[Effects of processing on toxicity and pharmacological action of Phytolacca americana L]

The experimental results have shown that the toxicity of variously processed Phytolacca americana is lower than that of the original rude drug, i.e. the local irritability tends to decrease by 16.7-83.3%; LD50 to elevate by 1.66-10.47 times; expectoration to increase by 1.10-1.57 times; but diuresis mostly to decrease by 16.0-45.0%. This reveals that the main object of processing Phytolacca americana is to lower toxicity, increase expectoration and relieve diuresis to reduce fluid retention.

Evaluation of bronchospasmolytic, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and antitussive activities of decasilate in experimental models

The bronchospasmolytic, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and antitussive activities of 8-(2-phenylethyl)-1-oxa-diazaspiro[4,5]decan-2-one 2-tiophenecarboxylate (decasilate, CAS 76652-72-7) have been evaluated using different experimental models. 1. Decasilate showed a remarkable spasmolytic activity against histamine-induced contractions in the isolated guinea-pig tracheal preparation with an IC50 of 2.7 x 10(-6) mol/l. In addition, the oral administration of decasilate (5-30 mg.kg-1) significantly reduced the histamine aerosol-induced bronchospasm in guinea-pigs. 2. Decasilate had a preventive effect against antigen-induced contractions of ileum segments from sensitized guinea-pigs (EC50 8.0 x 10(-6) mol/l) and relaxed them when added after the antigen challenge (IC50 9.5 x 10(-7) mol/l). 3. Both carrageenin- and dextran-induced rat hind paw oedemas were significantly reduced by the oral administration of decasilate with ED50 values of 169.5 and 34.5 mg.kg-1, respectively. However, it was ineffective against the cotton pellet-induced granuloma in the rat. 4. Furthermore, decasilate had a significant mucolytic activity in rabbits and reduced the number of tussive seizures induced by an aerosol of citric acid in guinea-pigs. The pharmacological profile of decasilate suggests that it might be useful in the management of chronic bronchitis.

[Pharmacological studies on dingchuanning]

Dingchuanning has been found to increase markedly the perfusion of isolated lung of guinea-pig. It may produce a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the isolated trachea, bronchus and lung strips of guinea-pigs, as well as a prominent protective effect on the bronchial asthma induced by inhalation of bronchoconstrictors in conscious guinea-pigs. It also has significant expectorant and antianaphylactic effects and helps to inhibit markedly the SRS-A release from lung tissues and to counteract directly the activity of SRS-A.

[Use of new mixtures of medicinal plants in the treatment of chronic bronchitis]

Three new prescriptions of drug plants were included into combined hospital treatment of 156 patients with chronic bronchitis. Each of the three mixtures was to treat a certain clinical form of chronic bronchitis being composed of plants with specific mechanism of action. The mixture was taken a tablespoonful 8-10 times a day. Pronounced and moderate effect of the therapy was achieved in 95.6% of those treated. This justifies the use of the mixtures as an adjuvant therapy in basic treatment of chronic bronchitis.

Model systems for the evaluation of mucolytic drugs: acetylcysteine and S-carboxymethylcysteine

The therapeutic place of mucolytic drugs remains uncertain; clinical studies have seldom demonstrated significant benefit and the activity of such agents is poorly understood. In this study the effects of the mucolytic agents acetylcysteine (AC) and S-carboxymethylcysteine (SCMC) have been assessed in-vitro, using purified mucus gels and tracheal explant systems and in-vivo, in the mini-pig tracheal pouch model, in order to elucidate their mechanisms of action. A reduction in the elastic modulus (up to 70% over the frequency range 0.2-20 Hz) was apparent after treatment of mucus gels in-vitro with AC (P less than 0.05), but not with SCMC. Gel chromatography indicated that AC reduced the mucus glycoprotein to smaller subunits and a breakdown of gel structure was apparent when visualized using a cryofracture technique. SCMC treated gels were comparable with control samples. Mucus production was assessed in isolated rat trachea by monitoring the uptake and release of [3H] glucosamine. AC (5-15 mM) did not affect secretion whereas SCMC (5 and 10 mM) reduced the production of radiolabelled material (24 and 37%, respectively) over 24 h (P less than 0.05). Single oral doses of SCMC and AC (20 mg kg-1) were administered to mini-pigs and mucus collected from tracheal pouches; no significant changes in the rheological or biochemical properties of the secretion could be determined. The in-vitro mucolytic activity of AC depends upon a direct action on the secretion, SCMC appears able to reduce production of the mucus glycoprotein. Wide inter- and intra-individual variation in the properties of the secretion would suggest that such effects are not readily demonstrated in-vivo.

[Effects of inhaled bromhexine on the bronchomotor tone in rats and guinea pigs]

Bromhexine has been widely used as a mucolytic expectorant. Clinically, bromhexine is sometimes administered by inhalation. However, the effect of bromhexine by inhalation on bronchial musculature has not been documented. In the present study, the effect of inhaled bromhexine on bronchomotor tone in rats and guinea pigs was investigated. The bronchomotor tone was measured by a modified Konzett-Rössler method, and ventilation overflow (VO) was continuously recorded as an index of airway resistance. In rats, inhalation of bromhexine (0.1% and 0.2%, pH 5.3) caused no change in VO. At 0.2%, bromhexine slightly decreased systemic blood pressure (BP). In guinea pigs, bromhexine had no significant effect on VO at 0.2%, and it produced a significant but very slight increase at 0.1%. BP was slightly decreased by inhalation of bromhexine (0.1% and 0.2%, pH 5.3). N-Acetyl-L-cysteine, a cysteine-mucolytic (20%, pH 6.8), had no effect on VO and BP in either species. Inhalation of 0.1% bromhexine solution at pH 2.5, which was dissolved in tartaric acid solution, significantly increased VO, because of its acidity. From the above results, it is suggested that when the pH of the solution is considered, bromhexine has no or almost negligible effect on airway smooth muscles, and it may be useful as an effective mucolytic.

A family of activator genes regulates expression of Rhizobium meliloti nodulation genes

Nodulation (nod) gene expression in Rhizobium meliloti requires plant inducers and the activating protein product of the nodD gene. We have examined three genes in R. meliloti which have nodD activity and sequence homology. These three nodD genes are designated nodD1, nodD2 and nodD3, and have distinctive properties. The nodD1 gene product activates expression of the nodABC operon, as measured by a nodC-lacZ fusion or by transcript analysis, in the presence of crude seed or plant wash or the inducer, luteolin. The nodD3 gene product can cause a high basal (uninduced) level of nodC-lacZ expression and nodABC transcripts which is relatively unaffected by inducers. The effect of nodD3 is dependent on the presence of another gene, syrM (symbiotic regulator). By primer extension analysis we determined that the transcription start site is the same for nodD1 plus luteolin or nodD3-syrM mediated expression of nodA and nodH mRNAs. syrM also enhances the expression of another symbiotically important trait, production of extracellular polysaccharide. This regulatory effect of syrM requires locus syrA, which is linked to nodD3 and syrM. The syrM-syrA mediated increase in polysaccharide production requires at least some of the previously identified exo genes and may be a parallel regulatory event to the syrM-nodD3 control of nod promoters.

[Pharmacodynamics of luteolin-histamine and receptors response]

The isolated guinea pig ileum were used to investigate the pharmacodynamics of the relationship between luteolin and histamine dose response. The pharmacodynamics parameters were estimated by various methods. The values of the pA2, the slope and the pD'2 were 5.6, 0.6 and 4.4, respectively. The dissociation constants and the maximal response were estimated by the Lineweaver-Burk, Hanes-Woolf, Scatchard or Woolf methods. The estimated values of the parameters were: EAmax not equal to EABmax, KA not equal to alpha KA, KB not equal to alpha KB. The linear intersecting points of the plotting by the Lineweaver-Burk method were above X axis (2nd or 1st quadrant), by the Hanes-Woolf method were below X axis (3rd quadrant), by the Scatchard method were below X axis (4th quadrant) and by the Woolf method were to the left of Y axis (2nd quadrant). The antagonistic action of luteolin is assumed to be noncompetitive and competitive in combination. The estimated Hill coefficient approached to 1 which is accorded with the M-M formula. Although any one of the four linear transformation method of the M-M equation could be used to estimate the dissociation constants and the maximal responses, there exists difference between them. The values of the parameters obtained by the Lineweaver-Burk method were excessively large (eg, EAB2max = 360.3, KAB2 = 28.4), even negative (eg, alpha KB1 = -7.9, alpha KB2 = -14.6), and so it is inferior to the other three methods, as reported in the literature.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Benylin dependence, metabolic acidosis and hyperglycaemia

We describe a patient who had consumed large quantities of a proprietary cough mixture containing diphenhydramine, ammonium chloride and sodium citrate (Benylin expectorant) daily for several months and subsequently presented with confusion, marked metabolic acidosis and non-ketotic hyperglycaemia.

Secretomotor and mucolytic effects of mabuterol, a novel bronchodilator

Action of mabuterol, a novel bronchodilator, on the respiratory secretion system was investigated, and the following effects were confirmed: 1) increase of output volume, amounts of protein and pulmonary surfactant in respiratory fluid; 2) decrease of sputum viscosity; 3) fragmentation of the sputum structure and 4) promotion of the mucociliary transport of particles. The results in the present study may, at least partly, substantiate clinical efficacy such as improvement of pulmonary function, favourable effects on expectoration and amelioration of symptoms observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

[Antitussive and expectorant effects of Asada-ame extract]

Asada-ame containing Platycodi Radix, Ginseng Radix, Ephedrae Herba and Ipecacuanhae Radix extracts has been hitherto widely used as an antitussive and expectorant. In the present study, the antitussive effect and tracheo-bronchial secretory activity of Asada-ame extract (AE) were investigated with laboratory animals. Antitussive effect was evaluated with the puncture electrode-induced cough method in conscious guinea pigs. AE showed a significant antitussive effect which lasted more than one hr. 50% Antitussive doses were 76 mg/kg, i.p., and 500 mg/kg, p.o. Airway secretory effect was evaluated with the stopper method in anesthetized dogs. With oral administration of AE, the volume of respiratory tract fluid (RTF) increased, and viscosity of RTF, which was determined using the glass plate method, was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of AE on secretory activity of canine tracheal secretory cells were investigated in vitro with the histological/histochemical technique. With AE treatment, the thickness of the acini of submucosal glands was decreased, and the ratio of acinar inner diameter of the gland to tracheal wall was increased. Furthermore, the number of acid glycoprotein-containing submucosal glandular cells was decreased by AE, suggesting a mucolytic effect of AE. The above findings indicate that AE has significant antitussive and expectorant effects.

N-[[(Mercaptoacetyl)amino]benzoyl]glycines as mucolytic agents

m- and p-aminobenzoic acids were converted to the title compounds by sequential use of ClCH2COCl, SOCl2, glycine methyl or ethyl ester, AcSK, and hydrolysis. The title compounds and a number of salts were compared for mucolytic activity, toxicity, stability, and hygroscopicity. When compared to N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the compounds exhibit several times the in vitro mucolytic activity of NAC on a molar basis. The most promising candidate appears to be the sodium salt 3.5H2O 2 of the meta series.

Further studies of trans-sobrerol metabolism: rat, dog and human urine

The urinary metabolites of d, l-trans-sobrerol were investigated after oral administration to rats, dogs and humans. Structural analysis of the urinary metabolites indicates that allylic hydroxylation, oxidation and glucuronylation are the common interspecies modes of trans-sobrerol biotransformation. Comparison of the findings of trans-sobrerol with previous investigations of cyclic monoterpenes shows similarities in their metabolism in vivo, including the resistance to oxidation of the cyclic trisubstituted double bond.

A method for measuring changes in tracheal mucus gel layer thickness as an indication of an immediate hypersensitivity response

A visual method for measuring increase in tracheal mucus gel layer thickness as an indication of an immediate hypersensitivity response, using a Zeiss slitlamp and pachymeter is described. Mucus gel layer thickening is antigen dose dependent. Antigen challenge of nonsensitized rats does not cause significant increases in gel thickness dispelling the notion that changes in the gel layer result from nonspecific irritation. Cromolyn sodium, cimetidine, and FPL-55712 inhibit increases in gel layer thickness following antigen challenge of actively sensitized rats, while atropine, pyrilamine, and methysergide do not.

Effect of BR-227, a new bromhexine derivative, on secretory activities of tracheal secretory cells

The effects of BR-227 on secretory activities of canine tracheal secretory cells including behavior of mucus glycoproteins were investigated histologically and histochemically. Following BR-227 treatment at a concentration of alcian blue at pH 2.5 and periodic acid-Schiff (AB (pH 2.5)/PAS) decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, a decrease in the thickness of the acini of submucosal glands and in marked increase in the ratio of acinar inner diameter of the gland to tracheal wall were induced after application of BR-227 at a concentration range of 10(-7) to 10(-4) M. The numbers of goblet and submucosal glandular cells which stained blue and purple with AB (pH 2.5)/PAS were decreased by BR-227 treatment in a concentrations-dependent way, whereas the cells which stained red were markedly increased. In the experiment using a combination of AB at pH 1.0 and PAS, a decrease in sulfated glycoproteins in those secretory cells was observed. Total saccharide and protein concentrations in the incubation fluid increased with BR-227 treatment, while N-acetylhexomsamine concentration tended to decrease. These findings suggest that BR-227 stimulates secretory activities of both goblet cells and submucosal glands, and lowers mucus viscosity in the secretory cells.

[Serum and bronchial concentrations of amoxicillin administered with a bronchial fluidizer]

The authors compared the serum and bronchial concentration of amoxycillin administered alone and in association with carboxymethylcysteine. The determinations were carried out in 10 patients affected with exacerbated acute and chronic bronchopneumopathies, treated first with amoxycillin alone (15 g/day in 3 administrations) and then with amoxycillin at the same dosage and carboxymethylcysteine (450 mg/day in 3 administrations). The bronchial secretions were collected during bronchoscopy performed 2 hours after the last administration of antibiotic. The bronchial secretion values of amoxycillin administered alone varied from 0.92 mcg/ml to 1.88 mcg/ml with a mean value of 1.44 mcg/ml. The percentage ratio between levels in bronchial secretion and levels in the serum varied from 12.7 to 36.1 with a mean value of 23.2. The administration of the amoxycillin-fluidizing agent association determined a statistically significant increase of the antibiotic levels in the bronchial secretions, varying from 1.26 mcg/ml to 6.39 mcg/ml, with a percentage ratio from 19.6 to 103.0.