Effect of melipramine on the development of experimental depressive syndrome induced by systemic administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)

The effects of chronic administration of melipramine on the development of behavioral signs of depression in rats are studied using the model of a depressive syndrome induced by systemic administration of MPTP. Preadministration of melipramine prevents such MPTP-induced behavioral signs of depression in rats as decreased motor activity, reduced total daily liquid intake, reduced preference of sucrose solution over water, and increased depression index. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Giologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o . 8, pp. 160–163, August, 1995     

Comparative evaluation of pharmacological effects of combined application of strophanthin with some antiadrenergic agents

Pharmacological effects of strophanthin combined with the action of some antiadrenergic agents were studied on isolated frog atria and on models of acute and subacute cardiac insufficiency in rats. The studies demonstrated appreciable differences in the effects of anapriline, cordarone and tropaphen on strophanthin toxicity and on its chronoinotropic properties. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 5 pp. 502–505, May, 1995     

Structural and functional changes in the brain of rats with different behavioral types at later stages of circulatory hypoxia

Structural changes in the brain were studied at later (one and three months) stages of cerebral hypoxia caused by occlusion of the common carotid arteries, which were indicative of the development of recovery and destructive processes. Brain ultrastructure was found to be better preserved in rats with an active type of behavior one month after the onset of ischemia than in rats of the other groups; motor activity was restored to the baseline level, thus demonstrating a higher rate of recovery processes. Significant ultrastructural damage to the brain at the same stage of ischemia was observed in rats with a passive type of behavior (especially in rats of the middle group), while motor activity was increased. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 11, pp. 529–534, November, 1994 Presented by P. V. Simonov, Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences     

Vertical motor activity is inhibited in mice by lower doses of psychotropic drugs than horizontal activity

This study of 19 psychotropic drugs for their effect on motor activity of mice showed that all types of drugs (tranquilizers, sedatives, neuroleptics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants) inhibit vertical activity to a greater extent than horizontal activity. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 10, pp. 385–387, October, 1995. Presented by S. N. Golikov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Disturbances in the integrative activity of the rat brain after bilateral focal compression ischemia of the frontal cortex

Pathomorphological changes and disturbances in the integrative activity of the central nervous system of rats are studied after bilateral compression ischemia of the frontal cortex. Bilateral compression of the frontal cortex is shown to result in the formation of limited foci of ischemic necroses in the cortex, which are surrounded by the perifocal zone. This is attended by reduced horizontal motor activity in the “open field” test, as well as by a reduced latency of the conditioned passive avoidance response. The motor activity of operated animals is restored on day 14 postoperation, correlating with regeneration of some damaged neurons in the perifocal zone, whereas the latency of the conditioned passive avoidance response remains markedly reduced. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 12, pp. 568–571, December, 1994 Presented by O. S. Adrianov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of mexidol on the content of transmitter monoamines and amino acids in rat brain structures

The content of two major classes of neurotransmitters (monoamines and amino acids) and their main metabolites is measured in rats at certain intervals afterper os administration of mexidol (150 mg/kg). The level of dopamine and of its metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid is found to be considerably elevated in the frontal cortex, suggesting a pronounced cortical component in the mechanism of action of mexidol. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, N ^o 2, pp. 170–173, February, 1996 Presented by M. M. Khananashvili; Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of perfluorodecalin on picrotoxin toxicity and some detoxication systems

Preliminary administration (at least 7 days before the experiment) of perfluorodecalin boosts resistance to the toxic action of picrotoxin in rodents. The antidotal activity of diazepam rises under these conditions. Perfluorodecalin induces the activation of monooxygenase, conjugation, and antioxidant detoxication systems; the protein content increases in the blood serum and carboxylesterase activity is enchanged. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2. pp. 176–178, February, 1995     

Behavioral effects of penicillin in a test for anxiety in rats

The use of benzylpenicillin in a wide range of doses to test its influence on the behavior of rats in the elevated-plus maze revealed its activating effects on various behavioral parameters in doses between 10,000 and 150,000 U/kg, indicating that this penicillin exhibits a degree of anxiolytic activity. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 10, pp. 352–354, October, 1995     

Effects of neurotropin in pain syndromes

Neurotropin is shown to hinder the development of a neuropathic pain syndrome induced in rats by sciatic nerve transection and to produce a curative effect in animals that have already developed the pain syndrome. Neurotropin does not prevent the occurrence of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats but significantly diminishes its manifestations. The observed effects of this agent are attributed to its action on different components of the pathological algetic system. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 1, pp. 13–16, January, 1995     

Sustained aftereffect of the amnestic action of scopolamine in rats and its elimination by piracetam

Experiments were carried out on male Wistar rats to assess (1) the effect of chronically administered (for 20 days) scopolamine on their learning capacity and memory 10 days after its last administration and (2) the influence of the nootropic piracetam, given for 10 days after scopolamine and before learning a conditioned passive avoidance response, on cognitive functions of the brain altered as a result of the M-cholinergic receptors being blocked by scopolamine. Scopolamine-dosed rats showed poor reproduction of the conditioned passive avoidance response when tested for this response at 24 h and 30 days after learning it, whereas those treated with piracetam after scopolamine retained the response well both at 24 h and at 30 days. Piracetam also restored the scopolamine-impaired acute extinction of orienting/exploratory activity in the rats. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 4, pp. 372–374, April, 1995 Presented by S. B. Seredenin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Inheritance of morphine sensitivity in (WAG/G-fischer-344) F1 rats

The effects of morphine on the pain sensitivity and motor activity of progeny obtained by different variants of crossing purestrain WAG/G and Fischer-344 rats are studied. Four groups of rats were investigated: WAG/G (male and female WAG/G rats were crossed), Fischer-344 (Fischer-344 male and female), F/W (Fischer-344 male, WAG/ G female) F₁ hybrids, and W/F (WAG/G male, Fischer-344 female) F₁ hybrids. It is shown that the inheritance of individual features of sensitivity to the analgetic effect of morphine as well as of pain sensitivity is apparently sex-linked. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 9, pp. 291–293, September, 1995 Presented by V. N. Yarygin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of parlodel on the development of a depressive syndrome induced by administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in rats

Effects caused by the chronic administration of Parlodel on the development of behavioral signs of depression in rats are studied using the new model of depressive syndrome induced by the systemic administration of MPTP. Pretreatment with Parlodel prevents locomotor depression, weight loss, reduction of liquid intake, a decline of the preference of sucrose solution over water, and a rise of the depression index and promotes a quicker restoration of exploratory activity, i.e., it safeguards rats from manifestating the behavioral signs of MPTP-induced depression. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 7, pp. 66–70, July, 1995     

Effect of immunization against alcohol dehydrogenase on the behavior of white rats

Active immunization of white rats with alcohol dehydrogenase (horse ADH-1), a major ethanol-metabolizing enzyme shown to cause considerable and long-term inhibition of alcohol consumption, did not have adverse effects on their behavior. Rather, the rats showed enhanced motor and orienting-exploratory activities, developed conditioned responses (with both positive and negative reinforcements) more readily, and spent less time in a state of immobilization in the forced swimming test as compared with nonimmunized controls. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 10, pp. 349–351, October, 1994     

Impact of exogenous oxytocin on the motor function of the mammalian small intestine in the lactotrophic period

The establishment of the motor function of the small intestine during postnatal ontogeny and the impact of exogenous oxytocin on this function in the lactotrophic period were examined in rats. In the first week of life, only peristaltic movements of the small intestine were detectable, possibly due to the weak development of the longitudinal and circular muscle layers in the small intestine wall. Oxytocin was found to have an inhibitory effect on small intestine motor activity in rat pups. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 9, pp. 230–233, September, 1994 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of L-arginine on myogenic reactions of vascular smooth muscle cells in hypercholesterolemia

In hypercholesterolemia, the reduced vascular response observed during stretching of the vessel wall is probably caused by disorders of endothelial functional activity. L-arginine stimulates synthetic activity of the endothelium, making it possible to use of this amino acid for correction of these impairments. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 118–120, February, 1995 Presented by B. I. Tkachenko, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

A new model of the depressive syndrome induced by administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in rats

Animals treated with MPTP neurotoxin displayed lowered motor and exploratory activity in the open field test, reduced daily intake of water with a preference for sugar solution over water, prolonged immobilization, and increased index of depression in the forced swimming test. The changes in rat behavior were preserved for at least a week after withdrawal of the drug. The data attest to the development of a state of lowered motivational activity combined with ahedony and “behavioral despair” in response to MPTP, making it possible to consider this state as a new experimental model of dopamine-dependent depressive syndrome in rats. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 2, pp. 125–128, February, 1995     

The use of a nonopiate leu-enkephalin analog and of hydra peptide morphogen for the correction of proliferation disturbances in tracheal epithelium and of LPO processes in lungs of newborn rats exposed to prenatal hypoxia

Newborn rats were born of females exposed to high-altitude hypoxia. Pregnant females were injected i.p. either nonopiate leu-enkephalin analog or hydra peptide morphogen 10 μg/kg 30 min prior to being placed in a pressure chamber. Prenatal hypoxia causes the inhibition of the proliferative processes in tracheal epithelium and activation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in lungs of newborn rats. The administration of nonopiate leu-enkephalin analog prevents the development of posthypoxic alterations in newborn rats. The administration of hydra peptide morphogen inhibits the proliferation of tracheal epithelium and lowers the activity of the antioxidant defense of the lungs in newborn rats. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 117, N ^o 5, pp. 535–537, May, 1994 Presented by Yu. A. Romanov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of substance P on the content of catecholamines and on the enzymes of their synthesis in the brain of chronically alcoholized rats

The effect of a single administration of the endogenous peptide substance P on the content of dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE), and on the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (D-β-H) is studied in the hypothalamus and midbrain of rats after a 6-month alcoholization. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 7, pp. 46–48, July, 1994     

Effect of synthetic analogs of dermorphin on mitosis in the corneal and lingual epithelium of albino rats

A study of the effects of synthetic analogs of dermorphin which are prime agonists of the μ-opiate receptors, on cell division in the corneal and lingual epithelium of albino rats showed that both analogs depressed DNA synthesis in the corneal and lingual epithelium 4 h after administration. In the lingual epithelium DNA synthesis and the mitogenic index were still depressed 24 h after drug administration. In the cornea cell division parameters had normalized by this time. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 118, N ^o 11, pp. 508–510, November, 1994 Presented by Yu. A. Romanov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of amiridine and tacrine on reuptake of neurotransmitters in experimental amnesia

It is demonstrated that a single administration of amiridine, tacrine, piracetam, and physostigmine has no effect on the reuptake of adrenalin, noradrenalin, dopamine, and glycine, or of γ-aminobutyric, glutamic, and aspartic acids. Scopolamine (single administration or a 20-day treatment) also has no effect on the reuptake of these neurotransmitters. Administration of amiridine to intact rats during a 20-day period leads to a decrease in the reuptake of dopamine and γ-aminobutyric acid. A course of amiridine therapy of rats after repeated administration of scopolamine results in a reduced reuptake of dopamine. Tacrine, piracetam, and physosostigmine exhibit no activity under the chosen experimental conditions. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 5, pp. 512–514, May, 1995 Presented by Yu. A. Romanov, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences