EFFECT OF NEGRO PEPPER OIL EXTRACT ON CONNEXIN 43 LEVEL IN PREGNANT WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT

It has been documented in literature that sabinene, α-pinene constituent of nutmeg essential oil reduced Connexin 43 expression in mice model. This study examined the effect of negro pepper oil on connexin 43 expression during gestation period of the wistar rats. Experimental Design: 16 female rats weighing between 140 to 160 g purchased from the animal house Department of Anatomy were acclimatized to the laboratory condition for Two (2) weeks and then mated with male rats in the ratio of 2:1 overnight. Vaginal lavage smear was taken the following morning, the presence of spermatozoa in the smear was designated as pregnancy day Zero (0). Pregnant rats were grouped into two phases (Germinal and Embryonic) of four groups (A, B, C, D) of n=3 rats and was administered  the varying doses (0.25ml/kg, 0.5ml/kg, 1ml/kg) of negro pepper oil extract respectively for 7 days by means of an oral gastric tube. A day after the last administration, the rats were sacrificed with chloroform anesthesia and the uteri were isolated and homogenated in phosphate buffer solution and centrifuged in plain bottles by means of micro hematocrit centrifuge to obtain the supernatant which was used for the analysis of Connexin (CX) 43 level.  Results: in embryonic stage ther is significant increase in CX 43 level at 0.5 ml/Kg compared with control. Though there were no significant differences in CX 43 level at 0.25ml/Kg and 1.0ml/kg compared to control. But at the Germinal phase there was significant decrease in CX 43 level in 0.25ml/Kg, 0.5ml/Kg, compared with control, though there was no significant decrease in CX 43 at 1.0ml/Kg compared to control group of rats. Conclusion:. Oil extract of Negro Pepper significantly increased CX 43 level in pregnant rats at the 0.5ml/Kg dose of the extract compared to control in the embryonic phase while significantly decreasing CX 43 level at 0.25 ml/Kg and 0.5ml/Kg compared to control in the Germinal phase showing that the consumption of oil extract of Negro Pepper maybe harmful during pregnancy.