Prolonged in vivo Stinging Nettle Treatment Impacts on Functional Capacity of Leukocytes in Immunologically Mature Chickens

Abstract

Objective:The experiment aimed at establishing the effects of an alcoholic Urtica dioica extract on the in vitro blastogenic response in antigen stimulated, immunologically mature chickens. Materials and Methods: Three equal groups (n=17) of 47 days old, Rock x Cornish chickens were subjected to oral administration of: a) 0.5 ml/chicken/ day of an alcoholic stinging nettle extract (I), b) 0.5 ml/chicken/day alcohol (II, solvent control), and c) 0.5 ml chicken/day water (III-environment control) for seven days. All birds were injected with 0.5 ml/bird of a 5% SRBC suspension (days 0 and 7). Leukocyte numbers (Burker Turk method) and their blastogenic capacity (blast transformation test) were monitored on days 0, 7 and 14. The specific response was evaluated against a SRBC lysate. Student's t-test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of the differences. Results and Discussion: The leukocyte numbers increased to from 18,083.33 ±4,879.81/mm 3 to 42,833.33±7,547.99/mm 3 by day 14. In vitro responses to C. officinalis and E. angustifolia decreased while SRBC response increased in the nettle treated group. Conclusion: The results did not validate the implemented protocol for the alcoholic stinging nettle treatment. Other administration routes, schemes or dosages should be tested to improve the functional capacity of the leukocytes.

The modulator role of Urtica dioica on deleterious effects of retinoic acid high doses on histological parameters and fertilization of rats

“…In this experimental work, we have assessed the ameliorative role of UD extract on oocyte maturation against deleterious effects of RA (in a high dosage, which causes side effects in oocyte cells). Positive effects of UD extract have been reported in several studies for controlling pro-inflammatory cytokine, immunologic response to stress, glucose transporters, and lipid peroxidation in different organs [ [27] , [28] , [29] ]. For example, Yıldızhan et al [ 30 ] investigated the UD protective effects on liver tissue injury and antioxidant capacity in irradiated rats, and revealed that UD extract reduces the radiation oxidative stress and degenerative changes of liver.…”