Effect of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis on cardiovascular parameters and metabolic syndrome in fructose-induced hypertensive rats

Objectives: We investigated the effects of methanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (MNAT) 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day post-operative for 6 weeks on ECG, basal mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), heart rate, respiratory rate, vascular reactivity, antioxidant activities of enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid, insulin, sodium and potassium in fructose-fed rats. Materials and Methods: A high-fructose-diet (fructose 10%, w/v) ad libitum for 6 weeks was used to induce hypertension in male Wistar rats (150–200 g). Sixty albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into a group of six, each group containing 10 animals. Group I was considered as normal control which received chow pellets and normal drinking water ad libitum for 6 weeks. Group II received fructose (10%) solution instead of normal drinking water for 6 weeks. Group III received fructose (10%) solution instead of drinking water ad libitum and MNAT at a dose of 100 mg/kg post-operative for 6 weeks. Group IV received fructose (10%) solution instead of drinking water ad libitum and MNAT at a dose of 200 mg/kg post-operative for 6 weeks. Group V received fructose (10%) solution instead of drinking water ad libitum and MNAT at a dose of 400 mg/kg post-operative for 6 weeks. Group VI received fructose (10%) solution instead of drinking water ad libitum and enalapril at a dose of 10 mg/kg post-operative for 6 weeks. Physiological parameters, ECG, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure vascular reactivity to various drugs were measured and recorded by the invasive method. The antioxidant activities of enzyme SOD and CAT, levels of TBARS, along with serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid, insulin, sodium and potassium were measured. Cumulative concentrationresponse curve (CCRC) of Ang II and acetylcholine (Ach) was recorded. Results: MNAT treatment decreased MABP and altered vascular reactivity to various catecholamines. The activities of SOD and CAT enzymes exhibited a considerable increase and the levels of TBARS in the liver were reduced by MNAT treatment. MNAT has shown decrease in the plasma level of triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin and sodium while increase in plasma adiponectin and potassium levels. The CCRC of Ang II was shifted towards the right by MNAT treatment using an isolated strip of rat ascending colon. MNAT treatment increased the contractile characteristics of the rat ascending colon in the CCRC of ACh as compared to the fructose-treated group. MNAT treatment reduced fructose-induced tissue damage due to the consequence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MNAT is rich in flavonoids and, therefore, has powerful antioxidant properties. The findings show that by battling oxidative stress caused by fructose (10%) and reducing Ang II activity, MNAT may be able to prevent the development of high blood pressure caused by fructose. Conclusion: MNAT has antihypertensive action and reverses MetS in the fructose-induced hypertensive rat model.

Evaluation Of In Vitro Antioxidant And Cytotoxic Effect Of Methanol Extract From Aerial Parts Of Myristica Beddomei King Ssp. Ustulata W.J. De Wilde

Plants are traditionally used for pharmacological activities because of its ability to produce bioactive compounds. Myristica beddomei King ssp. ustulata W.J. de Wilde is an ethnomedicinal plant and it is seen in South Western Ghats of Kerala, India. The present study assessed the phenolic content, flavonoid concentration, in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic effect of different parts of Myristica beddomei King. The total phenolic contents in the extracts ranged from 96.29 (pericarp) to 314.47 (bark) mg g-1 gallic acid equivalent. The concentration of flavonoids in different plant part extracts ranged from 1.81 to 2.76 mg g-1 equivalent to quercetin. All the parts exhibited potential antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 2.87 to 9.67 μg ml-1 when compared to the standard ascorbic acid with an IC50 value of 2 μg ml-1 in 1,1-diphenyl-2- picryl-hidrasil (DPPH) method. Bark showed highest activity in terms of DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 value of 2.87 µg ml-1), phosphomolybdenum test (2261.33 ± 1.65 mg g-1 trolox equivalent) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (113.1 ± 0.28 µmol Fe2+ µg-1) while pericarp showed low antioxidant activity. The in vitro screening results revealed that the seeds exhibited promising anticancer activity compared to PA1 (Ovarian Cancer) cells (50 % inhibition) were observed at a concentration 100.68 µg ml-1. In cytotoxicity test L929 (Fibroblast) cell line compared to the other parts pericarp, mace and seed needed higher concentration (>240 µg ml-1) for LC50 value. It is a promising plant for further development of antioxidant agent as it got high content of phenolic compounds and potential antioxidant and anticancer activity.

Analysis of Antibacterial Activity of Graded Concentrations of Teicoplanin Mixed With Acrylic Bone Cement in Staphylococcal (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) Infections and to Compare itwith Vancomycin: An In Vitro Study

Background: Orthopedic infections by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are becoming more frequent afterdevice implantation, and often resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. The new line of antibiotics such as vancomycin,meropenem, and teicoplanin is being used for the treatment of such infections intravenously. However, these antibiotics canalso be used along with bone cement as a local antibiotic spacer.Aims: The aim of the study was to compare in vitro antibacterial activity of vancomycin and teicoplanin and to know the optimumconcentration of teicoplanin at which there is maximum inhibition of bacteria.Materials and Methods: Three different brands of bone cement discs (Palacos-R + G, surgical Simplex P, and CMW1) withvancomycin and teicoplanin of different concentration used. Inoculating media with bacterial isolates of Staphylococcus aureus(Methicillin-resistant) of strain ATCC 2593 with known minimum inhibitory concentration were used. In each media two discs ofone formulation were placed and labeled accordingly. Readings were taken at 24 h, 48 h, and 6 days.Results: All the cement brands eluted vancomycin equally well, but the zone of inhibition for palacos was marginally highercompared to the other two. Teicoplanin when increased from 400 mg to 1200 mg concentration showed a dose-dependentinhibition of MRSA with an increase in the zone of inhibition in all cements, with palacos being highest.Conclusion: Teicoplanin in higher concentration is a better alternative to vancomycin in MRSA bone infection.

Ultrastructure of the secretory epithelial cells of the bulbo-urethral glands (Cowper's gland) in the Indian fruit bat, Rousettus leschenaulti (Desmarest) during the reproductive cycle / Ultraestructura de las células epiteliales secretoras de las glándulas bulbouretrales (glándula de Cowper) en el murciélago de la India, Rousettus leschenaulti (Desmarest) durante el ciclo reproductivo

The present paper describes the ultrastructural characteristics of the bulbo-urethral gland (Cowper' glands) of the Indian fruit bat, R. leschenaulti during sexually inactive-breeding cycle. Cyclic histological changes during the seasonal breeding quiescence cycle are not well marked. There are no marked differences. The ultrastructural characteristic of the secretory epithelial cells of Bulbo-Uretrhal Gland gland have been studied during different phases of reproductive cycle. The secretory epithelial cells are characterized by the well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, extensive developed complexus golgiensis (Golgi apparatus) and mitochondria. Mitochondria with lamellate cristae are dispersed in the cytoplasm. Three different types of secretory granules can be identified on the basis of electron density. These granules are not of different types but they represent the different stages of granule maturation. The secretory products of bulbo-urethral gland of bat are released into lumen both by apocrine and merocrine modes. The functional significance of the secretions of the bulbo-urethral glands in reproduction is discussed.

El presente trabajo describe las características ultraestructurales de las glándulas bulbouretrales (glándulas de Cowper) del murciélago de la fruta de la India, R. leschenaulti durante el ciclo inactivo de reproducción sexual. Los cambios histológicos cíclicos durante el ciclo de quiescencia estacional de la cría no están bien determinados. No hay diferencias marcadas. La característica ultra estructural de las células epiteliales secretoras de la glándula bulbouretral ha sido estudiada durante diferentes fases del ciclo reproductivo. Las células epiteliales secretoras se caracterizan por un retículo endoplasmático rugoso bien desarrollado, el complexus golgiensis (complejo de Golgi) y mitocondrias desarrollados extensamente. Las mitocondrias con crestas lamelares se encontraron dispersas en el citoplasma. Se pueden identificar tres tipos diferentes de gránulos secretores en base a la densidad de electrones. Estos gránulos no son de tipos diferentes, sino que representan las diferentes etapas de maduración del gránulo. Los productos secretores de las glándulas bulbouretrales de murciélagos son liberados en el lumen tanto por modos apócrinos como merócrinos. Se discute la importancia funcional de las secreciones de la glándula bulbouretral en la reproducción.

Prevalence of Norovirus and epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis in children

Pediatric gastroenteritis is a major cause of childhood mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially in developing countries. Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of different pathogens including bacteria, viruses and parasites. Among the viruses; Rotavirus has been extensively studied and is responsible for 44% of GE cases. As the Rotavirus vaccination coverage improves, the causative agent’s shift may be more towards the Calciviruses (Norovirus, Sappovirus) and other similar viruses, and consequently the investigations should focus on these viruses in future. This study was conducted in a Teaching hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana State included 118 cases of Gastroenteritis of which 6 cases were positive for Norovirus (NoV) i.e.; 5% of cases were NoV positive by RIDASCREEN EIA and RIDA QUICK, the rapid test for NoV virus. These 6 cases were children between 7 months and one and half year old. The age profile showed a fall in the number of diarrhoea cases as the child’s age increases. 63 (53.3%) were male children and 55 (46.6%) were female children. In children < 2 years (n=83), 22 (26.5%) were breast fed, 30 (36.1%) were bottle fed and 7 (8.4%) were on mixed Alimelu M, Radha Mohan M., Vindhya Tuladi, Sudhershan Reddy P, Shailaja V.V., Preeti Nagaraj G. Prevalence of Norovirus and epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis in children. IAIM, 2016; 3(6): 157-163. Page 158 feeds. Among mothers 25.42% never washed their hands with soap, 60.16% used soap occasionally and only 14.4% always used soap. 43.2 % presented with no dehydration, 27.96% presented with some dehydration and 28.8% presented with severe dehydration. 70.3% of mothers continued to feed during diarrhoea. Regarding the treatment used for diarrhoea before admission in hospital, 42.37% used ORS, 27.11% used both ORS and antibiotics, 55.08% were on antibiotics and 11% took no treatment at all.

Viral aetiology of acute lower respiratory tract illness in hospitalised paediatric patients of a tertiary hospital: One year prospective study.

Context: Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI), ranked as the second leading cause of death are the primary cause of hospitalisation in children. Viruses are the most important causative agents of ALRI. Aim: To study the viral aetiology of ALRI in children at a tertiary care hospital. Setting and Design: One year prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital of King George’s Medical University, Lucknow. Material and Methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) was collected from children admitted with signs and symptoms of ALRI who were aged 0-14 years. Samples were transported to the laboratory at 4°C in viral transport media and processed for detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, infl uenza virus A and B, adenovirus (ADV), human Boca virus (HBoV), human metapneumo virus (hMPV) and parainfl uenzavirus 1, 2, 3 and 4 using mono/multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). STATA was used for statistical analysis. Results: In one year, 188 NPAs were screened for respiratory viruses, of which 45.7% tested positive. RSV was most commonly detected with 21.3% positivity followed by measles virus (8.5%), infl uenza A virus (7.4%), ADV (5.3%), infl uenza B virus (1.6%), hMPV (1.1%) and HBoV (0.5%). Month wise maximum positivity was seen in December and January. Positivity rate of RSV was highest in children aged < 1 year, which decreased with increase in age, while positive rate of infl uenza virus increased with increasing age. Conclusion: The occurrence of viral predominance in ALRI is highlighted.

Antiangiogenic and anticancer activity of saponins of Momordica cymbalaria.

Background: The aim of the current study was to evaluate invitro anticancer activity of saponins of MC on EAC cells by using cytotoxicity (MTT) assay. To evaluate in vivo antiangiogenic potential of saponins of MC on rat air sac angiogenesis, EAC induced peritoneal angiogenesis, CAM angiogenesis. Methods: MTT assay was carried out at different concentrations of saponins of MC in 12 microliter plates containing media with EAC cells. In rat air sac angiogenesis, carrageenin was injected (s.c.) into the air sac. Dexamethasone, indomethacin, saponins of MC was administered to identify the angiogenic activity. In EAC induced angiogenesis in peritoneum, EAC cells were administered through i.p in mice peritoneum. 5-fluoro uracil, (i.p) and saponins of MC (orally) was given to identify angiogenic activity. In CAM angiogenesis, erythropoietin was given to eggs on 8th day of incubation. saponins were given on the 12th day for two days to observe the antiangiogenic activity. Results: The observed cytotoxic effects of saponins of MC on EAC cells find statistically significant. There is significant reduction in vascular branching in rat air sac model; EAC induced peritoneal angiogenesis, CAM model by the saponins of MC. Conclusions: Due to lack of certain records, it is envisaged that the change of medicine both discontinuation as well as addition was done because of blood glucose control, cost factor [in case of pioglitazone] as well as patient’s compliance.

Human leukocyte antigen alleles, genotypes and haplotypes frequencies in renal transplant donors and recipients from West Central India.

BACKGROUND: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is comprised of a highly polymorphic set of genes which determines the histocompatibility of organ transplantation. The present study was undertaken to identify HLA class I and class II allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies in renal transplant recipients and donors from West Central India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HLA typing was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Sequence Specific Primer in 552 live related and unrelated renal transplant recipients and donors. RESULTS: The most frequent HLA class I and class II alleles and their frequencies in recipients were HLA-AFNx0101 (0.1685) and AFNx0102 (0.1649), HLA-BFNx0135 (0.1322), and HLA-DR beta 1 (DRB 1)FNx0115 (0.2192), whereas in donors, these were HLA-AFNx0102 (0.1848) and AFNx0101 (0.1667), HLA-BFNx0135 (0.1359), and HLA-DRB1FNx0115 (0.2409). The two-locus haplotype statistical analysis revealed HLA-AFNx0102-B61 as the most common haplotype with the frequency of 0.0487 and 0.0510 in recipients and donors, respectively. Further, among the three locus haplotypes HLA-AFNx0133-BFNx0144-DRB1FNx0107 and HLA-AFNx0102-BFNx0161-DRB1FNx0115 were the most common haplotypes with frequencies 0.0362 and 0.0326, respectively in recipients and 0.0236 and 0.0323, respectively in donors. Genotype frequency revealed a high prevalence of genotype HLA-AFNx0102/AFNx0124 in recipients (0.058) compared to donors (0.0109) whereas low prevalence of HLA-AFNx0101/AFNx0102 in recipients (0.0435) than in donors (0.0797). The phylogenetic and principal component analysis of HLA allele and haplotype frequency distribution revealed genetic similarities of various ethnic groups. Further, case control analysis provides preliminary evidence of association of HLA-A genotype (P < 0.05) with renal failure. CONCLUSION: This study will be helpful in suitable donor search besides providing valuable information for population genetics and HLA disease association analysis.

HTLV 1 associated adult T cell lymphoma/leukemia a clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic tale of three cases from non-endemic region of south India.

Adult T cell lymphoma/leukemia is a peripheral T-cell neoplasm caused by human T-cell lymphotrophic virus-1, affects mostly adults with systemic involvement and poor prognosis. Diagnosis of adult T-Cell leukemia/Lymphoma is challenging. The clinico-pathologic and immuno-phenotypic features of the three cases will be presented.

Sequential Changes In Pulmonary Functions After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

Impaired pulmonary functions are common in cardiac patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The objective of this study was to study sequential changes in pulmonary functions tests up to a period of 4 months after surgery. 50 patients undergoing CABG surgery were included in the study & their pulmonary functions were tested prior to surgery and repeated 7 days, 1 month and 4 months after surgery.It has been found that forced vital capacity (FVC) dropped from 85% of predicted preoperative value to 56% (P = 0.0000) on 7th postoperative day, recovered to 71.6% (P = 0.0000) 1 months after and to 84.2% (P = 0.4008) 4 months after the surgery. Forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1) decreased from 88.38% to 59.06% (P = 0.0000) on the 7th postoperative day and recovered to 75.42% (P = 0.000) 1 month after the surgery and to 85.78% (P = 0.0308) 4 months after the surgery. Ratio of FEV1/FVC improved marginally from 79% preoperative value to 81% on 7th postoperative day and 1 month after and again reached to 78%, 4 months after the surgery suggestive of a restrictive ventilatory defect. We conclude that CABG produces long term changes in pulmonary functions hence pre and postoperative evaluation of pulmonary function should be done as a routine even if the patient is asymptomatic.

Profile of acute poisoning at Moodabidri, Karnataka (South India): Retrospective survey.

Objective: To study the clinical and demographic profile of acute poisoning cases admitted to Alva's Health Centre, Moodabidri, Karnataka, South India over a retrospective period of five and half years, with particular reference to the nature of poison, time delay in hospitalization, associated complications, and final outcome. Results: A total of 150 patients (0.6%) were admitted for acute poisoning during the study period out of a total 23,350 admissions with a mortality of 8%. Females comprised 58.8% cases, with commonest age group affected being 12–25 years (58%). Most cases of poisoning were intentional (96%), the vast majority of whom consumed agrochemical poisons (51.3%) followed by drugs (23.3%). There was significant preponderance of carbamates in the agrochemical poison group (41.6%). Drugs were the second most-preferred agents with benzodiazepines topping the list. Agrochemical compounds caused the highest mortality (91.7%) with organophosphorus compounds being the most lethal (54.5%). Mortality was significantly higher in those who co-ingested alcohol along with the poison (18.5%) and those who vomited prior to hospitalization (12.2%).

Ultrastructural characterization of the pars distalis of the Indian female Sheath-tailed bat, Taphozous longimanus (Hardwicke) / Caracterización ultraestructural de la pars distalis del murciélago cola de vaina hembra indio, Taphozous longimanus (Hardwicke)

The present ultrastructural observations demonstrate the presence of six cell types in the pars distalis of non-pregnant and pregnant bats of Taphozous longimanus. In the pars distalis of T. longimanus, STH cells are round to oval with eccentrically placed nucleus, numerous secretory granules and well developed Golgi indicate a cell under vigorous synthetic activity while those filled with secretory granules with reduced Golgi complex suggest reserve or storage state of cells. LTH cell is characterized by the large secretory granules, dilated endoplasmic reticulum and numerous mitochondria in the cytoplasm which indicate that these cells are hypertrophied and synthetically very active during pregnancy. ACTH cells are found either singly or in groups and are elongated or angular with long cytoplasmic processes. The size and peripheral arrangement of secretory granules are characteristic of ACTH cell. TSH cells are distributed mostly towards the periphery of the pars distalis of T. longimanus. They are elongated, polygonal or triangular in shape. The secretory granules are small, electron dense, 150-200 nm in diameter. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is very well developed. In FSH, the secretory granules are small (200 to 400 nm) and less in number and are distributed towards the periphery of the cell. FSH cells show well developed mitochondria, Golgi and rough endoplasmic reticulum indicating active state of FSH during estrus and pregnancy. The hypertrophy of FSH and LH cells during pregnancy is associated with filigreed cytoplasmic pattern giving a bizarre appearance. At late pregnancy, FSH and LH cells are highly active and synthesize large quantities of hormone as indicated by the development of cell organelles.

Las observaciones ultraestructurales actuales demuestran la presencia de seis tipos de células en la pars distalis de murciélagos Taphozous longimanus preñadas y no preñadas. En la pars distalis del T. longimanus, las células STH son redondas u ovaladas con un núcleo excéntrico, numerosos gránulos de secreción y un Golgi bien desarrollado que indican una célula en actividad de síntesis vigorosa, mientras que las llenas de gránulos de secreción con un complejo de Golgi reducido sugieren un estado celular de reserva o almacenamiento. Las células LTH se caracterizan por grandes gránulos de secreción, el retículo endoplásmico dilatado y numerosas mitocondrias en el citoplasma, indicando que estas células están hipertrofiadas y con una actividad sintética muy activa durante el embarazo. Células de ACTH se encuentran de forma individual o en grupos, son alargadas o angulares, con largos procesos citoplásmicos. El tamaño y la disposición periférica de los gránulos de secreción de ACTH son característicos de la célula. Células de TSH se distribuyen principalmente hacia la periferia de la pars distalis del T. longimanus. Ellos son alargadas, poligonales o de forma triangular. Los gránulos de secreción son pequeños, electrodensos, de 150-200 nm de diámetro. El retículo endoplasmático rugoso está muy bien desarrollado. En células FSH, los gránulos de secreción son pequeños (200 a 400 nm), menores en número y se distribuyen hacia la periferia de la célula. Células FSH muestran mitocondrias bien desarrolladas, Golgi y retículo endoplasmático rugoso que indica el estado activo de la FSH durante el estro y la preñez. La hipertrofia de las células de FSH y LH durante la preñez se asocia con un patrón citoplasmático filigrana dando una extraña apariencia. Al final de la preñez, las células de FSH y LH son muy activas y sintetizan grandes cantidades de hormonas, como producto del desarrollo de las organelos celulares.

Nitrilase-catalysed conversion of acrylonitrile by free and immobilized cells of Streptomyces sp.

The biotransformation of acrylonitrile was investigated using thermophilic nitrilase produced from a new isolate Streptomyces sp. MTCC 7546 in both the free and immobilized state. Under optimal conditions, the enzyme converts nitriles to acids without the formation of amides. The whole cells of the isolate were immobilized in agar-agar and the beads so formed were evaluated for 25 cycles at 50°C. The enzyme showed a little loss of activity during reuse. Seventy-one per cent of 0.5 M acrylonitrile was converted to acid at 6 h of incubation at a very low density of immobilized cells, while 100% conversion was observed at 3 h by free cells.

Extraction of bulk DNA from Thar Desert soils for optimization of PCR-DGGE based microbial community analysis

A reliable method for characterizing microbial communities on the basis of their differences in the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences in the hot arid zone sandy soils has been optimized. A desert plant (Calligonum polygonoides) was chosen to provide the rhizospheric soil samples, collected from three different agro-ecological locations. Total community DNA was efficiently extracted at small-scale level using direct lysis with hot sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), glass bead beating and finally subjecting the sandy soil to liquid nitrogen freeze-thaw cycles. To amplify V3 region of bacterial 16S rRNA gene, universal conserved primers were used. Second round polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was attempted to increase product concentration and to minimize the effect of inhibitory substances. To enhance the detection sensitivity of the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), the effect of change in template DNA concentration was studied. The separation of bands were greatly enhanced in the fingerprints obtained after the second round of PCR representing low abundant species which were not differentiated at single optimized concentration of DNA.

Multiple autoimmune syndrome.

We report a case in which the presence of dermatological autoimmune conditions, vitiligo and alopecia areata, led to the diagnosis of a systemic autoimmune disease, ulcerative colitis.

Modulation of feeding and drinking behaviour by catecholamines injected into nucleus caudatus in rats.

Lesions of nucleus caudatus have been documented to produce adipsia and aphasia in rats. Injection of dopamine into this nucleus has been shown to facilitate water intake in rats. But, reports are not available on the effects of intracerebral injection of epinephrine and norepinephrine on feeding and drinking behaviour in animal models. Therefore, in the present study the effect of adrenaline and noradrenaline injected into nucleus caudatus on food and water intake in rats was assessed. 24 h basal food and water intakes were recorded in Wistar rats and were found to be 12.37 +/- 0.20 g and 22.04 +/- 0.27 ml respectively. Stainless steel cannulae were implanted stereotaxically into the nucleus caudatus. Four different doses (0.1 microgram, 0.5 microgram, 1 microgram, and 2 micrograms) of adrenaline and noradrenaline were injected into the nucleus caudatus through the implanted cannulae in separate groups of animals and their 24 h food and water intakes were recorded following these injections. No change in food and water intake was observed following the administration of different doses of adrenaline. A significant increase in 24 h food intake reaching a maximum of 16.03 +/- 0.15 g at 2 micrograms dose, without change in water intake was observed following administration of different doses of noradrenaline. The noradrenaline-facilitated food intake was blocked when noradrenaline was injected following injection of phentolamine, an alpha-receptor blocker. The bilateral lesions of nucleus caudatus resulted in a significant and sustained inhibition of food (8.98 +/- 0.17 g) and water intake (19.12 +/- 0.16 ml). These observations suggest that nucleus caudatus is involved in regulation of food and water intakes in rats. Noradrenaline-facilitated food intake is mediated by alpha-receptors. Adrenaline does not affect these ingestive behaviours when injected into the nucleus caudatus in rats.

Effect of head-up tilt on cardiovascular responses in normal young volunteers.

Since the cardiovascular effects of tilting are influenced by degree as well as duration of the tilt, we planned to study the time course of blood pressure and heart rate (HR) responses during 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 80 degrees head up tilt (HUT). The study was conducted on 20 volunteers aged 18-20 y who were tilted on a tilting table. Blood pressure was determined by sphygmomanometer and HR was calculated from R-R interval of ECG. 30 degrees HUT produced an insignificant decrease in systolic pressure (SP) and pulse pressure (PP) while diastolic pressure (DP), mean pressure (MP) and rate-pressure-product (RPP) registered an insignificant rise. The changes produced by 60 degrees and 80 degrees HUT were more marked than those produced by 30 degrees HUT. While SP and PP decreased significantly, HR and RPP increased significantly. In conclusion, 30 degrees HUT produces insignificant changes while 60 degrees and 80 degrees HUT produce significant changes in SP, PP and RPP.

Modulation of feeding and drinking behaviour by catecholamines injected into nucleus accumbens in rats.

Nucleus accumbens is proposed as one of the centers in the neural circuitry involved in the regulation of feeding and drinking behaviour in rats. Injection of dopamine and angiotensin-II into this nucleus has been documented to affect water and food intake in rats. Reports on the effect of intracerebral injection of catecholamines on feeding and drinking behaviour in animal models are conflicting. Therefore, in the present study the effect of adrenaline and noradrenaline injected into nucleus accumbens on food and water intake in rats was assessed. 24 h basal food and water intakes were recorded in Wistar rats and were found to be 12.3 +/- 0.46 g and 21.7 +/- 1.03 ml respectively. Stainless steel cannulae were implanted stereotaxically into the nucleus accumbens. Four different doses (0.1 microgram, 0.5 microgram, 1 microgram, and 2 micrograms) of adrenaline and noradrenaline were injected into the nucleus accumbens through the implanted cannulae in different group of animals and their 24 h food and water intakes were recorded following these injections. No change in food and water intake was observed following the administration of different doses of adrenaline. A significant increase in 24 h water intake reaching a maximum of 28.88 +/- 1.45 ml at 1 microgram dose, without change in food intake was observed following administration of different doses of noradrenaline. The noradrenaline-facilitated water intake was blocked when noradrenaline was injected following injection of phentolamine, an alpha-receptor blocker. The bilateral lesions of nucleus accumbens resulted in a significant and sustained inhibition of water intake (16.61 +/- 0.67 ml) without change in food intake. These observations suggest that noradrenaline facilitates water intake without affecting food intake when injected into the nucleus accumbens in rats and the dipsogenic effect of noradrenaline is mediated by alpha-receptors. Adrenaline does not affect these ingestive behaviours when injected into the nucleus accumbens in rats.