Yu. V. Nesterova

Mechanisms of Regeneratory Effects of Baikal Aconite Diterpene Alkaloids

Regeneratory activities of Baikal aconite alkaloids were studied on the excision skin wound model. Manifest wound healing effects of songorine, napelline, and hypaconitine were detected. The therapeutic efficiency was based on activation of residual mesenchymal progenitor elements. The development of this phenomenon was explained by the direct effects of alkaloids on precursors and by higher production of growth factors by the skin stromal cells. Songorine exhibited the most pronounced specific activity due to more significant stimulation of progenitor cell differentiation associated with maximum activation of the secretory function of the microenvironment cells.

Role of Receptors to Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) on Mesenchymal Precursor Cells in the Realization of Regenerative Effects of Alkaloid Songorine

We studied the mechanisms of regenerative (wound healing) effects of songorine associated with functional activation of mesenchymal progenitor cells. The key role of FGF receptors on these progenitor cells in the stimulation of realization of their growth potential under the effect of the alkaloid was demonstrated. Under in vitro conditions, the antibodies to FGF receptor abolished the songorine-induced increase in the number of fibroblast colony-forming units in bone marrow cell culture. The intensity of differentiation of mesenchymal precursors remained unchanged.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Diterpene Alkaloids from Aconitum baikalense

We compared anti-inflammatory activity of individual diterpene alkaloids isolated from Aconitum baikalense (napelline, songorine, hypaconitine, mesaconitine, 12-epinapelline N-oxide) under conditions of acute inflammation of different genesis. The tested substances showed high antiexudative activity comparable with that of sodium diclofenac. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diterpene alkaloids exerted no ulcerogenic effect.

Analgesic Activity of Diterpene Alkaloids from Aconitum Baikalensis

We compared analgesic activities of individual alkaloids extracted from Baikal aconite (Aconitum baikalensis): napelline, hypaconitine, songorine, mesaconitine, 12-epinapelline N-oxide. The detected analgesic activity was comparable to that of sodium metamizole. The mechanisms of analgesia were different in diterpene alkaloids of different structure. The antinociceptive effect of atisine alkaloids (12-epinapelline N-oxide, songorine) was naloxonedependent and realized via opioid receptor modulation.

Antidepressant activity of diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum baicalense Turcz.

Course treatment with diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum baicalense in mice reduced the time of immobilization in the tail suspension test and produced an antiexudative effect in mouse model of serotonin-induced edema. In the open fi eld test, application of alkaloids did not change the total motor activity, orientation and exploratory behavior, and emotional reactions of animals. Experimental data suggest that diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum baicalensis exhibit antidepressant properties, possibly due to modulation of sensitivity to serotonin.

Cerebroprotective and Regenerative Effects of Alkaloid Z77 under Conditions of Brain Ischemia

We studied the psychopharmacological effects of atisine-type diterpene alkaloid Z77 in a rat model of cerebral ischemia. Pronounced cerebroprotective effect was found consisting in normalization of the orienting and exploratory activity and conditioned behavior associated with significant correction of morphological changes in the brain. The direct stimulatory effect of Z77 on neural stem cells was shown in vitro.

Anxiolytic Activity of Diterpene Alkaloid Songorine

Antianxiety action of diterpene alkaloid songorine was studied using Vogel conflict test. Songorine in a dose of 0.25 mg/kg demonstrated high anxiolytic activity comparable to that of phenazepam and produced no sedative effect.

Regeneratory characteristics of complex extract and isolated diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum baikalense.

The effects of complex extract from Aconitum baikalense on reparative regeneration of a plane dorsal skin wound were studied. Treatment with Aconitum baikalense tincture stimulated reparation and skin regeneration. The effects of the Aconitum baikalense alkaloids on functional activity of fibroblast precursors were studied in vitro by cultural methods. Mesaconitine, hypaconitine, songorine, napelline, and 12-epinapelline N-oxide significantly stimulated the growth of colonies from fibroblast precursors. This indicated direct stimulation of fibroblasts by aconite alkaloids, which could be a mechanism of reparative activity of the complex extract.

Mechanisms of Napelline Action Stimulating the Regeneration of Hemopoietic Tissue in Cytostatic Myelosuppression

Pronounced regenerative effects of alkaloid napelline extracted from Aconitum baicalense on granulocytic hemopoiesis were revealed in the model of cytostatic myelosuppression. Activation of functions of hemopoietic progenitor cells along with increased feeder capacity of the stromal elements in the hemopoiesis inducing microenvironment with decreased levels mesenchymal progenitor cells in the bone marrow are the mechanisms underlying the hemostimulating action of this substance.

Mechanisms of Hemostimulating Effect of Aconitum baicalense Diterpene Alkaloids

A mixture of diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum baicalense exhibited pronounced regenerative hemostimulating properties on the model of cytostatic myelosuppression. The therapeutic effect is based on activation of hemopoietic progenitor cells against the background of increased feeder capacity of stromal compartment of the hemopoiesis-inducing microenvironment and decreased count of mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow.