Altered muscarinic receptor expression in the cerebral cortex of epileptic rats: restorative role of Withania somnifera.

Temporal lobe epilepsy involves a sequence of events that can lead to neurotransmitter signalling alterations. There are many herbal extracts considered to be alternative therapeutic methods to manage epilepsy. In this study, we investigated the effect of Withania somnifera (WS) root extract and withanolide A (WA) in the management of temporal lobe epilepsy. Confocal imaging of TOPRO-3-stained cortical sections showed severe damage in the epileptic brain. We also observed a reduced antioxidant potential and increased peroxide levels in the epileptic test group of rats. Oxidative stress resulted in the down-regulation of CREB, NF-κB, and TNF-α, and with up-regulation of the apoptotic factors caspases 8 and 3 and Bax in the epileptic group. Epileptic condition also resulted in increased muscarinic receptor binding and mRNA expression in the cerebral cortex. Withania somnifera and withanolide A significantly reversed the altered muscarinic receptor expression and reversed the oxidative stress and resultant derailment in cell signalling. Thus our studies suggest that Withania somnifera and withanolide A play important roles in central muscarinic receptor functional balance and activation of the antioxidant system in the cerebral cortex in temporal lobe epilepsy. These findings can be of immense therapeutic significance for managing epilepsy.

Curcumin pretreatment mediates antidiabetogenesis via functional regulation of adrenergic receptor subtypes in the pancreas of multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Lifestyle modification pivoting on nutritional management holds tremendous potential to meet the challenge of management of diabetes. The current study hypothesizes that regular uptake of curcumin lowers the incidence of diabetes by functional regulation of pancreatic adrenergic receptor subtypes. The specific objective of the study was to identify the regulatory pathways implicated in the antidiabetogenesis effect of curcumin in multiple low-dose streptozotocin (MLD-STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Administration of MLD-STZ to curcumin-pretreated rats induced a prediabetic condition. Scatchard analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and confocal microscopic studies confirmed a significant increase in α2-adrenergic receptor expression in the pancreas of diabetic rats. Pretreatment with curcumin significantly decreased α2-adrenergic receptor expression. The diabetic group showed a significant decrease in the expression of ß-adrenergic receptors when compared with control. Pretreatment significantly increased ß-adrenergic receptor expression to near control. When compared with the diabetic rats, a significant up-regulation of CREB, phospholipase C, insulin receptor, and glucose transporter 2 were observed in the pretreated group. Curcumin pretreatment was also able to maintain near control levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and inositol triphosphate. These results indicate that a marked decline in α2-adrenergic receptor function relents sympathetic inhibition of insulin release. It also follows that escalated signaling through ß-adrenergic receptors mediates neuronal stimulation of hyperglycemia-induced ß-cell compensatory response. Curcumin-mediated functional regulation of adrenergic receptors and modulation of key cell signaling molecules improve pancreatic glucose sensing, insulin gene expression, and insulin secretion.

Alteration in 5-HT2C, NMDA receptor and IP3 in cerebral cortex of epileptic rats: restorative role of Bacopa monnieri.

Bacopa monnieri is effective in stress management, brain function and a balanced mood. 5-HT2C receptors have been implicated in stress whereas NMDA receptors and mGlu5 play crucial role in memory and cognition. In the present study, we investigated the role of B. monnieri extract in ameliorating pilocarpine induced temporal lobe epilepsy through regulation of 5-HT2C and NMDA receptors in cerebral cortex. Our studies confirmed an increased 5-HT2C receptor function during epilepsy thereby facilitating IP3 release. We also observed an decreased NMDA receptor function with an elevated mGlu5 and GLAST gene expression in epileptic condition indicating the possibility for glutamate mediated excitotoxicity. These alterations lead to impaired behavioural functions as indicated by the Elevated Plus maze test. Carbamazepine and B. monnieri treatments to epileptic rats reversed the alterations in 5-HT2C, NMDA receptor functions and IP3 content thereby effectively managing the neurotransmitter balance in the cerebral cortex.

Oxidative stress mediated neuronal damage in the corpus striatum of 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned Parkinson's rats: neuroprotection by serotonin, GABA and bone marrow cells supplementation.

Oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death has been implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Oxidative stress initiated by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) causes mitochondrial dysfunction leading to apoptosis and Parkinsonian neurodegeneration. We investigated the neuroprotective potential of serotonin (5-HT), gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and autologous bone marrow cells (BMC) in combination against oxidative stress-induced cell death. PD was induced in adult male Wistar rats by intranigral infusion of 6-OHDA (8 µg/µl). The activities of antioxidant enzymes--superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were analysed. The extent of lipid peroxidation was quantified by measuring the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs). Real Time PCR gene expression of SOD, CAT and GPx were performed using specific Taqman probes. 6-OHDA induced decreased activity of SOD, CAT and GPx in corpus striatum was significantly reversed to near control (p<0.001) by treatment with 5-HT, GABA and bone marrow cells. Gene expression studies of SOD, CAT and GPx using Real Time PCR confirmed the above observation. TBAR levels were elevated (p<0.001) in 6-OHDA treated rats indicating lipid peroxidation. 5-HT and GABA along with autologous bone marrow cell supplementation significantly ameliorated 6-OHDA-induced lipid peroxidation (p<0.001). Our results suggest a new therapeutic strategy of neuroprotection against damage by oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease.

Impaired motor learning attributed to altered AMPA receptor function in the cerebellum of rats with temporal lobe epilepsy: ameliorating effects of Withania somnifera and withanolide A.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Withania somnifera (WS) extract, withanolide A (WA), and carbamazepine (CBZ) on cerebellar AMPA receptor function in pilocarpine-induced temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In the present study, motor learning deficit was studied by rotarod test, grid walk test, and narrow beam test. Motor learning was significantly impaired in rats with epilepsy. The treatment with WS and WA significantly reversed the motor learning deficit in rats with epilepsy when compared with control rats. There was an increase in glutamate content and IP3 content observed in rats with epilepsy which was reversed in WS- and WA-treated rats with epilepsy. alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor dysfunction was analyzed using radiolabeled AMPA receptor binding assay, AMPA receptor mRNA expression, and immunohistochemistry using anti-AMPA receptor antibody. Our results suggest that there was a decrease in Bmax, mRNA expression, and AMPA receptor expression indicating AMPA receptor dysfunction, which is suggested to have contributed to the motor learning deficit observed in rats with epilepsy. Moreover, treatment with WS and WA resulted in physiological expression of AMPA receptors. There was also alteration in GAD and GLAST expression which supplemented the increase in extracellular glutamate. The treatment with WS and WA reversed the GAD and GLAST expression. These findings suggest that WS and WA regulate AMPA receptor function in the cerebellum of rats with TLE, which has therapeutic application in epilepsy.

Striatal dopamine receptors modulate the expression of insulin receptor, IGF-1 and GLUT-3 in diabetic rats: effect of pyridoxine treatment.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is rising at alarming proportions. Central nervous system plays an important part in orchestrating glucose metabolism, with accumulating evidence linking dysregulated central nervous system circuits to the failure of normal glucoregulatory mechanisms. Pyridoxine is a water soluble vitamin and it has important role in brain function. This study aims to evaluate the role of pyridoxine in striatal glucose regulation through dopaminergic receptor expressions in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Radio receptor binding assays for dopamine D(1), D(2) receptors were done using [(3)H] 7-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3-benzazepin-8-ol and [(3)H] 5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-methylamino-N-[-2-methyl-1-(phenylmethyl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]benzamide. Gene expressions were done using fluorescently labeled Taqman probes of dopamine D(1), D(2) receptor, Insulin receptor, Insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and Glucose transporter-3 (GLUT-3). Bmax of dopamine D(1) receptor is decreased and B(max) of dopamine D(2) was increased in diabetic rats compared to control. Gene expression of dopamine D(1) receptor was down regulated and dopamine D(2) receptor was up regulated in diabetic rats. Our results showed decreased gene expression of Insulin receptor, IGF-1 and increased gene expression of GLUT-3 in diabetic rats compared to control. Pyridoxine treatment restored diabetes induced alterations in dopamine D(1), D(2) receptors, Insulin receptor, IGF-1, GLUT-3 gene expressions in striatum compared to diabetic rats. Insulin treatment reversed dopamine D(1), D(2) receptor, GLUT-3 mRNA expression, D(2) receptor binding parameters in the striatum compared to diabetic group. Our results suggest the potential role of pyridoxine supplementation in ameliorating diabetes mediated dysfunctions in striatal dopaminergic receptor expressions and insulin signaling. Thus pyridoxine has therapeutic significance in diabetes management.

Decreased GABA receptor in the cerebral cortex of epileptic rats: effect of Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A.

BACKGROUND: Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the cerebral cortex, maintains the inhibitory tones that counter balances neuronal excitation. When this balance is perturbed, seizures may ensue. METHODS: In the present study, alterations of the general GABA, GABAA and GABAB receptors in the cerebral cortex of the epileptic rat and the therapeutic application of Bacopa monnieri were investigated. RESULTS: Scatchard analysis of [3H]GABA, [3H]bicuculline and [3H]baclofen in the cerebral cortex of the epileptic rat showed significant decrease in Bmax (P < 0.001) compared to control. Real Time PCR amplification of GABA receptor subunits such as GABAAά1, GABAAγ, GABAAδ, GABAB and GAD where down regulated (P < 0.001) in epileptic rats. GABAAά5 subunit and Cyclic AMP responsible element binding protein were up regulated. Confocal imaging study confirmed the decreased GABA receptors in epileptic rats. Epileptic rats have deficit in radial arm and Y maze performance. CONCLUSIONS: Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A treatment reverses epilepsy associated changes to near control suggesting that decreased GABA receptors in the cerebral cortex have an important role in epileptic occurrence; Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A have therapeutic application in epilepsy management.

Glutamate and NMDA receptors activation leads to cerebellar dysfunction and impaired motor coordination in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned Parkinson's rat: functional recovery with bone marrow cells, serotonin and GABA.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder characterised by a profound and selective loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. In Parkinson's disease, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons involves motor structures including basal ganglia and cerebellum. Glutamate-mediated degeneration of the cerebellum contributes to motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Targeting neurotransmitter system beyond the dopamine system is of important, both for the motor and for the nonmotor problems of Parkinson's disease. The aim of this study is to assess the glutamate and NMDA receptor functional regulation and motor performance of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson's rat and the effects of serotonin (5-HT), gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and bone marrow cells supplementation infused intranigrally to substantia nigra individually and in combination. Scatchard analysis of total glutamate and NMDA receptor binding parameters showed a significant increase in B (max) (P < 0.001) in the cerebellum of 6-hydroxydopamine infused rat compared to control. Real-Time PCR amplification of NMDA2B, mGluR5, and bax were significantly (P < 0.001) upregulated in cerebellum of 6-hydroxydopamine infused rats compared to control. Activation of the glutamate and NMDA receptors gave rise to an increased cAMP and IP3 content in the cerebellum. Gene expression studies of GLAST and CREB showed a significant (P < 0.001) down regulation in 6-OHDA infused rats compared to control. Behavioural studies were carried out to confirm the biochemical and molecular studies. Serotonin and GABA along with bone marrow cells in combination showed reversal of glutamate receptors and motor abnormality shown in the Parkinson's rat model. The therapeutic significance in Parkinson's disease is of prominence.

Enhanced glutamate, IP3 and cAMP activity in the cerebral cortex of unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine induced Parkinson's rats: effect of 5-HT, GABA and bone marrow cell supplementation.

Parkinson's disease is characterized by progressive cell death in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which leads to dopamine depletion in the striatum and indirectly to cortical dysfunction. Increased glutamatergic transmission in the basal ganglia is implicated in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and glutamate receptor mediated excitotoxicity has been suggested to be one of the possible causes of the neuronal degeneration. In the present study, the effects of serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid and bone marrow cells infused intranigrally to substantia nigra individually and in combination on unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine induced Parkinson's rat model was analyzed. Scatchard analysis of total glutamate and NMDA receptor binding parameters showed a significant increase in Bmax (P < 0.001) in the cerebral cortex of 6-hydroxydopamine infused rat compared to control. Real Time PCR amplification of NMDA2B, mGluR5, bax, and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase were up regulated in cerebral cortex of 6-hydroxydopamine infused rats compared to control. Gene expression studies of GLAST, ά-Synuclien and Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein showed a significant (P < 0.001) down regulation in 6-OHDA infused rats compared to control. Behavioural studies were carried out to confirm the biochemical and molecular studies. Serotonin and GABA along with bone marrow cells in combination showed reversal of glutamate receptors and behaviour abnormality shown in the Parkinson's rat model. The therapeutic significance in Parkinson's disease is of prominence.

Behavioral deficit and decreased GABA receptor functional regulation in the hippocampus of epileptic rats: effect of Bacopa monnieri.

In the present study, alterations of the General GABA and GABA(A) receptors in the hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced temporal lobe epileptic rats and the therapeutic application of Bacopa monnieri and its active component Bacoside-A were investigated. Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. Hippocampus is the major region of the brain belonging to the limbic system and plays an important role in epileptogenesis, memory and learning. Scatchard analysis of [³H]GABA and [³H]bicuculline in the hippocampus of the epileptic rat showed significant decrease in B(max) (P < 0.001) compared to control. Real Time PCR amplification of GABA(A) receptor sub-units such as GABA(Aά1), GABA(Aά5) GABA(Aδ), and GAD were down regulated (P < 0.001) in the hippocampus of the epileptic rats compared to control. GABA(Aγ) subunit was up regulated. Epileptic rats have deficit in the radial arm and Y maze performance. Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A treatment reverses all these changes near to control. Our results suggest that decreased GABA receptors in the hippocampus have an important role in epilepsy associated behavioral deficit, Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A have clinical significance in the management of epilepsy.

Alterations in hippocampal serotonergic and INSR function in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats exposed to stress: neuroprotective role of pyridoxine and Aegle marmelose.

Diabetes and stress stimulate hippocampal 5-HT synthesis, metabolism and release. The present study was carried out to find the effects of insulin, Aegle marmelose alone and in combination with pyridoxine on the hippocampal 5-HT, 5-HT(2A) receptor subtype, gene expression studies on 5-HT(2A), 5-HTT, INSR, immunohistochemical studies and elevated plus maze in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. 5-HT content showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) and a significant increase (p < 0.001) in 5-HIAA in hippocampus of diabetic rats compared to control. 5-HT receptor binding parameters B(max) and Kd showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) whereas 5-HT(2A) receptor binding parameters Bmax showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in Kd in hippocampus of diabetic rats compared to control. Gene expression studies of 5-HT(2A), 5-HTT and INSR in hippocampus showed a significant down regulation (p < 0.001) in diabetic rats compared to control. Pyridoxine treated in combination with insulin and A. marmelose to diabetic rats reversed the 5-HT content, B(max), Kd of 5-HT, 5-HT(2A) and gene expression of 5-HT(2A), 5-HTT and INSR in hippocampus to near control. The gene expression of 5-HT(2A) and 5-HTT were confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. Behavioural studies using elevated plus maze showed that serotonin through its transporter significantly increased (p < 0.001) anxiety-related traits in diabetic rats which were corrected by combination therapy. Our results suggest that pyridoxine treated in combination with insulin and A. marmelose has a role in the regulation of insulin synthesis and release, normalising diabetic related stress and anxiety through hippocampal serotonergic function. This has clinical significance in the management of diabetes.

Increased excitability and metabolism in pilocarpine induced epileptic rats: effect of Bacopa monnieri.

We have evaluated the acetylcholine esterase and malate dehydrogenase activity in the muscle, epinephrine, norepinephrine, insulin and T3 content in the serum of epileptic rats. Acetylcholine esterase and malate dehydrogenase activity increased in the muscle and decreased in the heart of the epileptic rats compared to control. Insulin and T3 content were increased significantly in the serum of the epileptic rats. Our results suggest that repetitive seizures resulted in increased metabolism and excitability in epileptic rats. Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A treatment prevents the occurrence of seizures there by reducing the impairment on peripheral nervous system.

Down regulation of cerebellar serotonergic receptors in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats: Effect of pyridoxine and Aegle marmelose.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in cerebellar damage caused by diabetes, leading to deterioration in glucose homeostasis causing metabolic disorders. The present study was carried out to find the effects of Aegle marmelose leaf extract and insulin alone and in combination with pyridoxine on the cerebellar 5-HT through 5-HT(2A) receptor subtype, gene expression studies on the status of antioxidants-superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) and immunohistochemical studies in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. 5-HT and 5-HT(2A) receptor binding parameters, B(max) and K(d), showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the cerebellum of diabetic rats compared to control. Gene expression studies of SOD, GPx, 5-HT(2A) and 5-HTT in cerebellum showed a significant down regulation (p<0.001) in diabetic rats compared to control. Pyridoxine treated alone and in combination with insulin, A. marmelose to diabetic rats reversed the B(max), K(d) of 5-HT, 5-HT(2A) and the gene expression of SOD, GPx, 5-HT(2A) and 5-HTT in cerebellum to near control. The gene expression of 5-HT(2A) and 5-HTT were confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. Also, the Rotarod test confirms the motor dysfunction and recovery by treatment. These data suggest the antioxidant and neuroprotective role of pyridoxine and A. marmelose through the up regulation of 5-HT through 5-HT(2A) receptor in diabetic rats. Our results suggest that pyridoxine treated alone and in combination with insulin and A. marmelose has a role in the regulation of insulin synthesis and release, normalizing diabetic related oxidative stress and neurodegeneration affecting the motor ability of an individual by serotonergic receptors through 5-HT(2A) function. This has clinical significance in the management of diabetes.

Behavioral deficit and decreased GABA receptor functional regulation in the cerebellum of epileptic rats: effect of Bacopa monnieri and bacoside A.

In the present study, the effects of Bacopa monnieri and its active component, bacoside A, on motor deficit and alterations of GABA receptor functional regulation in the cerebellum of epileptic rats were investigated. Scatchard analysis of [(3)H]GABA and [(3)H]bicuculline in the cerebellum of epileptic rats revealed a significant decrease in B(max) compared with control. Real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification of GABA(A) receptor subunits-GABA(Aalpha1), GABA(Aalpha5,) and GABA(Adelta)-was downregulated (P<0.001) in the cerebellum of epileptic rats compared with control rats. Epileptic rats exhibit deficits in radial arm and Y-maze performance. Treatment with B. monnieri and bacoside A reversed these changes to near-control levels. Our results suggest that changes in GABAergic activity, motor learning, and memory deficit are induced by the occurrence of repetitive seizures. Treatment with B. monnieri and bacoside A prevents the occurrence of seizures thereby reducing the impairment of GABAergic activity, motor learning, and memory deficit.

Cholinergic, dopaminergic and insulin receptors gene expression in the cerebellum of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: functional regulation with Vitamin D3 supplementation.

The study was to find out the effect of Vitamin D3 supplementation on preventing the altered gene expression of cholinergic, dopaminergic, insulin receptors and GLUT3 gene expression in cerebellum of diabetic rats. Radioreceptor binding assays and gene expression were done in the cerebellum of male Wistar rats. Rota rod has been used to evaluate motor coordination. Our results showed a significantly increased gene expression of dopamine D2, muscarinic M1, M3, alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine, insulin receptors, acetylcholine esterase, GLUT3 and Vitamin D receptor in the cerebellum of diabetic rats. There was a down-regulation of dopamine D1 receptor. Total dopamine receptor showed a decreased and total muscarinic, muscarinic M1 and M3 receptors showed an increased binding parameter, B(max). Rota rod experiment showed a significant decrease in the retention time on the rotating rod in diabetic while treatment improved retention time near to control. Vitamin D3 and insulin treatment markedly recovered the altered gene expression and binding parameters to near control. Our study showed Vitamin D3 functional regulation through dopaminergic, cholinergic and insulin receptors and glucose transport mechanism through GLUT3 in the cerebellum of diabetic rats which play a major role in neuroprotection in diabetes which has clinical application.

Dopamine D1 receptor gene expression studies in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned Parkinson's rat: effect of 5-HT, GABA, and bone marrow cell supplementation.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and remains incurable. Many potential compensatory mechanisms have now been proposed; these are both dopaminergic, focused on enhancing effects or exposure to existing dopamine, and non-dopaminergic, being focused on reducing activity of the indirect striatal output pathway. In the present study, the effects of serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and bone marrow cell supplementation intranigrally to the substantia nigra on unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-infused rats were analyzed individually. Dopaminergic binding parameters were done by Scatchard analysis of dopamine D(1) receptor-binding assay using [(3)H]SCH 23390. In the corpus striatum, 6-hydroxydopamine-infused rats showed a significant decrease in B (max) (P < 0.001), and in cerebral cortex, they showed a significant increase in B (max) (P < 0.001) compared to control. Real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification of dopamine D(1) was downregulated (P < 0.001) in the corpus striatum of 6-hydroxydopamine-infused rats compared to control, whereas in the cerebral cortex, it showed a significant upregulation (P < 0.001). Behavioral studies were carried out to confirm the biochemical and molecular studies. Serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid supplementation reversed these changes to control. The bone marrow cell-treated group of our studies does not show much significant change as compared to the serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid-supplemented groups. The alterations in dopamine D(1) receptor-binding parameters and gene expression during Parkinson's model were reversed by serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid supplementation in our experiments, which has clinical significance in the management of the disease.

Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A for ameliorating epilepsy associated behavioral deficits.

Bacopa monnieri is an outstanding nervine tonic used for raising the mental performance. It helps in concentration, comprehension, recall and alertness, Brahmi is particularly beneficial as it aids in categorizing information in brain and its subsequent expression. Bacopa is also called as a natural antioxidant which may give details its neuroprotective role seen in the memory centers of the brain. Epilepsy is neuronal disorder characterized by learning, cognitive and memory impairments. The present review summarizes information concerning botany, chemistry and beneficial effect of Bacopa monnieri on epilepsy associated behavioral deficits.

Upregulation of 5-HT2C receptors in hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats: antagonism by Bacopa monnieri.

Emotional disturbances, depressive mood, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and memory impairment are the common psychiatric features associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The present study was carried out to investigate the role of Bacopa monnieri extract in hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced temporal lobe epileptic rats through the 5-HT(2C) receptor in relation to depression. Our results showed upregulation of 5-HT(2C) receptors with a decreased affinity in hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats. Also, there was an increase in 5-HT(2C) gene expression and inositol triphosphate content in epileptic hippocampus. Carbamazepine and B. monnieri treatments reversed the alterations in 5-HT(2C) receptor binding, gene expression, and inositol triphosphate content in treated epileptic rats as compared to untreated epileptic rats. The forced swim test confirmed the depressive behavior pattern during epilepsy that was nearly completely reversed by B. monnieri treatment.

Antihyperglycemic and insulin secretory activity of Costus pictus leaf extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and in in vitro pancreatic islet culture.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The leaves of Costus pictus D. Don were used extensively for its antihyperglycemic activity by the people in Kerala, India. In the present study, the antihyperglycemic and insulin secretory activity of an aqueous extract of Costus pictus leaf extract was investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral Glucose Tolerance Test was done to determine the effective dose of Costus pictus extract. Aqueous extract of Costus pictus leaves was given orally to the diabetic rats for 14 days. The insulin secretory action of the leaf extract was investigated using isolated pancreatic islets from rat. Liver glucose uptake activity was measured using D-[14C] glucose. RESULTS: The oral administration of an aqueous extract of Costus pictus at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight significantly decreased the blood glucose with significant increase in plasma insulin level in diabetic rats at the end of 14 days treatment. The Costus pictus leaf extract significantly increased glucose induced insulin secretion at both 4 mM and 20 mM glucose concentrations which represents normal physiological and diabetic condition respectively. The decreased glucose uptake activity of the liver of diabetic rats was reverted to near normal levels after the treatment with Costus pictus leaf extract. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the glucose lowering effect of Costus pictus to be associated with the potentiation of insulin release from pancreatic islets and enhancement of peripheral utilization of glucose.

Superoxide dismutase functional regulation in neonatal hypoxia: effect of glucose, oxygen and epinephrine.

Hypoxia is one of the major causes of damage to the fetal and neonatal brain and cardiac functions. In earlier studies, we have reported the brain damage caused by hypoxia and resuscitation with oxygen and epinephrine and have found that glucose treatment to hypoxic rats and hypoxic rats treated with oxygen shows a reversal of brain damage. The neonatal rats are shown to be deficient in free radical scavenging system, which offers a high risk of oxidative stress. In the present study, we induced hypoxia in neonatal Wistar rats and resuscitated with glucose, oxygen and epinephrine. Heart tissue and cerebral cortex were used to study the kinetics of superoxide dismutase activity in experimental groups of rats to assess the free radical status. Results showed that glucose supplementation in hypoxia (Hx + G) and hypoxic + oxygen (Hx + O) had an efficient free radical scavenging capability, compared to all other experimental groups. The observation was ascertained by studying the activity of catalase, another antioxidant enzyme in the body. Our results suggested that in neonatal rats during hypoxic condition, damage to heart and brain was more prominent in all groups, except when supplemented with glucose. These findings may have clinical significance in the proper management of heart and brain function.