experimental study of zinc in diabetes mellitus

Present study was conducted to observe the changes in body weight, physical endurance and levels of zinc in serum and tissues in experimentally induced diabetes in rats. Oral zinc sulfate supplementation was done in three different doses [50 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 300mg/kg] to see if zinc supplementation has any effect on the above parameters. After 7 days of alloxan treatment, rats having blood sugar levels of more than 350 mg/dl were selected for the present study. Serum zinc level in diabetic rats was significantly low as compared to control. Brain zinc level of diabetic rats was significantly low, whereas kidney and liver zinc levels in diabetic rats were significantly high. Swimming time and body weight were significantly decreased in diabetic rats as compared to control rats. On oral zinc supplementation serum zinc levels of diabetic groups II and III rats increased significantly from 4th week as compared to the control and diabetic group I rats. Brain zinc level of diabetic group III rats was found to be increased significantly as compared to diabetic groups I and II, whereas kidney zinc level of diabetic group III was significantly low as compared to diabetic groups I and II, but no significant change was noted in liver zinc level. Gain in body weight with improved physical endurance was observed along with elevated serum zinc levels in experimental diabetic rats

Study of potassium channel blockers on convulsions in rats

Present study was conducted to see the effect of potassium channel blockers - 4-aminopyridine [4-AP], Tetraethylammoniumchloride [TEA+CI], and Quinine hydrochloride on electrically evoked convulsions in rats. Charles Foster albino rats of either sex weighing between 100-200 gms were taken and divided into four groups of six reach. Group I was taken as control and treated with normal saline [1 ml/Kg body weight], Group II was treated with 4-AP [2 mg/Kg body weight Group III was treated with TEA+CI [30 mg/Kg body weight], Group IV was treated with Quinine hydrochloride [50 mg/Kg body weight]. The rats were then subjected to a current of 150 mA for 0.2 seconds by means of Electroconvulsometer and the duration of extensor phase of the hind limbs was taken as the end. The rats treated with potassium channel blockers showed an increase in the duration of the extensor phase. This effect could be due to the enhancement of the excitatory synaptic transmission