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VOLUME 19: ISSUES 1
CONTENTS YEAR 2005
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
1-17
Ecotoxicology : An Opportunity for
the Experimental Sciences
John Cairns, Jr.
Department of Biology Sciences,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
Abstract : The primary purpose of
ecotoxicology is to provide a means of predicting the probability of harm
from the use of chemicals or other environmental stressors (e.g., heat or
suspended solids) upon complex natural systems. Although this statement may
appear platitudinous, an examination of toxicological literature involving
non-human species shows an inordinate preoccupation with studies of
dose-response curves at the single species level of biological organization
and relatively few studies dealing with properties at higher levels of
biological organization such as natural communities and ecosystems.
Detractors of the attempts to incorporate ecological principles into the
field of environmental toxicology to a degree sufficient to justify the term
“ecotoxicology” often categorize such attempts as impractical. However, the
field of ecotoxicology will not reach maturity until it involves toxicity
tests at different levels of biological organization using end points or
parameters characteristic of these levels and the results of laboratory
tests are validated in a scientifically justifiable way in the natural
systems that the tests are presumably designed to protect. This manuscript
explores the present situation with regard to the major components of the
hazard evaluation process in ecotoxicology– (1) screening or range-finding
tests, (2) predictive toxicity tests, (3) validating or confirming tests,
and (4) monitoring. A clear tendency in the literature in recent years has
been to incorporate a higher degree of environmental realism into laboratory
ecotoxicological tests and to be concerned in principle, if rarely in
practice, about the validation or confirmation of the predictions made on
these tests. However, it is abundantly clear that of the four components
just mentioned the first two have received inordinate attention
(particularly at the single species level) while the latter two have
received relatively little attention. In order for the field of
ecotoxicology to develop properly, a balance must be reached in both
research activities and practical application of all four components of the
ecotoxicological hazard evaluation process.
Key Words : Ecotoxicology Bioassay Pollution assessment
Multispecies toxicity testing Hazardous chemicals
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
19-39
Radioadaptive Responses
Induced in Human Lymphocytes of the Inhabitants of High Level Natural
Radiation Areas in Ramsar, Iran
SMJ. Mortazavi
Medical Physics Department, School of Medicine,
Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS), Rafsanjan, Iran
National Radiation Protection Department (NRPD),
Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (INRA),
P.O. Box 14155‑4494, Tehran, Iran
A. Shabestani-Monfared
Medical Physics Department, School of Medicine,
Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
M. Ghiassi-Nejad
National Radiation Protection Department (NRPD),
Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (INRA),
P.O. Box 14155‑4494, Tehran, Iran
H. Mozdarani
Medical Genetics Department, School of Medical Sciences,
Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract : Ramsar, a city in northern
Iran has among the highest levels of natural radiation known to exist in an
inhabited area. The high levels of natural radiation in Ramsar prompted us
to assess the radioadaptive response of some of the residents with high
cumulative doses. We report the effect of cumulative lifetime dose on the
coefficient of radioadaptive response. Twenty two residents of high level
natural radiation areas and thirty three residents from an adjacent normal
level natural radiation area participated in this study. In the 1st phase of
the experiment 15 healthy residents from high level natural radiation areas
and 30 healthy inhabitants of a nearby normal level natural radiation area
were studied. After description of the study and its objectives to the
participants, they were asked to complete questionnaires, participate in
interviews, allow radiation measurements of their homes, and to submit blood
samples. In the 2nd phase, seven healthy residents with cumulative lifetime
doses of up to 10 Sv were studied for assessing the induction of adaptive
response in each study participant and obtaining complementary data.
Cultured cells were given a challenge dose of either 2 Gy (1st phase of the
study) or 1.5 Gy (2nd phase of the study) of Co-60 gamma radiation.
Overall data showed a significant radioadaptive response in the residents of
high level natural radiation areas. Results obtained in the 2nd phase of the
study, showed that five out of seven inhabitants exhibited a reduction in
induced chromosomal aberrations following exposure to a 1.5 Gy challenge
dose of gamma radiation. However, the response in 2 residents with much
higher cumulative doses than the others was not statistically different than
that of the control population. Regression analysis suggests a linear
relationship between the radioadaptive response and cumulative gamma
radiation doses up to 1 Gy.
High levels of natural radiation may induce significant adaptive responses
in the inhabitants. As the cumulative dose increased from a few hundred mGy
to 1 Gy, the magnitude of the induced adaptive response increased linearly.
Further research is needed to clarify if decreased radiation susceptibility
in the residents of high level natural radiation areas can influence
radiogenic risk and this phenomenon may be considered as a potential
beneficial effect of high levels of natural radiation.
Keywords : Adaptive response; chromosomal aberrations; background
radiation; cumulative dose.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
41-58
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant
Profile in Patients of Heart Failure
Santosh Sundal, Mamta Sharma, P. C. Negi and
Surender S. Katoch
Department of Biosciences,
H. P. University Summer Hill, Shimla -171 005 (H.P).
Abstract : Fifteen healthy volunteers and 23 patients of
heart failure due to coronary asrtery disease (CAD), hypertensive heart
disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) who
were in New York Heart Association functional class II to IV were monitored
for oxidative stress by measuring levels of antioxidant enzymes viz.,
superoxide dis-mutase (SOD) and catalase and lipid peroxidation status by
estimating malonyldialdehyde (MDA) content. Both SOD and catalase activities
were significantly raised in patients. Heart disease risk factors like
hypertension, smoking and diabetes were found to increase antioxidant enzyme
levels. Rise in antioxidant enzyme levels in blood samples of the patients
were independent of sex and age. Electrophoretic separation of SOD on native
gels confirmed antioxidant enzyme stimulation in patients. Surprisingly low
levels of MDA content were characteristically recorded in the patients.
Key words : Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase,
malonyldialdehyde (MDA), heart diseases, antioxidant enzymes.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005, 59-64
Qualitative
Polyacrylamide Gel-Electrophoretic Analysis of Retinal Proteins in
Vertebrates
S.C. Maiti,*+# C.R. Maiti** and S.K. Ghosal***
* Zoology Department, Sitananda College, Nandigram, East Midnapore, West
Bengal
**
Health and Medical Education, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata 700091
***
Zoology Department Burdwan University, Burdwan, West Bengal 713104
Abstract: Polyacrylamide gel electrphoresis of vertebrate
retinal tissue was done. The protein profiles of Labeo rohita, Bufo
melanostictus and Calotes versicolor suggest a tendency for an increase of
differently sized fragments sorted thusfar. The basic banding pattern,
however, is retained upon the garden lizard. The White Leghorn retina, in
sharp contrast to the goat one, displays not only the widening of certain
common bands, but also the emergence of atleast three additional bands,
presumably accounting for the complexity and acuity of highly evolved avian
vision. Such bifurcation of avian and mammalian banding patterns from a
typical reptilian profile is of paramount phylogenetic significance.
Key words : Protein profiles, retinal tissue, Labeo rohita, Bufo
melanostictus, Calotes versicolor, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
65-71
Inhibitory Chronic Effect of Copper
Sulphate on Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Enzyme Kinetics with Its
Subsequent Reactivation in the Stomach of Rattus norvegicus
Urmila Saluja and Santosh Kumar
Department of Zoology and Aquaculture
Govt. P.G. College, Sehore 466 001 M.P.
Abstract: Study was conducted to find
out the chronic toxicity of sublethal concentration of copper sulphate on
the activity of AChE and its kinetics in the stomach of Rattus norvegicus.
The inhibition of AChE activity was time dependent and the pattern of
inhibition of AChE activity due to copper sulphate was mixed i.e.,
competitive- noncompetitive. The AChE activity was slowly reactivated to
almost normal after 15 days of treatment.
Key words : AChE, Inhibition, Recovery, Km, Vmax, Rattus norvegicus.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 18, No. 1&2,
2004, 73-83
Evaluation of Toxic Impacts of Mancozeb on
Testis in Rats
Suresh C. Joshi*, Nandan Gulati, Anita
Gajraj
Reproductive Toxicology Unit,
Department of Zoology
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, India
Abstract : These days pollution of the environment by pesticides is a
problem of great importance and is of everybody’s concern. Mancozeb, a
fungicide, was listed for male reproductive toxicity. The fungicide was
administered to Wistar strain male albino rats orally at the dose level of
500 mg/kg b.wt./day for 30 days. Sex organ weight analysis, fertility,
biochemical and enzymatic parameters and testosterone level were the
criteria used to evaluate the toxicity of Mancozeb on treated rats. The
weight of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate
decreased significantly. Mancozeb treatment also brought about marked
reduction in epididymis and testicular sperm counts in exposed males. Pre-
and post-fertility test showed 80% negative results after treatment. A
significant reduction in the testicular glycogen and sialic acid was
observed whereas a significant increase in the protein and cholesterol
content of testis was noticed. In addition, acid phosphatase enzyme activity
increased significantly while alkaline phosphatase activity showed a sharp
decline. Mancozeb also suppressed testosterone level significantly. In
conclusion, Mancozeb exerts toxic effects on testis of rats.
Key words : Mancozeb, testis, sperm
dynamics, testosterone.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
85-91
Effect of Sodium Chloride, Aspartic Acid
and Glutamic Acid on the Oxygen Consumption, Cholesterol and Total Lipids of
Liver of Rat
Ruchira Chaudhary
Department of Zoology
Seth G.B. Podar College, Nawalgarh (Raj.)
Department of Zoology
Govt. M.V.M. Bhopal M.P. India-462042
Abstract : Minute changes in pH, NaCl concentration Aspartic acid, Glutamic
acid and by inference other acids affect the major pathways from acetyl
Co-A. The important differences between experiments with and without buffer
show the reversal of results. Glutamic acid increases O2 consumption;
cholesterol of liver homogenates in media without buffer decreases QO2,.
cholesterol and total lipids in media with rigorously controlled pH at 7.4;
similar is the case with aspartic acid.
Key words : Sodium Chloride, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Oxygen
Consumption, Cholesterol, Total Lipids, Liver, Rat
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
93-102
Effect of Coconut Milk on Bioavailability
of Isoniazide
P. Bigoniya 1, V. Shrivastava
2 and A.C. Rana 1
1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Dr. H. S. Gaur University, Sagar, M.P. (INDIA).
2. Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research,
Borgaon, Wardha, Maharastra, (INDIA).
Abstract : Isoniazide is an essential component of all
anti-tubercular regimens. Carbohydrates reduce absorption of isoniazide.
Cocus nucifera (Palmae) is a widely grown plant in coastal India, it is rich
in carbohydrate, fat, electrolyte specially potassium. Coconut is a cheap
and widely available fruit for diarrhoeal dehydration and malnutrition.
South East Asia specially India accounts about 2.1 million cases of
tuberculosis. As tuberculosis is more prevalent in lower economic and
malnutrited people to whom coconut milk is a cheap source of nutrition. The
present study was undertaken to show the effect of coconut milk on
simultaneous administration with isoniazide. Concurrent administration of
coconut milk with isoniazide shows highly significant reduction in Cmax,
Tmax, AUC (Area under the curve) and AUMC (Area under the first moment
curve). Biological half life was increased on simultaneous administration of
coconut milk with isoniazide. Results show administration of coconut milk 30
minutes after and before isoniazide reduces the bioavailability up to 63.87
and 80.51%. The study reveals that high carbohydrate and fat containing
coconut milk reduces rate and extent of absorption as well as
bioavailability of isoniazide.
Keyword : Isoniazide; Coconut milk;
Carbohydrate; Bioavailability.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
103-113
Analytical Study for Implementing
Environmental Education to the Curriculum: Significance, Issues and Measures
Kiran Sharma 1 and Ravi Sharma
2
1. Department of Zoology
Govt. Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhopal - 03
2. Indian Institute of Forest Management Bhopal - 03.
Abstract : In this study we focus the
issue of implementation of environmental education to enhance the
participation, attitude and knowledge level concerning the environment. Our
objective of the study is to determine whether there is significant
difference of courses such as environment science in influencing
environmental knowledge, participation and attitude among the students
having same basic level of educational background. The approaches
implemented in the study include systematic literature sighting and
analysis, participatory and consultative approach. The results obtained from
the survey conducted in different educational institutions in different
departments having environmental science as the subjects were analyzed. The
students were selected randomly and were assessed for their attitudes,
participation and knowledge concerning the environment. The basic Likert
type scale was designed in the questionnaires for obtaining the data in the
quantitative form. The data was analyzed by using the basic statistical
techniques and interpretations were made. This study highlights very
contrasting results. It has been proved that students with environmental
education show more positive attitude, knowledge and overall participation
level, but when the correlation was found between the attitude and
participation level scores among the students of environmental category, the
results indicated very weak correlation. It indicates that many serious gaps
are present in the implementation of environmental education. Overall this
study highlights that the environmental education be implemented and
expanded at all levels which could result into the sustainable development
of the environment and biodiversity conservation especially in Madhya
Pradesh that has enormous biodiversity potential.
Key words : Environmental Education, Participation, Attitudes,
Knowledge and Sustainable Development.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
115-120
Antifertility Activity of Steroidal Extract
of Trigonella foenum-graecum (seeds) in Female Rats
J.D. Sharma and Anjula Bhinda
Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Department of Zoology
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, India
Abstract : Healthy adult female albino
rats (Rattus norvegicus) were fed orally with steroidal extract of
Trigonella foenum-graecum (100 mg/day/rat for 15 days). The data revealed
that the body weights were not affected but the weights of ovary and uterus
declined. The biochemical parameters viz., protein, sialic acid, glycogen
and ascorbic acid were reduced in ovary and uterus, however the
concentration of cholesterol was increased in ovary and uterus after
fenugreek treatment. The enzyme activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase of
ovary and uterus got reduced. The vaginal smears examined daily during the
treatment should that female rats were mostly either in metoestrus or
diestrus stage. The fertility test was 100 % negative following fenugeek
treatment. The data suggests that T. foenum-graecum seeds extract exerts
antiestrogenic and antifertility activity in female rats.
Key words : Rattus norvegicus, Trigonella foenum-graecum, ovary,
uterus, antiestrogenic, antifertility
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
121-129
Effect of Organophosphate Insecticide on
the Organic Constituents in Liver of Channa punctatus
D. P. Jaroli and B. L. Sharma
Department of Zoology
University of Rajasthan
Jaipur-302004, India
Abstract : Effect of Chlorpyrifos (Dursban) an organophosphate
insecticide on the glycogen, cholesterol, protein, alkaline phosphatase and
acid phosphatase in liver in Channa punctatus (Bloch) exhibited notable
alterations. Liver being the main site of metabolic activity in body and
highly active in both toxifying and detoxifying insecticides, was selected
for the study purpose. Chlorpyrifos insecticide caused significant increase
in the activity of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and cholesterol
while decrease in glycogen and protein contents in the liver of treated
fish. The results related to regressive phenomenon with in the cells. It is
found that Dursban disturb the chemical constituents of the fish which leads
to cell damages and finally death of fishes.
Key words : Chlorpyrifos (Dursban), liver, tissue biochimestry,
channa punctatus.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 1, 2005,
131-140
Effect of LASER exposure on scrotal sacs
and sperm head morphology of Swiss albino mice, Mus musculus
Soma Banerjee 1, C.S. Chakrabarti
1, L.K. Samanta 2
1. Cytogenetics Section, Department of Zoology,
University of Burdwan, GolapBag, Burdwan – 713104
2. LASER Section, Department of Physics
University of Burdwan, GolapBag, Burdwan – 713104
Abstract : LASER is a widely used device in the medical field. In
vivo effect of singular and repeated exposure of laser beam on a mammalian
model was studied to ascertain any possible effect on mammalian germ cells.
Since agents considered to be mutagenic affect sperm head shape, sperm
morphology study may be an applicable screen for laser effects on germ
cells. When Swiss Albino mice were exposed to laser beam, then significant
(at both 1% and 5% levels ) morphological changes of sperm heads occurred
and increased with repetitive exposure. Also, normal sperm count decreased
and scrotal sac lesions increased w.r.t. control. It is suggested that laser
may have an adverse effect on male germ cells.
Key Words : Laser exposure, sperm head morphology, scrotal sac,
lesions, abnormalities.
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