Effects of Struthanthus venetus methanol extract in the guinea pig heart.

Struthanthus venetus (Sv) from family Loranthaceae is employed in traditional medicine to treat coughs. In previous studies, a methanol extract of Sv shows hypotensive effects and changes in heart rate in rats. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a methanol extract of Sv on the electrocardiogram (EKG), and histological changes in the guinea pig heart.

Effect of lithium chloride on the anaphylactic response of smooth muscle.

Lithium chloride (LiCl) is used for treatment of viral diseases, anxiety, depressive maniac disorder and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Lithium has also been shown to exert an effect on elements of the immune system. The aim of this work was to study the effect of a single dose of LiCl on the anaphylactic sensitized response in vitro from guinea pig aortic rings.

Lead acetate action on anaphylactic response of guinea pig smooth muscle.

Experiments were performed to evaluate lead acetate effects on the anaphylactic contraction in guinea pigs smooth muscles. Aortic rings from guinea pigs exposed to lead acetate developed an anaphylactic contraction significantly lower than the contraction induced by the antigen in controls. In the smooth muscle of the intestine, lead acetate did not modify the anaphylactic response.

Effect of stress on the Schultz-Dale reaction in guinea pig aorta.

The smooth muscle of thoracic aorta from guinea pig sensitized with egg albumin (EA) produced an anaphylactic contraction when it was exposed to EA. Experiments were performed to evaluate stress effects on the anaphylactic contraction in guinea pig aortic rings. Two types of stressors were used as immunosuppressor stimuli: physical restraint and shaking of the animals.