ABSTRACT Effects of a Cordia salicifolia (porangaba) extract on the labeling of
blood cells (BCs) with
technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) and on the morphology of
red BCs were evaluated. Labeling of cellular and
molecular structures with (99m)Tc depends on a
reducing agent. Some physical characteristics, as visible
absorbance spectrum,
electric conductivity, and
refractive index of this porangaba extract, were also determined.
Blood samples from
Wistar rats were incubated with porangaba extract or with 0.9%
NaCl (control). Labeling of
blood constituents with (99m)Tc was performed. Plasma (P) and BCs, both
soluble (SF-P and SF-BC) and
insoluble (IF-P and IF-BC) fractions, were separated. The
radioactivity in each fraction was counted, and the percentage of
radioactivity incorporated (%ATI) was calculated.
Blood smears were prepared, fixed, and stained, and the morphology of the
red BCs was evaluated. Data showed an
absorbance peak at 480 nm and electric conductibility and
refractive index concentration-dependent. Porangaba extract decreased significantly (P < .05) the BC, IF-P, and IF-BC %ATI, and no modifications were verified on the shape of
red BCs. Analysis of the results reveals that some physical parameters could be useful to aid in characterizing the extract studied. Moreover, it is possible that chemical compounds of this extract could have chelating/redox actions or be capable of binding to plasma and/or cellular proteins.
