A neurally mediated inotropic effect of veratridine and cevadine on isolated guinea-pig papillary muscle

Summary The positive inotropic effect of veratridine and cevadine was investigated in the isolated, isometrically contracting guinea-pig papillary muscle. The increase of the force of the rested-state contraction, elicited after incubation of the resting muscle with veratridine or cevadine, served as a measure of the neurally mediated, sympathomimetic effect of these alkaloids. Concentrations exceeding 5 mol/l veratridine or 15 mol/l cevadine produced concentration-dependent increases of the force of the rested-state contraction. These concentrations are larger than those causing the maximum positive inotropic effect on muscles contracting continually at a rate of 1 Hz. The positive inotropic effect of 30 mol/l veratridine as manifested by the rested-state contraction was absent in the presence of 100 nmol/l tetrodotoxin and in muscles from reserpine-pretreated animals. It was significantly inhibited by 50 nmol/l (–)-propranolol, but not by the same concentration of (+)-propranolol. The effect of 30 or 60 mol/l cevadine was likewise absent in catecholamine-depleted preparations. It is concluded that the indirect inotropic effect of veratridine or cevadine, which is attributed to their noradrenaline-releasing effect on intracardiac nerves, requires higher concentrations than the direct positive inotropic effect, which is a consequence of the increased transsarcolemmal influx of Na ions into the myocardial cell.These results were communicated to the Deutsche Pharmakologische Gesellschaft (Honerjäger 1977)     

Transport of cimetidine across the basolateral membrane of rabbit kidney proximal tubules: interaction with organic anions.

Since in whole animal studies and in man the renal clearance of cimetidine was prolonged by the coadministration of probenecid, the aim of the present study was to examine the interaction of the organic base cimetidine with the organic anion transport system at the basolateral membrane of isolated non-perfused rabbit proximal tubules. S2 segments of proximal tubules were incubated at 37.5 degrees C with 3H-cimetidine (2 x 10(-7) mol/l) or 3H-PAH (4 x 10(-6) mol/l, as a marker for the organic anion transport system) and 14C-inulin (marker for the extracellular space) for 25 min to achieve a steady state. Afterwards, a nonradiolabelled substance was added to the bath, and the change of the cellularly stored radioactivity was measured at 5-min intervals. Probenecid (5 x 10(-5) mol/l) decreased the cellular amount of 3H-cimetidine to 26% of the control value. At this concentration, furosemide and Na2SO4 had no effect. At a concentration of 10(-3) mol/l, these substances reduced the cellular 3H-cimetidine uptake to 33% (furosemide) and 57% (Na2SO4) of the control value. 10(-4) and 10(-3) mol/l succinate diminished the steady-state uptake of cimetidine to 77% and 53% of the control value, respectively. On the other hand, cimetidine (10(-3) mol/l) decreased the cellular uptake of 3H-PAH to 52% of the control value. N1-methylnicotinamide (5 x 10(-5) mol/l and 10(-3)mol/l) had no effect on the steady-state uptake of 3H-PAH. These results indicate that the organic base cimetidine, besides its high affinity for the cation transporter, also interacts with the organic anion transport system at the basolateral membrane of rabbit proximal tubules.     

Effects of HNS-32, a novel antiarrhythmic agent, on guinea-pig myocardium.

The electrophysiological and mechanical effects of HNS-32, a novel azulene-1-carboxamidine derivative with antiarrhythmic activity, were studied in isolated guinea-pig myocardial preparations. HNS-32 (10(-6)-10(-4) mol/l) concentration-dependently decreased the maximum rate of rise (V(max)) of action potential in isolated papillary muscle; the potency was the same or slightly higher than that of disopyramide. At 10(-4) mol/l, HNS-32 also shortened the action potential duration (APD) and depolarized the resting membrane potential; these effects were similar to those of 10(-5) mol/l verapamil. HNS-32 (10(-7)-10(-4) mol/l), as well as verapamil (10(-8)-10(-5) mol/l) and disopyramide (10(-6)-10(-3) mol/l), had concentration-dependent negative chronotropic and negative inotropic effects on isolated right atrial and right ventricular papillary muscle preparations, respectively. The concentration-response relationship for the positive chronotropic effect of isoproterenol was not affected by HNS-32 (10(-5) mol/l). In isolated ventricular myocytes, HNS-32 (10(-6)-10(-4) mol/l) concentration-dependently inhibited the peak amplitude of the L-type Ca(2+) current. These results suggest that NHS-32 has V(max) reducing activity on myocardial tissue, which may be responsible for antiarrhythmic effect. The drug may also have additional effect on the Ca(2+) channel at higher concentrations.     

Effect of diacetylrhein on the phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and its influence on the biosynthesis of hyaluronate in synovial cells

1. The influence of diacetylrhein on the luminol-induced chemiluminescence of zymosan-activated polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) was investigated. At a concentration of 4 x 10(-5) mol/l diacetylrhein an inhibition of about 40% was found. 2. A model for the degradation of hyaline cartilage by frustrated phagocytosis was developed, in which human polymorphonuclear leucocytes cause a release of glycosaminoglycan peptides from hyaline cartilage slices (bovine nasal septum). We observed a 20% inhibition of this release at a concentration of 10(-4) mol/l diacetylrhein. 3. Human synovial fibroblasts synthesize the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronate. As a parameter of the rate of hyaluronate synthesis we measured the incorporation of 14C-glucosamine into hyaluronate. At a concentration of 2 x 10(-4) mol/l diacetylrhein a 4-fold increase of 14C-glucosamine incorporation in the membrane fraction of the synovial cells (tryptic fraction) and a 1.6-fold elevation of glucosamine release into the medium was measured. The synovial fibroblasts show a higher (1.5-fold) glucose consumption and lactate production in the presence of diacetylrhein (2 x 10(-4) mol/l).     

Effect of α1-adrenoceptor stimulation with methoxamine and phenylephrine on spontaneously beating rabbit sino-atrial node cells

Effects of methoxamine and phenylephrine on the action potential and the membrane currents in spontaneously beating rabbit sino-atrial node cells were examined by means of a two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. Both methoxamine and phenylephrine (10(-4) mol/l) prolonged the cycle length (CL) and the action potential duration (APD), significantly. At concentrations higher than 3 x 10(-4) mol/l, phenylephrine increased the maximum rate of rise of action potential (Vmax) but methoxamine reduced it. Both agents depolarized the maximum diastolic potential (MDP). These changes in the action potential parameters occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. In the presence of phentolamine (10(-5) mol/l), methoxamine (3 x 10(-4) mol/l) did not modify the action potential parameters. Also, phenylephrine did not affect them during exposure to phentolamine (10(-5) mol/l) and pindolol (10(-7) mol/l). In voltage-clamp experiments, at 10(-3) mol/l both methoxamine and phenylephrine slightly increased the slow inward current (Isi), but decreased the time-dependent outward current (Ik). The steady-state activation variable of Ik (p infinity) was unaffected by these agents. The hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) was suppressed in the presence of methoxamine, but enhanced in the presence of phenylephrine. An additional application of pindolol (10(-7) mol/l) during exposure to phenylephrine (10(-3) mol/l) depressed the action potential amplitude (APA) and Vmax, and prolonged CL slightly. Under the same condition, all the membrane currents (Isi, Ik and Ih) were decreased. In addition, the time courses of decay for Isi were not modified in the absence and the presence of phenylephrine (10(-3) mol/l) and phenylephrine plus pindolol (10(-7) mol/l).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effects of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists on contractile responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine in dog saphenous vein.

1 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) contracted isolated saphenous vein strips of the dog, producing a biphasic concentration-effect curve. The first phase occurred with low concentrations of 5-HT (1.0 X 10(-8) TO 5.0 X 10(-6) mol/l) with a plateau between 1.0 x 10(-6) mol/l and 1.0 x 10(-5) mol/l. The second phase occurred with high concentrations of 5-HT (greater than 1.0 x 10(-5) mol/l). 2 The alpha-adrenoceptor antabonists, phentolamine (5.0 x 10(-8) to 5.0 x 10(-7) mol/l), labetalol (1.0 x 10(-6) to 1.0 x 10(-5) mol/l) and thymoxamine (1.0 x 10(-6) to 1.0 x 10(-5) mol/l), antagonized responses to high concentrations of 5-HT but responses to low concentrations of 5-HT were not antagonized. 3 The effects of high concentrations of 5-HT were antagonized by cocaine (1.0 x 10(-6) to 1.0 x 10(-5) mol/l) and were not evident in veins removed from dogs pretreated with syrosingopine. 5-HT receptors and that high concentrations of 5-HT also act indirectly on alpha-adrenoceptors by displacing noradrenaline from neuronal stores.     

Inhibitory effect of dietary administration of eicosapentaenoic acid on the contractions of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle induced by leukotriene C4 and D4

The changes in fatty acid composition in phospholipids of guinea-pig lung parenchymal strips and trachea induced by dietary administration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were investigated as well as the resultant changes in leukotriene (LT) C4- and D4-induced contractions of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle. EPA levels in both parenchymal strips and trachea were significantly increased depending on the administered dose of EPA, but on the other hand, arachidonic acid levels in those preparations were not changed. Both the contractions of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle induced by LTC4 and D4 were significantly reduced in the EPA-treated group compared with the control group at all 3 concentrations, 10(-9), 3 x 10(-9) and 10(-8) mol/l, in the presence of 5 x 10(-5) mol/l indometacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. But this significant reduction of the contraction was not recognized between these 2 groups in the presence of 10(-5) mol/l 2-(12-hydroxydodeca-5, 10-diynyl)-3,5,6-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (AA861), a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, or in the combined presence of 5 x 10(-5) mol/l indometacin and 10(-5) mol/l of AA861. These results suggest that: 1. a 5-lipoxygenase pathway is partly involved in the contractions of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle induced by LTC4 and D4 and; 2. EPA suppresses LTC4- and D4-induced contractions of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle through a 5-lipoxygenase pathway.     

Effect of butylated hydroxyanisole and some of its derivatives on human neutrophil oxidative burst: chemiluminescence evaluation

An acute inflammatory response begins during the reperfusion phase following an ischemic insult in which polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play an important role and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes further damage and a reduction in endogenous antioxidant storage. The ability of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and some phenolic, aliphatic and aromatic BHA derivatives to reduce the human PMN oxidative burst evoked by particulate (Candida albicans and zymosan) or soluble stimulants [N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)] was investigated using luminol-amplified chemiluminescence. BHA and the derivative dt-BHA [3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole] significantly reduced the PMN oxidative burst at concentrations ranging from 5 x 10(-6) to 5 x 10(-5) mol/l for C. albicans stimulation, while for zymosan stimulation, reduction was seen at concentrations ranging from 5 x 10(-6) to 5 x 10(-5) mol/l for BHA, and at concentrations ranging from 5 x 10(-7) to 5 x 10(-5) mol/l for dt-BHA, with dt-BHA being the most active. Another BHA derivative, Bu GAM 1, was active at 5 x 10(-5) mol/l for C. albicans and at 5 x 10(-6) to 5 x 10(-5) mol/l for zymosan. The findings obtained with fMLP and PMA were very similar to those previously reported. ROS release is related to PMN killing activity, but the inhibition of the PMN oxidative burst induced by BHA and BHA derivatives did not significantly modify PMN phagocytosis or killing. It has recently been observed that dt-BHA has a spasmolytic action by inhibiting the influx of Ca(2+) into cells through L-type Ca(2+) channels, which means that a single molecule is capable of counteracting two major steps in the sequence of events triggered by ischemia-reperfusion injury, i.e. free radical release and Ca(2+) overload.     

Inhibitory effects of propiverine hydrochloride on the agonist-induced or spontaneous contractions of various isolated muscle preparations.

Inhibitory effects of propiverine hydrochloride (P-4, CAS 60569-19-9), a new drug which reduces the frequency of micturition, were studied on the agonist-induced or spontaneous contractions of various isolated muscle preparations. P-4 (10(-6)-10(-4) mol/l) inhibited both the KCl-induced contractions of isolated guinea-pig urinary bladder and ileum, and its IC50 values (mol/l) were 1.8 +/- 0.3 x 10(-5) (urinary bladder) and 1.3 +/- 0.4 x 10(-5) (ileum), respectively. The spontaneous contractions of isolated guinea-pig atrium, rat uterus and rabbit duodenum were unaffected by P-4 at 10(-6) mol/l, but they were inhibited by the drug at 10(-5)-10(-4) mol/l. Its IC50 values (mol/l) were 10(-4) greater than (guinea-pig atrium), 1.3 +/- 0.3 x 10(-4) (rat uterus), and 1.0 +/- 0.5 x 10(-4) (rabbit duodenum), respectively. P-4 (10(-5)-10(-4) mol/l) inhibited the KCl-induced contraction of isolated rabbit aorta and the histamine-induced contraction of isolated guinea-pig tracheal chain. P-4 (10(-4) mol/l) also inhibited the noradrenaline-(norepinephrine) induced contractions of isolated guinea-pig urethra and vas deferens. In these isolated muscle preparations, the values of IC50 (greater than 10(-4) mol/l) could not be calculated. These results indicate that the inhibitory activities of P-4 on urinary bladder and ileum are 10 to 100 times more potent than those on other organs.     

Effects of novel antifungal azole derivatives on the 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathway

5-Lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase catalyze the first steps of the conversion of arachidonic acid into leukotrienes and prostanoids, respectively. Leukotrienes are important mediators of inflammation and thromboxanes are mainly involved in platelet functions. The effects of the new antimycotic drugs, itraconazole and fluconazole, on the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), on the eicosanoid metabolism in platelets, platelet aggregation and on cyclooxygenase activity were investigated and compared with miconazole and ketoconazole. Itraconazole inhibited the formation of 5-lipoxygenase metabolites in human PMNL (IC50 = 2 x 10(-6) mol/l), while it had no effect on cyclooxygenase and platelet aggregation at concentrations up to 10(-4) mol/l and 10(-5) mol/l, respectively. Fluconazole was ineffective in all assays. Miconazole inhibited thromboxane synthase (IC50 = 1 x 10(-5) mol/l) and platelet aggregation (IC50 = 3 x 10(-5) mol/l). Ketoconazole was less active in this respect (IC50 for platelet aggregation = 2 x 10(-4) mol/l). All compounds did not affect cyclooxygenase activity in concentrations up to 10(-4) mol/l in the pure enzyme assay. These results indicate that among the tested azoles two compounds show remarkable effects. Miconazole inhibits thromboxane synthesis and itraconazole is a potent inhibitor of leukotriene formation which has only minor effects on the cyclooxygenase pathway. This finding is of considerable interest regarding the application of itraconazole during immunosuppressive therapy and suggests further studies of its potential antiphlogistic properties.     

Multiple effects of α-adrenoceptor stimulation on the action potential of the rabbit atrium

Effects of alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation by phenylephrine (10(-7)-10(-4) mol/l) in the presence of pindolol (10(-7) mol/l) on the action potential and force of contraction were observed in the rabbit left atrium. Phenylephrine reduced resting potential, prolonged action potential duration (APD), decreased maximum rate of rise of action potential (Vmax) and increased force of contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. Effects of phenylephrine (10(-5) mol/l) were antagonized by prazosin (10(-7) mol/l) or phentolamine (10(-6) mol/l). APD which had been prolonged by phenylephrine (10(-5) mol/l) was slightly shortened by Ni2+ (0.3 mmol/l) at the level of 50% repolarization but almost unaffected at the level of 90% repolarization. TTX (10(-6) mol/l) had no effect on ADP which had been prolonged by phenylephrine (10(-5) mol/l). Cs+ (10 mmol/l), which inhibits outward current ik1, depolarized resting potential, but in contrast with phenylephrine Cs+ did not affect APD at 90% repolarization. Phenylephrine (10(-5) or 3 X 10(-5) mol/l) restored Ca2+-dependent action potential and force of contraction in 20 mmol/K+-Tyrode solution. These responses were suppressed by prazosin (10(-7) mol/l) or Ni2+ (0.3 mmol/l). Phenylephrine (10(-5) or 10(-4) mol/l) had no effect on steady-state membrane potential--Vmax relationship. It is concluded that in the rabbit left atrium phenylephrine, via alpha-adrenoceptors may suppress outward currents perhaps ik1 and ix, and might increase slow inward current.     

Assessment in pig coronary artery of long-lasting and potent calcium antagonistic actions of the novel dihydropyridine derivative mepirodipine hydrochloride

Ca antagonistic properties of mepirodipine hydrochloride [+)-(3'S,4S)-3-(1'-benzyl-3'-pyrrolidinyl methyl 2,6-dimethyl-4- (m-nitrophenyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate hydrochloride, YM-09730-5) were assessed by studying the pharmacological actions and binding characteristics of the drug in the stem coronary artery. IC50 values of YM-09730-5 (3.5 x 10(-10) mol/l) and nifedipine (6.6 x 10(-9) mol/l) for 40 mmol/l K-induced tonic contraction of pig coronary artery indicated that YM-09730-5 was about 20 times more potent than nifedipine in Ca antagonistic action. However, YM-09730-5 showed an onset of inhibitory action 3 to 5 times slower than nifedipine. A 40-min preincubation of the target tissue with YM-09730-5 also inhibited the contractions produced by acetylcholine, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and high Ca, and pD2' values were between 8.0 and 7.0; while nifedipine was less potent. The specific binding of [3H]nitrendipine to the membrane of pig coronary artery was inhibited by YM-09730-5, thereby indicating that [3H]nitrendipine and YM-09730-5 compete for the similar receptor sites of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca channels. Suppression of high K-, Ca- and agonist-induced contractions by YM-09730-5 (3 x 10(-9) mol/l-10(-7) mol/l) remained even after washings at 20-min intervals for more than 3 h; and, in particular at a high concentration of YM-09730-5, the suppression was slightly antagonized by excess Ca or a Ca-agonist. The contraction inhibited by nifedipine, on the other hand, was readily restored by several washings.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The positive inotropic effect of aconitine

1. The inotropic and electrophysiological effects of aconitine were measured in the isolated, isometrically contracting guinea-pig papillary muscle during the prearrhythmic phase of alkaloid action. 2. In muscles stimulated continually at 1 Hz, 1 mumol/l aconitine produced a positive inotropic effect that reached 38 +/- (SEM) 9% immediately before the onset of arrhythmia (n = 3). 3. If aconitine (0.5 mumol/l) was applied to non-stimulated (resting) muscles for 30 min and 1-Hz stimulation resumed thereafter, the arrhythmia occurred after 724 +/- 101 beats. Prolongation of the rest exposure to 2 h did not significantly diminish the number of prearrhythmic beats. Thus, the onset of aconitine action is critically determined by muscle activity (rather than by time), and a 30-min aconitine application to the resting muscle suffices for complete equilibration of the tissue. 4. Using the preequilibration-at-rest procedure, the positive inotropic effect of aconitine (0.25 - 4 mumol) was found (a) to be absent in the rested-state contraction, (b) to grow with both number of subsequent beats and alkaloid concentration, and (c) to reach a similar prearrhythmic maximum at all concentrations. This maximum amounted to about 1/4 of the maximum positive inotropic effect of dihydroouabain. It was not influenced by reserpine pretreatment of the guinea pig. 5. Aconitine (1 mumol/l) delayed the repolarization phase of the action potential by establishing a secondary plateau at approximately -60 mV. This effect paralleled the positive inotropic effect and, like the positive inotropic effect, was abolished by 10 mumol/l tetrodotoxin (TTX). In partially depolarized muscles ([K]0 = 24 mmol/l) aconitine (8 mumol/l) produced a TTX-sensitive increase in amplitude and rate of rise of the rested-state contraction; this indicates a voltage-dependent effect on some resting Na channels. 6. While delaying the late repolarization phase, aconitine markedly shortened the early repolarization at levels positive to -40 mV, reduced the overshoot and decreased the maximum rat of depolarization of the action potential. Slow action potentials ([K]0 = 24 mmol/l; 10 mumol/l TTX) were insensitive to aconitine. 7. We conclude that the well known property of aconitine to prolong the Na influx during the action potential leads to a positive inotropic effect, thus confirming the importance of Na influx for the regulation of myocardial contractility. The exact mechanism of an additional effect by which aconitine reduces the overshoot and shortens the plateau phase of the action potential awaits further study.     

The study on a PVC membrane electrode for gemfibrozil

In this paper, a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane electrode is prepared for gemfibrozil, 2, 2-dimethyl-5-(2,5-xylyloxy) valeric acid, based on its ion pair complexes with hexadecyltrioctyl ammonium iodide (HTOA). The membrane composition of the electrode was optimized by using the sequential level elimination method for orthogonal experimental design. The electrode has a Nernstian response range from 2.5 x 10(-5) to 0.1 mol/l with an average slope of 55.3 mV/decade. The limit of detection is 7.1 x 10(-6) mol/l. The electrode responses were not affected by pH in the range 10.0-12.3. A Na2B4O7-Na2CO3 buffer of pH = 11.0 was selected as the background electrolyte solution for potentiometric measurements. The electrode was used for determining gemfibrozil in pharmaceutical preparations with satisfactory results.     

On the biochemical mechanism of action of 1-propyl-3-methyl-7-(5-hydroxy-hexyl)-xanthine (HWA 153), a new bronchospasmolytically active methyl xanthine derivative.

1-Propyl-3-methyl-7-(5-hydroxy-hexyl)-xanthine (HWA 153) is a new bronchospasmolytic agent with a significant influence on the cAMP system of lungs and bronchi. In in vitro experiments HWA 153 inhibits cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) isolated from bovine bronchi more than does theophylline. HWA 153 is (in conc. 5 x 10(-4) mol/l) 1.8 and 4.3 times more active as a PDE inhibitor of guinea pig lungs and bronchi, respectively, than theophylline-ethylenediamine. HWA 153 also stabilizes rat erythrocyte membrane against hypoosmotic shock. In isolated guinea pig bronchi HWA 153 (in conc. 5 x 10(-4) mol/l) decreases by 77% bronchial spasm induced by the addition of histamine (5 x 10(-5) mol/l). A significant increase in cAMP level of bronchi was simultaneously observed. In in vivo experiments HWA 153 (25 mg/kg p.o.) inhibits PDE of lungs and bronchi of guinea pigs. Simultaneously, a significant increase in cAMP level in these organs was observed. In in vivo experiments with hypoxic rats, HWA 153 (25 mg/kg p.o.) increases ATP, ATP/ADP ratio and adenylate energy charge (AEC) in hypoxic rats, 1 h after administration. This indicates a positive influence of HWA 153 on the energy metabolism of red blood cells.     

Computer modeling the concentration characteristics of the membrane potential for polymeric membrane, separated non-homogeneous electrolyte solutions

The influence of the concentration boundary layers on membrane potential (deltapsis) in a single-membrane system on basis of the Kedem-Katchalsky equations was described in cases of horizontally mounted neutral polymeric membrane separates non-homogeneous (mechanically unstirred) binary electrolytic solutions at different concentrations. Results of calculations of deltapsis as a function of ratio solution concentrations (Ch/Cl) at constant values of: concentration Rayleigh number (Rc), concentration polarization coefficient (zetas) and hydrostatic pressure (deltaP) were presented. Calculations were made for the case where on a one side of the membrane aqueous solution of NaCl at steady concentration 10(-3) mol x l(-1) (Cl) was placed and on the other aqueous solutions of NaCl at concentrations from 10(-3) mol x l(-1) to 2 x 10(-2) mol x l(-1) (Ch). Their densities were greater than NaCl solution's at 10(-3) mol x l(-1). It was shown that membrane potential depends on hydrodynamic state of a complex concentration boundary layer-membrane-concentration boundary layer, what is controlled by deltaP, Ch/Cl, Rc and zetas.     

Computer modeling the hydrostatic pressure characteristics of the membrane potential for polymeric membrane, separated non-homogeneous electrolyte solutions

On the basis of model equation depending the membrane potential deltapsis, on mechanical pressure difference (deltaP), concentration polarization coefficient (zetas), concentration Rayleigh number (RC) and ratio concentration of solutions separated by membrane (Ch/Cl), the characteristics deltapsis = f(deltaP)zetas,RC,Ch/Cl for steady values of zetas, RC and Ch/Cl in single-membrane system were calculated. In this system neutral and isotropic polymeric membrane oriented in horizontal plane, the non-homogeneous binary electrolytic solutions of various concentrations were separated. Nonhomogeneity of solutions is results from creations of the concentration boundary layers on both sides of the membrane. Calculations were made for the case where on a one side of the membrane aqueous solution of NaCl at steady concentration 10(-3) mol x l(-1) (Cl) was placed and on the other aqueous solutions of NaCl at concentrations from 10(-3) mol x l(-1) to 2 x 10(-2) mol x l(-1) (Ch). Their densities were greater than NaCl solution's at 10(-3) mol x l(-1). It was shown that membrane potential depends on hydrodynamic state of a complex concentration boundary layer-membrane-concentration boundary layer, what is controlled by deltaP, Ch/Cl, RC and zetas.     

Flow injection potentiometric determination of bismuth(III) in anti-acid formulations

A flow injection potentiometric procedure is proposed for determining bismuth(III) in anti-acid formulations. In this work, a tubular electrode coated with an ion-pair formed between [Bi(EDTA)](-) and tricaprylylmethylammonium cation (Aliquat 336) in a poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) was constructed and used in a single channel flow injection system. The effect of membrane composition, pH and flow injection parameter over the Bi(III) tubular electrode response (slope (mV/decade)) was initially evaluated in quintuplicate in 0.5 mol l(-1) EDTA solution as carrier. The best response (-59.6+/-0.9 mV/decade) was attained with the 5% m/m ion-pair; 65% m/m o-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE) and 30% m/m PVC in pH 6-9. The electrode showed a linear response to E (mV) versus log [Bi(EDTA)](-) in the bismuth(III) concentration range from 2.0x10(-5) to 1.0x10(-2) mol l(-1) and a useful lifetime of at least 5 months (more than 1000 determinations for each polymeric membrane). The detection limit was 1.2x10(-5) mol l(-1) and the R.S.D. was less than 2.0% for a solution containing 5.0x10(-4) mol l(-1) bismuth(III) (n=10). Several species such as Cd(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Mg(II), Cr(III) and Al(III) at 1.0x10(-3) mol l(-1) concentration in 0.5 mol l(-1) EDTA solution did not cause any interference. The frequency rate was 90 determinations per hour and the results obtained for bismuth(III) in anti-acid formulations using this flow procedure and those obtained using a spectrophotometric procedure are in agreement at the 95% confidence level.     

The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and pseudocholinesterase by cimetidine

Cimetidine inhibited cholinesterases from human blood serum, erythrocytes, brain and gastric mucosa in a dose-dependent manner. The median inhibitory concentrations ranged between 7.0 x 10(-4) mol/l and 2.1 x 10(-3) mol/l. The inhibition was of competitive type, the inhibitory constant of acetylcholinesterases in erythrocytes were found to be 8.5 x 10(-5) mol/l and of pseudocholinesterases in serum 8.5 x 10(-4) mol/l. A significance of our findings may be the explanation of side effects seen in cimetidine overdosage.     

全固态乌头碱电化学检测器的研制及其在流动注射分析中的应用

报道一种新型结构的全固态乌头碱电化学检测器的研制及其在流动注射分析中的应用。采用流动注射分析法对川乌、草乌及其中成药(小活络丸)中剧毒成分(双酯型生物碱)进行了测试,方法简便快速,结果同光度法接近。本文还提出了电化学法研究乌头碱水解动力学原理。在pH 6.5,温度98℃的条件下测得乌头碱水解成苯甲酰乌头碱的速度常数为1.36×10^-2min^-1。