Effect of the vehicle polyvinylpyrolidone and the Methanolic Fraction of Ligaria cuneifolia (Argentine Mistletoe) extract on hemorheological properties and biliary secretion in rats

Ligaria cuneifolia (R et P) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae) (Lc) aqueous extract-treated rats by via intraperitoneal (i.p.) show increased blood viscosity and decreased plasma cholesterol (Chol) levels. In this work, we analize the effect of the vehicle polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and that of the Methanolic Fraction of the extract of Lc (MFLc) on hemorrheological properties in vivo and in vitro and on biliary excretion. For in vivo conditions, adult male Wistar rats were divided in five experimental groups (n = 5 each one) which were injected, every 24 hr during 3 days by via i.p., with: (1) saline solution (Control); (2) PVP 0.47 mg/100 g bw; (3) MFLc 0.95 mg/100 g bw plus PVP 0.47 mg/100 g bw; (4) PVP 12.5 mg/100 g bw; and (5) MFLc 23.0 mg/100 g bw plus PVP 12.5 mg/100 g bw. Intended for in vitro conditions, blood samples obtained by heart puncture were divided into three fractions, which were incubated with: saline solution (Control), PVP 12.5 mg%, and MFLc 25 mg% plus PVP 12.5 mg%. We demonstrated a direct effect of PVP alone and of MFLc "per se" on the erythrocyte membrane resulting in a cell shape change from dyscocyte to spherostomatocyte (MI more negative) as well as a decrease in erythrocyte deformability (increased RI). These changes induce an increase in blood viscosity. Decreased plasma Chol is a consequence of an increased bile salts biliary excretion.