Male Glands Research Articles

AeMOPE-1, a Novel Salivary Peptide From Aedes aegypti, Selectively Modulates Activation of Murine Macrophages and Ameliorates Experimental Colitis.

The sialotranscriptomes of Aedes aegypti revealed a transcript overexpressed in female salivary glands that codes a mature 7.8 kDa peptide. The peptide, specific to the Aedes genus, has a unique sequence, presents a putative secretory nature and its function is unknown. Here, we confirmed that the peptide is highly expressed in the salivary glands of female mosquitoes when compared to the salivary glands of males, and its secretion in mosquito saliva is able to sensitize the vertebrate host by inducing the production of specific antibodies. The synthetic version of the peptide downmodulated nitric oxide production by activated peritoneal murine macrophages. The fractionation of a Ae. aegypti salivary preparation revealed that the fractions containing the naturally secreted peptide reproduced the nitric oxide downmodulation. The synthetic peptide also selectively interfered with cytokine production by murine macrophages, inhibiting the production of IL-6, IL-12p40 and CCL2 without affecting TNF-α or IL-10 production. Likewise, intracellular proteins associated with macrophage activation were also distinctively modulated: while iNOS and NF-κB p65 expression were diminished, IκBα and p38 MAPK expression did not change in the presence of the peptide. The anti-inflammatory properties of the synthetic peptide were tested in vivo on a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model. The therapeutic administration of the Ae. aegypti peptide reduced the leukocytosis, macrophage activity and nitric oxide levels in the gut, as well as the expression of cytokines associated with the disease, resulting in amelioration of its clinical signs. Given its biological properties in vitro and in vivo, the molecule was termed Ae des-specific MOdulatory PEptide (AeMOPE-1). Thus, AeMOPE-1 is a novel mosquito-derived immunobiologic with potential to treat immune-mediated disorders.

Changes in Male Rat Thyroid Gland Exposed to Roundup® and Gramoxone®

Objectives: To study the effects of glyphosate based herbicide formulation Roundup® and paraquat based herbicide formulation Gramoxone® on the structure and function of the thyroid gland. Methods: Two groups of male rats were orally treated with a dosage of Roundup® (250 mg/kg) and Gramoxone® (5 mg/kg) respectively, from the 29th day of their age to 89th day. Control animals were administered with distilled water. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples and thyroid lobes were collected for estimation of thyroid hormones and histopathological changes, respectively. The function of the thyroid gland was evaluated by estimating thyroid hormones (thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine) level, and the structure of the thyroid gland was assessed by observing histopathological changes. The treated group’s results were compared with the control group. Findings: Non-significant increase in thyroid stimulating hormone and a significant decrease in thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels, as well as moderate desquamation of cells into the follicular lumen and cellular infiltration in thyroid structure were observed. Results of this study provide evidence on histopathological changes in the thyroid gland along with the decrease in thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels on exposure to Roundup® and Gramoxone®. Roundup® is less thyrotoxic compared to Gramoxone®. Applications: Ignoring the guidelines of the Insecticide Boards and manufacturer’s instructions, Roundup® and Gramoxone® formulations are indiscriminately used for immediate weed killing. The human population is exposed to constituents of herbicide formulations through the air, water, and food. In this context, the result of the present study suggests that exposure to Roundup® and Gramoxone® formulations can be a risk to thyroid damage. Keywords: Herbicide; Roundup®; Gramoxone®; Thyroid Hormones; Histopathology; thyrotoxic

Asymmetric Phenotypes of Sterile Hybrid Males From Reciprocal Crosses Between Species of the Anopheles gambiae Complex

Haldane’s rule of speciation states that sterility or inviability affects the heterogametic sex of inter-species hybrids. Darwin’s corollary to Haldane’s rule implies that there are asymmetric phenotypes in inter-species hybrids from reciprocal crosses. Studying the phenotypes of F1 hybrids among closely related species of malaria mosquitoes can assist researchers in identifying the genetic factors and molecular mechanisms of speciation. To characterize phenotypes of sterile hybrid males in the Anopheles gambiae complex, we performed crosses between laboratory strains of An. merus and either An. gambiae or An. coluzzii. The reproductive tracts had normal external morphology in hybrid males from crosses between female An. merus and male An. gambiae or An. coluzzii. Despite being sterile, these males could copulate with females for a normal period of time and could transfer a mating plug to induce female oviposition and monogamy. In contrast, the entire reproductive tracts in hybrid males from crosses between female An. gambiae or An. coluzzii and male An. merus were severely underdeveloped. These males had atrophic testes and reduced somatic organs of the reproductive system including male accessary glands and ejaculatory duct. In addition, hybrid males with underdeveloped reproductive tracts displayed a shorter copulation time with females and failed to induce female oviposition and monogamy due to their inability to form and transfer a plug to females during mating. The asymmetry of the phenotypes associated with hybrid male sterility suggests that different genetic factors and molecular mechanisms are responsible for reproductive isolation in reciprocal crosses among species of the An. gambiae complex.

Influence of Physical Activity in Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy and/or Hormonal Deprivation Therapy: Integrative Literature Review

In Brazil and in the world, the incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer have been increasing. The prostate is a male gland responsible for the production of part of the semen. More than any other type, it is considered a cancer of the third age, since about 75% of the cases in the world occur from the age of 65. In this study it was correlated the practice of physical exercises with the progression and evolution of the disease beyond the impacts in the treatment.

PEG3 controls lipogenesis through ACLY.

Peg3 (Paternally expressed gene 3) is an imprinted gene encoding a DNA-binding protein that is a well-known transcriptional repressor. Previous studies have shown that the mutant phenotypes of Peg3 are associated with the over-expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. In the current study, we investigated four potential downstream genes of Peg3, which were identified through ChIP-seq data: Acly, Fasn, Idh1, and Hmgcr. In vivo binding of PEG3 to the promoter region of these key genes involved in lipogenesis was subsequently confirmed through individual ChIP experiments. We observed the opposite response of Acly expression levels against the variable gene dosages of Peg3, involving 0x, 1x, and 2x Peg3. This suggests the transcriptional repressor role of Peg3 in the expression levels of Acly. Another set of analyses showed a sex-biased response in the expression levels of Acly, Fasn, and Idh1 against 0x Peg3 with higher levels in female and lower levels in male mammary glands. These results overall highlight that Peg3 may be involved in regulating the expression levels of several key genes in adipogenesis.

A LITERARY REVIEW OF VAATASTHEELA MOOTRAGHATA AND ITS MANAGEMENT W.S.R BPH

Acharya Sushruta, known as the father of ancient surgery, has given immense contribution in the field of surgery. One of the biggest contributions by Acharya Sushruta comes in the form of urological disorders mentioned by him in his classical text, Sushruta Samhita. He has contributed separate chapters describing the ailments of uri- nary system. These are mentioned under the chapters related to Mootrakricha (dysuria), Mootraghata (urinary retention) and Ashmari (Renal stone). The description of urinary retention-based symptoms is dealt in the chapter of Mootraghata. The diseases Mootraghata and Mootrakricha both are related to Mootravaha Srotas (channels of urinary system) but in Mootraghata, there is obstruction/retention of urine while in Mootrakricha there is exces- sive pain during urination. Both of these diseases are mentioned in Uttar Tantra in Sushruta Samhita. Moot- raghata can be compared with group of obstructive urinary disorders. It includes twelve subtypes, among them is Vaatastheela. Due to the anatomical mal-alignment and physiological disturbances it causes, it seems quite simi- lar to BPH. BPH is a non -malignant enlargement of the prostate gland in elderly males. It is commonly found in age group above 50. About half of the men in their fifties and about 90% men above the age of 80 suffer from this disease. Peak incidence is 60-70 age group. BPH has a multi-factorial pathogenesis caused by involvement of prostate and bladder as well as disturbance in Hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad Axis. Keywords: Mootraghata, Vaatastheela, BPH

Histomorphological perspectives of preputial and clitoral glands of soft-furred field rat Millardia meltada

The present study was an attempt to understand the sexual dimor-phism of the integumentary scent glands of soft-furred field rat Millardia meltada from the perspectives of anatomy, morphology and histology with view to correlate with the sex-specific pheromones they produce. The scent gland of male is known as preputial gland, and female, the clitoral gland. The rats, that are agricultural pests were field caught, the glands of males and females of almost identical size were dissected out, and subjected to gravimetric, morphometric and histological analyses. Both glands are yellowish-brown, pear-shaped, and dorsoventrally compressed. The mean weight, length and width of preputial glands are significantly (p < 0.05) larger than that of the clitoral glands. The preputial gland is composed of sebaceous glandular lobules and apocrine glandular lobules whereas the clitoral gland is formed only of sebaceous glandular lobules. The sebaceous glandular lobules of both preputial and clitoral glands are filled with a wax-like material. Thus, the scent glands of the soft-furred male field rats exhibit sexual dimorphism in respect histoarchitecture of the glands and the nature of the secretory material. This sexual dimorphism of the scent glands may reflect control by male and female sex hormones impinging on specific roles as sex attractant pheromones.

Tubulosquamous Polyp of the Vagina: Misplaced Skene's Glands Analogous to the Male Prostate.

Tubulosquamous polyp (TSP) of the vagina is a rare and benign lesion, best considered along the spectrum of lesions derived from Skene's glands, the female counterpart of male prostatic glands. It is likely underdiagnosed and represents a challenging diagnosis if one is unfamiliar with this entity. We present an illustrative case of TSP occurring as an upper vaginal wall nodule of a 75-year-old woman, with characteristic morphology and broad immunophenotype. It should be suspected in postmenopausal women with a polyp that demonstrates biphasic squamous and glandular components, which show a prostatic immunophenotype.

Chemical Diversity of Volatile Macrocylic Lactones from Frogs

AbstractFor a long time, frogs were believed to communicate primarily via the acoustic channel, but during the last decades it became obvious that various lineages also use chemical communication. In this Account we present our research on the identification of volatile lactones from Madagascan Mantellidae and African Hyperoliidae frogs. Both possess male specific glands that can disseminate a range of volatile compounds. Key constituents are macrocyclic lactones. They show high variability in structure and occurrence. We focus here on the synthetic approaches we have used to clarify constitution and configuration of the glandular compounds. Key synthetic methods are ring-closing metathesis and nucleophilic epoxide opening. Often, but not always, the natural compounds occurs in amounts that excludes their investigation by NMR spectroscopy. Instead, we use GC/MS analysis, GC/IR, microreactions, and synthesis to identify such components. Several aspects of our work will be described giving some insight in our scientific approach.1 Introduction2 Macrocylic Lactones from the Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway3 Unsaturated Lactones4 Terpenoid Lactones5 Macrolide Occurrence6 Conclusions

Rapid evolution and molecular convergence in cryptorchidism-related genes associated with inherently undescended testes in mammals

BackgroundThe mammalian testis is an important male exocrine gland and spermatozoa-producing organ that usually lies in extra-abdominal scrotums to provide a cooler environment for spermatogenesis and sperm storage. Testicles sometimes fail to descend, leading to cryptorchidism. However, certain groups of mammals possess inherently ascrotal testes (i.e. testes that do not descend completely or at all) that have the same physiological functions as completely descended scrotal testes. Although several anatomical and hormonal factors involved in testicular descent have been studied, there is still a paucity of comprehensive research on the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution of testicular descent in mammals and how mammals with ascrotal testes maintain their reproductive health.ResultsWe performed integrative phenotypic and comparative genomic analyses of 380 cryptorchidism-related genes and found that the mammalian ascrotal testes trait is derived from an ancestral scrotal state. Rapidly evolving genes in ascrotal mammals were enriched in the Hedgehog pathway—which regulates Leydig cell differentiation and testosterone secretion—and muscle development. Moreover, some cryptorchidism-related genes in ascrotal mammals had undergone positive selection and contained specific mutations and indels. Genes harboring convergent/parallel amino acid substitutions between ascrotal mammals were enriched in GTPase functions.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the scrotal testis is an ancestral state in mammals, and the ascrotal phenotype was derived multiple times in independent lineages. In addition, the adaptive evolution of genes involved in testicular descent and the development of the gubernaculum contributed to the evolution of ascrotal testes. Accurate DNA replication, the proper segregation of genetic material, and appropriate autophagy are the potential mechanisms for maintaining physiological normality during spermatogenesis in ascrotal mammals. Furthermore, the molecular convergence of GTPases is probably a mechanism in the ascrotal testes of different mammals. This study provides novel insights into the evolution of the testis and scrotum in mammals and contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism in humans.

Behavioural discrimination of male mental gland secretions of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) by both sexes

Chemical communication is important for mate choice, especially at long distances in fragmented populations. The gopher tortoise is a social species that is threatened in the southeast U.S. due to habitat fragmentation and decline. One consequence of habitat loss is reduced mating opportunities, yet chemical signalling in gopher tortoises is relatively under-studied. Here, we investigated chemoreception of tortoise discrimination of chin secretions, or mental gland (MG) secretions. To assess conspecific recognition of male MG secretions, we conducted two paired-choice experiments: one with a neutral odorant control (NC; distilled water) and one with a pungent odorant control (PC; acetone) vs. male MG secretions. Behaviours were defined a priori, and their durations were quantified relative to treatments. Each sex spent significantly more time with MG secretions vs. acetone control during the PC study (p= 0.001). Each sex also sniffed MG swabs more frequently in both studies (PC study: p=0.0003; NC study: p=0.001). A principal components analysis of behavioural durations from the PC study identified one component with a significant treatment effect performed to MG secretions (p=0.0003), including the behaviours sniffing, head bobbing, biting, and eating near a swab. Our study provides the first chemical-behavioural bioassay of MG secretions from male gopher tortoises, suggesting MG secretions may be a source of pheromones.

HEMODYNAMIC ANDCYTOLOGIC CHANGESINPROSTATE GLANDCAUSED BY CHRONIC HEPATITIS

The aim: Is to determine the features of hemodynamics and the character of structural and functional changes in the prostate gland in middle-aged infertile males in the conditions of chronic hepatitis. Materials and methods: We studied the features of hemodynamics and structural and functional state of the prostate gland in middle-aged males who had suffered from chronic hepatitis with the help of ultrasound scanning, Color-Doppler sonography, and histology, morphology, and statistics. Results: It was detected that in 3-5 years after chronic viral hepatitis in middle-aged males (the first period), the volume of the prostate gland increases to (27.1±1.2) cm3, and its mass to (28.0±1.7) g compared to the control. Blood flow rates in the prostate gland: arterial blood flow velocity, blood flow diastolic velocity, volumetric blood flow are significantly lower than the control ones. Glandular zone surface decreases to 53% and connective tissue increases to 43%. Epithelium in the secretory area of the gland is compressed. Conclusions: 1.According to the data of ultrasound diagnostics and Color-Doppler sonography, the volume of the prostate gland increases to (27.1±1.8) cm3 and its mass to (28.0±1.7) g at chronic viral hepatitis, compared to the control (21.3±1.5) cm3 and (24.7±1.3) g (р<0.05). Atrophic changes in the prostate gland are manifested with the decreased height of the columnar epithelium of the gland and overgrowth of connective tissue in the stroma of the organ. 2.Angioechometric indices of arterial blood circulation in central and peripheral zone of the prostate decreases to (7.26±0.46) cm/sec and (7.80±0.32) cm/sec respectively compared to the control (18.30±3.10) cm/sec and (17.70±2.90) cm/sec. Venous blood flow rates decrease to (2.45±0.21) cm/sec and (2.60±0.16) cm/sec compared to (5.54±0.8) cm/sec and (5.36±0.03) cm/sec (р<0.05).

Influence of environmental conditions and technology of cultivation on the morphological structure of the testes of bull calves of three breeds in beef production

One of the main indicators of the successful adaptation of an organism to environmental conditions is a good reproductive ability of gobies. After all, the fertilizing ability of sperm is the most important quality indicator. Different breeds of animals are not equally resistant to environmental influences. In some, the changes are relatively superficial, in others, they lead to a significant change in the physiological functions of the body. Scientific research was carried out in the SPK PZ “Druzhba” Apanasenkovsky district, which is one of the driest regions of the Stavropol Territory, with a sharply continental climate. The histology, immunohistochemistry and morphometry of the testes (6 animals of each breed) of 18-month-old bulls of the Hereford, Kazakh white-headed and Kalmyk cattle breeds were influenced by climatic factors. The results of the study showed that 18-month-old bulls of all three studied breeds of cattle have full-fledged spermatogenesis. Structural elements of the connective tissue part of the wall of convoluted tubules demonstrated morphological equivalents of the integrity of the hematotesticular barrier. The proportion of tubules with pronounced destruction of spermatogenic epithelium was 2–3 percent. The diameter of the convoluted seminal tubules in animals of all breeds was more than 200 microns. The population of Leydig cells was characterized by a variety of cell forms, the predominant being rounded and polygonal cells with light nuclei and well-developed cytoplasm. The morphology of Leydig cells indicated their ability to actively synthesize sex hormones. A comparative analysis of the testes of gobies of the three studied breeds did not reveal any pronounced breed differences in the structure of the male sex glands of these animals. This indicates that the morphofunctional characteristic of the testes is a stable and conservative indicator, which changes little in the course of selection work.

Golden orb-weaving spider (Trichonephila clavipes) silk genes with sex-biased expression and atypical architectures.

Spider silks are renowned for their high-performance mechanical properties. Contributing to these properties are proteins encoded by the spidroin (spider fibroin) gene family. Spidroins have been discovered mostly through cDNA studies of females based on the presence of conserved terminal regions and a repetitive central region. Recently, genome sequencing of the golden orb-web weaver, Trichonephila clavipes, provided a complete picture of spidroin diversity. Here, we refine the annotation of T. clavipes spidroin genes including the reclassification of some as non-spidroins. We rename these non-spidroins as spidroin-like (SpL) genes because they have repetitive sequences and amino acid compositions like spidroins, but entirely lack the archetypal terminal domains of spidroins. Insight into the function of these spidroin and SpL genes was then examined through tissue- and sex-specific gene expression studies. Using qPCR, we show that some silk genes are upregulated in male silk glands compared to females, despite males producing less silk in general. We also find that an enigmatic spidroin that lacks a spidroin C-terminal domain is highly expressed in silk glands, suggesting that spidroins could assemble into fibers without a canonical terminal region. Further, we show that two SpL genes are expressed in silk glands, with one gene highly evolutionarily conserved across species, providing evidence that particular SpL genes are important to silk production. Together, these findings challenge long-standing paradigms regarding the evolutionary and functional significance of the proteins and conserved motifs essential for producing spider silks.

Rectal gland exudates and emissions of Bactrocera bryoniae: chemical identification, electrophysiological and pheromonal functions

Bactrocera bryoniae is a polyphagous and economically significant fruit fly found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia. To understand chemical-mediated sexual communication, and the potential for novel pheromone-based attractants for monitoring and mass-trapping of B. bryoniae, rectal gland exudates and emissions from sexually mature males and females were investigated. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that male rectal glands contained six compounds, of which 1,7-dioxaspiro[5,5]undecane elicited electroantennographic (EAD) and electropalpographic (EPD) responses in both sexes, ethyl 3-acetoxybutanoate elicited EPD responses in both sexes, N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide elicited EAD response from males and 4-hydroxy-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane elicited EAD responses in males and females and EPD responses in females. Female rectal glands contained 23 compounds with the esters ethyl laurate and ethyl myristate as major components. Amongst the female rectal gland constituents, ethyl laurate, ethyl myristate and ethyl palmitate elicited EAD responses in males and females, N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide elicited EAD responses in males only, (E,E)-2,8-dimethyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane elicited EAD responses in males and EPD responses in females, and 2,7-dimethyl-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane, (E,E)-2-ethyl-7-methyl-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane, (E,E)-2-ethyl-8-methyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane, (Z,Z)-2,8-dimethyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane, (E,E)-2-propyl-8-methyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane and ethyl caprate elicited EPD responses in females only. Y-tube bioassays indicated that male rectal gland extracts and headspace volatiles attracted females and males, while female rectal gland extracts and headspace volatiles only attracted males. The results suggest that ethyl 3-acetoxybutanoate, 1,7-dioxaspiro[5,5]undecane and 4-hydroxy-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane may be components of male-produced sex pheromone in B. bryoniae while (E,E)-2,8-dimethyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane, N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide, ethyl laurate, ethyl myristate and ethyl palmitate may be components of female-produced sex pheromone. Ethyl 3-acetoxybutanoate, N-(3-methylbutyl) acetamide, 1,7-dioxaspiro[5,5]undecane and 4-hydroxy-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane may be components of male aggregation pheromone. These findings contribute to the understanding of pheromone communication in B. bryoniae and provide a foundation for developing pheromone-based monitoring and control methods.

Taxonomy of Podoscirtinae (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). Part 12: new taxa of the subtribe Truljaliina subtrib. nov. from Africa

The subtribe Truljaliina subtrib. nov. of the tribe Podoscirtini is described; it consists of eight or ten African and two Indo-Malayan genera. The following species and subspecies of this subtribe from Africa are described as new to science: Dolichogryllus ugandaensis sp. nov. from Uganda; Pseudotruljalia speciosa pulchra subsp. nov. from Uganda; Eumadasumma? pubescens sp. nov. from South Africa; E. lucens pallescens subsp. nov. from Kenya; E. l. mlavula subsp. nov. from Swaziland. These taxa are distinguished from their relatives and from each other by the following features: the new subtribe, by the presence of a characteristic plate-like dorsal epiphallic lobe and some other characters of the male genitalia; D. ugandaensis sp. nov., mainly by a smaller V-shaped process of the male metanotal gland; P. s. pulchra subsp. nov., by a less slender pronotum and not uniformly dark fore legs; E.? pubescens sp. nov., by a more pubescent body; the both new subspecies of E. lucens, by different lengths of the ovipositors and some differences in the body colouration.

New Data on the Biology and Ecology of Bearded Eelpout Hadropogonichthys lindbergi (Zoarcidae)

New data on the biology and ecology of a rare species, bearded eelpout Hadropogonichthys lindbergi (Zoarcidae), in the Pacific waters of the middle Kuril Islands are presented. The list of species of the community, which includes the eelpout, is given. Captures of H. lindbergi were recorded in the depth range of 290–440 m at a temperature of 2.2–3.0°C. The maximum length and weight have been specified: 43 cm and 180 g. Individual fertility is 96−117 eggs. A description of the stages of maturity of the sex glands of males and females is given. Sexual maturity occurs at a body length of 37–38 cm. It is assumed that the reproduction of the eelpout takes place in the fall.

Whole transcriptome analysis of adrenal glands from prenatal glucocorticoid programmed hypertensive rodents

Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure is associated with the development of hypertension in adults. We have previously demonstrated that antenatal dexamethosone (DEX) administration in Wistar-Kyoto dams results in offspring with increased blood pressure coupled with elevated plasma epinephrine levels. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for prenatal DEX-mediated programming of hypertension, a whole-transcriptome analysis was performed on DEX programmed WKY male adrenal glands using the Rat Gene 2.0 microarray. Differential gene expression (DEG) analysis of DEX-exposed offspring compared with saline-treated controls revealed 142 significant DEGs (109 upregulated and 33 downregulated genes). DEG pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that genes involved in circadian rhythm signaling were most robustly dysregulated. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the increased expression of circadian genes Bmal1 and Npas2, while Per2, Per3, Cry2 and Bhlhe41 were significantly downregulated. In contrast, gene expression profiling of Spontaneously Hypertensive (SHR) rats, a genetic model of hypertension, demonstrated decreased expression of Bmal1 and Npas2, while Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, Cry2, Bhlhe41 and Csnk1D were all upregulated compared to naïve WKY controls. Taken together, this study establishes that glucocorticoid programmed adrenals have impaired circadian signaling and that changes in adrenal circadian rhythm may be an underlying molecular mechanism responsible for the development of hypertension.

Characterization of flavivirus infection in salivary gland cultures from male Ixodes scapularis ticks.

Infected Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick) transmit a host of serious pathogens via their bites, including Borrelia burgdorferi, Babesia microti, and tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFVs), such as Powassan virus (POWV). Although the role of female I. scapularis ticks in disease transmission is well characterized, the role of male ticks is poorly understood. Because the pathogens are delivered in tick saliva, we studied the capacity of male salivary glands (SGs) to support virus replication. Ex vivo cultures of SGs from unfed male I. scapularis were viable for more than a week and maintained the characteristic tissue architecture of lobular ducts and acini. When SG cultures were infected with the TBFVs Langat virus (LGTV) or POWV lineage II (deer tick virus), the production of infectious virus was demonstrated. Using a green fluorescent protein-tagged LGTV and confocal microscopy, we demonstrated LGTV infection within SG acinus types II and III. The presence of LGTV in the acini and lobular ducts of the cultures was also shown via immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the identification by in situ hybridization of both positive and negative strand LGTV RNA confirmed that the virus was indeed replicating. Finally, transmission electron microscopy of infected SGs revealed virus particles packaged in vesicles or vacuoles adjacent to acinar lumina. These studies support the concept that SGs of male I. scapularis ticks support replication of TBFVs and may play a role in virus transmission, and further refine a useful model system for developing countermeasures against this important group of pathogens.

Thyroid redox imbalance in adult Wistar rats that were exposed to nicotine during breastfeeding

Maternal nicotine exposure causes several consequences in offspring phenotype, such as obesity and thyroid dysfunctions. Nicotine exposure can increase oxidative stress levels, which could lead to thyroid dysfunction. However, the mechanism by which nicotine exposure during breastfeeding leads to thyroid gland dysfunction remains elusive. We aimed to investigate the long-term effects of maternal nicotine exposure on redox homeostasis in thyroid gland, besides other essential steps for thyroid hormone synthesis in rats from both sexes. Lactating Wistar rats were implanted with osmotic minipumps releasing nicotine (NIC, 6 mg/kg/day) or saline (control) from postnatal day 2 to 16. Offspring were analyzed at 180-day-old. NIC males showed lower plasma TSH, T3 and T4 while NIC females had higher T3 and T4. In thyroid, NIC males had higher sodium-iodide symporter protein expression, whereas NIC females had higher thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHr) and thyroperoxidase (TPO) protein expression. TPO activity was lower in NIC males. Hydrogen peroxide generation was decreased in NIC males. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were compromised in NIC animals from both sexes. 4-Hydroxynonenal was higher only in NIC females, while thiol was not affected in NIC animals from both sexes. NIC offspring also had altered expression of sex steroid receptors in thyroid gland. Both sexes showed similar thyroid morphology, with lower follicle and colloid size. Thyroid from female offspring exposed to nicotine during breastfeeding developed oxidative stress, while the male gland seemed to be protected from redox damage. Thyroid dysfunctions seem to be associated with redox imbalance in a sex-dependent manner.