Biogenic amine production by Lactobacillus

AIMS: The aim of this work was to demonstrate that strains of Lactobacillus may be able to produce putrescine and agmatine from one of the major amino acids present in fruit juices and wine, arginine, and from amino acid-derived ornithine. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biogenic amines were determined by HPLC. Their production in the culture medium was similar under both microaerophilic and anaerobic conditions. The presence of Mn2+ had a minimal influence on the results, whereas the addition of pyridoxal phosphate increased amine production 10-fold. Lactobacillus hilgardii X1B, isolated from wine, was able to degrade arginine by two pathways: arginine deiminase and arginine decarboxylase. The isolate was able to produce putrescine from ornithine and from agmatine. Lactobacillus plantarum strains N4 and N8, isolated from orange, utilized arginine via the arginine deiminase system. Only the N4 strain was able to produce putrescine from ornithine. CONCLUSION: It has been demonstrated that Lact. hilgardii X1B is able to produce the most important biogenic amine found in wine, putrescine, and also agmatine from arginine and ornithine, and that Lactobacillus plantarum, considered to be an innocuous spoilage micro-organism in fruit juices, is able to produce amines. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results have significance in relation to food poisoning caused by beverages that have been contaminated with biogenic amines.     

Biogenic amine production by lactic acid bacteria isolated from cider

AIMS: To study the occurrence of histidine, tyrosine and ornithine decarboxylase activity in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from natural ciders and to examine their potential to produce detrimental levels of biogenic amines. METHODS AND RESULTS: The presence of biogenic amines in a decarboxylase synthetic broth and in cider was determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Among the 54 LAB strains tested, six (five lactobacilli and one oenococci) were biogenic amine producers in both media. Histamine and tyramine were the amines formed by the LAB strains investigated. Lactobacillus diolivorans were the most intensive histamine producers. This species together with Lactobacillus collinoides and Oenococcus oeni also seemed to produce tyramine. No ability to form histamine, tyramine or putrescine by Pediococus parvulus was observed, although it is a known biogenic amine producer in wines and beers. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that LAB microbiota growing in ciders had the ability to produce biogenic amines, particularly histamine and tyramine, and suggests that this capability might be strain-dependent rather than being related to a particular bacterial species. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Production of biogenic amines by food micro-organisms has continued to be the focus of intensive study because of their potential toxicity. The main goal was to identify the microbial species capable of producing these compounds in order to control their presence and metabolic activity in foods.     

Biogenic amine and amine precursor uptake by mast cells.

The mast cell population is heterogeneous concerning its amine precursor and amine uptake. The immature cells incorporate amine precursors, but in more advanced stages of their maturation they take up only 5-HTP. The mature cells do not take up precursors only 5-HT. The thyroid gland and heart muscle mast cells take up the highest amount of 5-HT; this may be related with some specific function of the mast cells in these two organs. Neither of the mast cells would take up histamine, the compound is synthetised by the cells.     

Xylanase production by Thermomyces lanuginosus wild and mutant strains

Thermomyces lanuginosus strains from different culture collections, namely ATCC 26909, ATCC 22083, DEN 1457, IMI 84400 and BS1 were compared for xylanase production, and isozyme profile. Of all the strains of T. lanuginosus, BS1 a soil isolate produced the largest amount of xylanase. All strains were found to produce two forms of xylanase (I & II) with molecular mass corresponding to 25.0 and 54.0 KDa. The u.v/NTG mutagenesis of T. lanuginosus BS1 aleurospores/protoplasts resulted in xylanase-hyperproducing mutants. A morphological colour mutant RB 524 produced approximately 2.5-fold higher xylanase (2506.0 units/ml) as compared to the parent strain (1018.1 units/ml).     

Biogenic amine regulation of bovine luteal progesterone production in vivo

Biogenic amines were administered using osmotic pumps placed subcutaneously in the neck region of regularly cycling, non-lactating dairy cows on Days 9-11 (oestrus = Day 0) of the oestrous cycle. Blood samples were collected using indwelling jugular catheters and the plasma progesterone concentrations were measured. Samples were collected at 4-h intervals for the first 12 h of treatment and thereafter at 12-h intervals for the remainder of the 72-h treatment period. After administration of various doses of noradrenaline, adrenaline and serotonin (0.5-2.0 micrograms/kg/h) significant elevation of plasma progesterone was achieved at a dosage of 2.0 micrograms/kg/h (P less than 0.01). The response to adrenaline was greater than that observed for noradrenaline and serotonin (P less than 0.05). Within-treatment comparison to pretreatment samples showed plasma progesterone concentrations to increase within 4 h after the administration of noradrenaline, adrenaline and serotonin (P less than 0.05) and this enhancement was maintained throughout the treatment period (P less than 0.05). The elevation in plasma progesterone concentrations induced by noradrenaline, adrenaline and serotonin was independent of changes in circulating concentrations of luteinizing hormone. These results support a physiological role for endogenous biogenic amines in the control of bovine luteal progesterone production.     

Biogenic amine formation by poultry-associated spoilage and pathogenic bacteria

The production of biogenic amines by 50 poultry-associated bacterial strains (25 Pseudomonas , 13 Salmonella and 12 Listeria ) was investigated on amine agar plates containing lysine, histidine, ornithine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine. Seventy-four per cent of all the strains produced cadaverine and putrescine, while phenylethylamine, histamine, tyramine and tryptamine were produced by 72, 56, 34 and 24% of strains, respectively. Different patterns of biogenic amine production amongst the three bacterial genera tested were apparent as well as amongst strains of the same genus. This study highlighted a high incidence of biogenic amine-producing bacterial strains associated with poultry.     

Biogenic amine actions on cholangiocyte function

Biogenic amines, such as serotonin, histamine, dopamine, and the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine, regulate a multitude of cellular responses. A great deal of effort has been invested into understanding the effects of these molecules and their corresponding receptor systems on cholangiocyte secretion, apoptosis, and growth. This review summarizes the results of these efforts and highlights the importance of these regulatory molecules on the physiology and pathophysiology of cholangiocytes.     

Biogenic amine hypotheses of affective disorders.

Many lines of evidence suggest that effective disease is a heterogenous group of disorders. Pharmacologic, amine metabolite and neuroendocrine studies have aided in the tentative identification of two subtypes of depressive illness. One subtype may show an abnormality of central NE systems; the other, an abnormality of central 5-HT systems. Manic patients appear to manifest abnormalities of multiple systems biologically which may be related to a disturbance of ion exchange in a variety of cells both within and outside of the CNS. The understanding of these processes is far from complete and are the subject of continued scrutiny.     

Biogenic amine transporters: regulation in flux

Following vesicular release, the biogenic amine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin are actively cleared from extracellular spaces by presynaptic transporters. These transporters interact with multiple psychoactive agents including cocaine, amphetamines and antidepressants. Recent findings indicate that amine reuptake is likely to be a tightly regulated component of synaptic plasticity rather than a constitutive determinant of transmitter clearance. Protein kinase C activation and transporter phosphorylation have been linked to regulatory protein trafficking, and both phosphorylation and trafficking may be influenced by transporter ligands. Recognition that transmitters, antagonists and second messengers can modify the intrinsic activity, surface expression or protein levels of amine transporters raises new questions about the fundamental nature of drug actions in vivo. The theory that dysregulation of transporters may contribute to disease states is supported by the recent discovery that a coding mutation in the human norepinephrine transporter contributes to orthostatic intolerance.     

Biogenic amine binding sites in rabbit spermatozoa

The binding of the neuroleptic, [3H] spiperone, to rabbit spermatozoa was investigated. Binding was partially inhibited by haloperidol, mianserin or epinephrine. Mixtures of two of the three inhibitors reduced binding further, but binding of the radioligand to spermatozoa was lowest in the presence of all three inhibitors. Unlabeled spiperone eliminated binding. Cholinergic ligands, GABA, and beta-adrenergic ligands, had little effect on binding. Spiperone binding occurred to both heads and tails suggesting that alpha 1-adrenergic, D2-dopamine and S2-serotonin binding sites are present in the head and/or tail of rabbit spermatozoa.     

Biogenic amine uptake by nerve cords from the American cockroach and the influence of amidines on amine uptake and release

Uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by isolated whole nerve cords of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.), involved a dual component system, with one component consisting of rapid active uptake and the other of passive diffusion. Using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, it was shown that nerve cords contained 5-HT levels of about 350 ng/g and an equivalent amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), a 5-HT metabolite not previously reported in cockroach nerve cords. Amidines had no discernable effect on uptake of 5-HT or octopamine by nerve cords or on endogenous levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in cords.     

In vitro studies of siderophore production by wild type and rifampicin resistant strains of fluorescent Pseudomonads

Wild type (Rif⁻) and rifampicin resistant (Rif⁺) isolates of fluorescent Pseudomonads were grown in King’s B liquid medium in the presence and absence of iron and subcultured every 48 h for 12 days. Growth rates and the proportion of non-fluorescent colonies were measured. All Rif⁺ isolates when grown in the presence of iron produced a significantly higher proportion of non-fluorescent colonies. One Rif⁺ isolate had a reduced growth rate.     

Biogenic amine production in grass, maize and total mixed ration silages inoculated with Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus buchneri

AIMS: To investigate the effects of inoculating Lactobacillus casei or Lacobacillus buchneri on the production of biogenic amines (BA) in silage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Wilted festulolium (Lolium perenne x Festuca pratensis), whole crop maize or a total mixed ration, consisting of wet brewer grains, lucerne hay, cracked maize, sugarbeet pulp, soyabean meal and molasses, was ensiled with or without the inoculation of either L. casei (>10(6) CFU g(-1)) or L. buchneri (>10(6) CFU g(-1)). Silages were opened after 60 days of storage, and the concentrations of histamine, tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine were determined. The inoculation of L. casei decreased all the BA regardless of the silage type. The effects of L. buchneri varied between the three silages; the tyramine and putrescine were increased in maize but were lowered in festulolium. Histamine was reduced in festulolium and the by-products, whereas no change was found in the maize silage. None of the inoculant strains produced the four BA in a synthetic medium, accounting for the actual ensiling except for tyramine and putrescine in maize. CONCLUSIONS: Wide variation would be found in the production of BA owing to the ensiling materials. The inoculation of L. casei can lower the BA concentration, while the effects of L. buchneri may vary considerably. The screening of BA-producing activity may help to reduce the risk of BA contamination in inoculated silage. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Strains of decarboxylase-negative L. buchneri can enhance the aerobic stability of silage without a concern regarding the large production of putrefactive BA.     

Biogenic amine levels change in the brains of stressed honeybees

Three different stress treatments, CO2 anesthesia, chilling anesthesia, and vertical spin, were applied to test whether honeybee (Apis mellifera) workers express stress responses in rewarding behaviors. In the present work, we defined the rewarding behaviors as the bees flying between the hive and feeder. The results from behavioral observation show that the flight time interval of the rewarding behavior of bee workers, flying between hive and feeder, was longer when they were stressed, suggesting that the stress treatments affected the workers' rewarding behavior. The biogenic amine levels in the workers' brains were measured to examine the rapid biochemical brain response to the stressors. After the chilling anesthesia, the dopamine (DA) and octopamine (OA) levels were significantly decreased; with the CO2 anesthesia for durations of both 2 min and 4 min, only DA showed a significant decrease. In the non-anesthesia treatments, the vertical spin with a velocity of 50 and 60 rpm for 90 s, the DA and OA levels were significantly decreased. Our results suggest that when the bees were under stress, the brain levels of OA and DA were depressed, and this may have caused latency in the rewarding behavior. The serotonin (5-HT) levels under these stress treatments were not changed.     

Genetic diversity among dairy lactococcal strains investigated by polymerase chain reaction with three arbitrary primers

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) has been used for the rapid typing of Lactococcus lactis strains isolated from raw milk from the Camembert region of Normandy. It is thought that the diversity and perhaps the area strain specificity due to climatic and geographical factors of such wild-type lactococcal strains could contribute to the flavour differences and specific features detected for the same product in different areas. The patterns from 58 isolates were analysed by UPGMA dendrograms. At a similarity level of 50%, four RAPD clusters were distinguished. Clusters 1 and 2 contained strains of subspecies lactis and cluster 3 contained strains related to the C2 strain which is genetically cremoris but phenotypically lactis. The type strain of cremoris subspecies was significantly differentiated from these strains with primers P2 and P3. Thus, there was a real genetic diversity in pattern, making it possible to detect potential typical RAPD fragments.     

Biogenic amine content of rat gastric tissues during reduced gastric circulation

The content of biogenic amines in gastric tissues was studied in rats with celiac trunk stenosis 3 hours, one day, 2 and 7 days after operation. Chronic ischemia of the gastric wall was found to lead to the development of dystrophic changes in the gastric mucosa, accompanied by the decreased catecholamine content and elevated levels of histamine and serotonin.     

Alloimmune reactions among recently wild syrian hamsters and classical inbred strains include alloantibody production

Partially inbred lines of Syrian hamsters, the descendants of animals caught wild in Syria within the past decade, have been studied to determine their immunogenetic relationships to the long established domestic inbred strains. These new sources of hamster genes display strong alloimmune reactions when confronted with tissues from the domestic inbred strains and vice versa: acute skin graft rejection, strong mixed lymphocyte reactions, and intense graft-versus-host reactions. While these forms of reactivity have also characterized the disparities among the domestic inbred strains, no evidence of alloantibodies specific for putative transplantation antigens has ever been found in hamsters. We report, for the first time, that immunization of recently wild hamsters with tissues from domestic inbred strain donors elicits high titer cytotoxic antibodies directed at alloantigens. Similarly, animals of the domestic inbred strains produce comparably strong alloantibody responses when immunized with tissues from the recently wild hamsters. Availability of these alloantisera will make the possibility of defining the major histocompatibility complex equivalent in this species much more likely.