Hepatic encephalopathy in swine experimentally poisoned with Senna occidentalis seeds: Effects on astrocytes.
Senna occidentalis, a plant that can be ingested accidentally by humans and animals, was studied in a pig model. Pigs were fed rations containing 5%, 7.5%, and 10% S. occidentalis seeds for 7-11 days. All treated pigs showed symptoms of hepatoencephalopathy, including incoordination, ataxia, and anorexia. Biochemical changes were also observed, such as increased enzyme levels and higher serum bilirubin and ammonia levels. Microscopic analysis showed acute hepatocellular swelling, necrosis in various organs, and damage to astrocytes in the brain. This pig model could be used to study poisoning by S. occidentalis and other conditions leading to hepatoencephalopathy.
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- PubMed:
- 34437876