Micro anatomical effects of aqueous cactus extract in the lungs of a diabetic Wistar rat

Opuntia stricta is a naturally occurring plant and is readily available in some parts of Zambia where it is used for its decorative nature and its fruits consumed. This present laboratory based study was carried out to assess some micro anatomical effects of aqueous cactus on the lungs of a diabetic Wistar rat. The male adult Wistar rats (30) weighing between 160-200 g were indiscriminately classified into five groups consisting of 6 Wistar rats namely: control, diabetic control, Diabetes+ Metformin, Diabetes+ cactus and cactus only groups. Diabetes was induced with Streptozotocin dose 70 mg/kg BW and sustained increase in blood glucose levels after 72 hours and treatment commenced with aqueous cactus extract and Metformin with 100 mg/kg body weight respectively and was administered orally for 4 weeks . Blood glucose levels (mmol/L) were monitored. After 4 weeks of treatment the animals were sacrificed by euthanasia, the lungs were excised, weighed and fixed in 10% formal saline. Data was analyzed using Excel and one way ANOVA. p<0.05 was considered significant. Change in body weight and relative organ weight of the Diabetic+ cactus and Diabetes + Metformin was significant when compared to diabetic group(p<0.05). Diabetic + cactus became normoglycemic at week 3 and diabetic+ Metformin at week 4. The histological examination of the lungs of the diabetic rats showed disruption in cytoarchitecture with necrotic pneumocyte. Diabetic + cactus and Diabetes + Metformin showed no disruption in their cytoarchitecture and both had healthy pneumocyte present. Cactus only was similar to control. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Cactus showed ameliorative effects on the lung of adult male Wistar rats against the damage caused by diabetes.