Immunohistochemical determination of effects of Withania Somnifera root extract on noise stress induced adenohypophysis in albino rats

To access the ameliorating role of Withania somnifera root extract on noise stress effected Adenohypophysis morphology in albino rats by immuno-histochemical method. Experimental and observational study. This study was carried out at Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical center Karachi from January 2008 to December 2011. 90 adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups A, B, C each group was divided into 2 subgroups A1-A2, B1-B2 and C1-C2 [24 hrs and 30 days] obtaining15 animals each. Group A served as control, group B were exposed to 100dBA noise for 24 hrs and 6hrs/day for 30 days as experimental design and group C was protected with Withania somnifera root extract along with noise stress. The animals were sacrificed at the end of experimental period of each subgroup and blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of the plasma ACTH and plasma Corticosterone concentration. Pituitary gland was removed from each animal and prepared for microscopic examination by immunohistochemical method. Immunohistochemical study reveals that, the black brown pigments deposited more in group B2 animals and reduced in group C animals Adenohypophysis indicated by ACTH monoclonal antibody Clone-56. The ACTH level was highly significantly increased after 24hrs and 30 days. The Corticosterone level was highly significantly decreased after 24hrs and not as much decreased after 30 days. It was restored insignificantly in protected groups after 24hrs and 30 days. Withania somnifera root extract has preventive efficacy against noise stress, immunohistochemistry confirmed that, less extent of black brown pigment deposition was the amount of corticotropes

Matricaria chamomilla CH12 decreases handling stress in Nelore calves

Matricaria chamomilla CH12 is a phytotherapeutic or homeopathic product, which has been used to reduce stress. Here, we examined its effect on preventing handling stress in bovines. Sixty Nelore calves were randomly distributed into two equal groups. One group was administered Matricaria chamomilla CH12 in diet and the other the 'control' was not. Animals in both groups were maintained unstressed for 30 days to adjust to the feeding system and pasture, and were then stressed by constraint on the 31th, 38th, 45th and 60th experimental days. Blood samples were taken on these days after animals had been immobilization in a trunk contention for 5 min. Stress was followed by analyzing serum cortisol levels. These peaked on the 45th day and then decreased, but not to baseline, on the 60th day. On the 45th day cortisol levels were significantly lower in animals fed Matricaria chamomilla CH12, suggesting that this product reduces stress. These effects may be a consequence of its inhibiting cortisol production and its calming and anxiolytic effects.

Differential effects of benzodiazepines on immune responses in non-stressed and stressed animals.

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) used extensively as antianxiety agents are known for their low toxicity. However, a long lasting depression of mitogen stimulated secretion of macrophage-derived cytokines has been shown in offsprings of rats that were exposed to diazepam during pregnancy. The Present study investigates the effects of long term administration of diazepam and alprazolam on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in adult male Wistar rats and Swiss albino mice. Administration of diazepam (5 mg/kg/day x 7-14 d) and alprazolam (1 mg/kg/day x 7-14 d) produced a significant reduction of anti-SRBC antibody titre, a measure of humoral immune response, and foot pad thickness and % leucocyte migration inhibition (% LMI), measures of cell-mediated immune responses. Administration of diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or alprazolam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) before subjecting the animals to restraint stress (RS) reversed the immunosuppressive effects of RS. Both per se immunosuppressive effects and attenuation of RS-induced immunosuppression of BZDs was antagonized by flumazenil (10 mg/kg, i.p.), a central BZD receptor antagonist. Thus, BZDs appear to modulate the immune system in non-stressed and stressed adult animals in a differential manner and these effects are mediated via central benzodiazepine receptors.

Induction of antioxidative enzyme by the ayurvedic herb Desmotrichum fimbriatum Bl. in mice.

The herb Desmotrichum fimbriatum Bl. (family: Orchidaceae), sold as Jibanti in West Bengal, is used in 'Rasayana therapy' in Ayurveda. Its effect on the modulation of the two antioxidant enzymes peroxidase and catalase has been studied in mice liver during 'cold water swim' (CWS) stress using appropriate controls. The drug, i.e. the aqueous ethanolic extract of the herb (whole plant) was found to increase peroxidase titre in the hepatic cells of normal mice. But in the stressed group, the drug displayed no effect on the peroxidase content, while it elicited an elevation of the catalase content. infinity-Tocoferol was used as the standard drug. These data suggested that the drug can ameliorate the peroxidative damage caused in mice by CWS stress.

Anti-stress activity of Indian Hypericum perforatum L.

Indian Hypericum perforatum (IHp) was investigated on a 14-day mild, unpredictable and inescapable foot shock stress (FSS) induced perturbations in behaviour (depression), suppressed male sexual behaviour and cognitive dysfunction in albino rats. Gastric ulceration, and adrenal gland and spleen weights, were also used as the stress indices. Panax ginseng (PG) was used as the standard adaptogenic agent for comparison. FSS induced marked gastric ulceration, significant increase in adrenal gland weight with concomitant decrease in spleen weight. Chronic stress also suppressed male sexual behaviour, induced behavioural depression (Porsolt's swim despair test and learned helplessness test) and cognitive dysfunction (attenuated retention of learning in active and passive avoidance tests). All these FSS induced perturbations were attenuated dose dependently by IHp (100 and 200 mg/kg, po) and PG (100 mg/kg, po). The results indicate that IHp has significant anti-stress activity, qualitatively comparable to PG, against a variety of behavioural and physiological perturbations induced by chronic stress, which has been proposed to be a better indicator of clinical stress than acute stress, and may indicate adaptogenic activity.

Differential effect of a polyherbal formulation-OB-200G in male and female mice subjected to forced swim stress.

The antistress effect of a polyherbal formulation-OB-200G (500 mg/kg. p.o.) was studied in both male and female mice subjected to forced swim stress. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was chosen as standard drug for comparison. Exposure of mice to chronic stress regime resulted in decreased body weight in both male and female mice, increased sweetened food intake, anxiety, depression and locomotor activity in stressed female mice as compared to unstressed control (normal) mice. Treatment with OB-200G resulted in a further decrease in body weight, increased food intake and locomotor activity in both stressed male and female mice. It also reduced immobility time, decreased latency to enter and increased number of entries and time spent in mirror chamber in stressed female mice. Administration of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased body weight and food intake in both stressed male and female mice. Fluoxetine treatment also increased time spent in mirror chamber and decreased immobility time in stressed female mice. Thus, like fluoxetine, OB-200G decreased body weight and produced antianxiety and antidepressant effects in stressed female mice and may prove beneficial in obese patients reported to be more susceptible to stress-related psychological disorders.

Adaptogenic activity of Siotone, a polyherbal formulation of Ayurvedic rasayanas.

Siotone (ST) is a herbal formulation comprising of Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Asparagus racemosus, Tribulus terristris and shilajit, all of which are classified in Ayurveda as rasayanas which are reputed to promote physical and mental health, improve defence mechanisms of the body and enhance longevity. These attributes are similar to the modern concept of adaptogenic agents, which are, known to afford protection of the human physiological system against diverse stressors. The present study was undertaken to investigate the adaptogenic activity of ST against chronic unpredictable, but mild, footshock stress induced perturbations in behaviour (depression), glucose metabolism, suppressed male sexual behaviour, immunosuppression and cognitive dysfunction in CF strain albino rats. Gastric ulceration, adrenal gland and spleen weights, ascorbic acid and corticosterone concentrations of adrenal cortex, and plasma corticosterone levels, were used as the stress indices. Panax ginseng (PG) was used as the standard adaptogenic agent for comparison. Additionally, rat brain levels of tribulin, an endogenous endocoid postulated to be involved in stress, were also assessed in terms of endogenous monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and MAOB inhibitory activity. Chronic unpredictable footshock induced marked gastric ulceration, significant increase in adrenal gland weight and plasma corticosterone levels, with concomitant decreases in spleen weight, and concentrations of adrenal gland ascorbic acid and corticosterone. These effects were attenuated by ST (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and PG (100 mg/kg, p.o.), administered once daily over a period of 14 days, the period of stress induction. Chronic stress also induced glucose intolerance, suppressed male sexual behaviour, induced behavioural depression (Porsolt's swim despair test and learned helplessness test) and cognitive dysfunction (attenuated retention of learning in active and passive avoidance tests), and immunosuppression (leucocyte migration inhibition and sheep RBC challenged increase in paw oedema in sensitized rats). All these chronic stress-induced perturbations were attenuated, dose-dependently by ST (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and PG (100 mg/kg, p.o.). Chronic stress-induced increase in rat brain tribulin activity was also reversed by these doses of ST and by PG. The results indicate that ST has significant adaptogenic activity, qualitatively comparable to PG, against a variety of behavioural, biochemical and physiological perturbations induced by unpredictable stress, which has been proposed to be a better indicator of clinical stress than acute stress parameters. The likely contribution of the individual constituents of ST in the observed adaptogenic action of the polyherbal formulation, have been discussed.

Neuropéptide Y e psiquiatria / Neuropeptide Y and psychiatry

O mais abundante dos peptídeos neurotransmissores no encéfalo dos mamíferos, o neuropéptide Y, ou neuropéptide tirosina, foi identificado apenas em 1982. Constituído de 36 aminoácidos, apresenta poderosos e variaods efeitos centraise periféricos, incluindo açöes nas emoçöes, no comportamento ingestivo, na memória, em convulsöes, em respostas so estresse, na pressäo arterial, na contratilidade cardíaca, nas secreçöes intestinais e outras ainda. É particularmente relevante no controle da alimentaçäo, sendo a mais poderosa substância orexígena conhecida. Além de açäo direta, possui atividade de interaçäo com outros neurotransmissores, particularmente com a noradrenalina, com a somatostatina, com o óxido nítrico, com o glutamato e com a galanina. Até o momento, foram identificados 5 tipos de receptores para o neuropéptide Y. Drogas agonistas e antagonistas desses receptores poderiam ter lugar no tratamento de epilepsias, alteraçöes da memória e doença de Alzheimer, ansiedade, estresse e depressäo, drogadicçä e transtornos alimentares

Actividad gastrointestinal del extracto acuoso bruto de Quassia amara (Simarubaceae) / The gastrointestinal activity of crude aqueous extract of Quassia amara (Simarubaceae)

En este estudio se ha investigado el efecto del extracto acuoso bruto de Q. amara a nivel gastroitestinal utilizando varios modelos experimentales en animales. Los resultados muestran que este extracto a dosis de 500 y 1000 mg/Kg produce un aumento del tránsito gastrointestinal y que es capaz de inhibir las lesiones inducidas por la indometacina, el alcohol y el estres. Los animales tratados con dosis de 1000mg/Kg mostraron disminución de la acidez de los contenidos estomacales y de la actividad péptica y un incremento en la cantidad del moco protector de la mucosa

Effect of prunus spinosa and amygdalus extracts on stress induced changes in mice

Aqueous and oil extracts of two prunus species namely Prunus spinosa and prunus amygdalus were evaluated for their ability to reduce the induced stress changes in mice. Plasma corticosterone [PCS], glucose and blood cholesterol levels, were affected by the intake of aqueous extract of Prunus spinosa but no significant was observed with oil extract of Prunus amygdalus in mice under stress

Effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn on noise induced changes in plasma corticosterone level.

Ethanol extract of leaves of ocimum sanctum was screened for its antistressor actions against acute and chronic noise stress in albino rats by investigating the plasma corticosterone level in these animals. There was a significant elevation of the corticosterone level in plasma of rats subjected to 30 min noise (100 dB) stress. Chromic exposure (4 hr daily for 30 days) to noise with same intensity reduced the hormonal level significantly. Treatment of animals with ethanol extract of Ocimum sanctum prevented the changes in plasma level of corticosterone induced by exposure to both acute and chronic noise stress, indicating the antistressor property of the plant against noise.

La melatonina en el sistema inmunoneuroendocrino / Melatonin in the immuno-neuro-endocrine system

El conocimiento actual de las relaciones neuroendocrinas e inmunológicas confiere un rol importante a la melatonina (MT) en la regulación de los ritmos circadianos de los mamíferos. La función de la glándulapinela en todas las especies es traducir información del ciclo luz/oscuridad a los ritmos fisiológicos del organismo. La MT es producida casi exclusivamente en la oscuridad. En los humanos la secreción ocurre en correspondencia a la edad, disminuyendo en la vejez; guarda relación inversa con la temperatura del cuerpo; evidencia un efecto anti-estrés, posiblemente a través del sistema opioide; favorece la respuesta inmunológica y protege frente al daño tisular que provocan los radicales libres, por su fuerte acción antioxidante. La MT ha sido usada con éxito en la inducción del sueño en personas que ven perturbado su ritmo habitual de sueño por trabajos nocturnos, el síndrome de jet-lag u otras causas. No se ha logrado beneficio en el tratamiento de trastornos mayores del sueño, ni en la depresión ni en otros trastornos psiquiátricos. La presencia de receptores para la MT en múltiples órganos y sistemas estimula actualmente la investigación clínica sobre estas funciones posibles de la melatonina

Intraventricular cycloheximide attenuates the restraint-induced long-lasting effect on plus maze exploration

Rats submitted to 2 h of restraint stress show reduced open arm exploration in the elevated plus maze 24 h later. To determine if this effect is dependent on protein synthesis during or after the restraint period, cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, was injected into the right cerebral ventricle of male Wistar rats (200-250 g), immediately before (N = 19 animals per group), immediately after (N = 7 animals per group) or 2 h (N = 10 animals per group) following a 2h period of forced restraint. Twenty-four hours later the animals were tested in the elevated plus maze. Non-stressed control groups received saline (SAL, N = 8-9 per group) or cycloheximide (CHX, N = 8-9 per group) and were tested 1 h or 24 h later in the maze. Pre- but not post-stress microinjections of cycloheximide (20 mug in 2 mul) increased exploration in the elevated plus maze (per cent of time spent in open arms, pre-stress injection: SAL = 4.6 ñ 1.2, CHX = 10.7 2.3; number of enclosed arms entries: SAL = 3.6 ñ 0.5, CHX = 5.6 0.4). No drug effect was observed in non-stressed animals. These results suggest that blockade of protein synthesis during the restraint period may attenuate the behavioral consequences of stress.

Antistress activity of P-GABA in experimental animals.

A new gamma-aminobutyric acid derivative N-phthloyl GABA (P-GABA) was found to possess anticonvulsant, antiepileptic, antiulcer and antinociceptive activities. Effect of cold restrain stress (CRS) and its modulation by P-GABA were evaluated on some biochemical and biophysical parameters in rats. CRS induced elevations in blood sugar level were unaffected by P-GABA treatment. CRS also caused an increase of Na+K+ ATPase activities, and decrease of lipid peroxidation in RBC membrane. CRS also induced (a) membrane protein clusterization, (b) increased membrane fluidity and (c) reduced thickness. CRS induced RBC membrane dynamics were reversed by P-GABA in a differential manner. However, these parameters in synaptosomal membrane were unaffected by P-GABA.

Anti-stress activity of N-phthaloyl gamma-aminobutyric acid in rats.

The effect of immobilization restraint stress (RS) on some biochemical and biophysical parameters in rats and their modulation by N-phthaloyl gamma-aminobutyric acid (P.GABA) was studied. RS did not affect the levels of serum Ca2+, inorganic phosphate, bilirubin, total protein, but caused insignificant increase of albumin level and significantly decreased the cholesterol level. This RS induced decrease of serum cholesterol level was reversed by prior treatment with P.GABA, while the albumin content showed a decrease. RS-induced a generalised increase in serum enzyme activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phsophatase (AIP), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT). P.GABA normalised RS-induced increase of LDH and AlP activity, but it further enhanced SGOT and SGPT activities. In synaptosomal membranes, RS caused a decrease in clusterization and fluidity, but the thickness of the membrane increased as studied by fluorescence probes. Prior administration of P.GABA normalised the changes observed in the synaptic membrane.

Valoración de la actividad antiulcerosa de varias plantas medicinales I / Pharmacological screening of the antiulcerative activity of several medicinal plants. I

Se determinó la utilidad de un grupo de plantas medicinales en la terapéutica de la úlcera gastroduodenal, mediante la evaluación de su acción protectora sobre las lesiones de la mucosa gástrica inducidas por estrés por inmovilización y frío en ratas. Se evaluaron 11 especies (Piper-aduncum, Cymbopogon titratus, Ocimun sanctum, Stachyrpheta jamaicensis, Plantago major, Justicia pectoralis, Psidium gujava, Cajanus indicus, Pseudelephantopus spicatus, ipomea tuba y Lawsonia inermis). Solamente con Piper aduncum y Pseudelephantopus spicatus se encontró una disminución significativa del número y la severidad de las lesiones gástricas. En los casos de Stachytarpheta jamaicensis y Psidium guajava, por el contrario. se observó un incremento significativo de ambas variables, por lo que se puede inferir que en las decocciones de estas plantas pudieran existir componentes que lesionen o potencien el desarrollo de lesiones de la mucosa gástrica

Medicación preanestésica por vía oral con midazolam disuelto en chocolate, en pacientes pediátricos sometidos a cirugía ambulatoria / Chocolate preparation for preanesthetic medication with midazolam in childrens

Existe la necesidad de utilizar una medicación preanestésica, útil para los niños que seran sometidos a cirugía electiva ambulatoria, está dene ser fácilmente aceptada y de preferencia por vía oral. Se evaluó la dosis de midazolam 0.75 mg/km por vía oral en forma de golosina con sabor a chocolate, en un grupo de 20 niños de 1 a 10 años de edad, comparado con otro grupo similar el cual no recibió chocolate ni medicamento. Se observó el grado de sedación a los 15 y 30 minutos, la calidad de la separación familiar y la facilidad para la aplicación de la venopunción. La aceptación de la estancia hospitalaria y el grado de amnesia en niños mayores de 5 años de edad. El midazolam 0.75 mg/Kg produce sedación a los 20 a 30 minutos después de su administración y no prolonga el tiempo de recuperación, por lo tanto se concluye que el midazolam 0.75 mg/Kg por vía oral es efectivo para el medicación preanestésica en pacientes pediátricos programados para cirugía ambulatoria.

Mechanism of anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn, eugenol and Tinospora malabarica in experimental animals.

Effects of restraint stress (RS) and its modulation by O. sanctum (Os), eugenol and T. malabarica (Tm) were evaluated on some biochemical and biophysical parameters in rats. RS induced elevations in blood glucose and urea levels, were unaffected by either Os, eugenol or Tm pretreatment. However, both Os and eugenol lowered RS-induced cholesterol levels. RS also caused a generalized increase in enzyme activity and Os, eugenol or Tm effectively lowered the RS-induced elevations in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase. RS also induced (a) increased membrane protein clusterization, (b) increased membrane fluidity and (c) reduced membrane thickness--in RBC membrane, whereas, the effects on the synaptosomal membrane were less marked. The RS-induced changes in RBC membrane dynamics were attenuated/reversed by Os, eugenol or Tm, in a differential manner. These biochemical and membrane changes during Rs and their modulation by the adaptogens are discussed in light of the possible mechanisms of action of these agents, during such aversive stimuli.

Effects of stress on immune responsiveness, gastric ulcerogenesis and plasma corticosterone in rats: modulation by diazepam and naltrexone.

Effects of restraint stress (24 hr at room temperature) were evaluated on some immunological, visceral and endocrinal responses in rats. In animals sensitized with sheep RBC (SRBC), restraint stress (a) prevented the booster-induced rise in anti-SRBC antibody titre, (b) induced gastric mucosal erosions, and (c) elevated plasma corticosterone, when compared to non-stressed controls. Diazepam (1 or 10 mg/kg) consistently attenuated the effects of stress on all three parameters studied. The opioid antagonist, naltrexone (1 or 5 mg/kg) tended to aggravate these stress-induced effects. These concurrent biological changes during stress and their modulation by drugs are discussed in light of a possible correlation between endocrinal, immunological and visceral changes during such aversive stimuli.