Changes in the eosinophil count and corticosterone and catecholamine levels during regeneration of the resected liver

Changes in the eosinophil count in the blood and in the catecholamine and corticosterone concentrations in the plasma, adrenals, and heart were found after partial hepatectomy in experiments on albino rats. Responses of the pituitary-adrenal system to resection and regeneration of the liver were phasic in character, as reflected by the eosinophil count.Central Research Laboratory, Irkutsk Medical Institute. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR A. M. Chernukh.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 86, No. 12, pp. 663–664, December, 1978.     

Seasonal variations in the catecholamine concentration in the albino rat brain

Seasonal changes in the concentrations of dopamine (DA), noradrenalin (NA), and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the forebrain and diencaphalon were studied in 258 Wistar albino rats. Experiments were carried out montly for six years. The concentrations of DA, NA, and HVA in the brain changed significantly in the course of the year, and in both parts of the brain the changes were in the same direction. The DA concentration in the winter and spring months was higher than the average for the year, whereas in summer it was lower. The NA concentration was much higher in spring (by one-third in the diencephalon) than the mean values. In the summer months (June–August) the average NA concentration corresponded to more rapid metabolism of DA (a decrease in DA and an increase in HVA).Laboratory of Psychopharmacology and Department of Pharmacology, Tartu University. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR M. D. Mashkovskii.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 89, No. 2, pp. 215–217, February, 1980.     

Effect of substance P on thermoregulation parameters during different cooling modes

The modulatory effect of ionophoretic application of substance P to the skin on the formation of the cold-triggered thermal protection reactions depends on the rate of cooling. During rapid cooling substance P enhances heat production, while during slow cooling it promotes constriction of skin blood vessels aimed at reduction of heat emission. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 141, No. 6, pp. 643–645, June, 2006     

Effects of acute haloperidol treatment on regional catecholamine levels and utilization in rats exposed to toluene

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate whether the responses of central catecholamine (CA) neurons to CA receptor blockade by haloperidol are altered upon toluene exposure. Male rats were exposed to air or toluene (80 ppm) for 5 and 4 days, 6 h day^-1. CA levels and utilization were determined in discrete regions of the forebrain and hypothalamus as well as in the substantia nigra (SN) and anteromedial frontal cortex (AMFC). Serum levels of corticosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin were determined by radioimmunoassay procedures. Toluene exposure led to increased dopamine (DA) utilization in the AMFC and increased CA utilization in the paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei. In air-exposed rats haloperidol (1 mg kg^-1, i.p., 2 h before killing) increased DA utilization in the marginal part of the nucleus caudatus putamen (CAUD). In toluene-exposed rats, haloperidol induced significant depletions of DA stores in the SN and in the medial and central parts of the CAUD. In the posterior nucleus accumbens (ACC) DA utilization was significantly increased. Combined haloperidol and toluene treatment selectively decreased DA levels in the ACC and SN, and significantly increased DA utilization in the CAUD, as compared with the air-exposed control group. Furthermore, after combined treatment, there was a specific increase in noradrenaline (NA) utilization in the SN and in CA utilization in the medial palisade zone of the median eminence. Serum prolactin levels were substantially raised in both the air and toluene groups after the haloperidol treatment. In conclusion, acute haloperidol treatment preferentially reduces DA levels and increases DA and NA utilization in the SN and in discrete tel- and diencephalic areas in rats exposed to toluene.     

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on glutathione levels in various organs of rat

Since glutathione (GSH) depletion (about 20% of total GSH content) can impair the cell's defence against the toxic actions of drugs and may lead to cell injury and death, we examined the effect of piroxicam, naproxen and ketoprofen on GSH levels in various organs of the rat (brain, eye, liver, stomach, heart, leg adductor muscle). Ketoprofen in brain and leg adductor muscle dramatically decreases the GSH levels, giving rise to potential cellular toxicity.     

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on glutathione levels in various organs of rat

Since glutathione (GSH) depletion (about 20% of total GSH content) can impair the cell's defence against the toxic actions of drugs and may lead to cell injury and death, we examined the effect of piroxicam, naproxen and ketoprofen on GSH levels in various organs of the rat (brain, eye, liver, stomach, heart, leg adductor muscle). Ketoprofen in brain and leg adductor muscle dramatically decreases the GSH levels, giving rise to potential cellular toxicity.

     

Ultrastructure of the adrenal medulla and blood catecholamine level during burn trauma

The results of an electron-microscopic analysis of the adrenal medulla were compared with those of biochemical investigation of the blood catecholamine level during burn shock. In the erectile phase of burn shock adrenalin and noradrenalin stored in the depots is released, whereas in the torpid phase further liberation of the contents of the granules is accounted for entirely by adrenalin. A distinguishing feature of this period is the intensification of synthesis. After burning a holocrine type of secretion predominates and leads subsequently to exhaustion of the adrenal medulla. Reparative processes are characteristic of burns, but the synthesis and secretion of catecholamines take place less intensively than in healthy animals.Department of Pathological Physiology and Central Research Laboratory, Rostov Medical Institute. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR A. M. Chernukh.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 85, No. 6, pp. 760–765, June, 1978.