Study of the effects of L-dopa on some chemical transmitters in CNS in normal and liver diseased animals

The influence of intraperitoneal administration of L-dopa on brain chemical transmitters and liver function tests was investigated in rats with paracitamol induced hepatic necrosis. It was found that L-dopa produced a significant increase in the level of norepinephrine and a significant decrease in the level of epinephrine and serotonin. On the other hand, L-dopa did not improve the histopathological picture of the liver and the liver function tests of the diseased animals. These data indicate that the improvement in the clinical picture of hepatic coma by injection of levodopa could be explained by its effect on the neuro-hormonal transmitters and not due to direct action on the liver

Exposure to formaldehyde vapour: a medical occupational hazard

Fourty male and female albino rats were housed in dissecting room of Pathology Department for 10 weeks to determine histopathological alterations in their internal organs resulting from exposure to occupational concentration of formaldehyde vapour [4.5 ppm]. Definite changes were induced in the liver [up to focal necrosis], kidney [focal periglomerular fibrosis], lungs [generalized congestion with epithelial hyperplasia and pseudostratification of bronchioles] and the testis showed focal hypospermatogenic tubules. These toxic changes nescessitate fulfillment of strict measures for reducing concentration of formaldehyde vapour in medical laboratories to protect medical and paramedical personnel, particularly those with hepatic, renal or pulmonary troubles