ANTI-NUTRITIONAL CONSTITUENT OF COLOCASIA ESCULENTA ...

C.2.2A.3
C.2.2.5
C.2.2.5.1
biochemistry (samples were allowed to clot before centrifuging). Collected blood
samples were sent to Ampath Pathology Laboratory in Richards Bay, South Africa
Serum samples were obtained by centrifuging the clotted blood samples at 3500 rpm
for five minutes (Ojiako and Nwanjo, 2006). The sera ofeach group were analysed for
aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), alkaline
phosphatase (ALP), glucose, triglyceride (TG), protein and cholesterol, using a Roche
Modular chemistry analyser. White blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts
ofthe EDTA-treated blood were determined by the standard specified method for using
an ADVIA 12012120.
Histology
Kidneys, lungs and intestines were collected and placed in lO per cent neutral buffered
formalin for histopathological evaluation. Fixation of tissues was then routinely
processed, embedded in paraffin wax and sectioned at 5 pm, according to standard
histological procedures. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) for
routine light mieroscopical histological examinations.
Measurement ofenzyme activities
Disaccharidases
Brush border maltase, lactase and sucrase activities in the small intestine were
determined, using the Dahlqvist method (1968). Disaccharidase activity was assayed by
measuring glucose liberated through respective disaccharide hydrolysis, using a glucose
oxidase-peroxide system. One unit of enzyme activity is defined as the amount of
enzyme hydrolyzing I lJ.IIlol ofthe disaccharide in one minute at 30° C.
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