THE PHARMACOLOGY OF THE RAUWOLFIA ALKALOIDS CHANDRINE AND SERPAKRINE

1960 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 889-897
Author(s):  
A. K. Reynolds ◽  
H. J. Presutti ◽  
D. P. MacLeod
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Special Reference ◽  
Comparative Studies ◽  
Hypotensive Activity ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Root Extracts ◽  
Cardiovascular Actions ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Ganglionic Blocking ◽  
Depressor Action

The pharmacological properties of two new alkaloids of Rauwolfia serpentina have been studied with special reference to their cardiovascular actions. In several instances, comparative studies have been carried out with the clinically used alseroxylon fraction of R. serpentina. Chandrine and serpakrine do not profoundly influence the activity or behavior of intact animals unless administered in very large doses. They are completely devoid of the tranquilizing action that characterizes such bases as reserpine and rescinnamine. They do, however, exhibit marked hypotensive activity. The mechanism of this depressor action has not been clearly established. It is not seen in spinal animals, and there is no evidence of ganglionic blocking or peripheral adrenolytic action. The effects of chandrine or serpakrine per se on smooth muscle structures are not pronounced, but antiacetylcholine activity has been observed on these and other preparations. Their contribution to the actions of the clinically employed whole-root extracts is probably not very marked.

THE PHARMACOLOGY OF THE RAUWOLFIA ALKALOIDS CHANDRINE AND SERPAKRINE

1960 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 889-897 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Reynolds ◽  
H. J. Presutti ◽  
D. P. MacLeod
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Special Reference ◽  
Comparative Studies ◽  
Hypotensive Activity ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Root Extracts ◽  
Cardiovascular Actions ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Ganglionic Blocking ◽  
Depressor Action

The pharmacological properties of two new alkaloids of Rauwolfia serpentina have been studied with special reference to their cardiovascular actions. In several instances, comparative studies have been carried out with the clinically used alseroxylon fraction of R. serpentina. Chandrine and serpakrine do not profoundly influence the activity or behavior of intact animals unless administered in very large doses. They are completely devoid of the tranquilizing action that characterizes such bases as reserpine and rescinnamine. They do, however, exhibit marked hypotensive activity. The mechanism of this depressor action has not been clearly established. It is not seen in spinal animals, and there is no evidence of ganglionic blocking or peripheral adrenolytic action. The effects of chandrine or serpakrine per se on smooth muscle structures are not pronounced, but antiacetylcholine activity has been observed on these and other preparations. Their contribution to the actions of the clinically employed whole-root extracts is probably not very marked.

IDENTIFICATION OF A HYPERGLYCEMIC FACTOR IN URINE

1956 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 563-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Moya ◽  
J. C. Szerb ◽  
Margaret MacIntosh
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Trypsin Inhibitor ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Guinea Pig Ileum ◽  
Hypotensive Action ◽  
Commercial Preparation ◽  
Prolonged Incubation ◽  
Hypotensive Agent ◽  
Per Se

The precipitate obtained by the addition of two volumes of ethanol to acidified human urine (APU) has been previously found to be hypotensive and hyperglycemic when injected into rabbits. The experiments reported show that the hypotensive action of APU is not inhibited by atropine or antihistamine compounds. Following preincubation for one minute, a mixture of blood serum and APU contracts the guinea pig ileum. This action is not inhibited by atropine, antihistamine compounds, or soybean trypsin inhibitor. APU, per se, is not a smooth-muscle stimulant. Following prolonged incubation with serum, APU loses its hypotensive and hyperglycemic properties. Padutin, a commercial preparation of the hypotensive agent kallikrein, has been shown to be hyperglycemic in the rabbit and this action can be prevented by ergotamine. The experiments reported indicate that the hypotensive agent present in APU is probably kallikrein and that it is indirectly responsible for the hyperglycemic response elicited by the extract. From the chemical properties of kallikrein it appears likely that it is responsible for the reported hyperglycemic action of urinary extracts prepared by a variety of procedures.

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