005700   Surekha Rani P;Johnson M E C (NO, , H No 1-9-312/E/8, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad-500 044, Email: rekha_panjala@yahoo.com) : Sequential bloom in a temporary pond. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 141-2.

Describes the ecology of a sequential bloom of Chlorococcum sp and Oscillatoria sp. Followed by Euglena sp. Alkaline with nitrate and organic rich water favoured the multiplication of the three boom forms.

1 table, 9 ref

005699   Srinivasan N;Vijayaragavan R (Dep of Phys, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar, T.N) : Estimation of manganese and cobalt in kidney of albino mouse treated with sildenafil citrate (Viagra). Acta Cienc Indica-Phys 2005, 31(2), 233-6.

To study the impact of the drug, namely, Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) on the mineral status of kidney of Albino mouse (Mus musculus), Atomic spectral technique have been adopted. Using this technique, elements like Mn and Co have been quantitatively determined. The result of the Atomic spectral analysis indicated a significant change in mineral status of the kidney of control and the experimental animals.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

005698   Srinivasan N;Vijaya Ragavan R (Dep of Phys, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu) : Sodium and potassium investigations on kidney of albino mouse treated with sildenafil citrate (Viagra). Acta Cienc Indica-Phys 2005, 31(2), 223-4.

Element such as Na and K present in the Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) administrated kidney samples of control and the experimental Albino mouse have been estimated using Flame photometric technique. The observed change in the mineral content of kidney of the experimental animals due to drug treatment has been well correlated with the form and function of the kidney.

1 table, 8 ref

005697   Sri Kala G;Yogamoorthi A;Bapuji S (Cent for Futures Stud, Pondicherry Univ, Pondicherry) : Evaluation of methanolic extract of crab Emerita asiatica for its pharmacological properties. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 39-43.

Methanol extracts of intertidal mole crab, Emerita asiatica with its egg mass, is analyzed for its bioactive property by studying its effect on the isolated heart of frog and its effects on the gross behaviour in mice. It is found that the extract is capable of influencing the cardiac system in frog, Rana hexadactyla and CVS and CNS related gross behavioural changes in swiss mice when the extract is administered intraperitonially. The biochemical study revealed that the biodynamic substance responsible for such pharmacological property against the heart of both frog and mice, might possess functional groups viz. aliphatic primary amine and carbonyl group linked to aliphatic chain.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

005696   Sreekala Devi R;Edwin james J;Saravana Babu S (Dep of Bot and Res Cent, Scott Christian Coll, Nagercoil-629 003) : Distribution of marine macroalgae in idinthakari and vizhinjam coasts - a comparative study. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 29-32.

A comparative study on the distribution of marine macroalgae was carried out during the northeast monsoon season (October, 2003 to December, 2003) at two stations, Idinthakarai on the southeast and Vizhinjam on the southwest coast of India. Abundant vegetation of algae was seen in the Idinthakarai than in the Vizhinjam coast. A total of 38 species was recorded from Idinthakarai of which 16 belong to Chlorophyceae, 10 to Phaeophyceae and 12 to Rhodophyceae. Among the Chlorophyceae, Caulerpa showed greater species diversity with 7 species. A total of 22 species was recorded from Vizhinjam constituting 10 Chlorophyceae, 5 Phaeophyceae and 7 Rhodophyceae members. Two seagrasses namely Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea serrulata were recorded from Idinthakarai.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

005695   Singh S;Mehrotra S;Pandey R;Sandhir R (Dep of Biochem, Punjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: sudhirankush@yahoo.com) : Hepatotoxic effects of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) and protection by antioxidants. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(8), 728-31.

t-BHP induced oxidative stress and Ca²⁺ function impairment in fresh hepatocytes was studied in order to understand its role in cytotoxicity. Viability of hepatocytes by the release of lactate dehydrogenase and methyl thiazoletetrazolium reduction method alongwith malondialdehyde formation indicated oxidative stress in the hepatotoxic action of t-BHP.

2 illus, 20 ref

005694   Singh S K (Univ Dep of Zool, L N Mithila Univ, Darbhanga-846 004) : Effect of contraceptive property of Hibiscus rosa sinensis on hematology of swiss albino mice, MUS domesticus. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 102.

In the work urhul extract (Hibiscus Rosa sinesis) a herbal alternative has been used as oral contraceptive. Using this drug for five and ten days proved to be 60% contraceptive. Haemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte number were found unaltered, an administration of this drug.

1 table, 3 ref

005693   Shafiq N;Malhotra S;Pandhi P;Nada R (Dep of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh-160 012, Email: ppandhi17@hotmail.com) : Comparative gastrointestinal toxicity of selective cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(7), 614-19.

Cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors developed with the hope that they will cause fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects. Ability of selective as well as nonselective COX inhibitors to alter ischemia-reperfusion induced damage of gastric mucosa and hapten-induced colitis in rats has been compared. Celecoxib (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg^-1 ) was significantly more potent at aggravating ischemia-reperfusion injury as compared to nimesulide. Similarly, celecoxib was found to maximally potentiate TNBS-induced colitis, followed by nimesulide and indomethacin. Celecoxib at its highest dose produced maximum deep histological injury. This paradoxic ulcer and colitis aggravating effect of selective COX-2 inhibitors may be explained by suppression of protective prostaglandins generated as a consequence of COX-2 induction in inflammatory states.

1 table, 36 ref

005692   Satish Rao B S;Uma Devi P (Dep of Radiobiology, Kasturba Med Coll Manipal, Manipal-576 104) : Response of S 180 murine tumor to bleomycin combination with radiation and hyperthermia using micronucleus assay: A multimodality approach for therapeutic augmentation. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(7), 596-600.

Response of a transplantable tumor, S180, grown intradermally in inbred Balb/c mice, was assessed by using micronucleus assay after treating the solid tumors with bleomycin (BLM), radiation (RT) and hyperthermia (HT) vis-a-vis multimodality approach. The frequency of micronuclei (MN) though did not vary greatly during the one week of observation in untreated tumors, it significantly increased in the drug and RT groups at 24 hr post-treatment. However, MN frequency was non-significant in the HT group from the control. A drug dose dependent linear increase in the frequency of MN induction was evident in 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight BLM alone treated groups. Combination of radiation with BLM or HT further increased the MN counts in the bimodality groups. But, MN induction at 24 hr post-treatment in the trimodality group (BLM+RT+HT) was non-significant from that of the bimodality treatments. However, the tumors treated with trimodality treatment presented severe tumor necrosis, indicating increased cell loss, and resulting in immediate tumor regression. In all the bi-modality groups MN counts though declined 3 or 5 days post-treatment, the values remained significantly higher than the control, on day 7 post-treatment. Micronucleus assay could be used as a predictive parameter for the assessment of post-irradiation tumor regression response. However, the tumor response assessment with MN assay alone may not be sufficient and the role of other parameters, such as apoptosis and necrosis, in immediate tumor regression, especially radiosensitive/thermosensitive tumors can not be ignored while taking multimodality approach into consideration for cancer therapy.

1 table, 31 ref

005691   Sasmal D;Jawahar Abraham T (Dept of Fishery Path and Microbiology, West Bengal Univ of animal and Fishery Sci, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252) : Antibiotic sensitivity of bacterial flora associated with diseased prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergu). J Res 2005, 17(1), 115-19.

Black spots on abdominal segments, abdominal appendages and badly damaged (rotted) tails were the gross lesions of shell disease and tail rot in fresh water prawn. Ciprofloxacin was found to be most effective in inhibiting bacteria at 0.05μg/ml level. Resistance to oxytetracycline was seen in 42.86% of Aeromonas spp and 44.44% of Pseudomonas spp. About 33.33% of Pseudomonas spp were resistant to nitrofurantoin. Gram-positive rods were also resistant to various antibiotics. The antibiotics - Ciprofloxacin proved to be the most sensitive to the bacterial isolates, followed by gentamycin. The multiple antibiotic resistance was shown by 26.92% of the bacterial isolates of diseased prawn.

3 tables, 14 ref

005690   Ravindranath K;Madhavi K (Dep of Fishery Oceanography & Limnology, Coll of Fishery Sci Acharya N G Ranga agricultural Univ, Muthukar-524 344) : Integrating seaweeds into coastal aquaculture system. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 193-5.

10 ref

005689   Ramasubramanian V;Sumathi M;Jeyaparakash R (Dep of Pl Biol and Pl Biotechnology, Ayya nadar Janaki Ammal Collee, Sivakasi-626 124) : Effect of seaweed extract on the growth and biochemical characteristics of match factory effluent treated Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) medikus (Bhendi) seedlings. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 147-53.

Effect of seaweed extracts (SWE) prepared from Gracilaria edulis at different concentrations viz, 100, 250 and 500 mg/L in 70% concentrated match effluent treated Abelmoschus esculentus was analysed. Impact of effluent treatment alone resulted in a steep decline in growth characteristics, pigments content and other biochemical characteristics. Gracilaria edulis extract in 70% concentration of the effluent in different concentration brought out considerable increase in germination percentage, growth and biochemical characteristics in Bhendi as compared to the effluent treated seedlings. The toxicity of match effluent on growth and metabolism of plants might be due to the suspended and dissolved solids present in it. Seaweed extract used in this study was found to nullify the toxic effect of effluent on the growth parameters.

5 tables, 19 ref

005688   Ram Sarikh Prasad;Kalimuddin M (Dep of Vet Public Hlth & Epidemiol, Birsa Agric Univ, Ranchi-834 006) : Isolatin, characterization of heat resistant Bacillus cereus in fermented foods. J Res 2005, 17(1), 109-13.

Out of 120 samples of fermented foods (dosa premix, rice beer Idli curd and soy sauce, collected from different areas of Ranchi, 25(20.83%) were found Positivity percentage of B. cereus in areas i.e. Dhruwa, Hinoo, Main Road Ranchi, Kanke and Kanke Road was 23.31, 19.98, 33.31 and 16.65, respectively. All the twenty five isolates including standard strain of B. cereus were found sensitive to Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin Streptomycin and Gentamycin but resistant to Cefotaxime, Co-trimoxazole and Cloxacillin.

3 tables, 13 ref

005687   Rahman H;Hardt W D;Murugkar H V;Bhattacharyya D K (Div of Anim Hlth, ICAR Res Complex for NEH Region, Umroi Road, Umiam Meghalaya-793 103, Email: hr19@rediffmail.com) : Occurrence of sopE gene and its phenotypic expression among different serovars of Salmonella enterica isolated from man and animals. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(7), 631-4.

Salmonella pathogenesis is a complex phenomenon and a Type III secretion system plays a central role in the development of Salmonella-induced enteritis. One such Type III secretion protein is Salmonella outer protein E (SopE). Prevalence of sopE gene and its phenotypic expression (SopE protein) among different serovars of Salmonella enterica isolated from man and animals were investigated. Of 305 strains of S. enterica belonging to 11 serovars tested for the presence of sopE, 130 strains belonging to three serovars viz., Enteritidis, Gallinarum and Virchow were found to carry sopE gene irrespective of their source of isolation when tested by PCR amplification technique using its specific primers. Of these 130 strains, 112 strains were found to express SopE protein phenotypically as detected by Dot-ELISA using SopE antibody. Among the different serovars tested only serovars Gallinarum, Enteritidis and Virchow expressed SopE protein phenotypically in vitro. Role of SopE protein in pathogenesis of salmonellosis has been discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

005686   Prema M;Krishnamurthy V (Dep of Bot, Ethiraj Coll for Women, Chennai-600 008) : Morphological and development studies on some Indian species of Hypnea lamourous (Hypneaceae, Rhodophyta). Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 1-17.

Hypnea cervicornis J. Ag., H. divaricata (C.Ag.) Grev., H. flagelliformis Grev ex. J. Ag., H. hamulosa (Esper) Lamour., H. musciformis (Wulf.) Lamour., H. pannosa J.Ag. and H. valentiae (Turn.) Mont. were collected periodically from the southern east coast of India, fixed and studied. Their morphology, structure and reproductive stages are described in the text.

89 illus, 17 ref

005685   Prasad S;Soni G (Dept of Biochem and Chem, Punjab agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Oral toxicity of lindane (<103>-HCH) as a function of duration of exposure in rats : Biochemical effects. Toxic int 2005, 12(1), 17-23.

Toricity of lindane (γ-HCH) upon sub acute exposure @ 500 mg/kg diet in rats, increased with increase in exposure period. Feed intake and body weight decreased gradually and significantly. Marked deleterious effects on liver were evident by increased activities of enzymes of liver function test such as AST, ALT, ALP and LDH. Osmotic fragility and lipid peroxidation increased in erythrocytes showing damage. Except catalase, other antioxidant enzymes studied showed decreased activities in erythrocytes. Lindane seemed to induce damage by free radical mediation, as lipid peroxidation in all the tissues was increased with increased duration of exposure. Antioxidant enzymes in tissues showed a mixed response , except in liver and kidneys where these were remarkably high.

4 tables, 24 ref

005684   Prabhu D;Rajwani L S; (NO, , No 8, 9th Main Road, Vijayanagar, Velachery, Chennai-600 042, Email: prabhoo@yahoo.com) : In vivo antimutagenic effect of Semecarpus anacardium against mitomycin C induced chromosome aberrations in mouse bone marrow cells. Toxic int 2005, 12(1), 13-16.

Antimutagenic effect of Semecarpus anacardium under in vivo conditon is studied. Mice were intraperitoneally treated with 500 and 250 mg/kg of Semecarpus anacardium. Both 500 and 250 mg/kg b.wt. of Semecarpus anacardium were pretreated at 3h, 6h, 12h and 24h before the treatment of mitomycin-C. The dose levels 500 and 250 mg/kg both showed a significant inhibition of induced aberrations at the 12h pretreatment period. The simultaneous treatment with mitomycin-C did not show a marked decrease in the number of aberrations, similarly, Semecarpus anacardium treated after 3h and 6h of mitomycin-C treatment also did not show a significant reduction. The results on the reduction of induced chromosome aberrations clearly show that Semecarpus anacardium serves as an antioxidant because of the presence of flavanoids which scavenge free radicals. The action of Semecarpus anacardium oil extract has definite beneficial role against mitomycin-C induced mutagenicity and its administration may be protective and therapeutic.

2 tables, 9 ref

005683   Poppy Mary Vimalabai C;Sumithr P;Prathiba R A (Res Cent for Pl Sci, St Mary's Coll, Tuticorin-628 001) : Carrageenan content in Hypnea species from Tuticorin southeast coast of India. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 55-61.

Studies on the yield and constitutents of carrageenan were made from July 2002 to June 2003 in Hypnea musciformis and H. valentiae growing along the Tuticorin coast. The yield of carrageenan ranged from 13.2% (August) to 52.8% (May) in H. musciformis and from 20.4% (January) to 59.2% (March) in H. valentiae. Carrageenan content as annual mean was higher in H. valentiae (38.3 ± 10.73) than in H. musciformis (35 ± 11.67). Maximum amount of Gal and 3, 6 A.G and minimum amount of SO₄ were observed in February in both the species.

2 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

005682   Poppy Mary Vimalabai C;Prathiba R A;Sumithra P (Res Cent for Pl Sci, St Mary's Coll, Tuticorin-628 001) : Phenolic compounds in brown seaweeds from Tuticorin southeast coast of India. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 93-8.

Studies on the content of total phenols and tannin were made from August 2002 to July 2003 in four species of brown algae growing along the Tuticorin coast. The total phenols content ranged from 8.3% (October) to 86.7% (July) in Padina tetrastromatica and from 13.3% (April) to 65.3% (September) in Stoechospermum marginatum. Phlorotannin content ranged from 1.8%(June)to 15.0%(April) in Padina tetrastromatica and from 2.6% (June) to 14.6% (May) in Stoechospermum marginatum. Total phenol content as annual mean was slightly higher in Padina tetrastromatica (38.8±24.8) than in Stoechospermum marginatum (35.5 ± 21.1). Phlorotannin content as annual mean was higher in Stoechospermum marginatum (7.2 ± 3.4) than in Padina tetrastromatica (5.6 ± 3.7). These compounds from the algae exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis but no activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

4 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

005681   Peer Mohamed D;Muhammad Ilyas M H (PG Dep of and Microbiology, Jamal Mohamed Coll, Tiruchirappalli-620 002) : Aetiological agents of acute and chronic conjunctivities and their responses to some topical antibiotics. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 129-31.

Eye is one of the essential and necessary organ of all living beings and conjunctiva is a part of it. Seventy two cases of clinically suspected conjunctivitis were taken for the study. Among them 39(54.16%) cases were found to be culture positive and the remaining 33(45.84%) cases were culture negative. Prevalently Staphylococcus epidermidis and Acinetobacter spp were isolated. Thirty-two antibiotic discs were screened for in vitro sensitivity test, among them, commercially available topical antibiotic drops, and Ofloxacin was highly sensitive to most of the isolates.

3 tables, 9 ref

005680   Parvateesam M;Bulchandani B D (Microbiology Lab Dep of Bot, Government Coll, Ajmer-305 001) : Nitrate reduction by Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from rhizosphere and hydrocarbon spilled soils. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 111-13.

Six bacterial isolates were purified from several isolates obtained from the rhizosphere of Ocimum sanctum and hydrocarbon spilled soils collected from Ajmer. Among them one isolate which is identified as Pseudomonas aernginosa a widely distributed bacterium has exhibited the potential to convert nitrates to nitrites, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide and finally to dinitrogen. Such forms have wide practical applications (as bioremedying agents) in treating the environments polluted with nitrates released due to various anthropogenic activities.

1 table, 15 ref

005679   Parulekar C;Bhosle S;Mavinkurve S (Dep of Microbiology, Goa Univ, Goa-403 206) : Multiple pathways for the biodegradation of aromatic compounds in Pseudomonas mendocina P₂d. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 85-9.

Array of colours such as yellow, orange, pink, wine-red, brown and black were formed when Pseudomonas mendocina P₂d cells grew in sodium benzoate or tyrosine. Formation of these colours succession is ascribed to the presence of multiple enzymes involved in the metabolism of aromatic compounds, such as catechol 1, 2 dioxygenase, catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase, protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase, tyrosinase in the culture.

3 tables, 21 ref

005678   Parasher R;Malik R K;Puniya A K (Diary Microbiology Div, Natn Dairy Res Institute, Karnal-132 001) : Extraction, purification and characterization of exopolysaccharide produced by Lactococcus lactis PM 23 using formulated paneer whey. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 13-17.

Extraction, purification and characterization of exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Lactococcus lactis PM 23, a selected isolate from dariy products is discussed. EPS was optimally produced in the late log phase in Paneer whey medium (7.5% glucose) at pH 7.0. inoculated with overnight culture @ 2% and incubated at 22°C for 24 hrs. EPS was isolated by repeated ethanol precipitation and purified by dialysis and DEAE cellulose column chromatography, resulting in an EPS containing 93.2% Carbohydrate and overall 40.07% recovery. The purified EPS had the protein content of 0.014 mg/mg of EPS. The EPS with a molecular weight of approximately 188,000 revealed the presence of galactose and glucose monomers in the molar ratio of 2:1. An aqueous solution of EPS (0.2%) showed maximum relative viscosity at pH 7.0.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

005677   Narayana K J P;Ravikiran D;Vijayalakshmi M (Dep of Bot and Microbiology, Nagarjuna Univ, Guntur-522 510) : Screening of Streptomyces species from cultivated soil for broad spectrum antimicrobial compounds. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 121-4.

Streptomyces species are found to be very predominant microflora among actinomycetes population present in cultivated soils. Most of them produce compounds which exhibit antimicrobial properties. An attempt to screen Streptomyces isolates for broad spectrum anitmicrobial compounds active against fungi as well as bacteria. Incidence of two Streptomyces isolates obtained from cultivated soil was found to be high among the four isolates. These two isolates grew well on asparagine-glycerol-salts agar medium. They were also cultured on tyrosine agar medium for testing their ability to produce melanin. Compounds produced by these two Streptomyces isolates exhibited antimicrobial nature against gram positive, gram negative bacteria and yeast.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

005676   Nambiar D R;Verma R J (NO, Univ Sch of Sci Gujarat Univ, Ahmedabad-380 009) : In vitro effect of papaya seed extract on erythrocytes. Toxic int 2005, 12(1), 25-6.

Saline suspension of RBC when incubated with increasing concentrations (0.05-8.0 mg/ml) of aqueous papaya seed extract at 37°C for 6 hrs caused marked alterations in morphological characters of RBC followed by hemolysis. The effect was more pronounced with higher concentrations of extract than that of the lower. The result suggests extreme cytotoxic effect of extract on RBC leading to its lysis.

1 tables, 10 ref

005675   Nair N;Bedwal S;Prasad S;Saini M R;Bedwal R S (Cell Biol Laboratory Dep of Zool, Univ of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004, Email: neenazoology@yahoo.co.in) : Short-term zinc deficiency in diet induces increased oxidative stress in testes and epididymis of rats. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(9), 786-94.

In order to determine the effects of Zinc deficient diet on oxidative stress in testis and epididymis, various parameters viz: total proteins, lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxides, antioxidant capacity and enzymatic activities are evaluated in rats fed on zinc deficient diet for 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Total proteins, water and lipid solouble antioxidant capacity decreased while lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and hydroperoxides concentration increased in testes, caput and cauda epididymis except in 2ZD (testes) where hydroperoxides revealed a significant decrease. GSH decreased in testes and caput and cauda epididy mis GPx and γ-GT activities increased in testes and caput and cauda epididymis of zinc deficient rats. Further, GST increased in testes but exhibited decreases after 2 and 4 weeks and an increase after 6 weeks in caput and cauda epididymis of zinc deficient rats GR activities decreased in testes but it increased in caput and cauda epididymis of zinc deficient rats. Thus, zinc deprivation results in increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. All these may have been as a consequence of increased ROS generation and/or decreased zinc dependent antioxidant processes.

1 illus, 2 tables, 71 ref

005674   Nabi B;Srikumar K (Dep of Biol Sci, Pondicherry Univ, Pondicherry-605 014) : Influence of metal ions, protein denaturants and temperatures, on α- amylase activity in Cereus pterogonus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 125-7.

Partially purified enzyme, having pH optimum at 8.5, and the existence of two isoforms T₅₀ & T₈₀ of amylase enzyme activity having the temperature optimum of 50°C and 80°C respectively has been detected in the cladode of Cereus pterogonus. The activity of the T₈₀ isoform was found to be stabilized by Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ & Na⁺. The enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by Hg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺ and EDTA, but less affected by Ni²⁺ and Mn²⁺. Metal stabilization of enzyme activity possibly offered an additional strategy for the plants to grow in stress condition.

3 illus, 13 ref

005673   Muthuraman B;Ranganathan R (Dep of Bot, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Studies on the photosynthetic pigments of certain marine algae of Kanyakumari coast. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 73-5.

An attempt has been made to study the photosynthetic pigments of Caulerpa scalpelliformis, Cladophora vagabunda, Enteromorpha compressa, Halimeda macroloba, Ulva fasciata and Chaetomorpha antennina (Chlorophyceae), Padina boergesenii and Sargassum wightii (Phaeophyceae) and Gracilaria corticata, Gracilaria fergusonii, Laurencia rigida and Hypnea musciformis (Rhodophyceae). Among the 12 species, the highest total chlorophyll content was found in Ulva fasciata and lowest in Laurencia rigida. Carotenoid content was high in Ulva fasciata and low in Hypnea musciformis. The highest anthocyanin content was found in Padina boergesenii and lowest in Cladophora vagabunda.

1 table, 8 ref

005672   Mishra S S;Shekhar M S (NO, Cent Inst of Brackishwater Aquaculture, 75, Santhome High Road, R A Puram, Chennai-600 028, Email: ss_mishra60@yahoo.co.uk) : White spot syndrome virus isolates of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Fabricious) in India are similar to exotic isolates as revealed by polymerase chain reaction and electron microscopy. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(7), 654-61.

Microbiological analysis of samples collected from cases of white spot disease outbreaks in cultured shrimp in different farms located in three regions along East Coast of India viz. Chidambram (Tamil Nadu), Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) and Balasore (Orissa), revealed presence of Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Aeromonas spp. but experimental infection trials in Penaeus monodon with these isolates did not induce any acute mortality or formation of white spots on carapace. Infection trials using filtered tissue extracts by oral and injection method induced mortality in healthy P. monodon with all samples and 100% mortality was noted by the end of 7 day post-inoculation. Histopathological analysis demonstrated degenerated cells characterized by hypertrophied nuclei in gills, hepatopancreas and lymphoid organ with presence of intranuclear basophilic or eosino-basophilic bodies in tubular cells and intercellular spaces. Analysis of samples using 3 different primer sets as used by other for detection of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) generated 643, 1447 and 520bp amplified DNA products in all samples except in one instance. Variable size virions with mean size in the range of 110x320± 20 nm were observed under electron microscope. It could be concluded that the viral isolates in India involved with white spot syndrome in cultured shrimp are similar to RV-PJ and SEMBV in Japan, WSBV in Taiwan and WSSV in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China and Japan.

6 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

005671   Mathur N;Bhatnagar P;Dhewa T;Chug S (Environmental Toxicol Unit Dep of Zool, Univ of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Genotoxic effects of oblack RL and green 6B dyes used in textile industries. Toxic int 2005, 12(1), 5-8.

Two textile dyes from Sanganer (Rajasthan) were tested for their genotoxicity, using an in-vitro Ames assay. Results from the study showed that the dyes being used in textile industries at Sanganer can induce genotoxic responses and therefore should be used with great caution.

2 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

005670   Mathur A K (Industrial Toxicol Res Cent, , Post Box No 80, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226 001) : Effects of dermal application of chromium and linear alkylbenzene sulphonate alone and in combination in guinea pigs. Toxic int 2005, 12(1), 9-12.

The effects of the dermal application of chromium (Cr), linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) alone and the combination of Cr + LAS for a period of 30 days on liver, kidney and skin have been investigated. Significantly increased activities of enzymes such as aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and beta-glucuronidase occured in the above tissues of exposed animals. Increased lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione were also observed. The histamine contents in skin increased in Cr+LAS exposed group. Cr accumulated significantly in tissues. Shrunken hepatocytes, lobulisation and congestion of vacuoles in kidney and thickening of the stratum corneum of skin were observed. Biochemical and histopathological alterations and metal accumulation were more marked in the Cr+LAS exposed group.

3 tables, 18 ref

005669   Mastan S A;Qureshi T A (Dep of Appl Aquaculture, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026) : Bacteriological and histopathological investigations on EUS affected Puntius sarana (Ham.). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 115-20.

Bacteriological investigations on EUS affected Puntius sarana revealed the occurrence of five types of bacteria from the ulcers and internal organs viz. liver, kidney and spleen. The bacteria isolated are identified as A. hydrophila, A. sobria, P. fluorescent, P. aeruginosa and M. varians. Out of these bacteria, A. hydrophila and P. fluorescens are observed to be highly pathogenic while A. sobria and M. varians are found to be less pathogenic. P. aeruginosa is found to be non-pathogenic in nature. Histopathological investigations, made on the skin of affected fish, have revealed the varying degree of necrosis in the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.

2 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

005668   Marimuthu N;Jerald Wilson J;Muthuraman B; Magesh S;Kumaraguru A K (Cent for Mar and Cstl Stud Sch of Energy, Environment and Nat Resources Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021) : Algae as biofoulers in pudhumadam coastal waters in the Gulf of Mannar. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 41-6.

Protection against fouling organisms calls for a knowledge of their ecology and seasonal variation. Towards this, a biofouling panel system was constructed at Pudhumadam coast, comprising of four types of test panels for observing the settlement and recruitment of fouling communities during the period from November, 2002 to November, 2003 and the algal species as foulers were recorded. Polysiphonia unguiformis and Sphacelaria sp. appeared as the dominants. Lobophora variegata, Chlorodesmis hildebrandtii and Cladophora vagabunda were also recorded on the panels. Sargassum myriocystum, S. ilicifolium, S. plagiophyllum, S. wightii, S. cristaefolium and Cymodacea serrulata formed the cast-ashore organisms on the panels.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

005667   Mantri V A;Joshi H V;Zaidi S H (Mar Algae and Mar Environment Dep, Cent Salt & Mar Chemicals Res Inst, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar-364 002) : Seaweeds of Samiani Island - II Family : Caulerpaceae (Chlorophyta). Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 231-6.

Taxonomic and ecological accounts of 6 species of Caulerpa Lamouroux belonging to the family Caulerpaceae (Chlorophyta), collected from Samiani Island, West coast of India were given along with habitat and distribution in India. Out of 6 species described, Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskal) J. Agardh var. occidentalis (J. Agardh) Borgesen is first time recorded from the Indian coast where as Caulerpa microphysa (Weber-van Bosse) J. Feldmarm is the first record for the West coast of India.

4 illus, 12 ref

005666   Mahlawat S;Ashwani Kumar (Dep of Bot, Univ of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : A potential use of certain medicinal plants in curing indignous ailments among rural women. Mendel int J 2005, 22(3-4), 112.

Local medicine man (vaidyas, hakims, sadhues and old men and ladies) depends on locally available plants for health care and treatment of various diseases related to female genital system (Leucorrhoea, Menorrhagia, Mennorrhoea) and menstrual disorders.

3 tables, 6 ref

005665   Lakhe S B;Waghmare S V;Paunikar W N (Natn Environmental Engng Res Inst, , Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020) : Concentration and detection of enteroviruses from domestic sewage and effluent using magnetic iron oxide. J Indian Ass Envir Mgmt 2005, 32(2), 83-90.

Sample method has been developed for concentration of enteroviruses from clarified raw sewage and effluents. This method utilizes magnetic iron oxide in small volumes of blended and clarified sewage along with AlCl₃. Experiments were initially conducted to determine virus adsorption time, effective pH for maximum virus adsorption, time required for elution of adsorbed viruses and optimum eluent pH for elution of viruses from iron oxide. It has been observed that enteroviruses from sewage were adsorbed to iron oxide at pH 6.0 in presence of AlCl₃ at a molarity of 0.0005. The viruses adsorbed on iron oxide were effectively eluted with 5 ml of 3% beef extract at pH 9.5. The Iron oxide method was evaluated by comparing with membrane filter (MF) method for recovery of viruses from sewage. Results of seven sewage samples collected on different occasions revealed that an average of 3172 and 5669 plaque forming units (PFU)/L were obtained by MF and Iron oxide (IO) method respectively. This indicates that the iron oxide method is an efficient method for concentration of viruses from sewage. There was no difference in the recovery of viruses from treated effluent by MF and magnetic Iron oxide method.

2 illus, 7 tables, 26 ref

005664   Kushwah A;Kushwah H S (Dep of animal Biochem & Biotechnology, Coll of Vet Sci & Anim Husbandry, Jabalpur-482 001) : Changes in protein and glucose metabolism upon supplemented extruded faba bean (Vica faba L) feeding in rats. Indian vet med J 2005, 29(1), 49-52.

Study was conducted to evaluate the effect on carbohydrate and protein metabolism in liver and muscles of weanling albino rats fed either on protein free or protein enriched cereals based diets; extruded faba bean (EFB) (Vicia faba L), being rich in protein, served as a protein supplement. A disturbance in carbohydrate and protein metabolism was observed in animals fed on protein free or low protein diet. Supplementation of cereals with EFB at 20% level improved the biological utilization of dietary protein as well as adaptation in carbohydrate metabolism. Inclusion of EFB at higher level did not prove beneficial.

1 table, 12 ref

005663   Kshirsagar M;Patil M B (Post Grad Teaching Dep of Biochem, Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033) : Investigations in to the hemagglutinins of Coccinea grandis. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 99-103.

Coccinea grandis from Cucurbitaceae family was found to contain quite large amount of erythrocyte agglutinating proteins capable of agglutinating human as well as other animal erythrocytes. The ammonium sulphate precipitated proteins were stable upto 100°C and active at the pH range of 3 to 11.0. Agglutination of erythrocytes by these proteins was not inhibited by either EDTA or by any of the metal ions tested.

5 tables, 22 ref

005662   Krithika K N;Dabir P;Kulkarni S;Anandharaman V;Reddy M V R (Dep of Biochem & Jamnalal Bajaj Trop Dis Res Cent, Mahatma Gandhi Inst of Med Sci, Sewagram-442 102, Email: mvrreddy_wda@sancharnet.in) : Identification of 38kDa Brugia malayi microfilarial protease as a vaccine candidate for lymphatic filariasis. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(9), 759-68.

A FPLC purified 38kDa protease (Bm mf S-7) isolated from B. malayi microfilarial soluble antigen was identified. It showed pronounced reactivity with sera collected from 'putatively immune` asymptomatic and amicrofilaraemic individuals residing in an endemic area for bancroftian filariasis. Further the immune protective activity of Bm mf S-7 antigen was evaluated in susceptible hosts, jirds (Meriones unguiculatus) against B. malayi filarial infection. The antigen showed 89% cytotoxicity against mf and 87-89% against infective (L₃) larvae in in vitro antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity Assay (ADCC) and in situ micropore chamber methods. Bm mf S-7 immunized jirds after challenge infection showed 81.5% reduction in the adult worm burden. The study has shown that, the 38kDa microfilarial proteases (Bm mf S-7) could stimulate a strong protective immune response against microfilariae and infective larvae in jird model to block the transmission of filariasis. Analysis of IgG subclasses against Bm mf S-7 revealed a significant increase in IgG2 and IgG3 antibodies in endemic normals. Lymphocyte proliferation to Bm mf S-7 was significantly high in endemic normal group as compared to that in clinical and microfilarial carriers. Significantly enhanced levels of IFN-γ in the culture supernatant of PBMC of endemic normals followed by stimulation with Bm mf S-7 suggest that the cellular response in this group is skewed towards Th 1 type.

6 illus, 2 tables, 44 ref

005661   Kerkar V (Dep of Bot, Goa Univ, Goa-403 206) : Addition to the marine algal flora of Goa. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 19-21.

Seven species of marine algae (2 Chlorophyta, 2 Phaeophyta and 3 Rhodophyta) are recorded from various localities of Goa for the first time. Detailed account of habitat, distribution, morphological and reproductive features of these algae is given.

1 illus, 6 ref

005660   Kamal Kishore;Singh M (Dep of Pharmacy, M J P Rohilkhand Univ, Bareilly-243 006) : Effect of bacosides, alcoholic extract of Bacopa monniera Linn. (brahmi), on experimental amnesia in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(7), 640-5.

To investigate the effect of bacosides (alcoholic extract of brahmi) on scopolamine (3 mg kg^-1, ip), sodium nitrite (75 mg kg^-1, ip) and BN52021 (15 mg kg^-1, ip) induced experimental amnesia in mice, using Morris water maze test, all the agents were administered 30 min before the acquisition trials on each day and repeated for 4 consecutive days, and on 5th day during the retrieval trials. Bacosides on anterograde administration (before training) in mice, significantly decreased the escape latency time (ELT) during the acquisition trials for 4 consecutive days and increased the time spent (TS) in target quadrant during the retrieval trials on 5th day, and on retrograde administration (after training) bacosides were found not to affect TS significantly. Bacosides also significantly decreased the ELT and increased the TS in mice treated anterogradely with scopolamine and sodium nitrite. Bacosides did not exhibit any significant effect on TS of mice treated retrogradely with sodium nitrite. On the other hand, bacosides significantly increased the TS of mice treated retrogradely with BN52021. On the basis of the present results it can be concluded that bacosides facilitate anterograde memory and attenuate anterograde experimental amnesia induced by scopolamine and sodium nitrite possibly by improving acetylcholine level and hypoxic conditions, respectively. Beside this bacosides'also reversed BN52021 induced retrograde amnesia, probably due to increase in platelet activating factor (PAF) synthesis by enhancing cerebral glutamate level.

3 illus, 39 ref

005659   Kaliaperumal N;Kalimuthu S;Ramalingam J R (Regional Cent of Cent Mar Fish Res Inst, , Marine Fisheries-623 520) : Present scenario of seaweed exploitation and industry in India. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 47-53.

Data collected on the commercial exploitation of seaweeds from the natural seaweed beds of Tamilnadu during 4 years period from 2000 to 2003 showed that the quantity of agarophytes viz. Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis, G. crassa, G. foliifera and G. verrucosa varied from 965 to 1518 tonnes (dry wt) and alginophytes Sargassum spp and Turbinaria spp from 1433 to 2285 tonnes (dry wt) per year. The commercial harvest of seaweeds in Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay is recommended only during the peak growth period of the algae from July/August to January. The harvest of commercially important seaweeds in a rational way from other parts of Indian coast, Lakshadweep and Andaman-Nicobar Islands is suggested. The need for large scale cultivation of agarophytes to augment the resources and uninterrupted supply of raw materials to the seaweed industries is emphasised.

1 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref

005658   Kalesh N S;Muraleedharan Nair S (Dep of Chem Oceanography Sch of Mar Sci, Cochin Univ of Sci and Technol, Kochi-682 016) : Iron and manganese levels in marine macroalgae from Kerala, Southwest coast of India. Seaweed Res Utilis 2004, 26(1-2), 99-116.

Six species of marine macroalgae belonging to the classes Chlorophyceae and Rhodophyceae, viz., Chaetomorpha antennina, Enteromorpha intestinalis, Ulva lactuca, Gracilaria corticata, Centroceras clavulatum and Grateloupia filicina, collected from two locations (Ettikkulam and Narakkal) along the Kerala coast were analysed for Fe and Mn contents. Specieswise and classwise variations were determined on a spatial and temporal scale. Fe contents varied in the range 180 - 18590μg g^-1 (mean = 4230μg g^-1) and Mn in the range 14 - 202μg g^-1 (mean = 71.8μg g^-1). Fe levels of algae were found to be higher than those reported from most of the other coastal regions of India, while Mn levels were comparatively lower. Fe contents were of similar magnitude to those reported for algae from polluted areas. Algae from both Etikkulam and Narakkal showed significant interspecies variations in the Fe and Mn contents. Significant interclass variations were observed only for Mn contents of algae from Ettikkulam. Spatial variations in Fe levels were significant for Chlorophyceae, while that in Mn levels were significant for Rhodophyceae only. Temporal variations were also observed in the Fe and Mn levels of marine macroalgae from Kerala. The average Fe contents of both Chlorophyceae and Rhodophyceae showed minimum values in summer monsooon (southwest monsoon) season and maximum values in the late summer season (pre-monsoon season). Mn contents showed a variable trend.

8 illus, 6 tables, 32 ref

005657   Jitender Kumar;Garg S K;Kashyap S S;Singh Y; Mishra S K (Dep of Vet Physiol, U P Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay Vet Sci Univ, Mathura-281 001) : Clinicopathological alterations in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) after short-term exposure to saline drinking water. Toxic int 2005, 12(1), 27-31.

Four groups, each consisting of five adult female brown-breasted layer Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnixjaponica), were maintained on standard feed and drinking water. Group I (control with no salt), groups II and III were provided salt at 0.5 and 1.0% (W/V) in water, respectively for 3 weeks and group IV were offered water having 2% salt for one week only. Blood samples were collected from birds of groups I, II and III on 22nd day and of group IV on 8th day. Serum was separated for estimation of blood biochemical and enzymatic analytes. Sodium chloride at 0.5% in water for three weeks did not alter any of the biochemical parameters studied except significant (p <60> 0.01) increase in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. But 1% sodium chloride significantly (P <60> 0.01) reduced serum albumin levels and increased sodium and aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities. However, 2% salt slightly reduced total serum proteins, albumin, glucose and potassium and increased sodium levels and activity of alanine aminotransferase. However, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities increased significantly (P<60>0.01) within one week of treatment. Histopathological examination of liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, intestines and brain of the birds of different groups revealed common salt-induced hepato-, nephro-, cardio-, neuro- and immuno-toxicity potential of common salt in water to quails.

3 illus, 1 tables, 24 ref

005656   Jayaprakash K;Chinnaswamy P (Dep of Biochem, Dr N G P Arts & Sci Coll Kovai Med Cent Res & Educ Trust, Coimbatore-641 014, Email: jeypee5@rediffmail.com) : Effect of spirulina and Liv-52 on cadmium induced toxicity in albino rat. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(9), 773-81.

Oral administration of cadmium (6mg/kg body weight/day) as cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) for 30 days resulted in a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level and a decrease in the levels of copper, zinc, iron, selenium, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase when compared to normal control. Administration of either Liv-52 alone or in combination with spirulina produced a well pronounced protective effect in respect to these parameters in cadmium intoxicated rats. The protective effect of spirulina and Liv-52 in respect to biochemical changes were also confirmed by histopathological study in the liver and kidney sections.

2 illus, 4 tables, 56 ref

005655   Jarial K;Shyam K R (Vegetable Path Laboratory Dep of Mycol and Pl Path, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Hort and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230) : Growth of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris as influenced by different temperature regimes, pH levels and liquid media. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(1), 35-8.

Among various temperature regimes maximum growth of the bacterium was recorded at 30°C followed by 25°C while, among various pH levels, pH 6.0 was found to be the most favourable in supporting bacterial growth followed by pH 7.0. However, the combined effect of temperature and pH levels revealed maximum growth of the bacterium at a combination of pH 6.5 with 30°C followed by pH 6.0 at same temperature and pH 6.5 with 28°C. Least bacterial growth was recorded at 20°C and pH 5.0. Among different liquid media, SX medium favoured maximum bacterial growth followed by basal starch cycloheximide antibiotic broth while, minimum growth of the bacterium was supported by yeast extract nutrient broth.

4 tables, 9 ref

005654   Hemieda F A E;Abdel-Hady E S K;Elnga M A A (Zool Dep Fac of Sci, Mansoura Univ, Egypt) : Biochemical and histological studies on H2-receptor antagonist ranitidine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(9), 782-5.

The study was designed to investigate the hepatotoxicity of ranitidine treatment in dose levels of 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg b. wt. for 3 week period in male rats. The results showed some adverse changes in rats treated with either 10 or 30 mg/kg. Treatment with dose of 50 mg/kg produced marked increase in the activity of both acid phosphatase in liver and asparatate aminotransferase in serum and liver, with a tendency for increase in serum alanine aminotransferase activity. Also, a significant decrease in the serum activity of both amylase and alkaline phosphatase was noted. Microscopic examination of livers of the same animals revealed absence of some hepatic cells, pyknotic nuclei, dilation of blood sinusoids, binucleated cells, and infiltration of lymphocytes. These biochemical and histological changes indicate that ranitidine when given chronically in high dose could produce hepatotoxictiy in rats.

1 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

005653   Halder A;Patra M;De M (Genetic Toxicol Unit Dep of Genet, Vivekananda Inst of Med Sci, Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, 99 Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata-700 026, Email: ajantahaldar@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of mercury toxicity by some cytological indices in leucocyte cultures. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(8), 737-9.

The genotoxicity induced by different levels of inorganic mercury was evaluated by chromosome metaphase analysis in human leucocytes, treated in vitro for 72 hr. Mitotic index gradually decreased with an increase in concentration of mercury but the reverse phenomenon was observed with respect to chromosomal aberration due to its probable interaction with protein and DNA.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

005652   Goel R K;Sairam K;Dorababu M;Prabha T;Rao C V (Dep of Pharmacology, Inst of Med Sciences, Varanasi-221 005, Email: rkgoel_bhu@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of standardized extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn. on gastric mucosal offensive and defencive factors. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(8), 715-21.

The standardized methanolic extract of leaves of O. sanctum (OSE; eugenol content 5%) given in doses of 50-200 mg/kg, orally, twice daily for five days showed dose-dependent ulcer protective effect against cold restraint stress induced gastric ulcers. Optimal effective dose (100 mg/kg) of OSE showed significant ulcer protection against ethanol and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers, but was ineffective against aspirin-induced ulcers. OSE significantly healed ulcers induced by 50% acetic acid after 5 and 10 days treatment. OSE (100mg/kg) significantly inhibited the offensive acid-pepsin secretion and lipid peroxidation and increased the gastric defensive factors like mucin secretion, cellular mucus, and life span of mucosal cells and had antioxidant effect, but did not induce mucosal cell proliferation. The results indicate that the ulcer protective and healing effects of OSE may be due to its effects both on offensive and defensive mucosal factors.

6 tables, 46 ref

005651   Gaikward R V;Gaonkar R K;Jadhav S A;Thorat V M;Jadhav J H;Balsara J J (Dep of Pharmacology, Krishna Inst of Med Sci, Karad-415 110, Email: klgaonkar@sancharnet.in) : Involvement of central serotonergic systems in dextromethorphan-induced behavioural syndrome in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2005, 43(7), 620-5.

Dextromethorphan, a noncompetitive blocker of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate receptor, at 45, 60 and 75 mg/kg, ip doses induced a behavioural syndrome characterised by reciprocal forepaw treading, lateral head-weaving, hind-limb abduction and flat body posture. Such type of behavioural syndrome is induced by 8-hydroxy-2- (di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) by directly stimulating the central postsynaptic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) receptors of the 5-HT_1A type. Pretreatment with buspirone (5, 10 mg/kg, ip) and l-propranolol (10, 20 mg/kg, ip) antagonised the behavioural syndrome induced by 8-OH-DPAT and dextromethorphan. Pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (100 mg/kg/day x 4 days) antagonised the behavioural syndrome induced by dextromethorphan and dexfenfluramine but had no significant effect on 8-OH-DPAT induced behavioural syndrome. This indicates that dextromethorphan induces the behavioural syndrome by releasing 5-HT from serotonergic neurons with resultant activation of the postsynaptic 5-HT_1A receptors by the released 5-HT. Pretreatment with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, ip) significantly potentiated the behavioural syndrome induced by dextromethorphan and 5-hydroxytryptophan but significantly antagonised dexfenfluramine induced behavioural syndrome. This indicates that dextromethorphan releases 5-HT by a mechanism which differs from that of dexfenfluramine. Dextromethorphan may be releasing 5-HT by blocking the NMDA receptors and thereby counteracting the inhibitory influence of 1-glutamate on 5-HT release.

3 tables, 18 ref