赤霉病麦中毒研究Ⅳ.赤霉病麦粗毒素的致畸与致突变研究

通过酒精提取、丙酮浓缩,从天然带毒的赤霉病元麦中制备粗毒素。化学分析表明既含脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇,又含玉米赤霉烯酮。以此粗毒素0,125,250,500,1,000mg/kg体重于孕期7—16天连续灌胃授予Wlstar妊娠大鼠。结果发现:1,000mg/kg有明显的胚胎毒作用;250rag/kg以上有胎儿毒作用和致畸作用。另以不同浓度的粗毒素柱层析纯化物和脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇纯品测试了对鼠伤寒沙门氏菌组氨酸缺陷型菌株的致突变性。结果表明:加与不加S-9混合液均有诱变性,但存在着一定的剂量-反应差异。     

赤霉病麦中毒研究IV．赤霉病麦粗毒素的致畸与致突变研究*

通过酒精提取、丙酮浓缩,从天然带毒的赤霉病元麦中制备粗毒素。 化学分析表明既含脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇,又含玉米赤霉烯酮。以此粗毒素0,125,250,500,1,000mg／kg体重于孕期7—16天连续灌胃授予wism妊娠大鼠。结果发现：1,000mg／kg有明显的胚胎毒作用;250rag肚g以上有胎儿毒作用和致畸作用。另以不同浓度的粗毒素柱层析纯化物和脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇纯品测试了对鼠伤寒沙门氏菌组氨酸缺陷型菌株的致突变性。 结果表明：加与不加S一9混合液均有诱变性,但存在着一定的剂量一反应差异。     

玉米赤霉烯酮在小鼠体内的致突变性研究

用小鼠骨髓细胞微核试验和染色体畸变试验评价了赤霉病麦毒素之一玉米赤霉烯酮的体内致突变效应。玉米赤霉烯酮的试验剂量为0,0.1,1.0,10.0,100.0mg/kg体重,以环磷酰胺为阳性对照。实验结果表明,玉米赤霉烯酮各试验剂量组的微核发生率和染色体畸变率与阴性对照组相比均无显著性统计学差异,亦未发现有明显的性别差异。     

玉米赤霉烯酮在小鼠体内的致突变性研究*

用小鼠骨髓细胞微核试验和染色体畸变试验评价了赤霉病麦毒素之一玉米赤霉烯酮的体内致突变效应。玉米赤霉烯酮的试验剂量为0,0.1,1.0,10.0,100.0mg/kg体重,以环磷酰胺为阳性对照。实验结果表明,玉米赤霉烯酮各试验剂量组的微核发生率和染色体畸变率与阴性对照组相比均无显著性统计学差异,亦未发现有明显的性别差异。     

长期低剂量摄入烯草酮原药对大鼠的毒性作用

目的研究长期低剂量摄入烯草酮原药对大鼠的毒性作用,确定其最大无作用剂量,为安全生产及慢性毒性实验提供剂量参考。方法将80只SD大鼠（雌雄各半）按体重随机分为4组,分别为烯草酮原药14.9mg/kg.d体重组、89.6 mg/kg.d体重组、537.5 mg/kg.d体重和正常对照组。在实验结束后处死实验大鼠,同时检测血液学、血清生化、体重和脏器系数等指标,并对结果进行统计学处理。结果与结论烯草酮原药对雄、雌性大鼠经口染毒剂量为89.6 mg/kg.d体重及以上时,对大鼠有毒性效应;长期低剂量摄入烯草酮原药对大鼠最大无作用剂量为14.9 mg/kg.d体重。     

赤霉病麦中毒研究

关于赤霉病麦中毒,国外于1882年即有报道,我国在很早以前也有记载。但是,关于麦类赤霉病的科学记载,则首见于1936年。以后数十年中,我国许多省都发现过麦类赤霉病。小麦赤霉病于1912年认为由小麦赤霉(Gibberella saubinetii)所致,1936年改称为玉蜀黍赤霉(G.zeae)。现在认为后者并不是前者的异名。被赤霉侵染     

天麦消渴片通过miRNA改善糖尿病大鼠血糖的机制

目的探讨天麦消渴片对糖尿病大鼠体重、血糖、血脂和胰岛素等相关代谢指标的影响,并且利用miRNA表达谱芯片和实时定量RT-PCR探讨天麦消渴片降血糖的机制。方法 SD大鼠通过高脂饮食/注射STZ法构建糖尿病大鼠模型。将SD大鼠分为小剂量天麦消渴片组[8只,给予50 mg/(kg·d)的天麦消渴片粉末悬浊液]、大剂量天麦消渴片组[8只,给予100 mg/(kg·d)的天麦消渴片粉末悬浊液]、糖尿病模型组(8只,给予等体积生理盐水)和正常对照组(8只,给予等体积生理盐水),均连续灌胃8周。每2周测定SD大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)和体重。7周末进行口服糖耐量实验(OGTT),测空腹和葡萄糖负荷后血糖。8周末测定大鼠空腹血糖、血清胰岛素和血脂水平,观察天麦消渴片对糖尿病大鼠血糖和血脂的改善作用。取大鼠胰腺组织进行miRNA表达谱芯片实验,并运用实时定量RT-PCR验证芯片结果,以期探讨天麦消渴片对糖尿病大鼠降血糖的机制。结果干预后,大剂量天麦消渴片组大鼠较糖尿病模型组空腹血糖和OGTT曲线下面积(AUC)显著下降。干预8周后,大剂量天麦消渴片组空腹血清胰岛素(FINS)和胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)较糖尿病模型组显著降低(P0.01)。干预8周后,大剂量天麦消渴片组血总胆固醇(TC)和甘油三酯(TG)较糖尿病模型组显著降低(P0.05)。大剂量天麦消渴片组胰腺较糖尿病模型组有18个miRNA上调,3个miRNA下调。结论天麦消渴片不仅能有效降低糖尿病大鼠FBG,改善胰岛素敏感性,还能调节脂代谢。天麦消渴片可能是通过上调胰腺miR-375和miR-30d水平,刺激胰岛β细胞增殖,抑制胰岛α细胞增殖,增加胰岛素基因表达;上调胰腺let-7b、let-7e、miR-142-5p和miR-375,抑制细胞因子及受体相互作用通路和MAPK通路的功能,从而改善糖尿病大鼠血糖和胰岛素抵抗状态。     

双酚A对雄性大鼠抗氧化能力影响的初步研究

目的：探讨双酚A（BPA）对成年大鼠抗氧化能力的影响。方法：将健康成年雄性SD大鼠84只随机分为5个双酚A染毒剂量组（200、50、5、0.5、0.0005 mg/kg）和1个对照组,连续灌胃染毒8周,并监测体重变化,染毒结束后测定血浆超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和谷胱甘肽-过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）含量;此外,提取肝脏组织RNA,用荧光实时定量PCR测定肝脏硫氧还原蛋白过氧化物酶2（prdx2）mRNA的表达水平。结果：随着染毒时间的延长,50 mg/kg及200 mg/kg剂量组的动物体重增长速度逐渐减慢,自4周开始,与对照组相比有显著差异（P〈0.05）;染毒结束时,其体重分别为对照组的90.52%和91.61%（p〈0.05）,而其它低剂量组间则无明显差异;大鼠血浆GSH-Px含量总体上呈下降趋势,且5 mg/kg以上剂量组与对照组相比差别均有统计学意义（p〈0.01）;染毒组血浆SOD水平虽也低于对照组,但无统计显著性;此外,大鼠肝脏组织prdx2 mRNA水平随双酚A剂量增高呈剂量依赖性降低,与对照组相比,其在最低剂量组（0.0005 mg/kg）即有显著差异（p〈0.01）。结论：双酚A可造成大鼠抗氧化酶系统失衡,导致氧化损伤效应,prdx2可能是反映其氧化损伤敏感的生物学标志。     

双酚A 对雄性大鼠抗氧化能力影响的初步研究

目的:探讨双酚A(BPA)对成年大鼠抗氧化能力的影响。方法:将健康成年雄性SD大鼠84只随机分为5个双酚A染毒剂量组(200、50、5、0.5、0.0005 mg/kg)和1个对照组,连续灌胃染毒8周,并监测体重变化,染毒结束后测定血浆超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和谷胱甘肽-过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)含量;此外,提取肝脏组织RNA,用荧光实时定量PCR测定肝脏硫氧还原蛋白过氧化物酶2(prdx2)mRNA的表达水平。结果:随着染毒时间的延长,50 mg/kg及200 mg/kg剂量组的动物体重增长速度逐渐减慢,自4周开始,与对照组相比有显著差异(P<0.05);染毒结束时,其体重分别为对照组的90.52%和91.61%(p<0.05),而其它低剂量组间则无明显差异;大鼠血浆GSH-Px含量总体上呈下降趋势,且5 mg/kg以上剂量组与对照组相比差别均有统计学意义(p<0.01);染毒组血浆SOD水平虽也低于对照组,但无统计显著性;此外,大鼠肝脏组织prdx2 mRNA水平随双酚A剂量增高呈剂量依赖性降低,与对照组相比,其在最低剂量组(0.0005 mg/kg)即有显著差异(p<0.01)。结论:双酚A可造成大鼠抗氧化酶系统失衡,导致氧化损伤效应,prdx2可能是反映其氧化损伤敏感的生物学标志。     

饲喂雌鼠大豆异黄酮对后代雌性生殖性状的影响

目的研究雌性小鼠饲喂异黄酮后对其后代雌鼠生殖性状的影响。方法分别在雌鼠从断奶到妊娠前和妊娠期间两个不同阶段的日粮中添加不同剂量的大豆异黄酮（0、50、400 mg/kg）。记录F1代的出生窝产仔数、出生窝重、雌鼠的阴道最早开张时间和最早见栓时间,以及后代雌鼠性成熟期和体成熟期生殖器官重量、血清雌激素的含量。结果雌鼠妊娠期饲喂含50、400 mg/kg大豆异黄酮的饲料后F1代的窝产仔数显著高于对照组（P〈0.05）;雌鼠妊娠期采食400 mg/kg大豆异黄酮饲料,其后代雌鼠初次配种时间明显延迟（P〈0.05）;45、65日龄体重显著低于对照组,65日龄子宫重显著低于对照组,卵巢重显著高于对照组;血清中雌激素含量显著低于对照组（P〈0.05）,妊娠期间采食50 mg/kg大豆异黄酮饲料,其F1代雌鼠仅窝产仔数和45日龄时血清中雌激素含量受到影响;而雌鼠从断奶到怀孕期间饲喂含大豆异黄酮饲料的F1代在各项指标与对照组均差异无显著性。结论雌鼠妊娠期间饲喂含400 mg/kg大豆异黄酮的饲料会显著影响其雌性后代的初情期、生殖器官发育、血清雌激素含量等生殖生理性状,而在非妊娠期饲喂含大豆异黄酮饲料对F1代无显著影响。     

Haematopoietic properties of ethanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides (Goat weed) in Albino rats.

The potential haematological effects associated with the administration of ethanolic leaf extract of Ageratum conyzoides was investigated in rats. 27 rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group had 6 rats and served as control, the remaining 3 experimental groups and had 7 rats each. These later groups were gavaged with the extract of Ageratum conyzoides in concentrations of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively for 30 days at a dose of 0.1 ml/body weight. The control group was gavaged with 0.9% sodium chloride at a dose of 0.1 m1/body weight as placebo. The extract at the doses administered was found to increase in a dose-related fashion PCV and Hb ([P < 0.01] for 200 mg/kg and [P < 0.001] for 400 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg), RBC ([P < 0.05] for 400 mg/Kg and 500 mg/kg) and marginal increases that were not significant for 200 mg/kg); MCH and MCV ([P < 0.05] and [P < 0.01] for 400mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively) 200 mg/kg was not significant. MCHC recorded no significant change. WBC recorded marginal increases that were not significant, similarly, the differential white blood cell recorded marginal increases that were not significant, except lymphocytes that recorded significant increase in group 4 [P < 0.05]. Marginal Decreases in body weight were also observed, these decreases were however not significant. The result of this study thus indicate haematopoietic potentials of the extract and could possibly remedy anaemia.     

Age and sex dependence of the effects of an aqueous extract of Physalis alkekengi fruits on rat hepatic glucose 6-P dehydrogenase activity

Intraperitoneal injections of an aqueous extract of winter cherry fruits (Physalis alkekengi) to new-born, weanling and adult female rats and to weanling and adult male rats had no effect on body weight, liver weight and liver cytosol protein content. The specific activities of hepatic glucose 6-P dehydrogenase (an estrogen induced protein) in rats of different age and sex groups in terms of mU/mg protein were: treated new-born females, 15.9 ± 0.5; control, 29.1 ± 0.6; treated weanling females, 14.9 ± 0.3; control, 24.8 ± 0.7; treated adult females, 25.7 ± 0.5; control, 26.1 ± 0.5; treated weanling males, 7.9 ± 0.2; control, 7.9 ± 0.1; treated adult males, 9.6 ± 0.4; and control, 9.7 ± 0.3. Treatment of new-born and weanling female rats with the extract resulted in 40–45% reduction in hepatic G6PD activity. However, treatment of adult females, and weanling and adult males produced no significant change in the activity of this enzyme. The data are discussed both in terms of the increase in the capacity of rodent liver to metabolize steroidal compounds with age and the presence of low levels of circulating estradiol necessary for enzyme induction in male rats.     

Pre- and postnatal development studies of lasofoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), in Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND: Lasofoxifene is a nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) developed for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate the effects of lasofoxifene on the postnatal development, behavior, and reproductive performance of offspring of female rats given lasofoxifene during organogenesis and lactation. METHODS: Two range-finding studies were conducted to determine the effects of lasofoxifene at doses from 0.01-10 mg/kg on parturition and lactation in pregnant rats and on the early postnatal development of the offspring, and to optimize the dosing regimen. Maternal milk and plasma were sampled for concentrations of lasofoxifene on Lactation Days 4, 7, and 14. In the pre- and postnatal development study, lasofoxifene was administered to pregnant and lactating rats by oral gavage at dose levels of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg on Gestation Days 6-17 and Lactation Days 1-20. Maternal body weight and food consumption were measured throughout pregnancy, and body weight was measured throughout lactation. Parturition was monitored closely. The F1 offspring were measured for viability, body weight, anogenital distance, the appearance of postnatal developmental indices and reflex behaviors, sensory function, in an age-appropriate functional observational battery, motor activity, auditory startle, passive avoidance, and the Cincinnati Water Maze. The F1 generation was assessed for reproductive function, and the F2 offspring were measured for body weight and viability throughout the lactation period. RESULTS: In the range-finding studies, indications of maternal toxicity included decreased body weight and food consumption, increased length of gestation, prolonged parturition, dystocia, and increased offspring mortality at birth. Concentrations of lasofoxifene in maternal plasma were similar to those in milk, increased with increasing dose, and remained consistent over a 10-day period. In the pre- and postnatal development study, maternal body weights and food consumption were decreased in all treated groups during gestation. Length of gestation was increased, parturition was prolonged, and dystocia was noted in the dams in the 0.1 mg/kg group. There was increased pup mortality in the F1 litters in the 0.1 mg/kg group and all treated groups had decreased offspring body weights beginning at 1 week of age, continuing into the postweaning period and, for the F1 males, into adulthood. Female F1 offspring in the 0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg groups had increased body weights as adults. There were delays in the age of appearance of preputial separation in the males in the 0.1 mg/kg group and vaginal opening in the females in all treated groups. Body temperature was decreased by <0.5 degrees C after weaning for male and female offspring in the 0.1 mg/kg group. The sensory, behavioral, and functional measures, including the tests of learning and memory, were unaffected by treatment. Mating success was lower for the F1 animals in the 0.1 mg/kg group, but there were no effects on the reproductive parameters. Mating, reproduction, and maternal behavior of the F1 animals in the 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg groups and the survival and body weights of the F2 offspring in all treated groups through Postnatal Day 21 were unaffected by treatment. CONCLUSION: The maternal findings in this study were related to the pharmacologic activity of lasofoxifene. Inhibition of growth of the F1 offspring after perinatal exposure to lasofoxifene was observed, but there were no significant effects on the sensory, behavioral, or functional measures, including learning and memory. There were no effects on the F2 generation. The findings are consistent with those reported for at least one other SERM. The findings of this study do not suggest increased risk for the primary indication of use in postmenopausal women.     

Developmental toxicity evaluation of berberine in rats and mice

BACKGROUND: Berberine, a plant alkaloid, is found in some herbal teas and health-related products. It is a component of goldenseal, an herbal supplement. Berberine chloride dihydrate (BCD) was evaluated for developmental toxicity in rats and mice. METHODS: Berberine chloride dihydrate was administered in the feed to timed-mated Sprague-Dawley (CD) rats (0, 3,625, 7,250, or 14,500 ppm; on gestational days [GD] 6-20), and Swiss Albino (CD-1) mice (0, 3,500, 5,250, or 7,000 ppm; on GD 6-17). Ingested doses were 0, 282, 531, and 1,313 mg/kg/day (rats) and 0, 569, 841, and 1,155 mg/kg/day (mice). RESULTS: There were no maternal deaths. The rat maternal lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL), based on reduced maternal weight gain, was 7,250 ppm. The rat developmental toxicity LOAEL, based on reduced fetal body weight per litter, was 14,500 ppm. In the mouse study, equivocal maternal and developmental toxicity LOAELs were 5,250 ppm. Due to scattering of feed in the high dose groups, a gavage study at 1,000 mg/kg/day was conducted in both species. CONCLUSIONS: In rats, maternal, but not fetal adverse effects were noted. The maternal toxicity LOAEL remained at 7,250 ppm (531 mg/kg/day) based on the feed study and the developmental toxicity NOAEL was raised to 1,000 mg/kg/day BCD based on the gavage study. In the mouse, 33% of the treated females died. Surviving animals had increased relative water intake, and average fetal body weight per litter decreased 5-6% with no change in live litter size. The maternal toxicity LOAEL remained at 5,250 ppm (841 mg/kg/day) BCD, based on increased water consumption. The developmental toxicity LOAEL was raised to 1,000 mg/kg/day BCD based on decreased fetal body weight.     

Reproductive activities of female albino rats treated with quassin, a bioactive triterpenoid from stem bark extract of Quassia amara

To evaluate the effect of quassin on female reproductive functions, 42 albino rats (35 females and 7 males) were used. The female albino rats were divided into seven groups of five rats each. Group I served as the control group and received distilled water while Groups II, III and IV rats were treatedorally with 0.1mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg body weight of quassin for 60 days respectively. Groups V, VI and VII rats were also treated orally with 0.1 mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg body weight of quassin for 60 days but were left untreated for another 30 days, to serve as the recovery groups. At the end of each experimental period, blood samples were collected from each rat. Fertility study was done by cohabiting one untreated male with the five female rats in each group for 10 days. Quassin did not adversely affect the weight of the kidney, heart, liver and the body of the rats. However there was a significant decrease in the weight of the ovary and uterus in all the groups relative to the control. There was also a significant decrease in serum estrogen levels in quassin treated rats. The quassin treated rats had a significantly decreased mean litter number and weight. Histological studies show a disorganization and degeneration in the ovary while the uterus showed signs of vacuolation and disorganization. However, these effects were ameliorated after quassin was withdrawn from the rats. The results suggest that quassin has female anti-fertility properties, possibly acting via inhibition of estrogen secretion. Keyword: Quassin, Female rat, Reproduction, Estrogen.     

Induction of rat hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes by dimethylcyclosiloxanes

Low molecular weight dimethylcyclosiloxanes (DMCS) are important precursors in the synthesis of polydimethysiloxane polymers widely used in industry, and in medical and personal care products. The objective of this study was to characterize the ability of two DMCS, octamethylcyclosiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) to induce drug metabolizing enzymes in rats. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 1, 5, 20, or 100 mg/kg D4 or D5 in corn oil daily by gavage for 4 days. Changes in the levels of activity and/or immunoreactivity of CYP1A1/2, CYP2B1/2, CYP3A1/2 and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase in liver microsomes were examined. Significant increases were observed in the liver to body weight ratio in female rats administered either D4 or D5 at doses > or = 20 mg/kg. Increases in the liver to body weight ratio were observed in male rats treated with > or = 100 mg/kg D5 but not with D4. Relatively large increases in CYP2B1/2 enzymatic activity and immunoreactive protein were observed with increasing concentrations of both D4 and D5. Significant increases in 7-pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase (PROD) activity were also detected in male and female rats given D4 at doses > or = 5 mg/kg. D5 increased PROD activity in male rats at doses > or = 20 mg/kg and in female rats at doses > or = 5 mg/kg. 7-Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was increased in both male and female rats receiving > or = 20 mg/kg D4 or > or = 5 mg/kg D5; however, no changes were detected in CYP1A1/2 immunoreactive protein in rats of either sex. D4 and D5 caused significant increases in CYP3A1/2 immunoreactive protein in only male rats treated with 100 mg/kg of either compound. However, significant increases were detected in CYP3A1/2 immunoreactive protein in female rats at D4 doses > or = 20 mg/kg and D5 doses > or = 5 mg/kg. Induction of NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase immunoreactive protein was observed with D4 in female rats and in both male and female rats with D5. Induction of CYP2B/1/2, CYP3A1/2 and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase was observed in rats treated with 50 mg/kg phenobarbital by intraperitoneal injection. Maximal CYP2B induction detected with D4 was approximately 50% of the increase observed with phenobarbital. In summary, D4 and D5 induced CYP2B1/2 in adult rat liver in a manner similar to that observed with phenobarbital; however, differences were observed between D4 and D5 in their ability to induce CYP3A1/2 and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase. Female rats were more sensitive to the inductive properties of low doses of both DMCS than male rats whereas male rats were more responsive to phenobarbital induction.     

Developmental toxicity evaluation of emodin in rats and mice

BACKGROUND: Emodin, a widely available herbal remedy, was evaluated for potential effects on pregnancy outcome. METHODS: Emodin was administered in feed to timed-mated Sprague-Dawley (CD) rats (0, 425, 850, and 1700 ppm; gestational day [GD] 6-20), and Swiss Albino (CD-1) mice (0, 600, 2500 or 6000 ppm; GD 6-17). Ingested dose was 0, 31, 57, and approximately 80-144 mg emodin/kg/day (rats) and 0, 94, 391, and 1005 mg emodin/kg/day (mice). Timed-mated animals (23-25/group) were monitored for body weight, feed/water consumption, and clinical signs. At termination (rats: GD 20; mice: GD 17), confirmed pregnant dams (21-25/group) were evaluated for clinical signs: body, liver, kidney, and gravid uterine weights, uterine contents, and number of corpora lutea. Fetuses were weighed, sexed, and examined for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations/variations. RESULTS: There were no maternal deaths. In rats, maternal body weight, weight gain during treatment, and corrected weight gain exhibited a decreasing trend. Maternal body weight gain during treatment was significantly reduced at the high dose. In mice, maternal body weight and weight gain was decreased at the high dose. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal mortality, live litter size, fetal sex ratio, and morphological development were unaffected in both rats and mice. At the high dose, rat average fetal body weight per litter was unaffected, but was significantly reduced in mice. The rat maternal lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was 1700 ppm; the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 850 ppm. The rat developmental toxicity NOAEL was > or =1700 ppm. A LOAEL was not established. In mice, the maternal toxicity LOAEL was 6000 ppm and the NOAEL was 2500 ppm. The developmental toxicity LOAEL was 6000 ppm (reduced fetal body weight) and the NOAEL was 2500 ppm.     

Serotonin mediation of the protective effect of clonidine against pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in rats

An intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg/kg clonidine significantly increased the latency to the first convulsion and reduced tonic seizures and mortality caused by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), 90 mg/kg, administered subcutaneously to rats. 1 mg/kg clonidine produced similar effects except that tonic seizures were not significantly affected. No effect was observed with 0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg clonidine. Metergoline (1 mg/kg) and methysergide (10 mg/kg), administered intraperitoneally, completely prevented the effect of 0.5 mg/kg clonidine on PTZ-induced seizures. An intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg of d-fenfluramine, a releaser of 5HT from nerve terminals, significantly reduced tonic seizures and completely blocked mortality caused by PTZ but did not significantly modify the latency to the first convulsion. The results suggest that serotonin plays an important role in the protective effect of 0.5 mg/kg clonidine against PTZ-induced seizures. Possible reasons for the different effects of clonidine on different experimental seizures are discussed.     

Peri‐ and postnatal rodent development of Hematide,an erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent

BACKGROUND: Aperi‐ and postnatal reproduction toxicity study was conducted in rats treated with Hematide, a synthetic PEGylated peptidic erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA). METHODS: Hematide, at IV doses of 0, 0.5, 3, and 15 mg/kg, was administered from implantation through lactation on gestation days (GDs) 5 and 18 and lactation day (LD) 13. RESULTS: Hematide induced pronounced polycythemia in all Hematide‐treated dams. On LDs 2 and 21, hemoglobin (Hgb) increases above control levels were 3.1, 5.2, and 5.0 g/dL and 4.1, 5.1, and 5.5 g/dL at the 0.5, 3, and 15 mg/kg/dose, respectively. There were no effects on parturition, lactation, or maternal behavior in the F0 generation female rats. A slight decrease in pup viability on postpartum days 2–4 and lower body weights and/or body weight gain for the F1 generation were associated with pronounced polycythemia and decreases in maternal body weight gain and/or food consumption at ≥3 mg/kg/dose. Hematide fetal exposure was negligible. No Hematide effect, other than on growth and survival, was noted on developmental, functional, mating, and fertility end points in the F1 generation rats, and no effect on litter or fetal parameters was observed in the F2 generation. The maternal no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) for Hematide was 0.5 mg/kg, and the NOAEL for parturition and maternal behavior was 15 mg/kg. The NOAEL for F1 pup viability and growth was 0.5 mg/kg/dose. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the Hematide‐associated adverse findings were attributed to exaggerated erythropoiesis (pronounced and prolonged polycythemia) resulting from administration of an ESA to pregnant animals. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 89:155–163, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.