M. De Bernardi

Morphological and chemical studies on the pygidial defence glands of some Carabidae (Coleoptera)

Etude effectuee sur 4 especes Pterostichus externepunctatus roccai, Nebria psammodes, Chlaenius velutinus et Chlaenius vestitus

Fungal metabolites. XX: Chemical correlation of lactarane and secolactarane sesquiterpenes ― Absolute configuration of furosardonin A, lactaral and blennin C

Abstract The absolute configuration of furosardonin A and secolactarane sesquiterpenes has been established by chemical correlations. Secolactarane lactones and furans have been converted to lactaranes by the Me2AlCl catalyzed ene reaction.

Faecal elimination of steroids in rats after oral administration of mepartricin.

Treatment of both male and female rats with 5 IU/day mepartricin for 7–10 days administered by gastric tubing resulted in an increased faecal excretion of some steroids. Mean rate of elimination of total oestrogens was enhanced by 45% in male rats and by 14% in female rats, and the average excretion of conjugated oestrogen was also increased in the female animals. Faecal elimination of cholesterol was 37% and 42% higher in male and female rats, respectively, after mepartricin treatment, and in male rats plasma concentrations of cholesterol were reduced following treatment. It is suggested mepartricin acts either by changing the intestinal flora or by acting directly on the steroid moieties, and it is speculated that a similar mechanism may occur in man.

Tissue Distribution of Cephalexin in Pregnant Rabbit and Fetus after Oral and Intramuscular Administration

The tissue distribution of cephalexin, a cephalosporin C derivative, was studied in New Zealand rabbits at 25 days of pregnancy, following oral or i.m. administration. Evidence was obtained that this antibiotic is well absorbed when given orally The placental transfer of cephalexin occurred in both oral and parenteral treatments, however, the drug levels detected in fetal tissues were lower than in the pregnant. Marked differences were observed in the maternal and fetal tissue distribution of the cephalexin between orally- and parenterally-treated rabbits.

Changes in the Plasma Pattern of Sex Steroids in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Treated with Mepartricin

Mepartricin was given to cirrhotic patients in order to evaluate its effect on the imbalance of sex steroids which is typical of this disorder. Patients were divided into two groups: one group received placebo (n=19) and the other received 150000 IU/day mepartricin for 30 days (n=19). The patients were evaluated by separate medical staff who were unaware of the treatment. Mepartricin significantly decreased the plasma concentration of testosterone, oestradiol and prolactin as compared with the values at the start of the trial, while no significant changes were seen in the occurrence of gynaecomastia. No relevant changes were seen in patients receiving the control, except for a slight increase in the peripheral concentration of androstenedione, aldosterone and follicle stimulating hormone.