Alleviation of Lead-Induced Immunotoxicity by Moringa oleifera in Albino Rats

The existing study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative influences of Moringa oleifera on several immune parameters in male rats subsequent to lead administration. Twenty eight adult male rats were randomly assigned equally into 4 groups; control group was given distilled water. Lead treated rats were administrated a dose of 44 mg of lead acetate/kg BW. Moringa group was treated with 50 mg/ kg BW of Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Lead and moringa treated group was given a dose of 44 mg/kg of lead acetate and 50 mg/ kg of moringa extract. Treatments were given orally by gavage tube for one month. By the termination of the experimental period, rats were immolated; spleen and thymus weights were recorded in addition to the collection of blood and tissue samples. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IF-γ), interlukin-2 (IL-2) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assayed in serum. Complete blood picture was evaluated for rats. Body weight gain was reduced significantly (P<0.05) in lead and moringa treated rats in comparison to control. A significant (P<0.05) increase in spleen weights was observed in lead and moringa co-administered group compared to moringa treated group. Lead administration produced higher (P<0.001) levels of TNF-α, IL-2 and IF-γ compared to that in other groups. In contrary, the level of TAC was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in lead treated rats. A significant (P<0.01) reduction in RBCs and low level of hemoglobin (P=0.07) were observed in lead-treated rats. Spleen of rats receiving lead showed widespread hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles in white pulp and hemosiderin pigment in red pulp. Thymus of rats receiving lead showed marked proliferation in the cortical region. Spleen and thymus of rats receiving lead showed a higher (P<0.01) immune reactivity for NF-κB and CD8+ parallel to that in other groups.  In conclusion, the administration of Moringa oleifera extract ameliorates the immunotoxicity induced by lead exposure in rats.