Activity In Different Organs Research Articles

Higher accumulation of proteinase inhibitors in flowers than leaves and fruits as a possible basis for differential feeding preference of Helicoverpa armigera on tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, Cv. Dhanashree)

Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill; cultivar- Dhanashree) proteinase inhibitors (PIs) were tested for their trypsin inhibitory (TI) and Helicoverpa armigera gut proteinases inhibitory (HGPI) activity in different organs of the tomato plants. Analysis of TI and HGPI distribution in various parts of the plant showed that flowers accumulated about 300 and 1000 times higher levels of TI while 700 and 400 times higher levels of HGPI as compared to those in leaves and fruits, respectively. Field observation that H. armigera larvae infest leaves and fruits but not the flowers could be at least partially attributed to the protective role-played by the higher levels of PIs in the flower tissue. Tomato PIs inhibited about 50–80% HGP activity of H. armigera larvae feeding on various host plants including tomato, of larvae exposed to non-host plant PIs and of various larval instars. Tomato PIs were found to be highly stable to insect proteinases wherein incubation of inhibitor with HGP even for 3 h at optimum conditions did not affect inhibitory activity. Bioassay using H. armigera larvae fed on artificial diet containing tomato PIs revealed adverse effect on larval growth, pupae development, adult formation and fecundity.

Incorporation and metabolism of c9,t11 and t10,c12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers in rat brain

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to exert several biological activities in different organs, in particular organs such as adipose and mammary tissue where CLA accumulates preferentially because of its high incorporation into neutral lipids. However, despite numerous studies carried out in different experimental models, both in vivo and in vitro, very little is known about the accumulation and metabolism of CLA in the brain. In this communication we present data showing that the two CLA isomers c9,t11 and t10,c12 are actively incorporated and metabolised in rat brain, and in cultures of astrocytes in vitro with patterns remarkably similar to those previously reported to occur in other tissues and cells. However, beta oxidation of CLA was found to be more efficient in brain than in other tissues, with t10,c12 a better substrate than the c9,t11 isomer. CLA incorporation and metabolism have been linked to antiinflammatory and antiproliferative activities in experimental models. Therefore, CLA activity in brain could have a positive impact on neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and adrenoleukodystrophy, where an observed increase in inflammatory responses seems to contribute heavily to the pathogenesis.

Fructosyl transferase and hydrolase activities in rhizophores and tuberous roots upon growth of Polymnia sonchifolia (Asteraceae)

The underground reserve organs of yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia Poep. Endl.), similarly to other economically important Asteraceae, accumulate more than 60%, on a DW basis, of inulin type β(2‐1) fructans, mainly oligomers (GF2–GF16). Although sucrose:sucrose 1‐fructosyl transferase (1‐SST), fructan:fructan 1‐fructosyl transferase (1‐FFT) and fructan 1‐exohydrolase (1‐FEH) were properly described and characterized from a number of plant species, detailed information about their activities in different organs during development are rather scarce in the literature. In the present work 1‐SST, 1‐FFT and 1‐FEH activities were measured monthly in rhizophores and tuberous roots of yacon plants during their complete growth cycle under field conditions. Results showed that 1‐SST activity in rhizophores was always higher than 1‐FFT activity and increased up to 8 months of cultivation, decreasing to initial values at the end of the growth period. In the tuberous roots 1‐SST activity was also higher than 1‐FFT but varied differently. The higher values were found at the beginning of tuberization (3‐month‐old plants) and at the flowering phase (7‐month‐old plants). Results also showed that synthesizing activities in yacon plants were always higher in rhizophores than in the tuberous roots, while hydrolysing activity predominated in the latter, mainly when 1‐kestose and nystose were used as substrates. 1‐FEH from yacon plants showed low efficiency when commercial inulin from Helianthus tuberosus was utilized as substrate. The analysis of the enzymatic activities performed during growth of yacon clearly indicated the most appropriate source organ and phase of development to obtain the highest enzymatic activities for purification purposes and for the production of fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS). Furthermore, the results suggested that the relative levels of activities of 1‐SST, 1‐FFT and 1‐FEH could be involved in the chain length distribution of the fructan molecules found in rhizophores and in tuberous roots of this species.

Noninvasive imaging of cationic lipid-mediated delivery of optical and PET reporter genes in living mice.

Gene therapy involves the safe and effective delivery of one or more genes of interest to target cells in vivo. The advantages of using nonviral delivery systems include ease of preparation, low toxicity, and weak immunogenicity. Nonviral delivery methods, when combined with a noninvasive, clinically applicable imaging assay, will greatly aid in the optimization of gene therapy approaches for cancer. We demonstrate cationic lipid-mediated noninvasive monitoring of reporter gene expression of firefly (Photinus pyralis) luciferase (fl) and a mutant herpes simplex virus type I thymidine kinase (HSV1-sr39tk, tk) in living mice using a cooled charge coupled device (CCD) camera and positron emission tomography (PET), respectively. We observe a high level of fl and tk reporter gene expression predominantly in the lungs after a single injection of the extruded DOTAP:cholesterol DNA liposome complexes by way of the tail vein, seen to be time- and dose-dependent. We observe a good correlation between the in vivo bioluminescent signal and the ex vivo firefly luciferase enzyme (FL) activity in different organs. We further demonstrate the feasibility of noninvasively imaging both optical and PET reporter gene expression in the same animal using the CCD camera and microPET, respectively.

Accumulation of125Iodine Labeled Interleukin-2 in the Pancreas of NOD Mice

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an important cytokine in the autoimmune process proceeding Type 1 diabetes. Our aim was to investigate, in two previously used animal models, the NOD mouse and the BB/W rat, the in vivo tissue distribution of radio-labeled IL-2. If the radio-labeled IL-2 accumulated significantly in the pancreas compared to surrounding organs it could allow imaging of lymphocyte infiltration of the islets of Langerhans by scintigraphic methods. IL-2 was labeled enzymatically with125Iodine. Radio-labeled IL-2 was injected iv in prediabetic NOD mice, diabetic NOD mice and Balb/c mice in the first animal model and in BB rats in the second model. Animals were sacrificed at different time points and the activity in different organs was measured. It was found that the mean activity in the pancreas in both diabetic and prediabetic NOD mice was significantly higher compared to pancreas from Balb/c mice (P< 0.001 and P=0.005, respectively). However, the mean activity in the pancreas was at the lower range of the surrounding organs in both animal models, thereby excluding the possibility of imaging the autoimmune process by scintigraphic methods. It is concluded that radio-labeled IL-2 did accumulate significantly in the pancreas of NOD mice compared to control mice but there is a need to develop new techniques in order to visualize the localized activity.

Basic gerontology research in Ukraine: main trends.

The main trends of basic research in gerontology in Ukraine are presented in this paper. The greatest attention is paid to the directions of research which have been traditionally followed in Ukrainian gerontology, such as neurohumoral regulation of the activities of different organs and systems and mechanisms of its age-related changes, metabolism in ageing, age-related immunology, elaboration of the ways and approaches to life-span prolongation. In recent years, more attention has been paid to research into the molecular--genetic mechanisms of ageing, the development of genetic and gene-regulatory therapy methods, the study of the mechanisms of accelerated and, above all, radiation-induced ageing and the elaboration of prophylactic methods against it.

Hyaluronan turnover in relation to infection and sepsis.

Sepsis is a major clinical problem in intensive care. The mortality in septic shock is high, and predominantly due to cardiovascular collapse and multiple organ dysfunction. In sepsis high levels of circulating hyaluronan have been found, correlating to disease severity and prognosis. The reason behind the increased levels could be both decreased hepatic uptake and increased peripheral synthesis. Thus, plasma hyaluronan may be a clinically useful marker of hepatic dysfunction and possibly also an indicator of the increased inflammatory and reparative activity in different organs in septic conditions.

Biochemical and subcellular changes in carp exposed to the organophosphorus methidathion and the pyrethroid deltamethrin

The in vitro and in vivo effects of the insecticides methidathion (MD) and deltamethrin (DM) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) in different tissues were examined in adult carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.). The changes in biochemical blood parameters, such as the levels of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT, EC 2.6.1.1), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, EC 1.1.2.3) and glucose, were also studied in DM-treated fish. The in vitro kinetic results for both insecticides showed that the inhibition of brain AChE was of mixed type, with K I(MD) = 6.0 ± 1.0 μM and K I(DM) = 15.6 ± 2.4 μM. In vivo treatment with 2 mg/l MD for 5 days caused a 70–90% decrease in the AChE activity of different organs, while treatment with 2 μg/l DM for 3 days did not result in such a drastically inhibited AChE. The relative distribution of the AChE molecular forms in the liver of MD-treated carps was significantly different from that in the control animals. The content of the G 1 form increased, while that of G 4 decreased. The extents of the differences were much lower in the other tissues investigated for both MD and DM treatments. In vivo DM treatment for 3 days caused a 20% decrease in the AChE activity of the blood serum, while the GOT and LDH activities increased 2.5-fold (72-h sample) and 1.5-fold (6-h sample) as compared with those of the control carp. The blood glucose level was 30% higher (6-h sample) than that of the control fish. After the fish were returned to clean water, the parameters revealed that the recovery took only 24–48 h. The accumulation of MD was highest in the liver and the roe, while the content of the skeletal muscle could not be detected by the methods used. No DM could be detected in any of the tissues, though the sensitivity of the measurement was 0.0005 mg/1000 g wet tissue. Electronmicroscopy indicated subcellular changes in the hepatocytes. All the observed changes demonstrate the effects of MD and DM on different fish enzymes under laboratory conditions. The changes in AChE indicate how serious the neuronal damage is, while the other parameters relate to the stressed state of the fish.

The in vivo inhibition of transport enzyme activities by chloroquine in different organs of rat is reversible.

The antimalarial drug chloroquine is found to inhibit Na+, K(+)-ATPase, Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, pNPPase and acetylcholinesterase activities in different organs of rat in vivo when injected for a certain periods of time. The inhibition seems to be due to the changes in the level of phospholipid, cholesterol and the fatty acid of the lipid and the alteration of the fluidity of the microsomal membranes. However, the enzyme activities return to the normal level in about 2-3 weeks after the discontinuation of the drug suggesting that the drug effect is reversible.

Effects of paraquat treatment on fish transaminase molecular subforms

The effects of paraquat (PQ; 1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridylium dichloride) treatment were investigated in carp, silver carp and wels. The serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT; L-aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.1.) level was enhanced by 50% at 1 ppm exposure and by 100% at 10 ppm exposure in all species, and there was a change in the distribution of the molecular subforms of GOT in the liver and heart. The activities of the individual subforms decreased with increasing PQ concentration or after a longer exposure. In some cases, one of the subforms was no longer present in the liver. An increased serum GOT activity, a decreased enzyme activity in different organs and the disappearance of molecular subform indicate tissue damage.

Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase: specific activity in tissues of rats of different age and comparison with other glutathione peroxidases

The tissue distribution of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) was studied in rats of different ages. In the same samples the activities of Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and non-Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (non Se-GPX) were also determined using specific substrates for each enzyme. Enzymatically generated phospholipid hydroperoxides were used as substrate for PHGPX, hydrogen peroxide for GPX, and cumene hydroperoxide for non-Se-GPX (after correction for the activity of GPX on this substrate). PHGPX specific activity in different organs is as follows: liver = kidney > heart = lung = brain > muscle. Furthermore, this activity is reasonably constant in different age groups, with a lower specific activity observed only in kidney and liver of young animals. GPX activity is expressed as follows: liver > kidney > heart > lung > brain = muscle, and substantial age-dependent differences have been observed (adult > old > young). Non-Se-GPX activity was present in significant amount only in liver > lung > heart and only in adult animals. These results suggest a tissue- and age-specific expression of different peroxidases.

The effects of hypoxia and paraquat on the superoxide dismutase activity in different organs of carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

The effects of hypoxia and paraquat (PQ) were investigated on the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in carp gill, liver and brain. Increases in SOD activity occurred in these organs following exposure to both PQ and hypoxia. PQ administration under hypoxic conditions significantly increased the SOD activity in the gill as compared to the level in animals in an hypoxic state without PQ treatment. No such change was observed in the liver or brain.

Effect of Freezing on Acid Proteinase Activities of Different Organs of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger Kanagurta)

The mineral composition of target and non-target pelagic fish caught by purse-seiners and longliners in the western-central Indian Ocean was determined. From the 10 essential elements analysed, selenium and zinc showed the highest concentrations in swordfish and blue marlin while Indian mackerel appeared as a good source of copper, iron and chrome. All catch had levels of lead and cadmium, two toxic elements, below the maximum sanitary limits. Although some concerns were raised regarding mercury concentrations in the largest species (wahoo, swordfish and blue marlin), molar ratios of mercury and selenium indicate that all oceanic pelagic fish from the western-central Indian Ocean are safe for human consumption. This study also gives insights on the relationships between the levels of essential and toxic elements in fish muscle and the size, trophic position and diet sources of the studied pelagic species.

In vivo nitrate reductase activities in different organs of lucerne plants: Effects of combined nitrogen during first vegetative growth and after shoot harvest

Nitrate reductase (EC 1.6.6.1–3; NR) activity was evaluated in nodulated lucerne (Medicago sativa L. cv. Europe) grown aeroponically in both the presence and absence of applied nitrogen. Determination of in vivo NR activity was done with organ pieces in 0.1 M K+‐phosphate, pH 7.5, 0.1 M KNO3 and 1%n‐propanol. NR activity was detected in all plant parts. Leaves accounted for 40% of the whole plant activity. Root activity was as high as leaf activity. Stem NR activity accounted for 14 to 20% of the total plant activity. NR activity was also detected in symbolically dependent plants grown without combined nitrogen. Nodule NR in symbolically dependent plants accounted for 17% of the tolal plant aclivity. When nitrate was present in the nulrienl medium, NR increased 5‐fold as compared lo N2‐dependenl plants. Varying levels of nitrale (1.65 to 4 mM) had no influence on leaf or stem activities. However, root NR activity seemed to be related to the nitrale concentration in the nulrient medium. Throughoul inilial vegelative growth, in vivo NR and nitrogenase (acelylene reduction) increased simultaneously. After shoot harvest, nitrogenase (acetylene reduction) aclivity drastically decreased with reduction of photosynthate supply, whereas NR increased in all organs, especially in N2‐dependenl plants.

Enhanced xanthine oxidase activity in mice treated with interferon and interferon inducers

Administration to mice of either interferon (IFN) or IFN inducers resulted in a marked increase of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in different organs. Dose response studies revealed that serum XO was increased by administration of polyinosylic-polycyticylic acid (poly I-C) at doses as low as 0.1 mg/kg. In view of the well known ability of XO to generate superoxide radicals it is suggested that its induction might play a role in several biological effects of IFN.

Comparison of the distribution of microsomal and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase activities in different organs of the rat

Comparison of the distribution of microsomal and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase activities in different organs of the rat

Normally occurring inhibitory cells for natural killer cell activity: I. Organ distribution

Analysis of natural killer (NK) activity in different organs from mice or rats fractionated using discontinuous density gradients have revealed typical distinct density profiles according to the organ from which the NK cells were derived. High NK level organs thus tended to have significant lytic activity extending into 1.090 density fractions whereas the low NK population had its peak activity more strictly confined to the 1.067 fraction. The reason for this skewedness we find to be dependent upon the presence of an inhibitor cell for NK cells to be found in the higher-density fractions. The significance of this inhibitor cell was more apparent when NK activity was low, thus skewing peak levels to lower fractions. The activity of this inhibitory cell was not found to vary with age, thus failing to explain the age-dependent rise and fall of NK activity in rodents. Presence of such an inhibitory cell also explains why sizeable NK activity can be disclosed in a fraction of cells obtained from a population which before fractionation failed to disclose NK function.

In Vitro Antitumor Effect of Lymphoid Cells From Corynebacterium parvum-Treated Mice: Effect of Route of C. parvum Administration2

Corynebacterium parvum administration in CBA mice resulted in the stimulation in the peritoneal exudate and other lymphoid organs of cells which nonspecifically inhibited the tumor growth in vitro. The distribution of the antitumor activity in different organs was dependent on the route of C. parvum injection. Both ip and iv treatments stimulated antitumor activity in the peritoneal exudate, whereas the sc route was ineffective. Only iv treatment stimulated the antitumor activity in the blood, and only the sc route produced the antitumor activity in the lymph node. The antitumor activity following the sc treatment was confined mainly to nodes draining the site of C. parvum injection. All routes of treatment provoked some antitumor activity in the spleen, although the degree of the activity varied with the route in the order of ip, iv, and sc. The antitumor activity in all organs peaked between 4 and 14 days after C. parvum injection. This activity in all organs, except the spleen, disappeared by day 42 post treatment. The results are discussed in the light of the in vivo observations on the antitumor effects of C. parvum.

Cell migration from the thymus to other lymphoid organs in hamsters of different ages

Hamsters of different ages were labeled intra thymus and intravenously with 3H-thymidine. After extraction of nucleic acids, measurements of DNA content and tritium activity, the specific activity of different organs was calculated. By comparing the pattern of label of different organs after these quantitative measurements, it could be concluded that a good local labeling was obtained in all intra thymus injected animals, and a quantitatively significant transport of label could be shown to occur from the thymus to the mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches in animals of both sexes, and also to the spleen of male animals. This transport was shown in 23 day old hamsters in which the lymphatic organs except the thymus still are immature. No such transport could be demonstrated in adult animals. Autoradiographic examinations also showed a good local labeling in the intra thymus injected animals and a migration of heavily labeled cells to mesenteric lymph nodes in 7 days old animals, and to mesenteric lymph nodes, Peyer’s patches and the white pulp of the spleen in 23 days old animals. Only single heavily labeled cells were found in the peripheral lymphatic organs of adult animals.

Cell Migration from the Thymus to Other Lymphoid Organs in Hamsters of Different Ages

Abstract Hamsters of different ages were labeled intra thymus and intravenously with 3H-thymidine. After extraction of nucleic acids, measurements of DNA content and tritium activity, the specific activity of different organs was calculated. By comparing the pattern of label of different organs after these quantitative measurements, it could be concluded that a good local labeling was obtained in all intra thymus injected animals, and a quantitatively significant transport of label could be shown to occur from the thymus to the mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches in animals of both sexes, and also to the spleen of male animals. This transport was shown in 23 day old hamsters in which the lymphatic organs except the thymus still are immature. No such transport could be demonstrated in adult animals. Autoradiographic examinations also showed a good local labeling in the intra thymus injected animals and a migration of heavily labeled cells to mesenteric lymph nodes in 7 days old animals, and to mesenteric lymph nodes, Peyer’s patches and the white pulp of the spleen in 23 days old animals. Only single heavily labeled cells were found in the "peripheral" lymphatic organs of adult animals.