Accumulation In Different Tissues Research Articles

Relationship between arsenic accumulation in tissues and hematological parameters in mullet caught in Faro Lake: a preliminary study.

The authors investigated the arsenic (As) accumulation in different tissues (muscle, gill, liver, stomach, and intestine) and the possible correlation between tissue concentration and hematological parameters in mullet (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758) caught in Faro Lake (Messina, Sicily, Italy). On all fish, hematological analyses of blood samples, measurement of biometric indices, and the removal of the muscles, gills, liver, stomach, and intestine for the determination of arsenic concentration were performed. A hemogram was performed to find effects of arsenic concentration in tissues on hematological variables. One-way analysis of variance showed significant differences of arsenic concentration in different tissues, with higher values in the gill. The correlation between hematological parameters and tissue arsenic concentration showed a statistical significance for red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) with the liver As concentration. Biometric indices (weight, length, and fork length) showed a significant correlation with As concentration of the muscle and liver also. Our results indicate the role of some hematological parameters as biomarkers useful to monitoring anthropogenic load of arsenic in water and sediment, because variations of these parameters represent one of the effects that arsenic exposure can have on fish.

Kinetics of the accumulation of group 2 innate lymphoid cells in IL-33-induced and IL-25-induced murine models of asthma: a potential role for the chemokine CXCL16.

ILC2s are implicated in asthma pathogenesis, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying their accumulation in airways. We investigated the time course of ILC2 accumulation in different tissues in murine models of asthma induced by a serial per-nasal challenge with ovalbumin (OVA), house dust mice (HDM), IL-25 and IL-33 and explored the potential roles of ILC2-attracting chemokines in this phenomenon. Flow cytometry was used to enumerate ILC2s at various time points. The effects of cytokines and chemokines on ILC2 migration were measured in vitro using a chemotaxis assay and in vivo using small animal imaging. Compared with saline and OVA challenge, both IL-25 and IL-33 challenge alone induced significant accumulation of ILC2s in the mediastinal lymph nodes, lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of challenged animals, but with a distinct potency and kinetics. In vitro, IL-33 and CXCL16, but not IL-25 or CCL25, directly induced ILC2 migration. Small animal in vivo imaging further confirmed that a single intranasal provocation with IL-33 or CXCL16 was sufficient to induce the accumulation of ILC2s in the lungs following injection via the tail vein. Moreover, IL-33-induced ILC2 migration involved the activation of ERK1/2, p38, Akt, JNK and NF-κB, while CXCL16-induced ILC2 migration involved the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and Akt. These data support the hypothesis that epithelium-derived IL-25 and IL-33 induce lung accumulation of ILC2s, while IL-33 exerts a direct chemotactic effect in this process. Although ILC2s express the chemokine receptors CXCR6 and CCR9, only CXCL16, the ligand of CXCR6, exhibits a direct chemoattractant effect.

A novel glycosyltransferase catalyses the transfer of glucose to glucosylated anthocyanins in purple sweet potato.

Glycosylation contributes to the diversity and stability of anthocyanins in plants. The process is catalysed by various glucosyltransferases using different anthocyanidin aglycones and glycosyl donors. In this study, we found that an anthocyanidin 3-O-glucoside-2″-O-glucosyltransferase (3GGT) from purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) catalyses the conversion of anthocyanidin 3-O-glucoside into anthocyanidin 3-O-sophoroside, which is functionally different from the 3GGT ortholog of Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis indicated regioselectivity of 3GGT using uridine-5'-diphosphate (UDP)-xylose or UDP-glucose as the glycosyl is divergent between Convolvulaceae and Arabidopsis. Homology-based protein modeling and site-directed mutagenesis of Ib3GGT and At3GGT suggested that the Thr-138 of Ib3GGT is a key amino acid residue for UDP-glucose recognition and that it plays a major role in sugar-donor selectivity. Wild-type and ugt79b1 mutants (defective in UDP carbohydrate-dependent glycosyltransferases, UGTs) of Arabidopsis plants overexpressing Ib3GGT produced the new component cyanidin 3-O-sophoroside. Moreover, Ib3GGT expression was associated with anthocyanin accumulation in different tissues during I. batatas plant development and was regulated by the transcription factor IbMYB1. Localization assays for Ib3GGT showed that glycosyl extension occurs in the cytosol and not in the endoplasmic reticulum. This study therefore reveals the function of Ib3GGT in glycosyl extension of anthocyanins and demonstrates that Thr-138 is the key amino acid residue for UDP-glucose recognition.

Tissue distribution of Ag and oxidative stress responses in the freshwater snail Bellamya aeruginosa exposed to sediment-associated Ag nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most widely used engineered nanomaterials and may eventually accumulate in sediments. Limited information is currently available regarding the toxicity, bioaccumulation and distribution of sediment-associated AgNPs in aquatic organisms. In the present study, a freshwater snail Bellamya aeruginosa was exposed via sediment to commercial Ag particles of four nominal sizes: 20 nm (AgNPs-20), 40 nm (AgNPs-40), 80 nm (AgNPs-80), and < 10 μm (bulk Ag), and to silver nitrate at sub-lethal concentrations (1, 10 and 100 μg Ag/g sediment). Ag burden and biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed in different tissues of B. aeruginosa: hepatopancreas, gonad, foot and digestive tracts. All five Ag types were available for uptake by B. aeruginosa when spiked into sediment, and Ag accumulation in different tissues presented the following pattern: hepatopancreas > gonad ≈ digestive tracts > foot. Snails accumulated higher levels of Ag from aqueous Ag than from particulate Ag. In contrast, AgNPs-40 and AgNPs-80 treatments occasionally induced higher oxidative stress than aqueous Ag, indicating the significant role of nanoparticle itself in exerting toxicity. Size-dependent toxicity of AgNPs in sediment was also found, with AgNPs-20 showing lower toxicity than other Ag particles. Overall, this study demonstrated that the toxicity of sediment-associated AgNPs to B. aeruginosa varies with size and differs from aqueous Ag.

Synthesis, stability and bioavailability of astaxanthin succinate diester.

We synthesized astaxanthin succinate diester (ASD), a novel astaxanthin (AST) derivate, with succinic anhydride and free AST. ASD was purified and characterized using silica gel column chromatography and spectrometry, respectively. The ASD final synthesis rate was 82.63%. A stability test revealed a high AST and ASD retention rate at pH 5.0-7.0. ASD showed better stability than did AST under acidic conditions. Both sample ions showed lower retention rates under Fe2+ and Fe3+ states. The ASD metabolic curve showed serum and liver area under the curve from 0 h to time t (AUC0-t ) values of 45.05 ± 4.58 and 120.38 ± 23.66 µg h-1 mL-1 , respectively. The long-term accumulation was significantly higher in the ASD group than in the AST group, which showed higher accumulation in the heart, muscle and spleen than in other tissues in vivo. The thermal stability and bioavailability of ASD were higher than that of the non-esterified free AST and common free AST, respectively. Additionally, AST accumulation in different tissues of the ASD group was multifold higher than that of free AST. These results prove that ASD may serve as a better source of AST for human nutrition than does free AST. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of feeding level on growth, body composition, fatty acid profile, and nutrient accumulation in shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

A study was conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to assess the growth performance, body composition, fatty acid profile, and nutrient accumulation in different tissues of shrimp using two feeding levels (10 and 16 g/kg0.8/day). The shrimp PL25 was nursed in the nursing tank for 2 months and stocked in six grow out tanks (ten individuals in each 30 L tank). A commercial feed with 42.7% protein was used over a 16-h period per day. After 4 weeks, the final average weight when fed 16 g/kg0.8/day was 9.7 g which was not significantly different from a final weight of 8.6 g achieved when feeding 10 g/kg0.8/day. The protein and energy content increased in high feeding level whereas moisture, crude fat, and ash content decreased with feeding level (P > 0.05). With the high feeding level, the fatty acid content increased in the eye, muscle, and whole body, with eye containing the highest concentration. The isotopic ratio of δ13C was enriched with feeding level in the muscle and whole shrimp whereas the ratio of δ13C was depleted in the viscera with feeding level. The fraction of δ15N was enriched with decreasing feeding level and highest value was found in the muscle than in the whole shrimp and viscera.

Protective effects of grape seed and skin extract against high-fat-diet-induced lipotoxicity in rat lung

BackgroundObesity is a public health problem characterized by increased fat accumulation in different tissues. Obesity is directly linked to breathing problems and medical complications with lung, including obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma….In the present work, we aimed to investigate the effect of high fat diet (HFD) on lung lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, fatty acid composition and proportions in lung and implication in asthma development. The likely protection provided by grape seed extract (GSSE) was also investigated.MethodsIn order to assess HFD effect on lung and GSSE protection we used a rat model. We analyzed the lipid plasma profile, lung peroxidation and antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT and POD). We also analyzed transition metals (Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+ and iron) and lung free fatty acids using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS).ResultsHFD induced lipid profile imbalance increasing cholesterol and VLDL-C. HFD also induced an oxidative stress assessed by elevated MDA level and the drop of antioxidant activities such as SOD, CAT and POD. Moreover, HFD induced mineral disturbances by decreasing magnesium level and increasing Calcium and iron levels. HFD induced also disturbances in lung fatty acid composition by increasing oleic, stearic and arachidonic acids. Interestingly, GSSE alleviated all these deleterious effects of HFD treatment.ConclusionAs a whole, GSSE had a significant preventive effect against HFD-induced obesity, and hence may be used as an anti-obesity agent, and a benefic agent with potential applications against damages in lung tissue.

Muscle MRI in neutral lipid storage disease (NLSD)

Neutral lipid storage disease (NLSD) is a rare inherited disorder of lipid metabolism resulting in lipid droplets accumulation in different tissues. Skeletal muscle could be affected in both two different form of disease: NLSD with myopathy (NLSD-M) and NLSD with ichthyosis (NLSD-I). We present the muscle imaging data of 12 patients from the Italian Network for NLSD: ten patients presenting NLSD-M and two patients with NLSD-I. In NLSD-M gluteus minimus, semimembranosus, soleus and gastrocnemius medialis in the lower limbs and infraspinatus in the upper limbs were the most affected muscles. Gracilis, sartorius, subscapularis, pectoralis, triceps brachii and sternocleidomastoid were spared. Muscle involvement was not homogenous and characteristic “patchy” replacement was observed in at least one muscle in all the patients. Half of the patients showed one or more STIR positive muscles. In both NLSD-I cases muscle involvement was not observed by T1-TSE sequences, but one of them showed positive STIR images in more than one muscle in the leg. Our data provides evidence that muscle imaging can identify characteristic alterations in NLSD-M, characterized by a specific pattern of muscle involvement with “patchy” areas of fatty replacement. Larger cohorts are needed to assess if a distinct pattern of muscle involvement exists also for NLSD-I.

Dietary Sugars and Endogenous Formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts: Emerging Mechanisms of Disease.

The rapid increase in metabolic diseases, which occurred in the last three decades in both industrialized and developing countries, has been related to the rise in sugar-added foods and sweetened beverages consumption. An emerging topic in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases related to modern nutrition is the role of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs). AGEs can be ingested with high temperature processed foods, but also endogenously formed as a consequence of a high dietary sugar intake. Animal models of high sugar consumption, in particular fructose, have reported AGE accumulation in different tissues in association with peripheral insulin resistance and lipid metabolism alterations. The in vitro observation that fructose is one of the most rapid and effective glycating agents when compared to other sugars has prompted the investigation of the in vivo fructose-induced glycation. In particular, the widespread employment of fructose as sweetener has been ascribed by many experimental and observational studies for the enhancement of lipogenesis and intracellular lipid deposition. Indeed, diet-derived AGEs have been demonstrated to interfere with many cell functions such as lipid synthesis, inflammation, antioxidant defences, and mitochondrial metabolism. Moreover, emerging evidence also in humans suggest that this impact of dietary AGEs on different signalling pathways can contribute to the onset of organ damage in liver, skeletal and cardiac muscle, and the brain, affecting not only metabolic control, but global health. Indeed, the most recent reports on the effects of high sugar consumption and diet-derived AGEs on human health reviewed here suggest the need to limit the dietary sources of AGEs, including added sugars, to prevent the development of metabolic diseases and related comorbidities.

SIMYB1 and SIMYB2, two new MYB genes from tomato, transcriptionally regulate cellulose biosynthesis in tobacco

Cellulose, a major constituent of plant biomass, is synthesized by a cellulose synthase complex. It has been demonstrated that MYB genes transcriptionally regulate cellulose synthase in Arabidopsis. However, little is known about this process in tomato. Here, two MYB (SIMYB1/2) and three cellulose synthase (CESA) (SICESA4/5/6) genes were isolated. SIMYB1/2 and SICESA4/5/6 accumulation was found to correspond to cellulose accumulation in different tissues of tomato. Dual luciferase assays indicated that these two MYBs were transcriptional activators that interact with promoters of SICESA4/5/6. Moreover, SIMYB2 could also activate promoters of SIMYB1/2, suggesting the possible underlying auto-activation mechanisms for MYB transcription factors. Transient over-expression of SIMYB1/2 in Nicotiana tabacum up-regulated tobacco endogenous NtCESA genes and increased cellulose accumulation. The function of SIMYB1/2 was further investigated using stable transformation and the results indicated that N. tabacum lines heterologous expressing SIMYB1/2 displayed a pleiotropic phenotype, long and narrow leaves, with NtCESA induced and significant increase of cellulose. In conclusion, our data suggest that tomato SIMYB1/2 have transcriptional regulatory roles in cellulose biosynthesis and SIMYB2 was more effective than SIMYB1, which may due to the transcriptional activation by SIMYB2 on SIMYB1 and itself.

Endurance assessment of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, in heavy metal contaminated site–A case study

AbstractIn this study, the ability to hyper accumulate heavy metals from contaminated site by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was monitored. The heavy metal-contaminated habitat was validated by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray elemental spectrometry analysis of the soil samples. Heavy metal contamination in soil and water; accumulation in foliar, root and bulb tissue samples were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and were monitored as a function of accumulation in different tissues. Significant differences were recorded in the bioaccumulation capability of heavy metals by different tissue. Discrete variation in protein profile of leaves and high expression of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), peroxidase (POX) and altered regulation of esterase (EST) in root tissue was observed in contaminated site grown Eichhornia. The high metal accumulation efficiency of water hyacinth due to the biomass production suggests this species as reliable organic biomarker for heavy metal contamination.

Two LcbHLH Transcription Factors Interacting with LcMYB1 in Regulating Late Structural Genes of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Nicotiana and Litchi chinensis During Anthocyanin Accumulation.

Anthocyanin biosynthesis requires the MYB-bHLH-WD40 protein complex to activate the late biosynthetic genes. LcMYB1 was thought to act as key regulator in anthocyanin biosynthesis of litchi. However, basic helix-loop-helix proteins (bHLHs) as partners have not been identified yet. The present study describes the functional characterization of three litchi bHLH candidate anthocyanin regulators, LcbHLH1, LcbHLH2, and LcbHLH3. Although these three litchi bHLHs phylogenetically clustered with bHLH proteins involved in anthcoyanin biosynthesis in other plant, only LcbHLH1 and LcbHLH3 were found to localize in the nucleus and physically interact with LcMYB1. The transcription levels of all these bHLHs were not coordinated with anthocyanin accumulation in different tissues and during development. However, when co-infiltrated with LcMYB1, both LcbHLH1 and LcbHLH3 enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in tobacco leaves with LcbHLH3 being the best inducer. Significant accumulation of anthocyanins in leaves transformed with the combination of LcMYB1 and LcbHLH3 were noticed, and this was associated with the up-regulation of two tobacco endogenous bHLH regulators, NtAn1a and NtAn1b, and late structural genes, like NtDFR and NtANS. Significant activity of the ANS promoter was observed in transient expression assays either with LcMYB1-LcbHLH1 or LcMYB1-LcbHLH3, while only minute activity was detected after transformation with only LcMYB1. In contrast, no activity was measured after induction with the combination of LcbHLH2 and LcMYB1. Higher DFR expression was also oberseved in paralleling with higher anthocyanins in co-transformed lines. LcbHLH1 and LcbHLH3 are essential partner of LcMYB1 in regulating the anthocyanin production in tobacco and probably also in litchi. The LcMYB1-LcbHLH complex enhanced anthocyanin accumulation may associate with activating the transcription of DFR and ANS.

Characterization of Cd translocation and accumulation in 19 maize cultivars grown on Cd-contaminated soil: implication of maize cultivar selection for minimal risk to human health and for phytoremediation.

Maize (Zea mays) has low Cd accumulation in grains and a high biomass compared to other crops. The capacities for Cd accumulation in different maize cultivars are, however, not fully understood. To reduce human health risk from maize grown in Cd-contaminated soil and to provide promising maize cultivars for the phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soil, a field experiment was conducted to screen low-Cd- and high-Cd-accumulation maize cultivars by evaluating the yield, Cd uptake, translocation, and accumulation differences among 19 maize cultivars. There were differences in straw dry weight (DW), root DW, and yield among the 19 cultivars. The cultivars Yudan19, Zhengda999, and Xianyu508 had a higher production compared to that of the other cultivars. The Cd concentrations in the roots were much higher than those in the straws and grains in all cultivars. The Cd accumulation factors (AFS) decreased in the order of accumulation factors in root (AFrs) > accumulation factors in straw (AFss) > accumulation factors in grain (AFgs). The Cd translocation factors (TFs) from root to straw (TFrs) were significantly (p < 0.05) larger than those from straw to grain (TFsg) among all of the cultivars. The TFs for all of the cultivars was less than 1, and the lowest TFsg (0.23) was found in cultivar Xiangyongdan3. The correlation analysis indicated that Cd concentrations in straws showed a significant (p < 0.01) as well as positive correlation with TFrs while a negative correlation with TFsg (p < 0.01). Moreover, Cd accumulation in different tissues decreased in the order straw > grain > root. Among the 19 maize cultivars, Jixiang2118 and Kangnong18 accumulated the highest Cd amount in the aboveground tissues, and the corresponding values were 7,206.51 and 6,598.68 mg hm(-2), respectively. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on the Cd concentrations in grains and straws classified the 19 maize cultivars into four and two groups for a 0.4 minimum distance between clusters, respectively. Yudan19, Zhengda999, and Xianyu508 can be classified into one group in which low Cd in grains meeting the Cd tolerance limit in foods set by China National Standard, suggesting that those cultivars are safety for food and human health. However, Jixiang2118 and Kangnong18 can be classified as another group with potential application for phytoremediation in slightly or moderately Cd-polluted soil because of the high Cd accumulation in the aboveground tissues.

Oxidative stress responses and toxin accumulation in the freshwater snail Radix swinhoei (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) exposed to microcystin-LR.

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is one of the most common toxins in eutrophic freshwater ecosystems. The ecotoxicological effects of MCLR in freshwater ecosystems have been widely documented; however, the physiological effects of MCLR on freshwater snails and the underlying toxicity/detoxification mechanisms have not been well investigated. In this laboratory study, antioxidant system responses in the hepatopancreas and the digestive tract of Radix swinhoei, a typical freshwater snail, exposed to 0.01mg/L to 2mg/L MCLR were explored. Antioxidant enzymes, particularly superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), in the digestive tracts were effectively generated at 0.2 and 2mg/L MCLR. However, SOD and CAT activities in the hepatopancreas were activated only at 0.2mg/L MCLR. Glutathione (GSH) concentrations in the digestive tracts significantly increased at 0.01 to 0.2mg/L MCLR; by comparison, GSH concentrations in the hepatopancreas remained stable. No oxidative damage (lipid peroxidations) occurred in the digestive tracts and the hepatopancreas when the snail was exposed to ≤0.2mg/L MCLR. MCLR accumulation in different snail tissues was also examined. MCLR accumulated in different tissues and showed the following pattern: hepatopancreas > gonads > digestive tracts > muscles. Bioaccumulated concentrations in these four tissues increased as MCLR exposure concentrations increased; by contrast, bioaccumulation factors decreased as MCLR exposure concentrations increased. Our results indicated that R. swinhoei is sensitively responsive to MCLR by changing antioxidant system status to cope with the toxicity. Snails may be vectors of MCs that transfer MCs in eutrophic lakes via food chains or food web.

The suitability of Trapa natans for phytoremediation of inorganic contaminants from the aquatic ecosystems

Abstract The discharges from industries contaminate ponds maintained by the villagers for various purposes including cultivation of Trapa natans (L.) which bears fruits during winter season. The fruits of T. natans are edible and sold in local markets on the large scale. In the present study, the plants of T. natans were collected from ten ponds located nearby industrial areas of Unnao District, U.P., India to assess cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) accumulation in different tissues including the fruits. It was found that Cd in water ranged from 0.006 mg L−1 (Sareni) to 0.015 mg L−1 (Maurawa and Ajgain). The highest concentration of Cu was found in Bara region (0.226 mg L−1), whereas, it was lowest in Nigoha (0.008 mg L−1). Both the metals were accumulated in significant amount in the roots, shoots and fruits of T. natans. Cadmium was accumulated highest in the roots, shoots and fruits i.e. 2.656, 2.081 and 1.189 μg g−1 dry weights respectively of the plants, collected from Ajgain region. The highest concentration of Cu was found in the plant tissues of Bara region i.e. 15.626, 12.3, 9.46 μg g−1 dry weights in roots, shoots and fruits respectively. It appeared that substantial amount of the metals was found to be accumulated in the roots and shoots, which depicts the metal accumulating ability of this plant. However, both Cd and Cu were translocated in the fruits of T. natans which are edible, and thus showed a risk to contaminate the food chain and may also become hazardous for the human health if the same plants are used for the consumption purposes. The results of this study indicate that T. natans is a suitable candidate for the phytoremediation of heavy metals from the aquatic ecosystem but the process requires a proper care and maintenance.

Seasonal determination of heavy metals in muscle, gill and liver tissues of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus(Linnaeus, 1758) from the tributary of the Ganga River, India

Aquatic biota is contaminated with heavy metals as a result of anthropogenic activities and industrialization. Heavy metals, that is copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn), were analysed in Oreochromis niloticus collected from the Gomti River at Lucknow and Jaunpur sites, India, from 2011 to 2012. Accumulation of heavy metals was estimated in different tissues of tilapia. At both study sites (Lucknow and Jaunpur), metal accumulation in different tissues of this fish was found to be in the following order: Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu in muscles, Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu in gills and Pb > Cr > Cu > Zn in liver. However, it was established that the level of heavy metals in all fish organs at the Lucknow site (except Pb and Zn in gills) was higher. The determined bioconcentration factor of heavy metals in different fish organs at the Lucknow site was as follows: Cu (26.5), Cr (38.33), Pb (52.33), Zn (23.41) in muscles, Cu (36.5), Cr (56.33), Pb (95.66) and Zn (31.66) in gills and Cu (381.50), Cr (367.33), Pb (410...

De novo assembly, transcriptome characterization, lignin accumulation, and anatomic characteristics: novel insights into lignin biosynthesis during celery leaf development.

Celery of the family Apiaceae is a biennial herb that is cultivated and consumed worldwide. Lignin is essential for cell wall structural integrity, stem strength, water transport, mechanical support, and plant pathogen defense. This study discussed the mechanism of lignin formation at different stages of celery development. The transcriptome profile, lignin distribution, anatomical characteristics, and expression profile of leaves at three stages were analyzed. Regulating lignin synthesis in celery growth development has a significant economic value. Celery leaves at three stages were collected, and Illumina paired-end sequencing technology was used to analyze large-scale transcriptome sequences. From Stage 1 to 3, the collenchyma and vascular bundles in the petioles and leaf blades thickened and expanded, whereas the phloem and the xylem extensively developed. Spongy and palisade mesophyll tissues further developed and were tightly arranged. Lignin accumulation increased in the petioles and the mesophyll (palisade and spongy), and the xylem showed strong lignification. Lignin accumulation in different tissues and at different stages of celery development coincides with the anatomic characteristics and transcript levels of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. Identifying the genes that encode lignin biosynthesis-related enzymes accompanied by lignin distribution may help elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of lignin biosynthesis in celery.

Pattern of mercury accumulation in different tissues of migratory and resident birds: Western reef heron (Egretta gularis) and Siberian gull (Larus heuglini) in Hara International Wetland-Persian Gulf.

The Hara Mangrove Forest of the Persian Gulf is undergoing increasing pollution from industrial, municipal, and petroleum sources; however, little research in ecotoxicology has been carried out in this ecosystem. In the present study, mercury distribution and accumulation were investigated in muscle, liver, kidney, and feather of the resident Western reef heron (n = 15) and the migratory Siberian gull (n = 15). We also evaluated the relation between Hg concentrations, sex, and age (juvenile vs. adult). Results showed that the highest concentrations of Hg were recorded in the feather (35 ± 0.14-3.0 ± 0.27mgkg(-1) dw) and at 3.7-, 1.6-, and 1.3-fold in muscle, kidney, and liver, respectively. Concentrations of mercury in tissues of migratory birds were two times higher than in resident birds; geographical differences and feeding habits were used to explain these variations. We found a weak relationship between Hg concentrations in feathers and internal tissues (r ≤ 0.50); conversely, liver presented strong positive correlations with other soft tissues, especially kidney (p > 0.05; r = 0.82). Results showed that sex and age have no significant effects on T-Hg accumulation in these birds (p > 0.05; r < -0.01). Based on these findings, Hg concentrations were low in both species. Therefore, Hg contamination of this aquatic ecosystem is not a threat. Accordingly, we recommend the use of the Western reef heron as a bioindicator of mercury pollution in this region.

Comparative Effect of Nitrogen Forms on Nitrogen Uptake and Cotton Growth Under Salinity Stress

The effects of nitrogen (N) forms (ammonium- or nitrate-N) on plant growth under salinity stress [150 mmol sodium chloride (NaCl)] were studied in hydroponically cultured cotton. Net fluxes of sodium (Na+), ammonium (NH4+), and nitrate (NO3−) were also determined using the Non-Invasive Micro-Test Technology. Plant growth was impaired under salinity stress, but nitrate-fed plants were less sensitive to salinity than ammonium-fed plants due mainly to superior root growth by the nitrate-fed plants. The root length, root surface area, root volume, and root viability of seedlings treated with NO3-N were greater than those treated with NH4-N with or without salinity stress. Under salinity stress, the Na+ content of seedlings treated with NO3-N was lower than that in seedlings treated with NH4-N owing to higher root Na+ efflux. A lower net NO3− efflux was observed in roots of nitrate-fed plants relative to the net NH4+ efflux from roots of ammonium-fed plants. This resulted in much more nitrogen accumulation in different tissues, especially in leaves, thereby enhancing photosynthesis in nitrate-fed plants under salinity stress. Nitrate-N is superior to ammonium-N based on nitrogen uptake and cotton growth under salinity stress.

Methods for the study of mast cell recruitment and accumulation in different tissues.

Mast cells (MC) are important effector cells involved in a wide range of inflammatory diseases. The lineage-committed, tissue-localized progenitor (MCp) is not easily identified histochemically like the mature MC because they lack the distinctive cytoplasmic granules. However, they can be identified by their unique cell surface phenotype and by their ability to be expanded in culture using selective growth factors. Here we describe the methods that allow evaluation of MCp and mature MC in peripheral tissues under basal and inflammatory conditions. Thus, one can enumerate mature MC as well as immature committed progenitors in order to study basal homing, inflammatory recruitment, maturation, and life span. We also provide an analysis of difficulties that could emerge during these procedures.