Vitellogenin genes are transcribed in Culex quinquefasciatus ovary

BACKGROUND Culex quinquefasciatus, a cosmopolitan, domestic, and highly anthropophilic mosquito, is a vector of pathogenic arboviruses such as West Nile virus and Rift Valley virus, as well as lymphatic filariasis. The current knowledge on its reproductive physiology regarding vitellogenin expression in different tissues is still limited. OBJECTIVES In this study, we analysed the transcriptional profiles of vitellogenin genes in the fat body and ovaries of C. quinquefasciatus females during the first gonotrophic cycle. METHODS C. quinquefasciatus ovaries and/or fat bodies were dissected in different times during the first gonotrophic cycle and total RNA was extracted and used for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, quantitative real time-PCR, and in situ hybridisation. FINDINGS We confirmed the classical descriptions of the vitellogenic process in mosquitoes by verifying that vitellogenin genes are transcribed in the fat bodies of C. quinquefasciatus females. Using RNA in situ hybridisation approach, we showed that vitellogenin genes are also transcribed in developing ovaries, specifically by the follicle cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This is the first time that vitellogenin transcripts are observed in mosquito ovaries. Studies to determine if Vg transcripts are translated into proteins and their contribution to the reproductive success of the mosquito need to be further investigated.

Ultrastructural and enzymatic alterations in the ovary of Rhodnius prolixus infected with Trypanosoma rangeli

Objective: To investigate the morphological structure of ovarian follicular cells and biochemical parameters of both ovaries and fat bodies (sites of vitellogenesis) from Rhodnius (R.) prolixus infected with Trypanosoma (T.) rangeli. Methods: Adult virgin females of R. prolixus were fed upon a membrane apparatus containing heat-inactivated citrated rabbit blood and a suspension of T. rangeli epimastigotes (Macias strain). Females from the control group and all the males received parasitefree blood. Transmission electron microscopy was used to reveal the morphological aspects of ovarian follicle cells in both control and parasite-infected groups. Protein profile, proteolytic activities and Western blotting analyses were performed in either ovary or fat body samples of control and parasite-infected groups. Results: According to the ultrastructural data, T. rangeli infection elicited a degeneration process in the ovarian follicular cells of R. prolixus. Proteolytic assays indicated a reduction in the activity of aspartic peptidases in the ovary and fat body from parasite-infected group, while a significant increase in the cysteine peptidase activity was measured in both insect organs. Additionally, immunoblotting revealed that vitellogenin was overexpressed in the ovary of parasite-infected insects. Conclusions: T. rangeli infection seems to elicit an early programmed cell death in the ovarian follicle cells as well as induces the modulation on the activities of different peptidase classes in either ovaries or fat bodies and the overexpression of the vitellogenin in the ovary of R. prolixus.

Studies of Cypermethrin Activity on Steroidogenesis in Male Labeo Rohita.

Cypermethrin is a widely used type II Pyrethroid. As such it has become a contaminant in fresh water aquatic ecosystems. To know its toxic effect on steroidogenesis in male fish Labeo rohita, we have exposed six male fish to 10 and 20 μg/L of Cypermethrin for six days. The plasma concentration of Vitellogenin (VTG), testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11 KT) were evaluated. Vitellogenin levels increased with increasing concentration of Cypermethrin, where as Testosterone and 11-Ketotestosterone levels decreased with increasing concentration of Cypermethrin.

Inmunolocalización hepática de CYP P450 en un experimento de toxicidad subaguda por Clorpirifos 0,0-dietil 0-(3, 5, 6-tricloro-2-piridil fosforotioato) en machos juveniles de tilapia Oreochromis spp) / Liver immunolocation of CYP P450 in an subacute toxicity experiment with Clorpirifos o,o-(3, 5, 6- trichloride -2-pyridyl phosphorotioato in young male tilapia (Oreochromis spp) / Inmunolocalização hepática de CYP P450 num teste de toxicidade subaguda por Clorpirifos 0,0-dietil 0-(3, 5, 6-tricloro-2-piridil fosforotioato) em machos juvenis de tilápia (Oreochromis spp.)

Resumen En Colombia son escasas las técnicas de diagnóstico implementadas con biomarcadores inmunohistoquímicos para realizar biomonitoreo de contaminación ambiental. Objetivo: Implementar una técnica inmunohistoquímica para inmunolocalizar CYP 1A en tejidos de peces, luego de realizar un experimento de exposición subaguda al Clorpirifos en tilapias juveniles machos. Métodos: el experimento de dosis subletal, se realizó en un sistema semiestático, con recambio diario del 50% del volumen de agua manteniendo la concentración correspondiente en cada grupo experimental mediante la adición de la mitad de la dosis hasta el día 28. Las concentraciones de Clorpirifos para la exposición fueron 4, 8, y 12 μg/L, en los grupos tratados y 0,0 μg/L en el grupo control. Se tomaron muestras para estudio histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico. Resultados: se encontró diferencia significativa (p<0,05) para algunas lesiones en el hígado, confirmando que este es un órgano de impacto de los efectos del Clorpirifos a bajas dosis. Se verificó la inducción de CYP 1A en el hepatocitos, endotelio y células biliares tanto de los animales expuestos como en los no expuestos. Desde el punto de vista multidimensional no se encontró diferencia estadística entre los tratamientos para las variables estudiadas. Conclusión: se implementó y normalizó una técnica de inmunohistoquímica para la inmunolocalización tisular de CYP 1A, que podrá utilizarse en futuras investigaciones para realizar biomonitoreo de contaminación en las cuencas hidrográficas de Colombia.

Abstract In Colombia the diagnostic techniques for implementing immunohistochemical biomarkers to fulfill biomonitoring of environmental contamination are limited. Objective: To implement an immunohistochemical technique to immunolocate CYP 1A in the tissue of fish, performing a subacute exposition experiment of Clofopirifos in the liver of young male tilapia. Methods: the sublethal dosage was carried out in semi-static state, with a daily refill of 50% of the water volume, maintaining the corresponding concentration in each group through the addition of half of the dosage until the 28th day. The Cloropirifos concentrations for the exposition were 4, 8, and 12 μg/L in the treated groups and 0.0 μg/L in the control group. Samples were taken for histopathological and immunohistochemical study. Results: A significant difference (p<0.05) for some liver lesions, confirming that it is an organ affected by low dosages of Cloropirifos. It verified that the induction of CYP 1A in hepatocyte, endothelium and biliary cells equally in exposed animals and those that weren't exposed. From a multidimensional perspective, no statistical difference was found between the treatments for the variables under study. Conclusion: this study implemented and normalized an immunohistochemical technique for the tissue immunolocation of CYP 1A that could be used in future investigations to fulfill biomonitoring of contamination in Colombia's hydrographic basins.

Resumo Na Colômbia são escassas as técnicas de diagnóstico realizadas com biomarcadores imuno-histoquímicos para realizar biomonitoramento da contaminação ambiental. Objetivo: Estandardizar uma técnica imuno-histoquímica para fazer imunolocalização do CYP 1ª em tecidos de peixes, logo de realizar um experimento de exposição subaguda ao Clorpirifós em machos juvenis de tilápia. Métodos: O teste da dose subletal realizou-se num sistema semiestático, com recambio diário de 50% do volume de água mantendo a concentração correspondente em cada grupo experimental mediante a adição da metade da dose até o dia 28. As concentrações de Clorpirifós para a exposição dos peixes foram 4, 8 e 12 μg/L, nos grupos tratados e 0,0 μg/L no grupo controle. Tomaram-se amostras para o estudo histopatológico e imuno-histoquímico. Resultados: Encontrou-se diferença significativa (p<0.05) para lesões no fígado, confirmando que este é um órgão que recebe diretamente o impacto dos efeitos do Clorpirifos em baixas doses. Verificou-se a indução de CYP 1A nos hepatócitos, endotélio e células biliares tanto nos animais que estiveram expostos ao Clorpirifós quanto nos animais que não estiveram expostos. Desde o ponto de vista multidimensional não se encontrou diferença estadística entre os tratamentos para as variáveis estudadas. Conclusão: Estandardizou-se e normalizou-se uma técnica de imuno-histoquímica para a imunolocalização tissular de CYP 1A, que poderá se utilizada em futuras pesquisas para realizar biomonitoramento da contaminação das bacias hidrográficas da Colômbia, além disto.

Development of an Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Vitellin for Vitellogenin Measurement in the Pale Chub, Zacco platypus

OBJECTIVES: Fish vitellogenin (VTG) is produced in the female liver during oogenesis through the estradiol cycle and produced in the male liver by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as alkylphenols. In this study, we propose that the VTG concentration in the pale chub could be detected using monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies against vitellin (Vn) in a VTG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system. METHODS: Monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies were produced using the Vn extracted from the matured ovum of the ovary. The VTG was extracted from the plasma of the male pale chub. The Vn and VTG were confirmed by measuring the molecular weight of their proteins using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the specificity of the antibodies was checked through western blotting methods. The assay system was validated with respect to optimal assay concentrations, specificity, recovery, and intra- and inter-assay variations. RESULTS: The Vn consisted of two protein bands with apparent molecular weights of 64 and 37 kDa. The SDS-PAGE indicated protein weights of 146 and 77 kDa in the VTG. The assay range was 15.6 ng/mL to 2,000 ng/mL, and the value of the intra- and inter-assay variations were within 10.0% and 14.7%, respectively. The recovery rate was 99.5+/-5.5%. CONCLUSIONS: A sandwich ELISA was developed that could be used to qualify the VTG of pale chub in screening for EDCs. Pale chub is an ideal species for observing estrogen activity in the environment because of its extensive habitat and extensive food chain. The ELISA developed here would be more favorable than those for other species for determining the effect of long-term food chain accumulation of EDCs in aquatic environments.

Single and combined effects of estrone and 17β-estradiol on male goldfish / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the single and combined effects of estrone (E1) and 17β-estradiol (E2) on goldfish (Carassius auratus).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Batch tests were conducted. Serum levels of vitellogenin (VTG) and E2, gonadosomatic indices (GSI), gonadal DNA damage and liver 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity were measured after exposure for 14 days.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The VTG level increased significantly in a concentration-dependent manner. The serum E2 level was significantly higher and the GSI level was significantly lower in goldfish after exposed to the 3 drugs. DNA damage occurred in treated samples and EROD activity was significantly suppressed 7 days after exposure. The joint effect of E1 and E2 was additive with regard to VTG induction.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of our study highlight a series of effects of steroidal estrogens on goldfish. Further study is needed to confirm their effect as a whole.</p>

Evaluation of the estrogenic effects of Bisphenol-A on male freshwater prawn Macrobrachium asperulum.

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a known endocrine-disrupting chemical that is distributed world wide, is extensively employed in industry, dentistry and consumer household products. This study was conducted to explore the estrogenic effects of BPA on the male freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium asperulum, by examining the daily survival rate, molting frequency, hepatosomatic index (HSI), and levels of vitellogenin-like protein. Results revealed that BPA can elicit the expression of vitellogenin-like protein (0.09 and 0.09 mg P·(mg protein)-1, respectively) in male organisms exposed to 0.1 and 1 ng l-1 BPA at day 7. Moreover, prawns were perceived to be sensitive to estrogenic compounds. Hence, it can be concluded that M. asperulum can be used as a species for biomonitoring, and levels of vitellogenin-like protein in males are a useful biomarker for detecting estrogenic contaminations.

Effect of Chlorpyrifos 0,0-dietil 0-(3, 5, 6-tricloro-2-piridil fosforotioato) in juvenile of tilapia (Oreochromis spp) males / Efecto del Clorpirifos 0,0-dietil 0-(3, 5, 6-tricloro-2-piridil fosforotioato) en machos juveniles de tilapia (Oreochromis spp) / Efeito de Clorpirifós 0,0 dietil-0 - (3, 5 fosforotioato, 6-tricloro-2-piridil) em tilápias juvenis masculinos (Oreochromis spp)

Chlorpyrifos is a highly toxic insecticide to freshwater organisms and little is known regarding its potential to affect endocrine systems at sublethal concentrations. The induction of vitellogenin (Vtg) is a fairly sensitive marker of the effects of estrogenic compounds in juvenile fish. Objective: to evaluate histological changes and Vtg production in juvenile male tilapia (Oreochromis spp) exposed to sublethal concentrations of the insecticide Lorsban® EC (active ingredient chlorpyriphos). Methods: juvenile tilapia were exposed to 4, 8, and 12 μg/L of chlorpyrifos for 28 days in a semistatic system, with tanks receiving a 50% (v/v) daily water change to maintain nominal concentrations of the insecticide throughout the experiment. Subgroups of 3 animals from each concentration batch were euthanized on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, and samples of liver, gonads, gills, kidney and brain tissues were taken for routine histopathology examination. Liver and gonads were also processed by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antikillifish vitellogenin Vtg ND - 5F8 to detect Vtg. Results: we found significant statistical difference (p<0.05) for some injuries to the brain (degeneration and gliosis of the optic tectum), kidneys (vacuolar nephrosis and tubular hyaline granules), and liver (karyomegaly, binucleation, and hyaline granules in hepatocytes). Similarly we verified the induction of vitellogenin synthesis in liver and gonads, finding significant difference (p<0.05) in the expression of this protein between the control group and 4 mg / L with respect to treatment of 8 and 12 mg / L. Conclusion: the results obtained on the induction of vitellogenin in males suggest a general effect of blocking concentrations of Chlorpyrifos for the possible induction of this protein. The mechanisms are not known at this time.

Hasta donde se conoce, no hay estudios en tilapias juveniles (Oreochromis spp), que valoren el potencial de disrupción endocrina del Clorpirifos por análisis histológico e inmunohistoquímico de la inducción de la Vitelogenina (Vtg) hepática. Objetivo: determinar los efectos de la exposición subaguda al Clorpirifos en órganos blanco de disrupción en peces juveniles machos de tilapia. Métodos: el experimento de dosis subletal, se realizó en un sistema semiestático, con recambio diario del 50% del volumen de agua manteniendo la concentración nominal en cada grupo experimental mediante la adición de la mitad de la dosis hasta el día 28. Las concentraciones de Clorpirifos para la exposición fueron 4, 8, y 12 μg/L. Con cada concentración se trataron 12 juveniles, con tres replicas para cada concentración. Los 12 peces del grupo control no recibieron tratamiento. Se realizó el estudio anatomopatológico de tres animales por grupo, por cada semana los días 7, 14, 21 y 28 de estudio. Se efectuó la toma de muestras para estudio histopatológico de hígado, gónadas, branquias, riñón y encéfalo y se procesaron por histopatología de rutina. Las muestras de hígado y gónada también se procesaron por inmunohistoquímica. Resultados: el análisis MANOVA encontró diferencia significativa (p<0.05) para lesiones en encéfalo (degeneración tectum óptico), riñón (gránulos hialinos) e hígado (cariomegalia), constituyéndose en órganos de impacto de los efectos del Clorpirifos a bajas dosis. Se verificó la inducción de Vtg en hígado y gónada de los animales expuestos, encontrando diferencia estadística significativa (p<0.05) en la expresión de esta proteína entre el grupo control y de 4 μg/L con relación a los grupos de 8 y 12 μg/L. Conclusión: los resultados obtenidos sobre la inducción de Vtg en machos sugieren un efecto antogonista del Clorpirifos sobre los Receptores Estrogénicos (REs), con una posible disminución en la síntesis de ésta proteína. Los mecanismos no se conocen en el momento.

O clorpirifos é um insecticida altamente tóxico para os organismos de água doce. Porém, pouco se sabe acerca de seu potencial efeito no sistema endócrino em concentrações subletais. A indução de vitelogenina hepática (Vtg) é um marcador bastante sensível do efeito de componentes estrogênicos em peixes juvenis. Objetivo: determinar os efeitos da exposição subaguda ao clorpirifos em órgãos alvo de disrupção endócrina em machos juvenis de tilápia. Métodos: o experimento foi realizado em um sistema semi-estático com recambio diário de 50% do volume de água, com manutenção da concentração nominal em cada grupo experimental mediante a adição da metade da dose de clorpirifos até o dia 28. Três grupos de 12 peixes foram tratados com concentrações de clorpirifos de 4, 8 y 12 μg/L, respectivamente, com três réplicas para cada grupo. Um grupo controle não recebeu nenhum tratamento. Realizou-se o estudo anatomopatológico de rotina do fígado, gônadas, brânquias, rins e encéfalo de três animais por grupo nos dias 7, 14, 21 e 28. As amostras de fígado e gônada foram também processadas por inmunoistoquímica usando um anticorpo monoclonal para detectar Vtg (anti-killifish Vtg ND-5F8). Resultados: mediante análise MANOVA encontrou-se diferença significativa (p<0.05) para lesões no encéfalo (degeneração do tectum óptico), rim (grânulos hialinos) e fígado (cariomegalia), fato que demonstra que estes são os órgãos alvo dos efeitos do clorpirifos a baixas doses. Verificou-se a indução de Vtg no fígado e gônada dos animais expostos, com diferença estatística significativa (p<0.05) na expressão desta proteína entre o grupo controle e o grupo de 4 μg/L com relação aos grupos de 8 e 12 μg/L. Conclusão: os resultados obtidos sobre a indução de Vtg em machos sugerem um efeito antagonista do clorpirifos sobre os receptores estrogênicos, com uma possível diminuição na síntese desta proteína. Os mecanismos ainda são desconhecidos.

Endocrine disruption in fish / Disrupción endocrina en peces / Disrupção endócrina em peixes

The exposure of living creatures to endocrine disruptors is universal, as they are scattered throughout the world as a result of its widespread use. The variety of endocrine disruptors is very broad and growing every day, including chemicals synthesized by humans, additionally to substances found naturally in the environment. The endocrine disruptors constitute a threat not only to animal health and reproduction, but possibly to humans as well. Biomarkers are used as risk indicators for endocrine disruption. Considered amongst them are plasma steroids levels, induction of vitellogenin and zone radiate protein, and, histology and immunohistochemistry of the liver, gonads and other organs. The appropriate and combined use of biomarkers has allowed significant advances to understand fish reproductive toxicology in both field and laboratory studies. Given that few reports have been published in Colombia on this area, and considering its global importance, this article scrutinizes the state of the art on problems caused by the DE and points out the need of doing more research on this issue.

La exposición de los seres vivos a los disruptores endocrinos (DE) es global, ya que se encuentran dispersos por todo el mundo como consecuencia de su empleo generalizado. El catálogo de DE es muy amplio y crece día a día, comprendiendo desde productos químicos sintetizados por el hombre, hasta sustancias que se encuentran de manera natural en el medio ambiente. Los DE constituyen una amenaza, no solo para la salud general y reproductiva de los animales, sino posiblemente para la salud humana. Los biomarcadores son utilizados como indicadores de riesgo de la disrupción endocrina y entre ellos se incluyen de manera relevante la determinación de los esteroides en plasma, la inducción de Vitelogenina (Vtg) y proteínas de la zona radiada (Zrp) del oocito, junto con la histología e inmunohistoquímica hepática, gonadal y de otros órganos. El uso integrado y adecuado de estos biomarcadores ha permitido avanzar en el conocimiento y la comprensión de la toxicología reproductiva de peces, tanto en estudios de campo como de laboratorio. Debido a que en Colombia se ha realizado escasas publicaciones sobre este tema de importancia mundial, se elaboró este artículo con el objetivo de hacer un escrutinio del estado del arte sobre los problemas causados por los DE, e identificar necesidades de investigación sobre este tema en Colombia.

A exposição dos seres vivos aos disruptores endócrinos (DE) é global, devido a que se encontram dispersos por todo o planeta como consequência do seu emprego generalizado. O catálogo de DE é muito amplo e cresce dia após dia, compreendendo desde produtos químicos sintetizados pelo homem até substâncias que se encontram de maneira natural no meio ambiente. Os DE constituem uma ameaça, não só para a saúde geral e reprodutiva dos animais, mas também possivelmente para a saúde humana. Os biomarcadores são utilizados como indicadores de risco da disrupção endócrina, dentre eles estão à determinação de esteroides no plasma, a indução de Vitelogenina (Vtg) e as proteínas da zona radiata (Zrp) do oócito, junto com a histologia e a inmunoistoquímica hepática, gonadal e de outros órgãos. O uso integrado destes biomarcadores tem permitido avançar no conhecimento e na compreensão da toxicologia reprodutiva de peixes, tanto em estudos de campo como de laboratório. Devido a que na Colômbia existem escassas publicações sobre este tema de importância mundial, este artigo foi escrito com o objetivo de fazer um escrutínio do estado da arte sobre os problemas causados pelos DE e identificar as necessidades de pesquisa.

Vitellogenin levels in hemolymph, ovary and hepatopancreas of the freshwater crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae) during the reproductive cycle

The freshwater crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus is a tropical species of great interest for aquaculture. Vitellogenin (Vg), a lipoprotein precursor of the vitellum accumulated in spawned eggs, can be synthesized in the ovary and/or hepatopancreas of most crustaceans, being the hemolymph the way for transporting Vg throughout the reproductive cycle. Concentration of Vg in hemolymph, ovary and hepatopancreas of Cherax quadricarinatus adult females was measured by means of ELISA, specifically developed after purifying the native Vg. Measurements were made at four periods of the reproductive cycle: pre-reproductive, mid-reproductive, late reproductive and post-reproductive. Besides, both hepatosomatic (HSI) and gonadosomatic (GSI) indexes were determined in each period. Significant variations in Vg levels were detected in both hemolymph and hepatopancreas, being the highest values observed during the mid-reproductive period. Besides, such variations were positively correlated to the HSI. A positive correlation between Vg levels in hepatopancreas and ovary was also seen. These results support previous evidences about the central role of the hepatopancreas as a site of Vg synthesis in the studied species, together with the relevancy of hemolymph for transporting Vg from the hepatopancreas to the ovary. For aquaculture purposes, Vg monitoring in hemolymph could be used as a non-injurious method, to check the reproductive activity of C. quadricarinatus females.

La langosta de agua dulce Cherax quadricarinatus es una especie tropical de gran interés para la acuicultura. Se midió la concentración de vitelogenina (Vg) en hemolinfa, ovario y hepatopáncreas de hembras adultas de esta especie, por medio de ELISA. Las mediciones fueron hechas en los cuatro períodos del ciclo reproductivo: pre-reproductivo, reproductivo medio, reproductivo tardío y post-reproductivo. Se detectaron variaciones significativas en los niveles de Vg tanto en hemolinfa como en hepatopáncreas, se observó el mayor valor durante el período reproductivo medio. Además, tales variaciones se correlacionaron positivamente con el índice hepatosomático. Se observó además una correlación positiva de los niveles de Vg entre hepatopáncreas y ovario. Estos resultados apoyan evidencias previas sobre el papel central del hepatopáncreas como sitio de síntesis de Vg, en esta especie, y también enfatizan la importancia de la hemolinfa para el transporte de la Vg del hepatopáncreas al ovario. Para propósitos de acuicultura, la medición de Vg en hemolinfa podría ser utilizada como un método no lesivo, con el fin de constatar la actividad reproductiva de hembras de C. quadricarinatus.

Alterations of biochemical parameters in malformed Indian rice frogs, Rana limnocharis, from Southern Taiwan.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that cause malformed frogs in upstream Kaoping river (KP site) and Tungkang river (T site) of Southern Taiwan. In this experiment, the activities of monooxygenase (MO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AchE) as well as the concentration of vitellogenin (Vg) in the liver were measured. Results show that activities of MO, GST and AchE, and Vg levels in normal frogs (male/female) were 0.09±0.02/0.09±0.01 DA min-1 mg-1 protein, 0.12±0.04/0.13±0.04DA min-1 mg-1 protein, 6.13±2.69/6.01±2.09 U mg-1 protein and 0.87±0.42/2.18±0.50 μg mg-1 protein, respectively. Activities of MO, GST and AchE, and Vg levels in malformed frogs (male/female) were 0.15±0.04/0.21±0.07DA min- 1 mg-1 protein, 0.27±0.08/0.30±0.12DA min-1 mg-1 protein, 4.59±2.71/5.19±3.74 U mg-1 protein and 1.46±0.61/ 3.15±0.88μg mg-1 protein, respectively in KP site, and were 0.16±0.69/0.18±0.07DA min-1 mg-1 protein, 0.21±0.07/0.24±0.08DA min-1 mg-1 protein, 5.13±4.58/3.94±1.33 U mg-1 protein and 2.23±1.47/4.11±1.63 μg mg-1 protein, respectively in T site. These results indicate that male and female malformed frogs in both rivers upstream are found with higher activities. No significant difference in AchE activity was found between normal and malformed frogs in this investigation. It is therefore reasonable to speculate that the organic chemicals released from agricultural activities are presumable the main factors that lead to the malformation of frogs.

Characters that differ between diploid and haploid honey bee (Apis mellifera) drones

Diploid males have long been considered a curiosity contradictory to the haplo-diploid mode of sex determination in the Hymenoptera. In Apis mellifera, 'false' diploid male larvae are eliminated by worker cannibalism immediately after hatching. A 'cannibalism substance' produced by diploid drone larvae to induce worker-assisted suicide has been hypothesized, but it has never been detected. Diploid drones are only removed some hours after hatching. Older larvae are evidently not regarded as 'false males' and instead are regularly nursed by the brood-attending worker bees. As the pheromonal cues presumably are located on the surface of newly hatched bee larvae, we extracted the cuticular secretions and analyzed their chemical composition by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. Larvae were sexed and then reared in vitro for up to three days. The GC-MS pattern that was obtained, with alkanes as the major compounds, was compared between diploid and haploid drone larvae. We also examined some physical parameters of adult drones. There was no difference between diploid and haploid males in their weight at the day of emergence. The diploid adult drones had fewer wing hooks and smaller testes. The sperm DNA content was 0.30 and 0.15 pg per nucleus, giving an exact 2:1 ratio for the gametocytes of diploid and haploid drones, respectively. Vitellogenin was found in the hemolymph of both types of imaginal drones at 5 to 6 days, with a significantly lower titer in the diploids.

Isolation and identification of yolk proteins in Indian major carp, Labeo rohita.

Two yolk proteins (YP1 and YP2) from the ovaries of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita were isolated by gel filtration and partially characterized by the use of hydroxyapatite ultrogel column in conjunction with native PAGE. On native PAGE YP1 gave a single protein band, whereas YP2 of gel filtration revealed the contamination of YP1, which was removed by adsorption chromatography on hydroxyapatite ultrogel and then the YP2 was the purified one as judged by electrophoresis. Both YP1 and YP2 also stained for lipid and contained alkali-labile phosphorus. Therefore, both yolk proteins were lipophosphoprotein. The molecular weights of YP1 and YP2 were 620 kDa and 225 kDa respectively as determined by gel filtration on Sepharose 4B. When YP1 and YP2 were compared in relation to some physicochemical characteristics with yolk proteins of other oviparous vertebrates including fish, they were lipovitellin like. Antiserum to YP2 crossreacted with YP2 and vitellogenin suggesting that YP2 was the cleaved product of vitellogenin. Anti-YP2 antiserum was not crossreacted with native YP1, whereas reduced and/or denatured YP1 was crossreacted indicating the presence of antigenic determinants in the inner core region of YP1 polypeptide.

Current Status of Using Vitellogenin as A Biomarker to Screen Endocrine Disruptors / 环境与健康杂志

As harmful effect on human healh and on existence of biological population etiological system may caused by endocrine disruptors, it has become the focus of many studies of public health and environmental protection. This paper briefly summarized the current status of studies on the definition, classification, adverse effects and screening methods of endocrine disruptors, and also reviewed the scientific theory and advantages of vitellogenin that was qualified as a biomarker in screening environmental endocrine disruptors. On the basis of the matters mentioned above, the paper specifically introduced the principle, application, merits and shortcomings for methods for detecting vitellogenin protein and its encoding gene.