Definition of Plasma Volume Expanders Plasma Volume Expanders are fluids used to restore and maintain intravascular volume in patients experiencing hypovolemia (low blood volume), such as during shock, trauma, burns, or surgery. They work by increasing osmotic pressure, which helps retain fluid within the vascular compartment. Types of Plasma Volume Expanders: 1. Crystalloids: Normal Saline … Read more
Bioassay of 5-HT (Serotonin): Commonly done using rat fundus strip or uterus for serotonin activity. Bioassay of 5-HT (Serotonin): Measures potency and action via smooth muscle contraction response. Principle 5-HT (Serotonin) also causes smooth muscle contraction in certain tissues (e.g., rat fundus strip, guinea pig ileum). The bioassay measures the contractile response to 5-HT in … Read more
Bioassay of Histamine: Commonly performed using isolated guinea pig ileum to measure contraction response. Bioassay of Histamine: Helps determine potency and concentration of histamine in pharmaceutical preparations. Principle Histamine causes contraction of smooth muscle, notably the guinea pig ileum, and also has vasodilatory and other effects. The classic bioassay measures the contraction of the isolated … Read more
Anti-hyperlipidemic agents lower blood lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and atherosclerosis. Anti-hyperlipidemic agents are medications designed to manage abnormal lipid levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and related cardiovascular events. Pathophysiology of Hyperlipidemia Hyperlipidemia involves elevated levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the … Read more
Bioassay of Digitalis (Cardiac Glycosides): Measures potency using frog or cat heart preparation. Bioassay of Digitalis (Cardiac Glycosides): Evaluates cardiac activity via inotropic effect comparison. Principle of Bioassay of Digitalis (Cardiac Glycoside) Digitalis (e.g., digoxin, digitoxin) increases the force of cardiac contraction and can induce characteristic arrhythmias or lethal effects in overdose. The bioassay detects … Read more
Bioassay of d-Tubocurarine (ADH): Commonly done using frog rectus abdominis muscle. Bioassay of d-Tubocurarine (ADH): Measures neuromuscular blockade to assess potency. Principle of Bioassay of d-Tubocurarine d-Tubocurarine is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that prevents acetylcholine from activating nicotinic receptors at the neuromuscular junction. The bioassay measures loss of muscle contraction (e.g., twitch response) in response … Read more
Bioassay of ACTH Measures adrenal cortex stimulation in test animals. Bioassay of ACTH Evaluates steroid hormone release as an ACTH response indicator. Principle ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroids (cortisol in humans). Bioassay measures either adrenal gland weight, plasma corticosteroid levels, or specific physiological changes caused by elevated corticosteroids. Methods 1. Adrenal Ascorbic … Read more
Bioassay of Vasopressin (ADH): Commonly done using rat pressor or antidiuretic assays. Bioassay of Vasopressin (ADH): Measures vasoconstriction or urine volume reduction in test animals. Principle Bioassay of Vasopressin (ADH) Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH) has two major effects: Antidiuretic effect (increases water reabsorption in the kidney). Vasopressor effect (vasoconstriction, increases blood pressure). Methods 1. Antidiuretic … Read more
Bioassay of Oxytocin: Commonly done using uterine contraction response in rats or guinea pigs. Bioassays of Oxytocin’s: Measures potency by comparing test sample to standard oxytocin. Principle of Bioassay of Oxytocin Oxytocin stimulates rhythmic contraction of uterine smooth muscle and also causes milk ejection. The bioassay relies on measuring the uterine contraction magnitude or frequency … Read more
Bioassay of Insulin: Ensures potency, efficacy, and standardization of insulin preparations. Bioassay of Insulin: Measures hypoglycemic activity using rabbit or mouse blood glucose levels. Principle of Bioassay of Insulin Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake in peripheral tissues and inhibiting hepatic glucose output. The bioassay evaluates the hypoglycemic effect of a test … Read more
