UV-R mitigation strategies in encapsulated embryos of the intertidal gastropod Acanthina monodon: A way to compensate for lack of parental care.

Intracapsular embryonic development in the intertidal zone exposes embryos to various stress sources characteristic of this environment, including UV-R. They require defensive mechanisms to mitigate its adverse effects. The presence of total carotenoids (TC), and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) was studied in adults, in encapsulated embryos, and in the egg capsule walls of the intertidal gastropod Acanthina monodon. Oxygen consumption rates (OCR) were determined in encapsulated and excapsulated embryos exposed to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and PAR + UV-A + UV-B to understand if the capsule wall is a protective structure for encapsulated embryos. The results showed the presence of TC in adult pedal and gonad tissues, and in all encapsulated stages. MAAs were not detected. The physical structure of the capsule wall retained most wavelengths, being particularly efficient in the UV-B range. Excapsulated embryos exposed to PAR + UV-A + UV-B radiation increased its OCR compared to encapsulated embryos, indicating the protective character of the capsule wall.

Liver angiotensinogen synthesis and release during captopril treatment in sodium-depleted rats.

In vivo generation of angiotensins depends upon both plasma renin and angiotensinogen concentrations. Those factors which may influence hepatic angiotensinogen synthesis and release were examined. We have evaluated in vivo the effects of converting enzyme inhibition on several plasma renin-angiotensin system components, and, using an in vitro preparation of liver slices, we also investigated the effects of converting enzyme inhibition on the synthesis and release of hepatic angiotensinogen. Angiotensinogen concentrations were determined by two different methods. The first was an indirect enzymatic assay which measures the amount of angiotensin I liberated from plasma by an excess of renin. The second was a direct RIA that measures both angiotensinogen and its inactive residue the des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. The difference between the methods represents the circulating levels of des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. Captopril administration in sodium-depleted rats increased plasma concentrations of renin, des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen, and angiotensin I and decreased plasma angiotensinogen concentration measured by both methods. Plasma des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen was significantly correlated to plasma renin concentration, which suggests an increase in the consumption of angiotensinogen when the renin secretion is extremely increased. The angiotensinogen liver content and in vitro angiotensinogen release were decreased in sodium-depleted rats treated with a converting enzyme inhibitor, and these parameters were negatively correlated to in vivo plasma levels of renin, angiotensin I, and des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. They were positively correlated to plasma angiotensinogen concentration measured by the indirect assay. These data suggest that captopril administration during sodium depletion has two simultaneous effects: it increases angiotensinogen consumption and second, decreases angiotensinogen production and release.

Angiotensinogen production and consumption in the adrenalectomized rat.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which angiotensinogen decreases after adrenalectomy. Plasma angiotensinogen was measured by two different methods: an indirect assay, which measures angiotensin I liberated from the plasma by an excess of renin, and a direct RIA, which measures both angiotensinogen and des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. In the normal rat angiotensinogen concentrations were found to be slightly, but not significantly, higher using the direct assay. After adrenalectomy a large discrepancy was observed between the indirect assay, which showed a considerable drop in plasma angiotensinogen levels, and the direct assay, which revealed a small but significant decrease. This discrepancy arose from the presence of a molecule that cross-reacts with angiotensinogen antibodies, and has a more acidic pI in isoelectric focusing than angiotensinogen: des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen. This molecule accumulates in adrenalectomized rat plasma. The decrease in plasma angiotensinogen levels, measured by the indirect assay, could not be explained by a decrease in angiotensinogen production, as this was unchanged in the in vitro liver slice system, but was caused by an increase in angiotensinogen consumption, due to a rise in the plasma concentration of renin. Renin concentration shows a negative correlation with angiotensinogen (as measured by the indirect assay), and a positive correlation with des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen level. Moreover, mineralocorticoids were shown to correct both renin and angiotensinogen concentrations, whereas a replacement dose of glucocorticoids (dexamethasone) had no effect on the level of renin or angiotensinogen, as measured by the indirect assay. We conclude that after adrenalectomy, plasma angiotensinogen decreases, due to an increase in renin production. A parallel accumulation of des-angiotensin I-angiotensinogen is observed.