C K Maitai

A comparison of organochlorine pesticide residues in maternal adipose tissue, maternal blood, cord blood, and human milk from mother/infant pairs

A total of 41 samples of maternal blood, milk, subcutaneous fat and umbilical cord blood were collected from mothers giving birth by Caesarean operation at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi in 1986. The samples were analyzed for organochlorine contaminants. The main contaminants found in all the samples were p,p′-DDT (100%), p,p′-DDE (100%), o,p′-DDT (59%), dieldrin (27%), transnonachlor (15%), β-HCH (12%) and lindane (2%) of all the samples analyzed. Polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) residues were not detected in any of the samples.The mean levels (mg/kg fat) of sum of DDT were 5.9 in subcutaneous fat, 4.8 in mothers milk, 2.7 in maternal serum and 1.9 in umbilical cord serum. There was a significant correlation between the levels of sum DDT in subcutaneous fat and milk fat (r=0.963), subcutaneous fat and maternal serum fat (r=0.843), and maternal serum fat and maternal milk fat (r=0.868), indicating the coherence of DDT in the body.Hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) was found in subcutaneous fat and milk fat with the mean levels of 0.03 and 0.26 mg/kg fat, respectively. Dieldrin detected in mothers milk and subcutaneous fat could not be quantified.

Relative potencies of two phenylalkylamines found in the abused plant Catha edulis, khat

Abstract Cathinone and d-norpseudoephedrine are closely related phenylalkylamines isolated from Catha edulis (khat), a plant much abused for its stimulant properties. We have compared the potency of these two compounds on an operant behavioral procedure in rats. Both suppress fixed ratio 20 responding for food in a dose related manner. Cathinone was 7–10 times more potent and had a more rapid onset of action than d-norpseudoephedrine, although the duration of action of cathinone was shorter. The ability of these two compounds to produce amphetamine-like stereotyped movements was in concordance with this same relative potency and difference in duration of action. Comparison of the behavioral effects in rats with the pattern of stimulation reported for khat use by man suggests that cathinone may be the major CNS active component of Catha edulis .

Evaluation of tetracycline raw materials and finished products found on the Kenyan market

Contents of tetracycline, its degradation products (epitetracycline, epianhydrotetracycline, anhydrotetracycline) and a fermentation impurity (2-acetyl-2-decarboxamidotetracycline) were determined in four raw materials, 12 batches of six ointment products, four eye ointment products and nine batches of five capsule products, all sampled from the Kenyan market. The analytical method was liquid chromatography on a column packed with a poly(styrenedivinyl-benzene) material (8-microns PLRP-S 100 A). All raw materials and finished products had tetracycline contents and impurity levels within the prescribed compendial limits.

Smooth Muscle Stimulating Substances In The Stinging Nettle Tree Obetia Pinnatifida.

Abstract The fresh hairs of the stinging nettle tree, Obetia pinnatifida , contain histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and three other substances, not characterized. Stimulation of isolated guinea pig ileum by extracts of fresh Obetia pinnatifida hairs was attributed to both histamine and acetylcholine which are present in concentrations of 1000 and 75 μg/g, respectively. Histamine, acetylcholine and serotonin may contribute to this stinging sensation of these hairs.

Effect of cathinone on chick embryo heart

The pharmacological profiles of indirectly acting Table 1. Effect of cathinone and ephedrine on chick sympathomimetic amines are qualitatively similar and embryo heart. they also show structural similarity. Ephedrine, a prototype for the group, has been shown to exhibit a biphasic day heart Changes* (./. of control) Heart rate response on isolated mammalian heart; at low concenmean f s.e. Contractility Drug (concn m ~ ) (n = 3) mean f s.e. tration, it enhances contractility while at higher concathinone o -3.6 f 1.2