Colocalization pattern of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide and parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the hippocampus proper of the chinchilla.

This study set out to investigate, for the first time, the distribution and colocalization pattern of cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and one of the calcium binding- -proteins: parvalbumin (PV) in the chinchilla's hippocampus proper (HP). HP, consisting of Ammon's horn (CA) and the dentate gyrus (DG), is an important component of the limbic system, involved in learning and memory processes. CA showed a higher immunoreactivity of CART (-IR) compared to DG. CART-IR neurons were mainly observed in the molecular layer of DG and in the pyramidal layer of CA. CART-IR fibers were present in the granular layer; in the hilus numerous mossy fibers were detected, while in the molecular layer CART-IR fibers were not found. In all CA fields (CA1-CA3), CART-IR fibers were only present in the lacuno- sum-molecular layer. Immunofluorescence with double- labeling showed that only CART-IR cells stained positive for PV, whereas in CART-IR fibers there was no PV-positive reaction. Our research supplements missing knowledge about the distribution and colocalization pattern of CART with PV in the chinchilla's hippocampus, and also provides a better understanding of the similarities and differences among individuals of the same species and also with other mammals.

The influence of bilberry fruit on memory and the expression of parvalbumin in the rat hippocampus.

Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible effect of bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) supplement in a daily diet on the cognitive behaviour of the rats and the expression of paravalbumin (PV) in populations of hippocampal neurons. It has been postulated that the antioxidants present in bilberry fruit may act as neuroprotective factors playing also a significant role as memory enhancements. Forty Wistar rats with a similar average body weight (460 ± 0.4 g) were divided into four groups (n=10 per group). The control group received standard feed (210 g/week), whereas animals of experimental groups received standard feed supplemented with bilberry (per os) at consumed doses of 2 g (group I), 5 g (group II), and 10 g/kg b.w./ /day (group III). After three months of feeding with bilberry, the modified elevated plus-maze test (mEPM) was performed. After 32 weeks of feeding, brains were collected and PV-immunoreactive (ir) neurons were immunohistochemically visualized. In the modified elevated plus-maze test, transfer latency examined 2 h and 24 h after the acquisition session was significantly shorter (p⟨0.05) in the group II in comparison with the control group. In CA1 and CA2/CA3 hippocampal fields as well as dentate gyrus of all experimental groups, a significant (p⟨0.05) decrease in number of PV-ir neurons were found. In relation to the control group, the mean subpopulation of PV-ir neurons found in groups II and III were significantly reduced. The subpopulations of PV-ir neurons found in DG of all experimental groups were significantly reduced in comparison to the control. In conclusion the in the present paper we demonstrated a relationship between the diet rich in a bilberry fruit and process of memory as well as numbers of calcium- binding protein-expressing hippocampal neurons. Our results may be source of basic knowledge for further research aiming at neuroprotective role of the bilberry fruit.

Effect of feeding with bilberry fruit on the expression pattern of αCaMKII in hippocampal neurons in normal and diabetic rats.

αCaMKII, widely occurring in the central nervous system, plays a significant role in cognitive processes. It is well known that diabetes is a risk factor that may trigger brain atrophy, cognitive dysfunction and finally lead to memory loss. Antioxidants richly present in bilberry fruits are believed to have significant effects on diabetes-related brain dysfunctions mainly due to their abilities to modulate neurotransmitter release that lead to reduction of the negative impact of free radicals on cognitive processes. The aim of the present research was to immunohistochemically investigate the expression patterns of αCaMKII in hippocampal neurons from non-diabetic, diabetic and diabetic rats fed with an extract of bilberry fruit. The obtained results show that in comparison to the control group, in diabetic rats hippocampal neurons immunoreactive (ir) to αCaMKII were swollen and the lengths of the neuronal fibres were reduced. Further study shows that in diabetic rats fed with bilberry fruit, αCaMKII-positive nerve fibres were significantly longer when compared to the groups of diabetic and control rats. Additionally, we observed statistically significant changes in the average larger diameter of αCaMKII-ir hippocampal neurons between groups of diabetic rats (with vs. without supplement of bilberry fruit). The results of the present work suggest that antioxidants present in bilberry fruits influence the morphology of and possibly exhibit beneficial and neuroprotective effects on hippocampal neurons during diabetes. It is likely that changes in the appearance of αCaMKII-expressed hippocampal neurons may reflect the diabetes-evoked rise in Ca2+ level in the cerebral nerve terminals. The present research extends our knowledge of preventive mechanisms for cognitive dysfunctions occurring in the brain during diabetes.

Distribution and immunohistochemical characteristics of cocaine- and amphetamineregulated transcript-positive nerve elements in the pelvic ganglia of the female pig.

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are widely expressed not only in the brain but also in numerous endocrine/neuroendocrine cells as well as in neurons of the peripheral nervous system. The present study investigated the distribution patterns of CART-like immunoreactivity in the pelvic plexus (PP) of the female pig. The co-expression of CART with principal neurotransmitter markers: choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), serotonin (5-HT) or biologically active neuropeptides: pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), substance P (SP), calbindin was analyzed using double immunohistochemical stainings. Amongst neurons immunopositive to Hu C/D panneuronal marker as many as 4.1 ± 1.2% in right and 4.4 ± 1.6% in left pelvic ganglia were found to express CART. The vast majority of CART-IR ganglionic neurons were predominantly small in size and were evenly scattered throughout particular ganglia. Immunoreactivity to CART was also detected in numerous nerve terminals (which frequently formed pericellular formations around CART-negative perikarya) as well as in numerous nerve fibres within nerve branches interconnecting the unilateral pelvic ganglia. Immunohistochemistry revealed that virtually all CART-IR neurons were cholinergic in nature and CART-IR basket-like formations frequently encircled TH-positive/CART-negative perikarya. None of CART-IR ganglionic neurons showed immunoreactivity to SP, PACAP, 5-HT or calbindin. CART-IR nerve fibres ran in a close vicinity to serotonin-containing cells or faintly labelled SP-expressing neurons. On the other hand, PACAP-IR, SP-IR (but not 5-HT-positive) nerve terminals were found to run in close proximity to CART-IR neurons. Our results indicate that: 1) CART present in PP may influence the activity of pelvic ganglionic neurons/SIF cells, 2) PP should be considered as a potential source of CART-like supply to pelvic viscera and 3) functional interactions between CART and SP or PACAP are possible at the periphery.

Immunocytochemical detection of calretinin in the claustrum and endopiriform nucleus of the chinchilla.

Calretinin (CR) as a buffer and sensor protein plays an important role in regulatory processes of Ca²âº and anty-apoptotic cellular protection. In the present study, immunohistochemical peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method was used in order to determine the numbers, morphology, morphometry and distribution pattern of CR in neurons of the chinchilla's claustrum (Cl) and endopiriform nucleus (EN). In Cl and EN the presence of several classes of neurons with different immunoreactivity to CR was found. In Cl, CR-immunoreactive (IR) neurons were predominantly found in close vicinity to insular border while CR-IR neurons were evenly scattered throughout EN. In general, immunoreaction to CR was observed in neuronal cytoplasm, nucleus and in fibres-like nerve extensions. Statistical analysis showed the differences between average large diameter as well as cross-sectional area of CR-IR neurons present in Cl and EN. It is suggested, that CR acting as a calcium binding protein may play a role in neuronal network. Further co-localization studies are necessary to fully elucidate neurophysiology and neuropathology of the chinchilla's Cl and EN neurons.

Nanoplasma dynamics of single large xenon clusters irradiated with superintense x-ray pulses from the linac coherent light source free-electron laser.

The plasma dynamics of single mesoscopic Xe particles irradiated with intense femtosecond x-ray pulses exceeding 10(16) W/cm2 from the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser are investigated. Simultaneous recording of diffraction patterns and ion spectra allows eliminating the influence of the laser focal volume intensity and particle size distribution. The data show that for clusters illuminated with intense x-ray pulses, highly charged ionization fragments in a narrow distribution are created and that the nanoplasma recombination is efficiently suppressed.

Chemical composition and inherent properties of offal from calves maintained under two production systems.

The aim was to evaluate the influence of organ and calf type on the chemical composition, mineral concentration, fatty acid profile and inherent properties in offal. Organ type influenced (p<0.01) all evaluated characteristics, whereas calf type to a lesser extent affected mineral content. The highest contents of K, Zn and Fe were found in liver. The heart of veal calves contained the highest contents of Mg and Mn. In addition, the most favorable fatty acid profile was also found in hearts, by reason of the lowest SFA and highest PUFA percentage and h/H ratio. Significantly higher values of PUFA percentage, PUFA/SFA ratio, and content of CLA were found in organs of suckler beef, which is associated with the beneficial effects of grazing on the fatty acid profile. Results could help to increase the consumption of calves' offal and its utilization in meat processing.

Blood haematological profile and meat colour of calves slaughtered in summer and autumn season.

The purpose of this study was to compare the haematological profile and meat colour of calves slaughtered in summer and autumn. The material covered 42 calves chosen randomly i.e. 22 slaughtered in summer (June-August) and 20 in autumn (October-December). Haematological analyses included haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin level (HGB), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets (PLT). The morphology of the erythrocytes and platelets, and differentiation of leucocytes were examined. The colour of meat was evaluated instrumentally by Minolta CIE L*a*b* and haematin pigment content was determined. The blood haemoglobin content in calves in the compared seasons was similar (11.3 g/L) and found within a normal range. Blood of calves from the autumn season showed higher HCT, RBC, and MCV values with concurrent lower MCH and MCHC values in comparison to the summer season. Blood of calves slaughtered in summer showed a higher content of WBC and a significantly higher percentage of lymphocytes as against blood of calves from the autumn. Meat of calves from the summer season was paler (higher L* value), and had a significantly (p < or = 0.05) higher proportion of yellowness (b*). A brighter colour of meat from calves presented for slaughter in the summer season was noted along with a lower content of haematin pigments. Significant correlations were found between haematological variables (HGB, HCT and RBC, particularly) and haematin pigment content and meat lightness (L*) and redness (a*).

Polymorphism of caprine milk alphas1-casein in relation to performance of four Polish goat breeds.

Polymorphism of goat milk alphas1-casein was determined and potential relations between genetic variants of this protein fraction and goat performance were evaluated. The investigations were performed on 598 goats assigned to of 4 breed groups (White improved 254 units, Coloured improved--124, White non-improved--146 and Coloured non-improved--74). For each goat, alphas1-casein polymorphism was determined in polyacrylamide gel by the PAGE-SDS method and percentage of milk alphas1-casein and gene frequency established. There was evaluated goat performance at successive lactations. In the goat population investigated, AA, AB, BB, AE, BE and EE alphas1-casein genotypes were identified. In all four breeds, alphas1-casein genotype EE clearly predominated (27.2-39.2%), recognized as "medium" and its share was higher in the groups of non-improved goats. It was conditioned by high frequency of gene E alphas1-casein (0.419-0.622). Generally, EE genotype percentage was higher in the non-improved goat groups. The improved goats, though, obtained higher productivity in each of the lactation studied. Analysis of relationships between alphas1-casein genetic variants and goats performance confirmed a significant influence on milk, protein and fat yields only in the Coloured improved goat group. There was revealed a more general tendency indicating a significant impact of "strong" alphas1-casein genotypes on a concentration of basic milk components, i.e. fat and protein, especially casein. In a group of goats producing milk of the highest casein content (over 2.4%) and protein (over 3.0%), the animals showing "strong" alphas1-casein variants dominated (85 and 70 %).

Coadsorption of Cd(II) and oxalate ions at the TiO2/electrolyte solution interface.

The study of the adsorptions of cadmium and oxalate ions at the titania/electrolyte interface and the changes of the electrical double layer (edl) structure in this system are presented. The adsorption of cadmium or oxalate ions was calculated from an uptake of their concentration from the solution. The concentration of Cd(II) or oxalate ions in the solution was determined by radiotracer method. For labeling the solution 14C and 115Cd isotopes were used. Coadsorption of Cd(II) and oxalic ions was determined simultaneously. Besides, the main properties of the edl, i.e., surface charge density and zeta potential were determined by potentiometer titration and electrophoresis measurements, respectively. The adsorption of cadmium ions increases with pH increase and shifts with an increase of the initial concentration of Cd(II) ions towards higher pH values. The adsorption process causes an increase of negatively charged sites on anatase and a decrease of the zeta potential with an increase of initial concentration of these ions. The adsorption of oxalate anions at the titania/electrolyte interface proceeds through the exchange with hydroxyl groups. A decrease of pH produces an increase of adsorption of oxalate ions. The processes of anion adsorption lead to increase the number of the positively charged sites at the titania surface. However, specific adsorption of bidenate ligand as oxalate on one surface hydroxyl group may form inner sphere complexes on the metal oxide surface and may overcharge the compact part of the edl. The presence of oxalate ions in the system affects the adsorption of Cd(II) ions on TiO2, increasing the adsorption at low pH range and decreasing the adsorption at high pH range. Using adsorption as a function of pH data, some characteristic parameters of adsorption envelope were calculated.

Influence of Metizol ("polfa") on the liver of pregnant rats.

Drugs are the largest group of substances inactivated by the liver. They may have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the system of hepatic enzymes. Metizol is a thyrostatic belonging to the group of trimidazole derivatives. Its mechanism of action consists in inhibition of triiodothyronine++ and thyroxin secretion by the thyroid, owing to inactivation of the enzymes causing iodination of the thyrosine groups of thyroglobulin. This relatively little toxic drug when used for a prolonged period may lead to hyperaemia of the thyroid, and in pregnant women (by passing through the placenta) its side effects may threaten the foetus. The future mother affected with hyperthyroidism should receive full Metizol doses to avoid the danger of a thyroid crisis. A radical improvement of her health should be reached before childbirth.

Studies on the effect of stress on the estrus cycle in rats.

Rats were studied for susceptibility to restraint stress in different phases of the estrus cycle. Susceptibility was measured by the duration of disorders of the estrus cycle. It was found that in proestrus and estrus the disorders of the cycle were most prolonged. During lower sexual activity female rats showed considerable resistance to stress, disorders of the estrus cycle being short-lasting.