小木蠹蛾性信息素分泌腺的位置及组织学

对小木蠹蛾Holcocerus insularis雌蛾性信息素分泌腺提取物的触角电位(EAG)、毛细管气相色谱 (GC) 的测定以及对腺体位置和形态结构的扫描电镜、透视电镜观察。结果表明,小木蠹蛾性信息素分泌腺是一个由节间膜特化而成的上皮结构,位于腹部末端8～9节之间,为一个可外翻的腹褶,表面分布着饱满的锥形体。羽化后2天未交尾的雌蛾腺体细胞呈单层排列,腹面中央由密集的柱形细胞组成,向两侧延伸至背部,细胞由柱形逐渐变为扁平形,细胞核为椭圆形。细胞基底膜基褶较多,质膜上分布着微绒毛,并与内表皮连接,内表皮上有多层几丁质,细胞质中含有空泡、线粒体、脂质粒及光面内质网。     

Anteroposterior variation of the cell types in the interrenal gland of the male toad Rhinella arenarum (Amphibia,Anura)

The interrenal gland of anurans synthesizes the steroids aldosterone and corticosterone, but it is unknown whether these hormones are synthesized by the same cell type. In this work, we aim to elucidate whether there are different steroidogenic cell types and whether they have specific regionalization in the interrenal gland of the male toad Rhinella arenarum. We characterized all cell types using histological, immuhistochemical, and histochemical methods as well as transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, we evaluated the organization of the cell types in the gland and anteroposterior variations in the synthesis of the steroids. We found evidence of five cell types: two morphologically different steroidogenic cells, type 1: polyhedral cells tightly attached to each other that have spherical euchromatic nuclei and type 2: retracted cells loosely attached to each other that have oval heterochromatic nuclei. Cell type 2 is mainly observed in the inner zone of the gland. In addition, we observed two types of chromaffin cells, called type 3 and 4 cells, randomly distributed throughout the interrenal gland, as well as type 5 cells, recognized as summer cells. Morphometric analyses of the cell types in the anterior and posterior zones of the interrenal showed that the ratio “area of type 2 cells/total interrenal area” is significantly lower in the posterior zone. In vitro incubations showed that the posterior portion of the gland produces significantly higher amounts of both corticosterone and aldosterone. Overall, our results suggest that the type 2 cells are less active to synthesize both aldosterone and corticosterone, compared to type 1 cells. Unlike most previous reports on the interrenal gland of anurans, in R. arenarum there is a zonation of the steroidogenic cell types, which implies that the organ is not anteroposterior or dorsoventrally homogeneous. © J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

二个不同发育阶段茶银尺蠖雌蛾性腺超微结构的比较研究

本文利用扫描电镜和透射电镜分别对不同发育阶段的茶银尺蠖Scopula subpunctaria Herrich-Schaeffer雌蛾性信息素腺体进行了观察和研究,对探索信息素的合成途径提供科学依据。结果表明,雌蛾性信息素腺体位于第8、9/10腹节的节间膜上,由其表皮下方的单层上皮细胞组成,并几乎覆盖整个节间膜形成一个近乎完整的环状。成熟雌蛾(3日龄)性腺的超微结构照片显示性腺细胞具有发达的微绒毛、质膜内褶、大量的脂滴、细胞间的运输孔道以及细胞桥粒等结构组织。而在未成熟雌蛾(羽化5h内)性腺细胞内,这些结构均明显缺失或发育不完整。     

The effects of sex hormones,prolactin, and chorionic gonadotropin on pineal electrical activity in guinea pigs

Microelectrophoretic application of sex hormones onto pineal cells in guinea pigs has shown different responses in pregnant females as compared to males. In pregnant females estrone caused excitation in 74% of the cells tested, while progesterone and testosterone, prolactin, and HCG were inhibitory in a majority of the cells. In contrast, in males estrone caused excitation of only 19% but inhibition of 37%. A smaller percentage of cells was inhibited by progesterone, while the predominant response to testosterone was excitation. These results suggest that the pineal gland may be under a feedback control.This work was supported by the Volkswagenwerk-Stiftung, Grant I/35472.Visiting scientist supported by grant from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Royal Society.     

The effect of different exogenous kisspeptins on sex hormones and reproductive indices of the goldfish (Carassius auratus) broodstock

Despite several studies on fish hormone therapy, finding new candidates may provide more reproductive efficiency in artificial propagation. Kisspeptins, being upstream of the hypothalamic–pituitary-gonadal axis, appear to play a key role in the reproduction process. In the present study, the effect of different variants of kisspeptide, including goldfish (Carassius auratus) kiss1 kisspeptin (Kiss1), human kisspeptin (Hkiss), and their combination (Kiss1 + H), on the reproductive indices of goldfish broodstock in comparison to Ovaprim (a typical synthetic Gnrh hormone) was investigated. Peptides (Kiss1 and Hkiss) were synthesized using a solid-phase synthesis approach. Kiss1 and Hkiss were injected at a dose of 100 μg kg⁻¹ body weight, blood samples were taken 6 h after injection and sex hormones (E2, Dhp, and 11-Kt), gonadotropins (Lh and Fsh), cortisol and reproductive indices (fecundity, fertilization and hatching percentage) were measured. The results showed a significant increase of plasma sex hormones and gonadotropins in fish treated with kisspeptins. In addition, the cortisol and lipoprotein lipase in Kiss1, Hkiss and Kiss1 + H were remarkably increased compared to Ovaprim. In conclusion, kisspeptins could be a more suitable candidate than Ovaprim for accelerating and synchronizing oocyte maturation in the fisheries industry.     

The effect of polymyxin B and some mast-cell constituents on mucosal mast cells in the duodenum of the rat

Summary Mucosal mast cells in the rat duodenum show no morphological signs of exocytosis of granules and do not release histamine after treatment with polymyxin B in doses large enough to cause almost complete degranulation of connective-tissue mast cells of tongue, skin, and mesentery with concomitant release of 60% of the tissue histamine. Administration of polymyxin B in gradually increasing doses over a period of 5ds resulted in a statistically significant increase in mucosal mast cells and a comparable increase in duodenal histamine content, whereas the connective-tissue mast cells in the other tissues examined became fewer in number, the remaining cells showing profound morphological changes, and tissue histamine levels, were reduced to 40% of the controls. A similar increase in mucosal mast cells has been observed after treatment with another mast-cell secretagogue, compound 48/80. This suggests that the increase in mucosal mast cells may be an indirect effect of these compounds, related to their activation of other mast cells and mediated by material(s) secreted by the connective-tissue mast cells. Possible mediators such as heparin, histamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine injected for 5 ds in doses large enough to account for the amount released from the degranulated mast cells had no effect on the morphology or numbers of mast cells in any of the tissues examined.Supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council, Project no 2235     

Correlation between glycerolipids and pheromone aldehydes in the sex pheromone gland of female tobacco hornworm moths,Manduca sexta (L.)

Analysis by TLC and HPLC revealed that the triacylglycerols comprise the most abundant lipid class in the sex pheromone glands of Manduca sexta females. Also, conjugated olefinic acyl analogs of the major pheromone aldehydes occur principally in the triacylglycerols. The amount of triacylglycerols with conjugated diene acyl moieties significantly decreased when the period of pheromone production was extended by 7 h beyond the normal period of pheromone production by 3 injections of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) at 3 h intervals. This decrease indicates that the triacylglycerols stored in the gland may serve as major sources of pheromone precursors in the biosynthesis of the sex pheromone aldehydes. Furthermore, analysis of pheromone aldehydes and triacylglycerols in the gland from moths treated with PBAN showed that the proportions of the triacylglycerols with conjugated diene moieties were closely correlated with the proportions of aldehydes found in the same gland. This correlation suggests that the proportions of fatty acids bound to certain triacylglycerols regulates the proportions of aldehydes in biosynthesis of the pheromone blend in M. sexta. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

1 This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

     

Structure and chemistry of the Dufour gland in Pristomyrmex ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Billen, J., Ito, F., Tsuji, K., Schoeters, E., Maile, R. and Morgan, E. D. 2000. Structure and chemistry of the Dufour gland in Pristomyrmex ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81 : 159–166 All individuals of the three species of Pristomyrmex studied have a Dufour gland with a conspicuous hammer‐shaped distal part, that is connected to a thin‐walled proximal reservoir through a very narrow stalk. The secretory distal part is formed by high columnar cells that are characterized by a highly folded apical wall. The lateral cell junctions apically correspond with the crenel tops, which gives individual cells a peculiar shape with a deep apical depression. The cytoplasm of the secretory cells contains a very well developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, numerous mitochondria and lysosomes. Histochemical analysis indicates a positive reaction for the presence of a lipid secretion in the hammer‐like part. Gas chromatographic analysis of glands of P. pungens workers reveals the secretion to be formed of a mixture of simple volatile monoterpene hydrocarbons; α–pinene, β–pinene, limonene and camphene. Similar, but species characteristic mixtures of four monoterpenes were found in Pristomyrmex brevispinosus and Pristomyrmex sp.1. Behavioural experiments did not allow a conclusive determination of the function of the gland.     

The androgenic effect on the fine structure of the harderian gland in the male hamster

Summary A sexual dimorphism of the hamster Harderian gland at the ultrastructural level has been reported. The effect of testosterone on the fine structure of the gland from castrated male golden hamsters is reported here. Harderian glands from the following three groups of animals were examined at regular intervals up to 60 days after castration: (1) castrated; (2) castratedsham-injected, receiving 0.1 ml sesame oil per day; (3) castrated-testosterone injected, receiving 2mg testosterone propionate in 0.1 ml sesame oil per day. In groups 1 and 2, clusters of cylindrical tubules, typical of the male gland, decreased in number and disappeared almost completely 2 weeks after castration. Membranous structures, typical of the female gland, prevailed in these two groups throughout the remaining period of experiment. On the other hand, these changes were prevented in the group of castrated animals maintained on testosterone propionate. It is concluded that castration modified the ultrastructure of the male hamster Harderian gland toward the female type and that daily administration of testosterone propionate prevented this change.     

竹织叶野螟成虫求偶行为及其雌蛾性信息素分泌腺超微结构

【目的】蛾类昆虫性信息素的合成和释放与求偶行为的发生是一致的,其合成和释放的器官是性信息素腺体。为深入了解竹织叶野螟性信息素的分泌生理,开展了竹织叶野螟求偶行为及其性信息素腺体超微结构的研究。【方法】在光周期14L:10D、温度26±2℃、相对湿度80%±10％的室内条件下,观察研究了竹织叶野螟的求偶行为;依据求偶规律研究结果,选取最活跃日龄雌蛾,在暗期求偶高峰时间段,充分挤压其腹部末端,然后于第8节处横向切下,将切下的腹末标本处理后,借助显微镜和扫描电镜观察性信息素腺体的表面特征及超微结构。【结果】竹织叶野螟雌雄蛾求偶均具一定的程序性,且求偶行为只发生在暗期,暗期前5 h内雌蛾求偶率较低,6 h后求偶率明显升高,并在暗期7-8 h达到求偶高峰;求偶率与雌蛾日龄有密切关系,3日龄雌蛾求偶率最高,持续时间也最长。竹织叶野螟性信息素分泌腺位于腹部第8-9节节间膜上,是一完整的环状结构,显微镜下观察其分泌腺为一乳白色囊状体,扫描电镜下其腹面囊状体迂回褶皱多,大体分为3个褶皱区,除第1褶皱区外,其余褶皱区表面密布乳突、凹陷沟和刺状物,且刺状物顶端有孔;背面囊状体皱褶少,其表面形态与第2和第3褶皱区相似。【结论】研究结果有助于了解竹织叶野螟性信息素合成和释放的时辰节律,也为该虫性信息素的准确提取和鉴定、性信息素的生物合成及利用提供了科学依据。     

First report of a green toad (Bufo viridis sensu lato) in the Early Pleistocene of Spain: Palaeobiogeographical and palaeoecological implications

For the first time unequivocal fossil remains of a green toad (Bufo viridis s.l.) are described in the Iberian Peninsula. The fossils come from the Cueva Victoria site, a late Early Pleistocene (ca. 1.1–1.2 Ma) karstic filling in semi-arid southeastern Spain (Murcia region). By extension, other remains from two other Early Pleistocene Spanish localities, Barranco León D (ca. 1.3 Ma) and Almenara-Casablanca 3 (ca. 1.1 Ma), are cautiously attributed to the group B. viridis. The B. viridis group was previously reported with some uncertainty to the west of its current distribution area in Western Europe (Spain and France) in the Pliocene (Bufo cf. viridis) and less probably in the Early Miocene (Bufo aff. viridis). Since no osteological differences have been established between the recently described extant species of B. viridis s.l. (e.g. Bufo balearicus, Bufo siculus, Bufo boulengeri, B. viridis sensu stricto and Bufo variabilis) no precise palaeobiogeographical relationships can be drawn for the Spanish fossils. However, the occurrence of a third species of bufonid toad during the Pleistocene in the South of the Iberian Peninsula raises some interesting ecological questions in relation to the local disappearance of the green toad, which can be hypothetically linked to the intensification of the Pleistocene glacial/interglacial climate dynamic or to probable competition with another toad, Bufo calamita.     

The effect of sex hormones on the proximal tubules in the rat kidney

Summary The three segments (S₁, S₂, S₃) of the proximal tubule of the rat kidney were investigated, with special reference to lysosomes, after castration, estradiol application, and at the end of pregnancy. Especially in S₁ and S₂ castration induces an increase of cellular autophagy. The nuclei become smaller; endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ribosomes, and Golgi apparatus are reduced; catabolism predominates. In S₁ more giant lysosomes occur; the total number of lysosomes increases whereas acid phosphatase activity decreases at the same time. Sex differences which exist in untreated animals disappear. Substitution with estradiol causes an activation of the proximal tubule cells: Heterophagy predominates, and cellular autophagy is reduced. Nuclear size is unchanged; ER, ribosomes and Golgi apparatus show a clear increase. Giant lysosomes are absent in S₁. On the whole lysosomes are larger, but less numerous than after castration. Acid phosphatase is highly active. All changes are most evident in S₃. At the end of pregnancy the proximal tubule cells are stressed considerably: Pinocytotic activity increases, and large numbers of cell organelles and many lipid vacuoles can be observed. The basal lamina in S₁ and S₂ becomes thicker. Lysosomes enlarge and increase in number in all segments; giant lysosomes are absent in S₁; acid phosphatase activity is extremely high. The results indicate that sex hormones directly influence the regulation of the proximal tubule cell; moreover, they are indirectly important for the functioning of the kidney via changes in the whole organism.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 105)Dedicated to Prof. Dr. O. Bucher, Head of the Institute of Histology and Embryology of the University of Lausanne/Switzerland, on the occasion of his 65th birthday     

Effect of mammogenic hormones on the expression of FGF7, FGF10 and their receptor in mouse mammary gland

To investigate the regulation of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin stimulating the development of mammary gland, the Kunming mice were used as experimental animals in this study. Through the experiment in vitro, the effect of mammogenic hormones were systematically investigated on expression of FGF7 and FGF10 and their receptor in different periods. The results are as follows: in mammary glands of mice, 17 beta-estradiol increased the expression of FGF7; progesterone did not affect the expression of FGF7; prolactin up-regulated the expression of FGF7 significantly in pregnancy and lactation. 17 beta-estradiol increased the expression of FGF10; progesterone and prolactin reduced the expression of FGF10 significantly in virgin; prolactin significantly increased the expression of FGF10 in pregnancy. When 17 beta-estradiol in the body was in relatively high proportion, it would lower the expression of KGFR; while 17 beta-estradiol in the body was in relatively low proportion, it would increase the expression of KGFR. Low concentration of progesterone increased the expression of KGFR and high progesterone did not affect the expression of KGFR. Prolactin increased the expression of KGFR significantly in pregnancy and lactation.     

Effect of mammogenic hormones on the expression of dFGF7, FGF10 and their receptor in mouse mammary gland

To investigate the regulation of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin stimulating the development of mammary gland, the Kunming mice were used as experimental animals in this study.Through the ex-periment in vitro, the effect of mammogenic hormones were systematically investigated on expression of FGF7 and FGF10 and their receptor in different periods.The results are as follows:in mammary glands of mice, 17 beta-estradiol increased the expression of FGF7;progesterone did not affect the expression of FGF7;prolactin up-regulated the expression of FGF7 significantly in pregnancy and lac-tation.17 beta-estradiol increased the expression of FGF10;progesterone and prolactin reduced the expression of FGF10 significantly in virgin;prolactin significantly increased the expression of FGF10 in pregnancy.When 17 beta-estradiol in the body was in relatively high proportion, it would lower the ex-pression of KGFR;while 17 beta-estradiol in the body was in relatively low proportion, it would increase the expression of KGFR.Low concentration of progesterone increased the expression of KGFR and high progesterone did not affect the expression of KGFR.Prolactin increased the expression of KGFR significantly in pregnancy and lactation.     

Effects of sex steroid hormones and their antagonists on mast cell number in the testis of the frog, Rana esculenta

This study confirms our previous data on the effects of sex hormones on mast cell number (MCN) in the testis of frog Rana esculenta. After 15 days of treatment with oestradiol (E2) MCN strongly increases, while testosterone has no effect. After 30 days only a small increase in MCN is observed. These differences could be due to the non-physiological effect of E2 over a prolonged period. We also confirmed a massive increase in MCN after 15 or 30 days of treatment with cyproterone acetate (CPA). This increase in MCN is also observed after administration of CPA with tamoxifen. Ultrastructural analysis of testis shows empty spaces with degenerating Leydig cells in the interstitial compartment and numerous germinal cells completely degenerated, probably apoptotic, in the adjacent germinal compartment. The same effects were observed in testes after treatment with only CPA. Chronic E2 treatment provokes an increase in MCN on day 2. From day 4 to 12 of the treatment, MCN decreases dramatically and many germinal tubules appear strongly disorganised. In conclusion, the present results confirm that E2 treatment induces changes in MCN and chronic E2 treatment modifies the morphology of the frog testes. In addition, blocking androgen receptors with CPA, alone or in combination with tamoxifen, causes a significant increase in MCN, confirming the involvement of androgens in mast cell proliferation and/or differentiation.     

IL-4 modulates the histamine content of mast cells in a mast cell/fibroblast co-culture through a Stat6 signaling pathway in fibroblasts

IL-4 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, such as the induction of IgE synthesis and the development of mast cells. To further understand the effect of IL-4 on mast cells in skin, we utilized a mast cell/fibroblast co-culture system as an in vitro model of dermal mast cells. IL-4 induced mast cell growth in the culture with fibroblasts. Immunoblot analysis revealed that IL-4 activated Stat6 in both mast cells and fibroblasts. The over-expression of dominant-negative Stat6 in fibroblasts in the presence of IL-4 decreased the histamine content per mast cell, but not the number of mast cells. In contrast, the over-expression of constitutively-active Stat6 in fibroblasts increased the histamine content per mast cell, indicating that the activation of Stat6 in fibroblasts supports the maturation of mast cells co-cultured with fibroblasts.     

Fine structure of the Nassonow's gland in the neotenic endoparasitic of female Xenos vesparum (Rossi) (Strepsiptera, Insecta)

Nassonow's gland consists of a number of cells with ducts that open on to the ventral surface of the brood canal in the cephalothoracic region of a neotenic female strepsipteran. The structural organization of the gland is reminiscent of the class 3 of the epidermal gland cells as defined by Noirot and Quennedey [Ann. Rev. Entomol. 19 (1974) 61], which consists of secretory and duct forming cells. The ultrastructure of the Nassonow's gland is described in female Xenos vesparum (Rossi) parasitic in the social wasp Polistes dominulus Christ. The large secretory cells are clustered in groups of three to four, rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum and produce a secretion made up of lipids. In young females, just before mating, the ultrastructure of the cells and their inclusions indicate that they are active. In old-mated females the Nassonow's gland degenerates. Microvilli line an extracellular cavity and there are pores present in the irregularly thick cuticle of the efferent duct. The small duct forming cells, intermingle with epidermal cells, overlap secretory cells and produce a long efferent duct, the cuticle of which becomes thick close to its opening in the brood canal. Nassonow's gland could be the source of a sex pheromone, which might be capable of attracting the free-living male to a permanently endoparasitic female.     

The effect of calmodulin on histamine release in the rat peritoneal mast cell

To investigate the role of the Ca²⁺-binding protein calmodulin on histamine release in the rat peritoneal mast cell, we exposed cells to exogenous calmodulin in the presence of a variety of histamine secretagogues. Histamine release stimulated by compound , polymyxin B and ionophore A23187 was inhibited while concanavalin A-stimulated release was not affected. Calmodulin in the presence of the secretagogues did not affect cell viability and calmodulin alone had no effect on histamine release. No direct interaction between calmodulin and the secretagogues was observed. Exogenous calmodulin does not appear to be incorporated into the cell. The inhibition of histamine release by calmodulin can be explained as a labile interaction between the protein and the cell that requires externally-bound Ca²⁺. These experiments demonstrate the use of exogenous calmodulin as a probe in the study of the mechanism of histamine release.     

Metabolic and ventilatory responses to hypoxia in two altitudinal populations of the toad, Bufo bankorensis

Effects of hypoxia on resting oxygen consumption ( ), lung ventilation, and heart rate at different ambient P_O2 were compared between lowland and high altitude populations of the toad, Bufo bankorensis. Resting decreased significantly in mild hypoxia (P_O2=120 mm Hg) at 10°C and in moderate hypoxia (P_O2=80 mm Hg) at 25°C in both altitudinal populations; however, resting did not differ significantly between the two populations. Numbers of lung ventilation periods (VP) and total inspired volume (V_L) did not change with P_O2 at 10°C, but did increase at moderate and severe hypoxia (40 mm Hg), respectively, at 25°C. Resting heart rates did not change during hypoxia and did not differ between altitude populations. The results suggest (1) the effect of P_O2 change on should be considered in future studies involving transfer of anurans to a different altitude; and (2) the metabolic and ventilatory physiology in B. bankorensis does not compensate for the low temperature and P_O2 at high altitude.