Toxins
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Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn, a medical plant, is used in clinic to treat inflammation, pain, sore throat, and eczema. The alkaloids are the main active components in P. quassioides. ⋯ In TTX-R VGSCs, DHCT shifted V1/2 of inactivation voltage to hyperpolarizing direction and V1/2 of activation voltage to more depolarizing potential by ~23.9 mV and ~12.2 mV, respectively. DHCT preferred to interact with an inactivated state of VGSCs and prolonged the repriming time in both TTX-S and TTX-R VGSCs, transiting the channels into a slow inactivated state from a fast inactivated state. Considered together, these data demonstrated that the analgesic effect of DHCT was likely though the inhibition of neuronal excitability.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Combined Effects of Isokinetic Training and Botulinum Toxin Type A on Spastic Equinus Foot in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot, Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.
Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has been shown effective for poststroke lower limb spasticity. Following injections, a wide range of multidisciplinary approach has been previously provided. The purpose of this pilot, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was to determine whether BoNT-A combined with a regime of a four-week ankle isokinetic treatment has a positive effect on function and spasticity, compared with BoNT-A alone. ⋯ Peak resistive ankle torque during growing angular velocities showed a significant reduction at the higher velocities after BoNT-A injections in the experimental group. Peak dorsiflexor torque was significantly increased in the experimental group and peak plantarflexor torque was significantly decreased in control group. Alternative rehabilitation strategies that combine BoNT-A and an intense ankle isokinetic treatment are effective in reducing tone and improving residual strength and motor function in patients with chronic hemiparesis.