Significant Increase In Sodium Research Articles

Higher sodium in older individuals or after stroke/reperfusion, but not in migraine or Alzheimer’s disease – a study in different preclinical models

Sodium serves as one of the primary cations in the central nervous system, playing a crucial role in maintaining normal brain function. In this study, we investigated alterations in sodium concentrations in the brain and/or cerebrospinal fluid across multiple models, including an aging model, a stroke model, a nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced rat migraine model, a familial hemiplegic migraine type 2 (FHM2) mouse model, and a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our results reveal that older rats exhibited higher sodium concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma, and various brain regions compared to their younger counterparts. Additionally, findings from the stroke model demonstrated a significant increase in sodium in the ischemic/reperfused region, accompanied by a decrease in potassium and an elevated sodium/potassium ratio. However, we did not detect significant changes in sodium in the NTG-induced rat migraine model or the FHM2 mouse model. Furthermore, AD transgenic mice showed no significant differences in sodium levels compared to wild-type mice in CSF, plasma, or the hippocampus. These results underscore the nuanced regulation of sodium homeostasis in various neurological conditions and aging, providing valuable insights into potential mechanisms underlying these alterations.

Investigation of verapamil-induced cardiorenal dysfunction and compensatory ion regulation in zebrafish embryos

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the development of verapamil-induced cardiorenal failure and the response of epidermal ionocytes in zebrafish embryos to this syndrome. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to verapamil for 24 h at different developmental stages (48, 72, and 96 h post-fertilization). The exposure resulted in the generation of edema in the pericardial and yolk sac regions, with more-pronounced effects observed in later-stage embryos. Cardiac parameters showed a suppressed heart rate at all stages, with a more-significant effect appearing in later stages. Verapamil also affected cardiac parameters including the end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), and cardiac output (CO), indicating negative overall effects on cardiac performance. mRNA levels of heart failure markers (nppa and nppb genes) were upregulated in verapamil-exposed embryos at all stages. Renal function was impaired as FITC-dextran excretion was suppressed. A whole-embryo ion content analysis revealed significant increases in sodium and calcium contents in verapamil-exposed embryos. The density of epidermal ionocytes increased, and the apical membrane of ionocytes was enlarged, indicating upregulation of ion uptake. In addition, mRNA levels of several ion transporter genes (rhcg1, slc9a3, atp6v1a, atp2b1a, trpv6, and slc12a10.2) were significantly upregulated in verapamil-exposed embryos. In summary, prolonged exposure to verapamil can induce cardiorenal failure which triggers compensatory upregulation of ionocytes in zebrafish embryos.

Effects of sex and hydration status on kappa opioid receptor-mediated diuresis in rats.

Understanding the function of the kappa opioid receptor (KOP) is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic interventions that target KOP for the treatment of pain, stress-related disorders and other indications. Activation of KOP produces diuretic effects in rodents and man. Sex is a vital factor to consider when assessing drug response in pre-clinical and clinical studies. In this study, the diuretic effect of the KOP agonist, U50488 (1-10 mg/kg), was investigated in both adult female and male Wistar rats that were either normally hydrated or water-loaded. The KOP antagonist norbinaltorphimine (norBNI, 10 mg/kg) was administered 24 h prior to U50488 to confirm the involvement of KOP. U50488 elicited a significant diuretic response at doses ≥ 3 mg/kg in both female and male rats independent of hydration status. U50488 diuretic effects were inhibited by norBNI pre-administration. Water-loading reduced data variability for urine volume in males, but not in females, compared with normally hydrated rats. Sex differences were also evident in U50488 eliciting a significant increase in sodium and potassium ion excretion only in males. This may suggest different mechanisms of U50488 diuretic action in males where renal excretion mechanisms are directly affected more than in females.

Targeted Albumin Therapy Does Not Improve Short-Term Outcome in Hyponatremic Patients Hospitalized With Complications of Cirrhosis: Data From the ATTIRE Trial.

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis and hyponatremia have a poor prognosis. We investigated Albumin to Prevent Infection in Chronic Liver Failure trial data to determine whether targeted albumin infusions improved outcome in patients with hyponatremia at baseline. We examined the interaction between targeted albumin and standard care for the composite primary end point, stratifying by baseline sodium ≥ and <130 mmol/L. Randomization to albumin was associated with a significant increase in sodium; however, there was no interaction between sodium category and treatment for the trial primary end point. Targeted intravenous albumin infusions increased serum sodium level in hospitalized hyponatremic patients with cirrhosis, but this did not improve outcome.

The impact of movement, physical activity and position on urine production: A pilot study.

Many different internal factors have been proven to influence urine production such as age, weight, and quality of sleep. External factors such as consumption of caffeine and fluid consumption have been shown to have an impact on urine production. To investigate the impact of movement, physical activity and position on urine production. This prospective observational study was executed at Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. Study participation was open for anyone visiting the hospital. Participants collected one basic and two extended 24-hour urine collections and filled in questionnaires concerning their general health and physical activity. Urinary levels of osmolality, sodium and creatinine were determined. Data on movement, physical activity and position was described. An increase in body movement leads to a significant increase in diuresis during daytime, night-time, and 24hours (P=.002, P<.001, and P<.001, respectively). An increase in body movement leads to a significant decrease in osmolality during night-time and 24hours (P=.009, and P=.004, respectively). However, no significant influence of movement on osmolality was found during daytime (P=.12). An increase in body movement leads to a significant decrease in creatinine during daytime, night-time and 24hours (P=.001, <0.001, and P<.001, respectively). An increase in body movement leads to a significant increase in sodium during daytime (P=.046) but this was statistically significant during night-time and 24hours (P=.32, and P=.84 respectively). Our study demonstrates a statistically significant association of movement, physical activity, and position with urine production. It would therefore be interesting to explore this association further with the use of new technology to have more accurate data. Here, lays a potential role for conservative measurements and lifestyle adaptations in the management of patients with bothersome LUTS and more precisely nocturia.

Negative impact of long-term exposure of salinity and drought stress on native Tetraena mandavillei L.

Tetraena mandavillei L. is a perennial shrub native to the Middle Eastern countries of Asia, which is extensively regarded as a drought-tolerant plant. However, the plant reduces growth and biomass when grown in high concentrations of sodium chloride in the soil. We conducted a pot experiment to influence the negative impact of different levels of salinity (0, 10, and 20 dSm-1 ) and drought stress (100, 80, 60, and 40% water field capacity), to study different growth-related parameters, physiological alterations and ion uptake by T. mandavillei. Both salinity and drought stress caused a negative impact by affecting several attributes of T. mandavillei, but the plants showed some resistance against drought stress conditions in terms of growth and biomass. In addition to that, we noticed that a combinatorial and individual impact of drought and salinity stress decreased photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange parameters in T. mandavillei. Results also depicted that the combination of the abiotic stress conditions drought and salinity induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicating that the plants undergo oxidative damaged. However, due to the active plant defense system, the plant enhanced its performance under abiotic stress conditions, but due to the severe drought condition (40% water field capacity), a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the activities of antioxidant compounds was caused. Furthermore, osmolytes also increased under both salinity and drought stress conditions in this study. Our results also showed that increased salinity and drought stress in the soil caused a significant increase in sodium (Na+ ) and chloride (Cl- ) ions in roots and shoots of T. mandavillei. In contrast to that, the contents of Calcium (Ca2+ ) and potassium (K+ ) were decreased in all organs of the plants with increasing levels of salinity and drought stress. Taken together, T. mandavillei can be classified as a facultative halophyte with the ability to tolerate drought stress and using salt accumulation mechanisms to tolerate salinity stress.

Distinguishing core from penumbra by lipid profiles using Mass Spectrometry Imaging in a transgenic mouse model of ischemic stroke

Detecting different lipid profiles in early infarct development may give an insight on the fate of compromised tissue. Here we used Mass Spectrometry Imaging to identify lipids at 4, 8 and 24 hours after ischemic stroke in mice, induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Combining linear transparency overlay, a clustering pipeline and spatial segmentation, we identified three regions: infarct core, penumbra (i.e. comprised tissue that is not yet converted to core), and surrounding healthy tissue. Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (m/z = 965.5) became visible in the penumbra 24 hours after tMCAO. Infarct evolution was shown by 2D-renderings of multiple phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Lyso-PC isoforms. High-resolution Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, to evaluate sodium/potassium ratios, revealed a significant increase in sodium and a decrease in potassium species in the ischemic area (core and penumbra) compared to healthy tissue at 24 hours after tMCAO. In a transgenic mouse model with an enhanced susceptibility to ischemic stroke, we found a more pronounced discrimination in sodium/potassium ratios between penumbra and healthy regions. Insight in changes in lipid profiles in the first hours of stroke may guide the development of new prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets to minimize infarct progression.

Evaluation of Diuretic Activity on Leaves Extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn

In this work we studied the diuretic potential of aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn in experimental Wister rats. The ethanolic extract was done by Continuous Hot Percolation method and the aqueous extract was done by Maceration method. Both aqueous and ethanolic Extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn was tested to check the presence of different active constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and saponins. The aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn was used for diuretic activity at the dose 200 mg/kg was compared with standard drug furosemide (10 mg/kg). Various ion concentrations like Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and urine volume was measured. Urine volume increases in aqueous extract than the ethanolic extract. Both the extract showed more urine volume when compared to control but less than that of standard drug. The significant increases in Sodium, Potassium and Chloride ion concentration in both the extract group.

Dual-release hydrocortisone improves hepatic steatosis in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency: a real-life study.

Background:Conventional glucocorticoid treatment has a significant impact on liver in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) provides physiological cortisol exposure, leading to an improvement in anthropometric and metabolic parameters. We aimed to evaluate the effects of 12-month DR-HC treatment on the hepatic steatosis index (HSI), a validated surrogate index of hepatic steatosis, in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI).Methods:A total of 45 patients with hypopituitarism, 22 with hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, ACTH, and GH deficiencies, and 23 with hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and ACTH deficiency, on replacement therapy for all the pituitary deficiencies, were switched from conventional hydrocortisone to DR-HC. At baseline and after 12 months, glucose and insulin levels, surrogate estimates of insulin sensitivity, and hepatic steatosis were evaluated through ultrasonography and HSI.Results:At diagnosis, ultrasonography documented steatosis in 31 patients (68.8%) while 33 (73.3%) showed high HSI. Hydrocortisone (HC) dose (β = 1.231, p = 0.010), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (β = 1.431, p = 0.002), and insulin sensitivity index (ISI)-Matsuda (β = −1.389, p = 0.034) were predictors of HSI at baseline. After 12 months of DR-HC, a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.008), waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.010), fasting insulin (p = 0.041), HOMA-IR (p = 0.047), HSI (p < 0.001) and number of patients with HSI ⩾36 (p = 0.003), and a significant increase in sodium (p < 0.001) and ISI-Matsuda (p = 0.031) were observed. HOMA-IR (β = 1.431, p = 0.002) and ISI-Matsuda (β = −9.489, p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of HSI at 12 months.Conclusions:In adults with SAI, DR-HC is associated with an improvement in HSI, regardless of the dose used, mainly related to an improvement in insulin sensitivity.

Spermine Pre-Treatment Improves Some Physiochemical Parameters and Sodium Transporter Gene Expression of Pumpkin Seedlings under Salt Stress

It is known that polyamines (PAs) including spermine (Spm) enhance the abiotic stress tolerance of crops. Here, the effects of hydroponic Spm pre-treatment on the amelioration of the adverse effects of salinity were investigated in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) that is an economically important horticultural crop and sensitive to salinity, especially at the establishment stage. For this purpose, 10-day-old, uniform-sized seedlings were transplanted to plastic containers containing Hoagland nutrient solution. Spm was added at 0.1 and 1 mM to the hydroponic medium for 5 days before stress. The plants were treated with 40 and 80 mM NaCl for inducing salinity stress. Salt stress reduced the plant growth and potassium content in roots, and these detrimental effects were alleviated when plants were pre-treated with Spm. Salinity stress caused a significant increase in sodium and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) content when compared with controls. Spm pre-treatment ameliorated these salinity stress effects by increasing sodium content of root and leaves GABA content. Expression analysis of two sodium transporter genes, salt overly sensitive1 (SOS1) and Na+/H+ exchanger (NHX1) revealed that their expression was differentially induced in roots of plants treated either with salinity or Spm. These results suggest that Spm via the overexpression of the NHX1 gene substantially increased the tolerance to stress by sequestering excess Na+ into the vacuoles and sustaining a better cellular environment. Moreover, Spm has potential to scavenge directly free radical and to alleviate growth inhibition and promote the activity of antioxidant system enzymes in pumpkin seedlings under salt stress.

Living with a leaky skin: upregulation of ion transport proteins during sloughing.

Amphibian skin is a multifunctional organ providing protection from the external environment and facilitating the physiological exchange of gases, water and salts with the environment. In order to maintain these functions, the outer layer of skin is regularly replaced in a process called sloughing. During sloughing, the outermost layer of the skin is removed in its entirety, which has the potential to interfere with skin permeability and ion transport, disrupting homeostasis. In this study, we measured, in vivo, the effects of sloughing on the cutaneous efflux of ions in toads Rhinella marina kept in freshwater conditions. We also measured transepithelial potential, cutaneous resistance, active ion transport and the distribution, abundance and gene expression of the key ion transport proteins sodium-potassium ATPase (NKA) and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) during sloughing. We hypothesised that the increase in transepithelial efflux of ions during sloughing is a consequence of increased permeability and/or a reduction in the abundance or expression of cutaneous ion transport proteins, resulting in disruption of internal ion homeostasis. There was a significant increase in sodium and chloride efflux during sloughing in R. marina However, although in vitro skin resistance decreased after sloughing, active sodium transport increased commensurate with an increase in NKA and ENaC protein abundance in the skin. These changes in skin function associated with sloughing did not affect the maintenance of internal electrolyte homeostasis. These results suggest that during sloughing, amphibians actively maintain internal homeostasis by increasing cutaneous rates of ion uptake.

Association of swine wastewater and mineral fertilization on black oat production

Swine wastewater (SW) has high organic load, becoming an important source of macro and micronutrients to plants, promoting the improvement of soil quality and development in various cultures. However, when done without agronomic and environmental criteria, it can cause soil problems, nutrient leaching, water resource damage and plant toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the soil chemical properties and the leachate in face of the association of swine wastewater and mineral fertilization (MF) in oat cultivation. An experiment in drainage lysimeter was carried out, using SW applications associated to MF or not, where treatments consisted of doses of 0, 100, 200 and 300 m3ha-1 with the absence or presence of MF, under field conditions. We concluded that swine wastewater provided significant increases in sodium, copper, zinc, and nitrite + nitrate as well as pH and calcium reductions in the soil; and in the leachate, significant increase in sodium. Moreover, the use of mineral fertilizer comprising nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium induced a significant increase in phosphorus, potassium and electrical conductivity and a significant reduction in magnesium in the soil; however, in the leachate, electrical conductivity was increased.

충북 일부지역 보건소 건강증진프로그램에 참여한 여자 노인의 영양상태 변화

Materials for nutrition education to promote nutrition intake and prevent diseases in elderly individuals were developed, nutrition education was provided to 46 elderly females for 12 weeks, and its effects on the body composition, blood profile, and nutritional quality of subjects were qualitatively analyzed. After the education program, the weight of subjects decreased from 56.7 kg to 56.0 kg (p<0.001), their body fat dropped from 20.8 kg to 19.6 kg (p<0.01), their body mass index (BMI) declined from <TEX>$25.2kg/m^2$</TEX> to <TEX>$24.9kg/m^2$</TEX> (p<0.01), and their percentage of body fat decreased significantly (p<0.05). On the other hand, blood sugar showed a significant increase from 131.6 mg/dl to 141.8 mg/dl (p<0.05). Overall, the percentage of nutrition intake rose. In particular, the estimated energy requirement increased from 89.3% to 99.5% (p<0.05). Further, the contrast ratio of recommended intake showed significant increases in protein (p<0.01), phosphorus (p<0.05), vitamin <TEX>$B_2$</TEX> (p<0.05), vitamin <TEX>$B_6$</TEX> (p<0.05), and niacin(p<0.001), and that of adequate intake showed a significant increase in sodium (p<0.05). The nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) showed a significant increase only in niacin (p<0.05), and the index of nutritional quality (INQ) showed significant increases in protein (p<0.05) and niacin (p<0.001). After the nutrition education program, a qualitative analysis of nutrients consumed by subjects was conducted. The results show improvements across the board except for the deficient intake of calcium and folic acid, suggesting that the nutrition status of subjects changed in a positive direction through the program. The implementation of this program for elderly individuals in a continuous and repetitive manner is expected to facilitate their nutrition management.

The Therapeutic Role of Proximol and Lasilactone in Rat Model of Renal Stress

Background High salt intake induces renal-stress. The present study was carried out to examine the therapeutic effects of proximol(Halfa bar extract), lasilactonedrug(Spironolactone+Furosemide) and their combination on renal-stressed rats. Material and Methods:Thirty five male rats were used and divided into five groups. The first group served as negative control and received fresh tap water orally for four weeks. The animals in the other four groups drank hypertonic saline solution (2% NaCl) as a sole source of drinking water for four weeks to induce the animal model of renal stress. Then the renal-stressed rats were further divided into: positive control, renal-stressed rats treated daily with proximol (7.8 mg/kg b.wt), renal-stressed rats treated daily with lasilactone (3.9 mg/kg b.wt), and renal- stressed rats treated daily with a combination of proximol and lasilactone for four weeks. The levels of aldosterone, sodium, potassium, calcium, urea, uric acid and creatinine were measured in the sera of rats. Nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels were also measured in the homogenate of renal tissue. Results:In the renal-stressed group, there was a significant increase in levels of aldosterone, sodium, calcium, urea, uric acid, NO and MDA and a significant decrease in potassium and GSH as compared to control group. Although the treatment of renal stressed rats with proximol, lasilactone and their combination reduced the increased level of aldosterone induced in renal stressed rats, aldosterone level was still higher than the control value. In addition, the treatment with proximol, lasilactone and their combination restored the significant increase in sodium, NO and lipid peroxidation to non significant changes as compared to control group. Also the decreased levels of GSH induced in renal-stressed rats returned to non significant changes. However, potassium decreased significantly below the control and the model groups with the combined treatment. Furthermore, treatment with proximol, lasilactone and their combination reduced the elevated levels of uric acid and urea induced by hypertonic saline solution to control- like values in the case of uric acid and to a significant decrease in the case of urea. Conclusion:In conclusion, proximol, lasilactone and their combination have an effective role in ameliorating the changes in the levels of aldosterone, serum electrolytes, oxidative stress and consequently the disturbance in kidney functions in renal-stressed rats induced by hypertonic saline solution.

USDA Updates Nutrient Values for Fast Food Pizza

Consumption of quick service pizza has increased as Americans are spending more on food away from home. Pizza is consistently a primary Key Food in the USDA National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP) because it is a contributor of more than 14 nutrients of public health significance to the U.S. diet. The USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory collected national samples of the two leading fast food pizza chains to monitor and update changes in this popular food. Two brands of pizza - cheese (regular, thick, and thin crust) and pepperoni (regular and thick crust) pizzas were collected in 12 nationwide locations in 2003 and again in 2010. Sample units of pizzas were prepared for analysis of proximates, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids using NFNAP protocols. Analytical samples and quality control materials were analyzed by USDA-qualified laboratories using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) approved methods. Nutrient data were statistically evaluated (significance set at p<0.05) to compare similar pizzas from different years. Based on these analyses, values for various nutrients changed. For example, both brands of cheese, thin crust pizzas showed a significant increase in sodium (p<0.014). Across all pizza types, brand A pizzas showed a significant increase in iron (p<0.0009-0.036) and potassium (p<0.001-0.013). Total sugars, fiber, cholesterol, and fat values significantly increased or decreased by brand and pizza type. These analyses provide current, accurate, nationally representative data for high consumption foods in the U.S. and are included in the USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference 24 as part of an effort to monitor changes in nutrient profiles for popular foods.

Influence of Sodium and Potassium Levels by Thyroid Hormones Disorder in Sera of Female Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases

Dysregulation of sodium and potassium has a characteristic role in the development of various cardiovascular disease. In the present study it sought to explore the sodium and potassium influenced by thyroid hormone disorders in sera of patients with cardiovascular disease. The study population consisted of 51 female patients with cardiovascular disease in combination with thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid function disorders were found to have hypothyroidism in 47%of patients and hyperthyroidism in 53%of patients. A significant increase in sodium and potassium concentrations were found in both patient groups. A positive significant correlation was observed between Na concentration and T4 level in sera of patients with hyperthyroidism while a significant negative correlation was found between Na concentration and TSH level in sera of patients with hypothyroidism. Keyword: cardiovascular ,thyroid, sodium, potassium.

Three Percent Saline Administration During Pediatric Critical Care Transport

The purpose of this study was to describe the administration of 3% saline (3%S) during pediatric critical care transport. A retrospective study was performed on pediatric patients who underwent critical transport to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2007, and were given 3%S. Patients' demographics, admission diagnosis, route and amount of 3%S administration, serum electrolytes, vital signs, radiographic data, and Glasgow Coma Scale scores were collected and analyzed. A total of 101 children who received 3%S infusions during pediatric critical care transport were identified. Mean patient age was 5.9 years, and mean patient weight was 27.6 kg. The main indications for infusing 3%S were suspected cerebral edema (41%), intracranial bleed with edema (51%), and symptomatic hyponatremia (6%). The amount of 3%S bolus ranged from 1.2 to 24 mL/kg, with a mean of 5.4 mL/kg. Serum electrolytes before and after 3%S infusion demonstrated significant increases in sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels (P < 0.05). A significant reduction was also seen in serum urea nitrogen levels and anion gap. Radiographic imaging performed before 3%S infusion demonstrated findings consistent with concerns of increased intracranial pressure such as intracranial bleed and cerebral edema. The route of initial 3%S infusions was mainly through peripheral intravenous lines (96%). No complications related to the 3%S delivery such as local reactions, renal abnormalities, or central pontine myelinolysis were observed. It seems 3%S may be administered safely during pediatric critical transport and administration routes can include peripheral lines. With the importance of initiating therapy early to improve patient outcomes, the use of 3%S may benefit transported children with brain injury and suspected intracranial hypertension.

Vasopressin-dependent coupling between sodium transport and water flow in a mouse cortical collecting duct cell line

Water balance is achieved through the ability of the kidney to control water reabsorption in the connecting tubule and the collecting duct. In a mouse cortical collecting duct cell line (mCCD(c11)), physiological concentrations of arginine vasopressin increased both electrogenic, amiloride-sensitive, epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-mediated sodium transport measured by the short-circuit current (Isc) method and water flow (Jv apical to basal) measured by gravimetry with similar activation coefficient K(1/2) (6 and 12 pM, respectively). Jv increased linearly according to the osmotic gradient across the monolayer. A small but highly significant Jv was also measured under isoosmotic conditions. To test the coupling between sodium reabsorption and water flow, mCCD(c11) cells were treated for 24 h under isoosmotic condition with either diluent, amiloride, vasopressin or vasopressin and amiloride. Isc, Jv, and net chemical sodium fluxes were measured across the same monolayers. Around 30% of baseline and 50% of vasopressin-induced water flow is coupled to an amiloride-sensitive, ENaC-mediated, electrogenic sodium transport, whereas the remaining flow is coupled to an amiloride-insensitive, nonelectrogenic sodium transport mediated by an unknown electroneutral transporter. The mCCD(c11) cell line is a first example of a mammalian tight epithelium allowing quantitative study of the coupling between sodium and water transport. Our data are consistent with the 'near isoosmotic' fluid transport model.

Differential responses of two rice varieties to salt stress

Two rice varieties, viz. Nonabokra and Pokkali, have been evaluated for their responses to salinity in terms of some physiological and biochemical attributes. During the exposure to salinity (200 mM concentration of sodium chloride for 24, 48, and 72 h), a significant increase in sodium was recorded which was also concomitant with the changes of other metabolic profiles like proline, phenol, polyamine, etc. The protein oxidation was significantly increased and also varied between the two cultivars. The changes in activities of anti-oxidative enzymes under stress were significantly different to the control. The detrimental effects of salinity were also evident in terms of lipid peroxidation, chlorophyll content, protein profiles, and generation of free radicals; and these were more pronounced in Pokkali than in Nonabokra. The assessment and analysis of these physiological characters under salinity could unravel the mechanism of salt responses revealed in this present study and thus might be useful for selection of tolerant plant types under the above conditions of salinity.

Clinical evaluation for the diuretic effect of the alcoholic extract of Trigonella faenum- gracum seeds (fenugreek) on rabbits

Fenugreek seeds has a wide range of pharmacological activities like hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic , galactogogue and diuretic activities. Most of these effects have been well studied. However there is no separate study that evaluate the diuretic effect of fenugreek. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate clinically the diuretic effect of this herb. Fenugreek extract has been compared with equal volume of distilled water each has been given to a group of five healthy adult male albino rabbits. Both serum and 24-hr urine samples then analyzed weekly for electrolytes level, osmolality and pH for four weeks. It has been found that fenugreek, caused a significant increases in sodium and potassium excretion with a significant reductions in osmolality with respect to the control group. It had a significant hypocalciuric effect, in respect to the control group.. Serum values of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, pH and osmolality did not reveal any significant change compared with the control values. It was concluded that fenugreek has a very powerful diuretic effect and this effect is thiazide-like regarding urine flow and urine composition of electrolytes.