Extraction and composition of three naturally occurring anti-cancer alkaloids in Camptotheca acuminata seed and leaf extracts

Naturally occurring camptothecins (CPT) are important sources of chemotherapeutic agents for clinical treatment of cancer. Extraction of CPT from Camptotheca acuminata trees remains to be a cost-effective way in the supply equation compared with a total synthesis. This study conducted a series of experiments to determine efficient solvent for the maximal extraction of CPT and its two derivatives, hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) and methoxycamptothecin, from seeds and leaves of C. acuminata. Methanol as an extraction solvent demonstrated in seeds a significantly higher recovery of these three alkaloids than dichloromethane and acetone. Methanol concentrations at 70% in water resulted in maximum extraction of all the three alkaloids regardless of the type of plant materials. However, other strengths of methanol, lower or higher, either decreased the extracting power or showed no improvement in the extraction. Seed extract contained all the three alkaloids whereas leaf extract was absent of HCPT. A stable ratio of the three alkaloids was discovered but it was dependent upon seed or leaf extract of C. acuminata, which with various compositions can be produced. Ecological and medicinal implications of the leaf and seed extract characterized with different chemical compositions are discussed.     

Influence of soil fertilization, plant spacing, and cokppicing on growth, stomatal conductance, abscisic acid, and camptothecin levels in Camptotheca acuminata seedlings

Changes in amount of the plant alkaloid, camptothecin (CPT), were investigated in field-grown Camptotheca acuminata seedlings in response to fertilization, variation in plant density, and cokppicing. The relationship between CPT and growth, and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were also examined. Fertilization caused positive responses in growth of both the slow- and the fast-growing C. acuminata plants. It lowered stomatal conductance ( g ), reduced leaf CPT level in slow-growing but not fast-growing seedlings in mid-summer (July), and increased leaf ABA level in dense plantings in early fall (September). Shoots induced to develop as a result of cokppicing were significantly higher in leaf CPT level than the original non-cokppiced shoots. These results suggest that in the C. acuminata plantation management, cokppicing should be employed to produce high concentrations of CPT, but that soil fertilization should be used cautiously so that greater growth is not achieved at the cost of lower CPT biosynthesis.     

喜树碱和10-羟基喜树碱受喜树生长发育调控的不同特点

为了揭示喜树碱(camptothecin, CPT)和10-羟基喜树碱(10-hydroxycamptothecin, HCPT)在喜树(Camptotheca acuminata Decaisne)体内代谢的生理调控机制及这两种类似物之间的关系和作用,运用高效液相色谱技术对种子形成、成熟、萌发和幼苗生长过程中喜树碱和10-羟基喜树碱的代谢动态进行了全面的研究.结果表明,喜树碱相对稳定地存在于成熟和幼嫩的组织中;10-羟基喜树碱特异性地积累在乳熟期的种子、种芽的子叶、幼嫩的真叶等幼嫩组织中,随着组织的进一步发育和成熟,其含量快速减少,成熟组织中积累极少,并且这两种生物碱的代谢在时间和数量上都呈现出相互消长的特点,由此推断,这两种生物碱不同程度地受生长发育调控的特点可能与喜树的化学防御策略密切相关,并且,它们之间可以相互转化以充分利用有限的氮素资源.     

Ethylene production by loblolly pine seedlings associated with water stress

Effects of water stress on production of ethylene and its precursor, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), by loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) seedlings from a Texas drought-hardy and a Virginia Coastal Plain source were investigated. Ethylene production rates in needles from the Virgnia source increased slightly with initial stress (-1.3 MPa), declined until water potential reached -1.6 MPa and then increased sharply at -2.5 MPa. The ethylene production rates in needles from the Texas also increased slightly with initial stress, then decreased with decreasing water potential. Ethylene production by root tissue was two to three times higher than needle tissue and decreased with decreasing water potential. ACC concentrations in needles of both seed sources decreased as water potential began decreasing. Below -1.4 MPa, ACC levels started increasing (Texas source) or remained constant until -2.8 MPa (Virginia source) at which time its level increased three-fold. Mean ACC levels in root tissue [122 nmol (g dry weight)⁻¹] were slightly higher than the mean levels in the needle tissue [92 nmol (g dry weight) ⁻¹]; roots apparently were more efficient in converting it to ethylene since ethylene production was two to three times higher than needle tissue. The modulation of ethylene synthesis by ACC synthase and ethyleneforming enzyme appeared to be influenced by stress level, organ and seed source.     

光强对喜树幼苗叶片次生代谢产物喜树碱的影响

喜树碱是我国特有树种——喜树中所含的重要次生代谢产物 ,在人工控制条件下观察了光强对喜树幼苗叶片喜树碱含量的影响。喜树幼苗叶片的喜树碱含量随着遮荫程度的增加 (光照强度降低 )而增加 ,但严重遮荫的 (光强为全光照的 2 0 % )在处理后期 (75 d)喜树碱含量降低。叶片的喜树碱产量 (喜树碱含量与叶片生物量乘积 )在处理初期 (30 d)随光强减弱而缓慢地略有增加 ,处理后期 (45 d以后 )随光强的减弱而有明显增加 ,但光强低于全光照的 6 0 %以后喜树碱产量迅速下降。喜树碱的增加可能是喜树幼苗通过次生代谢过程对不良环境 (遮荫 )的一种适应性反应     

Twitching motility among pathogenic Xylella fastidiosa isolates and the influence of bovine serum albumin on twitching-dependent colony fringe morphology

Fourteen Xylella fastidiosa isolates from grapevines exhibiting Pierce's disease symptoms in California, Texas, and South Carolina were examined for type IV pilus-mediated twitching motility, a phenotype previously observed in a Temecula isolate from California. All isolates except one from South Carolina (SC 19A97) exhibited colonies with a peripheral fringe on PW agar, a feature indicative of twitching motility; however, when individual cells of SC 19A97 were examined at higher magnifications twitching motility was observed. The presence and width of colony peripheral fringes were related to the amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) present in the medium; no or low levels of BSA (0-1.8 g L(-1)) permitted development of the widest fringe, whereas higher levels (3.5-6.0 g L(-1)) severely limited, and in many instances prevented, peripheral fringe development. The growth rate of the wild-type Temecula isolate in PW broth with different concentrations of BSA was similar for all tested concentrations of BSA; however, growth was significantly reduced in medium without BSA.     

The effects of drought stress on free amino acid accumulation and protein synthesis in Brassica napus

Changes in the concentrations of free amino acids and specific organic acids were analysed during the induction of drought stress in Brassica napus . Most of the amino acids showed a characteristic linear increase with the induction of drought stress in Brassica leaves, increasing an average of 5.9-fold over control levels, followed by a reduction in concentration upon rehydration of the plants. Pyruvate concentrations doubled after 4 days of drought stress whereas 2-oxoglutarate concentrations remained relatively constant. The activities of two of the enzymes involved in amino acid biosynthesis, alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2) and aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1), were also measured. Neither enzyme showed any increase in activity, except when the plants were rehydrated. This suggests that the increase in both alanine and aspartate levels results from the increase in their precursors pyruvate and glutamate and may not require increased enzyme activity. The effect of drought stress upon changes in protein synthesis was analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We found that there was an overall decrease in protein synthesis with the induction of drought stress, followed by a resumption of synthesis upon rehydration. In addition, the synthesis of a number of specific polypeptides was found to decrease upon water loss in the leaves.     

外源喜树碱对植物叶片气孔导度的影响

前人研究表明,保卫细胞微管系统在气孔运动中起到重要作用:保卫细胞质膜上内向K⁺通道的正常活性有赖于微管的正常解聚/聚合的动态变化,微管系统可能通过调节保卫细胞K⁺通道而控制气孔运动,即微管解聚导致内向K⁺通道关闭,保卫细胞无法因膨压调节吸收水分而抑制气孔开放。有学者认为,喜树碱或其类似物能够与微管蛋白结合,并降低微管结构稳定性,其机制则可能是抑制细胞高分子量微管结合蛋白对微管组装的辅助作用,但这方面的实验证据相对匮乏。因此,为了进一步研究喜树碱的生态生物化学功能,我们采取叶面喷施喜树碱和PEG模拟干旱诱导气孔关闭的方法,研究了外源喜树碱对喜树幼苗气孔导度的影响,同时以没有内源喜树碱的烟草为实验材料进行了对照研究。研究结果表明:0.0115mmol·L^-1的喜树碱水饱和溶液对喜树和烟草幼苗叶片气孔导度的影响规律一致,均表现出明显的抑制气孔开放的效果,这为喜树碱与微管蛋白结合提供了部分证据。     

喜树碱和10—羟基喜树碱受喜树生长发育调控的不同特点

为了揭示喜树碱（camptothecin,CPT)和10-羟基喜树碱（10-hydroxycamptothecin,HCPT)在喜树（Camptotheca acuminata Decaisne)体内代谢的生理调控机制及这两种类似物之间的关系和作用。运用高效液相色谱技术对种子形成,成熟,萌发和幼苗生长过程中喜树三和10-羟基喜树碱的代谢动态进行了全面的研究。结果表明,喜树碱相对稳定地存在于成熟的幼嫩的组织中;10-羟基喜树碱特异性地积累在乳熟期的种子,种芽的子叶,幼嫩的真叶等幼嫩组织中,随着组织的进一步发育和成熟,其含量快速减少,成熟组织中积累极少,并且这两种生物碱的代谢在时间和数量上都呈现出相互消长的特点,由此推断,这两种生物碱不同程度地受生长发育调控的特点可能与喜树的化学防御策略密切相关。并且,它们之间可以相互转化以充分利用有限的氮素资源。     

Survey of aflatoxin concentrations in wild bird seed purchased in Texas.

The use of backyard feeders to attract avian wildlife is a common practice throughout the United States. However, feeding wildlife may create a problem due to aflatoxin, a harmful fungal metabolite, which can affect wildlife that are fed contaminated grain. Our study was initiated to determine if songbirds were being exposed to aflatoxin-contaminated feed throughout Texas. Bags of wild bird seed (n = 142) were purchased from grain cooperatives, grocery stores, and pet shops located in the panhandle, central, south, east, and west regions of Texas during spring and summer 1999. Aflatoxin concentrations in bird seed ranged from non-detectable to 2,780 micrograms/kg. Overall, 17% of samples had aflatoxin concentrations greater than 100 micrograms/kg, of which 83% contained corn as an ingredient. Retail establishment effects were noted in the southern and western regions of Texas, with average concentrations of aflatoxin greater from bags of bird seed purchased from grain cooperatives, followed by pet shops, then grocery stores. Regional differences in aflatoxin levels were not apparent from bags of seed purchased at pet shops: however, regional differences were noted in aflatoxin levels from seeds obtained at grocery stores and grain cooperatives. Average aflatoxin concentration from seed purchased at grocery stores was greatest in the panhandle region, followed by the remaining regions. Within grain cooperatives, the panhandle, south, and west regions of Texas exhibited higher levels of aflatoxin-contaminated bird seed than cooperatives within the east and central regions of Texas. Granivorous songbirds in Texas are exposed to aflatoxins at backyard feeders, which may be a significant morbidity and mortality factor.     

Selenium (Se) Seed Priming Induced Growth and Biochemical Changes in Wheat Under Water Deficit Conditions

Insufficient stand establishment at early growth stages in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) due to drought stress is a major problem that limits overall efficiency and yield of crop. Priming of seed is an effective method for raising seed performance and improving tolerance of crops to abiotic stresses especially drought. The seeds of two local wheat cultivars (Kohistan-97 and Pasban-90) were soaked in distilled water or sodium selenate solutions of 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM for 1/2 or 1 h at 25 °C and later re-dried to their original moisture levels before sowing. One-hour priming significantly increased root length stress tolerance index, dry matter stress tolerance index, and total biomass of seedlings; however, no significant effect of changing duration of Se seed priming was observed on plant height stress tolerance index and shoot/root ratio. Among cultivars, Kohistan-97 was found to be more responsive to Se seed treatment as 1 h priming at 100 μM significantly increased its total biomass by 43 % as compared to control treatment. Although biomass of seedlings was not affected with Se seed priming under normal conditions, but it increased significantly with increase in rates of Se under drought stress conditions. One-hour priming at 75 μM increased the total sugar content and total free amino acids in both wheat cultivars. A more significant decrease in soluble proteins of seedlings was observed by 1 h priming than 1/2 h priming under drought stress conditions.     

喜树的分泌结构及其与喜树碱积累的关系(英文)

为了揭示喜树碱(camptothecin,CPT)在喜树(Camptotheca acuminata Decne.)中的积累部位及积累规律,运用组织化学技术和高效液相色谱技术对喜树茎、叶中喜树碱的积累部位和含量进行了相关性分析。结果发现两类分泌结构与喜树碱积累密切相关:一类是分布于幼茎和幼叶表面的单细胞腺毛;另一类是分布于喜树幼茎和幼叶中的由1～2层细胞包围而成的分泌道。由此推断,喜树中的分泌结构为喜树碱的主要积累部位。     

喜树的分泌结构及其与喜树碱积累的关系

为了揭示喜树碱(camptothecin,CPT)在喜树(Camptotheca acuminata Decne.)中的积累部位及积累规律,运用组织化学技术和高效液相色谱技术对喜树茎、叶中喜树碱的积累部位和含量进行了相关性分析.结果发现两类分泌结构与喜树碱积累密切相关:一类是分布于幼茎和幼叶表面的单细胞腺毛;另一类是分布于喜树幼茎和幼叶中的由1～2层细胞包围而成的分泌道.由此推断,喜树中的分泌结构为喜树碱的主要积累部位.     

EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS ON COMPONENTS OF REPRODUCTION IN CLARKIA UNGUICULATA

The effects of stress on reproduction in Clarkia unguiculata were investigated by monitoring flower number, seed number and seed wt after subjecting plants to drought and heavy fruit loads, and by monitoring seed number after pollinating overage flowers. Fewer main-stem flowers were produced in drought stressed plants than in non-stressed plants. Drought stress did not affect overall seed numbers and seed wt in 1981, but did significantly affect seed number and wt in different flower age classes. Overall seed numbers were not affected by drought stress in 1982, but seed wt was significantly lower in plants with stressed ovules. Fewer flowers but more seeds per pollination were produced by plants in which all or ½ the flowers were pollinated than by plants in which ¼ or 1/6 of the flowers were pollinated. Seed wts were lowest in plants with a full fruit load and in fruits produced late in the growth cycle. Seed number was variable but high following pollination of flowers with 1–7 day old stigmas, and much lower in flowers with older stigmas.     

不同产地和生长季节喜树叶中喜树碱含量测定

喜树(Camptotheca acuminata)是我国特有抗癌植物。本文通过测定不同产地的喜树幼嫩叶和成熟叶中喜树碱含量表明,均以四川都江堰所产喜树叶中喜树碱含量最高。不同生长月份的喜树嫩叶中喜树碱含量成一条单峰曲线,以7月喜树嫩叶中喜树碱的含量最高。     

干旱胁迫下白刺花种子大小与萌发对策

种子大小与种子萌发及其与环境因子的关系是植物种子萌发对策研究中的重要科学问题之一。采用PEG模拟干旱法研究不同干旱胁迫强度(0,5%,10%,15%,20%)下,白刺花(Sophora davidii)种子萌发进程、种子大小与种子萌发及种子命运的关系。结果表明:不同干旱胁迫下,白刺花种子具有相似的萌发进程,但中度干旱处理(10%PEG)萌发率显著高于零干旱(0%PEG)和重度干旱处理(P0.05),重度干旱处理(20%PEG)种子萌发开始时间晚于零干旱和中度干旱处理;种子大小与种子萌发开始时间的关系表现为零干旱处理下呈极显著负线性关系,中度干旱处理(5%PEG,10%PEG)下无相关关系,重度干旱处理(15%PEG,20%PEG)下呈负二次曲线关系;种子大小对种子命运的影响表现为零干旱处理有利于大、小种子萌发和小种子休眠,中度干旱处理(10%PEG)增加中等种子萌发、大种子休眠和小种子死亡风险,重度干旱处理(15%PEG,20%PEG)增加大种子死亡风险、中等种子和小种子休眠。综合分析表明,白刺花种子大小与萌发行为及种子命运的关系具有较强的环境依赖性,即种子萌发行为表现为顺境下种子越大萌发越快,逆境下小种子和大种子较中等种子萌发更快;种子命运表现为顺境增加种子死亡的风险,中度干扰有利于种子萌发,逆境则有利于种子休眠。     

Asymbiotic germination response to photoperiod and nutritional media in six populations of Calopogon tuberosus var. tuberosus (Orchidaceae): evidence for ecotypic differentiation

Background and Aims

Ecotypic differentiation has been explored in numerous plant species, but has been largely ignored in the Orchidaceae. Applying a specific germination protocol for widespread seed sources may be unreliable due to inherent physiological or genetic differences in localized populations. It is crucial to determine whether ecotypic differentiation exists for restoration and conservation programmes. Calopogon tuberosus var. tuberosus, a widespread terrestrial orchid of eastern North America, is a model species to explore ecotypic differences in germination requirements, as this species occupies diverse habitats spanning a wide geographical range.

Methods

Mature seeds were collected from south Florida, north central Florida, three locations in South Carolina, and the upper Michigan peninsula. Effects of three photoperiods (8/16, 12/12, 16/8 h L/D) were examined on asymbiotic in vitro seed germination and seedling development of C. tuberosus. Germination and early development was monitored for 8 weeks, while advanced development was monitored for an additional 8 weeks. In an additional experiment, asymbiotic seed germination and development was monitored for 8 weeks on six culture media (BM-1 terrestrial orchid medium, Knudson C, Malmgrem, half-strength MS, P723, and Vacin and Went). A tetrazolium test for embryo viability was performed.

Key Results

Short days promoted the highest germination among Florida populations, but few differences among photoperiods in other seed sources existed. Different media had little effect on the germination of Michigan and Florida populations, but germination of South Carolina seeds was higher on media with higher calcium and magnesium. Tetrazolium testing confirmed that South Carolina seeds exhibited low viability while viability was higher in Florida seeds. Seed germination and corm formation was rapid in Michigan seeds across all treatments. Michigan seedlings allocated more biomass to corms compared with other seed sources.

Conclusions

Rapid germination and corm formation may be a survival mechanism in response to a compressed growing season in northern populations. Ecotypic differentiation may be occurring based on seed germination and corm formation data.Key words: Asymbiotic germination, corm development, Calopogon tuberosus, ecotypic differentiation, native orchid, orchid seed germination, seedling development     

Differential proline metabolism in vegetative and reproductive tissues determine drought tolerance in chickpea

Proline is emerging as a critical component of drought tolerance and fine tuning of its metabolism under stress affects the plants sensitivity and response to stress. Thus the study was carried out to analyse the effect of water deficit on the proline content and principal enzymes involved in its synthesis (Δ¹-pyrolline-carboxylate synthetase) and catabolism (proline dehydrogenase) at different developmental stages and in different organs (roots, nodules, leaves, pod wall, and seeds) of two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars differing in drought tolerance (drought tolerant ICC4958 and drought sensitive ILC3279). It was observed that increased Δ¹-pyrolline-carboxylate synthetase activity under moderate stress in roots and nodules of ICC4958 caused an increase in proline content during initiation of reproductive development whereas increased proline dehydrogenase activity in nodules and leaves at this period helped to maintain reducing power and energy supply in tissues and proper seed development as seed biomass increased consistently up to maturity. On the other hand, roots and nodules of ILC3279 responded to stress by increasing proline content after the developmental phase of reproductive organs was over (near maturity) which negatively affected the response of pod wall to stress. Concurrent increase in activities of Δ¹-pyrolline-carboxylate synthetase and proline dehydrogenase in pod wall of ILC3279 aggravated the oxidative stress and affected seed development as seed biomass initially increased rapidly under stress but was unaffected near maturity.     

干旱胁迫对鹿角杜鹃种子萌发和幼苗生理特性的影响

为探明鹿角杜鹃种子萌发和幼苗生长期的耐旱性,以鹿角杜鹃干种子和90d苗龄幼苗为材料,采用聚乙二醇(PEG-6000)模拟不同程度的干旱胁迫,研究干旱胁迫对其种子萌发、早期幼苗生长及幼苗的细胞膜透性、MDA含量、有机渗透调节物质和抗氧化酶活性的影响,并对种子萌发率、早期幼苗生长量与PEG胁迫浓度间进行了回归分析。结果表明:(1)5%~25%PEG胁迫范围内,随着干旱胁迫程度的增加,鹿角杜鹃种子的发芽启动时间推迟,发芽持续时间延长,发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数、活力指数和幼苗生长量显著降低;重度干旱胁迫(25%PEG)下,鹿角杜鹃种子完全未萌发。(2)发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数、活力指数以及幼苗生长量的变化均与干旱胁迫程度呈极显著负相关关系,回归分析求得鹿角杜鹃种子萌发的半致死PEG干旱胁迫浓度为15.68%、半致矮PEG干旱胁迫浓度为15.37%。(3)随着PEG胁迫浓度的增加,鹿角杜鹃幼苗叶片SOD活性呈先升后降的趋势,但各胁迫处理仍显著高于CK(0%PEG);细胞膜透性、MDA、脯氨酸、可溶性糖含量、POD和CAT活性则在中度(15%~20%PEG)和重度胁迫下显著升高,与干旱胁迫程度呈极显著正相关关系。研究表明,干旱胁迫显著抑制了鹿角杜鹃种子萌发和早期幼苗生长,使其细胞膜受到损伤,同时鹿角杜鹃可通过体内渗透调节物质和抗氧化酶活性的增加来适应干旱环境,使得自身受抑制、损伤程度降到最低。