Pharmacological effects of gemfibrozil on some isolated smooth muscle preparations of experimental animals

Background: Gemfibrozil is a member of fibrates (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, ceprofibrate, and benzafibrate) which is employed for treatment of dyslipidemia particularly hypertriglyceridemiae through its action on peroxisome proliflator activated receptors (PPAR-). Objective: The aim of this work was to study the site of action and pharmacololgical effects of different doses of gemfibrozil on some isolated smooth muscles preparations of experimental animals. Materials and Methods: The experiments were conducted on isolated jejunum of rabbits, isolated spiral tracheal and urinary bladder strips of guinea pigs. Results: I- On isolated rabbit jejunum, gemfibrozil produced a dose-dependent reduction on the amplitude of jejunal contractions. The inhibitory effect of gemfibrozil was not abolished after complete blockade of alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, while it was completely abolished after inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by N-methyl L-arginine. On the other hand the stimulatory effects of nicotine small dose, acetylcholine, calcium gluconate, histamine and serotonin were not abolished after administration of gemfibrozil. II- On isolated tracheal spiral strips of ginea pigs, gemfibrozil produced a dose- dependent relaxation on the basal tone and a dose-dependent reduction on the amplitude of acetylcholine-induced tracheal contractions of the tracheal strips. The inhibitory effect of gemfibrozil was completely abolished after inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by N-methyl L-arginine. Gemfibrozil completely abolished also serotonin-induced contraction, while it has no effect on histamine or calcium-induced tracheal contractions. III- On isolated urinary bladder strips of guinea pigs, gemfibrozil produced a dose-dependent reduction on the amplitude of urinary bladder contractions. The inhibitory effect of gemfibrozil was not abolished after complete blockade of beta adrenergic receptors, while it was completely abolished after inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by N-methyl L-arginine. On the other hand the stimulatory effects of acetylcholine and serotonin were not abolished after administration of gemfibrozil. Conclusion: Gemfibrozil (antidyslipidemic, PPAR- agonist) reduced jejunal and urinary bladder contractions and has a relaxant effect on tracheal basal tone. So it has a beneficial effect in obstructive airway diseases and cases of urgency and frequency of micturation and urinary incontinence. However, it may be used cauciously in cases of ,GIT disturbances as constipation and prostatic hypertrophy

Comparaison des effets nutritionnels de l'oléine de palme (huile de palme raffinée) à ceux de l'huile d'olive

Objectif : cette étude avait pour objectif de comparer les effets nutritionnels de l'oléine de palme à ceux de l'huile d'olive chez des rats.Méthodes : il s'agissait d'une étude expérimentale réalisée chez des rats Wistar mâles nourris avec un régime contenant 30% de lipides (oléine de palme et huile d'olive). Les rats avaient un libre accès à la nourriture et à l'eau. Après 12 semaines d'expériences, les animaux ont été sacrifiés et le sang aortique a été prélevé. Le plasma obtenu après traitement a été séparé en aliquotes qui ont servi au dosage des paramètres du profil lipidique (cholestérol total, triglycérides et HDL cholestérol); des paramètres du stress oxydant (SOD, GPx, TBARS, Thiols); de l'interleukine-6 et des transaminases (ALAT et ASAT).Résultats : Aucune différence significative n'a été observée entre l'huile d'Olive et l'Oléine de palme concernant les taux plasmatiques d'interleukine-6, de cholestérol total, de triglycérides, de HDL cholestérol, de GPx, des TBARS et des thiols. La consommation d'huile d'Olive a augmenté de façon significative l'activité de la SOD (p=0,0242) et l'activité de l'ALAT (p=0,0199).Conclusion : Cette étude a montré que la consommation de l'oléine de palme induit un profil lipidique non athéromateux et améliore le statut antioxydant

Evaluation of Diuretic Activity of Aqueous and Methanol Extracts of Lepidium sativum Garden Cress (Cruciferae) in Rats

Purpose: The present study was undertaken to investigate diuretic effect of aqueous and methanol extracts of the dried seeds of Lepidium sativum in normal rats. Method: Aqueous and methanol extracts of L. sativum seeds were administered to experimental rats orally at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg p.o. Hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg) was used as positive control in study. The diuretic effect of the extracts was evaluated by measuring urine volume; sodium and potassium content; conductivity and pH. Result: Urine volume was significantly increased by the two doses of aqueous and methanol extracts in comparison to control group. While the excretion of sodium was also increased by both extracts; potassium excretion was only increased by the aqueous extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg. There was no significant change in the conductivity and pH of urine after administration of the L. sativum extracts. The diuretic effect of the extracts was comparable to that of the reference standard (hydrochlorothiazide) and the methanol had the additional advantage of a potassium-conserving effect. Conclusion: We can conclude that aqueous and methanol extracts of L. sativum produced notable diuretic effect which appeared to be comparable to that produced by the reference diuretic HCTZ. The present study provides a quantitative basis for explaining the folkloric use of L. sativum as a diuretic agent in Moroccan population

Cardiovascular Effects of Helichrysum ceres S Moore [Asteraceae] Ethanolic Leaf Extract in Some Experimental animal Paradigms : Cardiovascular Topic

The aim of this study was to examine some in vivo and in vitro cardiovascular effects of Helichrysum ceres leaf ethanolic extract (HCE) in experimental animal paradigms. The acute effects of HCE on blood pressure were studied in anaesthetised normotensive male Wistar rats challenged with intravenous hypotonic saline infusion after a 3.5-hour equilibration for four hours of one-hour control; 1.5-hour treatment and 1.5-hour recovery periods. HCE was added to the infusate during the treatment period. Sub-chronic hypotensive effects of HCE were examined in weanling Dahl Salt-sensitive (DSS) genetically hypertensive rats; which progressively develop hypertension with age; treated with HCE (80 mg / kg) every third consecutive day for seven weeks. isolated atrial muscle strips; portal veins and descending thoracic aortic rings of healthy normotensive Wistar rats were used to investigate the vascular effects of HCE. Acute HCE administration caused a significant (p 0.05) fall in blood pressure in the normotensive anaesthetised Wistar rats. DSS hypertensive rats treated with HCE displayed low arterial blood pressure and heart rate values from weeks five to seven. HCE produced concentration-dependent negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on rat isolated electrically driven left; and spontaneously beating right atrial muscle preparations; respectively. HCE also evoked concentration-dependent relaxation responses of endothelium-intact aortic rings and portal veins isolated from healthy normotensive Wistar rats. The vasorelaxant effects of HCE in intact aortic rings were significantly reduced; but not completely abolished by adding endothelial-derived factor (EDRF) inhibitor; L-NAME; suggesting that the vasorelaxant effect of the extract is mediated via EDRF-dependent and independent mechanisms. The results of the study suggest that the hypotensive action of HCE is elicited; in part; directly by decreasing myocardial contractile performance and total peripheral vascular resistance due to its negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on rat isolated atrial muscle strips; and vasorelaxant effects on isolated vascular smooth muscles. The observed cardiovascular effects of HCE partly support the basis for its use in the management of high blood pressure in folkloric medicine

A Pilot Study on Wound Healing using an Antibacterial Steroidal Saponin

"Cost effective primary and secondary wound care is needed and have significant importance in current medicine. The steroidal saponin Flabelliferin B with a UV active binder attached (FB); isolated from palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) has a known structure and proven antibacterial activity. The objectives of the study were to (i) study the effects of FB on male Wistar rats in relation to toxicity by wound healing (ii) study the toxicity of FB by the eye tests on rats and rabbits (iii) test the allergenic reactions by topical application of FB on healthy human skin by the ""patch test"" (iv) evaluate the feasibility of full scale clinical trial of the FB on infected wounds of humans. Toxic or other adverse effects on animals were not observed. Allergic reactions were also not observed on normal healthy human skin by the patch test. Having obtained ethical approval a prospective clinical trial was carried out in Colombo South Teaching Hospital. An ointment of 2FB was tested on wounds and ulcers with no subcutaneous tissue involvements. Human volunteers (n = 14) were employed in this study. Wound healing rates after treatment of FB ointment were monitored by measuring the percentage decline in wound area with time using normal standard hospital treatment as control. Microbiological tests by swabbing were carried throughout these experiments. The rate of wound healing was not significantly different from current hospital treatment (p = 0.512) and no allergic or other adverse symptoms were shown. It is concluded that it may be possible to use FB in treatment of wounds and ulcers with no subcutaneous involvement"

Effects of cucumis metuliferus e mey. Ex naud (cucurbitaceae) fruit extract on some male reproductive parameters in adult rats

The effect of the extract of Cucumis metuliferus fruit on some male reproductive parameters was investigated in albino rats. The LD50 of the extract was above 5000 mg/kg body weight when administered orally. Histological studies showed that there was no remarkable change in the testes histology compare to the control. The effects on sperm cells showed a statistically significant (P0.05) increase in total sperm count with an insignificant (P0.05) increase in viability count in rats treated with 500 mg/kg dose point. On the other hand; 1000 mg/kg dose point produced significant (P0.05) decrease in total sperm count and viability count compare to control. This result suggests that C. metuliferus fruit extracts could be beneficial in increasing sperm/semen integrity

Mise en evidence de l'activite antitussive des alcacoides totaux de Gueira Senegalensis Lam. chez le cobaye

Introduction : L'activite antitussive des feuilles de Guiera senegalensis a deja fait l'objet d'etudes scientifiques. Cependant; a notre connaissance; les principes actifs responsables de cette activite n'ont pu etre identifies a ce jour. C'est pour pallier cette insuffisance que nous avons effectue cette etude afin d'evaluer l'effet des alcaloides totaux des feuilles de la plante; sur la toux provoquee chez le cobaye; par inhalation de vapeurs d'ammoniac. Materiel et Methodes : Les cobayes repartis en 5 lots de 10 ont ete gaves avec de l'eau distillee (temoins); les alcaloides totaux aux doses de 15; 25 et 30 mg/kg et la codeine a 50 mg/kg. Ils ont ete ensuite exposes a des vapeurs d'ammoniac et le nombre d'acces de toux est compte toutes les heures; apres le gavage; pendant 5 min. Resultats : Il ressort de l'etude qui aura dure 5 heures; qu'aux doses de 15 mg/kg; 25 mg/kg et 30 mg/kg de poids corporel; par voie orale; les alcaloides totaux provoquent une diminution significative du nombre des acces de toux par rapport au temoin; des la deuxieme heure de mesure (p0;01) ; cette difference est restee significative aux troisieme; quatrieme et cinquieme heures (p0;001). Ces effets des alcaloides totaux sont comparables a celui de la codeine utilisee comme antitussif de reference. Conclusion : Les alcaloides totaux des feuilles de Guiera senegalensis presentent une activite antitussive et seraient responsables de l'effet antitussif de la plante

Sub-chronic Toxicity Studies of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Rauvolfia Vomitoria (Afzel)

The cumulative effects of the aqueous leaf extracts of Rauvolfia vomitoria on body tissues was studied. Six groups of male rats consisting of 5 rats per group were given doses of the leaf extract ranging from 0.03g kg-1-1.2g kg-1 to drink at will from their drinking bottles for 42 days. During the period of the study; weights of the animals were monitored weekly with their gross appearances. At the end of the 42nd day; the rats were killed by cervical dislocation. Post-mortem of each of the animals was performed. The liver; kidney; stomach; heart and lungs were excised. The organs from the groups given plant extract were compared with those of the controls. Body weight of both the treated and the control animals rose progressively as the period increased. The pathological features like oedema and hypertrophy noticed in the tissues are considered to be of no serious consequence as they disappeared after cessation of therapy. There abnormalities may possibly not develop with R. vomitoria used for a short period. It is therefore; considered to be non-hazardous

Toxicological Effects of Paraquat on the Histology of the Stomach; Small Intestine and Testis of Male Albino Rat (Rattus Norvegicus)

Background: Paraquat is a herbicide; commonly used by farmers in agriculture to prevent weed infestation. The non-target organic toxicity effect of this chemical motivated this study.Methods: Utilizing male albino rats of 0.2 kg average body weight; the LD100(lethal dose that gave 100death) for Paraquat was obtained as 1g/kg body weight Furthermore LD50 (median lethal dose of paraquat; ip) was obtained as 0.45 g/kg body weight using arithmetic method of karber. Six dose levels of paraquat 0; 0.09; 0.18; 0.35; 0.70; 1.00 g/kg body weight were administered intraperitoneally into the various groups of the male rats. Within 24hrs; histopathological examination in the stomach; in the small intestine and testis of the rats were performed.Results: Histopathological examination of the organs studied revealed that the stomach had mild mucosal ulceration; muscular coat atrophy; stromal oedema and tubular hyalinization which were dose- dependent. The small intestine showed mucosal ulceration; loss of villi; luminal and stromal oedema and glandular necrosis which were also dose dependent. Furthermore; the testis had classical central fibrosis; cellular polarization; tubular disorganization; necrosis and lack of mitotic figures (no cell division); oligospermia; azoospermia and hyperchromasia which were dose dependent.Conclusion: Paraquat; a notable herbicide used in agricultural weed control; had deleterious effects on such organs as stomach; small intestine and testes. Need therefore arises for caution in the handling of these chemicals as the danger of impairment of the gastrointestinal tract and indeed the reproductive system in males is a possibility

Effect in inutero exposure to an aqueous extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on offspring's postnatal growth in Sprague-Dawley rats

"In folk medicine; extracts of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HS) are used in the treatment of several complaints including high blood pressure; liver diseases and fever. To the best of our knowledge; no documented evidence exists on the effect of inutero exposure to an aqueous extract of HS on postnatal growth. The purpose of the present study; therefore; was to investigate this. Three groups of pregnant rats were used for this study. Group C had tap water while groups A and B had 0.6g and 1.8g HS extract respectively in 100ml tap water to drink throughout pregnancy. All groups had normal rat chow ad libitum. On the day of birth; birth weights were recorded and two pups each from dams in groups A and B were substituted for 4 pups from dams in group C such that dams in group C had two pups each from groups A and B and at least two pups from its own litters to nurse. Thereafter; weights were recorded at 10days; 14days; 20days and 34 days postpartum.Results of the present study show a statistically significant (p0.05) growth reduction in groups A and B pups (exposed group) compared with group C (unexposed group) at 10 days through 20 days postpartum with no statistically significant growth reduction at 34 days postpartum. We conclude that inutero exposure to an aqueous extract of HS attenuates early postnatal growth in SD rats with a possible ""catch-up"" growth later in life."

Induced gastrointestinal tract (GIT) derangement following a long-term administration of a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor-paracetamol in pregnant Sprague-Dawley Rats

There are two recognized isoforms of cyclooxygenase enzymes; the cyclooxygenase - 1 and cyclooxyg-enase - 2; the former is involved in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins; in organs where these eicosanoids play certain protective roles in the gastrointesional tract (GIT) and the kidney; it also enhances mucus secretions and acts as a house keeping enzyme expressed constitutively in most tissues of the body; while cyclooxygenase - 2 is the inducible form expressed in response to proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors; indicating a role in inflammation and growth and also maintains haemodynamics. In pregnant state; several drugs are used out of necessity; despite their reported toxicity. The clinical conditions often necessitating the use of non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors during pregnancy include hypertension; thromboembolism; hyperthyroid-ism; epilepsy; diabetes mellitus; preterm labour; arthritis; pain and fever; among others. The aim of this study was to investigate the induced gastrointestinal derangement following a long-term administration of paracetamol in pregnant Sprague-dawley rats. Twenty female adult Sprague-dawley rats weighing between 160g - 180g (as the beginning of the experiment) were used for the study. The animals were randomly divided into two groups (A and B) of ten rats each. Group A animals received distilled water orally and served as control. While paracetamol treated animals (group B) received doses of 7.3mg/kg/day respectively by gavage. The animal weights were monitored at an interval of three days before gestation to 13th day after parturition. The animals were allowed feed and water liberally. Drug administration commenced from 10th day of gestation to the end of parturition. On the 13th day after parturition the maternal rats were then sacrified for tissue processing. The results showed that the control animals had a normal architecture of the gastrointestinal tract. While the paracetamol treated animals showed a general derangement coupled with high degree inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining; and a statistical significant weight loss (P0.005) compared to the control animals. These findings reflect gastrointestinal tract impairment. We conclude that a long-term use of non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor - paracetamol in pregnant state has an erosive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and may possibly be the aftermath of gastrointestinal tract inflammation in women

Effets de la chloroquine sur la production d'H2O2 et sur la morphologie des follicules thyroidiens de porc

Nous avons etudie l'effet de la chloroquine sur la production du peroxyde d'hydrogene par la thyroide de porc et les modifications morphologiques induites. Trois groupes experimentaux ont ete constitues : porcs temoin (sans traitement); porcs traites a la chloroquine et porcs traites a la chloroquine associee a l'iodure de sodium. Nous avons demontre que l'administration de la chloroquine a induit dans la thyroide de porc; un elargissement des lumieres folliculaires; un aplatissement de l'epithelium glandulaire et une augmentation brutale de la production d'H202 suivie d'une stabilisation. D'apres nos resultats; la chloroquine n'aurait donc pas d'effet direct sur l'enzyme la NAD(P)H oxydase. Cette etude suscite de nouvelles questions et devra etre poursuivie sur d'autres molecules utilisees dans le traitement du paludisme. Mots cles : chloroquine; goitre experimental; goitre colloide; production d'H2O2

Effects of Cassia occidentalis Aqueous Leaf Extract on Biochemical Markers of Tissue Damage in Rats

Purpose: Among the Hausas of Northern Nigeria; it is claimed by local (traditional) healers that the infusion of C. occidentalis leaves is used as a cure for hepatitis. This study was designed to evaluate the possible negative effects of the aqueous extract of this herb on serum total proteins; albumin; bilirubin; alanine amino transferase (ALT); aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); as part of a larger study undertaken by these authors to ascertain the hepatoprotective potential of the plant extract. Methods: Fresh leaves of C. occidentalis were extracted with water and screened for phytochemical components. The extract was used for the treatment of 18 albino rats. Serum from these animals was used for the determination of the test parameters. Results: The extract showed hypoproteinaemic effect. ALT; AST and ALP levels were significantly elevated (P 0.05). Conclusion: Hypoproteinaemic effects; and increase in ALT; AST and ALP are indications that the crude extract of C. occidentalis leaves may be slightly toxic as a concoction for liver ailments