Pharmacokinetics of diclofenac in sheep following intravenous and intramuscular administration

Diclofenac is an important nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is commonly used in both humans and animals. The aim of this work was to examine the pharmacokinetics of diclofenac in sheep after intravenous and intramuscular dosing. Diclofenac [1 mg/kg] was administered to ten clinically healthy-male Najdi sheep intravenously or intramuscularly [n = 5 each]. Blood samples [5 ml] were collected and serum was separated for drug analysis by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Diclofenac pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartmental analysis. Diclofenac is quickly eliminated from sheep with a terminal T1/2 lambda of 2-3 hr for both routes of administration. Total diclofenac clearance after intravenous and intramuscular administration was 87.86 +/- 10.78 and 85.69 +/- 18.23 ml/hr/kg, respectively. Apparently, the absolute bioavailability of IM diclofenac is excellent [100%], which indicates that a similar dose could be given IM instead of IV if needed. Given this data, diclofenac should be administered 2-3 times daily in sheep [via these routes] to maintain therapeutic concentrations. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the route of elimination of diclofenac in sheep including metabolites formation and the significance of enterohepatic circulation in this process

Precise enumeration of bacteria

A method for exact enumeration of bacteria is reported, which is not only very accurate but highly economical as well. This method combines the precision of heamocytometer counts with the economy of the plate counts. Isolated of Rhizobium meliloti have been effectively enumerated using this method

Beneficial aspect of weeds

Weeds are considered to be a potential enemy for agricultural development, due to their direct competition with important agricultural crops in the fields. However, weeds do not possess this negative effect only. There exists a way in which one very common wild weed, Medicago, has been used as an aid in agricultural biotechnology through the creation of an indigenous gene pool of Rhizobium meliloti. The potential of Medicago species in future research has also been discussed