ABSTRACT
Objectives: To evaluate possible ocular hypotensive effect of 0.5% diltiazem and 0.1% verapamil eye drops on intraocular pressure in steroid induced glaucoma model of rabbits. And compare with 0.5% timolol eye drops. Methodology: Glaucoma was induced in rabbits (N=18) by bilateral topical instillation of 1% prednisolone eye drop (10 μl) twice a day for a period of 40 days. Before the induction of glaucoma, baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) in both the eyes of all rabbits was measured under sedation (i.v midazolam) by Schiotz tonometer. At the end of 40 days induced IOP was measured for all rabbits and rabbits were divided into three groups of six rabbits in each. Right eyes of group A, B and C rabbits received 0.5% diltiazem, 0.1% verapamil, and 0.5% timolol eye drops twice daily for 12 days respectively. Whereas, left eyes of all rabbits received distilled water hence represented as control. IOP was measured in all rabbits on every 4th day till 12 days of treatment period. Results: Intra-group comparisons of IOP changes were made by paired‘t’ test. And unpaired‘t’ test for inter group comparisons. One way ANOVA was used for multiple group comparisons followed by post-hoc Tukey’s test for group wise comparisons. In 0.5% diltiazem treated eyes, the mean IOP significantly reduced from 22.9±1.9 mmHg (10%) on 4th day to 16.9±1.1 mmHg(S, P<.001) on 12th day (34%). Similarly, mean IOP in 0.1% verapamil treated eyes significantly reduced from 22.7±1.3 mmHg (7%) on 4th day to 15.5±1.4 mmHg(S, P<.001) on 12th day (37%). Whereas, mean IOP significantly reduced from 22.4±1.9 mmHg (14%) on 4th day to 16.4±1.4 mmHg (S, P=.001) on 12th day (36%) in 0.5% timolol treated eyes. Conclusion: Topical 0.5% diltiazem and 0.1% verapamil significantly reduced the IOP in steroid induced glaucoma model of rabbits. However, Further research has to be carried out both in experimental and clinical subjects to reveal its efficacy and safety profile.
ABSTRACT
Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are one of the major public health problems and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. A better understanding of pathogens that cause RTIs is important to select appropriate antimicrobials. In recent years, due to inappropriate use of antimicrobials there is spread of bacterial resistance. The present study was designed to analyze the etiological agents of RTIs and their susceptibility pattern to some commonly prescribed antibiotics. Methods: The study was conducted in Narayana Medical College Hospital of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh in South India from January 2011 to November 2011. Patients who were clinically suspected of having RTIs were included in the study. Sputum or throat swab samples were collected aseptically from the patients and subjected to testing and antibiotic sensitivity. Results: Out of 466 samples 54.9% were males and 45.1% were females. Most prevalent microbes were Klebsiella spp. (51.1%) and least prevalent microbe was enterococci (1.3%). Bacteria were highly sensitive to Meropenem, Imipenem, Piperacillin with Tazobactum and were resistant to Penicillin G, Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole and Cefepime. Conclusion: RTIs are one of the most common health problems in developing countries. Various drugs are being used in the treatment of RTIs, in the mean time resistance to many of them are emerging. An appropriate antibiotic has to be initiated only after culture sensitivity in RTIs.
ABSTRACT
Background: The glutamate system has been implicated in depression recently. This is a departure from previous thinking, which had focused on serotonin and norepinephrine. The glutamate system may represent a new avenue for treatment and research. NMDA and AMPA are receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate. Blocking NMDA increases the activity of another receptor, AMPA, and this boost in AMPA activity is crucial for rapid antidepressant actions. Amantidine being a noncompetitive antagonist at NMDA receptor is evaluated for its antidepressant activity in this study. Objectives: To evaluate the antidepressant activity of amantidine and compare it with Imipramine in albino mice. Methodology: Total of 18 swiss albino male mice were used. They were divided into three treatment groups and with normal saline (control) 10mg/kg, Imipramine (standard) 10mg/kg and amantidine 26 mg/kg (test drug) given orally. Each group contained 6 animals. Duration of immobility was observed for 6 minutes in tail suspension test and for 4 minutes in forced swimming test on separate set of animals. Results: Results were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Post hoc Tukey’s test. Amantidine at the dose of 26 mg/kg significantly reduced the immobility time in both the tests compared to control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Non-competative antagonist, amantidine has significant antidepressant activity in acute models of depression.