Inhibition of serotonin release by bombesin-like peptides in rat hypothalamus in vitro

We investigated the activity of bombesin (BN), neuromedin-C (NM-C) and neuromedin-B (NM-B) on serotonin (5-HT) release and reuptake in rat hypothalamus (HYP) in vitro. BN and NM-C but not NM-B (all 1 microM) decreased K+ evoked 3H-5-HT release from superfused HYP slices by 25%. Bacitracin (BCN, 2 micrograms/ml), a nonspecific peptidase inhibitor, reversed the inhibitory effect of BN on K+ evoked 3H-5-HT release. Phosphoramidon (PAN, 10 microM) an endopeptidase 24.11 inhibitor, abolished the inhibitory effect of BN, but not NM-C, on K+ evoked 3H-5-HT release. The peptidyl dipeptidase A inhibitor enalaprilat (ENP, 10 microM), enhanced both BN and NM-C inhibition of 3H-5-HT release. Bestatin (BST, 10 microM) had no effect on BN or NM-C inhibitory activity on 3H-5-HT release. Neither BN, NM-C nor NM-B affected reuptake of 3H-5-HT into HYP synaptosomes alone or in combination with any of the peptidase inhibitors, nor did these peptides alter the ability of fluoxetine to inhibit 3H-5-HT uptake. These data suggest: a) that BN-like peptides may alter neurotransmission in the HYP by acting presynaptically on the 5-HT release mechanism; b) a similarity in the structural requirements for the BN induced inhibition of 5-HT release and BN evoked thermoregulatory disturbances; and c) that peptidases may selectively augment or reduce pharmacologic activity of BN-like peptides upon CNS administration.     

An Investigation on Platelet Transport during Thrombus Formation at Micro-Scale Stenosis

This paper reports on an investigation of mass transport of blood cells at micro-scale stenosis where local strain-rate micro-gradients trigger platelet aggregation. Using a microfluidic flow focusing platform we investigate the blood flow streams that principally contribute to platelet aggregation under shear micro-gradient conditions. We demonstrate that relatively thin surface streams located at the channel wall are the primary contributor of platelets to the developing aggregate under shear gradient conditions. Furthermore we delineate a role for red blood cell hydrodynamic lift forces in driving enhanced advection of platelets to the stenosis wall and surface of developing aggregates. We show that this novel microfluidic platform can be effectively used to study the role of mass transport phenomena driving platelet recruitment and aggregate formation and believe that this approach will lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying shear-gradient dependent discoid platelet aggregation in the context of cardiovascular diseases such as acute coronary syndromes and ischemic stroke.     

民勤绿洲生态需水与生态恢复对策

生态需水是当前水问题的一个研究热点,对于生态环境急剧恶化的内陆干旱区,这一研究尤为紧迫。以民勤绿洲作为研究区,采用阿维里扬诺夫估算方法,对其生态需水量进行了计算。结果表明,民勤绿洲现有植被最低生态需水量为1.4927×108m3,而目前的生态用水量只有0.3525×108m3,远没有达到维持极限抗性面积下的生态需水量。民勤绿洲生态用水的严重不足,主要是受到农田灌溉用水的严重挤占,从而加快了生态环境的日益恶化。通过分析,提出了生态恢复的对策与建议。     

猪细小病毒vp2基因的表达和类病毒颗粒的构建

利用PCR方法从病毒基因组中获得了vp2完整的编码区并经测序后克隆到原核表达载体pET-32(a)上。在大肠杆菌中诱导表达了VP2与Trx-His-STag的融合蛋白,通过免疫家兔获得了高特异性的兔抗血清。另外,将vp2克隆到pFastBacDUAL载体上,利用昆虫表达系统,即AcMNPV的Bac-to-Bac系统对vp2进行了表达,经SDS-PAGE和Westernblot分析,表达产物为64kD,并且该蛋白能在昆虫细胞中形成类病毒颗粒。     

强光照和全黑暗条件下荒漠沙蜥视网膜内GAP-43表达的免疫组织化学

采用免疫组织化学技术研究了在强光照和全黑暗条件下荒漠沙蜥(Phrynocephalus prezewalskic)视网膜内生长相关蛋白GAP-43的表达变化。结果表明,在正常光照条件下,视网膜内GAP-43阳性表达部位主要存在于内网层;强光照条件下,GAP-43免疫染色部位主要出现在内网层、节细胞层和内核层的部分细胞核。在全黑暗条件下,在视纤维层和内网层呈阳性染色;提示视网膜在不同环境条件下GAP-43的不同定位,可能与其在相应的环境下参与不同的视觉功能有关。     

FORAGING PATTERNS OF SOME SOUTH AFRICAN FLYCATCHERS

Fraser, W. 1983. Foraging patterns of some South African flycatchers. Ostrich 54:150-155.

The foraging behaviour of eight species of flycatchers found in South Africa was studied. Four feeding techniques were recognized: hawking, hawking-gleaning, gleaning and pouncing. The Chinspot Batis Batis molitor, Pririt Batis Batis pririt, Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis and the Leadcoloured Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus use hawking-gleaning as their main feeding technique and forage predominantly within the canopy of the vegetation. The Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens, Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina and Marico Flycatcher Melaenornis mariquensis use pouncing as their main feeding technique and forage outside the canopy. The Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata uses hawking as its main feeding technique and also forages outside the vegetation. While foraging the canopy-feeders are active and continually on the move through the vegetation in their search for prey whereas those foraging outside the vegetation are far less active and employ still-hunting, waiting for their prey to appear.