Cytotaxonomy of Eurypyga helias (Gruiformes,Eurypygidae): First Karyotypic Description and Phylogenetic Proximity with Rynochetidae

The sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is a South American Gruiformes, the only member of Family Eurypigidae. In most phylogenetic proposals, it is placed in a more distant position than other families of the so-called “core Gruiformes”. Different studies based on molecular, morphological and biogeographical data suggest that the Eurypigidae is closely related to the kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus), the only species in Rynochetidae, another family not included in the core Gruiformes. Here, the karyotype of the sunbittern is described for the first time, by classical and molecular cytogenetics, using whole chromosome probes derived from Gallus gallus and Leucopternis albicollis. We found a diploid number of 80, with only one pair of biarmed autosomal macrochromosomes, similar to that observed in the kagu. Chromosome painting revealed that most syntenies found in the avian putative ancestral karyotype (PAK) were conserved in the sunbittern. However, PAK1, PAK2, and PAK5 corresponded to two chromosome pairs each. Probes derived from L. albicollis confirm that fissions in PAK1 and PAK2 were centric, whereas in PAK5 the fission is interstitial. In addition, there is fusion of segments homologous to PAK2q and PAK5. From a phylogenetic point of view, comparisons of our results with two other Gruiformes belonging to family Rallidae suggest that the PAK5q fission might be a synapomorphy for Gruiformes. Fissions in PAK1 and PAK2 are found only in Eurypigidae, and might also occur in Rynochetidae, in view of the similar chromosomal morphology between the sunbittern and the kagu. This suggests a close phylogenetic relationship between Eurypigidae and Rynochetidae, whose common ancestor was separated by the Gondwana vicariancy in South America and New Caledonia, respectively.     

Brain aromatase mRNA expression in two populations of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo with divergent mating systems

Aromatase, the key enzyme in the conversion of androgens to estrogens, regulates the availability of these hormones in tissues and controls many physiological and behavioral processes. In fish and other vertebrates, the regulation of aromatase expression in the brain has been implicated in the modulation of male sexual and aggressive behaviors. Here, the pattern of mRNA expression of the brain aromatase isoform (encoded by the CYP19A2 gene also referred as CYP19b) was quantified at the peak of spawning season in brain macroareas from males and females of the blenny Salaria pavo originated from two populations displaying male alternative reproductive tactics but differing in their mating systems. In Trieste (Adriatic) nesting males aggressively defend nests and take the initiative in courtship and perform sexual displays more often than females while in Ria Formosa (Southern Portugal) the pattern is reversed as a result of shortage of appropriate nesting sites. Nesting males from Ria Formosa had overall higher levels of brain aromatase mRNA expression than nesting males from Trieste, suggesting a higher brain estrogen synthesis in these males. Since in some fish species exogenous estradiol administration has been shown to decrease sexual and agonistic behaviors, the higher levels of brain aromatase in Ria Formosa nesting males may explain their reduced expression of sexual and aggressive displays when compared with nesting males from Trieste. Alternatively, the higher brain aromatase levels in nesting males from Ria Formosa could be a mechanism to decrease the putative androgen-induced activation of aggressive and sexual displays by reducing the local availability of androgens through their metabolization into estrogens. Although females and parasitic female-like males also differ in their displays between populations, the interpopulational pattern of brain aromatase mRNA expression was similar, suggesting that other neuroendocrine agents mediate the expression of female and female-like behaviors. In conclusion, brain aromatase availability seems like a probable mechanism to regulate the effects of steroids on the brain circuits underlying the expression of sexual and agonistic displays in S. pavo.     

Extracellular lipid droplets promote hemozoin crystallization in the gut of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni

Hemozoin (Hz) is a heme crystal produced upon hemoglobin digestion as the main mechanism of heme disposal in several hematophagous organisms. Here, we show that, in the helminth Schistosoma mansoni, Hz formation occurs in extracellular lipid droplets (LDs). Transmission electron microscopy of adult worms revealed the presence of numerous electron-lucent round structures similar to LDs in gut lumen, where multicrystalline Hz assemblies were found associated to their surfaces. Female regurgitates promoted Hz formation in vitro in reactions partially inhibited by boiling. Fractionation of regurgitates showed that Hz crystallization activity was essentially concentrated on lower density fractions, which have small amounts of pre-formed Hz crystals, suggesting that hydrophilic-hydrophobic interfaces, and not Hz itself, play a key catalytic role in Hz formation in S. mansoni. Thus, these data demonstrate that LDs present in the gut lumen of S. mansoni support Hz formation possibly by allowing association of heme to the lipid-water interface of these structures.     

Relationship between plant development, tannin concentration and insects associated with Copaifera langsdorffii (Fabaceae)

Plant development is the main factor that determines the insect-ontogeny interaction, since it leads to variations in resource quality and availability. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that plant development and varying tannin concentration leads to changes in species richness, abundance and composition of ants, free-feeding herbivores and galling insects associated with Copaifera langsdorffii (Fabaceae). The plant ontogeny and tannin concentration effects on insects were tested on 60 individuals with height varying from 0.9 to 11.0 m. A positive correlation was observed for tree height and species richness and abundance of ants, free-feeding and galling insects. In contrast, we did not find a significant relation between leaf tannin concentration and plant height, or richness and abundance of the different insect guilds. The assemblage of ants (composition of species) did not change between saplings and adults of C. langsdorffii. However, the assemblage of free-feeding herbivores and galling insects varied between the two development stages studied. The present study reveals an ontogenetic succession pattern for herbivore insects along the C. langsdorffii growth, probably due to both indirect and direct benefits from the host plant architecture and quality. Those plants with more complex architectures should support a wider diversity of insects, since they present higher number of sites for egg laying, housing, feeding and better environmental conditions. This is the first work to investigate the host plant ontogeny effect on insects in Cerrado “Savanna” vegetation. The pattern described, along with other previous studies, suggests a vast occurrence of ontogenetic succession in tropical areas.     

Glutathione cycle impairment mediates A beta-induced cell toxicity

Alzheimer's disease is widely held to be associated with oxidative stress due, in part, to the action of amyloid beta-peptide (A beta). We observed that A beta 25-35 induced an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in NT2 rho+ cells, leading to protein and lipid oxidation. This oxidative status was partially prevented by the antioxidants, vitamin E, reduced glutathione, and by melatonin. However, NT2 rho0 cells (that lack mitochondrial DNA) in the absence of A beta showed an increase in ROS production, lipid and protein oxidation, as compared with parental rho+ cells. Upon A beta 25-35 treatment, in rho+ cells, a decrease in glutathione reductase activity and in GSH levels was observed, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity was shown to be increased. In NT2 rho0 cells, in the absence of A beta, GSH levels were maintained, whereas glutathione reductase and peroxidase activities were increased. The exposure of A beta to rho0 cells did not induce any change in these parameters. We observed that melatonin prevented caspase activation and DNA fragmentation in rho+ cells treated with A beta. Considering the evidence presented, we argue that the glutathione cycle impairment is a key event in A beta-induced cell toxicity.     

Parasitism by the mite Acarophenax lacunatus on beetle pests of stored products

Recent reports of the biocontrolpotential of the mite species Acarophenaxlacunatus (Cross & Krantz) (Prostigmata:Acarophenacidae) and the lack of biologicalstudies on this regulatory agent led to thepresent study carried out under laboratoryconditions. The objective of the investigationwas to assess the host range of A. lacunatus,so far only reported as egg parasite ofRhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera:Bostrichidae). Four Coleoptera species ofstored cereals were used: R. dominica,Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Tenebrionidae),Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens)(Laemophloeidae) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Cucujidae). The highest rates of eggparasitism were observed on R. dominica and T.castaneum, leading to a significant decrease ofpopulations of both species and reduced wheatweight loss. A. lacunatus was also able toparasitize eggs of C. ferrugineus, but not ofO. surinamensis. These results indicate abroader host range of A. lacunatus thaninitially suspected and also strengthen itspossibility of use in integrated pestmanagement programs in storage environments.