Evaluation of the interaction between acemetacin and opioids on the hargreaves model of thermal hyperalgesia

It has been shown that the association of opioids analgesic agents with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase their antinociceptive activity, allowing the use of lower doses and thus limiting side effects. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine the possible pharmacological interaction between acemetacin and two opioids in the Hargreaves model of thermal hyperalgesia in the mouse. Acemetacin, codeine, nalbuphine or fixed-dose ratios acemetacin-codeine and acemetacin-nalbuphine combinations were administrated systemically to mice and the antihyperalgesic effect was evaluated using the thermal hyperalgesia test. All treatments produced a dose-dependent antihyperalgesic effect. ED40 values were estimated for all the treatments and an isobologram was constructed. The derived theoretical ED40 for the acemetacin-codeine and acemetacin-nalbuphine combinations were 55.9+/-4.9 mg/kg and 40.3+/-3.8 mg/kg, respectively, being significantly higher than the actually observed experimental ED40, 14.5+/-1.7 mg/kg and 12.7+/-2.2 mg/kg, respectively. These results correspond to synergistic interactions between acemetacin and opioids on the Hargreaves model of thermal hyperalgesia. Highest doses of the individual drugs or the combinations did not affect motor coordination in the balancing test on a rota-rod. Data suggest that low doses of the acemetacin-opioids combination can interact synergistically at systemic level and therefore this drugs association may represent a therapeutic advantage for the clinical treatment of inflammatory pain.     

Interaction of the discriminative stimulus properties of diazepam and ethanol in pigeons

One group of pigeons (n = 5) was trained to discriminate between the effects induced by 5.6 mg/kg of diazepam (DZP) and the vehicle whereas other pigeons (n = 5) had to discriminate between 3.0 g/kg of ethanol (ETOH) and the vehicle, administered intragastrically (IG) 10 and 40 min prior to the training sessions respectively. Once trained, the pigeons were tested with either diazepam or ethanol alone and in combination. The birds trained to discriminate between DZP and the vehicle mostly performed non-drug associated responses when tested with ETOH (0.56 to 3.0 g/kg). Tests with other doses of DZP (0.3 to 3.0 mg/kg) in the diazepam-trained birds resulted in an ED50 value of 1.4 mg/kg. The birds trained to discriminate between ETOH and the vehicle generalized DZP to ETOH, the ED50 value for diazepam being 3.0 mg/kg. Tests with other doses of ETOH (0.56 to 2.0 g/kg) in this latter group resulted in an ED50 value of 1.3 g/kg. Tests with combinations of DZP and ETOH produced a shift of the dose-response curves to the left indicating drug additivity. The discrimination of 5.6 mg/kg of IG administered DZP but not that of ETOH (3.0 g/kg) was attenuated by injections of the analeptic bemegride (ED50 = 5.5 mg/kg), thus suggesting a difference in the cueing processes of the two drugs. When tested singly, bemegride induced non-drug responding or complete suppression of responding in the birds at the doses of 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg respectively. In conclusion, the discriminable effects of DZP and ETOH are additive or even supra-additive, but the stimulus properties of the two drugs are not identical.     

Inhibition by aspirin of gastrointestinal toxicity induced by indomethacin in polyarthritic rats.

Methods were employed for examining the gastrointestinal toxicity of indomethacin, aspirin, and combinations of these drugs in adjuvant-induced polyarthritic rats. Significant toxicity, primarily associated with the small intestine, was observed at doses between 4 and 8 mg/kg/day, po, of indomethacin alone. Lethality was observed with doses of indomethacin from 5 to 8 mg/kg/day. Adverse gastrointestinal effects of aspirin, 32 to 500 mg/kg/day, po, were minimal (erythema and bleeding of the stomach mucosa and, on occasion, an intestinal ulceration); however, deaths occurred at 625 mg/kg and above. Polyarthritic rats were treated with various combinations of aspirin and indomethacin had significantly less gastrointestinal damage than animals treated with identical doses of indomethacin alone. Aspirin, 100 mg/kg and above, virtually abolished the dose-related indomethacin-induced gastrointestinal toxicity in the doses that were studied. At 32 mg/kg aspirin, the parallel shift in the indomethacin dose-toxicity curve suggested that the interaction between these two drugs is the result of competitive antagonism.     

The antihypertensive property of NIP-121, a novel potassium channel opener in rats.

The antihypertensive effects of NIP-121, a novel potassium channel opener, were examined in comparison with cromakalim and its active enantiomer, lemakalim. In experiments by direct blood pressure measurements, orally administered NIP-121 dose-relatedly decreased arterial blood pressure in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and the ED20 values (the doses to produce 20% decrease of the mean blood pressure) of NIP-121 and cromakalim were 0.010 and 0.11 mg/kg, respectively, NIP-121 thus being about ten times more potent than cromakalim. The duration of the hypotensive effect by NIP-121 was longer than that by cromakalim. The hypotensive effect of NIP-121 was stronger in SHRs than in normotensive rats. All three drugs showed tachycardia that was antagonized by a beta-blocker, propranolol. Intravenously administered NIP-121 also showed a more potent hypotensive action with longer duration than cromakalim in conscious SHRs. The ED20 values for hypotension by NIP-121, cromakalim, and lemakalim were 0.017, 0.040, and 0.016 mg/kg, respectively. The intravenous hypotensive potency of NIP-121 but not cromakalim was similar to that of p.o. administration. The repeated treatments with NIP-121 (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg p.o. once a day) for 15 days did not modify the degree of the hypotensive action. In the anesthetized SHRs, pretreatment with glibenclamide but not other antagonists (atropine, propranolol, diphenhydramine + cimetidine, or indomethacin) suppressed the decrease in blood pressure induced by NIP-121.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of oxybutynin on the cardiovascular system in dogs

The effects of oxybutynin, an anticholinergic and antispasmodic agent, on the cardiovascular system were studied in comparison with those of atropine in anesthetized dogs. Oxybutynin (0.1-10 mg/kg, i.v.) caused a transient hypotension, tachycardia, increases in femoral, stomach, mesenteric and common carotid arterial blood flows and a decrease in renal arterial blood flow. Atropine (0.1-10 mg/kg, i.v.) caused a stronger and more prolonged hypotension with bradycardia, accompanied by weaker blood flow changes than those by oxybutynin. In open-chest dogs, oxybutynin caused increases in cardiac output and coronary sinus outflow and decreases in heart rate and left ventricular pressure. The agent augmented dLVP/dt/P at doses up to 3 mg/kg, i.v., but reduced it at 10 mg/kg, i.v. Atropine caused stronger cardiosuppressive responses than those of oxybutynin. Coronary sinus outflow was decreased by atropine, unlike in the case of oxybutynin. The pressor responses of norepinephrine, epinephrine and tyramine were potentiated by pretreatment with oxybutynin (15 mg/kg, i.v.). However, pressor or depressor responses induced by histamine, isoproterenol, serotonin and DMPP were unaffected by oxybutynin. Intraarterial injections of oxybutynin, atropine and papaverine caused femoral and renal arterial vasodilations dose-dependently, in the following order of potency: papaverine greater than oxybutynin greater than atropine. In the isolated blood-perfused canine papillary muscle preparation, oxybutynin and atropine caused a negative inotropic action, whereas papaverine caused a positive inotropic action. From the above results, it is suggested that oxybutynin has milder cardiosuppressive and hypotensive effects than atropine in terms of potency and duration of action, and in addition, oxybutynin has a vasodilating action probably ascribable to its anticholinergic and antispasmodic actions.     

Acute toxicity of bemithyl and bromithyl

The experiments on rats showed for bemithyl LD50 = 581.48 (350.17-965.57) mg/kg and for bromithyl LD50 = 1750.30 (1463.07-2093.92) mg/kg (males) and 1584.29 (1280.46-1960.22) mg/kg (females). The therapeutic ratios are 4-6 for both drugs, while the toxicity index is 10-15 for bemithyl and 20 <196> 22 for bromithyl. It was established that ergotropic effects prevail in the toxicity of bemithyl administered in the 20-80 mg/kg dose range, while trophotropic effects are dominating at doses above 100 mg/kg. Bromithyl exhibits a dose-dependent trophotropic effect in the entire dose range.     

治疗高血压药物的研究 ⅩⅢ.野菊花成分HC-1的实验治疗及毒性

野菊花降压有效。本文实验用热醇提取出有效成分HC-1,并研究其疗效及毒性。麻醉猫小肠注射50—100毫克/公斤,2小时内的降压面积百分比为-19至-22%。正常血压狗4只,分别灌服50,100,130及150毫克/公斤,舒张压分别下降0,24,8及36毫米汞柱,作用缓慢,维持2小时以上。慢性肾型高血压狗3只,前2周每日灌胃100毫克/公斤,第3周每日灌胃200毫克/公斤。其中2狗血压显著降低。这3狗每周作心电图、血清磺溴酞钠存留率及全血非蛋白氮含量的测定,未见到严重毒性反应。另1只正常狗每日服300毫克/公斤,连续3周,除有时呕吐外,亦无其他严重毒性反应。HC-1产量较高,毒性不大,作用缓和,对麻醉与不麻醉动物有一定降压效果,可以推荐临床试用。     

Influence of calcium channel inhibitors upon the anticonvulsant efficacy of common antiepileptics against pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions in mice

Among three calcium channel inhibitors studied, nifedipine (20 mg/kg) moderately inhibited pentylenetetrazol (115 mg/kg, s.c.)-induced convulsions, whilst diltiazem (up to 20 mg/kg) and verapamil (up to 20 mg/kg) were without effect. The combinations of nifedipine (10 and 20 mg/kg) with valproate (100 mg/kg) or phenobarbital (6.25 mg/kg) resulted in significant protection against pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. Combined treatment of nifedipine (5-20 mg/kg) with ethosuximide (100 mg/kg) also provided a clearcut anticonvulsant action. The antiepileptic drugs alone, in the above doses, were ineffective. The combination of diltiazem (10-20 mg/kg) and ethosuximide (100 mg/kg) produced protection against pentylenetetrazol, comparable to that of ethosuximide (200 mg/kg) alone. No pharmacokinetic interactions were found in the case of ethosuximide, whilst nifedipine (10 mg/kg) increased the levels of phenobarbital and valproate in plasma. The combination of diltiazem with the remaining antiepileptics were ineffective. Verapamil (up to 20 mg/kg) was without effect upon the action of the antiepileptic drugs tested. Finally, none of the calcium channel inhibitors studied influenced the action of diazepam (0.2 mg/kg). It may be concluded that combinations of ethosuximide, with either nifedipine or diltiazem, may be promising for the treatment of absence epilepsy.     

The hemodynamic effects of lacidipine in anesthetized dogs: comparison with nitrendipine, amlodipine, verapamil, and diltiazem.

The hemodynamic effects of lacidipine in anesthetized, open-chest dogs were compared with those of nitrendipine, amlodipine, verapamil and diltiazem. Lacidipine administered intravenously induced dose-related, long-lasting reductions in systemic and coronary vascular resistance with corresponding increases in aortic flow and coronary blood flow. The hypotensive effect (ED25 for mean blood pressure reduction = 0.006 mg/kg) was still significant 120 min after administration with all doses tested. Nitrendipine was equipotent with lacidipine in reducing the mean blood pressure (ED25 = 0.005 mg/kg), but its effect was shorter acting (significant effect at 120 min only with the highest dose tested). Amlodipine caused a marked and long-lasting hypotension though at higher doses than lacidipine (ED25 = 0.50 mg/kg). Short-lasting hypotensive responses were also detected with verapamil (ED25 = 0.1 mg/kg) and diltiazem (ED25 = 0.12 mg/kg). A reflex increase in heart rate was observed with lacidipine, nitrendipine, and amlodipine, whereas verapamil and diltiazem showed a dose-related bradycardia. No effect on AV conduction was observed with lacidipine and nitrendipine, whereas amlodipine, verapamil, and diltiazem produced second- to third-degree AV block at the highest doses tested. Lacidipine and nitrendipine caused a reflex increase in contractile index at all doses, whereas amlodipine was more similar to verapamil since a marked decrease in contractile index was detected at the highest dose. Diltiazem was practically devoid of negative inotropic effect.     

The Effect of Thiabendazole on Pain Threshold

Abstract: Thiabendazole significantly increased the reaction time to thermal stimulus. However, in mice treated with morphine, the reaction time was not in any way different from those treated with combined doses of thiabendazole and morphine. Thiabendazole was found to have an antinociceptive action. The protective dose for 50% of animal (ED50) against p–benzoquinone–induced writhing reflex was found to be 310 mg/kg. The ED50 for aspirin alone was 140 mg/kg. When the ED50 of aspirin was determined in combination with different dose levels of thiabendazole, it showed a marked reduction in the values reaching 50 mg/kg, when 300 mg of thiabendazole was used in combination. Toxicological studies revealed that the oral LD50 for thiabendazole in mice was 2200 mg/kg, and when combined with 140 mg/kg of aspirin, the LD50 was reduced to 900 mg/kg. These findings indicate that thiabendazole possesses an analgesic activity which is potentiated by aspirin, though aspirin was found to significantly enhance its toxicity     

Role of the alpha-adrenergic blocking effect in the acute hypotensive effect of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs with alpha-blocking activities in conscious SHR

Acute hypotensive effects and the mechanisms of three beta-adrenergic blocking drugs with alpha-blocking activity were studied in comparison with those of prazosin, propranolol and hydralazine in the conscious spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Prazosin lowered the blood pressure dose-dependently and inhibited the pressor response to phenylephrine. Three beta-adrenergic blocking drugs with alpha-blocking activity, labetalol (30 mg/kg), arotinolol (100 mg/kg) and nipradilol (100 mg/kg) also lowered the blood pressure to the same extent as prazosin (0.3 mg/kg), but the inhibition of the pressor response to phenylephrine produced by them was disproportionately slight. Propranolol (100 mg/kg) did not lower the blood pressure. These results suggest that the acute hypotensive effects of three beta-adrenergic blocking drugs with alpha-blocking activity were attributable only partially to the alpha-adrenergic blocking effect; a mechanism or mechanisms other than the alpha-adrenergic blocking effect must be invoked to explain the acute hypotensive effect produced by lower doses of these drugs in the conscious SHR.     

Effect of felbamate and its combinations with conventional antiepileptics in amygdala-kindled rats

We investigated the effect of felbamate, administered singly and in combination with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin or clonazepam, on various behavioral and electrographic correlates of seizures in amygdala-kindled rats. Felbamate (5 or 10 mg/kg) significantly increased afterdischarge threshold, shortened seizure and afterdischarge durations but remained without effect on seizure severity. Furthermore, the combination of felbamate (2.5 mg/kg) with carbamazepine (7.5 mg/kg; both drugs at their subeffective doses), was associated with the reduction in seizure severity and afterdischarge duration. In relation to the afterdischarge duration, the antiseizure potency of felbamate and carbamazepine, in combination, was comparable with that of carbamazepine (10 mg/kg) administered alone. Neither carbamazepine (7.5 and 10 mg/kg) nor felbamate (2.5-10 mg/kg) affected seizure severity, whereas the combined administration of felbamate (2.5 mg/kg) with carbamazepine (7.5 mg/kg) led to significant reduction in seizure severity from the fifth to the third stage of Racine's scale. Among the conventional antiepileptic drugs evaluated in this study, only valproate (100 mg/kg) and clonazepam (0.1 mg/kg) exerted similar action on seizure severity. However, the combinations of felbamate (2.5 mg/kg), with subeffective doses of valproate, phenobarbital, phenytoin or clonazepam, were not associated with any protective action. As blood and brain felbamate and carbamazepine concentrations were unaffected, a pharmacokinetic interaction can be excluded and a pharmacodynamic interaction concluded. These data suggest that felbamate and carbamazepine, administered in combination, may be useful in patients with drug-resistant partial epilepsy.     

Adenosinergic mechanisms in anticonvulsant action of diazepam and sodium valproate

The effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists were studied in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in rats. Animals were pretreated with the non-specific adenosine receptor antagonist, theophylline (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.), or the specific A₁ adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), in a dose of 1 mg/kg, i.p., followed by 100% anticonvulsant doses of diazepam (4 mg/kg)/sodium valproate (300 mg/kg, i.p.). Subsequently, they were challenged with convulsant doses of PTZ i.e. 60 mg/kg, i.p. It was seen that while DPCPX could not reverse the protection of both the antiepileptic drugs, theophylline significantly reversed this protection, as assessed by percent incidence of seizures and change in latency parameters. In another set of experiments, the rats were pretreated with a combination of subanticonvulsant doses of adenosine (500 mg/kg) or specific adenosine A₁ receptor agonist, cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and diazepam (0.5 and 1 mg/kg)/sodium valproate (150 mg/kg), prior to PTZ challenge. We observed a decrease in incidence and increase in latency of seizures following either combination. The protection observed was independent of the hypothermic and hypotensive effects of adenosine and CPA. These results indicate that though A₁ agonist enhances the protection of diazepam and sodium valproate, a direct involvement of adenosine A₁ receptor in anticonvulsant action of these drugs is doubtful.     

The interactions of atorvastatin and fluvastatin with carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproate in the mouse maximal electroshock seizure model

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of acute (single) and chronic (once daily for 7 consecutive days) treatments with atorvastatin and fluvastatin on the anticonvulsant potential of three antiepileptic drugs: carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproate in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model. Additionally, the effects of acute and chronic administration of both statins on the adverse effect potential of three antiepileptic drugs were assessed in the chimney test (motor performance) and passive avoidance task (long-term memory). To evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of interaction between antiepileptic drugs and statins, the total brain concentrations of antiepileptic drugs were estimated with the fluorescence polarization immunoassay technique. Results indicate that atorvastatin at doses up to 80mg/kg in chronic experiment attenuated the anticonvulsant potential of carbamazepine by increasing its ED(50) value against maximal electroconvulsions. Acute fluvastatin (80mg/kg) enhanced the anticonvulsant potential of carbamazepine and valproate by decreasing their ED(50) values. Acute fluvastatin (80mg/kg) also markedly increased the total brain carbamazepine concentration by 61% in a pharmacokinetic reaction. Atorvastatin (acute and chronic) and fluvastatin (chronic) in combinations with valproate impaired long-term memory in mice. Both statins in combinations with all three antiepileptic drugs had no impact on their adverse effects in the chimney test. Based on this preclinical study, one can conclude that chronic administration of atorvastatin reduces the anticonvulsant action of carbamazepine and acute fluvastatin can enhance the anticonvulsant potency of the carbamazepine and valproate. The former interaction was pharmacokinetic in nature.     

Comparison of the actions of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors enalapril and S-9490-3 in sodium-deplete and sodium-replete spontaneously hypertensive rats

The hypotensive action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors enalapril and S-9490-3 was examined in conscious, chronically cannulated Na+-replete and Na+-deplete spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) of the Okamoto strain. Blood pressure, plasma ACE activity, plasma renin activity (PRA), and pressor responses to intravenous bolus injections of angiotensin I (AI) were measured over a 24-h period following a single oral dose of ACE inhibitor (0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg) or vehicle. S-9490-3 caused a significantly greater hypotensive response and inhibition of plasma ACE and AI pressor responses than enalapril for each dose in both diet groups. Single oral doses of both drugs (3 mg/kg) caused slow, progressive falls in blood pressure which were maximal at 12 h. In contrast, inhibition of plasma ACE was maximal 1 h following the oral dose and returned to control levels over the 24-h period. The inhibition of the pressor response to intravenous AI paralleled, and was significantly correlated with, the inhibition of plasma ACE. There was no correlation between the maximal fall in blood pressure with PRA or with inhibition of plasma ACE activity in either diet group. The hypotensive response to both drugs at the 3-mg/kg dose was greater in Na+-deplete SHR than in Na+-replete animals. Both drugs caused large rises in PRA. The ACE inhibitor S-9490-3 is a significantly more potent hypotensive agent than enalapril in the SHR and a significantly more potent ACE inhibitor in vivo. The hypotensive response to both drugs was dissociated in onset and duration from the inhibition of plasma ACE and AI pressor responses.     

Influence of chronic treatment with H1 receptor antagonists on the anticonvulsant activity of antiepileptic drugs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic astemizole and ketotifen administration on the anticonvulsant activity of antiepileptic drugs against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice. Adverse effects were evaluated in the chimney test (motor performance) and passive avoidance task (long-term memory). Brain and plasma levels of antiepileptics were measured by immunofluorescence. Astemizole (2 mg/kg) and ketotifen (8 mg/kg) significantly diminished the electroconvulsive threshold, being without effect upon this parameter at lower doses. Astemizole significantly reduced the anticonvulsant action of phenobarbital and diphenylhydantoin, but it did not affect that of carbamazepine and valproate. Moreover, ketotifen (at the subprotective dose of 4 mg/kg) remained without effect upon the protective activity of valproate, diphenylhydantoin or phenobarbital, but significantly diminished the anticonvulsant effect of carbamazepine. Histamine receptor antagonists combined with antiepileptic drugs, did not alter their brain and free plasma levels. Also, they did not influence adverse potential of carbamazepine, diphenylhydantoin and valproate while that of phenobarbital was significantly enhanced. Valproate, phenobarbital and diphenylhydantoin alone at their ED50s against maximal electroshock or combined with the histamine receptor antagonists disturbed long-term memory. The results of this study indicate that H1 receptor antagonists, should be used with caution in epileptic patients.     

Effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine on the anticonvulsant action of four second-generation antiepileptic drugs in pentetrazole-induced clonic seizures in mice

The exact role of compounds modulating nitric oxide (NO) content in the brain during seizure phenomena is under intensive investigation. This study was aimed at determining the effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA; a non-selective NO synthase inhibitor) on the anticonvulsant activity of four second-generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs: gabapentin [GBP], oxcarbazepine [OXC], tiagabine [TGB] and vigabatrin [VGB]) in the mouse pentetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model. The acute adverse-effect liability of the studied AEDs in combinations with L-NA were evaluated in the chimney test (motor coordination). Results indicate that L-NA (40 mg/kg; ip) significantly reduced the anticonvulsant activity of OXC in the PTZ test, by increasing its ED50 from 20.9 to 29.8 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Similarly, L-NA at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg considerably attenuated the antiseizure effects of VGB by raising its ED50 from 595 to 930 mg/kg (p < 0.05), and 1022 mg/kg (p < 0.01), respectively. L-NA at lower doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg did not affect significantly the anticonvulsant effects of VGB and OXC in PTZ-induced seizures. Likewise, the co-administration of L-NA(40 mg/kg; ip) with GBP and TGB was associated with no significant changes in their anticonvulsant activities in PTZ-induced seizures in mice. Moreover, none of the examined combinations of L-NA (40 mg/kg; ip) and second-generation AEDs (at their ED50 values) affected motor coordination in the chimney test. Based on this preclinical study, one can conclude that L-NA reduced the anticonvulsant activities of VGB and OXC in the mouse PTZ-induced seizure model. Only, GBP and TGB were resistant to the action of L-NA in this model.     

Acute exposure to caffeine decreases the anticonvulsant action of ethosuximide, but not that of clonazepam, phenobarbital and valproate against pentetrazole-induced seizures in mice

This study examines the effect of acute administration of caffeine sodium benzoate (CAF) on the anticonvulsant action of four conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs: clonazepam - CZP, ethosuximide - ETS, phenobarbital - PB and valproate - VPA) against pentetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizures in mice. The results indicate that CAF at a dose of 92.4 mg/kg significantly reduced the threshold for PTZ-induced clonic seizures in mice from 69.5 to 51.7 mg/kg (p<0.05), being ineffective at lower doses of 69.3 and 46.2 mg/kg. Moreover, CAF at doses of and 92.4 mg/kg attenuated the protective action of ETS against PTZ-induced seizures, by increasing its median effective dose (ED50) from 127.7 to 182.3 (p<0.05), and 198.3 mg/kg (p<0.01), respectively. In this case, no pharmacokinetic changes in total brain ETS concentrations after systemic ip administration of CAF (at 92.4 mg/kg) were observed, indicating a pharmacodynamic nature of interaction between ETS and CAF in the PTZ-test in mice. In contrast, CAF (at a dose of 92.4 mg/kg reducing the threshold for PTZ-induced seizures) combined with other AEDs (CZP, PB and VPA) did not affect their anticonvulsant action in the PTZ test in mice. Moreover, CAF (92.4 mg/kg) did not alter significantly total brain concentrations of the remaining AEDs (CZP, PB and VPA). The evaluation of potential acute adverse effects produced by AEDs in combination with CAF revealed that neither CAF (up to 92.4 mg/kg) administered alone nor combined with the studied drugs (at doses corresponding to their ED(50) values in the PTZ-test) affected motor performance of animals in the chimney test. In conclusion, the acute exposure to CAF may diminish the antiseizure protection offered by ETS in epileptic patients. Therefore, patients treated with ETS should avoid CAF.     

Influence of octadine, reserpine and methyl-dopa on the hemodynamic system]

In experiments set up on rats the influence of octadine (sanotensin), reserpine and methyl-dopa on the basic characteristics of the systemic hemodynamics in persistent renovascular hypertension was studied. The nature of the influence exerted by the above drugs on the systemic hemodynamics of hypertensive rats is shown to depend upon the duration of their action on the organism. The hypotensive effect manifests itself first by reduced cardiac ejection and then by a fall of the total peripheral resistance. It is presumed that the disappearance of the inhibitory action of octadine, reserpine and methyl-dopa on the cardiac ejection is related to the development of a compensatory reaction aimed at maintaining the needed level of the blood supply to the organs and tissues--i. e. at "systemic autoregulation".     

The Action of Dopamine on Arterial Blood Pressure in the Rat

The mean arterial blood pressure in conscious normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats was recorded by means of in-dwelling arterial catheters. Dopamine hydrochloride (DA) was infused intravenously from 0.04 μg/min. up to 0.22 μg/min. The infusions always resulted in a hypertensive reaction. Intravenous injections of DA (1–50 μg/kg) or noradrenaline bitartrate monohydrate (NA) (0.02–0.5 μg/kg) were given before and after phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) (5 mg/kg); protriptyline (PTP) (10 mg/kg) and nialamide (100 mg/kg). The DA injections alone resulted in a pressor action. PBZ blocked or considerably diminished the pressor action of DA. PTP did not result in a clear-cut augmentation of the blood pressure response to DA like that seen after the various equipotent NA doses tested. Furthermore, there was no prolongation of the duration of the pressor action of DA after PTP, though this was found after NA. Nialamide did not alter the magnitude of the pressor action of DA and NA. However, the hypertensive response of L-DOPA (25 mg/kg) was markedly augmented by pretreatment with nialamide (10 mg/kg).