Abstract: The response of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in albino rats following oral administration of three Nigerian strains of Lactobacillus was investigated. Twenty albino rats weighing between 50g – 65g were grouped into five (groups BD, BM, BL1, BL2 and BL3) without bias. Three groups were orally dosed with the three strains of Lactobacillus each, while two groups received basal diet and sterile skimmed milk, respectively for six days. After which a post treatment period of ten days was allowed before blood samples were collected and analyzed for levels of ALP activity. The weights of the albino rats were also monitored throughout this period. Results indicated that groups BL1 and BL2 had higher levels of ALP activity than other groups, while the third test group (BL3) had the lowest level of ALP. Since the strains had been found toimprove liver function in a previous study, the findings of the present study may not connote liver dysfunction given the fact that albino rats in their bone-forming stage of growth always have increased levels of ALP. The rate of increase in weights of albino rats within groups BL1 and BL2 was also highest throughout the study period which supports this explanation. The conclusion is that the use of albino rats in their bone-forming stage of growth could mask the effect of these strains on ALP.
Keywords: Probiotics, Lactobacillus, Albino rats, Serum Alkaline Phosphatase.