Calabash Chalk's Geophagy Affects Gestating Rats' Behavior and the Histomorphology of the Cerebral Cortex

Abstract

Introduction.Calabash chalk contains heavy metals, and this lead to this study on the effect of this chalk on the behavior and the histomorphology of the cerebral cortex of gestating rats.Material & Methods.24 female rats were equally divided into 4 groups and were mated at preostrous with the males. The day after mating was designated as day 1 of gestation. On gestation days 7–20, groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 animals were treated with 1 mL of distilled water, and 1 mL (200 mg/kg), 2 mL (400 mg/kg), and 3 mL (600 mg/kg) of calabash chalk suspension, respectively. On pregnancy day 21, behavioral tests using the open field and the light/dark mazes were carried out and the animals subsequently euthanized and their brains were routinely processed.Results.There was no difference in ambulatory activities, but group 4 animals had more (P<0.05) transition frequency and were more averse to the dark in the light and dark field, while sections of the cerebral cortex showed a higher (P<0.05) cellular population, hypertrophied pyramidal cells, and vacuolations in the treatment groups.Conclusion.Calabash chalk may have anxiolytic effect especially at high dose in the light and dark field but not in the open field and can stimulate maternal cerebral cortical cellular changes.

Chronic consumption of calabash chalk diet impairs locomotor activities and social behaviour in Swiss white Cd-1 mice

“…In conclusion, consumption of calabash chalk diet impairs locomotion and social behavior in mice. The major components of the calabash chalk such as lead and arsenic cross the blood-brain barrier to cause different effects including neurotoxicity in different parts of the brain (Cleveland et al., 2008; Ekong et al., 2014). While not ruling out the effects of other metals and micro organisms contained in the calabash chalk, it is possible that neurobehavioural deficits observed in this present study may be associated with the neurotoxicity of lead and arsenic.…”

“…Research studies on calabash chalk revealed hepatic sinusoidal enlargements, gastrointestinal damaging and anaemic effects (Ekong et al., 2014). Lead and even arsenic constituents of calabash chalk have been reported to be associated with nervous and brain damages as well as learning and behavioural dysfunctions in animals and humans.…”

Gestational Geophagia Affects Nephrocardiac Integrity, ATP-Driven Proton Pumps, the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System, and F2-Isoprostane Status

“…The nonsalted clay beverage samples used for this study were purchased in large quantities from supermarkets at Ikenegbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The clay beverage was reduced to a fine powder using a manual grinder and dissolved in distilled water [ 15 ]. Due to its partial miscibility, the mixture was compulsorily stirred prior to oral gavage using a gastric tube.…”

“…Pregnant women cite ethnobotanical uses, such as intended amelioration of depression, early morning vomiting, nausea, and heartburn as the major predisposing factors to clay beverage consumption [ 12 ]. Some reports in the literature have associated clay beverage consumption to altered liver parenchyma and enlarged sinusoids, the lysis of erythrocytes, intestinal hemorrhage, bone demineralization, and gestational neurotoxicities [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Notwithstanding the paucity of information regarding the comprehensive biological effects of clay beverage, particularly during pregnancy, there are authoritative constraints with regard to dispelling or encouraging the practice of clay beverage consumption.…”

Histological studies on the effect of calabash chalk on the cerebellum of gestating Wistar rats

“…4 Reports show that it occurs with animals, as well as humans, in both sexes, and in all races; 5 in UK it is associated with immigrants from South Asia [6][7][8] and West African. 9,10 Geophagy, although often seen in rural or preindustrial settings among children and pregnant women 11 is not limited to any particular age or time. 12 Clay consumption has been reported to be associated with pregnancy, and some women eat clay to eliminate nausea.…”