Impact of phosphate solubilizing bacteria on wheat (Triticum aestivum ) in the presence of pesticides / Impacto das bactérias solubilizantes de fosfato no trigo (Triticum aestivum ) na presença de pesticidas

Abstract Three phosphate solubilizing bacteria were isolated and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas sp and Pseudomonas fulva . The strains were subjected to plant biochemical testing and all the PGPR attributes were checked in the presence of pesticides (chlorpyrifos and pyriproxyfen). The phosphate solubilizing index of strain Ros2 was highest in NBRIP medium i.e 2.23 mm. All the strains showed acidic pH (ranges from 2.5-5) on both medium i.e PVK and NBRIP. Strain Ros2 was highly positive for ammonia production as well as siderophore production while strain Rad2 was positive for HCN production. The results obtained by the strains Rad1, Rad2 and Ros2 for auxin production were 33.1, 30.67 and 15.38 µg ml-1, respectively. Strain Rad1 showed 16% increase in percentage germination in comparison to control in the presence of pesticide stress. Most promising results for chlorophyll content estimation were obtained in the presence of carotenoids upto 6 mgg-1 without stress by both strains Rad1 and Rad2. Study suggests that especially strain Ros2 can enhance plant growth parameters in the pesticide stress.

Resumo Três bactérias solubilizantes de fosfato foram isoladas e identificadas por seqüenciamento de rRNA 16S como Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas sp e Pseudomonas fulva. As estirpes foram submetidas a testes bioquímicos de plantas e todos os atributos PGPR foram verificados na presença de pesticidas (clorpirifos e piriproxifeno). O índice de solubilização de fosfato da estirpe Ros2 foi mais elevado no meio NBRIP, isto é, 2,23 mm. Todas as estirpes apresentaram um pH ácido (varia de 2,5-5) em ambos os meios, isto é PVK e NBRIP. A estirpe Ros2 foi altamente positiva para a produção de amoníaco, bem como a produção de sideróforos enquanto a estirpe Rad2 foi positiva para a produção de HCN. Os resultados obtidos pelas estirpes Rad1, Rad2 e Ros2 para a produção de auxina foram 33,1, 30,67 e 15,38 μg ml-1 , respectivamente. A deformação Rad1 mostrou aumento de 16% na germinação percentual em comparação com o controlo na presença de stress de pesticida. Os resultados mais promissores para a estimativa do teor de clorofila foram obtidos na presença de carotenóides até 6 mgg-1 sem estresse por ambas as cepas Rad1 e Rad2. Estudo sugere que especialmente a estirpe Ros2 pode melhorar parâmetros de crescimento de plantas no estresse de pesticidas.

Manejo de hemorragia asociada a anticoagulantes orales directos: estado actual de las estrategias de reversión / Management of bleeding associated with direct oral anticoagulants: update on reversal strategies

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and the direct factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban have at least comparable efficacy as vitamin K antagonists along with a better safety profile, reflected by a lower incidence of intracranial hemorrhage. Specific reversal agents have been developed in recent years. Namely, idarucizumab, a specific antidote for dabigatran, is currently approved in most countries. Andexanet, which reverses factor Xa inhibitors, has been recently approved by the FDA, and ciraparantag, a universal antidote targeted to reverse all DOACs, is still under investigation. In this review we provide an update on the pharmacology of DOACs, the risk of hemorrhagic complications associated with their use, the measurement of their anticoagulant effect and the reversal strategies in case of DOAC-associated bleeding.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of nano-based films for buccal delivery of zolpidem

Abstract Insomnia is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world general population. Therapies used by patients include over-the-counter therapies, herbal and dietary supplements, and pharmacological or nonpharmacological treatments. Among these, zolpidem is a pharmacological treatment popularly used for insomnia. Zolpidem is well tolerated and especially efficacious for initiation of sleep, and therefore is effective for the treatment of sleep-onset insomnia. The purpose of the present study was to design and evaluate zolpidem nanoparticle-impregnated buccal films to prolong the duration of its action. Zolpidem nanospheres were prepared by double emulsion solvent evaporation and then loaded into buccoadhesive films (Z1-Z4) comprised of different concentrations of HPMC K100, Eudragit® RL 100, and carbopol 974P. The prepared films were characterized for physicomechanical properties, mucoadhesion, percent hydration, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, and in vivo studies. In vitro drug release was found to depend upon film composition. Ex vivo studies showed that film Z4 had the highest flux. In vivo studies revealed that administration of zolpidem nanosphere-impregnated film enhanced absorption of the drug (p < 0.0001), with a higher peak plasma concentration (52.54 ± 8.22 ng/mL) and area under the curve from time 0 to α (236.00 ± 39.51 ng.h/mL) than oral administration. The increase in time taken to reach the maximum drug concentration (1.5 h) further signifies the potential of these films to provide prolonged drug release. Given these promising results, we concluded that these buccal films could be an alternative route for effective zolpidem delivery.

Efficacy of the d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen association against mites in naturally co-infested rabbits / Eficácia da associação de d-fenotrina e piriproxifen no controle de ácaros em coelhos naturalmente co-infestados

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen association against Psoroptes ovis, Cheyletiella parasitivorax, and Leporacarus gibbus infestations in naturally co-infested rabbits. Twenty crossbreed (New Zealand White x California) rabbits concurrently infested by the three mite species were randomly divided in two groups. All rabbits presented with hyperemia, erythema and formation of crusts in the ear canals caused by P. ovis. Infestations by both C. parasitivorax and L. gibbus were considered asymptomatic in all animals.Ten animals were treated with a 4.4% d-phenothrin and 0.148% pyriproxyfen spray formulation until have their body surface uniformly sprayed, including external ear canals. The other ten rabbits remained untreated, serving as control group. Observations were done on days +7, +14, +21, +28, and +35 post-treatment. The d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen association showed 100% efficacy against the three mite species and was responsible for the remission of psoroptic mange lesions on treated animals. No signs of intoxication were observed. The results indicate that d-phenothrin/pyriproxyfen spray formulation in a single application is an effective and clinically safe option for the control of different mite infestations in rabbits.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da associação de d-fenotrina e piriproxifen no controle de infestações simultâneas por Psoroptes ovis, Cheyletiella parasitivorax e Leporacarus gibbus em coelhos naturalmente co-infestados. Vinte coelhos mestiços (Nova Zelândia Branco x Califórnia) infestados simultaneamente pelas três espécies de ácaros foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Todos os coelhos infestados por apresentavam eritema, hiperemia e formação de crostas nas orelhas, causados por P. ovis. Infestações simultâneas por C. parasitivorax e L. gibbus foram considerados assintomáticas em todos os animais. Dez animais foram tratados com uma formulação spray contendo d-fenotrina a 4,4% e piriproxifen a 0,148%, pulverizando toda a superfície corporal de forma uniforme, incluindo a face interna das orelhas. Os outros 10 coelhos não foram t ratados, sendo mantidos como grupo controle. Os animais foram avaliados nos dias 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 pós-tratamento. A associação de d-fenotrina e piriproxifen foi 100% eficaz no controle das três espécies de ácaros e foi responsável pela remissão das lesões de sarna psoróptica nos animais tratados. Não foram observados sinais de intoxicação. Os resultados indicam que a formulação spray de d-fenotrina e piriproxifen em uma única aplicação é uma opção clinicamente segura e eficaz no controle de infestações por ácaros em coelhos.

Absorção foliar, caulinar e radicular dos inseticidas pymetrozine e flonicamid no controle do pulgão Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em algodoeiro / Leaf, stem and root absorption of pymetrozine and flonicamid to control the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

O pulgão Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) é uma praga da cultura do algodão e quando não controlado pode reduzir a produtividade e a qualidade da fibra. A descoberta de novos grupos químicos de inseticidas para o controle do inseto traz perspectivas novas de manejo, e dentre os aficidas recentemente descobertos destacam-se pymetrozine e flonicamid. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência destes dois inseticidas no controle de A. gossypii quando absorvidos pela folha, caule e raiz de algodoeiro. Utilizou o delineamento experimental fatorial (2 x 3) com 5 repetições, em blocos casualizados. Cada parcela foi constituída de um vaso com duas plantas, mantidos sob condições de casa-de-vegetação, no ano de 2005. Avaliou-se a densidade populacional do pulgão nas folhas durante dezesseis dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos. Os resultados permitem concluir: (1) flonicamid apresentou eficiência de controle quando absorvido pelo caule e pelas folhas; (2) pymetrozine apresentou eficiência de controle através da absorção foliar; (3) a rota de absorção radicular não propiciou controle satisfatório para ambos aficidas; e, (4) em aplicação foliar os dois inseticidas não diferiram entre si quanto ao controle do pulgão-do-algodoeiro.

Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a cotton pest, and if not controlled can reduce yield and fiber quality. The discovery of new chemical groups of insecticides brings new perspectives to IPM; pymetrozine and flonicamid are examples of new launched pesticides. This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of these two insecticides to control A. gossypii when they were absorbed by cotton root, stem and leaves. The statistical design was a randomized factorial (2 x 3) with five replications in blocks. Each plot consisted of a pot with two plants, kept under greenhouse conditions, in 2005. We evaluated the population density of aphids on the leaves during sixteen days after treatment. The results show: (1) flonicamid has efficiency when absorbed by stem and leaves, (2) pymetrozine efficacy is through foliar uptake, (3) the root absorption do not provide satisfactory control for both insecticides, and, (4) both insecticides control the aphid-cotton when is applied on leaves.

Role of cetuximab and sorafenib in treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background: The relationship of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) pathway, such as PI3K, K-ras, and B-raf, with response to EGFR-targeted antibodies is less well studied. Aim: To assess sorafenib with cetuximab in treating metastatic colorectal cancer. Settings and Design: Thirty-five patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were randomized to receive cetuximab with or without oral sorafenib. Patients and Methods: Patients received cetuximab IV weekly for four weeks and oral sorafenib twice daily on days 1 - 28, with recycling every four weeks. The primary end point was the response rate (partial and complete), while the secondary end points were the adverse effects, time to progression and overall survival. Statistical Analysis was made using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions, using SPSS 10.0, with estimation of both time to progression and overall survival time by the Kaplan-Meier method and comparing the two groups with the use of a log-rank test. Results: Partial response was higher in cetuximab-sorafenib (EN), which constituted 33.3% compared to 17.6% in the cetuximab group (P = 0.44). Progression-free survival had a statistically higher significant difference in wild K-ras compared to mutant K-ras cases (P = .0001). Median overall survival was seven and five months in the (EN) and (E) groups respectively (P = 0.49). Conclusion: K-ras and B-raf was a predictor of response, so genotyping of tumors was needed for defining the patient population that was likely to benefit from the targeted therapy. A combination of therapy that simultaneously targets K-ras and B-raf could be a useful approach to increase the number of patients who may benefit from anti-EGFR therapy.

Which treatment modality should we choose for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma? / 대한간학회지

No abstract available.

Formulation and evaluation of mouth dissolving tablets of the etoricoxib

The demand for mouth dissolving tablets has been growing during the last decade especially for elderly and children who have swallowing difficulties. Etoricoxib is a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID] with selective cox-2 inhibitory activity, selective inhibition of cox-2 provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity it is commonly used for osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, primary dysmenorrhoea, post operative dental pain and acute gout. The main criteria for mouth dissolving tablets are to disintegrate or dissolve rapidly in oral cavity with saliva in 15sec to 60sec with need of water. The disintegrants used should fulfill the criteria by disintegrating the tablets in specified time limit.in the present investigation variety of super disintegrants like primogel, kollidone, Ac-Di-sol, L-HPMC, L-HPC, were selected and tablets were prepared by direct compression method in different concentration like 4% and 8%. The prepared tablets were evaluated for weight variation, hardness, friability, in vitro disintegration time, wetting time, in vitro dissolution study, etc. formulation f-9 shows the lowest disintegration time [44sec] and wetting time [52sec]. In vitro dissolution studies revealed that formulation F-9 containning 8% L-HPC showed 97% drug release at the end of 20 min

Cardiovascular and hematologic effects produced by chronic treatment with etoricoxib in normotensive rats / Efeitos cardiovasculares e hematológicos produzidos pelo tratamento crônico com etoricoxib em ratos normotensos

PURPOSE: Evaluate the cardiovascular and hematological effects produced by chronic treatment with two dosis of etoricoxib in Wistar normotensive rats. METHODS: Thirty rats have been used and divided into one control group and two etoricoxib (10mg/kg and 30mg/kg) treatments groups for 60 days. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was taken during the whole experimental period and at the end of this period, under anesthesia blood samples were taken, and further the withdrawn of the aorta, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys for the anatomopathologic study. RESULTS: The treatment with etoricoxib (30mg/Kg) produced a significant increase of the MAP from the 28th day of the experiment and from the platelets when compared to the control group and to the group treated with 10mg/Kg, besides producing a highly significant difference in hematocrit and in the red blood cells in relation to the control group. On the other hand the treatment with etoricoxib has not caused histopathological changes when compared to the control. CONCLUSION: These data show that the chronic treatment with etoricoxib leads to increase of the MAP, and to important hematological changes which seem to be associated to the hemoconcentration although not producing anatomopathological significant changes.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos cardiovasculares e hematológicos produzidos pelo tratamento crônico com duas doses de etoricoxib em ratos Wistar normotensos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 30 ratos divididos em um grupo controle e dois grupos tratamentos (10mg/kg e 30mg/kg) de etoricoxib por 60 dias. A pressão arterial média (PAM) dos animais foi aferida durante todo o período experimental e, ao final deste, sob anestesia, foram coletadas amostras de sangue, além da retirada da aorta, coração, cérebro, fígado e rins para estudo anatomopatológico. RESULTADOS: O tratamento com etoricoxib (30mg/Kg) produziu aumento significativo da PAM a partir do 28° dia do experimento e das plaquetas quando comparado ao grupo controle e ao grupo tratado com etoricoxib 10 mg/Kg, além de produzir diferença altamente significativa no hematócrito e nas hemácias em relação ao grupo controle. Por outro lado, o tratamento com etoricoxib, não produziu alterações histopatológicas quando comparado ao controle. CONCLUSÃO: Estes dados indicam que o tratamento crônico com etoricoxib produz aumento da PAM, além de importantes alterações hematológicas que parecem estar associadas à hemoconcentração, porém sem produzir alterações anatomopatológicas significativas.

Efficacy of etoricoxib for pain relief during endometrial biopsy; a double blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of oral etoricoxib and placebo for pain relief during endometrial biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial that included 80 women who underwent endometrial biopsy was done at Thammasat University Hospital between 1 September 2005 and 30 June 2006. Forty women were randomly allocated to the etoricoxib group (120 mg, tablet) and 40 to the placebo group. The main outcome was the patient's assessment of intensity of pain measured by visual analog scale (VAS) before speculum insertion, during endometrial biopsy, immediately after endometrial biopsy, and 30 minutes after endometrial biopsy. Satisfactory score was also evaluated. RESULTS: Demographic data including age, BMI, previous vaginal deliveries, previous pelvic surgery and history of curettage were not significantly different between the etoricoxib group and the placebo group. Mean pain score in the etoricoxib group was not significantly lower when compared with the placebo group during endometrial biopsy (5.0 +/- 1.7 versus 5.25 +/- 2.2, p = 0.7) and immediately after endometrial biopsy (2.1 +/- 2.2 versus 2.8 +/- 1.7, p = 0.1) but significantly lower at 30 minutes after endometrial biopsy (0.2 +/- 0.5 versus 0.6 +/- 0.8, p = 0.01). Mean satisfactory score was significantly higher in the etoricoxib group (6.9 +/- 1.8 versus 5.1 +/- 2.3, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: A single oral dose of etoricoxib for reduction of pain during endometrial biopsy had not significantly lower the pain score during the procedure compared with the placebo. However mean satisfactory score in the etoricoxib group was higher with statistically significant difference. Also the authors found no serious adverse effects of this drug.

Prevention of post operative pain after abdominal hysterectomy by single dose etoricoxib.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether a reduction in post operative morphine consumption could be achieved by a single-dose of etoricoxib before induction of anesthesia. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two hours before surgery, patients undergoing transabdominal hysterectomy (under general anesthesia) were randomized to a single oral dose of 1) etoricoxib 120 mg (n = 17), 2) etoricoxib 180 mg (n = 17), or 3) placebo (n = 15). Intravenous morphine was given for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. Morphine consumption, pain scores both at rest and on coughing, and side-effects were recorded at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h after surgery. Patients' global evaluation of study medication was assessed at the end of the present study. RESULTS: Etoricoxib provided greater clinical benefit than the placebo in terms of mean morphine in milligram at 24 hour consumption (stardard deviation): a) 26.4 mg (SD of 11.2) for etoricoxib 120 mg; b) 27.2 mg (SD of 9.9) for etoricoxib 180 mg; and, c) 36.6 mg (SD of 8.9) for the placebo group. At 8 h post surgery, pain both at rest and on coughing in the active drug groups was significantly less than in the placebo, while pain on coughing was significantly less at 24 h. Patients reported better global satisfaction and less somnolence in the etoricoxib groups. CONCLUSION: Single dose etoricoxib 180 mg given before surgery provides the same analgesic effect as 120 mg for post operative pain after an abdominal hysterectomy.

Two Cases of Multidrug-Resistant Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Treated with Atazanavir and Lopinavir/Ritonavir Combination Therapy

The combination of atazanavir (ATV) and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV) with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) has been used as a salvage regimen for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. In this paper, we discuss two cases of HIV-positive patients who had long histories of virological failure following a heavy treatment of antiretroviral drugs, but then achieved virological suppression with double-boosted protease inhibitor (PI) regimens. In patients with multiple genotypic resistance to PIs and NRTIs, virological suppression can be achieved with a combination of ATV plus LPV/RTV with an NRTI backbone. The two cases in this report suggest that a combination of ATV plus LPV/RTV could be a useful salvage regimen for the subset of HIV-positive patients with limited treatment options.

Nuevas alternativas en el tratamiento del cancer gástrico avanzado / Treatment of advanced gastric cancer with oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil/ leucovorin (FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy)

Background: Chemotherapy improves survival in advanced gastric cancer. However the most active combinations have a high level of toxicity that limits their use. Aim: To assess the response, toxicity and survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer, treated with oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy). Material and methods: Patients with stage IVgastric cancer, according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer or with relapsed disease and functional capacity 0-2 of the South West Oncology Group, were included. FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy was used as first or second line treatment. The response to treatment and survival were assessed. Results: Between 2003 and 2006, 29 patients (median age 52.5 years, 69 percent males) were treated. FOLFOX-4 was given as first line treatment in 65 percent patients and as second line in 35 percent. There was a complete response in 4.6 percent, partial response in 68 percent, stable disease in 20.6 percent and progression in 6.8 percent. Toxicity was observed in 51 percent of patients, that was hematological and non hematological grade 3/4 in 14 percent. Median survival was 12.5 months. Conclusions: FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy was active in advanced gastric cancer and had a low level of toxicity.

Oral etoricoxib for pain relief during fractional curettage: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of oral etoricoxib and placebo combined with paracervical block for pain relief during fractional curettage MATERIAL AND METHOD: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial that included 220 women who underwent fractional curettage and received paracervical block for pain relief was done at Ramathibodi Hospital between September 2005 and June 2006. One hundred and ten women were randomly allocated to the etoricoxib group (90 mg, tablet) and 110 to the placebo group. The main outcome was the patient's assessment of intensity of pain measured by verbal rating scales after speculum insertion, during fractional curettage, immediately after curettage, and 30 minutes after curettage. RESULTS: Demographic data including age, previous vaginal deliveries, and history of curettage were not significantly different between etoricoxib group and placebo group. Most common indication for fractional curettage was menometrorrhagia in both groups. Pain score in etoricoxib group was significant lower during fractional curettage (5 vs. 6, p = 0.04), immediately after curettage (2 vs. 3, p = 0. 009), and 30 minutes after curettage (0 vs. 1, p = 0.003). Comparing the number of patients with mild pain (score 0-3), there were significant higher number of mild pain patient at the time during curettage (39 vs. 20 cases), immediate after curettage (78 vs. 60 cases), and 30 minutes after curettage (107 vs. 100 cases) in etoricoxib group. CONCLUSION: Combination of etoricoxib with paracervical block for reduction of pain during fractional curettage had statistically significant lower pain scale when compared with placebo with paracervical block. However the difference was small and may have questionable clinical significance.

Effect of 5-HT1B receptor agonists injected into the prefrontal cortex on maternal aggression in rats

Serotonin (5-HT1B) receptors play an essential role in the inhibition of aggressive behavior in rodents. CP-94,253, a 5-HT1B receptor agonist, can reduce aggression in male mice when administered directly into the ventro-orbitofrontal (VO) prefrontal cortex (PFC). The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of two selective 5-HT1B receptor agonists (CP-94,253 and CP-93,129), microinjected into the VO PFC, on maternal aggressive behavior after social instigation in rats. CP-94,253 (0.56 µg/0.2 µL, N = 8, and 1.0 µg/0.2 µL, N = 8) or CP-93,129 (1.0 µg/0.2 µL, N = 9) was microinjected into the VO PFC of Wistar rats on the 9th day postpartum and 15 min thereafter the aggressive behavior by the resident female against a male intruder was recorded for 10 min. The frequency and duration of aggressive and non-aggressive behaviors were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc tests. CP-93,129 significantly decreased maternal aggression. The frequency of lateral attacks, bites and pinnings was reduced compared to control, while the non-aggressive behaviors and maternal care were largely unaffected by this treatment. CP-94,253 had no significant effects on aggressive or non-aggressive behaviors when microinjected into the same area of female rats. CP-93,129, a specific 5-HT1B receptor agonist, administered into the VO PFC reduced maternal aggressive behavior, while the CP-94,253 agonist did not significantly affect this behavior after social instigation in female rats. We conclude that only the 5-HT1B receptor agonist CP-93,129 administered into the VO PFC decreased aggression in female rats postpartum after social instigation.

Zolpidem at supratherapeutic doses can cause drug abuse, dependence and withdrawal seizure.

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug, acts selectively through omega 1 receptors of GABAA. It is thought to be safer than benzodiazepines but we report a case of zolpidem drug abuse, dependence and withdrawal seizure.

Involvement of adrenal and thyroid activity in the annual testicular regression of red headed bunting (Emberiza bruniceps).

Thyroid and adrenal activities are closely associated with reproductive cycle and any alteration in these endocrine functions may cause changes in the pituitary-gonadal axis.To understand this interrelationship during testicular senstive phase (month of April) male birds were injected with metapyrone(corticosterone synthesis blocks 1 microg/bird/day & 10 microg/bird/day) and newmercazol (thyroxine synthesis blocks 10 microg/bird/day) over a period of 12 weeks.During late breeding phase (month of August) two sets of birds having large gonad (photosensitive) and regressed gonad (photorefractory) were injected with metapyrone (10 microg/bird/alternate day). Results indicate that decreased activity of both adrenal and thyroid, extended the breeding phase but rate of regression decreased only in the case of bird receiving higher level of metapyrone.However,in the second group rate of gonadal regression was slow only in those bird where treatment was started during photosensitive phase. It may be suggested that optimum level of activity of adrenal and thyroid function are essential for termination of reproduction and any alteration in these function may alter seasonal pattern of neuroendocrine gonadal axis.

Paraventricular nucleus administration of DuP753 or PD123319 inhibits the effects of angiotensin on water and sodium intake

We determined the effects of DuP753 and PD123319 (both nonpeptides and selective antagonists of the AT1 and AT2 angiotensin receptors, respectively), and [Sar(l), Ala(8)]ANG II (a non-selective peptide antagonist of angiotensin receptors)on water and 3 per cent NaCl intake induced by administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of sodium-depleted Holtzman rats weighing 250-300 g. Twenty hours before the experiments, the rats were depleted of sodium using furosemide (10 ng/rat, sc). The volume of drug solution injected was 0.5 mul over a period of 10-15 sec. Water and sodium intake were measured at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 h. Pre-treatment with DuP753 (l4 rats) at a dose of 60 ng completely abolished the water intake induced by injection of 12 ng of ANG II (15 rats) (6.4 ñ 0.6 vs 1.4 ñ 0.3 ml/2 h), whereas [Sar(l), Ala(8)]ANG II (l2 rats) and PDl23319 (10 rats) at the doses of 60 ng partially blocked water intake (6.4 ñ 0.6 vs 2.9 ñ 0.5 and 2.7 ñ 0.2 ml/2 h, respectively). In the same animals, [Sar(l), Ala(8)]ANG II, DuP753, and PDl23319 blocked the sodium intake induced by ANG II (9.2 ñ 1.6 vs 3.3 ñ 0.6, 1.8 ñ 0.3, and 1.4 ñ 0.2 ml/2 h, respectively). These results indicate that both DuP753 and PD123319, administered into the PVN, blocked the water and sodium intake induced by administration of ANG II into the same site.