Intraluminal Fluid Accumulation Research Articles

Evaluation of the antidiarrheal activity of 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions of the leaf of Bersama abyssinica fresen (Melianthaceae) in mice

IntroductionThe use of traditional medicinal plants in the management of diarrhea has long been practiced in Ethiopia. B. abyssinica fresen is one of the plants traditionally used to treat diarrhea whereas an in vivo study had not yet been conducted. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of crude extract and solvent fractions of the leaf of B. abyssinica in mice.MethodsCold maceration within 80% methanol was used to extract the leaf powder and extract of the leaf was fractionated using n-hexane, chloroform, and distilled water. The in vivo antidiarrheal activity of crude extracts and solvent fractions were tested in experimental models of castor oil-induced diarrhea, enteropooling, and antimotility test. Five groups each with 6 mice were used under the three antidiarrheal models. Positive controls were treated with loperamide 3 mg/kg and atropine 5 mg/kg and 2% tween 80 was used in the treatment of negative controls. The extract and solvent fractions were administered at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Time of onset of diarrhea, number and weight of total and wet feces, the percent reduction in the number of wet feces, weight and volume of intestinal contents, and percent inhibition of intestinal motility were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultDefecation of castor oil-induced diarrheal or loose stools was inhibited (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001) at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of crude extract and aqueous fraction. The crude extract and the aqueous fraction at three doses (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001), the chloroform fraction at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001), and the n-hexane fraction at 400 mg/kg (p < 0.05) reduced intraluminal fluid accumulation compared with the negative control. Castor oil-induced intestinal motility was significantly suppressed with the three-doses of aqueous fraction (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of crude extract (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01), 400 mg/kg of chloroform and n-hexane (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001) compared with negative control.ConclusionThe crude extract, aqueous, and chloroform fractions of B. abyyssinica leaves have promising anti-diarrheal effects, supporting the plant's traditional use to treat diarrhea.

Assessment of Antidiarrheal and Superoxide Scavenging Activities of Ethanolic Frond Extract from Stenochlaena palustris Bedd.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal and superoxide scavenging activities of ethanolic extract of Stenochlaena palustris, an edible fern from Blechnaceae family. The antidiarrheal activity was determined against castor oil induced diarrhea model, gastrointestinal transit and enteropooling tests in Swiss albino mice. The test groups received various doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, body weight) of the extract, whereas positive control received loperamide (3 mg/kg, b.w.) and negative control was supplied with 1% tween-80 in distilled water (10 mL/kg, b.w.). At three test doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), the extract showed significant (p 0.001) and dose dependent antidiarrheal activity in all models. The delay and reduction in the onset, frequency, and weight of diarrheic feces as well as inhibition of the gastrointestinal transit and intraluminal fluid accumulation were observed in all models and highly comparable to the standard loperamide. The extract also exhibited high inhibitory ability to scavenge superoxide anion (O₂SUP• –/SUP). The highest percentage inhibition of superoxide anion was found to be 84.32 ± 0.15% at the concentration 800 μg/mL.

49 The dynamic changes in uterine morphology and function during the proestrus-diestrus transition in beef cattle

In cattle, early development of the non-attaching embryo depends exclusively on the biochemical properties of the intrauterine milieu. As the embryo transitions from the oviduct to the tip of the uterine horn around 4 days after oestrus, little is known about uterine functions that modulate the milieu composition and potentially determine pregnancy success. The objective was to characterise changes in uterine luminal fluid (ULF) accumulation and absorption, endometrial vascularity, and endometrial thickness in response to progesterone fluctuations during the peri-ovulatory period in beef heifers. Fourteen Bos indicus heifers that presented a prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) responsive CL received 500µg of PGF2α analogue i.m. (PGF) and were examined daily by rectal B-mode and pulse-wave colour-Doppler ultrasonography until the fifth day after oestrus (oestrus=Day 0). Plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured daily. Uterine luminal fluid score was given based on the accumulation of fluid throughout the entire organ (0, no fluid, to 4). Measurement of the main ovarian structures, endometrial thickness, uterine luminal fluid score, and luminal fluid area of the cranial portion of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the preovulatory follicle and subsequent CL were executed by B-mode ultrasonography and endometrial vascularity by colour Doppler. The fixed effect of day was analysed by ANOVA. There was an effect of day on endometrial vascularity, endometrial thickness, and uterine luminal fluid score (P≤0.01) as well as uterine luminal fluid area (P≤0.05). Endometrial vascularity and endometrial thickness increased after PGF injection to peak on Day −1, whereas uterine fluid score peaked on Day 0. Interestingly, cranial uterine luminal fluid area peaked twice, on Day −1 and Day 5. Vascularity, thickness, and fluid accumulation decreased gradually from Day 0 to Day 5. There was a negative correlation (r=−0.55) between the sum of daily P4 concentrations during proestrus (i.e. from PGF to oestrus) and the greatest ULF score measured (P=0.05). Length of proestrus was correlated negatively (r=−0.69) with the increase in uterine body thickness during proestrus (P=0.03). The sum of daily luminal fluid scores, from PGF injection to Day 5, was double for heifers grouped within the upper third for that variable compared with those grouped within the lower third. In conclusion, peri-ovulatory transformations in uterine morphology and function are dramatic and vary in duration and in intensity among animals. Temporal changes in intraluminal fluid accumulation and absorption at the site of embryo arrival may change its biochemical composition. Potential implications for embryo receptivity and reproductive outcomes deserve further investigation.

ANTI-DIARRHEAL ACTIVITY OF ETHANOL AND CHLOROFORM SEED EXTRACT OF COLA NITIDA IN EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED DIARRHEA

Cola nitida has been used in traditional medicine to treat diverse ailments including diarrhea. This study is carried out to investigate the antidiarrheal activity of the ethanol and chloroform seed extract of Cola nitida in Wistar albino rats. The ethanol and chloroform extracts of Cola nitida were evaluated with different doses (100mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 650mg/kg of animal weight) orally for antidiarrheal activity using castor oil induced-diarrhea, gastrointestinal motility test and castor oil-induced gastroenteropooling in Wistar albino rats. The observed activity was compared to standard antidiarrheal drug Lopermaide hydrochloride (2mg/kg) and to distilled water (10ml/kg) which served as the negative control. Cola nitida ethanol extract at 150, 300 and 650mg/kg showed 55.64%, 59.73%, and 71.34% inhibition in gastrointestinal motility respectively. A significant reduction in diarrheal episodes (p&lt;0.0001) was also observed with 650mg/kg of both extracts showing 100% inhibition. A reduction in the volume of fluid in the small intestine was also seen, this was however not significant. The chloroform extract of Cola nitida on the other hand produced a significant reduction in volume and weight of small intestinal content (p&lt;0.05) with 650mg/kg showing a 92.73% inhibition of intestinal fluid accumulation. The ethanol and chloroform extract of Cola nitida showed anti-diarrheal activity in animal model by decreasing the frequency of defecation and by reducing gastrointestinal motility and intraluminal fluid accumulation in the intestine.&#x0D; Peer Review History: &#x0D; UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency.&#x0D; Received file &#x0D; &#x0D; Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10&#x0D; Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10&#x0D; Reviewer(s) detail:&#x0D; Name: Prof. Dr. Hüsniye Kayalar&#x0D; Affiliation: Ege University, Turkey&#x0D; E-mail: husniyekayalar@gmail.com&#x0D; &#x0D; Name: Dr. Ali Gamal Ahmed Al-kaf&#x0D; Affiliation: Sana'a university, Yemen&#x0D; E-mail: alialkaf21@gmail.com&#x0D; Comments of reviewer(s): &#x0D;

Evaluation of In Vivo Antidiarrheal Activities of Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Dodonaea viscosa L.(Sapindaceae) in Swiss Albino Mice.

Traditionally people used Dodonaea viscosa for the treatment of various ailments, including diarrhea. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of the 80% methanolic leaf extract of D viscosa against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice models. Different doses of 80% methanolic leaf extract of D viscosa (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were evaluated for their antidiarrheal activities using castor oil-induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal transit, and enteropooling models in Swiss albino mice. At all test doses, the plant extract showed significant (P < .05) inhibition in the frequency of defecation of wet feces and total fecal output as compared to the control group. Similarly, at all dose ranges used the plant extract demonstrated significant (P < .05) reduction in an intraluminal fluid accumulation as compared to the untreated group. Besides, at higher doses, the plant extract also indicated significant (P < .05) antimotility activity in comparison with the control. In conclusion, these findings illustrated that the 80% methanolic leaf extract of D viscosa supported the traditional claim of antidiarrheal activity of the plant though further investigations are warranted.

DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOMETRITIS IN INFERTILE ARABIAN MARES USING ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

Endometritis is one of the biggest problems affecting horses after colic and lameness. The current study was carried out on 26 mares (4-19 years old) of Straight Egyptian Arabian mares located in different 4 private farms. Ultrasonography revealed that most cases of endometritis were showing intraluminal fluid accumulation, although there was certain cases did not show fluid accumulation yet they suffered from endometritis and subfertility. The degree and severity of fluid accumulation was increased with age of mares. Additionally, there was a relationship between the fluid accumulation and echogenicity and the type of isolated microorganism whereas isolation of Staph and Strept associated with fluid formation and observation of clinical endometritis while in contrast with E.coli, it produced little amount of fluid only high degree of uterine edema was evident. Concerning bacterial isolation there were many incriminated bacteria for example Staphylococcus spp (35.1%), E.coli (18.9%), Proteus vulgaris (13.5%), Streptococcus spp (10.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.5%), and Pseudomonas aeriogenosa (2.7%) and there was 13.5% bacteriologically negative cases.

A Systematic Review of the Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Small Bowel Obstruction.

This study aimed to systematically review small bowel obstruction (SBO), focusing on recent changes in diagnosis/therapy. SBO incidence is about 350,000/annum in the USA. Etiologies include adhesions (65%), hernias (10%), neoplasms (5%), Crohn's disease (5%), and other (15%). Bowel dilatation occurs proximal to obstruction primarily from swallowed air and secondarily from intraluminal fluid accumulation. Dilatation increases mural tension, decreases mucosal perfusion, causes bacterial proliferation, and decreases mural tensile strength that increases bowel perforation risks. Classical clinical tetrad is abdominal pain, nausea and emesis, abdominal distention, and constipation-to-obstipation. Physical exam may reveal restlessness, acute illness, and signs of dehydration and sepsis, including tachycardia, pyrexia, dry mucous membranes, hypotension/orthostasis, abdominal distention, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Severe direct tenderness, involuntary guarding, abdominal rigidity, and rebound tenderness suggest advanced SBO, as do marked leukocytosis, neutrophilia, bandemia, and lactic acidosis. Differential diagnosis includes postoperative ileus, narcotic bowel, colonic pseudo-obstruction, mesenteric ischemia, and large bowel obstruction. Medical resuscitation includes intravenous hydration, correcting electrolyte abnormalities, intravenous antibiotics, nil per os, and nasoenteral suction. Abdominal CT with oral and intravenous gastrografin contrast is highly sensitive and specific in detecting/characterizing SBO. SBO usually resolves with medical therapy but requires surgery, preferentially by laparoscopy, for unremitting total obstruction, bowel perforation, severe ischemia, or clinical deterioration with medical therapy. Overall mortality is 10% but increases to 30% with bowel necrosis/perforation. Key point in SBO is early diagnosis, emphasizing abdominal CT; aggressive medical therapy including rehydration, antibiotics, and nil per os; and surgery for failed medical therapy.

Anti-diarrhoeal activities of the root bark methanol extract of Delonix regia in rats

Nigeria). Abstract: The methanol extract of the root bark of Delonix regia was tolerated at the highest oral test dose of 4000 mg/kg in rats. The extract demonstrated significant anti-diarrhoea effects in three standard experimental models: castor oil-induced diarrhoea test, gastrointestinal motility test and castor oil-induced enteropooling test. The extract gave 61% and 89% inhibition of the experimentally-induced diarrhoea at 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively. In gastro-intestinal motility test, the transit point for 200 mg/kg extract was 24% and that of 400 mg/kg extract was 26% compared to 44% in the control. In enteropooling test, the root bark extract also demonstrated appreciable potency at 200 and 400 mg/kg in suppressing intraluminal fluid accumulation with resultant reduction in the weight and volume of the rat intestinal contents. The effects of the extract could be due to increase in the absorption of electrolytes and inhibition of the hypermotility of the intestine. The results of the study did not only support the folkloric use of the plant in diarrhoea therapy but also revealed the root bark of D. regia as a potential source of novel anti-diarrhoeal agents.

Studies on Laxative Effect of Extract of Dried Fruit Pulp of Cassia fistula

Cassia fistula (CF) is known as Aragvadha (disease killer) in Ayurvedic classics and its sun-dried (SD) fruit pulp has been advocated for the treatment of constipation, fever, leprosy, diabetes, intestinal disorders and wounds. Present study includes the evaluation of SD and non-sun dried (NSD) fruit pulp of CF for purgative action in rat and acute toxicity in mouse. Aqueous suspension of SD and NSD were administered orally 60 min before experiment in rats and SD just before toxicity study in mice. Both SD and NSD in the dose of 1.0 g/kg showed an increase in the number of defecations and fecal output during 4 hour after treatment but stool was semisolid with SD and semisolid and watery with NSD. Both SD and NSD treated rats showed increase in the intestinal intraluminal fluid (ILF) accumulation and motility but the accumulation of ILF was less marked in SD group compared to NSD group. The stimulatory effect of SD on ILF accumulation and intestinal motility could be due to its predominant action on NO formation as only L-NAME a NOS inhibitor blocked both ILF accumulation and intestinal motility per se and in SD-treated rats while atropine (anti-cholinergic), loperamide (μ and k receptor inhibitor) and indomethacin (PGs synthesis blocker) partially blocked them. 10 g/kg oral dose (10 times of optimal effective dose) of SD did not show any acute toxic effect in mice. The result confirms the indigenous use of sun-dried fruit pulp of C. fistula in constipation.

Antidiarrheal activity of Pterocarpus erinaceus methanol leaf extract in experimentally–induced diarrhea

Objective To investigate the antidiarrheal activity of the methanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus erinaceus in vivo. Methods The methanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus erinaceus was evaluated using different doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) orally for antidiarrheal activity using castor oil-induced diarrhea, charcoal meal transit time and castor oil-induced enteropooling in different groups of albino Wistar mice. The activity of the extract at different doses were compared to diphenoxylate (5 mg/kg) and atropine sulphate (3 mg/kg) which were used as standard reference drugs and also to the distilled water administered negative control group of mice. Results The extract at the doses used caused a significant ( P< 0.01) reduction in the wet faeces passed by the mice in the castor oil-induced diarrhea, decreased the distance travelled by the charcoal meal by up to 54.8% and also caused a dose dependent and significant ( P< 0.001) reduction in the intraluminal fluid accumulation in the castor oil-induced enteropooling. Conclusions Our results indicate that Pterocarpus erinaceus extract produced significant antidiarrheal activity and the action may attribute to inhibition of gastrointestinal movement and fluid secretion.

Inhibition of intestinal motility and secretion by flavonoids in mice and rats: structure-activity relationships.

Intraperitoneal administration of some flavonoids (apigenin, flavone, kaempferol, morin, myricetin, naringin and rutin; 12.5-50 mg kg-1) significantly (P < 0.05-0.01) reduced small (28-69%) and large (83-134%) intestinal transit in mice. Other flavonoids (naringenin, silibinin, silymarin and taxifolin, 100-200 mg kg-1) reduced (23-41%; P < 0.05-0.01) intestinal transit at doses of 100-200 mg kg-1 while hesperitin, catechin and phloridzin (up to 200 mg kg-1) had no effect. This effect was antagonized by yohimbine (87-96%) and phentolamine (87-91%) but not by prazosin, propranolol, atropine, hexamethonium, mepyramine, cyproheptadine and naloxone. Yohimbine (92-96%) also antagonized the inhibitory effect of flavonols (12.5-50 mg kg-1) (P < 0.05-0.01) on intraluminal accumulation of fluid and diarrhoea induced by castor oil. By contrast, verapamil potentiated the flavonol effect. It is suggested that these effects, influenced by the structure of the molecules, are mediated by alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and calcium.

Small Bowel Angioedema Associated with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Use

A 45-year-old African American female presented with a four-day history of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. She had recently been started on an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) - lisinopril, for hypertension. On examination, she had diffuse abdominal tenderness but no swelling of the lips or tongue. Laboratory tests showed mild leucocytosis and lactic acidosis. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed circumferential small bowel wall edema and fold thickening with hyperenhancing mucosa and edematous submucosa resulting in mural stratification (solid arrows, Fig. 1a), intraluminal fluid accumulation (dotted arrow, Fig. 1b) as well as mesenteric vascular engorgement and ascites (dashed arrow, Fig. 1b). Lisinopril was discontinued with complete resolution of symptoms within next 48 hours. Figure 1 a: Axial images from CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with oral and IV contrast shows circumferential duodenal and small-bowel wall and fold thickening (solid arrows) with hyperenhancing mucosa and edematous submucosa resulting in mural stratification. ... A follow-up CT scan obtained four days later, showed complete resolution of bowel wall thickening, and the associated peri-enteric inflammatory changes and ascites. ACE-I have been reported to cause peripheral angioedema in 0.1% to 0.2% of patients, with visceral angioedema reported to occur even less commonly1. The differential diagnosis of bowel wall thickening includes ischemic bowel, shock bowel, vasculitis (e.g. Henoch–Schonlein purpura), intramural hematoma (e.g. trauma or anticoagulation therapy), infectious enteritis, medications (esp ACE-I) and inflammatory bowel disease2. Usually angioedema presents as swelling of tongue, lips or upper airways. It can present with GI symptoms without involvement of upper airway, as in this patient3. Having a high index of suspicion can help make the diagnosis of angioedema secondary to ACE-I and avoid the cost and morbidity associated with unnecessary interventions4.

Evaluation of the effects of Olea europaea L. subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S. Green (Oleaceae) leaf methanol extract against castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice

Olea europaea L. subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S. Green is widely used in South Africa by traditional medicine practitioners to treat diarrhoea. However, little is known scientifically about this South African species in the treatment of diarrhoea. The main aim of the study therefore was to investigate the antidiarrhoeal effect of the leaf methanol extract of the plant species in mice. The antidiarrhoeal activity of the leaf methanol extract of O. europaea subsp. africana was studied using a castor oil-induced diarrhoeal test. The antipropulsive activity of the plant extract was also investigated using the charcoal meal transit test. Standard methods were used to investigate the acute toxicity and effect of O. europaea subsp. africana on castor oil-induced intraluminal fluid accumulation. Leaf methanol extract of O. europaea subsp. africana and loperamide, a standard antidiarrhoeal drug, significantly reduced the number of diarrhoeal episodes induced by castor oil, significantly decreased the stool mass, significantly delayed the onset of the diarrhoea and protected the animals against castor oil-induced diarrhoea. Both O. europaea subsp. africana and loperamide significantly decreased the gastrointestinal transit of charcoal meal and castor oil-induced intraluminal fluid accumulation in mice. The LD50 value was found to be 3475 mg/kg (p.o.). The results obtained suggest that the leaf methanol extract of O. europaea subsp. africana has an antidiarrhoeal property and that, given orally, it may be non-toxic and/or safe in mice.

Antidiarrheal activity of dehydroleucodine isolated from Artemisia douglasiana

Dehydroleucodine (DhL), a sesquiterpene lactone obtained from Artemisia douglasiana, was screened for antidiarrheal effects. DhL inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice by judged by a decrease in the number of wet faeces in the DhL-treatment groups. DhL significantly reduced intestinal transit in mice. Yohimbine and phentolamine counteracted the inhibitory effect of DhL. It is suggested that α 2-adrenergic receptors mediate the effect of DhL in intestinal motility. DhL reduced also intraluminal accumulation of fluid. Thus, the antidiarrheal activity of DhL is possibly related, at least in part, to its inhibitory action against gastrointestinal motility and the inhibition of enteropooling property.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of ethanol extract of the bark of Dalbergia lanceolaria

The bark of Dalbergia lanceolaria was undertaken for evaluation of antidiarrhoeal activity in albino mice based on ethnobotanical lead. This bark was collected from Khanapur area of Western Ghats near Pune, Maharashtra, India. The successive solvent extraction of bark was carried out after drying, using petroleum ether (60–80 °C) and ethanol in soxhlet apparatus. The ethanol extract showed activity against castor oil, magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea in albino mice. The extract was also studied for castor oil induced intraluminal fluid accumulation as well as charcoal transit in normal and barium chloride treated animals. The extract reduced significantly intraluminal fluid accumulation and intestinal motility.

The efficacy of Sphaeranthus senegalensis Vaill extract against diarrhoea in rats

The aqueous extract of Sphaeranthus senegalensis (Asteraceae) was investigated for anti-diarrhoeal activity in rats. Its effect on castor oil-induced diarrhoea and fluid accumulation and on gastrointestinal (charcoal meal) test was evaluated. Results showed that pre-treatment for 30 min with the extract at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. causes a dose-dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhoea and intraluminal fluid accumulation and inhibited gastrointestinal transit motility. These results suggest that the plant contain active constituents that may be useful against diarrhoea.

Evaluation of the antidiarrhoeal effects of Zizyphus spina-christi stem bark in rats

The antidiarrhoeal effects of the methanol extract of Zizyphus spina-christi stem bark were evaluated in laboratory rodents. Studies on castor oil induced diarrhoea, intraluminal fluid accumulation, and gastrointestinal transit time were carried out. Results obtained revealed that the extract caused a dose dependent protection of rats against castor oil induced diarrhoea, decreased the intraluminal fluid accumulation and gastrointestinal transit. The intraperitoneal and oral LD 50 values were found to be 346±5.6 and 1200±41.2 mg/kg in mice. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, resins, saponins, and tannins. It is suggested that the extract may contain biologically active components that may be useful against diarrhoea, thereby justifying its use in ethnomedical practice as an antidiarrhoeal agent.

Studies on antidiarrhoeal activity of Jatropha curcus root extract in albino mice

Use of Jatropha curcus L. roots in the treatment of diarrhoea is a common ethnobotanical practice in Konkan, a part of the Western coastal area of India. Roots of this species were undertaken for pharmacognostic studies and evaluation of antidiarrhoeal activity in albino mice. Successive solvent extraction was carried out using petroleum ether (60–80°C) and methanol. The methanol extract showed activity against castor oil induced diarrhoea and intraluminal accumulation of fluid. It also reduced gastrointestinal motility after charcoal meal administration in albino mice. The results indicate that action of J. curcus root methanol extract could be through a combination of inhibition of elevated prostaglandin biosynthesis and reduced propulsive movement of the small intestine.

Defaecation, intestinal fluid accumulation and motility in rodents: implications of cannabinoid CB1 receptors.

We have studied the effect of SR141716A (0.1-5 mg/kg, i.p.), a cannabinoid CB, receptor antagonist, and WIN (0.1-5 mg/kg, i.p.), a cannabinoid receptor agonist, on acute defaecation and gastrointestinal transit in mice and on intraluminal fluid accumulation in the rat small intestine. SR141716A increased while WIN 55,212-2 decreased defaecation, gastrointestinal transit and fluid accumulation. A per se non-effective dose of SR141716A (0.3 mg/kg) counteracted the inhibitory effect of WIN 55,212-2 (1 mg/kg) on gastrointestinal functions studied. The effect of SR 141716 on both intestinal fluid accumulation in rats and gastrointestinal transit in mice was inhibited by atropine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), but not by hexamethonium (1 mg/kg, s.c.), SR140333 (20 microg/kg, i.p.) or SR48968 (20 microg/kg, i.p.), antagonists of NK1 and NK2 receptors, respectively. These results suggest that intestinal fluid accumulation and motility are inhibited by endogenous cannabinoid(s) acting at the cannabinoid CB1 receptors. This effect may be mediated by mechanisms involving muscarinic cholinoceptors.

A synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acid residues 34 to 37 of human follicle-stimulating hormone beta-subunit accelerates the onset of puberty in male and female mice.

We have previously reported that a synthetic peptide amide corresponding to residues 34-37 (TRDL, threonine, arginine-aspartic acid-leucine) of the beta-subunit of human FSH induced prolonged vaginal estrus in normally cycling female mice (see Ref. 15). These results represented the first demonstration of an in vivo effect of a gonadotropin-related synthetic peptide on reproductive processes. We have extended these studies to examine possible effects of TRDL on the onset of puberty in female mice. In two replicated experiments, vehicle-injected control mice attained first vaginal estrus by day 39. An ip injection of 200 ug TRDL/g BW to 28-day-old prepubertal female mice, however, accelerated the onset of first vaginal estrus by 7 days in 11 of 12 (11/12) (Exp 1) and 7/9 (Exp 2) mice. Serum estradiol levels were significantly (P = 0.017) elevated in TRDL-treated mice, whereas progesterone was unchanged. Uteri of TRDL-treated mice were significantly (P = 0.003) heavier than uteri of vehicle-injected control animals of the same age and body weight. Intraluminal fluid accumulation (ballooning) at proestrus was absent in 20/21 TRDL-treated females, as were oviductal ova and ovarian corpora lutea. These phenomena are characteristic of the first estrous cycles of female mice isolated from males. To obtain further evidence for in vivo effects of TRDL, we assessed the ability of TRDL to accelerate the onset of puberty in male mice. When given as five consecutive daily ip injections of 200 ug/g BW to 28-day-old prepubertal male mice, TRDL significantly increased testis weight, when compared with vehicle-injected control mice of the same age and BW (171.3 +/- 3.8 mg vs. 151.6 +/- 4.3 mg, P = 0.001) and induced a 6.5-fold increase in serum testosterone levels. These studies confirm the previously reported in vivo activity of a synthetic peptide corresponding to human FSH-beta subunit 34-37 (TRDL) in adult female mice and extend its effects to the acceleration of the onset of puberty in immature male and female mice.