Aims: This study was designed to investigate the effect of Pear millet on glycaemic control and lipid profile in streptozocin diabetic rat model. Methodology: Forty healthy mature male rats were used in this study. The rats divided into 4 groups, ten rats in each and group (A) and (B) normal control rats while group (C) and (D) considered as diabetic rats. Diabetes induced by intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg streptozocin and confirmed by high blood glucose level which considered day 0. The experiment 1, included two groups (A and C), equal rats and the parameters investigated were measured in days 0, 14 and 28. The experiment 2 included two groups (B and D) were received 20% pearl millet and the blood samples were measured in days 0, 14 and 28. Results: The obtained results revealed significant (P<0.05) reduction in insulin and adiponectin (P<0.001) and elevation of blood glucose (P<0.001) in diabetic rats in group C, while significant (P<0.05) reductions in blood glucose, LDL levels and significant (P<0.05) elevation in adiponectin and HDL levels were detected in rats in group B and D.  Conclusions: The studies provide evidence that pearl millet induces hypoglycemic effect and improved lipidemic control in diabetic rats.

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on the physiological responses in rabbit model in early, mid and late gestation periods. Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed according to the complete randomized design. Fourteen (14) pregnant and non pregnant rabbits, 7 in each group, were used in this study. Pregnancy was ascertained by vaginal swabs taken after copulation by mature fertile male rabbits. Blood and serum constituents' responses were investigated at days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of gestation. Results: The obtained results revealed significant (P 0.05) increase in respiration rate (RR) in mid-gestation and in heart rate (HR) at late gestation. The packed cell volume (PVC), erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and total leukocyte count (TLC) were significantly (P 0.05) reduced in mid and late gestation. The serum levels of total protein decreased and cholesterol increased significantly (P 0.05) in early, mid and late gestation. The plasma osmolality decreased significantly (P 0.05) at mid gestation. Cortisol level increased significantly (P 0.05) during mid and late gestation. Conclusions: The study concluded that the pregnancy altered HR, hematological, serum parameters and cortisol level in pregnant rabbit model.

Background and Objectives: Haemorrhage is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity of mother and foetus. Pregnancy is associated with changes which may influence responses to bleeding. This study was designed to examine the influence of controlled haemorrhage and compare thermoregulation and haematological and biochemical parameters in pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits. Materials and Methods: Twelve pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits, 6 in each group, were used in the studies. Both groups of animals were subjected to 20% haemorrhage of total blood volume on gestation day 21. The rectal temperature (Tr), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) were monitored for 2 days following bleeding. Blood samples were collected at 24 hrs before induction of bleeding and then after bleeding at 30 min, 24 hrs and 48 hrs. The samples were used for measurements of haematological parameters; coagulation profile, arterial blood gases and serum electrolytes. Results: The general trend indicates lower Tr values in pregnant rabbits at 30 min post-haemorrhage. The values of RR and HR were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher in pregnant and nonpregnant animals at 24 hrs post-haemorrhage. The pregnant rabbits showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in platelets count at 24 hrs post-haemorrhage compared to the nonpregnant values. In pregnant rabbits, haemorrhage was associated with significant increase in PT. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was significantly (P≤ 0.01) prolonged at 24 hrs post-haemorrhage in pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) in pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits was significantly (P≤ 0.01) increased at 24hrs and 48 hrs post-haemorrhage. The partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) decreased significantly (P≤0.01) at 30 min post-haemorrhage in pregnant rabbits. There was a slight increase in Na and Ca levels in pregnant rabbits’ post-haemorrhage. Haemorrhage in rabbits was associated with significant decreases in plasma osmolality in pregnant rabbits. Conclusion: Pregnancy induces modifications in some physiological responses to haemorrhage. The information generated could be used in monitoring maternal health during pregnancy and risks of changes associated with haemorrhage in mammals.