Genetic and Immunological Studies on Spleen of Heat-Stressed Rats and the Protective Role of Propolis - Abstract
Heat stress was shown to cause oxidative damage, which can lead to cytotoxicity; thus, we carried out this study to investigate the genetic and immunological effects caused by heat stress in male wistar rats.This study was
performed on 40 adult male albino rats, divided into four main groups; the first group A (10 rats) was left in a temperature controlled room (25±5°C). The second group B (10 rats), was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g (EEP) (Ethanolic extract 70% Dosic Imp. and Exp.Co., Ltd./China)/kg diet for 10 days, and the experimental group C (10 rats) was subjected to high temperature (40±1°C) for 12 hours and fed on a basal diet. In the same way, group D (10 rats) (EEP + heat stress) was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EEP/kg diet for 10 days then subjected to high temperature (40±1°C) for 12 hours. During the time course of heat exposure rectal temperature was monitored using thermometer unit reached to 40°C. After application of the heat stress protocol, hematological analsis, quantitative changes in nucleic acid and protein contents, level of heat shock protein 70, activity of superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation, serum IgG and IgM were determined.The results showed that exposure to heat stress significantly stimulated the process of lipid peroxidation in spleen cells of male rats. Further, it decreased total nucleic acid and protein contents and superoxide dismutase activities. In addition, it was observed that the level of IgG, IgM was decreased with appearance of leucopenia and lymphocytopenia.It was concluded that chronic heat exposure instigates oxidative stress, which can contribute to cellular dysfunction and immunological disturbance.