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Various Animal Species (various + animal_species)
Selected AbstractsLocalization of estrogen receptor-, and -,mRNA in brain areas controlling sexual behavior in Japanese quailDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Krister Halldin Abstract Two estrogen receptors (ERs), denoted ER, and ER,, have been identified in humans and various animal species, including the Japanese quail. Estrogens play a key role in sexual differentiation and in activation of sexual behavior in Japanese quail. The distribution of ER, in the brain of male and female adult quail has previously been studied using immunohistochemistry, whereas in situ hybridization has been employed to study the distribution of ER, mRNA in males only. In this article, we used in situ hybridization to study the distribution of mRNAs for both ER, and ER, in brain areas controlling sexual behavior of Japanese quail. Our results show that both ER, mRNA and ER, mRNA are localized in areas important for sexual behavior, such as the preoptic area and associated limbic areas, in both males and females. Moreover, we found differences in distribution of mRNA for the two receptors in these areas. The results of this article support previously reported data and provide novel data on localization of ER mRNAs in adult quail brain of both sexes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2005 [source] Detection and analysis of Borna disease virus in Chinese patients with neurological disordersEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2009Q. Li Background and purpose:, Borna disease virus (BDV) is a neurotropic RNA virus that is known to cause neurological disturbances in various animal species, potentially even humans. However, the association between BDV infection and human neurological disorders remains unclear. Methods:, Between August 2005 and March 2006, 65 patients with neurological disorders were enrolled into our study. The presence of BDV p24 RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was investigated by using nested reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assay. Results:, Borna disease virus p24 RNA was detected from PBMCs in six patients with viral encephalitis by using nested RT-PCR assay. However, BDV p24 RNA was not detected in patients with multiple sclerosis or peripheral nerve diseases. Conclusion:, There might be possible associations between BDV infection and human viral encephalitis. [source] Genomic structure and expression analysis of the RNase , family ortholog gene in the insect Ceratitis capitataFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 24 2008Theodoros N. Rampias Cc RNase is the founding member of the recently identified RNase , family, which is represented by a single ortholog in a wide range of animal taxonomic groups. Although the precise biological role of this protein is still unknown, it has been shown that the recombinant proteins isolated so far from the insect Ceratitis capitata and from human exhibit ribonucleolytic activity. In this work, we report the genomic organization and molecular evolution of the RNase , gene from various animal species, as well as expression analysis of the ortholog gene in C. capitata. The high degree of amino acid sequence similarity, in combination with the fact that exon sizes and intronic positions are extremely conserved among RNase , orthologs in 15 diverse genomes from sea anemone to human, imply a very significant biological function for this enzyme. In C. capitata, two forms of RNase , mRNA (0.9 and 1.5 kb) with various lengths of 3, UTR were identified as alternative products of a single gene, resulting from the use of different polyadenylation signals. Both transcripts are expressed in all insect tissues and developmental stages. Sequence analysis of the extended region of the longer transcript revealed the existence of three mRNA instability motifs (AUUUA) and five poly(U) tracts, whose functional importance in RNase , mRNA decay remains to be explored. [source] Evidences of the gender-related differences in cardiac repolarization and the underlying mechanisms in different animal species and humanFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Jianhua Cheng Abstract Clinical and experimental studies have shown that gender differences exist in cardiac repolarization in various animal species and human, as is evidenced by significantly longer QT, JT intervals and action potential duration in females than in males due to a reduced repolarization reserve in females. The latter is shown by the relatively greater increase in ventricular repolarization and higher incidence of torsades de pointes (TdP) in preparations from females by drugs blocking repolarizing K+ currents. These results can be modulated by gonadectomy, suggesting that gonadal steroids are important determinants of gender difference in repolarization. In human subjects, QT and JT intervals are longer in women, whereas QT dispersion and Tp-e interval (the interval from the peak to the end of T wave) are longer in men. At slow heart rates greater prolongation in QT and increase in transmural repolarization heterogeneity (i.e. increase in Tp-e) may predispose to TdP tachycardias in women. In healthy postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy with estrogen alone usually produced a prolongation of QT interval, while estrogen plus progesterone had no significant effects on QT interval but reduced QT dispersion. Along with these, there are still conflicting data reported. Further work is needed before the elucidation of the basis of gender differences in ventricular repolarization. [source] Neural circuit-dependent odor adaptation in C. elegans is regulated by the Ras-MAPK pathwayGENES TO CELLS, Issue 6 2005Takaaki Hirotsu The molecular machinery that mediates odor adaptation in the olfactory neurons is well documented in various animal species. However, types of adaptation that depend on neural circuits are mostly unexplored. We report here that the Ras-MAPK pathway is essential for such a type of odor adaptation, called early adaptation, in C. elegans. Early adaptation requires a pair of AIY interneurons, which receive synaptic inputs from olfactory neurons. Mutants of the Ras-MAPK pathway show defects in early adaptation. Continued exposure to an odorant causes activation of MAP kinase not only in the olfactory neurons, but also in the AIY interneurons. While activity of the Ras-MAPK pathway in the olfactory neurons is important for odor perception, its activity in the AIY interneurons is important for odor adaptation. Our results thus reveal a dual role of the Ras-MAPK pathway in sensory processing in the nervous system of C. elegans. [source] Identification of a novel gene, Mblk-1, that encodes a putative transcription factor expressed preferentially in the large-type Kenyon cells of the honeybee brainINSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Hideaki Takeuchi Abstract Mushroom bodies (MBs) are considered to be involved in higher-order sensory processing in the insect brain. To identify the genes involved in the intrinsic function of the honeybee MBs, we searched for genes preferentially expressed therein, using the differential display method. Here we report a novel gene encoding a putative transcription factor (Mblk-1) expressed preferentially in one of two types of intrinsic MB neurones, the large-type Kenyon cells, which makes Mblk-1 a candidate gene involved in the advanced behaviours of honeybees. A putative DNA binding motif of Mblk-1 had significant sequence homology with those encoded by genes from various animal species, suggesting that the functions of these proteins in neural cells are conserved among the animal kingdom. [source] Advances in Campylobacter biology and implications for biotechnological applicationsMICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Byeonghwa Jeon Summary Campylobacter jejuni is a major foodborne pathogen of animal origin and a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. During the past decade, especially since the publication of the first C. jejuni genome sequence, major advances have been made in understanding the pathobiology and physiology of this organism. It is apparent that C. jejuni utilizes sophisticated mechanisms for effective colonization of the intestinal tracts in various animal species. Although Campylobacter is fragile in the environment and requires fastidious growth conditions, it exhibits great flexibility in the adaptation to various habitats including the gastrointestinal tract. This high adaptability is attributable to its genetically, metabolically and phenotypically diverse population structure and its ability to change in response to various challenges. Unlike other enteric pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, Campylobacter is unable to utilize exogenous glucose and mainly depends on the catabolism of amino acids as a carbon source. Campylobacter proves highly mutable in response to antibiotic treatments and possesses eukaryote-like dual protein glycosylation systems, which modify flagella and other surface proteins with specific sugar structures. In this review we will summarize the distinct biological traits of Campylobacter and discuss the potential biotechnological approaches that can be developed to control this enteric pathogen. [source] An Overview of SR121463, a Selective Non-Peptide Vasopressin V2 Receptor AntagonistCARDIOVASCULAR THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2001C. Serradeil-Le Gal ABSTRACT SR121463 is a selective, orally active, non-peptide antagonist of vasopressin (AVP) V2 receptors with powerful aquaretic properties in various animal species and humans. SR121463 belongs to a new class of drugs, called aquaretics, which are capable of inducing free-water excretion without affecting electrolyte balance. SR121463 displays high affinity for animal and human V2 receptors and exhibits a remarkably selective V2 receptor profile. SR121463 and [3H]SR121463 are used, therefore, as selective probes for characterization and labeling of V2 receptors. In various functional studies in vitro, SR121463 behaves as a potent antagonist. It inhibits AVP-stimulated human renal adenylyl cyclase and dDAVP (1-desamino, 8-D arginine-vasopressin)-induced relaxation of rat aorta. SR121463 also behaves as an inverse agonist in cells expressing a constitutively activated human V2 receptor mutant. In vitro, SR1 21463 rescued misfolded V2 AVP receptor mutants by increasing cell surface expression and restoring V2 function. In normally hydrated conscious rats, dogs and monkeys, SR121463, by either i.v. or p.o. administration, induced a dose-dependent aquaresis with no major changes in urinary Na+ and K+ excretion (unlike classical diuretics). In cirrhotic rats with ascites and impaired renal function, a 10-day treatment with SR121463 totally corrected hyponatremia and restored normal urine excretion. In a model of diabetic nephropathy in rats, SR121463 strongly reduced albumin excretion. SR121463 was also effective at extrarenal V2 (or V2 -like) receptors involved in vascular relaxation or clotting factor release in vitro and in vivo. In the rabbit model of ocular hypertension, SR121463 by either single or repeated instillation, decreased intraocular pressure. After acute and chronic administration to rats, dogs or healthy human volunteers, SR121463 was well absorbed and well tolerated. In all species studied the drug produced pronounced aquaresis without any agonist effect. Thus, SR121463 is a potent, orally active and selective antagonist at V2 receptors with powerful aquaretic properties. It is a useful tool for further exploration of function of renal or extrarenal V2 receptors. Pure V2 receptor antagonists are likely to be therapeutically useful in several water-retaining diseases such as hyponatremia, Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH), congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and other disorders possibly mediated by V2 receptors (e.g., glaucoma). [source] 2412: Laser and oxygenACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010CJ POURNARAS Purpose To evaluate the changes in the retinal oxygen partial pressure (PO2) following photocoagulation as well as the resulting effect of the laser induced improved oxygenation, on the retinal vessels hemodynamics. Methods Measurements of the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) distribution within the retina in various animal species using oxygen sensitive microelectrodes and evaluation of changes on the retinal vessels reactivity, following laser treatment, gave additional insights concerning photocoagulation mechanisms. Results Preretinal intervascular PO2 , far away from vessels, remain constant in all retinal areas. Intervascular intraretinal PO2 gradually decreases from both the vitreo-retinal interface and the choroid towards the mid-retina. Close to the pigment epithelium, it is significantly higher than at the vitreoretinal interface due to the much higher O2 supply provided by choroidal compaires to retinal circulation. Laser photocoagulation reduces the outer retina O2 consumption and allows O2 diffusion into the inner retina from the choroid raising the PO2 in the inner healthy retinal layers and in the preretinal intervascular normal areas. In this way, laser treatment relieves retinal hypoxia in experimental branch vein occlusion (BRVO). In patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), the retinal PO2 is also higher in areas previously treated with laser. Following photocoagulation, the resulting reversal of hypoxia, the down-regulation of the VEGF expression, the retinal vasculature constriction and the improvement of the auto-regulatory response to physiological stimuli, all affect favorably both the retinal neovascularisation and macular edema. Conclusion Photocoagulation induces an increase of the inner retinal oxygenation resulting to an improvement of the autoregulatory retinal vessels response. [source] Retinal photocoagulation and oxygenationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009CJ POURNARAS Purpose The clinical role of photocoagulation for the treatment of hypoxia related complications of retinal ischemic microangiopathies is well established. Methods Measurements of the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) distribution within the the retina in various animal species using oxygen sensitive microelectrodes and evaluation of the retinal vessels reactivity by laser doppler velocimetry gave additional insights concerning photocoagulation mechanisms. Results The PO2 within the vitreo-retinal interface is heterogeneous. Preretinal and trans-retinal PO2 profiles indicate that the preretinal PO2 far away from vessels remain constant in all retinal areas. Intervascular intraretinal PO2 gradually decreases from both the vitreo-retinal interface and the choroid towards the mid-retina. Close to the pigment epithelium, it is significantly higher than at the vitreoretinal interface due to the much higher O2 supply provided by choroidal compaires to retinal circulation. Laser photocoagulation reduces the outer retina O2 consumption and allows O2 diffusion into the inner retina from the choroid raising the PO2 in the inner healthy retinal layers and in the preretinal intervascular normal areas. In this way laser treatment relieves retinal hypoxia in experimental branch vein occlusion (BRVO). In patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), the retinal PO2 is higher in areas previously treated with laser. Following photocoagulation, the resulting reversal of hypoxia, the retinal vasculature constriction and the improvement of the regulatory response to hyperoxia all affect favorably both the retinal neovascularisation and macular edema. Conclusion Photocoagulation induces an increase of the inner retinal oxygenation reversing the retinal hypoxia and improving the regulatory response of the retinal vessels [source] Colour and colour vision of creatures great and smallCOLORATION TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Tim L Dawson Today the mechanisms of human colour vision are well understood because of the detailed communication feedback possible in experimental studies. The situation with other species in the animal kingdom is less easy to investigate and understand. In the present review, examples of the colour and colour vision of various animal species are described, selected mainly because they are particularly interesting and indeed colourful. The chemical structures and the relationships of the natural pigments involved also receive attention. Despite many decades of vision research, many aspects of colour vision remain unclear. Nevertheless increasing knowledge in all these fields may someday help to elucidate the neurological pathways underlying other animals' colour vision to the same extent as is at present known for human vision. [source] | ||||||||||||||||