Chromophore distribution and ultraviolet visual pigment in the compound eyes of the Japanese fireflies Luciola cruciata and L. lateralis (Coleoptera, Lampyridae)

Based on electroretinogram measurements, fireflies are reported to possess two spectral-sensitivity peaks: one in the near-ultraviolet and the other in the green region. This suggests that at least two kinds of visual pigment should be present (Lall and Lloyd 1989). Analyses by high pressure liquid chromatography revealed that there are two kinds of chromophores, i.e., retinal (A1) and 3-hydroxyretinal (A3), in the compound eye of Japanese fireflies of the genus Luciola (Gleadall et␣al. 1989). Through selective light-adaptation experiments and in vitro analyses by high pressure liquid chromatography, it is demonstrated that the A1 is the chromophore of an ultraviolet-sensitive visual pigment and the A3 is the chromophore of a green-sensitive pigment. The absolute amounts of A1 and A3 were, respectively, 32.1 ± 3.9 and 111.1 ± 35.2 pmol in male, and 26.9 ± 6.9 and 63.4 ± 18.2 pmol in female (mean ± SD per animal). These results indicate that the amount of green-sensitive visual pigment in males is significantly higher than in females. A difference in the distribution of these chromophores is demonstrated in the eyes of female (but not male) fireflies: in the dorsal region of the female eye, the A1:A3 ratio is higher than that for the rest of the eye. Accepted: 28 February 1998     

Nitric oxide in invertebrates

Nitric oxide (NO) is considered an important signaling molecule implied in different physiological processes, including nervous transmission, vascular regulation, immune defense, and in the pathogenesis of several diseases. The presence of NO is well demonstrated in all vertebrates. The recent data on the presence and roles of NO in the main invertebrate groups are reviewed here, showing the widespread diffusion of this signaling molecule throughout the animal kingdom, from higher invertebrates down to coelenterates and even to prokaryotic cells. In invertebrates, the main functional roles described for mammals have been demonstrated, whereas experimental evidence suggests the presence of new NOS isoforms different from those known for higher organisms. Noteworthy is the early appearance of NO throughout evolution and striking is the role played by the nitrergic pathway in the sensorial functions, from coelenterates up to mammals, mainly in olfactory-like systems. All literature data here reported suggest that future research on the biological roles of early signaling molecules in lower living forms could be important for the understanding of the nervous-system evolution.     

Nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase activity in plants

Research on NO in plants has gained considerable attention in recent years mainly due to its function in plant growth and development and as a key signalling molecule in different intracellular processes in plants. The NO emission from plants is known since the 1970s, and now there is abundant information on the multiple effects of exogenously applied NO on different physiological and biochemical processes of plants. The physiological function of NO in plants mainly involves the induction of different processes, including the expression of defence-related genes against pathogens and apoptosis/programmed cell death (PCD), maturation and senescence, stomatal closure, seed germination, root development and the induction of ethylene emission. NO can be produced in plants by non-enzymatic and enzymatic systems. The NO-producing enzymes identified in plants are nitrate reductase, and several nitric oxide synthase-like activities, including one localized in peroxisomes which has been biochemically characterized. Recently, two genes of plant proteins with NOS activity have been isolated and characterized for the first time, and both proteins do not have sequence similarities to any mammalian NOS isoform. However, different evidence available indicate that there are other potential enzymatic sources of NO in plants, including xanthine oxidoreductase, peroxidase, cytochrome P450, and some hemeproteins. In plants, the enzymatic production of the signal molecule NO, either constitutive or induced by different biotic/abiotic stresses, may be a much more common event than was initially thought.     

The ecological impact of an introduced population on a native population in the firefly Luciola cruciata (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

In Japan, Tatsuno Town has been famous for many Luciola cruciata fireflies emerging every summer at least since the 1920s. However, in the 1960s, L. cruciata fireflies were intentionally introduced from the Lake Biwa area into Matsuo-kyo, the most famous habitat of fireflies in that town. In this study, I examined ambient temperatures and flash rates of L. cruciata at four sites including Matsuo-kyo in the Tatsuno area and two sites in the Lake Biwa area. The linear regression of flash rates on temperatures indicated that the Matsuo-kyo population was distinct from the other three populations native to the Tatsuno area, but similar to the two populations native to the Lake Biwa area in terms of flash rates. These results were also supported by a recent molecular biological study, suggesting that the introduced fireflies had a strong ecological impact on the native ones at Matsuo-kyo. The present study emphasizes that we should not transport and release L. cruciata fireflies without careful consideration.     

Luciferase cDNA from Japanese firefly,Luciola cruciata: Cloning,structure and expression in Escherichia coli

We have cloned the cDNA for luciferase from lantern poly(A)⁺ RNA of a Japanese firefly, Luciola cruciata (Genji botaru in Japanese). This cDNA directed the synthesis of enzymatically active luciferase under the control of the lac promoter in Escherichia coli. The amino acid sequence predicted from the cDNA sequence shows that Genji firefly luciferase consists of 548 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 60,024. Considerable sequence homology was found upon the comparison of the Genji and North American firefly luciferases.     

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in mouse skeletal muscle development and differentiated myoblasts

The neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS, termed also NOS-I) is expressed in normal adult skeletal muscle, suggesting important functions for NO in muscle biology. However, the expression and subcellular localization of NOS in muscle development and myoblast differentiation are largely unknown. In the present study, NOS was immunolocalized with isoform-specific antibodies in developing muscle and in differentiated myoblast cultures (mouse C2C12) together with histochemical NADPH-dependent diaphorase activity that is blocked by specific NOS inhibitors and therefore designated as NOS-associated diaphorase activity (NOSaD). Western blot analysis revealed immunoreactive bands for NOS-I-III in lysates from perinatal and adult muscle tissue and C2C12-myotubes that comigrated with prototypical proteins. In embryonic skeletal muscle, but not in adult myofibers, diffuse cytosolic staining and lack of sarcolemmal NOSaD activity and NOS-I immunoreaction were evident. In both myoblasts and fusioned myotubes, NOSaD and NOS isoforms I-III colocalize in the cytosol. Additionally, members of the sarcolemmal dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (i.e., dystrophin, adhalin, β1-dystroglycan) immunolocalize in the cytosol of differentiating myoblasts, whereas anti-dystrophin and anti-β1-dystroglycan clearly delineate the sarcolemma in myotubes. Thus, expression of NOS isoforms I-III and NOSaD is cytosolic in fusion-competent myoblasts during myotube formation in vitro. Interaction of NOSaD/NOS-I with the sarcolemmal dystrophin-complex known from mature myofibers is apparently lacking in prenatal muscle development and differentiating myoblasts. Localization of NOS isoforms thus characterized in myogenic cultures may help further to investigate regulated NO formation in muscle cells in vitro.     

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) underlies aluminum-induced inhibition of root elongation in Hibiscus moscheutos

Aluminum (Al) is toxic to plants when solubilized into Al(3+) in acidic soils, and becomes a major factor limiting plant growth. However, the primary cause for Al toxicity remains unknown. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule modulating numerous physiological processes in plants. Here, we investigated the role of NO in Al toxicity to Hibiscus moscheutos. Exposure of H. moscheutos to Al(3+) led to a rapid inhibition of root elongation, and the inhibitory effect was alleviated by NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). NO scavenger and inhibitors of NO synthase (NOS) and nitrate reductase had a similar inhibitory effect on root elongation. The inhibition of root elongation by these treatments was ameliorated by SNP. Aluminum inhibited activity of NOS and reduced endogenous NO concentrations. The alleviation of inhibition of root elongation induced by Al, NO scavenger and NOS inhibitor was correlated with endogenous NO concentrations in root apical cells, suggesting that reduction of endogenous NO concentrations resulting from inhibition of NOS activity could underpin Al-induced arrest of root elongation in H. moscheutos.     

Nitric oxide (NO) synthase immunoreactivity in the starfish Marthasterias glacialis

The neuroendocrine system of the starfish Marthasterias glacialis was investigated immunocytochemically using antisera specific for rat neuronal, bovine aortic endothelial, and mouse macrophage, nitric oxide (NO) synthases. Immunoreactivity was detected only with the antibodies specific for the neural enzyme, in the ectoneural and hyponeural tissues of the radial nerve cords and in the basiepithelial plexus and endocrine cells of the digestive tract. The pyloric stomach showed more immunoreactive structures than the other digestive organs, with the rectal caeca showing the least activity. Immunoreactive endocrine cells were located in the cardiac and pyloric stomachs and in the pyloric caeca. Co-localization of the enzyme immunoreactivity, and the staining for NADPH-diaphorase, demonstrate the presence of NO synthase in echinoderms. These results provide further evidence that NO is a neuronal messenger of early phylogenetic origin which has been conserved throughout evolution.     

Nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the developing and adult human retina

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) catalyzes the formation of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine. In this study, the cellular localization of neuronal NOS (nNOS) activity in the human retina since fetal development was examined by immunohistochemistry. No detectable staining in the fetal retina was present at 14 weeks of gestation (wg), the earliest age group examined. A centro-peripheral gradient of development of nNOS immunoreactivity was evident at 16–17 wg, with the midperipheral retina showing nNOS immunoreactivity in most of the cell types and the inner plexiform layer while the peripheral part demonstrated moderate immunoreactivity only in the ganglion cell layer and photoreceptor precursors. A transient increase in nNOS immunoreactivity in the ganglion cells and Müller cell endfeet between 18–19 and 24–25 wg was observed at the time when programmed cell death in the ganglion cell layer, loss of optic nerve fibres as well as increase in glutamate immunoreactivity and parvalbumin (a calcium binding protein) immunoreactivity in the ganglion cells was reported. These observations indicate that programmed cell death of ganglion cells in the retina may be linked to glutamate toxicity and NO activity, as also suggested by others in the retina and cerebral cortex. The presence of nNOS immunoreactivity in the photoreceptors from 16–17 weeks of fetal life to adulthood indicates other functions, besides their involvement in photoreceptor function of transduction and information processing.     

Song convergence in multiple urban populations of silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis)

Recent studies have revealed differences between urban and rural vocalizations of numerous bird species. These differences include frequency shifts, amplitude shifts, altered song speed, and selective meme use. If particular memes sung by urban populations are adapted to the urban soundscape, "urban-typical" calls, memes, or repertoires should be consistently used in multiple urban populations of the same species, regardless of geographic location. We tested whether songs or contact calls of silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) might be subject to such convergent cultural evolution by comparing syllable repertoires of geographically dispersed urban and rural population pairs throughout southeastern Australia. Despite frequency and tempo differences between urban and rural calls, call repertoires were similar between habitat types. However, certain song syllables were used more frequently by birds from urban than rural populations. Partial redundancy analysis revealed that both geographic location and habitat characteristics were important predictors of syllable repertoire composition. These findings suggest convergent cultural evolution: urban populations modify both song and call syllables from their local repertoire in response to noise.     

Comparison of effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors on plasma nitrite/nitrate levels and tissue NOS activity in septic organs

An excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) by NO synthase (NOS) is considered to contribute to circulatory disturbance, tissue damage, and refractory hypotention, which are often observed in septic disorders. It is anticipated that a selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor with excellent pharmacokinetics may be potentially effective as a novel and potent therapeutic intervention in sepsis. We examined whether or not a selective iNOS inhibitor shows iNOS selectivity at the tissue level, when administered systemically. The effects of four NOS inhibitors on plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and tissue NOS levels were compared in major organs (lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and brain) 6 hr after the injection of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into male Wistar-King rats. The rats treated with the three iNOS inhibitors (N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400W), (1 S, 5 S, 6 R, 7 R )-2-aza-7-chloro-3-imino-5-methylbicyclo [4.1.0] heptane hydrochloride (ONO-1714), and aminoguanidine) administered 1 hr after LPS injection, showed dose-dependent decreases in plasma NOx levels and NOS activity in the lungs. The non-selective NOS inhibitor (N(G)-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA)) had an effect only at the maximum dose. The differences in in vitro iNOS selectivity among these drugs did not correlate with iNOS selectivity at the tissue level. The relationship between plasma NOx levels and NOS activity in the lungs showed a linear relationship with or without the NOS inhibitors. In conclusion, the iNOS selectivity of these drugs does not seem to differ at the tissue level. Plasma NOx levels may be a useful indicator of lung NOS activity.     

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) coexists with activated neurons by skeletal muscle contraction in the brainstem of cats

Contraction of skeletal muscle evokes increases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Some regions of the brainstem have been implicated for expression of the cardiovascular responses to muscle contraction. Previous studies have reported that static muscle contraction induced c-Fos protein in the nucleus of tractus solitarii (NTS), lateral reticular nucleus (LRN), lateral tegmental field (FTL), subretrofacial nucleus (SRF), A1 region and periaqueductal gray (PAG) of the brainstem. Furthermore, neuronal NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d), which is considered as a marker of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), has been localized in those same regions. In this study, static muscle contraction was induced by electrical stimulation of the L7 and S1 ventral roots in anaesthetized cats. Distribution of c-Fos protein within neurons containing nNOS was evaluated by double labeling methods in order to determine if nNOS containing neurons in the brainstem were activated during muscle contraction. The results indicate that c-Fos protein colocalized with NADPH-d positive staining within the neurons of the SRF and PAG, but not within the NTS neurons. Distinct number of neurons with c-Fos protein was in close proximity to NADPH-d positive staining in the NTS, SRF, and PAG. Coexisting of c-Fos protein and NADPH-d positive staining was not observed in the LRN, FTL and A1 region. These findings demonstrate that nNOS containing neurons were activated by muscle contraction in the selective regions of the brainstem, and nNOS positive staining had close anatomic contacts with the neurons activated by contraction. This result provides neuroanatomic evidence suggesting that nitric oxide modulates the cardiovascular responses to muscle contraction within the NTS, SRF and PAG of the brainstem.     

Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the porcine oocyte and its possible function

The present study was designed to investigate the localization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in porcine oocytes and its possible function during in vitro development. RT-PCR and immunoblotting analyses revealed the presence of eNOS in the oocytes prepared from small follicles, with an amplified product of 456 bp and an apparent mol wt of 130 kDa, respectively. The synthesis of oocyte NO was suppressed during a 72-h culture of cumulus-oocyte complexes in the presence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), but not luteinizing hormone (LH). However, the decrease in NO synthesis did not result from the levels of eNOS mRNA and its protein, as revealed by analyses of RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, suggesting that expression of oocyte eNOS is not dependent upon gonadotropin stimulation. In proliferated cumulus cells, LH receptor mRNA expression was detected after a 48-h culture with FSH, as revealed by RT-PCR analysis. mRNA expression was inhibited by an NO-releasing agent (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine) after an additional 24-h culture. These results suggest that oocytes may release eNOS-derived NO as a signal for somatic cells to steadily suppress the development of cumulus cells, if not FSH stimulation. Conversely, the synthesis of NO is suppressed during the action of FSH on the cumulus cells with no changes in eNOS expression.     

Arginase II Downregulates Nitric Oxide (NO) Production and Prevents NO-mediated Apoptosis in Murine Macrophage-derived RAW 264.7 Cells

Excess nitric oxide (NO) induces apoptosis of some cell types, including macrophages. As NO is synthesized by NO synthase (NOS) from arginine, a common substrate of arginase, these two enzymes compete for arginine. There are two known isoforms of arginase, types I and II. Using murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells, we asked if the induction of arginase II would downregulate NO production and hence prevent apoptosis. When cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), the inducible form of NOS (iNOS) was induced, production of NO was elevated, and apoptosis followed. When dexamethasone and cAMP were further added, both iNOS and arginase II were induced, NO production was much decreased, and apoptosis was prevented. When the cells were transfected with an arginase II expression plasmid and treated with LPS/IFN-γ, some cells were rescued from apoptosis. An arginase I expression plasmid was also effective. On the other hand, transfection with the arginase II plasmid did not prevent apoptosis when a NO donor SNAP or a high concentration (12 mM) of arginine was added. These results indicate that arginase II prevents NO-dependent apoptosis of RAW 264.7 cells by depleting intracellular arginine and by decreasing NO production.     

CHS基因起源初探及其在被子植物中的进化分析

利用PCR与TAlL-PCR方法,从半月苔(Lunularia cructata(L.)Dum.ex Lindb)中获得了一段长约l 000 bp的基因片段,它与已知的CHS基因在核苷酸水平上的相似性大于56%,在氨基酸水平上的相似性大于60%,所推断的氨基酸序列中酶反应的4个催化位点与已知晶体结构的紫花苜蓿MCHS2A上的催化位点相同,首次证明了苔类植物中可能存在类CHS基因,将CHS基因的起源时间推到苔藓类植物出现之前.以该序列和两种蕨类植物(Psilotumnudum(L.)Griseb.和Equisetum arvense L.)的CHS序列作为外类群,应用邻接法、最大简约法和最大似然法分别构建了被子植物的CHS的分子系统树.结果表明,大部分科中的CHS分布在不同的分支上,而十字花科、可科和禾本科各自聚成一个单系类群.以邻接树为依据,对茄科、旋花科和菊科的CHS基因进行了相对碱基替换速率的检测,发现这三个科内或科间序列的替换速率不一致.被子植物的CHS基因在基因拷贝数目、碱基替换速率以及重复/丢失事件的发生上都存在较大的差异,这种差异可能与被子植物的生活史、生活环境、花的特性以及对外界的防御系统等的多样性相关.     

CHS基因起源初探及其在被子植物中的进化分析

利用PCR与TAIL-PCR方法,从半月苔(Lunulariacruciata(L.)Dum.exLindb.)中获得了一段长约1000bp的基因片段,它与已知的CHS基因在核苷酸水平上的相似性大于56%,在氨基酸水平上的相似性大于60%,所推断的氨基酸序列中酶反应的4个催化位点与已知晶体结构的紫花苜蓿MCHS2A上的催化位点相同,首次证明了苔类植物中可能存在类CHS基因,将CHS基因的起源时间推到苔藓类植物出现之前。以该序列和两种蕨类植物(Psilotumnudum(L.)Griseb.和EquisetumarvenseL.)的CHS序列作为外类群,应用邻接法、最大简约法和最大似然法分别构建了被子植物的CHS的分子系统树。结果表明,大部分科中的CHS分布在不同的分支上,而十字花科、豆科和禾本科各自聚成一个单系类群。以邻接树为依据,对茄科、旋花科和菊科的CHS基因进行了相对碱基替换速率的检测,发现这三个科内或科间序列的替换速率不一致。被子植物的CHS基因在基因拷贝数目、碱基替换速率以及重复/丢失事件的发生上都存在较大的差异,这种差异可能与被子植物的生活史、生活环境、花的特性以及对外界的防御系统等的多样性相关。     

条背萤的形态和生物学研究

首次在中国大陆发现水栖萤火虫条背萤Luciola substriata。形态观察发现,条背萤成虫橙黄色, 鞘翅末端灰黑色;发光器均为白色,雄虫发光器位于第5、6腹节,位于第5腹节的发光器呈带状,第6腹节的发光器呈“V”字形;雌虫的发光器呈带状,位于第5腹节;卵椭圆形,橙黄色。幼虫有两种形态,1～2龄具有7对呼吸鳃,3～6龄幼虫无呼吸鳃。幼虫具有一对发光器,位于第7腹节腹面;初蛹期仍保留幼虫形态的发光器,后呈现成虫的发光器,两种形态的发光器并存直至羽化。对条背萤生活史及习性调查发现,条背萤生活在水草较多的池塘、湖泊和流速缓慢的河流中。该虫1年发生1代,以幼虫在水中越冬,5月初老熟幼虫开始上岸化蛹。在25℃下,条背萤预蛹期平均为6.17天,蛹期平均为4.43天。成虫5月上旬至9月中旬发生。日落后的1 h内是条背萤成虫闪光求偶的最盛期。卵期平均12.5天。幼虫的猎物为静水椎实螺Lymnaea stagnalis,凸旋螺Gyraulus conwexiusculus等,天敌为克氏原螯虾Procambarus clarkii、中华绒毛蟹Eriocheir sinensis、草鱼Ctenopharyngodonidellus等。利用光谱仪对条背萤的发光光谱进行测定发现,条背萤的萤光光谱为425～603 nm,峰值为504 nm,颜色为黄绿混合色。     

Nitric oxide synthase in the nervous system and ink gland of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis: molecular cloning and expression

Nitric oxide (NO) signaling is involved in numerous physiological processes in mollusks, e.g., learning and memory, feeding behavior, neural development, and defence response. We report the first molecular cloning of NOS mRNA from a cephalopod, the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (SoNOS). SoNOS was cloned using a strategy that involves hybridization of degenerate PCR primers to highly conserved NOS regions, combined with RACE procedure. Two splicing variants of SoNOS, differing by 18 nucleotides, were found in the nervous system and the ink gland of Sepia. In situ hybridization shows that SoNOS is expressed in the immature and mature cells of the ink gland and in the regions of the nervous system that are related to the ink defence system.