Abstract

ABSTRACT


Introduction: Oxygen is considered the fuel that drives living organisms. A deprivation of oxygen as noticed in hypoxic conditions has been previously described as a precursor to diseases that may affect the lungs, blood, and other vital parts of the organism.


Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the effect of verapamil on blood and lung oxidative stress in mice subjected to hypoxia. Thirty mice were randomly allocated into five groups of six animals each (n=6). Group 1 served as non-stressed control, Group 2 was stressed control, both treated with 10 mL/kg vehicle p.o. Groups 3-5 received graded doses of verapamil (10, 20, 40 mg/kg, p.o) respectively. Throughout the 7-day treatment duration, mice in groups 2-5 were subjected to the hypoxia setup. Afterwards, haematological assays were carried out using blood obtained via ocular puncture and biochemical assays of the lungs were also carried out following euthanization of mice. Hypoxia was induced by locking each mouse in an airtight container (250 mL) for 20 min. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s Multiple Comparison post-hoc test.


Results: Hypoxia-induced stress significantly increased white blood cell counts while concurrently diminishing red blood cells, haemoglobin and blood volume. In the lungs, prooxidant levels were significantly elevated while antioxidant levels were diminished in hypoxic mice. Conversely, these effects were significantly attenuated by verapamil in a dose-dependent pattern.


Conclusion: Hypoxia interferes with the cellular functioning of blood and lungs and these interferences can be abrogated by verapamil.


 


Key-words: Hypoxia, Oxygen, Blood, Lungs, Respiration, Oxidative stress