Spectroscopic study of honey from Apis mellifera from different regions in Mexico.

The objective of this study was to analyze by Raman and UV-Vis-NIR Spectroscopic techniques, Mexican honey from Apis Mellífera, using representative samples with different botanic origins (unifloral and multifloral) and diverse climates. Using Raman spectroscopy together with principal components analysis, the results obtained represent the possibility to use them for determination of floral origin of honey, independently of the region of sampling. For this, the effect of heat up the honey was analyzed in relation that it was possible to greatly reduce the fluorescence background in Raman spectra, which allowed the visualization of fructose and glucose peaks. Using UV-Vis-NIR, spectroscopy, a characteristic spectrum profile of transmittance was obtained for each honey type. In addition, to have an objective characterization of color, a CIE Yxy and CIE L*a*b* colorimetric register was realized for each honey type. Applying the principal component analysis and their correlation with chromaticity coordinates allowed classifying the honey samples in one plot as: cutoff wavelength, maximum transmittance, tones and lightness. The results show that it is possible to obtain a spectroscopic record of honeys with specific characteristics by reducing the effects of fluorescence.

Amino acid contents along the visual and equatorial axes of a pig lens by Raman spectroscopy.

Using near infrared Raman microspectroscopy with laser light of 830 nm, the distribution of amino acids along the visual and equatorial axes of a normal pig lens was studied. The classification of pig lens Raman spectra in these axes was performed using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis. The analysis of the scattered light selectively collected from point to point, along the visual axis, indicated that the tyrosine and tryptophan increases and then, at approximately 4 mm position, decreases. Moreover, in the equatorial plane, the nuclear part has the highest concentration of these amino acids. However, the phenylalanine content increases from anterior to posterior cortex of the lens as long as in the equatorial axis it slightly increases and then at approximately 2-2.3 mm position, decreases. The changes in amino acid conformation along the visual axis, similarly to the changes in protein conformation, may explain the refractive gradient of the lens.

Study of the protein distribution in the pig lens cross section by Raman spectroscopy.

The distribution of proteins in the cross section of a normal pig lens was studied by near-infrared Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra were measured in the visual and equatorial axes of this cross section and the protein peak intensities were determined. It was found that along each axis the protein intensities fluctuate. They have a considerable increment along the visual axis with the exception of the C-N bond peak intensities at 1087.2 cm(-1), which decrease, and along the equatorial axis the increment is slight. This increment in protein distribution along the visual axis is related with the refractive gradient of the lens. The classification of pig lens spectra in these axes was performed using principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Cross-validation shows an excellent group separation.

Effect of Equine Hypothalamic Extract on hormone secretion by the adenohypophysis of rats.

The effect of Equine Hypothalamic Extract (EHE) on pituitary weight and secretion of TSH, FSH-LH and ACTH was studied in the rat. The pituitary response to EHE was assessed by measuring 131I uptake by the thyroid and by weight changes of the pituitary glands, thyroids, adrenals, ovaries and uteri. 131I uptake of the thyroid and weights of the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and uterus increased in the treated rats, whereas ovarian weights were similar to control groups. These findings indicate that the EHE containes hypophysiotropic peptides which can stimulate the secretion of pituitary hormones in the rat.

Effect of the exposure to chronic-intermittent cold on the thyrotropin and thyroid hormones in the rat.

Rats exposed to acute cold (4 degrees C for 2 h), chronic cold (4 degrees C), and chronic-intermittent cold (4 degrees C for 2 h daily) were killed after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10 days of cold exposure. The control group was maintained at 25 degrees C. In each animal, the plasma concentration of thyrotropine (THS), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) was determined by radioimmunoassay. At the initial time of exposure, elevations in TSH, T3, and T4 were observed in the rats in each experimental group. However, on the 10th day, in rats exposed to chronic-intermittent cold, TSH, T3, and T4 decreased to values lower than the control values. In animals exposed to acute cold as well as to chronic cold no differences were found, with respect to the controls, in TSH and T4. In rats exposed to acute cold for 10 days, the T3 value was lower than the control value; however, in animals exposed to chronic cold, T3 was same as that in the controls. The results indicate that, in the rat, exposure to chronic-intermittent cold produces an inhibition in the secretion of TSH and thyroid hormones.

Technical note: removal of the unfragmented pituitary gland (hypophysectomy) in the rat.

A technique to excise the pituitary gland (hypophysis) in rats is described. The basisphenoid bone is reached from the ventral neck and is perforated to expose the pituitary gland and its stalk. An aspirator allows the removal of the hypophysis and the stalk, including pars tuberalis, in one piece. The advantages of this new technique include: 1) immediate verification of the entirety of hypophysectomy; 2) broad operating field which exposes the pituitary stalk up to the hypothalamus; 3) the use of tracheal intubation and artificial respiration to improve postoperative recovery and to allow expanded operation field even during prolonged surgery. Pre- and postoperative care are described. The mean survival rate after this type of operation was 79% in rats weighing 50 to 130 g and 90% in rats larger than 130 g.