<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Baseline information on the morphological development of laboratory animals is very scanty. Hence the present study was undertaken to understand the morphological development of experimental animals.&nbsp; 
Methods: An experiment was conducted at Biogen animal facility, Bangalore in the year 2018 to study the morphological changes with regard to growth and developmental parameters in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats and body weight in guinea pigs. Ten Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats in advanced pregnancy of similar age groups and comparable litter sizes in the previous kindlings were selected for the experiment, where as five guinea pigs males and females each were selected with same age group. During the study period, litter weight and size at birth and at weaning, time of initiation and completion (full growth of hair) of hair growth, time of opening of eyes and ears recorded in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats whereas body weight at birth, 3rd day, 6th day, 9th day, 12th day and 15th were recorded in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs.&nbsp; 
Result: The results of Swiss albino mice indicated that the average litter weight (grams) and litter size at birth ranged from 1.39 and 7.50 respectively. The average time taken from initiation and full growth of hair covering on body was 7.50 to 15.30 days. Eyes and ears opened at 7.90 and 8.20 days respectively. Average weight of male and female recorded at weaning (25 days) 19.38 and 15.12 respectively and the litter size at the weaning was 9.70 whereas, livability percent was recorded 87.81 at the end of the trial. The results of Wistar rats indicated that the average litter weight (grams) and litter size at birth ranged from 5.07 and 11 respectively. The average time taken from initiation to full growth of hair covering on body was 9 to 16.20 days. Eyes and ears opened at 12.20 days, average weight (grams) of male and female recorded at weaning (25 days) 78.03 and 63.09 respectively. The litter size at the weaning was 9.70. The livability percent was recorded 88.02 at the end of the trial. The results of Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs indicated that the average body weight (grams) of female at birth, 3rd day, 6th day, 9th day, 12th day, 15th (Weaning period) ranged from 94.88, 109.34, 123.94, 139.74, 152.14 and 166.66, respectively. On the other hand, average body weight (grams) of male at birth, 3rd day, 6th day, 9th day, 12th day, 15th (Weaning period) ranged from 145.38, 155.42, 170.50, 185.54, 200.64 and 215.7, respectively.</div>

A Study on Morphological Growth and Development of Swiss Albino Mice, Wistar Rat and Dunkin Hartley Guinea Pigs

<div style="text-align: justify;">Sixty three weaned male Wistar albino rats (124.3&plusmn;3.1 g mean body weight) were divided into 9 treatment (T) groups following completely randomized design (CRD) and fed a common basal diet except for selenium (Se) source and levels. While in T1 (control), no Se was supplemented; in T2 and T3, 150 ppb Se was supplemented as nano Se and sodium selenite, respectively. The rats in T4, T5, T6 and T7 were supplemented nano Se at 75, 37.5, 18.75 and 9.375 ppb levels respectively. The rats in T8 and T9 were supplemented 300 ppb Se as nano Se and sodium selenite respectively. &nbsp;The experimental feeding lasted for a period of 13 weeks including a digestion trial of 5 days after 40 days of experimental feeding. The intake and digestibility of DM, OM, EE, CF, NFE and CP were similar (P&gt;0.05) among different treatment groups, however CP digestibility was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in T3 supplemented with 150 ppb nano Se. The intake and apparent absorption of Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P) were similar (P&gt;0.05) among the nine groups. The apparent Se absorption was significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher in T3 supplemented with 150 ppb nano Se. The average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher and feed: gain ratio was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lowered in T3 supplemented with 150 ppb nano Se. The results suggested that nano Se supplementation up to 300 ppb had no adverse effect on growth, nutrient intake and digestibility in male Wistar albino rats and nano Se supplementation at 150 ppb exerted a positive effect on growth, protein utilization and apparent selenium absorption in male Wistar albino rats.</div>

Effect of varied levels of selenium supplementation in nano form on growth, nutrient intake and digestibility in Wistar albino rats &nbsp;

<div>Background: Performing all the diagnostic tools before subjecting animals for designed experimental study is time consuming and economically not feasible. Furthermore, it may divert the researchers from original planned work to other areas. But these factors not acceptable to compromise in the assessment of effect of different regenerative agents, drugs and herbal preparation on liver. This is important to prevent any diversions in the actual results of the research due to the prior infection caused by Strobilocercus fasciolaris the lab animals. The study aimed to detect Strobilocercus fasciolaris infected Wistar albino rats using biochemical parameters as a diagnostic marker before subjecting the animals to any designed experimental study.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study mainly utilizes abdominal exploration, morphological examination of the larvae, histopathological examination of liver and finally the biochemical parameters changes in the concerned animal. 192 animals used for this study in that 32 had single to multiple cysts in the liver on abdominal exploration. Characteristic Strobilocercus larval morphology, histopathological alterations on liver and serological biomarkers was studied. 
 
Result: Our results showed that the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, gamma glutamyl transferase, blood urea nitrogen, and total protein can be used as indicators to measure the severity of Strobilocercus fasciolaris larva infection in rats.</div>

The Larval Stage of Taenia taeniaeformis in Wistar Albino Rats with an Illustration of Biochemical and Histopathological Changes

Background: Hepatotoxicity is an adverse complication in 5-Fluorouracil cancer treatment. Inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and DNA damage are essential in the pathogenesis of liver damage. The present study evaluated the ameliorative effect of Naringenin (NG) in 5-FU at two different intervals in hepatic damage. 
 
Methods: Total (n=48) Albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (N=12), Control-normal saline (group-1)&nbsp; per oral, 5-FU (group-2) @ 20 mg/kg b.wt was injected intraperitoneal (IP) for first 5 days, NG (group-3) @100 mg/kg b. wt/day orally for 28 days. Another group-4 was concurrently treated with NG along with 5-FU for 28 days and sacrificed on the 14th&nbsp;and 28th&nbsp;day of the experiment. 
 
Result: On exposure to 5-FU, biochemical variation of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP and TP) were significantly increased while NG treatment significantly reduced these biomarkers in group 2 on 14th&nbsp;day and 28th&nbsp;day of the experiment. Furthermore, NG treatment significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and increases the antioxidant profile. It also significantly reduced elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumour necrosis factor (TNF-&alpha;), interleukin -1&beta; (IL-1&beta;), interleukin-6 (IL-6) with increased concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10) along with reduced immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-&kappa;B) and Caspases -3 (Cas-3) by NG. On histopathology, pathological lesions were observed to support biochemical variations in group-2 rats. In group-4 rats, NG ameliorates liver enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative indices through an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic property. 
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Ameliorative Effect of Naringenin in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Hepatotoxicity: An Experimental Study on Albino Wistar Rats

<div>Background: Stress is a reflex reaction initiated by animals due to the inability to cope with a stressor, which may cause discomfort, illness, or sometimes death. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-cold stress potential of aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (fruit kernel) in Wistar albino rats.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Methods: Rats were divided into five different groups (n=6). Cold stress was induced by exposing rats to cold environments during peak winter for 4 h/day for the 10-day experimental period. Groups 1 and 2 kept as healthy and stress-induced groups respectively. Group 3 received the Withania somnifera (100 mg/kg body weight) as a standard adaptogen. The Group 4 and 5 received Z. armatum at a dose rate of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Haemato-biochemical, stress and hormonal profile of all the groups were analyzed. 
 
Result: A significant hyperglycemia was observed in a stress-induced group compared to the healthy group. Elevated lipid peroxidase (LPO) and declined superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were recorded in stress-induced group concerning the healthy group. Hormonal analysis exhibited significant hypercortisolism with significant reduction in thyroxine (T4) values in stress- induced group. However, levels of LPO, SOD and hormonal parameters were recovered towards normal levels in a group 5, receiving a extract of Z. armatum (500 mg/kg). The present study revealed the anti-cold stress potential of aqueous extract of Z. armatum (fruit kernel) at a dose rate of 500 mg per kg body weight in rats.</div>

Anti-cold Stress Effect of Aqueous Extract of Fruit Kernel of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. in Wistar Albino Rats

<div style="text-align: justify;">Study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Seabuckthorn leaf extract (SLE) supplementation on serum enzymatic levels in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups namely CON (negative control), SCO (Seabuckthorn control), DCO (Diabetic control), and DSL (Diabetic seabuckthorn treatment group). Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intra peritoneal injection of STZ @ 50 mg/kg body weight in DCO and DSL group of rats. SLE was administered orally @ 100mg/kg body weight for 40 days to SCO and DSL groups. CON served as the negative control. Blood samples were collected from experimental animals on zero, 20th, and 40th days of trial to study liver specific serum enzyme profile viz aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP). Significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher levels of all the enzymes studied were observed in experimentally induced diabetic rats in comparison to normal rats. However, in SLE treated diabetic rats (DSL group), significant (P&lt;0.01) improvement was observed in all the above enzymes. It may be concluded that SLE exerts hepatoprotective effect in STZ induce Diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats.</div>

Hepatoprotective effect of seabuckthorn leaf extract in streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats

Background: This study was intended to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of metformin and camel milk solely or in combination in streptozotocin- nicotinamide induced type II diabetic albino Wistar rats.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Thirty albino Wistar rats were induced with type II diabetes through streptozotocin (60 mg/kg), followed by the administration of nicotinamide (120 mg/kg) after 15 min. The rats were randomly divided into control, diabetic control, metformin-treated (100 mg/kg), camel milk-treated (50 ml/rat/day) and metformin + camel milk-treated groups for 30 days. For this study, rats with blood glucose levels higher than 250 mg/dL were included. Blood glucose levels and body weight were measured at the beginning of the study and at regular intervals throughout the experiment.Furthermore, histopathological examination of liver, kidney and pancreatic tissue was conducted to determine the effects of metformin and camel milk on these organs.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results showed that treatment with metformin, camel milk, or a combination of both significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved body weight compared to the diabetic control group. Morphological improvements were also observed in the histopathological examination of liver, kidney and pancreatic tissue. The results of this study are consistent with previous research showing the anti-diabetic effects of metformin and support the emerging role of alternative therapies such as camel milk. However, further research is needed to explore the potential mechanisms underlying the observed effects.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Metformin and Camel Milk on Streptozotocin-nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

<div>Background: Bio potency of trace elements is very important in animal growth and reproduction. Among the trace minerals, zinc is very important as it is required for many normal physiological functions. It also plays an essential role in testicular steroidogenesis androgen metabolism and interaction with steroid receptors. Testes have a strict zinc requirement and severe zinc deficiency compromises spermatogenesis, sperm viability, motility and fertility in human beings. Zinc depletion studies in mice resulted in oligospermia with poor Leydig cell function and lowered testosterone concentration and was reversed by zinc supplementation. But, relatively few studies have been conducted on male animal responses to supplementation of important mineral like zinc at their critical phase of growth and reproduction. The present investigation was taken up to study the effect of zinc supplementation in two different doses with a view to assess its implication in testicular and epididymal sperm morphology during growth period in Wistar rats. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted in 72 weaned Wistar male rats for a period of 8 weeks from 4 to 12 weeks of age, which were procured from Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, CSIR Laboratory, Jammu. The experimental rats were divided in to three groups as control: rats fed diet without zinc supplementation, T1 (treatment 1): rats fed diet containing zinc sulphate @ 50 mg/kg body weight/day and T2 (treatment 2): rats fed diet containing zinc sulphate @ 100 mg/kg body weight/day. They were provided standard pelleted ration and clean drinking water ad libitum and maintained under standard managemental conditions. On 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of experiment, the rats were sacrificed after induction of proper anaesthesia. The reproductive organs (testes and epididymidis) were collected from each rat and tissue pieces from testes and three parts of the epididymis viz. caput, corpus and cauda, were fixed separately in 10 per cent Neutral Buffered Formalin solution and processed for paraffin sections by alcohol- xylene method. Sections 5 &mu; thickness was stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin (Luna, 1968) for histological studies. 
 
Result: Elongated spermatids were seen in the seminiferous epithelium only in treatment (T1 and T2) groups at 6 weeks of age, not in the control rats. At 8 weeks of age, maximum number of spermatozoa were seen in the seminiferous tubular lumen in the T1 group as compared to T2 treatment group. At 10 weeks, spermatozoa were seen in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules in all the rats under study. The epididymis revealed no sperm pack in cauda epididymis in all group rats at 6 weeks of age. However, at 8 weeks of age, the sperm pack was seen in the lumen of the epididymal tubules of the cauda epididymis of T1 and T2 groups. The significant finding was that in T1 rats the sperm pack was very compact at 10 weeks in cauda epididymis as compared to T2 and control group rats.</div>

<div>Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Histomorphology of Testis and Epididymis in Male Wistar Rats</div>

<div>Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used class of drugs for treating inflammation and pain. &nbsp;Meloxicam has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is a commonly used NSAID in veterinary practice. The present study was done to evaluate effect of meloxicam on toxico-pathological and hematological parameters in Wistar rats. Eighteen Wistar rats were equally divided into three groups i.e. Group I, Group II and Group III. Group I (negative control) rats received only Normal saline (0.9%) @ 1ml/kg. Group II (Low dose) received meloxicam@ 4 mg/kg B.W. and Group III (High dose) rats received meloxicam@8 mg/kg B.W. orally by gavage for 28 days. Dose-dependent clinical signs and lesions were observed after meloxicam treatment. Kidneys and liver were severely hemorrhagic at the high dose, while intestine and stomach had ulcers and erosions. Hematological values were altered after 28 days of administration. Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin values were decreased and TLC count was significantly increased in both doses of meloxicam treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that meloxicam caused GIT lesions, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and variation in the hematological parameters at selected dose and duration.</div>

<div>Meloxicam induced toxicopathology studies in Wistar rats</div>

<div>Background: Citrullus colocynthis is a plant of the Cucurbitaceous family, native to arid soils. Coloquine is common in humid and moderately dry tropical regions in Algeria. The present study aims to evaluate the in vitro anti-free radical activity of C. colocynthis fruit extract on diabetic rats by the evaluation of the impact of these extracts on eight (08) blood parameters. 
 
Methods: Following a daily intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml of Alloxan to healthy Wistar Albinos rats (diabetes induction), intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kgp.c of cucurbitacin glycosides was carried out. The treatment effect was monitored by assessment of eight blood parameters.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg of cucurbitacins glycosides of C. colocynthis exhibited significant antidiabetic, anti-hyperureimia, anti-proteinemia, anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-hypercholesterolemia activity on Alloxan induced diabetic Wistar laboratory rats. These extracts also showed improvement in lipid, protein, creatinine and urea profile. In perspective more thorough investigations are required to unravel the process behind direct control of type II diabetes.</div>