Assessment of cytoskeletal damage in Paramecium caudatum: An early warning system for apoptotic studies

The freshwater protozoan ciliate, Paramecium caudatum was used in order to assess the potential cytotoxic effects of fenthion, an organophosphorus insecticide (OPI). It was found that fenthion at concentrations of 76 mg L⁻¹ (LC₅₀ for 2 h) effected cellular morphology of P. caudatum and inhibited its locomotion, as well as degradation of cytoskeleton leading to cell destruction. Cytoskeleton morphology, cytoplasmic components and locomotor behaviour tests were performed by combined conventional light microscopy and a computerized video-tracking system. After short reparation periods from 10 min to 2 h, there was an increase in the number of apoptotic cells with typical features like plasma membrane blebbing, blackening of cytoplasm (due to mixing of the vacuolar contents) and outflow of cytoplasmic contents into blebs leading to cell lysis. The present findings on blackening of cytoplasm, multiple blebs and macronuclear changes indicate a possible apoptotic effect of fenthion on P. caudatum. Development of such simple apoptotic model systems like paramecium with simplicity in handling, low cost, ease in maintenance, rapid performance and high reproducibility provides an ‘early warning system’ for risk assessment in forecasting long-term hazards of pesticides on non-target organisms including humans.     

Toxic effects of acephate on Paramecium caudatum with special emphasis on morphology, behaviour, and generation time

The continuous increase in the number of new chemicals as well as the discharges of solid and liquid wastes triggered the need for simple and inexpensive bioassays for routine testing. In recent years, there has been increasing development of methods (particularly rapid tests) for testing environmental samples. This paper describes the quick toxic evaluation of an organophosphorus insecticide, acephate (O,S-dimethyl acetylphosphoramidothioate) on Paramecium caudatum for acute and sub-acute toxicity studies with reference to morphology, behaviour, and its generation time. The lethal concentrations for 10 min and 2 h were determined by probit method, as 500 mg L⁻¹ and 300 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Higher concentrations of 10 min exposure caused cell lysis with disintegration of cell membrane and precipitation of protoplasm. Combination of conventional light microscopy and computerized video tracking systems were used to study the locomotor behaviour of paramecia. The test organism was under stress and exhibited an initial increase and subsequent decrease in the swimming speed when exposed to 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and LC₅₀ concentrations for 10 min (125, 250, 375, and 500 mg L⁻¹, respectively). Similar changes were also noticed when paramecia were exposed to LC₅₀ for 2 h. In a separate set of experiments, the number of generations and generation time in 24 h was evaluated with respect to the different sub-lethal concentrations (30, 60, 120, and 240 mg L⁻¹). The number of generations decreased and generation time extended significantly in a concentration dependent manner. The results indicate that the Paramecium toxicity assay could be used as a complimentary system to rapidly elucidate the cytotoxic potential of insecticides. The major advantages associated with these tests are: they are inexpensive, simple, user-friendly, space saving, and seem to be attractive alternatives to conventional bioassays.     

The impact of carbofuran on acetylcholinesterase activity in Anisakis simplex larvae from Baltic herring

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of carbofuran, a carbamate pesticide on the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the larvae of the herring nematode parasite Anisakis simplex. A. simplex larvae collected from herring were exposed to carbofuran in vivo at concentrations of 50, 100, 500 and 1000 μg/l, for 24, 48 and 72 h, at a temperature of 4 °C. Generalized Linear Models (GLM) were applied to analyze the relationship between AChE activity and carbofuran concentration, the time of exposure and the biological parameters of the host. The results indicate that A. simplex larvae have a high threshold of sensitivity to carbofuran. The average enzymatic activity was higher in parasites obtained from male hosts, when compared with female hosts. These data suggest that host sex-dependent biological processes may also influence AChE enzymatic activity in parasites.     

木荷皂甙对稻瘟病菌细胞形态及生理生化指标的影响

为开发新型木荷皂甙杀稻瘟剂,分别采用菌丝生长速率法、显微观察、电导法和比色法研究木荷活性皂甙对稻瘟病菌Magnaporthe oryzae (Hebert) Barr.的活性,以及对病原细胞形态及其胞外生理生化成分含量的影响。结果显示:木荷皂甙M2IGR5抗稻瘟病菌的EC₅₀为16.41 μg/mL、EC₉₀为76.16 μg/mL;其EC₅₀和EC₉₀处理稻瘟病菌菌丝体24 h后,可导致菌丝断裂、细胞肿胀;处理去壁的原生质体2 h即可导致其变型、粘连、破裂,引起病原菌菌丝细胞内含物大量渗漏;处理2 h后的可溶性蛋白渗漏量和可溶性总糖分别较对照高10倍和30~60倍,且处理液的电导率升高、几丁质酶活性增强、胞壁几丁质组成成分N-乙酰葡萄糖胺脱落。研究表明,木荷皂甙抗稻瘟病菌不仅导致膜通透性增大、完整性丧失,而且还间接引起细胞壁降解,加速了稻瘟病菌细胞的凋亡。     

Biological and biochemical responses of Biomphalaria alexandrina to some extracts of the plants Solanum siniacum and Artemisia judaica L.

The molluscicidal activity of cold water, boiled water, methanol, ethanol, acetone and chloroform extracts of Solanum siniacum and Artemisia judaica L. plants against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails was carried out. The tests revealed plant’s ethanol extract was more toxic to the snails than the other tested extracts. Therefore, it was tested against snails’ fecundity (M_x), reproduction rate (R₀) and their infection with Schistosoma mansoni miracidia. In addition, biochemical parameters and the activities of some enzymes in tissues of snails treated with the two tested plants were determined. As well, glucose concentration in snails’ hemolymph was evaluated. Exposure of B. alexandrina snails to plant’s ethanol extract led to a significant reduction in their survival and snails’ fecundity, reproduction rate. In addition, it caused a considerable reduction in the infectivity of S. mansoni miracidia to the snails. Also, it caused a reduction in number of cercariae per snail during the patent period and in the period of cercarial shedding. The results revealed that the glucose concentration in hemolymph and Lactate level in soft tissues of treated snails were increased (P < 0.001) while glycogen, total protein, the lipid content and the pyruvate level in snail’s tissues decreased (P < 0.001). The activities of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), pyruvatekinase (PK) and cytochrome oxidase (CY) enzymes in homogenate of snail’s tissues were reduced (P < 0.001) in response to treatment with the two tested plants while protease (PR) activity increased (P < 0.001). It is concluded that the application of LC₂₅ of ethanol extract of S. siniacum and A. judaica L. may be helpful in snail control as it interferes with the snails’ biology and physiology.     

The role of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in the different responses to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl in annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and short awned foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis Sobol.)

Herbicide resistance or tolerance in weeds mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenase is a considerable problem. However, cytochrome P450 mediated resistance or tolerance in weeds was less studied. Thus, in this work, the role of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in the different responses of Poa annua and Alopecurus aequalis to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl was studied. We found that the effect of fenoxaprop-P-ethyl could be synergized by piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in P. annua, but not by malathion. After being treated with fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (containing mefenpyr-diethyl), the contents of cytochrome P450 and cytochrome b₅ in P. annua increased significantly compared to plants treated with mefenpyr-diethyl only or untreated plants. However, the increase was less in A. aequalis, which was susceptible to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. The activities of ρ-nitroanisole O-demethylase (PNOD), ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), ethoxycoumarin oxidase (ECOD) and NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenase increased in P. annua after treatment with fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, especially the activities of ECOD and cytochrome P450 reductase. Besides this, cytochrome P450 monooxygenase activity toward fenoxaprop-P-ethyl in P. annua increased significantly compared to untreated or treated with mefenpyr-diethyl plants and treated or untreated A. aequalis. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase may play an important role in the different responses to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl in P. annua and A. aequalis.     

A standardised in vivo and in vitro test method for evaluating tick repellents

The threat of transmission of Lyme borelliosis and tick-borne encephalitis by ixodid ticks has resulted in an increasing number of tick repellents coming onto the market. To allow proper evaluation of the efficacy of different types of compounds and their formulations, there is a need for standardised methods for testing ticks repellents. Ticks show a marked negative geotactic response following contact with a potential host, i.e., they climb up in order to locate attachment and feeding sites, whereas exposing ticks to repellents induces positive geotaxis, i.e., ticks walk downwards or drop off the treated host or substrate. We describe here complementary tests that employ these geotactic responses to evaluate repellents: one in vitro on a warm glass plate and the other on the lower human leg (shin). The compounds tested were DEET, EBAAP, icaridin, capric acid, lauric acid, geraniol, citriodiol, citronella essential oil and lavender essential oil, all non-proprietary ingredients of widely distributed tick repellent formulations.     

草莓枯萎病菌抗多菌灵突变体ZY-R的生理生化特性研究

为明确抗多菌灵草莓枯萎病菌(ZY-R)菌株的生理生化特性,分析其可能的抗性机制,以课题组获得的抗多菌灵达53.91倍的ZY-R菌株及其敏感菌株(ZY)为研究材料,比较了ZY-R与ZY在苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)和过氧化物酶(POD)活力及相对渗率等方面的差异。结果表明:以清水和不同浓度多菌灵处理两菌株1.5~24 h后,ZY-R体内的POD和PAL活力始终高于ZY的;敏、抗菌株间POD活力的差异远大于PAL。在处理时间内,PAL活力先上升后下降,6 h达到最高值;而POD活力一直处于上升状态,24 h达到最高值,且敏、抗菌株之间的差异达到最大,25 mg/L条件下ZY-R的POD活力为ZY的2.26倍;此外,与ZY相比,ZY-R可以渗出更多的电解质。     

稻飞虱及黑肩绿盲蝽在探照灯下的扑灯节律

为明确稻飞虱及其天敌黑肩绿盲蝽在探照灯下的扑灯节律,2012和2013年在广西兴安县应用探照灯诱虫器对稻飞虱及黑肩绿盲蝽进行了分时段监测。结果表明：稻飞虱和黑肩绿盲蝽年度间扑灯量有所不同,夜晚扑灯类型属于整夜扑灯型,晚上一般有1~2个扑灯高峰。2012年稻飞虱和黑肩绿盲蝽、2013年白背飞虱在迁入高峰期扑灯高峰不固定,2013年褐飞虱扑灯高峰主要集中在19：30～21：00时段,黑肩绿盲蝽2013年扑灯高峰主要集中在00：00～01：30和01：30～03：00时段。稻飞虱和黑肩绿盲蝽迁出高峰期及黑肩绿盲蝽本地活动期扑灯高峰主要集中在前半夜,稻飞虱本地活动期扑灯高峰主要集中在前半夜和04：30～06：00时段。     

小菜蛾感染玫烟色棒束孢后的病征及组织病理变化

为了明确玫烟色棒束孢对小菜蛾的致病作用,分别以1×10⁵孢子/mL和1×10⁸孢子/mL浓度的玫烟色棒束孢菌株EBCL03011孢子悬浮液感染小菜蛾幼虫,观察了感病幼虫体表和体内器官组织的病变情况。结果显示,感病虫体颜色由局部浅褐色逐渐变为大面积深褐色,病虫出现缩短、强直等外部形态的变化。组织切片观察显示,接种后4 h,附着于体壁的分生孢子开始萌发入侵;16 h后,小菜蛾内表皮被分解,菌丝段进入血腔。与此同时,被幼虫取食进入消化道的分生孢子也增殖产生菌丝段,以菌丝段突破肠壁细胞,向附近的脂肪体入侵;随着玫烟色棒束孢继续在虫体内增殖,24 h后各组织器官遭到不同程度破坏;48 h后,感病幼虫死亡,虫尸体内的菌丝突破体表,在虫体外形成菌丝层。表明玫烟色棒束孢入侵小菜蛾有两条途径,第1条为体表途径,第2条为消化道途径。     

Effect of Melia azedarach extract on the activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and cholinesterase in insects

The effect of Melia azedarach extract on the activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and cholinesterase was studied in Spodoptera frugiperda. Larvae were fed an artificial diet containing fruit extract and their midgut was used for enzyme determination. As compared to the control, consumption of the extract containing diet resulted in a 31% inhibition of the cholinesterase activity and a 34% activation of the NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity. In the cockroach Leucophaea maderae, the effect on reductase activity was even more pronounced (43%).     

转cry1Ab/cry2Aj玉米对亚洲玉米螟的抗性评价

为探讨转cry1Ab/cry2Aj玉米对亚洲玉米螟Ostrinia furnacalis(Guenée)的抗性,采用室内生测和田间人工接虫鉴定方法评价了6个转cry1Ab/cry2Aj玉米品系对亚洲玉米螟的杀虫效果,并利用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定了Cry1Ab蛋白在各品系主要组织的表达水平.结果显示,亚洲玉米螟幼虫取食转基因玉米各品系雄穗、苞叶、花丝和雌穗48 h后死亡率在90％左右,取食心叶的死亡率在70％左右,96h后大部分幼虫死亡,而取食非转基因玉米的死亡率为3.3％～8.7％;春播和夏播田转基因玉米叶片、茎秆、雌穗基本没有被害,而对照玉米叶片、茎秆、雌穗被害严重,春播和夏播玉米平均每株分别有2.9、2.3头幼虫和蛹,2.8、3.4个蛀孔,隧道长度为7.5、14.2 cm,雌穗被害级别为5.3和5.1;6个转基因玉米品系中Cry1Ab蛋白在心叶、雄穗、花丝、苞叶和雌穗中稳定表达.综合评价认为,转基因玉米各品系在整个生育期内对亚洲玉米螟有很好的抗性,其中N50品系抗虫效果最佳,可以作为抗虫转多基因玉米育种的备选材料.     

松烂皮病内生拮抗细菌的筛选、生防效果及华山松的生理响应

为探究内生细菌对华山松烂皮病的生防效果及其生理响应,采用平板涂布法和对峙培养法从健康华山松树皮上分离筛选抗烂皮病菌Cenangium ferruginosum的拮抗菌株,运用形态学、生理生化及分子生物学对其进行鉴定;并利用喷雾法研究其对华山松苗烂皮病的盆栽防治效果及苗木各生理指标的变化,观测其对田间发病华山松病斑的防治效果.结果显示,分离得到具有优良拮抗效果的菌株Ba4,经鉴定为解淀粉芽胞杆菌Bacillus amyloliquefaciens;其发酵原液盆栽防治效果可达90.15%,稀释至10⁵防治效果也有17.77%,发病率和病情指数均下降.接种病原菌30 d后,不同浓度Ba4菌剂处理的苗木丙二醛含量均减少,木质素、可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖含量均增加;丙二醛含量与发病率和病情指数呈显著正相关,与防治效果呈显著负相关;木质素、可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖含量则与其相反.田间试验中原液和稀释倍液(10、10²和10³)的病斑治愈率均超过80%.表明菌株Ba4对松烂皮病有良好的防治效果,能调节华山松抗性物质的合成.     

冈优725对四个稻瘟病菌生理小种毒素的响应

为了明确稻瘟病菌对杂交水稻的毒害机制,采用稻瘟病菌粗毒素浇灌水稻植株,探讨4个稻瘟病菌生理小种的粗毒素对冈优725各器官物质积累、转运及产量的影响规律。结果显示:4个稻瘟病菌生理小种毒素均不同程度地抑制了冈优725干物质积累并引起大幅减产,根部干物质积累量、地上部干物质积累量、有效输出率、有效转化率平均下降34.57%、21.48%、31.34%、40.90%;穗粒数、结实率、千粒重和产量平均降低17.24%、12.84%、5.65%和10.83%;生理小种间毒力差异显著,其中ZA10毒素的毒性最强;孕穗期是冈优725对稻瘟病菌毒素最敏感的时期。     

Cytogenetic effects of commercially formulated atrazine on the somatic cells of Allium cepa and Vicia faba

In the present study cytogenetic effects of atrazine herbicide, were examined on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa and Vicia faba. Test concentrations were chosen by calculating EC₅₀ values of formulated atrazine against both the test systems which determined to be 30 mg l⁻¹ for A. cepa and 35 mg l⁻¹ for V. faba, respectively. For cytogenetic effects root meristem cells of A. cepa were exposed to 15, 30 or 60 mg l⁻¹ whereas V. faba to 17.5, 35 or 70 mg l⁻¹ for 4 or 24 h. Roots exposed for 4 or 24 h, after sampling, were left in water for 24 h recovery and sampled at 24 h post-exposure. A set of onion bulbs or seedlings of V. faba exposed to DMSO (0.3%) was run parallel for negative control. Treatment of atrazine significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the mitotic index (MI) and induced micronucleus formation (MN) chromosome aberrations (CA) and mitotic aberrations (MA) in both the test systems at 4 or 24 h. Root meristem cells examined at 24 h post-exposure also revealed significant (p < 0.001) frequencies of MN, CA or MA despite considerable decline. Chromosome breaks and fragments were found to be major CA whereas C-metaphase, chromosome bridges and laggards were prevalent MA. Results of our study, indicate that atrazine may produce genotoxic effects in plants. Further, both the plant bioassays found to be sensitive indicators for the genotoxicity assessment as the outcome of majority of in vivo/in vitro mammalian tests are comparable.     

Biological and biochemical parameters of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails exposed to the plants Datura stramonium and Sesbania sesban as water suspensions of their dry powder

Four plant species, as a dry powder of their leaves, were tested against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. The bioassay tests revealed the plants Datura stramonium and Sesbania sesban to be more toxic to the snails than the other two ones. Therefore, they were tested against snails’ fecundity (M_x), reproduction rate (R_o) and their infection with S. mansoni miracidia. In addition, total protein concentration and the activities of the transaminases (AsT and AlT) and phosphatases (AcP and AkP) enzymes in hemolymph and tissues of snails treated with these plants were determined. As well, glucose concentration in snails’ hemolymph was evaluated.Exposure of snails for 4 weeks to LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ of the plants D. stramonium and S. sesban dry powder markly suppressed their M_x and R_o. The reduction rates of R_o for snails exposed to LC₂₅ of these plants were 62.1% and 76.4%, respectively. As well, a considerable reduction in the infection rates of snails exposed to these plants either during, pre- or post-miracidial exposure was recorded. Thus, infection rates of snails treated during miracidial exposure with LC₁₀ of D. stramonium and S. sesban were 41.7% and 52.2%, respectively, compared to 92.6% for control group (P < 0.01). These plants, also, reduced the duration of cercarial shedding and cercarial production/snail. So, snails exposed to LC₂₅ of these plants shed 372.8 and 223.2 cercariae/snail, respectively, compared to 766.3 cercariae/infected control snail (P < 0.01).The results, also, revealed that glucose and total protein concentrations in hemolymph of snails treated with LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ of these plants were decreased, meanwhile, the activities of the enzymes AsT, AlT, AcP and AkP were elevated (P < 0.01). However, the activity of AcP in tissues of treated snails was decreased compared to that of control ones. It is concluded that LC₂₅ of the plants D. stramonium and S. sesban negatively interferes with biological and physiological activities of B. alexandrina snails, consequently it could be effective in interrupting and minimizing the transmission of S. mansoni.     

黑痣病菌毒素对马铃薯幼苗生理生化抗性相关物质的诱导

为了探讨马铃薯抗黑痣病机制,采用毒素接种脱毒组培苗的方法,研究了黑痣病菌毒素对马铃薯不同抗性品种幼苗体内病程相关蛋白、木质素及游离脯氨酸含量的影响及其与抗黑痣病的关系。毒素处理后,感病品种大西洋和抗病品种底西芮幼苗几丁质酶和β-1,3-葡聚糖酶活性均明显升高,36 h升高幅度均达到最大,感病品种升幅大于抗病品种。底西芮和大西洋木质素及游离脯氨酸含量也大幅增加,但抗病品种的增加幅度大于感病品种。研究表明,黑痣病菌毒素诱导几丁质酶和β-1,3-葡聚糖酶活性升高以及木质素和游离脯氨酸含量增加是马铃薯幼苗抵抗毒素胁迫的内在机制;木质素、游离脯氨酸含量与品种抗病性呈正相关,而几丁质酶、β-1,3-葡聚糖酶活性变化则不是引起品种抗性差异的主要原因。     

不同基质传代白僵菌对桑天牛幼虫的侵染力与寄主血淋巴酚氧化酶活性的关系

以诱集自土壤中、对桑天牛Apriona germari幼虫具有较高致病性的球孢白僵菌Beauveria bassiana Bb00为出发菌株R0,经反复接种桑天牛幼虫分别获得菌株R1、R2、R3和R4,而通过反复在普通查氏培养基上传代分别获得菌株M1、M2、M3和M4。分别用R0、R2、R4和M2、M4接种桑天牛幼虫,发现在普通培养基上传代会导致菌株致病力降低,而通过桑天牛幼虫传代培养可提高菌株的致病力。桑天牛幼虫感染白僵菌后,其免疫互作使酚氧化酶活性先迅速上升,随后因菌株的适应性增强而开始下降。用菌株M2、M4接种桑天牛幼虫后,其血淋巴酚氧化酶活性比接种R2和R4的高。各菌株引起的桑天牛幼虫酚氧化酶活性出现高峰值的时间与其LT50值具有一定的相关性,反映了各菌株不同的侵染速度;同时各菌株引起的酚氧化酶活性高峰值也与其LC50值高度相关。说明桑天牛幼虫血淋巴中酚氧化酶活性与不同菌株对桑天牛幼虫的毒力具有一定的相关性,同时酚氧化酶活性也可作为反映菌株毒力的一个重要参考指标。     

空心莲子草致病菌假隔链格孢菌原生质体的制备与再生

为建立空心莲子草致病菌假隔链格孢菌Nimbya alternantherae的原生质体提取体系,以其强致病性野生型菌株N.alternantherae 11-2为供试菌株,研究了不同菌龄、酶系统、酶解时间及稳渗剂等对假隔链格孢菌原生质体制备及再生的影响,并采用聚乙二醇PEG介导转化法,构建了随机插入突变体库。结果表明,在酵母浸出粉胨葡萄糖液体培养基中培养2 d的假隔链格孢菌丝体,以0.7 M山梨醇为稳渗剂,同时使用2%裂解酶、2%崩溃酶和2%蜗牛酶3种酶的混合液,在30 ℃下酶解3 h能获得足量的原生质体,且其再生率也可满足后继转化试验的要求。