Effect of semax heptapeptide on the human electroencephalogram

The effect of the new regulatory peptide Semax (ACTH_4–10 fragment) on the electroencephalogram of a healthy person was studied. Semax was administered at 0.5 mg/kg intranasally in 9 volunteers without causing any nervous system pathology. The control group comprised 6 examinees treated in the same way with distilled water. The effect of Semax manifested itself on the electroencephalogram as a boost of biopotential strength in all ranges but especially in that of the α-rhythm, the zonal differences of which were enhanced, without any pathological signs being evident. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, N ^o 1, pp. 116–117, January, 1996 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Analgesic action of the new drug Semax

Intranasal administration of the new regulatory peptide Semax (0.5 mg/kg) relieves migraine headache and pain caused by dental plexalgia. The analgesic effect of Semax is due to spasmolytic and general regulatory activities but not to its influence on pain sensitivity system. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 122, No. 11, pp. 527–529, November, 1996     

Effect of semax on homeostasis of gastric mucosa in albino rats

The ACTH_4-7 analogue Semax administered intraperitoneally in a dose of 50 g/kg 1 h before exposure to ulcerogenic factors (ethanol, water immersion immobilization stress) protected gastric mucosa from damage. Postoperative treatment with Semax for 5 days after application of glacial acetic acid on the mucosa prevented acetic acid-induced ulcers and promoted their healing. The antiulcer effects of Semax in the studied dose were comparable with those of tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro in a dose of 1 mg/kg.     

Comparative study of analgesic potency of ACTH<Subscript>4–10</Subscript> fragment and its analog semax

The effects of ACTH_4–10 fragment and its analog semax on nociception were examined on various animal models. ACTH_4–10 in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg decreased nociception in rats during hindpaw compression test and in mice subjected to acetic acid writhing test. Lower doses of ACTH_4–10 produced no analgesic effect. Semax (0.015–0.500 mg/kg) decreased pain sensitivity in all experimental models. Hence, the substitution of three C-terminal amino acid residues in ACTH_4–10 for Pro-Gly-Pro sequence augmented the analgesic potency of the peptide after its peripheral injection. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 143, No. 1, pp. 8–12, January, 2007     

Vestibuloprotective and antiamnestic properties of adrenocorticotropic hormone fragments and their analogs

It is established that low-intensity electromagnetic waves of superhigh frequency and motion sickness induce in rats a retrograde amnesia revealed in the passive avoidance test. Fragments of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (4–10) and (5–10), ORG-2766 [ACTH (4–9) analog], and a domestic ACTH (4–10) analog, ACTH (4–7)-Pro-Gly-Pro (semax), in doses of 0.05–0.1 mg/kg significantly weaken the anamnestic effect of both extreme factors. Semax and ORG-2766 also possess a marked anti-motion sickness activity. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, Nulo 6, pp. 634–636, June, 1995 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effects of regulatory peptides on changes in the content of brain stem catecholamine in rats during hypoxia and hemorrhage

Effects of regulatory peptides FMRFa, thyroliberin, and Semax (ACTH_4–10 analogue) on changes in the content of biogenic amines in rat brain stem observed 1 and 20 min after termination of hypoxia and 5 min after bloodletting (hemorrhage) were studied. The content of norepinephrine decreased to 82% of the control level 20 min after hypobaric hypoxia, while preliminary administration of the peptide complex abolished this effect. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 128, No. 11, pp. 518–520, November, 1999     

Lowering of lipid peroxidation and acute toxicity of bromobenzene by a polymeric form of zinc-metallothionein

Plasma and liver contents of malonic aldehyde are studied one day after administration of bromobenzene to mice pretreated with a polymeric form of zinc-metallothionein from rat liver. It is found that zinc-metallothionein injected in a dose of 1–4 mg/kg 5–10 min prior to injection of bromobenzene (2 g/kg, about 56% of LD₅₀) markedly lowers the malonic dialdehyde level and active toxicity of this xenobiotic. Administration of a mixture modeling Zn-metallothionein (albumin, cysteine, and zinc) in a dose of 4 mg/kg has no appreciable effect on the malonic dialdehyde level raised after bromobenzene injection, and does not change its LD₅₀. It is concluded that the protective effect of exogenous zinc-metallothionein is due to its antioxidant activity, which allows for normalization of lipid peroxidation. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 119, N ^o 1, pp. 43–45, January, 1995 Presented by B. B. Moroz, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Melatonin and ulceration in rat stomach in acute emotional stress

Formation of peptic ulcers under conditions of acute emotional stress was studied in rats injected with different doses of melatonin (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg). The number of total length of peptic ulcers increases under conditions of stress. In unstressed rats melatonin induces ulceration of gastric mucosa. In a dose of 1 mg/kg melatonin exerts protective effect on gastric mucosa. No significant changes in the number and total length of peptic ulcers are noted with 0.5 and 2 mg/kg melatonin. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 125, No. 1, pp. 12–14, January, 1998     

Dynorphin administered to Newborn rats modulates morphogenesis of the heart

Proliferation, activity of the nucleolar organizer region, and protein content in cardiomyocytes were studied in 21-day-old rats intraperitoneally treated with κ-opioid receptor agonist dynorphin A_1–13 in a dose of 100 μg/kg on postnatal days 2–6. The content of catecholamines in the heart and proliferative activity of cardiomyocytes remained unaffected, but the number of nucleoli in cardiomyocyte nuclei and the integral optical density of cardiomyocytes stained with amido black B (protein content) increased. The data suggest that administration of dynorphin to newborn rats considerably modulates morphogenesis of the heart at later terms. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 129, No. 6, pp. 623–625, June, 2000     

Changes in blood content of prostaglandin F2α and leukotrienes C4 and B4 in rats after intravenous injection of contrast agents

It is shown that Triombrast=Hexabrix=Omnipaque≤Melitrast<Ultravist in a dose-independent manner increase the level of prostaglandin F_2α and leukotrienes C₄ and B₄ in the blood of sensitive rats (50%) 15 min after intravenous injection of the preparation, the changes in prostaglandin F_2α being maximal, while those in leukotrienes C₄ minimal. The effect of nonionic contrast agents on the blood level of prostaglandin F_2α (0.1–2.0 g I/kg, except for Omnipaque) and leukotriene B₄ (in a dose of 0.5 g I/kg) is more pronounced in comparison with the ionic preparations. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 123, No. 3, pp. 289–293, March, 1997     

Correction of lipid metabolism with chenodeoxycholic acid and galenic preparations in experiment

In a rabbit model of cholestasis (40% ligation of the common bile duct), the size and number of cholesterol calculi in the gallbladder drop markedly after therapy with chenodeoxycholic acid (1.5 mg/kg once daily for 2–3 months) or with the new galenic preparation ekvalen (daily administration in a dose of 1.5 ml/kg in a 16–18% aqueous ethanol solution for 7 days at 3–4-day intervals during a 1–3-month period). Normalization of lipid metabolism in the enterohepatic system is documented. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 122, No. 7, pp. 117–120, July, 1996     

Effect of semax heptapeptide on rat heart activity during acute hypobaric hypoxia in the early postnatal period

The effects of Semax heptapeptide on the resistance to acute hypobaric hypoxia and on hypoxic changes in the ECG chronotropic index were studied in 14- and 21-day-old pups. The resistance to hypoxia decreased with age. Hypoxic exposure caused bradycardia in both age groups. Semax reduced the bradycardiac reaction and exerted an antiarrhythmic effect without affecting the resistance to hypoxia. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 128, No. 8, pp. 161–164, August, 1999     

Effect of semax and semax-heparin mixture on isolated heart activity after total ischemia in rats

Semax administered after 40-min total ischemia of isolated heart improved the recovery of heart rate and reduced myocardial contracture. When administered prior to ischemia, Semax exerted a negative effect on recovery of heart contractility. Semax-heparin mixture significantly improved the recovery of cardiac indices (end-diastolic pressure, heart rate, and relaxation rate) irrespective of administration schedule. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 128, No. 11, pp. 494–496, November, 1999     

Antimutagenic activity of afobazole in various regimens of treatment

The influence of a new 2-mercaptobenzimidazole derivative afobazole on cytogenetic effects of dioxidine and cyclophosphamide was studied by counting chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells of C57B1/6 mice. Afobazole (1–100 mg/kg perorally) exhibited antimutagenic activity determined by its antioxidant properties. This activity depended on the dose and treatment shedule. Translated fromByulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 130, No. 11, pp. 539–542, November, 2000     

In vivo efficiency of Semax in global cerebral ischemia

The efficiency of neuropeptide preparation Semax was studied on an animal model of global cerebral ischemia caused by irreversible bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries. Semax significantly alleviated neurological deficit and slightly improved postischemic survival. These effects can be attributed to the antihypoxic and neurotrophic effects of the preparation. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 128, No. 8, pp. 172–174, August, 1999     

Effect of μ-opiate receptor agonist tetrapeptide A10 on DNA synthesis and protein content in the myocardium of albino rats

Effect of intraperitoneal injection of tetrapeptide A10 (H-Tyr-D-Orn-Phe-Gly-OH), selective μ-opiate receptor agonist, synthetic analog of dermorphine, in a dose of 100 μg/kg on DNA synthesis and protein content in the myocardium was studied in albino rats. Five injections of tetrapeptide on days 2–6 after birth caused no changes in DNA synthesis 17 days after the last injection,i. e. in 24-day rats. The number of nucleoli and their area increased. In adult males long-term (3-week) treatment with tetrapeptide A10 increased the number of nucleoli and the mean and integral optical density of isolated cardiomyocytes stained with amido black B, which probably attested to activation of protein synthesis in the myocardium. Simultaneously, the content of catecholamines in the heart increased. These data are comparable with delayed effects of κ-opiate receptor agonist dinorphine A_1–13 and indicate that morphogenetic properties of opioid peptides in rat myocardium are realized via the same routes. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 130, No. 12, pp. 693–695, December, 2000     

Effect of sedatin,a synthetic dermorphin analog,on cell division in the corneal and lingual epithelia of rats

Sedatin, an analog of the opioid peptide dermorphin, which is a mixed μ- and δ-receptor agonist, had no effect on DNA synthesis and mitotic activity in the corneal or lingual epithelium of rats in a single dose 10 μg/kg, but stimulated cell division in both epithelia in a single dose of 100 μg/kg and in the 10 μg/kg dose administered either once daily over a 21-day period or just once after a single injection of the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, No. 6, pp. 641–644, June, 1996     

Effect of endothelin-1 on DNA synthesis in tracheal epithelium and smooth muscle cells in newborn albino rats

Repeated (5-fold) intraperitoneal injections of 5×10⁻⁹ mol/kg endothelin-1 inhibited DNA synthesis in tracheal epitheliocytes and activated lipid peroxidation in the lungs of newborn rats. Endothelin-1 in a dose of 5×10⁻⁸ mol/kg stimulated proliferative activity of tracheal smooth muscle cells and intensified lipid peroxidation in the blood, which aggravated observed changes. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 129, No. 3, pp. 294–296, March. 2000     

Psychotropic activity of cholecystokinine tetrapeptide analogs

Psychotropic activity of two cholecystokinin analogs Trp-R₁-Asp-Phe-NH₂ and R₂-Trp-R₃-Asp-Phe-NH₂ is studied using behavioral tests. Both analogs have no effect on motor activity. Trp-R₁-Asp-Phe-NH₂ in doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg exhibits anxiogenic activity and impairs learning (only in a dose of 0.1 mg/kg) of experimental animals. R₂-Trp-R₃-Asp-Phe-NH₂ possesses no anxiogenic activity and in doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg promotes learning, which attests to its nootropic activity. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 125, No. 6, pp. 647–650, June, 1998     

Ambiguity of the effect of high and low doses of amino-acid preparations on the immune response and phagocytosis in mice

It is shown that the effect of amino-acid preparations (levamine-70–70, cerebrolysin, and aviamine) is dose-dependent. Thus, levamine-70 and cerebrolysin at 65 mg/kg do not affect the immune response but stimulate phagocytosis. Aviamine at 65 mg/kg inhibits the immune response but stimulates phagocytosis and in a dose of 6.5×10⁻² mg/kg boosts both processes. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 117, N ^o 5, pp. 500–501, May, 1994 Presented by A. D. Ado, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences