The karyotypes of Dugesia species from Spain (Turbellaria,Tricladida)

Some species of Planarians, new to Spain, are recorded. Dugesia polychroa, D. sicula, D. iberica and D. gonocephala s. 1. have been investigated karyologically. The former possesses a diploid complement characteristic of the biotype A (2n = 8); the second is diploid with 2n = 18; diploidy and triploidy were found in sexual populations of D. iberica with n = 8. Triploidy occurred in all the asexual strains of the D. gonocephala group with a basic number of either 8 or 9. In this latter case B-chromosomes were occasionally found.     

The preference for movement direction in a T-maze in planarians

Characteristics of spatial orientation in T-maze were studied in 1768 Planaria of following types: Dugesia tigrina (sexless and sexual race), Dugesia lugubris, Ijmia tenuis, Bdellacephala punctata. It was shown that from one third to one half of individuals were characterized by asymmetry of movement direction preference. The preference of right turning was typical for Dugesia tigrina; Dugesia lugubris, Ijmia tenuis, Bdellacephala punctata preferred left turning. The asymmetry described is considered as a primitive form of species functional asymmetry.     

Repeated DNA elements in planarians of the Dugesia gonocephala group (Platyhelminthes,Tricladida)

The results of the isolation of repetitive DNA elements in the genome of Dugesia etrusca, a species of the Dugesia gonocephala group, are reported. These sequences, about 1.4 kb long, represent only a part of longer interspersed genomic units (De1 family) and appear to be limited to the genome of some planarians of this group, as indicated by a Southern blot analysis performed in different species and populations. The genomic relationships among different species and populations of the D. gonocephala group are discussed in relation to the results obtained in the present work. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Ultracytochemistry of cyclic 3',5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in the planarian Dugesia lugubris (O. Schmidt)

The enzyme 3',5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase was localized in certain tissues of the planarian Dugesia lugubris (O. Schmidt) by means of ultracytochemical methods. This enzyme was found to be active in epithelium, muscles, nerve tissue and in rhabdite-forming cells. The active enzyme was present at the outer or inner side of the membrane, and even in the cytoplasm. Problems of the ultracytochemical localization of PDE are discussed.     

Effects of dopaminergic agents on monoamine levels and motor behaviour in planaria

1. Dopamine, serotonin and, in lesser amounts, norepinephrine were detected in Dugesia gonocephala using electrochemical detection coupled with liquid chromatography (LCED). 2. Treatment with L-dopa induced hyperkinesias, and a rise in dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine content, whereas reserpine reduced motor activity and the concentrations of all three monoamines. 3. Haloperidol reduced motor activity and dopamine and norepinephrine levels. 4. Apomorphine induced hyperkinesias without altering monoamine levels.     

Predation on snails by three species of triclad and its bearing on the distribution of Planaria torva in Britain

Dugesia polychroa, D. lugubris and Planaria torva preyed upon snails of differing morphologies and while the Dugesia spp. fed approximately in proportion to snail abundance, PL torva was more selective on Potamopyrgus jenkinsi. The incidence of feeding on four snail taxa by the Dugesia spp. was significantly correlated and differed strikingly from that of PI. torva where feeding was related to its annual life cycle. Large peaks of feeding coincided in the Dugesia spp. for the four snail types; this was attributed to snail vulnerability being increased by environmental disturbance. Comparison of feeding by Dugesia spp. in the presence and absence of PI. torva indicated that severe competition was occurring for food with PI. torva having a food refuge in P. jenkinsi. The distribution of PI. torva in Britain is largely confined to productive habitats in the Glasgow-Edinburgh and East Anglia regions. It is concluded that historical rather than ecological events have played the major part in its distribution to date. The strong association of PL torva with port areas and the canal system suggests that it is a recent introduction via the timber trade with Fennoscania.     

Karyology and karyotype analysis of diploid freshwater planarian populations of the Dugesia gonocephala group (Platyhelminthes,Tricladida) found in Sardinia

Karyology and karyotype analysis were carried out on freshwater planarian populations of the Dugesia gonocephala group. The strains studied were all diploid with chromosomic number 2n = 16; n = 8. They came from 12 sites mainly localized on the west of the island of Sardinia. Three karyotypes indicated with the letters A, B and C were found in which eight homomorphic pairs of chromosomes were easily identified. In karyotype A all chromosomes are metacentric. Ten populations of the twelve examined showed this karyotype which appears to be the most common. In karyotype B the seventh pair of chromosomes is submetacentric. This karyotype is quite common having been previously found in another eight Sardinian localities. Karyotype C differs from the others in having submetacentric third and seventh pairs of the chromosome complement. It was found in only one locality. The differences observed between these three karyotypes could be interpreted either as sign of differentiation at species level, or as an intraspecific variation due to chromosome mutations (pericentric inversions). This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Observations on Fission, Maturation and Reproduction in Dugesia biblica (Turbellaria, Tricladida) from Israel

Laboratory studies on the normally fissiparous Dugesia biblica from Israel (3 n =27+ x supernumeraries) have been made in order to investigate fission rates and spontaneous maturation of four fissioning populations and one clone. Laboratory induced maturation in a sixth population of D. biblica resulted in the laying of fertile cocoons, the offspring of which were either 3 n =27+ x , 2 n = 18+ x or 2 n = 18+ x It is suggested that triploidy is primarily responsible for the lack of sexual reproduction in the field, and that unequal inheritance of supernumerary chromosomes during mitosis may explain the differing tendencies to undergo spontaneous maturation by individuals of a clone of D. biblica. The karyotype, habitat and reproduction of D. biblica is compared with a closely related but diploid, normally sexually reproducing Dugesia form and possible relationships between these two are discussed.     

中国淡水三角涡虫染色体组型的研究

采用压片法对不同产地的淡水三角涡虫染色体进行研究,结果表明,湖北省武汉市珞珈山的淡水三角涡虫体细胞中有16条染色体,为二倍体（2n=2x=16m）;江苏省太湖东山岛的淡水三角涡虫体细胞中有24条染色体,为三倍体（2n=3x=24m）;贵州省遵义市凤凰山的淡水三角涡虫体细胞同时存在24条染色体和16条染色体两种分裂相,为混倍体。本文根据组型分析的结果对上述三个产地淡水三角涡虫的分类和染色体倍性进行了初步研究。另外,本研究中还发现涡虫染色体倍性的变化与涡虫生殖方式的转变以及环境温度有一定的联系。     

A chemotaxonomic investigation of Thapsia villosa L., Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Chemotaxonomic investigations of Thapsia villosa L., Apiaceae, have resulted in a division of the species into five different types, representing two distinctly different groups. Thapsigargins, the guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones with unique bioactivity, are present only in one of these groups, which includes two morphologically identical types, with different chromosome numbers, 2 n =44 [4×] and 2 n =66 [6×]. Besides thapsigargins, 6-methoxy-7-geranyloxycoumarin and phenylpropanoids are characteristic constituents of the roots, and limonene and methyl eugenol are the two major constituents of the fruit essential oil. The other group with clearly different morphological characters includes three types with the chromosome numbers 2 n =22 [x], 2 n =22 [2×] and 2 n =44 [4×]. Different sesquiterpenes are the characteristic constituents of their roots, tovarol and hydroindene derivatives being present in all three types, whereas guaiane esters have been detected in only one of the diploid types. Geranyl acetate is the major constituent of the fruit essential oil of all three types within this group.     

Regeneration of photoreceptor organs in freshwater planarians at different levels of accumulation of natural methylmercury compounds

The effects of natural methylmercury compounds on regeneration of photoreceptor organs were studied in three freshwater planarians: Polycelis tenuis, Dugesia lugubris, and D. tigrina. Accumulation of methyl mercury in the planarian body suppressed regeneration of P. tenuis with numerous photoreceptor organs to a greater extent than in two other planarians that have only two eyes. High methyl mercury concentrations inhibited the restoration of photoreceptor organs in asexual and sexual D. tigrina races.     

六种国产兰属植物的核型研究

首次研究了6种国产兰届植物的染色体形态和核型。果香兰(Cymbidium suavissimum)核型为2n＝40＝30m 10sm;碧玉兰(C．lowianum)为2n=40=26m 12sm 2st;文山红柱兰(C．wenshanense)为2n＝40=28m 10sm 2st;虎头兰(C．hookerianum)为2n＝40＝30m 8sm 2st;独占春(C．eburneum)为2n＝40＝36m 4sm莎草兰(C.elegans)为2n＝40＝28m 8sm 4st。结合形态学特征和已有的核型资料,对兰属植物的核型进化进行了初步的讨论。     

中国淡水三角涡虫(Dugesia sp)的染色体研究(Ⅰ)

利用空气干燥法对不同产地淡水三角涡虫的染色体进行了研究。核型分析表明：河南淇县鱼泉三角涡虫(Dugesia sp)和浙江杭州龙井三角涡虫(Dugesia sp)体细胞中有16条染色体,为二倍体,核型公式为2n=2x=16=16m,均为具中部着丝粒染色体;河南济源不老泉三角涡虫(Dugesia sp)有24条染色体,为三倍体,核型公式为2n=3x=24=24m,亦全部由中部着丝粒染色体组成。上述3个产地淡水三角涡虫染色体的形态较为接近。北京樱桃沟三角涡虫(Dugesia sp)的体细胞染色体数目为24,为三倍体,核型公式为2n=3x=24=22m 2sm,由中部和亚中部着丝粒染色体组成,其中第2、4号各有一条染色体属于亚中部着丝粒染色体。研究结果表明：4个产地三角涡虫的体细胞染色体数目存在较大差异,包括二倍体(2n=2x=16)和三倍体(2n=3x=24),染色体基数属于x=8类型。     

Hoechst fluorescence pattern of heterochromatin in three closely related members of Drosophila

Heterochromatin distribution in metaphase chromosomes of three morphologically and karyologically similar members of Drosophila, D. s.sulfurigaster, D. s.bilimbata and D. pallidifrons was studied by the Hoechst 33258 staining method. Comparison showed remarkable uniformity of H-heterochromatin among the three members except for in their Y-chromosomes. On the basis of these observations phylogenetic relationships are discussed.     

Karyotypical Study of Chinese Species of the Genus Glycyrrhiza

Seven species of Glycyrrhiza in China are karyologically analyzed in this paper. The results are as follows: G. uralensis Fisch. 2n=16=6m+10sm; G. eurycarpa P.C. Li 2n=16=8m+6sm+2st; G. glabra L. 2n=16=14m+2sm; G. inflata Bat. 2n=16=6m+10 sm; G. aspera Pall. 2n=16=12m+4sm; G. yunnanensis Cheng f. et L. K. Tai ex P. C. Li 2n =16=12m+4sm; G. pallidiflora Maxim. 2n=16=12m+4sm. From this work and the previous reports, it is presumed that the basic chromosome number of Glycyrrhiza is x=8. Based on the characters of karyotype so far realed, the authors consider that the genus Glycyrrhiza is a relatively primitive group in Leguminosae and G. pallidiflora is the most primitive one among the species dealt with in this paper, and G. eurycar-pa is the most advanced one.     

中国淡水三角涡虫染色体变化与生殖的关系

利用空气干燥法对淡水三角涡虫的染色体进行研究。结果表明：三角涡虫的染色体数目为n=8,2n=16,2n=24,为二倍体2n=2x=16、三倍体2n=3x=24和混合倍体2n=2x=16,2n=3x=24,有时也可见到非整倍体。以有性生殖为主的类群．有性生殖期间有性个体大量存在,生殖器官比较发达．染色体为二倍体;以无性生殖为主的类群,很少出现有性个体,染色体为三倍体;既有有性生殖又有无性生殖的类群,有性生殖期间,生殖器官发育稍差,染色体主要为混合倍体．有时出现二倍体或三倍体。本文对影响三角涡虫性成熟的因素也进行了讨论。     

The phorbol ester TPA dramatically inhibits planarian regeneration

The effect of phorbol ester TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) on head regeneration in decapitated planarians (Dugesia lugubris s.1.) has been studied. TPA-treatment soon after head amputation dramatically inhibited the regenerative process. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that the migration of fixed parenchymal cells (FPCs) to the wound area was strongly activated by TPA. FPCs interacted with various types of cells inducing lysis and phagocyting cell debris. The resulting fluid was removed through diaphanous protrusions appearing at the level of the wound zone. Moreover the close association of FPCs with neoblastlike cell clusters in the parenchyma indicated their possible role in the modulation of neoblast migration.