The effect of temperature on the acid-base status of the blood of the hatching quail (Coturnix c. japonica)

• 1.1. The ambient temperature of embryos of pipped eggs was reduced from 38 to 28°C for a period of 45 min.
• 2.2. The blood P_CO2 was lower and the blood more alkaline at 28°C than at 38°C.
• 3.3. At 28°C plasma [HCO₃⁻] ] was lower than predicted from the blood buffer line determined in vitro.
• 4.4. The plasma concentrations of strong ions and lactate were the same at both temperatures.
• 5.5. After the ambient temperature had been returned to 38°C for a period of 45 min, blood pH was more acidic than before cooling, but there was no difference in blood P_CO2.
• 6.6. The plasma [HCO₃⁻] was the same as that at 28°C and plasma [K⁺] was higher than before cooling.
• 7.7. The results arc discussed in relation to the factors affecting blood pH in embryos at this stage of development.

     

Comparative aspects of the accessory sex glands and seminal biochemistry of mammals

• 1.1. Despite large gaps in the literature of semen biochemistry, especially of wild species, recent studies of the carbohydrate biochemistry of marsupial semen allow an approach to the question of the origin and evolution of mammalian seminal plasma.
• 2.2. The marsupials are a very important part of an overall picture of seminal plasma evolution because they are the end product of an alternative line of mammalian evolution genetically separated from the eutherians for over 100 million years.
• 3.3. The present paper discusses the accessory sex glands and seminal sugars of mammals from a comparative point of view in the light of present knowledge of evolutionary relationships and suggests possible schemes of evolution of mammalian seminal plasma.

     

Comparative studies on the activity and polymorphism of enzymes in the semen of farm animals and birds—I. Electrophoretic investigation into the non-specific esterases in bull seminal plasma

• 1.1. Starch gel electrophoresis was carried out on the non-specific esterases in bull seminal plasma.
• 2.2. Differentiation of non-specific esterases was performed by using different substrates and inhibitors.
• 3.3. It is suggested that the non-specific esterases in bull seminal plasma belong to the types A, B, C.

     

Multi-omics Biomarker Pipeline Reveals Elevated Levels of Protein-glutamine Gamma-glutamyltransferase 4 in Seminal Plasma of Prostate Cancer Patients

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Highlights

• •Seventy-six most promising proteins were qualified, and 19 proteins were verified by SRM in 219 seminal plasma samples of patients with prostate cancer and negative biopsies.
• •Prostate-specific, secreted and androgen-regulated protein-glutamine gamma-glutamyltransferase 4 (TGM4) was verified by SRM assay and an in-house immunoassay.
• •TGM4 detected prostate cancer on biopsy in seminal plasma (AUC=0.66), but not in blood serum.

     

Regulation of the physical and biochemical composition of blood and seminal plasma by the blood-testis barrier in Labeo ruddi and Labeo rosae (Pisces: Cyprinidae)

• 1.1. The physical and biochemical composition of the seminal and blood plasma of two cyprinid fish were studied as well as the quantitative presence of lipids, ATP, glucose and pyruvate in both body fluids during spawning and post spawning stages.
• 2.2. Statistically significant interspecific differences were determined both for the spawning and post spawning stages as well as differences found for a particular species during spawning and post spawning phases.
• 3.3. Based on the results obtained, it is shown that a blood-testis barrier exists in the two species studied.

     

Seasonal changes of total lipids in the turtle Sternotherus odoratus

• 1.1. Seasonal variation in total lipids was examined in several body components of the turtle Sternotherus odoratus.
• 2.2. Carcass fat stores in both sexes were depleted during winter. Additionally, a decline in carcass lipids was associated with increases in gonadal mass.
• 3.3. Concentrations of liver lipids were maximal during August and minimal during winter.
• 4.4. Males showed little seasonal change in plasma lipid levels, whereas females had seasonal peaks temporally associated with ovarian development and carcass fat storage.
• 5.5. Ovarian concentrations of lipids were minimal after nesting and increased during fall.
• 6.6. Results suggest that S. odoratus uses stored fats both for reproduction and maintenance during winter.

     

Characterization of the blood volume and iron kinetics in the three-toed sloth,Bradypus tridactylus

• 1.1. Blood volume and iron kinetics were determined in three specimens of Bradypus tridactylus which were obtained in the coastal north-east regions of Brazil.
• 2.2. The average blood volume, circulating red cell volume and plasma volume were 54.9, 19.5 and 35.4 ml/kg body weight, respectively.
• 3.3. The average plasma iron disappearance half-time was 150.6min; the red cell radioiron uptake was 62% and the serum iron was 74.3 μg/100 ml.
• 4.4. From these figures the plasma iron turnover rate was calculated to be 165.6 μg/kg per day and the red cell iron turnover rate 102.7 μg/kg per day.

     

Chloride transport in red cells of the teleost,Tilapia mossambica

• 1.1. The transcellular movement of chloride was measured in the red blood cells of the fish Tilapia mossambica utilizing 36-chloride.
• 2.2. Tilapia red cells possess an efficient anion carrier which is totally blocked by SITS.
• 3.3. Although a factor in tilapia plasma inhibits the dehydration of extracellular bicarbonate by the red cells, it was without effect on the transcellular movement of chloride.
• 4.4. It is concluded that the inability of fish whole blood to dehydrate extracellular bicarbonate is not explained by a general anion impermeability as was suggested by Haswell & Randall (1976).

     

The effect of reduced salinity on tissue and plasma composition of the dogfish,Squalus acanthias

• 1.1. Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) were acclimated to reduced salinities and their plasma, muscle tissue and erythrocytes subsequently analysed.
• 2.2. Decrease in the osmolarity of the plasma was principally due to a fall in urea concentration and a significant fall in the concentrations of sodium and chloride.
• 3.3. Changes in the muscle and erythrocytes in dilute media were a decrease in urea, potassium, sodium and chloride concentrations.
• 4.4. The concentrations of the free amino acids in the muscle and the red blood cells decreased more than would be expected by the movements of water only.
• 5.5. The results were discussed in relation to the regulation of cellular volume and the involvement of the free amino acid pool of the tissues in this process.

     

Renal response to hypoxia in carp,Cyprinus carpio: Changes in glomerular filtration rate,urine and blood properties and plasma catecholamines of carp exposed to hypoxic conditions

• 1.1. Changes in glomerular nitration rate (GFR), urine and blood properties and plasma catecholamines of carp were investigated during and following hypoxia.
• 2.2. GFR and urine flow decreased with increased urinary concentrations of bio-components, except protein, in the course of hypoxia.
• 3.3. Decreases in blood pH, and increases in haematocrit value and plasma K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, inorganic phosphate (P_i), ammonia, lactic acid and catecholamines (CAs) were observed as hypoxia progressed.
• 4.4. Increased GFR and urine flow, and higher values for urinary components, except protein, compared with those of the control were found in the initial post-stress stage.
• 5.5. The possible significance of increased plasma CAs in relation to changes in renal function in hypoxic carp is discussed.

     

Respiration in the eastern water dragon,Physignathus lesueurii (agamidae)

• 1.1. Some aspects of the gas exchange system of a diving lizard, Physignathus lesuewii were studied.
• 2.2. Breathing patterns were analysed.
• 3.3. Breathing rate increases logarithmically with temperature and Q₁₀ = 1.8. LogBR = −0.237 + 0.0256 T.
• 4.4. Gas tensions in lung air and arterial and venous blood were measured. Arterial pH declines with increasing temperature.
• 5.5. Temperature has a marked effect on oxygen affinity of the blood (ΔH = −10.1 kcal mol⁻). A Bohr effect was also noted.
• 6.6. CO₂ equilibrium curves were drawn.
• 7.7. The results are considered with a view to anticipating the efficiency of the gas exchange system of this species under conditions of variable temperature and during diving.

     

Effects of extracellular environments on the motility of spermatozoa in several marine sculpins with internal gametic association

• 1.1. The motility of spermatozoa in several marine sculpins, which exhibit a special reproductive manner of the internal gametic association, was measured in various artificial solutions, ovarian fluid and seminal plasma.
• 2.2. In the elkhorn sculpin, Alcichthys alcicornis, spermatozoa showed high motility in solutions of 300 to 400 mOsm/kg, containing sodium ion, with pH higher than 7.5, which coincided with the nature of ovarian fluid of the fish.
• 3.3. Spermatozoa of sunrise sculpin, Pseudoblennius cottoides, and elegant sculpin, Bero elegans, were motile at osmolalities isotonic to the ovarian fluid but not at osmolalities higher than 500 and 800 mOsm/kg, respectively, indicating that the gametic association in these fish is carried out exclusively in their ovaries.
• 4.4. Spermatozoa of littledragon sculpin, Blepsias cirrhosus, were motile at osmolalities higher than 300 mOsm/kg, but not in sea water, suggesting an internal gametic association to occur in this species of sculpins.
• 5.5. The results indicate that spermatozoa of the marine sculpins with the internal gametic association show their motility in environmental conditions appropriate to respective reproductive modes.

     

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.

     

Disparity of native oxyhemoglobin components isolated from Paramecium caudatum and Paramecium primaurelia

• 1.1. Native oxyhemoglobin components were isolated chromatographically from Paramecium caudatum and Paramecium primaurelia, and some properties of the isolated components were investigated.
• 2.2. P. caudatum was endowed with one homogeneous hemoglobin component, while the hemoglobin in P. primaurelia was resolved into three heterogeneous components being two main and one minor.
• 3.3. Spectral properties of the isolated hemoglobin components were quite similar to each other. The isolated components, however, were distinctly different in electrophoretic mobilities.
• 4.4. Molecular weight of the isolated hemoglobin components was estimated to be about 11,000.

     

Fermentation and the production of volatile fatty acids in the alimentary tract of the rock hyrax,Procavia capensis

• 1.1. Aspects of ruminant-like metabolism were examined in the hyrax Procavia capensis.
• 2.2. High concentrations of volatile fatty acids occurred in the cardiac stomach with a predominance of acetic and lactic acids.
• 3.3. Acetic (69%), propionic (22%) and butyric (8%) acids occurred in highest concentrations in the proximal caecum, with appreciable amounts in the proximal colon, distal caecum and appendices.
• 4.4. The depot fat contained high proportions of unsaturated C₁₈ (linoleic and linolenic) acids.
• 5.5. The glucose level in the plasma was within the range established for non-ruminant herbivores.
• 6.6. The possibility of silage-like fermentation occurring in the cardiac stomach is discussed.

     

Localization of the glucocorticoid receptor in rat liver cells: Evidence for plasma membrane bound receptor

• 1.1. The cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor of rat liver cells is in part recovered in the plasma membrane fraction.
• 2.2. After in vivo administration of [³H]dexamethasone, 0.35% of the radioactivity recovered is bound on plasma membranes.
• 3.3. Dexamethasone also binds in vitro specifically to plasma membranes. Expressed as fmol/mg protein, binding of dexamethasone to plasma membranes is comparable to binding to the soluble cytoplasmic fraction (cytosol).
• 4.4. Using polyclonal antibody to the glucocorticoid receptor and the indirect immunofluorescence technic, an intense decoration of the plasma membranes is observed, denoting a high concentration of glucocorticoid receptor on plasma membranes.
• 5.5. The localization of the receptor on plasma membranes could be of potential importance for its interaction with agents (mitogens, growth factors) initially acting on the cell membrane, regulating subsequent cell proliferation and growth at the level of the cell nucleus.

     

Binding of cadmium and copper in the mayfly Baetis thermicus larvae that inhabit a river polluted with heavy metals

• 1.1. The larvae of mayflies (Baetis thermicus) that inhabited a metal-contaminated river (the river Mazawa in Yamagata, Japan) were collected and the concentrations of several heavy metals in mayflies were compared with those inhabiting a river not contaminated with metals.
• 2.2. Cadmium, copper and zinc in mayflies of the contaminated river were 13.4, 18.4 and 15.6 times higher in concentration than those in the non-contaminated river.
• 3.3. Distributions of the three metals in the supernatants of the larvae collected from the contaminated and non-contaminated rivers were determined by HPLC-atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled argon plasma.
• 4.4. Cadmium and copper in the supernatant of the larvae collected from the contaminated river were sequestered by metal-binding components induced for the respective metals, while zinc seemed to be bound loosely to native components.

     

Human seminal phosphatase: Properties and comparison with plant phosphatases

• 1.1. Phosphatase activities were determined in various seminal fluid and plant tissues.
• 2.2. Human semen showed a markedly higher phosphatase activity, and some plants and mushrooms exhibited a considerably higher phosphatase activity.
• 3.3. Phosphatase purified from human seminal fluid showed a pH optimum of 5–6 and was potently inhibited by l-(+)-tartrate.
• 4.4. Tartrate could not inhibit most plant phosphatases, but inhibited the mushroom phosphatase with a one-order lower affinity than that of the seminal enzyme.

     

Effects of insulin on the fatty acid composition of the total blood plasma lipids in the european EEL,Anguilla anguilla L

• 1.1. The fatty acid composition of plasma total lipids in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., was studied 3, 10, 24, 96, 168 and 336 hr after i.p. injection of bovine insulin (100 i.u./kg body wt) dissolved in glycine-NaOH buffer solution. Control eels were treated by buffer solution only.
• 2.2. The insulin-treated eels showed an elevated percentage of palmitoleic acid (16:1) 3 and 336 hr post-injection compared to buffer-treated control eels.
• 3.3. Insulin caused a significant decrease in the percentage of oleic acid (18:1) 336 hr post-injection.
• 4.4. Besides the observations mentioned above insulin was not found to have any pronounced effects on the fatty acid composition of total blood plasma lipids.

     

Blood volume recovery in hemorrhaged japanese quail

• 1.1. Blood volume and plasma biochemical changes and feed and water consumption in response to a hemorrhage by phlebotomy of 30% of the calculated total blood volume with and without replacement of blood volume with physiological saline were determined in juvenile male Coturnix coturnix japonica.
• 2.2. Plasma protein and osmolality decreased rapidly posthemorrhage and did not recover by 72 hr posthemorrhage.
• 3.3. Plasma glucose, Na⁺ and K⁺ increased within Ihr postphlebotomy. Plasma Na⁺ returned to nonphlebotomized levels within 6 hr postphlebotomy.
• 4.4. Saline replacement of blood volume resulted in hypervolemia within 3–5 min postphlebotomy.
• 5.5. Phlebotomized quail receiving no saline recovered blood volume to 0 hr (nonphlebotomized) levels within l hr postphlebotomy.