Characterization of fat body cells at different developmental stages of Culex pipiens

The fat body, originates from mesoderm, has many metabolic functions which changes as the embryonic development of the insect progresses. It plays an important role in the intermediate metabolism and in the metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. It has roles in synthesis, absorption and storage of nutrients from hemolymph. It is also responsible for the production of immunological system components, antibacterial compounds and blood clotting proteins. The most common type of fat body cells are trophocytes (the basic cells of the fat body) and oenocytes are found associated with the fat body. In this study, it is aimed at determining the cell types contained in the fat body of Culex pipiens at different developmental stages as well as identifying the molecules such as carbohydrate, protein and lipid contained in each of these cells. Knowing the regional distribution of the fat body cells and the concentration of its content at each developmental stage is important in understanding the process related to its physiology and it may help in fighting against the pest C. pipiens, which is a vector species for many contagious diseases observed in humans and other species.To achieve our goal, we have employed different histochemical techniques (fixatives and staining methods) for staining C. pipiens preparates of different developmental stages and analyzed the structure of the fat body, its distribution, its cell types and the macromolecular contents of the cells. We only observed trophocytes and oenocytes as fat body components in C. pipiens. The trophocytes had all the three macromolecules (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates) in the cytoplasm varying in concentration between the different regions and different stages. The oenocytes were observed below the integument as well as between the muscles in the larvae of Culex pipiens. They were present either as single cells or in clusters and also varied in size. Their cytoplasm was stained strongly for proteins when bromophenol blue staining was applied, but it was rather heterogeneous due to the lipid inclusions. On the contrary, oenocytes were not observed among the adult C. pipiens preparations.     

Modulation of the antioxidant defence in different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni by praziquantel and artemether

Human schistosomiasis is a chronic and debilitating parasitic disease caused by parasitic trematode worms (schistosomes). Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice as it is active against all Schistosoma species, can be administered easily, has high cure and egg reduction rates, with no or only mild side effects. Rapid re-infection following treatment and the concerns about PZQ resistance has led to the search for new drugs to treat schistosomiasis. Significant progress has been made with artemisinin derivatives (e.g., artemether [ART]) that are used for chemoprophylaxis. This present study aims to look at the effects of ART and PZQ on the antioxidant defence of immature (three-week-old) and mature (six-week-old) stages of S. mansoni. The possible development of time- or concentration-dependent changes in oxidative stress is assessed by incubation with different sublethal drug concentrations (50, 75, 100 ng/mL for both ART and PZQ) and different time periods (one and three hours). The results indicated a time- and concentration-dependent depletion of glutathione (GSH), which was greater in the immature worms after incubation with ART. On addition of ART to the incubation medium of mature and immature worms, elevation in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) level was observed, which was time- and concentration-dependent, and more prominent in the immature schistosomes. Addition of PZQ to the incubation medium containing the immature schistosomes did not have a significant effect on TBARS level, except after three hours' incubation with the highest concentration used; however, a significant rise was seen in the mature worms. The PZQ had no effect on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (tGPx, sGPx and nGPx) and glutathione transferase (GST) in mature or immature worms. While ART induced SOD activity in mature worms, it induced tGPx, nGPx and GST activities in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in both mature and immature worms. Activation was more prominent in the immature schistosomes. The results of the present study indicate that the immature schistosomes are more prone to oxidative killing, which probably participates in the mechanism of antischistosomal action of ART against the immature stage of S. mansoni. The results suggest that the mechanism of schistosomicidal action of PZQ is probably not substantially dependent on oxidative stress or oxidative killing.     

Molecular cloning and expression profiles of Argonaute proteins in Schistosoma japonicum

Small non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and small interfering RNAs play important roles in many biological processes of many organisms. Argonaute proteins serve as a key component of the RNA-induced silencing complex for mediating miRNA/siRNA functions. In the present study, we systematically investigated Argonaute proteins in Schistosoma japonicum by using bioinformatics in combination with 5′- and 3′-Rapid Amplification of cDNA ends techniques and thus obtained three full-length cDNAs encoding Argonaute proteins, named as SjAgo1, SjAgo2, and SjAgo3, respectively. Additionally, SjAgo1/2/3 were differentially expressed in different developmental stages of schistosomes as determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot. Taken together, our preliminary results suggested that SjAgo1/2/3 may control gene expression during the life cycle of S. japonicum and therefore may regulate schistosome development and other biological processes.     

鼠胚胎期和出生后毛囊下段启动再生表达的Wnt5a

背景:Wnt5a是唯一在真皮高表达,与毛囊真皮成分发生密切相关的信号分子。目的:通过观察E12.5-E15.5胎龄的大鼠胚胎皮肤和大鼠触须毛囊上段裸鼠移植诱导毛乳头再生过程Wnt5a的表达,初步研究毛乳头胚胎发生和体外再生的启动机制。方法:将孕SD大鼠在E12.5、E13.5、E14.5、E15.5麻醉后处死,取出完整胚胎制作石蜡切片;另取单个SD大鼠触须毛囊切除毛乳头,毛囊上段拔除毛干后移植至Nu/Nu裸鼠背部皮肤;分别取以上胎龄的大鼠胚胎皮肤及裸鼠背部移植部位的毛囊标本,用酶标免疫组化法观察Wnt5a在大鼠胚胎皮肤及大鼠触须毛囊上段裸鼠移植诱导毛乳头再生过程的表达,苏木精-伊红染色观察大鼠触须毛囊上段移植后毛囊下段的再生情况。动物实验均已获得汕头大学医学院动物伦理委员会批准。结果与结论:①E12.5 Wnt5a在表皮细胞表达;E13.5 Wnt5a在表皮细胞表达增强;E14.5 Wnt5a表达由表皮转移至真皮,在真皮细胞浆明显表达;E15.5 Wnt5a表达在真皮结缔组织明显增强,在表皮的表达消失;②大鼠触须毛囊上段移植后第3天开始至第9天,毛囊上段向下形成新的毛球部,恢复完整毛囊结构,再生过程相关组织Wnt5a均呈强阳性表达;③Wnt5a在胚胎毛囊发生前后和毛囊下段再生模型毛乳头形成的部位呈现高表达,说明Wnt信号通路与毛乳头再生有密切的关系,其中Wnt5a可能扮演了非常主要的角色。     

不同胎龄的胎儿和少儿皮肤中bax,bcl-2和p53基因表达的变化

目的：探讨凋亡相关基因bax, bcl-2和p53在不同胎龄的胎儿皮肤和少儿皮肤组织中表达的变化特征及其可能的生物学意义。方法： 运用末端脱氧核糖转移酶介导的生物素化脱氧尿嘧啶缺口标记技术(TUNEL)检测18例不同胎龄(13-32周)的胎儿皮肤和6例少儿皮肤组织中细胞凋亡的变化后，提取这些皮肤组织中的总RNA，分离mRNA，用RT-PCR方法检测bax, bcl-2和p53基因在不同组织中的表达变化特征。结果： 随着胎儿的生长发育，皮肤组织中的细胞凋亡率逐渐增加。在早期妊娠胎儿的皮肤中，bcl-2基因表达水平较高，随着胎龄的增加，bcl-2基因的转录本含量逐渐降低，在少儿的皮肤组织中，这种基因的表达量明显低于早期妊娠胎儿皮肤（P<0.01）。与bcl-2基因不同，在早期妊娠胎儿皮肤组织中，p53基因表达水平较低，而在晚期妊娠胎儿和少儿的皮肤内，该基因表达较强，而bax基因在不同发育时期的胎儿和少儿皮肤组织中表达差异不显著（P>0.05）。结论： 晚期妊娠胎儿和少儿皮肤组织中细胞增殖减缓，细胞趋向分化或凋亡的增加可能与p53基因表达增强，bcl-2表达降低相关；而p53表达降低，bcl-2表达升高可能是早期妊娠胎儿皮肤中细胞凋亡较少的机制之一。     

Cryptosporidium parvum at different developmental stages modulates host cell apoptosis in vitro

We studied apoptosis in a human ileocecal adenocarcinoma tumor cell line (HCT-8) infected with Cryptosporidium parvum, from 2 to 72 h postinfection (h.p.i.). At 2 h.p.i., the percentage of annexin V-positive cells in the cell culture had increased to 10% compared to 2.5% in noninfected control culture; sorted infected cells expressed mRNA of FasL, the active form of caspase 3, and high caspase 3 activity, whereas the noninfected neighboring cells sorted from the same culture showed no signs of apoptosis. At 24 h.p.i., the percentages of early (annexin V positive) and late (DNA fragment) apoptotic cells were 13 and 2%, respectively, in the entire cell culture, and these percentages were not statistically significant in comparison with those from noninfected control cultures. At this time, sorted infected cells expressed the inactive form of caspase 3, a low caspase 3 activity, and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Noninfected cells sorted from the same culture showed expression of the active form of caspase 3, a moderate caspase 3 activity, and no Bcl-2 expression. At 48 h.p.i., the percentages of early and late apoptotic cells and caspase 3 activity had increased in the total cell culture, and both sorted infected and noninfected cells showed the active form of caspase 3. These results show that C. parvum, depending on its developmental stage, can inhibit (at the trophozoite stage) or promote (at the sporozoite and merozoite stages) host cell apoptosis, suggesting that it is able to interact with and regulate the host-cell gene expression.     

Switched phenotypes of macrophages during the different stages of Schistosoma japonicum infection influenced the subsequent trends of immune responses

BackgroundMacrophages play crucial roles in immune responses during the course of schistosomal infections.MethodsWe currently investigated influence of immunocompetent changes in macrophages via microarray-based analysis, mRNA expression analysis, detection of serum cytokines, and subsequent evaluation of the immune phenotypes following the differentiation of infection-induced lymphocytes in a unique T1/T2 double-transgenic mouse model.ResultsThe gradual upregulation of genes encoding YM1, YM2, and interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 receptors in infected mice indicated the role of type 2 alternatively activated macrophages (M2, AAMφs) in immune responses after Schistosoma japonicum egg production. FACS analysis showed that surface markers MHC class II (IA/IE) and CD8α⁺ of the macrophages also exhibited a dramatic change at the various time points before and after egg-production. The transgenic mouse experiments further demonstrated that the shifting of macrophage phenotypes influenced the percentage of helper T (Th)-2 cells, which was observed to be higher than that of Th1 cells, which increased only at 3 and 5 weeks post-infection. The differentiation of effector B cells showed a similar but more significant trend toward type-2 immunity.ConclusionThese results suggest that the infection of mice with S. japonicum resulted in a final Th2- and Be2-skewed immune response. This may be due to phenotypic changes in the macrophages. The influence of alternatively activated macrophages was also activated by S. japonicum egg production. This study elucidated the existence of variations in immune mechanisms at the schistosome infection stages.     

不同发育阶段大鼠膀胱组织结构及Cx26表达变化的观察

目的 观察不同发育阶段大鼠膀胱组织结构的变化，及连接蛋白connexin26(Cx26)随组织发育的不同阶段而表达的变化。方法 分别取幼年、成年和老年三组大鼠膀胱，测量排空状态下膀胱壁厚度，用HE和PAS法染色观察膀胱壁组织结构变化，同时用免疫组织化学评价Cx26表达情况。结果 随着膀胱的发育成熟，膀胱壁组织显著增厚，逼尿肌肌纤维增粗，固有层结缔组织增加。早期Cx26在移行细胞层表达较弱，在成年期后稳定高表达。结论 在膀胱的发育过程中，组织结构发生显著变化，成年后移行细胞表达Cx26显著增强，与膀胱的发育和功能密切相关。     

Identification and sequence analysis of prolactin receptor and its differential expression profile at various developmental stages in striped hamsters

Prolactin (PRL) plays critical roles in regulation of biological functions with the binding of specific prolactin receptor (PRLR). Revealing the expression patterns of PRLR at different developmental stages is beneficial to better understand the role of PRL and its mechanism of action in striped hamsters. In this study, the cDNA sequence of PRLR (2866-base-pairs) was harvested from the pituitary of mature female striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) that contains an 834-base-pair 5′-untranslated region (1-834 bp), a 1848-base-pair open reading frame (835-2682 bp), and a 184-base-pair 3′-untranslated region (2683-2866). The 1848-base-pair open reading frame encodes a mature prolactin-binding protein of 592 amino acids. In the mature PRLR, two prolactin-binding motifs, 12 cysteines, and five potential Asn-linked glycosylation sites were detected. Our results showed that the PRLR mRNA quantity in the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, or testis was developmental-stage-dependent, with the highest level at sub-adult stage and the lowest level at old stage. We also found that PRLR mRNAs were highest in pituitary, medium level in hypothalamus, and lowest in ovaries or testis. PRLR mRNAs were significantly higher in males than in females, except in the hypothalamus and pituitary from 7-week-old striped hamsters. Moreover, the PRLR mRNAs in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries or testis were positively correlated with the expression levels of GnRH in the hypothalamus. These results indicated that the PRLR has conserved domain in striped hamster, but also possesses specific character. PRLR has multiple biological functions including positively regulating reproduction in the striped hamster.     

Isolation of two immunogenically different allergens from Schistosoma japonicum eggs

Two allergenic components, termed J1 and J2, were isolated from a soluble egg antigen preparation (SEA) of Schistosoma japonicum by anion-exchange chromatography on DE52 and gel chromatography on Sephacryl S-200. The apparent molecular weights of J1 and J2 were 260,000 and 46,000, respectively, by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-150. By SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, both J1 and J2 showed apparent homogenicity and their estimated molecular weights were 135,000 and 45,000, respectively. The isoelectric point of J1 (pI 4.9) was similar to that of J2 (pI 4.8). Both J1 and J2 bound to Con A-Sepharose 4B, indicating their glycoprotein nature. The amino acid compositions of J1 and J2 have some similarities. However, phenylalanine and leucine, which contain large hydrophobic groups, were dominant in J1, whereas serine and threonine, which contain a hydroxyl group, were dominant in J2. J1 was sensitive to heating or pronase treatment, whereas J2 was rather stable to these treatments. Both J1 and J2 were sensitive to 0.1 M periodate treatment. When mice were immunized with either J1 or J2 with A1(OH)3 as an adjuvant, anti-J1 or anti-J2 IgE antibody was highly specific to the respective antigens. Since S. japonicum-infected mouse serum has high PCA titer to J1 and J2, these two components are the major allergens of S. japonicum eggs.     

Comparative antigen analysis of different life stages of Schistosoma mansoni by crossed immunoelectrophoresis

Two-dimensional (crossed) immunoelectrophoresis was used for analysis of soluble antigen extracts obtained from the three developmental stages, cercariae, adult worms and eggs, of Schistosoma mansoni by using homologous hyperimmune sera produced in sheep. The antigenic relationships between the three stages as well as the possible relationship to the intermediate snail host were studied. Seven antigen components were shown to be shared between all three life stages of S. mansoni. Furthermore, one antigen was common to adult worm and snail, and one other antigen was shared between cercaria and snail. By using an intermediate gel containing lectin in the antigen-antibody system or by enzyme staining of the immune precipitates it was possible to identify schistosome antigens possessing lectin reactivity or enzyme activity. Characterization of enzyme activities revealed three individual precipitating antigens in adult worm of S. mansoni possessing esterase, leucyl-glycyl-glycine peptidase and phenylalanyl-leucine peptidase activities, respectively. One further precipitinogen with malate dehydrogenase activity was identified for all three life stages.     

Isolation and Characterization of 44.6 kDa Protein from Schistosoma japonicum Male Worm

Schistosomes are hermaphrodite. The male worm has somespecific antigen different from the female′s [1,2]. Explo ration and characterization of the male worm antigen com ponents may be of great importance to investigation andprevention of schistosomiasis…     

重组日本血吸虫乳酸脱氢酶（SjLDH）酶学特性的研究

目的获得重组SjLDH主要的酶动力学参数。方法分光光度计测定NADH在340nm处吸光度的变化，检测不同pH及温度下重组蛋白催化正、逆反应的效率以确定其最佳pH、最佳温度；分别固定底物NADH、丙酮酸、NAD＋及乳酸浓度，分别测定丙酮酸、NADH、乳酸及NAD^＋在不同浓度下的反应速度，计算机Lineweaver-Burk双倒数方程回归计算各底物的米氏常数（Km值）、最大反应速度（Vmax）。并比较各自的Vmax／Km值。结果重组蛋白酶活性为379U／mg。催化正、逆反应的最佳pH分别为pH6．0—7．0和pH9．0—10．0；催化正、逆反应的最佳温度分别为37—60℃及40—50℃，后者在70℃时仍有较高催化活性；在NADH辅酶作用下，重组SjLDH催化丙酮酸还原为乳酸的最大反应速度是催化NAD＋作用下乳酸氧化为丙酮酸的21倍。比较丙酮酸与乳酸的Vmax／Km值。前者是后者的23倍。而NADH的Vmax／Km值是NAD＋的7倍。结论重组蛋白在生理条件下主要催化丙酮酸还原为乳酸的反应。     

Partial denervation of the rat soleus muscle at two different developmental stages

Rat soleus muscles were partially denervated at two developmental stages. The L5 ventral ramus was sectioned in rats which were 4-6 days old, when the motor unit size of soleus muscles was still large, and at 17-19 days, when motor unit territory reached its adult value. The response of axons in the L4 ventral ramus to this procedure was then investigated. The removal of the L5 ventral ramus at 4-6 days results in an initial brief increase of motor unit size, after which the motor units retain the territory they occupied at 4-6 days. After removal of the L5 ventral ramus at 17-19 days, the L4 ventral ramus is able to expand to occupy a territory comparable in size to that of animals operated at 4-6 days. In both cases the final percentage of mean motor unit tension is two- to three-fold greater than that in normal muscles. Although the final motor unit territory is similar for both groups, it is achieved by different mechanisms. In animals operated on at 4-6 days the normal elimination of terminals does not occur, and the large neonatal motor units are retained, whereas in animals operated on at 17-19 days the peripheral field of L4 axons expands by axonal sprouting.