Anti-inflammatory and platelet anti-aggregant activity of phospholipase-A2 inhibitors.

Mepacrine, papaverine, p-bromophenacyl bromide and 2,3-dibromo(4'-cyclohexyl-3'-chloro)-phenyl-4-oxo-butyric acid (CB 874) inhibit the hydrolysis of phospholipids induced by thrombin in dog platelets. They also exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-aggregant properties. These biological activities may be explained by a direct or indirect inhibitory action on phospholipase A2.

[Phototoxicity of Bergamot oil. Comparison between humans and guinea pigs].

Phototoxicity of bergamot oil in solar simulating radiation (SSR greater than or equal to 290 nm) and in long ultraviolet radiation (LUV greater than or equal to 320 nm) has been compared by studying photoaugmentation of erythema in the guinea pig after 24 h and pigmentary photoaugmentation in man on the 8th day. The results show that a close relationship exists between guinea pig and human responses, with both radiations used, and that man seems to be slightly more sensitive to phototoxic effects of bergamot oil than the guinea pig. This difference of sensitivity necessarily implies the participation of UVA (320--400 nm) in the phototoxic reaction of bergamot oil with solar radiation.

[Comparative activity of endorphins on the opiate receptors].

Displacement of naloxone from membranes of Rat brain by alpha, beta and gamma-endorphins with and without Na+ in the incubating medium has been studied. beta-endorphin shows a higher affinity for the opiate receptors and a stronger agonist property than morphine. alpha and gamma-endorphins have a much lower affinity than morphine and a marked antagonist characteristic.

Depolarization-induced movement of Mn 2 cations across the cell membrane in the guinea pig myocardium.

The effects of Mn-2+-containing solutions on the mechanical and electrical responses of myocardial tissue were studied on guinea pig ventricular strips. At a concentration of 10 mM, Mn-2+ abolished the twitch responses and caused the development of a contracture in stimulated preparations but not in resting or in Ca-2+-depleted preparations. The duration of action potentials was shortened, and dV/dt-max was decreased.

Mechanical and electrical oscillations in cardiac muscle of the turtle.

During contractures of the turtle ventricle rapid changes in length induce sinusoidal oscillations under isotonic conditions. They are due to delayed responses to stretching and release, which can be demonstrated also under isometric conditions. Oscillations of two distinct frequencies are produced under different conditions and are distinguished as high- and low-frequency oscillations.