Cochin University of Science and Technology

About: Cochin University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Thin film & Natural rubber. The organization has 5382 authors who have published 7690 publications receiving 103827 citations. The organization is also known as: CUSAT & Cochin University.

Decreased GABA receptor in the cerebral cortex of epileptic rats: effect of Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A

Abstract: Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the cerebral cortex, maintains the inhibitory tones that counter balances neuronal excitation. When this balance is perturbed, seizures may ensue. In the present study, alterations of the general GABA, GABAA and GABAB receptors in the cerebral cortex of the epileptic rat and the therapeutic application of Bacopa monnieri were investigated. Scatchard analysis of [3H]GABA, [3H]bicuculline and [3H]baclofen in the cerebral cortex of the epileptic rat showed significant decrease in Bmax (P < 0.001) compared to control. Real Time PCR amplification of GABA receptor subunits such as GABAAά1, GABAAγ, GABAAδ, GABAB and GAD where down regulated (P < 0.001) in epileptic rats. GABAAά5 subunit and Cyclic AMP responsible element binding protein were up regulated. Confocal imaging study confirmed the decreased GABA receptors in epileptic rats. Epileptic rats have deficit in radial arm and Y maze performance. Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A treatment reverses epilepsy associated changes to near control suggesting that decreased GABA receptors in the cerebral cortex have an important role in epileptic occurrence; Bacopa monnieri and Bacoside-A have therapeutic application in epilepsy management.

Isolation of a pathogenic strain of Vibrio alginolyticus from necrotic larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man).

Abstract: Giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man), is an important commercial species with considerable export value, ideal for cultivation under low saline conditions and in freshwater zones (Kurup 1994). However, despite more than a decade of research on its larval production systems, vibriosis still hampers seed production resulting in high mortality rates. Among the different species of vibrios, Vibrio alginolyticus has been isolated frequently from diseased shrimp as the aetiological agent of vibriosis and has been described as a principal pathogen of both penaeids and nonpenaeids (Lightner 1988; Baticados, Cruz-Lacierda, de la Cruz, Duremdez-Fernandez, Gacutan, LavillaPitogo & Lio-Po 1990; Mohney, Lightner & Bell 1994; Lee, Yu, Chen, Yang & Liu 1996). Vibrio fluvialis, V. alginolyticus, V. cholerae non-O1 (Fujioka & Greco 1984), Aeromonas liquifaciens and V. anguillarum (Colorni 1985) have been isolated from the larvae of M. rosenbergii. A profound relationship between the abundance of members of the family Vibrionaceae and larval mortality (Singh 1990) and the predominance of Vibrio in eggs, larvae and post-larvae of M. rosenbergii (Hameed, Rahaman, Alagan & Yoganandhan 2003) was reported. The present paper reports the isolation, characterization, pathogenicity and antibiotic sensitivity of V. alginolyticus associated with M. rosenbergii larvae during an occurrence of severe mass mortality at the ninth larval stage. Moribund larvae (about 500) were collected from M/s Rosen Fisheries (Trichur, Kerala). The larvae were reared in 15& sea water, fed on freshly hatched Artemia nauplii until stage 6, and supplemented with egg custard subsequently. Water quality parameters monitored were pH (7.5–8.0), temperature (25–28 C), total ammonia (<0.1 ppm) and nitrite (<1.0 ppm). Partial water exchange (30%) was provided daily. The diseased samples were obtained from a tank (5-tonne capacity with 500 000 mysis as the initial stocking density) where the majority of the larvae at stage 9 had displayed anorexia, inactivity, poor growth, morbidity and necrotic appendages. Collection of moribund larvae and the rearing water was made in sterile polypropylene bottles (autoclaved at 121 C for 15 min) with sterile sea water (15&) as the transport medium. The samples were transported in an ice-chest at 4 C and analysed in the laboratory within 2 h of collection. Larvae (n 1⁄4 30) were washed in a 20-mL volume of sterile (autoclaved at 121 C for 15 min) sea water (15&) three times for a duration of 1 min each, and macerated to a fine paste in a sterile glass Journal of Fish Diseases 2006, 29, 187–191

Monitoring of heavy metal partitioning in reef corals of Lakshadweep Archipelago, Indian Ocean.

Abstract: This paper focuses on the partitioning of trace metals in five selected coral species from Lakshadweep Archipelago, which remains as one of the least studied areas in the Indian Ocean. Based on the morphological features, selected coral species are classified as massive (Porites andrewsi), ramose or branching (Lobophyllia corymbosa,Acropora formosa and Psammocora contigua) and foliaceous (Montipora digitata). Relating trace metal concentrations with morphological features in skeleton, highest concentrations of all the trace metals (except Zn) were reported for the ramose type corals. In tissue, all the metals (essential as well as non essential) showed highest concentrations within the branching type corals. Irrespective of their growth characteristics/pattern, all species except P. contigua displayed higher concentrations of Pb, Ni, Mn and Cd within their skeleton compared to tissue which may exemplify a regulatory mechanism to avoid the build up of the concentrations of these metals in their bio-part, strikingly toxic metals like Cd and Pb. The concentrations of trace metals in the skeleton and tissues of these coral species were subjected to 3 way ANOVA based on non standardized original data and the results showed significant differences between metals and between species leading to high skeleton/ tissue -- species interaction as well as skeleton/tissue – metal interaction. The significant values of student's t calculated are depicted in the form of Trellis diagrams.