Dual Labeling Approach Research Articles

Multimodal Chelation Platform for Near-Infrared Fluorescence/Nuclear Imaging

Dual-labeled compounds containing nuclear and near-infrared fluorescence contrast have the potential to molecularly guide surgical resection of cancer by extending whole-body diagnostic imaging findings into the surgical suite. To simplify the dual labeling process for antibody-based agents, we designed a multimodality chelation (MMC) scaffold which combined a radiometal chelating agent and fluorescent dye into a single moiety. Three dye-derivatized MMC compounds were synthesized and radiolabeled. The IRDye 800CW conjugate, 4, had favorable optical properties and showed rapid clearance in vivo. Using 4, an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) targeting MMC-immunoconjugate was prepared and dual-labeled with (64)Cu. In vitro binding activity was confirmed after MMC conjugation. Multimodal imaging studies showed higher tumor accumulation of (64)Cu-7 compared to nontargeted (64)Cu-4 in a prostate cancer model. Further evaluation in different EpCAM-expressing cell lines is warranted as well as application of the MMC dual labeling approach with other monoclonal antibodies.

Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopic Studies on Intra- and Intermolecular Interactions of G-Quadruplex Aptamer with Target Shp2 Protein

With widespread applications in biosensors, diagnostics, and therapeutics, much investigation has been made in the structure of the G-quadruplexes and mechanism of their interactions with protein targets. However, in view of AFM based single-molecule force spectroscopic (SMFS) studies of G-quadruplex systems, only bimolecular approaches have been employed. In this article, we present an improved dual-labeling approach for surface immobilization of G-quadruplex DNA apatmers for investigation of intramolecular interaction from an integral unimolecular G-quadruplex system. The melting force of HJ24 G-quadruplex aptamer in the presence of K(+) has been successfully measured. It has been found that dynamic equilibrium exists between unfolding and folding structures of the HJ24 aptamer even in pure water. We also investigated the interactions between the HJ24 aptamer and its target protein (Shp2) under the same solution condition. The HJ24/Shp2 unbinding force in the absence of K(+), 42.0 pN, is about 50% smaller than that in the presence of K(+), 61.7 pN. The great reduction in force in the absence of K(+) suggests that the stability of G-quadruplex secondary structure is important for a stable HJ24/Shp2 binding. The methodology developed and demonstrated in this work is applicable for studying the stability of secondary structures of other unimolecular G-quadruplex aptamers and their interactions with target proteins.

Brainstem origins of glutamatergic innervation of the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus

Multiple lines of evidence document a role for glutamatergic input to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH) in stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. However, the neuroanatomical origins of the glutamatergic input have yet to be definitively determined. We have previously shown that vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) is the predominant VGLUT isoform expressed in the basal forebrain and brainstem, including PVH-projecting regions, and that the PVH is preferentially innervated by VGLUT2-immunoreactive terminals/boutons. The present study employed a dual-labeling approach, combining immunolabeling for a retrograde tract tracer, Fluoro-Gold (FG), with in situ hybridization for VGLUT2 mRNA, to map the brainstem and caudal forebrain distribution of glutamatergic PVH-projecting neurons. The present report presents evidence for substantial dual labeling in the periaqueductal gray, caudal portions of the zona incerta and subparafascicular nucleus, and the lateral parabrachial nucleus. The current data also suggest that relatively few PVH-projecting neurons in ascending raphe nuclei, nucleus of the solitary tract, or ventrolateral medulla are VGLUT2 positive. The data reveal multiple brainstem origins of glutamatergic input to PVH that are positioned to play a role in transducing a diverse range of stressful stimuli.

Role of nitrogen fixation in the autecology of Polaromonas naphthalenivorans in contaminated sediments

Polaromonas naphthalenivorans strain CJ2 is a Gram-negative betaproteobacterium that was identified, using stable isotope probing in 2003, as a dominant in situ degrader of naphthalene in coal tar-contaminated sediments. The sequenced genome of strain CJ2 revealed several genes conferring nitrogen fixation within a 65.6 kb region of strain CJ2's chromosome that is absent in the genome of its closest sequenced relative Polaromonas sp. strain JS666. Laboratory growth and nitrogenase assays verified that these genes are functional, providing an alternative source of nitrogen in N-free media when using naphthalene or pyruvate as carbon sources. Knowing this, we investigated if nitrogen-fixation activity could be detected in microcosms containing sediments from the field site where strain CJ2 was isolated. Inducing nitrogen limitation with the addition of glucose or naphthalene stimulated nitrogenase activity in amended sediments, as detected using the acetylene reduction assay. With the use of fluorescence microscopy, we screened the microcosm sediments for the presence of active strain CJ2 cells using a dual-labelling approach. When we examined the carbon-amended microcosm sediments stained with both a strain CJ2-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization probe and a polyclonal fluorescently tagged antibody, we were able to detect dual-labelled active cells. In contrast, in sediments that received no carbon addition (showing no nitrogenase activity), no dual-labelled cells were detected. Furthermore, the naphthalene amendment enhanced the proportion of active strain CJ2 cells in the sediment relative to a glucose amendment. Field experiments performed in sediments where strain CJ2 was isolated showed nitrogenase activity in response to dosing with naphthalene. Dual-label fluorescence staining of these sediments showed a fivefold increase in active strain CJ2 in the sediments dosed with naphthalene over those dosed with deionized water. These experiments show that nitrogen fixation may play an important role in naphthalene biodegradation by strain CJ2 and contribute to its ecological success.

A Non-Invasive, Low-Cost Study Design to Determine the Release Profile of Colon Drug Delivery Systems: A Feasibility Study

Conventional bioavailability testing of dosage forms based on plasma concentration-time graphs of two products in a two-period, crossover-design, is not applicable to topical treatment of intestinal segments. We introduce an isotope dual-label approach ((13)C- and (15)N(2)-urea) for colon drug delivery systems that can be performed in a one-day, non-invasive study-design. Four healthy volunteers took an uncoated or a ColoPulse-capsule containing (13)C-urea and an uncoated capsule containing (15)N(2)-urea. In case of colon-release (13)C-urea is fermented and (13)C detected as breath (13)CO(2). Absorbed (13)C-urea and (15)N-urea are detected in urine. C and (15)N in urine released from uncoated capsules showed a ratio of 1.01 ± 0.06. The (13)C/(15)N-recovery ratio after intake of a ColoPulse-capsule was constant and lower >12 h post-dose (median 0.22, range 0.13-0.48). The (13)C/(15)N-ratio in a single urine sample at t ≥ 12 h predicted the 24 h non-fermented fraction (13)C of <26 %. Breath (13)CO(2) indicated delayed (>3 h) release and a fermented fraction (13)C >54 %. Breath and urine (13)C and (15)N data describe the release-profile and local bioavailability of a colon delivery device. This allows non-invasive bioavailability studies for evaluation of colon-specific drug delivery systems without radioactive exposure and with increased power and strongly reduced costs.

Importance of bacterivory and preferential selection toward diatoms in larvae of Crepidula fornicata (L.) assessed by a dual stable isotope (13C, 15N) labeling approach

In Europe, the gastropod Crepidula fornicata is an invasive species characterized by a long reproductive period (from February to November). Thus, its larvae are exposed to variations in available food sources (in terms of quantity and quality). We aimed to investigate if bacteria could contribute to larval food both in presence or absence of phytoplankton, and to compare these results to seasonal variations of bacteria and phytoplankton abundances at a coastal site in the English Channel. First, ingestion of fluorescent beads of 0.5 to 2μm diameter, showed that larvae were able to ingest particles of typical bacterial size. Then we used a dual stable isotope labeling approach which consisted in labeling a bacterial pelagic community with 15N and a diatom (Chaetoceros gracilis) culture with 13C, and supplying larvae with 15N-labeled bacteria, 13C-labeled diatoms, and both labeled sources. This technique has, to our knowledge, never been applied to invertebrate larvae. After 24h of experiment, larvae were significantly enriched in all treatments: +21.5‰ (∆δ13C) when supplied with diatoms, +1364‰ (∆δ15N) when supplied with bacteria, and +24‰ (∆δ13C) and +135‰ (∆δ15N) when supplied with the two mixed sources. These results indicated that bacteria can contribute to the larval nutrition in C. fornicata, even in the presence of phytoplankton. Our results however suggested that larvae of C. fornicata preferentially used diatoms and showed that the supply of free bacteria did not alter the uptake of diatoms. Considering the seasonal variations of bacteria and phytoplankton abundances at the study site, these results suggested that bacteria may constitute a complementary resource for the larvae of C. fornicata when phytoplankton is abundant and may become a substitute resource when phytoplankton is less available. This approach offers promising perspectives to trace food sources and assess nitrogen and carbon fluxes between planktotrophic larvae and their preys.

Visualization of DNA Replication in the Vertebrate Model System DT40 using the DNA Fiber Technique

Maintenance of replication fork stability is of utmost importance for dividing cells to preserve viability and prevent disease. The processes involved not only ensure faithful genome duplication in the face of endogenous and exogenous DNA damage but also prevent genomic instability, a recognized causative factor in tumor development. Here, we describe a simple and cost-effective fluorescence microscopy-based method to visualize DNA replication in the avian B-cell line DT40. This cell line provides a powerful tool to investigate protein function in vivo by reverse genetics in vertebrate cells1. DNA fiber fluorography in DT40 cells lacking a specific gene allows one to elucidate the function of this gene product in DNA replication and genome stability. Traditional methods to analyze replication fork dynamics in vertebrate cells rely on measuring the overall rate of DNA synthesis in a population of pulse-labeled cells. This is a quantitative approach and does not allow for qualitative analysis of parameters that influence DNA synthesis. In contrast, the rate of movement of active forks can be followed directly when using the DNA fiber technique2-4. In this approach, nascent DNA is labeled in vivo by incorporation of halogenated nucleotides (Fig 1A). Subsequently, individual fibers are stretched onto a microscope slide, and the labeled DNA replication tracts are stained with specific antibodies and visualized by fluorescence microscopy (Fig 1B). Initiation of replication as well as fork directionality is determined by the consecutive use of two differently modified analogues. Furthermore, the dual-labeling approach allows for quantitative analysis of parameters that influence DNA synthesis during the S-phase, i.e. replication structures such as ongoing and stalled forks, replication origin density as well as fork terminations. Finally, the experimental procedure can be accomplished within a day, and requires only general laboratory equipment and a fluorescence microscope.

Visualization of DNA replication in the vertebrate model system DT40 using the DNA fiber technique.

Maintenance of replication fork stability is of utmost importance for dividing cells to preserve viability and prevent disease. The processes involved not only ensure faithful genome duplication in the face of endogenous and exogenous DNA damage but also prevent genomic instability, a recognized causative factor in tumor development.Here, we describe a simple and cost-effective fluorescence microscopy-based method to visualize DNA replication in the avian B-cell line DT40. This cell line provides a powerful tool to investigate protein function in vivo by reverse genetics in vertebrate cells1. DNA fiber fluorography in DT40 cells lacking a specific gene allows one to elucidate the function of this gene product in DNA replication and genome stability. Traditional methods to analyze replication fork dynamics in vertebrate cells rely on measuring the overall rate of DNA synthesis in a population of pulse-labeled cells. This is a quantitative approach and does not allow for qualitative analysis of parameters that influence DNA synthesis. In contrast, the rate of movement of active forks can be followed directly when using the DNA fiber technique2-4. In this approach, nascent DNA is labeled in vivo by incorporation of halogenated nucleotides (Fig 1A). Subsequently, individual fibers are stretched onto a microscope slide, and the labeled DNA replication tracts are stained with specific antibodies and visualized by fluorescence microscopy (Fig 1B). Initiation of replication as well as fork directionality is determined by the consecutive use of two differently modified analogues. Furthermore, the dual-labeling approach allows for quantitative analysis of parameters that influence DNA synthesis during the S-phase, i.e. replication structures such as ongoing and stalled forks, replication origin density as well as fork terminations. Finally, the experimental procedure can be accomplished within a day, and requires only general laboratory equipment and a fluorescence microscope.

Viral Expression Directs the Fate of B Cells in Bovine Leukemia Virus-Infected Sheep

The host immune response is believed to tightly control viral replication of deltaretroviruses such as human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and bovine leukemia virus (BLV). However, this assumption has not been definitely proven in vivo. In order to further evaluate the importance of the immune response in the BLV model, we studied the fate of cells in which viral expression was transiently induced. Using a dual fluorochrome labeling approach, we showed that ex vivo induction of viral expression induces higher death rates of B cells in vivo. Furthermore, cyclosporine treatment of these animals indicated that an efficient immune response is required to control virus-expressing cells.

Viral expression directs the fate of B cells in BLV-infected sheep

There is a long lasting debate about the latency of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Evidence indicates that these viruses are transcriptionally silent and replicate through mitotic division of infected cells (clonal expansion). However, this model is inconsistent with the permanent and vigorous stimulation of the host immune response directed against these viruses. To address this apparent paradox, we studied the fate of cells in which viral expression was transiently induced. Using a dual fluorochrome labeling approach, we show that virus-positive and negative cell populations have different kinetics in BLV-infected sheep. Furthermore, cyclosporine treatment completely abrogates the difference in kinetics, consistent with a role of the immune response in controlling virus expressing cells.

Electron microscopy analysis of histone acetylation and DNA strand breaks in mouse elongating spermatids using a dual labelling approach

Chromatin remodelling steps in mammalian spermatids include posttranslational modifications of histones and DNA fragmentation. Histone H4 hyperacetylation (AcH4) establishes a chromatin state that facilitates DNA repair in somatic cells. So we sought to determine whether a similar link exists in spermatids by combining immunogold labelling with detection of DNA strand breaks, making use of gold particles of different sizes. DNA strand breaks were not detected in the vicinity of AcH4 chromatin, suggesting that this modified histone may not be involved in the aetiology of DNA fragmentation and repair in spermatids. The AcH4 reactivity, however, indicates that chromatin remodelling is distributed throughout the nucleus.

Multitagging Proteomic Strategy to Estimate Protein Turnover Rates in Dynamic Systems

Current techniques for quantitative proteomics focus mainly on measuring overall protein dynamics, which is the net result of protein synthesis and degradation. Understanding the rate of this synthesis/degradation is essential to fully appreciate cellular dynamics and bridge the gap between transcriptome and proteome data. Protein turnover rates can be estimated through "label-chase" experiments employing stable isotope-labeled precursors; however, the implicit assumption of steady-state in such analyses may not be applicable for many intrinsically dynamic systems. In this study, we present a novel extension of the "label-chase" concept using SILAC and a secondary labeling step with iTRAQ reagents to estimate protein turnover rates in Streptomyces coelicolor cultures undergoing transition from exponential growth to stationary phase. Such processes are of significance in Streptomyces biology as they pertain to the onset of synthesis of numerous therapeutically important secondary metabolites. The dual labeling strategy enabled decoupling of labeled peptide identification and quantification of degradation dynamics at MS and MS/MS scans respectively. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis of these multitagged proteins enabled estimation of degradation rates for 115 highly abundant proteins in S. coelicolor. We compared the rate constants obtained using this dual labeling approach with those from a SILAC-only analysis (assuming steady-state) and show that significant differences are generally observed only among proteins displaying considerable temporal dynamics and that the directions of these differences are largely consistent with theoretical predictions.

Bimodal MR–PET Agent for Quantitative pH Imaging

Bimodal MR–PET Agent for Quantitative pH Imaging

Quantitative proteome and phosphoproteome analyses of cultured cells based on SILAC labeling without requirement of serum dialysis

The use of dialyzed serum is essential in the application of the conventional stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) approach to achieve complete labeling of proteins for quantitative proteomics. Here, we first evaluated the impact of dialyzed serum on the proteome and phosphoproteome of hormone-sensitive breast cancer MCF-7 cells and found that dialyzed serum influenced the expression of proteins related to signaling systems via hormone receptors, inducing a marked change of the phosphoproteome compared with the use of non-dialyzed serum. We also evaluated 9 other cell lines, including HeLa, HEK293 and Panc1, and found that the influence of serum dialysis on the expression profiles of the proteome and phosphoproteome varied, depending on the cell type. To avoid these problems, we established a SILAC-based quantification approach without the requirement of serum dialysis. Our simple approach is based on dual labeling of two populations of cells with two kinds of heavy amino acids of different mass, using non-dialyzed serum. Using our SILAC approach with non-dialyzed serum, we successfully quantified the phosphoproteome of MCF-7 cells induced by lapatinib, an EGFR1/Her2 dual kinase inhibitor. Because of the dual labeling approach, our method is widely applicable to cultured cells in which protein labeling is incomplete for any reason, e.g., owing to the use of non-dialyzed serum or a low growth rate.

Plant uptake of dual-labeled organic N biased by inorganic C uptake: Results of a triple labeling study

Direct plant uptake of organic nitrogen (N) is often studied using the dual-labeling approach ( 15N + 13C or 15N + 14C). However, the method might be hampered by uptake of labeled inorganic carbon (C) produced by mineralization of labeled organic compounds. Here we report the results from a triple labeling experiment ( 15N + 13C + 14C) investigating whether root uptake of labeled inorganic C can bias the results obtained in studies of organic N uptake using dual-labeled amino acids ( 15N, 13C). In a rhizosphere tube experiment we investigated 13C and 14C uptake by maize either supplied with labeled glycine or CO 3 2 − , but found no differences in uptake rates between these C-sources. The uptake of inorganic C to the shoot tissue was higher for maize grown in full light compared to shading, which indicates a passive uptake of inorganic C with water. We conclude that uptake of inorganic C produced by mineralization of amino acids can significantly bias the interpretations of organic N uptake studies using dual-labeling.

Positive fluorescent selection permits precise, rapid, and in-depth overexpression analysis in plant protoplasts.

Transient genetic modification of plant protoplasts is a straightforward and rapid technique for the study of numerous aspects of plant biology. Recent studies in metazoan systems have utilized cell-based assays to interrogate signal transduction pathways using high-throughput methods. Plant biologists could benefit from new tools that expand the use of cell culture for large-scale analysis of gene function. We have developed a system that employs fluorescent positive selection in combination with flow cytometric analysis and fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate responses in the transformed protoplasts exclusively. The system overcomes the drawback that transfected protoplast suspensions are often a heterogeneous mix of cells that have and have not been successfully transformed. This Gateway-compatible system enables high-throughput screening of genetic circuitry using overexpression. The incorporation of a red fluorescent protein selection marker enables combined utilization with widely available green fluorescent protein (GFP) tools. For instance, such a dual labeling approach allows cytometric analysis of GFP reporter gene activation expressly in the transformed cells or fluorescence-activated cell sorting-mediated isolation and downstream examination of overexpression effects in a specific GFP-marked cell population. Here, as an example, novel uses of this system are applied to the study of auxin signaling, exploiting the red fluorescent protein/GFP dual labeling capability. In response to manipulation of the auxin response network through overexpression of dominant negative auxin signaling components, we quantify effects on auxin-responsive DR5::GFP reporter gene activation as well as profile genome-wide transcriptional changes specifically in cells expressing a root epidermal marker.

Dual proline labeling protocol for individual “baseline” and “response” biosynthesis measurements in human articular cartilage

The heterogeneity of biosynthesis in human-derived cartilage explants poses a challenge to its use in experiments. The aim of this study was to determine the consistency with which two consecutive measures of biosynthesis could be made in individual human articular cartilage explants using a dual proline radiolabeling protocol. Full-thickness cartilage explants were harvested from young bovine or human (total knee replacement) tibial plateaus. Two consecutive measurements of biosynthesis were obtained by measuring (3)H-proline and (14)C-proline incorporation. Each sample's ratio of (14)C-/(3)H-proline incorporation was computed. For comparison to traditional experimental designs, the (14)C-proline incorporation ratio was computed for adjacent cartilage samples. The number of samples needed to observe a change in the proline incorporation ratio of 10, 20, and 50% was determined for both methods. The dual-label ratio was consistent across samples from the same plateau [95% confidence interval (CI): +/-20% (human) and +/-30% (bovine) of median]. Adjacent human sample pairs had much greater variability in their (14)C-proline incorporation (95% CI: +/-50% of median). Adjacent bovine sample pairs had CIs that were similar in magnitude to those for the dual-label approach. In the human plateaus, ratio changes of 10, 20 and 50% could be detected using dramatically fewer samples than the adjacent pair method. For bovine samples, the two methods required a similar number of samples per group. The consistency of the dual-label approach may overcome the difficulties in studying the effects of interventions on biosynthesis in human cartilage in vitro.

PREFERENCES FOR DIFFERENT NITROGEN FORMS BY COEXISTING PLANT SPECIES AND SOIL MICROBES: COMMENT

Stefanie von Felten, Nina Buchmann, and Michael Scherer-Lorenzen Harrison et al. (2007) reported on an interesting N labeling study. Under field conditions, they assessed whether coexisting plant species of temperate grasslands show preferences for different chemical forms of nitrogen (N), including ammonium nitrate (inorganic N) and three amino acids of varying complexity (organic N). The authors found that all plant species were able to take up the full range of amino acids offered to them, as shown by N and C enrichment in plant tissues. However, plants all preferred inorganic over organic N, indicated by higher N enrichments after ammonium nitrate compared to organic N labeling. We do not object to the general interpretation of the results and the authors’ main conclusions. Yet, we would like to comment on the plant uptake of intact amino acids. When testing for significant relationships between excess C and N of plants to infer direct uptake of amino acids (Nasholm et al. 1998), Harrison et al. (2007) should have accounted for the different C:N ratios of the amino acids used. The amino acid tracers were U-C2N-glycine, U-C3N-serine, and U-C9N-phenylalanine (all N 98% and C 98%), and their ratios of C:N atoms are 2:1, 3:1, and 9:1 respectively. While the authors point out that these differences in available C may affect the preferences of plants and microbes, they omitted to consider the methodological consequences. One common problem (see e.g., Jones et al. 2005) when using dual-labeled amino acids to study organic N uptake by plants is detecting the C label in plants. Due to the high C:N ratio of plants and the high abundance of C (;1.08 atom % in C3 plants), the dilution of C is usually 60–150 times higher than that of N (Nasholm and Persson 2001). Finding a significant relationship between excess C and N requires separating the shift in C resulting from direct amino acid uptake from natural variation and analytical error. However, this is often not possible, due to rather low concentrations of tracer C. As a solution, Nasholm and Persson (2001) suggested to concentrate the labeled fraction of the plant material studied, by extracting the soluble fraction containing the label. For assessing the uptake of intact amino acids using the dual-labeling approach, the critical step is to assure that there is a theoretical possibility of detecting this uptake. From the measured values of dN (after labeling with N) the theoretical shift in dC corresponding to 100% intact uptake can be calculated (Nasholm and Persson 2001). Thereby it can be determined whether this shift is distinguishable from ‘‘noise.’’ Given the high amount of C in phenylalanine, it is not surprising that Harrison et al. (2007) found a significant relationship between excess C and N across all species for this amino acid, but not for glycine and serine. In their paper, Fig. 2A shows that shoot N enrichment over all plant species was highest for glycine and lowest for phenylalanine (among organic N forms), while shoot C enrichment was similar for all amino acids (Fig. 2C). This almost opposite pattern for C and N enrichment also applies for single species (Fig. 1), roots (Fig. 3), and microbes (Fig. 4). In the latter, C enrichment was actually highest when labeled with phenylalanine, and lowest in the case of glycine. We think that these results are due to the different C:N ratios of the three amino acids rather than indicating higher uptake of phenylalanine compared to glycine and serine, which is particularly unlikely given that phenylalanine is the largest and most complex amino acid tested. However, without significant relationships between excess C and N in plant tissues, the proportion of amino acids taken up as intact molecule cannot be estimated for glycine and serine. Moreover, although no data on amino acid concentration in the soil solution are shown, it is likely that phenylalanine is the least abundant of the three amino acids, and glycine the most abundant. Thus, the dilution of the added N tracer (equal for all N forms) by the natural abundance pool was probably least for phenylalanine and strongest for glycine, again leading to an overestimation of phenylalanine uptake when assessed by N labeling. We fully agree with Harrison et al. (2007), that a rigorous test to detect organic N uptake by plants requires compound specific isotope analysis (a combination of gas chromatography with isotope ratio mass spectrometry; see e.g., Persson and Nasholm 2001). But clearly, the results of Harrison et al. (2007) demonstrate that the use of the Nasholm et al. (1998) method to infer Manuscript received 21 June 2007; accepted 27 August 2007. Corresponding Editor: P. M. Groffman. 1 Institute of Plant Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich CH-8092 Switzerland. 2 Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057 Switzerland. E-mail: stefanie.vonfelten@ipw.agrl.ethz.ch

A stable isotope dual-labelling approach to detect multiple insemination in un-irradiated and irradiated Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes

BackgroundIn the context of a Sterile Insect Technique programme, the occurrence of multiple insemination in the malaria mosquito Anopheles arabiensis Patton was studied using a novel labelling system with the stable isotopes 15N and 13C. The incidence of multiple insemination in the absence of radiation, and when males were irradiated in the pupal stage and competed against un-irradiated males were assessed. Males used in the experiments were labelled with either 15N or 13C and the label was applied to the larval rearing water. Males with either label and virgin females were caged at a 1:1:1 ratio. Males used in the radiation treatments were irradiated in the pupal stage with a partially or fully-sterilizing dose of 70 or 120 Gy, respectively. After mating, females were dissected and inseminated spermathecae analysed using mass spectrometry.ResultsThe data indicate that about 25% of inseminated females had been inseminated multiply. The presence of irradiated males in the experiments did not affect the incidence of multiple insemination. In line with previous research, irradiated males were generally less competitive than un-irradiated males.ConclusionThe implications of these findings for the Sterile Insect Technique are discussed, and further experiments recommended. The dual-labelling system used to determine paternity gave good results for 13C, however, for 15N it is recommended to increase the amount of label in future studies.

Lipopolysaccharide induces preproenkephalin transcription in hypophysiotropic neurons of the rat paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus suggesting a neuroendocrine role for enkephalins during immune stress

Opioids have impact on stress responses and possess immune modulatory functions. We have previously shown that immune stress elevates the levels of preproenkephalin transcript in a variety of autonomic structures in the rat brain, including the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. By using in situ hybridization with an intronic probe recognizing the preproenkephalin heteronuclear RNA combined with retrograde tract tracing, we examined the efferent target of the enkephalinergic neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus that display induced transcriptional activity during immune challenge. Rats were first given i.p. injections of the tracer substance Fluoro-Gold, which following this route of administration is taken up only by nerve terminals residing outside the blood–brain barrier, and were then given an i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide. Neuronal cell bodies retrogradely labeled with Fluoro-Gold were detected by immunohistochemistry, and—using a dual-labeling approach—the same cells were then examined for their expression of preproenkephalin heteronuclear RNA. We found that over 90% of the neurons that expressed preproenkephalin heteronuclear RNA also contained Fluoro-Gold. In addition, approximately 40% of the neurons expressing preproenkephalin heteronuclear RNA co-expressed mRNA for corticotropin-releasing hormone, the main adrenocorticotropic hormone secretagogue. These data show that the paraventricular hypothalamic neurons that display induced preproenkephalin transcription following immune challenge are almost exclusively hypophysiotropic neurons, indicating a role for enkephalin in the hypothalamic control of hormone release during infectious and inflammatory conditions.