Abstract:
Objective: To compare the bichemical and morphological effects of L -Arginine against the changes caused by butter
and corn oil supplementation
Study design: A prospective experimental study
Place: Department of Anatomy BMSI, JPMC
Duration: August to October 2008.
Methodology:Male Albino rats weighing 200 - 240gm were selected and divided into 5 groups. Group ‘CL’ received
standard laboratory diet. Group ‘Bu’ received 20% added unsalted butter in diet. Group ‘Co’ received 20% added corn
oil in diet. Group ‘BuAr’ received 20% Butter with L-Arginine 300mg /kg body weight /day orally .Group‘CoAr’
received 20%corn oil along with L-Arginine 300mg/kg body weight/day orally. On completion of study period that
is 4 weeks, animals were sacrifised. Blood was drawn for hormonal assays. Adrenal glands were removed and fixed
in buffered neutral formalin. Right adrenals were processed and sectioned at4 μm thickness to be stained with Mallory
trichrome stain to visualize blood vessel. Left adrenalswere sectioned with cryostat in 10μm sections and stained with
Oil red O to visualize fat in cells.
Results:Highly significant and moderately significant decrease observed in ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone)levels
in Group BuArand CoAr when compared to Bu and Co respectively; insignificant difference was found between
BuAr&CoAr. Moderately significant and significant decrease observed in corticosterone levels in Group BuAr and
CoAr when compared to Buand Co respectively. Insignificant difference was found between BuAr and CoAr . Mallory
trichrome stained section showed less dilated blood vessels in BuAr&CoAr compared to Bu & Co respectively, while
difference among the former two was not remarkable. Oil red O stained sections showed less densely packed fat
globules in group BuAr&CoAr compared to Bu and Co respectively. Difference between BuAr&CoAr was not marked.
Conclusion: Butter has more stimulatory effect on adrenal cortical cells but the comparison with corn oil is not
statistically significant except for ACTH levels. L Arginine seems to be effective in lowering the levels of stress hormones,
fat accumulation and vasodilatation when given along with corn oil and butter oil.
