动物的的变态

变态是动物学中一个较重要的专用名词,有关内容在中学课本也多处涉及到。现择要介绍一点动物变态的知识,供动物学教学参考。何谓动物的变态动物由于外在和内在的原因,个体形态发生变化,这叫变态。但动物学所讲的变态,是狭义地从发生学角度理解,即胚胎不直接转变为成体,而是在后期发育过程中,先形成形态、生理、生态方面特殊的幼体,行独立生活和生长,以后在某阶段发生急剧变化,转变为成体。青     

活的不可培养的细菌的研究进展

活的不可培养微生物(VBNC)即一些微生物明显地丧失了可培养的特性,但是保留了自身原有的代谢活力,并且在一定条件下,又可以回复到可培养的状态。从VBNC细菌的诱导条件、生物学特性和检测方法3个方面对VBNC细菌研究进展做一综述。     

高频率的波动对于种子的萌发和植物的发育的影响

本文主要是以理论和试验来说明音波对植物的生长发育和种子萌发所起的影响。在农业实践上音波所起的作用,据现在所知:有缩短植物成熟期,加速萌芽和增强植物的生长发育等。这一些非但具有理论和实践上的意义,同时在今後把物理科学应用到农业科学中开辟了极广阔的前程。     

真核细胞的基因的组织

一、真核细胞基因的基本结构 1.转录单位: 从已知的数十种基因的顺序,可得出一个具有功能的基因的共同规律,在基因5’端-25至-75区,有CCAAT和TATAAA区(后者又称ATA box或Hogness box),相当于促进子区(Promotor),为体外转录所必需。     

由吸附的缩氨酸诱导的细胞膜的形变

研究了由一系列相互平行的吸附在细胞膜上的缩氨酸引起的膜的弹性形变,以及膜对缩氨酸的包裹行为,得到膜的平衡方程,用它可以来处理大尺度的形变,弯曲能量、吸附能量和弹性形变的相互竞争导致膜对缩氨酸发生从不吸附到部分吸附乃至完全包裹的结构转变．在膜的形变很小的时候,可以得到系统能量的解析解。     

远古的人们是怎样认识自己的起源的

人是从那里来的? 回答这个问题,你也许会说这有什么困难——人是从古猿变来的;甚至你还会进一步说,在这个从猿到人的转变过程中,劳动起着决定性的作用。然而这个现在看来比较明了的道理,恰是经历了多么漫长的认识过程才达到的呵!现在让我们首先来谈谈,远古的人们是怎样认识自己的起源的。最初的原始人可能还想不到自己的起源在人类诞生的最早时期,“最初的、从动物界分离出来的人,在一切本质方面是和动物本身一样不自由的”(恩格斯:《反杜林论》),这些最初的原始人为艰苦     

敲除pckA基因的结核杆菌引起的免疫反应的研究

研究结核杆菌pckA基因编码的磷酸烯醇型丙酮酸羧激酶(PEPCK)诱导机体产生的保护性免疫反应。用敲除pckA基因的牛结核杆菌BCG和野生型BCG分别感染小鼠,取肝、肺、脾进行病理分析,并进行脾细胞培养,检测CD4 、CD4 /CD8 、细胞因子IFNI-γI、L-12和TNF等。用敲除pckA基因的BCG感染的小鼠比野生型BCG感染的小鼠体内产生的结核结节少且不典型,炎性程度低。野生型BCG感染的小鼠脾脏内的CD4 T细胞和CD4 /CD8 、细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-12、TNF均明显高于敲除pckA基因BCG感染的小鼠。pckA基因为结核杆菌生长所必需,其编码产物PEPCK能够刺激机体产生免疫反应,是一种很好的疫苗候选分子。     

分离的蚕豆细胞核的RNA聚合酶活力的研究

利用Triton X-100对叶绿体膜的作用,可快速地从蚕豆幼叶制备较纯净的细胞核,它具有较高的RNA聚合酶活力。比较了两种分离核的方法,证明利用匀浆法制备的核具有较高的活力。核活力与发育时期有关系,茎端和第1对幼叶的核活力显著高于第2和第3对叶片的核活力。此外,核活力明显地受反应液内锰离子的抑制。     

正红菇的化学成分的研究

采用GC、HPLC、GC／MS、凝胶过滤层析等方法对正红菇(Russula vinosa)的某些成分的分析结果表明：正红菇其色素由红紫色素和黄色素两个组分组成,其中红紫色素对酸稳定,对碱及高温不稳定,而黄色素对它们则表现一定的稳定性。其多糖含量为2.74％,含有五种多糖组分。在脂肪酸组成上,主要是油酸和亚油酸,并有可能存在EPA和DHA。全氨基酸分析表明含有十六种氨基酸,必需氨基酸占总氨基酸的54．4％,所含挥发性物质是a一雪松烯,a一古芸烯及十五到二十烷。正红菇的提取液对细菌、酵母菌、霉菌均有一定抑制作用,对细菌抑制作用优于酵母菌和霉菌,革兰氏阴性细菌优于革兰氏阳性细菌的抑制作用。     

Glucagon-like peptide-1 excites pancreas-projecting preganglionic vagal motoneurons

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) increases pancreatic insulin secretion via a direct action on pancreatic beta-cells. A high density of GLP-1-containing neurons and receptors is also present in brain stem vagal circuits; therefore, the aims of the present study were to investigate 1) whether identified pancreas-projecting neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) respond to exogenously applied GLP-1, 2) the mechanism(s) of action of GLP-1, and 3) whether the GLP-1-responsive neurons (putative modulators of endocrine secretion) could be distinguished from DMV neurons responsive to peptides that modulate pancreatic exocrine secretion, specifically pancreatic polypeptide (PP). Whole cell recordings were made from identified pancreas-projecting DMV neurons. Perfusion with GLP-1 induced a concentration-dependent depolarization in approximately 50% of pancreas-projecting DMV neurons. The GLP-1 effects were mimicked by exendin-4 and antagonized by exendin-(9-39). In approximately 60% of the responsive neurons, the GLP-1-induced depolarization was reduced by tetrodotoxin (1 microM), suggesting both pre- and postsynaptic sites of action. Indeed, the GLP-1 effects were mediated by actions on potassium currents, GABA-induced currents, or both. Importantly, neurons excited by GLP-1 were unresponsive to PP and vice versa. These data indicate that 1) GLP-1 may act on DMV neurons to control pancreatic endocrine secretion, 2) the effects of GLP-1 on pancreas-projecting DMV neurons are mediated both via a direct excitation of their membrane as well as via an effect on local circuits, and 3) the GLP-1-responsive neurons (i.e., putative endocrine secretion-controlling neurons) could be distinguished from neurons responsive to PP (i.e., putative exocrine secretion-controlling neurons).     

Depolarization-induced changes in neurite elongation and intracellular Ca2+ in isolated Helisoma neurons.

This study focuses on the effects of K+ depolarization on neurite elongation of identified Helisoma neurons isolated into culture. Application of K+ to the external medium caused a dose-dependent suppression of neurite elongation. Lower concentrations of K+ were associated with a slowing in the rate of neurite elongation, whereas higher concentrations produced neurite retraction. Surprisingly, the effects of K+ depolarization were transient, and neurite elongation rates recovered towards control levels within 90 min even though the neurons remained in high-K+ solution. Identified neurons differed in the magnitude of their response to K+ depolarization; neurite elongation of buccal neuron B4 was inhibited at 5 mM K+, but elongation in B5 and B19 was not affected until concentrations of 25 mM. Electrophysiologically, K+ application evoked a brief period (5-10 s) of action potential activity that was followed by a steady-state membrane depolarization lasting 2 h or more. The changes in neurite elongation induced by K+ depolarization occurred in isolated growth cones severed from their neurites and were blocked by application of calcium antagonists. Intracellular free Ca2+ levels in growth cones of B4 and B19 increased and then decreased during the 90-min depolarization, corresponding to the changes in elongation. B4 and B19 showed differences in the magnitude, time course, and spatial distribution of the Ca2+ change during depolarization, reflecting their different sensitivities to depolarization.     

Norepinephrine effects on identified neurons of the rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) receives more noradrenergic terminals than any other medullary nucleus; few studies, however, have examined the effects of norepinephrine (NE) on DMV neurons. Using whole cell recordings in thin slices, we determined the effects of NE on identified gastric-projecting DMV neurons. Twenty-five percent of DMV neurons were unresponsive to NE, whereas the remaining 75% responded to NE with either an excitation (49%), an inhibition (26%), or an inhibition followed by an excitation (4%). Antrum/pylorus- and corpus-projecting neurons responded to NE with a similar percentage of excitatory (49 and 59%, respectively) and inhibitory (20% for both groups) responses. A lower percentage of excitatory (37%) and a higher percentage of inhibitory (36%) responses were, however, observed in fundus-projecting neurons. In all groups, pretreatment with prazosin or phenylephrine antagonized or mimicked the NE-induced excitation, respectively. Pretreatment with yohimbine or UK-14304 antagonized or mimicked the NE-induced inhibition, respectively. These data suggest that NE depolarization is mediated by alpha(1)-adrenoceptors, whereas NE hyperpolarization is mediated by alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. In 16 neurons depolarized by NE, amplitude of the action potential afterhyperpolarization (AHP) and its kinetics of decay (tau) were significantly reduced vs. control. No differences were found on the amplitude and tau of AHP in neurons hyperpolarized by NE. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we found that the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase fibers within the DMV was significantly different within the mediolateral extent of DMV; however, distribution of cells responding to NE did not show a specific pattern of localization.     

Ionic mechanisms of histamine-induced responses in guinea pig intracardiac neurons

Histamine, released from mast cells, can modulate the activity of intrinsic neurons in the guinea pig cardiac plexus. The present study examined the ionic mechanisms underlying the histamine-induced responses in these cells. Histamine evokes a small membrane depolarization and an increase in neuronal excitability. Using intracellular voltage recording from individual intracardiac neurons, we were able to demonstrate that removal of extracellular sodium reduced the membrane depolarization, whereas inhibition of K+ channels by 1 mM Ba2+, 2 mM Cs+, or 5 mM tetraethylammonium had no effect. The depolarization was also not inhibited by either 10 microM Gd3+ or a reduced Cl- solution. The histamine-induced increase in excitability was unaffected by K+ channel inhibitors; however, it was reduced by either blockage of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels with 200 microM Cd2+ or replacement of extracellular Ca2+ with Mg2+. Conversely, alterations in intracellular calcium with thapsigargin or caffeine did not inhibit the histamine-induced effects. However, in cells treated with both thapsigargin and caffeine to deplete internal calcium stores, the histamine-induced increase in excitability was decreased. Treatment with the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 also prevented both the depolarization and the increase in excitability. From these data, we conclude that histamine, via activation of H1 receptors, activates phospholipase C, which results in 1) the opening of a nonspecific cation channel, such as a transient receptor potential channel 4 or 5; and 2) in combination with either the influx of Ca2+ through voltage-gated channels or the release of internal calcium stores leads to an increase in excitability.     

Neurotransmitter vesicle release from human model neurons (NT2) is sensitive to botulinum toxin A

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) internalize into nerve terminals and block the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. BoNTs are widely used as a therapeutic agent for treatment of movement disorders and recently gained more attention as a biological weapon. Consequently, there is strong interest to develop a cell-based assay platform to screen the toxicity and bioactivity of the BoNTs. In this study, we present an in vitro screening assay for BoNT/A based on differentiated human embryonal carcinoma stem (NT2) cells. The human NT2 cells fully differentiated into mature neurons that display immunoreactivity to cytoskeletal markers (βIII-tubulin and MAP2) and presynaptic proteins (synapsin and synaptotagmin I). We showed that the human NT2 cells undergo a process of exo-endocytotic synaptic vesicle recycling upon depolarization with high K(+) buffer. By employing an antibody directed against light chain of BoNT/A, we detected internalized toxin as a punctate staining along the neurites of the NT2 neurons. Using well-established methods of synaptic vesicle exocytosis assay (luminal synaptotagmin I and FM1-43 imaging) we show that pre-incubation with BoNT/A resulted in a blockade of vesicle release from human NT2 neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, this blocking effect of BoNT/A was abolished by pre-adsorbing the toxin with neutralizing antibody. In a proof of principle, we demonstrate that our cell culture assay for vesicle release is sensitive to BoNT/A and the activity of BoNT/A can be blocked by specific neutralizing antibodies. Overall our data suggest that human NT2 neurons are suitable for large scale screening of botulinum bioactivity.     

Bidirectional modulation of P2X receptor-mediated response by divalent cations in rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus neurons

The modulatory effects of Zn(2+) and other divalent cations on the ATP-induced responses of preganglionic neurons acutely dissociated from the rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) were examined using a nystatin-perforated patch technique under voltage-clamp. DMV neurons were identified by back-filling of DiI placed on the vagal bundle at the neck. Zn(2+) exerts a concentration-dependent effect on P2X receptor-mediated current (I(ATP)): a potentiation by low concentrations of Zn(2+) (< or = 50 microM) and an inhibition by high concentrations (> 50 microM). Inhibition of the ATP response was associated with a prolongation of the rising phase of I(ATP). Cu(2+) mimicked Zn(2+) regarding the biphasic modulation of I(ATP). On the other hand, Ni(2+) potentiated, but failed to inhibit, the ATP response even at a concentration of 3 mM. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed the similarity of P2X(2) mRNA expression between the DMV and superior cervical ganglion (SCG) but not in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and hypoglossal nucleus (XII). The results from the electrophysiological and molecular approaches suggest that functional P2X receptors expressed in DMV neurons are characterized mainly by the P2X(2) and P2X(2/6) subtype. DMV neurons possess similar P2X receptor characteristics to SCG neurons.     

Inositol trisphosphate-induced hyperpolarization in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1,4,5-InsP3) was perfused into rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons by whole-cell patch-clamp electrodes, while measuring the membrane potential. This operation evoked a transient (2-3 min) membrane hyperpolarization of about -15 mV (from -42 mV) followed by a depolarization. The membrane hyperpolarization was abolished when 30 mM EGTA was perfused together with 1,4,5-InsP3 or when 0.2 mM quinine was added to the bath solution. The hyperpolarizing response was enhanced when a low-Ca2+ EGTA-free intracellular solution was used. Two InsP2 isomers induced a different response. Our results suggest that the hyperpolarization is due to 1,4,5-InsP3-induced Ca2+ release which may trigger Ca-sensitive K+ channels to open. Present results show that cultured DRG neurons are able to respond to 1,4,5-InsP3 perfusion in the whole-cell configuration.     

Phenylalkylamine-sensitive calcium channels in osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells. Characterization by ligand binding and single channel recordings

(-)-[3H]Desmethoxyverapamil ((-)-DMV) binds saturably to homogenates of the osteoblast-like cell lines UMR 106 and ROS 17/2.8 with KD values of 45 and 61 nM and Bmax values of 6.0 and 5 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Binding is stereoselective with (-)-DMV 8-10 times more potent than (+)-DMV. None of the dihydropyridine or benzothiazepine Ca2+ antagonists examined affect (-)-[3H]DMV binding. Monovalent cations such as Li+, Na+, and K+ inhibit (-)[3H]DMV binding in the 100-400 mM range. Divalent cations such as Ba2+, Sr2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ are effective binding inhibitors in the 2-5 mM range. ROS 17/2.8 cells express a channel on the apical plasma membrane which conducts Ba2+ and Ca2+. With 110 mM BaCl2 or CaCl2 as charge carriers the single channel conductance is 3-5 picosiemens. In cell-excised patches the channel selects for Ba2+ over Na+ 3.3:1. In the absence of divalent ions the channel conducts Na+ ions with a single channel conductance of 13 picosiemens. This Na+ conductance decreases with physiological levels of Ca2+. The channel appears related to the (-)-[3H]DMV binding site, since its conductance is blocked by verapamil in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, DMV blocks the channel stereoselectively with relative potencies of the isomers corresponding to their affinities for the binding site. The dihydropyridine drugs BAY K 8644 or (+)-202-791 do not affect channel opening. These binding and biophysical data indicate that osteoblast cells have a phenylalkylamine receptor associated with a Ca2+ channel.     

Excitotoxicity of lathyrus sativus neurotoxin in leech retzius neurons

The effects of Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin were studied on the cell membrane potential and cellular cation composition in Retzius nerve cells of the leech Haemopis sanguisuga, with ion-selective microelectrodes using liquid ion-exchangers. Bath application of 10(-4) mol/l Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin for 3 min depolarized the cell membrane potential and decreased the input resistance of directly polarized membrane in Retzius neurons. At the same time the cellular Na+ activity increased and cellular K+ activity decreased with slow but complete recovery, while the intracellular Ca2+ concentration was not changed. Na+-free Ringer solutions inhibited the depolarizing effect of the neurotoxin on the cell membrane potential. Zero-Ca2+ Ringer solution or Ni2+-Ringer solution had no influence on the depolarizing effect of the neurotoxin on the cell membrane potential. It is obvious that the increase in membrane conductance and depolarization of the cell membrane potential are due to an influx of Na+ into the cell accompanied by an efflux of K+ from the cell.     

Electrical perception of the 'death message' in Chara: characterization of K+ -induced depolarization

When the nodal end of an internodal cell of Chara corallina was subjected to a pulse treatment with artificial cell sap, a depolarization lasted in artificial pond water. This depolarization could also be induced by pulse treatment with KCl solution, indicating that K+ in the artificial cell sap is responsible (K+ -induced depolarization). The depolarization was prolonged in the presence of 2 mM KCl and the prolonged depolarization was terminated by supplementing with either CaCl2, MgCl2 or NaCl. These results supported the hypothesis that K+ released from the killed cell is responsible for generation of the wound-induced membrane depolarization.