 days ), all male offspring were isolated (one animal per cage) for 14 days, and the isolated male offspring were subjected to "Standard Opponent" test at the age of 36 days . the results of this test showed a significant and dose-dependent increase in the non-social behaviour , whereas such results showed a significant decline in the social behaviour including naso-genital and naso-nasal contact, number of fights, rear, wall rear and displacement activities of the Pb exposed young adult male offspring. The present perinatal Pb effects in the male offspring are possibly via in utero exposure and/or via mother's milk .
Saudi Journal of Biological …, 2006
at the dose of 0.2% (w/v) containing 1100 ppm of Pb was given to female Swiss-Webster strain mice... more at the dose of 0.2% (w/v) containing 1100 ppm of Pb was given to female Swiss-Webster strain mice in their drinking water. Treatment started from the first day of pregnancy until the day of delivery. Thereafter, the dams were switched to plain tap water. The control as well as the treated mothers and offspring were cross-fostered on first day of delivery in a way that four groups were created, viz : control mothers v/s control pups (Cm-Cp); control mothers v/s treated pups (Cm-Lp); treated mothers v/s control pups (Lm-Cp) and treated mothers v/s treated pups (Lm-Lp). All cross-fostered offspring were subjected to various tests. The affected parameters were a decline in the body weight gain, delayed opening of the eyes and retarded development of the sensory motor reflexes in the pups throughout their postnatal developing weaning period. Alterations were noticed in the levels of acid and alkaline phosphatases in liver, and acetylcholinesterase in the brain tissues of the developing offspring. Significant increase in various parameters of 'locomotory test', and a significant decrease in attacking behaviour and alteration in the acts and postural behaviour in the 'Standard Opponent Test' was observed in the Pb exposed adult male offspring. The 'tube restraint test' showed a significant change in the latency to the first bite and in the number of target biting by the Pb exposed female offspring. Overall observations on behavioural and biochemical parameters showed a significant effect of Pb in the cross-fostered offspring in the order of Lm-Lp > Lm-Cp > Cm-Lp as compared to the control (Cm-Cp). The present Pb effects in cross-fostered offspring are possibly via in utero action and/or via mother's milk.
Pharmacology Biochemistry and …, 2011
Aluminum (Al) is a known neurotoxicant and circumstantial evidence has linked this metal with sev... more Aluminum (Al) is a known neurotoxicant and circumstantial evidence has linked this metal with several neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, but no causal relationship has yet been proved. Alinduced behavioral alterations as well as cognitive deficits and rodent brain neurotransmitter level, are well known in adults but the exact mechanism in the offspring of perinatally Al exposed dams is not yet understood properly and needs more attention. In the present study, the perinatal oral exposure of the dams to 300 and 600 mg/kg/day Al (aluminum chloride) resulted in significant and deleterious effects in the offspring inflicting a dose-dependent reduction in postnatal body weight gain, delays in opening of the eyes and appearance of body hair fuzz, and deficits in the sensory motor reflexes of the mice pups during weaning period (from the day of birth to postnatal day 21). During adolescent ages of the male offspring, a significant and dose-dependent deficit was also observed in their locomotor activity at postnatal day 22 (PD 22), learning capability (at PD 25), and cognitive behavior (at PD 30-36). Furthermore, a significant and dose-dependent disturbance in the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) was also observed in the forebrain region of the offspring at PD 7, PD 14, PD 21, PD 30, and PD 36. Thus, perinatal Al exposure, particularly during pregnancy and lactation period, can affect the in utero developing fetus and postnatal developing sucklings, raising the concerns that during a critical perinatal period of brain development, Al exposure has potential and long lasting neurotoxic hazards and might modify the properties of the dopaminergic system and thus can change the threshold of that system or other related systems at later ages. A reduced use of Al during pregnancy is of crucial importance in preventing Al-induced delayed neurotoxicity in the offspring.
Pakistan J Zool, 2012
Sepsis complications represent a systemic inflammatory response to microbial infection or severe ... more Sepsis complications represent a systemic inflammatory response to microbial infection or severe injury. This study aimed at determining the effects of septic complications in pregnant female mice on the development of their pups. To achieve this aim, pregnant Swiss mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) at a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight. Results revealed that bacterial endotoxin increased oxidative stress in both brain and liver tissue. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly elevated in both LPS-treated mothers and their pups. The anti-oxidant enzyme glutathione was significantly reduced in the LPS-treated mothers and their pups. Free radicals induced by endotoxemic stress mediated the pathological and behavioral complications in the pups born to LPS-treated mothers. Thus, obvious damage was observed in hepatic and intestinal tissues, which in turn led to decreased body weight gain and decrease general activity. Spleen sections from treated mothers and pups showed an increase in trabeculae, high leukocyte infiltration (especially neutrophils and immature megakaryocytes). In contrast, significant depletion of neutrophils was detected in peripheral blood. In addition, pups born to LPS-treated mothers showed significantly lower muscular grip strength than that recorded for pups born to control mothers. The active avoidance test indicated that LPS exposure was associated with learning and memory impairment in the pups. In conclusion, septic complications were actively transferred from endotoxin-treated mothers to developing pups, mediated by high oxidative stress. The oxidative stress, hepatic, ileal, splenic and developmental changes were the major determinants in both mothers and pups.
The present data indicate that status epilepticus (SE) induced in adult rats is associated with c... more The present data indicate that status epilepticus (SE) induced in adult rats is associated with cognitive dysfunctions and cerebral oxidative stress (OS). This has been demonstrated using lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pc) model of SE. OS occurring in hippocampus and striatum of mature brain following SE is apparently due to both the increased free radicals production and the limited antioxidant defense. Pronounced alterations were noticed in the enzymatic, glutathione-S transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as in the nonenzymatic; thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GST), indices of OS in the hippocampus and striatum of SE induced animals. Quinacrine (Qcn), proglumide (Pgm), and pentoxifylline (Ptx) administered to animals before inducing SE, were significantly effective in ameliorating the seizure activities, cognitive dysfunctions, and cerebral OS. The findings suggest that all the drugs were effective in the order of Ptx < Pgm < Qcn indicating that these drugs are potentially antiepileptic as well as antioxidant; however, further studies are needed to establish this fact. It can be assumed that these antiepileptic substances with antioxidant properties combined with conventional therapies might provide a beneficial effect in treatment of epilepsy through ameliorating the cerebral OS.
The present data indicate that status epilepticus (SE) induced in adult rats is associated with c... more The present data indicate that status epilepticus (SE) induced in adult rats is associated with cognitive dysfunctions and cerebral oxidative stress (OS). This has been demonstrated using lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pc) model of SE. OS occurring in hippocampus and striatum of mature brain following SE is apparently due to both the increased free radicals production and the limited antioxidant defense. Pronounced alterations were noticed in the enzymatic, glutathione-S transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as in the nonenzymatic; thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GST), indices of OS in the hippocampus and striatum of SE induced animals. Quinacrine (Qcn), proglumide (Pgm), and pentoxifylline (Ptx) administered to animals before inducing SE, were significantly effective in ameliorating the seizure activities, cognitive dysfunctions, and cerebral OS. The findings suggest that all the drugs were effective in the order of Ptx < Pgm < Qcn indicating that these drugs are potentially antiepileptic as well as antioxidant; however, further studies are needed to establish this fact. It can be assumed that these antiepileptic substances with antioxidant properties combined with conventional therapies might provide a beneficial effect in treatment of epilepsy through ameliorating the cerebral OS.
Cadmium (Cd) exposure can induce acute lethal health-related threats in humans since it
has an ex... more Cadmium (Cd) exposure can induce acute lethal health-related threats in humans since it
has an exceptional ability to accumulate in living organism tissues and cause toxicological effects.
Curcumin (Cur) on the other hand has a wide variety of biological activities and several studies have
suggested its potential therapeutic or protective effects against several ailments and infections.
To study the effect of Cur on the toxicity of Cd, Swiss–Webster strain male and female mice (sixty
each) were divided into 6 groups of ten each at random. Group-1 served as the naı¨ve control and
received no treatment. Group-2, 3 and 4 were the experimental controls and were administered once
a day with a single oral dose of 50% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Cur (300 mg/kg) or Cd
(100 mg/kg) respectively, for 2 weeks. Group-5 and 6 received Cur and Cd in combination once
a day orally for 2 weeks except that Cur in a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg to group 5 and 6 respectively,
was administered one hour before Cd administration to both groups.
After treatment period, the male animals were subjected to social standard opponent test and
females were subjected to the tube restraint tests and thereafter, their blood was collected to measure
the blood composition indices and level of reproductive hormones. The animals were sacrificed
to collect their brain for the estimation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
Results indicated that Cd significantly increased nonsocial activities in males and latency to first
bite in females, whereas the social activities in males and the number of bites in females were significantly
decreased. All measured indices of blood composition and levels of progesterone (female)
and testosterone (male) in blood and AChE in their brain tissues were significantly decreased due to
Cd treatment.
The present data indicate that status epilepticus (SE) induced in adult rats is associated with c... more The present data indicate that status epilepticus (SE) induced in adult rats is associated with cognitive dysfunctions and cerebral
oxidative stress (OS).This has been demonstrated using lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pc)model of SE. OS occurring in hippocampus and
striatum of mature brain following SE is apparently due to both the increased free radicals production and the limited antioxidant
defense. Pronounced alterations were noticed in the enzymatic, glutathione-S transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide
dismutase (SOD), as well as in the nonenzymatic; thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GST), indices of OS in the
hippocampus and striatum of SE induced animals. Quinacrine (Qcn), proglumide (Pgm), and pentoxifylline (Ptx) administered to
animals before inducing SE, were significantly effective in ameliorating the seizure activities, cognitive dysfunctions, and cerebral
OS. The findings suggest that all the drugs were effective in the order of Ptx < Pgm < Qcn indicating that these drugs are
potentially antiepileptic as well as antioxidant; however, further studies are needed to establish this fact. It can be assumed that
these antiepileptic substances with antioxidant properties combined with conventional therapies might provide a beneficial effect
in treatment of epilepsy through ameliorating the cerebral OS.
Aim : Lithium – pilocarpine (Li-Pc) - induced seizures in rodents serve as convenient animal mode... more Aim : Lithium – pilocarpine (Li-Pc) - induced seizures in rodents serve as convenient animal models to study the mechanisms of epileptogenesis particularly with reference to the development of status epilepticus (SE), memory retention, neurotransmitters and oxidative stress systems in the brain hippocampus which may be involved in the modulation of SE. In the present study, adult male mice were used to study the neuroprotective effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) against Li–Pc induced SE. Materials and Methods : All SE-induced animals were pre-treated with 0, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg PTX and were examined for all peripheral cholinergic signs, stereotyped and clonic movements, seizures, tremors, latency to and frequency of SE, and mortality if any within 24h. For assessing the memory retention capacity, the animals were subjected to shuttle-box test. Alterations in the oxidative stress indices like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and the monoamine levels of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) were determined in the hippocampus of the SE-induced animals. Results : Pre-treatment with PTX attenuated the severity and frequency of epileptic seizure activities and learning capabilities significantly and dose-dependently in the SE-induced animals. Animals sacrificed 24 h later after SE induction resulted into a significant depletion of the monoamines and oxidative stress in the hippocampus and PTX pre-treatment reversed this condition. Conclusion : It was concluded that PTX may be having neuroprotective effects through possible involvement of brain monoamines and oxidative stress as prophylactic/therapeutic potentials in seizure mechanisms against SE.
a b s t r a c t Keywords: Aspartame Monosodium glutamate Male mice Cognitive behavior Brain neuro... more a b s t r a c t Keywords: Aspartame Monosodium glutamate Male mice Cognitive behavior Brain neurotransmitters Brain oxidative stress
Four species of fish and one species of shrimp have been collected from Dammam -Qatif Coast, Arab... more Four species of fish and one species of shrimp have been collected from Dammam -Qatif Coast, Arabian Gulf, SA during winter and summer 2012. The highest concentrations of physical and chemical characteristics in water and sediment were obtained at sites 5, 6 and 7 as a result of waste water drainage. The average concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and As) in sediment (0.33, 0.42, 0.25, 0.16 and 0.031ppm) were higher than that recorded in water (0.23, 0.35, 0.0.12, 0.09 and 0.017 ppm), respectively during summer. Sites 6 and 7 showed the highest values of heavy metals, while sites 1, 2 and 3 recorded the lowest concentrations. Rhbdosargus haffara and Penaeus semisulcatus recorded the highest concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd and As (3.07, 0.92, 0.79 and 0.59), (2.66, 0.77, 0.65 and 1.67) ppm wet weight, respectively at site 7. Arsenic values in Penaeus semisulcatus increased at sites 5, 6 and 7. The bioaccumulation factor of heavy metals by fish and shrimp were duplicated 50-208 folds referring to water and sediment values.
Selenium is an essential element with a narrow margin between beneficial and toxic effects. The l... more Selenium is an essential element with a narrow margin between beneficial and toxic effects. The learning and sensory motor reflexes-changes were studied after the perinatal exposure of mice to acute toxic doses of sodium selenite. Atomic absorption as well as the behavioral observations were employed. Adult pregnant mice was assigned into three groups: the first group was remained as a control group; the second and the third groups were orally administrated sodium selenite at doses of 1 mg/Kg (1 ppm) and 4 mg/kg (4 ppm) of the diet, respectively started from the 7 th day of gestation to the 15 th day of birth. Results revealed that body weight gain came significantly lower in pups born to treated mothers than those of the control pups. The appearance of body hair and opening of eyes of the pups from treated mothers were delayed in a dose-dependent manner. Selenite also inhibited the sensory motor reflexes in all elements in a dose dependent manner. The active avoidance test indicated that selenite exposure was associated with learning impairment. Acetylcholine recorded a significant decrease in treated pups. Significant high concentrations of selenium in the brain, liver and kidney was detected, indicating active transfer of selenium from mothers during pregnancy and lactation periods.
at the dose of 0.2% (w/v) containing 1100 ppm of Pb was given to female Swiss-Webster strain mice... more at the dose of 0.2% (w/v) containing 1100 ppm of Pb was given to female Swiss-Webster strain mice in their drinking water. Treatment started from the first day of pregnancy until the day of delivery. Thereafter, the dams were switched to plain tap water. The control as well as the treated mothers and offspring were cross-fostered on first day of delivery in a way that four groups were created, viz : control mothers v/s control pups (Cm-Cp); control mothers v/s treated pups (Cm-Lp); treated mothers v/s control pups (Lm-Cp) and treated mothers v/s treated pups (Lm-Lp). All cross-fostered offspring were subjected to various tests. The affected parameters were a decline in the body weight gain, delayed opening of the eyes and retarded development of the sensory motor reflexes in the pups throughout their postnatal developing weaning period. Alterations were noticed in the levels of acid and alkaline phosphatases in liver, and acetylcholinesterase in the brain tissues of the developing offspring. Significant increase in various parameters of 'locomotory test', and a significant decrease in attacking behaviour and alteration in the acts and postural behaviour in the 'Standard Opponent Test' was observed in the Pb exposed adult male offspring. The 'tube restraint test' showed a significant change in the latency to the first bite and in the number of target biting by the Pb exposed female offspring. Overall observations on behavioural and biochemical parameters showed a significant effect of Pb in the cross-fostered offspring in the order of Lm-Lp > Lm-Cp > Cm-Lp as compared to the control (Cm-Cp). The present Pb effects in cross-fostered offspring are possibly via in utero action and/or via mother's milk.
Aluminum (Al) is a known neurotoxicant and circumstantial evidence has linked this metal with sev... more Aluminum (Al) is a known neurotoxicant and circumstantial evidence has linked this metal with several neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, but no causal relationship has yet been proved. Alinduced behavioral alterations as well as cognitive deficits and rodent brain neurotransmitter level, are well known in adults but the exact mechanism in the offspring of perinatally Al exposed dams is not yet understood properly and needs more attention. In the present study, the perinatal oral exposure of the dams to 300 and 600 mg/kg/day Al (aluminum chloride) resulted in significant and deleterious effects in the offspring inflicting a dose-dependent reduction in postnatal body weight gain, delays in opening of the eyes and appearance of body hair fuzz, and deficits in the sensory motor reflexes of the mice pups during weaning period (from the day of birth to postnatal day 21). During adolescent ages of the male offspring, a significant and dose-dependent deficit was also observed in their locomotor activity at postnatal day 22 (PD 22), learning capability (at PD 25), and cognitive behavior (at PD 30-36). Furthermore, a significant and dose-dependent disturbance in the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) was also observed in the forebrain region of the offspring at PD 7, PD 14, PD 21, PD 30, and PD 36. Thus, perinatal Al exposure, particularly during pregnancy and lactation period, can affect the in utero developing fetus and postnatal developing sucklings, raising the concerns that during a critical perinatal period of brain development, Al exposure has potential and long lasting neurotoxic hazards and might modify the properties of the dopaminergic system and thus can change the threshold of that system or other related systems at later ages. A reduced use of Al during pregnancy is of crucial importance in preventing Al-induced delayed neurotoxicity in the offspring.
Cadmium (Cd) exposure can induce acute lethal health-related threats to humans since it has an ex... more Cadmium (Cd) exposure can induce acute lethal health-related threats to humans since it has an exceptional ability to accumulate in living organisms and cause toxicological effects. Curcumin (Cur) on the other hand has a wide variety of biological activities and several animal studies have suggested for a potential therapeutic or preventive effects against several ailments and infections. To study the effect of Cur on the toxicity of Cd, sixty Swiss-Webster strain male mice were divided into 6 groups of ten each at random. Group-1 served as the naïve control and received no treatment. Group-2, 3 and 4 were the experimental controls and were administered once a day with a single oral dose of 50% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), Cur (300 mg/kg) or Cd (100 mg/kg) respectively, for 2 weeks. Group-5 and 6 received Cur and Cd in combination once a day orally for 2 weeks except that Cur in a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg to group 5 and 6 respectively, was administered one hour before Cd (100 mg/kg) administration to both groups. After treatment period, the animals were subjected to behavioral tests and thereafter, the animals were sacrificed for the estimation of neurotransmitters like serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and it's metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) as well as oxidative stress enzymes like lipid peroxides in the form of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and total glutathione (GSH) in the forebrain tissue. Cd reduced significantly the body weight gain, the locomotor activity, anxiety behavior in the plus maze and the learning capability (cognitive effect) in the shuttle-box test. Biochemical analysis further revealed that Cd exposure significantly altered the brain neurotransmitters and the oxidative stress enzymes. However, administration of Cur along with Cd had an ameliorating effect on all the behavioral and biochemical parameters studied herein and reduced the toxicity of Cd significantly and dose-dependently. Thus, Cur may be beneficial for anxiety, neuromuscular, and cognitive problems and protect from Cd intoxication.
This study aimed to investigate septic complications resulted in behavioral changes in mice offsp... more This study aimed to investigate septic complications resulted in behavioral changes in mice offspring. Pregnant Swiss female mice were intraperitonealy injected with the acute bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) at a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight at the 7th day of gestation. LPS increased the oxidative stress and decreased the anti-oxidant glutathione in the tissue of the LPS-treated mothers and pups. This might mediate the behavioral complications responses to the LPS in the pups born to LPS-treated mothers. The experiments indicated that LPS significantly reduced the locomotors activity of mice pups when compared with the saline-control mice. LPS was found to inhibit the sensory motor reflexes in all elements of acts and postures. Significant decreases were observed in the social contacts, threat, attack and number of fights of pups born to LPS-treated mothers. Highly distributed focal areas indicating many phagocytic activities with a marked depletion of lymphocytes was observed in section from thymus of pups born to LPS-treated mice, indicating an intense inflammation. In conclusion, prenatal LPS-induced inflammation enhanced the susceptibility to the development of neonatal systemic and behavioral disorders.
Sepsis complications represent a systemic inflammatory response to microbial infection or severe ... more Sepsis complications represent a systemic inflammatory response to microbial infection or severe injury. This study aimed at determining the effects of septic complications in pregnant female mice on the development of their pups. To achieve this aim, pregnant Swiss mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) at a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight. Results revealed that bacterial endotoxin increased oxidative stress in both brain and liver tissue. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly elevated in both LPS-treated mothers and their pups. The anti-oxidant enzyme glutathione was significantly reduced in the LPS-treated mothers and their pups. Free radicals induced by endotoxemic stress mediated the pathological and behavioral complications in the pups born to LPS-treated mothers. Thus, obvious damage was observed in hepatic and intestinal tissues, which in turn led to decreased body weight gain and decrease general activity. Spleen sections from treated mothers and pups showed an increase in trabeculae, high leukocyte infiltration (especially neutrophils and immature megakaryocytes). In contrast, significant depletion of neutrophils was detected in peripheral blood. In addition, pups born to LPS-treated mothers showed significantly lower muscular grip strength than that recorded for pups born to control mothers. The active avoidance test indicated that LPS exposure was associated with learning and memory impairment in the pups. In conclusion, septic complications were actively transferred from endotoxin-treated mothers to developing pups, mediated by high oxidative stress. The oxidative stress, hepatic, ileal, splenic and developmental changes were the major determinants in both mothers and pups.
Lithium (Li) was given to female Swiss-Webster strain mice at the doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg body w... more Lithium (Li) was given to female Swiss-Webster strain mice at the doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight in their drinking water. Treatment started from the first day of pregnancy until the postnatal day fifteen of delivery. Thereafter, the dams were switched to plain tap water. All offspring were subjected to various tests. The rate of body weight gain was relatively slower in Li exposed pups. Furthermore, the opening of eyes and appearance of body hairs in Li exposed pups were also slower as compared to the controls. The sensory motor reflexes in Li exposed pups were found to be affected in a dose-dependent manner. Significant relative changes were also noticed in the levels of acid and alkaline phosphatases in the liver, and acetylcholinesterase in the brain tissues of the Li exposed developing offspring in a dose-dependent manner. 'Locomotor Activity Test' was performed in the male offspring only which showed a significant suppressive effect on most of the elements of this test due to Li exposure. The present Li effects in the offspring are possibly via in utero action and/or via mother's milk.
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Papers by Gasem Abu-Taweel
has an exceptional ability to accumulate in living organism tissues and cause toxicological effects.
Curcumin (Cur) on the other hand has a wide variety of biological activities and several studies have
suggested its potential therapeutic or protective effects against several ailments and infections.
To study the effect of Cur on the toxicity of Cd, Swiss–Webster strain male and female mice (sixty
each) were divided into 6 groups of ten each at random. Group-1 served as the naı¨ve control and
received no treatment. Group-2, 3 and 4 were the experimental controls and were administered once
a day with a single oral dose of 50% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Cur (300 mg/kg) or Cd
(100 mg/kg) respectively, for 2 weeks. Group-5 and 6 received Cur and Cd in combination once
a day orally for 2 weeks except that Cur in a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg to group 5 and 6 respectively,
was administered one hour before Cd administration to both groups.
After treatment period, the male animals were subjected to social standard opponent test and
females were subjected to the tube restraint tests and thereafter, their blood was collected to measure
the blood composition indices and level of reproductive hormones. The animals were sacrificed
to collect their brain for the estimation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
Results indicated that Cd significantly increased nonsocial activities in males and latency to first
bite in females, whereas the social activities in males and the number of bites in females were significantly
decreased. All measured indices of blood composition and levels of progesterone (female)
and testosterone (male) in blood and AChE in their brain tissues were significantly decreased due to
Cd treatment.
oxidative stress (OS).This has been demonstrated using lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pc)model of SE. OS occurring in hippocampus and
striatum of mature brain following SE is apparently due to both the increased free radicals production and the limited antioxidant
defense. Pronounced alterations were noticed in the enzymatic, glutathione-S transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide
dismutase (SOD), as well as in the nonenzymatic; thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GST), indices of OS in the
hippocampus and striatum of SE induced animals. Quinacrine (Qcn), proglumide (Pgm), and pentoxifylline (Ptx) administered to
animals before inducing SE, were significantly effective in ameliorating the seizure activities, cognitive dysfunctions, and cerebral
OS. The findings suggest that all the drugs were effective in the order of Ptx < Pgm < Qcn indicating that these drugs are
potentially antiepileptic as well as antioxidant; however, further studies are needed to establish this fact. It can be assumed that
these antiepileptic substances with antioxidant properties combined with conventional therapies might provide a beneficial effect
in treatment of epilepsy through ameliorating the cerebral OS.
has an exceptional ability to accumulate in living organism tissues and cause toxicological effects.
Curcumin (Cur) on the other hand has a wide variety of biological activities and several studies have
suggested its potential therapeutic or protective effects against several ailments and infections.
To study the effect of Cur on the toxicity of Cd, Swiss–Webster strain male and female mice (sixty
each) were divided into 6 groups of ten each at random. Group-1 served as the naı¨ve control and
received no treatment. Group-2, 3 and 4 were the experimental controls and were administered once
a day with a single oral dose of 50% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Cur (300 mg/kg) or Cd
(100 mg/kg) respectively, for 2 weeks. Group-5 and 6 received Cur and Cd in combination once
a day orally for 2 weeks except that Cur in a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg to group 5 and 6 respectively,
was administered one hour before Cd administration to both groups.
After treatment period, the male animals were subjected to social standard opponent test and
females were subjected to the tube restraint tests and thereafter, their blood was collected to measure
the blood composition indices and level of reproductive hormones. The animals were sacrificed
to collect their brain for the estimation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
Results indicated that Cd significantly increased nonsocial activities in males and latency to first
bite in females, whereas the social activities in males and the number of bites in females were significantly
decreased. All measured indices of blood composition and levels of progesterone (female)
and testosterone (male) in blood and AChE in their brain tissues were significantly decreased due to
Cd treatment.
oxidative stress (OS).This has been demonstrated using lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pc)model of SE. OS occurring in hippocampus and
striatum of mature brain following SE is apparently due to both the increased free radicals production and the limited antioxidant
defense. Pronounced alterations were noticed in the enzymatic, glutathione-S transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide
dismutase (SOD), as well as in the nonenzymatic; thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GST), indices of OS in the
hippocampus and striatum of SE induced animals. Quinacrine (Qcn), proglumide (Pgm), and pentoxifylline (Ptx) administered to
animals before inducing SE, were significantly effective in ameliorating the seizure activities, cognitive dysfunctions, and cerebral
OS. The findings suggest that all the drugs were effective in the order of Ptx < Pgm < Qcn indicating that these drugs are
potentially antiepileptic as well as antioxidant; however, further studies are needed to establish this fact. It can be assumed that
these antiepileptic substances with antioxidant properties combined with conventional therapies might provide a beneficial effect
in treatment of epilepsy through ameliorating the cerebral OS.