A survey of toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Ladoga and adjacent water bodies

Twentyfive cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Ladoga and adjacent water bodies were studied in the summer of 1990–1992. Toxicity of the water bloom material for mice was detected in 9 cases. The maximal tolerable doses (MTD) of the material extracted from biomass varied within 3–30 mg kg^–1 mouse body weight; 50% lethal doses (LD₅₀) were within 45–125 mg kg^–1. Toxic water blooms were registered in Karelian lakes and in the Neva Bay, Gulf of Finland. Cyanobacterial samples collected on the eastern coast of Lake Ladoga proved to be non-toxic. The species identified in toxic bloom material included Anabaena circinalis, A. flos-aquae, A. lemmermannii, Anabaena sp., Aphanizomenonflos-aquae, Gloeotrichia echinulata, G. pisum, Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria sp. These data suggest that toxic forms of cyanobacteria are widespread in Karelian lakes belonging to the drainage basin of Lake Ladoga.     

Fumigant toxicity of essential oil of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) against three major stored product beetles

Application of plants essential oil for the evaluation of their fumigant toxicity and insecticidal properties is the goal of many researches. In this study, aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris L. were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and the chemical composition of the volatile oils was studied by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Alpha-Pinene (23.56) was the main component of the essential oil. Insecticidal activity of the oil was evaluated against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Rhizopertha dominica (F.) after 24, 48 and 72 h. After 24-h exposure time, C. maculatus was more susceptible (LC₅₀ = 52.47 μl/l air) and T. castaneum was more tolerant (LC₅₀ = 279.86 μl/l air) than other species. LT₅₀ values were indicated using highest concentration of LC₅₀ tests for three species. In general, mortality increased as the doses of essential oil and exposure time increased. These results proposed that A. vulgaris oil might have potential as a control agent against T. castaneum, R. dominica and especially C. maculates in storages.     

硫酸化茯苓多糖急性毒性实验研究

按10、8、6.4、5.12、4.1g/kg体重剂量的硫酸化茯苓多糖(SP)分别灌胃给药,通过观察小鼠的活动和急性毒性反应,记录小鼠的死亡数,用综合计算法计算半数致死量(LD50)等相关数据.结果表明硫酸化茯苓多糖灌胃给药的LD50为7.358/kg,LD50的95%平均可信限为(7.358±0.894)g/kg,属低毒性物质.该研究为开发应用硫酸化茯苓多糖新药提供科学的药理学依据.     

牛磺胆酸钠在大鼠急性胰腺炎模型中的半数致死量(LD50)研究

目的:通过使用不同浓度的牛磺胆酸钠(TC)建立急性胰腺炎(AP)模型,观察相应的死亡率,进而计算其半数致死量。方法:使用不同浓度的TC(0%(wt/vl)、1%、2%、3%、4%、5%、9%)观察AP造模72小时后各组的死亡率。同时分析TC浓度与组织病理评分、血清淀粉酶和外周血细胞变化的相关性。结果:TC的半数致死量为3.409%。并且,TC的浓度与组织病理评分、血清淀粉酶和外周血细胞变化密切相关。结论:TC所致AP造模的最佳剂量为3.409%。     

Effect of pH on domoic acid toxicity in mice

Domoic acid is a shellfish toxin which produces gastrointestinal distress, followed by neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion, disorientation and severe deficits in short-term memory. Domoic acid is an amino acid which contains three carboxylic groups, and one imino group, and its solubility, rate of absorption, and elimination would vary depending on the protonation of these groups at different pH's. We propose that domoic acid toxicity varies with pH of administered domoic acid solution. Domoic acid toxicity was measured in mice as the onset times for scratching behaviour, seizure activity, and death, after the intraperitoneal administration of domoic acid at different pH's. Results of the present study show that the scratching behaviour, seizure activity, and death, occurred at 12, 40, and 55 min, after intraperitoneal administration of domoic acid at pH 3.7. Apparently, the onset times for three types of behaviours were relatively long, and well separated from each ot her. Domoic acid toxicity was lowest at pH 3.7, and highest at pH 7.4, with intermediate toxicity at other pH's. The onset time of scratching behaviour was not influenced by pH of domoic acid solution at three different doses. In contrast, the onset times for seizure activity, and death were significantly affected by pH of domoic acid, toxicity being higher at pH 7.4 than at pH 3.7. The pH effect on domoic acid toxicity diminished as the dose of domoic acid was increased. In fact, at 14.5 mg/kg domoic acid toxicity was similar at both pH's of 3.7 and 7.4. It is concluded that in vivo toxicity of domoic acid varies depending on pH of the administered solution. The differential toxicity of domoic acid at different pH may be related to its solubility, rate of absorption, and elimination, depending on the degree of protonation of domoic acid molecule. Domoic acid toxicity would also vary depending on the age of animal, receptor sensitivity and density in different regions of brain. (Mol Ce ll Biochem 167: 179-185, 1997)     

Use of an antiarrhythmic drug against acute selenium toxicity

ObjectiveSelenium is an essential trace element. But, selenium may have toxic effects in high doses. There are no proven antidotes or curative treatments for acut selenium toxicity. Treatment involves stopping the exposure and providing supportive care for symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to find more effective substances in the treatment of selenium toxicity. The aim of this study was to increase the survival rate of animals by supporting the heart with amiodarone and to determine the effect of amiodarone on the pathological, hematological and biochemical parameters in acute selenium intoxication.Methods64 Wistar-Albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I was given only distilled water, Group II was given 18 mg/kg dose of amiodarone, Group III was given 18 mg/kg amiodarone and 10 mg/kg sodium selenite and Group IV was given sodium selenite 10 mg/kg (LD₅₀ dose)orally.Results11 of the 16 animals in Group IV died within the first 48 h of drug administration. However, no deaths were observed in the rats in Group III. No hematological changes were observed. Biochemically, CK, CK-MB and LDH levels of Group IV were higher than the other groups on both the 2nd and 10th days. In Groups II and III, this serum level decreased, and vitamin B12 levels increased. In macroscopic inspections of the organs of Groups III and IV, slight paleness was detected. Histopathologically, degenerative changes in tissue were observed, especially in Group IV.ConclusionThis study shows that amiodarone application has a reducing effect on selenium toxicity. This was because amiodarone protected the heart by reducing CK and CK-MB levels and increased vitamin B12 levels, which play a role in the synthesis of S-adenosyl methionine that converts selenium into a nontoxic form.     

Chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM): an alternative predictive model in acute toxicological studies for anti-cancer drugs

The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is a preclinical model widely used forvascular and anti-vascular effects of therapeutic agents in vivo. In thisstudy, we examine the suitability of CAM as a predictive model for acute toxicologystudies of drugs by comparing it to conventional mouse and rat models for 10 FDA-approvedanticancer drugs (paclitaxel, carmustine, camptothecin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine,cisplatin, aloin, mitomycin C, actinomycin-D, melphalan). Suitable formulations forintravenous administration were determined before the average of median lethal dose(LD₅₀) and median survival dose (SD₅₀) in the CAM were measuredand calculated for these drugs. The resultant ideal LD₅₀ values were correlatedto those reported in the literature using Pearson’s correlation test for both intravenousand intraperitoneal routes of injection in rodents. Our results showed moderatecorrelations (r²=0.42 − 0.68, P<0.005–0.05) between theideal LD₅₀ values obtained using the CAM model with LD₅₀ values frommice and rats models for both intravenous and intraperitoneal administrations, suggestingthat the chick embryo may be a suitable alternative model for acute drug toxicityscreening before embarking on full toxicological investigations in rodents in developmentof anticancer drugs.     

Characterization of a toxin fromParthenium hysterophorus and its mode of excretion in animals

Fractionation of methanolic extracts of air dried aerial parts ofParthenium resulted in the isolation of a toxic constituent which was identified as parthenin, the major sesquiterpene lactone from the weed. The LD₅₀ (minimal lethal dose required to cause 50% mortality) for parthenin in rats was 42 mg/kg body weight. When [³H]-parthenin was given orally or by intravenous administration, radioactivity appeared in the milk of lactating laboratory and dairy animals. Tissue distribution of radioactivity revealed that maximum label was detectable in kidneys.     

Acute toxicity of Cd in stream invertebrates in relation to pH and test design

The acute toxicity of Cd to three stream invertebrates (Baetis rhodani Pict., Leptophlebia marginata (L.) and Pisidium sp.) was tested at pH 5 and 7 simultaneously in static (ST) and flow through (FT) systems. In the static design, the animals were kept individually in small boxes containing aerated stream water. In the flow through system, the three species were kept together in circular aquaria simulating stream ecosystems with patches of gravel and recirculating aerated stream water. The nominal Cd concentrations ranged from 0 to 5 mg 1^–1 during an exposure period of 120 h.The graphically obtained LC₅₀ (120 h) values for B. rhodani were: pH 7: 2.3 mg 1^–1 (ST), 2.5 mg 1^–1 (FT) and pH 5: 3 mg 1^–1 (ST), 1 mg 1^–1 (FT). For L. marginata the following values were found: pH 7: > 5 mg 1^–1 (ST), 4.4 mg 1^–1 (FT) and pH 5: > 5 mg 1^–1 (ST), 3.6 mg 1^–1 (FT). Pisidium sp. showed a 100% survival in all Cd- and pH-treatments. From thee values it can be concluded that L. marginata is more tolerant than B. rhodani and that especially both species tolerated Cd better in the ST system than in the FT system, especially at pH 5.At neutral pH the Cd-concentrations in the animals were higher than at low pH, probably due to surface adsorption of Cd onto the body. B. rhodani tended to molt more at low than at neutral pH.     

昆虫病原真菌与硅藻土混用对四纹豆象的毒力效果(英文)

在室内条件下检测了白僵菌Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin 菌株IRAN-187C 和金龟子绿僵菌Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikow) Sorokin菌株A-396分别与硅藻土（DE）制剂InsectoSec混用对四纹豆象Callosobruchus maculatus成虫的毒力效果。结果表明：硅藻土与致死剂量和亚致死剂量的真菌分离物混用导致了四纹豆象成虫的高死亡率,且这些处理均缩短了真菌的致死中时(LT₅₀)。LC₅₀ 的白僵菌B. bassiana菌株IRAN-187C和 LC₅₀ 的DE混用对四纹豆象的LT₅₀ (122.2 h)最低,在95%置信限上与LC50 的金龟子绿僵菌M. anisopliae菌株A-396 与LC₅₀的DE混用得到的LT₅₀ (128.2 h) 相当,说明两种真菌分离物与DE混用对四纹豆象成虫都具有较好的毒力效果。用四纹豆象成虫检测3个温度（22, 27和30℃）和2个相对湿度（40%和55%）组合对DE活性的影响,结果显示30℃和40%相对湿度条件下得到的LT₅₀ (110.11 h)最低,说明高温低湿条件下DE活性较高。     

Hypoglycemic activity and acute oral toxicity of chromium methionine complexes in mice

The hypoglycemic activity of chromium methionine (CrMet) in alloxan-induced diabetic (AID) mice was investigated and compared with those of chromium trichloride hexahydrate (CrCl₃·6H₂O) and chromium nicotinate (CrNic) through a 15-day feeding experiment. The acute oral toxicity of CrMet was also investigated in ICR (Institute for Cancer Research) mice by a single oral gavage. The anti-diabetic activity of CrMet was explored in detail from the aspects of body weight (BW), blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, liver glycogen levels, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. The obtained results showed that CrMet had beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, and might possess hepatoprotective efficacy for diabetes. Daily treatment with 500 and 1000 μg Cr/kg BW of CrMet in AID mice for 15 days indicated that this low-molecular-weight organic chromium complex had better bioavailability and more beneficial effects on diabetics than CrCl₃·6H₂O. CrMet also had advantage over CrNic in the control of AST and ALT activities. Acute toxicity studies revealed that CrMet had low toxicity potential and relatively high safety margins in mice with the LD₅₀ value higher than 10.0 g/kg BW. These findings suggest that CrMet might be of potential value in the therapy and protection of diabetes.     

球孢白僵菌九个菌株对赤拟谷盗成虫的毒效

球孢白僵菌Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin是最重要的昆虫病原真菌,广泛用于防治世界各地的多种害虫.本研究评价了球孢白僵菌9个菌株对赤拟谷盗Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)成虫的致病性.将15头赤拟谷盗成虫浸入到4个浓度(1×106,l×107,l×lo8和l×109个分生孢子/mL)的白僵菌菌株中20 s,14 d内每日记录成虫的死亡率.结果表明:IRAN 440C菌株对赤拟谷盗成虫的LC50最低(5.04 ×l07个分生孢子/mL),IRAN187C菌株的最高(5.05 ×lo8个分生孢子/mL);DEBI 005菌株对赤拟谷盗成虫的LT5o最短(2.88 d),DEBI 014菌株的最长(4.96 d).根据LC50,LT50和死亡率结果得出IRAN 440C是防治这一害虫的理想菌株.     

Possible recovery from an acute envenomation in male rats with LD50 of Echis coloratus crude venom: I-A seven days hematological follow-up study

The effect of an acute LD₅₀ dose of Echis coloratus crude venom in male albino rats was tested on blood parameters: white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), platelets count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), also serum glucose, total protein, triglycerides with alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) enzyme activities. The effect of the LD₅₀ dose was monitored over a period of seven days, with time intervals of 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 72 h. All of the tested parameters show fluctuations with time and with tendency to regain normal control level after 12 h. At 12–24 h it seems to be crucial for the process of physiological recovery, in spite of the irreversible damage and tissue distraction. The process of physiological adaptation and recovery from the lethal destructive venom effect seems to stabilize after one week, leaving the animal alive with several biochemical altered metabolisms and disturbed physiological profile.     

Effects of dietary L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 at different supplemental ages on growth performance and some immune response in ascites-susceptible broilers

Abstract

Effects of dietary L-carnitine and coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) at different supplemental ages on performance and some immune response were investigated in ascites-susceptible broilers. A 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design was used consisting of L-carnitine supplementation (0, 75, and 100 mg/kg), CoQ₁₀ supplementation (0 and 40 mg/kg) and different supplemental ages (from day 1 on and from day 10 on). A total of 480 one-day-old Arbor Acre male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 12 groups, every group had five replicates, each with eight birds. The birds were fed a corn-soybean based diet for six weeks. From day 10 – 21, all the birds were exposed to a low ambient temperature (12 – 15°C) to increase the susceptibility to ascites. No significant effects were observed on growth performance by L-carnitine, CoQ₁₀ supplementation, and different supplemental ages. Packed cell volume was significantly decreased by L-carnitine supplementation alone, and ascites heart index and ascites mortality were decreased by L-carnitine, CoQ₁₀ supplementation alone, and L-carnitine + CoQ₁₀ supplementation together (p < 0.05). Heart index of broilers was significantly improved by L-carnitine, CoQ₁₀ supplementation alone during 0 – 3 week. Serum IgG content was improved by L-carnitine supplementation alone (p < 0.05), but lysozyme activity was increased by L-carnitine + CoQ₁₀ supplementation together (p < 0.05). A significant L-carnitine by supplemental age interaction was observed in lysozyme activity. L-carnitine supplementation alone had no effects on the peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) proliferation in response to concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide, but supplemental CoQ₁₀ alone and L-carnitine + CoQ₁₀ together decreased the PBL proliferation in response to ConA (p < 0.05). The present study suggested that L-carnitine + CoQ₁₀ supplementation together had positive effects on some immune response of ascites-susceptible broilers, which might benefit for the reduction of broilers' susceptibility to ascites.     

Tolerance of copepods to short-term thermal stress caused by coastal power stations

The tolerance of marine copepods to short-term thermal stress was measured by the median lethal temperature (LT₅₀) tests in laboratory. Experiments on LT₅₀ of copepods from different acclimation and acclimatization conditions collected from the Yueqing Bay were carried out under heat exposure for 15, 30 and 45 min. The LT₅₀ of copepods decreased with increasing exposure time but increased with rising acclimation and acclimatization temperatures. However, the differences in copepod LT₅₀ decreased with rising acclimatization temperatures, which suggested that entrained copepod mortality increased with raised water temperature due to the acute thermal stress of coastal power stations. Results also revealed that the thermal tolerance of Labidocera euchaeta was much higher than that of Calanus sinicus in spring. The thermal tolerances of different copepod species in summer were in the order, Pseudodiaptomus marinus, Acartia spinicauda, Acartia pacifica and L. euchaeta.     

Probability of freezing in the freeze-avoiding beetle larvae Cucujus clavipes puniceus (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) from interior Alaska

Freeze-avoiding insects must resist freezing or die. A suite of adaptations to low temperatures, including the production of antifreeze proteins, colligative antifreezes (polyols), and dehydration allows most individuals to prevent freezing below the lowest ambient temperatures experienced in situ; however, there can be a wide variance in the minimum temperatures that individuals of freeze-avoiding species reach before freezing. We used logistic regression to explore factors that affect this variance and to estimate the probability of freezing in larvae of the freeze-avoiding beetle Cucujus clavipes puniceus. We hypothesized that water content ≤ 0.5 mg mg⁻¹ dry mass would lead to deep supercooling (avoidance of freezing below −58 °C). We found a significant interaction between water content and ambient below-snow temperature and a significant difference between individuals collected from two locations in Alaska: Wiseman and Fairbanks. Individuals collected in Wiseman deep supercooled with greater water content and to a greater range of ambient temperatures than individuals collected in Fairbanks, leading to significantly different lethal water contents associated with 50% probability of freezing.     

Identification and characterization of a taxon-specific three-finger toxin from the venom of the Green Vinesnake (Oxybelis fulgidus; family Colubridae)

Snake venoms contain a variety of protein and peptide toxins, and the three-finger toxins (3FTxs) are among the best characterized family of venom proteins. The compact nature and highly conserved molecular fold of 3FTxs, together with their abundance in many venoms, has contributed to their utility in structure-function studies. Although many target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of vertebrate skeletal muscle, often binding with nanomolar K_ds, several non-conventional 3FTxs show pronounced taxon-specific neurotoxic effects. Here we describe the purification and characterization of fulgimotoxin, a monomeric 3FTx from the venom of Oxybelis fulgidus, a neotropical rear-fanged snake. Fulgimotoxin retains the canonical 5 disulfides of the non-conventional 3FTxs and is highly neurotoxic to lizards; however, mice are unaffected, demonstrating that this toxin is taxon-specific in its effects. Analysis of structural features of fulgimotoxin and other colubrid venom 3FTxs indicate the presence of a “colubrid toxin motif” (CYTLY) and a second conserved segment (WAVK) found in Boiga and Oxybelis taxon-specific 3FTxs, both in loop II. Because specific residues in loop II conventional α-neurotoxic 3FTxs are intimately associated with receptor binding, we hypothesize that this loop, with its highly conserved substitutions, confers taxon-specific neurotoxicity. These findings underscore the importance of rear-fanged snake venoms for understanding the evolution of toxin molecules and demonstrate that even among well-characterized toxin families, novel structural and functional motifs may be found.     

球孢白僵菌九个菌株对赤拟谷盗成虫的毒效（英文）

球孢白僵菌Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin是最重要的昆虫病原真菌, 广泛用于防治世界各地的多种害虫。本研究评价了球孢白僵菌9个菌株对赤拟谷盗Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)成虫的致病性。将15头赤拟谷盗成虫浸入到4个浓度 (1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸ 和 1×10⁹ 个分生孢子/mL)的白僵菌菌株中 20 s, 14 d内每日记录成虫的死亡率。结果表明： IRAN 440C菌株对赤拟谷盗成虫的LC₅₀最低 (5.04×10⁷ 个分生孢子/mL), IRAN 187C菌株的最高(5.05×10⁸ 个分生孢子/mL); DEBI 005菌株对赤拟谷盗成虫的LT₅₀最短(2.88 d), DEBI 014菌株的最长(4.96 d)。根据LC₅₀, LT₅₀和死亡率结果得出IRAN 440C是防治这一害虫的理想菌株。     

X-ray irradiation of excised embryos of mesta (Hibiscus cannabinus L. and H. sabdariffa L.)

Summary Excised embryos of Hibiscus spp. were treated with 1 kR to 6 kR of X-ray. Results indicate that germination was unaffected at this level of employed doses in both species, which in turn implies that the factors responsible for inhibition of germination are not present in the embryo. LD₅₀ values differed between varieties and species. Early varieties of both species were more sensitive to radiation than late varieties. Strikingly similar effects were observed for the varieties with smaller embryos over those with larger ones. Allopolyploid H. sabdariffa (2n=72) was more susceptible than diploid H. cannabinus (2n=36).Differences in mutation frequency exist between species with different levels of ploidy and between varieties within the same species. Most of the HC mesta varieties yielded higher mutation frequencies than those of HS mesta. Optimal dose for triggering mutations in all varieties (except the chlorophyll mutation variety of HC mesta) of the two species lies within a narrow range of 1 kR to 2 kR. Cent per cent seedling abnormalities is concomitant to LD₅₀; nevertheless, optimum dose for mutation frequency is independent of LD₅₀. Hence, the response should be viewed in terms of respective genotype. The advantages of the embryo irradiation technique are mentioned.     

The effects of different temperature and salinity levels on the acute toxicity of zinc in the Pink Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus paulensis)

The purpose of this study was to measure the acute toxicity of zinc (Zn) on Farfantepenaeus paulensis at different salinities and temperatures by monitoring oxygen consumption. This aspect of the effect of zinc has not been studied in this important commercial species before. First, we examined the acute toxicity of zinc in F. paulensis at 24, 48, 72, and 96?h medium lethal concentration (LC₅₀). One hundred and fifty shrimp were employed for the routine metabolism measurement utilizing sealed respirometers. Ten shrimp were subjected to oxygen consumption measurements in one of the four concentrations of zinc (control, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mg?L^?1) at three salinities (36, 20, and 5) and three temperatures (25°C, 20°C, and 15°C). Zinc was significantly more toxic at a salinity of 5 than at 20 or 36. The oxygen consumption was estimated through experiments performed on each of the 12 possible combinations of three temperatures (25°C, 20°C, and 15°C) and three salinities (36, 20, and 5). The shrimp showed a significant reduction in oxygen consumption at a salinity of 5. The results show that the oxygen consumption decreases with respect to the zinc concentration in all temperatures studied. At the highest zinc concentration employed (3.0?mg?L^?1), the salinity 5 and the temperature at 25°C, oxygen consumption decreases 60.92% in relation to the control. The results show that zinc is more toxic to F. paulensis at lower salinities. The significance of the findings for the biology of the species close to sources of zinc is discussed.