The development of fluoroquinolones in early 1980s was a breakthrough in the treatment of infectious diseases. The basic structure of fluoroquinolone consists of quinolone carboxylic acid. The modifications at various positions in structure have resulted in a series of potent compounds having wide spectrum of activity which includes gram negative and gram positive organisms, mycobacterium, chlamydia etc. They act by selective inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme. These compounds have proved their utility in the treatment of various infections viz., U.T.I, acute bacterial diarrhoea1 diseases, gonorrhoea, chanchroid, S.typhi infection and various other systemic infections. They also have good prophylactic role in surgery and in immunocompromised patients. Compared to other antimicrobial agents, resistance to fluoroquinolones is not common and in addition, they have fewer and mild side effects like g.i.t disturbances (most frequent), mild CNS reactions (headache, dizziness, sleepiness) and hypersensitivity reactions. The bioavailability of fluoroquinolones is decreased with concomitant administration of antacids, iron salts, ranitidine and pirenzipine. Some of the fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin) significantly raise the plasma levels of theophylline and caffeine. Although a large number of fluoroquinolones have been developed in the recent past, yet there is need for compounds which have broader spectrum of activity, higher potency, better CNS/CSF penetration and better patient tolerability.

The development of fluoroquinolones in early 1980s was a breakthrough in the treatment of infectious diseases. The basic structure of fluoroquinolone consists of quinolone carboxylic acid. The modifications at various positions in structure have resulted in a series of potent compounds having wide spectrum of activity which includes gram negative and gram positive organisms, mycobacterium, chlamydia etc. They act by selective inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme. These compounds have proved their utility in the treatment of various infections viz., U.T.I, acute bacterial diarrhoea1 diseases, gonorrhoea, chanchroid, S.typhi infection and various other systemic infections. They also have good prophylactic role in surgery and in immunocompromised patients. Compared to other antimicrobial agents, resistance to fluoroquinolones is not common and in addition, they have fewer and mild side effects like g.i.t disturbances (most frequent), mild CNS reactions (headache, dizziness, sleepiness) and hypersensitivity reactions. The bioavailability of fluoroquinolones is decreased with concomitant administration of antacids, iron salts, ranitidine and pirenzipine. Some of the fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin) significantly raise the plasma levels of theophylline and caffeine. Although a large number of fluoroquinolones have been developed in the recent past, yet there is need for compounds which have broader spectrum of activity, higher potency, better CNS/CSF penetration and better patient tolerability.

The development of fluoroquinolones in early 1980s was a breakthrough in the treatment of infectious diseases. The basic structure of fluoroquinolone consists of quinolone carboxylic acid. The modifications at various positions in structure have resulted in a series of potent compounds having wide spectrum of activity which includes gram negative and gram positive organisms, mycobacterium, chlamydia etc. They act by selective inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme. These compounds have proved their utility in the treatment of various infections viz., U.T.I, acute bacterial diarrhoea1 diseases, gonorrhoea, chanchroid, S.typhi infection and various other systemic infections. They also have good prophylactic role in surgery and in immunocompromised patients. Compared to other antimicrobial agents, resistance to fluoroquinolones is not common and in addition, they have fewer and mild side effects like g.i.t disturbances (most frequent), mild CNS reactions (headache, dizziness, sleepiness) and hypersensitivity reactions. The bioavailability of fluoroquinolones is decreased with concomitant administration of antacids, iron salts, ranitidine and pirenzipine. Some of the fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin) significantly raise the plasma levels of theophylline and caffeine. Although a large number of fluoroquinolones have been developed in the recent past, yet there is need for compounds which have broader spectrum of activity, higher potency, better CNS/CSF penetration and better patient tolerability.

The development of fluoroquinolones in early 1980s was a breakthrough in the treatment of infectious diseases. The basic structure of fluoroquinolone consists of quinolone carboxylic acid. The modifications at various positions in structure have resulted in a series of potent compounds having wide spectrum of activity which includes gram negative and gram positive organisms, mycobacterium, chlamydia etc. They act by selective inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme. These compounds have proved their utility in the treatment of various infections viz., U.T.I, acute bacterial diarrhoea1 diseases, gonorrhoea, chanchroid, S.typhi infection and various other systemic infections. They also have good prophylactic role in surgery and in immunocompromised patients. Compared to other antimicrobial agents, resistance to fluoroquinolones is not common and in addition, they have fewer and mild side effects like g.i.t disturbances (most frequent), mild CNS reactions (headache, dizziness, sleepiness) and hypersensitivity reactions. The bioavailability of fluoroquinolones is decreased with concomitant administration of antacids, iron salts, ranitidine and pirenzipine. Some of the fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin) significantly raise the plasma levels of theophylline and caffeine. Although a large number of fluoroquinolones have been developed in the recent past, yet there is need for compounds which have broader spectrum of activity, higher potency, better CNS/CSF penetration and better patient tolerability.

The development of fluoroquinolones in early 1980s was a breakthrough in the treatment of infectious diseases. The basic structure of fluoroquinolone consists of quinolone carboxylic acid. The modifications at various positions in structure have resulted in a series of potent compounds having wide spectrum of activity which includes gram negative and gram positive organisms, mycobacterium, chlamydia etc. They act by selective inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme. These compounds have proved their utility in the treatment of various infections viz., U.T.I, acute bacterial diarrhoea1 diseases, gonorrhoea, chanchroid, S.typhi infection and various other systemic infections. They also have good prophylactic role in surgery and in immunocompromised patients. Compared to other antimicrobial agents, resistance to fluoroquinolones is not common and in addition, they have fewer and mild side effects like g.i.t disturbances (most frequent), mild CNS reactions (headache, dizziness, sleepiness) and hypersensitivity reactions. The bioavailability of fluoroquinolones is decreased with concomitant administration of antacids, iron salts, ranitidine and pirenzipine. Some of the fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin) significantly raise the plasma levels of theophylline and caffeine. Although a large number of fluoroquinolones have been developed in the recent past, yet there is need for compounds which have broader spectrum of activity, higher potency, better CNS/CSF penetration and better patient tolerability.

Objectives: Cleistanthus collinusa toxic plant, is frequently implicated in suicidal and homicidal poisoning. Its exact mode of toxicity is unravelled which is very essential to develop suitable strategy to antagonise toxicity. In congnisance with the prevailing situation of C.collinus the present study was undertaken to characterise the precise mode of action. Methods: C.collinus leaf extract (20% w/v) was administered at 24h LD50 dose orally to 18h starved rats (8g Kg-1) and rabbits (l0gKg-1) which sacrificed after 180 minutes and vital organs were assayed for glutathione and ATPase. Results: Glutathione profile revealed its depletion in various organs of rats (64.95% in liver, 51.60% in kidney, 15.60% in heart, 25.20% in brain and 27% in skeletal muscle) and in rabbits (42.60% in liver, 52.50% in kidney, 17.30% in heart, 13.50% in brain and 48.60% in skeletal muscle) as compared to that of the controls in the respective species. A similar trend of inhibition of ATPase activity was observed in the vital organs of rats (P<0.001, P<0.01) as well as in the case of rabbits (P<0.01). Conclusion: It can be deduced from the present profile that C.collinus during its assualt causes a definite depletion/inhibition of thiol/thiol containing enzymes which is responsible for the manifestation of toxicity and the present finding could pave way for the selection of thiol compounds as probable antidotes to combat C.collinus toxicosis.

Objectives: The effect of BR-16A (MentatR) on aluminium-induced cognitive deficits and cognition in aged rats was studied in a one-trial step-through passive avoidance task. Methods: Aluminium chloride (1000 mg/kg/day) was administered to wistar rats for 40 days to produce significant cognitive deficits (P<0.05). Aluminium-treated rats received BR-l 6A (100 mg/kg/day) for 20 days starting day 21. In a second experiment, aged wistar rats (12 months) received BR-16A (100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 20 days. Results: BR-16A significantly prolonged the shortened latency of step-through induced by aluminium administration [300 (214.17 - 300) vs 60.5(16 - 213); P<0.05] It also significantly improved retention of learning in aged rats [300(120.8 - 300) vs 37(27.5 - 189.5); P<0.01]. Conclusion: These results suggest that BR-16A improves learning and memory in aluminium-treated and aged rats.

Cycleanine, an alkaloidal extractive from the root bark of Synclisia scabridav, was screened for some peripheral and central effects in addition to acute toxicological investigation. The intraperitoneal LD50 in mice was established as 1010.5 mg/kg. In vivo studies using mice revealed that cycleanine significantly reduced spontaneous motor activity (SMA) in a dose related manner. There was synchronization of EEG and activation of EMG. In vitro studies using isolated rat uterus showed that cycleanine evoked concentration dependent contractions that were resistant to atropine but blocked by salbutamol. These results help to explain the rationale for the folkloric use of the plant in various CNS and peripheral disorders, and also implicate cycleanine as the putative active component.

Cycleanine, an alkaloidal extractive from the root bark of Synclisia scabridav, was screened for some peripheral and central effects in addition to acute toxicological investigation. The intraperitoneal LD50 in mice was established as 1010.5 mg/kg. In vivo studies using mice revealed that cycleanine significantly reduced spontaneous motor activity (SMA) in a dose related manner. There was synchronization of EEG and activation of EMG. In vitro studies using isolated rat uterus showed that cycleanine evoked concentration dependent contractions that were resistant to atropine but blocked by salbutamol. These results help to explain the rationale for the folkloric use of the plant in various CNS and peripheral disorders, and also implicate cycleanine as the putative active component.

Cycleanine, an alkaloidal extractive from the root bark of Synclisia scabridav, was screened for some peripheral and central effects in addition to acute toxicological investigation. The intraperitoneal LD50 in mice was established as 1010.5 mg/kg. In vivo studies using mice revealed that cycleanine significantly reduced spontaneous motor activity (SMA) in a dose related manner. There was synchronization of EEG and activation of EMG. In vitro studies using isolated rat uterus showed that cycleanine evoked concentration dependent contractions that were resistant to atropine but blocked by salbutamol. These results help to explain the rationale for the folkloric use of the plant in various CNS and peripheral disorders, and also implicate cycleanine as the putative active component.

Objectives: The effect of BR-16A (MentatR) on aluminium-induced cognitive deficits and cognition in aged rats was studied in a one-trial step-through passive avoidance task. Methods: Aluminium chloride (1000 mg/kg/day) was administered to wistar rats for 40 days to produce significant cognitive deficits (P<0.05). Aluminium-treated rats received BR-l 6A (100 mg/kg/day) for 20 days starting day 21. In a second experiment, aged wistar rats (12 months) received BR-16A (100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 20 days. Results: BR-16A significantly prolonged the shortened latency of step-through induced by aluminium administration [300 (214.17 - 300) vs 60.5(16 - 213); P<0.05] It also significantly improved retention of learning in aged rats [300(120.8 - 300) vs 37(27.5 - 189.5); P<0.01]. Conclusion: These results suggest that BR-16A improves learning and memory in aluminium-treated and aged rats.

Objectives: The effect of BR-16A (MentatR) on aluminium-induced cognitive deficits and cognition in aged rats was studied in a one-trial step-through passive avoidance task. Methods: Aluminium chloride (1000 mg/kg/day) was administered to wistar rats for 40 days to produce significant cognitive deficits (P<0.05). Aluminium-treated rats received BR-l 6A (100 mg/kg/day) for 20 days starting day 21. In a second experiment, aged wistar rats (12 months) received BR-16A (100 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 20 days. Results: BR-16A significantly prolonged the shortened latency of step-through induced by aluminium administration [300 (214.17 - 300) vs 60.5(16 - 213); P<0.05] It also significantly improved retention of learning in aged rats [300(120.8 - 300) vs 37(27.5 - 189.5); P<0.01]. Conclusion: These results suggest that BR-16A improves learning and memory in aluminium-treated and aged rats.

Objective: To investigate the direct and the indirect effects of flt3 ligand (FL) on hematopoiesis. Methods: Mononuclear cells from human cord blood were plated in methylcellulose medium containing different cytokines for inducing hematopoietic colony formation. Dendritic cells were induced from the mononuclear cells with a cytokine cocktail with or without recombinant human soluble FL (rhFL; 100ng/ ml). The flt3 receptors on the surface of a human microvascular endothelial cell line (ECV) were analyzed by flow cytometry. The proliferation of ECV stimulated by FL was measured with the microculture tetrazolium assay. We also measured the level of FL in the supernatant of ECV cultures. Results: RhFL stimulates colony formation from cord blood when used as sole stimulant. FL in combination with other cytokines increased colony formation significantly. The number of DC was approximately 2.5 times higher when rhFL was used. RhFL stimulates the proliferation of ECV on which flt3 receptors is expressed. Furthermore, ECV secretes FL and this effect is augmented by tumor necrosis factor-?(?(TNF( ) and reduced by glucocorticoid. Conclusions: FL enhances hematopoietic colony formation and DC proliferation from human cord blood cells. FL not only stimulates the proliferation of ECV, but it is also secreted by ECV. It appears that FL may act as an autocrine growth cytokine of endothelial cells.

Objective: The effects of Bonny light crude oil on the smooth and skeletal muscles contraction and pain were investigated. Methods: Analgesic effect of Bonny light crude oil was tested in mice using acetic acid (0.75%)- induced writhing model. Its effects on histamine-, and Ach-induced smooth muscle contraction were studied in guinea pig ileum. The effects of crude oil on Ach-induced contraction of rat duodenum and frog rectus abdominis muscle were also studied. Results: The crude oil caused complete inhibition of histamine - induced smooth muscle contraction, while producing only a partial inhibition of the acetylcholine - induced contraction. It had no effects on the acetylcholine-induced skeletal muscle contraction, but showed good analgesic effect comparable to aspirin. Conclusion: The Bonny light crude oil possesses inhibitory action on smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine, and analgesic property.

Objective: The effects of Bonny light crude oil on the smooth and skeletal muscles contraction and pain were investigated. Methods: Analgesic effect of Bonny light crude oil was tested in mice using acetic acid (0.75%)- induced writhing model. Its effects on histamine-, and Ach-induced smooth muscle contraction were studied in guinea pig ileum. The effects of crude oil on Ach-induced contraction of rat duodenum and frog rectus abdominis muscle were also studied. Results: The crude oil caused complete inhibition of histamine - induced smooth muscle contraction, while producing only a partial inhibition of the acetylcholine - induced contraction. It had no effects on the acetylcholine-induced skeletal muscle contraction, but showed good analgesic effect comparable to aspirin. Conclusion: The Bonny light crude oil possesses inhibitory action on smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine, and analgesic property.

Objective: The effects of Bonny light crude oil on the smooth and skeletal muscles contraction and pain were investigated. Methods: Analgesic effect of Bonny light crude oil was tested in mice using acetic acid (0.75%)- induced writhing model. Its effects on histamine-, and Ach-induced smooth muscle contraction were studied in guinea pig ileum. The effects of crude oil on Ach-induced contraction of rat duodenum and frog rectus abdominis muscle were also studied. Results: The crude oil caused complete inhibition of histamine - induced smooth muscle contraction, while producing only a partial inhibition of the acetylcholine - induced contraction. It had no effects on the acetylcholine-induced skeletal muscle contraction, but showed good analgesic effect comparable to aspirin. Conclusion: The Bonny light crude oil possesses inhibitory action on smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine, and analgesic property.

Objective: The effects of Bonny light crude oil on the smooth and skeletal muscles contraction and pain were investigated. Methods: Analgesic effect of Bonny light crude oil was tested in mice using acetic acid (0.75%)- induced writhing model. Its effects on histamine-, and Ach-induced smooth muscle contraction were studied in guinea pig ileum. The effects of crude oil on Ach-induced contraction of rat duodenum and frog rectus abdominis muscle were also studied. Results: The crude oil caused complete inhibition of histamine - induced smooth muscle contraction, while producing only a partial inhibition of the acetylcholine - induced contraction. It had no effects on the acetylcholine-induced skeletal muscle contraction, but showed good analgesic effect comparable to aspirin. Conclusion: The Bonny light crude oil possesses inhibitory action on smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine, and analgesic property.