Effect of zinc acexamate on gastric lesions induced by aspirin: a morphological study

The morphology of gastric lesions induced by aspirin in the rat and their modification by pretreatment with zinc acexamate (100 mg/kg) were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The influence of mucosal levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the development of these lesions was also investigated. High (200 mg/kg) or low (50 mg/kg) doses of aspirin inhibited PGE2 production similarly, but the morphology of these lesions differed considerably. While gross exfoliation of extensive areas of gastric mucosa was observed after 200 mg/kg aspirin, only ultrastructural lesions of surface epithelial cells were present after 50 mg/kg aspirin. Regardless of the dose of aspirin administered, pretreatment with zinc acexamate raised PGE2 levels and increased the presence of mucus. Our results showed that after zinc acexamate, the development of deep erosions appearing with high doses of aspirin was prevented and the ultrastructural lesions induced by low doses of aspirin were not observed. The fact that zinc acexamate did not modify the anti-inflammatory action of aspirin in the carrageenin-induced oedema model suggests that the protective effect of zinc acexamate is exerted locally on the gastric mucosa.

Cytostatic and antibacterial activity of some compounds isolated from several lamiaceae species from the canary islands

A chemotherapeutic study has been carried out on thirteen products Eeleven diterpenes, one lignan, (+)-sesamin, and a coumarin, siderin] isolated from SALVIA and SIDERITIS species considered endemic to the Canarian flora. The data obtained suggest that some diterpenoid compounds show an interesting cytostatic activity, specially galdosol ( 6) with an ID (50) value of 0.5 microg/ml. These compounds also evidence a moderate antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria.

[Handedness, cerebral dysfunction and dyslexia]

A frequency distribution of handedness and its relations with minor signs of neurological dysfunction was studied in a group of 56 dyslexic children and 56 good readers. An unusual frequency of 18% left-handed children in the dyslexic group and the high frequency of soft signs in this lefthanded children, is in concordance with recent hypothesis about the dysgenesic brain origin of dyslexia and lefthandedness, postulated by Galaburda, Geschwind and others. They suggest a distorted cortical development of the brain areas related with linguistic functions, with subsequent expression on verbal language reading ability and handedness.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of thiophene analogs of lotucaine

The syntheses of the three possible thiophene analogs of lotucaine, and of other structurally related derivatives, are described. Preliminary data on their local anesthetic as well as antiplatelet aggregation activities are given.

Study of the antiaggregating activity of new phenacyl-piperazine derivatives

The antiplatelet activity of twelve new derivatives of phenacyl-piperazine was studied. Eight of them proved to be inactive by Born's method. The other four compound partially inhibited the aggregating effects induced by adrenaline and ADP, but did not prevent the effects produced by collagen. Although it was not possible to establish any relationship between chemical structure and antiplatelet activity, it looks as if there is a certain relationship between the analgesic and the antiplatelet effect. The compounds tested did not usually modify bleeding time.

Bicyclic thiophenic derivatives as platelet aggregation inhibitors

The antiplatelet activity of twenty new thiophenic derivatives, grouped in three series, was studied according to the in vitro Born method. The DI50 for the three inducers of platelet aggregation ADP, adrenaline and collagen were calculated. The strong antiplatelet activity found in some of the compounds studied, which is even superior to that of the four classic antiplatelet drugs used is worth mentioning. The structure-activity relationships is discussed.

Late retinal reattachment

Six cases are described in which late reattachment of detached retina occurred 9-16 months after what had been considered to be failed retinal detachment surgery. In all cases reattachment had been associated with partial restoration of vision. No cause for such reattachment can be clearly established, but it is felt that spontaneous separation of the posterior vitreous face with subsequent release of traction from the surface of the retina may be a contributory factor.