006464   Rathi B S;Bodhankar S L;Baheti A M (Dep of Pharmac, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed Univ, Poona College of Pharmacy and Research Centre, Kothrud, Pune-411 038, Email: badalrathi@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of aqueous leaves extract of Moringa oleifera Linn for wound healing in albino rats. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 898-901.

Aqueous extract of leaves of M. oleifera was investigated and rationalised for its wound healing activity. The aqueous extract was studied at dose level of 300 mg/kg body weight using resutured incision; excision and dead space wound models in rats. Significant increase in wound closure rate, skin-breaking strength, granuloma breaking strength, hydroxyproine content, granuloma dry weight and decrease in scar area was observed. The prohealing actions seem to be due to increased collagen deposition as well as better alignment and maturation. From the results obtained, it may be concluded that the aqueous extract of M. oleifera has significant wound healing property.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

006463   Raja I A (Zool Dep, Shri Shivaji Coll of Arts Commerce and Sci, Akola-444 001) : Copulation behaviour in Mycophagus thrips, Elaphrothrips procer (Schmutz) (Phleothripidae : Thysanoptera). Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 359-62.

Elaphrothrips procer (Schmutz) is a dominant mycophagus species of thrips, distributed in association with fungus infested dry leaves of Butea monosperma. It belongs to the order Thysanoptera, (Tubulifera-Phleothripidae). It reproduces sexually as well as parthenogenetically. The insects are collected during the post monsoon season along-with the host leaves. The pairing adult male and females were observed in the laboratory till the period of mating was completed. Specific mating behaviour was observed in both males and females. Males of E. procer were observed to mate several times with the ovipositing female. Females of E. procer were observed to mate 5 to 6 times with the same male and the act of mating found to be continued for 10 to 30 minutes in E. procer.

21 ref

006462   Patil R A;Jagdale S C;Kasture S B (NO, MAEERs Maharashtra Inst of Pharm, Kothrud, Pune-411 038) : Antihyperglycemic, antistress and nootropic activity of roots of Rubia cordifolia Linn. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 987-92.

Effect of alcoholic extract of roots of Rubia cordifolia was studied on elevated blood glucose level in alloxan treated animals. The extract reduced the blood sugar level raised by alloxan. Effect of alcoholic extract was also investigated on cold restraint induced stress and on scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Alcoholic extract enhanced brain γ-amino-n-butyric acid (GABA) levels and decreased brain dopamine and plasma corticosterone levels. Acidity and ulcers caused due to cold restraint stress were inhibited by alcoholic extract. Animals treated with alcoholic extract spent more time in open arm in elevated plus maze model. It also antagonized scopolamine induced learning and memory impairment. Baclofen induced catatonia was potentiated by alcoholic extract.

6 tables, 28 ref

006461   Parthasarathi K (Div of Vermibiotechnology Dep of Zool, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: kpsarathi_2000@rediffmail.com) : Aging of pressmud vermicasts of Lampito mauritii (Kinberg) and Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg)-Reduction in microbial population and activity. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 221-3.

Total microbial population (including fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes) and activity (dehydrogenase) in the pressmud vermicasts of Lampito mauritii and Eudrilus eugeniae (fresh, 15 and 30 days old) have been determined. The fresh pressmud vermicasts of both worms show relatively higher microbial population and activity than uningested pressmud. This enrichment are due to nutrient rich substrate concentration, optimal moisture, germination or multiplication of microbes after passing through the gut and large surface area of vermicasts. Increased microbial activity results in increased mineralization of micro and macro nutrients in the casts. But in 15 days old casts of both the worms there is a relatively reduced microbial population and activity and significantly in 30 days old casts (p<60>0.05). Such reduced microbial population and activity in aged casts are due to reduced moisture, nutrient content due to depletion, leaching and immobilization and inactivation of microorganisms. Therefore, the application of fresh pressmud vermicasts with increased microbial population and activity to the soil support better improvement of soil fertility.

1 table, 18 ref

006460   Pande S;Pawashe A (NO, ELA Foundation, Bhosale Park, Sahakarnagar-2, Pune-411 009, Email: satishpande@hotmail.com ) : Status, population estimates and effect of urbanization on post-breeding shrikes Lanius spp. in Maharashtra, India. Zoos Print J 2006, 21(8), 2374-6.

^ssc1 illus, 11 ref, 1 table

006459   Olatunji L A;Soladoye A O (Dep of Physiol and Biochemistry. Coll of Med, Univ of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria, Email: tunjilaw04@yahoo.com) : Effect of increased calcium intake on cardiac and vascular Na<. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 875-9.

Study aimed at investigating the influence of increased dietary calcium on Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity in heart and aorta of female Sprague-Dawley rats treated with oral contraceptive (OC) steroids. Rats were grouped as control (CR), OC-treated and OC+calcium-treated. OC-treated and OC+calcium-treated received a combination of OC steriods (ethinyloestradiol and norgestrel; ig). OC+calcium-treated rats were fed with 2.5% calcium diet, while OC-treated and CR groups were fed on 0.9% calcium diet. The activity of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase in heart and aorta was significantly lower in OC-treated rats than those in the other groups. OC treatment caused significant increase in plasma glucose and significant decrease in plasma K⁺ as compared to control group. Decrease in Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and plasma K⁺ was abrogated by increased calcium intake, while increase in plasma glucose was not normalized by calcium supplementation. Plasma levels of Na⁺, lipid peroxidation index and ascorbic acid were comparable among the three groups. These results showed that OC treatment could lead to impaired activity of cardiac and vascular Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, possibly due to reduced plasma K⁺level and these effects could be abolished by high calcium diet.

2 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

006458   Nandi S;Girish Kumar V;Gupta P S P (NO, Natn Inst of Anim Nutr and Physiol, Adugodi, Bangalore-560 030, Email: snandi71@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of ovine follicular fluid peptide on ovarian responses and other organ weights in rats, Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout 1769. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 880-5.

Effect of an ovine follicular fluid peptide on ovarian follicle and good oocyte numbers and weights of ovary, uterus, liver, pancreas and kidney in rats, R. norvegicus. A 30.1 kDa peptide was isolated from ovine follicular fluid by ammonium sulphate precipitation and then gel filtration. The peptide was tested at various levels in normal (22 and 36 day-old), superovulated (29 day-old) immature and 121-day old mature rats on the ovarian responses and other organ weights. The isolated peptide inhibited the growth of antral follicles in normal and superovulated rats. Ovarian, uterine weight and recovery of good oocytes were reduced when the peptide was administered at 100 μg dose. The peptide had no effect on kidney, liver, pancreas weight and recovery of preantral follicles.

4 tables, 23 ref

006457   Keshri D K;Singh S K;Singh B K (NO, T.S. Coll, Hisua, Nawada, Bihar) : Histomorphology of Corpus allatum in pre-copulating female Spilostethus pandurus (Scopali) (Lygaeidae : Heteroptera). Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 99-100.

Corpus allatum of Spilostethus pandurus is a single, median, globular and somewhat flattened structure, lying posterior to the corpora cardiaca. It is situated above the gut and ventral to aorta. The corpus alatum is composed of syncytial packed cells of one type. PF - positive neurosecretory material has been observed in the Corpus allatum of S. pandurus like those found in a number of Corpus allatum itself. The cells of Corpus allatum show definite secretory cycle during reproductive activities in female S. pandurus.

2 illus, 12 ref

006456   Karn P M;Mallik K N (NO, , Shyamangan, Damuchak, Muzaffarpur-842 001) : Pupal parasitisation of Leucinodes orbonalis, a means of pollution control. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 65-8.

Trathala flavor-orbitalis Cameron (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is a newly found biological agent insect species from Bihar. It controls the infestation by major borer pest Leucinodes orbonalis without polluting the environment. It parasitized the pupal stage of such borer pest and plays a role as substitute of insecticidal treatment and save the environment by its hazards to some extent.

1 table, 8 ref

006455   Kamath S;Rao S G;Murthy K D;Bairy K L;Bhat S (Dep of Physiology. Pharmac and Biochem, Melaka Manipal Med Coll, Manipal-576 104, Email: surekharkamath@yahoo.com) : Enhanced wound contraction and epithelization period in steroid treated rats: role of pyramid environment. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 902-4.

Contribution and role of a pyramid/square box on the wound healing suppressant effect of dexamethasone was studied in rats of either sex using excision wound model to record the wound contraction rate and epithelization period. The results showed enhanced wound contraction rate and decreased epithelization period in the pyramid-exposed rats as compared to controls. Thus, it appears that pyramid environment facilitates the process of wound healing. Also, the wound healing suppressant effects of dexamethasone were significantly reduced.

2 tables, 12 ref

006454   Jamuar M K;Paul N;Pandey P N (Zool Dep, S.S. Memorial Coll, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Predatory behaviour of some aquatic insects of fish spawn (hatchlings) in laboratory. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 9-16.

The pedatory behaviour of four aquatic insects, namely Anisops bouvieri, Laccotrephes ruber, Ranatra elongata and Dromogomphus sp. nymph on 5 to 11 days old Cyprinus carpio hatchlings in laboratory to assess the percentage mortality of spawn caused by these insects.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

006453   Jadhav S H;Sarkar S N;Tripathi H C (Div of Pharmac and Toxicol, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: snsarkar@ivri.up.nic.in) : Cytogenetic effects of a mixture of selected metals following subchronic exposure through drinking water in male rats. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 997-1005.

Examines the genotoxic effects of subchronic exposure via drinking water to a mixture of eight metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium, nickel, manganese and iron) found as contaminants of water sources in different parts of India and its possible association with oxidative stress. Male rats were exposed to the mixture at 0, 1, 10 and 100 times the mode concentration of each metal daily for 90 days. Another dose group at concentration equivalent to maximum permissible limit (MPL) for each metal and a reference group given cyclophosphamide were incorporated. The mixture at 100x level significantly increased chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei induction (2.4 folds) in bone marrow cells and reduced the ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocyte's by 25%. The mixture significantly increased sister chromatid exchange in bone marrow (1.67 and 2.3 folds) and spleen (1.57 and 1.98 folds) cells with both 10x and 100x doses. Cyclophosphamide was more potent than the mixture in causing cytogenetic damage in these parameters. In rat spleen, the mixture at 10x and 100x doses caused dose-dependent increase in lipid peroxidation (25.95 and 52.71%) and decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (20.36 and 40.62%), catalase (18.24 and 35.50%), glutathione peroxidase (22.33 and 36.12%) and glutathione reductase (19.22 and 31.35%) and in the level of GSH (19.76 and 35.15%). The results suggest that the mixture induced genotoxicity in rat bone marrow and spleen cells at concentrations relatively higher than that found in groundwater sources and the genotoxic effect could relate to induction of oxidative stress. However, observations with lower doses indicate that additive or synergistic interactions following exposure to metal components at MPL levels or at mode concentrations of contemporary groundwater levels in India may not result in clastogenicity in male rats.

5 tables, 48 ref

006452   Gupta Y C;Sharma P (Zool Dep, B.S.A. Coll, Mathura, U. P.) : A new species of Biasticus Stal, 1866 from India. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 1-4.

Distant (1902) in the series of Fauna of British India, Rhynchota describe two species of the genus from India Faunal limits. It is reported endemic genus. A new species of the genus, Biasticus indicus sp. nov. is decribed from Orissa, India has been presented.

8 illus, 5 ref

006451   Gulati K;Ray A;Masood A;Vijayan V K (Dep of Pharmac and Clin Res Cent, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Inst Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: arunabha14@yahoo.co.in) : Involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of stress susceptibility and adaptation in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(10), 809-15.

Evaluates the regulatory role of nitric oxide (NO) in stress susceptibility and adaptation in rats. Acute restraint stress (RS x1) reduced the number of entries and time spent in the open arms in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test and raised plasma corticosterone levels. RS (x1)-induced neurobehavioral suppression and raised corticosterone levels were attenuated by pretreatment with the NO precursor. L-arginine (500 and 1000 mg/kg) and unaffected or further aggravated by NO synthase inhibitor. L-NAME or 7-nitroindazole (10 and 50 mg/kg). Biochemical assay of plasma and brain homogenates showed that these RS - induced behavioral and neuroendocrinal changes were associated with lowered levels of plasma and brain total nitrates/nitrites (NOx). L-Arginine attenuated the RS-induced suppression of NOx levels in plasma and brain, whereas, the NO synthase inhibitors tended to produce reverse effects. In the experiments involving repeated stress i.e. RS (x5). exposure resulted in attenuation/reversal of (a) neurobehavioral suppression in the EPM test and (b) lowered brain NOx, that was seen after RS (x1). The RS (x5)-induced changes in EPM parameters and brain Nox were further potentiated after L-arginine pretreatment, whereas, the NO synthase inhibitors were less effective. Rats were screened as high and low emotional in the open-field test, and high emotional rats showed greater(a) behavioral suppression in the EPM. (b) corticosterone responses (c) brain NOx suppression, and (d) cold-restraint stress (CRS) induced gastric mucosal lesions as compared to their low emotional counterparts. L-Arginine pretreatment was more effective in modulating the above RS induced stress responses/markers in the high emotional group of rats. Data suggest that NO plays a differential role during exposure to acute and repeated stress situations, and that the relationship between stress and emotionality status may be under the regulatory influence of NO.

5 tables, 33 ref

006450   Godlevsky L S;Kobolev E V;Vom Luijtelaar E L J M;Coenen A M L;Ste[amemlp L O;Smirnov I V (Dep of Biophys Informatics and Med Devices, Med Univ, Odessa, Valehovsky Lane 2, Ukraine) : Influence of transcranial magnetic stimulation on spike-wave discharges in a genetic model of absence epilepsy. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 949-54.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) impulses, (0.5 Hz, 3 impulses) were presented at threshold intensity to male WAG/Rij rats. One group received stimuli, which involved motor responses of hindlimbs, rats of the second group received sham stimulation. Electrocorticograms (ECoG) were recorded before and up to 2 hr from the moment of transcranial magnetic stimulation. It was established that such stimulation engendered a reduction of spike-wave discharge (SWD) bursts duration. This effect was most pronounced in 30 min from the moment of cessation of stimulation, when a decrease of 31.4% was noted in comparison with sham-stimulated control group. The number of bursts of spike-wave discharges was reduced, but did not reach significant difference when compared both with pre-stimulative base-line level and with sham-stimulated control rats. Bursts of spike- wave discharges restored up to pre-stimulative level in 90-150 minutes from the moment of cessation of transcranial stimulation. It can be concluded that transcranial magnetic stimulation possessed an ability to engender short- time suppression of bursts of spike-wave discharges in WAG/Rij rats.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

006449   Ghule B V;Ghante M H;Saoji A N;Yeole P G (NO, Inst of Pharm Educ and Res, Borgaon (Meghe), Wardha-442 001, Email: baluudps@rediffmail.com) : Hypolipidemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Lagenaria siceraria Mol. fruit extract. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 905-9.

Bottle gourd [(Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Stand.] fruit is ascribed with many therapeutic effects. Explore the antihyperlipidemic effect of four different extracts viz. petroleum ether, chloroform, alcoholic and aqueous extracts from bottle gourd in Triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats and their hypolipidemic effects in normocholesteremic rats has been undertaken. The study is comprised preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts. Oral administration of the extracts, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in rats, dose-dependently inhibited the total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins level, and significantly increased the high density lipoproteins level. However, petroleum ether extract did not show the significant effects. Both the chloroform and alcoholic extract exhibited more significant effects in lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoproteins along with increase in HDL as compared to the others. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, sterols, cucurbitacin saponins, polyphenolics, proteins, and carbohydrates. The results obtained suggest marked antihyperlipidemic and hypolipidemic activity of the extracts.

3 tables, 25 ref

006448   Fernando P;Wikramanayake E D;Pastorini J (Cent for Conserv and Res, , Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka, Email: pruthu62@gmail.com) : Impact of tsunami on terrestrial ecosystems of Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Curr Sci 2006, 90(11), 1531-4.

Yala National Park in southeast Sri Lanka, lay in the direct path of the December 2004 tsunami, hence afforded a rare opportunity to study tsunami impacts on a natural ecosystem. Authors has surveyed the impacted area and studied the damage caused to vegetation, early response of vegetation, and effects on animals. Tsunami incursion was patchy, much of the coast being protected by sand dunes. Although impact on vegetation within inundated areas was intense, survival and resiliency of the flora were high. Recovery of vegetation will be rapid and mainly a process of regeneration rather than primary succession. Few large animals were impacted by the tsunami. The occurrence of any major long-term effects on fauna is unlikely.

3 illus, 16 ref

006447   Dwivedi A C;Srivastava S;Rawat A;Krishna Raj Singh (Zool Dep, Univ of Allahabad, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Size composition of highly exploited fish species (Labeo calbasu in the river Ghaghara (Saryoo). Aquacult 2006, 7(1), 137-40.

Fishes are a major component of most aquatic habitats. The Ganga River System is one of the most important River Systems and has catchments area of 9.71 lakh km² (Job, 1951). Ghagjara River is one of the important tributary of the Ganga. Labeo callbasu has emerged the principal component among craps. This study generates some preliminary information on the population dynamics of Labeo calbasu from the Ghgaghara river. The fishes were obtained at random during the months of December 2003 to March 2005. Fish measuring from 15.4 cm to 57.4 cm. The size groups 15.1 - 20.0 cm were dominant (18.13%). The lower and middle size groups were highly exploited population. It is a stabilized population. In stabilized population the number of young and middle age classes or size classes are more nearly equal in number. The size groups 15.1 to 35.0 cm accounted 68.69%.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

006446   Dharmendra Kumar;Sharma K B (P.G. Dep of Zool, M. U., Bodh-Gaya, Bihar) : Biological manifestations of tasar silk worm in relation to treatment of colchicine under different conditions. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 75-7.

Relative effects of different dosges of colchicine on the quantitative characters of tasar producing silkworm, Antheraea mylitta has been presented. The study indicates that different doseges of colchicine advesely effect the biological characters of tasar silkworm under different conditions.

1 table, 7 ref

006445   Choudhary S A (Zool Dep, Govt. Degree Coll, Poonch, J & K) : Response of plant origin insecticide against the growth and development of inactive developmental stages of mutant Drosophila melanogaster. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 17-20.

Insecticide showed distinct deleterious effects on different life stages of mutant form (Yellow) Drosophila melanogaster. LC₅₀ estimated is 2.9552 μl/100 ml food. Studies revealed that nicotine showed its effect on growth and development.

1 table, 15 ref

006444   Chattopadhyay A;Sarkar M;Biswas N M (Dep of Physiol, Harimohan Ghose Coll, Gardenreach, Kolkata-700 024, Email: drnmbiswas@rediffmail.com) : Effect of gold on stimulation of reproductive function in immature female albino rats. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 971-5.

Significant increase in ovarian and uterine weight and stimulation of ovarian Δ⁵-β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ⁵-3β-HSD) activity and elevation of serum estradiol level were observed following gold chloride (0.2 mg/kg body weight/day), sc administration in immature female albino rats. Moreover, normal cyclic changes of estrus were found in vaginal smears of these rats whereas the rats of other groups showed diestrus phase throughout the period of experiment. Histological study of ovary also showed Graafian follicle with ovum in rats treated with 0.2 mg/kg/day of gold proving stimulation of reproductive function, which was not found in the ovarian histological study of other groups including controls. Suggests significant stimulatory effect of gold chloride on female reproductive activity in immature rats. Further, since the above-mentioned changes were evident at a specific dose of gold chloride, the data may have some clinical implications on stimulation and enhancement of fertility in immature female rats.

2 illus, 2 table, 23 ref

006443   Biju Kumar A (Res Dep of Zool, NSS Coll, Pandalam-689 501, Email: abiju@rediffmail.com) : Checklist of avifauna of the Bharathapuzha basin, Kerala. Zoos Print J 2006, 21(8), 2350-5.

The Bharathapuzha river basin of Kerala state was surveyed from Parali to Purathoor estuary region during January 1998 to December 2004 period. A total of 140 species of birds in 49 families were recorded. Sixty-five per cent of the bird species recorded was resident forms and 35% migrants. In Kerala the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and Brahminy Shelduck (Tadoma ferruginea) were recorded only from the Bharathapuzha basin, the Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), the Oriental White lbis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) and the Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda) are Near Threatened. The river basin has been identified as a preferred breeding site of the Black-bellied Tern.

1 table, 33 ref

006442   Bhatnagar S;Lall S B (Zool Dep, M.L.S. Univ, Udaipur-313 001) : Alteration in pineal - testicular axis of the insectivorous bat - Rhinopoma kinneari (Microchiroptera : Mammalia) exposoed to various wavelength of light. Ann Neurosci 2006, 13(1), 5-10.

The pineal gland of insectivorous microchiroptern - Thinopoma kinneari subserves dual function photosensory and endocrine. Its secretions play a pivotal role in complex reproductive processes and functions. Using normal light as control for the basis for comparison, groups of bats were exposed to continuous blue, green, yellow red light and total darkness for eighteen day to asasess their impact on pineal gland testicular morphology and histologicaly of sexually mature male batss. Blue and green light induced significant incrase in the length and cross section area of pineal gland. This inverse trend was not discerned in bats exposed to yellow and red colour light; or total darkness. The results indicte that the observed changes in pineal gland are probably mediated via the optic pathway, while the alterations in the tests and seminiferous tubules are due to modulation in the secretory functions of the pineal gland.

1 table, 44 ef

006441   Bakshi D;Mukhopadhyay A;Sinhababu A;Pal S C; Mandal N C (Dep of Bot, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235, Email: mandalnc@rediffmail.com) : Survival, nodulation and N2 fixation ability of root nodule bacteria under different nutritional regimes. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 918-23.

Eleven strains of rhizobium and five strains of bradyrhizobium were examined for their viability as well nodulation and nitrogen fixation ability after storage under different conditions for two years. The storage conditions comprised lateritic soil, lateritic soil plus 1% mannitol, lateritic soil plus 0.1% yeast extract, lateritic soil plus 1% mannitol and 0.1% yeast extract, organic soil, organic soil plus 1% mannitol, organic soil plus 0.1% yeast extract, organic soil plus 1% mannitol and 0.1% yeast extract, and sterile distilled water. All the slow growing strains showed better viability than the fast growing strains in any of these conditions. The survived strains maintained their nodulation ability about 50-60% after one year and 40-50% after two years of preservation as compared to control, but the nodulation ability in sterile distilled water was very poor. Acetylene reduction activity in the nodules was found to be 70-90% and 50-70% after 12 and 24 months of preservation, respectively. The strains retained their phenotypic characters like antibiotic resistance and salt tolerance up to their highest survivability in respective nutritional condition.

4 tables, 19 ref

006440   Appunu C;Dhar B (Microbial Genet Lab Dep of Genet and Pl Breed, Inst of Agric Sci Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: bdhar_vns@yahoo.co.in) : Phage typing of indigenous soybean-rhizobia and relationship of a phage group strains for their asymbiotic and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 1006-11.

Total of 354 indigenous bradyrhizobia were isolated from soybean nodules collected from five major crop grown regions. Host-specific 12 phages, each active on particular strains were selected. Factors, which influence the interaction between the host and phage, were examined. Four different types of plaques were detected. Nearly 17% of isolates were found resistant to all phages. Phage sensitivity patterns revealed a total of 32 distinct phage genotype groups. Different set of phage combinations expressed variation in specificity for parasitizing against particular group of rhizobia. Distributions of isolates in each phage types differed markedly between regions. Interestingly, nine strains belonging to phage group 16 exhibited high ex planta nitrogenase activity in culture. However, no correlation could be established between high ex planta nitrogenase activity and their symbiotic effectiveness with soybean cultivars. Soybean cv. JS335 showed relatively superior performance than Bragg and Lee with indigenous bradyrhizobial strains. Phage typing revealed the existence of large genetic diversity among native rhizobia and selection of the superior bradyrhizobial strains can also be possible for a given soil-climate-cultivar complex.

1 illus, 5 tables, 34 ref

006439   Ansari M N;Bhandari U;Pillai K K (Dep of Pharmacology. Fac of Pharm, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110 062, Email: uma_bora@hotmail.com) : Ethanolic Zingiber officinale R. extract pretreatment alleviates isoproterenol induced oxidative myocardial necrosis in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 892-7.

Ethanolic Z. officinale (ZO) extract (200 mg/kg) pretreatment for 20 days in isoproterenol (ISO)-treated rats significantly increased the levels of endogenous myocardial antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and tissue glutathione), decreased the levels of serum marker enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase and increased myocardial lipid peroxides. Histological examination of rat's heart section confirmed myocardial injury with ISO administration and near normal pattern with ethanolic ZO extract pretreatment. The results of the study, for the first time, provide clear evidence that the ethanolic ZO extract pretreatment enhances the antioxidant defense against ISO-induced oxidative myocardial injury in rats and exhibit cardioprotective property.

1 illus, 3 tables, 42 ref

006438   Annadurai D;Kasinathan R;Lyla P S (CAS in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Food and feeding apparatus of the venomous gastropod Conus zeylanicus Gmelin. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 235-40.

Food and feeding apparatus of Conus zeylanicus were examined. The venom apparatus consists of radular sac, cucumber-shaped venom bulb and a long, coiled tubular venom duct. The venom duct secretes the venom, which is a milky substance and the venom bulb pumps the venon into the radular tooth, which injects the venom into the victim. The scanning electron microscopic structure of the radular tooth was noticed with short, stout and basically a rolled sheath, consisting of chitin. The outer whorl of the tooth was flattened and apex was pointed while the base was thickened and strengthened, a cusp present (basal spur) at the base. Based on the gut content analysis, it was concluded that C. zeyloanicus was a vermivorous feeder, subsisting mainly on polychaete worms and it feeds actively during night time. This was confirmed by the scanning electron microscopic study on the structure of the radular tooth which correspondes to the vermivorous type.

2 illus, 17 ref

006437   Annadurai D;Kasinathan R;Babuji S (CAS in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Effect of the Conus zeylanicus venom upon vertebrate heart musculature. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 219-24.

The cardiac stimulant effect of the venom from Conus zeylanicus (Gmelin) was examined. A significant cardiac stimulant effect was observed at 0.8 mg of venom applied upon isolated frog's and rabbit's hearts. The effect was not antagonized by proranalol (b-adrenergic blocker). The cardiotonic effect was also tested upon failing heart which was prepared by hypodynamic Ringer solution (half calcium). The effect was also compared with the effect of standard drug digoxin, a cardio glycoside and was found to be the identical. Further, the result of Electro Cardio Gram recording of venom treated rabbit showed the ventricular tachycardia.

2 illus, 17 ref

006436   Anitha P;Indira M (Dep of Biochem, Univ of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: indiramadambath@yahoo.co.uk) : Impact of feeding ethanolic extract of root bark of Cananga odorata (Lam) on reproductive functions in male rats. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 976-80.

The 50% ethanolic extract of the root bark of C. odorata administered orally at the dose of 1g/kg body weight/day for 60 days resulted in decreased epididymal sperm motility and sperm count in male albino rats. Morphological abnormalities were also observed in the sperms. The testicular glycogen, the activities of 3β hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, sorbitol dehydrogenase in seminal vesicle, fructose in seminal plasma and serum testosterone were significantly decreased in treated group. While testicular cholesterol level, the concentration of the fecal bile acids, urinary excretion of 17 ketosteroids, the activities of 17β hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, epididymal laclate dehydrogenase and that of testicular HMG CoA reductase were increased in treated group when compared to control. The results suggest that the ethanolic extract of C. odorata possesses the spermatotoxic effects in male albino rats.

5 tables, 26 ref

005427   Yadav R;Jain G C (Reproductive Physiol Lab Dep of Zool, Univ of Raj, Jaipur-302 004) : Postcoital antifertility effect of petroleum ether extract of Curcuma longa Rhizome in female rats. Asian J expl Sci 2006, 20(1), 201-8.

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol alkaloid yellow - orange dye derived from the rhizome is known to exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects. Petroleum ether extract of the rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn. was examined for anti-implantation and pregnancy interruption effects in female rats. Oral administration of the extract to mated female rats on day 1-5 of pregnancy at the doses 100, 200, 500 mg/kg b.wt/day caused a decline in the fertility index, numbers of uterine implants and live fetuses in a dose dependent manner. Complete inhibition of fetal implantation was observed in rats treated with 500 mg/kg b.wt. dose of the extract. The results of bioassay test carried out in bilaterally ovariectomised immature female rats did not exhibit any estrogenic or antestrogenic activity.

3 tables, 12 ref

005426   Waikhom M D;Singh B;Joymati Devi L (Zool Dep, G.P. Women's Coll, Imphal-795 001) : Vertical distribution pattern of collembola in a sub tropical forest floor of Manipur. Zoos Print J 2006, 21(7), 2331-2.

^ssc2 tables, 14 ref

005425   Vyawahare N S;Nikam A P;Kamble P N;Bodhankar S L;Khandelwal A R (NO, AISSMS Coll of Pharm, Kennedy Road, Pune-411 001, Email: neerajsv@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of antiamnestic activity of Clitoria ternatea against scopolamine induced amnesia in rats. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(1), 711-3.

Different doses (300 and 500 mg/kg) of alcoholic extract of roots of Clitoria ternatea was evaluated for its anti-amnesic activity against scopolamine induced amnesia in rats. The study revealed that dose of 500 mg/kg was more effective as it prevented the scopolamine induced memory loss in both passive avoidance and step down type of passive avoidance task model. Biochemical study revealed that antiamnestic activity was associated with reduction in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity which reduces the destruction of neurotransmitter, acetylcholine (ACh), in the brain.

2 table, 10 ref

005424   Verma S;Samarth R;Panwar M (Radiat and Cancer Biol Lab Dep of Zool, Univ of Raj, Jaipur-302 004, Email: mrfixit4u@gmail.com) : Evaluation of radioprotective effects of Spirulina in swiss albino mice. Asian J expl Sci 2006, 20(1), 121-6.

Effect of Spirulina on radiation induced hematological and biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice has been presented. Animals of Group-I (Control, radiation alone) were exposed to gamma radiation (8 Gy), while, animals of Group-II (Experimental, Spirulina + Radiation), received Spirulina (800 mg/kg body weight) for seven consecutive days arid were exposed to gamma radiation (as in Group-I). Hematological parameters were assessed at different intervals of post-irradiation from day 1 to 14. The average hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count and total leucocyte count in experimental group were significantly elevated as compared to the control group of animals. Treatment with Spirulina also caused a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in the liver, suggesting its role in protection against radiation induced membrane and cellular damage. Results suggest that Spirulina modulate the radiation induced hematological and biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice.

2 tables, 18 ref

005423   Velusamy R;Singh B P;Ghosh S;Chandra D;Raina O K;Gupta S C;Jayraw A K (Div of Parasitology, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: bpsingh50@rediffmail.com) : Prepatent detection of Fasciola gigantica infection in bovine calves using metacercarial antigen. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(9), 749-53.

Metacercarial antigen of Fasciola gigantica was evaluated for early immunodiagnosis of experimental bovine fasciolosis using ELISA and Western blot. In ELISA, the experimental F. gigantica infection was detected as early as 2 weeks post-infection (WPI). The gradual increasing trend of antibody level was observed from 2 to 7 WPI, followed by a plateau, which was maintained up to 14 WPI. In Western blot, sera from experimentally infected calves recognized one distinct polypeptide of 21 kDa in fractionated metacercarial antigen as early as 10 th day post infection. From 2 WPI, more polypeptide bands were reacting. Recognition of these protein bands persisted till the end of the experiment (14 WPI). Cattle sera collected from the field showed 34.5% seroprevalence of fasciolosis by ELISA using MAg. Comparative immunoblot studies of metacercarial antigen with anti-Gigantocotyle explanatum and anti-Paramphistomum epiclitum sera revealed that 21 and 25 kDa polypeptides of metacercarial antigen did not cross-react with any of these sera and appear to be unique to F. gigantica and having the desirable qualities of early and specific immunodiagnosis.

3 illus, 25 ref

005422   Vardhani V V;Padmavathi P (Dep of Zool, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar-522 510) : Prevalence of microbial diseases in shrimp farms of Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) at Peddapatnam, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(1), 105-9.

A study was conducted to know the occurrence of microbial diseases in shrimp ponds of Penaeus monodon in Peddapatnam village, Andhra Pradesh, India. In the study, viral, bacterial, protozoan and ecological diseases were observed in the shrimp ponds. The disease outbreaks were more in September and October during the culture period. The studies recorded white spot syndrome, black spot disease, protozoan disease and loose shell disease. Mortality of cultured shrimp due to white spot syndrome, black spot disease has been observed. Factors which account for disease prevalence include salinity of water, water exchange rate, low levels of dissolved oxygen and feed consumption of shrimp.

5 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

005421   Vardhani V V (Dep of Zool, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar-522 510) : Immunopathology of mouse small intestine during ancylostomiasis. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(1), 47-51.

Evidence is presented to show that the immunity-induced expulsion of third stage, infective filariform larvae from the intestine of mouse involves two separate and sequential steps. In a first step, infective larvae are damaged by protective antibodies and in a second step, the damaged larvae are expelled. The first phase involves interaction between antigens and sensitized lymphocytes and the release of pharmacologically active amines. The second phase, which is non-specific, appears to be the final effector mechanism. In this first hostopathological study of the small intestine, it is noted that the events were similar in mice which received single and repeated doses of infection - there was an acute inflammatory response predominated by eosinophils and neutrophils.

^iia7 illus, 17 ref

005420   Vachhrajani K D;Pandya A P (NO, , , Email: kauresh123@msubaroda.ac.in) : Single exposure of industrial effluent in prepubertal rats alters consequent spermatogenesis. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(1), 633-7.

Prepubertal rats (age day 20) were exposed p.o. to single dose of industrial effluent (1 ml per animal) and observations were made on post treatment days 0, 12,24,36,48 and 60 to study the effect on spermatogenesis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of spermatogenesis was carried out on day 60 at seminiferous epithelial (SE) stages II, VII and XII. On earlier durations as specific stages could not be identified, the early, mid and late pachytenes were quantified. Industrial effluent exposure initially affected more mature pachytene spermatocytes, therefore, by day 12, only about 10% tubules had round spermatidis. By day 24, both the zygotenes and pachytenes were affected and about 30% tubules had lost more than 50% of their pachytenes. Then after partial recovery was seen by days 48 and 60. However, it appeared clearly that the release of first spermatozoa was delayed as compared to controls. The findings suggested that industrial effluent more severely damaged the tubules at SE stages XII-XIV followed by IX-XII, I-VI and VII-VIII, respectively.

9 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

005419   Telang R S;Patial S;Varshneya C (Dep of Pharmac and Toxicol, Coll of Vet and Anim Sci CSK Himachal Pradesh Agric Univ, Palampur-176 062, Email: rstelang@hotmail.com) : Phamacological characterization of adenosine A1 and A2 receptors in goat coronary artery. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(1), 567-71.

Adenosine, a purinergic neurotransmitter, has an essential role in vasodilation, particularly in vital organs like heart and brain. Any modulation in adenosine receptor function in these organs can have unfavourable outcome. Therefore, the study was undertaken to investigate the pharmacological characteristics of adenosine A1 and A2 receptors and establish it as an experimental isolated tissue preparation. It was found that the isolated goat coronary strips were quiescent and did not show any spontaneous movements when mounted at 1 g basal tension in the modified KHS at 37 °C. There was a predominance of A1 receptors over A2 receptors in goat coronary artery, as revealed by the rank order potency of adenosine analogues. The latter revealed that PEA (Phenyl ethyl adenosine) was the most potent while adenosine was the least effective in relaxing the goat coronary artery. From the contraction-relaxation studies, it is suggested that adenosine affects the release of Ca²⁺ from the intracellular stores in a more negative way than the influx of Ca²⁺ from extracellular source. Adenoreceptor antagonist CGS<126>15943A was equipotent in inhibiting the relaxant reponses of Al and A2 receptors.

3 tables, 16 ref

005418   Taneja S K;Mandal R;Girhotra S (Dep of Zool, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: sktaneja@hotmail.com) : Long term excessive Zn-supplementation promotes metabolic syndrome-X in wistar rats fed sucrose and fat rich semisynthetic diet. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(9), 705-18.

During the last two decades Zinc (Zn) as a micronutrient is being used indiscriminately in agricultural and husbandry practices and also in baby foods and multivitamin supplements with a view that Zn is non-toxic and promotes linear growth and body weight in the consumers. The long-term effect of increasing Zn load in the body has not been worked out so far. In this study, three groups of rats were fed on a semi-synthetic diet containing 20 mg (control, group-I), 40 mg (group-II) and 80 mg Zn/kg (group-III) diet respectively for 6 months. The results revealed that the gain in body weight increased in rats in Zn-concentration dependent manner. The urine examined on weekly basis showed glucosuria in group-II on week 10 and in group-III on week 8 and thereafter. The arterial blood pressure was significantly higher in group-II and III than their control counter parts on monthly basis. Histochemical examination of skin revealed an increase in the number of adipocytes filled with triglycerides making a subcutaneous fatty tissue thicker in group-II and group-III than that of control group. The blood profile after 180 days of dietary treatment, displayed a significant rise in glucose, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, insulin, cortisol and aldosterone whereas HDL-cholesterol, T₃, T₄ and TSH showed a reduction in their levels in the blood serum. The tissue metal status showed an increase of Zn, Cu and Mg in the serum, a rise in Zn in liver, hair and abdominal muscles and fall in Cu and Mg concentrations in liver, hair and abdominal muscles. This data suggest that Zn in excess in diet when fed for longer periods of time induces metabolic syndrome-X.

3 illus, 4 tables, 142 ref

005417   Sunila Kumari Y;Rajeshwar Rao V (Dep of Zool, Univ Sci Coll Osmania Univ, Hyderabad(A.P.)) : Comparative account of carbohydrate metabolism of male and female acanthocephal an parasite Pallisentis nagpurensis (Bhalerao, 1931) parasitising the fresh water fish Channa striatus. Biosci Res Bull 2006, 22(1), 57-9.

The amount of glycogen in the tissues of acarthocephalans varies from species to species and also from stage to stage within the same species. An attempt has been made to compare the carbohydrate metabolism of male and female acantocephalan parasites. Pallisentis nagpurensis parasitising the fresh water fish Channa striatus. The sexual differences in glycogen content was observed. The males showed more glycogen content compared to females. Lactate the end product of glycolytic pathway is observed to be in more amount in males when compared to female worms and the LDH and PEPCK activity is less in females compared to male worms.

3 tables, 5 ref

005416   Sudhakar L S (NO, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062) : Histomorphology of the salivary glands of yak. Indian J Anim Sci 2006, 76(1), 50-1.

Investigation was undertaken to study the histomorphology of the salivary glands of yak. Parotid, mandibular and subliqual glands were studied.

^ssc3 illus, 3 tables, 3 ref

005415   Sharma V;Schwille P O (Div of Expl Surgery and Endocrine Res Lab, Univ of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany, Email: vimbio@yahoo.com) : High fat diet feeding influence enzymes of oxalate biosynthesis in rats. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(1), 643-6.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (Approx. 300 g body weight) were fed normal chow containing 20% by weight Fish Oil (FO) or Sunflower oil (SO) or Olive oil (OO) for a period of six days to determine the effects of high fat diets (rich in n-3, n-6, n-9 fatty acids respectively) on the enzymes of oxalate biosynthesis. The 24 h urinary excretion of oxalate gradually increased in FO fed animals and the values on day 6 were 60% higher than basal excretion value. Feeding of other oils had no effect on urinary excretion of oxalate. On the seventh day the animals were killed and supernatants of liver homogenates (10% wt/vol) were assayed for (1), activities of enzymes of oxalate biosynthesis viz; glycolate oxidase (GAO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and (2). the rates of in vitro conversion of glycolate and glyoxylate to oxalate. The study showed that feeding of FO increased liver GAO levels. SO feeding decreased the same, while OO feeding had no effect. The activity of liver LDH was significantly increased by feeding all three high fat diets and the order was control <60>SO = OO <60>FO. The increased LDH activity following high fat diet feeding resulted in higher rate of conversion of glyoxylate to oxalate as compared to controls, which indicates that intake of high fat diet is a risk of urinary stone formation.

1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

005414   Sharma S;Thakur N (Dep of Biosci, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Shimla-171 005, Email: sushma_bio_sci@rediffmail.com) : Histopathological changes in rat Gastrocnemius muscle after oral and intraperitoneal clenbuterol administration. Asian J expl Sci 2006, 20(1), 47-54.

Beta-adrenergic agonists are sympathomimetic substances which mimic normal innervation functions in skeletal muscles. It increases muscle mass in laboratory animals mainly from a selective hypertrophy of skeletal muscle. Histopathological changes in rat gastrocnemius muscle had been investigated under normal and drug induced stress conditions. Rats were divided into three groups i,e. (i) control group (ii) rats given 5mg/kg body weight/day clenbuterol orally and (iii) rats given same dose of clenbuterol intraperitoneally. The effects of chronic 15 day regular administration of β-adrenoceptor agonist, clenbuterol and withdrawal effect for next 15 days were evaluated in young male (wistar) rats. This chronic treatment revealed maximum hypertrophy of muscle fibres in the sections during 7-15 days. Clumping of nuclei at sub sarcolemmal positions were noticed which was more prominent in the rats that were given drug orally. Degenerative muscle fibres were also seen at some places of muscle sections. Sarcolemmal breakdown of muscle fibres in certain areas was noticed. Degenerative foci were also seen in the centre of two muscle fibres. The muscle cells were returning towards normalcy after 30 days stage. These results were more pronounced when drug was given orally as compared to intraperitoneal administration.

10 illus, 28 ref

005413   Shah S N;Bodhankar S L;Badole S L;Kamble H V; Mohan V (Dep of Pharmac, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed Univ Poona Coll of Pharm, Pune-411 038, Email: sbodh@yahoo.com) : Effect of trigonelline: an active compound from Trigonella foenumgraecum Linn. in alloxan induced diabetes in mice. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(1), 585-90.

Trigonelline was extracted from the seeds of Trigonella foenumgraecum and the hypoglycemic activity was studied in alloxan induced diabetic mice. Trigonelline significantly reduced the blood glucose in treated groups as compared to control diabetic animals. Trigonelline treated group showed islet cells in the vicinity of the pancreatic duct which indicates its beneficial effects on beta cells. Glyburide was used as a standard antidiabetic drug and its effect on pancreatic cell was also studied. The pancreatic beta cells of glyburide treated mice did not show any islets in the vicinity of pancreatic duct. Both trigonelline and glyburide arrested the decrease in body weight and mortality of diabetic mice. LD₅₀ of trigonelline was found to be more titan 5000 mg/kg.

4 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

005412   Saumya S M;Sreejith P;Vijayasree A S;Divya L; Manju M;Oommen O V (Dep of Zool, Univ of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: oommen@bigfoot.com) : Tri-iodo thyronine regulates antioxidant enzyme activities in different cell fractions through a mechanism sensitive to actinomycin D in a teleost, Anabas testudineus (Bloch). Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(8), 640-6.

Evaluates the effects of hyperthyroid state on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in the crude (CF), post nuclear (PNF) and mitochondrial fractions (MF) of the fish liver. The in vivo injection of T₃ (200ng) did not change the lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD), while actinomycin D (10μg), a potent mRNA inhibitor when administered with T₃ increased them. The antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) had an increased activity in CF and MF of hyperthyroid group to compete the increased oxidative stress, but actinomycin D partially inhibited the T₃-induced activity. SOD and CAT activities in PNF of hyperthyroid group had no change, the glutathione concentration varied depending on the GPx and GR activity. Hyperthyroidism decreased the protein content, while simultaneous administration of actinomycin D inhibited the T₃ action of elevating the protein content. The results suggest that the antioxidant defense status in A. testudineus is modulated by thyroid hormone, through an action sensitive to actinomycin D.

4 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

005411   Saha P K;Goswami U C;Dutta S K;De A K (NO, , Qrs. no. N-427 - B, New Bongaigaon-783 381, Email: sahakprem@reduffnauk.com) : β-carotene prevents heroin induced changes in some serum enzymes in rats. Sci Cult 2006, 72(3-4), 141-6.

Male albino rats were intramuscularly administered with LD₃₅ and LD₅₀ doses of heroin in alternate days up to a period of 6 weeks. another group of rats were fed orally with β-carotene (0.5 ml of 100 g/1) daily and subjected to alternate doses of heroin intramuscularly. After 4 and 6 weeks of heroin treatment, the serum enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were measured. Both the doses of heroin treatment resulted in an increase of the serum enzymes and these values are dose and time dependent. β-carotene treatment prevented the elevation of serum enzymes indicating that β-carotene can combat the effect of heroin by inhibiting the changes of serum enzymes made by heroin.

2 tables, 35 ref

005410   Raju T N;Sanat Kumar C;Rajani Kanth;Venkata Ramana B;Uma Maheswara Reddy P (Dep of Zool Physiol Div, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: rajutn57@yahoo.com) : Cumulative antioxidant defense against oxidative challenge in galactose-induced cataractogenesis wistar rats. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(9), 733-9.

Natural dietary ingredients are known for their antioxidant activity. Of such, curcumin, the active principle of turmeric, at 0.01% in the diet proved as pro-oxidative in galactose-induced cataract in vivo. The purpose to investigate the effect of vitamin E (VE), a well-known antioxidant, in combination with curcumin on the onset and maturation of galactose induced cataract. Periodic slit-lamp microscope examination indicated that in combination with vitamin-E, 0.01% curcumin (G-IV) delayed the onset and maturation of galactose-induced cataract. Biochemical analyses revealed that combined treatment of 0.01% curcumin and vitamin-E diet exhibited an efficient antioxidant effect, as it inhibited lipid peroxidation and contributed to a distinct rise in reduced glutathione content. The results indicate that natural dietary ingredients are effective in combination rather than the individual administration as they are complementing each other in reducing the risk of galactose induced cataract.

2 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

005409   Prasad S B;Rosangkima G;Khynriam D (Cell and tumor Biol Lab Dep of Zool, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Shillong-793 022, Email: sbpnehu@hotmail.com) : Cisplatin induced toxicological effects in relation to the endogenous tissue glutathione level in tumor bearing mice. Asian J expl Sci 2006, 20(1), 55-68.

Cisplatin treatment of Dalton's lymphoma-bearing mice for five days induced toxicological effects in kidney, testes and blood. The development of tubular dilation, degeneration, necrosis of epithelial cells and lining membrane damage in kidney and vacuolated, deranged and broken seminiferous tubules in testes have been observed. In blood, cisplatin treatment caused a reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells, and hemoglobin. Cisplatin treatment of mice caused a significant decrease of glutathione levels in kidney, blood and Dalton's lymphoma (DL) cells. The cisplatin-induced toxicity was further enhanced in all the tissues when buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, was used in combination with cisplatin. The catalase enzyme activity was very sharply reduced (60-70%) in tissue as well as DL cells. The observed decrease of GSH level accompanied with the reduced catalase activity after cisplatin treatment may hamper antioxidant machinery in the cells and contribute to the development of tissue toxicity and DL cytotoxicity during cisplatin mediated chemotherapy in the hosts.

4 illus, 2 tables, 44 ref

005408   Ponmanickam P;Archunan G (Dep of Anim Sci, Bharathidasan Univ, Tiruchirappalli-620 024, Email: garchu56@rediffmail.com) : Identification of alpha-2u globulin in the rat preputial gland by Maldi-Tof analysis. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2006, 43(10), 319-22.

Low molecular mass proteins found in the pheromonal sources such as urine, saliva, glandular secretion etc have been reported as ligand carriers for the processes of chemo-communication in mammals. The preputial gland plays an important role in the production of olfactory signals for pheromonal communication. Alpha-2u globulin having molecular mass of 18 kDa has been identified in the preputial gland of Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) by in-gel trypsin digestion and analyzing the resulting peptides by MALDI-TOF. Since preputial gland is one of the major pheromonal sources in rat, the results suggest that α-2u globulin might act as a carrier for hydrophobic odorants of preputial gland.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

005407   Patro L (Envir Toxicol Lab Dep of Zool, Aska Sci Coll, Aska, Ganjam-761 111) : Toxicological effects of cadmium chloride on acetyl cholinesterase activity of a fresh water fish, Oreochromis massambicus, Peters. Asian J expl Sci 2006, 20(1), 171-80.

Deals with the impact of cadmium chloride on a fresh water fish Oreochromis mossambicus, Peters and its ecological implications. Fishes when exposed to cadmium chloride showed lethargy, inappetence and ataxia. When exposed fishes where compared and contrasted with normal fishes erratic movements, loss of equilibrium, gradual onset of inactivity were noticed in exposed fishes. Significant changes, in acetyl cholinesterase activity in brain, liver and muscle of the exposed fish were conspicuous. The most affected became the brain and the liver. The toxicant cadmium chloride brought about noticeable variations between the control fish tissues and exposed fish tissues. When recovery studies were conducted partial insignificant recovery was witnessed. This enzyme is responsible for synaptic transmission and nerve impulse generation. Cadmium chloride played a vital role in causing disturbances in nerve impulse generation and synaptic transmission in tissues.

2 tables, 28 ref