Protective Effects of Annona Squamosa on Cardiovascular Congenital Anomalies in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of aqueous leave extract of Annona squamosa on cardio vascular congenital anomalies in diabetic albino rats. Methods: It was a randomized control study, conducted in the Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences Lahore Pakistan, from May 2007 to 08. 18 adult albino pregnant rats with initial weight of 200 – 250 gm were randomly selected and divided into three groups; Group A served as control, whereas diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (45 mg / kg) on 8th gestational day in groups B and C. The diabetes was confirmed by checking blood glucose level from tail vein of the rats. Group C was additionally treated with the aqueous extract of Annona squamosa leaf (350 mg / kg / day) from 10th to 20th day of pregnancy. Fetuses were obtained by sacrificing the animals on 20th gestational day. Fetuses were euthanized, decapitated and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin; thoracic cavity was opened, heart and great vessels were observed thoroughly under stereomicroscope. Heart was removed and processed for histological examination; serial sections, 5 μm thick, were obtained, stained with H E and examined with the light microscope. The design and protocol of the study was approved by the ethical committee of the institute. Results: 18.2% fetuses from B group showed transposition of great vessels and atrial septal defect. Mean thickness of interventricular septum, in group B was significantly increased (881.0 ± 117.4 μ) as compared to that in groups A (487.7 ± 141.0 μ) and C (558.8 ± 86.4 μ, p 0.05) indicating marked septal hypertrophy. Valvular defects were also observed in fetuses from group B. Such anomalies were not discernable in group C fetuses. Conclusion: It is concluded that use of Annona squamosa leave extract alleviates diabetes induced cardiac malformations.