Effects of acetylcholine on potassium-induced changes of water and sodium uptakes in cerebral cortex slices from the rat

1977 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Benjamin ◽  
J. H. Quastel

The increases in uptakes of water and of sodium ions that occur in rat brain cortex slices when they are incubated in a physiological saline – glucose medium in presence of a high concentration of potassium ions (105 μequiv./ml) are abolished by acetylcholine in presence of eserine but not by choline. Acetylcholine is effective at 20 μM but its optimal effect occurs at about 0.7 mM. Its action is suppressed by atropine and not by d-tubocurarine. The potassium-induced change of permeability of brain cell membranes to sodium ions occurs at a site different from the tetrodotoxin-sensitive channel of sodium entry, because the suppressive effects of acetylcholine and tetrodotoxin are apparently independent of each other. The acetylcholine effect does not occur in the absence of calcium ions from the incubation medium. It is suggested that the increase of cell calcium ions, brought about by high concentrations of potassium ions in the incubation medium, induces an increase of glial permeability to sodium ions, with a resultant change in the sodium gradient, and that this increase is suppressed by acetylcholine.

Author(s):  
Majd Almakhatreh ◽  
Ezar Hafez ◽  
Ehab Tousson ◽  
Ahmed Masoud

Aims: Etoposide (Vepesid) is chemotherapeutic drugs that inhibit topoisomerase II activity and long been used for treatment of human malignancies, where it is a semi-synthetic compound derived from the plant Podophyllum peltatum. The current study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of rosemary extract against Etoposide -induced changes in liver and kidney functions, and DNA damage in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 male Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into four groups (1st group was control; 2nd group was treated with rosemary, 3rd group was received etoposide, and 4th & 5th groups was co- and post treated groups respectively). Results: The administration of Etoposide revealed a significant increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, urea, potassium ions, chloride ions, and DNA damage. In contrast; a significant decrease in albumen, total proteins, sodium ions, and calcium ions were when compared with control group. This increased in ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, urea, potassium ions, chloride ions, and DNA damage was reduced after administration of rosemary when co-treated with etoposide (G4), or post-treated after etoposide  (G5) for four weeks with lowest damage in G4. Also, this decreased in albumen, total proteins, sodium ions, and calcium ions was increased after administration of rosemary when co-treated with etoposide (G4), or post-treated after etoposide (G5) for four weeks with lowest damage in G4. Conclusion: It could be concluded that rosemary has a promising role and it worth to be considered as a natural substance for protective the liver and kidney toxicity induced by etoposide (Vepesid) chemotherapy.


1964 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Carsten ◽  
W. F. H. M. Mommaerts

The accumulation of Ca++ by microsomal (sarcotubular) preparations of rabbit skeletal muscle in the presence of oxalate, and the concurrent splitting of nucleoside triphosphate, displayed moderate nucleotide specificity in the sequence ATP > GTP, CTP, ITP > UTP > (ADP) > ATetraP for the former, ATP > (ADP) > ITP > GTP > CTP > UTP > ATetraP for the latter process. The "calcium pump" was weakly inhibited by caffeine, and was inhibited together with the ATPase by pyridoxalphosphate. Carnosine had no effect as such nor in the presence of pyridoxalphosphate except at high concentration; thiourea and p-chloromercuribenzoate were inhibiting while iodoacetate was inactive. Ca++ accumulation and ATPase were inhibited by atabrine (not tested on ATPase), dinitrophenol, and amytal. High concentrations of oligomycin and rutamycin inhibited Ca++ uptake while slightly stimulating ATPase. Antimycin A stimulated the Ca++ uptake. These results are discussed in the light of their possible relation to partial reactions in oxidative phosphorylation. The Ca++ uptake and relaxing factor activities did not behave identically throughout. This is in part ascribed to changes in reactivity of actomyosin in the relaxation test, in part to the participation of relaxing substances other than the calcium pump.


Soil Research ◽  
1967 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 191 ◽  
Author(s):  
BM Tucker

Potassium-sensitive cationic electrodes have been used to study the rates of release of potassium from five illitic soil clays. This release was complete within a few minutes for clay-size particles and was probably controlled by diffusion. The electrode response time of 15 sec to 0.001 pK unit was too slow to permit accurate measurement of the rate of release, as the process was more than 90% complete in this time. As expected, the chemical reaction was too fast to be measured independently of diffusion. The electrodes were also used to calculate stepwise changes in Gapon constants as potassium (or sodium) was adsorbed by the clay in competition with calcium ions. The Gapon constants for potassium decreased greatly as potassium was adsorbed, but did not reach the low values expected for external exchange sites until comparatively large amounts of potassium were taken up. Potassium ions were held much more tightly thm sodium ions until the external sites began to be filled. The continuous change of Gapon constant with potassium content precluded a sharp distinction between interlayer and external exchangeable potassium. Values of the constants corresponding to the equilibrium solubilities measured in earlier work showed that the clays had a strong preference for potassium over calcium at the potassium contents in these clay preparations, and this showed that the solubility equilibria refer to potassium in the interlayer regions of the clay minerals.


1977 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Benjamin ◽  
J. H. Quastel

High concentrations (105 μequiv./ml) of potassium ions in the incubation medium bring about reduced uptakes of L-glutamate, L-aspartate, and glycine but not of L-glutamine into rat brain cortex slices incubated aerobically in a physiological saline – glucose medium. The reductions are suppressed by acetylcholine (20 μM – 2 mM) in presence of eserine (0.1 mM) and not by tetrodotoxin (3 μM). The effect of acetylcholine is calcium dependent. It is diminished by atropine but not by d-tubocurarine (1 mM). Protoveratrine (5 μM) inhibition of amino acid uptake is not affected by acetylcholine but it is suppressed by tetrodotoxin. Acetylcholine and tetrodotoxin act independently of each other. Acetylcholine suppresses the potassium-evoked release of endogenous glutamate, aspartate, or glycine from incubated rat brain cortex slices. Its action on release is calcium dependent. Acetylcholine also suppresses the potassium-induced release of amino acids from rat brain cortex slices that have been previously incubated with 2 mM sodium L-glutamate or 2 mM sodium L-aspartate.It is suggested that increased cell concentrations of calcium ions, owing to high concentrations of potassium ions in the incubation medium, cause an increased glial permeability to sodium ions, with a resultant diminution of the sodium gradient. This diminution is considered to be responsible for the diminished concentrative uptake of L-glutamate, L-aspartate, or glycine, and the increased release of these amino acids. Acetylcholine suppresses the permeability change due to high concentrations of potassium ions and reverses the changed sodium gradient and the consequent change in amino acid uptake and release. It would seem that accumulation of acetylcholine in the intracellular spaces may affect glia, as well as neurons, modifying permeability to sodium ions and to various amino acids now assuming importance as possible transmitters.


1973 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. Grewaal ◽  
J. H. Quastel

1. Studies of the synthesis and release of radioactive acetylcholine in rat brain-cortex slices incubated in Locke–bicarbonate–[U-14C]glucose media, containing paraoxon as cholinesterase inhibitor, revealed the following phenomena: (a) dependence of K+-or protoveratrine-stimulated acetylcholine synthesis and release on the presence of Na+ and Ca2+ in the incubation medium, (b) enhanced release of radioactive acetylcholine by substances that promote depolarization at the nerve cell membrane (e.g. high K+, ouabain, protoveratrine, sodium l-glutamate, high concentration of acetylcholine), (c) failure of acetylcholine synthesis to keep pace with acetylcholine release under certain conditions (e.g. the presence of ouabain or lack of Na+). 2. Stimulation by K+ of radioactive acetylcholine synthesis was directly proportional to the external concentration of Na+, but some synthesis and release of radioactive acetylcholine occurred in the absence of Na+ as well as in the absence of Ca2+. 3. The Na+ dependence of K+-stimulated acetylcholine synthesis was partly due to suppression of choline transport, as addition of small concentrations of choline partly neutralized the effect of Na+ lack, and partly due to the suppression of the activity of the Na+ pump. 4. Protoveratrine caused a greatly increased release of radioactive acetylcholine without stimulating total radioactive acetylcholine synthesis. Protoveratrine was ineffective in the absence of Ca2+ from the incubation medium. It completely blocked K+ stimulation of acetylcholine synthesis and release. 5. Tetrodotoxin abolished the effects of protoveratrine on acetylcholine release. It had blocking effects (partial or complete) on the action of high K+, sodium l-glutamate and lack of Ca2+ on acetylcholine synthesis and release. 6. Unlabelled exogenous acetylcholine did not diminish the content of labelled tissue acetylcholine, derived from labelled glucose, suggesting that no exchange with vesicular acetylcholine took place. In the presence of 4mm-KCl it caused some increase in the release of labelled acetylcholine. 7. The barbiturates (Amytal, pentothal), whilst having no significant effects on labelled acetylcholine synthesis in unstimulated brain except at high concentration (1mm), diminished or abolished (at 0.25 or 0.5mm) the enhanced release of acetylcholine, due to high K+ or lack of Ca2+. The fall in tissue content of acetylcholine, due to lack of Ca2+, was diminished or abolished by pentothal (0.25 or 0.5mm) or Amytal (0.25mm).


Author(s):  
Nael Mohammed Sarheed ◽  
Osamah Faisal Kokas ◽  
Doaa Abd Alabas Muhammed Ridh

The plant of castor is widely spread in the Iraqi land, and characterized with containing ricin toxin, which has a very serious effects, and because the seeds of this plant scattered in the agricultural soil and rivers water, which increases the exposure of humans and animals to these beans. Objective: This experiment was designed to study the effect of high concentration of castor bean powder in some physiological and biochemical parameters and changes in some tissues of the body, as well as trying to use doxycycline to reduce the effects of ingestion of these seeds. Materials and Methods: In the experiment, 24 local rabbits were raised and fed in the Animal House of the Faculty of Medicine / Al-Muthanna University, then divided into four groups and treated for three weeks (21 days), Control group: treated with normal saline solution (0.9) orally throughout the experiment, G1: was treated orally with a concentration of 25 mg / kg of castor bean powder daily during the experiment, G2 : orally treated 25 mg / kg of castor bean and 25 mg / kg of doxycycline, G3: orally treated 25 mg / kg of castor powder with 50 mg / kg of doxycycline daily throughout the trial period. Results: The results of the experiment showed significant changes (P less than 0.05) in all physiological and biochemical blood tests when compared with control group. There was a significant decrease in PCV, Hb, RBC, T.protein and body weights, while demonstrated a significant increase in WBC, Urea, Creatinine, ALT, AST and ALP, with distortions in liver and kidney of animals that treated with Castor beans. In contrast, the treatment with doxycycline and caster beans showed significant improvement reflected by a normal proportion in physiological tests and biochemical tests with improvement in the tissues when compared to control group. Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that castor bean has high toxic and pathogenic effects that may be dangerous to the life of the organism. Therefore, it is advisable to be cautious of these pills and avoid exposure to them, also recommended to take high concentrations of doxycycline treatment when infected with castor bean poisoning.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chem Int

The assessment of groundwater is essential for the estimation of suitability of water for safe use. An attempt has been made to study the groundwater of selected areas of Punjab (Sheikhupura & Sahiwal) and Sindh (Sindh, Jawar Dharki and Dharki), Pakistan. The results indicate that pH, color and odor were all within limits of WHO that is pH ranges 6.5–8.5, colorless and odorless, respectively. The high values of suspended solids were observed in the Sindh-1 and Dharki samples. Microbiologically only Sahiwal and Jawar Dharki were found fit for drinking purpose. Trace metals analysis of Sheikhupura-1 and Sindh-1 showed that values do not fall within limits of WHO for Iron. The ionic concentration analysis showed that high bicarbonate (HCO3-), ions are present in the samples of Sahiwal and Dharki; Sindh-1 and Jawar Dharki samples showed very high concentration for chloride ions, all samples were satisfactory level for sulphate (SO42-), sodium, magnesium and phosphate ions except samples of Sindh-1 and Jawar Dharki. High concentration of calcium and potassium ions was observed in samples of Sindh-1, while all other samples were found fit for drinking purposes in respect of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium ions. The high concentration of Fluoride was found only in Sheikhupura-2 samples.


2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
V. V. Gostev ◽  
Yu. V. Sopova ◽  
O. S. Kalinogorskaya ◽  
M. E. Velizhanina ◽  
I. V. Lazareva ◽  
...  

Glycopeptides are the basis of the treatment of infections caused by MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Previously, it was demonstrated that antibiotic tolerant phenotypes are formed during selection of resistance under the influence of high concentrations of antibiotics. The present study uses a similar in vitro selection model with vancomycin. Clinical isolates of MRSA belonging to genetic lines ST8 and ST239, as well as the MSSA (ATCC29213) strain, were included in the experiment. Test isolates were incubated for five hours in a medium with a high concentration of vancomycin (50 μg/ml). Test cultures were grown on the medium without antibiotic for 18 hours after each exposure. A total of ten exposure cycles were performed. Vancomycin was characterized by bacteriostatic action; the proportion of surviving cells after exposure was 70–100%. After selection, there was a slight increase in the MIC to vancomycin (MIC 2 μg/ml), teicoplanin (MIC 1.5–3 μg/ml) and daptomycin (MIC 0.25–2 μg/ml). According to the results of PAP analysis, all strains showed an increase in the area under curve depending on the concentration of vancomycin after selection, while a heteroresistant phenotype (with PAP/AUC 0.9) was detected in three isolates. All isolates showed walK mutations (T188S, D235N, E261V, V380I, and G223D). Exposure to short-term shock concentrations of vancomycin promotes the formation of heteroresistance in both MRSA and MSSA. Formation of VISA phenotypes is possible during therapy with vancomycin.


1997 ◽  
Vol 35 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 339-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Dubé ◽  
J. M. Culp

Experiments were conducted in artificial streams to determine the effects of increasing concentrations of biologically treated bleached kraft pulp mill effluent (BKPME) on periphyton and chironomid growth in the Thompson River, British Columbia. Periphyton growth, as determined by increases in chlorophyll a, was significantly stimulated at all effluent concentrations tested (0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 5.0% and, 10.0%). Chironomid growth (individual weight) was also significantly stimulated at low effluent concentrations (≤1.0%). At higher concentrations (5.0% and 10.0%), chironomid growth was inhibited relative to the 1.0% treatment streams. Increases in growth were attributed to the effects of nutrient and organic enrichment from BKPME. The effluent contained high concentrations of phosphorus and appears to be an important source of carbon for benthic insects grazing on the biofilm. In high concentration effluent streams, chironomid growth decreased despite low levels of typical pulp mill contaminants. This suggests that other compounds in the effluent, such as wood extractives, may be inhibiting chironomid growth. These results support findings of field monitoring studies conducted in the Thompson River where changes in periphyton and chironomid abundance occurred downstream of the bleached kraft pulp mill.


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