bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunolocalisation of aquaporin 3 in the gill and the gastrointestinal tract of the European eelAnguilla anguilla(L.)
Authors: Lignot Jean-H. , Cutler Christopher P. , Hazon Neil , Cramb Gordon 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYThe expression of a putative water channel protein, aquaporin 3 (AQP-3),has been localised within branchial and intestinal tissues from the `silver'life stage of the European eel Anguilla anguilla, using a specific polyclonal antibody directed against the C-terminal of the amino acid sequence. Western blots using the AQP-3 antiserum identified the presence of a major immunoreactive protein of 24 kDa in extracts of gills from both freshwater (FW) and 3 week seawater (SW)-acclimated eels. SW acclimation induced a 65 % reduction in AQP-3 protein abundance in the gill extracts. AQP-3 immunoreactivity was apparent throughout the branchial epithelium from both FW and SW-acclimated fish, but especially so within the chloride cells,which also stained heavily with specific antisera for the β-subunit of the Na, K-ATPase. AQP-3 immunoreactivity not only colocalised with Na,K-ATPase within the basolateral tubular network but also stained the apical regions of the chloride cell where Na, K-ATPase was absent. Although there were no obvious differences in expression between the chloride cells of FW and SW-acclimated fish, considerably higher intensities of immunoreactivity were apparent near the periphery of the non-chloride cells of FW fish, especially within cells forming the base of the primary filaments and the branchial arch. AQP-3 immunoreactivity was also detected in intra-epithelial macrophage-like cells within the intestine of FW and SW-acclimated eels and in the mucous cells of the rectal epithelium of SW-acclimated fish. These results suggest that AQP-3 may play an important functional role in osmoregulation the teleostean gill but is unlikely to be responsible for the increases in intestinal water absorption that occur following SW acclimation.
Otolith growth in troutOncorhynchus mykiss: supply of Ca2+ and Sr2+ to the saccular endolymph
Authors: Payan P. , Borelli G. , Priouzeau F. , De Pontual H. , Bœuf G. , Mayer-Gostan N. 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYKinetic and pharmacological characteristics of Ca2+ fluxes across the saccular epithelium of trout were studied using a perfused isolated inner ear. 45Ca2+ influx from the Ringer solution to the endolymph was 3-4 nmoles h-1μl-1 endolymph, which corresponds to a global turnover rate of the endolymph calcium of 200 %h-1. Ca2+ entry into the proximal endolymph was faster than into the distal fluid. Net Ca2+ movement across the saccular epithelium depended on the direction and intensity of the chemical gradient of calcium between the Ringer solution and the endolymph. Increasing the calcium concentration in the Ringer solution up to 4.4 mmol l-1 provoked an accumulation of Ca2+ in both proximal and distal endolymphs, and equilibrium was reached about 30 min after the beginning of perfusion. Perfusion with calcium-free Ringer partially emptied the proximal compartment of calcium, whereas the calcium levels in the distal endolymph did not vary during 70 min of perfusion. Verapamil (10-5 mol l-1) and cyanide (CN, 10-3 mol l-1) did not modify the accumulation of Ca2+ within the endolymph in the presence of a favourable calcium chemical gradient. Furthermore the relationship between Ca2+ net fluxes and the chemical calcium gradient across the saccular epithelium was linear, indicating a passive diffusional mechanism via a paracellular pathway. Similar relationships were found for Sr2+ fluxes across the saccular epithelium in the presence of positive chemical gradients (1, 2 and 4 mmol l-1 Sr2+). In vivo experiments in which trout were intraperitoneously injected with CaCl2 solution confirmed the tight relationship between the calcium levels in plasma and endolymph (both proximal and distal). Sampling proximal and distal endolymphs in trout and turbot saccules revealed a decreasing proximo—distal calcium gradient in endolymph of both fish species. The present results strongly suggest that the endolymph is supplied with Ca2+ and Sr2+via a paracellular pathway located in the proximal area of the saccular epithelium.
Effects of extracellular purines on ion transport across the integument ofHirudo medicinalis
Authors: Schnizler Mikael , Buss Mirjam , Clauss Wolfgang 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYLittle is known about the long-term regulation of epithelial ion transport in invertebrates and the specific mediators involved. For some years, we have been investigating the short-term regulation of transepithelial ion transport across the dorsal integument of the leech Hirudo medicinalis, and we have established a model of Na+ uptake. In the present study, we investigated the effect of long-term acclimation on transintegumental ion transport by adapting leeches to high-salinity conditions. We dissected segments of dorsal integument and measured ion currents in Ussing chamber experiments. Electrophysiological variables, such as transepithelial potential(VT) and short-circuit-current (Isc),were profoundly affected by adaptation to high-salinity conditions. The total transepithelial Na+ current (INa) decreased from 7.66±0.82 to 4.6±0.54 μA cm-2 in preparations adapted to high salinity. The involvement of epithelial Na+channels was determined as current inhibition (Iami) by apical application of amiloride; Na+ channels were equally active in control epithelia and epithelia from leeches adapted to high salinity. Removal of Ca2+ from the apical solutions, which is believed to reduce intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, equalized transepithelial variables between high-salt-adapted integuments and control integuments.Extracellular purines regulate transepithelial Cl- secretion and Na+ absorption. In a variety of tissues we tested ATP and adenosine for their effects on epithelial transport. Examination of integuments from pondwater- and high-salinity-adapted leeches revealed different sensitivities for these purines. Apical and basolateral application of ATP both stimulated transepithelial Na+ uptake and Iami. Adenosine upregulated non-Na+ currents and acted from the basolateral side only. Apical Ca2+-free conditions attenuated these effects of purines on transepithelial currents. Extracellular UTP had no effect on ion transport.
Mechanism allowing an insect to survive complete dehydration and extreme temperatures
Authors: Watanabe M. , Kikawada T. , Minagawa N. , Yukuhiro F. , Okuda T. 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARY
Cryptobiosis describes the state of an organism whose body water is completely dehydrated and metabolic activity has become undetectable. Our study aimed to elucidate the physiological mechanism of cryptobiosis in the highest cryptobiotic invertebrate, Polypedilum vanderplanki. Larvae of this insect rapidly accumulated a large amount of the carbohydrate,trehalose, (18% of dry body mass) during desiccation for 2 days, suggesting that a high level of trehalose accumulation contributed to the successful induction of cryptobiosis in P. vanderplanki as well as in other lower cryptobiotic organisms. When larvae deprived of the brain,suboesophageal ganglion (SG) and thoracic ganglia (TG) were completely dehydrated and then rehydrated, they were able to recover and move actively. During desiccation, such larvae also accumulated trehalose, although only about half as much as the intact larvae. It is concluded that the brain, SG and TG do not affect the induction and termination of cryptobiosis, and hence in this higher multicellular animal cryptobiosis is independent of brain, SG and TG regulation, just as in plants or in unicellular organisms.
The locust frontal ganglion: a central pattern generator network controlling foregut rhythmic motor patterns
Authors: Ayali Amir , Zilberstein Yael , Cohen Netta 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYThe frontal ganglion (FG) is part of the insect stomatogastric nervous system and is found in most insect orders. Previous work has shown that in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, the FG constitutes a major source of innervation to the foregut. In an in vitro preparation,isolated from all descending and sensory inputs, the FG spontaneously generated rhythmic multi-unit bursts of action potentials that could be recorded from all its efferent nerves. The consistent endogenous FG rhythmic pattern indicates the presence of a central pattern generator network. We found the appearance of in vitro rhythmic activity to be strongly correlated with the physiological state of the donor locust. A robust pattern emerged only after a period of saline superfusion, if the locust had a very full foregut and crop, or if the animal was close to ecdysis. Accordingly,haemolymph collected at these stages inhibited an ongoing rhythmic pattern when applied onto the ganglion. We present this novel central pattern generating system as a basis for future work on the neural network characterisation and its role in generating and controlling behaviour.
Energy metabolism of male and female tarantulas (Aphonopelma anax) during locomotion
Authors: Shillington Cara , Peterson Charles C. 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYWe examined aerobic performance traits in male and female tarantulas(Aphonopelma anax). Reproductive fitness in these males relies heavily on locomotory searching to locate receptive females, which are fossorial and sedentary. Because of this dimorphism in life history, we predicted that selection in males would enhance their ability to sustain high levels of aerobic metabolism (compared with females) to support increased locomotory activity during the mating season. Rates of carbon dioxide production were measured in an enclosed variable-speed treadmill. Steady-state rates of carbon dioxide production increased linearly within the range of sustainable aerobic speeds for both males and females. Although there was substantial variation in physiological performance traits among individuals,there were no detectable intersexual differences in maximal rates of carbon dioxide production, maximal aerobic speed, minimum transport or factorial scope.
Mechanisms of ion transport inPotamotrygon, a stenohaline freshwater elasmobranch native to the ion-poor blackwaters of the Rio Negro
Authors: Wood Chris M. , Matsuo Aline Y. O. , Gonzalez R. J. , Wilson Rod W. , Patrick Marjorie L. , Val Adalberto Luis 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYStingrays of the family Potamotrygonidae are the only stenohaline freshwater elasmobranchs. Potomotrygon sp. collected from the ion-poor blackwaters ([Na+], [Cl-] and[Ca2+]=10-30 μmol l-1, pH 6.1) of the Rio Negro,Amazonas, Brazil, were ammoniotelic (91% ammonia-N, 9% urea-N excretion) and exhibited blood chemistry (Na+, Cl-, urea, ammonia and glucose levels and osmolality) typical of freshwater teleosts. Unidirectional Na+ and Cl- influx rates, measured with radiotracers,displayed saturation kinetics. The relationships for Cl- and Na+ had similar Km values (300-500 μmol l-1), but Jmax values for Cl-(approximately 950 μmol kg-1 h-1) were almost twice those for Na+ (approximately 500 μmol kg-1h-1). Cl- efflux rates varied with external concentration, but Na+ efflux rates did not. There were no differences in the kinetic variables (Km, Jmax) for influx between animals acclimated to their native ion-poor blackwater or to ion-rich hard water, but efflux rates for both Na+ and Cl- were lower in the former, yielding much lower balance points (external Na+ or Cl- levels at which influx and efflux were equal). Na+, Cl- and Ca2+ uptake were all strongly inhibited by acute exposure to pH 4.0, but efflux rates and Ca2+ binding to the body surface did not change. Na+ influx was inhibited by amiloride (10-4 mol l-1) and by two of its analogs, phenamil (4×10-5mol l-1) and HMA (4×10-5 mol l-1), with the latter being slightly more potent, while Cl- fluxes were unaffected. Cl- fluxes were insensitive to DIDS(2×10-5 mol l-1 or 10-4 mol l-1) and SITS (10-4 mol l-1), but both influx and efflux rates were strongly inhibited by DPC (10-4 mol l-1) and thiocyanate (10-4 mol l-1). Ammonia excretion was unresponsive to large changes in water Na+concentration, but was elevated by 70% during acute exposure to pH 4.0 and transiently inhibited by approximately 50% by amiloride and its analogues. The strategy of adaptation to ion-poor blackwater appears similar to that of some Rio Negro teleosts (Cichlidae) in which low-affinity transport systems are relatively sensitive to inhibition by low pH but are complemented by low diffusive loss rates. Ionic transport systems in these freshwater elasmobranchs, although superficially similar to those in some freshwater teleosts, may bear more resemblance to their presumed evolutionary precursors in marine elasmobranchs.
Enhanced haemolymph circulation by insect ventral nerve cord: hormonal control byPseudaletia unipunctaallatotropin and serotonin
Authors: Koladich P. M. , Tobe S. S. , McNeil J. N. 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYThe ventral diaphragm (VD) in many insects is a muscular membrane that essentially partitions a perineural sinus from the rest of the abdomen. In the true armyworm moth Pseudaletia unipuncta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) we describe how the VD is characterized by a series of aliform muscles inserted into a tissue matrix that is fused to the dorsal surface of the ventral nerve cord (VNC) itself. Because of this arrangement, the abdominal VNC can attain high rates of lateral oscillation, and is capable of directing haemolymph flow. We have previously demonstrated Manduca sexta allatotropin(Manse-AT)-like immunoreactivity throughout the central nervous system (CNS)in P. unipuncta, and that both Manse-AT and serotonin (5-HT) are dose-dependent stimulators of the dorsal vessel. Here we describe both Manse-AT- and 5-HT-like immunoreactivity associated with the VD. Furthermore,both Manse-AT and 5-HT are dose-dependent stimulators of the rates of VNC oscillation, and together are capable of maintaining highly elevated rates of VNC oscillation for extended periods of time. These data indicate that both the dorsal vessel and the VD/VNC are similarly modulated by both Manse-AT and 5-HT, and that VNC oscillations play a more active role in overall haemolymph circulation than previously recognized.
Regulation of early embryonic behavior by nitric oxide in the pond snailHelisoma trivolvis
Authors: Cole Alison G. , Mashkournia Aniseh , Parries Shawn C. , Goldberg Jeffrey I. 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYHelisoma trivolvis embryos display a cilia-driven rotational behavior that is regulated by a pair of serotonergic neurons named ENC1s. As these cilio-excitatory motor neurons contain an apical dendrite ending in a chemosensory dendritic knob at the embryonic surface, they probably function as sensorimotor neurons. Given that nitric oxide (NO) is often associated with sensory neurons in invertebrates, and has also been implicated in the control of ciliary activity, we examined the expression of NO synthase (NOS) activity and possible function of NO in regulating the rotational behavior in H. trivolvis embryos. NADPH diaphorase histochemistry on stage E25-E30 embryos revealed NOS expression in the protonephridia, buccal mass,dorsolateral ciliary cells and the sensory dendritic knobs of ENC1. At stages E35-40, the pedal ciliary cells and ENC1's soma, apical dendrite and proximal descending axon were also stained. In stage E25 embryos, optimal doses of the NO donors SNAP and SNP increased the rate of embryonic rotation by twofold, in contrast to the fourfold increase caused by 100 μmol l-1serotonin. The NOS inhibitors L-NAME (10 mmol l-1) and 7-NI (100μmol l-1) decreased the rotation rate by approximately 50%,whereas co-addition of L-NAME and SNAP caused a twofold increase. In an analysis of the surge and inter-surge subcomponents of the rotational behavior, the NO donors increased the inter-surge rotation rate and the surge amplitude. In contrast, the NO inhibitors decreased the inter-surge rotation rate and the frequency of surges. These data suggest that the embryonic rotational behavior depends in part on the constitutive excitatory actions of NO on ENC1 and ciliary cells.
Vibrometric studies of the middle ear of the bullfrogRana catesbeianaII. The operculum
Authors: Mason Matthew J. , Narins Peter M. 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYThe operculum and stapes footplate, the two moveable elements within the oval window of the frog, have been thought to function independently. In this study, laser interferometry was used to record the vibrations of both structures in response to free-field airborne sound. Contrary to expectation,the operculum appears to be coupled to the footplate. Coupling is achieved both by means of ligaments and by a cartilaginous flange of the footplate that underlies the operculum. The stapes footplate rotates about an axis located ventrolaterally, but the axis for the operculum is dorsomedial. As a result of this unusual morphology, the opercularis muscle, which connects the operculum and shoulder girdle, can potentially affect the movements of both the operculum and footplate. The proposed roles of the opercularis system in seismic signal detection and extratympanic sound transmission are critically reviewed in the light of this new evidence. An alternative or additional role for the opercularis system is proposed, involving the protection of the inner ear from high-amplitude displacements of the stapes footplate during breathing and vocalisation.
Does reflection polarization by plants influence colour perception in insects? Polarimetric measurements applied to a polarization-sensitive model retina ofPapiliobutterflies
Authors: Horváth Gábor , Gál József , Labhart Thomas , Wehner Rüdiger 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYUsing imaging polarimetry, we have measured some typical reflection-polarization patterns of plant surfaces (leaves and flowers) under different illuminations. Using a quantitative model to determine photon absorptions in the weakly polarization-sensitive (PS≈2)photoreceptors of Papilio butterflies, we have calculated the influence of reflection polarization on the colours of leaves and flowers perceived by Papilio. Compared with a retina containing polarization-blind colour receptors, the colour loci of specularly reflecting and, thus, strongly polarizing areas on a plant are slightly shifted, which could cause the perception of false colours. However, the colour of specularly reflecting surfaces is strongly masked by white glare, which may prevent the perception of polarization-induced hue shifts. Although the perception of polarizational false colours by Papilio butterflies was previously demonstrated with artificial, strongly colour-saturated and totally linearly polarized stimuli, we expect that the weak polarization sensitivity of Papilio photoreceptors hardly influences colour perception under natural conditions.
Ultraviolet colour perception in European starlings and Japanese quail
Authors: Smith Emma L. , Greenwood Verity J. , Bennett Andrew T. D. 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYWhereas humans have three types of cone photoreceptor, birds have four types of single cones and, unlike humans, are sensitive to ultraviolet light(UV, 320-400 nm). Most birds are thought to have either a violet-sensitive single cone that has some sensitivity to UV wavelengths (for example, many non-passerine species) or a single cone that has maximum sensitivity to UV(for example, oscine passerine species). UV sensitivity is possible because,unlike humans, avian ocular media do not absorb UV light before it reaches the retina. The different single cone types and their sensitivity to UV light give birds the potential to discriminate reflectance spectra that look identical to humans. It is clear that birds use UV signals for a number of visual tasks,but there are few studies that directly demonstrate a role for UV in the detection of chromaticity differences (i.e. colour vision) as opposed to achromatic brightness. If the output of the violet/UV cone is used in achromatic visual tasks, objects reflecting more UV will appear brighter to the bird. If, however, the output is used in a chromatic mechanism, birds will be able to discriminate spectral stimuli according to the amount of reflected light in the UV part of the spectrum relative to longer wavelengths. We have developed a UV `colour blindness' test, which we have given to a passerine(European starling) and a non-passerine (Japanese quail) species. Both species learnt to discriminate between a longwave control of orange vs red stimuli and UV vs `non-UV' stimuli, which were designed to be impossible to differentiate by achromatic mechanisms. We therefore conclude that the output of the violet/UV cone is involved in a chromatic colour vision system in these two species.
Sexual maturation and reproductive zinc physiology in the female squirrelfish
Authors: Thompson E. David , Mayer Gregory D. , Walsh Patrick J. , Hogstrand Christer 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARY
Female squirrelfish (Holocentridae) accumulate higher concentrations of hepatic zinc than any other known organism. In the liver cells, up to 70% of zinc is bound to metallothionein (MT), which is expressed at extremely high levels. These attributes are related to reproduction in ways that have not been fully characterized. In the present study, we have demonstrated that female-specific zinc and MT accumulation and distribution are strongly correlated to the onset of sexual maturity in Holocentrus adsenscionis. Sexual maturation not only resulted in increased concentrations of zinc in the liver and plasma, but also increased levels of hepatic MT mRNA. Furthermore, mature female squirrelfish exhibited greater proportions of MT protein in the nuclear liver cell fractions. To characterize the physiology further, we have examined the influence of the female sex hormone 17 β-estradiol (E2). E2 was not sufficient to elicit an increase in hepatic zinc concentrations or MT mRNA levels. E2 administration did, however, result in increased levels of MT in the nuclear fraction as well as overall hepatic MT protein. E2 also increased concentrations of zinc in the plasma. The changes in zinc concentration in the bloodstream followed the same time course as vitellogenin(VTG) transport from the liver. However, the high ratio of molar concentrations of zinc to VTG in the bloodstream suggest that VTG may not be the primary vehicle for hepato-ovarian zinc transport in squirrelfish.
Pendular energy transduction within the step in human walking
Authors: Cavagna G. A. , Willems P. A. , Legramandi M. A. , Heglund N. C. 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARY
During walking, the centre of mass of the body moves like that of a `square wheel': with each step cycle, some of its kinetic energy, Ek, is converted into gravitational potential energy, Ep, and then back into kinetic energy. To move the centre of mass, the locomotory muscles must supply only the power required to overcome the losses occurring during this energy transduction. African women carry loads of up to 20% of their body weight on the head without increasing their energy expenditure. This occurs as a result of an unexplained, more effective energy transduction between Ek and Ep than that of Europeans. In this study we measured the value of the Ek to Ep transduction at each instant in time during the step in African women and European subjects during level walking at 3.5-5.5 km h-1, both unloaded and carrying loads spanning 20-30% of their body weight. A simulation of the changes in Ek and Ep during the step by sinusoidal curves was used for comparison. It was found that loading improves the transduction of Ep to Ek during the descent of the centre of mass. The improvement is not significant in European subjects, whereas it is highly significant in African women.