Conclusion
The present study indicates that pre-treatment with EEP protects from hematotoxicity and neurological damage induced by high environmental temperature.
Methods
The experimental groups (10 rats each) were classified as follows; Group A; control, (C), was kept at a controlled room temperature (25±5 °C). Group B; ethanolic extract of propolis, (EEP), was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EEP/kg diet for 10 days. Group C; heat stress, (HS), was fed a basal diet for 10 days, and then exposed to high temperature (40±1 °C) for 12 hr. Group D; co-exposed, (EEP+HS) was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EEP/kg diet for 10 days, and then subjected to high temperature (40±1 °C) for 12 hr. At the end of the experimental period, animals were decapitated; blood and tissue samples (brain and spleen) were collected for hematological, biochemical, and histopathological examination.
Results
EEP at a dose of 3 g/kg diet has a potent protective effect against hematotoxicity and brain damage as well as oxidative stress induced by heat stress in rats.