The Effect of 1-Propanol on the Rotational Mobility of n-(9-Anthroyloxy) stearic acid in Outer Monolayers of Neuronal and Model Membranes

The aim of this study was to provide a basis for the molecular mechanism underlying the pharmacological action of ethanol. We studied the effects of 1-propanol on the location of n-(9-anthroyloxy)palmitic acid or stearic acid (n-AS) within the phospholipids of synaptosomal plasma membrane vesicles (SPMV). The SPMV were isolated from the bovine cerebral cortex and liposomes of total lipids (SPMVTL) and phospholipids (SPMVPL). 1-Propanol increased the rotational mobility of inner hydrocarbons, while decreasing the mobility of membrane interface, in native and model membranes. The degree of rotational mobility varied with the number of carbon atoms at positions 16, 12, 9, 6 and 2 in the aliphatic chain of phospholipids in the neuronal and model membranes. The sensitivity of increasing or decreasing rotational mobility of hydrocarbon interior or surface by 1-propanol varied with the neuronal and model membranes in the following order: SPMV, SPMVPL and SPMVTL.

Effects of atropine and propranolol on lung inflammation in experimental envenomation: comparison of two buthidae venoms

Background: Previous works had shown that scorpion venom induced neurotransmitter elevation and an inflammatory response associated with various anatomo-pathological modifications. The most dangerous scorpions species in Algeria responsible for these effects are Androctonus australis hector (Aah) and Androctonus amoreuxi (Aam). Results: Comparison of the physiopathological effects induced by the two venoms showed differences in the kinetic of cytokine release and in lung injury. The lung edema was only observed in response to Aah venom and it was correlated with cell infiltration. In order to better understand the involved mechanism in inflammatory response, we used two antagonists, atropine (non-selective muscarinic antagonist) and propranolol (ß adrenergic antagonist), which lead to a decrease of cell infiltration but has no effect on edema forming. Conclusion: These results suggest another pathway in the development of lung injury following envenomation with Aam or Aah venom.(AU)

Effect of Korean Native Cimicifuga Species on Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells / 대한폐경학회지

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of extracts of Korean native Cimicifuge species on cell proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). METHODS: VSMC were isolated from rat aorta. Cell proliferation was assessed by measure of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into the cells. Differences in Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined after exposure to the extracts of Korean native Cimicifuge species using the detection reagents dichlorofluorecin diacetate. The rhizomes/roots were air-dried and milled with a commercial food mixer. Milled rhizomes/roots of each Cimicifuga species were separately extracted by 80% ethanol, absolute methanol, and 40% 2-propanol using homogenizer and evaporated under reduced pressure at low temperatures. Effects of extracts dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline (0.3 mg/mL) were examined. RESULTS: Ethanolic, methanolic or propanolic extracts of 4 Korean native Cimicifuge species (Cimicifuga [C] davurica, C. japonica, C. heracleifolia var. bifida Nakai, C. simplex) were screened. The addition of extracts of each Korean native Cimicifuge species to cells in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) potently inhibited cell proliferation. Significant decrease of 23%-30% was observed. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, inhibited 10% FBS-stimulated cell proliferation of VSMC. We also demonstrated that extracts of each Korean native Cimicifuge species decreased intracellular ROS generation induced with 10% FBS. The effect of Korean native Cimicifuge species was not species-specific and solvent-specific. CONCLUSION: TExtracts of Korean native Cimicifuge species inhibit VSMC proliferation via inhibition of intracellular ROS. These findings suggest that Cimicifuge species used for reducing menopause symptoms might be cardioprotective in women.

Activation of Macrophages by the Components Produced from Cordyceps militaris

BACKGROUND: Cordyceps militaris have been reported to modify the immune and inflammatory responses both in vivo and in vitro. Macrophages play important roles in the innate immunity through the phagocytosis of antigens. This study examined the effects of Cordyceps militaris on the activation of murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and primary macrophages. METHODS: The components contained in culture broth of Cordyceps militaris were purified by propyl alcohol extraction and HP 20 column chromatography to CMDB, CMDBW, CMDB5P, and CMDB25P. The amounts of nitric oxide (NO) were determined by using ELISA, Griess reagent respectively. The amounts of some cytokines were determined by using ELISA, western blot, and RT-PCR. The expression levels of cell surface molecules (ICAM-1, B7-1 and B7-2) were measured by flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: All the components of Cordyceps militaris produced significant amounts of NO. In particular, CMDB produced much more NO in RAW 264.7 cells and primary macrophages than other fractions of Cordyceps militaris. CMDB increased significantly the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 dose-dependently in RAW 264.7 cells. Examination of the gene expression level also showed that the enhanced production of cytokines was correlated with the up-regulation of i-NOS expression, cycloxygenase (COX)-2 expression, IL-1beta and IL-6 expression, and TNF-alpha expression on the expression of mRNAs by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Western blot analysis also confirmed that CMDB enhances the expression level of these cytokines. CONCLUSION: These results show that CMDB stimulates the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines and can also up-regulate the gene expression levels in macrophages.

Enzymatic characteristics of ligninperoxidases from Penicillium citrinum, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus terreus using n-propanol as substrate.

The activities of ligninperoxidases from Penicillium citrinum MTCC 3565, Fusarium oxysporum MTCC 3379 and Aspergillus terreus MTCC 3374 have been assayed and the enzymatic characteristics like Km, pH and temperature optima using n-propanol as the substrate have been reported. The results suggest that n-propanol can substitute veratryl alcohol as substrate for assaying ligninperoxidase activities from different fungal strains, without affecting the enzymatic characteristics. The above strains were selected, as they were known to secrete ligninperoxidase in the liquid culture medium.

Indice biespectral del electroencefalogrma en pacientes bajo anestesia con propofol Hospital Escuela Antonio Lenín Fonseca, agosto 2000-enero 2001 / Bispectral index of electroencephalogram in patients under anesthesia with propofol, Hospital Escuela Antonio Lenín, august 2000 to january 2001

El presente estudio se realizó en el Hospital Escuela Antonio Lenín Fonseca, es de tipo descriptivo de corte transversal, con el fin de establecer la relación entre el indice Biespectral del Electroencefalograma y un protocolo de anestesia con propofol, en pacientes adultos sometidos a cirugías electivas (colecistectomía). Se incluyeron en el estudio 51 pacientes ASA y II, con su rango de edad de 18 a 75 años y peso de 44 a 88 kg. El Propofol utilizadoen una dosis de inducción de 2 mg/kg y una dosis de mantenimiento de 100 mcg/kg/min. Se logro establecer que la dosis de 2 mg/kg de propofol para la inducción anestésica la relación entre los valores de BIS y dicha dosis son inversamente proporcionales, encontrando que el 71 porciento de los pacientes obtuvieron un profundo estado hipnótico (BIS de 59-40), o sea un BIS óptimo en anestesia general.Posteriormente cn la dosis de mantenimiento de propofol (100 mcg/kg/min) se observó un comportamiento dosis/tiempo/dependiente, es decir los valores de BIS obtenidos en la muestra de pacientes dependieron de la dosis de mantenimiento estándar propuesta y el tiempo que esta dosis fue mantenida para logar el estado hipnótico. Al evaluar la relación entre los valores de BIS con presión arterial media(PAM) y frecuencia cardíaca (FC), se observó que la relación entre los valores de PAM con los valores de BIS sufrieron cambios no significativos desde los cvalores de inducción hasta los primeros 45 a 50 minutos de anestesia. De igual manera la frecuencia cardíaca sufrió cambios ligeros, no significativos desde la inducción hasta los 55 minutos de anestesia, que no se relacionan singnificativamente con los valores de BIS y por lo tanto del estado hipnótico que se mantiene en el transanestésico...

Álcoois superiores em aguardente de cana-de-açúcar (saccharum oficinarum L. ) por cromatografia de fase gasosa em coluna capilar / Higuer alcohols in sugar cane blend by capillary gas chromatography

Foi utilizada a cromatografia de fase gasosa, com coluna capilar, para a determinação de álcoois superiores em sete marcas comerciais e clandestinas de aguardente de cana-de-açúcar, produzidas em Minas Gerais e São Paulo. Foram quantificados os teores de metanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, isobutanol e isoamílico. Observou-se que o conteúdo de álcoois superiores em todas as aguardentes analisadas foi próximo, com exceção de uma marca onde se encontrou maior quantidade de n-propanol.

n-Propanol as a substrate for assaying the ligninperoxidase activity of Phanerochaete chrysoporium.

The steady state kinetics of ligninperoxidase catalysed reaction using n-propanol as the organic substrate and monitoring the formation of propanaldehyde at lambda = 300 nm spectrophotometerically as functions of different reaction parameters has been studied. It has been concluded that n-propanol can be used as a substrate for analysing the activity of ligninperoxidase. The turnover number of ligninperoxidase of Phanerochaete chrysosporium using n-propanol as substrate has been found to be higher approximately by a factor of 10(3) as compared to that using veratryl alcohol as the substrate. The method works in assaying the activity of ligninperoxidase produced by Aspergillus fumigatus indicating that it can be used for assaying the ligninperoxidase activities produced by other microorganisms also and is not limited to assaying the ligninase activity produced by Phanerochaete chrysosporium alone. Under identical experimental conditions, horseradish peroxidase does not show peroxidase activity using n-propanol as substrate indicating that the method does not interfere with the activities of other peroxidases.

Atividade mioelétrica do cólon: efeitos do propranolol durante o período de íleo pararalítico pós-operatório / Colon myoeletric activity: effects of propranolol in the postoperative adynamic ileus

A hiperatividade simpática durante o período pós-opratório tem sido responsabilizada como competente causal do íleo paralitico pós-operatório. Foi realizado estudo prospectivo randômico, avaliando os efeitos do beta-bloqueio pré-operatório com propranolol, em pacientes esquistossomóticos hepatoesplênicos sobre a atividade mioelétrica do cólon esquerdo durante o período de íleo paralítico pós-operatório comparando com pacientes esquistossomóticos similares não beta-bloqueados. Três pares de eletrodos bipolares foram fixados no cólon esquerdo durante a cirurgia para o tratamento da hipertensão portal esquistossomótica em ambos os grupos e obtidos os registros duas vezes ao dia da atividade contrátil colônica durante o período de íleo paralítico, utilizando um sistema de aquisição de dados (DATA Q Série 200) que capta frequêcias entre 0,02 a 10 Hz, sendo os sinais previamente amplificados, filtrados e separados em Atividade Elétrica de Controle (AEC) e Atividade Elétrica de Resposta (AER). Não foi observado diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos parâmetros eletromiográficos entre dois grupos, exeto pela presença de um maior número de contrações de curta duração no segundo dia de pós-operatório no grupo beta-bloqueado. Pode-se concluir que o beta-bloqueio adrenérgico pré-operatório, com propranolol,não determina diferenças na atividade miolétrica do cólon esquerdo, compatíveis com uma resolução mais precoce ou mais tardia do íleo paralítico pós-operatório em pacientes esquistossomóticos

Attenuation of paraquat toxicity

Paraquat [PQ] is a widely used herbicide. However, a large number of cases of accidental or suicidal poisoning from PQ has been reported. Membrane damage induced by lipid peroxidation, inactivation of protein or damage to DNA by radical formation have been suggested as toxicity mechanisms of PQ. In the present work, the effects of atropine, propranolol, procainamide and dipyridamole on PQ-induced intoxication have been studied. Groups of male albino mice were used under standard conditions. All the drugs were injected intraperitoneally in different doses. The results indicated that administration of PQ [40 mg/kg, Lp.] increased the death rate of animals [77%] during 3 days, whereas a dose of 20 mg/kg of PQ only decreased the lung tissue total protein and glutathione [GSH] content This poison also produced serious histopathologic changes in lung tissue. Administration of propranolol [10 and 20 mg/kg], procainamide [20 and 40 mg/kg], dipyridamole [30 and 60 mg/kg] and atropine [5 and 10 mg/kg] decreased the PQ [40 mg/kg]-induced mortality rate in the pre- or post-treatment regimens. These drugs were also effective in reversing the PQ-induced alteration in the lung tissue protein and GSH content, however the pathological findings attenuated in the treated animals. Although the exact mechanism of these drugs against paraquat-toxicity in mice is still unknown, it appears that some of the drugs used may be effective in reversing PQ-induced poisoning in mice and possibly their effects are related to the inhibition of membrane lipid peroxidation via different mechanisms

Effects of Chelators on Liver Cadmium Contents in Chronic Cadmium Intoxication Rats / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) are neither destroyed nor produced in human body and may infiltrated into air, water, soil, food, human body and redistributed by biological and geographical circulation. With advent of recent industrialization detrimental heavy metal poisoning in human body is increased by industrial pollution. We aimed to establish the relative abilities of chelators to mobilized liver cadmium contents in chronic cadmium intoxication rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley albino male rats weighing 200 to 250 mg were used. All animals were loaded with 3 intraperitoneal injections of cadmium chloride (1.5 mg/kg) given at % hourly interval. Intraperitoneal injection of chelators commenced 1 week after the last loading injection and continued every 72 hour for a total of 10 injections. Chelators were given at a level of 1 mmole/kg (except 0.01 mmol/kg of BAL). The chelators used in present experiment are 1,2-diaminocyclohexane tetra acetate (CDTA), disodium calcium ethylene diamine tetra acetate (EDTA), sodium 2.3-dimer capto propane sulfonate (DMPS), sodium di ethyl dithio carbamate (DDTC), dimercapto succinate (DMSA), 2,3-dimer capto propanol (BAL), diethylene triamine penta acetate (DTPA), triethylene tetr amine hexa acetate (TTHA), D-penicillamine(DPA), Nacetyl penicillamine (NAPA). RESULTS: 1) The residual liver cadmium content was reduced in rats administered DPA, EDTA, NAPA, CDTA, DDTC and DMSA (32%, 23%, 19%, 17%, 16% and 15% respectively) compared with control group. 2) The residual kidney cadmium content was reduced in rats administered DPA, DDTC, CDTA and EDTA (33%, 21%, 18% and 17% respectively) 3) The summation of residual cadmium content in liver and kidney was reduced in rats administered DPA, EDTA, DDTC and CDTA (33%, 20%, 18% and 17% respectively) compared with control group. CONCULUSIONS: We suggested that DPA, EDTA, CDTA and DDTC might have protective role against the toxic effects of cadmium.

Propranolol vs flunarizine vs flunarizine plus propranolol in migraine without aura prophylaxis

Fourty-five migraine without aura patients underwent a parallel double-blind trial aiming the comparison of the effects of propranolol 60 mg/day to flunarizine 10 mg/day and to propranolol 60 mg/day plus flunarizine 10 mg/day simultaneously. There were 3 groups, each one with 15 patients. After a 20-day-baseline period, each group received one kind of treatment during 120 days. Migraine index on propranolol was 23.4*, on flunarizine 18,7* and on both drugs 14.4*, mean frequency of attacks on propranolol was 1.26**, on flunarizine 1.2** and on both drugs, 1.13** (*p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared to baseline) and global evaluation was reduced with all forms of treatment. It was not found statistical differences between groups, nevertheless there was a trend in the group using two drugs reaching lower values in migraine index, frequency of attacks and global evaluation. In individuals using flunarizine (alone or associated with propranolol) the therapeutic effect was largely maintained up to 45 days after drug withdrawal.

Comparación de tres opiáceos en anestesia para la revascularización miocárdica / Comparing three opiates anesthesia for myocardial revascularization

Se estudiaron y compararon los efectos hemodinámicos de la anestesia realizada con tres opiáceos: alfentanilo, fentanilo y sufentanilo, en 30 pacientes sometidos a revascularización miocárdica, cuyos ventrículos izquierdos mantenían función contráctil conservada o ligeramente deteriorada. La inducción fue realizada con 125 µg. kg.-1 de alfentanilo (seguido de 15 mg de midazolam), o con 16 µg.kg-1 de fentanilo, o con 4 µg.kg-1 de sufentanilo. El mantenimiento consistió en infusiones contínuas de los tres opiáceos a razón de 3 µg.kg-1.min-1 para el alfentanilo, 0.1 µg.kg-1.min-1 para el fentanilo y 0.04 µg.kg-1.min-1 para el sufentanilo. Al mismo tiempo en los tres casos se infundió también midazolam a razón de 2 µg.kg-1.min-1. Estas dosis fueron fijas hasta después de la salida de CEC, en que fueron disminuídas a la mitad. Los resultados de las mediciones, efectuadas en iguales momentos del procedimiento anestésico quirúrgico, mostraron una mayor inestabilidad para el alfentanilo que para los otros dos. De éstos, a las dosis utilizadas, el sufentanilo muestra un perfil de más estabilidad, con menor requerimiento de adyuvantes para mantener los parámetros dentro de la menor disparidad con respecto a los valores basales. Asimismo el tiempo de recuperación es más corto con éste que con fentanilo.

Temblor ortostático: una causa de dificultad en permanecer quieto de pie / Orthostatic tremor: a cause of difficulty in standing up

Orthostatic tremor is characterized by a fine tremor of lower limb muscles that produces instability while standing still and alleviates on walking or sitting. We report 2 patients, aged 54 and 72 years old, in whom the tremor caused falls. The clinical features, a negative neurological examination, the alleviation on walking or sitting and the good response to clonazepam allowed the diagnosis. This disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of standing still instability

A simplified method for the isolation of high molecular weight DNA from Aspergillus nidulans

We have developed a simple method for obtaining DNA from mycelium of the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. A single isopropanol preparation yields good quality high molecular weight DNA preparations that are not contaminated with proteins or salts, and that are easy to solubilize and to digest with restriction enzymes. High yields (approximately 1.6 mg DNA per gram of wet mycelium) are obtained. Contamination with RNA is minimal and there is no need to use RNase. It has been successfully used in our laboratory for many molecular biology experiments.

Avaliaçäo da eficiência de antissépticos na limpeza das mäos / Evaluation the antiseptics efficiency in the cleanness of hand

Avalia a eficiência bactericida de dois antissépticos (soluçäo de etanol e álcool isopropílico e soluçäo de polivinilpirrolidona-iodo - com 10 por cento de iodo ativo) e do sabäo em barra, na flora bacteriana cutânea das mäos, numa área de 30 cm², fazendo-se posterior contagem em placas e relacionando-se tal determinaçäo com a flora da outra mäo näo tratada com os antissépticos

Flourimetric and colorimetric determination of 1-amino-2-propanol, ethanolamine, benzocaine and 4-amino benzoic acid

A convenient and simple fluorimetric method for the determination of 1-amino-2-propanol, ethanolamine, benzocaine and 4-amino benzoic acid has been developed. The method depends on the reaction of the previously mentioned amines with m-hydroxy benzaldehyde to form highly fluorescent Schiff bases in absolute alcohol at 70C for 20 minutes. On the other hand, these primary amine-containing compounds were determined by colorimetric method. The Schiff bases obtained possess yellow with maximum absorption wave length range of 460-480 nm. Beer's law obeyed in the range of 0.1-5 mg/ml. The effect of pH, temperature, time and solvent of the reaction for both fluorimetric and colorimetric methods were studied and optimized

Propanolol reduces myocardial hypertrophy in the right cardiac chambers after infarction in rats

The effects of chronic propanolol (Prop) therapy on the post infarction myocardial hypertrophy of infarction rats were studied by histological techniques. male albino rats were submitted to left coronary artery ligation to produce infarction or to sham surgery (Con, N=6)., Infarction rats (Inf) were divided into 2 groups receiving Prop (2.5 mg/kg, twice a day, N+6) or saline (N=6) for one month, respectively. Myocyte diameters were measured in longitudinally oriented sections in the four heart chambers (60 cells/chamber). inf produced a significant increase in mean diameter of myocytes from the right atrium and ventricle and from the left atrium. In the right ventricle, myocyte diameter increased from 8.9 ñ 0.5 um in the Con group to 12.5 ñ 0.6 um in the the Inf group (P<0.05). Under Prop, myocyte diameter was reduced (P<0.05) to 9.8 ñ 0.9 um. Similar values were observed in the right atrium. In the left atrium, Prop produced only a partial reversion of the postinfarction hypertrophy. In the left ventricle, myocyte diameter was not significantly changed after Inf or Prop therapy. These data show that beta blockers reduce the myocardial hypertrophy in the right heart chambers after experimental infarcts in rats. This effect can be secondary to reduction of pulmonary hypertension or to blockade of direct effects of catecholamines on myocardial fibers or both

Riscos químicos e toxicológicos de algumas substâncias utilizadas em laboratórios / Chemical and toxicological risks of some substances used in the laboratory

A segurança em laboratório se fundamenta no conhecimento das caracteristícas físico-químicas, na toxicocinética e/ou principais açöes e efeitos tóxicos das substâncias mais comumente utilizadas, como diversos solventes orgânicos, o ácido sulfúrico, a amônia e o hidróxido de sódio. É importante também, conhecer-se quais säo os riscos e os cuidados que se deve tomar no armazenamento e manuseio destes materiais e as medidas de primeiros socorros nos casos de exposiçäo excessiva.