gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase activity in mice: age dependent changes and effect of cortisol.

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) activity in various organs of mice during ontogenesis has been determined. The activity profile in foetus, neonates and the adult animal were compared to ascertain the functional significance of the enzyme. In addition, the effect of cortisol on gamma-GT activity in adult kidney is presented.     

Possible interaction of potassium embelate, a putative analgesic agent, with opiate receptors

The in vivo studies have been carried out in the rat brain for characterization of binding sites for potassium embelate (ex: Embelia ribes) a potent centrally acting analgesic compound. The results indicate that mixed mu and kappa binding sites in the brain may be involved in the analgesic action of this compound.     

Increased susceptibility of lead exposed chickens to experimental infection of Ascaridia galli

Two sets of one day old, white leghorn (Victoria Strain) chickens were each orally exposed to 1.0 mg lead nitrate daily for 7 days and subsequently infected with 15 and 30 A. galli eggs. These experimental chickens exposed to lead harboured significantly greater worm burden when compared to unexposed controls leading strong support to the view that lead exposure significantly suppressed their immune response to A. galli infection. It also indicated that exposure of lead prior to infection greatly impaired weakened the immune capability of such chickens.     

Serum protein changes in lead exposed mice infected with Hymenolepis nana

Significant decrease in serum globulin took place in Hymenolepis nana mouse model treated with lead prior to infection. Decrease of alpha, beta and gamma globulins was maximum on day 4 in comparison to that of control, gradually tapering off by day 100 when suppression was minimum with the experimental values almost reaching the same level as those of the control. Thus, suppression of globulins was neither total nor permanent.