Gedunin and photogedunin of Xylocarpus granatum show significant anti-secretory effects and protect the gastric mucosa of peptic ulcer in rats

In the present study, the gastroprotective mechanism of Xylocarpus granatum fruit and its active constituents gedunin and photogedunin was investigated. Chloroform fraction (Fr-CHCl(3)) of X. granatum fruit was evaluated against cold restraint (CRU), aspirin (AS), alcohol (AL) and pyloric ligation (PL) induced gastric ulcer models in rats and histamine (HA) induced duodenal ulcer model in guinea pigs. Potential anti-ulcer activity of Fr-CHCl(3) was observed against CRU (58.28%), AS (67.81%), AL (84.38%), PL (65.66%) and HA (61.93%) induced ulcer models. The standard drug omeprazole (10mg/kg, p.o.) showed 68.25% protection against CRU, 57.08% against AS and 69.42% against PL model and 70.79% against HA induced duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate, another standard drug (500 mg/kg, p.o.) showed 62.72% protection in AL induced ulcer model. Fr-CHCl(3) significantly reduced free acidity (51.42%), total acidity (30.76%) and upregulated mucin secretion by 58.37% respectively. Phytochemical investigations of Fr-CHCl(3) yielded gedunin (36%), photogedunin (2%). Further, Fr-CHCl(3) and its compounds gedunin and photogedunin significantly inhibited H(+) K(+)-ATPase activity in vitro with IC(50) of 89.37, 56.86 and 66.54 microg/ml respectively as compared to the IC(50) value of omeprazole (30.24 microg/ml) confirming their anti-secretory activity. Conclusively, Fr-CHCl(3) of Xylocarpus granatum was found to possess anti-ulcerogenic activity which might be due to its anti-secretory activity and subsequent strengthening of the defensive mechanism. This study is the first of its kind to show significant anti-secretory effect of gedunin and photogedunin. Therefore it could act as a potent therapeutic agent against peptic ulcer disease.

Regional anaesthesia for primary caesarean section in patients with preterm HELLP syndrome: a review of 102 cases

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and the safety of combined spinal/epidural and spinal anaesthetic techniques for primary caesarean section in case of preterm HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary centre including all patients who underwent primary caesarean section for HELLP syndrome. The immediate preoperative and the lowest thrombocyte count, the method of anaesthesia and eventual complications were recorded. Patients were categorised as having antepartum or postpartum HELLP syndrome.

RESULTS

A total number of 102 charts was reviewed. Mean gestational age was 30.6 weeks (SD 2.7, range 23-36 weeks). There were seven (6.9%) patients with postpartum HELLP and 95 with antepartum HELLP. In case of antepartum HELLP in 37 (36.3%) general anaesthesia was selected; in 53 (52.0%) combined spinal epidural anaesthesia and in 12 (11.8%) single dose spinal anaesthesia. Preoperative thrombocyte count was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the combined spinal epidural group (113,000/mm3) while there was no difference between general (88,000/mm3) and spinal anaesthesia (95,000/mm3). There were no cases of epidural haematoma. Two patients received a combined spinal epidural although their immediate preoperative thrombocyte count was < 50,000/mm3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that combined spinal/epidural is feasible and safe in selected cases of HELLP syndrome.

An insight on the neuropharmacological activity of Telescopium telescopium--a mollusc from the Sunderban mangrove

The present study was carried out to evaluate the biological properties of the tissue extract of a marine snail Telescopium telescopium, collected from the coastal regions of West Bengal India. On extensive pharmacological screening, it was found that the biological extract of T. telescopium (TTE) produced significant central nervous system (CNS)-depressant activity as observed from the reduced spontaneous motility, potentiation of pentobarbitone induced sleeping time, hypothermia and respiratory depression with transient apnoea. The extract significantly decreased both residual curiosity and also muscle coordination. The fraction, obtained following saturation with 60-80% ammonium sulphate (80S), was also found to demonstrate predominant CNS-depressant activity. It was observed that both TTE and the 80S fraction significantly altered the brain noradrenaline and homovanillic acid levels without affecting the brain gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) concentration. Based on the present observations, it can be suggested that the CNS-depressant effects produced by TTE and 80S could be attributable to modified catecholamine metabolism in the brain.

An objective measurement to diagnose micrognathia on prenatal ultrasound

PURPOSE

We introduce the frontal naso-mental angle as an objective measurement for the prenatal detection of fetal retrognathia. The aim of this study is to present normal values for the frontal naso-mental angle from 18 to 35 weeks gestational age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 81 patients between gestational ages 18 and 35 weeks the frontal naso-mental angle was measured on a profile view of the foetal face. The values were compared with four cases of proven Pierre Robin syndrome.

RESULTS

The frontal naso-mental angle is not dependent on gestational age, the mean value is 146.74 degrees, standard deviation 2.7 degrees; 5th percentile 142 degrees, 95th percentile 151 degrees. All four cases of Pierre Robin syndrome demonstrated a significantly lower frontal naso-mental angle below the 5th percentile.

CONCLUSION

The frontal naso-mental angle represents an objective way to diagnose retrognathia.

Sentinel node biopsy for ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence: a review

The aim of this study was to review published reports on the feasability, results, and reliability of sentinel node biopsy in cases of ipsilateral recurrent breast cancer. A Medline search on publications from January 1999 to December 2007 and cross-references in published articles were looked for. We identified 16 reports on sentinel node biopsy in recurrent breast cancer, including a total of 287 patients. In 210/287 (73.2%) a sentinel node was identified, 77/210 (37.7%) had had previous axillary lymph node dissection and 131 (62.3%) a previous sentinel node procedure. Aberrant lymphatic drainage, other than the ipsilateral axilla was noted in 68/210 (32.4%). Of these 16/68 (23.6%) were located in the contralateral axilla. Of the removed contralateral axillary sentinel nodes 8/17 (47.1%) were invaded by cancer. We conclude that sentinel node biopsy in cases of recurrent ipsilateral breast cancer is feasible. In about one out of three cases drainage to the contralateral axilla with invasion in almost half the cases takes place. The therapeutical consequences of these findings need further study.

Constituents of Ocimum sanctum with antistress activity

Three new compounds, ocimumosides A (1) and B (2) and ocimarin (3), were isolated from an extract of the leaves of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), together with eight known substances, apigenin, apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, apigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronic acid ( 4), apigenin-7- O-beta- d-glucuronic acid 6''-methyl ester, luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronic acid 6''-methyl ester, luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and 4-allyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyronosyl-2-hydroxybenzene (5), and two known cerebrosides. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. The new compounds (1- 3) and the known compounds 4 and 5 were screened at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight for acute stress-induced biochemical changes in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Compound 1 displayed promising antistress effects by normalizing hyperglycemia, plasma corticosterone, plasma creatine kinase, and adrenal hypertrophy. Compounds 2 and 5 were also effective in normalizing most of these stress parameters. In contrast, compounds 3 and 4 were ineffective in normalizing any of these effects.

A study of CSF catecholamine and its metabolites in acute and convalescent period of encephalitis

AIMS

To evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) catecholamine (CA) and its metabolites in encephalitis patients in acute and convalescent period and correlate these with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients with acute encephalitis diagnosed on the basis of clinical, CSF, MRI and virological parameters underwent detailed neurological evaluation including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Dystonia Rating Scale. Cranial MRI was carried out and CSF dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) levels were estimated by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The CSF catecholamine levels were compared with convalescent phase as well as with controls. These levels were also correlated with parkinsonian features, dystonia and radiological abnormalities.

RESULTS

There were 29 encephalitis patients; whose age ranged between 2 and 65 years, 4 were females and 11 children. 25 patients had Japanese encephalitis (JE) and 4 nonspecific encephalitis. The mean GCS score was 8 and 13 had seizures. Movement disorders were present in 13 patients and included parkinsonian features in 5, dystonia in 1 and combination of both in 7 patients. MRI revealed abnormalities in 15 out of 21 patients and included thalamic lesion in 10, globus pallidus in 4, putamen in 5, caudate in 4 and midbrain in 9 patients. In acute stage NE, DOPAC, 5HT and HVA levels were significantly lower compared to controls. NE levels significantly correlated with dystonia and thalamic lesions. Convalescent CSF study revealed significantly lower levels of DOPAC compared to acute phase. CSF catecholamine levels in encephalitis patients with and without movement disorders were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

In encephalitis, catecholamine and its metabolites are lower in acute and convalescent phase. Norepinephrine level correlates with dystonia and thalamic lesions.

Transient bone marrow oedema of the femoral head in pregnancy--case report

We report a case of transient oedema of the femoral head without signs of osteoporosis, and with spontaneous resolution after delivery. Magnetic resonance imaging is essential to differentiate between a traumatic necrosis and bone marrow oedema.

Behavioural and anti-psychotic effects of Ca2+ channel blockers in rhesus monkey

The potential utility of Ca2+ channel blockers in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders has been recently suggested. In the present study, the behavioural and anti-psychotic effects of Ca2+ channel blockers were investigated in unrestrained rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) living together in a colony. The different behaviours categorised as social, solitary and abnormal were video recorded and analysed. Graded doses of verapamil (5-20 mg/kg, i.m.) and nimodipine (7.5-30 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a mild decrease in social and solitary behaviour without producing any cataleptic posture in the tested monkeys. In order to determine potential antipsychotic effects, Ca2+ channel blockers were studied in the model of amphetamine-induced psychosis. Amphetamine, at the dose of 2 mg/kg, i.m., induced suppression of approach, contact, grooming, and feeding, whilst vigilance (checking), stereotyped behaviour and oral hyperkinesia were increased in the monkeys. Pre-treatment with verapamil (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.m.) significantly suppressed amphetamine-induced hypervigilance, stereotypy, oral hyperkinesia and tachypnoea but was unable to reverse other amphetamine-induced behavioural effects. Nimodipine showed insignificant anti-psychotic effects at both 15 and 30 mg/kg doses. These results suggest that verapamil has a definite antipsychotic effect without any extrapyramidal side effects and thus may be of clinical significance in the treatment of psychosis.

Immobilization stress-induced changes in brain acetylcholinesterase activity and cognitive function in mice

In the present study, the effect of acute and chronic immobilization stress on brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity and cognitive function in mice was investigated. Mice were immobilized by strapping for 150 min. One group of mice were only immobilized once (acute stress) while in another group mice were immobilized (150 min) daily for 5 consecutive days (chronic stress). Specific AChE enzyme activity (micromol min(-1)mg(-1)) was estimated by a spectrophotometric method in the whole brain of mice subjected to acute and chronic stress. In the acute stress group, AChE activity (0.24922 +/- 0.011) in the detergent-soluble fraction was found to be significantly decreased in comparison to the control group (0.33561 +/- 0.022). Chronic stress did not cause any significant change in AChE activity in the detergent-soluble fraction. In the salt-soluble fraction, AChE activity was significantly decreased only in the chronic stress group (0.08791 +/- 0.011) as compared to the control group (0.12051 +/- 0.011). A passive avoidance test was used to assess cognitive function. The transfer latency time (TLT) from a light to dark chamber was recorded in the control and acute stress groups (30 min after immobilization is over) on day 1 (Trial I) and the following day (Trial II). The acute stress group showed an increase (178%) in TLT from Trial I to Trial II, which was significantly higher than that of the non-stress control group (75%). In the chronic stress group, Trial I was undertaken 30 min after the last immobilization, i.e. on day 5 and 24 hr later, Trial II. However, the chronically stressed mice showed an increase (70%) in TLT similar to the control group. Thus this study shows that acute immobilization stress may enhance cognitive function in mice which may be attributed to a decrease in AChE activity leading to an increase in cholinergic activity in the brain.

Comparative behavioural effects of benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics in rhesus monkeys

Quantitative behavioural assessment of benzodiazepines (chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and lorazepam) and non-benzodiazepines (buspirone) anxiolytics were investigated in unrestrained rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) living in social colonies. The different behaviour, categorised as social, solitary and abnormal were video recorded and analysed. Chlordiazepoxide (2.5-5 mg kg-1, p.o.), diazepam (2.5-5 mg kg-1, p.o.) and lorazepam (0.5-1 mg kg-1, p.o.) induced dose-dependent significant changes in certain social and solitary behavioural responses. Thus increases in social grooming, approach, contact, self grooming, feeding and resting with eyes open and decreased aggressiveness and vigilance. On the other hand buspirone (5-10 mg kg-1, p.o.) produced no significant alteration in social and solitary behavioural patterns. On the basis of the above findings the social and solitary behaviour protocol in non-human primates can be a useful tool for studying the effect of a new anxiolytic compound before clinical trial.

Evaluation of antiallergic activity (type I hypersensitivity) of Inula racemosa in rats

Alcoholic extract of root of Inula racemosa, was studied for its antiallergic effect in experimental models of type I hypersensitivity, viz. egg albumin induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and mast cell degranulation in albino rats. The alcoholic extract was prepared by the process of continuous heat extraction. LD50 of this extract was found to be 2100 +/- 60 mg/kg, i.p. Assessment of protection against egg albumin induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxix by different doses of Inula racemosa was done by giving drug intraperitoneally or orally for seven days or once only. Mast cell degranulation studies were done by using compound 48/80 as degranulation agent with same dosage schedule. Inula racemosa (i.p. as well as p.o.) showed significant protection against egg albumin induced PCA. Protection against compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation by alcoholic extract of Inula racemosa (single dose) was similar to that of disodium cromoglycate. The seven days drug treatment schedule showed greater protection than disodium cromoglycate intraperitoneally. The results suggest that Inula racemosa possesses potent antiallergic properties in rats.

A primate model of anxiety

Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ; 30 mg/kg, i.m.) produced an acute anxiogenic effect on the behaviour of a social colony of rhesus monkeys acclimatized to laboratory conditions. The animals exhibited hypervigilance, aggressiveness, tachypnea, piloerection and frequent change of posture and also had raised plasma cortisol levels. These effects of PTZ were antagonized by benzodiazepines (diazepam; 1 mg/kg, i.v. and alprazolam; 0.05 mg/kg, p.o.). Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug (buspirone; 10 mg/kg, p.o.) blocked the behavioural effects but not the rise in plasma cortisol concentration. On the other hand, pretreatment with hypnosedative (promethazine; 5 mg/kg, i.m.) or anticonvulsant (sodium valproate; 40 mg/kg, p.o.) agents did not attenuate the effects of PTZ indicating the specificity of its anxiogenic response. The model, thus, seems suitable for evaluation of potential anxiolytic agents.

Quantification of behaviour in social colonies of rhesus monkey

It is necessary to use experimental animals with behavioural, physiological and disease susceptibility pattern similar to man so that the results have a clinical predictive value. For such studies the non-human primate is the animal of choice. Rhesus monkey is a good choice for this purpose but information about its behaviour is fragmentary. In order to obtain a quantitative baseline data for psychopharmacological studies, a protocol has been developed to score various social and solitary behaviours in adult male and female rhesus monkeys. The study was conducted on rhesus monkeys in a social colony of one male and seven female living in a semi-restricted environment. The behavioural patterns were quantitated so as to compare effect on various components of behaviour. Aggressiveness and vigilance were prominent in the male while social affiliative behaviour was dominant in the female. Other behavioural responses were of similar magnitude in both sexes. It is however necessary to have data with some standard CNS active agents on these behavioural protocol. Therefore, initially the behavioural effects of amphetamine and haloperidol were studied. Significant effects observed following d-amphetamine (1-4 mg/kg, im); it induced dose dependent suppression of social behaviour (approach, contact, grooming), feeding, hypervigilance, stereotypy and oral hyperkinesia. On the other hand haloperidol (0.01-0.04 mg/kg, im) produced decrease in social and solitary behaviour and marked cataleptic posture. It is possible to quantitate drug effects on various aspects of behaviour of the rhesus monkey and to develop neuropsychitric models with the help of this protocol for use in study of drug effects on behaviour.

Quantitative assessment of amphetamine induced behavioural changes in rhesus monkeys, Macaca mulatta

Graded dose of amphetamine (AMP; 1-4 mg/kg, im) induced suppression of approach, contact, body jerk, grooming and food forage, hypervigilance (checking), stereotyped behaviour and oral hyperkinesia in rhesus monkeys. Pretreatment with haloperidol--a dopamine receptor blocking agent (0.04 mg/kg, im)--significantly suppressed the AMP induced hypervigilance, stereotypy and oral hyperkinesia but was unable to reverse other AMP induced behavioural effects in the monkeys. Haloperidol (0.01-0.04 mg/kg, im) per se produced decrease in social and solitary behaviour and marked cataleptic posture. The results suggest that dopamine may be playing an important role in the mediation of many AMP induced behavioural changes in primates.

Antipyrine congeners as antidepressant agents

1-(N-Antipyrinylglycyl)-3-arylideneamino)-2-thiobarbituric acids (III) were synthesized from 1-arylidene-4-(N-antipyrinyl glycyl)-3-thiosemicarbazones (II). Compounds II in turn were prepared from 4-amino antipyrine. Compounds III were finally converted into 1-(N-antipyrinylglycyl)-3-[(3'-chloro-4-aryl)azitidinyl]-2-t hiobarbituric acids (IV). 4-Aminoantipyrine was also treated with different N-protected amino acids in the presence of N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to yield N-(antipyrinylcarbamoyl) substituted alkyl benzamides (V); their debenzoylation yielded 2-(amino-N-antipyrinyl) substituted acetamides (VI). The compounds were screened for their antidepressant activity. Compounds IIId, Va and Vb exhibited activity better than imipramine with less toxicity (ALD50 > 1000 mg/kg).

Thiazolidinone congeners as central nervous system active agents

3-(Benzylidene amino)-2-imino-4-thiazolidinones (IIa-c) synthesized by cyclization of substituted thiosemicarbazones (Ia-c) were converted into 2-amino-3-(substituted benzylamino)-4-thiazolidinones (IIIa-c), 2-imino-3-(alpha-aryl azo benzylidene) amino-4-thiazolidinones (IVa-f) and 2-(2-amino-4-oxo-3-thiazolidinyl)-3-aryl-4-isothiazolidinones (VIa-c), IVa-f were finally converted into 5-(arylamino methyl)-2-imino-3-(alpha-aryl azobenzylidene)-amino-4-thiazolidinones (Va-l). These compounds III, V and VI were evaluated for their monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity in vitro and various CNS activities in vivo. Some of the compounds exhibited promising CNS activity.

Coumarin congeners as antidepressants

3-Carboethyl coumarin (I) was converted to coumarin 3-acid hydrazide (II). This on reaction with appropriate aldehyde yielded 3-arylidino amino coumarin (III). Compound III on diazotisation and reaction with ferric chloride yielded the corresponding formazans viz. 3-substituted phenyl azoarylidino, amido coumarins (IVa1-a10) and oxadiazoles viz. 2-aryl-5-(3-coumarinyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles (Va1-a3), respectively. Simultaneously 3-carboethyl coumarin on hydrolysis gave 3-carboxy coumarin (VI) which on reaction with aryl amine in methylene chloride yielded 3-(N-aryl)amido coumarin (VIIa1-a3). The compounds were screened for their antidepressant activity against a tricyclic antidepressant (imipramine). Compounds IVa4, IVa5 and IVa9 exhibited activity better than imipramine with no toxicity (ALD50 greater than 1000 mg/kg) but IVa5 showed some side effects.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of some phenothiazines as antidepressants

10-Hydrazino acetyl phenothiazine (II) has been converted to N-10-acetyl amino phenothiazine-N-phenyl thiourea (III) which have been converted to 3-aryl-1-(10-phenothiazine acetyl amino)-2,3-dihydro-2-thioxo-4,6-(1H,5H) pyrimidinones (IV) on condensation with aryl amines and aryl aldehydes yielded 3-aryl-1-(10-Phenothiazine acetyl amino)-5-(substituted phenyl amino methyl)-2,3-dihydro-2-thioxo-4,6-(1H, 5H) pyrimidinediones (Va-k) and 3-aryl-1-(10-phenothiazine acetyl amino)-5-(substituted phenylidine)-2,3-dihydro-2-thioxo-4,6-(1H, 5H) pyrimidinediones (vl-o). The compounds were screened for their antidepressant activity against a tricyclic antidepressant (imipramine). Compounds Va, Vf, Vm and Vi exhibited activity better than imipramine with no toxicity (ALD50 greater than 1000 mg/kg) but Vi showed some side effects.

Antiparkinsonian activity and behavioural effects of newer quinazolinones

Sixteen new compounds 2-methylamino substituted phenyl-3-substituted anilino 4 (3H) quinazolinones (3-18) were prepared. All the compounds were evaluated for their antiparkinsonian activity and compared with bromocriptine. Compounds 10,15 and 18 showed better activity. These compounds also bind with the dopamine receptors in striatal membrane preparations of rat brain.

Central histaminoceptor-adrenoceptor interrelations in the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone

Intracerebroventricular administration of adrenaline, noradrenaline phenylephrine, clonidine and histamine produced a significant rise in plasma cortisol concentration whereas isoprenaline had no effect. alpha-Adrenoceptor blockers (yohimbine or piperoxon) per se did not alter the plasma cortisol level. Central pretreatment with yohimbine or piperoxin, blocked the rise in plasma cortisol level induced by icv noradrenaline, phenylephrine and clonidine. In another set of experiments, both H1 and H2 receptor antagonists (mepyramine, and metiamide) per se had not significant effect on plasma cortisol concentration. Central histamine induced rise in plasma cortisol concentration was significantly blocked by icv pretreatment with both H1 and H2 receptor blockers. Furthermore, yohimbine also significantly prevented the rise of plasma cortisol level induced by icv histamine.

Nature of histamine receptors concerned in capillary permeability

1 Histamine and 2-methyl-histamine (H1-receptor agonist) caused dose-dependent increases in capillary permeability in albino mice, but 4-methyl-histamine (H2-receptor agonist) caused no significant increase. 2 Mepyramine (H1-receptor antagonist) blocked the histamine-induced increase in capillary permeability whereas burimamide (H2-receptor antagonist) produced no significant blockade of the histamine-response. 3 Combined mepyramine and burimamide pretreatment did not give any significantly greater protection than mepyramine alone. 4 The results indicate involvement of the H1-receptors in histamine-induced increase in capillary permeability.

Nature of histamine receptors in the emetic chemoreceptor trigger zone

1 The protective effects of the intracerebroventicular (i.c.v.) administration of the H1-receptor antagonist, mepyramine and the H2-receptor antagonists, burimamide and metiamide on centrally induced histamine-emesis were studied in unanaesthetized dogs. 2 The PD50 values of intraventricular mepyramine, burimamide and metiamide against the 100% emetic dose of histamine (3.0 mg i.c.v.) were found to be approximately 200 mug, 20 mug and 20 mug respectively. 3 Although burimamide (i.c.v. or i.v.) afforded protection against histamine-induced emesis, there was no protection against intravenous apomorphine-or oral copper sulphate-induced emesis. 4 The results suggest that both H1- and H2-histamine receptors in the emetic chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema are concerned in histamine-induced emesis.