Effects of protamine, heparinase, and hyaluronidase on endothelial permeability and surface charge

We undertook studies in the isolated perfused rat lung to determine 1) the effects of endothelial charge neutralization with the polycation protamine sulfate on microvascular permeability, lung water, and anionic ferritin binding to the endothelium and 2) the role of heparan sulfate and hyaluronate, negatively charged cell surface glycosaminoglycans, on permeability. Capillary permeability was determined by tissue 125I-albumin accumulation in isolated perfused rat lungs. In control lungs the 5-min albumin uptake was 0.50 +/- 0.05 cm3.s-1.g dry tissue-1 X 10(-3). It was increased by 132 +/- 7.8% (P less than 0.001) by protamine (0.08 mg/ml) and 65 +/- 12% (P less than 0.01) by heparinase (5 U/ml), whereas hyaluronidase (25 NFU/ml) was without effect. In control lungs total water was 4.83 +/- 0.15 ml g/dry tissue. Protamine increased lung water 12 +/- 2% (P less than 0.05). Heparinase caused a 9 +/- 3% increase (P less than 0.05), and hyaluronidase had no effect. Electron microscopy demonstrated that protamine increased anionic ferritin binding to the surface of endothelial cells. We conclude that protamine sulfate neutralization of negative charge in the pulmonary microcirculation leads to increased microvascular permeability. Heparin sulfate may be responsible for this charge effect.     

Attributes of trees used by nesting and foraging woodpeckers (Aves: Picidae) in an area with old pollarded Oaks (Quercus spp.) in the Taurus Mountains,Turkey

We used three woodpecker species as umbrella species for old deciduous forests, and analysed their preferences in an area with old pollarded oaks in the Taurus Mountains, Turkey. Using plot inventories, we physically characterised trees utilised for nesting and foraging amongst woodpeckers in general and the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Leiopicus medius) in particular. Trees more frequently visited by foraging woodpeckers differed from randomly chosen trees by being taller, having a larger circumference, greater bark furrow depth and shorter distance to neighbouring trees. Nesting trees were taller, had a higher proportion of dead wood but a lower surface area of natural cavities. Our results suggest that the woodpeckers in the study area rely upon woodlands containing mature trees, thus have the potential to function as suitable umbrella species’ to highlight the conservation value of oak forest habitats in southern Turkey.