Deficit of β-endorphin neurons in the hypothalamus and high expression of MOR in mesolimbic structures are related to high alcohol consumption in outbred rats

Clinical studies have postulated that β-endorphin deficiency generates excessive alcohol consumption, and it has been shown that the reduction of β-endorphin neurons increases alcohol intake in animal models. The β-endorphin produce their rewarding effect when they act mainly on the μ-opioid receptors (MOR) located in mesolimbic structures. Thus, it is possible that individual differences in these components of the endogenous opioid system are related to different levels of alcohol consumption. The present study thus examines the relation between two levels of alcohol consumption and intrinsic characteristics of the components of the opioid system in outbred Wistar rats that were not genetically selected. We analyzed the number of β-endorphin-positive neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ArN) and the expression of μ-opioid receptors (MOR) in regions of the reward system, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), amygdala (Amy), and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in outbred rats with low (LC) or high (HC) voluntary alcohol consumption. Findings showed that the HC rats had a lower number of β-endorphin-positive neurons in the hypothalamic ArN and a higher expression of MOR in the NAc and VTA, compared to the LC rats. No changes in the expression of MOR in the Amy were observed between the two groups. Results suggest that intrinsic variability in the number of β-endorphin neurons and in the expression of MOR in the LC and HC rats could explain their different patterns for alcohol intake.

Differential expression of μ-opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala and VTA depends on liking for alcohol, chronic alcohol intake and estradiol treatment

Affectations of the opioid system have been related to exacerbated alcohol consumption. The objectives of this work were to assess whether a deficit of β-endorphinergic neurons differentially affects alcohol intake in female rats with low (LC) and high alcohol consumption (HC), and to determine changes in the μ-opioid receptors (MOR) related to alcohol consumption and chronic exposure to alcohol in structures of the mesolimbic system. Female wild-type rats were selected according to their baseline alcohol intake levels and then exposed to chronic voluntary alcohol consumption after a single injection of either the vehicle or estradiol valerate (EV) to produce a β-endorphin neuronal deficit. Changes in alcohol consumption and MOR expression levels were assessed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), amygdala (Amy) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) at 5 and 10 weeks after EV treatment. The LC rats increased alcohol intake from baseline to the initial weeks after EV treatment and this consumption remained stable throughout the studied period. In contrast, alcohol consumption increased steadily over time in the HC rats. The HC vehicle rats had a 38% higher MOR protein expression in the NAc than the LC vehicle rats. In addition, chronic alcohol consumption increased MOR expression in the Amy regardless of consumption level, whereas EV treatment produced a decrease in MOR expression in the VTA in all groups. These results suggest intrinsic differences in MOR expression related to alcohol consumption levels. Also, the EV treatment and chronic exposure to alcohol produced adaptive changes in MOR expression.

Peptide functionalized magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles obtained by microfluidics for inhibition of β-amyloid aggregation

Synthesis of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles for the inhibition of β-amyloid fibril formation.

Photothermal conversion efficiency and cytotoxic effect of gold nanorods stabilized with chitosan, alginate and poly(vinyl alcohol)

Gold nanorods (GNR) use has been proposed in medical applications because of their intrinsic photothermal properties. However, the presence of CTAB molecules adsorbed onto the surface of GNRs results in a highly cytotoxic GNR system. In this work we replace the CTAB molecules with a thiolated chitosan. Once chitosan coated GNRs (Chi-SH-GNR) were attained, a film of alginate (Alg-Chi-SH-GNR) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-Chi-SH-GNR) was deposited onto the surface of Chi-GNR by a layer-by-layer process. The photothermal conversion efficiency for the GNR systems was determined irradiating the GNRs suspended in aqua media with a CW 808nm diode laser (CNI, China). The cytotoxicity effect and the photothermal cellular damage of GNR systems were evaluated on a breast cancer cell line. Results show that polymer coats did not affect the transduction photothermal efficiency. Values around 50% were obtained for the different coated gold nanorods. The cytotoxicity of coated gold nanorods diminished significantly compared with those GNR stabilized with CTAB. The laser irradiation of cells treated with gold nanorods showed a decrease in their viability compared with the cells treated but no irradiated.

Inheritance in doubled-diploid clementine and comparative study with SDR unreduced gametes of diploid clementine

Tetraploid clementine displays mainly tetrasomic inheritance. Genetic structures of 2n SDR and 2 × gametes from DD clementine are complementary and will guides triploids citrus breeding strategies. Triploid breeding is developed worldwide to create new seedless cultivars. Citrus triploid hybrids can be recovered from 2x × 2x sexual hybridizations as a consequence of the formation of unreduced gametes (2n), or from 4x × 2x interploid hybridizations in which tetraploid parents used are most often doubled-diploid (DD). Here we have analyzed the inheritance in doubled-diploid clementine and compared the genetic structures of gametes of DD clementine with SDR unreduced gametes of diploid clementine. Parental heterozygosity restitution (PHR) with DD parents depends on the rate of preferential chromosome pairing and thus the proportion of disomic versus tetrasomic segregations. Doubled-diploid clementine largely exhibited tetrasomic segregation. However, three linkage groups had intermediate segregation and one had a tendency for disomy. Significant doubled reduction rates (DR) rates were observed in six of the nine LGs. Differences of PHR between 2n SDR and 2x DD gametes were highest in the centromeric region and progressively decreased toward the distal regions where they were not significant. Over all markers, PHR was lower (two-thirds) in SDR 2n gametes than in DD-derived diploid gametes. The two strategies appear complementary in terms of genotypic variability. Interploid 4x × 2x hybridization is potentially more efficient for developing new cultivars that are phenotypically closer to the diploid parent of the DD than sexual hybridization through SDR 2n gametes. Conversely, 2x × 2x triploidisation has the potential to produce novel products with characteristics for market segmentation strategies.

Effect of Silymarin in Pdx-1 expression and the proliferation of pancreatic β-cells in a pancreatectomy model

In type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) there is a destruction of pancreatic β-cells (80-90%) at the time of detection, in DM type 2 these cells are decreased significantly. The Pdx1 transcription factor plays a central role in pancreatic development and in insulin gene expression. Previously, we have demonstrated that Silymarin recovers the normal morphology and endocrine function of damaged pancreatic tissue in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of Silymarin in Pdx1 gene expression and its repercussion on insulin gene expression and β-cell proliferation. 72 Wistar rats were partially pancreatectomized (60%) and divided into 12 groups. Six groups were treated daily with Silymarin (200mg/kg p.o.) for 3, 7, 14, 21, 42 and 63 day periods. Also, an unpancreatectomized control group was performed. At each time interval three animals from each group were administered BrdU 18 h before the sacrifice. Insulin and Pdx-1 gene expression were assessed by RT-PCR assay in total pancreatic RNA. β-Cell proliferation was determined by immunoperoxidase assay. In contrast to the animals that were only pancreatectomized, the Silymarin treatment induced an increase in both Pdx1 and insulin gene expression as well as β-cell proliferation in pancreatic tissue (control=2.6±0.28%; untreated=14.25±0.56%; treated=39.08±4.62%). Consequently, serum insulin levels rose (control=1.01±0.02 ng/ml; untreated=1.18±0.42 ng/ml; treated=4.58±0.58 ng/ml) and serum glucose levels decreased in these animals (control=6.2±0.01 mM; untreated=9.02±0.41 mM; treated=6.41±0.32 mM). These results suggest that Silymarin may induce the proliferation of insulin-producing cells.

Geographical characterization of the triatomine infestations in north–central Guatemala

In an entomological study in 2002, the degree of domestic and peridomestic infestation with triatomine bugs and the geographical distribution of such infestations were investigated in north-central Guatemala. The survey team searched for triatomines in houses constructed with mud walls or thatched roofs, in villages suspected of being infested. The level of infestation observed was lower than that seen in the same area and in eastern Guatemala, in a preliminary survey, 3 years earlier. Most of the infestations detected were of Triatoma dimidiata but even this species was found in <7% of the houses investigated. Infestations with Rhodnius prolixus or other potential vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi were much rarer. The generally low levels of infestation make the elimination of R. prolixus and the reduction of the domestic population of Tri. dimidiata feasible in the study area. The southern part of the study area had higher levels of domestic infestation and colonization than the north, and peridomestic infestation was highest in the south-west. Given such geographical variation in the pattern of infestation, it would seem wise to stratify the study region into areas of high, moderate and low-risk of human-triatomine contact, so that appropriate vector-control strategies can be targeted at the worst-affected areas. Regular entomological surveillance, ideally with community participation, is recommended. Analysis of the relationship between the geographical patterns of infestation and factors such as vegetation, altitude and vector migration would be useful.

Extensive citrus triploid hybrid production by 2x×4x sexual hybridizations and parent-effect on the length of the juvenile phase

The citrus fresh market demands the production of seedless citrus fruits, as seedy fruits are not accepted by consumers. The recovery of triploid plants has proven to be the most promising approach to achieve this goal, since triploids have very low fertility, are generally seedless and do not induce seeds in other cultivars by cross pollination. Triploid plants can be recovered by 2x×4x sexual hybridization. In this work, we present an effective methodology to recover triploid plants from 2x×4x hybridizations based on in vitro embryo rescue, ploidy level analysis by flow cytometry and genetic origin of triploid plants. The pollen viability of diploid and tetraploid citrus genotypes was analyzed by comparing the pollen germination rate in vitro. The pollen viability of tetraploid (doubled-diploid) genotypes is generally reduced but sufficient for successful pollination. Triploid embryos were identified in normal and undeveloped seeds that did not germinate under greenhouse conditions. The influence of parents and environmental conditions on obtaining triploid plants was analyzed and a strong interaction was noted between the parents and environmental conditions. The parental effect on the length of the juvenile phase was also demonstrated through observations of a large number of progeny over the last 15 years. The juvenile phase length of the triploid hybrids obtained with 'Fortune' mandarin as female parent and tetraploid 'Orlando' tangelo as male parent was shorter than the juvenile phase obtained with a clementine as female parent and tetraploids of 'Nova', 'W. Leaf' and 'Pineapple' male parents.

KEY MESSAGE

Effective methodology to recover citrus triploid plants from 2x×4x sexual hybridizations and the parental effect on the length of the juvenile phase.

Recovery of citrus triploid hybrids by embryo rescue and flow cytometry from 2x x 2x sexual hybridisation and its application to extensive breeding programs

Seedlessness is one of the most important characteristics for mandarins for the fresh-fruit market and mandarin triploid hybrids have this trait. Citrus triploid plants can be recovered by 2x x 2x sexual hybridisations as a consequence of the formation of unreduced gametes at low frequency. Triploid embryos are found in small seeds that do not germinate under greenhouse conditions. Extensive breeding programs based on this type of hybridisation require very effective methodologies for embryo rescue and ploidy evaluation. In this work, we describe an effective methodology to recover triploid hybrids from 2x x 2x hybridisations based on in vitro embryo rescue and ploidy level determination by means of flow cytometry. The influence of parents and environmental conditions on obtaining triploid hybrids has been analysed. The strongest effect was associated with the genotype of the female parent while a strong interaction was found between the male parent genotype and environmental conditions. The effect of the female parent genotype on the length of the juvenile phase was also demonstrated by observing a large number of progenies over the last 10 years. The methodology described here has enabled us to obtain over 4,000 triploid hybrids so far, of which 13 have been protected in the European Union and two are being extensively planted by citrus growers to establish new commercial plots. These triploid hybrids have been analysed with simple sequence repeats markers to differentiate all the new triploid varieties and their parents, and thus molecular identification will help defend plant breeders' rights.

Effect of a Field-Source Mixture of Citrus Viroids on the Performance of 'Nules' Clementine and 'Navelina' Sweet Orange Trees Grafted on Carrizo Citrange

A field-source mixture of citrus viroids was characterized and shown to contain Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd), and Citrus dwarfing viroid (CDVd). Sequencing results showed that: (i) CEVd contained the P_L and P_R characteristic of class A variants; (ii) HSVd was a noncachexia variant; (iii) CBLVd was related to CVd-Ia variants; (iv) CDVd was a mixture of two types (CVd-IIIa and CVd-IIIb) of variants. The presence of the same type of variants in inoculated clementine (Citrus clementina 'Nules') and sweet orange (C. sinensis 'Navelina') trees on Carrizo citrange (Poncirus trifoliata × C. sinensis) rootstocks was confirmed. The effect of infection was determined by assessing the performance of infected and noninfected trees growing in the field. Infection resulted in small trees with reduced canopy, yielding a reduced crop. Fruit characteristics were also affected: (i) clementine and sweet orange fruits from infected trees were larger than those from noninfected trees; (ii) clementine fruits from infected trees differed in shape from those of noninfected trees; (iii) sweet orange fruits from infected trees had maturity indexes and juice contents higher than those from noninfected trees; (iv) in both species, the density of the juice, the amount of soluble solids, and the acidity of the fruits from infected trees were lower than those of fruits from noninfected trees. Infected trees had a poorly developed root system with fibrous roots containing fewer amyloplasts than noninfected trees. The results of an in vitro assay on the induction and development of roots in cultured explants are discussed.

Interfacial Behavior of N-Nitrosodiethylamine/Bovine Serum Albumin Complexes at the Air−Water and the Chloroform−Water Interfaces by Axisymmetric Drop Tensiometry

Interfacial properties of N-nitrosodiethylamine/bovine serum albumin (NDA/BSA) complexes were investigated at the air-water interface. The interfacial behavior at the chloroform-water interface of the interaction product of phospholipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), dissolved in the chloroform phase, and NDA/BSA complex, in the aqueous phase, were also analyzed by using a drop tensiometer. The secondary structure changes of BSA with different NDA concentrations were monitored by circular dichroism spectroscopy at different pH and the NDA/BSA interaction was probed by fluorescence spectroscopy. Different NDA/BSA mixtures were prepared from 0, 7.5 x 10(-5), 2.2 x 10(-4), 3.7 x 10(-4), 5 x 10(-4), 1.6 x 10(-3), and 3.1 x 10(-3) M NDA solutions in order to afford 0, 300/1, 900/1, 1 500/1, 2 000/1, 6 000/1, and 12 500/1 NDA/BSA molar ratios, respectively, in the aqueous solutions. Increments of BSA alpha-helix contents were obtained up to the 2 000/1 NDA/BSA molar ratio, but at ratios beyond this value, the alpha-helix content practically disappeared. These BSA structure changes produced an increment of the surface pressure at the air-water interface, as the alpha-helix content increased with the concentration of NDA. On the contrary, when alpha-helix content decreased, the surface pressure also appeared lower than the one obtained with pure BSA solutions. The interaction of DPPC with NDA/BSA molecules at the chloroform-water interface produced also a small, but measurable, pressure increment with the addition of NDA molecules. Dynamic light scattering measurements of the molecular sizes of NDA/BSA complex at pH 4.6, 7.1, and 8.4 indicated that the size of extended BSA molecules at pH 4.6 increased in a greater proportion with the increment in NDA concentration than at the other studied pH values. Diffusion coefficients calculated from dynamic surface tension values, using a short-term solution of the general adsorption model of Ward and Tordai, also showed differences with pH and the NDA concentration. Both, the storage and loss dilatational elastic modulus were obtained at the air-water and at the chloroform-water interfaces. The interaction of NDA/BSA with DPPC at the chloroform-water produced a less rigid monolayer than the one obtained with pure DPPC (1 x 10(-5) M), indicating a significant penetration of NDA/BSA molecules at the interface. At short times and pH 4.6, the values of the storage elastic modulus were larger and more sensible to the NDA addition than the ones at pH 7.1 and 8.4, probably due to a gel-like network formation at the air-water interface.

[Comparison of different methods in order to identify Proteus spp]

Comparison of different methods in order to identify Proteus spp. The objectives were: (a) to identify Proteus strains to species level, following Farmer's and O'Hara's conventional biochemical reactions; b) to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of both the API 20E method and a schema of reduced reactions (TSI and MIO agar: motility, indole and ornithine) comparing them with conventional methodology, and c) to evaluate the utility of SDS-PAGE (total proteins) in order to identify Proteus strains to species level. Two hundred and five Proteus spp. clinical isolates, were collected between January 1998 and September 2004, from inpatients and outpatients at Hospital de Clinicas. Strains were identified by means of conventional methodology, the API 20E method, and a schema of reduced reactions. SDS-PAGE (total proteins) was used in 48 out of the 205 strains. The API 20E method identified 79 out of 87 (90.8%) strains of P. mirabilis, 103 out of 103 P. vulgaris complex, and 15 out of 15 P. penneri. Eight strains of P. mirabilis were identified as Proteus spp., the acid production from maltose being necessary to identify them to species level. The schema of reduced reactions identified 205 out of 205 (100%) strains, that is, this schema of reduced reactions identified all the strains to species level without any additional tests, in marked contrast to the API 20E method. The SDS-PAGE (total proteins) identified the three species of the genus, even if the strains of P. mirabilis showed different biochemical reactions.

Sudden Death of Citrus in Brazil: A Graft-Transmissible Bud Union Disease

Citrus Sudden Death (CSD), a new, graft-transmissible disease of sweet orange and mandarin trees grafted on Rangpur lime rootstock, was first seen in 1999 in Brazil, where it is present in the southern Triângulo Mineiro and northwestern São Paulo State. The disease is a serious threat to the citrus industry, as 85% of 200 million sweet orange trees in the State of São Paulo are grafted on Rangpur lime. After showing general decline symptoms, affected trees suddenly collapse and die, in a manner similar to trees grafted on sour orange rootstock when affected by tristeza decline caused by infection with Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). In tristeza-affected trees, the sour orange bark near the bud union undergoes profound anatomical changes. Light and electron microscopic studies showed very similar changes in the Rangpur lime bark below the bud union of CSD-affected trees: size reduction of phloem cells, collapse and necrosis of sieve tubes, overproduction and degradation of phloem, accumulation of nonfunctioning phloem (NFP), and invasion of the cortex by old NFP. In both diseases, the sweet orange bark near the bud union was also affected by necrosis of sieve tubes, and the phloem parenchyma contained characteristic "chromatic" cells. In CSD-affected trees, these cells were seen not only in the sweet orange phloem, but also in the Rangpur lime phloem. Recent observations indicated that CSD affected not only citrus trees grafted on Rangpur lime but also those on Volkamer lemon, with anatomical symptoms similar to those seen in Rangpur lime bark. Trees on alternative rootstocks, such as Cleopatra mandarin and Swingle citrumelo, showed no symptoms of CSD. CSD-affected trees did recover when they were inarched with seedlings of these rootstocks, but not when inarched with Rangpur lime seedlings. These results indicate that CSD is a bud union disease. In addition, the bark of inarched Rangpur lime and Volkamer lemon seedlings showed, near the approach-graft union, the same anatomical alterations as the bud union bark from the Rangpur lime rootstock in CSD-affected trees. The dsRNA patterns from CSD-affected trees and unaffected trees were similar and indicative of CTV. CSD-affected trees did not react by immunoprinting-ELISA using monoclonal antibodies against 11 viruses. No evidence supported the involvement of viroids in CSD. The potential involvement of CTV and other viruses in CSD is discussed.

Cryopreservation of ovules and somatic embryos of citrus using the encapsulation-dehydration technique

Cryopreservation of ovules and somatic embryos from several genotypes of citrus was achieved using the encapsulation-dehydration technique. Survival of cryopreserved ovules was occasional and erratic after different pregrowth conditions in liquid medium with 0.75M, 1M or up to 1.25M sucrose. An efficient cryopreservation protocol was established for somatic embryos derived from two embryogenic sources (ovules and cut thin layer explants from stigma, style and ovaries). High survival rates (75-100%) were consistently obtained after 1 day pregrowth in 0.75M sucrose, desiccation down to 20-25% moisture content in the beads and direct immersion in liquid nitrogen. The histological study showed that embryos subjected to the encapsulation-dehydration, accumulated high sucrose levels which appear to ensure the recovery of the whole embryo after cryopreservation.

Impact of residual spraying on Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata in the department of Zacapa in Guatemala

As a vector control program to control Chagas disease in Guatemala, residual spraying of Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata was performed, and its impact was measured in the department of Zacapa. In order to identify infested villages and determine the degree of infestation, a baseline entomological survey to identify municipalities infested with vectors followed by an additional vector survey in areas known to be infested was conducted. Residual spraying using pyrethroid insecticides was performed at all the villages identified as being infested with the vectors. The residual spraying was shown to be highly effective against both vectors by the decrease in infestation indices after spraying. Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the spraying showed that the average cost of insecticides per house is high when compared with that in Southern Cone countries.

Constitutive expression of Arabidopsis LEAFY or APETALA1 genes in citrus reduces their generation time

Citrus trees have a long juvenile phase that delays their reproductive development by between 6 and 20 years, depending on the species. With the aim of accelerating their flowering time, we transformed juvenile citrus seedlings to constitutively express the Arabidopsis LEAFY (LFY) or APETALA1 (AP1) genes, which promote flower initiation in Arabidopsis. Both types of transgenic citrus produced fertile flowers and fruits as early as the first year, notably through a mechanism involving an appreciable shortening of their juvenile phase. Furthermore, expression of AP1 was as efficient as LFY in the initiation of flowers, and did not produce any severe developmental abnormality. Both types of transgenic trees flowered in consecutive years, and their flowering response was under environmental control. In addition, zygotic and nucellar derived transgenic seedlings had a very short juvenile phase and flowered in their first spring, demonstrating the stability and inheritance of this trait. These results open new possibilities for domestication, genetic improvement, and experimental research in citrus and other woody species.

Alcohol treatment during lactation produces an advance in the onset of puberty in female rats

It has been described that alcohol treatment after weaning produces a delay in the onset of puberty and a decrease in the body weight of female rats; however, during development, there are periods with different sensitivity to endogenous and exogenous substances. In this study, two daily doses of 2.5 g/kg of ethanol each administered to female pups during days 13-18 of postnatal age produced an advance in the age at vaginal opening but induced no effect on the body weight; however, the onset of sexual behavior was not advanced. Fertility and reproduction measures were not significantly impaired by this treatment. It is supported that, in this period, alcohol can produce different effects - even opposite to those described in other developmental stages - which seems to represent a critical period for alcohol action.

Sex differences in alcohol drinking patterns during forced and voluntary consumption in rats

Wistar rats were studied during forced and voluntary alcohol consumption, and continuous or periodic access to ethanol (6%) v/v with different availability of fluids. Absolute volume of alcohol consumption was not different between sexes in any condition; however, females consumed significantly more alcohol than males on a g/kg basis in all conditions. These differences were significantly more extensive during continuous free-choice to alcohol and water than during forced alcohol consumption. Females showed greater alcohol preference than males only during continuous free-choice to alcohol and water. During periodic free-choice to alcohol and water condition, alcohol consumption was distributed during more hours throughout the day in females than males. During periodic free-choice to alcohol and to an isocaloric sweetened solution (ISS), intakes of ISS were very high compared to regular intakes of daily water; nevertheless, alcohol consumption was maintained to similar levels observed in continuous free-choice to alcohol and water and represented almost 50% of regular daily consumes of water in males and females. Free-choice for alcohol and ISS modified the usual pattern of alcohol consumption during the daily light-dark cycle in males and females and reduced the time devoted to drinking alcohol compared to other conditions, in which similar intakes were observed. Results show that the extent of the higher alcohol consumption in females than males and the changes in patterns of alcohol intake were dependent on the nature of the ingestion schedule.

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of citrange: factors affecting transformation and regeneration

The effects of cocultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens, regeneration and selection conditions on the transformation efficiency of citrange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck×Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) have been investigated. Factors such as cocultivation period, preculture of explants, use of acetosyringone or feeder plates during cocultivation, cocultivation on a medium rich in auxins, postcultivation in darkness, and different kanamycin concentrations for selection were assessed. A 3-day cocultivation on a medium rich in auxins improved transformation frequencies, since it increased the number of dividing cells competent for transformation, at the cut ends of the explants. Exposure of explants to darkness for 4 weeks on selection medium resulted in further callus development and increased the regeneration frequency of transgenic shoots. Furthermore, this treatment drastically reduced the number of regenerated escape shoots. A transformation efficiency of 41.3% was achieved using the optimized transformation procedure.

Effect of diazepam and sex hormones on EEG of gonadectomized male and female rats

Waking EEG was recorded from left and right parietals in 60 adult Wistar rats gonadectomized after puberty during 5 days, 1 as baseline, 1 with vehicle and 1 with 10 mg/kg i.m. of diazepam with hormonal treatment (either testosterone propionate, 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone or vehicle in males and progesterone, estradiol benzoate or vehicle in females). Quantitative EEG analysis showed that: diazepam in gonadectomized males increased absolute power of alpha, beta 1 and beta 2, increased interparietal correlation of delta and decreased interparietal correlation of slow theta, fast theta and beta 1, whereas in gonadectomized females, diazepam additionally decreased slow and fast theta absolute power. EEG effects were not modified by testosterone propionate or 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone treatment in males. Diazepam plus estradiol rendered the female EEG response similar to the gonadectomized or testosterone-treated males response; diazepam plus progesterone induced the same response in females as in gonadectomized females and additionally induced interparietal asymmetry and decreased interparietal correlation of all EEG bands. Present results and information on the effects of diazepam on interparietal coupling of EEG and demonstrate that the EEG response to diazepam in adult rats is sexually dimorphic and depends on sex as well as on activational effects of gonadal steroids.

Effects of prenatal testosterone on sex and age differences in behavior elicited by stimulus pups in the rat

From Days 14 to 19, pregnant Wistar rats were treated with either 2 mg of testosterone propionate (TP) or vehicle. Thirty-, 60-, and 90-day-old offspring were tested individually during 15 min daily on 4 days with a stimulus litter, and pup-oriented and non-pup-oriented behaviors were recorded. Sex differences in pup-oriented behaviors observed in oil groups were eliminated by TP treatment, which affected mainly females. Additionally, TP treatment increased the frequency of self-grooming and decreased the time spent near the pups and the frequency of sniffing and pawing only at 90-days of age. Hiding behavior only occurred at 30 days of age, while pawing near the pups and lying-down behavior was observed mainly in adults. Results show that sex differences in behavior are present before subjects become sensitized to show evident maternal behavior, and suggest that prenatal androgens play an important role in the manifestation of these sex differences and that its effects depend on developmental factors.

Sex differences in EEG in adult gonadectomized rats before and after hormonal treatment

EEG activity was recorded from the left and right parietal cortex in adult male and female Wistar rats that were gonadectomized (GNX) after puberty during 2 days without and 3 days with hormonal treatment (either testosterone propionate, 5 alpha-DHT or vehicle in males and progesterone, estradiol benzoate or vehicle in females). In contrast to EEG characteristics reported for intact rats, GNX abolished right over left parietal activation in both sexes and, sex differences in EEG interhemispheric correlation and in theta and delta relative power in the right parietal; additionally GNX males showed higher absolute power than females. Hormonal treatment reestablished interparietal asymmetry in both sexes and a lack of sex differences in absolute power, however, it was not enough to reestablish sex differences in delta and theta proportion in the right parietal nor in interhemispheric correlation. Differential effects were obtained with testosterone propionate and 5 alpha-DHT in males suggesting that activational effects of testosterone on EEG are probably exerted through testosterone or its aromatized metabolites. The results of our study indicate that the activational effects of gonadal steroids after puberty are necessary for maintaining sex differences in the EEG of the adult rat.

Genetic transformation of lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swing.): factors affecting transformation and regeneration

We have previously developed procedures for the efficient production of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) and Carrizo citrange (C. sinensis L. Osbeck×Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) transgenic plants using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and shoot tip grafting in vitro regeneration system. We now report on the optimization of the cocultivation, regeneration and selection conditions for efficient and reliable production of transgenic lime (C. aurantifolia Swing.) plants. Improved transformation frequencies were obtained by cocultivating the explants with Agrobacterium on feeder plates. Optimum regeneration of transgenic shoots was obtained by exposing the explants to darkness for 2 weeks and by using kanamycin at 100 mg/l as selective agent. Attempts to use geneticin as selection antibiotic were not successful. Shoot tip grafting of regenerated shoots on Troyer citrange seedlings resulted in 100% successful production of transgenic plants. The presence and expression of the transferred genes in the regenerated plants was verified by β-glucuronidase histochemical and fluorimetric assays, neomycin phosphotransferase ELISA assays, PCR and Southern analyses.

Effects of prenatal testosterone treatment on sex differences in the EEG activity of the rat

Pregnant rats were injected either with 2 mg of testosterone propionate or with vehicle on days 14 to 19 of gestation. Ano-genital distance (AGD) and body weight (b.wt.) of the offspring were measured at 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days of age. Between 98 and 104 days of age the EEG activity was monopollarly recorded with electrodes implanted in the left and right parietal cortex. Males showed higher interhemispheric correlation than females in delta, theta, alpha] and the total band. Delta relative power (RP) was lower and theta RP was higher in males than in females. These sex differences were eliminated with the prenatal testosterone treatment (PTT), which exerted a masculinizing effect on females. Absolute power (AP) did not show sex differences, but PTT produced an increase in the AP of all bands, except for beta2, regardless of sex. PTT increased the AGD at all ages, except 90 days. This increase was significant only in females at 10, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days of age. PTT increased the b.wt. at all ages, regardless of sex. These data indicate that the organizational action of sex hormones during the prenatal period plays an important role in the establishment of EEG sex differences in the rat.

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sweet orange and regeneration of transgenic plants

Transgenic sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) plants have been obtained by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated gene transfer. An hypervirulent A. tumefaciens strain harboring a binary vector that contains the chimeric neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPT II) and ß-glucuronidase (GUS) genes was cocultivated with stem segments from in vivo grown seedlings. Shoots regenerated under kanamycin selection were harvested from the stem segments within 12 weeks. Shoot basal portions were assayed for GUS activity and the remaining portions were shoot tip grafted in vitro for production of plants. Integration of the GUS gene was confirmed by Southern analysis. This transformation procedure showed the highest transgenic plant production efficiency reported for Citrus.

Sex differences in interhemispheric correlation and spectral power of EEG activity

EEG activity was recorded from left and right parietal cortex in adult male and female rats on a daily basis during 3 days. Absolute and relative power and interhemispheric correlation of the EEG activity were calculated and compared between males and females. Interhemispheric correlation of the theta rhythm was higher in males than in females. Interhemispheric asymmetry in absolute power was larger in males, who showed higher power in the right than in the left parietal for all bands except for delta. Beta2 relative power was significantly higher in females. These results indicate greater functional asymmetry and higher interhemispheric coupling of the parietal cortex in male than in female rats as assessed by cortical EEG activity.

Waking electroencephalogram activity as a consequence of sleep and total sleep deprivation in the rat

Effects of 6 hours of total sleep deprivation (TSD) by gentle handling and 6 hours of sleep on the waking electroencephalogram (EEG) activity of 14 Wistar rats were studied during the lights-on portion of the light-dark cycle under two TSD schedules: a) TSD 0800-1400 hours and sleep 1400-2000 hours, and b) sleep 0800-1400 hours and TSD 1400-2000 hours. EEG was recorded monopolarly from left and right parietals referred to ipsilateral reference electrodes. Spectral analysis was performed on samples of waking EEG during TSD (each 30 minutes) and during sleep (each 60 minutes after enforced awakening). The following significant changes were observed: TSD induced a linear increase in the absolute power of delta (1.46-3.42 Hz) and the full band (1.6-24.9 Hz) and produced a decrease in the interparietal correlation of theta. Sleep induced the opposite results. Theta relative power (power in a band expressed as a percentage of total power between 1.46 and 24.9 Hz) showed a circadian effect. It was higher at 1400 hours than at 0800 and 2000 hours after both sleep and TSD conditions. Six hours of TSD were enough to induce significant changes in the waking EEG regardless of position of TSD in the lights-on period of the light-dark cycle.

EEG activity during estral cycle in the rat

EEG activity was recorded from right and left parietal cortex in adult female rats daily during 6 days. Immediately after EEG recording vaginal smears were taken and were microscopically analyzed to determine the estral stage. Absolute and relative powers and interhemispheric correlation of EEG activity were calculated and compared between estral stages. Interhemispheric correlation was significantly lower during diestrous as compared to proestrous and estrous. Absolute and relative powers did not show significant differences between estral stages. Absolute powers of alpha1, alpha2, beta1 and beta2 bands were significantly higher at the right parietal cortex. Comparisons of the same EEG records with estral stages randomly grouped showed no significant differences for any of the EEG parameters. EEG activity is a sensitive tool to study functional changes related to the estral cycle.