Effects of testosterone on the behavior of male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

To determine the threshold doses of testosterone propionate (TP) that cause clear-cut behavioral changes in the sexual behavior of castrated male cynomolgus monkeys, observations were made on three males during successive 5-week treatment periods while they received daily subcutaneous doses of 100 μg TP increasing in octaves to 25.6 mg TP. Males were tested with each of the same two ovariectomized, estrogen-treated females (6 pairs, 330 1-hr behavior tests). To mimic the diurnal plasma testosterone rhythm, TP injections were given at 1600 hr and blood samples were obtained at 0800 hr (141 samples). Male ejaculatory activity increased at the threshold dose of 200 μg TP per day giving plasma testosterone levels of 830 ng/100 ml, which is in the physiological range of 600–1600 ng/100 ml for intact males. This threshold dose was eight times higher than in rhesus monkeys on a dose per kilogram body weight basis. There was a further marked increase in ejaculatory performance at higher doses (6.4 to 25.6 mg) giving supraphysiological plasma levels of 4000–9000 ng/100 ml. There were individual differences in the behavioral changes occurring with TP treatment, and the female partner modulated the effects. These findings were generally similar to those obtained with male rhesus monkeys, but certain species differences were noted.     

Information-statistical analysis of factors determining ongoing behaviour and social interaction in Java monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Behavioural data from triads of Java monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are used to compare several information-statistical models for the analysis of social interaction and communication. An analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) model relating the variability of the ongoing behaviour of a reference subject to both its own preceding behaviour and that of its partners fits the data best. The same data are also used to investigate certain formal aspects of communication by means of the ANOVA model; in particular, the role of observable orientation in behaviour as reflecting intention to communicate. Finally, behavioural data from observing a group of six Java monkeys are presented to show that the ANOVA model can provide parameters for describing group structure and dominance relations.     

Sesquiterpene lactones from Michelia fuscata

Two new sesquiterpene lactones, desacetyllanuginolide and michefuscalide were isolated from Michelia fuscata along with two known lactones, dehydrolanuginolide, lipiferolide and a lignan, syringaresinol. The structures of desacetyllanuginolide and michefuscalide were determined by spectral and chemical methods.     

Moxestrol (R2858), estradiol benzoate,and sexual behavior of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

Female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) received daily injections of either 1 μg of Moxestrol (R2858) or 10 μg of estradiol benzoate (EB) for 13 days and were pair-tested for sexual behavior with males on Days 12 and 13 of therapy. Despite the 10-fold difference in dosage, there were no statistically significant differences between the two hormones in ability to stimulate the display of any behavior observed.     

Topological description of Easter Islander palmar dermatoglyphics

A sample of 594 Easter Islander palms was analyzed according to the topological method. Some suggestions for clarification of the topological approach were made, including clearer definition of the palmar triradii and substitution of the term "profile" for "formula." The frequency of Easter Islander profiles was compared against British and Australian Aborigine samples (Loesch, 1974; 1983a,b) and found to be significantly different for two of the ten most common combinations. The individual pattern elements, pattern intensities, a-b count, A-line exit, and atd angle were described, with population comparisons made when they were available.     

Proteomic identification of differentially expressed genes during differentiation of cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) embryonic stem cells to astrocyte progenitor cells in vitro

Understanding astrocytogenesis is valuable for the treatment of nervous system disorders, as astrocytes provide structural, metabolic and defense support to neurons, and regulate neurons actively. However, there is limited information about the molecular events associated with the differentiation from primate ES cells to astrocytes. We therefore investigated the differentially expressed proteins in early astrocytogenesis, from cynomolgus monkey ES cells (CMK6 cell line) into astrocyte progenitor (AstP) cells via the formation of primitive neural stem spheres (Day 4), mature neural stem spheres (NSS), and neural stem (NS) cells in vitro, using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). We identified 66 differentially expressed proteins involved in these five differentiation stages. Together with the results of Western blotting, RT-PCR, and a search of metabolic pathways related to the identified proteins, these results indicated that collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), its phosphorylated forms, and cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (CRABP1) were upregulated from ES cells to Day 4 and NSS cells, to which differentiation stages apoptosis-associated proteins such as caspases were possibly related; Phosphorylated CRMP2s were further upregulated but CRABP1 was downregulated from NSS cells to NS cells, during which differentiation stage considerable axon guidance proteins for development of growth cones, axon attraction, and repulsion were possibly readied; Nonphosphorylated CRMP2 was downregulated but CRABP1 was re-upregulated from NS cells to AstP cells, in which differentiation stage reorganization of actin cytoskeleton linked to focal adhesion was possibly accompanied. These results provide insight into the molecular basis of early astrocytogenesis in monkey.     

Spontaneous tubular (cuboidal) metaplasia of the parietal layer of Bowman's capsule in Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Tubular (cuboidal) metaplasia of the parietal epithelium of Bowman's capsule was observed in 19 (10 males, 9 females) of 56 adult control Cynomolgus monkeys. Cuboidal epithelium replaced the normally present flattened epithelium to various degrees in animals affected. Cuboidal cells revealed an eosinophilic cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei, thus resembling proximal convoluted epithelial cells in all respects. Continuity of the cuboidal glomerular epithelium with that of the proximal tubule was occasionally observed.     

In vivo study of human Plasmodium knowlesi inMacaca fascicularis

Plasmodium knowlesi is a malaria parasite of Old World monkeys and is infectious to humans. In this study Macaca fascicularis was used as a model to understand the host response to P. knowlesi using parasitological and haematological parameters. Three M. fascicularis of either sex were experimentally infected with P. knowlesi erythrocytic parasites from humans. The pre-patent period for P. knowlesi infection in M. fascicularis ranged from seven to 14 days. The parasitemia observed was 13,686-24,202 parasites per μL of blood for asexual stage and 88-264 parasites per μL of blood for sexual stage. Periodicity analysis adopted from microfilaria periodicity technique of asexual stage showed that the parasitemia peak at 17:39 h while the sexual stage peaked at 02:36 h. Mathematical analysis of the data indicates that P. knowlesi gametocytes tend to display periodicity with a peak (24:00-06:00) that coincides with the peak biting activity (19:00-06:00) of the local vector, Anopheles latens. The morphology of P. knowlesi resembled P. falciparum in early trophozoite and P. malariae in late trophozoite. However, it may be distinguishable by observing the appliqué appearance of the cytoplasm and the chromatin lying inside the ring. Haematological analysis on macaques with knowlesi malaria showed clinical manifestations of hypoglycaemia, anaemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Gross examination of spleen and liver showed malaria pigments deposition in both organs.     

Finger and palmar dermatoglyphics in Seminole Indians of Florida

Hand prints of 146 Florida Seminoles were obtained at the Brighton, Big Cypress and Dania reservations and at the Indian Agency in Dania. Comparisons with other tribes of North American Indians (Comanche, Arapahoe, Navaho, Hopi and Pueblo) reveal similarities with respect to fingerprint indices, frequencies of patterns in all palmar areas, and transverseness of palmar ridges. Comparisons of Seminoles and other North American tribes with the Mayans of southern Mexico and Guatamala show striking differences in pattern frequencies in the thenar/first interdigital area of the palm. Among North American Indians, the frequency varies from 18.49% among Seminoles to 28.5% among Navahoes, whereas all Mayan tribes which have been studied range between 40 and 50%. Pattern frequencies are higher in the thenar/first interdigital area than in the hypothenar area among all Amerindians who have been tested. This trend is the reverse of that found in other racial groups. North, Central and South American Indians are similar with respect to relatively high finger pattern indices, low frequencies of patterns in the hypothenar area, low frequencies of accessory triradii in the interdigital areas and moderately transverse palmar ridges.     

Remarks on some rare traits of finger and palmar dermatoglyphics

Rare dermatoglyphical patterns of fingers and palms of 26 different Hungarian population groups (males; 3207 individuals, 6414 hands) are compared with that observed in some population groups from the USSR (Buriats, Chookhchees, Kazakhs, Mansi and Komi), Khalkha-Mongolians, and Ethiopians (altogether 838 male individuals, 1676 hands). These patterns are: Radial loops on IV. and V. fingers, absence of triradius "d" on the palms, Ar,Lu and W + S on the hypothenar, Lc/Lr (Bettmann figure) and W + S on the thenar/I, and W on II., III. and IV. interdigital pads. It is pointed out that in addition to population studies these rare traits may also be used in genetic investigations (twin studies) as well as in forensic anthropology (disputed paternity).     

The milk gland of the sheep ked, Melophagus ovinus: A comparison with Glossina

Structurally, the milk gland of the sheep ked, Melophagus ovinus, is quite similar to that of the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans. In both insects the highly branched gland consists of two cell layers. An extracellular reservoir associated with each secretory cell initially receives the secreted milk. Milk then passes into the gland lumen through a dense cuticular rete. Gram-negative bacteria, presumably symbionts, are abundant in the lumen. Unlike tsetse, the secretory reservoir of the sheep ked is bi-lobed, and the secretory cell nucleus remains centrally located throughout the pregnancy cycle. Lipid droplets are much more abundant in the cytoplasm of the ked secretory cell, and analysis of larval milk shows 5–6% higher lipid content in the sheep ked. Results of histochemical analysis of ked milk are consistent with the analysis of tsetse milk. Four major milk proteins are detectable with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Changes in abundance of ER and sizes of the secretory cell nucleus and secretory reservoir reflect a dramatic cycle of glandular activity during pregnancy. Unlike tsetse, the sheep ked remains constantly on its host and appears to take frequent, but small, blood meals. This strategy implies that the demand for nutrient storage is less than in tsetse.     

Qualitative aspects of palmar dermatoglyphics in a sample of Sardinian population

The author examines certain qualitative aspects of palmar dermatoglyphics in 820 individuals of both sexes from the city of Cagliari (Sardinia). The overall results obtained are discussed and the sexual and lateral differences are considered. The sample examined differs from other Mediterranean samples because of a tendency toward a vertical trend of the papillary lines, a lower frequency of patterns in the 2nd and 3rd interdigital areas and a higher frequency of patterns in the 4th interdigital area.