In vitro colonization ability of human colon mucosa by exogenous Lactobacillus strains

Abstract A 5.4 kb Hind III DNA fragment carrying the gene encoding raw starch-digesting α-amylase (RSDA), has been previously cloned from Bacillus circulans F-2 and expressed in Escherichia coli [Kim et al. (1990) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1048, 2233–2238]. Interestingly, when the cell extract of E. coli harboring a plasmid carrying this fragment was incubated with l M NaCl, it exhibited about 10 times higher enzyme activity than when assayed without NaCl. Differential zymograms showed two different amylase activities: one for RSDA and the other for a salt-dependent a-amylase (SDA). Even though RSDA activity was detected without NaCl, SDA activity was detected only in high concentrations of NaCl. SDA activity was fully detected at above l M NaCl. Results from subcloning of the genes, fractionation analysis of cell extracts, and immunological assays clearly suggested that the two amylases are genetically distinct and that genes for both enzymes are closely linked on the 5.4 kb DNA fragment.     

Innervation of the pineal gland in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Summary Parasympathetic stimulation of parotid glands has been studied in vivo, a) in normal resting glands, b) 72 h after post-ganglionic sympathectomy and c) after adrenergic degranulation of the acinar cells.Morphological results in each gland were compared with a similarly pretreated, but not parasympathetically stimulated, contralateral gland from the same animal.On parasympathetic stimulation of glands with densely granulated acinar cells (groups a- and b-) a variable, but usually relatively small, tendency for vacuole formation occurred in some cells. After prior degranulation of the cells (group c-) the tendency for vacuole formation was greatly accentuated. This indicates that the pre-existing metabolic state of the cells can influence the responses to stimulation of a single nerve. Dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear changes were also more prominent after parasympathetic stimulation of previously degranulated acinar cells, and this suggests that parasympathetic impulses may have strong activating effects on resynthesis under these conditions. It is also likely that parasympathetic stimulation induced some, albeit small, degree of degranulation and, since this occurred in the absence of sympathetic nerves (group b-) it was probably the consequence of a direct cholinergic effect. The present results therefore indicate that the concept of an absolute dichotomy between parasympathetic and sympathetic responses is not tenable in this tissue.Analyses of saliva for amylase and peroxidase gave complex results but indicate that the two enzymes are not necessarily secreted in parallel. The morphological results support the idea that some enzyme molecules may have entered the saliva without being prepackaged into secretory granules, but could have passed directly from dilated cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum into intra-cellular vacuoles, and this tendency was most apparent after para-sympathetic stimulation of previously degranulated cells.Travel grants from the Wellcome Trust to J.R. Garrett are gratefully acknowledged. This work has been helped by the technical assistance of Mr. P.S.A. RowleyM.R.C. Research Assistant     

广东从化温泉水体原核微生物多样性及其酶活筛选

为了解广东从化温泉的原核微生物多样性及其产纤维素酶、淀粉酶的能力,选取从化3个地热区的7个温泉样点,现场测量各采样点的水体理化参数,并采集温泉水样品。利用免培养技术对从化温泉环境样品基因组的16S rRNA基因进行扩增,利用高通量测序技术,分析从化温泉环境原核微生物群落结构及多样性。同时,借助纯培养技术,对7个样点的微生物进行分离纯化,并将菌株接种于以微晶纤维素或淀粉为唯一碳源的培养基中,检测其纤维素酶、淀粉酶活性。免培养结果显示,广东从化温泉环境原核微生物群落以细菌为主,群落结构与总碳含量相关性最大。通过选择性分离培养,共获得71株细菌,分属于17个不同的属,其中有9株属于潜在新分类单元,其中67.61%有纤维素酶活性,18.31%有淀粉酶活性。广东从化温泉中存在丰富多样的原核微生物类群,且蕴藏大量具有产生纤维素酶、淀粉酶活性的菌株,极具进一步发掘和研究的价值。     

超级马拉松运动中唾液α-淀粉酶活性和尿液糖皮质激素浓度的时程变化*

目的: 观察超级马拉松过程中唾液α-淀粉酶活性和尿液糖皮质激素浓度的时程变化。方法: 选取长期规律参加有氧训练的20名男性健康青年,年龄为(22.57±1.63)岁,身高(175.28±4.58)cm,体重(66.95±5.36)kg,完成一次36 h的超级马拉松(12 h～24 h休息),记录运动中R-R间期,分别在在0 h(运动开始前)、12 h(首日结束后)、24 h(次日开始前)、36 h(运动结束后)采集测试对象的唾液和尿液,采用碘-淀粉法检测唾液α-淀粉酶活性,采用液相色谱法检测尿液糖皮质激素浓度。结果: 与安静状态(0 h)相比,运动中的心率、运动后的过氧消耗和运动冲量值均显著增加(P＜0.05),其中,0-12 h的运动后的过氧消耗和运动冲量值显著高于24~36 h(P＜0.05)。与安静状态相比,12 h时唾液α-淀粉酶活性显著增加(P＜0.05),24 h时显著下降(P＜ 0.05);与24 h相比,36 h时显著增加(P＜0.05)。与安静状态相比,12 h、24 h和36 h时尿液中的皮质醇的浓度显著升高(P＜ 0.05),24 h时显著低于12 h和36 h(P＜0.05);可的松的浓度在运动过程中持续升高,且显著高于安静状态(P＜0.05)。结论: 人体唾液α-淀粉酶活性和尿液皮质醇浓度于运动后升高,休息后下降;尿液可的松浓度在运动过程中持续升高。     

Digestive α-amylase activity in Aelia acuminata L. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Activity of α-amylase was revealed in the midgut and salivary glands of the wheat and barley pentatomid pest, A. acuminata. The activity was determined in salivary gland more than those in midgut. Optimal activity of the enzyme occurred at 40°C. Optimal pH activity in salivary gland (pH = 6) was more than those in the midgut (pH = 4.5). pH stability analysis of the enzyme showed that the enzyme is more stable at slightly acidic pHs than those at acidic and alkaline pHs. However, α-amylase is more stable at acidic pH in long period of time. Temperature stability analysis determined the enzyme was remarkably active over a broad range of temperature (5–40°C). α-Amylase activity was decreased after addition of MgCl₂, Tris, Triton X-100, CuSO₄, SDS, urea and CaCl₂. The salts NaCl and KCl increased the enzyme activity from midgut and salivary glands. Zymogram analysis of midgut and salivary gland extract showed at least two bands of amylase activity in the midgut and salivary glands.     

REGULATION OF AMYLASE,CELLULASE AND CHITINASE SECRETION IN THE DIGESTIVE TRACT OF THE TWO‐SPOTTED FIELD CRICKET,Gryllus bimaculatus

The secretion of amylase and cellulase in Gryllus bimaculatus is determined by increased food intake, whereby shortly after molting food consumption increases. About half of the standing amylase concentration (activity) in the endothelial cells can be secreted within 30 min. The peak of amylase and cellulase secretion that occurs in the photophase is related to the feeding peak in the previous scotophase. The secretion of chitinase on the other hand is primarily controlled by the molting cycle. Only amylase secretion was affected by calcium in the incubation medium, suggesting an apocrine release mechanism. Refeeding experiments (after 5 days without food) suggest that the release of amylase in response to a nutrient in the lumen (glucose) is not due to simple stimulation of exocytosis, but rather a stimulation of synthesis.     

磷石膏浸提液对豌豆种子生理及幼苗生长的影响

利用不同浓度的磷石膏浸提液处理豌豆种子,测定豌豆种子淀粉酶活性、可溶性糖、种子生命力、吲哚乙酸含量、吲哚乙酸氧化酶活性和发芽率、苗高、植株鲜重。结果表明:磷石膏浸提液处理后,豌豆种子可溶性糖含量和吲哚乙酸含量分别比对照增加6.7%～43.3%和9.4%～40.8%。豌豆幼芽中α-淀粉酶活性和吲哚乙酸氧化酶活性分别比对照高出8%～64%和15.2%～30.9%;发芽率、苗高和植株鲜重分别比对照提高10%以上。表明磷石膏能促进豌豆萌发和生长。     

Engineering high α‐amylase levels in wheat grain lowers Falling Number but improves baking properties

Late maturity α‐amylase (LMA) and preharvest sprouting (PHS) are genetic defects in wheat. They are both characterized by the expression of specific isoforms of α‐amylase in particular genotypes in the grain prior to harvest. The enhanced expression of α‐amylase in both LMA and PHS results in a reduction in Falling Number (FN), a test of gel viscosity, and subsequent downgrading of the grain, along with a reduced price for growers. The FN test is unable to distinguish between LMA and PHS; thus, both defects are treated similarly when grain is traded. However, in PHS‐affected grains, proteases and other degradative process are activated, and this has been shown to have a negative impact on end product quality. No studies have been conducted to determine whether LMA is detrimental to end product quality. This work demonstrated that wheat in which an isoform α‐amylase (TaAmy3) was overexpressed in the endosperm of developing grain to levels of up to 100‐fold higher than the wild‐type resulted in low FN similar to those seen in LMA‐ or PHS‐affected grains. This increase had no detrimental effect on starch structure, flour composition and enhanced baking quality, in small‐scale 10‐g baking tests. In these small‐scale tests, overexpression of TaAmy3 led to increased loaf volume and Maillard‐related browning to levels higher than those in control flours when baking improver was added. These findings raise questions as to the validity of the assumption that (i) LMA is detrimental to end product quality and (ii) a low FN is always indicative of a reduction in quality. This work suggests the need for a better understanding of the impact of elevated expression of specific α‐amylase on end product quality.     

Effect of natural toxins and adipokinetic hormones on the activity of digestive enzymes in the midgut of the cockroach Periplaneta americana

This study examined the effect of two natural toxins (a venom from the parasitic wasp Habrobracon hebetor and destruxin A from the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae), and one pathogen (the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria fumosorosea) on the activity of basic digestive enzymes in the midgut of the cockroach Periplaneta americana. Simultaneously, the role of adipokinetic hormones (AKH) in the digestive processes was evaluated. The results showed that all tested toxins/pathogens elicited stress responses when applied into the cockroach body, as documented by an increase of AKH level in the central nervous system. The venom from H. hebetor showed no effect on digestive enzyme activities in the ceca and midgut in vitro. In addition, infection by I. fumosorosea caused a decrease in activity of all enzymes in the midgut and a variable decrease in activity in the ceca; application of AKHs did not reverse the inhibition. Destruxin A inhibited the activity of all enzymes in the midgut but none in the ceca in vitro; application of AKHs did reverse this inhibition, and no differences between both cockroach AKHs were found. Overall, the results demonstrated the variable effect of the tested toxins/pathogens on the digestive processes of cockroaches as well as the variable ability of AKH to counteract these effects.