HISTOMORPHOMETRIC STUDIES OF THE AORTA, PULMONARY TRUNK AND LEFT VENTRICLE OF STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC WISTAR RATS TREATED WITH MOMORDICA CHARANTIA EXTRACT

摘要

The present study investigated the effects of Momordica (M.) charantia on physical changes and on histomorphometry of the aorta, pulmonary trunk and left ventricle in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Physical changes and body weight were monitored throughout the experimental period. At the end of the experiment, stained sections were obtained for histomorphometry. Results showed a significant (p<0.05) difference in the mean body weight of the control and treated groups when compared with diabetic group. Also, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in myocardial thickness and tunics of the aorta and pulmonary trunk in diabetic animals compared to other groups and control. In conclusion, M. charantia exhibit cardiovascular protective potential possibly via its anti-atherogenic properties