AIM: To investigate the incidence of oculocardiac reflex (OCR) with two anesthetic regimens and its prevention using topical anesthetics in a rabbit model. We also investigated the effect of topical anesthetics on corneal healing.METHODS: Forty-eight clinically healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits of either sex were divided into two groups (Group A and B) and anesthetized with either ketamine (Group A, n=24) or propofol (Group B, n=24). In this study , the incidence of OCR was recorded in each group with a variety of ocular manipulation with or without the use of topical anesthetics (40g/L lignocaine, 5g/L proparacain, 5g/L bupivacaine). Corneal toxicity and healing following the use of each topical anesthetic was assessed one day after surgery and up to 7 days postoperatively by clinical examination of the eye, histopathology and collagen staining and transmission electron microscopy.RESULTS: No incidence of OCR was recorded with ocular manipulation under ketamine anesthesia, whereas significant reduction in heart rate (P<0.01) was recorded under propofol anesthesia. Topical anesthetics could successfully prevent the OCR without affecting the corneal healing.CONCLUSION: Topical anesthetics may be recommended for prevention of OCR without any local adverse effect.

Objective: To determine the trace elements content in the selected medicinal plants, namely, Eryngium foetidum L., Mimosa pudica L., Polygonum plebeium, and Prunus cerasoides D. Don traditionally used by the natives of the Mizoram, one of the north eastern states in India as their folklore medicines for curing skin diseases like eczema, leg and fingers infection, swelling and wound. Methods: A 3 MeV proton beam of proton induced X-ray emission technique, one of the most powerful techniques for its quick multi elemental trace analysis capability and high sensitivity was used to detect and characterized for trace elements. Results: The studies revealed that six trace elements, namely, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, V, and Co detected in mg/L unit were present in varying concentrations in the selected medicinal plants with high and notable concentration of Fe, Zn, Mn and appreciable amount of the Cu, Co and V in all the plants. Conclusions: The results of the present study support the therapeutic usage of these medicinal plants in the traditional practices for curing skin diseases since they are found to contain appreciable amount of the Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, V and Co.