During the last decade the use of herbal medicinal substances in the attenuation of anterograde and retrograde amnesia induced by electroconvulsive shock (ECS) has been studied using animal research. We will discuss the background of herbal medicine in India, review the research findings on herbal medicines for ECS-induced amnestic deficits, and examine the applications and limitations of animal models in this context. We will focus on our own research and insights, with particular emphasis on practical issues.
Wedelolactone (WL) and demethylwedelolactone (DWL) isolated from Eclipta alba were tested in the trypsin inhibition bioassay (in vitro). Both compounds showed potent activity. IC(50) values of WL and DWL were found to be 2.9 and 3.0 microg/mL respectively.
This paper makes some observations on the concepts which must be understood and the issues which must be resolved in order to produce quality software. Motivation for studying software quality, in the form of examples of past software fiascos, is presented. The meaning of software quality is discussed. Finally, various approaches for producing software quality, including better evaluation techniques, better quality measurement, better development processes, and better development tools, are each addressed in a section of their own.
Seven analogues of medetomidine and naphazoline were synthesized and evaluated for their alpha 1 (aorta) and alpha 2 (platelet) activities. The analogues were composed of 2- and 4-substituted imidazoles and imidazolines attached through a methylene bridge to either the 1- or 2-naphthalene ring system. In general the 1-naphthalene analogues were the most potent inhibitors of epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. Of considerable interest was the fact that the 1-naphthalene analogues (2, 5-7) were partial agonists while the 2-naphthalene analogues (3, 8, 9) were antagonists in an alpha 1-adrenergic system (aorta). Thus, appropriately substituted naphthalene analogues of medetomidine and naphthazoline provide a spectrum of alpha 1-agonist, alpha 1-antagonist, and alpha 2-antagonist activity.
Mifepristone administered before the ECT seizure may attenuate ECT-induced retrograde amnesia. This suggests that glucocorticoid mechanisms may contribute to ECT-induced retrograde amnesia.
The isothiocyanate analog (IBI) of tolazoline produced contraction of the rat aortic strip, with an ED50 value of 1.63 × 10–5 M. The maximum contraction of the analog was nearly equal to that of tolazoline or phenylephrine. At 27 °C the tissue reactivity of phenylephrine and IBI was similar. When compared at equiactive concentrations, the total duration of contraction of IBI was three times longer than that of tolazoline. Thus, the longer duration of action of IBI may be attributed to the S=C=N group substitution of the molecule. IBI at 10-6 M shifted the dose-response curve of phenylephrine to the right with reduction in maxima. Phentolamine and other α1or α2 adrenoceptor blockers failed to block the responses of IBI in aorta, whereas verapamil or nifedipine blocked the response significantly. It appears that IBI is acting through calcium-channel-sensitive or calcium-receptor-related mechanism(s). In aspirin-treated platelets from human plasma, a distinct phase of aggregation induced by epinephrine can be blocked by IBI with KB of 2 × 10–5 M. This indicates a small but selective α2 related action of IBI. The aggregation induced by ADP or second component of aggregation induced by epinephrine were also blocked by IBI at concentrations comparable to that of the 012-adrenoceptor-mediated response. This indicates a lack of specificity of IBI in differentiating various phases of aggregation. Therefore, as compared to tolazoline, IBI presents an interesting paradox in its interaction with various receptors or mechanisms in the vascular tissue and platelets.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.