Biochemical studies on the toxicity of 1, 1'-dimethyl-4, 4'-bipyridylium dichloride in the rat.

The effect of intraperitoneal administration of lethal dose (50 mg/kg) of paraquat on the microsomal cysteine levels in the plasma, liver and lung of adult male Wistar rats has been investigated using Rank Chromaspek amino acid analyzer. The microsomal alanine levels were also determined to help in assessing the extent of paraquat interference with cellular protein. DL-Buthionine-[S,R]-Sulfoximine (BSO) and Diethyl maleate (DEM) were used to potentiate the toxic effect of the bipyridyl.

Effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine on contractile responses in isolated rat aorta.

The vascular effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a meperidine analog, were studied in vitro on ring preparations of rat aorta for the purpose of characterizing its mode of action. Isometric contractions were evaluated under standard organ bath conditions. Exposure to MPTP (10(-12)-1.

Regional biotransformation of MPTP in the CNS of rodents and its relation to neurotoxicity.

The concentrations of the catecholamine neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2,3,6-tetrahydropridine (MPTP) and its oxidized metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+) were determined by liquid chromatography in various regions of brains from NMRI and C57 BL/6 mice and from Sprague-Dawley rats after systemic administration of MPTP. Peak levels of MPTP were reached within 5 min after i.v.

Inhibition of rat mitochondrial functions in vivo by 6-OHDA and reserpine.

Reserpine caused a decrease in the state 3, respiratory control ratio (RCR) and ADP/O ratio in frontal cortex, striatum and liver of rats 1 h after drug administration. State 4 respiratory rate was stimulated in frontal cortex and striatum. In the liver, 6-OHDA decreased the ADP/O ratio when both pyruvate/malate and succinate were used as substrates.

Studies on schistosomiasis in the Niger Delta: Schistosoma intercalatum in the urban city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Ova of S. intercalatum have been found in the urban city of Port Harcourt in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, following examination of stool and urine samples from 1,709 persons (5-15 years of age) resident in various parts of the city. The ova occurred only in urine, with prevalence ranging from 1.