Background
Free radicals and oxidative stress can be induced by a variety of factors, such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4). Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger ) has antioxidant, antitumoral, and antihepatotoxic activities.
Aim of the work
The present study was carried out to assess the possible role of ginger on CCl 4 -induced toxic effects on the pars distalis.
Materials and methods
Thirty adult male mice were used and divided into three groups (10 animals each). The first group (group I) was the control group. The second group (group II) received CCl 4 dissolved in an equal amount of paraffin oil at a dose of 0.2 ml/kg body weight by subcutaneous injection twice weekly for 4 weeks. The third group (group III) received CCl 4 in the same previous dose by subcutaneous injection concomitant with ginger at a dose of 1 ml of final aqueous extract of ginger (24 mg/ml) once a day by intragastric intubation for 4 weeks. The pituitary gland was dissected out and processed for examination by light and transmission electron microscopy.
Results
In CCl 4 -treated mice, most cells of the pars distalis showed many histological changes. Somatotrophs, thyrotrophs, and corticotrophs exhibited irregular nuclei, numerous vacuoles, and disrupted organelles. Binucleated somatotrophs were observed. The gonadotroph cells had dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and a few secretory granules. These cellular changes were found to be diminished by ginger.
Conclusion
It was concluded that exposure to CCl 4 induced a toxic effect on the pars distalis. Concomitant administration of ginger decreased the toxicity of CCl 4