Abstract-Concentrations of lead, mercury, and cadmium in the liver, kidney, and muscle of four Steller's sea eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus) and one white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) that were found dead or debilitated and subsequently died in Hokkaido, Japan, from 1986 to 1997 were determined. High lead concentrations (Ͼ70 g/g dry weight) were detected in the liver of two Steller's sea eagles and the white-tailed sea eagle. Lead shot was also found in the intestine and gizzard of one Steller's sea eagle and the white-tailed sea eagle, respectively. Mercury and cadmium concentrations in the tissues of these raptors were low, implying that the toxicities of these elements were negligible. These results indicate that eagles in Hokkaido are suffering from secondary poisoning through ingestion of lead shot embedded in the tissue of their prey.
Sho-ju-sen (SK), a Japanese herbal medicine with a nourishing tonic action, is composed of a water extract of Kumazasa leaves (Sasa kurinensis Makino et Sibata) (SS), and ethanol extracts of Japanese red pine needles (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc) (PN) and Ginseng roots (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) (PX) in the ratio 8:1:1. In this study, an elevated plus-maze test in mice was carried out to assess whether SK had an anxiolytic effect. No significant change was observed in either the plus-maze or activity test following a single administration of SK (10 and 20 mL/kg p.o.). However, mice allowed a free intake of SK (10% solution) for 5 days and longer showed a significant prolongation of the time spent in the open arms (an anxiolytic effect), as long as that caused by the benzodiazepine anxiolytic diazepam (1 mg/kg p.o.). SK (1%, 3% and 30% solutions for 7 days) tended to develop the anxiolytic effect. Of the constituents of SK, SS (8% solution), but not PN (1% solution) or PX (1% solution), resulted in the anxiolytic effect. Except for a slight acceleration in the motor activity by PN (1% solution), no significant change in the motor activity was produced by any treatment with SK, SS or PX. The combined treatment of SK (10% solution) or SS (8% solution) with 1 mg/kg diazepam enhanced the anxiolytic effect. Flumazenil (0.1 mg/kg s.c.), a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, alone did not change the time spent in the open arms. However, it completely reversed the anxiolytic effect of SK, SS and diazepam. The present results suggest that: (1) long-term treatment with SK develops an anxiolytic effect, (2) SS is the main constituent for the anxiolytic effect of SK, and (3) benzodiazepine receptors are involved in the anxiolytic effect of SK and SS.
The antidepressant effect of Sho-ju-sen, a Japanese herbal medicine composed of extracts of three herbs; kumazasa leaf (Sasa Kurinensis Makino et Sibata), Japanese red pine leaf (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc) and ginseng radix (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), was assessed using a learned helplessness model in mice. The learned helplessness was produced by presenting 120 unavoidable/inescapable shocks for 3 days to the mouse in a shuttle box, and the avoidance training was carried out on day 4. Compared with the control group given tap water, free consumption of Sho-ju-sen (1%, 3% and 10%) for 21 days resulted in a significant amelioration of the response rate at 1% and 3%, and both the response rate and % avoidance at 10%. Although Sho-ju-sen (10%) caused no significant effect following the 7-day intake, it ameliorated the response rate following the 14-day intake. The extract of Japanese red pine leaf, but not kumazasa leaf or ginseng radix, mildly improved the response rate. Learned helplessness was significantly and dose-dependently reduced by imipramine (10 and 30 mg/kg i.p.), while only mildly by diazepam (1 mg/kg p.o.). These results suggest that a long-term consumption of Sho-ju-sen is effective for the amelioration of depression, and the effectiveness is derived mainly from the extract of Japanese red pine leaf.
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