Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn (Mimosaceae) hydro-alcoholic extract action on the contractility of tracheal smooth muscle isolated from guinea-pig

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Dichrostachys cinerea </it>(L.) Wight et Arn. (Mimosaceae) is largely used in ethno-medically across Africa, and mainly employed for the treatment of asthma in Ivory Coast and Gabon. The paper analyses the relaxation induced by the methanolic extract of <it>D. cinerea </it>(Edici) in the guinea-pig trachea preparations (GPTPs). Purpose: This study aimed to bring out the scientific basis to the use of this plant leading to the validation of this phytomedicine.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>The aorta obtained from guinea-pigs was immediately placed in a Mac Ewen solution. Experiments were performed in preparations suspended between two L-shaped stainless steel hooks in a 10 ml organ bath containing Mac Ewen solution. The isometric contractile force of the aorta strips of guinea-pig were recorded by using a strain gauge. The different drugs were directly administered into the organ bath and the magnitude of GPTPs was evaluated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract of Dichrostachys <it>cinerea </it>(Edici) using chemical methods revealed the presence of flavenoids, tannins, sterols, triterpenes and polyphenols. Pharmacological studies performed in GPTPs show that of <it>Dichrostachys cinerea </it>(0.1 mg/ml - 2 mg/ml) evoked a broncho-constriction in GPTPs. Whereas, at concentration up to 2 mg/ml, Edici induced a significant dose-dependent relaxation in the GPTPs. KCl-, ACh- or histamine-evoked contractions of isolated trachea was significantly inhibited by increasing concentrations of Edici (3.5-10 mg/ml). Edici (10 mg/ml) as well as promethazine (0.25 mg/ml) significantly inhibited contractions induced by increasing concentrations of histamine (1×10^-7-1×10^-4mg/ml). In the presence of atropine at a concentration of 10^-6mg/ml, contractile response curve (CRC) evoked by ACh (1×10^-5-1×10^-2mg/ml) was significantly abolished in concentration-dependent manner. Edici did not significantly reduced ACh evoked contraction (10^-5-10^-2mg/ml).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These observations suggest that Edici could act through two mechanisms: firstly by activation of β-adrenergic or histaminergic receptors; and secondly muscarinic receptors may not be greatly involved, that justifying the use of the extract in traditional Medicine in Africa.</p

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Ultrafast, dual common cathode, epitaxial rectifier diode in a SOT78 (TO-220AB) plastic package

Primary Stent Angioplasty of the Inferior Vena Cava After Liver Transplantation and Liver Resection

This study evaluated technical efficacy and safety of stent angioplasty of the inferior vena cava (IVC) after liver transplantation or liver resection and analysis of changes in creatinine levels and patients' weight. Between October 2004 and February 2011, 16 patients (mean age, 52.6 years) with symptomatic IVC stenoses after liver transplantation (n = 10) or liver resection (n = 6) were subjected to stent angioplasty. Enrollment criteria included edema and/or ascites. The smallest diameter of the IVC, serum creatinine values, and patients' weight were assessed before and after stent placement and respective values were compared. Technical and clinical success, patency rates, related complications, and patients' survival were analyzed. Stent placement was technically successful in 16 patients (100 %). Clinical success was achieved in 13 patients (81.25 %), reflecting two patients with early restenosis and one patient suffering from thrombosis distal to the stent. Mean follow-up was 372 days. Primary patencies were 75 % (n = 12). Primary assisted patencies were 93.75 % (n = 15). Serum creatinine levels decreased significantly (p = 0.01) from 1.68 mg/dl before to 1.08 mg/dl after stent placement. Patients' weight decreased (mean 2.1 %). No angioplasty-related complications occurred. Stent angioplasty of the IVC is an effective and safe treatment of stenoses after liver transplantation and resection and has a positive effect on creatinine levels