Aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) administration alleviates high salt diet-induced changes in the aorta of adult Wistar rats: a morphological and morphometric study

Abstract

Objectives:This study was designed to determine the morphometric and histological changes of the wall of the thoracic aortain high salt-fed adult Wistar rats and the possible ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum). Methods: Twenty-five healthy female Wistar rats weighing 130-180 g were randomly assigned into five groups of five ratseach (Groups A, B, C, D and E). Rats in Group A were fed with standard laboratory pellets, while Groups B, C, D and E werefed on the high-salt diet for five weeks. Thereafter, daily administration of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of the garlic extract were giving orally to Groups C, D and E, respectively for 3 weeks while rats in Groups A and B were administereddistilled water. The thoracic part of descending aorta at the level of (T6-T7) was excised for histological studies. Paraffin sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and Verhoeff-Van Gieson stains. One-way ANOVA wasused to analyze data, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test for multiple comparisons. Results: High salt diet causes significant histomorphological changes on aorta of rats as evidenced by increase in tunica intima, media and adventitia of the aortic wall and decrease in luminal diameter; these findings were reversed by aqueous garlic extract administration. Conclusion:High salt diet increased the thickness of aortic wall and decreased luminal diameter which were significantlyreversed by oral administration of garlic extract