Lysozyme activity in six species of economically important astigmatid mites

• 1.1. Lysozyme activity was detected for the first time in populations of Acarus siro L., Glycyphagus destructor (Schrank), G. domesticus (De Geer), Rhizoglyphus callae Oudemans, R. robini Claparede and Tyrophagus longior (Gervais) (Arthropoda: Acari).
• 2.2. No significant differences between the activity in different populations was observed.

     

Variation of l-gulonolactone oxidase activity in placental mammals

• 1.1. The activity of l-gulonolactone oxidase (EC 1.1.3.8) in livers of 49 species of eutherian mammals varied intraspecifically among individuals; coefficients of variation were 0.2 to 0.4 in many species.
• 2.2. Differences observed in l-gulonolactone oxidase activity among strains of laboratory rats and domestic rabbits are probably genetically controlled.
• 3.3. Pronounced sex differences in l-gulonolactone oxidase activity were found in some species, particularly in the genera Peromyscus, Reithrodontomys and Onychomys.
• 4.4. Mormota monax exhibited seasonal variation in l-gulonolactone oxidase somewhat like that previously observed in Sylvilagus floridanus; no such seasonal variation was found in Sciurus carolinensis.
• 5.5. Hibernation did not affect l-gulonolactone oxidase activity in Spermophilus tridecemlineatus.
• 6.6. In four species of rodents, Microtus ochrogaster, Tylomys panamensis, Octodon degus and Sigmodon hispidus, l-gulonolactone oxidase activity was not affected by the level of dietary ascorbate.

     

Respiratory mechanisms and metabolic adaptations of an intertidal crab,Chasmagnathus granulata (Dana, 1851)

• 1.1. The ventilatory mechanism, gill area, sites of oxygen uptake, oxygen consumption and activity of a crab from south Brazil, Chasmagnathus granulata, were investigated.
• 2.2. The oxygen uptake seems to be restricted to the gill lamellae.
• 3.3. The gill area varies with the wet body weight, being relatively higher in smaller animals. There is not a significative reduction of the gill area in relation to species of the infralittoral zone.
• 4.4. C. granulata presents a mechanism for recirculating the water of its branchial chamber when exposed to atmospheric air.
• 5.5. The oxygen consumption and activity are reduced when the animals are exposed to atmospheric air. The reduction in the oxygen consumption may be related to the poorly adapted respiratory system, while the decrease in activity may be a mechanism for saving energy during this hypoxic period.

     

Anuran amphibia which are not acclimable to high salt,tolerate high plasma urea

• 1.1. The capacity of five anuran Amphibians (Bufo viridis B. regularis, Rana ridibunda, Hyla arborea and Pelobates syriacus) to acclimate to NaCl and urea solutions was investigated.
• 2.2. All species could be acclimated to relatively high concentrations of urea solutions, while only Bufo viridis and Hyla arborea could be acclimated to 500 mOsm/kg or higher NaCl solutions.
• 3.3. The plasma urea concentration in B. viridis and H. arborea was elevated to levels over 140 mmol/1.
• 4.4. The sum of plasma sodium and chloride concentrations did not increase over 400 mmol/l in any species.
• 5.5. Urine osmolality, which was normally low, increased, but never exceeded the plasma osmolality.
• 6.6. In the urea acclimation conditions, urine electrolytes diminished, similarly in all species in this study.
• 7.7. It is concluded that anuran Amphibians can tolerate high plasma urea concentrations, but only those species which can elevate it, either through retention or net synthesis, can be acclimated to high salt solutions.

     

Digestion of protein in different marine species

• 1.1. The digestion proteases in five marine species (Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L); Dover sole, Solea solea (L); turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, (L); European lobster, Hommarus gammaarus (L); and the giant prawn, Penaeus monodon) have been compared by biochemical methods.
• 2.2. The pH profiles for the hydrolysis of casein by extracts from the digestive systems of each species showed different characteristics; extracts from adult halibut, turbot and sole exhibited strong pepsin-like activity; whereas this enzyme was absent in P. monodon and in sole larvae.
• 3.3. Although lobster extracts, from either the hepatopancreas or the stomach, showed peaks at pH values of 5.8 and 2.5, this latter activity did not hydrolyse a specific substrate for pepsin.
• 4.4. Halibut and turbot digestive extracts contained an activity optimal at pH values in the region of 5.0 resembling a cathepsin-like enzyme; an activity which was not evident in the other species under similar experimental conditions.
• 5.5. Although all species possessed trypsin-like activity, the pH profiles of activity in the neutral to alkaline region were unique to each species.
• 6.6. The significance of these results is considered with respect to the anatomical differences in the alimentary systems of these species.

     

Renin-angiotensin system in antarctic fishes

• 1.1. The presence of a renin-angiotensin-like system has been investigated in the Antarctic fishes Chionodraco hamatus (Fam. Channichthydae) and Pagothenia (Trematomus) bernacchii (Fam. Notothenidae).
• 2.2. A renin-like activity is present in plasma and kidney of both the white blooded (Chionodraco) and the red blooded (Pagothenia) species.
• 3.3. An angiotensin converting enzyme-like activity has been demonstrated in plasma, gills and kidneys of both species. The activity is inhibited by high temperature.
• 4.4. From our data a renin-angiotensin-like system is present in the Antarctic fishes studied but the cascade of enzymes is active only at low temperatures.

     

Insect acetyl-CoA carboxylase: Activity during the larval,pupal and adult stages of insect development

• 1.1. The activity of the lipogenic enzyme, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, was investigated in four insect species; Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera), Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera), Glossina morsitans and Sarcophaga nodosa (Diptera).
• 2.2. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity in larval, pupal and adult forms was compared with the saponifiable lipid mass at each stage of the life-cycle, and found to follow similar patterns except for Tenebrio molitor.
• 3.3. The results are examined in relation to known metabolic requirements for each insect.

     

Phosphoglucomutase,superoxide dismutase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in fish collected from Iraq and Kuwait—A comparative study

• 1.1. Tissue extracts of heart, kidney, gills and eye lens were electrophoretically examined for phosphoglucose mutase (PGM), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity in 32 species of teleostean fish.
• 2.2. One locus of PGM, SOD and G6PDH was found in all groups of fish studied.
• 3.3. The electrophoretic patterns of PGM and SOD can be considered as a good taxonomic criterion to differentiate Acanthopagrus latus, Lethrinus kallopterus, Otolithus ruber, Plectorhynchus schotaf and Synaptura orientalis from the remaining fish species studied.
• 4.4. G6PDH and hexose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH) can be considered to be of a less taxonomic importance in differentiating the species of fish under consideration.

     

Activities of the three ammonia-forming enzymes in the tissues of the brackish-water bivalve Corbicula japonica

• 1.1. Activities of the three ammonia-forming enzymes, glutamate dehydrogenase, AMP deaminase and serine dehydrase (SerDH), were measured in tissues of gill, digestive diverticula, mantle and foot muscle of the brackish-water bivalve Corbicula japonica.
• 2.2. High levels of SerDH activity were detected in gill and digestive diverticula, while the activity levels of the other two enzymes were low.
• 3.3. The result suggests the significance of SerDH in amino acid degradation of this species.

     

Comparative study of haemagglutination activity in the haemolymph of three tsetse fly Glossina species

• 1.1. Glossina morsitans morsitans (Gmm), G. palpalis gambiensis (Gpg) and G. tachinoides (Gt) haemolymph possessed multiple, glycoproteinaceous haemagglutinins (HGN).
• 2.2. Tsetse HGN bind to human erythrocyte surface glycoprotein/glycopeptide residues or, with Gmm and Gpg anti-0 activity, glycolipid moieties.
• 3.3. Variations in HGN physico-chemical properties occurred between the morsitans (Gmm) and palpalis (Gpg and Gt), and amongst the palpalis, groups of flies with respect to relative heat-lability, susceptibility to dithiothreitol reduction, resistance to γ-radiation exposure and sensitivity to urea treatment.
• 4.4. Gt and Gmm required acid and acid to neutral conditions respectively, and Ca²⁺ ion presence, for optimum agglutination activity whilst Gpg required neutral to alkaline pH and Mg²⁺ ions.
• 5.5. The findings reported here provide further information regarding HGN (lectin) properties in different species of the genus Glossina, member of the Diptera, a little studied order with respect to insect vector immunity.

     

Induction kinetics of immune antibacterial proteins in pupae of Galleria mellonella and Pieris brassicae

• 1.1. Pupae of Galleria mellonella and Pieris brassicae given an injection with live, non-pathogenic Enterobacter cloacae or abiotic foreign molecules induce an acquired immunity that corresponds with the synthesis of haemolymph proteins of antibacterial activity.
• 2.2. This humoral defensive response which persists for several days, differs quantitatively between insect species and between the inducers used, although very different foreign bodies induced the same immune proteins in both lepidopteran insects.
• 3.3. A stronger and longer lasting response was consistently noticed in pupae immunized with non-pathogenic bacterium than after sterile nutrient broth injections.
• 4.4. A demonstrably elevated activity of haemolymph lysozyme and trace activity of cecropins found in pupae of Galleria treated with saline W, a salt solution physiological to moths, disappear soon after 36 hr from injection.
• 5.5. In P. brassicae, however, sterile insect Ringer can give a varying, if present at all, immune response.
• 6.6. A mechanical injury (sterile wounding of insect body) can occasionally induce a similar but much weaker response.
• 7.7. The antibacterial activity was drastically reduced in Pieris or completely depressed in most pupae of Galleria when actinomycin D or cycloheximide was given at an early time post-immunization with E. cloacae.
• 8.8. It is concluded that the de novo synthesis of ribonucleic acid and immune proteins is required for expression of antibacterial activity in pupal haemolymphs.
• 9.9. The synthesis of an immune mRNA was completed about 7 hr after the injection of the immunizing bacteria.

     

Lipolysis post mortem in North Atlantic krill

• 1.1. Three common species of North Atlantic krill, Meganyctiphanes norvegica (M. Sars), Thysanoessa inermis (Krøyer) and T. raschii (M. Sars), have been stored at 0°C post mortem, and the lipolytic activity followed by measuring changes in the lipid composition during storage.
• 2.2. Both phosphoglycerides and triacylglycerols were subjected to extensive hydrolysis with the formation of free fatty acids in all krill species examined, whereas wax esters, constituting a considerable proportion of the lipids in the Thysanoessa species, were not hydrolysed at all.
• 3.3. In M. norvegica the triacylglycerols and phosphoglycerides were hydrolysed at similar rates, whereas in T. inermis and T. raschii the phosphoglycerides were hydrolysed most rapidly.
• 4.4. For all krill species examined, the rate of production of free fatty acids was nearly constant during the initial phase of storage, and subsequently declined on prolonged storage.
• 5.5. At the end of the storage period of 16–24 days, the free fatty acids constituted about 35% of the total lipid in M. norvegica, and about 50% in the Thysanoessa species.
• 6.6. The rate of production of free fatty acids was about the same in all the three species of krill and seemed to be independent of the total lipid content.

     

Patterns of fuel utilization by the thoracic muscles of adult worker ants. The use of lipid by a hymenopteran

• 1.1. Patterns of fuel utilization in the thoracic muscles of three species of ants have been established.
• 2.2. The thoracic muscles of Formica ulkei exhibit a typical Hymenopteran metabolic organization, relying exclusively upon carbohydrate oxidation for the provision of metabolic energy. This species feeds upon honeydew.
• 3.3. Pogonomyrmex californicus, a granivorous ant, exhibits a metabolic organization unprecedented for a Hymenopteran species. Its thoracic energy metabolism is based upon lipid oxidation.
• 4.4. Atta colombica, a fungus feeder, can metabolize both carbohydrate and fat, a versatility which is not typical of Hymenoptera.
• 5.5. It is concluded that patterns of fuel utilization in insects are not determined by phylogenetic inertia, but are selected to accommodate the activity patterns, feeding ecology and dietary regime of the species.

     

Two acid phosphatases in sea urchin eggs and embryos

• 1.1. Two types of acid phosphatases from sea urchin eggs and embryos were studied in three Japanese species, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus, Anthocidaris crassispina and Pseudocentrotus depressus.
• 2.2. Acid phosphatase type 1, designated AcP-1, hydrolysed only flavin mononucleotide besides p-nitrophenylphosphate. The activity of AcP-1 was not inhibited by NaF and tartrate. This enzyme showed molecular weight between 14,000 and 16,000 by gel filtration through Sephadex G-75.
• 3.3. The higher molecular weight type of acid phosphatase, designated AcP-2, showed relatively high substrate specificity toward ADP and ATP. Molecular weight of AcP-2 ranged from 42,000 to 48,000 by gel filtration through Sephadex G-100.
• 4.4. Some properties of AcP-2 from Sphaerechinus granularis embryos are also described.

     

Chemical composition of North Atlantic krill

• 1.1. The main chemical components of Meganyctiphanes norvegica (M. Sars), Thysanoessa inermis (Krøyer) and T. raschii (M. Sars) have been examined.
• 2.2. Protein accounted for 42–47% of the dry weight of M. norvegica and 32–50% of the dry weight of the Thysanoessa species. On a wet weight basis, the protein content was relatively constant and independent of season.
• 3.3. The dominating amino acids in the bulk protein of the krill were glutamic acid/glutamine, aspartic acid/asparagine, glycine, alanine, lysine and leucine.
• 4.4. Lipids were present in amounts of 13–29% of the dry weight in M. norvegica, 15–50% in T. inermis and 12–44% in T. raschii, and the lipid content varied with season.
• 5.5. The main nitrogen extractives in krill, expressed on a dry weight basis, were free amino acids (5–10%), trimethylamine oxide (about 4%), peptides (about 1%) and nucleotides (0.4–1.3%). Trimethylamine and ammonia were present in very low concentrations in living krill.
• 6.6. The amino acids taurine, glycine, proline, arginine, sarcosine and alanine made up 89–93 mol% of the free amino acid pool.
• 7.7. The ash content of krill was in the order of 10–13% of the dry weight, and fluoride represented 1040 and 3200 ppm in the Thysanoessa species and M. norvegioca, respectively.

     

Metabolism of ingested indole compounds in the gut of three species of heteroptera

• 1.1. All kinds of indole compounds used for the experiment were more or less metabolized in the gut of Dolycoris baccarum, Eurydema rugosum and Elasmostethus humeralis.
• 2.2. The metabolic pattern of the bugs was classified into four types (I–IV) for several indole compounds in the same way as for IAA.
• 3.3. The IAA metabolites in the excreta of the three species were probably the high-molecular compound combining with such substances as amino acids, sugars or proteins to some position of indole nucleus.
• 4.4. The crude excreta of E. humeralis fed with each of several indole compounds had a significant auxin activity.
• 5.5. Most of the metabolites of indole-3-acetaldehyde in the excreta of E. humeralis had also a significant auxin activity.
• 6.6. The significance of auxin metabolism in the gut of the bugs and the difference of auxin metabolism between aphids and bugs are discussed.

     

Changes in molecular species compositions of glycerophospholipids in Japanese oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) during frozen storage

• 1.1. Changes in molecular species composition of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine in Japanese oyster were studied during storage at −20°C.
• 2.2. In alkenylacyl- and alkylacyl-glycerylphosphorylethanolamine (GPE) and -glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC), the molecular species having combinations of relatively shorter alkenyl and alkyl chains on sn-1 positions and 20:5n-3 on sn-2 positions, were lost rapidly in comparison with those of the corresponding longer alkenyl and alkyl chains and 22:6n-3.
• 3.3. In the case of diacyl-GPE, more molecular species having combinations of chains with longer total carbons (TC) and more double bonds (DB) were lost, than those having chains with shorter TC and fewer DB. Changes in the molecular species of the diacyl-GPC were opposite to those of the diacyl-GPE.
• 4.4. The results obtained suggest that oxidations and/or enzymatic hydrolyses selectivey occurred on the molecular species of glycerophospholipids during frozen storage.

     

Neurohypophysial hormones as molecular evolutionary tracers: investigations on the sturgeons Acipenser stellatus and Acipenser guldenstadti

• 1.1. Neurohypophysial hormones of two sturgeon species, Acipenser stellatus and Acipenser guldenstadti, have been purified through molecular sieving on Bio-Gel P4 and reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography on Nucleosil C18 columns.
• 2.2. Arginine vasotocin has been identified in both species by its retention time in partition chromatography, amino acid composition and, in the case of A. stellatus, by amino acid sequencing.
• 3.3. A second peptide has been purified and could be α-deamidated vasotocin.
• 4.4. Another peptide with oxytocic activity, distinct from the known oxytocin-like peptides, seems to be present in very small amounts.