Role of leukotriene receptor antagonist in acute severe attack of bronchial asthma in comparison with conventional therapy

This study was designed to determine the role of leukotriene receptor antagonist in acute severe attack of bronchial asthma in comparison with conventional therapy. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease in both the developed and developing countries. Asthmatic patients are at risk of worsening of disease characterized by an increased breathlessness, cough, chest discomfort and wheezing and decreased in expiratory airflow rate. Leukotrienes are lipid mediators synthesized from arachidonic acid, and element of which are potent chemo attractants. These chemical mediators are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Study results reveled the effectiveness of leukotriene receptor antagonist in preventing many types of aggravated asthmatic responses. Oral administration of leukotriene receptor antagonist in acute asthmatic patients improves airway function. Once-daily treatment with 10 mg of montelukast, as compared with conventional therapy, provided significant protection against severe broncho-constriction. Study also shows that there was no worsening of the disease. Parameters strongly confirmed the role of leukotriene receptor antagonist when in addition added with steroid therapy in the treatment of acute asthma, there were a smooth improvement was noticed

Effect of chronic noise stress on mantle zone of lymphoid follicle of splenic tissue in albino rats

Noise is an ever growing problem in modern society. Apart from its effect on hearing, behavior, and mood it also has a potent effect on immune system. Therefore the present study was designed to asses effect of chronic noise stress on mantle zone [MnZ] of lymphoid follicle [LF] of spleen in albino rats. Two groups of twenty rats, each group labeled A and B were used; serving as control [no noise] and noise stress [30 days] respectively. Group B was exposed to noise stress of 100 dB for 30 day [3-4hrs/day]. Animals were sacrificed at the end of study, spleen was removed prepared, sectioned and stained with CD79a. A highly significant decrease in mean no of cell in MnZ of LF was observed [15747 +/- 87.82/mm[2]] in noise stressed group when compared with MnZ of control animals [16567 +/- 106/mm[2]]. There was also a highly significant increase in mean perimeter of nuclei observed in MnZ of stressed group [2.74 +/- 0.009microm] when compared with rats of control group [2.68 +/- 0.01microm]. Our study concludes that noise stress induced release of glucocorticoid can significantly decrease number of B lymphocytes in MnZ of LF of spleen in albino rats

Effects of alpha-tocopherol on lipid profile in primary hyperlipidemia

To determine the antihyperlipidemic effects of alpha-tocopherol in primary hyperlipidemia. An analytical cohort study. This study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Basic Medical Sciences Institute of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, from February to April 2001. Newly diagnosed and un-treated primary hyperlipidemic persons of either gender between the ages 17 to 70 years were initially enrolled in the study for a 12 weeks [90 day] trial with fortnightly follow up visits. The selected patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group [Group-I] was treated with diet restriction and exercise only. The second group [Group-II] was treated with diet restriction, exercise and alpha -tocopherol. Results were compared using paired t-test. There were 35 patients in all. After treatment with alpha-tocopherol, cholesterol reduction was highly significant [p<0.01]. Triglyceride reduction was significant [p<0.05]. Increase in HDL-c level was highly significant [p<0.001]. The LDL-c reduction was statistically highly significant [p<0.001]. VLDL reduction was also significant [p<0.01]. When compared between the Groups I and II, the reduction in cholesterol was moderately significant [p<0.01], LDL-c reduction was found to be markedly significant [p<0.01]. HDL and VLDL reduction was also found to be significant [p<0.05]. In comparison there was no significant change in triglyceride level. Diet restriction and exercise had significant beneficial effects on lipid profile. When supplemented with alpha -tocopherol, there was a highly significant beneficial effect on lipid profile