Physiologic changes in acetylcholinesterase, specific acetylcholinesterase and total protein concentrations in the brain of domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) cocks fed dietary monosodium glutamate

The study was carried out to examine the effect of varied levels of dietary monosodium glutamate on acetylcholinesterase, specific acetylcholinesterase and total protein concentrations in the brain regions of broiler chickens. Three hundred (300) day – old unsexed Abor – acre chickens were randomly assigned to diets: A, B, C, D, E and F containing 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 g/kg MSG respectively. Each treatment was replicated 5 times with 10 birds per replicate. The birds were fed ad – libitum and provided with clean water for 8 weeks (56 days) after which 2 birds per replicates were slaughtered. The brains were removed, dissected into different regions comprising of the olfactory lobe, pineal body, optic lobe, cerebellum and the medulla oblongata. The different parts of the brain were homogenized to determine the acetylcholinesterase and total protein which were also used in the assessment of the specific acetylcholinesterase of the brain. No significant differences were observed in the acetylcholinesterase activity of the olfactory lobe, pineal body, optic lobe, cerebellum except for the medulla. Likewise, the dietary monosodium glutamate did not influence the activities of the total protein and specific acetylcholinesterase of the olfactory lobe portion of the brain. The dietary monosodium glutamate exerted significant effects on the total protein of other brain parts studied and which invariably resulted in significant changes in the specific acetylcholinesterase of the optic lobe, cerebellum and medulla except for the optic lobe. This study revealed that monosodium glutamate added to broilers diet above 0.75 g/kg significantly altered the concentration of the brain acetylcholinesterase, total protein and specific acetylcholinesterase thereby impaired brain functions.

88 crossbred Large White male day-old piglets were used to investigate age-related changes in total protein concentrations in ten regions of the pig brain and hypophyses from birth to 36 months of age. Age-related changes in protein concentrations in all the brain regions except the pons and cerebral cortex were not significant (P>0.05). However, the linear and quadratic curves and coefficients revealed substantial increase in total protein content in all the brain regions from day-old to between 12 and 20 months, thereafter declining rapidly and, in certain regions, gradually to much lower levels. In the pons, a rise in total protein of 1,091% was observed from day-old to 12 months, declining thereafter by 88% to 36 months. In the cerebellum, values rose by 642% from day-old to 10 months progressively falling by 75% in subsequent months to 36 months. Similar trends were observed in the amygdala and hippocampus. In the hypothalamus, midbrain and medulla oblongata, total protein levels rose progressively by 212%, 229% and 316% respectively from day-old to 36 months with a few non-specific fluctuations in- between. Significant falls in total protein levels with advancing age were observed in the adenohypophysis (P

This research investigated the impact of different levels of dietary Cyperus esculentus (tigernut) on acetylcholinesterase, specific acetylcholinesterase, and total protein concentrations in various brain regions of three rabbit genotypes. Male and female Dutch belted, Hyla max, and Newzealand white rabbits, totaling 320 at 6 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to diets containing 0, 10, 20, or 30g/kg of tigernut. Each treatment group was replicated five times with 15 rabbits per replicate. The rabbits were provided with ad-libitum feeding and clean water for 8 weeks or 56 days, after which six rabbits per replicate were euthanized. The brains were dissected into different regions including the olfactory lobe, pineal body, optic lobe, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata. The brain regions were homogenized to assess acetylcholinesterase and total protein concentrations, which were further used to evaluate specific acetylcholinesterase levels. The study found no significant differences in acetylcholinesterase activity in the olfactory lobe, pineal body, and cerebellum, except for the optic lobe and medulla. Additionally, dietary tigernut did not affect total protein and specific acetyl-cholinesterase activities in the olfactory lobe and medulla regions. However, tigernut intake had significant effects on total protein levels in other brain regions, leading to significant changes in specific acetyl-cholinesterase levels in the cerebellum. These findings suggest that tigernut added to rabbit diets at levels above 20 g/kg significantly alters brain acetylcholinesterase concentration, total protein levels, and specific acetylcholinesterase, potentially impairing brain functionality.

1. Following acclimation of channel catfish to a reduction in temperature from 25 degrees to 15 degrees C, there were approximately two-fold increases in liver mass, cell size, total protein, and total enzyme activity, relative to activity per milligram of protein and per gram wet weight of tissue, indicating tissue hypertrophy. There was no change in either total liver DNA content or protein concentration per gram weight. 2. Green sunfish, unlike catfish, showed virtually no change in liver mass following cold acclimation. However, sunfish showed a net increase in total liver protein content and an increase in protein concentration. The increase in protein content was balanced by a reciprocal and equivalent decrease in glycogen content. Consequently, liver mass was maintained. 3. During cold acclimation both catfish and sunfish showed an increase in ventricular heart mass and protein content, but no change in protein concentration. 4. The activities of several enzymes were measured in liver from 15 degrees C and 25 degrees C steady-state-acclimated catfish and at intervals following transfer from 15 degrees to 25 degrees C and from 25 degrees to 15 degrees C. Total tissue enzyme activity showed positive compensation which correlated with the change in liver mass and protein content. Specific activities based on protein and on wet weight showed dissimilar acclimatory patterns. Two enzymes - cytochrome oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase - showed inverse compensation in specific activity but positive compensation in total activity. Citrate synthase, glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase showed positive compensation in both specific and total activities. 5. The increase in tissue protein content or 'protein hypertrophy' occurred with cell hypertrophy in cold-acclimated catfish, while protein hypertrophy occurred as an increased protein concentration without cell hypertrophy in sunfish. This phenomenon is considered adaptive in that it permits a compensatory increase in the total enzymatic capacity of a tissue. The two-fold increases in total enzyme activities, superimposed on either an increase or decrease in specific activity, suggest that two biochemical mechanisms may be operative during cold-induced liver hypertrophy, one effecting a specific step in protein translation at a point common to the synthesis of all proteins and a second targetted pretranslationally, i.e., transcriptional regulation.

Protein Oligomerization: Thermodynamic and Structural Analysis of the Dimerization of Beta-lactoglobulin

Measurement of changes in cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of nerve tissue markers, total proteins, and immunoglobulin after compression of nerve root or application of nucleus pulposus in a pig model. To assess whether compression or application of nucleus pulposus to spinal nerve roots may cause increased levels of cerebrospinal fluid markers of nerve tissue damage and total proteins, and whether synthesis of immunoglobulins may be induced in cerebrospinal fluid. Previous studies have reported that there seems to be a relationship between elevated cerebrospinal fluid total protein concentrations, nerve tissue markers, clinical findings, and compression of the nerve root evaluated by radiologic changes in patients with sciatica. Subjects included 41 pigs, including 5 control animals. In two groups of experimental animals (n = 7; n = 5), an ameroid constrictor was slid onto the S1 nerve root. In two other groups (n = 7; n = 5), nucleus pulposus harvested from the L2-L3 disc was applied to the S1 nerve root. Two sham animal groups (n = 7; n = 5) underwent the same laminectomy. Twenty-one pigs underwent reoperation after 1 week, and 15 pigs after 4 weeks. A syringe was used to remove 3 mL of cerebrospinal fluid at L4-L5. Concentrations of total proteins, the light subunit of the neurofilament protein, S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, and glial fibrillary acidic protein were measured, and the presence of oligoclonal bands (immunoglobulins) were assayed in cerebrospinal fluid. The pigs with compressed S1 nerve root had considerably higher neurofilament protein and total protein concentrations in their cerebrospinal fluid than the-control animals (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) or the sham animals (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05) in the 1-week experiment. Nucleus pulposus did not induce a significant increase in concentrations of the different protein markers. The presence of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid in the experimental groups did not differ between the control and sham animals. The neurofilament protein and total protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid may have diagnostic importance in cases wherein clinical findings are not clearly related to the radiologic changes and vice versa. These protein markers also may be useful tools in different experimental models.

The physiologic relationships of plasma TSH, T4 and T3 levels measured every 20 min in seven healthy young men and one healthy young woman have been investigated. A nocturnal TSH surge was observed in all subjects on both nights of the 36-48 h baseline observation period. In males the maximum plasma TSH value occurred at 2300 h. The mean peak TSH level was 2.0 +/- 0.3 (se) muU/ml compared with a mean of 1.3 +/- 0.9 muU/ml for the entire baseline records of the 8 subjects. The effect of iv infusion of 32-1000 mug of somatostatin (SRIF) for 1 1/2-3 h was investigated in four of the male subjects during 2 or 4 consecutive nights following the control period. Temporal relationships between the hormonal fluctuations observed throughout the control period and during the nights of SRIF infusion were investigated using time series analysis and Student's t test. Rapid fluctuations of plasma T4 and T3 concentration were noted, even when corrected for changes in total protein concentration, with an average coefficient of variation of 10% for T3 and 12% for T4. No increment of plasma T4 or T3 followed the nocturnal TSH surge nor were the rapid fluctuations of the thyroid hormones altered by the TSH surge. SRIF infusion commencing at 2300 h suppressed the elevated TSH levels (P is less than 0.01) while similar infusions begun at 2100 h blocked the expected nocturnal TSH rise observed during control periods in male subjects. Plasma T4 and T3 levels were not significantly affected by the administration of SRIF. The relationship of the rapid plasma T4 and T3 variations to postural changes was investigated in four euthyroid male subjects. Serum levels of TSH, T4 and T3 and total protein were determined at 15 min intervals while postural changes were carefully monitored. The ratios of T4 and T3 to total protein were relatively stable (3-4% coefficient of variation) when the subjects were kept in a supine and motionless position. A 50 mug bolus infusion of T4 raised the basal T4 level by only 1-2 mug/dl. The data suggest that short-term fluctuation of plasma T4 and T3 result from changes in protein concentration due to hemodynamic responses to alteration of posture and physical activity and not to pulsatile secretion of T4 and T3.

Characterization of copper in uterine fluids of patients who use the copper T-380A intrauterine device

Few studies have investigated optimal storage conditions or expiration dates for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) formulations prepared from glycerinated allergen extracts. The objective of this study was to compare concentrations of short ragweed major allergen (Amb a 1) and total protein in SLIT formulations stored at two different temperatures. It was hypothesised that protein concentrations would show greater decline over time in a formulation stored at room temperature (RT) than in one stored under refrigeration. Two SLIT samples containing equal volumes of 20,000 PNU Amb a 1 extract were prepared and stored at refrigerated cold (CT) (2-8°C) or RT (20-24°C) for 140 days. Changes in total protein and major allergen concentration and composition were measured by Bradford assay, two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and SDS-PAGE. Presence of Amb a 1 was confirmed with Western immunoblot. Data were analysed using an analysis of covariance, with p < 0.05 considered significant. SDS-PAGE showed compositional changes in a ~26-30 kDa protein band under RT and not CT storage. The Amb a 1 concentration of the RT SLIT sample declined significantly over time, compared to that of the CT SLIT sample (F(1,8) = 47.69, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in total protein concentration over time between groups (F(1,8) = 1.79, p = 0.22). These results demonstrate that storage of glycerinated SLIT formulations in refrigerated CT preserved the highest concentration of the specific allergen Amb a 1, suggesting that SLIT formulations containing short ragweed should be stored under refrigeration.

During the general reaction to trauma, substantional changes in protein composition of sera occure. The aim of the prospective study was to investigate net change in total protein and albumin concentrations, as well as albumin/globulin ratio in sera of war casualties during the first 14 posttraumatic days, and to establish the correlation between these changes and severity of trauma. Subjects were 79 war casualties. 33 blood donors. Injury severity was determined according to ISS and blood samples were collected 12 hours after trauma, then on the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 14th posttraumatic day. In war casualties values of total protein and albumin concentrations and albumin/globulin ratio were significantly decreased. Minimal concentrations were measured on 2nd posttraumatic day (589.04 g/l for total proteins, p; 36.66.21 g/l for albumins, p) or on 5th day (0.860.2 for albumin/globulin ratio, p). During the acute-phase response to trauma, significant changes in concentration of total proteins, albumins and albumin/globulin ratio occure in sera of war casualties. These changes are the most promminent during the first 5 days, with tendency for normalization after that. Intensity of these changes depends of the severity of trauma.

The effects of intravenous parathyroid hormone (PTH) on steady state Secretin-induced pancreatic secretion were studied in seven dogs before and after parathyroidectomy. Free flow of pancreatic juice was obtained by direct cannulation of the main pancreatic duct (the minor duct being ligated) : a gastric fistula prevented the entry of gastric acid into the duodenum. In the normal dog PTH caused a significant increase in volume and bicarbonate concentration, reciprocal change in chloride and no change in total protein concentration. The stimulatory effect of PTH was dose-dependent. In the parathyroidectomized dog, the basic Secretin-induced secretion was lower than the preoperative values, but PTH infusion caused a significant increase in volume of fluids and bicarbonate concentration, reciprocal change in chloride and no change in protein concentration. These results were not dependent on calcium blood level, and did not change after calcium injection to the hypocalcemic parathyroidectomized dog. It is suggested, that PTH may have a direct effect on pancreatic exocrine secretion.

The present study reports the seasonal and physiological variations of copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, sodium chlorine, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, urea, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (CR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, albumin, globulin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total protein concentrations in cattle. Two groups of mated (n = 14) and nonmated (n = 10) healthy cows were selected for the study. Serum samples were collected at each of four periods: (1) early pregnancy (May), (2) midpregnancy (August), (3) late pregnancy (October), and (4) lactation (February). Physiological variations result in changes of cholesterol, calcium, LDH, and total protein concentrations. Phosphorus varies only with seasonal but not physiological changes, whereas ALP, copper, magnesium, and potassium concentrations change with physiological and seasonal conditions. The copper concentration is increased through the pregnancy. Neither the seasonal nor the physiologic variations affect zinc, iron, sodium, chlorine, calcium, urea, creatinine, albumin, and globulin values in both groups in all periods. Thus, these values can be used as reference for both mated and nonmated bovines. The measured total protein might not reflect its true value because of dehydration during the hot season. These observations suggest that seasonal and physiologic variations have to be taken into consideration for the correct interpretation of serum chemistry and elements status in cattle. Nutritional supplements are required for cattle during certain periods to avoid a decline of their performance, which would then represent consequent economic loses.

The Magnitude of the Acute Phase Protein Response is Attenuated by Protein Deficiency in Rats

A study was carried out on the effect of varied levels of dietary aflatoxin on acetylcholinesterase, glucose and total protein concentration in the brain regions of West African Dwarf goats. 20 West African Dwarf goats of about 5-6 months old were used for the trial and they were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments containing 0 (control), 50, 100 and 150 µg aflatoxin/kg diet. The animals were housed individually for the feeding trial in a completely randomised designed and the experiment lasted 12 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, the animals were sacrificed and brain dissected into different regions. The different regions of the brain studied were medulla oblongata, amygdala, hippocampus, cerebral cortex, mid-brain, cerebellum, pons varoli and hypothalamus. Samples were collected from these regions and homogenised to determine acetylcholinesterase, glucose and total protein concentrations. Result showed that the acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain regions was not significantly influenced by the dietary aflatoxin among the treatments. Glucose concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the hypothalamus of animals fed 50 µg aflatoxin/kg and control diet than those fed 100 and 150 µg aflatoxin/kg. Total protein concentration in the medullar oblongata and the hypothalamic regions of the brain in animals fed 150 ppb was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those on the control diet. The pH of the medulla oblongata, amygdala, hippocampus, cerebral cortex were significantly (p<0.05) higher in goats fed 150 mg/kg than those fed the control diet. However, pH was not significant in the mid brain, cerebellum, pons varoli and hypothalamus among the treatments. This study suggests that dietary aflatoxin up to 100 ppb reduced glucose concentration in the hypothalamus and total protein in the medulla oblongata region of the brain with tendency to impair brain function. Key words: Aflatoxin, WAD goat brain, acetylcholinesterase, total protein.

1. Changes in total retinol-binding protein (RBP), the holoprotein (holoRBP) and prealbumin (PA) concentrations have been monitored in plasma of thirty protein- and vitamin A-deficient preschool children from within a few hours up to 7 weeks after treatment with retinol and a good-quality protein diet. 2. The children were classified into groups according to nutritional status as having either kwashiorkor, marasmus-kwashiorkor or marasmus, and given formula diets whose protein and energy contents increased stepwise from 1 g and 105 kJ/kg body-weight respectively up to 4 g and 733 kJ/kg body-weight after 4 weeks. Retinol was administered in the forms of retinyl palmitate either orally or intramuscularly. 3. PA and total RBP were determined by electroimmunoassay procedures and the holoRBP by its fluorescence after separation from other plasma proteins. 4. RBP in plasma of the vitamin A-deficient child is largely denatured and incapable of binding administered retinol, which must first be taken up by the liver before native holoRBP is released. An increased pool of native apoprotein accumulates in the liver during vitamin A deficiency which is released into plasma quickly after retinol uptake to form peak concentrations of total and holoRBP approximately 3 h after dosing intramuscularly and 6 h orally. 5. The accumulated pool of RBP was highest in livers from the marasmus group and lowest in those from the kwashiorkor group, reflecting their relative capacities to synthesize plasma proteins. 6. The mean plasma concentrations of total and holoRBP for the various groups were minimal 24-48 h after dosing with retinol and then improved almost linearly over the following week. 7. Mean plasma PA concentrations of the various groups on admission were also in order of the severity of their malnutrition. There was little or no change in this protein concentration over the first 24 h after dosing with retinol, but thereafter the mean values rose almost linearly over 2 weeks. Albumin on the other hand changed little during the first week. The results show that PA is the more sensitive measurement of protein nutritional status.