Alpha Blog

  Viruses  are tiny infectious agents that can only replicate inside the cells of a host organism. Unlike bacteria, they do not have their own metabolism, which makes them challenging to target with medications. However, antiviral drugs are specifically designed to interfere with viral replication and help treat viral infections. How Do Antiviral Drugs Work? Antiviral medications work by targeting different stages of the viral life cycle. The main mechanisms include: Preventing Virus Entry – Some drugs block the virus from entering human cells, stopping the infection before it starts. Example : Maraviroc (used for HIV) prevents the virus from binding to receptors on immune cells. Inhibiting Viral Replication – These drugs stop the virus from making copies of itself inside the host cell. Example : Acyclovir is used for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections by interfering with viral DNA synthesis. Preventing Viral Assembly and Release – Some antivirals stop the formation of new...

  Experimental pharmacology is an essential field that helps us understand how drugs work in living organisms. Scientists use various instruments to test drug effects on isolated tissues and whole animals. Let’s explore these instruments in detail in simple and easy-to-understand language. 1. Instruments for Whole Animal Studies These instruments help in studying drug effects on live animals like rats and mice. A. Behavioral Studies 1. Rotarod Apparatus This instrument tests the muscle coordination and balance of rodents. A rod keeps rotating, and the animal has to maintain its grip. If the animal falls, the time is recorded to assess muscle function. 2. Actophotometer This is used to measure the movement or locomotor activity of animals. It works with light beams; when the animal moves, it interrupts the beam, and the activity is recorded. 3. Electroconvulsometer Used to study seizures and test anticonvulsant drugs. It delivers an electric shock to the animal and records convulsio...

   👉What Is HIV? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens the body's immune system. It attacks CD4 cells (T-cells), which help fight infections. If not treated, HIV can turn into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a condition where the immune system becomes very weak. How Does HIV Spread? HIV spreads through body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The main ways people get HIV are: Unprotected sex - Having sex without using a condom or protection. Sharing needles - Using infected needles for drugs, tattoos, or medical treatments. Blood transfusions - Receiving infected blood that has not been tested properly. Mother-to-child transmission - A pregnant woman with HIV can pass the virus to her baby during birth or breastfeeding. Unsafe tattooing or piercing - Using unclean needles or tools. Where Did HIV Come From? HIV was first noticed in the 1980s, but scientists believe it started in Central Africa in the 1920s. It is linked to...