Intrastriatal Grafts of Fetal Mesencephalic Cell Suspensions in MPP+-Lesioned Rats: A Microdialysis Study In Vivo

The striatum of rats was lesioned by unilateral administration of MPP⁺. Two weeks later, a suspension of fetal mesencephalic cells (FMC), obtained from 14-day rat embryos, was injected into the lesioned striatum. Two weeks after grafting, the success of implantation and recovery of dopamine function were assessed by tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry (TH) and the measurement of striatal dopamine content. In addition, the extracellular concentrations of dopamine and dopamine metabolites were studied by microdialysis in vivo before and after perfusion of MPP⁺ to induce dopamine release from vesicular stores. TH+ cell bodies were seen in the lesioned grafted striata, indicating that fetal cells survived in these striata. In addition, there was a marked increase in TH-immunoreactivity in the neuronal fibers and terminals in the area surrounding the cell implant, suggesting a compensatory response of the host tissue which may involve fiber sprouting. Grafting induced a recovery in indices of dopamine function, including recovery in dopamine content, and basal and MPP⁺-induced dopamine release. Thus, grafts of FMC may provide a significant recovery of dopamine function in MPP⁺-lesioned striata.     

Biological signalling activity measurements using mass spectrometry

MS (mass spectrometry) techniques are rapidly evolving to high levels of performance and robustness. This is allowing the application of these methods to the interrogation of signalling networks with unprecedented depth and accuracy. In the present review we discuss how MS-based multiplex quantification of kinase activities and phosphoproteomics provide complementary means to assess biological signalling activity. In addition, we discuss how a wider application of these analytical concepts to quantify kinase signalling will result in a more comprehensive understanding of normal and disease biology at the system level.     

Does small-sided-games’ court area influence metabolic,perceptual, and physical performance parameters of young elite basketball players?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of court size on physiological responses and physical performance of young elite basketball players. Twelve male basketball players (18.6 ± 0.5 years; 88.8 ± 14.5 kg; 192.6 ± 6.5 cm) from an under-19 team performed two small-sided games (matches) with different court areas (28x15 m and 28x9 m; 28x15 and 28x9 protocols). The number of players (3x3) was kept the same in each protocol. The players performed a repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test before and after each match. Blood lactate concentration was collected before (pre) and after (post) the matches, and the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) was determined 30 minutes after the match. Best and mean time in the RSA test were not different between the 28x15 and the 28x9 match protocols (p > 0.05). A significant difference was observed for lactate concentration from pre- to post-match (p < 0.05) in both protocols (28x15 and 28x9); however, there was no significant interaction between protocols. A similar session-RPE mean score (28x15: 7.2 ± 1.4 and 28x9: 6.6 ± 1.4) was detected for both protocols (p > 0.05, ES=0.41). In summary, the results of the current study suggest that the different court areas induced similar responses. Although there was no significant difference in effort perception, players tended to perceive a greater effort in the larger court size.     

Advances in phosphopeptide enrichment techniques for phosphoproteomics

Phosphoproteomics is increasingly used to address a wide range of biological questions. However, despite some success, techniques for phosphoproteomics are not without challenges. Phosphoproteins are present in cells in low abundance relative to their unphosphorylated counterparts; therefore phosphorylated proteins (or phosphopeptides after protein digestion) are rarely detected in standard shotgun proteomics experiments. Thus, extraction of phosphorylated polypeptides from complex mixtures is a critical step in the success of phosphoproteomics experiments. Intense research over the last decade has resulted in the development of powerful techniques for phosphopeptide enrichment prior to analysis by mass spectrometry. Here, we review how the development of IMAC, MOAC, chemical derivatization and antibody affinity purification and chromatography is contributing to the evolution of phosphoproteomics techniques. Although further developments are needed for the technology to reach maturity, current state-of-the-art techniques can already be used as powerful tools for biological research.     

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of a New Trichuris Species (Nematoda- Trichuridae), and Phylogenetic Relationships of Trichuris Species of Cricetid Rodents from Argentina

Populations of Trichuris spp. isolated from six species of sigmodontine rodents from Argentina were analyzed based on morphological characteristics and ITS2 (rDNA) region sequences. Molecular data provided an opportunity to discuss the phylogenetic relationships among the Trichuris spp. from Noth and South America (mainly from Argentina). Trichuris specimens were identified morphologically as Trichuris pardinasi, T. navonae, Trichuris sp. and Trichuris new species, described in this paper. Sequences analyzed by Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference methods showed four main clades corresponding with the four different species regardless of geographical origin and host species. These four species from sigmodontine rodents clustered together and separated from Trichuris species isolated from murine and arvicoline rodents (outgroup). Different genetic lineages observed among Trichuris species from sigmodontine rodents which supported the proposal of a new species. Moreover, host distribution showed correspondence with the different tribes within the subfamily Sigmodontinae.     

激光及γ射线对有丝分裂染色体畸变感应现象的比较

波长514nm的激光照射可用于研究激光导致有丝分裂染色体畸变的效应。本文提供了一种新的辐照系统,能用于研究突变的感应现象,并与从γ-线辐射源获得的结果进行了比较。Abstract:Laser irradiation at wavelength 514 nm was used to study the effect of lasers in inducing chromosomal aberrations at mitosis.This study offers a new radiation system which could be used for the induction of mutations.Results are compared with those obtained from studies using γ-rays as irradiation source.