title: Effect of pentacyclic triterpenes on oxalate-induced changes in rat erythrocytes.
abstract: Investigations were carried out to evaluate the effect of two, structurally related, triterpenes-betulin and lupeol-on the membrane peroxidation and antioxidant systems in red blood cells, during pyridoxine-deficient condition in rats. Increased lipid peroxidation levels in the absence and presence of ferrous sulphate, an inducer of lipid peroxidation, indicated peroxidative damage to the red-cell membrane. Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity was decreased while that of other ion-specific ATPases were increased in the red cells of pyridoxine-deficient rats. Antioxidants, such as reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase were decreased, while superoxide dismutase alone was increased in the pyridoxine-deficient rat red blood cells. The red-cell osmotic fragility was found to be reduced. Treatment with the triterpenes proved effective in restoring the normal condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr A.L.M. PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, 600 113, India.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vidya
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Malini
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Varalakshmi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006959:Hyperoxaluria / Q000378:metabolism; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D010070:Oxalates / Q000494:pharmacology; D053978:Pentacyclic Triterpenes; D011736:Pyridoxine / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000094062:Betulinic Acid; D000094042:Lupanes
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D010070:Oxalates; D053978:Pentacyclic Triterpenes; D011736:Pyridoxine; D014315:Triterpenes; C002503:betulin; D000094062:Betulinic Acid; C010480:lupeol; D000094042:Lupanes