Development of D-π-A organic dyes for discriminating HSA from BSA and study on dye-HSA interaction

HSA (human serum albumin), a most abundant protein in blood serum, plays a key role in maintaining human health. Abnormal HSA level is correlated with many diseases, and thus has been used as an essential biomarker for therapeutic monitoring and biomedical diagnosis. Development of small-molecule fluorescent probes allowing the selective and sensitive recognition of HSA in in vitro and in vivo is of fundamental importance in basic biological research as well as medical diagnosis. Herein, we reported a series of new synthesized fluorescent dyes containing D-π-A constitution, which exhibited different optical properties in solution and solid state. Among them, dye M-H-SO3 with a hydrophilic sulfonate group at electron-acceptor part displayed selectivity for discrimination of HSA from BSA and other enzymes. Upon binding of dye M-H-SO3 with HSA, a significant fluorescence enhancement with a turn-on ratio about 96-fold was triggered. The detection limit was estimated to be ∼ 40 nM. Studies on the interaction mechanism revealed that dye M-H-SO3 could bind to site III of HSA with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Furthermore, dye M-H-SO3 has been applied to determine HSA in real urine samples with good recoveries, which provided a useful method for HSA analysis in biological fluids.

A single photoreceptor splits perception and entrainment by cotransmission

Vision enables both image-forming perception, driven by a contrast-based pathway, and unconscious non-image-forming circadian photoentrainment, driven by an irradiance-based pathway1,2. Although two distinct photoreceptor populations are specialized for each visual task3-6, image-forming photoreceptors can additionally contribute to photoentrainment of the circadian clock in different species7-15. However, it is unknown how the image-forming photoreceptor pathway can functionally implement the segregation of irradiance signals required for circadian photoentrainment from contrast signals required for image perception. Here we report that the Drosophila R8 photoreceptor separates image-forming and irradiance signals by co-transmitting two neurotransmitters, histamine and acetylcholine. This segregation is further established postsynaptically by histamine-receptor-expressing unicolumnar retinotopic neurons and acetylcholine-receptor-expressing multicolumnar integration neurons. The acetylcholine transmission from R8 photoreceptors is sustained by an autocrine negative feedback of the cotransmitted histamine during the light phase of light-dark cycles. At the behavioural level, elimination of histamine and acetylcholine transmission impairs R8-driven motion detection and circadian photoentrainment, respectively. Thus, a single type of photoreceptor can achieve the dichotomy of visual perception and circadian photoentrainment as early as the first visual synapses, revealing a simple yet robust mechanism to segregate and translate distinct sensory features into different animal behaviours.

[A case of delayed peripheral neuropathy caused by diquat poisoning]

Diquat is a kind of conductive contact-killing herbicides. The damage of central nervous system is relatively common, but the peripheral neuropathy caused by diquat has not been reported yet. In September 2021, we treated a patient with diquat poisoning. During the hospitalization, the patient was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Therapy for peripheral nerve injury was given on the basis of conventional treatment of poisoning. The patient was discharged after his condition was stable. The follow-up showed that the peripheral neuropathy of patient was better than before. According to the condition of this patient, it is suggested that we should not only protect the function of gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, and central nervous system early, but should also pay attention to the damage of peripheral nervous system in clinical work. We should intervene earlier to improve the prognosis of patients.

[Research progression of gene fusion detection technology based on next generation sequencing in tumor companion diagnostics]

Gene fusion is one of the mechanisms that promote tumor development. It is also an important cause for the poor prognosis of patients. The detection of gene fusion is crucial for the recognition of tumor biomarker, cancer subtype classification, and clinical medication guidance. Appropriate methods can help the early diagnosis and avoid ineffective medication. Traditional tests include fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), reverse transcription of PCR (RT-PCR), and next generation sequencing (NGS). The next generation sequencing (NGS) mainly includes: whole genome sequencing (WGS), whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) and target sequencing (hybridization capture method/amplicon method). In clinical concomitant diagnostic applications, some factors such as operability, time/money costs, and the level of expertise required for data analysis should be considered. This article concludes with a discussion of the technical principles of different detection methods and advantages/limitations. Meanwhile, it provides reference opinions for the detection methods of gene fusion.

A variant-proof SARS-CoV-2 vaccine targeting HR1 domain in S2 subunit of spike protein

The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, commonly with many mutations in S1 subunit of spike (S) protein are weakening the efficacy of the current vaccines and antibody therapeutics. This calls for the variant-proof SARS-CoV-2 vaccines targeting the more conserved regions in S protein. Here, we designed a recombinant subunit vaccine, HR121, targeting the conserved HR1 domain in S2 subunit of S protein. HR121 consisting of HR1-linker1-HR2-linker2-HR1, is conformationally and functionally analogous to the HR1 domain present in the fusion intermediate conformation of S2 subunit. Immunization with HR121 in rabbits and rhesus macaques elicited highly potent cross-neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, particularly Omicron sublineages. Vaccination with HR121 achieved near-full protections against prototype SARS-CoV-2 infection in hACE2 transgenic mice, Syrian golden hamsters and rhesus macaques, and effective protection against Omicron BA.2 infection in Syrian golden hamsters. This study demonstrates that HR121 is a promising candidate of variant-proof SARS-CoV-2 vaccine with a novel conserved target in the S2 subunit for application against current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Assembly and purification of AvrSr35-induced Sr35 resistosome and determination of its structure by cryo-EM

Sr35, a coiled-coil nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptor (CC-NLR) from the wheat species Triticum monococcum can directly recognize the pathogen avirulence factor AvrSr35 and confers immunity against wheat stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici race Ug99. Assembly of a stable Sr35 resistosome induced by AvrSr35 in vitro is usually limited by protein expression and low assembly efficiency. Here, we describe the expression and purification of AvrSr35 and Sr35, in vitro assembly of Sr35 resistosome for structure determination by cryo-EM.

For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhao et al. (2022).

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Expression and purification of recombinant plant NLR Sr35 proteins in mg quantities

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Protocol for assembly of stable AvrSr35 induced Sr35 resistosome invitro

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Sr35 resistosome subjected to cryo-EM analysis produces high resolution

Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

[Willingness to use the three types of pre-exposure prophylaxis and associated factors among men who have sex with men in Chengdu]

Objective: To investigate the willingness to use three types of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and its associated factors among MSM in Chengdu. Methods: A total of 793 MSM were recruited through Chengdu Tongle Health Consultation Service Centre between November 2021 to January 2022. Data were collected, including demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors in the last six months, PrEP-related stigma, HIV anticipated stigma, MSM internalized stigma, and willingness to use three types of PrEP. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to investigate the associated factors of willingness in using the three types of PrEP. Results: Among 793 participants, willingness to take on-demand PrEP was higher (68.3%). Higher education and multiple sexual partners increased the willingness to use oral PrEP, higher education [compared with junior high school or below, high school or technical secondary school (aOR=2.43, 95%CI: 1.13-5.21), junior college (aOR=2.67, 95%CI: 1.27-5.61), bachelor degree (aOR=3.21, 95%CI: 1.52-6.74), master degree or above (aOR=3.77, 95%CI: 1.54-9.26)], multiple sexual partners (aOR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.12-2.11) were positively associated with daily oral PrEP. HIV anticipated stigma was positively associated with the willingness in using all three types of PrEP: daily oral PrEP (aOR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.02-1.12), on-demand PrEP (aOR=1.09, 95%CI: 1.03-1.15), and injectable PrEP every 8 week (aOR=1.06, 95%CI: 1.01-1.11). Conclusions: The overall willingness in using PrEP in MSM in Chengdu is relatively high, and the promotion of PrEP is highly feasible. In the future, we should continue to promote publicity and education on HIV and PrEP-related knowledge in this population, improve the cognitive level, and guide MSM to establish the correct motivation for PrEP use.

Pathogen effector AvrSr35 triggers Sr35 resistosome assembly via a direct recognition mechanism

Nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) perceive pathogen effectors to trigger plant immunity. The direct recognition mechanism of pathogen effectors by coiled-coil NLRs (CNLs) remains unclear. We demonstrate that the Triticum monococcum CNL Sr35 directly recognizes the pathogen effector AvrSr35 from Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici and report a cryo-electron microscopy structure of Sr35 resistosome and a crystal structure of AvrSr35. We show that AvrSr35 forms homodimers that are disassociated into monomers upon direct recognition by the leucine-rich repeat domain of Sr35, which induces Sr35 resistosome assembly and the subsequent immune response. The first 20 amino-terminal residues of Sr35 are indispensable for immune signaling but not for plasma membrane association. Our findings reveal the direct recognition and activation mechanism of a plant CNL and provide insights into biochemical function of Sr35 resistosome.

The first mitochondrial genome of the living-fossil sawfly Macroxyela ferruginea (Hymenoptera: Xyelidae, Macroxyelinae)

The living-fossil sawfly Macroxyela ferruginea (Xyelidae: Macroxyelinae) was one of the oldest species of Hymenoptera. We sequenced the mitochondrial genome, 15,465 bp in size. All 37 typical mitochondrial genes were possessed. There is only one rearrangement of gene order, where trnM and trnQ were shuffled. We also found this order was shared with Xyela sp., which also belongs to family Xyelidae. The 13 protein-coding genes of this sequence and the other 10 species from eight superfamilies in Hymenoptera were all used for phylogenetic analysis by maximum likelihood (ML) analysis and Bayesian inference (BI), with Ascaloptynx appendiculatus from Neuroptera as an outgroup. The topology demonstrated that M. ferruginea was sister to Xyela sp., supporting that they belong to one family Xyelidae.

[The efficacy and safety of tiotropium/olodaterol fixed-dose combination in Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pooled subgroup analysis of TONADO 1+2]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of tiotropium/olodaterol with the mono-components in Chinese and total study population from TONADO trial. Methods: In the replicate, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled, randomized, 52-week, Phase Ⅲ TONADO studies (TONADO 1+2), patients received tiotropium/olodaterol, tiotropium, or olodaterol via the Respimat(®) Inhaler (Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany). Primary end points were forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) area under the curve from 0 to 3 hours (AUC(0-3h)) response and trough FEV(1) response, and St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) total score at 24 weeks. Adverse events were also collected. This subgroup analysis only focused on the efficacy and safety of the drug at the approved dose in China. Results: 548 Chinese patients were randomized, aged 41 to 82 years [mean age, (63±8) years] and most were male (526, 96%), 111 received tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 μg, and 127 received tiotropium 5 μg and 95 received olodaterol 5 μg. The baseline characteristics of these groups were similar. After 24 weeks, treatment with tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 μg, tiotropium 5 μg and olodaterol 5 μg resulted in an adjusted mean FEV(1) AUC(0-3h) response of 0.240, 0.157 and 0.079 L, and trough FEV(1) response of 0.117, 0.068 and-0.001 L, respectively. Tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 μg significantly improved SGRQ scores in Chinese patients compared with olodaterol 5 μg (32.729 and 37.202, respectively). Generally, the safety profile of tiotropium/olodaterol was comparable with mono-components in 52 weeks. Conclusion: Compared with tiotropium or olodaterol, tiotropium/olodaterol in Chinese patients provided significant improvement in lung function and quality of life, and the safety profiles were similar.

[Effect and mechanism of mulberry leaf polysaccharide on type 1 diabetic nephropathy in rats]

Objective: To observe the effects of mulberry leaf polysaccharide (MLP) on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor blinding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) as well as the expression of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 mRNA in the kidney of type 1 Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) rats, and to investigate its therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms. Methods: Type 1 DN rat model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozocin (STZ). SD rats were randomly divided into the control, model, insulin and MLP groups, with eight rats in each group. Rats in MLP group were given orally with MLP 200 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks and insulin group rats were given subcutaneously injection of short acting insulin 1 U daily for 8 weeks. The changes in body weight, blood and urine parameters were recorded. Extracellular matrix (ECM) was calculated. The contents of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in blood serum were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the kidney were evaluated by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Results: Compared with rats in control group, blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, 24 h urine protein, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen in the model group rats were significantly increased (all P<0.01), and these parameters of MLP group were significantly lower than the model group (all P<0.01). The contents of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the blood serum of the model group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P<0.001), while in the MLP group they were lower than the model group[IGF-1: (0.777±0.018) ng/ml vs (0.864±0.022) ng/ml, P<0.001; IGFBP-3: (0.759±0.016) ng/ml vs (0.846±0.021) ng/ml, P<0.001]. The mRNA expressions of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the kidney of the model group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P<0.001), while in the MLP group they were lower than in the model group (IGF-1: 1.450±0.032 vs 1.810±0.090, P<0.001; IGFBP-3: 1.684±0.018 vs 1.968±0.044, P<0.001). Compared with the model group rats, there were fewer pathological changes of kidney in MLP group rats. Conclusion: MLP has a certain therapeutic effect on DN, which may be achieved by decreasing the contents of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the blood serum and down-regulating the over-expression of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 mRNA in the kidney.

Application of telehealth intervention in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Telehealth intervention has been proposed as a sustainable and innovative intervention approach to Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, but there are still conflicting results in the literature about its effect. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of telehealth intervention for PD patients.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from the inception to June 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies, without language restrictions. When feasible, data were statistically pooled for meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.3. Otherwise, narrative summaries were used.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were included. With respect to PD severity, compared with usual care, telehealth intervention was beneficial in lowering motor impairment of PD patients significantly (mean difference (MD) = -2.27, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -4.25 to -0.29, p = 0.02), rather than mental status (MD = -0.98, 95% CI -2.61 to 0.65, p = 0.24), activities of daily living (MD = -1.51, 95% CI -4.91 to 1.89, p = 0.38) and motor complications (MD = -0.36, 95% CI -1.31 to 0.59, p = 0.46). Telehealth intervention did not lead to significant reduction in quality of life (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.04, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.28, p = 0.76), depression (SMD = -0.12, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.13, p = 0.34), cognition (MD = 0.37, 95% CI -0.34 to 1.09, p = 0.31) and balance (MD = 0.09, 95% CI -2.49 to 2.66, p = 0.95).

DISCUSSION

Telehealth intervention is an effective option for individuals with PD to improve their motor impairment. Further well-designed studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Effect of telehealth intervention on breast cancer patients' quality of life and psychological outcomes: A meta-analysis

Introduction Telehealth intervention has been proposed as an innovative intervention approach to breast cancer patients, but there are still conflicting results in the literature about its effect. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from inception to 3 October 2016 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which assessed the effect of telehealth intervention versus usual care in breast cancer patients. No language restrictions were used. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was pooled when needed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted if necessary and feasible. Results Twenty RCTs with a total of 2190 participants were included into this meta-analysis. Compared with usual care, telehealth intervention was associated with higher quality of life (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI 0.18-1.01, p = 0.005) and self-efficacy (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI 0.19-0.98, p = 0.003), with less depression (SMD = -1.29, 95% CI -2.28 to -0.30, p = 0.01), distress (SMD = -0.25, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.10, p = 0.001) and perceived stress (SMD = -0.30, 95% CI, -0.59 to -0.02, p = 0.04). However, anxiety score did not differ significantly between the two groups (SMD = -0.09, 95% CI -0.22 to 0.04, p = 0.17). Discussion Telehealth intervention is superior to usual care in breast cancer patients for improved quality of life, higher self-efficacy and less depression, distress, and perceived stress. However, these results should be recognized cautiously due to between-study heterogeneity, indicating that further well-designed RCTs are warranted.

Inactivated Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibits hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by preventing TGF-β1/Smad signaling

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the common colonizing bacteria of the human body and is an opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with respiratory infections. Inactivated P. aeruginosa (IPA) have a variety of biological effects against inflammation and allergy. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a critical role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and development in a wide range of biological systems. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of IPA on TGF-β/Smad signaling in vivo, using a hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) rat model. Sprague Dawley rats (n=40) were exposed to 10% oxygen for 21 days to induce PH. At the same time, IPA was administered intravenously from day 1 to day 14. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and the right ventricle (RV) to left ventricle plus the interventricular septum (LV+S) mass ratio were used to evaluate the development of PH. Vessel thickness and density were measured using immunohistochemistry. Primary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were isolated and the proliferation of PASMCs was assayed by flow cytometry. The production of TGF-β1 in cultured supernatant of PASMCs was assayed by ELISA. The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TGF-β1 and phospho-Smad 2/3 in PASMCs were assayed by western blot. Our data indicated that IPA attenuated PH, RV hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats, which was probably mediated by restraining the hypoxia-induced overactive TGF-β1/Smad signaling. In conclusion, IPA is a promising protective treatment in PH due to the inhibiting effects on TGF-β1/Smad 2/3 signaling.

Antisense expression of Gossypium hirsutum UDP-glucuronate decarboxylase in Arabidopsis leads to changes in cell wall components

UDP-glucuronate decarboxylase (UDP-xylose synthase; UXS, EC 4.1.1.35) is an essential enzyme of the non-cellulosic polysaccharide biosynthetic pathway. In the present study, using transient expression of fluorescently labeled Gossypium hirsutum UXS (GhUXS3) protein in onion epidermal cells, we observed that this protein was distributed in the cytoplasm. The GhUXS3 cDNA of cotton was expressed in an antisense orientation in Arabidopsis thaliana by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Homozygous plants showing down-regulation of UXS were analyzed with northern blots. Compared to the untransformed control, transgenic plant showed shorter roots, earlier blossom formation, and delayed senescence. Biochemical analysis indicated that levels of rhamnose, mannose, galactose, glucose, xylose, and cellulose were reduced in some of the down-regulated antisense plants. These results suggest that GhUXS3 regulates the conversion of non-cellulosic polysaccharides and modulates their composition in plant cell walls. We also discuss a possible cellular function for GhUXS in determining the quality of cotton fibers.

Analysis of specific sequences in mutant rice generated by introduction of exogenous corn DNA

Rice variation induced by the introduction of exogenous DNA has become an important method of improving rice varieties and creating new germplasms. In this study, we transferred maize genomic DNA fragments to the receptor of Nipponbare rice using a modified "pollen-tube pathway" method. Material from mutant rice B1 and B2 were acquired and 14 specific bands were obtained from the material using amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis. From the 14 specific sequences obtained, there were 3791 bp, including 144 base mutations with a base mutation rate of 3.80%. Specific bands resulted from base mutation of selective bases or restriction endonuclease recognition sequences, or insertion or deletion of DNA fragments. The frequency of single-base mutations was significantly higher than that of double-base mutations, three-sequential base mutations, and multiple-sequential base mutations. The site frequency of base substitution (87.04%) was significantly higher than that of base insertion (3.70%) or deletion (9.26%). In all cases of base substitution, the frequency of transition (76.47%) was significantly higher than transversion (23.53%). The above results indicate that transferring foreign-species DNA into rice cells can induce base mutations in the receptor, with base substitutions occurring at the highest frequency, and the dominant type of base substitutions being transition. Preliminary analysis reveals that the molecular mechanism of transferring exogenous DNA into rice causes mutations, which provides theoretical data on biological mutagenesis for further research.

Ion beam transformation with corn DNA alters proteinase expression in rice seedling roots

Corn DNA was introduced into dry seeds of rice (cv. 'YuJing-6') by ion beam irradiation. Proteinase activities in rice seedling roots were subsequently analyzed by renaturation electrophoresis at pH 4.5, 7.0, and 8.5. Proteinase activity was more pronounced on gels at higher pH. Irradiation of rice seedling roots caused the loss of some proteinase bands at all pH conditions although a novel 50-kDa band was found at both pH 7.0 and 8.5. No new proteinase activity was detected at pH 4.5. However, novel bands and bands showing stronger activity were observed at pH 7.0 and 8.5. The data indicate that the expression of proteinases in rice seedling roots was altered following low energy ion beam mediated transformation with corn DNA.

Selected representative microsatellite loci for genetic monitoring and population structure analysis of miniature swine

To optimize the combination of microsatellite loci for genetic control of outbred swine stocks, 32 of 100 loci distributed among almost all chromosomes (except 12) were screened out by 1.5% agarose, 8% polyacrylamide gel and capillary electrophoresis scanning among 3 miniature swine outbred stocks, namely Bama (BM), Guizhou (GZ) and Tibeta (TB). The mean total and effective allele numbers among these stocks were 12.1 and 5.9, respectively. The mean heterozygosity for these breeds was 0.5428, 0.6978 and 0.7646, and polymorphism information content was 0.5469, 0.7296 and 0.7663, respectively. Accordingly, hereditary variation from low to high was BM < GZ < TB. This showed that the genetic relationship between BM and GZ pigs was closer, and both were distant from TB. Additionally, the effectiveness of the 32-locus combination for evaluation of genetic quality was demonstrated in Changchun-junmo-1 (CJ-1), a standard outbred Chinese pig stock, in which the mean total and effective allele numbers and mean heterozygosity were 6.1613, 3.8483 and 0.6903, respectively. Since our results were consistent with the breeding pedigrees, the 32 loci could be used for both genetic monitoring within the individual outbred miniature swine stocks and population structure analysis between them.

Atomic interaction mechanism for designing the interface of W/Zr-based bulk metallic glass composites

The interaction between active element Zr and W damages the W fibers and the interface and decreases the mechanical properties, especially the tensile strength of the W fibers reinforced Zr-based bulk metallic glass composites (BMGCs). From the viewpoint of atomic interaction, the W-Zr interaction can be restrained by adding minor elements that have stronger interaction with W into the alloy. The calculation about atomic interaction energy indicates that Ta and Nb preferred to segregate on the W substrate surface. Sessile drop experiment proves the prediction and corresponding in-situ coating appears at the interface. Besides, the atomic interaction mechanism was proven to be effective in many other systems by the sessile drop technique. Considering the interfacial morphology, Nb was added into the alloy to fabricate W/Zr-based BMGCs. As expected, the Nb addition effectively suppressed the W-Zr reaction and damage to W fibers. Both the compressive and tensile properties are improved obviously.

Mapping quantitative trait loci with additive effects and additive x additive epistatic interactions for biomass yield, grain yield, and straw yield using a doubled haploid population of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Biomass yield is one of the most important traits for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-breeding programs. Increasing the yield of the aerial parts of wheat varieties will be an integral component of future wheat improvement; however, little is known regarding the genetic control of aerial part yield. A doubled haploid population, comprising 168 lines derived from a cross between two winter wheat cultivars, 'Huapei 3' (HP3) and 'Yumai 57' (YM57), was investigated. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for total biomass yield, grain yield, and straw yield were determined for additive effects and additive x additive epistatic interactions using the QTLNetwork 2.0 software based on the mixed-linear model. Thirteen QTL were determined to have significant additive effects for the three yield traits, of which six also exhibited epistatic effects. Eleven significant additive x additive interactions were detected, of which seven occurred between QTL showing epistatic effects only, two occurred between QTL showing epistatic effects and additive effects, and two occurred between QTL with additive effects. These QTL explained 1.20 to 10.87% of the total phenotypic variation. The QTL with an allele originating from YM57 on chromosome 4B and another QTL contributed by HP3 alleles on chromosome 4D were simultaneously detected on the same or adjacent chromosome intervals for the three traits in two environments. Most of the repeatedly detected QTL across environments were not significant (P > 0.05). These results have implications for selection strategies in wheat biomass yield and for increasing the yield of the aerial part of wheat.

Assessing genetic diversity of cotton cultivars using genomic and newly developed expressed sequence tag-derived microsatellite markers

Estimations of genetic diversity and of relationships between varieties are crucial for cotton breeding. The genetic diversity of 59 core cotton cultivars, most of which were collected from China's main cotton-growing areas, was analyzed based on genomic and newly developed expressed sequence tag-derived microsatellite markers, using total DNA extracted from fresh leaf tissue. Three hundred and two fragments were detected, of which 255 were polymorphic. The number of amplification products generated by each primer varied from 2 to 14, with a mean of 5.08 bands/primer. The polymorphism information content was 0.50 to 0.90, with a mean of 0.80. The genetic similarity coefficients were calculated and dendrograms were constructed by the unweighted pair group with arithmetic mean method; the resulting distance matrix gave a dendrogram with four main clusters. Some cultivars with similar pedigrees could be clustered. For example, Zhong206 and Shanmian4, both derived from Deltapine15, were clustered. The genetic similarity coefficient of the 59 core cultivars ranged from 0.53 to 0.99, with a mean of 0.72, indicating that there was a relatively high level of genetic variation.

Simultaneously improving yield under drought stress and non-stress conditions: a case study of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Drought is the most important factor limiting rice productivity in the rainfed areas of Asia. In this study, 48 pyramiding lines (PLs) and their recurrent parent, IR64, were evaluated over two years for their yield performances and related traits under severe drought stress at the reproductive stage (RS), the vegetative stage (VS) and irrigated control in order to understand the relationship between drought tolerance (DT) and yield potential (YP) in rice and their underlying mechanisms. When compared with IR64, all PLs had significantly improved DT to RS and 36 PLs also had significantly improved DT to VS. In addition, 17 PLs had higher YP than IR64 and the remaining 31 PLs had a similar YP IR64 under irrigated conditions. Detailed characterization of the PLs revealed three possible mechanisms that functioned together to contribute to their improved DT. The most important mechanism was dehydration avoidance (DA), characterized by significantly higher growth rate and biomass of all PLs than IR64 under stress and no reduction in biomass under control conditions. The second mechanism was efficient partitioning, characterized by improved harvest index in all PLs compared with IR64, resulting primarily from heavier grain weight and/or higher spikelet fertility under control conditions, which was the major constituent of the improved YP in the 17 best performing PLs. Drought escape (DE) by accelerated heading under drought was the third mechanism that contributed to DT of the PLs to RS. The considerable variation in the measured traits among the PLs with similar levels of DT and YP implies the complex genetic control of the mechanisms for DT/YP and offers opportunities to improve DT and YP further by fine-tuning of a small number of QTLs segregating among the PLs using MAS. Finally, our results indicate that selection for yield plus some secondary traits under appropriate type(s) of stress and non-stress conditions similar to the target environments are critically important for improving both DT and YP in rice.

Complex genetic networks underlying the defensive system of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Complete resistance (CR) and partial resistance (PR) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to its bacterial pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), was genetically dissected by using 2 mapping populations and 10 Xoo races. Two CR genes, 50 quantitative resistance loci, and 60 digenic interactions were identified, which showed various degrees of race specificity to the Xoo races. The complex epistasis between these loci led us to the discovery of complex genetic networks underlying the rice defensive system to Xoo. The networks consisted of two major components: one representing interactions between alleles at the R loci of rice and alleles at the corresponding avirulence loci of Xoo for CR and the other comprising interactions between quantitative resistance loci in rice and their corresponding aggressiveness loci in Xoo for PR. The race specificity of PR and its strong genetic overlap with CR indicate that PR is essentially "weaker" CR. The genetic networks discovered are expected to maintain a high level of the allelic diversity at avirulent loci in the pathogen by stabilizing selection, which may maintain a high allelic diversity at R loci in the host by the frequency-dependent selection.

QTLs influencing panicle size detected in two reciprocal introgressive line (IL) populations in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Two sets of reciprocal introgression line (IL) populations, i.e., ILs with Lemont as recurrent parent (IL_LT) and ILs with Teqing as recurrent parent (IL_TQ), were developed and evaluated for traits representing panicle size, including primary branch number (PBN), secondary branch number (SBN), and spikelet number per panicle (SNP). Together with the regression to recurrent parent by advanced backcross, transgressive segregations were observed for all traits. Correlation and regression analysis showed that SBN had much higher contribution to SNP than PBN. It was confirmed by the QTL analysis that many common loci were detected between SBN and SNP, in comparison with single common locus between PBN and SNP. One and three main effect QTLs (M-QTLs) were detected for PBN in IL_LT and IL_TQ, respectively. Six M-QTLs per trait per populations were associated with SBN and SNP. Less number and lower contribution of epistasis were detected in IL populations in comparison with mapping result from F2 or RI population. There were only four QTLs in fourteen loci (near 30%) commonly detected in both reciprocal IL populations implying the large impact of genetic background on QTLs expression.

QTLs for drought escape and tolerance identified in a set of random introgression lines of rice

A large set of 254 introgression lines in an elite indica genetic background were evaluated for grain yield (GY) and related traits under the irrigated (control) and drought (stress) conditions in two consecutive years for genetic dissection of adaptive strategies of rice to water stress. A total of 36 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting heading date (HD), plant height (PH), GY and yield components were identified and most QTLs showed pronounced differential expression either qualitatively or quantitatively in response to drought. These QTLs could be grouped into three major types based on their behaviors under control and stress conditions. Type I included 12 QTLs that expressed under both the stress and non-stress conditions. Type II comprised 17 QTLs that expressed under irrigation but not under stress. Type III included seven QTLs that were apparently induced by stress. The observation that the Lemont (japonica) alleles at all HD QTLs except QHd5 resulted in early heading under stress appeared to be responsible for the putative adaptation of Lemont to drought by escaping, whereas the Teqing (indica) alleles at most PH/GY QTLs were consistently associated with increased yield potential and trait stability and thus contributed to DT. Our result that most DT QTLs were non-allelic with QTLs for drought escaping suggests that the two adaptive strategies in the parental lines are under possible negative regulation of two largely non-overlapping genetic systems.

Gene actions of QTLs affecting several agronomic traits resolved in a recombinant inbred rice population and two backcross populations

To understand the types of gene action controlling seven quantitative traits in rice, we carried out quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in order to distinguish between the main-effect QTLs (M-QTLs) and digenic epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs) responsible for the trait performance of 254 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from rice varieties Lemont/Teqing and two backcross hybrid (BCF1) populations derived from these RILs. We identified 44 M-QTL and 95 E-QTL pairs in the RI and BCF1 populations as having significant effects on the mean values and mid-parental heterosis of heading date, plant height, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, panicle length, spikelet number and spikelet fertility. The E-QTLs detected collectively explained a larger portion of the total phenotypic variation than the M-QTLs in both the RI and BCF1 populations. In both BCF1 populations, over-dominant (or under-dominant) loci were more important than additive and complete or partially dominant loci for M-QTLs and E-QTL pairs, thereby supporting prior findings that overdominance resulting from epistatic loci are the primary genetic basis of inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice.

Molecular diversity and multilocus organization of the parental lines used in the International Rice Molecular Breeding Program

One hundred and ninety three parental lines obtained from 26 countries for an international rice molecular breeding program were evaluated using 101 well-distributed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. An overall genetic diversity of 0.68 and an average of 6.3 alleles per locus were revealed, indicating a high level of genetic variation in these lines. Cluster analysis of the 193 accessions showed three major groups and nine subgroups. Group I corresponded to the classical indica subspecies, whereas groups II and III belong to the japonica subspecies. Indica and japonica differentiation accounted for only 6.5% of the total variation in the entire sample and 93.5% was due to within-subspecies diversity. Differentiation among eco-geographic regions accounted for 24% of the diversity within the subspecies. Larger amounts of the eco-geographical differentiation were resolved within japonica than within indica. The largest indica-japonica differentiation based on the single locus level was detected by markers on chromosomes 9 and 12, while the smallest differentiation was detected by markers on chromosomes 4 and 8. Furthermore, genetic differences at the single-locus and two-locus levels, as well as components due to allelic and gametic differentiation, were revealed between indica and japonica and among the main geographic regions. The multilocus analysis in genetic diversity showed a higher proportion of variation caused by predominant non-random associations of different loci within and among the classified subspecies and geographic subdivisions. The results suggest that selection for eco-geographical adaptation on multilocus associations was largely responsible for the maintenance of the extensive variation in the primary gene pool of rice.

QTL x environment interactions in rice. I. heading date and plant height

One hundred twenty six doubled-haploid (DH) rice lines were evaluated in nine diverse Asian environments to reveal the genetic basis of genotype x environment interactions (GEI) for plant height (PH) and heading date (HD). A subset of lines was also evaluated in four water-limited environments, where the environmental basis of G x E could be more precisely defined. Responses to the environments were resolved into individual QTL x environment interactions using replicated phenotyping and the mixed linear-model approach. A total of 37 main-effect QTLs and 29 epistatic QTLs were identified. On average, these QTLs were detectable in 56% of the environments. When detected in multiple environments, the main effects of most QTLs were consistent in direction but varied considerably in magnitude across environments. Some QTLs had opposite effects in different environments, particularly in water-limited environments, indicating that they responded to the environments differently. Inconsistent QTL detection across environments was due primarily to non- or weak-expression of the QTL, and in part to significant QTL x environment interaction effects in the opposite direction to QTL main effects, and to pronounced epistasis. QTL x environment interactions were trait- and gene-specific. The greater GEI for HD than for PH in rice were reflected by more environment-specific QTLs, greater frequency and magnitude of QTL x environment interaction effects, and more pronounced epistasis for HD than for PH. Our results demonstrated that QTL x environment interaction is an important property of many QTLs, even for highly heritable traits such as height and maturity. Information about QTL x environment interaction is essential if marker-assisted selection is to be applied to the manipulation of quantitative traits.

Gene actions of QTLs affecting several agronomic traits resolved in a recombinant inbred rice population and two testcross populations

To understand the types of gene action controlling seven quantitative traits in rice, QTL mapping was performed to dissect the main effect (M-QTLs) and digenic epistatic (E-QTLs) QTLs responsible for the trait performance of 254 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of "Lemont/Teqing", and two testcross (TC) F(1) populations derived from these RILs. The correlation analyses reveal a general pattern, i.e. trait heritability in the RILs was negatively correlated to trait heterosis in the TC hybrids. A large number of M-QTLs and E-QTLs affecting seven traits, including heading date (HD), plant height (PH), flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf width (FLW), panicle length (PL), spikelet number per panicle (SN) and spikelet fertility (SF), were identified and could be classified into two predominant groups, additive QTLs detected primarily in the RILs, and overdominant QTLs identified exclusively in the TC populations. There is little overlap between QTLs identified in the RILs and in the TC populations. This result implied that additive gene action is largely independent from non-additive gene action in the genetic control of quantitative traits of rice. The detected E-QTLs collectively explained a much greater portion of the total phenotypic variation than the M-QTLs, supporting prior findings that epistasis has played an important role in the genetic control of quantitative traits in rice. The implications of these results to the development of inbred and hybrid cultivars were discussed.

Are the dominant and recessive plant disease resistance genes similar? A case study of rice R genes and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae races

The resistance of rice to its bacterial blight pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) has both qualitative and quantitative components that were investigated using three near-isogenic line sets for four resistance (R) genes (Xa4, xa5, xa13, and Xa21) and 12 Xoo races. Our results indicate that these two resistance components of rice plants were associated with the properties of the R genes. The qualitative component of the R genes was reflected by their large effects against corresponding avirulent Xoo races. The quantitative component of the R genes was their residual effects against corresponding virulent races and their epistatic effects, which together could lead to high-level resistance in a race-specific manner. Our results revealed important differences between the different types of R genes. Two R genes, Xa4 and Xa21, showed complete dominance against the avirulent Xoo races and had large residual effects against virulent ones. They acted independently and cumulatively, suggesting they are involved in different pathways of the rice defensive system. The third R gene, xa5, showed partial dominance or additivity to the avirulent Xoo races and had relatively small but significant residual effects against the virulent races. In contrast, xa13 was completely recessive, had no residual effects against the virulent races, and showed more pronounced race specificity. There was a strong interaction leading to increased resistance between xa13 and xa5 and between either of them and Xa4 or Xa21, suggesting their regulatory roles in the rice defensive pathway(s). Our results indicated that high-level and durable resistance to Xoo should be more efficiently achieved by pyramiding different types of R genes.

Overdominant epistatic loci are the primary genetic basis of inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice. II. Grain yield components

The genetic basis underlying inbreeding depression and heterosis for three grain yield components of rice was investigated in five interrelated mapping populations using a complete RFLP linkage map, replicated phenotyping, and the mixed model approach. The populations included 254 F(10) recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Lemont (japonica) and Teqing (indica), two backcross (BC) and two testcross populations derived from crosses between the RILs and the parents plus two testers (Zhong413 and IR64). For the yield components, the RILs showed significant inbreeding depression and hybrid breakdown, and the BC and testcross populations showed high levels of heterosis. The average performance of the BC or testcross hybrids was largely determined by heterosis. The inbreeding depression values of individual RILs were negatively associated with the heterosis measurements of the BC or testcross hybrids. We identified many epistatic QTL pairs and a few main-effect QTL responsible for >65% of the phenotypic variation of the yield components in each of the populations. Most epistasis occurred between complementary loci, suggesting that grain yield components were associated more with multilocus genotypes than with specific alleles at individual loci. Overdominance was also an important property of most loci associated with heterosis, particularly for panicles per plant and grains per panicle. Two independent groups of genes appeared to affect grain weight: one showing primarily nonadditive gene action explained 62.1% of the heterotic variation of the trait, and the other exhibiting only additive gene action accounted for 28.1% of the total trait variation of the F(1) mean values. We found no evidence suggesting that pseudo-overdominance from the repulsive linkage of completely or partially dominant QTL for yield components resulted in the overdominant QTL for grain yield. Pronounced overdominance resulting from epistasis expressed by multilocus genotypes appeared to explain the long-standing dilemma of how inbreeding depression could arise from overdominant genes.

Overdominant epistatic loci are the primary genetic basis of inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice. I. Biomass and grain yield

To understand the genetic basis of inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice, main-effect and epistatic QTL associated with inbreeding depression and heterosis for grain yield and biomass in five related rice mapping populations were investigated using a complete RFLP linkage map of 182 markers, replicated phenotyping experiments, and the mixed model approach. The mapping populations included 254 F(10) recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between Lemont (japonica) and Teqing (indica) and two BC and two testcross hybrid populations derived from crosses between the RILs and their parents plus two testers (Zhong 413 and IR64). For both BY and GY, there was significant inbreeding depression detected in the RI population and a high level of heterosis in each of the BC and testcross hybrid populations. The mean performance of the BC or testcross hybrids was largely determined by their heterosis measurements. The hybrid breakdown (part of inbreeding depression) values of individual RILs were negatively associated with the heterosis measurements of their BC or testcross hybrids, indicating the partial genetic overlap of genes causing hybrid breakdown and heterosis in rice. A large number of epistatic QTL pairs and a few main-effect QTL were identified, which were responsible for >65% of the phenotypic variation of BY and GY in each of the populations with the former explaining a much greater portion of the variation. Two conclusions concerning the loci associated with inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice were reached from our results. First, most QTL associated with inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice appeared to be involved in epistasis. Second, most ( approximately 90%) QTL contributing to heterosis appeared to be overdominant. These observations tend to implicate epistasis and overdominance, rather than dominance, as the major genetic basis of heterosis in rice. The implications of our results in rice evolution and improvement are discussed.

[QTL dissection of panicle number per plant and spikelet number per panicle in rice (Oryza sativa L.)]

The genetic mechanism underlying panicle number per plant (PN), spikelet number per panicle (SNP) and its related traits in rice was analysed using 292 F13 RILs from the cross of Lemont/Teqing and a complete linkage map with 272 molecular markers. The RILs showed tremendous transgressive segregation for all traits studied. The weak negative correlation between PN and SNP was observed. Fifty-one QTLs and 45 epistatic QTL pairs affecting these traits were identified, collectively explaining over 60% of the total variation of individual traits. Almost all SNP-QTLs were attributable to one or more of its contributing components. Branching number traits had greater contributions to SNP than length traits, in which the first had twice as many QTLs mapped in the same or near regions with SNP as the latter. Only two PN-QTLs were mapped in the near regions with those of related traits of SNP, suggesting a reasonable recombination between PN and SNP would be available by marker-assisted selection (MAS). Some major QTLs including QPn4 for panicle number, QPbn3a, QPbn3b and QPbl4 for panicle branching and length would be of great value in MAS. It was discussed that a new high-yielding panicle type was resulted from reasonably deploying for QTLs of panicle traits by MAS.

Overdominant epistatic loci are the primary genetic basis of inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice. I. Biomass and grain yield

To understand the genetic basis of inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice, main-effect and epistatic QTL associated with inbreeding depression and heterosis for grain yield and biomass in five related rice mapping populations were investigated using a complete RFLP linkage map of 182 markers, replicated phenotyping experiments, and the mixed model approach. The mapping populations included 254 F(10) recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between Lemont (japonica) and Teqing (indica) and two BC and two testcross hybrid populations derived from crosses between the RILs and their parents plus two testers (Zhong 413 and IR64). For both BY and GY, there was significant inbreeding depression detected in the RI population and a high level of heterosis in each of the BC and testcross hybrid populations. The mean performance of the BC or testcross hybrids was largely determined by their heterosis measurements. The hybrid breakdown (part of inbreeding depression) values of individual RILs were negatively associated with the heterosis measurements of their BC or testcross hybrids, indicating the partial genetic overlap of genes causing hybrid breakdown and heterosis in rice. A large number of epistatic QTL pairs and a few main-effect QTL were identified, which were responsible for >65% of the phenotypic variation of BY and GY in each of the populations with the former explaining a much greater portion of the variation. Two conclusions concerning the loci associated with inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice were reached from our results. First, most QTL associated with inbreeding depression and heterosis in rice appeared to be involved in epistasis. Second, most ( approximately 90%) QTL contributing to heterosis appeared to be overdominant. These observations tend to implicate epistasis and overdominance, rather than dominance, as the major genetic basis of heterosis in rice. The implications of our results in rice evolution and improvement are discussed.

[Construction of the physical map of Pi-2(t), a blast resistance gene in rice]

In an effort to clone a rice blast resistance gene, Pi-2(t), a BAC contig consisting of 22 BAC clones covering the whole Pi-2(t) region, was constructed using marker-based chromosome landing and chromosome walking. The genetic span of this physical map is 8 cM, but the physical size is 925 kb. The physical map forms the base of further isolation and cloning of Pi-2(t) gene, it will provide new markers for molecular marker-aided selection of new blast resistance materials in rice.

A "defeated" rice resistance gene acts as a QTL against a virulent strain of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

The genetic components responsible for qualitative and quantitative resistance of rice plants to three strains (CR4, CXO8, and CR6) of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) were investigated using a set of 315 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross Lemont (japonica) x Teqing (indica) and a complete linkage map with 182 well distributed RFLP markers. We mapped a major gene (Xa4) and ten quantitative trait loci (QTLs) which were largely responsible for segregation of the resistance phenotype in the RILs. The Teqing allele at the Xa4 locus, Xa4T, acted as a dominant resistance gene against CR4 and CXO8. The breakdown of Xa4T-associated resistance mediated by the mutant allele at the avrXa4 locus in the virulent strain CR6 results from significant changes in both gene action (lose of dominance) and the magnitude of gene effect (approximately 50% reduction). Nevertheless, Xa4T still acted as a recessive QTL with a significant residual effect against CR6. The mutant alleles at the avrXa4 locus in CXO8 and CR6 that lead to a reduction in effect, or "breakdown", of Xa4T were apparently accompanied by corresponding penalties for their fitness. The quantitative component of resistance to Xoo in the RILs was largely due to a number of resistance QTLs. Most resistance QTLs mapped to genomic locations where major resistance genes and/or QTLs for resistance to Xoo, blast and sheath blight were identified in the same cross. Most QTLs showed consistent levels of resistance against all three Xoo strains. Our results suggest that a high level of durable resistance to Xoo may be achieved by the cumulative effects of multiple QTLs, including the residual effects of "defeated" major resistance genes.

RFLP mapping and race specificity of bacterial blight resistance genes (QTLs) in rice

By using a set of 315 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross Lemont (japonica) x Teqing (indica) and a complete linkage map with 186 well distributed RFLP markers and 3 morphological markers, a major gene (Xa4) and 10 QTLs and 9 pairs of epistasis loci conferring horizontal resistance to three strains of Xanthomonas oryxa pv oryza (Xoo) were mapped. The Teqing allele at Xa4 on chromosome 11 acts as a dominant resistant gene against pathogen race CR4 and CX08, but as an additive QTL with a significantly (47%) reduced effect against the virulent strain, CR6. The major gene Xa4 exhibited stronger degree of race specificity. Most QTLs showed consistent levels of resistance against all three Xoo strains. The results suggest that a high level durable resistance to Xoo may be achieved by cumulative effects of multiple QTL.

[The immunomodulatory effect of Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharides]

Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharides(ABPS) was extracted from the root of Achyranthes bidentata Blume with molecular weight of 1400. It composed of fructose and glucose residues. The molar ratio was 8.7:1.0. It was a water-soluble neutral polysaccharide of white powder in purity of 99.9%. The effect of ABPS 0.625 x 10(2)-2.00 x 10(3) mg.L-1 on lymphocyte proliferation to Con A on splenocytes from aged mice was evaluated to be about 1.11-3.26 folds in vitro. ABPS 1.00 x 10(3) mg.L-1 was shown to increase IL-2 production in Con A-stimulated aged mouse splenocytes from 6.7 +/- 1.0 u.ml-1 to 19.3 +/- 5.7 u.ml-1 in vitro. Sandwish-ELISA was used for the determination of TNF-alpha, TNF-beta and sIL-2R in cell suspension. The spectrophotometry with Griess reagent was used for the determination of NO in cell suspension. A method was developed for the determination of NOS activity in biological sample by HPLC. ABPS 50, 100 mg.kg-1 i.p. was found to markedly promote TNF-beta and NO release, but decrease sIL-2R production from Con A-stimulated aged rat splenocytes, the activity of NOS in those cells was increased. ABPS 100 mg.kg-1 i.p. elevated serum TNF-alpha and NO contents and the NOS activity induced by LPS 0.3 mg.kg-1 i.p. in aged rats. ABPS 50-800 mg.L-1 elevated TNF-alpha and NO production from PM phi and increased the NOS activity in PM phi in vitro, but showed no significant influence on TNF-alpha, NO release and on NOS activity induced by LPS 10 mg.L-1 for PM phi from aged rats. ABPS 100 mg.kg-1 i.p. elicited TNF-alpha, NO production and NOS activity for PM phi from aged rats, ABPS 100 mg.kg-1 i.p. showed a synergetic action with LPS 10 mg.L-1. When rats were treated with ABPS 50-800 mg.L-1 i.p., there was no significant difference on NO production on, and NOS activity in the cerebral cortex between those isolated from aged rats and those isolated from young rats. These results indicate that ABPS may prime and trigger M phi and has restorative effects on the deficiency of the immune system associated with aging in mice and rats.

A light-driven rhythm in neurotensin-like immunoreactivity in the chicken retina

PURPOSE

To determine if the pattern of release of neurotensin from the enkephalin-, neurotensin- and somatostatin-like immunoreactive amacrine cells in response to light and dark is the same as that of the enkephalins and somatostatin.

METHODS/RESULTS

Both the enkephalins and somatostatin are released at high rates in the dark and at lower rates in the light, and these rate changes are reflected in increasing intracellular levels of the peptides in vivo in the light and decreasing levels in the dark. The levels of neurotensin-like immunoreactivity show a similar diurnal light-driven and non-circadian rhythm in vivo.

CONCLUSION

This implies that the actual release rates of neurotensin follow the same patterns as those demonstrated in vitro for the enkephalins and somatostatin.

[Effect of age and ginsenoside Rg1 on nitric oxide content and nitric oxide synthase activity of cerebral cortex in rats]

Nitric oxide(NO) content and nitric oxide synthase(NOS) activity were measured in cerebral cortex isolated from Wistar rats of three age groups(young: 3 months; adult: 9 months; and old: 27 months). No significant differences in NO content and NOS activity between young and adult rats were found(P > 0.05). The NO content and NOS activity in old rats were shown to be significantly higher than those of young and adult rats(P < 0.01). When treated with Rg1(10, 20, 40 mg.kg-1), the NO content and NOS activity in old rats decreased. The inhibitory effect of Rg1 on NOS was found to be dose-dependent in the range of 10-40 mg.kg-1. The optimal reduction in NO content and NOS activity induced by Rg1 occurred at 40 mg.kg-1 for old rats(P < 0.01). In view of the close relationship of NO content and NOS activity with aging, the inhibitory effect of Rg1 on NOS activity, as shown by our results, might provide an explanation for its antiaging function.

Is nitric oxide a transmitter of the centrifugal projection to the avian retina?

The chicken retina contains a population of prominent elements in the inner nuclear layer, which stain for NADPH-diaphorase. In distribution and morphology, these elements resemble the terminals of the centrifugal projection from the isthmo-optic nucleus. This identification was confirmed by showing that the NADPH-diaphorase-positive elements in the retina degenerated after destruction of the isthmo-optic nucleus or tract. These results indicate that the centrifugal projection to the retina in birds uses nitric oxide as a messenger or transmitter, in addition to a more conventional but as yet unidentified transmitter.

Astroglial ablation prevents MPTP-induced nigrostriatal neuronal death

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a potent neurotoxin which destroys nigrostriatal dopamine neurons, resulting in irreversible idiopathic parkinsonism. MPTP displays dopaminergic neurotoxicity to humans, monkeys, cats and rodents. The oxidative conversion of MPTP to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+) is responsible for the generation of its neurotoxicity. This metabolism is mediated by the action of monoamine oxidase B, which in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) is localized specifically in astroglia. Employing various combinations of intra-SNc injections of MPTP and the astroglia-specific toxin, L-alpha-aminoadipic acid (L-alpha-AA), we examined the effects of selective astroglial ablation on MPTP-induced nigrostriatal neuronal death in the rat. Varying nigrostriatal cell loss was assessed primarily by the aid of fluorescent retrograde axonal tracing. Treatment with MPTP alone caused tremendous nigrostriatal cell loss, while intra-SNc co-injections of MPTP and L-alpha-AA produced protection against MPTP neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent fashion. Similar effects of L-alpha-AA occurred in the SNc pretreated with the gliotoxin just prior to or 1 day before MPTP administration. However, this preventive action by L-alpha-AA was considerably reduced 3 days after its intra-SNc injection. Interestingly, 7 days following L-alpha-AA pretreatment, nigrostriatal cell loss was even enhanced rather than attenuated by MPTP administered into the SNc. Thus, our data provide clear morphological evidence for the critical importance of the presence of astroglia in the onset of MPTP neurotoxicity.

Dopaminergic nigrotectal projection in the rat

After injecting a fluorescent tracer (Fluoro-gold) into the rat superior colliculus, retrogradely labeled neurons in the rostral, ventrolateral portions of the substantia nigra pars reticulata were also immunohistochemically labeled with tyrosine hydroxylase antisera. 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) pretreatment of the medial forebrain bundle resulted in the disappearance of the nigral neurons double-labeled with the two markers. The existence of a dopaminergic nigrotectal projection susceptible to MPTP might provide a morphological substrate for abnormal saccadic eye movements in parkinsonism.

Single thalamic dopaminergic neurons project to both the neocortex and spinal cord

Cells in the rat subparafascicular thalamic nucleus (Spf) belonging to the diencephalic A11 cell group, were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine itself. Employing a combination of retrograde fluorescent double-labeling and TH immunofluorescence techniques, we revealed the existence of dopaminergic Spf cells, giving rise to collateral projections to the neocortex and spinal cord.

Collateral projection from the substantia nigra to the striatum and superior colliculus in the rat

Our retrograde fluorescent double labeling study demonstrated the existence of divergent collateral projections from the substantia nigra to the striatum and superior colliculus in the rat. These bifurcating projection neurons were located predominantly in the ventrolateral portions of the substantia nigra pars reticulata at its rostral level, where they formed a narrow band along the boundary between the substantia nigra and cerebral peduncle. Such specific projection cells were also seen in the substantia nigra pars lateralis. However, nigral neurons did not give off axonal branches to the striatum and ventromedial thalamic nucleus. The new nigral cell population proposed here might constitute a neuroanatomical substrate for abnormal saccadic eye movements clinically manifested by many parkinsonian patients.

Long descending direct projection from the basal ganglia to the spinal cord: a revival of the extrapyramidal concept

Our retrograde fluorescent labeling study shows that a distinct cell group of the subthalamic nucleus, posited in the basal ganglia, directly sends long descending axons contralaterally to the upper cervical segments (C1-C5) of the spinal cord in the rat. A large population (60-70%) of these subthalamic cells projecting to contralateral spinal levels give off axonal branches innervating the ipsilateral globus pallidus. Now, the classical concept of the 'extrapyramidal' motor system needs to be reconsidered. Furthermore, our results may provide a morphological substrate for the onset of a violent form of dyskinesia, 'hemiballism', which occurs in the contralateral limbs both clinically and experimentally following discrete lesions in the subthalamic nucleus or its fiber connections with the globus pallidus.

The development of laterality in the forebrain projections of midline thalamic cell groups in the rat

Bilateral forebrain (caudoputamen, nucleus accumbens and frontal cortical areas) injections of two different fluorescent retrograde tracers demonstrated that labeled cells situated in the midline nuclei of the thalamus and midbrain each project only unilaterally to the forebrain, regardless of the laterality of their perikarya. Thus, these intermingling midline perikarya send their axons primarily ipsilaterally and to a lesser degree contralaterally, but never bilaterally to the forebrain. At embryonic day 19, these midline nuclei exist as two bilaterally situated, independent structures, each projecting only ipsilaterally to the forebrain. By postnatal day 2, these perikarya fuse into a single mass on the midline. Upon fusion, many of the perikarya of the two developing subnuclei cross the midline, intermingle with each other, and thus some neurons come to have contralateral forebrain projections. These observations suggest that neurons are able to maintain their axonal projections while migrating short distances.

A direct projection from the tuberomammillary nucleus to the spinal cord in the rat

After injections of retrograde fluorescent tracers (True blue (TB), Diamidino yellow (DY) and Fluorogold) into the upper cervical segments of the rat spinal cord, a group of labeled neurons were consistently found bilaterally in the tuberomammillary nucleus (TM) of the hypothalamus with an ipsilateral predominance. The data from injections of two different tracers (TB and DY) in the same animal suggest that the vast majority of TM cells projecting to the spinal cord rarely give off divergent axon collaterals to the frontal/prefrontal cortices, striatum, amygdala and superior colliculus.

Intracerebral MPTP injections in the rat cause cell loss in the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area and dorsal raphe

A retrograde tracer was combined with intracerebral injections of high doses of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to examine its neurotoxic effects on rat midbrain structures projecting to the striatum. MPTP injections into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) caused a huge cell loss in both regions. Furthermore, since MPTP infusions into the medial forebrain bundle produced destruction of dorsal raphe neurons (presumably serotonergic), as well as of dopaminergic SNc/VTA neurons, its neurotoxic effects in the rat are 'relatively non-selective' rather than 'relatively selective'.