Histological Study of the Therapy in the Essential Oil of Laurusnobilis L. from the West Algerian in Rats Wistar Infected

Laurusnobilis L. is an aromatic plant, widespread in Algeria and widely used by local people as a source of spice for its medicinal properties. The essential oil of this plant native to western Algeria is the subject of the study. The extraction of the essential oil was carded by steam distillation, the yield obtained from the leaves （1.5%）, Wister rats male weight between 100 g and 80 g were infected with Salmonella then treated with anessential oil of Laurusnobilis L.. After sacrifice of the rats, histological examination of the intestines and internal organ （liver and spleen） shows the therapy of this magic plant--＂Laurusnobilis L.＂.

Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) Effectively Treats Induced Hemolytic Anemia in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera was a medicinal plant generally used by populations in the food and therapeutic fields. It’s used to treat anemia has been observed in the Djougou Zone in northern Benin. To our knowledge, there were no scientific data available that have evaluated its efficacy in the treatment of haemolytic anemia. This was what justifies this research work in which the phytochemical analysis, extraction and evaluation of the anti-anemic effect were carried out. Methods: Five groups of five Wistar rats each were formed. All the rats were rendered anemic by injection of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride on the first two days D0 and D1 except those in the negative control group. From the second day, the anemic groups were force-fed either with the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at 200 or 300 mg/kg body weight/day, or with vitafer, the reference drug against anemia. The positive control group (anemia) was not treated. Blood samples were taken from all the rats on different days: D0, D2, D7, D10 and D15 to evaluate the data of the hemogram and the osmotic resistance of the red blood cells. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanins, saponosides, triterpenes and mucilages. A good yield was obtained at the extraction. Both the extract and the reference drug vitafer completely corrected anemia within two weeks after stimulating hemoglobin synthesis and early release of immature red blood cells into the bloodstream. Its effect seemed dose-dependent and specific. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaves showed good therapeutic efficacy and can be considered and exploited for transformation into improved traditional medicines (ITM) in the treatment of anemia.

Impact of Selected Processing Methods of High-Level Cyanide in Cassava on Optic Neuropathy in Wistar Albino Rats—An Experimental Study

Background: Cassava tuber crop is a staple food rich in carbohydrates and utilized in various forms by millions of Nigerians. The storage root of the cassava contains linamarin, a cyanogenic glycoside that is easily hydrolyzed to release cyanide salt compounds which is toxic to the nervous system especially the optic nerve, sometimes leading to optic neuropathy and visual impairment. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out the impact of selected processing methods of high-level cyanide in cassava on optic neuropathy in Wistar albino rats. Methodology: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were fed with different concentration and duration of predetermined high-cyanide content cassava root cultivar which was processed using different processing methods adopted by various communities in Rivers State, Nigeria (for human consumption). A control group of 3 Wistar albino rats was fed with normal “Growth Mesh” meals. The pre and post weights of the animals and the fundoscopic optic nerve status of the rats were evaluated after 30 and 60 days. SPSS Version 25 was employed for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The Cassava species available in Rivers State have high cyanide content (2336.79 mg CN-/kg dry weight of cassava). There was statistically significant reduction in the cyanide content (p = 0.000) depending on the various common processing methods (into garri for human consumption): 24 hours, 48 hours, fermentation;with and without red palm oil additive. The individual weights as well as the mean weight of the 24 rats in the experimental group increased gradually from the first week to the 9th week with a slight weight reduction on the third and fourth weeks which was not statistically significant (p = 0.092). However, there was a steady increase in the weights of the animals in the control group throughout the 9 weeks. Varying degrees of optic neuropathy occurred, worse with the rats that had 24-hour fermented cassava twice daily for 60 days. The intra and inter group differences in the optic disc changes was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Longer duration of processing cassava roots into garri for human consumption reduces its cyanide content and minimizes the adverse impact on the optic nerve.

Chronic morphine drinking establishes morphine tolerance, but not addiction in Wistar rats

Objective： Some animal models apply morphine in the drinking water to generate addiction, but related reports are not free of conflicting results. Accordingly, this study aimed to figure out if chronic consumption of morphine in the drinking water can induce morphine addiction in Wistar rats. Methods： For 3 weeks, the animals received a daily morphine dose of 35 mg/kg by offering a calculated volume of sugar water （5% sucrose） with morphine （0. l mg/ml） to each rat; animals receiving just sugar water served as controls. Immediately after the treatment phase, the tail immersion test was used to check for morphine tolerance, and all animals were then kept on tap water for one week （withdrawal phase）. Afterwards, all rats were allowed to choose their drinking source by offering two bottles, containing sugar water without and with morphine, simultaneously for two days （preference phase）. Results： While the chronic consumption of morphine led to a reduction in body weight and to morphine tolerance, the morphine-treated Wistar rats did not show any preference for the opiate-containing sugar water. Conclusion： Body weight loss and tolerance do not reveal a condition of drug craving, and current animal models should be re-evaluated regarding their potential to establish morphine addicted animals.

Molsidomine ameliorates diabetic peripheral neuropathy complications in Wistar rats

Diabetic neuropathy is a disorder which affects various regions of the nervous sys-tem and there is no specific treatment available for it.So,the present study eval-uated protective effect of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy in rats.Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by administrating streptozotocin(52 mg/kg i.p).Diabetic rats were administered with molsidomine 5 mg/kg p.o,and 10mg/kg p.o.as treatment.After 8 weeks of treatment,Motor coordination,Mechanical allodynia,Mechanical hyperalgesia,Nerve conduction velocity,Glycosylated hemoglobin were assessed.Thereafter animals were sacrificed and sciatic nerve was isolated.It was used for reduced glutathione,lipid peroxidation and for histopathology.Treatment with molsidomine significantly improved motor coordination,paw withdrawal threshold,mechanical threshold and nerve conduction velocity.Furthermore,mol-sidomine treatment also reduced malondialdehyde levels and prevented depletion of reduced glutathione in sciatic nerve homogenate.Histopathology shows molsid-omine treatment maintained normal architecture of sciatic nerve.The results of our study strengthens the alterative use of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy.

Acute and subchronic toxicity of hydroxylammonium nitrate in Wistar rats

Hydroxylammonium nitrate(HAN) is a major constituent in a class of liquid monopropellants and is extensively used in nuclear industry and space propulsion.Previous toxicological studies have focused on oral,inhalation and dermal routes of exposure to HAN-based propellant blends.In this study,acute and subchronic toxicity of HAN in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injections were evaluated.In this acute study,doses of HAN at 115,125,135,147,160 or 174 mg/kg were administered.No adverse effects were observed during a 14-day period and at gross histopathological examination.In the subchronic study,HAN at 7,14 or 28 mg/kg were administered for 13 weeks.The treatment with HAN caused significant changes in the weight of spleen,in the level of hematological parameters,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,uric acid and carbondioxidecombining power and histopathological damages of the lung,liver,spleen and kidney.Overall,the study suggests that 13-week HAN treatment caused abnormal hematological changes and tissue lesions,and the risk of toxicity to mammals is not negligible.

Evaluation of Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activities of Water Kefir as Probiotic on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a predominant chronic disease which causes mortality of millions of people yearly. Its prevalence is on the rise worldwide. Water kefir is fermented food produced by a matrix of polysaccharides containing bacteria and yeasts, with therapeutic properties. Our study aimed to evaluate anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of water kefir on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Adult Wistar rats were made diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, and were given or not kefir in drinking water for 5 weeks. Body weight, glucose and lipid levels were measured. The results demonstrated evident improvement in body weight, glucose, and lipid profiles of treated rats comparing with diabetic or control rats. Water kefir is found to be less cost hypoglycemic and hypolipidimic treatment and less time consuming. Water kefir can potentially be useful food for diabetes to control glucose and lipid levels.

The Effects of Cupping Therapy on Skin’s Biomechanical Properties in Wistar Rats

Cupping therapy has been widely used for clinical treatment of soft tissue lesions. The current study investigated the effects of cupping therapy on biomechanical properties of the skin in Wistar rats. 20 rats were divided into two groups: 10 in experimental and 10 in control group. Either the right or the left lower quadrants of the lumbar regions in the experimental group underwent 10 minutes daily cupping therapy for 12 days. The skin stiffness and ultimate tensile strength of all the rats were measured using tensiometer. The skin stiffness and ultimate tensile strength were decreased significantly in cupping side of the experimental group as compared with the non-cupping side and the control group. There were no significant differences between the non-cupping side of the experimental group and the control group. In conclusion, cupping therapy can be useful as a treatment method to reduce the skin stiffness and ultimate tensile strength.

Curcumin alters motor coordination but not total number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of adolescent male Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE： The present study aimed at coordination and the estimate of the total investigating the effects of curcumin on the motor number of cerebellar Purkinje cells of adolescent Wistar rats exposed to ethanol. METHODS： The total of 21 male Wistar rats aged 37 d old were divided into three groups, namely ethanol, ethanol-curcumin, and control groups. The ethanol group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and water given per oral; the ethanol-curcumin group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and curcumin extract given per oral; the control group received saline injection and oral water. The treatment was carried out daily for one month, after which the motor coordination performance of the rats was examined using revolving drum apparatus at test days 1, 8, and 15. The rats were finally sacrificed and the cerebellum of the rats was further processed for stereological analysis. The estimate of the total number of Purkinje cells was calculated using physical fractionator method. RESULTS： The ethanol-curcumin group performed better than both ethanol and control groups in the motor coordination ability at day 8 of testing （P〈 0.01）. No Purkinje cell loss was observed as a result of one month intraperitoneal injection of ethanol. CONCLUSION： Curcumin may exert beneficial effects on the motor coordination of adolescent rats exposed to ethanol via undetermined hormetic mechanisms.

Anesthesia protocol for ear surgery in Wistar rats(animal research)

Objective:To formulate an anesthesia protocol for safe and satisfactory anesthesia for ear surgery in rats.Methods:The rats were anesthetized with xylazine(10 mg/kg body weight)and keta-mine at doses of 80,50,40,and 30 mg/kg body weight or with isoflurane anesthesia(2%-3.5%in 100%oxygen;maintenance dose 1.5%-3.5%).The anesthesia induction,surgery,and recovery time were recorded.Results:In total,17 rats were induced by varying doses of ketamine-xylazine and 28 rats with isoflurane.Mean induction time with ketamine-xylazine was 6±2.9 min compared with 3.8±1.1 min with isoflurane.Mean recovery time with ketamine-xylazine was 142.6±49.3 min compared with 4.1±1.2 min with isoflurane.A mortal-ity of 4 animals after developing dyspnea was recorded with ketamine-xylazine.Conclusion:Isoflurane anesthesia offers appropriate induction and recovery times and low mortality rates for the surgeries performed.Isoflurane anesthesia offers reli-able results for ear surgery in rats.However,more equipment and technical skills are needed.

Adansonia digitata aqueous leaf extract ameliorates dexamethasone-induced testicular injury in male Wistar rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Adansonia(A.)digitata L on dexamethasone-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats.Methods:Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing 170-190 g were divided into four groups.GroupⅠreceived 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer orally for 28 days and served as the normal control group;groupⅡreceived 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone(a synthetic glucocorticoid)intraperitoneally for 7 days and 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer orally for 21 days,groupⅢreceived 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone for 7 days and 800 mg/kg of A.digitata extract orally for 21 days;groupⅣreceived 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone for 7 days and 300 mg/kg of vitamin-E orally for 21 days.Dexamethasone was administered intra-peritoneally for 7 days and all administration lasted for 28 days.The rats were sacrificed by anesthesia with diethyl ether and the testes of each animal were harvested.The testis was homogenized in 0.25 M sucrose at 4℃for biochemical and histological analyses.Results:Administration of dexamethasone significantly decreased body weight,glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PDH),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GPx)(P<0.05),and significantly increased malondialdehyde(MDA)activities(P<0.05).The degeneration in the population of spermatogonia and vacuolation and abnormal widening of the interstitial spaces were observed in the rats treated with dexamethasone.However,administration of A.digitata significantly increased SOD,GPx,G6PDH,and LDH levels,significantly decreased MDA activities and improved the histoarchitecture of the testis(P<0.05).Conclusions:A.digitata may have an ameliorative effect on dexamethasone-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Histological Patterns of Neurodegeneration of Frontal Cortex Neurons in Datura stramonium Treated Wistar Rats

Aim: Datura stramonium (DS) is a known hallucinogen and depressant of the central nervous system, but it is commonly used in alcoholic beverages to increase intoxication. Pharmacological, physiological and ultra-structural studies have demonstrated the neurotoxicity of this drug inanimals and humans at high doses. The present study investigated the histological patterns of neurodegeneration of frontal cortex (FC) neurons in Wistar rats treated with high doses of DS seed extract. Materials and methods: Ethanolic extract of DS dried seeds was diluted in normal saline and administered to male and female Wistar rats weighing 200 g - 250 g. The animals were first placed in three groups which were further sub-divided into four sub-groups. The treated sub-groups received intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) of 750 mg/kg of diluted DS seed extract once daily in group 1, twice daily (1500 mg/kg/day) in group 2 and thrice daily (2250 mg/kg/day) in group 3. The treatment was carried out for 4 weeks while the control groups received normal saline during the same period. The rats were euthanized and sections of the frontal cortices of the brain were histologically processed from all groups. Silver impregnation stain for degenerating axons and neurons was used to elucidate the pattern of degeneration induced by DS seed extract on the neurons of the FC. Results: The results of intraperitoneal administration of DS extract showed no changes in groups 1 & 2 treated rats while group 3 showed a significant pattern of histological changes like axonal atrophy, vacuolization and neuronal deaths in the frontal cortices neurons compared to the controls. Conclusion: DS may have a specific pattern of neurodegeneration at higher doses of administration. This could provide a useful model in understanding how DS intoxication can affect frontal cortex neurons with an implication of neurological disorders, mental diseases and behavioural deficits.

Comparative Study of Bovine Pericardium and Gore-Tex in Tissual Interaction with Wistar Rats Diaphragm

Introduction: Simple suture isn’t always possible in large congenital diaphragmatic hernia (cdh) defects. Synthetic materials are used for correction such as Silastic&reg, Gore-Tex&reg (GT), Teflon&reg or biological, such as autologous muscle patches. It was shown that bovine pericardium (bp) was effective to correct those large defects with many positive outcomes when compared with syntactic materials. Aim: This study aims to establish an experimental model of correction for large diaphragmatic defect with PB and GT patches to compare histologically the tissue interaction between them and diaphragm in young Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: 15 wistar rats were divided in 3 groups: Rats that used BP was named G1;Rats that used GT was named G2;and rats with only scraping in the diphragm, named G3 (control). Animals were submited to a laparotomy and fixed pathces to diaphragms and harvested 3 weeks later. Area between normal diaphragm and patches were isolated and separated for histological analysis, such as lymphocytic infiltration (inflammation), neovascularization and fibrosis. Results: G1 presented inflammation between BP and Diaphragm In 5 Samples. G2 Presented Neovascularization In 5 Samples, But No inflammation. Fibrotic tissue overlapping GT patches occurred in 3 samples in G2. Comparing G1 with G2 there was a significant statistical difference concerning inflammation (P = 0.0079), in G1. Comparing neovascularization there is no significant statistical difference (P = 0.4444), despite a slight higher incidence in G2. Fibrosis in both groups presented no significant statistical difference (P = 0.4444), despite a slight higher incidence in G2. There were no alterations in G3. Discussion: Despite the statistical difference in the inflammatory process was more frequent in G1 (P = 0.0079), neovascularization and fibrosis were more frequent in G2. Conclusion: The proposed experimental model was satisfactory to reproduce suture of patches in the diaphragm. These results suggests that inflammation, neovascularization and fibrosis indeed contribute to a benign healing process that reacts differently in each group but can drive to a more lasting and permanent results when biological patch is considered. Statistical report suggests that this study should be continued with a larger sample of animals and a wider period of time before harvest.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Quinapyramine Sulphate with Freund＇s Complete Adjuvant in Wistar Rats Infected with Trypanosoma Congolense

Therapeutic efficacy of QS （quinapyramine sulphate） and FCA （Freund＇s complete adjuvant） combination was studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of QS using FCA in Trypanosorna congolense infection. GrouPs treated with QS and FCA had parasite disappeared in peripheral circulation 2 days pi, relapse was observed one week later. Effect of treatment on rectal temperature shows no significance （p 〈 0.05）, normalization of rectal temperature occurred in QS and FCA treated groups （34.1℃） than untreated （42.8 ℃）, QS （37.4 ℃） and FCA （35.92 ℃） treated groups. Mean body weight was significant （p 〈 0.001） in QS and FCA, QS, and FCA groups. Packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration for untreated groups were lower, but increased in QS, FCA, QS and FCA treated groups, indicating anemia amelioration. White blood cell counted in untreated, QS and FCA treated groups showed no significance （p 〈 0.05）, however, there was leukocytosis due to lymphocytosis in QS and FCA treated group （6.79 × 10^3/μl） compared with untreated and other groups. There was comparative decrease in serum liver enzymes in QS and FCA treated group than other groups. Therefore, QS at lower recommended dose with FCA may enhance efficacy of QS in trypanosomiasis.

Evaluation of Biochemical, Hematological and Histological Parameters in Non Diabetic and Diabetic Wistar Rats Fed with Monosodium Glutamate

The parenteral or oral administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been reported to have a deleterious effect on the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, which changes appetite control. This alteration in function may lead to obesity and disorders related to metabolic syndrome, such as alterations in carbohydrate metabolism (glucose and insulin resistance), dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. This study evaluates the induction of metabolic alterations due to subchronic consumption of diets containing MSG at levels of 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0%. Initially the animals (newborn male Wistar rats) consumed the diets containing MSG for a period of 70 days. At the end of this period diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and the rats maintained on the same diets for additional 21 days. The induction of diabetes is based on the susceptibility of diabetic animals to metabolic disorders. Methods capable of evaluating the entire metabolic profile of the diabetic condition were used, including biochemical tests and tests able to detect alterations in the organs usually affected by this disease. It was concluded that the consumption of diets containing up to 5.0% MSG did not change the studied parameters for both: diabetic or non-diabetic animals. The alterations observed in the diabetic animals mainly reflected metabolic changes caused by the disease and were not related to the administration of MSG.

Assessment of d ifferent f ormalin c oncentrations on the h istochemical s taining of l iver,k idneys and l ungs of Wistar r ats

Background:Formaldehyde is a chemical substance used to preserve the biochemical and physiological components of a tissue by preventing autolysis and putrefaction,leaving the tissue in a life-like manner.Objective:This study aims to assess the effect of formalin concentrations on the histochemical staining in liver,kidneys and lungs of Wistar rats.Methods:A total of ten(10)Wistar rats were purchased and allowed to acclimatize for a period of 2 weeks in plastic cages with iron netting at the Animal House facility,Babcock University.The animals were placed on standard rat feeds and water ad-libitum.The rats were randomly sacrificed by cervical dislocation,following mild anaesthesia using chloroform inhalation.For histological examination,the liver,lungs,and kidneys of Wistar rats were removed and preserved in neutral buffered formalin at 2%,4%,6%,8%,and 10%concentrations.Sections were stained in Haematoxylin and Eosin(Vector Laboratories,Inc.Newark,US).The quality of the nuclei,cytoplasm and cell membrane were graded on a scale of 1(poor)to 5(excellent).Results:Six percent(6%)formalin was observed to produce excellent results in liver tissues with a total grade of sixteen(16).10%formalin produced excellent results in lung tissues with a total grade or nineteen(19).Interestingly,2%,6%and 10%formalin concentrations produced excellently results in kidney tissues with the highest total grade fourteen(14).Conclusion:This study concludes that 6%formalin produced better section and staining qualities more than the commonly used 10%formalin according to the observations from the stained sections.This implies that the concentration of formalin affects the histochemical staining in liver,kidneys and lungs of Wistar rats.

Heparin improves organ microcirculatory disturbances in caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats

AIM:Microcirculatory disturbances are important early pathophysiological events in various organs during acute pancreatitis.The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in microperfusion of the pancreas,liver,kidney,stomach, colon,skeletal muscle,and to investigate the influence of heparin on the organ microcirculation in caerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis. METHODS:Acute pancreatitis was induced by 4 intraperitoneal injections of caerulein(Cn)(15 μg/kg).The organ microcirculation was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry.Serum interleukin 6 and hematocrit levels were analysed. RESULTS:Acute pancreatitis resulted in a significant drop of microperfusion in all examined organs.Heparin administration(2×2.5 mg/kg)improved the microcirculation in pancreas(36.9±4% vs 75.9±10%),liver(56.6±6% vs 75.2±16%),kidney (45.1±6% vs 79.3±5%),stomach (65.2±8% vs 78.1±19%),colon(69.8±6% vs 102.5±19%), and skeletal muscle (59.2±6% vs 77.9±13%).Heparin treatment lowered IL-6(359.0±66 U/mL vs 288.5±58 U/mL) and hematocrit level(53±4% vs 46±3%). CONCLUSION:Heparin administration has a positive influence on organ microcirculatory disturbances accompanying experimental Cn-induced acute pancreatitis.

Distribution of nitric oxide synthase in stomach myenteric plexus of rats

AIM: To study the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat stomach myenteric plexus. METHODS: The distribution of NOS in gastric wall was studied in quantity and location by the NADPH-diaphorase (NDP) histochemical staining method and whole mount preparation technique. RESULTS: NOS was distributed in whole stomach wall, most of them were located in myenteric plexus, and distributed in submucosal plexus.The shape of NOS positive neurons was basically similar, most of them being round and oval in shape. But their density, size and staining intensity varied greatly in the different parts of stomach. The density was 62+/-38 cells mm(2) (antrum), 43+/-32 cells/mm(2) (body), and 32+/-28 cells mm(2) (fundus), respectively. The size and staining intensity of NOS positive neurons in the fundus were basically the same, the neurons being large and dark stained, while they were obviously different in antrum. In the body of the stomach, the NOS positive neurons were in an intermediate state from fundus to antrum. There were some beadlike structures which were strung together by NOS positive varicosities in nerve fibers, some were closely adherent to the outer walls of blood vessels. CONCLUSION: Nitric oxide might be involved in the modulation of motility, secretion and blood circulation of the stomach, and the significant difference of NOS positive neurons in different parts of stomach myenteric plexus may be related to the physiologic function of stomach.

Effect of areca on contraction of colonic muscle strips in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of areca on the contractile activity of isolated colonic muscle strips in rats and mechanism involved. METHODS: Each strip (LMPC, longitudinal muscle of proximal colon; CMPC, circular muscle of proximal colon; LMDC, longitudinal muscle of distal colon; CMDC, circular muscle of distal colon.) was suspended in a tissue chamber containing 5 mL Krebs solution (37 degrees C), bubbled continuously with 950 mL.L(-1) O(2) and 50 mL.L(-1) CO(2). The mean contractile amplitude (A), the resting tension (T), and the contractile frequency (F) were simultaneously recorded on recorders. RESULTS: Areca dose dependently increased the mean contractile amplitude, the resting tension of proximal and distal colonic smooth muscle strips in rats (P【0.05). It also partly increased the contractile frequency of colonic smooth muscle strips in rats (P【0.05). The effects were partly inhibited by atropine (the resting tension of LMPC decreased from 0.44 +/- 0.12 to 0.17 +/- 0.03; the resting tension of LMDC decreased from 0.71 +/- 0.14 to 0.03 +/- 0.01; the mean contractile amplitude of LMPC increased from -45.8 +/- 7.2 to -30.5 +/- 2.9; the motility index of CMDC decreased from 86.6 +/- 17.3 to 32.8 +/- 9.3; P【0.05 vs areca), but the effects were not inhibited by hexamethonium (P】0.05). CONCLUSION: Areca stimulated the motility of isolated colonic smooth muscle strips in rats. The stimulation of areca might be relevant with M receptor partly.

Gastrin,somatostatin,G and D cells of gastric ulcer in rats

AIM: To investigate the relationship among gastrin, somatostatin, G and D cells in gastric ulcer and in its healing process in rats. METHODS: Fourty-nine Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups. The gastric ulcer model was induced by acetic acid successfully. The gastrin and the somatostatin in rat plasma, gastric fluid and antral tissue were measured by radioimmunoassay(RIA). G and D cells in antral mucosa were analyzed with polyclonal antibody of gastrin and somatostatin by immunohistochemical method and Quantimet 500 image analysis system. RESULTS: In gastric ulcer, the level of gastrin in plasma, gastric fluid, and antral tissue increased, that of somatostatin declined, and the disorder gradually recovered to the normal level in the healing process. Immunohistochemical technique of G and D cells in antral mucosa demonstrated that the number of G cells increased and that of D cells decreased, both areas of G and D cells declined, the ratio of number and area of G/D increased in gastric ulcer, and the disorder gradually recovered in the healing process. CONCLUSION: In gastric ulcer, the increased gastrin secreted by G cells, the declined somatostatin secreted by D cells, and the disordered G/D cell ratio can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction.