Sites of expression of mRNA for lysenin, a protein isolated from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida

Lysenin is a 33-kDa protein of 297 amino acids that was originally purified from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida. It binds specifically to sphingomyelin. In this study, we attempted to identify the site of synthesis of lysenin in the earthworm. We detected the expression of mRNA for lysenin and the presence of immunoreactive lysenin in the large coelomocytes and in the free large chloragocytes present in the lumen of the typhlosole, a depression in the dorsal wall of the intestine. These coelomocytes and chloragocytes seemed to be mature and separate from the chloragogen tissue that lined the typhlosole. The free large chloragocytes in the typhlosole contained numerous vacuoles. The nuclei were small and irregular in shape, and glycogen granules and mitochondria were occasionally found between vacuoles. The chloragocytes of the chloragogen tissue that surrounded the coelomic side of the intestine and the dorsal blood vessel did not react with the lysenin antiserum and no expression of lysenin mRNA was detected in these cells. Furthermore, no evidence of the protein or of the mRNA was found in the cells of the pharyngeal gland. Our findings suggest that lysenin is produced in the free large chloragocytes in the lumen of the typhlosole.     

Purification and function of two analgesic and anti-inflammatory peptides from coelomic fluid of the earthworm,Eisenia foetida

The potential application of anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds in medication and therapeutic care have become of increasing interest. We purified and characterized two novel analgesic and anti-inflammatory peptides, VQ-5 and AQ-5, from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm (Eisenia foetida). Their primary structures were determined as VSSVQ and AMADQ, respectively. Both peptides, especially AQ-5, exhibited analgesic activity in mouse models of persistent neuropathic pain and inflammation. AQ-5 also inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha and cyclooxygenase-2 production. The mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, which is involved in analgesic and anti-inflammatory functions, was inhibited by AQ-5. Thus, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of these peptides, especially AQ-5, demonstrated their potential as candidates for the development of novel analgesic medicines.     

Lethal and non-lethal responses of spermatozoa from a wide variety of vertebrates and invertebrates to lysenin, a protein from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida

Lysenin, a novel protein that we isolated from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida, binds specifically to sphingomyelin (SM) among various phospholipids found in cell membranes, and causes cytolysis. The plasma membrane of mammalian spermatozoa is known to contain SM at relatively high levels and we therefore examined the effects of lysenin on the spermatozoa of various animals. Lysenin had lethal effects on spermatozoa of 5 of 33 species of invertebrates tested and on spermatozoa of 30 of 39 species of vertebrates. We postulated that plasma membranes of the spermatozoa of most invertebrates might not contain SM whereas those of most vertebrate species might contain SM. These possibilities were supported by our failure to detect SM chemically in the testes of three species of invertebrates, in none of which spermatozoa responded to lysenin. In contrast, we detected SM in the testes of all 25 vertebrate species examined, irrespective of a negative or positive response of spermatozoa to lysenin. None of the six species of Protista examined was affected by lysenin. Our survey suggests that, in general, the spermatozoa of animals can be grouped into two categories, invertebrate and vertebrate, depending on the absence or presence of SM in their plasma membrane. The incorporation of SM into spermatozoa seems first to have occurred in protochordates during the course of evolution. Discussions about the exceptional responses to lysenin observed in the spermatozoa of five species of invertebrates and of nine species of vertebrates are made from phylogenetic and reproductive viewpoints. J. Exp. Zool. 286:538-549, 2000.     

Toxicity of coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida to vertebrates but not invertebrates: probable role of sphingomyelin

The coelomic fluid (CF) of the earthworm Eisenia foetida exhibits a wide variety of biological activities. We found that the CF was not toxic to 42 species, belonging to seven invertebrate phyla, almost all in aquatic adults and larvae exposed to CF. Eleven teleostean species tested died in 0.2-1% CF mostly between 10 and 120 min and the effects were dose-dependent. Tadpoles of the toad Bufo japonicus formosus died in 0.4-2% CF between 80 and 225 min depending upon size, with larger tadpoles surviving longer. Before dying, all experimental tadpoles developed curled and shrunken tails. The Okinawa tree lizard, soft-shelled turtle, Japanese quail, mouse and rat all died after i.v. injection of CF (above 20 microl/kg). Thus, CF was not toxic to invertebrates, but toxic to vertebrates. After heating, CF lost its toxicity to fish, tadpoles and mice. Both CF and lysenin incubated with sphingomyelin-liposomes (SM-liposomes) were no longer toxic, suggesting the involvement of SM in the toxicity. Lysenin, which is a constituent of CF and known to bind specifically to sphingomyelin, exhibited toxicity similar to that of CF. Thus, lysenin in CF is probably responsible for the toxic effects of CF by binding to SM in vertebrate tissues. The bodies of invertebrates might contain little or no SM, while those of vertebrates do contain SM. The coelomic fluid of the earthworm Pheretima communissima has no toxicity to mouse.     

A novel anti-plant viral protein from coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida: purification, characterization and its identification as a serine protease

A novel protein showing strong antiviral activities against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and tomato mosaic virus (TMV) was purified from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida. The protein was characterized as a cold-adapted serine protease. Its molecular weight was estimated to be 27,000 by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme was most active at pH 9.5 and 40–50 °C. The protease activity at 4 °C was 60% of that obtained at the optimal temperature. The activity was suppressed by various serine protease inhibitors. Partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme showed homology with serine proteases of earthworms, E. foetida and Lumbricus rubellus previously studied. Our results suggest that the enzyme can be applicable as a potential antiviral factor against CMV, TMV, and other plant viruses.     

Metabolic parameters of the earthworm Eisenia foetida in relation to temperature

Comparisons of rate of achieving sexual maturity, cocoon production, and growth rate at six temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C led to the conclusion that the earthworm Eisenia foetida can be produced optimally over the range 18-25 degrees C and perhaps maximally at 20 degrees C.     

Examination of water balance and ionic regulation in the earthworm,Eisenia foetida

• 1.1. Weight change after submerging the earthworm into water varied remarkably according to the environmental humidity in which animals were placed before submergence.
• 2.2. Pretreatment with physiological saline solution before submergence in water gave stable values for the ionic concentrations of the body fluid.
• 3.3. Brain removal caused decrease of both sodium and chloride ion concentrations and increase of potassium ion concentration of the coelomic fluid when animals were submerged in water.
• 4.4. Although brain replacement failed, action of a brain hormone is suggested to regulate the decrease of both sodium and choride ions and increase of potassium ion of the coelomic fluid to normal level when animals were submerged in water.

     

9种农药对家蚕和蚯蚓的急性毒性

【背景】当前农药品种及其使用量日益增多,测试农药对环境生物的急性毒性成为农药环境安全监测的重要途径。【方法】采用食下毒叶法和药土法分别测定了甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐、阿维菌素、氰氟虫腙、螺螨酯、螺虫乙脂、嘧菌酯、苯醚甲环唑、戊唑醇、2,4-D二甲胺盐等9种农药对家蚕和蚯蚓的急性毒性,并根据其毒性等级划分标准进行分级,评价其对环境的安全性。【结果】甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐、阿维菌素、氰氟虫腙、螺螨酯、螺虫乙脂、嘧菌酯、苯醚甲环唑、戊唑醇和2,4-D二甲胺盐对家蚕的LC50(96 h)分别为2.05×10-3、8.59×10-4、2.79、250.48、11.52、272.18、2.50、1.93×10-2和534.47 a.i.mg·L-1,对蚯蚓的LC50(14 d)分别为11.05、6.29、100、100、100、100、99.13、115.31和100 a.i.mg·kg-1干土。其中,甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐、阿维菌素和戊唑醇对家蚕"剧毒",氰氟虫腙、螺虫乙脂和苯醚甲环唑对家蚕"高毒",其余农药对家蚕均为"低毒";阿维菌素对蚯蚓为"中毒",其余农药对蚯蚓均为"低毒"。【结论与意义】9种农药对家蚕和蚯蚓的急性毒性存在差异,为农药的合理使用和环境保护提供了依据。     

Molecular cloning of cDNA for lysenin,a novel protein in the earthworm Eisenia foetida that causes contraction of rat vascular smooth muscle

Lysenin, which causes contraction of rat vascular smooth muscle, is a protein that was isolated from the earthworm Eisenia foetida. A cDNA encoding lysenin was isolated by use of a partial cDNA probe that had been generated by the PCR with a primer designed by reference to an internal peptide sequence of lysenin. This clone had an ORF encoding 297 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA revealed the absence of any significant homology to those of previously characterized vasoactive substances. The recombinant lysenin was produced in Escherichia coli. This protein and native lysenin isolated from the earthworm had similar contractive activities when tested on rat aorta. Northern blot analysis of the RNA from various tissues of the earthworm indicated that lysenin is produced by the coelomocytes.     

Survival of body wall autographs, allografts, and xenografts in the earthworm Eisenia foetida.

It is acknowledged that autografts of Eisenia foetida body wall are accepted by their hosts. Allografts, however, have not been found to be accepted, although macroscopic observation of these might suggest they are, possibly owing to fusion of grafts and host epidermal cells. All xenografts eventually fail. Histological studies show that both allografts and xenografts were isolated from hosts, invaded, absorbed, and replaced with collagen. Statistical analyses of results from multiple transfers of xenografts show no evidence of hosts producing a heightened response of any nature to a second challenge of the same antigen.     

Fine-structural and morphometrical studies on the segmental septa of the giant fibers in the earthworm,Eisenia foetida

Summary The fine structure of junctional specializations on the segmental septa in the median and lateral giant fibers of the earthworm (Eisenia foetida) was examined. Eight morphologically different septal domains were identified; a gap junction, a junction with hemispherical hollow structures, a chemical synapse-like junction, intermediate type and punctum adherens type junctions, a junction with adjoining vesicular layers, an area flanked by flattened membranous sacs, a non specialized area, and an area consisting of widely separated membranes with interposed glial processes. The area of each domain was measured by a cytometrical technique using quasi-serial sections. The gap junction occupied 3% and 0.2% of the septal area of the median and lateral giant fibers, respectively. Junctions with hemisperical hollow structures, characteristic of the earthworm giant fibers, occupied 2.5% and 13.9% of the median and lateral giant fibers, respectively. Various membrane domains except the gap junction, the junction with hemispherical hollow structures, and the chemical synapse-like junction accounted for similar proportional areas in both median and lateral giant fibers.The functional implications of these junctional specializations, especially the gap junction, are discussed.     

6种重金属对赤子爱胜蚓的急性毒性效应与风险评价

【背景】近年来,土壤重金属污染问题日益凸显,对生态环境、食品安全和人体健康构成了严重威胁,其急性毒性尚未明确。【方法】采用滤纸接触法和人工土壤法测定了铜(Cu2+)、锌(Zn2+)、镍(Ni+)、镉(Cd2+)、铅(Pb2+)和锰(Mn2+)等6种重金属对赤子爱胜蚓的急性毒性效应,并参照欧盟指令91/414/EEC标准评价了其环境风险。【结果】滤纸接触法48h测定结果表明,6种重金属对蚯蚓的LC50为3.17(2.53～3.81)～90.42(69.45～140.47)μg.cm-2,其毒性次序为Cu2+>Zn2+>Ni+>Cd2+>Pb2+>Mn2+。人工土壤法14d测定结果表明,6种重金属对蚯蚓的LC50为1347(1236～1453)～6936(6144～8930)mg.kg-1,其毒性次序为Cu2+>Cd2+>Ni+>Zn2+>Mn2+>Pb2+。风险评价结果显示,Cu2+、Zn2+、Ni+、Cd2+、Pb2+和Mn2+等6种重金属的暴露比(toxicity/exposureratio,TER)分别为3.37、4.46、8.68、1428、13.87和5.85。【结论与意义】6种重金属对土壤动物蚯蚓均具有潜在的毒性效应。Cu2+、Zn2+、Ni+、Mn2+等4种重金属对赤子爱胜蚓存在急性毒性风险,而Cd2+和Pb2+对赤子爱胜蚓的急性毒性风险水平是可接受的。该评价结果可为我国制定基于风险的土壤环境质量标准提供依据。     

Degeneration and death,by apoptosis and necrosis,of the pavement and chloride cells in the gills of the teleost Oreochromis mossambicus

Summary Degeneration and death of branchial epithelial cells were studied in an African cichlid fish. In both freshwater and seawater fish the superficially located pavement cells are sloughed off at the end of their lifecycle. This process is preceded by degeneration via a process of cytoplasmic shrinkage and condensation related to apoptotic (physiologically controlled) cell death. The chloride cells are pleomorphic, i.e., accessory, mature, and degenerating cells. Degeneration of chloride cells mainly occurs by apoptosis. Degenerating cells show shrinkage and densification of cytoplasm and nuclei, and swelling of the tubular system; these cells are then separated from the ambient water by pavement cells. They are finally phagocytosed and digested by macrophages. Apoptosis of chloride cells, but not of pavement cells, is greatly stimulated when the fish are in seawater; this reflects an increase in cellular turnover of the chloride cells. Accidental cell death (necrosis) of pavement cells or chloride cells is rarely observed in fully adapted freshwater and seawater fish. Its incidence increases in the first few days following transfer of fish from fresh water to seawater.     

Observations on the ultrastructure of nerve cells in the brain of the earthworm,Eisenia foetida,with special reference to neurosecretion

Summary The submicroscopic structure of nerve cells in the brain of the earthworm Eisenia was studied. Six types of neurons containing morphologically different inclusions are identified. Types 1, 2 and 3 contain vesicles filled with homogeneous materials of high electron density. These are essentially similar to elementary granules in neurosecretory systems of vertebrates and invertebrates. Type 4 shows dense-cored vesicles which resemble in size catechol-containing granules as described, for example, in chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland. Type 5 has clear vesicles with a mean diameter of 400 Å. Some of these vesicles have a dense osmium deposit. Type 6 contains electron lucent vesicles with diameters of 500–800 Å. Occasionally these have osmiophilic cores. Clear vesicles of types 5 and 6 are similar to classical synaptic vesicles, while granulated vesicles resemble in size and appearance those described in adrenergic nerve endings. All six vesicle types have the same mode of origin from Golgi membranes. All of these vesicles are considered to be discharged from the perikarya into the axons entering the neuropil.     

Response to acute changes in salinity of two different muscle type creatine kinase isoforms, from euryhaline teleost (Oreochromis mossambicus) gills

Two CKM isoforms (CKM1 and CKM2) from the gills of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) were obtained after transfer from freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW, 25 ppt). Based on the 5' and 3' RACE, the identity of CKM1 and CKM2 was determined to be 59% in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) and 41.9% in the 3'-UTR. Using Northern blot hybridization with the CKM1 and CKM2 3'-UTR probes, CKM1 and CKM2 were found to be expressed in muscle, heart and gill. The levels of these two different CK isoforms (CKM1 and CKM2) were shown to be different in FW than after acute SW transfer, showing that CKM isoforms respond to changes in salinity.     

Insulin-like growth factor I-like immunoreactivity in serum and tissues of the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

Tilapia serum was acidified with 0.5 M HCl and then chromatographed on an octadecasily-silica column. After washing with 4% acetic acid, the column was eluted with methanol. The eluate was evaporated to dryness. The sample cross-reacted in a human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) radioimmunoassay, suggesting immunochemical similarity to human IGF-I. IGF-I-like immunoreactivity was present at high levels in tilapia liver. Other tissues containing IGF-I-like immunoreactivity included the gonad, kidney, heart, spleen, brain and muscle. The serum IGF-I-like immunoreactivity was attributed to substances with a molecular weight of 9,000 and 45,000 respectively, and it was elevated after treatment with bovine growth hormone and carp pituitary extract.     

Gene expression profiling of coelomic cells and discovery of immune-related genes in the earthworm,Eisenia andrei,using expressed sequence tags

The coelomic cells of the earthworm consist of leukocytes, chlorogocytes, and coelomocytes, which play an important role in innate immunity reactions. To gain insight into the expression profiles of coelomic cells of the earthworm, Eisenia andrei, we analyzed 1151 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) derived from the cDNA library of the coelomic cells. Among the 1151 ESTs analyzed, 493 ESTs (42.8%) showed a significant similarity to known genes and represented 164 unique genes, of which 93 ESTs were singletons and 71 ESTs manifested as two or more ESTs. From the 164 unique genes sequenced, we found 24 immune-related and cell defense genes. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis showed that levels of lysenin-related proteins mRNA in coelomic cells of E. andrei were upregulated after the injection of Bacillus subtilis bacteria. This EST data-set would provide a valuable resource for future researches of earthworm immune system.     

Recruitment and degeneration of mitochondrion-rich cells in the gills of Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus during adaptation to a hyperosmotic environment

Cellular recruitment and degeneration of branchial mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells were examined in Mozambique tilapia transferred from hypoosmotic to hyperosmotic water. To examine apoptosis in the gills associated with salinity change, tilapia were directly transferred from freshwater to 70% seawater. The TUNEL assay showed that apoptotic cells in the gills were significantly increased at 1 day after transfer, which was supported by an electron-microscopic observation that gill MR cells underwent morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis such as an irregularly shaped electron-dense nucleus and distension of the tubular system. To further examine MR-cell recruitment, freshwater-acclimated tilapia were transferred either to freshwater or to 70% seawater after BrdU injection. Immunohistochemical detection of BrdU-labeled nuclei and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase-rich MR cells allowed us to classify BrdU-labeled MR cells into two subtypes: a single MR cell and an MR-cell complex. Although newly generated single MR cells were observed similarly in both freshwater and 70% seawater-transferred fish, the density of MR-cell complexes was much higher in 70% seawater than in freshwater. Our findings indicated that transfer from hypoosmotic to hyperosmotic water enhanced apoptosis of freshwater-type MR cells, resulting in reduction in hyperosmoregulatory ability for freshwater adaptation, and stimulated the recruitment of MR-cell complexes to develop hypoosmoregulatory ability for seawater adaptation.