Oxytocic Activity and Toxic Effects of Globulins of Abrus Seeds (Scarlet Variety) in Rabbits

Seeds of Abrus precatorius L (scarlet variety) were investigated for the isolation and for the oxytocic effects of water insoluble protein (globulin) on sequester rabbit uterus. Powdered seeds were macerated with 5% (w/v) aqueous sodium chloride solution and the protein was subsequently precipitated by saturated solution of ammonium sulphate. Oxytocic activity was confirmed by correlating with a standard oxytocic drug. Other pharmacological effects such as toxicity, on the ovarian tissues and its hormones were also explored. Globulin injected to the animals for 24 hours altered the cyclic rhythm of the ovaries. It lowered the plasma level of oestradiol, while the plasma level of progesterone remained unaltered. It was also responsible for the hemorrhage of the ovarian follicles.
It has been concluded that the oxytocic component interferes with the cyclic rhythm of the female rabbit either through modifying the steroidal metabolism of the ovaries or through its toxicity on the ovarian tissues.