Gm Body Weight Research Articles

Experimental evaluation of anticonvulsant effect of human placental extract in pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions in mice

Background: Human placental extract (HPE) is used in different clinical conditions. Human placental extract (HPE), a folklore medicine, prepared from fresh, healthy human placenta has been in use, as single dose therapy in the treatment of epilepsy in some parts of India. Hence, present study was carried out to explore anticonvulsant property of Human placental extract (HPE) in Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsions in albino mice. Methods: Effects of human placental extract (HPE) (1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 ml / 100 gm body weight) as test drug, sodium valproate (150 mg / kg body weight) as standard and distilled water as control were studied in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsions in albino mouse model. Failure to observe even a single episode of tonic spasm for 5 sec. duration for 1 hour was taken as index of anticonvulsant activity. Onset, duration, complete recovery from convulsion and percent protection was calculated and statistical analysis was carried out using student ‘t’ test. Results: Pretreatment with human placental extract (HPE) administered in the dose of 1.0 ml / 100 gm body weight provided 33.33% and in the doses of 1.2 and 1.4 ml / 100 gm body weight and sodium valproate provided 100% protection from convulsions induced by Pentylenetetrazole in albino mice. Conclusion: Human placental extract (HPE) has shown promising anticonvulsant effect on Pentylenetetrazole induced mouse model.

Effects of Acacia nilotica Leaf Extract on Adrenaline-induced Hyperlipidemia and Cardiac Remodeling in Rats

Hyperlipidemia is one of the major causes of disability in western as well as in developing countries. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the ethanolic leaf extract of a Bangladeshi medicinal plant Acacia nilotica (AN) on adrenaline-induced hyperlipidemia and cardiac remodeling in rats. The plant extract and commercial lipid lowering drug atorvastatine were administered in adrenaline-induced hyperlipidemic rats (AIHRs) through intraperitoneal route for one week at a dose of 30 mg and 0.04 mg per 150 gm body weight of rat, respectively. The AN extract showed a significant (P<0.01) decrease in lipid profile, and reducing the left ventricular hypertrophy (heart weight/body weight), heart weight, cardiac myocytes size as well as kidney, pancreas and liver weight of AIHRs. The observation was also made for consecutive four weeks (long term treatment) to confirm the results obtained in one week model. The results indicated that the leaf extract of A. nilotica in comparison with atorvastatine has got profound hypolipidemic and anticardiac remodeling activities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12578 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 135-139, 2012

Diabetes induced testicular dysfunction amelioration by ethyl acetate fraction of hydromethanolic extract of root of Musa paradisiaca L. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

ObjectiveTo investigate the diabetic therapeutic potentiality and antioxidative efficacy of ethyl acetate fraction of hydro-methanol (40:60) extract of root of Musa paradisiaca Lam. (Musaceae) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. MethodsStreptozotocin-induced diabetic state was confirmed by decreased serum insulin level and carbohydrate metabolomics i.e. increased fasting blood glucose level, glycated hemoglobin level and diminished glycogen contents in liver and skeletal muscle. Reproductive homeostasis alteration in diabetes was evaluated by reproductive organo-somatic indices, sperm count, motility and histological analysis of testicular seminiferous tubule along with levels of serum testosterone, testicular cholesterol and seminal vesicular fructose assessment. Oxidative stress in primary and accessory sex organs, and in sperm pellet was assessed by measuring antioxidant enzyme activities along with quantification of free radicals products. Testicular pro-apoptotic Bax-α mRNA expression pattern was studied semi-quantitatively by PCR technique. Reverse phase HPLC fingerprinting was performed using methanol and acetonitrile as mobile phase. ResultsOral administration of ethyl acetate fraction at a dose of 20 mg/0.5 mL of distilled water/100 gm body weight twice daily to the diabetic rats for 28 days significantly recovered organo-somatic indices, protected reproductive activities, corrected oxidative stress markers and pro-apoptotic mRNA expression pattern, which were deviated in diabetes mellitus from control level without any type of toxicity. HPLC fingerprinting shows five completely resolved peaks at γ max 254 nm and 342 nm. ConclusionsIt has a promising antihyperglycaemic and antioxidative activity for curing diabetes induced reproductive disorders in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

Antifertility Activity in the Acetone Extracts of Datura metel, L Seeds on Female Mouse

The present study shows the antifertility activity in the acetone extracts of Datura metal L. in female albino mouse. The crude extract of Datura metel seeds were administered orally to the female mouse (25 gm of bodyweight) in the concentration of 0.5%, 1% and 2% respectively. Control was maintained using NaCl solution. After 15th day of treatment the female mouse was mated with the normal male mouse in the ratio of 1:3. After 10 days of mating they were dissected and observed the number of implantation sites in the uterine horns. The results stated that the females treated with 2% seed extracts caused cent percent anti-implantation activity followed by 1% and 0.5% seed extracts caused 40% and 80% anti implantation activity respectively. The results of the present study concludes that the seed extracts of Datura metel L may be recommended as a good source of antifertility inducious compounds with minimal side effects after testing in the other human models.

Garlic improves insulin sensitivity and associated metabolic syndromes in fructose fed rats.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by peripheral insulin resistance, is a major lifestyle disorder of the 21st Century. Raw garlic homogenate has been reported to reduce plasma glucose levels in animal models of type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, no specific studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of raw garlic on insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to investigate the effect of raw garlic on fructose induced insulin resistance, associated metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress in diabetic rats.MethodsMale Sprague Dawley rats weighing 200-250 gm body weight were divided into 3 groups (n = 7 per group) and fed diet containing 65% cornstarch (Control group) and 65% fructose (Diabetic group) for 8 weeks. The third group (Dia+Garl group) was fed both 65% fructose and raw garlic homogenate (250 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Whole garlic cloves were homogenized with water to make a fresh paste each day.ResultsAt the end of 8 weeks, serum glucose, insulin, triglyceride and uric acid levels, as well as insulin resistance, as measured by glucose tolerance test, were significantly (p < 0.01) increased in fructose fed rats (Diabetic group) when compared to the cornstarch fed (Control) rats. Administration of raw garlic to fructose fed rats (Dia+Garl group) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum glucose, insulin, triglyceride and uric acid levels, as well as insulin resistance when compared with fructose fed rats. Garlic also normalised the increased serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and decreased levels of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) after fructose feeding. Although body weight gain and serum glycated haemoglobin levels of fructose fed rats (Diabetic group) were not significantly different from control rats, significant (p < 0.05) reduction of these parameters was observed in fructose fed rats after garlic administration (Dia+Garl group). Significant (p < 0.05) increase in TBARS and decrease in GSH was observed in diabetic liver. Catalase was not significantly affected in any of the groups. Administration of raw garlic homogenate normalised both hepatic TBARS and GSH levels.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that raw garlic homogenate is effective in improving insulin sensitivity while attenuating metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress in fructose-fed rats.

Effect of Obesity on the Structure and Myoglobin Distribution Within the Lingual Muscles of the Adult Male Albino Rats with Reference to Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Background: Obesity is recognized as a worldwide health problem. Recently, the prevalence of obesity and concern about its impact on public health has grown dramatically. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is the most common type of sleep apnea and the most typical individuals with OSAS suffer from obesity. Maintenance of patent upper airway depends on the dilating forces of the lingual muscles especially the genioglossus muscle which is the principal protrudor muscle of the tongue. Aim of the work: To find out the impact of obesity on the lingual muscles. Structural changes that occur in the tongue musculature in obese adult albino rats were investigated using light and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the state of lingual muscles oxygenation was examined through immune-staining of muscular myoglobin distribution. Materials and Methods: Three month-old Adult male Albino rats 200 gm body weight were used in the study. Animals were purchased from the Research Unit and Bilharzial Research Center of Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. Rats were divided into two groups (5animals/group). Group I: Control group: Rats were fed a regular diet (protein: Fat: Carbohydrate= 29:13:58, 343 kcal/ 100 g). Group II: Obesity group: Rats were fed a high-fat diet (protein: Fat: Carbohydrate= 20: 57: 23, 508 kcal/ 100 g). After three months, the average weight of the control group was about 312±10 gm, while obesity group was about 730±20 gm. Rats were sacrificed and extracted tongue specimens were processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. Paraffin sections were also immunostained with anti-myoglobin antibody. Results: Light microscopic examination of lingual muscles of the obese group revealed fatty infiltration, degeneration and necrosis. In addition, congestion of blood vessels and infiltration with mononuclear cellular infiltrate was detected. Transmission electron microscopic investigation showed distortion in the arrangement and destruction of myofibrils and myofilaments. Swelling, apparent increase in number, and distorsion of internal cristae of the mitochondria were observed in obese group tongue muscles versus the control group. Immunohistochemistry for myoglobin revealed weak reaction in obese group compared with the control group. Conclusion: The present work declared that high-fat diet feeding responsible for rat’s obesity induced fat deposition, structural damage, inflammatory cellular infiltration and decreased myoglobin distribution inside lingual myofibres which may interfere with their contractile function. The present results may partially explain the close relationship between obesity and incidence of OSAS.

Effect of Lipopolysaccharide extracted from Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria in the immune response of mice infected experimentally with toxoplasmosis

The present study was investigated the immunological effects of the lipopolysaccharide extracted from Klebsiella pneumoniae against experimental infection with toxoplasmosis in mice. Immunological changes in treated mice were compared with the +ve (mice infected with T.gondii but not treated with LPS) and -ve (mice not infected with T.gondii and not treated with LPS) group at 3,14 and 30 days post infection with tissue cysts of T.gondii in the peritoneal cavity. Total and differential WBC count of peripheral blood and innate immune response represented by the phagocytic index were the criteria taken into consideration. Results showed a significant increase in the total WBC count in mice treated with LPS after infection with T.gondii, compared with –ve and +ve control groups. For differential WBC count, an increase in lymphocytes and decrease in monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils was noticed. Basophils were not considered because of their low number.For phagocytic index, an increase was noticed in treated mice compared with –ve and +ve control groups, and the highest rate was observed in cncentration 500 µg / 20 gm body weight at 30 days post infection. It is concluded that, LPS extracted from K.pneumoniae may well be used as a active and non toxic immunomodulator against infection with toxoplasmosis in mice.

Steroid hormone and antihormone induced changes in the pineal and adrenocortical karyomorphology and cell proliferation in mice ( Mus musculus )

In the present investigation steroid hormones, estradiol and testosterone and non-steroidal antihormones, tamoxifen and flutamide induced responsiveness in pineal and adrenal karyomorphology and cell proliferation activity was studied in post pubertal male mice (Mus musculus). Estradiol was injected at a dose of 5µg, testosterone 100 µg, tamoxifen 500 µg and flutamide 2 mg per 100 gm body weight administered intramuscularly in all cases for ten consecutive days. Control mice were similarly injected with oil vehicle 0.3 ml of peanut oil intramuscularly for same duration. The results indicated that except testosterone, all other treatments with estradiol, tamoxifen and flutamide caused significant hyperactivity of both the pineal and the adrenal gland associated with significantly increased cell proliferation activity. On the contrary testosterone administration was inhibitory to pineal - adrenal karyometric and mitotic incidence values. It was concluded that in male post pubertal mice both pineal and adrenal shows antagonistic response towards estradiol and testosterone administration. Although tamoxifen showed estrogen agonistic behaviour, flutamide on the reverse induced pineal and adrenal cytophysiological stimulation. Such stimulatory response was antagonistic to the inhibitory response shown by pineal and adrenal karyomorphology and cell proliferation following testosterone administration.

Effect of the aqueous extract of Banana Fruits Peal Musa paradisiaca on Mitosis in Plant and Mammalian cells

The aqueous extract of banana fruits peal was tested for its effect on mitosis . The root tips of Allium cepa were used as plant test system and the bone marrow cells of the albino mice Mus musculus were used as mammalians test system in vivo .Root tips of Allium cepa were treated for four hours with five concentrations of the extract (5 , 10 , 20 , 40 ,60 mg / ml.).The Metaphase was arrested in all the treatments , the highest percentage ( 100 % ) was recorded in the first concentration , the last concentration caused stickiness and clumping of the chromosomes. The treatments did not cause significant difference in the mitotic index. The peals extract (5 mg /ml) was compared with the extracts of fruits bulb, leaves and roots of banana plant, it was found that the extract of fruits peal is the best considering the highest percentages of arrested Metaphase in the root tips cells. The albino mice Mus musculus were injected intraperitonial with the peals extract ( 0.01 , 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 mg / gm body weight), the percentages of arrested Metaphase in the bone marrow of these animals were comparable to the recorded percentages when the animals were injected with colchicine ( 0.01 mg / gm b.w.) .This study revealed the antimitotic activity of the aqueous extract of banana fruits peal on both the plant and mammalian cells in vivo. Studies will be conducted to investigate the effect of the extract and its components on the proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Effect of the aqueous extract of Banana Fruits Peal Musa paradisiaca on Mitosis in Plant and Mammalian cells

The aqueous extract of banana fruits peal was tested for its effect on mitosis . The root tips of Allium cepa were used as plant test system and the bone marrow cells of the albino mice Mus musculus were used as mammalians test system in vivo .Root tips of Allium cepa were treated for four hours with five concentrations of the extract (5 , 10 , 20 , 40 ,60 mg / ml.).The Metaphase was arrested in all the treatments , the highest percentage ( 100 % ) was recorded in the first concentration , the last concentration caused stickiness and clumping of the chromosomes. The treatments did not cause significant difference in the mitotic index. The peals extract (5 mg /ml) was compared with the extracts of fruits bulb, leaves and roots of banana plant, it was found that the extract of fruits peal is the best considering the highest percentages of arrested Metaphase in the root tips cells. The albino mice Mus musculus were injected intraperitonial with the peals extract ( 0.01 , 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 mg / gm body weight), the percentages of arrested Metaphase in the bone marrow of these animals were comparable to the recorded percentages when the animals were injected with colchicine ( 0.01 mg / gm b.w.) .This study revealed the antimitotic activity of the aqueous extract of banana fruits peal on both the plant and mammalian cells in vivo. Studies will be conducted to investigate the effect of the extract and its components on the proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Murine neutralizing antibody response and toxicity to synthetic peptides derived from E1 and E2 proteins of hepatitis C virus

Introduction The highest estimated prevalence of HCV infection has been reported in Egypt, nearly 12% mostly type 4. Currently, a commercial vaccine to protect this high risk population as well as global HCV infected patients is not available. Objectives In the present study, we aim at: (1) examining the viral binding capacities of purified monospecific polyclonal murine antibodies raised against genetically conserved viral protein sequences, i.e. synthetic peptides derived from those sequences located within envelope proteins and (2) assessment of immunogenic properties and safety parameters of those peptides individually and in a vaccine format in mice. Methods Purified IgG Abs from immunized mice were used in immunocapture RT-PCR experiments to test viral neutralization by Abs raised against each of 4 peptides termed p35 (E1), p36 (E2), p37 (E2) and p38 (E2). Swiss mice were immunized with each of the 3 peptides (p35, p37 and p38) which generated neutralizing antibodies in immunocapture experiments. Antibody responses to corresponding peptides were determined using different routes of administration, different adjuvants, different doses and at different time points post-injection. To explore the dose range for future pharmacological studies, three doses namely 50 ng, 10 μg and 50 μg/25 gm mouse body weight were tested for biochemical and histopathological changes in several organs. Results Murine Abs against p35, p37 and p38 but not p36 showed HCV neutralization in immunocapture experiments. Subcutaneous injection of peptides elicited higher responses than i.m. and i.p. Immunization with Multiple Antigenic Peptide (MAP) form or coupled to Al PO4 elicited the highest Ab responses. Peptide doses of 50 ng/25 gm body weight or less were effective and safe, however dose assessment still requires further study. Histopathological changes were observed in animals that received doses ∼1000 times higher than the potential therapeutic dose. Conclusion Exploration of humoral immunogenicity, neutralization capacity and safety suggested that the peptides presented herein are candidate vaccine components for further preclinical assessment.

Hypoglycemic effect of Basella rubra in streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats

Great efforts are ongoing in understanding and management of diabetes, the disease and disease-related complications are increasingly unabated. In spite of the presence of known antidiabetic medicine in the pharmaceutical market, remedies from medicinal plants are used with success to treat this disease. In the present investigation an attempt is made to study the beneficial effects of Basella rubra in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and validate its traditional claim. The diabetes-induced rats were fed with Basella rubra (400 mg/100 gm body weight orally through a gavage), when tested after ingestion the fasting blood glucose levels were remarkably reduced to normal and liver glycogen content was remarkably increased. In pancreatic sections of diabetic rats fed with B. rubra, the islets were normal comparable to diabetic controlled rats (insulitis was observed). In liver, the changes caused after induction of diabetes was global microvesicular steatosis. The portal tracts appeared normal and central veins appeared congested, which was brought back to normal after feeding with B. rubra. While, in the kidney sections, of diabetic control rats and diabetic rats fed with B. rubra no histopathological changes were noticed. The results demonstrate that the leaf pulp of B. rubra possesses a strong hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, thus supporting its traditional use in diabetes mellitus control. Key words: Basella rubra (B. rubra), hypoglycemic effect, pancreas, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, blood glucose.

Melatonin Ameliorates Hemorrhagic Shock-Induced Organ Damage in Rats

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) followed by resuscitation can result in production of several inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), leading to multiple organ dysfunction. Melatonin can attenuate organ damage with its anti-inflammation effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of melatonin on the physiopathology and cytokine levels after HS in rats. HS was induced in rats by withdrawing 40% of the total blood volume (6 mL/100 gm body weight) from a femoral artery catheter, immediately followed by intravenous injection of 10mg/kg melatonin. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were monitored continuously for 48 h after the start of blood withdrawal. Biochemical parameters, including levels of hemoglobulin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and lactate, were determined 30 min before and 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after induction of HS while an equal volume of normal saline was replaced as fluid resuscitation. Cytokine levels including TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum were measured at 1, 24, and 48 h after HS. The kidney, liver, lung, and small intestine were removed for pathology assessment at 48 h after HS. HS significantly increased the heart rate, blood GOT, GPT, BUN, Cre, LDH, CPK, lactate, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, and decreased hemoglobulin and mean arterial pressure in rats. Treatment with melatonin preserved the mean arterial pressure, decreased tachycardia, and markers of organ injury, and suppressed the release of TNF-α and IL-6, with no change in hemoglobulin after HS in rats. Treatment with melatonin suppresses the release of serum TNF-α and IL-6, and decreases the levels of markers of organ injury associated with HS, thus ameliorating HS-induced organ damage in rats.

Immune response in BALB/c mice by polyamine oxidase isomer against infection with secondary hydatid disease.II.Total and differential WBCs count.

Polyamine oxidase activity in cerebrospinal fluid of normal children was determined, it was found that specific activity of crude PAO 64.16  8.18 enzyme unit/mg protein. Partial purification of the enzyme was performed by dialysis and ion exchange chromatography. Two main peaks of high PAO activities were obtained I,II with specific activity of 1201.92 and 1157.22 enzyme unit/mg protein, and with purification fold of 18.17 and 17.50 respectively. Innate immune response to infection with secondary hydatid disease in BALB/c mice activated by partially purified CSF-PAO with spermine and infected with protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus was studied. The changes in total and differential leukocyte count shown in mice activated by different concentrations of PAO II 200-1000g / 10 gm body weight with constant concentration 200 g Spm, were compared with positive and negative control group, along one month. Changes in leukocytes were followed in activated BALB/c mice with optimum concentration 800 g/10 gm body weight PAO II with 200 g Spm compared with positive control group throughout two and three months, depending on the mentioned criteria. An elevation in the total leukocytes count, expressed by an increase in the number of lymphocytes accompanied by a decrease in the number of neutrophils and monocytes in mice activated with PAO-Spm system, for (one) month, and also in mice activated with optimum concentration of PAO-Spm system, for (tow and three) months, in comparison with the +ve control group. Therefore, it is concluded that PAO II isolated from CSF with Spm could be considered as an effective stimulator for innate immune response against infection with secondary hydatid disease.

The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the morphological characteristics of spinal motoneurons

Clinical studies and research in animals have established that alcohol consumption during pregnancy produces irreversible developmental anomalies. Deficits in fine motor performance are often noted in infants diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome. However, the effects of alcohol on the spinal motoneurons have not been examined. In this study, the morphometric alterations in spinal motoneurons were assessed as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were administered with 1.0 ml of 20% ethyl alcohol per 100 gm body weight via intraperitoneal injections, and unexposed rats served as controls. Rats were perfused through the left cardiac ventricle and a complete laminectomy was performed. Spinal cord sections from the L4-5 segments were cut serially and stained for cresyl fast violet. Sections were also subjected to TUNEL assay for detection of apoptosis. Observations were made between 1 and 4 weeks after birth. Morphologic characteristics of motoneurons in the alcohol-exposed group of rats were altered. Counts and measurements revealed significant reduction in number and size of alcohol-exposed spinal motoneurons at all time points studied. Prenatal exposure to alcohol showed cytotoxic effects whereby it adversely affected both motoneuron growth and differentiation in utero.

Effect of fasting and high-fat diet feeding on plasma and pancreatic insulin contents in young chick given an oral glucose load.

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of fasting or high-fat diet feeding on the pancreatic insulin content and on the plasma insulin response of the chicks to an oral glucose load. Thirty-hour-old chicks not fed and one-week-old high-fat diet fed chicks showed a significant response. One-week-old mash-fed 30 hr fasted chicks showed a greater rise in insulin level in response to glycemic stimulus. On the other hand one-week-old mash-fed chicks showed the poorest response. The pancreatic insulin content (units/100 gm body weight) of the 30 hr old chicks was significantly lower than those of other three groups. The results suggest that chick when fasted or fed a highfat diet, in contrast to rat, maintains its responsiveness to a glycemic stimulus.

An Experimental Approach to the Interrelationship Between Hyperthyroidism and Ejaculation Latency Time in Male Rats

We investigated the effects of experimentally induced hyperthyroidism on seminal vesicle pressure measurements and bulbospongiosus muscle contractile activity in a para-chloroamphetamine (Sigma-Aldrich) induced ejaculation model in rats. Male Wistar rats were used in the study. Daily injection of 25 microg/100 gm body weight L-thyroxine (T4, Sigma-Aldrich) for 14 days was performed in 14 rats to induce hyperthyroidism. Seven L-thyroxine injected rats were in the hyperthyroid group. The remaining 7 rats (recovery group) underwent operation after a 28-day washout period to determine spontaneous recovery from hyperthyroidism. At each operation seminal vesicle catheterization was done to measure intraluminal pressure and bulbospongiosus muscle dissection was performed for electromyography. After intraperitoneal administration of 5 mg/kg para-chloroamphetamine physiological parameters related to the ejaculatory process were measured. The interval between para-chloroamphetamine administration and first ejaculation was significantly decreased in the hyperthyroid rat group compared with that in the control group (mean +/- SD 202.8 +/- 22.3 vs 465.4 +/- 104.6 seconds, p = 0.001). Seminal vesicle phasic contraction frequency was significantly higher than control group values in hyperthyroid rats (for 30 minutes 32.3 +/- 13.9, p = 0.047). The mean AUC of bulbospongiosus muscle electromyography activity was also significantly increased in this group (11.1 +/- 4.1 V per second x 10(-4), p = 0.0001). All parameters in recovery and control group rats were not significantly differed from each other. Hyperthyroidism leads to enhanced seminal vesicle contraction frequency and bulbospongiosus muscle contractile activity in rats. Hyperthyroidism affects the emission and expulsion phases of ejaculation in reversible fashion.

Neural Control of Substance P Induced Up-Regulation and Release of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Rat Bladder

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is increased in intraluminal fluid after experimental inflammation and it mediates proinflammatory effects on the bladder. We examined the contribution of nerve activity and specific neurotransmitter systems to the mechanism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor release from the bladder during inflammation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized. The bladders were emptied and filled with saline. Rats received saline as a control (0.1 ml/100 gm body weight) or substance P (Sigma) (40 microg/kg in saline, 0.1 ml/100 gm body weight) subcutaneously as well as hexamethonium (Sigma) (50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally in saline (0.1 ml/100 gm body weight), lidocaine (2%, 0.3 ml) intravesically, atropine (Sigma) (3 mg/kg in saline, 0.1 ml/100 gm body weight) intravenously, propranolol (Sigma) (3 mg/kg in saline, 0.1 ml/100 gm body weight) intravenously or phentolamine (Sigma) (10 mg/kg in saline, 0.1 ml/100 gm body weight) intravenously. After 1 hour the intravesical fluid was removed and the bladder was excised. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels in intraluminal fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. MIF expression in bladder homogenates was examined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Intravesical lidocaine or ganglionic blockage with hexamethonium prevented substance P induced macrophage migration inhibitory factor release. In addition, pretreatment with atropine and phentolamine but not propranolol also prevented macrophage migration inhibitory factor release. While MIF up-regulation in the bladder was increased with substance P treatment, it was only prevented by intravesical lidocaine. Substance P induced macrophage migration inhibitory factor release in the bladder is mediated through nerve activation. Postganglionic parasympathetic (via muscarinic receptors) and sympathetic (via alpha-adrenergic receptors) fibers mediate macrophage migration inhibitory factor release, while activating bladder afferent nerve terminals up-regulates MIF.

P35 Changes in the system of proteolysis at the growth and metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma upon development of cisplatin-resistance

The highest estimated prevalence of HCV infection has been reported in Egypt, nearly 12% mostly type 4. Currently, a commercial vaccine to protect this high risk population as well as global HCV infected patients is not available.In the present study, we aim at: (1) examining the viral binding capacities of purified monospecific polyclonal murine antibodies raised against genetically conserved viral protein sequences, i.e. synthetic peptides derived from those sequences located within envelope proteins and (2) assessment of immunogenic properties and safety parameters of those peptides individually and in a vaccine format in mice.Purified IgG Abs from immunized mice were used in immunocapture RT-PCR experiments to test viral neutralization by Abs raised against each of 4 peptides termed p35 (E1), p36 (E2), p37 (E2) and p38 (E2). Swiss mice were immunized with each of the 3 peptides (p35, p37 and p38) which generated neutralizing antibodies in immunocapture experiments. Antibody responses to corresponding peptides were determined using different routes of administration, different adjuvants, different doses and at different time points post-injection. To explore the dose range for future pharmacological studies, three doses namely 50 ng, 10 μg and 50 μg/25 gm mouse body weight were tested for biochemical and histopathological changes in several organs.Murine Abs against p35, p37 and p38 but not p36 showed HCV neutralization in immunocapture experiments. Subcutaneous injection of peptides elicited higher responses than i.m. and i.p. Immunization with Multiple Antigenic Peptide (MAP) form or coupled to Al PO4 elicited the highest Ab responses. Peptide doses of 50 ng/25 gm body weight or less were effective and safe, however dose assessment still requires further study. Histopathological changes were observed in animals that received doses ∼1000 times higher than the potential therapeutic dose.Exploration of humoral immunogenicity, neutralization capacity and safety suggested that the peptides presented herein are candidate vaccine components for further preclinical assessment.

Fecundity of Wild Freshwater Spiny Eel Mastacembelus armatus Lacepede from Mymensingh Region of Bangladesh

The fecundity for 40 wild freshwater spiny eel Mastacembelus armatus estimated from Mymensingh region, Bangladesh during the breeding period from March to July 2004. The estimation of fecundity (mature ova) ranged from 3,155 to 24,684 eggs, the maximum fecundity was observed from a fish measuring 535 mm in length and 350 g in weight and the minimum from a fish of 260 mm in length and 51 g in weight. The maximum ova diameter was 2.75 mm in the month of April and minimum was 1.45 mm in May with a median of 2.08 mm in the month of March and then a sudden decrease in July (1.84 mm). The average number of ova present per gm body weight was 70.19 while the average number of ova present per gm ovary weight was 888.04. Fecundity increased with the increase in length and weight of the fish. Maximum GSI value for female spiny eel was 21.67% in the month of March and the minimum GSI value for the same gender was 3.30% in April and the median GSI value for the same was 8.06% in the month of May. The regressions of fecundity on body length, body weight and gonad weight of female spiny eels were Log F = 2.59 - 2.72 × Log L (r = 0.86), Log F = 1.00 + 1.84 × Log BW (r = 0.88) and Log F = 0.69 + 3.25 × Log GW (r = 0.75) respectively, where F is fecundity, L is total length (mm), BW is body weight (g) and GW is gonad weight (g). Fecundity-total length and fecunditybody weight gave a better relationship in comparison with fecundity-gonad weight relationship.