Calcium and zinc supplementation protects lead (Pb)-induced perturbations in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in developing mouse brain.

Several studies have implicated oxidative stress as one of the important mechanisms of toxic effects of lead (Pb). In the present study we tested the beneficial effects of calcium (Ca2+) and zinc (Zn2+) in protecting the Pb-induced oxidative stress in the brains of developing and adult mice. Mice were lactationally exposed to 0.

Developmental lead exposure alters mitochondrial monoamine oxidase and synaptosomal catecholamine levels in rat brain.

Rats were lactationally exposed to low- (0.2%) and high-level (1%) lead (Pb) from postnatal day 1 (PND1) through PND21 through the drinking water of the mother. The levels of catecholamines, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine and the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) were determined in the cerebellum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex in young (1-month-old) and adult (3-month-old) rats.

Surgical practice in symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstone disease.

Aims: To determine the surgical practice in individuals with symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstone disease using a questionnaire survey.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 724 patients with gallstone disease. Details of symptoms, duration of illness, nature of treatment including surgery, color of gallstones retrieved and postoperative follow-up particulars were obtained.

Predicting the composition of gallstones by infrared spectroscopy.

Aim: To determine the composition of gallstones in South India by comparing visual assessment with graphic interpretation of infrared spectra.

Methods: Infrared spectroscopy (IRS) was used in qualitative analysis of 168 gallstones from Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka and compared with visual interpretation. The spectrum of cholesterol, calcium bilirubinate and calcium carbonate for each stone was correlated with visual inspection.