Metronidazole kinetics in plasma and lymph in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis

The kinetic behavior of metronidazole [500 mg i.v. infusion/30 minutes] was studied in the plasma and thoracic duct lymph of schistosomal patients in the immediate postoperative period following splenectomy. The pharmacokinetics of metronidazole were found to follow the two-compartment open system. Delayed appearance of the drug in lymph was noted. A lag period of about 15 minutes elapsed before it reached detectable levels. Between 8 and 12 hours after the start of infusion, the concentrations of metronidazole in plasma and lymph were above the reported minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC] for the majority of the clinically important anaerobic bacteria. Based on these data, it seems that the regimen used in this study is suitable for prophylaxis against most anaerobic infection in the immediate postoperative period. A switch to oral intake, after recovery of GI transit, may be advisable to avoid problems associated with i.v. infusion and to reduce the cost of therapy

effects of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants on the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in rat brain

After 3 weeks of daily intraperitoneal administration of either incyclic [amitriptyline, clomipramine] or tetracyclic [maprotiline] antidepressants in a dose of 20 mg/kg each to male rats, the whole brain levels of norepinephrine and dopamine were significantly increased as compared to control values. In contrast, the level of serotonin increased only with the tetracyclic antidepressant maprotiline and this increase was moderate. However, it is not yet certain, how far these effects contribute to the mechanism of antidepressant action. A study of the turn-over rate and the activities of the enzymes along the monoamine metabolic pathway are currently underway for adequate interpretation of the results

effect of halothane, enflurane and nitrous oxide anesthesia on hepatic drug biotransformation in Schistosomal patients undergoing splenectomy

Sixty patients with non complicated schistosomal hepatic fibrosis, with no history of hematemesis, ascites, jaundice, or renal troubles were included in this study. They were divided into three groups of 20 patients each, according to the anesthetic agent used. Each group was subdivided into groups of 10 patients each, to study the metabolism of antipyrine and sulfamethoxazole. Patients in group I were maintained on 102% halothane, while those of group II received 1.5-2% enflurane, and group III used 70% nitrous oxide. In all groups oxygen acts as a carrier for the anesthetic agent. Antipyrine test [15 mg/kg] was given after an overnight fast, and then serial blood samples were analyzed. Acetylation was studied by 2 g sulfamethoxazole oral dose. Results were discussed and analyzed