Inhibitory effects of seaweeds on histamine release from rat basophile leukemia cells (RBL-2H3)

ABSTRACT:   The effects of 80% methanol extracts from frozen samples of 41 macroalgae and one sea grass collected in the Ise-Shima region of Japan were investigated on histamine release from rat basophile leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) sensitized with antidinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE and stimulated with DNP-BSA. Of the 21 brown algae, five green and 15 red algae, and one sea grass tested, only extracts from seven brown algae suppressed histamine release from RBL cells, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. When the cytotoxic effects of the seven brown algal extracts were investigated by Trypan blue staining, only Eisenia arborea and Sargassum thunbergii did not show cytotoxic effects. Therefore, we conclude that E. arborea and S. thunbergii may contain compounds that have antiallergic effects without inducing cell death.     

Effect of Estradiol-17β on protein synthesis and degradation rates in fused bovine satellite cell cultures

Although androgenic and estrogenic steroids are widely used to enhance muscle growth and increase feed efficiency in feedlot cattle, their mechanism of action is not well understood. Further, in vivo studies indicate that estradiol (E2) affects muscle protein synthesis and/or degradation, but in vitro results are inconsistent. We have examined the effects of E2 treatment on protein synthesis and degradation rates in fused bovine satellite cell (BSC) cultures. Additionally, to learn more about the mechanisms involved in E2-enhanced muscle growth, we have examined the effects of compounds that interfere with binding of E2 or insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 to their respective receptors on E2-induced alterations in protein synthesis and degradation rates in BSC cultures. Treatment of fused BSC cultures with E2 results in a concentration-dependent increase (P < 0.05) in protein synthesis rate and a decrease (P < 0.05) in protein degradation rate. The pure estrogen antagonist ICI 182 780 suppresses (P < 0.05) E2-induced alterations in protein synthesis and degradation in fused BSC cultures. The G-protein coupled receptor (GPR)-30 agonist G1 does not affect either synthesis or degradation rate, which establishes that GPR30 does not play a role in E2-induced alterations in protein synthesis or degradation. JB1, a competitive inhibitor of IGF-1 binding to the Type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR-1), suppresses (P < 0.05) E2-induced alterations in protein synthesis and degradation. In summary, our data show that E2 treatment directly alters both protein synthesis and degradation rates in fused BSC cultures via mechanisms involving both the classical estrogen receptor (ER) and IGFR-1.     

Histomorphological changes between short and long days in ovary guanacos (Lama guanicoe)

This is the first morpho-histological comparison of guanaco ovaries between reproductive (long-days) and non-reproductive (short-days) seasons, and oestrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) detection. Different stages of follicle development were found in the cortical area, but no corpus luteum was detected. The size and frequency of antral follicles and large atretic follicles were higher in long-day ovaries than short-days, consistent with ovarian activity in this season. Differential expression of ERα and ERβ was observed in follicles at different stages of development between short and long days. These data reveal histological and molecular differences between reproductive and non-reproductive seasons of guanaco ovaries.     

Effects of a 1% hydrocortisone conditioner on haematological and biochemical parameters, adrenal function testing and cutaneous reactivity to histamine in normal and pruritic dogs

The purpose of this double-blinded study was to examine the effects of a 1% hydrocortisone, leave-on conditioner on haematological and biochemical parameters, adrenal function tests, and cutaneous reaction to serial dilutions of histamine phosphate in normal dogs and those with pruritic dermatitis. Groups 1 and 2 each consisted of eight normal dogs. Seven pruritic dogs comprised Group 3. All dogs were bathed twice weekly for 6 weeks. Groups 1 and 3 had 1% hydrocortisone conditioner applied after each bath. Group 2 had vehicle from the conditioner applied after each bath. The amount of 1% hydrocortisone applied to the treated dogs ranged from 278 to 416 mg/m². Haematological and biochemical analysis and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests were performed on all dogs on days 0, 14, 28, and 42. Mean values for all blood and serum parameters remained within normal limits during the study. Post-ACTH cortisol levels were significantly lower in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2 on day 42 (P < 0.05) and when averaged over all days of the study (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly lower in Group 3 on day 0, compared to days 14 (P < 0.05), 28 (P < 0.01), and 42 (P = 0.05). All dogs received intradermal injections of buffered saline and five serial dilutions of histamine phosphate on days 0, 14, 28, and 42. No significant differences were apparent among the groups in subjective and objective evaluation of intradermally injected dilutions of histamine. In this study, the use of a 1% hydrocortisone leave-on conditioner did not result in clinically evident adverse effects, and only minor changes in blood parameters were detected. Although mean values in all groups remained within reference ranges throughout the study, the finding of statistically significant lower post-ACTH cortisol concentrations in the pruritic dogs (Group 3) suggests that absorption of hydrocortisone may have occurred. The results of this study also show that this product does not significantly suppress cutaneous reactivity to histamine in normal and pruritic dogs.     

昆虫嗅觉相关蛋白及嗅觉识别机理研究概述

嗅觉是昆虫产生行为的基础之一,在长期进化的过程中昆虫形成了复杂的嗅觉系统,完成这一过程,需要有多种与嗅觉相关的蛋白参与,包括气味结合蛋白、化学感受蛋白、气味受体和感觉神经元膜蛋白等。了解昆虫感受外界信息的嗅觉机制可以帮助我们更好地理解昆虫识别配偶、天敌及寻找食物来源、产卵场地等行为特征,为进一步调控昆虫的行为、防控害虫侵袭、保护和利用有益昆虫奠定基础。本文综述了昆虫嗅觉相关的几类重要蛋白的生化特性和生理功能,并对昆虫气味分子的识别机制、气味分子在昆虫体内运输机制的最新研究进展进行了概述。     

Effects of different group B streptococci strains on platelet activation

AIM: To explore the ability of different group B streptococci (GBS) strains on inducing platelet activation. METHODS: Six strains of GBS, separated from the septic patients with thrombocytopenia, were used as the inducers. Light transmission aggregometry was used to measure platelet aggregation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to investigate the interaction of platelets with bacteria. The expression of platelet CD62P, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 was determined by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Furthermore, the activity of platelet TLR2 (or TLR4) was blocked by anti-TLR2 (or anti-TLR4) monoclonal antibody, and the platelet aggregation induced by GBS was detected. RESULTS: Only 3 of 6 GBS strains isolated from the septic patients induced platelet aggregation and up-regulated the expression of CD62P and TLR2 in the platelets (P < 0.05), but not TLR4. Incubation with anti-TLR2 antibody, but not anti-TLR4 antibody, significantly blocked platelet aggregation induced by GBS.CONCLUSION: Some GBS strains from the patients are able to trigger platelet activation in vitro, and platelet TLR2 may play an important role in the interaction between GBS and platelets.     

Synthesis,Structural and Pharmacological Characterizations of CIC,a Novel α-Conotoxin with an Extended N-Terminal Tail

Cone snails are venomous marine predators that rely on fast-acting venom to subdue their prey and defend against aggressors. The conotoxins produced in the venom gland are small disulfide-rich peptides with high affinity and selectivity for their pharmacological targets. A dominant group comprises α-conotoxins, targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Here, we report on the synthesis, structure determination and biological activity of a novel α-conotoxin, CIC, found in the predatory venom of the piscivorous species Conus catus and its truncated mutant Δ-CIC. CIC is a 4/7 α-conotoxin with an unusual extended N-terminal tail. High-resolution NMR spectroscopy shows a major influence of the N-terminal tail on the apparent rigidity of the three-dimensional structure of CIC compared to the more flexible Δ-CIC. Surprisingly, this effect on the structure does not alter the biological activity, since both peptides selectively inhibit α3β2 and α6/α3β2β3 nAChRs with almost identical sub- to low micromolar inhibition constants. Our results suggest that the N-terminal part of α-conotoxins can accommodate chemical modifications without affecting their pharmacology.     

机体识别病毒核酸的几种分子模式及途径

近些年机体病原相关模式受体及其识别分子机制的研究,极大地促进了先天性分子免疫学的发展,并成为现代免疫学研究的重点和热点领域。作者通过机体识别病毒核酸的Toll样受体(Toll-like receptors,TLRs)、RIG-I样受体(RIG-I like receptors,RLRs)、NOD样受体(NOD-like receptors,NLRs)和DAI(DNA-dependent activatorof interferon-regulatory factors,DAI)等模式识别分子的细胞定位、分子结构及其识别病毒核酸途径的介绍,系统、全面地探讨了宿主机体如何全方位识别和消除入侵病毒的分子免疫防御途径,为抗病毒药物和疫苗的设计以及抗病育种提供了理论依据。