Secretin induces neurite outgrowth of PC12 through cAMP-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

The gastrointestinal functions of secretin have been fairly well established. However, its function and mode of action within the nervous system remain largely unclear. To gain insight into this area, we have attempted to determine the effects of secretin on neuronal differentiation. Here, we report that secretin induces the generation of neurite outgrowth in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. The expressions of Tau and beta-tubulin, neuronal differentiation markers, are increased upon secretin stimulation. In addition, secretin induces sustained mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and also stimulates the cAMP secretion. Moreover, the neurite outgrowth elicited by secretin is suppressed to a marked degree in the presence of either PD98059, a specific MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, or H89, a specific protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. Taken together, these observations demonstrate that secretin induces neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells through cAMP-MAPK pathway, and provide a novel insight into the manner in which secretin participates in neuritogenesisclose191

Trichodesma kumareum (boraginaceae), a new species from north east india

YUMKHAM, S. D., DEVI, N. P., KHOMDRAM, S. D. & DEVI, M. R. 2 019. Trichodesma kumareum (Boraginaceae), a new species from North East India. Reinwardtia 18(2): 105−113. ? A new species, Trichodesma kumareum S.D.Yumkham, N.P.Devi, S.D.Khomdram & M.R.Devi (Boraginaceae) is described and illustrated from Manipur State of North East India. It shows affinity with T. khasianum and T. calycosum, but can be differentiated from the rest by its larger size in habit, helicoid cyme, closely packed numerous flowers ranging between 120?160 in number per inflorescence, presence of eight faucal appendages at the base of corolla lobes, adpressed urn?shaped flowering calyx and 1?4 lobed ovaries. A comprehensive description, photographs, relevant notes, conservation status and key to species are incorporated

Study on Uses and Trading of Huperzia squarrosa (G. Forst.) Trev. (Lycopodiaceae) in Manipur, India

Huperzia squarrosa (G. Forst.) Trevis. (Lycopodiaceae), locally known as leishang in Manipur, India, serves as a potential subsistence for livelihood to many people. It is extensively used by three main communities: Meiteis for cultural purposes and Nagas and Kukis for beautification, handicraft, and medicinal purposes. A critical analysis on the trading system showed that womenfolk dominated the entire workflow of activities like harvesting, transportation of plant materials from forests, and even regulating seasonal market prices. Detailed morphological parameters along with the biological life cycle are briefly highlighted. Introduction of conservation plans, training local communities on harvesting methodologies, and formulation of systematic marketing strategies are highly recommended

A Novel Way for Propagation of Huperzia squarrosa (G. Forst.) Trev.

Huperzia squarrosa (G. Forst.) Trev. is an endangered epiphytic fern ally with economical, traditional and horticultural interest. It posses various alkaloids like huperzine, huperzinine, lycoporine and carina-tumine which are responsible for its medicinal property, and used in treating a wide range of aliments like general weakness, fever due to swelling, brain disorders, Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Over the years, it is experiencing rapid decline due to over-harvesting and loss of natural habitats. In order to check the problem and meet increasing demand with year round availability in local markets, a research programme was instituted to develop a suitable propagation protocol that can easily be understood by local growers. Two experimental models A and B (control) and corresponding media (I, II) were formulated separately to study enhancement of artificial bulbils in mature sporophytic tassel ferns (>5 years). In Model A, conventional earthen pots (30�25cm) and Media I were used. Model B was set up using coconut shells filled with Media II. After 6-8 months, bulbils developed in Model A showed efficient viability rate (100%), while bulbils failed to develop in Model B. The study highlights that this rare fern ally can be propagated easily through this novel way, being user friendly and affordable

Discovery of Cyrtosia nana (Orchidaceae) in India

Cyrtosia nana (Rolfe ex Downie) Garay, a rare mycotrophic orchid is recorded from Manipur State for the first time in India. Detailed taxonomic description, photographs and relevant notes are provided

TRICHODESMA KUMAREUM (BORAGINACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM NORTH EAST INDIA

YUMKHAM, S. D., DEVI, N. P., KHOMDRAM, S. D. & DEVI, M. R. 2 019. Trichodesma kumareum (Boraginaceae), a new species from North East India. Reinwardtia 18(2): 105−113. — A new species, Trichodesma kumareum S.D.Yumkham, N.P.Devi, S.D.Khomdram & M.R.Devi (Boraginaceae) is described and illustrated from Manipur State of North East India. It shows affinity with T. khasianum and T. calycosum, but can be differentiated from the rest by its larger size in habit, helicoid cyme, closely packed numerous flowers ranging between 120–160 in number per inflorescence, presence of eight faucal appendages at the base of corolla lobes, adpressed urn–shaped flowering calyx and 1–4 lobed ovaries. A comprehensive description, photographs, relevant notes, conservation status and key to species are incorporated

On the use of <em>Dalbergia</em> <em>stipulacea</em> Roxb. (Fabaceae) in oral healthcare with supplementary notes on species used in oral hygiene in Manipur, India

754-762The present paper reports the survey conducted from June 2012–December 2016 to assess the wild species used in oral hygiene and related dental recipes by four indigenous communities (Meitei, Maring, Kabui, Tangkhul) of Manipur, India. The age long tradition of blackening of teeth called Ha–sang practiced by the Maring tribe is documented for the first time. It was revealed that Dalbergia stipulacea Roxb. is exclusively used for the purpose. Additional notes on nine more species used in oral care are also highlighted. A total of 200 informants were interviewed for the purpose. Preference ranking calculation was employed for data analysis to assess the best choice of species used in dental hygiene for the respective four communities. The preference score for each species is different and highest preference of species for the respective communities are A. paniculata (35) for Meitei, D. stipulacea (36) for Maring, O. aristatus (32) for Kabui and M. malabathricum (31) for Tangkhul. The study concludes that D. stipulacea is a new addition to the plant list used in dental hygiene. It further emphasizes on their scientific exploitation and sustainable utilization in dental medicines

Haloperidol induces calcium ion influx via L-type calcium channels in hippocampal HN33 cells and renders the neurons more susceptible to oxidative stress

Haloperidol is a classical neuroleptic drug that is still in clinical use and can lead to abnormal motor activity following repeated administration. However, there is little knowledge of how it triggers neuronal impairment. In this study, we report that it induced calcium ion influx via L-type calcium channels and that the elevation of calcium ions induced by haloperidol appeared to render hippocampal cells more susceptible to oxidative stress. Indeed, the level of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of proapoptotic Bax increased in response to oxidative stress in haloperidol-treated cells, and these effects were inhibited by verapamil, a specific L-type calcium channel blocker, but not by the T-type calcium channel blocker, mibefradil. These findings indicate that haloperidol induces calcium ion influx via L-type calcium channels and that this calcium influx influences neuronal fate.close5

Serotonin stimulates GnRH secretion through the c-Src-PLC gamma 1 pathway in GT1-7 hypothalamic cells

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that alters the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. To date, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of serotonin in hormone secretion have remained largely unclear. In this study, we report that serotonin activates phospholipase C (PLC) gamma 1 in an Src-dependent manner in hypothalamic GT1-7 cells, and that pretreatment with either 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl) pyrazole [3, 4-d] pyrimidine, an Src-kinase inhibitor, or U73122, a PLC inhibitor, attenuates the serotonin-induced increase in calcium levels. Also, PLC gamma 1 binds to c-Src through the Src-homology (SH) 223 domain upon serotonin treatment. Moreover, calcium increase is alleviated in the cells transiently expressing SH223 domain-deleted PLC gamma 1 or lipase inactive mutant PLC gamma 1, as compared with cells transfected with wild-type PLC gamma 1. Furthermore, the inhibition of the activities of either PLC or Src results in a significant diminution of the serotonin-induced release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). In addition, the results of our small-interfering RNA experiment confirm that endogenous PLC gamma 1 is a prerequisite for serotonin-mediated signaling pathways. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that serotonin stimulates the release of GnRH through the Src-PLC gamma 1 pathway, via the modulation of intracellular calcium levels.close141

Identification of a new functional target of haloperidol metabolite: implications for a receptor-independent role of 3-(4-fluorobenzoyl) propionic acid

Haloperidol, a dopamine D2 receptor blocker, is a classical neuroleptic drug that elicits extrapyramidal symptoms. Its metabolites include 3-(4-fluorobenzoyl) propionic acid (FBPA) and 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-piperidinol (CPHP). Until now, the biological significance of these metabolites has remained largely unknown. Here, we report that the administration of FBPA to mice effected a suppression of locomotor activity and induced catalepsy in a manner similar to that observed with haloperidol, whereas CPHP had no significant effects. Neither of these two metabolites, however, exhibited any ability to bind to the dopamine D2 receptor. FBPA blocked dopamine-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, and it specifically affected mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)1/2 activity in hippocampal HN33 cells. Moreover, FBPA was capable of direct interaction with MEK1/2, and inhibited its activity in vitro. We demonstrated the generation of haloperidol metabolites within haloperidol-treated cells by mass spectrometric analyses. Collectively, our results confirm the biological activity of FBPA, and provide initial clues as to the receptor-independent role of haloperidol.close5