Ecdysis-related pleiotropic neuropeptides expression during Anopheles albimanus development / Expresión de neuropéptidos pleiotrópicos asociados con ecdisis durante el desarrollo del mosquito Anopheles albimanus

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the transcription pattern of neuropeptides in the ontogeny of a malaria vector, the mosquito Anopheles albimanus. Materials and methods: The transcription pattern of Crustacean CardioActive peptide (CCAP), corazonin, Ecdysis Triggering Hormone (ETH), allatostatin-A, orcokinin, Insulin Like Peptide 2 (ILP2), Insulin Like Peptide 5 (ILP5) and bursicon was evaluated using qPCR on larvae (1st - 4th instar), pupae and adult mosquitoes. Results: Unlike in other insects, transcripts of CCAP (70.8%), ETH (60.2%) and corazonin (76.5%) were expressed in 4th instar larvae, probably because these three neuropeptides are associated with the beginning of ecdysis. The neuropeptide ILP2 showed higher transcription levels in other stages and orcokinin decreased during the development of the mosquito. Conclusion: The CCAP, corazonin and ETH neuropeptides are potential targets for the design of control strategies aimed at disrupting An. albiamnus larval development.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir la expresión de neuropéptidos durante la ontogenia del mosquito vector de la malaria Anopheles albimanus. Material y métodos: Se midió la expresión de CCAP, corazonina, ETH, allatostatina, orcokinina, ILP2, ILP5 y bursicon en larvas de primer (2mm), segundo (4mm), tercer (5mm) y cuarto (6mm) estadio, pupas y mosquitos adultos, mediante qPCR. Resultados. A diferencia de otros insectos en donde, CCAP, corazonina y ETH se expresan principalmente en estadios pupales, en An. albimanus se expresaron mayoritariamente en larvas de cuarto estadio, CCAP tuvo 70.8% de expresión relativa, corazonina 76.5% y ETH 60.2%. ILP2 fue el neuropéptido que más se expresó en el primer, segundo y tercer estadio y orcokinina disminuyó durante el desarrollo del mosquito. Conclusión. Los péptidos estudiados se expresaron en todos los estadios de desarrollo del mosquito. Sin embargo, su expresión varió en cada uno de ellos. Los neuropéptidos CCAP, corazonina y ETH, que son esenciales para la transformación de lavas a pupas, pueden ser blancos potenciales para el diseño de estrategias de control dirigidas a interrumpir el desarrollo larvario de An. albimanus.

Expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide and its type I receptor mRNAs in human placenta

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) was first isolated from ovine hypothalamus and was known to stimulate the release of growth factor in various cells. Recently, we reported the cellular localization of PACAP and its type I (PAC1 ) receptor in rat placenta during pregnancy. Placenta is a critical organ that synthesizes several growth factors and angiogenic factors for the fetal development and its own growth. However, there is little information regarding the cellular localization of PACAP and its receptor in human placenta at various gestations. The aim of the present study was to define the expression and distribution of PACAP and PAC1 receptor mRNAs in the human placenta during the pregnancy period. PACAP and PAC1 receptor mRNAs were expressed in stroma cells of stem villi and terminal villi. At the early stage, on 7 and 14 weeks, PACAP and PAC1 receptor genes were moderately expressed in stroma cells surrounding the blood vessels within stem villi. These genes were strongly expressed in stroma cells of stem villi and terminal villi on 24 and 38 weeks. The expression of these genes was increased as gestation advanced, and localized in the same areas. Localization of PACAP and PAC1 receptor demonstrate the evidence that PACAP may play an important role, as an autoregulator or pararegulator via its PAC1 receptor. In conclusion, our findings strongly suggest that PACAP may have a critical role in physiological function of the placenta for gestational maintenance and fetal growth.

Neuropeptídios e dermatologia / Neuropeptides and dermatology

Os autores apresentam novos conceitos científicos dosneuropeptídeos, que atuam como neurotransmissores, neuro moduladores e neuro hormônios. Sua participaçäo na imunidade cutânea, nos processos de cicatrizaçäo e doenças crônicas da pele, säo evidentes. Os neuropeptídeos agem como mensageiros químicos, interligando o cérebro com os receptores da pele. Existem mais de cinqüenta neuropeptídeos envolvidos na transmissäo de sinais entre as células nervosas e o sistema auto-imune. Säo produzidos na pele neuropeptídeos opióides, que atuariam nas dores e emoçöes, promovendo a integraçäo do sistema neuroimunocutâneo. Uma das propostas do trabalho é uma visäo integrativa da Dermatologia na medicina geral.

Effect of certain pharmacological agents on some neuropepyides and adrenal hormones in stressed rats. an evidence for a specific role in stress ulcerogenesis

This work aimed to study the effect of certain pharmacological agents [6-hydroxydopamine [6HD], metyrapone and naloxone]] on plasma adrenal hormones [corticosterone, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine], brain and mucosal somatostatin and prostaglandin E2 [PGE2] as well as mucosal beta-endorphin in rats exposed to restraint stress. The specific actions of the different drugs used in this study helped to delineate the relative contribution of the different components in the pathogenesis of stress ulceration. The sympatho-adrenal medullary activity appears to be protective and neutralize the ulcerogenic effects involving the vagal activation and opioid mechanisms. Meanwhile, the adreno-cortical activity through the glucocorticoids appear to offer a permissive role in ulcer development