effect of aqueous extracts of purtulaca oleracea on withdrawal syndrome in mice

Purtulaca pleracea [PO] overgrows in the different parts of Iran. In previous studies, the extract of P.O showed antinociceptive, anxiolytic and anti inflammation effects in Mice and rats. This study was designed to evaluate different doses of the aqueous extracts of PO on withdrawal syndrome on mice. In this study, 40 male albino mice [25-30 gr] were used. Morphine was used to produce drug dependency by Marshall Method [10 doses of drug in four days]. Different doses of the extract. [25, 50, 75 mg/kg IP] were injected to the separated groups and saline [10 ml/kg-ip] were injected to the one control group 30 min before of noloxone 2 mg/kg. The number of Jumping and amount of weight losses were used for assessment of classic withdrawal syndrome sign. The results indicated that the extract of PO significantly decreased the number of Jumping [p= 0.000] and also weight losses in 25 mg doses of extract [dose-dependent] in mice [p=0.045] It is concluded that the aqueous extract of PO may be play an important role on the modulation of withdrawal syndrome in mice

experimental design for finding of minimum dosage of carbamazepine and valproate in preventing of seizure attacks

Previous studies have shown that physicians use high doses of Carbamazepine [CBZ] and Valproate [VPA] to control of epileptic attacks, while these drugs incur of many side effects include of gastrointestinal, hematologic, psychiatric, cardiac and other side effects. The aim of this study was to determine the minimum therapeutic dose with and an acceptable blood level of these drugs. This semi-experimental study was done in 56 epileptic patients in during of one year. At the first demographic data including of age, sex, weight and the period of drug taking was recorded. Then the drug CBZ and VPA were prescribed to adults [more than 12 years old] 9-11 mg/kg and 12-14 mg/kg respectively, and in children [less than 12 years old] 12-14 and 12-15 mg/kg respectively. Serum levels of CBZ and VPA were measured monthly by gas chromatography method that is separation technique, is mostly employed in chemical analysis. The results indicated that serum levels of CBZ and VPA in adult were 7.4 and 74.7 and serum levels of drugs in children were 8.2 and 66.8 respectively. Also patients have not epilepsy attack in during the period of assessment. These findings showed that with a much lower dosage of the drugs, which is suggested in texts can lead to an appropriate blood level of CBZ and VPA for controlling the epileptic seizures

[ role of intrahippocampal microinjections of anisomycin on dexamethasone-induced modulation of memory consolidation in rats]

Evidence indicates that hippocampus and activation of glucocorticoid receptors in this area are necessary for emotional learning and memory processes; also some studies suggest that glucocorticoid's effects probably involve with processes of protein synthysis in the hippocmapus. The aim of this study was to determine the role of intrahippocampal microinjections of anisomycin [[AIMS] as a protein synthysis inhibitor]] on dexamethasone-induced modulation of memory consolidation in the passive avoidance learning [PAL] task in rats. In this study, 90 male Wistar rats [250-300 gr] were surgically implanted bilaterally with cannulae aimed at the dorsal hippocampus [DH] were trained in PAL task. In experiment 1. Dexamethasone [0.1, 0.5, 1 and 3 mg/kg IP] was injected immediately after training and vehicle injected into DH. In experiment 2. Anisomycin [0.5,1 micro g/ micro l/side] or vehicle were injected bilaterally into the DH followed immediately by IP injection of Dexamethasone [1 mg/kg] or vehicle. Two days after training, retention tests were done and step-through latency [STL] and total time spent in light chamber [TLC] of apparatus were recorded during 10 min and compared with controls. Data indicated that injection of Dexamethasone immediatly after training enhanced memory consolidation [P<0.01] and this effect was blocked by injection of ANS in to the DH [P<0.01]. The findings above showed that glucocorticoids play on important role in consolidation of emotional learning and probably in processes of protein synthesis in the hippocampus may play an important role in mediating these effects

[Interaction of intrahippocampal injection of naltheroxone and corticosterone on consolidation and retreival memory processes in passive avoidance task in rat]

Previous studies suggested that the role of corticosterone on memory process probably is mediated by opiate system in Dorsal Hippocampus [DH]. The aim of this study was to test whether there is any interaction between glucocorticoids and opiate system on memory consolidation and retrieval in passive avoidance learning task. In this experimental study 120 male Wistar rats [250-300 gr] surgically implanted bilaterally with cannulae aimed at the DH were trained in passive anoidnace learning [PAL] task. Two days after training, retention test was done. Naltoroxe [10 or 20 micro g/ul/ preside] were injected bilaterally into DH following immediately after training by IP injection of corticostrone [1mg/kg] or 30 min before IP injection of corticostrone [1mg/kg] in retrieval test. The data indicated that injection of corticostrone immediately after training of injected 30 min before of retrieval test enhanced and impaired memory consolidation and retrieval respectively [p<0.01] and these effects were blocked by injection of nalthroxone on DH [p<0.01]. The findings showed that the opioid receptors in hippocampus play an important role in mediating the enhancing or impairing effects of corticosterone on memory consolidation and retrieval in passive avoidance task

[ role of glucocorticoids receptor in medial septal area on spatial memory in rats]

Previous studies indicated that Medical Septal Area [MSA] plays an important role in spatial memory and glucocorticoid receptors have probably effects on emotional learning and memory storage in this area. The aim of this study was determination of the role of glucocorticoid receptors in MSA on spatial memory in rats. In this experimental study 50 albino rats [250-300 g] were used. Animals that carrying cannula aimed at theire MSA were trained in a water maze task in a session consisting of 8 trials per day. Immediately after last training session different doses of corticosterone [10, 50, 100 or 200 mg in 0.5 micro l] or vehicle were injected into MSA. Performance of each rat was tested 24 hours after the final training day in 60 second probe trial. The parameters measured in probe test were percent time spent and swim distance in the target and opposite quadrants. Statistical analysis of data indicated that injection of different doses of corticosterone immediately after training into MSA did not cause significant differences between control and treated animals on probe test performance and consolidation process. Findings of this study showed that activation of glucocorticoid receptors in MSA did not play a role in spatial memory consolidation in rats

Assessment of the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of trigonella foenum on anxiety and sleep in mice

Background and Purpose: Previous studies suggest that the leaf of Trigonella foenum [TF] has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and probably modulatory effects on sleep and anxiety reactions. The present study is intended to determine the effects of hydro - alcoholic extract of TF on anxiety and sleeping time in mice

Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, 140 male albino mice [25-30 gr] were used in 14 groups [n=10 in each group]. Elevated plus maze [EPM] was used for the assessment of anxiety, and experimental groups received hydro-alcoholic extracts of TF [50, 100, 200, 400 and 80 mg/kg] as IP injection; sham group received saline [10 mg/kg IP injection] 30 minutes prior to evaluation; the control group did not receive any injection. 25 minutes after injection, animals were put in a black box for 5 minutes in order to increase their activity; then, they were transferred to the EPM for anxiety evaluation by two factors: the time spent and frequency of entrance to the open arms of the EPM. In order to assess sleeping time, the Angel method [records of sleeping duration by physiograph] was used. 30 minutes before sleep assessment, TF extract and saline were used for experimental and sham groups; the control group received nothing as what we did in anxiety evaluation. Finally, ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for data analysis

Results: The findings indicated that the hydro-alcoholic extract of TF in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly increased the time spent and frequency of entrance to the open arms of EPM [p<0.05] in the experimental groups rather than in sham and control groups; this indicates a reduction of anxiety. Also, the TF extract in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly increased sleep duration [p<0.05] in comparison with the sham and control groups

Conclusion: The results indicated that the TF extract had an effective role in reducing anxiety reactions and increasing sleep duration in mice

effects of aqueous extracts of Melissa Officinalis on withdrawal syndrome in rats

Melissa officinalis [MO] grows in the different parts of Iran abundantly. In previous studies, the extract of MO has been reported to have antinociceptive and anticonvulsive effects in rats. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of different doses of the aqueous decoction extracts of MO on withdrawal syndrome in rats. 40 male albino rats [25-30 gr] were selected for this study. Morphine was used to produce drug dependency by Marshall method [injection of 10 doses of drug in four days]. 30 min before injection of naloxone [2 mg/kg], different doses of the extract [5, 10, 25 mg/kg] were injected intraperitoneally and saline [l0ml/kg IP] was injected into the rats of control group. Assessment of classic withdrawal syndrome was based on the number of jumps and the weight of the fecal material for every rat. The results of this study indicated that injection of doses of 10, 25 mg/kg of the extract led to a significant decrease in the number of Jumps [p=0.005] and also in the weight of feces of the rats [p=0.01]. We conclude the aqueous extract of MO can have an important role in the reduction of the severity of withdrawal syndrome in rats

[ effect of dexamethasone on anxiety related behavior in mice]

Previous studies have suggested that activation of the glucocorticoid receptors may have a modulatory effect on fear and anxiety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of glucocorticoid hormones on modulation of anxiety in elevated plus-maze model in mice. In this experimental study, 60 male mice [25-30 g] were included. They were randomely divided into test and control groups. The test group received different doses of dexamethasone, as an agonist of glucocorticoid receptors, at 0.1, 0.3, 1, 2 and 10 mg/kg, Subcutaneausly, and the control group received the same volume of 2% ethanol in normal saline 30 minutes before the evaluation of their behavior. Twenty five minutes after the injection, the mice were put in a black box for 5 minutes to induce their activity and stress. The animals were then individually transferred to a standard elevated pluse-maze in regulated time and the percentage of time spent in the open arms and the ratio of open arm entries to total entries in 5 mins was measured. Results indicated that dexamethasone with the doses 0.3 and 1mg/kg, significantly reduced anxiety in mice [p<0.01]. However, this effect was not observed at 0.1 and 2mg/kg. Our findings also showed that denamechasone at the dose of 10 mg/kg increased anxiety behavior in mice [p<0.01]. The findings of this study indicated that glucocorticoids have important role in modulation of anxiety related behavior in a dose dependent manner using an elevated plus maze model in mice

Antispasmodic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of thymus vulgaris on the guinea-pig ileum

The widespread use of medicinal herbs among the general population gives rise to the possibility of therapeutic or toxic effects in patients that use these plants. The effects of Thymus vulgaris [TV] hydroalcoholic extract on the contractile responses of the isolated guinea-pig ileum were investigated. Male guinea pigs that were starved for 24 hours were decapitated after cervical dislocation, and terminal ileum were removed. Segments were fixed at a resting tension of 0.5 g in an organ bath containing in Tyrode solution at 37°C, which was bubbled with 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. The effects of the Thymus vulgaris extracts at six concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 6 mg/ml. Each segment served as its own control. Paired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Thymus vulgaris inhibited the contractile response in a dose-dependent manner in 0.6mg/mI concentration decreased the amplitude of the muscles up to 60% [t = -5.67, P<0.02]. This inhibitory activity was blocked by Granisetron and inhibited the contractions induced by acetylcholine, the activities of this plant may be due to the anticolinergic effect and block of serotoninergic pathways. Regression analysis had shown that with increasing in extract concentration the effect of extract was increased [r = 0.96, p<0.001]. The coefficient of extract dose was 0.089 mg. Our results demonstrate that extract prepared from the plant of Thymus vulgaris inhibited electrical induced contractions of the guinea-pig ileum when tested in vitro. This effect is dose dependent and reversible

Effects of aqueous extract of fruit of Foeniculum vulgar on neurogenic and inflamatory pain in mice

Results of some of previous investigations showed that the aqueous extract of fruit of the Foeniculum vulgar [FV] has many medical effects. The aim of this study was to assess the role of Aquinus extract of fruit of FV on acute and chronic pain in formalin test in mice. In this study 42 male albino mice of 25-30 gr. weight were devided into 6 groups. FV [100, 200, 500 and 1000 mg/kg] and saline were injected intraperitoneally 30 min before formalin test. The criteria for pain assesment after injection of formalin 5% [25microl] in the right paw of the mice were the durations of licking and elavation of foot [5 min for acute pain and 15-40 min for chronic pain]. The results of this study indicated that all doses of Fv have analgesic effect on pain in acute and chronic phases [p<0.05]. FV can reduce acute and chronic pain after formalin injection. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism [s] of inhibitory effect of FV on pain sensation

[Anxielytic effects of portulaca oleracea aqueous extracts in mice]

Portulaca oleracea [PO] overgrows in different parts of Iran. In previous studies, a 10% hydroalcoholic extract of the PO aerial parts [leaf and stem] showed anticipative and anticonvulsive activity in rats. This study was designed to evaluate anxielytic effects in different doses of the aqueous decoction extracts of PO seed. In this study, forty male mice [25-30gr] were used in a model elevated plus maze [EMP]. Different doses of the extract [25, 50, 75 mg/kg] were injected intraperitoneally [IP] to three separated test groups and normal saline [10 ml/kg, IP] was injected to one control group, intraperitoneally. For increasing their activity, animals were put inside a black box for 5 min. Then they were transferred to the elevated plus maze and evaluated for their anxiety reaction, including number and percent of time spent in open arm. Results indicated that injection of the extract in three doses of PO reduced anxiety reaction in test groups, compared with the control group which had higher number of entrances and spent more time in open arm [P=0.000]. It is suggested that the aqueous extract of PO plays an important role in fear and anxiety reactions and that the anxielytic effects of PO is not related to the dosage of use

[Systemic administrations of Bombesin modulate acute pain in mice]

Bombesin [BBS] is a tetra-decapeptide, which is widely distributed in mammalian central nervous system. Due to presence of BBS in neural pathways that involved in control of pain, the aim of this study was to test the effects of this peptide on acute pain in mice. Male albino mice [25-30 gr.] were used in this study. Hot plate [HP] and Tail Flick [TF] models were applied for the evaluation of BBS effects on acute pain. Five minute prior to measuring pain, different doses of BBS [1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 micro g/kg] or saline were respectively injected to test and control animals by the route of intraperitoneal. The results of current study indicated that peripheral injection of BBS produces significant analgesic effects in both TF and HP models. The present data provide evidences that BBS plays an important role in control of acute pain. Further studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms

[Assessment of hydro-alcholic extract of Achillea. Millefolium on anxiety-like behaviors in mice]

Anxiety is one of the most common psychotic disorders. Since available antianxiety therapies have many side effects, searching for new drugs with lower side effects is necessary. Achillea. Millefolium is one of the medical plants that have many beneficial effects and it seems that it has some anti-anxiety effects as well. In the current study, the probable influence of hydro-alcholic extract of A. Millefolium on anxiety-like behaviors was investigated in a mice model. Sixty male albino mice [25-30gr] were used in the study. Animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups and two control groups. The treatment groups were received different doses of A. Millefolium extract [50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg] by the route of intraperitoneal. One of the control groups was given the vehicle of A. Millefolium extract, while another one; sham control, received only a blank injection. Twenty-five min following injection of the A. Millefolium extract, the animals have left inside a black wall box for increasing motion activity for 5 min. Then the animals were transferred to a plus maze for the evaluation of anxiety reaction including the number of entries and time spent in the open arms of maze. These anxiety criteria were monitored and recorded for 5 min. The hydroalcohlic extract of A. Millefolium in a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly increased both the time spent in the open arms and the number of entries to the open arms in the test animals compared to the control animals [p<0.05]. The results of present study showed that A. Millefolium extract modulates anxietylike behaviors in mice

[Verapamil enhances the impairing effects of stress on retrieval of long-term memory in rats]

This study investigated an interaction between acute restraint stress and verapamil, as a blocker of L-type voltage sensitive channels on retrieval of long-term memory. Young adult male rats were trained in one trial inhibitory avoidance task [1mA, 1.5s footshock]. On retention test given 48 hr after training, the latency to re-enter dark compartment and time spent in light chamber of the apparatus were recorded. Thirty min before retention test, the rats were exposed to a 10 min of restraint stress in a Plexiglass with or without prior treatment of verapamil [5, 10, 20 mg/kg]. The results showed verapamil pretreatment enhanced the impairing effect of stress on memory retrieval. The applied stress increased circulating corticosterone levels as assessed immediately after the retention test, indicating that stress-induced impairment of memory retrieval is mediated, in part, by increased plasma levels of glucocorticoids. Verapamil did not affect on this response. These findings indicate that acute restraint stress impair retrieval of long-term memory, and provide evidence for the existence of an interaction between stress and L-type voltage calcium channels on this process

[Assessing the role of rat's orbitofrontal cortex on sleeping time andduration]

Sleeping is a biological rhythm controlled by many structures and neurotransmitter systems in brain. Previous evidences suggested that Orbit frontal Cortex [OFC] is probably involved in sleeping time and the duration. The aim of this study was to determine the role of OFC area in duration and the time of sleeping by electrical lesions. Male Wistar rats were used in this experimental study. Rats were surgically implanted bilaterally guided cannulae aimed at the OFC by stereotaxic instrument. One week after recovery, a primary assessment of sleeping duration was made by Angel behavioral method followed by lessoning of OFC using lesion-maker [electrical electrode]. Measuring the behavioral manifestations continued for time and the sleeping duration. The data found in our study was indicative of a significantly increased sleeping time [P<0.01] following the electrical lessoning of OFC. Our findings showed that OFC of rat's brain may play an important role in regulating the sleeping process

[Assessment of hydroalcoholic extract of thymus vulgaris on neurogenic and inflammatory pain in mice]

The side effects of anti-nociception chemical drugs caused notice to medical plants. This study was performed to investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus vulgaris [TV] on neurogenic and inflammatory pain in formalin test in mice. 40 male albino mice [20-30 gr] were used. TV [100, 500 mg/kg] as extract and saline were injected 30 mine before formalin test. Indexes for evaluation were duration of licking and foot elevation for assessment of acute pain [5 min] and chronic pain [15-40 min] after injection of formalin 5% [25 microl] in paw. Results indicated that TV has analgesic effect in both doses [P<0.01], and higher dose [500 mg] was more effective. Findings showed that hydroalcoholic extract of TV can modulate acute and chronic pain. Further research is required to determine the mechanisms by which TV has an inhibitory effect on pain sensation

[Effect of systemic injection of vasopressin on anxiety in plus maze in mice]

Introduction: Previous studies indicated that vasopressin as a neurotransmitter can have a role in modulation of anxiety reactions

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the role of vasopressin as a neurotransmitter on the fear and anxiety in plus maze model

Materials and Methods: Male albino mice [mean weight of 25-30 g] were used for these experiments. First animals were randomly divided into three control and experimental groups. Then 5-10 microg/kg vasopressin was administered to experimental group and same amount of normal saline was given to control group ten minutes before the experiment. And in order to increase their movement and curiosity, they were put inside the black wall box for 5 min. Then animals were transferred to the Plus Maze and evaluated their anxiety reaction through observing the standard index of anxiety assessment

Results: Results indicated that injection of vasopressin in both doses reduced anxiety reaction as compared to saline group and in the test group animals have more number of entrances and spent more time in open arm [P<0.01]

Conclusion: The above results show that vasopressin plays an important role in reduction of anxiety in Plus Maze model

Effects of aqueous extract of seed of Coriandrum sativum on acute pain in mice

Since use of synthetic drugs for relief of pain has many side effects, today medical plants are becoming more prominent as substitute therapeutic agents. Previous findings indicate that Coriandrum sativum [CS] modulates pain in both animal and human. The present work investigated the effects of CS seed on acute pain using hot plate and tail flick models. Albino mice [25-30 g] were used for this study. Aqueous extract of CS seed was injected in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg 30 min before test. The analgesic effect of the drug on acute pain was evaluated using Hot plate and Tail flick models. Results indicated that CS has analgesic effect in both doses in both models and higher dose of the drug was more effective [p<0.01]. The findings above showed that CS could modulate acute pain. Further research is required to determine the mechanisms by which CS has an inhibitory effect on pain sensation

Comparison of classic symptoms in acute coronary syndromes among young and old patients

Previous studies indicated that classic symptom of acute coronary syndromes [ACS] are probably different between young and old patients. To investigate the symptom predictors of ACS and comparison of those in young and old patients. This research was a cross-sectional descriptive study on 570 patients hospitalized in coronary care unit during one year in Semnan Fatemiah hospital. Using a checklist including demographic profiles, history, and symptoms, the data were collected, sorted and further analyzed statically. Diaphoresis and Pain [presence, distribution pattern and the type] were more common in young patients rather than old ones [P<0.05]. Statistical analyses revealed that the pain, diaphoresis, nausea and vomiting were more prevalent in acute myocardial infarction compared with unstable angina [P<0.05]. Typical symptoms of ACS in young patients showed a higher predictive value comparing to those in old patients

Investigation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency by NADP test in jaundiced newborn

Background: G6PD deficiency probably is one of the most important factors for sever icterous and hemolytic crisis in neonates

Objective: This study was done to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency by NADP test in jaundiced newborns

Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that over 15 month investigated 270 infants with jaundice, admitted in Amir hospital in Semnan. Demographic data were collected. Also laboratory tests including blood grouping, hematocrit, hemoglobin, coombs' test, reticulocyte count, bilirobin and NADP test, were done

Finding: Results indicated that 4.44% of newborns had G6PD deficiency. Jaundice began in the 2-3 days after birth. In 40% of newborns with G6PD deficiency, total bilirubin was higher than 18 mg/dl. The most common blood group [42%] was B+and 20% had family history and coombs' test was negative in all newborns

Conclusion: Findings showed that G6PD deficiency is relatively prevalent in icterous newborns