Comparative Analysis of the Vascular Actions of Diterpenes Isolated from Euphorbia canariensis

We have analysed the effects of 2,3-diepiingol 7,12-diacetate-8-isobutyrate (compound 1 ), ingenol-3-angelate-17-benzoate (compound 2 ), ingenol-3-angelate-17-benzoate-20-acetate (compound 3 ) and 3,5,7,8,9,15-hexahydroxyjatropha-6(17),11-dien-14-one-5,8-bis(2-methylbutyrate)-7-(2-methylpropionate) (compound 4 ), four diterpenes isolated from E. canariensis, on the isometric tension developed by isolated rabbit basilar and carotid arteries. Concentration-response curves to these compounds were obtained cumulatively in both arteries at resting tension and active tone (KCl, 50 mM). At resting tension a concentration-dependent contraction was induced by the four compounds. In the basilar artery the order of potency was 3 = 1 > 2 = 4 , without significant differences between E_max values. In the carotid artery the order of potency was 3 > 2 = 1 = 4 and there were no significant differences between the E_max (maximum effect) values of compounds 1–3 , all of which were higher than that of compound 4 . In pre-contracted basilar artery compounds 1–3 induced concentration-dependent relaxation and compound 4 was almost ineffective; the order of potency was 3 > 2 = 1 without significant differences between E_max values. In the carotid artery with active tone the four compounds tested induced further contractions; the order of potency was 3 > 2 = 4 > 1 without significant differences between E_max values. These results show that the four diterpenes are potent active substances in rabbit basilar and carotid arteries and that there are regional differences between their action. The four compounds tested contract basilar and carotid arteries at resting tension. Compounds 1–3 relax pre-contracted basilar artery but not carotid artery.     

Youngsters with Epilepsy within the Framework of the Social Institutions of Israel, with Special Reference to the Armed Services

The importance of Service in the Army in the Israeli child's development and future has to be recognized. Rejection solely because of epilepsy affects only about a quarter of the epileptic youngsters, less than it seemed at first glance; most of them do reasonably well in civil life and probably would be able to do as well in a non-combat unit of the Army, which would be to them like full rehabilitation. The fact that the 14 accepted, or about a quarter of the boys who applied, did quite well in the Army, supports the notion that a plan could be worked out which would benefit both the Army and the youngsters.