Yolk synthesis in ovarian follicles ofDrosophila

Summary The autonomous synthesis of yolk proteins in ovarian follicles ofDrosophila melanogaster was analyzed. Vitellogenic follicles were labelled with³⁵S-methionine in vitro and the newly synthesized yolk proteins were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Possible contamination of the follicle preparations caused by adhering fat body cells could be excluded by culturing follicles in males prior to labelling in vitro. When labelled follicles were cut at the nurse cell/oocyte border the three yolk proteins (YP1, YP2, YP3) were found only in posterior fragments containing ooplasm and follicle cells, whereas two radioactive protein bands (A and B) were detected in nurse cells (anterior fragments). The yolk proteins of these five bands were characterized by peptide mapping. Band A protein, migrating a little more slowly than YP2, is closely related to both YP1 and YP2 while band B contains a yolk protein which is very similar to YP3. Hence, the nurse cells have been identified as a site of vitellogenin synthesis within the ovary ofDrosophila.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, SFB 46     

Biochemical and immunocytochemical analysis of vitellogenesis in the olive fruit fly Dacus (bactrocera) oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Synthesis and selective accumulation of the major yolk proteins in the developing oocytes of the species Dacus oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) was studied biochemically and by immunoelectron microscopy. In the hemolymph of adult females, two yolk proteins precursors (or vitellogenins) have been detected. They each exhibit a similar molecular weight and isoelectric point to their respective mature yolk proteins (or vitellins), while electrophoretic analysis of their synthetic profile shows that their levels in the hemolymph increase rapidly during development. Immunogold electron microscopy of ovarian sections, revealed that the hemolymph vitellogenins reach the oocyte through enlarged inter-follicular spaces and demonstrated vitellogenin synthesis by the follicle cells of the vitellogenic follicles. The newly synthesized vitellogenins follow a distinct secretory pathway into these cells as compared to other components being synthesized at the same time (e.g. the vitelline envelope proteins), since they were found in secretory vesicles that appeared to be differentiated from those destined to participate in the vitelline envelope. The vitellogenin-containing vesicles exocytose their contents directionally into the follicle cell/vitelline envelope boundary, and subsequently the vitellogenins diffuse among the gaps of the forming vitelline envelope and reach the oocyte plasma membrane. Their internalization by the oocyte includes the formation of an endocytic complex consisting of coated pits, coated vesicles, endosomes, transitional yolk bodies, and finally mature yolk bodies, in which the storage of the vitellins and other yolk proteins occur. These results are discussed in relation to data obtained from other Dipteran species.     

卵黄抗体在兽医寄生虫学中的应用

卵黄抗体是鸡产生的主要抗体,鸡被免疫后,IgY被持续地被合成、分泌到血液中,并被选择性地转移、富集到蛋黄中。母鸡产生的IgY可为它们的后代抵抗常见的禽类病原体提供有效的体液免疫保护。就有关寄生虫卵黄抗体的研制情况及其在兽医寄生虫病诊断、治疗等的应用情况做一综述。     

受精鸡蛋卵黄中DNA和RNA的分布

通过对受精未孵育鸡蛋卵黄的不同部位加以考查,发现DNA和RNA在卵黄中的分布是广泛存在的;采用荧光试剂Hoechst33258和RiboGreen对DNA和RNA进行定量分析,结果表明：DNA在不同部位卵黄中的分布比较均匀,且主要存在于卵黄颗粒中,而RNA的含量在胚下表层卵黄、侧面和植物极中有较大差异.     

Yolk polypeptide gene expression in culturedDrosophila cells

Summary The transfer of chimaeric plasmids toDrosophila melanogaster cell lines has been examined as a system for investigation of the hormonal regulation of the genes coding forD. melanogaster yolk polypeptide 1 (YP1) andLocusta migratoria vitellogenin B (VgB). Constructs containing promoters and putative 5′-regulatory sequences from these genes, ligated to bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) coding DNA, were transfected intoDrosophila Kc (Kc-H) and S3 cells, and transient expression of CAT was assayed. Activity was expressed both from the homologous promoter of pYP1CAT and from the heterologous locust promoter of pVgCAT at comparable levels. In S3 cells, with calcium phosphate-mediated transfer of pYP1CAT there was a twofold induction of CAT activity after the addition of 10⁻⁶ M ecdysterone, but no hormonal stimulation was noted when the polycation polybrene was used to achieve transfection. For Kc cells, calcium phosphate was ineffective for transfection, and after transfection with polybrene neither pYP1CAT nor pVgCAT was induced by the juvenile hormone (JH) analog methoprene. It is concluded that S3 cells may be useful for investigating the molecular basis of gene regulation by ecdysteroids, but conditions suitable for the analysis of JH action have not yet been established. This work was supported by a graduate scholarship to M.S. and grants to V.K.W. and G.R.W. by NSERC (Canada).     

Yolk hydrolase activities associated with polypeptide and oligosaccharide processing of Blattella germanica vitellin

Various aspects of the processing of Blattella germanica vitellin (Vt) in the oocyte and egg have been investigated. Employing subunit specific antibodies, the precursor product relationships among the subunits of this Vt have been determined. After endocytosis of Vt by the oocyte, the M_r 160,000 subunit Vt is cleaved to products of M_r 95,000 and M_r 50,000. In association with an unprocessed M_r 102,000 peptide, these form the subunits of the Vt of freshly ovulated eggs. Between 4 and 5 days post ovulation (at 30°C), all three subunits of Vt are again processed proteolytically before use by the embryo. Although Vt's high mannose-type oligosaccharides are trimmed during embryogenesis, their modification occurs subsequent to the day 4–5 proteolysis, precluding the possibility that changes in oligosaccharide content or structure contribute to regulating this second proteolytic event. Although the predominant oligosaccharide of Vt is Man₉GlCNAc₂, the M_r 50,000 subunit of egg-borne Vt contains a much higher proportion of Man₆GlCNAc₂ than the other two subunits; therefore, this portion of the precursor vitellogenin must be more accessible to the processing mannosidases of the endoplasmic reticulum during its biosynthesis. A microtechnique for aspirating the yolk from individual eggs in an oothecapermits its isolation free of contamination by embryonic tissue. With this procedure, the specific activity profiles of exo-α-mannosidase, exp-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, α-glucosidase and acid phosphatase were monitored during the first 6 days after ovulation, and some of their properties were also determined. Expression of the acid phosphatase and exo-β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activities coincide with the day 4–5 proteolysis, while α-mannosidase remains relatively constant throughout the first 6 days. Functions for these enzymes and the oligosaccharides of Vt during Vt storage and utilization are proposed.     

Eye Attached Hemipollinaria in the Hawkmoth and Settling Moth Pollination of Habenaria (Orchidaceae): A Study on Functional Morphology in 5 Species from Subtropical South America

Morphological adaptations to sphingophily and pollination by moths was studied in 5 South American Habenaria species. For H. gourlieana and H. hieronymi direct evidence of hawkmoth (Agrius cingulatus and Manduca sexta) and settling moth (Rachiplusia nu) pollination, respectively, by hemipollinaria attachment on the eyes, is presented. In two other species (H. paucofilia, H. rupicola) pollination by settling moths and eye attachment of the hemipollinaria can be inferred by indirect evidence (placement of scales and massulae on the flowers) and by flower structure. For the fifth species (H. montevidensis) pollination by small moths or mosquitoes with hemipollinaria attachment on the proboscis is postulated. A comparative study in floral features revealed clear morphological divergence between sphingophilous and phalaenophilous species. In addition to deeper spurs the former have slender, exerted, and upturned petal lobes (acting as mechanical guide to the hovering visitors), a much developed median rostellar lobe (acting as deflecting surface of the hawkmoths towards the viscidia), flexible and sinuous hemipollinarium caudicles (appropriate for frontal strikes against the stigma when hemipollinaria are brought by the hawkmoths dangling against the flower). Male efficiency was compared between 4 species with overlapping flowering time in the same area. Male efficiency factors were unexpectedly low in all species. Only in one species (H. hieronymi) each pollen donation accounted for more than one pollination. H. gourlieana is part of a more or less rich sphingophilous flora interacting with the same two long-tongued hawkmoth species. Interspecific competition for pollen placement on the pollinator's body surface is probably low on account of different pollination mechanisms.     

网翅蝗科三种蝗虫卵子发生的比较研究(直翅目:蝗总科)

通过组织学观察与测量对网翅蝗科(直翅目:蝗总科)中3种蝗虫卵子发生各阶段进行比较和分析,3种蝗虫分别为:绿牧草蝗Omocestus viridulus(Linnaeus),素色异爪蝗Euchorthippus unicolor(Ikonn.)和条纹异爪蝗Euchorthippus vittatus Zheng。结果表明,在蝗虫卵子发生过程中,卵母细胞体积和形态变化显著,呈现指数增长模式;细胞核体积增长在发育初期增长显著,后期变化不显著;滤泡细胞体积和形态及数量呈现周期性变化规律;比较种间差异发现不同种蝗虫的卵子发生存在不同的发育进程。     

Ege A,a novel C2 domain containing protein,is essential for GPCR-mediated gene expression in dictyostelium

The major yolk protein (MYP) in sea urchins has historically been classified as a vitellogenin based on its abundance in the yolk platelets. Curiously, it is found in both sexes of sea urchins where it is presumed to play a physiological role in gametogenesis, embryogenesis, or both. Here we present the primary structure of MYP as predicted from cDNAs of two sea urchins species, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Lytechinus variegatus. The sequence from these two species share identity to one another, but bear no resemblance to other known vitellogenins. Instead the sequence shares identity to members of the transferrin superfamily of proteins. In vitro iron binding assays, including both (59)Fe overlay assays of MYP enriched coelomic fluid and immunoprecipitation of native iron-bound MYP from coelomic fluid, support this classification. We suggest that one of MYP's transferrin-like properties is to shuttle iron to developing germ cells.     

Yolk sphere formation is initiated in oocytes before development of patency in follicles of the moth,Plodia interpunctella

We describe a provitellogenic stage, a previously unrecognized stage of follicle development in moths, and show that oocytes begin yolk sphere formation prior to the development of patency by the follicular epithelium. The vitellogenic activities of follicles from pharate adult femalePlodia interpunctella (Hübner) were determined by visualizing the subunits of vitellin (YP1 and YP3) and the follicular epithelium yolk protein (YP2 and YP4) using monospecific antisera to each subunit to immunolabel whole-mounted ovaries or ultrathin sections. At 92 h after pupation, yolk spheres that contained only YP2 began to proliferate in the oocytes. The inter-follicular epithelial cell spaces were closed at 92 h making vitellogenin inaccessible to the oocyte, and consequently, the vitellin subunits were not observed in the yolk spheres. YP2 uptake most likely occurred across the brush border from the follicular epithelial cells to the oocyte at this time. At 105 h, the inter-follicular epithelial cell spaces appeared closed yet trace amounts of labeling for vitellin were observed in the spaces and also in the yolk spheres along with YP2. Equivalent labeling for all four YPs in yolk spheres was finally observed at 112 h after pupation when the follicular epithelium had become patent. These data indicate that the provitellogenic stage is an extended transition period between the previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages that lasts for approximately 13 h, and it is marked at the beginning by YP2 yolk sphere formation in the oocyte and at the end by patency in the follicular epithelium.     

大鼠卵黄囊的分化及其肿瘤性转化研究

目的研究12d大鼠胚胎脏层卵黄囊(VYS)向多胚层组织分化的潜能和在逆转录病毒感染下的肿瘤性转化特征。方法在不同培养条件、移植位点的条件下,观察VYS体内外分化的改变;另外利用逆转录病毒载体将荧光蛋白基因(GFP)转染12d卵黄囊细胞,对GFP标记的转化细胞进行体内外研究。结果在不同培养条件下,均对体外培养的或体内移植的大鼠卵黄囊向三个胚层分化的进程无特异的导向性。将荧光蛋白标记卵黄囊克隆细胞接种在裸鼠皮下长出了未分化的间质细胞肉瘤。结论12d大鼠胚胎脏层卵黄囊具有向三胚层分化的潜能;逆转录病毒感染导致卵黄囊间质细胞发生肿瘤性转化。     

青藏高原七种马先蒿属植物根的比较解剖研究

作者对青藏高原7种马先蒿属植物根进行了解剖和比较研究,发现：（1）根内部皮层多挤压变形,其内的空腔边缘多呈撕裂状,通气组织普遍发达;（2）根的维管柱机械组织发达;（3）作者首次发现,在马先蒿属2种植物根的维管柱内射线部位,也有边缘呈撕裂状的较大的空腔通气组织。根据解剖特征,对7种马先蒿植物的分类进化关系也进行了初步的探讨。     

七种圈养鹤的部分血液生化指标分析

为探索圈养鹤类的血液生化指标差异,本研究对白鹤(Grus leucogeranus)、丹顶鹤(G.japonensis)、黑冠鹤(Balearica pavonina)、黑颈鹤(G.nigricollis)、灰冠鹤(B.regulorum)、蓝鹤(Anthropoides paradiseus)和白枕鹤(G.vipio)的10项血液生化指标(总胆固醇、甘油三酯、总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白等)进行统计分析,并与国际物种信息系统(ISIS)提供的数据进行比较。结果表明,1)不同鹤类之间总胆固醇差异显著,而甘油三酯和血糖没有显著性差异,除了黑冠鹤和灰冠鹤的总胆固醇以及蓝鹤的血糖外,其余鹤类的常值均高于ISIS的平均值。2)不同鹤类之间的总蛋白、球蛋白和白蛋白的浓度差异显著,但总蛋白、球蛋白和白蛋白均在ISIS的正常范围内。3)不同鹤类间肌酐和尿酸不具有显著性差异,其中尿酸低于ISIS平均值,但仅尿素氮差异显著。不同鹤类之间血液生化指标存在差异,与圈养鹤的营养水平和环境有关。因此血液生化指标对于圈养鹤类营养状态和健康情况的判断具有重要参考价值,对圈养动物饲养管理具有重要的指导作用。     

The Role of the Yolk Sac in Copper Metabolism during Rat Embryogenesis

Using the immunoblotting method, the synthesis of two copper-transporting P1-type ATPases, ATP7A (a candidate for the product of the Menkes disease gene) and ATP7B (a presumed product of the Wilson disease gene), in the yolk sac cells of rat embryos at days 11 and 20 of embryogenesis was demonstrated. Concomitantly, yolk sac cells produce ceruloplasmin, a soluble copper-transporting glycoprotein, a proportion of which in secreted proteins progressively diminishes, attaining 5.2% at day 11 and 3.1% at day 20 of development. At different stages of embryogenesis, yolk sac cells synthesize two molecular forms of [¹⁴C]-ceruloplasmin, one of which is secreted towards the embryo, whereas the other, towards the decidual membrane. Two forms of ceruloplasmin secreted in polar directions differ in the rate of secretion. The role of the yolk sac as a key organ controlling the delivery and secretion of copper in the embryo during the postimplantation period is discussed.     

7种橐吾属植物的核型

研究了7种橐吾属（Ligularia）植物的染色体和核形态。干崖子橐吾（L．kanaitzensis）的核型为2n＝2x＝58＝26m＋28sm 4st;窄头橐吾（L.stenocephala）的核型为2n=2x=58=26m 32sm;细茎橐吾（L.hookeri）的核型为2n=2x=58=30m 26sm 2st;宽戟橐吾（Llatihastata）的核型为2n=2x=58=28m 26sm(2sat) 4st;网脉橐吾（L.dictyoneura）的核型为2n=2x=58=26m 28sm 2st 2t;蹄橐吾（L.hodgsonii）的核型为2n=2x=58=28m 28sm 2t;棉毛橐吾（L.vellerea）的核型为2n=2x=58=22cm 34sm 2t。虽然这7个种的染色体数目相同,2n=58,核型主要是由m和sm染色体构成,但各类的染色体数目在种间有差异。核的对称性高,着丝点端值（T．C）为61．45％－64．96％。除窄头橐吾和鹿蹄橐吾的染色体数与前人报道的相同外,其它5个种的染色体数目和核型为首次报道。     

The role of lipoxygenase products on the endocytosis of yolk proteins in insects: participation of cAMP

The participation of eicosanoids and second messengers in the regulation of endocytosis by the ovaries was investigated using the uptake of Rhodnius heme binding protein (RHBP) as an experimental model. The rate of RHBP uptake decreased up to 40% in the presence of BWA4C and NDGA, 5 and 12-lipoxygenase inhibitors, respectively, suggesting the involvement of lipoxygenase products in endocytosis regulation. Addition of Leukotriene B4 (LTB(4); one product of the 5 lipoxygenase pathway) increased in vitro the uptake of RHBP by 30%. The content of cAMP in the Rhodnius' ovaries were monitored after treatment with different eicosanoids and inhibitors of eicosanoids synthesis. The amount of cAMP decreased in the presence of indomethacin (by 50%), while treatment with PGE(2) induced an increase of 85% of this messenger in the ovaries. The presence of LTB(4) in the medium inhibited in 60% the content of cAMP in the ovaries, while BWA4C induced a 100% increase of this messenger in the ovaries. Addition of 1 microM DBcAMP in the medium resulted in a 30% decrease in the rate of RHBP uptake. Taken together, these data show that cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products participate in the control of protein internalization by modulation of cAMP levels.     

半滑舌鳎胚胎发育中后期卵黄囊超微结构观察

在胚胎发育中期,半滑舌鳎胚胎由胚体、卵黄囊和卵周液构成.对半滑舌鳎胚胎发育中后期的卵黄囊进行超微结构观察.结果表明,卵黄囊是由卵黄囊膜和包裹其内的卵黄物质组成.在半滑舌鳎胚胎发育过程中,卵黄囊内的卵黄物质逐渐消耗产生低分子量的卵黄磷蛋白分裂小泡.分裂小泡转移到卵黄囊内部消黄细胞中,在消黄细胞的作用下分裂小泡转化成卵黄颗粒.随后卵黄颗粒在卵黄囊内表面聚集成囊状结构并转移运输到卵黄囊膜内部,最后把卵黄物质从卵黄囊膜转移并释放到卵周液中,为胚胎发育提供营养.     

抗生殖器疱疹病毒卵黄免疫球蛋白(IgY)的研究

检测了鸡卵黄中抗生殖器疱疹病毒(HSV-2)抗体的产量、纯度、来源及稳定性。采用生殖器疱疹病毒(HSV-2)作为抗原免疫广州黄村鸡。通过改良水稀释法提取卵黄中的IgY。双紫外光波长测定抗体含量,SDS-PAGE电泳检测抗体纯度。Western blot免疫印迹法测定该抗体来源。ELISA检测IgY对温度、酸碱度的稳定性。结果,蛋黄液中抗体质量浓度13.6g.L-1,抗体纯度达96.2%。免疫印迹证明IgY与鸡血清中的IgG具有相同的分子量和抗原性。IgY具有良好的热稳定性,对酸碱具有一定的耐受力。WD水稀释法能得到高产量、高纯度的特异性IgY,而且有良好的生物学活性。