Abstract: Background and Objective: Pharmacological agents 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) block different subsets of voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels. The potassium channels in the chordotonal organs in crab limbs are sensitive to both blockers. These organs serve as a model of proprioceptive sensation and have rapidly and slowly-adapting sensory neurons. Since 4-AP is used clinically in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, a better understanding of its action on proprioceptive models will increase our knowledge of the potential effects in mammalian systems. Materials and Methods: To assess the action of these blockers on the function of proprioceptive sensory neurons, the neurons were evoked by movements associated with the joint while applying these compounds individually or in combination. The model organism was the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Results: Both 4-AP and TEA individually and in combination decreased the activity of evoked compound action potentials in isolated nerves. Conclusion: The blockers appeared to act on electrical induction and conduction within the axons, suggesting that the crab limb proprioceptive organs can be used as a model for future pharmacological investigations to increase our understanding of mechanosensitive channels and neuronal activity. PubDate: 14 April, 2022
Abstract: Background and Objective: Developing countries, particularly in Africa are affected by the ageing population's challenges because of the expensive health care provision. An inexpensive and safe medicinal plant could be an option. This present study investigated the anti-ageing effects of Methanolic Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (MEVA) leaves on the testis of D-galactose induced ageing male Albino rats. Materials and Methods: Four groups containing eight rats each were randomly selected. Group I (control) rats were given 1 mL of normal saline, group II rats were treated with D-galactose of 300 mg kg–1 b.wt., only, group III rats were treated with 300 mg kg–1 b.wt., of D-galactose and 200 mg kg–1 b.wt., of MEVA while group IV received 300 mg kg–1 b.wt., of D-galactose and 300 mg kg–1 b.wt., of MEVA for 28 days orally. Quantitative analysis of phytochemicals and antioxidant constituents of the leaves were carried out. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde were assayed in the testis homogenate using spectrophotometry. Testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were measured in plasma using enzyme-linked immunoassay methods (ELISA). Semen analysis was carried out on the caudal epididymis and histology of the testis was done by the H and E staining method. Results: The results showed a significant reduction (p PubDate: 06 January, 2022
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) plant have been employed in folklore and traditional medicine in the treatment of various forms of disease conditions in Africa. Unquantifiable amounts have been consumed in the quest to obtain relief from these ailments. Thus, the work aimed to evaluate the effect of graded doses of Crude Ethanolic leaf Extract (CEE) of A. montanus in mice with regards to histopathological changes in vital organs such as the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidney and intestine and to determine its median Lethal Dose (LD50). Materials and Methods: Mice were treated with (low, moderate, high and very high doses) of CEE or vehicle (distilled water) by oral gavage once, after a 12 hrs deprivation of water and observed for demeanour and/or signs of toxicity for 48 hrs and 21 days post-inoculation. A mouse from each group was humanely sacrificed and vital organs harvested. Tissues were trimmed, processed and haematoxylin-eosin stained. Results: There were no observable signs of toxicity and death of mice during the period of observation. Gross and histopathological findings were those of congestion, mononuclear cellular infiltration and cellular degeneration which were dose-dependent. The gross and histopathological changes improved within the period of observation. LD50 of the extract was greater than 10,000 mg kg–1. Conclusion: An oral single dose of CEE of A. montanus leaf to mice at the rate of 10,000 mg kg–1 did not cause death in mice. This suggests that the plant might be practically non-toxic and have a high therapeutic index with regards to its use in folklore and ethnomedicine. PubDate: 02 May, 2022
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