Changes in Proteins, Transaminases Activity and Leucocyte Count during Nerium oleander Induced Toxicosis in Wistar Rats

This study aimed to find changes in white blood cell profile and liver functions in rats after sterile muscle abscess with Nerium oleander leaves decoction and to find out correlation among serum proteins resolved through SDS PAGE. 10ml/ kg of the leaves extract injected intramuscularly in Wistar rats (225g, n=4). Control animals were injected with saline injection. All the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed after 3, 6, 12 and 24h of induction. Blood of the control and experimental animals was drawn and processed for analysis. The administration of N. oleander induced an acute condition reflected by change in total and differential leucocyte count. Animals in 3, 6 and 24h groups displayed leucocytosis while leucopenia was observed in animals of 12h group. Serum transaminases activity reflected functional changes in liver functions. SDS-PAGE scrutinized variations in serum protein of experimental and control samples and fractions ranged between 52 to 154 KDa. At 6h, 12h and 24h time point, protein fractions of 85KDa or of similar molecular weight were present which seems to be Heptoglobin (86 KDa): a positive acute-phase protein.