Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicological Studies

1-6

Authors: Muhammad Sarwar

Over the past some years, there has been an impressive globalize increase in the frequency and epidemic of dengue fever. Biologically dengue virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus has four closely related but antigenically distinct serotypes, which are highly adapted and maintained to their Aedesmosquito species responsible for their transmission. Presently, due to the nonexistence of an effectual tetravalent vaccine or drug, the only strategic options available to reduce dengue viral transmission are case management to prevent human death and vector control. Because dengue is a global concern, based on extensive research, the new worldwide strategy for its prevention and control is to reduce the burden of dengue that solely depends on effective vector control measures. The purpose of this article is to provide specific guidelines and standardized procedures for the control of dengue fever virus carrying mosquitoes Aedes aegyptiand Aedes albopictus(Diptera:Culicidae). This strategy supports an integrated approach to vector management, sustained control measures and coordinated action among multi-sectoral partners at all levels. Present document providesdirections at household,small-scale and large-scale field levels to determine the application and operational feasibility for the control of dengue fever vectors .

1-6

Authors: Kesha S Vaidya

To evaluate analgesic activity of herbal formulation „triphala‟ and compare it with paracetamol by using Eddy‟s hot plate and writhing test in mice.Albino mice were divided into three groups of 6 each for both tests. Triphala(1 gm/kg/body wieght) and Paracetamol(1.45 mg/20 gm of mice) made as suspensions prepared in 2% carboxy methyl cellulose (control) and were fed to mice orally. In Eddy‟s hot plate method, pain tolerance was recorded at baseline and then at every 30 minutes for 4 hours after drug administration. In writhing test, after 30 minutes of drug administration, the animals were treated with 0.6% acetic acid intraperitoneally and number of writhings was counted for 5 min and results were compared.In Eddy‟s hot plate method, triphala showed analgesic activity 30 minutes after drug administration with mean pain tolerance time of 10.88±1.57 seconds(P<0.05), while paracetamol showed analgesic activity at 120 minutes with pain tolerance time 11.18±2.55 (P<0.05) compared to baseline. Effectswere lasting for 210 minutes in triphala group and for >240 min in paracetamol group. In writhing test, triphala showed significant analgesic activity(26.33±3.38, p<0.05)while paracetamol did not show significant analgesic activity(29.17±3.43, p>0.05)compared with control in 5 minute writhing count. Comparison between the two drugs, did not show any statistical difference(P>0.05) in both models.Triphala has immediate onset and short duration analgesic effect while Paracetamol has late onset with longer duration of action as analgesic. Triphala could be effective analgesic in visceral pain as shown in writhing test.

1-10

Authors: Vandana M Thorat

5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) inhibits the synthesis and release of dopamine (DA) from rat nigrostriatal neurons. Fluoxetine, a bicyclic antidepressant, enhances serotonergic neurotransmission through potent and selective inhibition of neuronal reuptake of 5-HT. The present study was undertaken to determine whether fluoxetine, through its 5-HT neuronal reuptake inhibiting action, modulates the intensity of the behaviours dependent on the functional status of the nigrostriatal DAergic system.The effect of pretreatment with fluoxetine on dexamphetamine and apomorphine stereotypies of the oral movement variety and on catalepsy induced by haloperidol and small dose of apomorphine was studied in rats. We have also investigated whether fluoxetine induces catalepsy in rats. Our results, that fluoxetine at 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg ip neither induced catalepsy nor antagonised apomrphine stereotypy, indicate that fluoxetine at these doses does not block the postsynaptic striatal D2 and D1 DA receptors. It also indicates fluoxetine at 5, 10, 20 mg/kg increase 5-HT neurotransmission by SSRI mechanism and doesnot exert an inhibitory effect at or beyond the postsynaptic striatal D2 and D1, DA receptor sites. Fluoxetine at 5, 10, 20 mg/kg doses increase 5-HT neurotransmission through serotonin SSRI mechanism, inhibit synthesis and release of DA from the nigrostriatal DAergic neurons and thus potentiate catalepsy induced by haloperidol and small dose apomorphine. But, however 10 and 20 mg/kg ip fluoxentine potentiate dexamphetamine stereotypy.

1-5

Authors: Amit Singh

Ginkgo biloba extract was evaluated for prophylactic value against renal ischemia-reperfusion induced oxidant stress in rat subjected to transient unilateral renal artery ligation. Oral Ginkgo biloba treatment (2mg/kg) was administered by different schedule before experimental induction of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Malondialdehyde has been taken as indicator for free radical damage produced by ischemia-reperfusion injury.Three hour pretreatment by the drug has most prominent inhibitory effect on consequent tissue and plasma malondialdehyde level of lipid peroxidation. Further, the relative inhibition of malondialdehyde level in tissue and plasma allow to infer drug effect on generation, but not the clearance of malondialdehyde. No significant difference of outcome from 1, 2 and 3 days treatment indicate no cumulation and thus safety in that respect.Ginkgo biloba treatment appears both effective and safe for prophylaxis of reperfusion injury following ischemia catastrophies