Wound-healing potential of an ethanol extract of Carica papaya (Caricaceae) seeds.

Carica papaya L. (Linn) (Caricaceae) is traditionally used to treat various skin disorders, including wounds. It is widely used in developing countries as an effective and readily available treatment for various wounds, particularly burns. This study evaluated the wound-healing and antimicrobial activity of C. papaya seed extract. Ethanol extract of C. papaya seed (50 mg/kg/day) was evaluated for its wound-healing activity in Sprague-Dawley rats using excision wound model. Animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each (group 1 served as control, group 2 treated with papaya seed extract, group 3 treated with a standard drug mupirocin and papaya seed extract (1:1 ratio) and group 4 treated with a mupirocin ointment. Rate of wound contraction and hydroxyproline content were determined to assess the wound-healing activity of the seed extract. The group 2 animals showed a significant decrease in wound area of 89% over 13 days when compared with groups 1 (82%), 3 (86%) and 4 (84%) respectively. The hydroxyproline content was significantly higher with the granulation tissue obtained from group 2 animals which were treated with C. papaya seed extract. Histological analysis of granulation tissue of the group 2 animals showed the deposition of well-organized collagen. The extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. Our results suggest that C. papaya promotes significant wound healing in rats and further evaluation for this activity in humans is suggested.

Hypoglycemic and Hepatoprotective Activity of Fermented Fruit Juice of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) in Diabetic Rats.

Morinda citrifolia is a medicinal plant used to treat diabetes and liver diseases. The fermented fruit juice of the M. Citrifolia (optical density = 1.25) was used to study the hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective properties in diabetes-induced rats. The rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups (control, diabetic experimental, diabetic standard, and diabetic untreated) of 6 each. Diabetes was induced by administering Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). Fasting blood glucose, body mass, liver tissue glycogen content, and the extent of liver degeneration were assessed. Diabetic experimental animals were treated with M. citrifolia juice (2 ml/kg, twice a day) and diabetic standard with reference hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide orally for 20 days. Both the groups exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl ±15.88 and 125 mg/dl ±3.89, respectively, as compared to diabetic untreated with FBS = 360.0 mg/dl ±15.81, (P < .003). On 10th day of experiment, diabetic experimental animals exhibited a decrease in body mass (10.2 g, 5.11%) which increased significantly by the 20th day (6 g, 3.0%, P < .022). Histological study of liver tissue obtained from untreated diabetic animals revealed significant fatty degeneration as compared to other three groups. The data of this study proved the hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activity of M. citrifolia.

Unraveling the role of metal ions and low catalytic activity of cytochrome C oxidase in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by high levels of aluminum and certain other metal ions in the brain: The disease is also characterized by low activity of brain cytochrome c oxidase (COX) but whether the elevated metal ions and the low COX activity are linked is not known. Moreover, COX is known to exhibit two catalytic rates (V (max)) and two substrate binding constants (K (m)) but it is not known which of these is affected in AD. In this study, we employed the Klatzo AD rabbit model to evaluate the impact of elevated metal ions on brain COX activity. New Zealand white rabbits were injected intra-cerebrally with 1.4% solutions of either AlCl(3), FeCl(3), CaCl(2), or MgCl(2); and 10 days, later the brain mitochondria were isolated. Polarographic assay revealed that compared to the controls, all four metals led to decreases in the V (max) of the enzyme's low affinity site. The respective decreases were; 16%, 36%, 18%, and 30%. The results suggest a sequence of events in vivo in which oxygen radical damage to mitochondria and COX leads to low ATP production and excess heme establishing conditions thought to be ideal for neurodegeneration.

Hypoglycemic and Hepatoprotective activity of fermented fruit juice of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) in diabetic rats

Morinda citrifolia is a medicinal plant used to treat diabetes and liver diseases. The fermented fruit juice of the M. Citrifolia (optical density = 1.25) was used to study the hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective properties in diabetes-induced rats. The rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups (control, diabetic experimental, diabetic standard, and diabetic untreated) of 6 each. Diabetes was induced by administering Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). Fasting blood glucose, body mass, liver tissue glycogen content, and the extent of liver degeneration were assessed. Diabetic experimental animals were treated with M. citrifolia juice (2 ml/kg, twice a day) and diabetic standard with reference hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide orally for 20 days. Both the groups exhibited a significant reduction in blood glucose level of 150 mg/dl ñ15.88 and 125 mg/dl ñ3.89, respectively, as compared to diabetic untreated with FBS = 360.0 mg/dl ñ15.81, (P < .003). On 10th day of experiment, diabetic experimental animals exhibited a decrease in body mass (10.2 g, 5.11%) which increased significantly by the 20th day (6 g, 3.0%, P < .022). Histological study of liver tissue obtained from untreated diabetic animals revealed significant fatty degeneration as compared to other three groups. The data of this study proved the hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activity of M. citrifolia.

Improving the efficiency of the preliminary electroejaculation technique developed for semen collection from the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina).

This study tested various combinations of ketamine and xylazine with the objective to improve on the efficiency of the preliminary electroejaculation technique developed for semen collection from the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). There were two experiments, which were each replicated. Experiment 1 had six treatments: treatment 1 (30 mg/kg ketamine and 10 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 2 (20 mg/kg ketamine and 10 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 3 (30 mg/kg ketamine and 5 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 4 (20 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 5 (30 mg/kg xylazine), and treatment 6 (40 mg/kg xylazine). Experiment 2 included five treatments: treatment 7 (40 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 8 (20 mg/kg ketamine and 40 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 9 (15 mg/kg ketamine and 40 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 10 (10 mg/kg ketamine and 40 mg/kg xylazine), and treatment 11 (5 mg/kg ketamine and 40 mg/ kg xylazine). Mean induction times were 3:27 +/- 0:31 and 4:59 +/- 0.49; mean immobilization times were 1:55 +/- 0.11 and 1:19:06 +/- 0:11.7 hr, respectively, for experiments 1 and 2. Treatment 4 produced the best ejaculation time and semen volume, 4.53 +/- 0.52 min and 0.41 +/- 0.07 ml, respectively. Spermatozoa were observed in 75% of ejaculate samples collected when treatments 6 and 7 were applied. The best treatments were 6 and 7 (P < 0.05); spermatozoa concentration (431 +/- 180 x 106/ml), motile cell % (47.17 +/- 8.78%) and forward progressive motility % (47.1 +/- 10.5%). Success rates for samples containing spermatozoa increased from 30% in previous experiments to 41.33%. It was concluded that weaker dosages of xylazine may require being administered in combination with ketamine to completely anaesthetize the male agouti for electroejaculation.

Low activity and poor membrane tethering for rabbit brain cytochrome C oxidase in cholesterol-copper Alzheimer's model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major cause of dementia and death in the elderly, but its etiology is poorly understood. In recent years, Sparks and Schreurs (2003) have developed a rabbit model which displays 12 AD characteristics; however, the activity of brain cytochrome c oxidase (COX), which is usually low in AD, has not yet been assessed. In this study, we assessed activity of brain COX for Sparks' model. New Zealand white rabbits were maintained on the specified cholesterol-copper diet for a 10-week period following which brain mitochondria were isolated. The activity of COX within the mitochondria was assessed by polarographic assay; we also evaluated the spectral properties of the mitochondria and employed sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to investigate their protein composition. Finally, we attempted to isolate COX and studied its subunit composition by SDS-PAGE. Polarographic assay revealed that compared to the controls, 44% of the rabbits on the cholesterol-copper diet had significantly decreased brain COX activity; on average, the V (max) of the high affinity site of mitochondria from the cholesterol-copper-fed rabbits was 26% lower than that of the controls. In addition, the difference spectra of brain mitochondria obtained from 33% of the rabbits raised on the cholesterol-copper diet, showed 35-40% diminished absorbance in the 430 nm region suggesting decreased concentration or reducibility of COX or another heme protein. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that, for the rabbits raised on the cholesterol-copper diet, a number of COX subunits (VI-VII) were loosely held and easily lost during attempts to isolate the enzyme.

Anatomical and experimental studies of brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerve-location using peripheral nerve stimulation in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomy of the brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerves for the use of a peripheral nerve-stimulator to perform nerve blocks in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Four canine cadavers and four healthy adult dogs weighing 23 +/- 2.5 kg. METHODS: Phase I: in four canine cadavers, an anatomical study was conducted to evaluate accurate needle-insertion techniques. Phase II: the utility of these techniques, and the value of electrostimulation, were evaluated in four anesthetized dogs in lateral recumbency (medetomidine, 5 microg kg(-1)/ketamine 5 mg kg(-1)) using an electrical stimulator and shielded needles. RESULTS: For the brachial plexus, the needle was inserted cranial to the acromion, medial to the subscapularis muscle, at an angle of approximately 20-30 degrees in relation to a plane vertical to the surface on which the animal was lying, oriented parallel to the long axis of the animal, in a ventro-caudal direction. For the sciatic nerve, the needle was inserted just cranial to the sacrotuberous ligament, through the gluteus superficialis muscle, at an angle of approximately 60 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane, in a ventro-cranial direction, and up to the level of the ischium. For the femoral nerve, the needle was inserted perpendicular to the skin, just cranial to the femoral artery, and directed a little caudally. Using a peripheral nerve-stimulator, all nerves were located, and muscle contractions were elicited at a current of 0.2-0.4 mA. No complications were observed during the procedures. CONCLUSION: Electrostimulation of peripheral nerves is useful in locating the branches of the brachial plexus as well as the sciatic and femoral nerves in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripheral nerve stimulation increases the reliability of a nerve block when compared with blind needle-insertion.

Anatomical and experimental studies of brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerve-location using peripheral nerve stimulation in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomy of the brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerves for the use of a peripheral nerve-stimulator to perform nerve blocks in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Four canine cadavers and four healthy adult dogs weighing 23 +/- 2.5 kg. METHODS: Phase I: in four canine cadavers, an anatomical study was conducted to evaluate accurate needle-insertion techniques. Phase II: the utility of these techniques, and the value of electrostimulation, were evaluated in four anesthetized dogs in lateral recumbency (medetomidine, 5 microg kg(-1)/ketamine 5 mg kg(-1)) using an electrical stimulator and shielded needles. RESULTS: For the brachial plexus, the needle was inserted cranial to the acromion, medial to the subscapularis muscle, at an angle of approximately 20-30 degrees in relation to a plane vertical to the surface on which the animal was lying, oriented parallel to the long axis of the animal, in a ventro-caudal direction. For the sciatic nerve, the needle was inserted just cranial to the sacrotuberous ligament, through the gluteus superficialis muscle, at an angle of approximately 60 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane, in a ventro-cranial direction, and up to the level of the ischium. For the femoral nerve, the needle was inserted perpendicular to the skin, just cranial to the femoral artery, and directed a little caudally. Using a peripheral nerve-stimulator, all nerves were located, and muscle contractions were elicited at a current of 0.2-0.4 mA. No complications were observed during the procedures. CONCLUSION: Electrostimulation of peripheral nerves is useful in locating the branches of the brachial plexus as well as the sciatic and femoral nerves in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripheral nerve stimulation increases the reliability of a nerve block when compared with blind needle-insertion.

Porcine meningoencephalocoele in Trinidad

Congenital anomalies have been linked to many factors (genetic, nutritional and toxic, among others) including environmental pollution, and consequently engender interest worldwide as a potential gauge of environmental abuse. Bovine epigastric heteropagus, caprine perosomus elumbis, ovine cephalothoracopagus and bovine craniopagus have been previously reported in Trinidad. A four-footed broiler chicken has been reported in Grenada. This case of porcine meningoencephalocoele is, to our knowledge, the first reported in Trinidad. In addition to environmental pollution, a genetic component to this anomaly has been suggested in two previous reports. We report here a case of meningoencephalocoele in a newborn piglet presented at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of the West Indies, Trinidad.

A comparative study of different methods of orchidometry in a canine model.

PURPOSE: An investigation was carried out to compare the testicular volumes obtained by different methods of assessment in a series of dogs. METHOD: After obtaining ethical approval for the study, ten dogs were identified which were scheduled for castration, either at the owner's request or prior to being placed in suitable homes. A Prader orchidometer, which consists of a series of ovoid model testes inscribed with corresponding equivalent volumes, was used as an indirect method of assessing the volume of each testis. Percutaneous measurements of length and width of each testis were also carried out prior to surgery under general anaesthesia, using both a sliding and a pinch type caliper. After each testis was removed it was isolated and submerged in a beaker containing water in order to get a direct estimate of its volume by fluid displacement. Using the formula for deriving the volume of an ellipsoid from length and weight measurements, the volumes derived from the caliper measurements were estimated and compared with the orchidometer and fluid displacement values. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to obtain the correlations between the values produced by the four methods. RESULTS: The Prader orchidometer and the pinch type caliper both showed significant correlations, of 0.64 and 0.62 respectively, with the definitive values obtained by fluid displacement. The correlation obtained with the sliding caliper (0.4) was not significant. Despite the significant correlations, all the indirect methods consistently overestimated the real volumes obtained by fluid displacement. CONCLUSION: Estimates of testicular volumes obtained by orchidometer and pinch type caliper are useful for situations where a qualitative rather than quantitative assessment of testicular volume is required.

Evaluation of wound healing activity of Allamanda cathartica. L. and Laurus nobilis. L. extracts on rats.

BACKGROUND: Allamanda cathartica. L. is a perennial shrub used in traditional medicine for treating malaria and jaundice. Laurus nobilis. L. is a tree and has been used for its astringent, healing and diuretic properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the aqueous extracts of Allamanda and Laurus nobilis to evaluate their wound healing activity in rats. METHODS: Excision and incision wound models were used to evaluate the wound healing activity of both the extracts on Sprague Dawley rats. In each model, animals were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. In both the model, group 1 served as control and group 2 as reference standard. In an excision wound model, group 3 animals were treated with Allamanda (150 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) and group 4 animals were treated with Laurus nobilis (200 mg kg(-1) b.w day(-1)) for 14 days respectively. In the case of incision wound model, group 3 and 4 animals were treated with the extracts of Allamanda and Laurus respectively for 10 days. The effects of vehicles on the rate of wound healing were assessed by the rate of wound closure, period of epithelialisation, tensile strength, weights of the granulation tissue, hydroxyproline content and histopathology of the granulation tissue. RESULTS: The aqueous extract of Allamanda promoted wound healing activity significantly in both the wound models studied. High rate of wound contraction (P < .001), decrease in the period of epithelialisation (10.2 +/- 0.13), high skin breaking strength (440.0 +/- 4.53), significant increase in the weight of the granulation tissue (P < .001) and hydroxyproline (P < .001) content were observed in animals treated with the aqueous extract of Allamanda. Histological studies of the granulation tissue from the Allamanda treated group showed the presence of a lesser number of inflammatory cells, and increased collagen formation than the control. In Laurus nobilis treated animals, the rate of wound contraction, weight of the granulation tissue and hydroxyproline content were moderately high (P < .05). The histological study of the granulation tissue of the Laurus nobilis treated animals showed larger number of inflammatory cells, and lesser collagen when compared with the Allamanda treated group of animals. However, it was better than the control group of animals. CONCLUSION: The data of this study indicated that the leaf extract of Allamanda possesses better wound healing activity than the Laurus nobilis and it can be used to treat different types of wounds in human beings too.

Evaluation of wound healing activity of Allamanda cathartica. L. and Laurus nobilis. L. extracts on rats

BACKGROUND: Allamanda cathartica. L. is a perennial shrub used in traditional medicine for treating malaria and jaundice. Laurus nobilis. L. is a tree and has been used for its astringent, healing and diuretic properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the aqueous extracts of Allamanda and Laurus nobilis to evaluate their wound healing activity in rats.METHODS: Excision and incision wound models were used to evaluate the wound healing activity of both the extracts on Sprague Dawley rats. In each model, animals were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. In both the model, group 1 served as control and group 2 as reference standard. In an excision wound model, group 3 animals were treated with Allamanda (150 mg kg-1 day-1) and group 4 animals were treated with Laurus nobilis (200mg kg-1 b.w day-1) for 14 days respectively. In the case of incision wound model, group 3 and 4 animals were treated with the extracts of Allamanda and Laurus respectively for 10 days. The effects of vehicles on the rate of wound healing were assessed by the rate of wound closure, period of epithelialisation, tensile strength, weights of the granulation tissue, hydroxyproline content and histopathology of the granulation tissue.RESULTS: The aqueous extract of Allamanda promoted wound healing activity significantly in both the wound models studied. High rate of wound contraction (P < .001), decrease in the period of epithelialisation (10.2 ñ0.13), high skin breaking strength (440.0 ñ 4.53), significant increase in the weight of the granulation tissue (P <.001) and hydroxyproline (P < .001) content were observed in animals treated with the aqueous extract of Allamanda. Histological studies of the granulation tissue from the Allamanda treated group showed the presenceof a lesser number of inflammatory cells, and increased collagen formation than the control.

In Laurus nobilis treated animals, the rate of wound contraction, weight of the granulation tissue and hydroxyproline content were moderately high (P < .05). The histological study of the granulation tissue of the Laurus nobilis treated animals showed larger number of inflammatory cells, and lesser collagen when compared with the Allamanda treated group of animals. However, it was better than the control group of animals.CONCLUSION: The data of this study indicated that the leaf extract of Allamanda possesses better wound healing activity than the Laurus nobilis and it can be used to treat different types of wounds in human beings too.

A case of cephalothoracopagus in sheep in Trinidad and Tobago.

A case of cephalothoracopagus in sheep complicated with several defects of skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems is reported.

A case of cephalothoracopagus in sheep in Trinidad and Tobago

A case of cephalothoracopagus in sheep complicated with several defects of skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems is reported.

Rhinocerebral zygomycosis in a sheep

A 2-year old, Barbados black belly sheep was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad, with a history of sudden onset of anorexia, extreme dyspnea, and unilateral mucohemorrhagic nasal discharge.