The presence of vertebrate-like steroids, steroidogenic enzymes and steroid receptors has been reported exclusively in cephalopods gonads. The role played by these steroids has been also recently investigated. We here give evidence of steroidogenic activity in the brain of cephalopods. The activity of two key steroidogenic enzymes: 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17beta-HSD is pres...

Laboratory mazes were used to study spatial-learning capabilities in cuttlefish (Sepia offcinalis), using escape for reinforcement. In preliminary observations, cuttlefish in an artificial pond moved actively around the environment and appeared to learn about features of their environment. In laboratory experiments, cuttlefish exited a simple alley maze more quickly with experience and retained...

Our objective is to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of Plectranthus mollis (P.mollis) and Salvia officinalis (S. officinalis) leaves locally used for treatment of microbial infection in Nilgiris of India. Antibacterial activity was determined by using agar diffusion and broth dilution methods against seven microorganisms. The antioxidant potential was a...

In the present study, we report the finding of high concentrations of D-Asp (D-aspartate) in the retina of the cephalopods Sepia officinalis, Loligo vulgaris and Octopus vulgaris. D-Asp increases in concentration in the retina and optic lobes as the animal develops. In neonatal S. officinalis, the concentration of D-Asp in the retina is 1.8+/-0.2 micromol/g of tissue, and in the optic lobes it ...

BACKGROUND An impaired leukocytes function is the factor causing the susceptibility of patients with diabetes mellitus to infections. The outmost importance for the understanding of the immunological processes involved in diabetes pathogenesis is to give the characteritics of the immunological profile and changes therein, during the course of desease. Long-used in folk medicine to treat diabete...

AIM To determine the effect of a Calendula officinalis flower extract on lung metastasis by B16F-10 melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male mice were injected with B16F-10 melanoma cells through the tail vein and simultaneously treated with C.officinalis flower extract. Parameters studied were lung tumor nodule count, life span of animals, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase acti...