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Toxicological and Pharmacological Effects of D‐Arginine
Author(s) -
Navarro Eduardo,
Alonso Simeona J.,
Martín Felipe A.,
Castellano Miguel A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
basic and clinical pharmacology and toxicology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.805
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1742-7843
pISSN - 1742-7835
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2005.pto_973110.x
Subject(s) - arginine , pharmacology , propranolol , toxicity , chemistry , nitric oxide , stimulant , pentobarbital , medicine , endocrinology , amino acid , biochemistry
D‐Arginine is extensively used in studies on L‐arginine/nitric oxide pathway as an inactive form of L‐arginine, even in man. In addition, it has previously been reported that this D‐amino acid appears to have pharmacological activity. The present work aimed at evaluating the toxicity and pharmacology of D‐arginine administered by the intraperitoneally route in albino male mice. Toxicity of D‐arginine, alone as well as in the presence of propranolol and betamethasone was evaluated. D‐Arginine in mice showed a light toxicity order (DL 50 : 2800 mg/kg). Previous injection of the β‐adrenoceptor blocker, propranolol (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), or betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a decrease in the toxicity of D‐arginine (LD 50 : 3600 mg/kg, 3300 mg/kg, respectively). Also, a neuropharmacological screening of D‐arginine using behavioural, neurological, autonomic, barbiturate‐induced sleep time and pentylenetetrazole‐induced convulsions tests were performed. D‐Arginine 700 mg/kg displayed central stimulant properties, whereas a depressant profile was observed at a dose of 1400 mg/kg. In addition, D‐arginine 1400 mg/kg produced a potentiation of pentobarbital sleeping time and a marked anticonvulsivant action against pentylenetetrazole.