Himalayan Pyracantha crenulata (D.Don) M.Roem. leaf and fruit extracts alleviate algesia through COX-2 and Mu-opioid receptor mediated pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pyracantha crenulata (D.Don) M.Roem., a plant of high nutritional and medicinal value is traditionally employed for its analgesic property in joint and body pain in the Kumaun region of Western Himalaya.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To validate the traditional claims for analgesic property of Pyracantha crenulata.

METHODS

Hydroethanolic extract of P. crenulata leaves and fruits were tested for their analgesic potential in rodent models for algesia by tail immersion test, tail flick test, Eddy's hot plate model, and formalin induced paw irritation test in Wistar rats. Molecular docking and dynamics studies were also performed to understand the possible mechanisms.

RESULTS

Both P. crenulata fruit extract and leaf extract exhibited significant amelioration in all the tested experimental models of algesia acting through central and peripheral mechanisms. The efficacy in reducing nociception was found comparable to diclofenac that was used as a reference standard. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies further established binding affinity of gallic acid (confirmed to be present in P. crenulata leaf extract through HPTLC profiling) with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and mu-opioid receptors, suggesting the modulatory effect of these extracts on COX-2 and mu-opioid receptors in combating algesia.

CONCLUSION

P. crenulata extracts produce analgesic effects plausibly through COX-2 and mu-opioid receptor mediated pathways.

Lignans: a versatile source of anticancer drugs

Background

Cancer is considered as the second deadliest disease globally. Plants have continuously offered unique secondary metabolites with remarkable biological applications. Lignans have gained great importance due to their biological activity. Previous studies revealed that the most remarkable bioactivity of lignan class of molecules is anticancer. They are derived from the oxidative dimerization of two phenylpropanoid units. This review covers the isolated anticancer lignans and their mechanistic aspects.

Main body

A bibliographic investigation was performed by analyzing the information available on anticancer lignans in the internationally accepted scientific databases including Web of Science, SciFinder, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. In this review we have tried to sum up the isolated anticancerous lignan, its source, active plant part, extract and various cell lines used to establish different studies. Here we have included a total number of 113 natural lignans. Many studies that mainly performed in human cell lines have reported. Very few plants have been evaluated for their in vivo anticancer activity.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that in near future the lignans may be an effective pharmacon for the treatment of cancer. Fruitful areas of future research may be in modifying natural lignans or synthesizing new lignans with structural diversity and potent pharmacological activities. Extensive studies are needed to be done highlighting the mechanism of anticancer action of explored and unexplored plants. The data will definitely attract many researchers to start further experimentation that might lead to the drugs for the cancer treatment.

Graphical Abstract

Ethnopharmacology, Botanical Description and Phytochemistry of Premna barbata: An Unexplored Medicinal Plant Species from Lamiaceae Family

Objectives:

Premna barbata Wall. ex Schauer; (Lamiaceae) is a deciduous shrub or tree known as Aganyo in folk language. The plant is widely used in treating various diseases traditionally such as arthritic pain, dropsy, diarrhoea, fever, and herpes complex disease. However, comprehensive data on this medicinally important plant is not available in the literature. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a detailed overview on the botanical description, ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological investigations of Premna barbata to provide a scientific consensus for future research investigations and to link its traditionally claimed use to scientifically proven results.

Methods:

Information regarding the plant was gathered from an electronic database such as Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, ACS, Springer, SciFinder, Taylor and Francis, Google Scholar, Scopus and Journal websites. The scientific name of the plant was validated using The Plant List and The International Plant Names Index.

Results:

An exhaustive study of the accessible sources of Premna barbata confirmed its origin, distribution, ethnomedicinal use. It has been used in the form of powders, juice, paste, and decoctions against various ailments. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of different phytoconstituents. Only antibacterial potential of the plant has been reported yet.

Conclusion:

By performing the literature search, Premna barbata showcased its importance in folkloric medicine as well as in ayurvedic system of medicine. Moreover, the collected information from various trustworthy sources shows that the plant holds many hidden potentials and can, therefore, be studied extensively for its quality control, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity. Furthermore, in-depth studies are required to discover key features which can help in future research work. An effort is required to investigate this plant species which is found distributed in most of the unexplored regions as well as it needs to be preserved as it’s on the verge of extinction.

A Comprehensive Review on Anti-obesity Potential of Medicinal Plants and their Bioactive Compounds

Background:

Obesity is a complex health and global epidemic issue. It is an increasing global health challenge covering significant social and economic costs. Abnormal accumulation of fat in the body may increase the health risks including diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and cancer. Synthetic drugs available on the market reported to have several side effects. Therefore, the management of obesity got to involve the traditional use of medicinal plants which helps to search the new therapeutic targets and supports the research and development of anti-obesity drugs.

Objective:

This review aim to update the data and provide a comprehensive report of currently available knowledge of medicinal plants and phyto-chemical constituents reported for their anti-obesity activity.

Methodology:

An electronic search of the periodical databases like Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, Niscair, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar with information reported the period 1991-2019, was used to retrieve published data.

Results:

A comprehensive report of the present review manuscript is an attempt to list the medicinal plants with anti-obesity activity. The review focused on plant extracts, isolated chemical compounds with their mechanism of action and their preclinical experimental model, clinical studies for further scientific research.

Conclusion:

This review is the compilation of the medicinal plants and their constituents reported for the managements of obesity. The data will fascinate the researcher to initiate further research that may lead to the drug for the management of obesity and their associated secondary complications. Several herbal plants and their respective lead constituents were also screened by preclinical In-vitro and In-vivo, clinical trials and are effective in the treatment of obesity. Therefore, there is a need to develop and screen large number of plant extracts and this approach can surely be a driving force for the discovery of anti-obesity drugs from medicinal plants.

A Review on Himalayan Medicinal Plants against Cancer

Background:

Plants contributed numerous novel compounds for prophylactic and curative medicine to modern science.They are the important source of natural agents used in various pharmaceutical industries. Himalayan plants are abundant in various secondary metabolites such as anthraquinones, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and terpenes. The Himalayan plants grown in high altitude and have around 6500 years old history as traditional medicines.

Aim:

This review article systematically presents information onHimalayan medicinal plants having anti-cancer potentials.

Methodology:

Around 160 articles were reviewed by using online search engines like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and floras of different Himalayan countries.

Results:

An attempt has been made to review anticancer plants and active constituents isolated from several anti-cancerous plants of Himalayan regions. Eighty three anticancer plants are reported in this review and total twenty two active chemical constituents including phenolic compounds, glycosides, terpenoidsand alkaloids from the plants were reported active against various cancer cell lines.

Conclusion:

Several synthetic agents are used to cure cancer but number of undesired side effects occurs during chemotherapy. Hence, the research is going on to investigate natural therapies, such as the use of the plant derived productsin cancer treatment. They may reduce adverse side effects.

Pharmacognostic and Physico-chemical Investigation of Barleria cristata Linn. (Leaf) for Quality Control Assessment

Background: Barleria cristata Linn. belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is commonly known as Raktajhinti and VajraDanti. It is widely distributed in countries, such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Asian tropical regions. This plant has been observed to bear multifarious ethnomedical uses in treating lung disorders, inflammatory conditions, toothache, anemia, and snakebite. A wide range of major chemical constituents, such as triterpenes, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and glycosides are reported to be present in this plant. The plant exhibited diverse pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. The literature revealed insufficient information concerning the standardization of Barleria cristata Linn. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the pharmacognostic and phytochemical characteristics of Barleria cristata Linn. (leaf).  Methods: The present study addressed quality control parameters, including loss on drying, ash values, extractive values, pharmacognostic parameters (e.g. macroscopic & microscopic characters and powder microscopy) as per the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.  Results: Biochemical analysis revealed total ash (16.11±0.38), acid insoluble ash (1.50±0.18), water-soluble ash (11.10±0.23), alcohol-soluble extractive (19.34±0.79), and water-soluble extractive (25.06±0.17), respectively. The transverse section of the leaf revealed the presence of the epidermis, covering trichomes, vascular bundle, and so on. The other parameters such as phytochemical investigation, fluorescence analysis, and thin-layer chromatography were also performed to explore the crucial values of these examinations.  Conclusion: The obtained data would be useful in the future for preparing a monograph for the authentication and standardization of this crude drug.

Review On Documented Medicinal Plants Used For The Treatment Of Cancer

Background:

Cancer is a frightful disease and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Naturally derived compounds are gaining interest of research workers as they have less toxic side effects as compared to currently used treatments such as chemotherapy. Plants are the pool of chemical compounds which provides a promising future for research on cancer.

Objective:

This review paper provides updated information gathered on medicinal plants and isolated phytoconstituents used as anticancer agents and summarises the plant extracts and their isolated chemical constituents exhibiting anticancer potential on clinical trials.

Methods:

An extensive bibliographic investigation was carried out by analysing worldwide established scientific databases like SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Web of Science, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar etc. In next few decades, herbal medicine may become a new epoch of medical system.

Results:

Many researches are going on medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer but it is a time to increase further experimental studies on plant extracts and their chemical constituents to find out their mechanism of action at molecular level.

Conclusion:

The article may help many researchers to start off further experimentation that might lead to the drugs for the cancer treatment.

Antiepileptic effects of antioxidant potent extract from Urtica dioica Linn. root on pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizure models

Urtica dioica Linn. (Urticaceae) is a medicinal plant that has shown various therapeutic utilities in folklore medicine along with its use in the treatment of epilepsy. The entire plant has a sensible reservoir of nutritional elements and micronutrients. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antiepileptic effect of antioxidant potent extract of Urtica dioica root on animal models. Antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts i.e. Petroleum ether extract (PEE), Ethyl acetate extract (EAE), Chloroform extract (CE) and Ethanolic extract (EE) were screened by DPPH radical scavenging assay using Ascorbic acid as the standard. Further the most potent antioxidant extract was subjected to antiepileptic activity against MES and PTZ model. The IC₅₀ values of different Urtica dioica extracts (PEE, CE, EAE, and EE) in antioxidant assay were found to be 167.54 ± 1.97, 134.41 ± 0.82, 88.15 ± 1.39 and 186.38 ± 1.91 μg/ml in DPPH radical scavenging assay, respectively. The EAE has showed the potent antioxidant activity. In experimental study the EAE (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o) has found to be effective and significant against MES and PTZ induced seizures. The present study also suggested that antioxidant potent extract (EAE) of Urtica dioica root has antiepileptic effect against MES and PTZ induced seizures. However, further research studies will investigate the active component(s) of Urtica dioica responsible for the observed anticonvulsant effects.

Epitope based vaccine prediction for SARS-COV-2 by deploying immuno-informatics approach

A new virus termed SARS-COV-2 (causing COVID-19 disease) can exhibit a progressive, fatal impact on individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of the virus to be a global pandemic. Currently, there are over 1 million cases and over 100,000 confirmed deaths due to the virus. Hence, prophylactic and therapeutic strategies are promptly needed. In this study we report an epitope, ITLCFTLKR, which is biochemically fit to HLA allelic proteins. We propose that this could be used as a potential vaccine candidate against SARS-COV-2. A selected putative epitope and HLA-allelic complexes show not only better binding scores, but also RMSD values in the range of 0–1 Å. This epitope was found to have a 99.8% structural favorability as per Ramachandran-plot analysis. Similarly, a suitable range of IC₅₀ values and population coverage was obtained to represent greater validation of T-cell epitope analysis. Stability analysis using MDWeb and half-life analysis using the ProtParam tool has confirmed that this epitope is well-selected. This new methodology of epitope-based vaccine prediction is fundamental and fast in application, ad can be economically beneficial and viable.

Potential Antiulcer Agents From Plants: A Comprehensive Review

Background:

Peptic ulcer is a deep gastrointestinal erosion disorder that involves the entire mucosal thickness and can even penetrate the muscular mucosa. Nowadays, several plants and compounds derived from it have been screened for their antiulcer activity. In the last few years, there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine. This field has gained popularity in both developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and less side effects.

Objective:

This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of currently available knowledge of medicinal plants and phytoconstituents reported for their anti-ulcer properties.

Methods:

The worldwide accepted database like SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, NISCAIR, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Web of Science, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar were used to retrieve available published literature.

Results:

A comprehensive review of the present paper is an attempt to list the plants with antiulcer activity. The review narrates the dire need to explore potential chemical moieties that exert an antiulcer effect, from unexploited traditional plants. Furthermore, the present study reveals the intense requirement to exploit the exact mechanism through which either the plant extracts or their active constituents exhibit their antiulcer properties.

Conclusion:

This article is the compilation of the plants and its constituents reported for the treatment of peptic ulcers. The Comprehensive data will surely attract the number of investigators to initiate further research that might lead to the drugs for the treatment of ulcers. As sufficient scientific data is not available on plants, most of the herbals cannot be recommended for the treatment of diseases. This can be achieved by research on pure chemical structures derived from plants or to prepare new lead compounds with proven beneficial preclinical in vitro and in vivo effects. However, a lot remains to be done in further investigations for the better status of medicinal plants.

Preparedness for malaria elimination in the wake of climate change in the State of Uttarakhand (India)

Background & objectives

Climate change is an emerging issue particularly in the context of vector-borne diseases. A study was undertaken in Nainital and Almora districts of Uttarakhand to provide evidences of changing climatic conditions, abundance of vectors, and knocking of malaria in hilly areas.

Material and methods

Longitudinal data on temperature and relative humidity were procured from Tussar Silk Centre, Bhimtal, India as well as generated using HOBO device. Monthly density of malaria vectors, their positivity for sporozoite proteins of malaria parasite and fever surveys were conducted as per the standard procedures from 2010 to 2013. Epidemiological data were procured from the State Programme Officer of Uttarakhand state.

Results

It was found that the temperature has increased since 1990 resulting in extension in windows of malaria transmission, temporal distribution as well as man hour density of Anopheles culicifacies and An. fluviatilis in hilly districts of Uttarakhand state. Both the vectors were found in high density up to a maximum man hour density of 110 (An. culicifacies) and 69 (An. fluviatilis) as compared to 32 and 33, respectively during 1998. The field collected vector species were also found positive for sporozoite proteins of malaria parasites in the month of October and November. Evidence of occurrence of malaria cases was also found in areas hitherto free from malaria.

Interpretation & conclusion

The findings reveal that Himalayan region needs attention to strengthen surveillance for malaria to identify emerging new foci of malaria transmission in view of climate change. Health education to communities about preventive measures to contain breeding of vectors and seeking timely treatment should be imparted so as to achieve the goal of malaria elimination in category-1 in the first instance.

Hepatoprotective potential of antioxidant potent fraction from Urtica dioica Linn. (whole plant) in CCl4 challenged rats

The aim of the present study was to isolate hepatoprotective component from Urtica dioica Linn. (whole plant) against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in-vitro (HepG2 cells) and in-vivo (rats) model. Antioxidant activity of hydro alcoholic extract and its fractions petroleum ether fraction (PEF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), n-butanol fraction (NBF) and aqueous fraction (AF) were determined by DPPH and NO radicals scavenging assay. Fractions were subjected to in-vitro HepG2 cell line study. Further, the most potent fraction (EAF) was subjected to in-vivo hepatoprotective potential against CCl₄ challenged rats. The in-vivo hepatoprotective active fraction was chromatographed on silica column to isolate the bioactive constituent(s). Structure elucidation was done by using various spectrophotometric techniques like UV, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and MS spectroscopy. Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of hydro-alcoholic extract of U. dioica possessed the potent antioxidant activity viz. DPPH (IC₅₀ 78.99 ± 0.17 μg/ml) and NO (IC₅₀101.39 ± 0.30 μg/ml). The in-vitro HepG2 cell line study showed that the EAF prevented the cell damage. The EAF significantly attenuated the increased liver enzymes activities in serum and oxidative parameters in tissue of CCl₄-induced rats, suggesting hepatoprotective and anti-oxidant action respectively. Column chromatography of most potent antioxidant fraction (EAF) lead to the isolation of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid (ferulic acid) which is responsible for its hepatoprotective potential. Hence, the present study suggests that EAF of hydro-alcoholic extract has significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential on CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in-vitro and in-vivo.

Implementation of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programme through private hospitals of Delhi--policy implications

In India, programme for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is primarily implemented through public health system. State AIDS Control Societies (SACSs) encourage private hospitals to set up integrated counselling and testing centres (ICTCs). However, private hospitals of Delhi did not set up ICTCs. Consequently, there is no information on PMTCT interventions in private hospitals of Delhi. This study was undertaken by Delhi SACS during March 2013 through September 2013 to assess status of implementation of PMTCT programme in various private hospitals of Delhi to assist programme managers in framing national policy to facilitate uniform implementation of National PMTCT guidelines. Out of total 575 private hospitals registered with Government of Delhi, 336 (58.4%) catering to pregnant women were identified. About 100 private hospitals with facility of antenatal care, vaginal/caesarean delivery and postnatal care and minimum 10 indoor beds were selected for study. Study sample comprised of large corporate hospitals (≥100 beds; n = 29), medium-sized hospitals (25 to <100 beds; n = 42) and small nursing homes (10 to <25 beds; n = 29). A pre-tested questionnaire was designed to obtain basic information about hospital in context to PMTCT programme. Interviews of heads of obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatric departments were conducted by trained interviewers. It was observed that in private hospitals in year 2012, out of 38,186 antenatal women tested, 52 (0.14%) were detected HIV-positive. However, against National Policy, HIV testing was done without pre/post-test counselling/or consent of women, no PMTCT protocol existed, delivery of HIV-positive women was not undertaken and no efforts were made to link HIV-positive women to antiretroviral treatment. Major intervention observed was medical termination of pregnancy, which indicates lack of awareness in private hospitals about available interventions under national programme. The role of private hospitals in management of HIV in pregnant women must be recognized and mainstreamed in HIV control efforts. There is an urgent need for capacity building of private health care providers to improve standards of practice. National AIDS Control Organization may consider establishing linkages or adopting model developed by some countries with generalized epidemic for delivering PMTCT services in private health sector.

Anti-malarial activity of some xanthones isolated from the roots of Andrographis paniculata

Four xanthones were isolated from the roots of Andrographis paniculata using a combination of column and thin-layer chromatographic methods. They were characterized as (i) 1,8-di-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxy-xanthone, (ii) 4,8-dihydroxy-2,7-dimethoxy-xanthone, (iii) 1,2-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-xanthone and (iv) 3,7,8-trimethoxy-1-hydroxy xanthone by IR, MS and NMR spectroscopic methods. In vitro study revealed that compound 1,2-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-xanthone possessed substantial anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum with its IC(50) value of 4 microg ml(-1). Xanthones bearing hydroxyl group at 2 position demonstrated most potent activity while xanthones with hydroxyl group at 1,4 or 8 position possessed very low activity. In vivo anti-malarial sensitivity test of this compound on Swiss Albino mice with Plasmodium berghei infection using Peters' 4-day test gave substantial reduction (62%) in parasitaemia after treating the mice with 30 mg kg(-1) dose. In vitro cytotoxicity against mammalian cells revealed that 1,2-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-xanthone is non-cytotoxic with its IC(50) > 32 microg ml(-1).

A Double-Pulsar System: A Rare Laboratory for Relativistic Gravity and Plasma Physics

The clocklike properties of pulsars moving in the gravitational fields of their unseen neutron-star companions have allowed unique tests of general relativity and provided evidence for gravitational radiation. We report here the detection of the 2.8-second pulsar J0737-3039B as the companion to the 23-millisecond pulsar J0737-3039A in a highly relativistic double neutron star system, allowing unprecedented tests of fundamental gravitational physics. We observed a short eclipse of J0737-3039A by J0737-3039B and orbital modulation of the flux density and the pulse shape of J0737-3039B, probably because of the influence of J0737-3039A's energy flux on its magnetosphere. These effects will allow us to probe magneto-ionic properties of a pulsar magnetosphere.

Antifungal activity of the stem bark of Ailanthus excelsa

The methanol extract of stem barks of Alianthus excelsa was partitioned with chloroform. The chloroform extract showed fungistatic and fungicidal activity against Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, Penicillium frequentence, P. notatum and Botrytis cinerea.

An increased estimate of the merger rate of double neutron stars from observations of a highly relativistic system

The merger of close binary systems containing two neutron stars should produce a burst of gravitational waves, as predicted by the theory of general relativity. A reliable estimate of the double-neutron-star merger rate in the Galaxy is crucial in order to predict whether current gravity wave detectors will be successful in detecting such bursts. Present estimates of this rate are rather low, because we know of only a few double-neutron-star binaries with merger times less than the age of the Universe. Here we report the discovery of a 22-ms pulsar, PSR J0737-3039, which is a member of a highly relativistic double-neutron-star binary with an orbital period of 2.4 hours. This system will merge in about 85 Myr, a time much shorter than for any other known neutron-star binary. Together with the relatively low radio luminosity of PSR J0737-3039, this timescale implies an order-of-magnitude increase in the predicted merger rate for double-neutron-star systems in our Galaxy (and in the rest of the Universe).

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of triazolo derivatives of 8-amino-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e]1,4-thiazepine-11-one

In the present communication, the syntheses, characterization and pharmacological evaluation of 8-amino-(1,2,4)-triazolo[4,3-d][b,e]1,4-dibenzothiazepine (4) and its various substituted analogs (6-9) are reported.

Synthesis and pharmacological studies of 2'-sulphonyl[3-(3H-2,4-disubstituted-1,5-benzodiazepino)]-2,5-dimethyl-6,7-benzomorphans

2'-Sulphonyl[3-(3H-2,4-dimethyl-1,5-benzodiazepino)]-2,5-dimethyl-6,7-ben zomorphan (3a), 2'-sulfonyl[3-(3H-2 methyl-4-phenyl-1,5-benzodiazepino)]-2,5-dimethyl-6,7-benzomorphan (3b) and 2'-sulfonyl [3-(3H-2-methyl-4-oxo-5H-1.5-benzodiazepino)]-2,5-dimethyl-6,7-benzomorphan (3c), synthesized from 2,5-dimethyl-6,7-benzomorphan (1) in three steps via chlorosulphonation, condensation with sodium salt of acetylacetone, benzoylacetone and ethyl acetoacetate separately and condensation with o-phenylenediamine, were studied for their pharmacological activities. It was found that 3a has mild CNS depressant, analgesic and anticonvulsant (against petit mal type of seizures) activities. 3b has significant anti-depressant and mild analgesic activities while 3c has CNS depressant, mild analgesic and anticonvulsant activities (against petitmal type seizures).

Monosomic analysis of genes for resistance against stem rust races in bread wheat

Using monosomic analysis genes governing resistance in one wheat variety, 'E5883', against stem rust races 15C and 122, were located on specific chromosomes. Against race 15C, a major dominant gene, Sr6, was located on chromosome 2D of 'E5883' with minor modifiers found on chromosomes 4A and 6D. Against race 122, the presence of a recessive hemizygous ineffective gene, Sr8, was identified, located on chromosome 6A of variety 'E5883'.

Effect of mercury compounds on cholineacetyl transferase

Methylmercury poisoning exhibit prominent signs and symptoms of the central nervous system. In an attempt to study the mechanism of toxicity, mercuric chloride (HgCl2) and methyl mercury chloride (CH3HgCl) were given orally by gavage and through drinking water to male albino rats. Rats were sacrificed at appropriate time and brain and diaphragm were analyzed for cholineacetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, and also examined histopathologically. Both HgCl2 and CH3HgCl given orally by gavage significantly inhibited ChAT activity which was dose related. CH3HgCl produced greater inhibition than HgCl2. CH3HgCl through drinking water also significantly inhibited brain ChAT, however rats did not drink water containing HgCl2. Both HgCl2 and CH3HgCl also inhibited ChAT when incubated in vitro with rat brain homogenates. Histopathological studies revealed neural degeneration and necrosis in the cerebrum of rats treated with these mercurials. These results indicate the possible involvement of cholinergic system during mercury intoxication.

Reversible chemical sterilization: effects of cyclohexanol administration on the testes and epididymides of male rabbit

Cyclohexanol administration (25 mg/kg/day orally for 40 days) produced a brief period of infertility in rabbits by inhibiting the process of spermatogenesis at the spermatocyte and spermatid levels. Seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear dimensions were reduced. The lumen of epididymides and ductus deferens were devoid of spermatozoa. Cyclohexanol administration reduced the concentrations of RNA, protein, sialic acid and glycogen in the testes and epididymides, whereas the total cholesterol concentration of the testes was elevated. Depletion of adrenal ascorbic acid was conspicuous. Moderate elevation of serum cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, bilirubin, and pyruvate transaminase were recorded. Histopathological examination of liver did not show any damage. Leydig cell impairment and decreased production of RNA and sialic acid in the testes returned to subnormal values after cessation of cyclohexanol treatment for 70 days. Normal spermatogenesis was seen after 10 weeks of recovery period.

Effect of progesterone on the magnum proteins during primary stimulation of chick oviduct

The effect of progesterone on the secretion of protein by the magnum of 5-d-old, female chicks was determined. 2. The supernatant prepared by centrifuging an homogenate of the magnum at 105 000g was found, by immunodiffusion, to contain an antigenic component which precipitated the antisera for conalbumin 1, conalbumin 2 and ovalbumin after 5 d treatment with progesterone: there was no reaction to ovomucoid, lysozyme and avidin antisera. 3. Disc-electrophoresis of the homogenate revealed two bands at the site of ovalbumin. 4. Incorporation of 3H-lysine into the magnum proteins of progesterone-treated chicks did not differ from that of controls. 5. The secretion available in the magnum may be only a transudate from the serum and not a true secretory product. Progesterone behaved qualitatively as oestrogen in this study although the action is much less pronounced and was delayed.

Experimental immunologic thrombocytopenia in dogs: a study of thrombocytopenia and megakaryocytopoiesis

Immunologic thrombocytopenia was induced in dogs by intravenous or intraperitoneal injection of rabbit anti-canine platelet serum (APS) or by intraperitoneal injection of the IgG fraction of the APS. In contrast, dogs injected with normal rabbit serum (NRS) or the IgM fraction of the APS did not develop thrombocytopenia. Marrow samples obtained at 24-96 h after inoculation of the IgG fraction contained megakaryocytes giving a positive reaction with flurescein isothiocyanate or horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-rabbit globulin. In contrast, negative results were obtained with megakaryocytes in marrow samples collected before injection of the IgG fraction or after injection of the IgM fraction or NRS. The attachment of anti-platelet antibody to the surface of megakaryocytes was associated with appearance of morphologic abnormalities, particularly in mature megakaryocytes. Simultaneously, the number of immature megakaryocytes and acetylcholine esterase (AChE)-positive small cells (presumably megakaryocyte precursors) increased considerably. These changes coincided with the development of thrombocytopenia, and subsided as recovery ensued.

Detection of antiplatelet antibody in serum and on megakaryocytes of dogs with autoimmune thrombocytopenia

Blood and bone marrow samples from 13 thrombocytopenic dogs were examined to determine whether immunologic thrombocytopenia existed. Antiplatelet antibody was detected in serum of 8 of the dogs by platelet factor 3 test or its modification. Moderate to strong immunofluorescence of megakaryocytes was noticed in bone marrow smears stained with rabbit anticanine globulin conjugated with fluorescin isothiocyanate. Negative results were obtained with serum and bone marrow samples collected from 6 of the dogs during therapy for autoimmune thrombocytopenia. Clinical and laboratory findings varied in individual patients with circulating antiplatelet antibodies. Thrombocytopenia was present in all the dogs, with platelet counts ranging from less than 3,000 to 20,000/mu1 of blood. Signs of bleeding in tissues and body cavities were present in all dogs, but anemia was evidenced in only 3 dogs. Differential leukocyte counts were variable. Morphologic abnormalities such as vacuolation and reduced or absence of granulation of the cytoplasm and nuclear fragmentation were seen in some megakaryocytes.