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Physiological Saline (physiological + saline)
Terms modified by Physiological Saline Selected AbstractsInduced ovulation of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) using a combination of a gonadotrop-releasing hormone analogue and domperidoneAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 8 2010Youji Wang Abstract The effects of an intraperitoneal hormone injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (D-Ala6, Pro9 -NEt GnRHa) alone or in combination with a dopamine antagonist, domperidone (DOM), on ovulation induction in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco were tested. The hormone treatments were as follows: 6 mg kg,1 body weight (BW) of carp pituitary extract as a positive control, GnRHa 10, 20, 40 and 80 ,g kg,1 BW and a combination of GnRHa and DOM as follows: 10 ,g+5 mg, 20 ,g+10 mg, 40 ,g+20 mg and 80 ,g+40 mg kg,1 BW. Physiological saline (0.7% NaCl) was used as a negative control. Significant differences in the ovulation ratio, latency period and ovulation index (OI) were observed among treatments (P<0.05). The combination of GnRHa and DOM at doses of 40 ,g+20 mg kg,1 BW had higher values of the ovulation ratio and OI, and a shorter latency period compared with other treatments. The highest OI in GnRHa treatments was only 56.67%, suggesting a dopaminergic tone on gonadotropin secretion in this fish at the pre-ovulatory stage. Therefore, ovulation can be successfully induced in yellow catfish with 40 ,g kg,1 GnRHa+20 mg kg,1 DOM without affecting the egg quality. [source] The lateral intercellular space as osmotic coupling compartment in isotonic transportACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009E. H. Larsen Abstract Solute-coupled water transport and isotonic transport are basic functions of low- and high-resistance epithelia. These functions are studied with the epithelium bathed on the two sides with physiological saline of similar composition. Hence, at transepithelial equilibrium water enters the epithelial cells from both sides, and with the reflection coefficient of tight junction being larger than that of the interspace basement membrane, all of the water leaves the epithelium through the interspace basement membrane. The common design of transporting epithelia leads to the theory that an osmotic coupling of water absorption to ion flow is energized by lateral Na+/K+ pumps. We show that the theory accounts quantitatively for steady- and time dependent states of solute-coupled fluid uptake by toad skin epithelium. Our experimental results exclude definitively three alternative theories of epithelial solute,water coupling: stoichiometric coupling at the molecular level by transport proteins like SGLT1, electro-osmosis and a ,junctional fluid transfer mechanism'. Convection-diffusion out of the lateral space constitutes the fundamental problem of isotonic transport by making the emerging fluid hypertonic relative to the fluid in the lateral intercellular space. In the Na+ recirculation theory the ,surplus of solutes' is returned to the lateral space via the cells energized by the lateral Na+/K+ pumps. We show that this theory accounts quantitatively for isotonic and hypotonic transport at transepithelial osmotic equilibrium as observed in toad skin epithelium in vitro. Our conclusions are further developed for discussing their application to solute,solvent coupling in other vertebrate epithelia such as small intestine, proximal tubule of glomerular kidney and gallbladder. Evidence is discussed that the Na+ recirculation theory is not irreconcilable with the wide range of metabolic cost of Na+ transport observed in fluid-transporting epithelia. [source] Examination of cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of AH26 and AH Plus sealersINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 5 2003I. Mileti Abstract Aim ,To study in vitro the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of AH26 and AH Plus. Methodology ,Cytotoxic effects on Chinese hamster V79 cells were determined by counting viable cells following incubation with eluations of AH26 and AH Plus. In one set of experiments, the materials were mixed, set for 1 h and then eluted with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) for 1 h, 24 h and 7 days. In the other set, AH26 and AH Plus were mixed and set for 1 h, 24 h and 7 days in physiological saline then crushed and eluted in DMSO for 24 h. The cytotoxic effects of these eluates were evaluated. Three concentrations were chosen to examine the mutagenic effects of AH26 and AH Plus: 5.57, 16.7 and 55.7 ,g mL,1. The structural chromosomal aberration analysis and micronucleus test were performed on human lymphocytes according to standard procedures. Results ,Dose,response curves of cell survival were obtained. Both materials were shown to be cytotoxic in doses larger than 55.7 ,g mL,1, except for AH26, after 7 days setting time. AH Plus was also shown to be toxic in concentrations of 16.7 ,g mL,1, except after 7 days setting time. Neither AH26 nor AH Plus induced a significant increase of chromosomal aberrations or micronuclei induction at any setting time or concentration. Conclusion ,There was no mutagenicity found for AH26 and AH Plus on human lymphocytes in highly controlled conditions in vitro. [source] In vitro change in mechanical strength of ,-tricalcium phosphate/copolymerized poly- L -lactide composites and their application for guided bone regenerationJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2002Masanori Kikuchi Abstract Novel composites of bioactive ,-tricalcium phosphate [Ca3(PO4)2] and biodegradable copolymerized poly- L -lactide (CPLA) were prepared by a heat-kneading method. The mechanical and chemical changes of the composites were evaluated in vitro by soaking in physiological saline and Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline. When soaked in physiological saline, the 3-point mechanical strength decreased rapidly from 60 to 30 MPa in the initial 4 weeks and then gradually reached a plateau; the initial decrease in the mechanical strength was ascribed to the dissolution of ,-tricalcium phosphate from the surface. The mechanical properties evident at 8,12 weeks were sufficient for the composites to be used as a biodegradable material for regeneration of bone because the hydrolysis of CPLA was inhibited in both physiological saline and phosphate-buffered saline as a result of a pH-buffering effect. Composite membranes 250-,m thick were used to regenerate large bone defects in beagle dogs: 10 × 10 × 10 mm3 in volume in the mandible and 20 mm in length in the tibia. The afflicted areas covered with the composite membranes were almost perfectly filled with new bone 12 weeks after the operation, whereas those covered with a CPLA membrane or without any membranes were invaded by soft tissue. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 265,272, 2002 [source] Thiomers in noninvasive polypeptide delivery: In vitro and in vivo characterization of a polycarbophil-cysteine/glutathione gel formulation for human growth hormoneJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 7 2004Verena M. Leitner Abstract This study was aimed at investigating the potential of a new polycarbophil-cysteine (PCP-Cys)/glutathione (GSH) gel formulation to enhance the permeation of the model drug human growth hormone (hGH) across nasal mucosa in vitro and in vivo. The aqueous nasal gel contained PCP-Cys, GSH, and hGH in a final concentration of 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.6% (m/v), respectively. In vitro permeation studies were performed in Ussing chambers on freshly excised bovine nasal mucosa using fluorescence-labeled dextran (molecular mass: 4.3 kDa; FD-4) and hGH (FITC-hGH). The release profile of FITC-hGH from the gel formulation and an unmodified PCP control formulation was determined. Furthermore, in vivo studies in rats were performed comparing the PCP-Cys/GSH/hGH gel with PCP/hGH control gel and physiological saline. The permeation of FD-4 and FITC-hGH across the nasal mucosa was improved two-fold and three-fold, respectively, in the presence of PCP-Cys/GSH. The PCP-Cys/GSH/hGH gel and the PCP/hGH control gel showed the same biphasic and matrix-controlled drug release. The nasal administration of the PCP-Cys/GSH/hGH gel formulation to rats resulted in a significantly increased and prolonged hGH plasma concentration,time profile versus unmodified PCP gel and physiological saline. According to these results, PCP-Cys gels might represent a promising new strategy for systemic nasal polypeptide delivery. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 93:1682,1691, 2004 [source] Synergistic Effects of Iontophoresis and Jet Injector Pretreatment on the In-vitro Skin Permeation of Diclofenac and Angiotensin IIJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 10 2000KENJI SUGIBAYASHI A non-needle syringe (jet injector) was utilized to increase skin permeation of drugs by iontophoresis. Briefly, physiological saline was initially flushed by the injector to make a pore in the stratum corneum of excised hairless rat skin, and the iontophoretic skin permeation of two model compounds, sodium diclofenac and angiotensin II, was followed using a 2-chamber diffusion cell. Constant voltage and constant current iontophoresis treatments were evaluated. Pretreatment using the jet injector alone resulted in about 13- and 22-fold increases in the steady-state flux of diclofenac and angiotensin II, respectively, through the skin, compared with non-treated controls. Jet injector pretreatment with constant voltage iontophoresis further enhanced skin permeation of diclofenac and angiotensin II, and the enhancement was also greater than that by constant voltage iontophoresis alone. Thus, a synergistic effect was observed. The ratio of enhancement was greater compared with the control. Jet injector pretreatment with constant current iontophoresis, however, did not always yield higher skin permeation of the drugs than injector pretreatment alone, although the lag time was shortened. The difference in the enhancement between the constant voltage- and constant current iontophoresis can be explained by the electric current through the excised skin. Constant current iontophoresis after a short period of constant voltage iontophoresis with multiple jet injector pretreatments may be the best way to increase drug permeability while preventing severe skin damage. [source] A Microdialysis Profile of Dynorphin A1,8 Release in the Rat Nucleus Accumbens Following Alcohol AdministrationALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2006Peter W. Marinelli Background: Pharmacological studies have implicated the endogenous opioid system in mediating alcohol intake. Other evidence has shown that alcohol administration can influence endorphinergic and enkephalinergic activity, while very few studies have examined its effect on dynorphinergic systems. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of alcohol administration or a mechanical stressor on extracellular levels of dynorphin A1,8 in the rat nucleus accumbens,a brain region that plays a significant role in the processes underlying reinforcement and stress. Methods: Male Sprague,Dawley rats were implanted with a microdialysis probe aimed at the shell region of the nucleus accumbens. Artificial cerebrospinal fluid was pumped at a rate of 1.5 ,L/min in awake and freely moving animals and the dialysate was collected at 30-minute intervals. In one experiment, following a baseline period, rats were injected intraperitoneally with either physiological saline or 1 of 3 doses of alcohol, 0.8, 1.6, or 3.2 g ethanol/kg body weight. In a second experiment, following a baseline period, rats were applied a clothespin to the base of their tail for 20 minutes. The levels of dynorphin A1,8 in the dialysate were analyzed with solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Results: Relative to saline-treated controls, an alcohol dose of 1.6 and 3.2 g/kg caused a transient increase in the extracellular levels of dynorphin A1,8 in the first 30 minutes of alcohol administration. However, the effect resulting from the high 3.2 g/kg dose was far more pronounced and more significant than with the moderate dose. There was no effect of tail pinch on dynorphin A1,8 levels in the nucleus accumbens. Conclusions: In this experiment, a very high dose of alcohol was especially capable of stimulating dynorphin A1,8 release in the nucleus accumbens. Dynorphin release in the accumbens has been previously associated with aversive stimuli and may thus reflect a system underlying the aversive properties of high-dose alcohol administration. However, the lack of effect of tail-pinch stress in the present study suggests that dynorphin A1,8 is not released in response to all forms of stressful/aversive stimuli. [source] Pituitary luteinizing hormone responses to single doses of exogenous GnRH in female social Cape ground squirrels exhibiting low reproductive skewJOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, Issue 1 2007T. P. Jackson Abstract The Cape ground squirrel Xerus inauris is unusual among social mammals as it exhibits a low reproductive skew, being a facultative plural breeder with not all females breeding within a group. We investigated pituitary function to assess whether there was reproductive inhibition at the level of the pituitary and potentially the hypothalamus in breeding and non-breeding female Cape ground squirrels. We did so during the summer and winter periods by measuring luteinizing hormone (LH) responses to single doses of 2 g exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and physiological saline administered to 42 females from 11 colonies. Basal LH concentrations of females increased in response to the GnRH challenge. Basal plasma LH concentrations were greater during winter, when most oestrus events are observed. However, we found no differences in plasma LH concentrations between breeding and non-breeding females. We showed that the anterior pituitary of non-breeding female ground squirrels is no less sensitive to exogenously administered GnRH than that of breeding females. We therefore concluded that the pituitary is no more active in breeding than non-breeding females. The lack of differentiation in response to GnRH suggests that either non-breeding females have ovaries that are less sensitive to LH or that they refrain from sexual activity with males through an alternative mechanism of self-restraint. [source] Synthesis and Properties of a Superabsorbent Polymer Prepared by Copolymerization of Sodium Acrylate with Sodium 1-(Acryloyloxy)propan-2-yl PhosphateMACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2007Zhenbin Chen Abstract A novel monomer, 1-(acryloyloxy)propan-2-yl phosphoryl dichloride, was synthesized and characterized in this work. Thereafter, the monomer was neutralized with sodium hydroxide and copolymerized with sodium acrylate to obtain a superabsorbent polymer. The superabsorbent polymer was then modified to improve its swelling properties (i.e., the water absorbency under load, the hydrogel strength, the resilience and the dispersion). Both single factor and orthogonal design experiments were adopted to obtain optimal conditions. The superabsorbent polymer prepared under the optimal conditions showed improved water absorbency in physiological saline [17 g,·,g,1 under load (P,=,2,×,103 Pa) and 65 g,·,g,1 at atmospheric pressure] and other swelling properties, such as hydrogel strength, resilience and dispersion, also improved. [source] Blood Flow in Snake Infrared Organs: Response-Induced Changes in Individual VesselsMICROCIRCULATION, Issue 2 2007RICHARD C. GORIS ABSTRACT Objective: In the past the microkinetics of blood flow in the infrared pit organs of pit vipers has been studied with Doppler flowmetry using various infrared stimuli such as a human hand or soldering iron at various distances, lasers of various wavelengths, etc. Quick-acting variations in blood flow were recorded, and interpreted as a cooling mechanism for avoiding afterimage in the infrared receptors. However, the Doppler measurements provided only the summation of blood flow in a number of vessels covered by the sensing probe, but did not give data on flow in individual vessels. Methods: In the present work the authors introduced into the bloodstream of Gloydius and Trimeresurus pit vipers fluorescent microspheres labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) contained in a solution of FITC-dextran in physiological saline. They observed the passage of the microspheres through individual pit organ vessels with a fluorescent microscope to which was attached a high-speed video camera and image intensifier. Output of the camera was recorded before, during, and after stimulus with a 810-nm diode laser. Recording was done at 250 frames/s on high-speed video apparatus and downloaded to a hard disk. Disk files were loaded into proprietary software and particles were tracked and average velocities calculated. The data were then tested for significance by ANOVA with post hoc tests. Results: A significant (p < .05) increase in blood velocity was found at the focal point of the stimulus laser, but not anywhere removed from this point. Proximal severing of the pit sensory nerves caused degeneration of the pit receptor terminals and abolished stimulus-induced blood flow changes, but did not affect normal blood flow. Conclusions: The authors conclude that the receptors themselves are directly and locally controlling the smooth muscle elements of the blood vessels, in response to heating of the receptors by infrared radiation. They speculate that the heavy vascularization constitutes a cooling system for the radiation-encoding receptors, and further that the agent of control may be a volatile neuromediator such as nitric oxide. [source] Effects of L-arginine and L-carnitine in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced intestinal injuryPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005Ceyda Kabaroglu Abstract,Background:,This study was designed to show the role of oxidative stress, nitric oxide and glutathione-related antioxidant enzymes in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced intestinal injury model in mice and to evaluate the potential benefits of arginine and carnitine supplementation. Methods:,A total of 28 young Balb/c mice were divided into four groups: Group 1 (untreated) was given physiological saline before the experiment; group 2 H/R mice were supplemented with L-arginine; group 3 H/R mice were given L-carnitine for 7 days; and group 4 mice served as controls. At the end of day 7, H/R injury was induced and intestinal tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrate levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were measured. Results:,MDA levels were higher in the untreated animals than in the other three groups. MDA levels were higher in the L-arginine-treated animals than in the L-carnitine-treated animals. Nitrate levels were found to be increased in the L-arginine-treated group when compared to the controls. GSH-Px and GR activities were increased in the untreated, the L-arginine and the L-carnitine-treated H/R groups when compared to the control group. GST activities were indifferent between the groups. Conclusions:,Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of H/R-induced intestinal injury. The glutathione redox cycle may have a crucial role in the H/R-induced intestinal injury. L-arginine and L-carnitine supplementations ameliorate the histological evidence of H/R-induced intestinal injury and decrease lipid peroxidation but do not alter the glutathione-related antioxidant enzyme activities. [source] Panax notoginseng (Burk.) effects on fibrinogen and lipid plasma level in rats fed on a high-fat dietPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003A. F. G. Cicero Abstract Several studies have shown that notoginsenoides improve diastolic function in hypertensive subjects, induce the fibrinolytic system in in vitro models and act as antiproliferative agents on vessel leiomyocytes. Our aim was to evaluate their effect on fibrinogen and lipid plasma levels compared with a well-known HMGCoA reductase inhibitor. Seventy Wistar male adult rats on a fat-enriched diet were treated orally with P. notoginseng pulverized root (43,mg/kg/day or 86,mg/kg/day; 20 animals per group), fluvastatin (3,mg/kg/day; 20 animals) or physiological saline (5,mL/kg/day; 10 animals). The ten rats on a normocaloric diet were also treated with 5,mL/kg/day of physiological saline. After a 28-day treatment, the rats were killed and their blood analysed with standard procedures. Treatment with 43,mg/kg/day of P. notoginseng or 3,mg/kg/day of fluvastatin showed similar activity in decreasing total cholesterol (,23.70%, ,19.29%, respectively) and triglycerides (,21.59%, ,18.55%). The most evident effect of P. notoginseng was the reduction of fibrinogenaemia in treated rats compared with the control values (,38.10%; p,<,0.001), no dose-relationship being shown in this effect. Moreover, no significant variation in HDL cholesterol and glucose levels was observed nor did relevant behavioural changes occur in association with the root intake. Besides a moderate, non dose-related decrease in the plasma lipid levels, P. notoginseng appeared to induce a significant reduction in the rat fibrinogenaemia. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Effect of Testosterone on Gastrocnemius Muscle Fibres in Growing and Adult Male and Female Rats: A Histochemical, Morphometric and Ultrastructural Study,ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2 2003. Üstünel Summary In this study, the effect of testosterone on gastrocnemius muscle fibres in growing and adult rats (male and female) was examined using histochemical, morphometric and ultrastructural techniques. After physiological saline (PS), olive oil (OvO) or olive oil + testosterone (OvOT) injections on 72 rats (growing and mature, 36 male and 36 female), the sample tissues of fibre types of the gastrocnemius muscle taken were examined by histochemical [alkaline adenosine triphosphatase (alk-ATPase), acid ATPase (ac-ATPase)], morphometric and ultrastructural techniques. In PS-injected control groups, the gastrocnemius muscle of both sexes contained all the fibre types studied [slow-oxidative muscle fibres (type I), fast-oxidative glycolytic muscle fibres (type IIA) and fast-glycolytic muscle fibres (type IIB)]. The type I fibres had the smallest diameter, type IIA had a medium diameter and type IIB fibres had the largest diameter. In OvO-injected groups, it was observed that the OvO had little effect on the gastrocnemius muscles of either sex, although there was significant enlargement of type IIB fibres. After the injection of OvOT, hypertrophy of muscle fibres was determined by morphometric study. The biggest increase in diameter was on type I fibres. In addition, degenerations on some mitochondria, accumulation of lipid droplets on type I and type II fibres, an increase in glycogen particles, bifurcation of myofibrils, an increase in the number and diameter of units resembling T tubules and an increase in ribosomal content were also observed in the same group by transmission electron microscope. Consequently, it was determined that testosterone can induce protein synthesis in gastrocnemius muscle fibres, and induces changes in shape and size, and also can change the appearance and the number of fibres. [source] Antioxidant enzyme activity and MDA level in the rat testis following chronic administration of ghrelinANDROLOGIA, Issue 6 2009A. Kheradmand Summary Ghrelin has recently been reported to exert beneficial effects on various oxidative stresses as a result of its antioxidant properties. Therefore, we designed this study to explore the probable antioxidative effects of this peptide in the testis. Twenty-eight male adult Wistar rats were divided into equal control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, 1 nmol of ghrelin was administered as subcutaneous injection for 10 consecutive days or vehicle (physiological saline) to the control rats. The control and treated rats were killed on days 6 and 10 after beginning of ghrelin injection (n = 7 from each group on each day). The testes were taken and measured for antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Glutathione peroxidase activity significantly increased on day 10 in the treated animals compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Although the mean activity of glutathione peroxidase was greater on day 6 in the ghrelin-treated group than in the control animals, it was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities between the groups. However, MDA level decreased by ghrelin treatment on day 10 compared with the control rats (P < 0.05). The results of this study indicate for the first time novel evidences for antioxidant properties of ghrelin in the rat testis. [source] The effect of experimental inhibition of gastric acid secretion on curd formation in abomasum and weight gain of calvesANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2010Keiji OKADA ABSTRACT Eight Holstein bull calves were divided into two groups; a non-treated control group and a famotidine treated group. Fresh milk was fed twice a day. The experiment was conducted between 7 and 14 days of age. During the experimental period the control group was injected with physiological saline, and the famotidine group was injected with famotidine, a histamine-H2-receptor blocker, into the jugular vein 30 minutes prior to each feeding. The control group showed maximum curd formation 2 h after feeding at both 7 and 14 days of age. Curd scores of 7-day-old and 14-day-old calves were significantly lower in the famotidine than in the control group at 2 and 4 h after feeding. Most fecal samples from the famotidine group exhibited an acidic smell. The famotidine group showed significantly lower values for both average weight gain and the rate of weight gain from 7 to 14 days of age. The inhibition of gastric acid secretion decreased curd formation in the abomasum as well as daily weight gain compared to non-treated control calves. This suggested that curd formation in the abomasum is important for the weight gain of newborn calves. [source] Effects of active immunization against myostatin on carcass quality and expression of the myostatin gene in pigsANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2009Ding-biao LONG ABSTRACT The study was conducted to investigate the effects of active immunization against myostatin on the titer of myostatin antibody, carcass evaluation, activity of creatine kinase and the expression of the myostatin gene in pigs. Eighteen pigs were allotted into three groups (six pigs per group), and pigs in treatment 1, 2 and 3 were immunized with physiological saline, 1 mg or 4 mg myostatin per pig, respectively. Six pigs were killed by electrical stunning followed by exsanguination at BW of 100 kg. The results indicated that the titer of myostatin antibody was increased in treated groups compared to the control group on day 42 (P < 0.01) and d 84 (P < 0.01). The carcass lean percentage was significantly increased in the treatment groups compared to the control group (P < 0.01), and intramuscular fat was significantly decreased in the 4 mg group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The muscle creatine kinase activity of pigs treated with 1 mg and 4 mg myostatin was lower than the control group. The immunization of myostatin signofocantly decreased the myostatin gene expression levels in muscle. It was concluded that optimal active immunization against myostatin could increase the content of myostatin antibody, suppress the activity of creatine kinase and the expression of myostatin gene, and therefore improve the carcass lean percentage for pigs. [source] Lycopene, a Carotenoid, Attenuates Cyclosporine-Induced Renal Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in RatsBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Ahmet Ate, ahin Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received physiological saline; animals in the lycopene group received only lycopene (10 mg/kg); animals in the cyclosporine A group received only cyclosporine A (15 mg/kg) and animals in cyclosporine plus lycopene group received cyclosporine and lycopene for 21 days. The effects of lycopene on cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity were evaluated by plasma creatinine, urea, sodium and calcium concentrations; kidney tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive species, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase activities and histopatological examinations. Administration of cyclosporine A to rats induced a marked renal failure, characterized with a significant increase in plasma creatinine and urea concentrations. Cyclosporine A also induced oxidative stress as indicated by increased kidney tissue concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive species and GSH, and reduced activities of GSH-Px and catalase. Moreover, the kidneys of cyclosporine A-treated rats showed tubular necrosis, degeneration, dilatation, thickened basement membranes, luminal cast formation and inter-tubular fibrosis. Lycopene markedly reduced elevated plasma creatinine, urea levels and counteracted the deleterious effects of cyclosporine A on oxidative stress markers. In addition, lycopene ameliorated cyclosporine A-induced pathological changes including tubular necrosis, degeneration, thickened basement membranes and inter-tubular fibrosis when compared to the alone cyclosporine A group. These data indicate that the natural antioxidant lycopene might have protective effect against cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat. [source] Folinic acid protects against suppression of growth by Methotrexate in miceBIOPHARMACEUTICS AND DRUG DISPOSITION, Issue 4 2001M. Perwaiz Iqbal Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate whether folinic acid supplementation would protect young mice against suppression of growth by methotrexate (MTX). Four equal groups of Balb/c young male mice (5 animals in each group; mean±SD body weight 9.64±0.85 g, in their rapid growth phase) were subjected to the following drug treatment: One group was given MTX (3.5 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally on every 2nd day, another received folinic acid (7.0 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally every 2nd day. The third group was given both of these drugs (MTX on every 2nd day and folinic acid 8 h post-MTX injection). The fourth group was injected with physiological saline every other day to serve as a control group. Total body weight, food and water consumption by animals in each group were monitored every second day for a period of 3 weeks. After this period mice were sacrificed and liver, spleen and kidneys were excised, weighed and analyzed for MTX and dihydrofolate reductase activity. A small segment of the proximal part of small intestine and small pieces of liver and kidney were also removed to study morphological changes. Compared to the groups, which received folinic acid alone, folinic acid plus MTX or physiological saline, mean increase in body weight (6.8±0.8 g) of mice over a period of 3 weeks was minimal in the group receiving MTX alone (one-way ANOVA p=0.0001). The mean weights of liver and kidney in this group receiving MTX alone were also found to be significantly less than the mean weights of these organs in the 3 groups (p<0.001). The negative effect on growth of animals appears not only due to malabsorption but inhibition of pathway of de novo DNA synthesis may also be involved. This is supported by loss of villous pattern in small intestine of mice treated with MTX alone and increased accumulation of free MTX and decreased dihydrofolate reductase in the liver of the group receiving MTX alone as compared with the group receiving MTX plus folinic acid. The data indicate that the administration of folinic acid protects mice against suppression of growth by MTX. On the basis of these observations it can be deduced that patients suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia receiving MTX over a long period of time might be at a risk of experiencing short-term suppression of growth, however they could benefit from supplementation with folinic acid. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Aplasia cutis congenita with skull defect in a monozygotic twin after exposure to methimazole in uteroBIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH, Issue 10 2007Hideyuki Iwayama Abstract BACKGROUND: Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a condition in which localized or widespread areas of skin are absent at birth. Defective lesions show complete absence of all layers of skin, occasionally extending to skull or dura. ACC is etiologically heterogeneous; many different etiologies including teratogens have been documented. CASE: We describe the first reported case of a monozygotic twin with ACC after exposure to methimazole in utero. The female patient was born at 36 weeks gestation as the first child of monozygotic twins. The mother received methimazole between the 11th and 17th weeks of pregnancy because of transient hyperthyroidism. The second child did not have ACC. The patient had defects of the scalp, skull, and dura (7 × 5 cm) on the sagittal line of the parieto-occipital region. No other malformations were noted. The scalp defect has been treated daily with sterile physiological saline and petrolatum dressing in addition to intravenous antibiotics. Trafermin, a recombinant human fibroblast growth factor, was sprayed from day 6 to promote epithelialization of the scalp defect. On day 21, she had high fever due to infection of the defect lesion, which was controlled by povidone iodine dressing and intravenous antibiotics. The defect of the scalp was well healed after 6 weeks, but the skull defect remained unclosed. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a rare case of a monozygotic twin with ACC and skull defect after methimazole exposure in utero. The findings of our case suggest that methimazole is a potential teratogen of ACC. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Donitriptan, but not sumatriptan, inhibits capsaicin-induced canine external carotid vasodilatation via 5-HT1B rather than 5-HT1D receptorsBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2006E Muñoz-Islas Background and purpose: It has been suggested that during a migraine attack capsaicin-sensitive trigeminal sensory nerves release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), resulting in cranial vasodilatation and central nociception; hence, trigeminal inhibition may prevent this vasodilatation and abort migraine headache. This study investigated the effects of the agonists sumatriptan (5-HT1B/1D water-soluble), donitriptan (5-HT1B/1D lipid-soluble), PNU-142633 (5-HT1D water-soluble) and PNU-109291 (5-HT1D lipid-soluble) on vasodilator responses to capsaicin, , -CGRP and acetylcholine in dog external carotid artery. Experimental approach: 59 vagosympathectomized dogs were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded with a pressure transducer, connected to a cannula inserted into a femoral artery. A precalibrated flow probe was placed around the common carotid artery, with ligation of the internal carotid and occipital branches, and connected to an ultrasonic flowmeter. The thyroid artery was cannulated for infusion of agonists. Key results: Intracarotid infusions of capsaicin, , -CGRP and acetylcholine dose-dependently increased blood flow through the carotid artery. These responses remained unaffected after intravenous (i.v.) infusions of sumatriptan, PNU-142633, PNU-109291 or physiological saline; in contrast, donitriptan significantly attenuated the vasodilator responses to capsaicin, but not those to , -CGRP or acetylcholine. Only sumatriptan and donitriptan dose-dependently decreased the carotid blood flow. Interestingly, i.v. administration of the antagonist, SB224289 (5-HT1B), but not of BRL15572 (5-HT1D), abolished the inhibition by donitriptan. Conclusions and implications: Our results suggest that the inhibition produced by donitriptan of capsaicin-induced external carotid vasodilatation is mainly mediated by 5-HT1B, rather than 5-HT1D, receptors, probably by a central mechanism. British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 82,91. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706839 [source] The potential antioxidant effect of raloxifene treatment: a study on heart, liver and brain cortex of ovariectomized female ratsCELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 3 2007Sibel Konyalioglu Abstract The antioxidant activity of some compounds buffer the free radicals generated either endogenously or exogenously, thus decreasing the potential damage mediated by oxidation. Recent studies documented that raloxifene has antioxidant properties in vitro. However, there are limited animal studies available to show raloxifene's antioxidant properties. We aimed to investigate the effects of raloxifene on antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT and GPX, TrxR and the levels of GSH and MDA in heart, liver and brain cortex of ovariectomized female rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats weighing 300,350,g (n,=,24) were divided into three groups: (I) Eight non-ovariectomized rats were used as naive controls without any treatment (non-ovariectomized group, n,=,8). Five weeks after ovariectomy, (II) Ovariectomized placebo group (n,=,8) was given physiological saline, and (III) Raloxifene group (n,=,8) was given raloxifene 1,mg/kg,sc. daily for 12 days. Ovariectomy induced significant increases on SOD, GPX, CAT activity and MDA levels in brain, heart and liver tissues compared to non-ovariectomized rats (,p,<,0.05). Raloxifene treatment led to decreased levels of SOD activity in heart, GPX activity in brain and CAT activity in liver tissue when compared to ovariectomized group (,p,<,0.05) but there was no change in activity of TrxR in all groups. The levels of MDA in brain, heart and liver tissues increased in ovariectomized group when compared to non-overiectomized rats (,p,<,0.05). Raloxifene had a significant attenuating effect on the levels of MDA in brain and heart tissues. Our results also indicate that the levels of GSH in brain, heart and liver tissue decreased when compared to non-ovariectomized rats. Raloxifene treatment was observed to significantly increase the levels of GSH in brain and heart tissues (,p,<,0.05). However, there were insignificant differences for the GSH levels in liver tissues of ovariectomized placebo or raloxifene groups. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that raloxifene may be more effective against oxidative stress in heart and brain than in liver tissue. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The ultrastructure of the capillaries in the gingiva of alloxan-induced diabetic ratsCELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 4 2003Nursel Gül Abstract The diabetic effects of alloxan (type I diabetes mellitus) were investigated in 40 Wistar albino rats (18 controls and 22 diabetics). Alloxan in sterile physiological saline was injected into animals intravenously. After the induction of diabetes with alloxan, the ultrastructure of the capillaries in the gingiva was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The thickness of the basement membranes was observed closely adherent to the endothelial cells of the capillary alloxan-diabetic rats. It was greatly thickened owing to the increase in its amorphous, granular and filamentous material with occasional scattered collagen fibres. In some sections, the capillary lumens of the diabetics were closed by epithelial cells. Loss of cytoplasmic material and hyalinization were seen in some smooth muscle cells. In addition, the mitochondrial cristae of smooth muscle cell and epithelial cells disappeared. There was endothelial integrity throughout the smooth muscle cells. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||