Study of µ- and δ-Opioid Activities in Agents with Various κ-Receptor Selectivity.

A putative opioid agonist RU-1205 was ineffective within in vitro model of electrically induced contractions of rat ileum assessing the µ- and δ-opioid receptor pathways, while morphine inhibited these contractions in a dose-dependent and naloxone-reversible manners with EC50=2.6×10-7 M. In vivo experiments revealed no significant effects of RU-1205 on respiration and gastrointestinal tract contractile activity. In contrast, butorphanol decreased respiration rate by 25% (25-100 mg/kg) and slowed down the transit of labeled particles along the small intestine by 77.1% (1 mg/kg) and by 45.5% (10 mg/kg). Morphine-induced inhibition of peristalsis was dose-dependent with maximum effect (by 68.6%) observed in the dose of 10 mg/kg. It was concluded that the effects of RU-1205 are not related to activation µ- and δ-opioid receptors known to mediate the effects of non-selective opioid agonist morphine and agonist-antagonist butorphanol.

Antithrombotic Activity of DAB-15, a Novel Diazepinobenzimidazole Compound.

Antithrombotic activity of a new orally administered antiplatelet compound DAB-15 was compared to that of acetylsalicylic acid, ticlopidine, and clopidogrel in the experimental model of arterial thrombosis in rats caused by surface application of 50% ferric chloride (III) on the carotid artery. Compound DAB-15 exerted a dose-dependent antithrombotic effect and was superior to acetylsalicylic acid, ticlopidine and clopidogrel by 5, 7, and 4.9 times, respectively (by ED50). This necessitates studying of the action mechanism of this antiplatelet compound with consideration of its influence on different stages of the pathogenesis of platelet aggregation.

Effect of a New Antioxidant Enoxifol on Platelet Aggregation and Blood Rheological Properties in Rats with Experimental Diabetes Mellitus.

Effect of a new antioxidant enoxifol exhibiting antiplatelet activity in vitro and in vivo on hemostasis parameters was assessed in laboratory rats with experimental diabetes mellitus. Gliclazide, a hypoglycemic agent with antiplatelet properties, and pentoxifylline, a preparation improving blood rheology, were used as the reference drugs. Enoxifol produced a pronounced inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation in rats with experimental diabetes comparable to the effect of gliclazide and decreased blood viscosity thus demonstrating a significant effect comparable to that of pentoxifylline. In view of the fact that oxidative stress is a pathogenetic components of vascular complications in diabetes, it can be assumed that improvement of hemostasis parameters under the effect of enoxifol is determined by its antiplatelet and antioxidant activities.

Antithrombotic Activity of a New Hypoglycemic Compound Limiglidole in Mouse Model of Cell Thrombosis.

Antithrombotic activity of hypoglycemic compound limiglidole that exhibits antiplatelet activity 2-fold exceeded activity of antiplatelet agent acetylsalicylic acid in the mouse model of systemic collagen-epinephrine thrombosis. Limiglidole signifi cantly reduced the relative and mean area of blood clots in the sections of mouse lungs.

Antithrombotic activity of a new P2Y1 receptor antagonist, substance Sbt-119, on experimental models of thromboses in rats.

Antithrombotic properties of a new P2Y1 receptor antagonist N-[(1-morpholinopropyl-amino)- carbonyl-2-(1-ethyl-1H-indole-3-yl)-vinyl]-4-methylphenyl-amide hydrochloride, substance Sbt-119, and reference drug ticlopidine were studied on experimental models of arterial and systemic thromboses. Substance Sbt-119 was 39.9% (p<0.05) more potent than ticlopidine in producing the antithrombotic effect. Moreover, substance Sbt-119 was shown to increase the survival rate of animals after systemic treatment with ADP (by 20%, p<0.0001). This substance decreased the number of mural thrombi and reduced the severity of hemodynamics disturbances in the organs during systemic thrombosis.

In vitro method of studying the angiotensin activity of chemical compounds.

We developed and tested an experimental model to study in vitro the type 1 angiotensin antagonistic activity of compounds on the isolated portal vein of rats. The reliability of this method was confirmed in tests with saralasin (nonselective antagonist of angiotensin receptors) and losartan (selective antagonist of type 1 angiotensin receptors) in concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-5) mol/liter. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of these substances were calculated.

Effect of 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonists on blood flow in the carotid vessels upon elevation of serotonin level.

We studied the ability of predominantly 5-HT2A receptor antagonists to prevent a serotonin-induced change of blood flow in the carotid vessels of rats with experimental serotonin-induced spasm. Ritanserin, ketanserin, and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist RU-476 reduced the effect of serotonin on the blood fl ow velocity in the internal carotid artery by 2.3, 1.7, and 2.6 times, respectively.

Patterns of TRPM7 expression in hypothalamic and hippocampal neurons in modeling of nutritional magnesium deficiency.

Patterns of expression of TRPM7, the major cellular magnesium transporters in neurons of the hypothalamic region and hippocampus, were studied immunohistochemically. Multidirectional nature and different levels of the expression of the above antigen were revealed during modeled magnesium deficiency with regard to structural and functional features of neuron organization in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei as well as hippocampal field CA1 and CA3. Changes in the structural characteristics of neurons in the studied areas (absolute and relative indicators) and TRPM7 expression patterns were quantitatively analyzed considering the data on the role of the studied antigen in magnesium homeostasis, cell damage, and compensation.

Antithrombogenic activity of antioxidant compounds.

Antithrombotic activities of enoxifol, a new antioxidant with antiaggregant activity demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, and antioxidant mexidol were compared on the rat model of arterial thrombosis induced by application of 50% ferric chloride. Acetylsalicylic acid (antiaggregant) served as the reference drug. All drugs exhibited dose-dependent antithrombotic activity. Enoxifol was more effective than mexidol, both drugs being more active than the reference drug (acetylsalicylic acid). Taking into account the pathogenesis of the thrombosis in this experimental model, we can hypothesize that the pronounced antithrombotic effect of enoxifol was due to its antiaggregant and antioxidant activities.

[Effect of hypoglycemic drugs on hemorheological parameters].

The hemorheological activity of a series of hypoglycemic drugs and the new antidiabetic agent RU-254 (9-diethylaminoethyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1, 2-a]benzimidazole dihydrochloride) was studied by comparative tests on rats with model diabetes. All the tested drugs reduce the number of ADP-activated platelet forms, inhibit platelet aggregation, and decrease the blood viscosity in both intact rats and the animals with streptosotocin-induced diabetes. RU-254 exhibited maximum activity with respect to a complex of hemorheological parameters. Glyclazide was less effective in this respect than RU-254, but exceeded the activity of both glybenclamide and glydifen.

[Structural alterations in pancreatic islets in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with of bioactive additive on the basis of Gymnema sylvestre].

The structural alterations in pancreatic islets in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were studied after the administration of Gymnema sylvestre extract or its composition. Diabetes mellitus was modeled by daily injection of streptozotocin (20 mg/kg for 5 days) and single injection of 0.2 ml of complete Freund's adjuvant, Only the animals with the blood glucose level exceeding 15 mmol/l were included in the experiment. B- and A-endocrinocytes were demonstrated using immunocytochemistry. The proportions of the area of the pancreatic islets, occupied by B- and A-endocrinocytes, as well as the volume fraction of the pancreatic islets within the pancreas, were determined. In the model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, the part of the total islet area occupied by B-endocrinocytes, was diminished in the pancreatic islets located in all the zones of the gland. Prophylactic administration of Gymnema sylvestre extract or its composition tended to restore the area occupied by B-endocrinocytes in the pancreatic islets. These results indicate the equal potency of the composition and extract of Gymnema sylvestre to induce the regeneration of B-endocrinocytes.

[Depression-like and anxiety-related behaviour of rats fed with magnesium-deficient diet].

The aims of this study were to estimate of psychomotor activity, emotional status and magnesium (Mg) content in blood of rats fed with Mg-deficient diet for 49 days; and to find out whether the combination of vitamin B6 with Mg will reveal antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activity and reduce the length of the treatment needed to recover rats from Mg-deficient condition. To induce hypomagnesemia, seventy-nine rats were placed on a Mg-deficient diet (Mg content < or = 15 mg/kg) and demineralized water for 7 weeks. Eight control rats were fed a basal control diet. On the forty-ninth day of Mg-deficient diet, rats were treated one of the six supplementations: Mg L-aspartate alone and in combination with pyridoxine, MgCl2 x 6H2O alone and in combination with pyridoxine, Magne B6 (Mg lactate with pyridoxine) and Mg sulfate (50 mg Mg and 5 mg vitamin B6 per kg). In our study Mg-deficiency was associated with depleted intraerythrocytic (0.748 +/- 0.036 vs. 1.83 +/- 0.026 mmol/l, p < 0.001) and plasma (0.567 +/- 0.029 vs. 1.20 +/- 0.030 mmol/l, p < 0.001) Mg level compared to control rats. It was shown Mg deficiency resulted in depression-like and anxiety-related behavior in rats. Open field test result in rats including locomotor activity (number of crossed squares) and vertical activity (number of standing on hind paws), number of visiting in central squares were decreased significantly. In the elevated plus maze test, the number of visiting open arms (by 63.6%) and residence time (by 78.5%) of rats were significantly less as compared with the control group. In the forced swimming test, time immobile was significantly increased (by 70.2%) and time of swimming was decreased (by 15%) compared to control. Mg salts alone and in combination with vitamin B6 administered to Mg-deficient rats increased the Mg level in plasma and erythrocytes. Furthermore, this increase was in relation to vitamin B6 given to the animal. It was established, that the application of Mg L-aspartate and MgCl2 x 6H2O in combinations with pyridoxine led to correction of behavioural disturbances of Mg-deficient animals. Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activity of studied salts was comparable with those observed in Magne B6 treatment and significantly higher than in Mg sulfate treatment.

[Effect of some organic and inorganic magnesium salts on lipoprotein state in rats fed with magnesium-deficient diet].

Low serum magnesium (Mg) concentrations have been reported in patients with atherosclerosis. From the other hand numerous clinical reports suggest the beneficial effects of Mg adjuvant therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this present study was to compare the effect of Mg L-aspartate and Mg chloride alone and in combinations with pyridoxine, Mg sulfate and Magne B6 (Mg lactate with pyridoxine) on lipid profile in rats fed with Mg deficient diet. To induce hypomagnesemia, fifty-three rats were placed on a Mg-deficient diet (ICN Biomedicals Inc. Aurora, OH) and demineralized water for 7 weeks. Seven control rats were fed a basal control diet (Mg content = 500 mg/kg) and water (with Mg content 20 mg/l) for equal duration. On the forty-ninth day of Mg-deficient diet, rats were treated one of the six supplementations: Mg chloride, Mg L-aspartate alone and in combinations with pyridoxine, Mg sulphate and Magne B6 (50 mg Mg and 5 mg vitamin B6 per kg). In our study Mg deficiency resulted in increase of triglyceride (by 35.2 %p < 0.0001), LDL (more than fourfold p < 0.0001), total cholesterol (by 38.7% p < 0.0001), apolipoprotein B (by 74.1%, p = 0.0006) levels and decrease in concentration of HDL (by 28.7% p < 0.0001). The non-HDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio was more than threefold increased (p < 0.0001). Oral magnesium salts led to normalization of lipid state with a return to pre-deficient levels. Magnesium salts in combinations with pyridoxine tended to be significantly more effective as compared with salts without pyridoxine. The hypolipidemic effect of studied salts was comparable with those observed in Magne B6 treatment and significantly higher than in magnesium sulfate treatment.

[Hemorheological activity of Gymnemy sylvestre extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetes].

Extracts of Gymnemy sylvestre (GS) exhibit hemorheological activity. The most pronounced effect was observed for GL extract in 25 wt % concentration, which (i) induced a decrease in the viscosity of blood and washed erythrocyte suspensions in the entire range of shear rates by a factor of 1,3 (ii) reduced the degree of deformability of red blood cells, (iii) increased the degree of osmotic resistance of erythrocytes by 21.3%, (iv) increased the intensity of fluorescence of DSM+ probe in erythrocyte suspensions by a factor of 1.5, and (v) decreased the degree of anisotropy, thus generally improving the viscoelastic properties of the erythrocyte membrane and preventing the thrombocyte aggregation. In this respect, the GS extract activity exceeded that of Tanakan.

[Potassium magnesium homeostasis: physiology, pathophysiology, clinical consequences of deficiency and pharmacological correction].

The metabolism of K and Mg is closely linked. Mg deficiency may arise together with and contribute to the persistence of K deficiency. Isolated disturbances of K balance do not produce secondary abnormalities in Mg homeostasis. In contrast, primary disturbances in Mg balance, particularly Mg depletion, produce secondary K depletion. This appears to result from an inability of the cell to maintain the normally high intracellular concentration of K, perhaps as a result of an increase in membrane permeability to K and / or inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase. Cases of Mg deficiency accompanying with Mg-dependent or -independent K deficiency are not uncommon among the general population. K and Mg deficiencies are found in patients with chronic alcoholism, cardiac diseases, diabetes mellitus (type II), genetic forms of renal potassium and magnesium wasting (Gitelman's and Bartter's syndromes), severe diarrhea and vomiting, malnutrition, during therapy with some kind of drugs. Various K-Mg salts allowing simultaneously eliminating deficiency of Mg and K are described in the literature. K-Mg aspartate is most distributed among K-Mg salts. It can be used as adjuvant therapy in ischaemic heart disease (in angina pectoris and conditions after myocardial infarction), prophylaxis and adjuvant therapy of cardiac arrhythmia (e.g. prevention of toxic symptoms during therapy with digoxin). Differences in metabolism and utilisation of D- and L-amino acids probably may effect on pharmacological properties of K-Mg L- and D-aspartates, and what is more pharmacological doses of Mg and K salts may induce toxicity which differs according to the nature of the anions. In our research it was established, that L-aspartate salts are better delivery forms for cations such as Mg and K than D-aspartate salts. K-Mg L-aspartate can be more beneficial in the treatment of several forms of primary Mg and K deficiency than K-Mg DL-aspartate and K-Mg D-aspartate.

[The role of alimentary magnesium deficiency in development of nephrolithiasis and its correction with magnesium salts in rats].

Aims of our work were to appraise the quantity and nature of renal calcifications and mineral metabolism in the magnesium-deficient rats; and to find out whether the combination of pyridoxine with Mg L-aspartate or Mg chloride will reduce the length of the treatment needed to recover rats from magnesium deficient condition and urolithiasis state. To induce hypomagnesemia, fifty rats were placed on a magnesium-deficient diet (magnesium content < or = 15 mg/kg) and demineralized water for 10 weeks. On the forty-ninth day of magnesium-deficient diet, rats were treated one of the six supplementations: MgCl2, Mg-L-Asp or their combinations with pyridoxine hydrochloride, magnesium sulfate, magne B6.

[Study of anti-inflammatory activity of some organic and inorganic magnesium salts in rats fed with magnesium-deficient diet].

The purpose of the present research was comparative study of anti-inflammatory action of some Mg salts in rats fed with Mg-deficient diet. It was shown in our study that administration of Mg L-aspartate with pyridoxine leads to higher compensation of Mg deficiency in rats with diet-induced Mg depletion as compared with other Mg supplementations. According to the Mg deficiency correction rate Mg salts may be ranged in the following order: Mg L-aspartate with pyridoxine > or = Mg chloride with pyridoxine > or = Mg lactate with pyridoxine > or = Mg L-aspartate > Mg chloride > Mg orotate. In our study administration of Mg salts resulted in decreased number of blood leukocytes, reduced peripheral vasodilation visible in the external ear, decreased spleen weight, and as consequences in reduced inflammatory and immunological response. According to correction rate of the inflammatory response Mg salts may be ranged in the following order: Mg orotate > or = Mg chloride > or = Mg chloride with pyridoxine > or = Mg L-aspartate > or = MgL-aspartate with pyridoxine > or = Mg lactate with pyridoxine.

[Antiinflammatory effect of bischofit ointment].

A new ointment based on the mineral bischofit exhibits a more pronounced antiinflammatory effect on the models of inflammation induced by carrageenin, histamine, and serotonin in rats in comparison to the reference ointment (vulnuzan). Bischofit ointment stimulates phagocyte activity of neutrophils, accelerates the healing and cleaning of infected skin wounds, and produces bacteriostatic action.

[Stereopharmacology of carnitine].

L-Carnitine (L-beta-hydroxy-gamma-N,N,N-trimethylaminobutyric acid) plays an essential role in fatty acid transport in the mitochondrion. Conditions that appear to benefit from exogenous supplementation of L-carnitine include anorexia, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disease, hypoglycemia, male infertility, muscular myopathies, renal failure and dialysis. D-Carnitine is not biologically active and might interfere with the proper utilization of the L isomer, and so there are claims that the racemic mixture (DL-carnitine) should be avoided. Despite the fact that it is known about the systemic manifestations of oral intake of this compound, oral supplementation with DL-carnitine for treatment of primary and secondary carnitine deficiency syndromes has been used in Russia for 25 years. The purpose of the present review was to contrast the differences in pharmacokinetics, phannacodynamics, biochemistry, and toxicity between treatments of L- and DL-carnitine. There is some evidence that L-carnitine and D-carnitine compete for uptake in small intestine and tubular re-absorption in kidneys. After intestinal absorption, L- and D-carnitine is transferred to organs whose metabolism is dependent on fatty acid oxidation, such as heart and skeletal muscle, and D-carnitine competitively depletes muscle level of L-carnitine. Whereas L-carnitine is found to be essential for the oxidation of fatty acids, D-carnitine causes a depletion of L-carnitine, and hindered fatty acid oxidation and energy formation. Pharmacological effects of carnitine are stereospecific, since L-carnitine was effective in various animals and clinical studies, while D- and DL-carnitine was found to be ineffective or toxic, for example, to muscle cells and to the myocardium. DL-Carnitine causes symptoms of myasthenia and cardiac arrhythmias, which disappeared after L-carnitine administration. Clinically toxic effect of D-carnitine was described in patients with renal failure on long-term haemodialysis, in adriamycin (doxorubicin) cardiotoxicity and in stable angina pectoris.

[DNA protective activity of natural and synthetic antioxidants]. / DNK-protektornaia aktivnost' prirodnykh i sinteticheskikh antioksidantov.

Free radicals attack cell genome in oxidative stress conditions accompanying many human diseases. Mutagenic and carcinogenic xenobiotics cause oxidative DNA damages also. Oxidative DNA damages become intensive in aging organisms. The data on natural and synthetic antioxidants protecting DNA from oxidation are presented in this review.