The relationship between ATP-induced membrane potential and contraction was inestigated in the smooth muscle of chicken anterior mesenteric artery using micro-electrode and tension recording techniques respectively. Application of ATP to en-dothelium-denuded arterial preparations developed concentration-dependent, slow depolarization which started only at concentrations not less than 10 μM. On the other hand the tension recording experiment revealed that ATP produced concentration dependent contractions, which were evident at concentrations lower than those evoked depolarizing response to ATP (as lower 100 nM). Both depolarizing & contracting responses were abolished by the P2X receptor blocker, PPADS (50 μM) but not by P2Y receptor blocker CBF3GA (100 μM), indicating that the excitatory responses of ATP were mediated via activation of P2X receptor. These findings suggest that ATP-mediated contraction is not dependent on membrane depolarization only, at least at low concentrations in the first order branches of chicken anterior mesenteric artery. arabic 21 English 153
Marwan Draid(7-2012)

Paper currency is one of the potential vectors to transmit diseases, since banknotes continuously pass through different hands, as a medium of exchange, which increases the possibility of transferring pathogenic microorganisms and thus cross contamination. This study was carried out on one hundred and ninety-eight paper currency notes that were collected randomly in the city of Tripoli, Libya, from different communities namely, petrol and gas stations, supermarkets, mini markets, cafeterias and fast food restaurants, etc. The samples consist of four pieces, each of currency (Dirham) denominations (250, 500, 1.000 and 5.000 notes). Conventional and current microbiological techniques were used in order to isolate and identify the species of microorganisms that resulted in the following percentages: Enterobacter agglomerans 19%, Pseudomonas spp. 16%, S. aureus, Enterobacter cloacae 11%, Klebsiella pneumonia 11% and E. coli 10%. These results indicate that Libyan banknotes are commonly contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, which have the possibility of spreading human diseases. Higher denomination currency showed lower contamination. Consequently, great care should be taken during the handling of money for the safety of human health. arabic 10 English 65
Abdulgader Dhawi Alfitouri Dhawi(1-2021)

The object of the present study was to clarify the neurotransmitter(s) controlling membrane responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the circular smooth muscle cells of first-order branches of chicken anterior mesenteric artery. arabic 17 English 127
Marwan Draid(12-2005)