Effect of papaya seed extract on contractile response of cauda epididymal tubules.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the administration of Carica papaya seed extract on the contractility of cauda epididymal tubules in male rats.


METHODS
Adult male albino rats were administered intramuscularly papaya seed extract at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Animals were killed, cauda epididymal tubules of 5 cm length were isolated and the contractile response to different concentrations of adrenalin (1-500 microg/25mL) was examined. In another group of animals, the contractile response was assayed 3 months after withdrawal of the treatment.


RESULTS
Papaya seed extract brought about a significant decrease in the contractile response of epididymal tubules as compared with the control. After three months of papaya withdrawal, a nearly normal pattern of contraction was regained.


CONCLUSIONS
Papaya seed treatment reversibly reduces the contractile response of cauda epididymal tubules.
Verma
R J
RJ
Department of Zoology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India. zooldeptgu@satyam.net.in
Chinoy
N J
NJ
D000818:Animals; D029441:Carica; D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012639:Seeds; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000494:pharmacology
D003272:Contraceptive Agents, Male; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013566:Sympathomimetics; D004837:Epinephrine