The effect of vitamin c on morphology and histology of liver and spleen of plasmodium - infected mice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of vitamin C on both liver and spleen morphology and histology after vitamin C consumption in Plasmodium-infected mice. Plasmodium yoelii 17X (lethal) strain was murine malaria we generated and ICR mice were used as a model. Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups; normal control (C), parasite infection only (P-only) and vitamin C consumption after parasite infection (P+VitC). After the mice died, livers and spleens were removed. Colors were noticed, weights and sizes were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin technique was performed and photos were taken. The colors of both livers and spleens were found similar between P-only and P+VitC mice. P+VitC mice livers and spleens showed no significant difference in weight if compared with C mice. P+VitC mice livers are also showed no significant difference in size if compared with C mice whereas P+VitC mice showed significant difference in bigger size than C mice in spleen. For histology, liver of C mice showed normal appearance whereas abnormal appearances and the finding of haemozoins were found in P-only and P-VitC livers. For spleen, normal white and red pulps were seen in P+VitC mice similar to the observation on C mice. However, hemozoins were still found in splenic sinusoids of P+VitC mice. In conclusion, taken the results together, it is likely that VitC alone does not completely help reducing the damages in both morphology and histology of liver and spleen. However, adding VitC as the supplement to other candidate drugs should be considered. © All Rights Reserved.