Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Man and animals consume plant materials and plant products routinely as part of their
nutritional requirement. These materials comprise of many known and unknown organic
constituents. The hormones (phytohormones) and their derivatives are universally present in
plants (10-100g/kg of wet plant tissue) and are likely to be consumed by all herbivorous and
omnivorous animals including man. Phytohormone entry into the animal cells is expected to
result in either growth modulation or modulation of cell function in a temporal manner. Such
supplements in the diet has been under consideration as a possible factor for growth and
disease control. Further more, plant growth regulators (PGRs) have been reported to have
biological action in the animals too. Therefore, biologically active substances such as the
phytohormones as component of foods have received much attention recently (Maeda et al.,
1985; Wood et al., 1994; Hansawasdi et al., 2000). It has been recognized that endocrine
active substances are potentially present in food as natural compounds (Hughes et al., 1991;
Sharpe et al., 1993; McGarvey et al., 2001). Many varieties of chemicals have been
recognized for use in agriculture, and PGRs are among those most widely employed. The use
of PGRs in agriculture for enhancing plant food production capacity in a wide variety of
crops is also increasing at a steady rate. The need to increase the world food supply
substantially is one of the biggest challenges being encountered since the past few decades
(Hudson, 1976) and the use of plant growth regulators will have a major contribution towards
reaching the desired goal (Nickell, 1982). Further, the amount of these substances being
deposited into the environment may soon exceed those that of the insecticides (Mickel,
1978). Information on their in vivo influences on cellular metabolism in higher animals
remains very limited (Guarra, 1970). This subject has, therefore recently attracted the interest
of many researchers.
The development of a plant from the stage of a seed is very complex, yet the process is
established that the integration and coordination of plant growth and development is
mediated through complex hormone functions. The presence of phytohormones in plants can
be traced back to 1880, when Julius Sachs suggested the existence of chemical messengers
responsible for plant growth. Further impetus to such a line of thinking arose from the
(Darwin, 1881). The works of Boysen-Jensen (1913), Paal (1919) and Went (1926) on
phototropism culminated in the discovery of auxin as the first plant hormone. An intensive
search for the identification of the causative factor to the devasting bakanae disease in rice by
Japanese scientists (Kurosawa, 1926; Yabuta and Hayashi, 1939) resulted in the
1960s with the identification of abscission II in Cotton bolls (Ohkuma et al., 1963), dormin
from Acer (Wareing et al., 1964) and Lupin factor from Lupinus luteus (Rothwell and Wain,
1964). All the three substances were chemically alike and the substance abscisic acid was
given the status of phytohormone. Studies to identify the cell division inducing substances in
the young embryonic tissues brought later into light the existence of cytokinins (Letham,
1978).
Higher plants generated active substances, termed phytohormones, which had the
character of tissue hormones. Plant hormone is an organic compound synthesized in one part
2
of a plant and translocated to another part, wherein at very low concentration it caused a
physiological response (Salisbury and Ross, 1992). Plant hormones are signaling molecules
produced within a plant, and occuring in extremely low concentration. Hormones regulated
cellular processes in targeted cells locally as well as in other locations of the plant. Hormones
also determined the formation of flowers, stems, leaves, the shedding of leaves, and the
development and ripening of fruit. Plant hormones shaped the plant, affected seed growth,
time of flowering, the sex of flowers and the senescence of leaves and fruits. They
determined which tissues grew upward or which grew downward, affected leaf formation and
stem growth, plant longevity and even plant death. They are naturally produced within plants,
though very similar chemicals are produced by fungi and bacteria which also affected plant
growth (Srivastava, 2002; Helgi, 2005). Until recently, plant growth and development was
thought to be regulated only by five groups of hormones, namely the auxins, gibberellins,
cytokinins, abscisic acid and ethylene. In addition to these several other classes of
compounds came to be known which regulate plant growth and development. They include
phenolics (Letham, 1978; Harborne, 1980), polyamines (Evans, 1989), methyl jasmonates
functions, and most often worked in tandem with each other, with varying ratios of one or
HEALTH
chloroplasts, especially when plants are under stress and also known to interfere with
defences against pathogen. ABA plays important roles in many cellular processes including
responses. These diverse functions of ABA involve complex regulatory mechanisms that
control its production, degradation, signal perception, and transduction (Xiong, 2003; Helgi
Opik, 2005).
1.2.2 Auxins
Auxins are a class of plant growth substances and morphogens located in shoot and
root meristematic tissue, young leaves and in mature root cells. It is positively influence cell
enlargement, bud formation and root initiation. Auxins promote the production of other
hormones and in conjunction with cytokinins, they control the growth of stems, roots and
fruits and are capable of converting stems into flowers. Auxins also induce sugar and mineral
accumulation at the site of application. The most common auxin found in plants is indole-3-
1.2.3. Cytokinins
Cytokinins are a group of chemicals that are involved in many plant processes,
including cell division, shoot and root morphogenesis, chloroplast maturation, cell
enlargement, auxiliary bud release and senescence (Kieber, 2002). Auxin is known to
regulate the biosynthesis of cytokinin (Nordstrom, 2004). They aid to delay senescence or the
aging of tissues, mediating auxin transport throughout the plant, and also affects internodal
length and leaf growth. They exhibit a highly-synergistic effect in concert with auxins and
4
the ratios of these two groups of plant hormones affected most major growth periods during a
plant's life time. Cytokinins counter the apical dominance induced by auxins and they in
conjunction with ethylene promote the abscission of leaves, flower parts and fruits
(Deborah, 1983).
1.2.4. Ethylene
Ethylene is a gas formed through the Yang Cycle from the breakdown of methionine.
It has been shown that ethylene is produced from essentially all parts of higher plants,
including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, tubers, and seedlings. It exists as a gas and acts
at trace levels throughout the life of the plant by stimulating or regulating the ripening of
fruit, the opening of flowers, and the abscission (or shedding) of leaves. Ethylene has very
limited solubility in water and does not accumulate within the cell, but diffuses out of the cell
and escapes out of the plant. Ethylene is produced at a faster rate in rapidly growing and
dividing cells, especially in darkness. Ethylene affects cell growth, cell shape and fruit-
ripening (Crocker et al., 1935). Ethylene acts physiologically as a hormone in plants (De
Paepe and Van der Straeten, 2005; Chow and McCourt, 2006). In plant defense, ethylene is
mainly known for its positive role in resistance against necrotrophic pathogens in concert
1.2.5. Gibberellins
Gibberellins include a large range spectrum of chemicals that are produced naturally
within plants and by fungi. They were first discovered by Japanese researcher, Eiichi
Kurosawa who noticed that a chemical produced by the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi led to
abnormal growth in rice plants (Grennan, 2006). The gibberellins were named GA1...GAn in
order of their discovery and Gibberellic acid (GA3) was the first gibberellins to be
structurally characterized. There are currently 136 gibberellins identified from plants, fungi
5
and bacteria. GA3 is widespread and so far ubiquitous in both flowering (angiosperms) and
germination and for effecting enzyme production which in turn mobilizes food production
used for growth of new cells. They promote flowering, cellular division, and seed growth
after germination. Gibberellins also reverse the inhibition of shoot growth and dormancy
1.2.6. Brassinolides
These are plant steroids that are chemically similar to animal steroid hormones. They
were first isolated from pollen of the mustard family and extensively studied in Arabidopsis
plant. They promote cell elongation and cell division, differentiation of xylem tissues, and
they inhibit leaf abscission. Plants that are deficient in brassinolides suffer from dwarfism
salicin and is found in plants. It helps in plant growth and development, photosynthesis,
transpiration, ion uptake and transport. SA induced specific changes in leaf anatomy, and
chloroplast structure, endogenous signaling and mediating plant defense against pathogens
(Hayat and Ahmad, 2007). It plays a role in the resistance to pathogens by inducing the
the systemic acquired resistance in plants in which a pathogenic attack on one part of the
plant induced resistance in other parts. The signal can move to nearby plants when salicyclic
acid gets converted to its volatile ester, methyl salicylate (Taiz and Zeiger, 2002). Salicylic
acid is used to treat acne, warts and other dermatological problems in humans. Sodium
The jasmonates (JAs) are a group of plant hormone which help to regulate plant
growth and development. Jasmonates include jasmonic acid and its esters, such as methyl
jasmonate. Like the related prostaglandin hormones found in mammals, the jasmonates are
cyclopentanone derivatives and are derived biosynthetically from linolenic acid by the
octadecanoid pathway. It seems to promote the production of defense proteins that are used
to ward off invading organisms. They also have a role in seed germination, storage of protein
in seeds, and root growth (Creelman and Mullet, 1997). Jasmonic acid, the plant stress
hormone, kills lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Methyl jasmonate has been found to induce cell
1.2.9. Polyamines
Polyamines are strongly basic molecules with low molecular weight. They includes, many
substances that play important roles in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, such as
H, and spermine H2N-((CH2)4-NH-)3-H. They are essential for plant growth and development
and affect the process of mitosis and meiosis (Wang et al., 2003). In human, polyamines can
NO is one of the few gaseous signaling molecules known. In plants, nitric oxide can
be produced by any of four routes such as: (i) L-arginine-dependent nitric oxide synthase
(Corpas et al., 2004; Corpas et al., 2006; Valderrama et al., 2007). (ii) by plasma membrane-
bound nitrate reductase, (iii) by mitochondrial electron transport chain, or (iv) by non-
7
enzymatic reactions. It is a signaling molecule, that acts mainly against oxidative stress and
also plays a role in plant pathogen interactions. Treating cut flowers and other plants with
nitric oxide has been shown to extend the wilting time. An important biological reaction of
nitric oxide is S-nitrosylation, the conversion of thiol groups, including cysteine residues in
translational regulation of most or all the major classes of protein. It serves as signal in
hormonal and defense responses in animals too (Stryer and Lubert, 1995). Nitric oxide is
atherosclerosis by improving blood flow to the heart (Hayward et al., 1990; Finer and
Barrington, 2006; Chotigeat et al., 2007). Impaired production in humans may lead to
naturally or industrially produced hormones, their natural occurrence in plants must be taken
into consideration, while evaluating the contribution of chemicals having potential hormone
effects on humans. The effect on human health by chemicals mediated through the endocrine
system has generated a lot of interest and investment. Scientists have been concerned about
endocrine active substances and their possible negative impact on human health, as foods,
when fortified by phytohormones can have a major affect on humans (Verger and Leblanc,
2003). Hormones work with the immune and nervous systems to regulate growth,
reproduction, metabolism, immunity, cognition and behavior. Altering hormonal signals can,
8
The use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in agriculture for rising plant food
production and employing a wide variety of crops has been increasing at a steady rate. These
crops are used in preparing functional foods whose numbers have increase in recent years.
Hence, it is essential to understand the effect of these hormonal molecules on humans and
animals (Verger and Leblanc, 2003). The presence of abscisic acid and some of its
conjugates have been reported in the brain, heart, lung, liver and kidney of pig and
remarkable quantity in the brain of rat. Concern has, therefore been raised for its
biosynthesis, localization and physiological function in rat brain (Le Page-Degivry, 1986). It
has been reported that fecundity, longevity and egg vitality in insects were affected by PGR
treatment (Guarra., 1970; Alanso, 1971; Visscher, 1980; Visscher, 1983; De Man et al.,
1991). PGRs caused increase in the number of splenic plaque forming cells, circulating
WBCs, hematocrit value and thymus weight in young deer mice (Olson, 1981). The
molecular mechanism behind PGR induced toxicity seems to involve oxidative stress
resulting in the generation of free radicals causing lipid peroxidation (Candeias et al., 1995;
Administration of subacute ABA and GA3 promotes lipid peroxidation and alters the
antioxidative system in rat tissues due to an increase in superoxide radicals generated under
stress (Celik et al., 2007). The administration of subacute naphthalene acetic acid (NAA),
malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the tissues, inhibits the antioxidative defense mechanism
and activates or inhibits immune potential enzymes involved in the development of rat spleen
and lung tissues (Ismail Celik and Yasin Tuluce, 2007). Abscissic acid and GA3 have also
been found to affect sexual differentiation and other physiological phenomenon in mice
9
It has been reported that IAA in combination with horse radish peroxidase (HRP) kills
human cancer cells, and this has been suggested as a new form of anticancer treatment
(Wardman, 2002; Folkes and Wardman, 2003). Studies by Furukawa et al., (2004), indicated
that indole acetic acid (IAA) induced neuronal apoptosis in S phase and led to
microencephaly in rat fetuses. Incubation of rat neutrophils and lymphocytes for 24 hours in
the presence of IAA (1mM) showed an increase in the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx (de
Melo et al., 2004). IAA was found to prevent the loss of cell membrane integrity by inducing
the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx in rats (de Melo et al., 2004). The IAA administration to
animals has a good potential for increasing the phagocyte capacity with no prooxidant effect
IAA was found to be teratogenic in mice and rats at 500mg/kg/day and cleft palate was
induced in both species at this dose. In mice, other malformations including exencephaly,
ablepharia, dilated cerebral ventricles, and crooked tail were also observed (John et al.,
1979). On the other hand, some PGRs have been shown to affect the antioxidant defense
systems and MDA content (Celik et al., 1997). IAA was found to inhibit AST and activate
amylase, CPK and LDH in human serum (Celik et al., 1997). The level of LDH and CPK
was increased significantly by IBA (indole butyric acid) and AST by IAA (Celik et al.,
2002). IAA causes death and marked ultra structural changes in cultured neutrophils by
increasing the production of O2 and H2O2 radicals (Mariza Pires de Melo et al., 1998). IAA
and Kinetin produced substantial systemic organ toxicity in the erythrocyte, liver, brain,
heart, lungs, spleen, and kidney during the period of a 21-day sub acute exposure, by
affecting the antioxidant and immune potential enzymes (Celik, et al., 2006) and MDA
content in rats at sub chronic levels (Celik and Tuluce, 2006). IAA increased the activities of
bovine carbonic anhydrase and human carbonic anhydrase-II of erythrocytes (in vitro), while
10
the kinetin was found to have no effect on either bovine or human carbonic anhydrase-I or
human carbonic anhydrase-II isozymes in vitro (Celik et al., 2007). The administrations of
IBA at sub acute and sub chronic levels affected the antioxidant defence system (Nuray
Topalca et al., 2009), and decreased AChE, BChE and ADA activities, whereas it increased
the MPO activity in various tissues of rats (Zeycan Yilmaz and Ismail Celik, 2009).
Putrescine decreased and abscisic acid increased the enzymatic activity of CAT and
G6PD in rat erythrocytes (Ciftci et al., 2003). Kinetin inhibited muscle creatine kinase
activity (CK-MB), while it activated AST and ALT activities (Celik and Kara., 1997). The
activities of LDH, CPK and AST were increased significantly by kinetin (Celik et al., 2002).
Kinetin increased DNA in the nuclei of fibroblasts in cell culture at low doses, but at higher
doses it caused foamy and vacuolized cytoplasm in these cells (El-Mofty., 1988). Kinetin
exhibited effective free radical scavenging activity in vitro and anti thrombotic activity in
vivo (Hsiao et al., 2004). Isopentenyladenine and its related compounds enhanced the
isopentenyladenine, a trace cytokinin plant hormone reportedly affected DNA and protein
synthesis in cultured myoblasts (Kazumi Yagasaki et al., 1986). Researchers have found that
some plant stress hormones shared the ability to adversely affect human cancer cells also.
11
1.4. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON GIBBERELLIC ACID
O
H
CO
HO OH
H
COOH CH2
CH3
different plants (Macmillian et al., 1961). Gibberellic acid is a white crystal powder, easily
soluble in alcohol, acetone, ether acetate, and in pH 6.2 phosphoric acid buffer solution. This
compound rapidly breaks down in alkaline solution and by heat. Gibberellic acid is stable in
dry or acid solution. The oral LD50 value is reported as 6300mg/kg for rat. It is a most
Co-A, through the mevalonic acid pathway. It plays an important role in many cellular
processes, such as promotion of cell elongation, breaking seed and bud dormancy, stimulates
fruit setting and growing, parthenocarpic fruit development, flowering, mobilization of food
reserves in grass, seed germination, juvenility and sex expression in plants (Salisbury and
Ross, 1992). GA3 is used in Egypt to increase the growth of some fruits and vegetables
(Weaver, 1961). The World Health Organization listed gibberellins A3 (GA3) as a plant
12
1.5. EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ON ANIMALS
Experiments on the effect of GA3 on rat indicate that the GA3 has biological actions in
animals too. GA3 was reported to have positive influence on body weights, food conversion
rate and fecundity on rats, poultry, pigs and calves (Tesh and Tesh, 1971; Madacsi et al.,
1988; Abd-Elhamid et al., 1994; Elkomy, 2003; Elkomy et al., 2007). It was also found to
increase the content of protein, glucose, cholesterol, hemoglobin and platelet numbers and
the GGT enzyme activity in the different tissues of rat, 2 hr after administration
(Pugazhendhi et al., 2003). EI-Okazy, (2008) found that the treatment of mice with GA3 for
11 weeks increased, the weight of liver, kidney and spleen, WBC number and the activity of
liver AST with a record of decreased RBC and serum creatinine in a dose dependent manner.
different tissues of rat (Muthuraman and Srikumar, 2009). Administration of GA3 to rat
caused reduction in liver carbohydrates and total protein content, and in the serum level of
AST, ALT and ALP in a dose dependent manner (Saber et al., 2003).
GA3 induced liver neoplasm in Egyptian toads and the tumor was diagnosed as
hepatocellular carcinoma (El-mofty et al., 1988). Gibberellic acid also was found to induce
chromosomal aberrations in human (zalinian, et al., 1990) and in mice lymphocytes (bakr, et
al., 1999). Exposure to GA3 has been reported to induce micro abscesses and hydropic
degeneration in the liver, while causing nuclear inflammatory infiltration in the mice kidney
(Ustan, 1992) and liver of rat (Saber et al., 2003). Moreover, gibberellin A3 was also reported
to induce breast and lung adenoma in mice (El-Mofty et al., 1994). Feeding of chicken with
13
GA3 led to numerous histological lesions in different organs including liver, but returned to
Gibberellic acid also reported to have an effect on the reproductive structure and its
physiology in animals. The feeding of GA3 to Mus musculus doubled the proportion of
females producing litters without increase in litter size or number (Olson, 1981). GA3 also
Gawienowski and Chatterijee, 1980). It is worthy noting that, in castrated male rats, GA3
partially restored the weight of the prostate, but did not significantly change the epididymis
and seminal vesicles (Bouton, 1969). GA3 exhibits synergistic uteropic effect with estradiol
in the immature female mouse and androgenic properties in male chicks (Gawienowski et al.,
1977a; Gawienowski 1977b). Treatment of mature cockerels with GA3 improved semen
quality traits, such as sperm concentration, sperm motility, quantity of the sperm and
decreased abnormal sperm (Elkomy, 2003; Kamel et al., 2009). Elkomy et al., (2007) had
mentioned that, gibberellic acid can have testosteronic biological effects on male chicks, by
inducing effects on chick comb and testes weights that was similar to testosterone effects.
Gibberellic acid was reported to have a close relationship between increased fertility and
testosterone hormone level and libido in male rabbits (Elkomy et al., 2003; Elkomy et al.,
2008) Administration with low, medium and high doses of GA3 increased seminal plasma
HDL, cholesterol and total lipids concentration (Kamel et al., 2009). Seminal plasma total
lipids plays an important role in the membrane structure of spermatozoa, sperm metabolism,
sperm capacitation and fertilization of the female gamete (Hafez, 1987). GA3 has a direct
androgenic-like action on testes in male rabbits and it has a positive effect on semen quality
and quantity (Kamel et al., 2009). Gibberellic acid was found to produce changes in the
activities of hexokinase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes in rat testicular
14
tissue (Ravikumar and Srikumar, 2005). The long term treatment of male rat with gibberellic
acid was reported to cause derangement and loss of germ cells, reduction in the size of the
seminiferous tubules and dystrophy of Leydig cells with reduced sperm count in the lumen of
testis. A dysregulatory and inhibitor role was thus established for GBA in rat testicular cell
GA3 exhibited a significant increase in the body weight, feed conversion ratio,
percentage weight of carcass, liver, pancreas, intestine, thyroid and adrenal glands, packed
cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin, RBC, total blood protein, and a significant decrease in
serum total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol levels in rabbits. Furthermore, an increase in
(MDA) content was also observed due to GA3, by maintaining the serum T3, T4, AST, GGT,
uric acid and creatinine level as normal in rabbits In female quails, GA3 induced significant
increase in liver and body weight, feed conversion, percentage of egg production, ovary and
oviduct relative weights, hatchability and also the hematological parameters, such as RBC,
hemoglobin, PCV and total protein. In contrast, GA3 administration resulted in a reduction in
egg weight, blood total lipids, triglycerides and GGT activity in female quills. Gibberellic
acid has been shown to decrease feed consumption with lower weights of the carcass, organs
(liver, gizzard and heart) and glands (adrenal, thyroid and pituitary) significantly in chick
(Abdelhamid et al., 1994). It was also reported to decrease the activities of transaminase in
serum, and the content of muscular protein and bone mineral density (calcium, magnesium
Sterols are an important class of organic molecules. They occur naturally in plants,
animals and fungi. Sterols of plants are called phytosterols, which include campesterol,
15
sitosterol and stigmasterol. Phytosterols are C28 or C29 sterols, structurally very similar to
cholesterol (C27), but differing in their nucleus and/or side chain configurations or polar
groups. Among the 250 naturally occurring phytosterols, the -sitosterol, campestanol,
nature and thus in human diets (Oka et al., 1972; Oka et al., 1973(a); Oka et al., 1973; Oka et
al., 1974). Sterols and related compounds play an important role in the physiology of
eukaryotic organisms. Five food categories namely edible oils, vegetables, fruits, cereals and
pulses are known to contain these compounds. Besides, those naturally occurring phytosterol
fortified foods are also considered as a potential way by which humans are exposed to
phytosterol (Weihrauch and Gardner, 1978). Like phytoestrogens, the phytosterols also have
beneficial effects in animals including humans. Diets containing phytosterols at a level of 2-3
g/day can reduce total and LDL cholesterol level to about 10% and 20%, respectively.
Phytosterols are metabolized in the liver to C21 bile acids. Phytosterols are present in all
plants and in food products of plant origin. Phytosterols regulate the fluidity and permeability
(Piironen et al., 2000). The use of high levels of phytosterols yielded estrogenic activity in
fish (MacLatchy and Van Der Kraak, 1995; Mellanen et al., 1996). A significant decrease in
testicular weight and sperm concentration was reported after long-term treatment with
phytosterols in albino rats (Malini and Vanithakumari, 1991). Phytosterol rich diets induce
elevation of plasma phytosterol five to 15-folds in infants above that observed in adults. In
countries, like Japan and United States and the European Union infants and young children
consuming 35-50mg of phytosterols/day/person, which was 7-11 times higher than that
required for their respective body weights, and an equivalent to that quantity was used during
16
Mandava and Mitchell 1971, proposed that the pollen of rape plant contained a new
group of lipoidal hormone, termed brassins. Brassinosteroids are a new group of naturally
demonstrated that brassins could enhance crop yield, crop efficiency and seed vigour. This
biologically active plant growth promoter was named as brassinolide and was found to be a
poorly soluble in water, but freely soluble in organic solvents. Brassinolide was the first
brassinosteroid isolated in crystalline form (Grove et al., 1979). In 1982, the second
naturally occurring brassinosteroid termed castasterone was isolated from the insect galls of
conjugates have been characterized (Fujioka and Sakurai, 1997). Among natural
skeleton, and their structural variations come from the kinds and orientation of functionalities
on the skeleton (Fujioka and Sakurai, 1997). The compounds can be classified as C27, C28
or C29 brassinosteroids depending on the alkyl substitution pattern of the side chain (Yokota,
(Fujioka, 1997). As brassinosteroids are reported in all plants tested so far, Sasse (1997)
suggested that brassinosteroids are ubiquitous in plant kingdom. It is present in almost every
tissue or organ such as pollen, seeds, flowers, fruits, shoots and leaves in variable levels.
Among them, reproductive organs (pollen and immature seeds) showed higher levels than
17
Structure of 28-Homobrassinolide
(nanograms level). The level of endogenous brassinosteroids however, varies among plant
tissues. Pollen, the original source of brassinolide, and immature seeds are the richest
sources with a range of 1-100 ng per gram fresh weight, while shoots and leaves usually
have lower amounts of 0.01-0.1ng per gram fresh weight (Yokota and takahashi, 1986;
brassinosteroids than the mature tissues (Takatsuto, 1994). Brassinosteroids are plant growth
flowering, senescence, abscission, maturation and were also involved in conferring resistance
to plants against environmental stress (Sharma and Bhardwaj, 2007; Sharma and Bhardwaj,
2008). Due to multiple effects, Sasse (1997) considered brassinosteroids as plant hormones
component of animals along with other sterols in shell fish such as clams, oysters and
scallops and available to human through these foods (Bergmann, 1949). In crab the major
sterols are cholesterol (57%) and brassicasterol (37%) and in slugs brassicasterol accounts for
about 4-13% of the total sterols (David kritchevsky, 2006). Unlike in animal systems, where
18
receptors for steroid hormones are intracellular, the brassinosteroid receptor 1(BRL1) in
plants is located in the plasma membrane, functions at the cell surface and transduces extra-
The metabolism of brassinosteroids in mammals has not yet been investigated. It may
be speculated, however that a normal catabolism of the steroidal skeleton takes place. Being
normal constituents of practically all plants, brassinosteroids have been, and are, consumed
studies. The acute toxicity data obtained at the Sanitary-Hygienic Institute of Belarus for 24-
epibrassinolide is: LD50 (orally) in mice (female) is more than 1000 mg/kg/body wt; LD50
(orally and dermally) in rats (male/female) is more than 2000 mg/kg/body wt., dermal
toxicity in rats (male/female) is more than 2000 mg/kg body wt. In micro-nuclear or
showed low toxicity and very little cumulative effect. In prolonged experiments, 24-
ability of the population). Studies on fish toxicity showed no negative effects, but
pronounced stimulative and toxico-protective properties (Vitvitskaya et al., 1997a and b).
consumed by mammals in their diet through evolution and exhibit in them, some regulatory
role that is not recognised till date. Not much work has been reported in animals employing
brassinosteroid that was structurally related to the insect hormone ecdysone, caused an
increase in food consumption, growth rate, and an egg laying capacity, life expectancy period
19
and protection against environmental stress in bees. 24-epibrassinolide was also proved to be
towards measles, HIV, herpes simplex and arena viruses. Sub chronic treatment of rats with
homobrassinolide reduced lipid peroxidation rate and elevated antioxidant defense system
(Muthuraman and Srikumar, 2009). The activity of LDH in different tissues and
al., 2009). Further, a decrease in glucose and an increase in cholesterol were also observed
Though a number of works were conducted on animals with GA3 and few with 28-
mammalian species has been done so for. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the
metabolic impact of 28-HB and GA3 in rats following sub acute treatment (sub lethal) and for
the duration (within a period of 10 hr post administration) within which peak levels of the
compound is reached. In humans and rats the isoflavones were reported to be absorbed from
the intestinal tract and the peak plasma concentration was reached within 5-10 hr (Setchell et
al., 2001) after which it excreted in the urine and in the feces. Investigation was therefore
initiated to understand the mechanism of action of these phytohormones in the tissues using
rat as an experimental model. To observe time dependent changes in the tissues and to
understand the mechanism underlying the early response to phytohormones, the rats were
sacrificed using anesthetic ether within hours of exposure to each phytohormone. The time
points were selected taking in relation to the rime at which maximum serum level of
isoflavonoids was observable in rats, that is 10 hr prier to being excreted in the urine and
feces. This study therefore, is unique, extensive in character and significantly relevant from
20