scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology in 1996"


Journal Article•
TL;DR: Brahmi only slightly protected the autooxidation and FeSO4 induced oxidation of reduced glutathione on lower doses 100 micrograms/ml and below, but on higher concentrations it enhanced the rate of oxidation.
Abstract: Bacopa monniera, Linn. (Brahmi: Scrophulariaceae) an Ayurvedic medicine is clinically used for memory enhancing, epilepsy, insomnia and as mild sedative. For the first time the effect of alcohol and hexane fraction of Brahmi has been studied on FeSO4 and cumene hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation. Alcohol fraction showed greater protection with both inducers. Results were compared with known antioxidants tris, EDTA and a natural-antioxidant vitamin E. The effect of Brahmi was also examined on hepatic glutathione content. The mechanism of action could be through metal chelation at the initiation level and also as chain breaker. The results suggested that Brahmi is a potent antioxidant. The response of Brahmi was dose dependent. Tris, an hydroxyl trapper did not show any protection in comparison to Brahmi where as EDTA and vitamin E did protect against FeSO4. In experimental conditions 100 micrograms Brahmi extract (alcoholic) was equivalent to 247 micrograms of EDTA (0.66 microM) and 58 micrograms of vitamin E. Interestingly Brahmi only slightly protected the autooxidation and FeSO4 induced oxidation of reduced glutathione on lower doses 100 micrograms/ml and below, but on higher concentrations it enhanced the rate of oxidation.

264 citations


Journal Article•
Augusti Kt1•
TL;DR: Onion and garlic contain many sulfur containing active principles mainly in the form of cysteine derivatives, viz. S-alkyl cystine sulfoxides which decompose into a variety of thiosulfinates and polysulfides by the action of an enzyme allinase on extraction as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Onion and garlic contain many sulfur containing active principles mainly in the form of cysteine derivatives, viz. S-alkyl cysteine sulfoxides which decompose into a variety of thiosulfinates and polysulfides by the action of an enzyme allinase on extraction. Decomposed products are volatile and present in the oils of onion and garlic. They possess antidiabetic, antibiotic, hypocholesterolaemic, fibrinolytic and various other biological actions. In addition to free sulfoxides in alliums, there are nonvolatile sulfur-containing peptides and proteins which possess various activities and thus make these vegetables as an important source of therapeutic agents. As allyl and related sulfoxides are inhibiting thiol group enzymes, alliums are to be used only in limited quantities.

252 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The results show that C. asiatica produced different actions on the various phases of wound repair, as indicated by the high stability of acid-soluble collagen and increase in aldehyde content and tensile strength.
Abstract: Effects of oral and topical administration of an alcoholic extract of C. asiatica on rat dermal wound healing was studied. The extract increased cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site, as evidenced by increase in DNA, protein and collagen content of granulation tissues. Quicker and better maturation and crosslinking of collagen was observed in the extract-treated rats, as indicated by the high stability of acid-soluble collagen and increase in aldehyde content and tensile strength. The extract treated wounds were found to epithelialise faster and the rate of wound contraction was higher, as compared to control wounds. The results show that C. asiatica produced different actions on the various phases of wound repair.

202 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The treatment of leaf extract of Aegle marmelose on diabetic pancreas showed improved functional state of pancreatic beta-cells, indicating the potential hypoglycemic nature of the leaf extract, helping in regeneration of damaged Pancreas.
Abstract: Light and electron microscopic examination of tissues of rats rendered diabetic with a smaller dose of 45 mg/kg of body weight of streptozotocin were carried out in the present study. The dose of the drug given altered the function of pancreatic beta-cells and the acinar cells. The changes in the acinar cells were coarsening of endoplasmic reticulation (ER) and alterations in their secretory function. The changes in the liver were (1) dialation of veins, (2) loss of usual concentric arrangement of hepatocytes, (3) liver fibrosis and (4) decrease in glycogen content. The kidney tubules were thickened and the glomerulus was expanded. The leaf extract of Aegle marmelose reversed the altered parameters to near normal. The treatment of leaf extract on diabetic pancreas showed improved functional state of pancreatic beta-cells. The results indicate the potential hypoglycemic nature of the leaf extract, helping in regeneration of damaged pancreas.

171 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The studies so far indicate that W. somnifera could prove to be a good natural source of a potent and relatively safe radiosensitizer/chemotherapeutic agent and further studies are needed to explore the clinical potential of this plant for cancer therapy.
Abstract: Study of antitumor and radiosensitizing properties of W. somnifera (Ashwagandha), a well known medicinal plant, have yielded encouraging results. The alcoholic extract of the dried roots of the plant as well as the active component withaferin A isolated from the extract showed significant antitumor and radiosensitizing effects in experimental tumors in vivo, without any noticeable systemic toxicity. Withaferin A gave a sensitizer enhancement ratio of 1.5 for in vitro cell killing of V79 Chinese hamster cells at a non toxic concentration of approximately 2 microM. The mechanism of action of this compound is not known. The studies so far indicate that W. somnifera could prove to be a good natural source of a potent and relatively safe radiosensitizer/chemotherapeutic agent. Further studies are needed to explore the clinical potential of this plant for cancer therapy.

159 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The increased frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes after whole body irradiation of mice was found to be significantly reduced with antioxidants.
Abstract: Whole body irradiation of rats (10 Gy as five fractions) found to produce lung fibrosis within 2 months as seen from increased lung collagen hydroxyproline and histopathology. Oral administration of antioxidants curcumin, ellagic acid, bixin and alpha-tocopherol at a concentration 200 mumole/kg body weight significantly reduced the lung collagen hydroxyproline in these animals. In serum and liver lipid peroxidation which were found to be increased by irradiation was reduced significantly by antioxidant treatment. The liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity were also found to be increased and catalase activity decreased in irradiated control. Superoxide dismutase activity reduced significantly by antioxidant treatment while catalase activity was found to be increased with alpha-tocopherol treatment. The increased frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes after whole body irradiation of mice was found to be significantly reduced with antioxidants.

94 citations



Journal Article•
TL;DR: The effects of A. indica (AI, Neem) were evaluated on tests of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses after 3 weeks of oral AI (leaf extract) treatment in ovalbumin immunized mice and there was an enhancement of macrophage migration inhibition, and footpad thickness after AI (100 mg/kg) treatment.
Abstract: The effects of A. indica (AI, Neem) were evaluated on tests of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses after 3 weeks of oral AI (leaf extract) treatment in ovalbumin immunized mice. At the dose levels tested, AI (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg), had no appreciable influence on different organ (liver, spleen, thymus)/body weight indices, when compared to controls. In tests for humoral immune responses, AI (100 mg/kg) treated mice had higher (1) IgM and IgG levels, and (b) anti-ovalbumin antibody titres, when compared to the vehicle treated group. In tests for cell-mediated immune responses, there was an enhancement (%) of (a) macrophage migration inhibition, and (b) footpad thickness after AI (100 mg/kg) treatment. These results are discussed in light of the possible immunopotentiating effects of AI.

89 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The functional basis of diabetes-mellitus to a certain extent, can be elucidated by studying diabetes-induced changes in metabolic enzymes, and the use of A. marmelose as potential hypoglycemic agent is suggested.
Abstract: The functional basis of diabetes-mellitus to a certain extent, can be elucidated by studying diabetes-induced changes in metabolic enzymes. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH), is an enzyme directly involved in glucose metabolism. The kinetic parameters of MDH and its purified cytosolic isozyme, S-MDH, have been studied in the liver of streptozotocin-diabetic rats; also the potential of the leaf extract of A. marmelose as an anti-diabetic agent was investigated. The Km of the liver enzyme increased significantly, in both crude and purified preparations in the diabetic state when compared to the respective controls. Insulin as well as leaf-extract treatment of the diabetic rats brought about a reversal of Km values to near normal. Vmax of purified S-MDH was significantly higher in the diabetic state when compared to the control. Insulin and leaf extract treatment did not reverse this change. Since MDH is an important enzyme in glucose metabolism, the variation in its quantitative and qualitative nature may contribute to the pathological status of diabetes. The fact that leaf extract of A. marmelose was found to be as effective as insulin in restoration of blood glucose and body weight to normal levels, the use of A. marmelose as potential hypoglycemic agent is suggested.

88 citations


Journal Article•
TL;DR: The results indicate that increased oxidative stress and accompanying decrease in antioxidants may be related to the causation of diabetes mellitus.
Abstract: Free radicals may play an important role in causation and complications of diabetes mellitus. Antioxidant status of blood was determined in rats made diabetic in intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (75 mg/kg body weight). The product of lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde in erythrocytes (RBC) was increased in diabetic rats as compared to normal controls after 6 weeks of induction of diabetes. The levels of major natural protective antioxidants, viz. glutathione and alphatocopherol (vitamin E) were lower in RBC and plasma respectively of diabetic rats as compared to normal controls. The results indicate that increased oxidative stress and accompanying decrease in antioxidants may be related to the causation of diabetes mellitus.

83 citations



Journal Article•
TL;DR: Withania somnifera popularly known as Aswagandha is used in several indigenous drug preparations and administration of a 75% methanolic extract of the plant was found to significantly increase the total WBC count in normal Balb/c mice and reduce the leucopenia induced by sublethal dose of gamma radiation.
Abstract: Withania somnifera popularly known as Aswagandha is used in several indigenous drug preparations. Administration of a 75% methanolic extract of the plant was found to significantly increase the total WBC count in normal Balb/c mice and reduce the leucopenia induced by sublethal dose of gamma radiation. Treatment with W. somnifera was found to increase the bone marrow cellularity significantly, the percentage increase being 146.3. Treatment with W. somnifera had normalised the ratio of normochromatic erythrocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes in mice after the radiation exposure. Major activity of W. somnifera seemed to be in the stimulation of stem cell proliferation.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Addition of total lipids and the wax diester component of free-flowing uropygial secretion as 0.2% suspension in Sabouraud's agar medium of individual fungal isolates caused marked suppression of the population growth of A. tamarii, Absidia corymbifera and to some extent of S. brevicaulis.
Abstract: Bacterial species, which occur on the breast skin surface of adult (1 year old) white leghorn fowl with intact uropygial gland, were identified as : Staphylococcus epidermidis, Sarcina lutea, Streptomyces sp. and a facultative diphtheroid belonging to the genus Corynebacterium; S. epidermidis being the most predominant one. Two species of bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus sp. were shown to colonize the skin surface after 60 days of captivity. Extirpation of uropygial gland caused severe depletion of population of S. epidermidis, Streptomyces sp. and diphtheroid. The effect was more conspicuous after 60 days compared to that after 30 days of the gland removal. On the skin surface of glandless fowls the population of S. aureus increased significantly and a new form identified as anthracoid bacillus became the most predominant species after 60 days. Addition of total lipids from the free-flowing fowl uropygial secretion, as 0.2% suspension, to trypticase soya broth cultures of individual bacteria of fowl skin surface encouraged strongly the growth of S. epidermidis, Streptomyces sp. and Proteus sp. but suppressed the population of the anthracoid. When identical amount of diester wax or wax alcohol of the secretion was supplemented to the culture, more or less similar result was obtained. Wax alcohol also had a mild inhibitory effect on Streptomyces sp. Wax acids, added to the culture (0.2%) suppressed population of all the bacterial forms except Proteus sp., while the hydrocarbon fraction, which also contained some amount of squalene, produce an opposite effect.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: It is proposed that pesticide chemicals may influence humoral immunity while having no detectable effect on cell-mediated immunity (CMI), and lymphocyte dysfunction may be an integral part of pesticide-induced immunosuppression and presented an approach which may serve to delineate the possible mechanisms of action.
Abstract: In recent years, great concern has been expressed about genotoxic potential of pesticide chemicals These toxic chemicals have become an integral part of the ecosystem and the human health effects of these agents are yet to be satisfactorily defined The objectives of this review is to examine the sources of information available; evaluation of experimental protocols employed for assessment of immunological effects; and to study specific cellular and molecular locus which could be responsible for impaired immune responsiveness It is emphasized that threshold level for the pesticide effect below which no effect would be seen, depends on the animal species, the method of testing for immune responses and type of antigen used A comparative assessment of immune responses using different antigens is, therefore, an important aspect of pesticide immunotoxicity In view of widespread use, distribution and stability of some of these compounds in the environment, pesticide exposure may play a greater role in suspected fragile immune system, and may result in altered disease susceptibility An understanding of these risks depends, to a great extent, upon cellular and molecular events underlying pesticide-induced immune alterations in experimental animals It is, therefore, proposed that pesticide chemicals may influence humoral immunity while having no detectable effect on cell-mediated immunity (CMI); immune dysfunction is related to dose and duration of pesticide exposure; a single assay of immune function may not be appropriate to detect pesticide-induced immune dysfunction; since many immune responses are genetically controlled, alterations in responsiveness to one challenge in a given animal model may not hold true in second one; although it has been established that pesticide chemicals can alter immune function, the mechanisms of action have yet to be determined This paper also reviews the effects of pesticide on lymphocyte function and suggests that lymphocyte dysfunction may be an integral part of pesticide-induced immunosuppression and presents an approach which may serve to delineate the possible mechanisms of action It is quite clear that pesticide-induced immunomodulation endangers humans and animals This hazard should, therefore, not to be underestimated in evaluation of toxicity of these chemicals However, additional research is needed in basic mechanism of immunotoxicity and identification of susceptibility factors which predispose to these reactions

Journal Article•
Pulok K. Mukherjee1, J. K. Das, Kakali Saha, S. N. Giri, M. Pal, B. P. Saha •
TL;DR: The extract, in doses of 200, 300 or 400 mg/kg (po) produced significant dose dependent lowering of normal body temperature and yeast provoked elevation of body temperature in rats.
Abstract: Antipyretic activity of methanolic extract of rhizome of N. nucifera was studied on normal body temperature and yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Yeast suspension (10 ml/kg, s.c.) increased rectal temperature after 19 hr of administration. The extract, in doses of 200, 300 or 400 mg/kg (po) produced significant dose dependent lowering of normal body temperature and yeast provoked elevation of body temperature in rats. The effect produced was comparable with the standard antipyretic drug, paracetamol (150 mg/kg, i.p.).

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The result suggest a possible reversible antiandrogenic property of the leaves of A. indica in male albino rats.
Abstract: Histological and biochemical changes in the testis of rats treated with the leaf powder of A. indica are reported. The pattern of recovery is also studied at 8, 16 and 24 day after withdrawal of the treatment. In the treated rats, a general reduction in the diameters of seminiferous tubule, nuclei of the germinal elements and a mass atrophy of the spermatogenic elements has been observed. The Leydig cells are found to be atrophic. Biochemically, a decrease in the protein content and the activity of acid phosphatase and an increase in the total free sugar, glycogen, cholesterol contents and the activities of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase have been observed. A gradual recovery is observed in both the histological and biochemical parameters after 8.16 and 24 day of cessation of the treatment. The result suggest a possible reversible antiandrogenic property of the leaves of A. indica in male albino rats.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Caffeine, a major constituent of coffee and other beverages has significant abilities to scavenge highly reactive free radicals and excited states of oxygen and to protect crucial biological molecules against these species.
Abstract: Caffeine, a major constituent of coffee and other beverages has significant abilities to scavenge highly reactive free radicals and excited states of oxygen and to protect crucial biological molecules against these species. This is one of the possible reasons why caffeine acts as a radioprotector against oxygen-dependent ('oxic') pathway of radiation damage and as an antimutagen/anticarcinogen under certain conditions. The possible physicochemical and molecular mechanisms of caffeine action are briefly reviewed in the light of the recent findings.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Water soluble proteins and the essential oil of garlic were investigated for their hypolipidemic effect on hyperlipidemia induced by cholesterol containing diet in albino rats and garlic protein exhibited significant lipid lowering effects.
Abstract: Garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) is ascribed with many therapeutic effects. For the present study, the water soluble proteins and the essential oil of garlic were investigated for their hypolipidemic effect on hyperlipidemia induced by cholesterol containing diet in albino rats. Both garlic protein (16% of diet) and garlic oil (100 mg/kg body weight/day) exhibited significant lipid lowering effects. The hypolipidemic action is primarily due to a decrease in hepatic cholesterogenesis in the treated rats. Even though garlic oil was found to be more effective, the garlic protein is more palatable and free from an obnoxious smell.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Of the four herbs selected, volatile components of Thymus vulgaris were most effective againsts all the seven test organisms.
Abstract: The aromatic substances of natural origin are used medicinally in Ayurveda, and can have diverse bio-dynamic actions. The existing methods like agar-cup method or disc diffusion method are not adequate to study the exclusive antibacterial effects of the volatile components of aromatic oils due to lack of ideal diffusion and evaporation from the surface. Hence an attempt is made to develop a novel approach to assess the antibacterial activity of few aromatic herbs like Eugenia caryophyllus, Thymus vulgaris, Cinnamonum zeylanium, Cuminum cyminum; these were extracted with hexane filled in tiny sterile tubes and the volatile components were tested for their antibacterial properties using standard strains of gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria grown on agar slants. The results are expressed as a percent of inhibition of the area on the slants, from the top of the extract tube. Of the four herbs selected, volatile components of Thymus vulgaris were most effective againsts all the seven test organisms.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The absence of anomalies in fetal gross, visceral morphology and skeleton suggests technical dimethoate as non teratogenic in rat at tested dose levels, suggesting possible transmigration of dimethOate from dams to fetuses.
Abstract: Technical dimethoate was administered orally to pregnant rats through day 6-20 of gestation at doses 3.75, 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg/day. Dose of 30 mg/kg/day produced high mortality rate in dams and was not considered for developmental toxicity evaluation. Dimethoate produced enzymatic changes in liver of dams associated with mild pathomorphological changes in liver and brain. Significant fetotoxic effects were not observed at the tested dose levels as evidenced by total number of implantations, percentage resorption, and live fetuses except reduction in fetal weight. Reduced acetylcholinesterase activity in fetal brain and placenta at higher dose levels indicated possible transmigration of dimethoate from dams to fetuses. The absence of anomalies in fetal gross, visceral morphology and skeleton suggests technical dimethoate as non teratogenic in rat at tested dose levels.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Alcoholics extracts of 266 botanically identified plant materials from 222 plant species have been tested for various biological activities including chemotherapeutic and pharmacological screenings and the active principles and results are reported.
Abstract: Alcoholics extracts of 266 botanically identified plant materials from 222 plant species have been tested for various biological activities including chemotherapeutic and pharmacological screenings. Biological activities have been observed in 89 extracts. Follow-up studies have been carried out in some plants with confirmed activity. The active principles and results of these studies are reported.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Chromium (Cr) at graded levels when added in sand culture of wheat (T. aestivum L. cv. UP2003) under glasshouse conditions resulted in reduction in biomass, chlorophyll and activities of catalase and peroxidase while enhanced acid phosphatase and ribonuclease activities as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Chromium (Cr) at graded levels when added in sand culture of wheat (T. aestivum L. cv. UP2003) under glasshouse conditions resulted in reduction in biomass, chlorophyll and activities of catalase and peroxidase while enhanced acid phosphatase and ribonuclease activities. Elevated levels of Cr supply significantly reduced the concentration of inorganic phosphorus. With an increase in Cr supply the uptake of chromium also increased significantly in different plant parts especially in roots. Above metabolic lesions due to Cr in wheat provided evidence that the element in nutrient medium if present in excess may be inhibitory to plant growth and development.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: The triglyceride fraction of the oil showed higher protection compared to fixed oil against carrageenam-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhings in rats and mice, respectively.
Abstract: Gas liquid chromatographic analysis of fixed oil of O. sanctum revealed the presence of five fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids). The triglyceride fraction of the oil showed higher protection compared to fixed oil against carrageenam-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhings in rats and mice, respectively. The pharmacological activity of the fixed oil could be attributed to its triglyceride fraction or the fatty acids.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: It is concluded that CP is more effective than SWI (P < 0.01) and TB, however, SWI an impure natural product showed better blood sugar lowering than tolbutamide which is a drug in use.
Abstract: The mechanism of dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect, the margin of safety and ED50 of three structurally unrelated compounds, tolbutamide (TB), centpiperalone (CP) and a swerchirin-containing fraction (SWI) from the plant Swertia chirayita, were investigated in experimental models After a single oral administration of TB, CP and SWI to groups of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mild and severe diabetic rats, the blood sugar lowering effect and ED50 of the agents were determined Plasma Immuno Reactive Insulin (IRI) levels and the degree of islet beta cell degranulation were assayed using RIA and histochemical staining, respectively, in normal rats treated with the agents The percent blood sugar lowering, increase in IRI levels and beta cell degranulation were highest in CP treated normal rats (69, 124 and 75%, respectively) In addition, CP was the only agent found active in STZ-induced severely diabetic rats (P < 001) In STZ-mild diabetic rats, however, TB was more effective than CP and SWI By analysis of data using Anova method, it is concluded that CP is more effective than SWI (P < 001) and TB However, SWI an impure natural product showed better blood sugar lowering than tolbutamide which is a drug in use

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Oral administration of Rasayanas (indigenous preparations made up of herbal drugs) significantly increased total WBC count, bone marrow cellularity, natural killer cell and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity in gamma radiation exposed mice.
Abstract: Oral administration of Rasayanas (indigenous preparations made up of herbal drugs) significantly increased total WBC count, bone marrow cellularity, natural killer cell and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity in gamma radiation (4 Gy) exposed mice. Also, Rasayanas reduced radiation induced lipid peroxidation in liver. The possible mechanisms of action of Rasayanas could be increased stem cell proliferation and its effect on free radical induced injury produced by radiation.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Direct ethanolic and sequential petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and Ethanolic extracts of P. pinnata seeds given 30-60 min before revealed anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-ulcerogenic activities in rats.
Abstract: Direct ethanolic and sequential petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and ethanolic extracts (50-100 mg/kg, i.p.) of P. pinnata seeds given 30-60 min before revealed anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-ulcerogenic activities in rats. The activities were present maximum in petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. However, the extracts also showed shortening of pentobarbitone induced 'sleep time' in rats.

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Findings suggests the radiosensitizing effect of PI on mouse melanoma cells in vitro, supporting the earlier in vivo findings.
Abstract: Mouse melanoma cells were treated with plumbagin, a naphthoquinone, from the plant Plumbago rosea at 0.5 microgram/ml (PI) for 60 min either alone or followed by 2 Gy gamma radiation (RT). Response to the different treatments was assessed by following the cell growth up to 5 days post treatment. PI alone produced a significant decrease in the cell count on days 3 and 4, whereas RT treatment significantly enhanced the growth inhibitory effect when compared to RT or PI alone. These findings suggests the radiosensitizing effect of PI on mouse melanoma cells in vitro, supporting the earlier in vivo findings

Journal Article•
TL;DR: Alpha-amylase purification studies were carried out by using isopropanol, acetone, ammonium sulphate solution, ion exchange chromatography, and acetone was found most suitable for the separation of alpha-amymylase.
Abstract: Maximum amount of extracellular alpha-amylase of B. licheniformis NRRL B14368 was obtained at the stationary phase. Highest yield of alpha-amylase was achieved with high level of crude protein and low carbohydrate level. There was a catabolite repression in the organism. Protease was produced concurrently with alpha-amylase. It was also observed that soyabean acts as an inhibitor of the protease. Optimum pH and temperature of alpha-amylase were 5-7 and 76 degrees C respectively. It was also observed that alpha-amylase production was a non-growth associated product. Maltose was an excellent inducer for alpha-amylase production. Ca2+ (0.01 M) increased the thermostability of the enzyme. Alpha-amylase purification studies were carried out by using isopropanol, acetone, ammonium sulphate solution, ion exchange chromatography. Acetone was found most suitable for the separation of alpha-amylase. Protein recovery and relative enzyme activity (as compared to that of the maximum activity of the crude enzyme) were 30.77% and 3.03 respectively.


Journal Article•
TL;DR: It is inferred that suppression of immune responses by immediate DDT metabolites, DDE (and DDD and not DDA) is an important determinant of the toxicity of DDT (DDE > DDD > DDT) and the influence of this environmental pollutant in health and disease.
Abstract: Effects of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) and its metabolites, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethene (DDE), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD) and 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) acetic acid (DDA) were comparatively evaluated on humoral and cell mediated immune (CMI) responses in rats. Rats were given a diet containing 200 ppm of the various test compounds for 6 weeks and were subsequently immunized with ovalbumin. DDT, DDE and DDD, all induced differential degrees of humoral and cellular immune suppression. There were (a) increases in albumin/globulin ratios, (b) suppression of IgM and IgG levels, and (c) attenuations in ovalbumin induced antibody responses. In CMI studies, there were marked inhibitions of (a) leucocyte and macrophage migration factors, and (b) delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Whereas, these effects were most marked with DDE and DDD, DDA did not elicit such immunomodulatory effects. It is inferred that suppression of immune responses by immediate DDT metabolites, DDE (and DDD and not DDA) is an important determinant of the toxicity of DDT (DDE > DDD > DDT) and the influence of this environmental pollutant in health and disease.