Characterization by immunocytochemistry of ionic channels in Helix aspersa suboesophageal brain ganglia neurons

The aim of this work was to characterize several ionic channels in nervous cells of the suboesophageal visceral, left and right parietal, and left and right pleural brain ganglia complex of the snail Helix aspersa by immunocytochemistry. We have studied the immunostaining reaction for a wide panel of eleven polyclonal antibodies raised against mammal antigens as follows: voltage-gated-Na+ channel; voltage-gated-delayed-rectifier-K+ channel; SK2-small-conductance-Ca2+-dependent-K+ channel apamin sensitive; SK3 potassium channel; charybdotoxin-sensitive voltage-dependent potassium channel; BKCa-maxi-conductance-Ca2+-dependent-K+ channel; hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated potassium channel 4; G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium channel GIRK2 and voltage-gated-calcium of L, N and P/Q type channels. Our results show positive reaction in neurons, but neither in glia cells nor in processes in the Helix suboesophageal ganglia. Our results suggest the occurrence of molecules in Helix neurons sharing antigenic determinants with mammal ionic channels. The reaction density and distribution of immunoreactive staining within neurons is specific for each one of the antisera tested. The studies of co-localization of immunoreaction, on alternate serial sections of the anterior right parietal ganglion, have shown for several recognized mapped neurons that they can simultaneously be expressed among two and seven different ionic protein channels. These results are considered a key structural support for the interpretation of Helix aspersa neuron electrophysiological activity.     

Stress contributes to the development of central insulin resistance during aging: Implications for Alzheimer’s disease

It is becoming evident that chronic exposure to stress not only might result in insulin resistance or cognitive deficits, but may also be considered a risk factor for pathologies such as depression or Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is great interest in determining the molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between stress, aging, memory and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have used the chronic mild stress (CMS) model to study the effects of chronic stress on the aging process and the development of central insulin resistance and AD pathology. CMS aged mice showed cognitive impairments in the novel object recognition test. In addition, CMS aged mice displayed both peripheral insulin resistance, as shown by HOMA index, and decreased hippocampal levels of pIRS and downstream intracellular signaling (pAKT, pGSK and pERK1/2). Interestingly, there was a significant increase in both C99:C83 ratio and BACE1 levels in the hippocampus of CMS aged mice. Increased expression of the AD marker pTau was also found in stressed aged mice. Increased expression of the stress-activated protein kinase JNK was found in CMS aged mice, accompanied by significant decreases in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and increases in mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression. It is suggested that the interaction of stress with aging should be considered when studying determinants of the onset and progression of AD.     

Dermatophytosis of pigs by Trichophyton mentagrophytes

We describe the isolation of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in two family-operated farms where the animals were suffering skin ailments characterized by a swelling and a reddening of the back and flanks.This condition affected 2 and 5% respectively of the animals on the farms, the younger ones being more frequently affected.     

短叶假木贼中化学成分的分离和结构鉴定

从短叶假木贼(Anabasis brevifolia)的氯仿提取物中分离得到了9个化合物,经UVI、R、MS和NMR等波谱技术分析,并结合文献对照,确定其结构为-Ncis-feruloyltyramine(1)、N-trans-feruloyltyramine(2)、-Ncis-feruloyl-3-methoxytyramine(3)、-Ntrans-feruloyl-3-methoxytyramine(4)、3′,5,7-trihydroxy-4,′6-dimethoxy flavonoid(5)、eupatilin(6)、丁香脂素(7)、β-谷甾醇(8)、β-谷甾醇3-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(9)。这些化合物均为首次从假木贼属(AnabasisL.)植物中分离得到。     

Isolation Purification and Characterization of Antimicrobial Peptides from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cuminum cyminum</Emphasis> L. Seeds

In this work, antimicrobial peptides from Cuminum cyminum L. seeds were isolated and purified for the first time by 50% ethanol extraction, C18 reverse phase column chromatography and ion exchange chromatography for separation different peptides fraction. Then isolated fractions were characterized by Gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), high-pressure liquid chromatography and the peptides components and molecular weights were determined by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The extracts were tested against some strains of bacteria (E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and one strain of fungi (Candida albicans) using well diffusion and broth dilution assays. The extracts from C. cyminum L. seeds demonstrated a high degree of activity (some antibacterial effect) against the bacteria strains and аntifungal activity against the Candida albicans. However, the study indicates that the crude peptide extracts from C. cyminum L. seeds have promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that can be harnessed as leads for potential bioactive compounds.     

The reproductive biology of two poorly known relatives of the fig (Ficus) and insights into the evolution of the fig syconium

We conducted the first detailed investigation of the floral architecture and reproductive biology of two species from the genus Dorstenia, which are poorly known relatives of Ficus (Moraceae). Our aims were to extend and refine knowledge of the understudied genus Dorstenia and to explore possible insights into the evolution of the fig syconium. We characterised four key stages of floral development using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and histological staining. Reproductive biology was found to be complex and species‐specific. Both study species are monoecious and produce an inflorescence of minute male and female flowers. Protogyny, associated with a spatial separation of male and female flowers and asynchronous stamen development, was species‐specific, as was seed set. Our results reveal novel insights into the complex reproductive biology of an under‐studied genus in the family Moraceae. We propose that exploring the reproductive biology of Dorstenia and other poorly known Ficus relatives will provide insights into the evolution of the fig syconium – the unique reproductive structure of this economically and ecologically important genus.     

Ultrastructural characteristics of anterior gut innervation of Gallus gallus

The enteric nervous system of the bird's anterior gut is very well developed. Myelin fibres are seen accompanying the nervous trunks up to the mucous layer. Glial cells duplicate the number of neurons in the myenteric plexuses. Their number decreases at the submucous plexuses, but it is always higher than the neurons. Isolated neurons are widely spread in the circular muscle coat accompanying the nervous trunks which can be inter and intrafascicularly located. Direct synaptic contacts with the soma neuronal membranes are very often seen. We have never observed synaptic specializations. The most prominent varicosities either in the peripheric nervous trunk axons or directly laying on the soma membranes are those containing peptidergic or mixed vesicles of cholinergic and peptidergic types. The neurons show big nuclei of different size and shape. Neighbouring smooth muscle cells show abundant caveolae near the nervous elements. Although we have not observed close contacts with glands, thin axon bundles spread near the glandular cells of the mucous layer.     

Molecular Interaction of S-100 Proteins with Microtubule Proteins In Vitro

Several procedures were employed to examine the in vitro interaction between S-100 proteins and microtubule proteins. Binding of S-100 to tau factors was observed under all experimental conditions. S-100 binding to microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) was best detected by exposing nitrocellulose-immobilized MAP2 or MAPs to either 125I-labeled S-100 or biotinylated S-100. S-100 binding to tubulin was detected when the two protein fractions were first incubated with each other followed by exposure to the bifunctional cross-linker disuccinimidylsuberate, and then separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and transfered onto nitrocellulose paper. By this procedure, complex formation between S-100 and tubulin, as well as between S-100 and a relatively low-molecular-weight MAP, was evidenced by immunoblotting using an anti-S-100 antiserum. Alternatively, complex formation between biotinylated S-100 and either tubulin or MAPs was visualized by means of avidin-peroxidase, after SDS-PAGE of the complex mixtures and transfer of the separated proteins onto nitrocellulose. The interaction between S-100 and tubulin was strictly Ca2+ dependent, and resistant to high concentrations of KCl, colchicine, or vinblastine.