We have investigated the antinociceptive effects of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. (Labiatae) (EOOG) in two classical models of pain in male Swiss mice (25-35 g), the writhing test and the formalin test. At doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg (po), EOOG produced a dosedependent inhibition (from 58.3 ± 4.4 to 40.7 ± 6.3, 36.4 ± 3.6 and 24.6 ± 3.6, respectively; N = 8-10, P<0.05) of acetic acid-induced writhing, causing up to a ~60% inhibition at the highest dose used, comparable to that obtained with indomethacin (10 mg/kg, po). At the same doses, EOOG predominantly inhibited the late (inflammatory) phase of the formalin-induced pain response (from 59.3 ± 8.3 to 40.4 ± 4.8, 23.2 ± 2.8 and 25.3 ± 5.5, respectively; N = 6, P<0.05), with a maximal reduction of ~60% of the control, although a significant reduction of the initial (neurogenic) phase was also observed at 300 mg/kg (from 62.5 ± 6.07 to 37 ± 5.9; P<0.05). On the basis of these data, we conclude that EOOG possesses interesting antinociceptive properties in the writhing and formalin tests. Due to the relatively low toxicity of EOOG, further detailed examination is strongly indicated for a better characterization of its pharmacological properties and its potential therapeutic value.

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Systemic coccidioidomycosis was diagnosed in a 4-year-old male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) with ascites and failure to thrive. Physical examination, laboratory and radiological studies, and exploratory laparotomy showed signs of systemic fungal infection that included penetration into the central nervous system (CNS). Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) titres, along with ascites cytology findings, confirmed the presence of Coccidioides immitis. However, the organism could not be cultured from the CSF. Treatment with fluconazole 10 mg kg(-1) daily for 6 months was not associated with clinical improvement. Subsequent treatment with posaconazole 50 mg kg(-1) daily for approximately 24 months resulted in negative serum titres and improved clinical status. Illness not directly related to the C. immitis infection caused the chimpanzee's deterioration and eventual killing. Histological examination performed during necropsy provided no evidence of coccidioidomycosis; however, a positive C. immitis serum antibody titre was noted. The successful suppression of coccidioidomycosis observed in this chimpanzee suggests that posaconazole may have a role in the treatment of CNS infections caused by susceptible fungi.

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