Indian J Exp Biol
JANUARY 2002
CODEN: IJEB (A6) 40(1) 1-122 (2002)
ISSN: 0019-5189
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
http : // : //
VOLUME 40 / NUMBER 1 / JANUARY 2002CONTENTS
Mini Review
Herbal formulations as phamacotherapeutic agents / 7A Kuruvilla
Review Articles
Low level radiation exposure: The radiobiologist’s challenge in the next millennium / 12
Abraham F G Stevenson
Insulin like growth factor 1 and regulation of ovarian function in mammals / 25
Rahul Behl & Rajeev Kaul
Papers
Effect of chronic treatment with losartan on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats / 31
B Murali & R K Goyal
Effect of prenatal alprazolam exposure on anxiety patterns in rat offspring / 35
Arun K Jaiswal
Male reproductive toxic effects of carbendazim: Hitherto unreported targets in testis / 40
B Kadalmani,R Girija, A Faridha & M A Akbarsha
Effect of Ruta graveolens L. and Euphorbia peplus L. anti-inflammatory extracts on nutritional status of rats and the safety of their use / 45
Sahar Y Al-Okbi, Eman M El-Sayed, Nagwa M Ammar, Nabil K El-Sayed &
Lamina T Abou El-Kassem
Nutritional evaluation of extruded faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as a protein supplement in cereals based diet in rats / 49
Ameeta Kushwah, Prakrati Rajawat & Hukum Singh Kushwah
Role of male scent glands in improving poison bait acceptance in female rats, Rattus norvegicus / 53
R Selvaraj &G Archunan
Prevention of HCl-ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury in rats by Garcinia cambogia extract and its possible mechanism of action / 58
P Mahendran, K E Sabitha & C S Shyamala Devi
Contd
Baculovirus studies in new, indigenous lepidopteran cell lines / 63
U Pant, A B Sudeep, S S Athawale & V C Vipat
New Helicoverpa armigera Hbn cell line from larval hemocyte for baculovirus
studies / 69
A B Sudeep, YS Shouche, D T Mourya & U Pant
Responses of isolated scale melanophores of a fresh water carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) to zidovudine / 74
Sudhir Kumar Srivastava & M Ovais
Evidence for presence of GABA-ergic receptor mediated dispersion in isolated scale melanophores of a carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) / 78
Mohammad Ovais & Sunita Rani Chimania
Effect of formulated diet on digestive enzymes of Labeo rohita (Ham.) / 83
T ASethuramalingam & M A Haniffa
Effect of Alternaria pathotoxin(s) on expression of p53-like apoptotic protein in calli and leaves of Brassica campestris / 89
Abha Khandelwal, Anil Kumar, Manish Banerjee & G K Garg
Environmental radiation as the conditioning factor for survival of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae / 95
N Gajendiran & R K Jeevanram
Degradation of predigested distillery effluent by isolated bacterial strains / 101
Neeraj Jain, A K Minocha & C L Verma
Notes
Heat modifiability of outer membrane protein of Pasteurella multocida serotype B : 2 / 106
Anirban Pal, S K Srivastava & V P Singh
Cloning and sequencing of beta toxin gene of Clostridium perfringens type C / 109
P P Goswami, K S Girish, P Chaudhuri, V Tiwari, S J Akare & P C Harbola
Effect of ciprofloxacin on specific immune response in rabbits / 111
K Jayakumar, Honnegowda, G Krishnappa, K N V Sastry & K Narayana
Pharmacological and haematological study of shol fish (Channa striatus)skin extract on experimental animal / 115
Surajit Karmakar, S C Dasgupta & A Gomes
Use of meristem tip culture to eliminate carnation latent virus from carnation plants / 119
Manisha Mangal, S V Bhardwaj, D R Sharma, R Kaur & A K Mangal
AUTHOR INDEX
Akare S J / 109Akbarsha M A / 40
Al-Okbi Sahar Y / 45
Ammar Nagwa M / 45
Archunan G / 53
Athawale S S / 63
Banerjee Manish / 89
Behl Rahul / 25
Bhardwaj S V / 119
Chaudhuri P / 109
Chimania Sunita Rani / 78
Dasgupta S C / 115
El-Kassem Lamia T Abou / 45
El-Sayed Eman M / 45
El-Sayed Nabil K / 45
Faridha A / 40
Gajendiran N / 95
Garg G K / 89
Girija R / 40
Girish K S / 109
Gomes A / 115
Goswami P P / 109
Goyal R K / 31
Haniffa M A / 83
Harbola P C / 109
Honnegowda / 111
Jain Neeraj / 101
Jaiswal Arun K / 35
Jayakumar K / 111
Jeevanram R K / 95
Kadalmani B / 40
Karmakar Surajit / 115
Kaul Rajeev / 25
Kaur R / 119
Khandelwal Abha / 89
Krishnappa G / 111
Kumar Anil / 89
Kuruvilla A / 7
Kushwah Ameeta / 49
Kushwah Hukum Singh / 49
Mahendran P / 58
Mangal A K / 119
Mangal Manisha / 119
Minocha A K / 101
Mourya D T / 69
Murali B / 31
Narayana K / 111
Ovais M / 74, 78
Pal Anirban / 106
Pant U / 63, 69
Rajawat Prakrati / 49
Sabitha K E / 58
Sastry K N V / 111
Selvaraj R / 53
Sethuramalingam T A / 83
Sharma D R / 119
Shouche Y S / 69
Shyamala Devi C S / 58
Singh V P / 106
Srivastava S K / 106
Srivastava Sudhir Kumar / 74
Stevenson Abraham F G / 12
Sudeep A B / 63, 69
Tiwari V / 109
Verma C L / 101
Vipat V C / 63
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 7-11
Mini Review
Herbal formulations as pharmacotherapeutic agents
A Kuruvilla
Herbal medicines are popular as remedies for diseases by vast majority of world’s population. Polyherbal preparations are products from medicinal plants. These are considered as safe since they are natural products. Herbal formulations which have reached widespread acceptability as therapeutic agents in India include noortropics, antidiabetics, hepatoprotective agents and lipid lowering agents. Pharmacological effects of many plants have been studied in various laboratories in India. However, there are many limitations regarding safety and efficacy of these preparations. Knowledge about active principles of herbal preparations are not well defined, information on toxicity and adverse effects of these formulations are lacking. Information regarding pharmacokinetics and bioavailability is not available. Packet inserts providing details regarding safety, and warning are not required for sale of these which are available as over the counter preparations. The risk of untested and unregulated remedies should be known to the lay public. Selection of plant material based on quality, standardisation of methods of preparation, enforcement of regulation regarding appropriate labels, are measures which will improve the quality and acceptability of herbal preparations as therapeutic agents. Documentation of research publications in journals and availability of information on website, are other measures to assist research in this field.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 12-24
Review Article
Low level radiation exposure
The radiobiologist’s challenge in the next millennium*
Abraham F G Stevenson
A formal definition for low level exposure does not exist. This has arbitrarily been defined here as exposures from 0 to 5 cGy. The health implications of exposures within this dose range are highly controversial since the effects are exclusively stochastic. As such, the effects can only be detected in large populations. The Oxford Survey of Childhood Cancers (OSCC) established leukaemia as a predominant effect. After the chernobyl nuclear disaster, studies in European countries have correlated perinatal mortality with radioactive contaminations which could only have raised the radiation burdens by levels which are currently regarded as negligible. The reported risk indices for childhood leukaemia arising from low level exposures are generally comparable to those ascertained for high exposures, thus posing an enigma to radiobiologists. This paper reviews the progress in various areas of radiobiological research and attempts to make a synthesis of the facts with the view to provide an explanation. The purpose is also to stimulate an understanding of multifactorial biological mechanisms. Environmental radiation exposures must be expected to be concomitant with other toxic agents which must be taken into account in risk assessment. The challenge in the future will be to realise this goal.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 25-30
Papers
Insulin like growth factor 1 and regulation of ovarian function in mammals
Rahul Behl & Rajeev Kaul
Various growth factors have been proposed to play endocrine and / or paracrine role in mammalian ovarian follicular development. The insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is one such factor. More and more reports now support the existence of an intra-ovarian IGF system including receptors and binding proteins. The role of IGF-1 in ovary is to amplify gonadotropin hormone action in terms of increased steroidogenesis by ovarian granulosa cell and granulosa cell proliferation. The synthesis and proteolysis of insulin like growth factor binding proteins, under the control of follicle stimulating hormone, regulate the intra-follicular availability of IGF-1, which further determines the sensitivity of granulosa cells to gonadotropins. Besides gonadotropins, IGF-1 has been implicated in somatotropin hormone action in the ovarian function. Exact mechanism of IGF-1 action in the ovarian follicles needs to be worked out to elucidate whether or not IGF-1 is indispens-able in addition to know endocrine factors like gonadotropic and ovarian steroid hormones. This will pave the way for better understanding of control(s) which ensure final development of dominant follicle(s) and atresia of other follicles of the cohort.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 31-34
Effect of chronic treatment with losartan on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
B Murali & R K Goyal*
Treatment of rats with streptozotocin (STZ, 45mg/kg, i.v.,single dose) produced cardinal symptoms of diabetes mellitus including hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and increase in blood pressure. Treatment with losartanan angiotensin (AT1) receptor antagonist, 2 mg/kg, po for 6 weeks decreased the blood glucose levels by 16.5%. There was 190% increase in AUCglucose and 59.4% decrease in AUCinsulin in STZ-diabetic rats as compared to control rats. Treatment with losartan caused slight decrease in AUCglucose and slight increase in AUCinsulin. There was no significant difference in insulin sensitivity (KITT) index of STZ-diabetic group as compared to control. Losartan treatment failed to alter these levels significantly. Serum cholesterol and creatinine levels were found to be increased significantly in STZ-diabetic rats. Treatment with losartan significantly prevented the rise in cholesterol and creatinine levels by 20.1 and 81% respectively. The results suggest that losartan produces some beneficial effects in STZ- diabetic rats.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 35-39
Effect of prenatal alprazolam exposure on anxiety patterns in rat offspring
Arun K Jaiswal
Prenatal alprazolam (APZ) treatment in 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg/day doses during 13-20 days of gestation induced significant increase in open-field ambulation, rearings, self-grooming and faecal pellets in rat offspring. Prenatal APZ treated rats displayed significantly increased anxiogenic behaviour on elevated plus maze (spent less time on open arms, more time on enclosed arms and made less number of entries on open arms) and increased anxiogenecity on elevated zero maze (APZ treated rats spent less time on open arms and made less number of head dips and stretched attend postures in comparison to control rat offspring). The results indicate persistent behavioural alterations in the rat offspring after prenatal exposure to APZ.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp.40-44
Male reproductive toxic effects of carbendazim: Hitherto unreported targets
in testis
B Kadalmani, R Girija, A Faridha & M A Akbarsha
Carbendazim (MBC), a widely used fungicide, is toxic to male reproductive mechanisms. Various cellular targets in the testis for MBC action are being understood only recently and still more targets have been conceived. The present study was aimed at finding such newer targets. Male rats were administered through oral route a single dose of carbendazim (400mg /kg) and the testis was studied adopting routine histological technique. It has been observed that pachytene spermatocytes could also be targets for MBC action in the testis. The study also reports selective loss of step 14 spermatids, asynchrony of the stages in the spermatogenic cycle and development of Sertoli cell fibrosis of the seminiferous tubules of carbendazim-treated rats. From the different kinds of responses seen in the seminiferous tubules in the same testis to MBC, particularly in the Sertoli cell, MBC action in the testis appears dependent on the stage in the spermatogenic cycle at first exposure.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 45-48
Effect of Ruta graveolens L. and Euphorbia peplus L. anti- inflammatory extracts on nutritional status of rats and the safety of their use
Sahar Y Al-Okbi & Eman M El-Sayed
A significant increase in body weight with remarkable increase in total food intake and significant increase in protein efficiency ratio were observed following oral administration of R.graveolens etherextract (500 mg/kg body wt) to growing rats for 3 weeks. Serum albumin was significantly decreased after administration of declofenac (15 mg/kg body wt). Albumin/globulin ratio decreased significantly on administration of E. peplus ether extract (500 mg/kg body wt). No significant changes were observed in other biochemical and nutritional parameters on administration of either of the extracts or declofenac. However, only a significant elevation of alkaline phosphatase was noticed during treatment with
R. graveolens. The results suggest that both plant extracts have no harmful effect on nutritional status and are safe towards kidney functions, while Euphorbia is more safe than Ruta in relation to liver functions.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 49-52
Nutritional evaluation of extruded faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as a protein
supplement in cereals based diet in rats
Ameeta Kushwah, Prakrati Rajawat & Hukum Singh Kushwah
The quality of extruded faba bean (EFB) (Vicia faba L.) as a protein supplement in cereals diet was evaluated. Growth rate and protein efficiency ratio was better in 20% EFB blended dietary group of rats than those fed either on cereals alone or at 40% EFB supplementation. Subsequent studies on digestibility co-efficient, biological value, net protein utilization and net protein ratio also confirmed biological utilization of EFB proteins in a better way at low level (20%).
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp.53-57
Role of male scent glands in improving poison bait acceptance in female rats, Rattus norvegicus
R Selvaraj & G Archunan
The poison (Zn3P2) bait mixed with preputial gland and cheek gland extract was highly effective as compared to poison bait mixed without the scent gland extract, in increasing the food consumption and mortality rate in rats. Among these two scent glands, preputial gland extract was more effective than cheek gland extract in increasing the bait acceptance. The scent gland extract mixed with poison bait was capable of improving the poison bait acceptance. A 10% concentration of scent gland extract was more effective than 5% concentration in acceptance of poison bait. The results suggest efficacy of scent gland in improving the poison bait acceptance.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 58-62
Prevention of HCl-ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury in rats by
Garcinia cambogia extract and its possible mechanism of action
P Mahendran, K E Sabitha & C S Shyamala Devi
Oral pretreatment of rats with G. cambogia fruit extract (1 g/kg body weight/day at interval of 7 and 15 days) protected gastric mucosa against HCl - ethanol induced damage by decreasing the volume and acidity of gastric juice. Increased lipid peroxidation, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, altered levels of protein and glycoproteins in the ulcerated mucosa, and gastric juice were maintained at near normal levels in G. cambogia pretreated rats. The results suggest the anti-ulcer activity of G. cambogia by virtue of its ability to decrease acidity and increase mucosal defense.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002,pp. 63-68
Baculovirus studies in new, indigenous lepidopteran cell lines
U Pant, A B Sudeep, S S Athawale & V C Vipat
Eight lepidopteran cell lines were established recently and their susceptibility to different insect viruses was studied. Two Spodoptera litura cell lines from the larval and pupal ovaries, were found highly susceptible to S. litura nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SLNPV, 5-6 x 106 NPV/ml). The Helicoverpa armigera cell line from the embryonic tissue was highly susceptible to H. armigera NPV (HaNPV, 6.3 x 106 NPV/ml). These in vitro grown SLNPV and HaNPV caused 100% mortality to respective 2nd instar larvae. The susceptibility of the cryo-preserved cell lines to respective baculoviruses (SLNPV/HaNPV) was studied and no significant difference in their susceptibility status was observed. The cultures could grow as suspension culture on shakers and may find application for in vitro production of wild type/recombinant baculoviruses as bio-insecticides. S. litura and Bombyx mori cell lines from larval ovaries, were highly susceptible to Autographa californica NPV (5.5x106 NPV/ml) and Bombyx mori NPV (BmNPV, 6.1106 NPV/ml) respectively. These cell lines may find application in baculovirus expression vector studies for the production of recombinant proteins, useful in the development of diagnostic kits or as vaccines.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 69-73
New Helicoverpa armigeraHbn cell line from larval hemocyte for baculovirus studies
A B Sudeep, Y S Shouche, D T Mourya & U Pant
A new cell line from the larval hemocytes of H. armigera was established in Grace’s medium modified by adding lactalbumin hydrolysate and yeastolate (3.3g/l), and supplemented with fetal bovine serum (20%). The cell line was designated as NIV-HA-1195. The cell population at P-78 consisted mainly of epithelial–like cells (89.36%), fibroblast-like cells (8.31%) and giant cells (2.13%). The population doubling time was 96hr at P-8, 60hr at P-43. The chromosome number ranged from 45 to 200. The cell line is susceptible to the baculoviruses, Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcNPV), Spodoptera litura NPV and the homologous HaNPV. Isoenzyme profile and results of 16S rRNA heteroduplex analysis clearly indicated the species specificity of the new cell line.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002, pp. 74-77
Responses of isolated scale melanophores of a fresh water carp,
Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) to zidovudine
Sudhir Kumar Srivastava & M Ovais
Zidovudine (AZT) induced concentration related aggregation in C. mrigala melanophores. Denervated melanophores failed to respond to AZT. Specific and nonspecific alpha adrenoceptor antagonists completely blocked the responses of fish melanophores to AZT. Histamine and prostaglandin antagonists also inhibited aggregation of the melanophores induced by AZT. The results suggest that AZT may release a mixture of neurotransmitter like substances, which cause the aggregation of this fish melanophores.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, January 2002,pp. 78-82
Evidence for presence of GABA-ergic receptor mediated dispersion in isolated scale melanophores of a carp, Cirrhinus mrigala Ham.
Mohammad Ovais & Sunita Rani Chimania
Effects of GABA-ergic agonists and antagonists were examined on the melanophores of a carp C. mrigalain vitro. GABA and baclofen both induced concentration - related dispersion in fish melanophores. Denervation of the melanophores by reserpine treatment potentiated the sensitivity of the melanophores to GABA. While denervation by cooling treatment inhibited the sensitivity of the melanophores to GABA, atropine, bicuculline and pentylenetetrazole all inhibited the dispersal responses of the melanophores induced by higher concentrations of GABA. 5-aminovaleric acid also significantly inhibited the dispersion of the melanophores induced either by GABA or baclofen. It is concluded that GABA-ergic agonist induced dispersal responses in C. mrigala melanophores are mediated through specific GABA receptors. The presence of both GABAA and GABAB receptors in this fish melanophores has been indicated.