[Diuretic activity of the infusion of flowers from Lavandula officinalis].

The diuretic activity of an infusion of Lavandula officinalis was studied in the Wistar rat. Thus, the kinetics of hydroelectrolytic elimination in response to the oral administration of an infusion of pharmaceutical lavender flowers were measured in the rats. Experiments were completed under similar conditions using a synthetic pharmacological diuretic, Diamox.

[Experimental evidence of an antihypertensive and hypocholesterolemic effect of oil of argan, Argania sideroxylon].

The chronic ingestion of 5 ml/kg/d of Argan oil by spontaneously hypertensive rats restores normal blood pressure and induces hypocholesterolaemia. In order to confirm these results Meriones shawi, a rodent of the Gerbillideae family, was tested as a second animal model. Meriones submitted to a hypercaloric diet and physical inactivity became fat, and exhibited hypertension, dyslipidaemia and hyperinsulinaemia.

[Postnatal development of the kidney concentrating ability, the renin-angiotensin system and the adrenal cortex hormones in the calf].

Post-natal development of plasma and urine osmolality, as well as plasma renin activity, aldosterone and cortisol levels were studied in calves between 1 and 9 months of age. The ratio of urine to plasma osmolality rose from 0.8 at an early post-natal age to 3.

[Postnatal development of renal concentrating ability in a desert rodent, Jaculus orientalis].

Postnatal development of renal function was studied in newborn Jerboa from six weeks after birth. The results showed that the renal capacity of urine-concentration was more or less analogous to that of the adult, starting 15 weeks after birth when the animal reached a body weight of about 70 to 90 g. From the 13th week onwards, the U/P ratio of the osmolality in function of age, increases when the urinary debit decreases.

[Effect of vasopressin and indomethacin on provoked diuresis in pregnant and non-pregnant Meriones crassus].

The dynamics of induced diuresis was studied in Meriones crassus, a desert rodent species, during estrus and pregnancy. In response to hydration, pregnant Meriones crassus excrete excess water more rapidly than non pregnant females. Diuresis appears earlier in pregnant females indicating a more rapid inactivation of vasopressin.