Attenuation of the effect of lindane on immune responses and oxidative stress by Ocimum sanctum seed oil (OSSO) in rats.

Present study was done to evaluate the effect of Ocimum sanctum seed oil (OSSO) on the immunotoxicity and oxidative activity of lindane in rats. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 8) and were treated with lindane (10 mg/kg, po) and/or OSSO (1 mg/kg, po) during the study period. Humoral immunity was assessed by measuring haemagglutination titre to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) was assessed by measuring foot pad thickness. Lindane showed significant decrease in anti-SRBC antibody titre and also decreased percentage change in foot pad thickness in DTH response as compared to control group. OSSO per se produced significant increase in anti-SRBC antibody titre, but did not produce significant change in the foot pad thickness as compared to control group. However, it significantly antagonized the effect of lindane on the anti-SRBC antibody titre and foot pad thickness parameters. Lindane produced oxidative stress as indicated by increase in the levels of MDA and decrease in GSH levels. Treatment with OSSO per se showed antioxidant activity and also reversed the oxidative stress produced by lindane. The results suggest that OSSO can attenuate the immunotoxicity and oxidative stress produced by lindane.