Antiinflammatory activity of Cayaponia podantha crude extract and fractions

The effects of the crude extract and fractions of Cayaponia podantha (Cp) on experimental inflammation models were investigated. Paw edema induced by carrageenan (Cg) and peritonitis induced by Cg, LPS, and LTB4 were evaluated in rats treated orally with different doses of extract. Croton oil (CO) induced ear edema and the determination of MPO activity were evaluated in mice. Crude Cp extract and hexane (HF), ethyl-acetate (AF) and hidromethanol (MF) fractions were topically applied immediately after the application of the CO. Four hours after Cg injection, animals treated with crude extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) displayed significantly decreased paw edema. The Cp extract (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg) decreased vascular permeability and leukocyte migration in the peritonitis model in the 3rd h after induction of the inflammatory reaction. Furthermore, the 500 mg/kg dose of Cp extract also reduced LPS- and LTB4-induced migration. Crude extract and hexane and ethyl-acetate fractions (5.0 mg) significantly inhibited ear edema and MPO activity. Our results showed that Cp crude extract and fractions exhibited anti-inflammatory effects when they are administered orally or topically in animals.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

The Influence of Ca2+ on Gluconeogenesis Stimulation by Glucagon in the Liver of Arthritic Rats

Ca2+ participates in the stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis by glucagon and there is evidence that Ca2+ fluxes are modified in arthritic rats. These findings raise the question whether hepatic gluconeogenesis in arthritic rats responds differently to glucagon and Ca2+. The experimental system was the isolated perfused rat liver. In the presence of Ca2+, stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis by glucagon in arthritic rats was equal to that in normal rats in absolute terms, but higher in relative terms (104.5 and 45.2%, respectively). In the absence of Ca2+, however, stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis by glucagon in arthritic rats was smaller in both absolute and relative terms (18.5 and 41.9%, respectively). It can be concluded that the Ca2+-dependent component of gluconeogenesis activation by glucagon is more important in arthritic than in normal rats