Indian J Exp Biol
MARCH 2002
CODEN: IJEB (A6) 40(3) 239-376 (2002)
ISSN: 0019-5189
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
http : // www.niscom.res.in; http : // www.bioline.org.br/
VOLUME 40
NUMBER 3
MARCH 2002
CONTENTS
Papers
Chemopreventive effect of orange oil on the development of hepatic preneoplastic
lesions induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine in rats: An ultrastructural study
245
H B Bodake, K N S Panicker, V V Kailaje & K V K Rao
Photodynamic action of merocyanine 540 on carcinoma of cervix cells
Mrinalini Sharma, Harsha Bansal & Pradeep Kumar Gupta
In vivo inhibition of selenium dependent glutathione peroxidase and superoxide
dismutase in rats by diethyldithiocarbamate
H Ramachandra Prabhu
Immunotoxicity of soluble and insoluble salts of cadmium instilled intratracheally
Shashi Dogra, Mohd Waseem , Ashok Kumar Khanna & Jawahir Lal Kaw
Effect of fish oil on mitochondrial respiration in isoproterenol induced myocardial
infarction in rats
V Vijaya Padma & C S Shyamala Devi
Amelioration of experimental diabetic neuropathy and gastropathy in rats following oral
administration of plant (Eugenia jambolana, Mucurna pruriens and Tinospora
cordifolia) extracts
J K Grover, S S Rathi & V Vats
Effect of co-administration of piperine on pharmacokinetics of -lactam antibiotics in
rats
A R Hiwale, J N Dhuley & S R Naik
Cell proliferation and natural killer cell activity by polyherbal formulation, Immu-21 in
mice
Kumar V S Nemmani, G B Jena, C S Dey, C L Kaul & P Ramarao
Immunological identification of two female-specific proteins from the plasma of Indian
freshwater murrel, Channa punctatus (Bloch)
Neeta Sehgal & S V Goswami
Evaluation of guinea pig model for experimental Salmonella serovar Abortusequi
252
258
262
268
273
277
282
288
infection in reference to infertility
B R Singh, Javed Alam, D Hansda, J C Verma, V P Singh & M P Yadav
296
Artocarpus heterophyllus seeds inhibits sexual competence but not fertility of male rats
W D Ratnasooriya & J R A C Jayakody
304
Marker assisted detection of gene (1Dx5) and translocation (1B/1R) in wheat genotypes
Ratan Tiwari, Priyamvada, Rajender Singh, H S Nainawatee, Rajendra Kumar,
B S Tyagi, R K Gupta & S Nagarajan
309
Fungistatic activity of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. f nut extract
Kanika Sharma, Sunil Dutt Shukla, Pooja Mehta & Maheep Bhatnagar
Bioleaching of copper from chalcopyrite ore by fungi
D Venkateshwara Rao, Channappa T Shivannavar & Subhaschandra M Gaddad
Contd
314
319
Fermentation of starch to ethanol by an amylolytic yeast Saccharomyces diastaticus
SM-10
S Sharma, M Pandey & B Saharan
325
In vitro organogenesis and genetic transformation in popular Cucumis sativus L.
through Agrobacterium tumefaciens
E V Soniya & M R Das
329
Host plant nodule parameters associated with nitrogen fixation efficiency in French
bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) cultivars
Amarjit K Nath, Tarannum Ahmed, Neerja S Rana & D R Sharma
334
Notes
Anti-angiogenic activity of BIM (bio-immunomodulator)
Debasis Ghoshal
341
Effect of enrofloxacin on AgNOR counts in chick bone marrow nuclei
Asha Khanna & Joydeep Dutta
Effect of oral magnesium supplementation on experimental pre-eclampsia induced by
prolonged blockade of nitric oxide synthesis in pregnant rats
P Pandhi, L Saha & S Malhotra
Measurement of creatinine by Jaffe’s reaction  Determination of concentration of
sodium hydroxide required for maximum color development in standard, urine and
protein free filtrate of serum
B D Toora & G Rajagopal
345
349
352
Effect of dietary protein on vitamin A levels in plasma and liver of hypervitaminotic-A
rats
P K Karar, R Manavalan & G Rajagopal
355
Male accessory gland secretions in hybrids of Drosophila nasuta nasuta and
D. n. albomicans neither show luxuriance nor breakdown
K Ravi Ram & S R Ramesh
359
Evaluation of mosquitocidal activity of Annona squamosa leaves against filarial vector
mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say
A Jaswanth, P Ramanathan & K Ruckmani
363
Effect of a non-hormonal feed additive, Cholymbi on growth, body composition and
digestive enzyme activity of common carp, Cyprinus carpio
H Hanumanthappa, P Keshavanath, A T Ramachandra Naik & B Gangadhar
366
Influence of cell wall degrading enzymes on colonization of N2 fixing bacterium,
Azorhizobium caulinodans in rice
R Buvana & S Kannaiyan
369
News Scan
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); Towards therapeutic angiogenesis
M K Singhal
373
Papers
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 245-251
Chemopreventive effect of orange oil on the development of hepatic preneoplastic
lesions induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine in rats: An ultrastructural study
H B Bodake, K N S Panickera, V V Kailaje & K V K Rao
Orange peel oil is used extensively as an approved flavour enhancer in fruit drinks, carbonated beverages and as a
scenting agent in soaps and cosmetics. Limonene, which is a monocyclic monoterpene is present in orange peel oil from 90
to 95% (w/w). Monoterpenes have been shown to be very effective chemopreventive agents against several rodent tumors
and are currently in clinical trials. However, not much information is available regarding the ultrastructural changes
associated with the chemopreventive effects of the monoterpenes. The effect of orange oil on the suppression of
preneoplastic hepatic lesions during N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) induced hepatocarcinogenesis was studied electron
microscopically. Rats were administered 200 ppm DEN through drinking water for a period of 1 month. After an interval of
2 weeks, the animals were administered orange oil by gavage for a period of 5 ½ months. The chemopreventive effect of
orange oil was monitored on the basis of liver weight profile, histological pattern by light microscopy and ultrastructural
alterations by electronmicroscopy. Orange oil administration following DEN treatment showed decreased liver weights,
increased intercellular gap junctional complexes, cell density and polarity when compared with only the DEN treated rats. In
the present study chemopreventive effect of orange oil on DEN-induced hepatic preneoplasia in rats which is associated
with the restoration of the normal phenotype and upregulation of junctional complexes has been demonstrated.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 252-257
Photodynamic action of merocyanine 540 on carcinoma of cervix cells
Mrinalini Sharma, Harsha Bansal & Pradeep Kumar Gupta
Results of the studies carried out on localization and photodynamic action of merocyanine 540 (MC540) on carcinoma
of cervix (HeLa) cells are presented. Fluorescence microscopic study showed that when HeLa cells were incubated with
MC540 in dark, the dye localized in plasma membrane of cells. Photoirradiation of cells in presence of MC540 led to
enhancement of dye uptake, intracellular localization of dye and a dose dependent decrease in cell survival. Clonogenic
assay showed 96% cell killing at a light dose of 42kJ/m2. Photosensitization of cells resulted in loss of membrane integrity,
decrease in plasma membrane fluidity and reduction in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity as measured by tetrazolium
reduction (MTT) assay. At a given light dose, the relative change in plasma membrane properties was higher than the
reduction in activity of mitochondrial enzyme. These results suggest plasma membrane is a primary target of
photosensitization of HeLa cells by MC540.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 258-261
In vivo inhibition of selenium dependent glutathione peroxidase and
superoxide dismutase in rats by diethyldithiocarbamate
H Ramachandra Prabhu
Intraperitoneal injection of rats with diethyldithiocarbamate (1.2g/kg body wt) led to maximum diminution of
superoxide dismutase activity at 1hr by 86 and 84% in liver and red blood cell respectively with a gradual return to the
normal level at 48 hr after administration of injection. Significant inhibition of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase
was also observed, which returned to normal at 48 hr after administration of injection. However, maximum decline in its
activity was at 12 hr by 52 and 73% in liver and red blood cells respectively. No significant difference in tissue level of
selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase was observed during time course study after diethyldithiocarbamate
administration. It is possible that inhibition of superoxide dismutase by diethyldithiocarbamate leads to accumulation of
superoxide anion which in turn inactivates selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase by its reaction with selenium at the
active site of the enzyme.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 262-267
Immunotoxicity of soluble and insoluble salts of cadmium instilled
intratracheally*
Shashi Dogra, Mohd Waseem , Ashok Kumar Khanna & Jawahir Lal Kaw
Rats were intratracheally (it) exposed to 36.5 or 27.5 g of cadmium (Cd) as soluble cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and
insoluble cadmium oxide (CdO) salts. The retention of metal in lungs, liver and kidney was assessed by atomic adsorption
spectrophotometer. The animals were intraperitoneally (ip) primed with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and assessed for the
number of antibody forming cells in lung associated lymph nodes (LALN) and spleen. Both the compounds had similar
retention of metal in lungs but CdO induced more pulmonary inflammatory and degradative changes than CdCl 2. The larger
influx of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNS) following CdO exposure appears to be due to the absence of protection afforded
by Cd induced metallothionein cytoplasmic protein while the Cd metallothionein complex formed in the case of CdCl2 is
more protective. However both forms of Cd had similar local immunosuppressive potential but CdO had more prolonged
suppressive effect.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 268-272
Effect of fish oil on mitochondrial respiration in isoproterenol induced
myocardial infarction in rats
V Vijaya Padma & C S Shyamala Devi
Following isoproterenol treatment mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, phosphoslipase activity, lactate and calcium
increased significantly, while activities of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, enzymes of respiratory chain and ATP
production showed decline. Oxidative phosphorylation was also affected on isoproterenol treatment with significant
reduction in all the variables. Fish oil pretreatment in isoproterenol treated rats showed improved mitochondrial energy
metabolism. The results suggest cardioprotective effect of fish oil.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 273-276
Amelioration of experimental diabetic neuropathy and gastropathy in rats
following oral administration of plant (Eugenia jambolana, Mucurna pruriens
and Tinospora cordifolia) extracts
J K Grover, S S Rathi & V Vats
Extract of M. charantia (200mg/kg), E. jambolana (200mg/kg), M. pruriens (200mg/kg) and T. cordifolia (400 mg/kg)
was administered for 50 days in STZ induced diabetic mice, the plasma glucose concentration was reduced by 24.4, 20.84,
7.45 and 9.07 % respectively. Tail flick latency (TFL) and gastric transit percentage were significantly higher in diabetic
controls versus normal controls. M. charantia and E. jambolana modified it favorably while M. pruriens and T. cordifolia
did not exert any favorable change.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 277-281
Effect of co-administration of piperine on pharmacokinetics of -lactam
antibiotics in rats
A R Hiwale, J N Dhuley & S R Naik
Co-administration of piperine, an alkaloid isolated from Piper nigrum L. enhanced bioavailability of beta lactam
antibiotics, amoxycillin trihydrate and cefotaxime sodium significantly in rats. The improved bioavailability is reflected in
various pharmacokinetic parameters viz. t max, Cmax, t ½ and AUC, of these antibiotics. The increased bioavailability could be
attributed to the effect of piperine on microsomal metabolising enzymes or enzymes system.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 282-287
Cell proliferation and natural killer cell activity by polyherbal formulation,
Immu-21 in mice*
Kumar V S Nemmani, G B Jena, C S Dey, C L Kaul & P Ramarao
Immunomodulatory activity of an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, Immu-21 containing extracts of Ocimum
sanctum, Withania somnifera, Emblica officinalis and Tinospora cordifolia was studied on proliferative response of splenic
leukocytes to T cell mitogens, concanavalin (Con)-A and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and B cell mitogen, lipopolysaccharide
(LPS) in vitro by 3H-thymidine uptake assay in mice. The cytotoxic activity of Immu-21 was tested by measuring the
splenic leukocyte natural killer (NK) cell activity against K 562 cells. Intraperitoneal (ip) treatment with Immu-21 (30
mg/kg) once a day for 14 and 21 days did not cause change in body weight and spleen weight, where as splenocytes/spleen
count was increased. Treatment of Immu-21 (30 mg/kg, ip) for 14 days and 1 mg/kg for 21 days significantly increased LPS
induced leukocyte proliferation. NK cell activity was significantly increased when mice were pretreated with Immu-21 (10
and 30 mg/kg, ip) once a day for 7 days. The results indicate that pretreatment with Immu-21 selectively increased the
proliferation of splenic leukocyte to B cell mitogen, LPS and cytotoxic activity against K 562 cells in mice.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 288-295
Immunological identification of two female-specific proteins from the plasma of
Indian freshwater murrel, Channa punctatus (Bloch)
Neeta Sehgal & S V Goswami
Existence of a non-phosphorylated female-specific protein (FS II), in addition to phosphorylated vitellogenin (FS I), in
the plasma of murrel by exogenous administration of estradiol-17ß is reported. Polyspecific rabbit antibodies were raised
against estrogen-inducible murrel plasma proteins. This antiserum was absorbed with normal male serum in order to obtain
female-specific antiserum (FSAS). Radial immunodiffusion studies suggested that both the proteins (FS I and FS II) were
present in the plasma of E2-treated and normal vitellogenic females and in the ovarian homogenate from gravid females, but
absent in normal male plasma. Autoradiographic experiments demonstrated that phosphorus moiety was attached with FS I
only. Further, immunoelectrophoretic analysis and peptide maps supported the observation that FS I and FS II were discrete,
unrelated female-specific proteins.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 296-303
Evaluation of guinea pig model for experimental Salmonella serovar
Abortusequi infection in reference to infertility
B R Singh, Javed Alam, D Hansda, J C Verma, V P Singh & M P Yadav
The present study conclusively revealed the role for Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Abortusequi in
conception failure. None of the 12 guinea pigs conceived when orally exposed to sublethal dose of the pathogen during
breeding, while 66.67% of animals in control group were found pregnant during same period of observation under similar
conditions. Salmonella carrier animals also had drastic reduction in conception rate (16.67%). During mid pregnancy, S.
Abortusequi exposure to guinea pigs through intravaginal, intramuscular and subcutaneous routes induced fetal death
followed by resorption. While 2 out of 6 orally inoculated and 3 out of 6 intraperitonially inoculated guinea pigs aborted, in
rest of the animals fetal death was followed by meceration and resorption. It was interesting to note that S. Abortusequi
could not persist longer than a week in males while in pregnant females it could be detected for >10 weeks after inoculation.
In late pregnancy, most of the exposed animals aborted and non aborting animals though had normal parturition, survival
rate of their babies was nearly zero in comparison to the control group. The study revealed role for S. Abortusequi in
impairing conception, abortion, early fetal deaths, fetal meceration and resorption. Further studies are required to identify
factors responsible for increased susceptibility of females particularly during pregnancy.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 304-308
Artocarpus heterophyllus seeds inhibits sexual competence but not fertility
of male rats
W D Ratnasooriya & J R A C Jayakody
According to Ayurvedic literature of Sri Lanka, roasted seeds of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Family: Moraceae)
has aphrodisiac activity. However, some reproductively active young men in rural areas of Sri Lanka claim that
consumption of these seeds few hours prior to coitus disrupts sexual function. Because of these two conflicting claims, it
was thought useful to scientifically investigate the effects of A. heterophyllus seeds on male sexual function and fertility.
This was done using a seed suspension in 1% methylcellulose (SS) in rats. In a sexual behaviour study using receptive
female rats, an oral administration of 500mg/kg dose of SS markedly inhibited libido, sexual arousal, sexual vigour and
sexual performance within 2hr. Further, the treatment induced a mild erectile dysfunction. These antimasculine effects on
sexual function was not evident 6hr post treatment indicating rapid onset and offset of action. Further, these actions on the
sexual behaviour was not due to general toxicity, liver toxicity, stress or reduction in blood testosterone level but due to
marked sedative activity. In a mating study, SS failed to alter ejaculating competence and fertility. These results suggest that
A. heterophyllous seeds do not have aphrodisiac action, at least, in rats.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 309-313
Marker assisted detection of gene (1Dx5) and translocation (1B/1R) in wheat
genotypes
Ratan Tiwari, Priyamvada, Rajender Singh, H S Nainawatee, Rajendra Kumar, B S Tyagi,
R K Gupta & S Nagarajan
Detection of 1Dx5 gene and presence of 1B/1R wheat rye translocation were studied in nineteen elite Indian wheat
genotypes using AS-PCR and STS markers, respectively. Fifteen genotypes had 1B/1R translocation whereas ten showed
presence of 1Dx5 gene. More than 50 per cent of the genotypes tested were found positive for both 1Dx5 and 1B/1R
translocation. The results are in conformity with HMW glutenin SDS-PAGE profile for 1Dx5 and cytological observations
for 1B/1R translocation.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 314-318
Fungistatic activity of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. f nut extract
Kanika Sharma, Sunil Dutt Shukla, Pooja Mehta & Maheep Bhatnagar
Alcoholic extract of dry nuts of S.anacardium showed dose dependent antifungal activity in vitro against Aspergillus
fumigatus and Candida albicans. At 400 mg/ml concentration, growth of both the fungi was inhibited and considerable
reduction in size of cells and hyphae was observed. Sporulation also decreased.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 319-324
Bioleaching of copper from chalcopyrite ore by fungi
D Venkateshwara Rao, Channappa T Shivannavar & Subhaschandra M Gaddad
Microorganisms have been geologically active in mineral formation, mineral diagenesis and sedimentation via direct
action of their enzymes or indirectly through chemical action of their metabolic products. This property of microorganisms
is being harnessed during the recent years for extraction of metals from their ores, especially from low-grade ores. In the
present study bioleaching of copper from its low-grade chalcopyrite ore using 26 isolates of acidophilic fungi is reported.
Most of these fungal strains belonged to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Rhizopus. The leaching experiments were
conducted in Czepek Dox minimal medium containing 1% (100 mesh) ore with shaking at room temperature for 20 days.
Out of these, 4 isolates exhibited significant bioleaching activities. Maximum leaching of copper (78 mg/L) was observed
with Aspergillus flavus (DSF-8) and Aspergillus niger (DOF-1). Nutritional and environmental conditions for optimum
bioleaching were standardized. Present study indicates the usefulness of acidophilic fungi in bioleaching of copper from its
low-grade ores.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 325-328
Fermentation of starch to ethanol by an amylolytic yeast
Saccharomyces diastaticus SM-10
S Sharma, M Pandey & B Saharan
A total of fifteen yeast strains were isolated from natural sources including fruits, soil, molasses, honey and a variety of
indigeneous fermented foods. Screening of these strains for growth, ethanol production and glucoamylase activity led to
selection of a yeast strain SM-10 identified as S. diastaticus having maximum glucoamylase activity (80 units ml -1) and
ethanol production from starch (3.5%). Ethanol production from wheat flour was found to be 1.75% which could be
increased to 5.2% after treatment of wheat flour with pepsin, diastase and glucoamylase.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 329-333
In vitro organogenesis and genetic transformation in popular Cucumis sativus
L. through Agrobacterium tumefaciens
E V Soniya & M R Das
The effect of growth regulators and culture conditions on the morphogenetic response of cotyledonary leaf discs was
studied in popular cucumber variety (Cucumis sativus cv. Sheetal). Organogenesis was induced directly without any
intervening callus phase on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations of benzyladenine and
indole propionic acid. Best results (93%)were obtained in the presence of the 4mg/L benzyladenine and 1mg/L IPA. The
elongated shoots were rooted in basal medium with 1mg/L indole butyric acid, hardened and transferred to the field
conditions. Genetic transformation system has been established for Cucumis sativus cv. Sheetal, plants by infecting
cotyledonary explants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 carrying binary plasmid pBI121, which contains
scorable marker, -glucuronidase and selectable marker nptII under the CaMV 35S promoter. Infection was most effective
when explants were infected with Agrobacterium for 15 min and co-cultivated for 2 days in the co-cultivation medium.
Shoots were regenerated directly from cotyledonary leaf explants in the presence of kanamycin (50g/ml) and analysed.
Southern blot analysis confirmed that transformation had occurred. This method will allow genetic improvement of this crop
by the introduction of agronomically important genes.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 334-340
Host plant nodule parameters associated with nitrogen fixation efficiency in
French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) cultivars
Amarjit K Nath, Tarannum Ahmed, Neerja S Rana & D R Sharma
Two cultivars of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) viz. contender and arka komal were planted in polythene bags
containing sand and grown under glasshouse conditions. The nodulation status, shoot/root biomass, activities of several
nodule enzymes, total soluble protein and leghaemoglobin contents were monitored over the entire growth period.
Allantoinase activity in leaves was measured to monitor the ureide degrading capacity. Significant genotype difference was
observed in both the cultivars. All the parameters showed a decline after flowering except uricase, which declined before
flowering. Malate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase showed a constant decline throughout the growth period.
Degree of decline varied with the genotype for all the parameters. Leghaemoglobin content, PEP carboxylase activity and
ureide degrading capacity of leaves did not show an appreciable decline in contender and were significantly higher than in
arka komal. These factors can be used to increase nitrogen fixation in French bean.
Notes
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 341-344
Anti-angiogenic activity of BIM (bio-immunomodulator)
Debasis Ghoshal
Angiogenesis and immune suppression are the two important factors responsible for embryo implantation and
development of tumor. Therefore, disruption of angiogenesis and upliftment of immune function is essential for control of
tumor growth as well as to regulate the activity of post coital contraceptives. BIM is an immunomodulatory cytokine
obtained from rodent bone marrow that showed anti-implantation and anti-tumor activities. It also improved T/B cell and
monocyte macrophage functions. In this communication the anti-angiogenic property of BIM is demonstrated in pregnant rat
model. BIM induced disintegration of uterine myometrium and blood vessels. No implantation was observed compared to
control. It is proposed that depending upon the physiological condition of the host BIM could modulate host immune
function and exert its anti-angiogenic effect.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 345-348
Effect of enrofloxacin on AgNOR counts in chick bone marrow nuclei
Asha Khanna & Joydeep Dutta
The mAgNOR and pAgNOR counts reflecting the number of rDNA genes being transcribed, showed a highly
significant increase from control values following administration of 5X, 10X, 15X doses of enrofloxacin in chicken. The
maximum increase for both, mAgNOR and pAgNOR was shown by birds receiving 15X dose, sacrificed 48 hr after the last
drug injection. The increase of pAgNOR at 5X (24 hr) was not significant relative to control values. After 72 hr time
interval, AgNOR counts were not feasible due to poor differentiation. Values at 15X (24 hr) showed a decrease in number of
AgNOR counts (non-significant) relative to 10X, probably due to depression of transcriptional activity of rDNA genes,
which, however, is removed at 48 hr. The general increase in mAgNOR and pAgNOR with dose reflects hypertranscription
of rDNA genes so that the birds can cope up with the drug induced toxicity.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 349-351
Effect of oral magnesium supplementation on experimental pre-eclampsia
induced by prolonged blockade of nitric oxide synthesis in pregnant rats
P Pandhi, L Saha & S Malhotra
Nitric oxide inhibitor L-NAME when given alone caused a significant rise in both systolic and diastolic pressure, an
increase in 24 hr urinary protein excretion and reduction in weight of the litter as compared to control group.
Supplementation of MgSO4 at lower dose (250mg/kg) did not inhibit this pre-eclamptic effect of L-NAME; but in higher
doses (500 and 750mg/kg), it inhibited the pre-eclamptic action of L-NAME. The results suggest that administration of
MgSO4 improves the foetal outcome and significantly prevents the development of symptoms of pre-eclampsia like
hypertension and proteinuria.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 352-354
Measurement of creatinine by Jaffe’s reaction  Determination of
concentration of sodium hydroxide required for maximum color development
in standard, urine and protein free filtrate of serum
B D Toora & G Rajagopal
Creatinine in serum or urine is determined by Jaffe's reaction where creatinine produces quantitatively an orange color
with picric acid in alkaline medium. After allowing an incubation time of 15 min at room temperature for color development
the color is measured at 520nm. Without taking into consideration the acidic nature of standard, protein free filtrate (PFF) of
serum and urine, 1% picric acid and 0.75N NaOH are used in this reaction for color development in standard, PFF of serum
and urine. An investigation was thought to be necessary to determine the optimum alkali concentration required in standard,
PFF of serum and urine. The results show that 0.25, 0.75 and 1N NaOH give maximum color in urine, standard and PFF of
serum respectively. A standard solution of creatinine is prepared in 0.1N HCl and the PFF of serum is obtained by addition
of fresh tungstic acid . Alkali is consumed to neutralise the acids in both these cases. For urine creatinine measurement, a
direct diluted urine sample is used .The difference in the requirement of NaOH is conceivable. The routine use of 0.75N
NaOH irrespective of the nature of specimen as is done in all biochemical laboratories, for creatinine measurement needs
modification in the light of this investigation.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 355-358
Effect of dietary protein on vitamin A levels in plasma and liver of
hypervitaminotic-A rats
P K Karar, R Manavalan and G Rajagopal
Level of vitamin A increased in plasma and liver in hypervitaminotic A albino rats fed normal quantity of protein in
diet. In low protein fed state vitamin A level in liver increased due to accumulation of vitamin A and lack of carrier protein
with an associated decrease of plasma vitamin A. In high protein fed rats the level of vitamin A in plasma increased due to
enhanced transport while in liver it decreased. The results indicate that for normal transport of vitamin A adequate plasma
protein level is essential.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 359-362
Male accessory gland secretions in hybrids of Drosophila nasuta nasuta and
D. n. albomicans neither show luxuriance nor breakdown
K Ravi Ram & S R Ramesh
Male accessory gland secretions, which have a role to play in reproduction have been investigated. The number of cells
that make-up the gland, the quantity of secretions synthesized and the influence of these secretions on fecundity of the
female have been studied in D. n. nasuta, D. n. albomicans and their F1 progeny. The results revealed that the hybrid males
show a trend towards D. n. nasuta in the synthesis of male accessory gland proteins and the fecundity of the female is
influenced more by its genetic constitution rather than the quantity of accessory gland secretions.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 363-365
Evaluation of mosquitocidal activity of Annona squamosa leaves against
filarial vector mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say
A Jaswanth, P Ramanathan & K Ruckmani
Methanolic extract of leaves of A.squamosa was tested for mosquitocidal effect against C.quinquefasciatus. A liquid
mosquito insecticide formulation was prepared with the extract (1, 3 and 5 %w/w) using deodorized kerosene as solvent and
investigated for its knock-down and 24 hr mortality. The extract formulation produced dose dependent activity, exhibited
significantly shorter knock down KD50 and KD90 values and produced significant mortality. The results suggest the potential
mosquitocidal effect of A.squamosa on C.quinquefasciatus.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 366-368
Effect of a non-hormonal feed additive, Cholymbi on growth, body
composition and digestive enzyme activity of common carp, Cyprinus carpio
H Hanumanthappa, P Keshavanath, A T Ramachandra Naik & B Gangadhar
Supplementation of pelleted feeds (30% crude protein) consisting of practical ingredients with 250, 375 and 500 mg
Cholymbi/kg diet resulted significantly improved the growth of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Highest final average
weight was recorded with diet containing 500 mg Cholymbi/kg. Feeding Cholymbi to fish showed increased carcass protein
and fat. Gut protease and hepatopancreas amylase activity were the highest with 500 mg Cholymbi/kg incorporated diet
(T3). The results of the present study suggest that Cholymbi, a non-hormonal growth promoter could be effectively used in
the diet of common carp. Further investigations are required to work out the optimal dosage required in the diet of common
carp.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 369-372
Influence of cell wall degrading enzymes on colonization of N2 fixing
bacterium, Azorhizobium caulinodans in rice
R Buvana & S Kannaiyan
In rice, nodule like structures were formed by inoculation of A. caulinodans combined with growth regulators and
enzymes. Among the treatments, combination of cell wall degrading enzyme mixture and NAA with A. caulinodans induced
more number of paranodules in rice. Total nitrogen content also increased in treated plants compared to uninoculated
control.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
Vol. 40, March 2002, pp. 373-376
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