Antioxidant and Antitumor Activity of Plumeria acuminata in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Bearing Swiss Albino Mice.

Aim: This study was designed to determine the antitumor and antioxidant properties of crude methanol extract from the leaves of Plumeria acuminata (Apocynaceae) (MEPA) against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing Swiss albino mice. Study Design: Study design is methodology, mentioned below. Place and Duration of Study: Division of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Jadavpur, Kolkata, India between 2006 and 2007. Methodology: The extract was administered at the doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg per day for 14 days, after 24 hr of tumor inoculation. After the administration of the last dose followed by 18 hr fasting, mice were then sacrificed for observation of antitumor activity. The effect of MEPA on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC bearing host, viable and non-viable cell count, packed cell volume, hematological profile and biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were estimated. Results: MEPA caused significant (P<0.01) decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable count; and it prolonged the life span of EAC-tumor bearing mice. Hematological studies reveal that the Hb content and RBC count were decreased in EAC treated mice, whereas the restoration to near normal levels was observed in extract treated animals. MEPA significantly (P<0.05) decreased the levels of LPO and significantly increased the levels of GSH, SOD and CAT. Moreover the MEPA was found to be devoid of conspicuous short-term toxicity in the mice when administered daily for 14 days at the doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg Conclusion: The results suggested that the methanol extract of Plumeria acuminata leaves exhibited antitumor effect by modulating lipid peroxidation and augmenting antioxidant defense system in EAC bearing Swiss albino mice.

Analysis of some biochemical and haematological parameters for Mucuna pruriens [DC] seed powder in male rats

The biochemical and haematological effects of the seed powder of Mucuna pruriens in male rats were evaluated to establish some biological properties of this potential biopesticide currently undergoing investigation. The result showed that Mucuna pruriens seed extract produced a significant [P<0.05] increase in white blood cell [WBC] count, as well as in bilirubin concentrations, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], protein and creatinine levels measured. Alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] were significantly reduced [P<0.05] in comparison with the experimental control. PCV, Hb, albumin level and WBC differential counts gave no significant difference between treated and control groups. The results revealed metabolic imbalance in the rats which suggests a mild cholestasis effect of the extract

Effects of aluminum chloride on some hematological and biological parameters of white albino mice

Aluminum salts induced toxic effects in animal models, some of which involve alterations in enzymatic activities. Moreover, aluminum intoxication may induce anemia and encephalopathy in animals and humans. This work was conducted to study the effect of aluminum toxicity on some hematological and biochemical blood parameters in white Albino mice. A total of eighty "8-week-old" male white Albino mice, weighing about 35 g were divided into four equal groups. The control group and three groups received 50, 100 and 200 micro g/ liter of aluminum chloride for [24, 48 and 96] hours. The mice showed a physiological response after 24 hrs of administrated AlC13[50, 100] and 200 micro g/L, respectively with approximately 100% increase in red blood cells [RBCs], white blood cells [WBCs], hematocrit value [Hc] and hemoglobin content [Hb], respectively. Also, there are increased in serum glucose level, total protein, aspartate and alanine amino transferase activities [AST and ALT] and increased serum creatinine and uric acid concentration after 24hrs of 50, 100 and 200 micro g/liter of AlC 3, respectively. White albino mice given AlCAlC13 50, 100] and 200 micro g/L, respectively for 48 hrs increase blood constituents, serum glucose level, serum total protein and serum AST, ALT activities, creatinine and uric acid level. Also, white albino mice given 50, 100 and 200 micro g/L of aluminum chloride for 96 hrs presented that highly significant increased RBCs, WBCs, Hc and Hb as well as in the serum glucose level, serum total protein and serum AST and ALT activities. The serum creatinine and uric acid increased in mice given AlC13 [50, 100 and 200] micro g/L, respectively for 96 hrs. White albino mice responded to AlC 13 administered by increasing their WBCs, enzymes of liver functions and kidney functions

Achados laboratoriais associados à acitretina e ao metotrexato no tratamento da psoríase: uma coorte histórica / Laboratorial findings of acitretine and methotrexate on the psoriasis treatment: an historic cohort study

Objetivos: Quantificar e avaliar os efeitos adversos causados pelo uso de acitretina e metotrexato o tratamento da psoríase. Material e métodos: Foi realizada uma coorte histórica para avaliação de intervenção em pacientes com uso de metotrexato e acitretina para tratamento de psoríase. Resultados: Foram revisados os prontuários de 101 pacientes, com um total de 127 tratamentos, tendo sido avaliadas as variáveis sexo, idade, tipo clínico de psoríase, medicação utilizada, dose média, tempo de uso, hepatotoxicidade, mielotoxicidade, nefrotoxicidade, alterações nos lipídeos e comorbidades. A incidência de hepatotoxicidade no grupo todo foi de 8,7% (11/127), sendo de 9% (4/44) no grupo do acitretina e 10,5% (6/58) no grupo do metotrexato. Mielotoxicidade teve incidência de 6% (8/127) em todo o grupo, 2% (1/44) no grupo do acitretina e 10,5% (6/58) no do metotrexato. Hiperlipidemia apresentou incidência de 34% (15/44) nos pacientes em uso de acitretina e 7% (4/58) nos que utilizaram metotrexato, sendo este o efeito adverso mais importante da acitretina (p=0,002). Alterações renais não foram encontradas. Conclusão: A principal diferença encontrada pelo estudo foi entre hiperlipidemia causada por acitretina em relação ao metotrexato. Na amostra estudada não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as drogas quanto à hepatotoxicidade e à mielotoxicidade. Os resultados do estudo permitem inferir que o metotrexato, medicação acessível, de baixo custo e bem conhecida do meio médico, demonstra perfil de toxicidade aceitável quando usado em determinadas doses, podendo ter seu uso preferencial cogitado, especialmente em contexto de assistência no setor público

Objectives: To quantify and evaluate the adverse effects caused by acitretine and methotrexate when treating psoriasis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate an intervention in patients using methotrexate and acitretine to treat psoriasis. Results: The records of 101 patients were reviewed, with a total of 127 treatments, and the following variables were evaluated: sex, age, clinical type of psoriasis, medication used, mean dose, time of use, hepatotoxicity, myelotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, alterations in the lipids and comorbidities. The rate of occurrence of hepatotoxicity in the group as a whole was 8.7% (11/127), 9% (4/44) in the acitretine group and 10.5% (6/58) in the methotrexate group. Myelotoxicity had a rate of occurrence of 6% (8/127) in the group as a whole, 2% (1/44) in the acitretine group and 10.5% (6/58) in the methotrexate one. The presence of hyperlipidemia was observed in 34% (15/44) of the patients who used acitretine, and in 7% (4/58) of those who used methotrexate, and this was the most important adverse effect of acitretine (p=0.002). No renal alterations were found. Conclusion: Themain difference found by the study was between hyperlipidemia caused by acitretine compared to methotrexate. In the sample studied no statistically significant difference was observed between the drugs as to hepatotoxicity and myelotoxicity. The results of the study allow the inference that methotrexate, a low-cost medication, well-known in the medical world, shows an acceptable toxicity profile, and its preferential use can be considered, especially in a context of public care

Comparative haematological and hepatorenal toxicity of IGR, lufenuron and profenofos insecticide on albino rats

The present investigation was conducted to compare the toxicity of the IGR, lufenuron and the organophosphorus insecticide, profenofos on blood content, liver and kidney functions of male albino rats. The tested compounds were orally administered to rats at 1/20 and 1/10 of their median lethal doses [LD50s] for two months [day after another], then toxicants were withdrawn for 30 days to allow recovery of toxic effects. Data indicated that 1/10 LD50 of both compounds caused significant changes on blood contents and biochemical parameters of treated rats without return to normal levels at the end of recovery period, while, the smallest dose revealed negligible changes on some tested parameters with resumed normal values. The adverse effects reached its peak at 45 and 60 days of treatment [high dose treated rats] followed by decrease during recovery intervals without returned to normal, but at 1/10 LD50, lufenuron caused sever damage on kidney; urea and creatinine showed high levels at the end of recovery periods [92.0 and 220.0% above normal level, respectively]. Data indicated that, 1/10 LD50 of lufenuron treated rats exhibited changes in leucocytes, platelets counts, transaminases activities, creatinine and urea concentrations more than the organophosphorus insecticide. On the contrary, the same dose of profenofos mostly affected on erythrocytes counts, haemoglobin levels and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activity. The obtained data would suggest that the two tested compounds at high dose have an inhibitory action on haemopiesis. In addition, both compounds proved to have comparable toxicity towards animals

The Effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Ginseng Radix Rubra) on Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy in Dogs

We investigated the effects of the oral administration of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on morphologic change and function of liver in dogs. Fifteen adult mongrel dogs (n=15) were divided into three groups: a control group (40% hepatectomy, untreated), a 250 group (40% hepatectomy, 250 mg/kg of KRG, PO), and a 500 group (40% hepatectomy, 500 mg/kg of KRG, PO). The liver regeneration, histologic findings, CBC (WBC, RBC, PCV, and PLT), and liver function tests (AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, LDH, and T-bil) were examined during experiment. The liver regeneration rates were higher in treated groups than in the control group. But, there were no significant differences. All hematological values were within normal ranges except leukocyte counts for 3 days postoperatively. The levels of AST and ALT in the treated groups were significantly decreased compared to that in the control group (p<0.05). The numbers of degenerative cells and area of connective tissue were significantly decreased in the liver of the dog with KRG administration (p<0.01). On the basis of these results, we could conclude that KRG accelerate the liver regeneration and ameliorate the liver injury after hepatectomy in dogs.

Aplicaciones de la citogenética en bioquímica clínica: marcadores biológicos tempranos en la exposición laboral inadecuada a óxido de etileno / Laboral ethylene oxide exposure: early biochemical and cytogenetic biomarkers applications

El óxido de etileno (OE), compuesto de amplio uso en la esterilización de materiales médico-quirúrgicos, es un agente alquilante con actividad mutagénica en distintos sistemas experimentales y probable carcinógeno en humanos. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la sensibilidad de parámetros bioquímicos y citogenéticos en la determinación de daño inducido por OE en 12 técnicos de una central de esterilización con sus correspondientes controles. Los marcadores biológicos incluyeron: hemograma; electroforesis de hemoglobina; separación electroforética de proteínas séricas; determinación de la concentración sérica de bilirrubina: total y directa; determinación de la actividad de aminotransferasas: ALAT y ASAT, lactato deshidrogenasa y fosfatasa alcalina; fraccionamiento electroforético de fosfatasa alcalina. Al mismo tiempo en cultivo de linfocitos de sangre periférica se determinó la frecuencia de aberraciones cromosómicas/célula (AC), la variación del índice mitótico (IM) y la cinética de proliferación celular expresado como índice de replicación (IR). El análisis del fraccionamiento de la fosfatasa alcalina, reveló la presencia de fosfatasa alcalina placentaria en seis de los individuos expuestos. Asimismo, en los estudios de genotoxicidad, se observó un incremento estadísticamente significativo de la frecuencia de AC (p < 0,01) y una disminución tanto del IM (p < 0,0001) como del IR (0,001). Estos datos corroboran los efectos tóxicos del OE y demuestran la importancia de implementar una batería de marcadores biológicos en los estudios de monitoreo humano

Efecto in vivo del diclofenaco potásico sobre la expresión de selectina-L por leucocitos polimorfonucleares / In vivo effect of diclofenac potasium on the expression of L-selectina by human normal polymorphonuclear leukocytes

La selectina-L (CD62L) juegan un papel importante en la interacción inicial leucocito-endotelio, fenómeno clave en la extravasación de células del torrente sanguíneo hacia focos inflamatorios. Recientemente se ha demostrado que ciertos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) inducen in vitro una disminución en la expresión de CD62L e inhiben la interacción de leucocitos polimorfonucleares (PMN) y células endoteliales. En el presente trabajo exploramos in vivo el efecto de diclofenaco potásico sobre expresión de CD62L por PMN. Encontramos que el diclofenaco K, a la dosis que se admistra usualmente, induce una disminución rápida y significativa en la expresión de selectina-L por PMNs de sangre periférica de individuos sanos. Este efecto tendió a desaparecer 24 horas después de la suspensión del AINE. No se observó un incremento significativo en la concentración de CD62L soluble en suero a las 48 horas del inicio de la administración de diclofenaco K. Nuestros datos indican que el efecto in vitro del diclofenaco K sobre la expresión de selectina-L por leucocitos PMN ocurre también in vivo; además, y apoyan fuertemente la hipótesis de que el diclofenaco K ejerce su efecto antiinflamatorio, al menos parcialmente, a través de inducir una disminución en el expresión de CD62L por PMN. Es necesario llevar a cabo mediciones seriadas de CD62L soluble para corroborar si efectivamente la administración de diclofenaco K no afecta los niveles sérico de esta molécula

Effect of prolonged drinking saline water on the blood picture of growing lambs

Twenty-four male Barki lambs, at an average 10.4 +/- 0.1 months of age and 26.0 +/- 0.8 kg body weight, were equally divided into two groups, one of which was used as a control [fresh-water treated] group while the other one was used as a saline [13.1 g/TDS] treated group. Drinking saline water was prepared by daily dilution of sea water [39.3 g/TDS]. The experiment extended from December 1992 to September 1994 [21 months]. Anticoagulated blood samples were collected pretreatment [zero-time], thereafter, at monthly intervals for six months and every three months during the rest period of treatment. The results reflected that successive growth of fresh-water treated lambs was accompanied by a tendency of increasing in red blood cells [RBCs], segmented neutrophils [SN], eosinophils [EOS], basophils [BAS] and lymphocytes [LYM] counts. Packed cells volume [PCV] and hemoglobin concentration [HB] showed the same trend by advancing age. However, monocytes [Mon] counts showed a reverse trend where it tended to decline by advancing age

O valor do teste de estímulo com o hormônio liberador da corticotrofina ovino (oCRH) no diagnóstico diferencial da síndrome de Cushing / The value of the stimulus test with ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRH) in the differential diagnosis of the Cushing syndrome

A caracterizaçao do CRH ovino (oCRH) trouxe novas perspectivas para o diagnóstico diferencial da síndrome de Cushing (SC). Aplicamos o teste de estímulo com oCRH (l mug/kg peso, IV em bolo) para estudo da reserva hipofisária (ACTH) e adrenal (cortisol) em 17 indivíduos controles normais (CN) e 32 pacientes com SC (doença de Cushing [DC] n=24; adenoma adrenocortical [AA] n=6 e secreçao ectópica de ACTH [SE] n=2). Os CN elevaram significantemente seus níveis de ACTH (basal: 28,9 + 12,7; pico: 59,3.ñ 17,6 pg/ml; média ñ DP) e de cortisol (basal: 10, 1.ñ3,4; pico: 18,3 ñ 5,1 mul/dí) após o oCRH. Os pacientes com DC apresentaram níveis basais mais elevados de ACTH (61,7.ñ 58,2 pg/ml) e de cortisol (22,2 ñ 12,5 mug/dl), que se elevaram significantemente após o oCRH (l8l,3 + l32,9 pg/ml e 37,9 + l7,5 mug/dl, respectivamente). Os pacientes com AA apresentaram níveis de ACTH basais (7,4 ñ 3,1 pg/ml) e no pico da resposta (l6,O ñ l3,1 pg/ml) menores que os dos CN e DC. Os níveis basais de cortisol (l9,6 + 6,9 mug/dl) foram maiores que os dos CN, mas nao mudaram após o oCRH (l9,8 ñ 5,7 mug/dl). Os dois pacientes com SE mostraram níveis basais altos de ACTH (307,7 e 102,8 pg/ml) que se elevaram (para 582,4 e 785,4 pg/ml) com o oCRH. Em um o cortisol aumentou de 17,7 para 30,2 mug/dl, mas no outro nao houve mudança (de 6,3 para 6,2 mug/dl). A resposta ao teste foi considerada positiva quando o pico de ACTH foi > 37,7 pg/ml e /ou o incremento de cortisol foi > 2O por cento, o que aconteceu nos CN, DC e (excepcionalmente) em um paciente com SE. A resposta do cortisol ao oCRH mostrou sensibilidade de 100 por cento e especificidade de 87,5 por cento na discriminaçao entre SC hipofisária e extra-hipofisária, em comparaçao com os 75 por cento conseguidos com a supressao pela dexametasona em doses elevadas (8 ou 16 mg em dose única). A eficácia diagnostica é aumentada com a associaçao dos dois testes. Assim, o teste de estímulo com oCRH é útil e prático na determinaçao do diagnóstico diferencial da SC.

In vitro effect of cyclophosphamide on the binding of radiopharmaceuticals (99mTcO4 and 99mTc-MDP) to blood elements

Sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4) and many99m Tc-products are the radiopharmaceuticals most frequently used in nuclear medicine. Using an in vitro model, we evaluated the effect of cyclophosphamide on per cent radioactivity of 99mTcO4 and methylenedi-phosphonic acid (99mTc-MDP) bound toi isolated blood elements. Blood samples were incubated with the two radiopharmaceuticals, plasma and blood cells were separated and precipitated, and soluble and insoluble fractions were separated. To evaluate the effect of cyclophosphamide, blood was incubated with this drug 1h prior to the addition of the radiopharmaceuticals. The fraction of 99mTcO4 radioactivity was slightly higher in plasma (61.2 to 53.8 per cent) than in blood cells (38.8 to 46.2 per cent) up to 6 h and cyclophosphamide did not interfere with this distribution. The amount of 99mTc-mdp radioactivity was higher in plasma (91.1 to 87.2 per cent) than in blood cells 8.9 to 12.9 per cent) up to 24 h and cyclophosphamide did not modify it. The binding of 99mTcO4 to the insoluble fraction of plasma (4.9 to 6.1 per cent) was low and cyclophosphamide did not interfere with it up to 6h, but a small blockade (9.8 to 4.8 per cent) was observed at 24 h. From 3 h on, cyclophosphamide slightly inhibited 99mTcO4 binding to blood cells (23.1 to 16.6 per cent) and increased it at 24h (31.2 to 14.3 per cent). Cyclophosphamide did not alter 99mTc-MDP binding to the insoluble fraction of blood cells and slightly decreased 99mTc-MDP binding to the insoluble fraction of plasma (29.8 to 23.6 per cent) up to 6 h. The effect of cyclophosphamide was strongest at 24 h, with decreased radioactivity binding to the insoluble fraction of plasma (47.6 to 27.0 per cent) and blood cells (51.2 to 23.2 per cent). The fact that cyclophosphamide can bind to plasma proteins and/or cross the cell membrne explains in part the results obtained. Studies using other chemotherapeutic drugs may lead to the development of an in vitro model for the evaluation of drug interaction with radiopharmaceutical substances

Some serum biochemical changes as influenced by tartrazine

The role of synthetic orange color [tartrazine] on glucose, total lipids, total cholesterol, urea and bilirubin contents in blood serum of food additive color fed rats were studies. Results obtained revealed that, glucose, urea and bilirubin contents in serum were significantly increased by administration of tartrazine dose and time of expose. While, total lipids and total cholesterol contents were decreased. The decreased in total lipids was not significant according to tartrazine dose or time of administration, but in the case of total cholesterol, the decrease was significant according to dose and not significant in respect to time of expose

Effect of aqueous Neem (azadirachta indica) extract on testosterone and other blood constituents in male rats: a pilot study

Effect of oral administration of crude aqueous neem extract on serum testosterone and other blood constituents was studied in the male Wistar rats for 10 weeks. The neem treatment resulted in significant decreases (p,0.01) in total testosterone, total bilirubin and K+ in serum. There were also increases (p<0.05) in packed cell volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell, white blood cell and lymphocyte counts without showing any cytotoxic effects in the body.

Antioxidant potential in serum and liver of albino rats exposed to benzene.

Administration of benzene (ip, 0.5 ml/kg body wt or sc, 1 ml/kg body wt) consecutively for 10 days to male and female rats resulted in decrease in antioxidant potentials in serum. Serum uric acid and albumin showed significant decrease in all groups exposed to benzene. alpha-Tocopherol levels did not exhibit significant change in any of the groups when compared to control. Increase in liver lipid peroxidation and decrease in content of free sulphydryl group were observed in rats exposed to benzene. Serum ferroxidase activity, total iron content (TIC) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) in female rats exposed to benzene showed significant decrease in ferroxidase activity without any change in TIC or TIBC when compared to control. The decrease in antioxidant potentials observed may be due to oxidation reactions exhibited by benzene metabolites, particularly, hydroquinone and 1, 2, 4-benzenetriol, resulting in oxidative stress in treated rats.

Effect of alkaloidal extract from Clerodendron colebrookianum on hematological parameters and hepatorenal functions in mice.

Effects of multiple weekly (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) and daily therapeutic (2, 4 and 8 mg/kg) ip doses of C. colebrookianum leaf extract on liver and kidney functions and hematological parameters in mice were studied. No alteration in hematological and biochemical parameters at low and moderate dose level of daily and low dose level of weekly treatment of alkaloidal extract was observed. However, alkaloidal extract at moderate dose in weekly treatment increased significantly serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, nonprotein nitrogen, blood urea, plasma protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. High dose of alkaloidal extract increased all the above parameters of weekly treated mice including serum aspartate aminotransferase and plasma cholesterol and decreased significantly serum bilirubin and clotting time. Whereas, in high dose daily treatment erythrocyte count and hemoglobin content were increased and serum bilirubin was decreased. The present study reveals that the high dose (above 40 mg/kg body weight) of alkaloidal extract of C. colebrookianum affects liver and kidney functions and metabolism and also alters only clotting time and ESR whereas the therapeutic dose level (hypotensive action at 2 to 8 mg/kg, i.v., dose level) did not exhibit any toxic action on the above mentioned system; the toxic action may be due to overdose. Hepatorenal dysfunction and alteration of hematological parameters were noted at moderate and high dose in a dose dependent manner.

Mechanism of anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn, eugenol and Tinospora malabarica in experimental animals.

Effects of restraint stress (RS) and its modulation by O. sanctum (Os), eugenol and T. malabarica (Tm) were evaluated on some biochemical and biophysical parameters in rats. RS induced elevations in blood glucose and urea levels, were unaffected by either Os, eugenol or Tm pretreatment. However, both Os and eugenol lowered RS-induced cholesterol levels. RS also caused a generalized increase in enzyme activity and Os, eugenol or Tm effectively lowered the RS-induced elevations in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase. RS also induced (a) increased membrane protein clusterization, (b) increased membrane fluidity and (c) reduced membrane thickness--in RBC membrane, whereas, the effects on the synaptosomal membrane were less marked. The RS-induced changes in RBC membrane dynamics were attenuated/reversed by Os, eugenol or Tm, in a differential manner. These biochemical and membrane changes during Rs and their modulation by the adaptogens are discussed in light of the possible mechanisms of action of these agents, during such aversive stimuli.

Effect of chemically different calcium antagonists on lipid profile in rats fed on a high fat diet.

Different classes of calcium antagonists, viz. verapamil (diphenylalkylamine), diltiazem (benzothiazepine), nifedipine, felodipine and nimodipine (dihydropyridines), were examined for their effects on lipid profile in rats. Clofibrate was the reference standard. Clofibrate significantly prevented the rise of serum triglycerides and total cholesterol produced by high fat diet and raised antiatherogenic index to 1.6 times than that of high fat diet controls. Of the calcium antagonists studied, felodipine was most effective in preventing the rise of serum triglycerides and total cholesterol in high fat diet fed rats. Felodipine's antiatherogenic index was very high (886%)--much more than that of clofibrate (303%). Diltiazem and nimodipine which also significantly prevented the rise in triglycerides and total cholesterol produced by high fat diet had a moderately beneficial antiatherogenic index similar to that of clofibrate. Though verapamil and nifedipine slightly increased the triglyceride levels, total cholesterol levels were reduced only by verapamil and not by nifedipine. Despite this both these drugs moderately raised antiatherogenic index similar to clofibrate.

ABO blood groups in squirrel monkeys

Amostras de sangue e saliva foram coletadas de 76 animais da espécie Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis da Bolivia. As amostras de saliva foram testadas para a presença de antígenos ABH humanos, pelo método convencional de inibiçäo da hemaglutinaçäo. Cinquenta e nove animais foram classificados como sendo do grupo sanguíneo A e 17 como sendo do grupo AB. A distribuiçäo fenotípica ajusta-se ao esperado, assumindo-se o equilíbrio de hardy-Weinberg, em um modelo com dois alelos, com as seguintes freqüências: I A= 0.89 e I B = 0.11. Esses resultados näo mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes, quando comparados com aqueles descritos por Schneider et al. (unpublished data) em S. b. peruviensis. Amostras de soro de 71 animais foram utilizadas na investigaçäo de aglutininas naturais, pelo teste de hemaglutinaçäo direta e foi observado 34% de discordância entre os fenótipos salivar e sérico