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Aim: Landmark-based truss network system was applied to examine the morphometric and meristic differences among four different populaces of Macrognathus aculeatus namely; Dhakuriabeel, Jashore (DBJ); Arial Kha River, Madaripur (AKRM); Nabaganga River, Jhenaidah (NRJ); Kopotakkha River, Jashore (KRJ) in Bangladesh. Methodology: Completely 80 samples of M. aculeatus were collected (20 individuals from each population) for this study. Six meristic characters, 6 morphometric characters and 15 truss-based morphometric characters were measured for one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-HSD post hoc test. Discriminant function analyses were also performed by using morphometric and truss-based morphometric characters to detect potential characters responsible for population separation. Results: Completely 80 samples of M. aculeatus were collected (20 individuals from each population) for this study. Six meristic characters, 6 morphometric characters and 15 truss-based morphometric characters were measured for one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-HSD post hoc test. Discriminant function analyses were also performed by using morphometric and truss-based morphometric characters to detect potential characters responsible for population separation. Interpretation: The baseline information derived from the present study would be useful for appropriate conservation of M. aculeatus populations as well as for the researchers for further investigation.

The study was carried out to determine length-weight relationship and sex ratio of a freshwater fish Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton 1822) collected from Dekar haor of Sunamganj district during the period of January to August 2017. A total of 2000 fishes were collected for the study and categorized these fishes into three groups namely males, females and combined sexes. Among 2000 mola 777 were male and 1223 were female. Length-weight equations and the correlation coefficients obtained for males, females and combined ones were: males Y = –1.97 + 3.00X, r = 0.883; females Y = –2.30 + 3.41X, r = 0.914 and combined Y = –2.11 + 3.16X, r = 0.904. Female’s A. mola attained more weight with the increases in length. Value of correlation coefficient ‘r’ was 0.883 for male and exhibited highly positive correlation between length and weight. On the contrary, ‘r’ value for female was 0.914 and it had also strongly positive correlation between length and weight relationships. Length-weight relationship of A. mola for male, female and combined sexes showed allometric pattern of growth. Condition factor ‘K’ for male, female and combined sexes was 1.09, 1.05 and 1.06, respectively and indicated better condition of fishes. The highest sex ratio (1 : 2.05) was found in May and the lowest (1 : 1.33) was in February. Dominance of females over males throughout the year was observed with an average ratio of male and female 1 : 1.57. Therefore, results of the study indicate that the existing hydrobiological conditions of the haor are conducive for food availability, free movement, feeding and better growth of the fish. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 44(2): 185-193, December 2018

To assess the effect of probiotics on growth, survival rate and production performance of all monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for a period of 120 days in 2016 in nylon net cages placed in Dekar haor of Sunamganj district. The study was categorized into four treatments as T1 (brand a), T2 (brand b), T3 (brand c) and T4 (control) based on probiotics and each having three replicates. Cages were stocked with nursed male tilapia fry at a density of 35 nos./m3 with average size of 14.33 ± 6.41 - 16.33 ± 3.15 g. Tilapia of all the cages were fed with commercial mega floating feed at a decreasing rate of 10 - 5% of total biomass thrice daily. Feed was supplemented with probiotics at a rate of 0.5 g/kg. Comparatively higher growth (307.33 ± 33.92 g), survival rate (97.6 ± 4.90%), yield (10.5 ± 1.15 kg/m3), net profit (Tk.798.96 ± 90.85/m3) and lower food conversion ratio (1.16) were secured in T3 than that of other treatments, which were manifolds higher than the earthen freshwater and brackish waterbodies. Therefore, results of the study reveal that probiotics may be used in aquaculture for increasing fish production. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 44(1): 69-78, June 2018

Peperomia pellucida is an annual, shallow-rooted, succulent, delicate, glabrous herb. It is a native weed species of tropical North and South America, and it is now pantropic in distribution and abundant in India as an invasive aggressive colonizer. Medicinal properties of the plant have been well documented but no work has been done to find out the reason behind its invasive aggressive nature. The objective of our present work was to study the allelopathic activity of allelochemicals released by root exudates of P. pellucida which may play an important role in invasive and aggressive properties of the plant. Root exudates of P. pellucida were collected in root exudates trapping system. Main compound was isolated from methanol fraction of root exudates of P. pellucida, purified by thin layer and column chromatography and finally subjected to mass spectra, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance (both 1H and 13C) for complete structural elucidation. In vitro allelopathic activities of the compound were studied by rice, wheat and mustard seed bioassays. A new phenol glycocide [(6-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2, 3, 4, 5-tetraol); C11H14O7; Mol. Wt. 258] has been isolated and purified from root exudates of P. pellucida. This pure compound exhibited significant allelopathic activities on rice, wheat and mustard seeds in vitro bioassay experiment. This compound showed maximum inhibitory activity on rice, than in wheat and mustard bioassays. Peperomia pellucida released a phenol glycoside through root exudates into rhizophere which may act as a major allelopathic agent and may be responsible for its invasive and aggressive nature.

Salmonella is one of the most pathogenic genera implicated in food-borne bacterial outbreaks and diseases. There are numerous transmission routes for Salmonellosis, but the majority of the human infections are derived from consumption of contaminated foods especially those of animal origin. The study was undertaken to determine the incidence and distribution of salmonella species in poultry meat shop premises. A total no of 150 samples were procured from poultry shop premises in north Kolkata and analyzed for presence of salmonella strains. The study concluded that overall prevalence of salmonella species amongst all the samples as 4%.All the eight salmonella isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity test.In this method highest sensitivity was recorded against Ciprofloxacin (83.33%) and Chloramphenicol(83.33%) followed by Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidine, Nalidixic acid and Gentamicin(50% each). Low sensitivity was observed against Tetracycline (16.66%). K e y w o r d s Salmonella spp., Poultry meat, Characterization, Antibiotic sensitivity.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)lipoproteins are known to facilitate bacterial survival by manipulating the host immune responses. Here, we have characterized a novelMtblipoprotein LprE(LprEMtb), and demonstrated its role in mycobacterial survival. LprEMtbacts by down-regulating the expression of cathelicidin, Cyp27B1, VDR and p38-MAPK via TLR-2 signaling pathway. Deletion oflprEMtbresulted in induction of cathelicidin and decreased survival in the host. Interestingly, LprEMtbwas also found to inhibit autophagy mechanism to dampen host immune response. Episomal expression of LprEMtbin non-pathogenicMycobacterium smegmatis(Msm) increased bacillary persistence by down-regulating the expression of cathelicidin and autophagy, while deletion of LprEMtborthologue inMsm, had no effect on cathelicidin and autophagy expression. Moreover, LprEMtbblocked phago-lysosome fusion by suppressing the expression of EEA1, Rab7 and LAMP-1 endosomal markers by down-regulating IL-12 and IL-22 cytokines. Our results indicate that LprEMtbplays an important role in mycobacterial pathogenesis in the context of innate immunity.

Background Designated tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) within tumor microenvironment (TME) comprised of both regulatory cells and effector cells, and their interaction with tumor cells account for the immune escape and immunosurveillance mechanisms respectively. The number and location of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are the measures of immune response and carries prognostic significance and predictive potential in the era of immuno-oncology. The present study was an attempt to find the relation between the treatment response and the spatio-temporal separation of tumor infiltrating CD8+ T-cells and HER2/neu+ tumor cells in breast cancer TME. Methods In this study, a total of 7 breast cancer patients were enrolled and surgically removed fresh tumor tissues were evaluated for the baseline HER2/neu and CD8 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using dual stain (duplex IHC). The tumor tissues were also tested for the response to HER2 blocker in a novel humanized ex vivo platform that preserves tumour microenvironment using tumour explants, maintained in defined tumour grade-matched matrix support and autologous patient serum. Results Tumors responded to HER2 blockade had a majority of the CD8+ T cells (60-80%) concentrated around the HER2/neu+ tumor area (within 50-100µm). While, the non-responding tumors had significantly lesser number of the CD8+T cells (20-40%) proximal to HER2/neu+ zone compared to the responders. The present study indeed delineated a preferential spatial relationship of tumor infiltrating CD8+ cells in HER2/neu+ tumor region especially for the recognition of tumor antigen, cross presentation and tumor cell killing. Conclusions Assessment of distribution pattern of effector cells surrounding tumor area had a correlation on the efficacy of HER2 inhibition. It warrants validation in the larger cohort of patient tumors to underpin its clinical relevance for possible immunotherapies like combination of check point inhibitors with HER2/neu blocker and others. Identification of other co-stimulatory and pathway molecules on the tumors not responded to HER2 blocker is being studied to understand the mechanism of resistance. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Mitra RxDx Inc. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

The leaf surface of higher plants is composed of varied profile of hydrocarbons which play a vital role in chemical recognition and potentially involved in plant-pathogen interactions and communication with nature. There is little evidence to the direction that plant cuticle play a major factor in plant defense against pathogens besides imparting physical barrier to the plant. Teak (Tectona grandis. L) is one such tree found with diverse geographical distribution. In the present work, our objective was to study the cuticular composition of the fresh leaves of teak which is responsible for its wide adaptation and its antimicrobial activity. Cuticular compounds from the hexane fraction of the teak leaves were isolated, purified and spectral analyses revealed a long chain unbranched heneicosane (C21) with a mol. wt. of 296. This saturated hydrocarbon forms a continuous layer on the leaf surfaces which act as physical barrier to the micro-organisms and also possesses a strong defensing activity against a number of pathogens which implies its role in defensive mechanisms of the plant. The antifungal activity of heneicosane on each of the microbial species was statistically significant at P≤0.001 level. Its abundant recovery from teak leaves may justify its putative role as a resistance marker.

In the present study, evaluated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts of Saraca asoka in Swiss albino mice and Wister albino rats respectively. Dried leaves of Saraca asoka were extracted by petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol successively by percolation. The comparative TLC study was also done with these extracts. The extracts had been screened at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight orally and exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Prolonged darkness caused a fall in testicular 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) activity and diminished spermatogenesis, serum levels of gonadotropins, testosterone and alpha 2u-globulin. Administration of alpha 2u-globulin at a dose of 1.5 mg rat-1 per day for 7 days after 68 days of light deprivation, reversed the 17 beta-HSD activity and serum levels of gonadotropins, testosterone and alpha 2u-globulin, while spermatogenesis was restored to normal. The animals kept in prolonged darkness for 68 days and then received saline (7 days in light-dark cycle, 14 L: 10 D), showed no significant changes of testicular activity, serum levels of gonadotropins, testosterone and alpha 2u-globulin, when compared with dark-exposed animals (68 days) receiving rabbit serum (7 days in light-dark cycle, 14 L: 10 D). These results suggest that alpha 2u-globulin plays an important role in testicular function in dark-exposed rats by inducing gonadotropins and testosterone secretion.

The enzyme 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) has been shown to exist biochemically and histochemically in the toad testis. A single injection of cadmium chloride (0.5 mg/toad) resulted 7 days later in reduced 17 beta-HSD activity in the testis and decreased serum testosterone with an increase in thumb pad glycogen content. It is concluded that cadmium induced changes lead to inhibition of androgen synthesis in the toad testis.

Japanese encephalitis is an acute infection of the central nervous system caused by Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The importance of an effective humoral response in preventing JEV infection has already been established, although the contribution of cellular immunity remains unclear. This study used an experimental murine model to understand the protective effects of cell-mediated immunity in JEV infection. Fourteen-day-old mice adoptively transferred with JEV-immune splenocytes were found to be protected from peripheral JEV challenge. The survival rate was reduced when transferred cells were depleted of their CD4+ T-cell population. Correspondingly, increased protection was observed when JEV-primed isolated CD4+ T cells were transferred compared with isolated CD8+ T cells. Mice protected from JEV infection by the adoptive transfer of JEV-immune splenocytes had higher levels of immunomodulatory cytokines and decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Concurrent with the increase in Th2 cytokines, JEV-specific IgM and IgG1 antibody titres were found to be elevated in protected mice. Taken together, these data indicate a definite role for CD4+ T cells in protection from lethal JEV infection in naïve 14-day-old mice. Induction of a Th2 cytokine response and IgG1 antibody probably achieves an immunomodulatory effect that results in the enhanced survival of these animals.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of gold chloride, a metallic earth salt, on steroidogenic and gametogenic functions of testis in immature rats. Immature rats of Wistar strain, were injected (s.c.) with gold chloride at the dose of 0.3 mg and 0.5 mg/kg body weight/day for 26 days. All the treated animals along with the vehicle-treated controls were sacrificed 24 hours after last injections. Testicular steroidogenic activity was evaluated by measuring the activities of two steroidogenic key enzymes, Delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Delta5-3beta-HSD) and 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17-beta HSD). Gametogenic capacity was determined by counting the number of germ cells at stage VII of seminiferous cycle. Plasma levels of testosterone (T) was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Administration of gold chloride at a dose of 0.3 mg/ kg body weight for 26 days led to insignificant changes of testicular Delta5-3beta-HSD,17beta-HSD activities and gametogenesis along with plasma T. In contrast 0.5 mg gold chloride treatment for 26 days caused a significant increase in plasma T (p < 0.001) along with stimulation of testicular Delta5-3beta-HSD activity (p < 0.001) and 17beta-HSD activity (p < 0.001). Gametogenic activity exhibited a significant increase in the number of step 7 spermatids (7Sd) (p < 0.001) at stage VII of seminiferous cycle when compared to control. The results of our experiment suggest that gold chloride treatment might be associated with significant stimulatory effects on testicular activities. Furthermore, since hormonal changes, altered steroidogenic enzymes and gametogenic activities were evident to a specific dose of gold chloride treatment, our data may have some clinical implication on the stimulation of fertility.

An experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), BARI, Rahmatpur, and Barisal during the period from January, 2013 to April, 2013 to study on the variability, heritability, genetic advance and interrelationship via correlation co–efficient and path co–efficient analysis among the important eight characters in relation to seed yield. Significant variation was observed among the studied 54 mungbean genotypes for all characters. Different genotypes were found superior for different characters. Among the genotypes, ACC–12810002 for plant height (71.80 cm), TPK–2558–97 for days to 50% flowering (48.67 days as minimum), BC–6960–88 and VO–1558 (B–G) for days to pod maturity (89.00 days as minimum), VC–6149 (B–12) for pod length (17.30 cm), ACC–12810006 for pods plant –1 (31.73), ACC–12890073 for seeds pod –1 (17.60), VC–6960–88 for 100– seed weight (5.63 g) and GK–40 for seed yield (1846.00 kg ha –1 ) were found to be the superior genotypes. Including seed yield, all the characters, except seeds pod–1 exhibited high heritability accompanied by medium to high genetic advance as percent of mean. These characters also showed medium to high GCV and PCV. However seeds pod –1 showed moderate heritability and genetic advance as present of mean. In all these case significant genotypic correlation co–efficient were found to be higher than their corresponding phenotypic ones. The character 100–seed weight showed significant positive relationship with seed yield. Path co– efficient analysis suggested that pods plant –1 contributed maximum direct effects having positive on seed yield. Plant height, pod length and 100–seed weight had also positive direct effect on seed yield. Thus selection based on pods plant–1, days to first flowering, plant height and 100–seed weight might be effective for improving seed yield in mungbean. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i1.22161 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(1): 131-138 2014

Cadmium-induced stress adversely affects testicular activity and causes sympathetic stimulation. To investigate the effect of atenolol, a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, on testicular androgen synthesis after cadmium treatment, adult Sprague-Dawley strain male rats were given a single sc dose of cadmium chloride 0.45 mg/kg BW. Animals were killed on day 3 after treatment. Adrenal weight, adrenal delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta 5-3 beta-HSD) activity, serum corticosterone, and brain noradrenaline were increased significantly while testicular delta 5-3 beta-HSD and 17 beta-HSD activities, serum testosterone, and accessory sex organs weight were decreased. Oral coadministration of atenolol at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg body weight for 3 days resulted in complete protection of adrenal delta 5-3 beta-HSD, testicular delta 5-3 beta-HSD, and 17 beta-HSD activities, adrenal weight, serum corticosterone, and serum testosterone when compared with cadmium-only group and there were no significant differences in these parameters from the vehicle control values. Simultaneous administration of cadmium and atenolol also protected brain noradrenaline content and reduced the rise of testicular cadmium concentration. All the parameters were similar to control levels in rats treated with atenolol alone. We conclude that atenolol may protect testicular androgen synthesis by inhibiting the action of noradrenaline on testicular Leydig cells and adrenocortical hyperactivity in cadmium-treated rats.

β-Carotene biochemistry is a fundamental process in mammalian biology. Aberrations either through malnutrition or potentially through genetic variation may lead to vitamin A deficiency, which is a substantial public health burden. In addition, understanding the genetic regulation of this process may enable bovine improvement. While many bovine QTL have been reported, few of the causative genes and mutations have been identified. We discovered a QTL for milk β-carotene and subsequently identified a premature stop codon in bovine β-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2), which also affects serum β-carotene content. The BCO2 enzyme is thereby identified as a key regulator of β-carotene metabolism.

Quantitative evaluation of the different varieties of germ cells at stage VII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, namely type-A spermatogonia (ASg), preleptotene spermatocytes (pLSc), midpachytene spermatocytes (mPSc) and step 7 spermatids (7 Sd) along with Leydig cell nuclear area (LCNA) and radioimmunoassay of plasma levels of gonadotropins (FSH and LH), prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T), activities of testicular, delta 5-3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta 5-3 beta-HSD) and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) were measured in mature rats of the Wistar strain following treatment with lithium chloride at a dose of 200 ug/100 g body wt/day for 7,14 and 21 days. A remarkable reduction in plasma levels of FSH (P less than 0.001), LH (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.01), PRL (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.001) and T (P less than 0.001) along with significant diminution in the activities of testicular delta 5-3 beta-HSD (P less than 0.001) and 17 beta-HSD (P less than 0.001) were observed following lithium treatment for 14 and 21 days. 21 days of treatment also resulted a marked degree of degeneration of ASg (P less than 0.05) and 7Sd(P less than 0.001) at stage VII but 14 days of treatment did not exhibited any significant effect on testicular gametogenesis. LCNA was decreased after lithium chloride treatment for 14 and 21 days (P less than 0.001). 7 days of treatment did not exert any notable result in the above parameters. The results of our experiment suggest that duration of lithium treatment is the critical factor for its adverse effects on testicular activity when the plasma levels of lithium remain within the therapeutic range. The possibility of an indirect action of lithium at the level of the testes is also discussed. Hence the data of our experiments have potential clinical implication.

The present study was performed on immature male rats aged 35 days. Subcutaneous injections of lithium chloride at a daily dose of 2.0 mg/kg for 15 days resulted in significant inhibition of spermatogenesis at stage VII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. Spermatogonia A, preleptotene spermatocytes and step 7 spermatids were decreased in number in comparison to controls. Serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL, and testosterone were decreased. Activities of testicular Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were suppressed along with a low caudal epididymal sperm count in comparison with controls. When the treatment was prolonged for 20 and 25 days, it showed an additional significant diminution in accessory sex organ weights and number of midpachytene spermatocytes at stage VII in comparison to control animals of corresponding age. It is concluded that lithium has an adverse effect on testicular function in immature rats by reducing serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL, and testosterone. Furthermore, since hormonal changes and altered spermatogenic activities were evident when the serum concentration of lithium was within the therapeutic range, our data may have some potential clinical implications.

Virus neutralizing MAb binding and T helper cell stimulating peptide epitopes from structural and non-structural proteins of Japanese encephalitis virus were delineated. It was observed that priming by T helper peptides potentiated neutralizing antibody response against JE virus. Immunization with chimeric T helper - B cell peptides could thus protect mice from lethal challenge with JE virus.

Although copper is an important biological trace element required for normal metabolism, occupational exposure to copper in different industrial workers may result in abnormal rise in plasma copper level which can bring about adverse effects. Intraperitoneal injection of copper chloride at the dose of 2000 μg/kg per day and higher doses for 26 days resulted in significant rise in adrenal weight, adrenal Δ(5)-3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) activity and serum corticosterone level in both adult and immature male rats, while 1000 μg/kg per day dose for 26 days duration did not significantly alter the adrenocortical activities and adrenal weight in adult rats. On the contrary, the latter lower dose caused a significant decrease in adrenal Δ(5) 3β HSD activity and serum corticosterone level in immature male rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine the role of adrenals in gonadal activity in the male toad during the breeding season. Exogenous administration of corticosterone or metapyrone for 6 days inhibited adrenal delta5-3beta(delta 5-3 beta) hydroxysteroid (delta5-3beta-HSD) and testicular 17beta (17 beta) hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) activities, decreased the serum levels of testosterone and inhibited spermatogenesis. When toads were treated with corticosterone a significant rise of serum corticosterone was noted while metapyrone treatment appeared to decrease serum corticosterone levels. It is concluded that adrenocortical hormone plays an indirect role in testicular activity in toads during the breeding season.

Copper chloride treatment adversely affects testicular activity in albino rats. To investigate its antitesticular effects mature (120 days) Wistar strain albino rats were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with copper chloride at doses of 1000, 2000 and 3000 micrograms/kg body weight/day for 26 days. Significant reduction of testicular and accessory sex organs (seminal vesicle, ventral prostate) weight, along with inhibition of testicular delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta 5-3 beta-HSD) and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) activity and reduction in plasma testosterone level, were observed at the doses of 2000 and 3000 micrograms/kg body weight/day. The degree of inhibition in all the parameters were increased with the increase of dosage. But no significant change was observed in the above parameters when the animals were treated with 1000 micrograms/kg body weight/day dose. This suggests that copper produces a suppressive influence on male reproductive activity, mainly on testicular weight and steroidogenesis and accessory sex organ weight in a dose-dependent manner.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of anti-alpha-2U-globulin on pituitary-gonadal functions in male rats. Adult male rats were given injections of anti-alpha-2u-globulin (1 mg/day) for 14 days, when they were killed 7 days after the last injection, serum levels of gonadotrophins and testosterone measured by radioimmunoassays, were less, testicular delta 3 beta- and 17 beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase (3 beta- and 17 beta-HSD) activities were suppressed, spermatogenesis was inhibited and serum level of alpha-2u-globulin was decreased in anti-alpha-2u-globulin treated rats. Administration of alpha-2u-globulin (1.5 mg/day) for 7 days to anti-alpha-2u-globulin treated rats reversed the 3beta-HSD and 17beta-HSD activities and serum levels of gonadotrophins, testosterone and alpha-2u-globulin, while spermatogenesis was restored to normal. The results indicate that changes in testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in rats after passive immunization against alpha-2u-globulin may be due to decrease in availability of endogenous alpha-2u-globulin.

Adult male rats were thyroidectomized and killed after 22 days of treatment. Thyroidectomy lowered the weights of testes and accessory sex organs, decreased the activities of testicular Δ5-3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD), and diminished spermatogenesis, serum levels of testosterone and α2u-globulin. Supplementation with thyroxine at a dose of 5 μg/100 g body weight per day for 21 days or supplementation with α2u-globulin at a dose of 1·5 mg/rat per day for 21 days in thyroidectomized animals partially reversed the decrease in HSD activities and serum concentrations of testosterone and α2u-globulin, while spermatogenesis was restored to normal. The weights of testes and accessory sex organs were also reinstated after supplementation with thyroxine or α2u-globulin in thyroidectomized rats in comparison with thyroidectomized animals. It was concluded that α2u-globulin may be an intermediary in the thyroid hormone control of testicular function. Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 343–347

The effect of PRL supplementation in lithium-treated rats on spermatogenesis, testicular Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities, and serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL and testosterone were studied on the 22nd day of the experiment. Subcutaneous injections of lithium chloride at a dose of 2.0 mg·kg−1·day−1 for 21 days resulted in a significant inhibition of spermatogenesis at stage VII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle, along with remarkable diminution of serum levels of the above hormones and suppression of the activities of the above two testicular steroidogenic enzymes. Administration of bovine PRL at a dose of 0.25 mg·kg−1·day−1 plus lithium treatment resulted in a remarkable protection of spermatogenic and steroidogenic activities of the testes, along with restoration of serum levels of FSH and testosterone. It is concluded that PRL can markedly protect the testicular dysfunction induced by lithium chloride treatment in rats.

Rats were exposed intermittently for 8 h per day over 6 days at simulated high altitude of 20,000 feet. One group of altitude-exposed animals was treated with naproxen, a prostaglandin inhibiting drug. Significant reduction in body weight gain was observed in both altitude-exposed and drug-treated altitude-exposed animals compared to the control group. Right and left ventricular weights and weights of the adrenal glands were increased significantly in altitude-exposed and altitude-exposed drug-treated animals. The weight of the spleen was increased significantly in altitude-exposed animals whereas no such increase of splenic weight was observed in drug-treated altitude-exposed group of animals. On the other hand, the weight of the liver was decreased significantly in both cases. In drug-treated altitude-exposed animals, the unaltered splenic weight was thought to be due to inhibition of the erythropoietic activity.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of lithium, an antimanic drug, on steroidogenic and gametogenic functions of testis in the laboratory rat. Adult male rats of Wistar strain maintained under standard laboratory conditions (L:D, 14h:10h), were injected (S.C) with lithium chloride at the dose of 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg and 0.4 mg/100 g body weight/day for 21 days. All the treated animals along with the vehicle treated controls were sacrificed 24 hours after the last injections. Testicular steroidogenic activity was evaluated by measuring the activities of two steroidogenic key enzymes, delta 5-3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta 5-3 beta-HSD) and 17 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD). Gametogenic capacity was determined by counting the number of germ cells at stage VII of seminiferous cycle. Plasma levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T) were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Administration of lithium chloride at a dose of 0.1 mg/100 g body wt. for 21 days led to insignificant changes of plasma FSH, LH, PRL and T along with unaltered activities of testicular delta 5-3 beta-HSD, 17 beta-HSD activities and gametogenesis. In contrast, 0.2 mg of lithium treatment for 21 days causes a significant reduction of plasma FSH (P less than 0.01), LH (P less than 0.001), PRL (P less than 0.001) and T (P less than 0.001) along with inhibition of testicular delta 5-3 beta-HSD activity (P less than 0.01) and 17 beta-HSD activity (P less than 0.001). Gametogenic activity does not exhibits any significant reduction in the number of preleptotene spermatocytes (PLSc) and midpachytene spermatocytes (mPSC) while significant reduction in the number of spermatogonia A (Asg) (P less than 0.01) and Step 7 spermatids (7Sd) (P less than 0.001) were observed at stage VII of seminiferous cycle when compared to control. The degree of detrimental effects of lithium on testicular activity became more prominent at the dose of 0.4 mg/100 g body wt. The results of our experiments suggest that lithium administration might be associated with significant adverse effects on testicular activities. Furthermore, since hormonal changes and altered gametogenic activities were evident when plasma lithium concentration was below or within the therapeutic range, our data may have some potential clinical implications.

A solid-phase enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) is described for the detection and quantitation of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACAs) IgG and IgM in sera. In these assays, non-specific binding was controlled by using antigen-negative wells for all serum dilutions tested. Quadruplicate 100-microliters serum samples diluted 1:20 for ACA-IgG and 1:40 for ACA-IgM were incubated for two hours, after which alkaline phosphatase-conjugated antihuman IgG or IgM was added. A standard serum was used on each plate to provide reproducibility of the assay. Upper limits of normal for ACA-IgG and IgM were established by testing 161 sera from normal persons. Sixty-one selected patients with SLE were tested; and, from these results, categories of positivity were defined from negative to 4+. All screen-positive sera (greater than or equal to 1+) were assayed in a quantitative ELISA assay for ACAs, using multiple dilutions of the unknowns. These data were fit on a standard curve generated with dilutions of a reference serum on each plate using a computerized data reduction system based on the 2 Plus 2 model. The standard curves were compared with the international standards for IgG and IgM anticardiolipin. The ability to quantitate ACA concentrations allows better definition of positive sera, as well as the opportunity to accurately evaluate and follow this antibody in a variety of patient groups.

The hepatic synthesis of the androgen-dependent urinary protein in the rat, called alpha2u globulin, is strongly inhibited by estrogens. In mature male rats, treatment with estradiol-17beta (0.5 mug/g body weight) completely inhibits alpha2u synthesis within 6-7 days. Following withdrawal of estrogen treatment alpha 2u synthesis is not reinitiated for approximately 20 days. Parabiotic joining of estrogen-suppressed male rats with their normal littermates within this lag period fails to change the preparabiotic pattern of alpha2u synthesis in the respective partners. Besides estradiol-17beta, other estrane derivatives such as estrone, estriol and estradiol-17alpha were also found to inhibit the synthesis of alpha2u globulin. All of the above estrane derivatives which inhibit alpha2u synthesis are also found to inhibit the uptake of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone by the hepatic cytosol androgen binding protein of the mature male rat. Unlike cycloheximide, a known translational inhibitor, estradiol-17beta does not inhibit alpha 2u synthesis in the perfused rat liver.

The relationship between the pineal gland and testes of the toad was investigated in breeding and hibernating seasons. Pinealectomy increased spermatogenesis in hibernating toads but it failed to exert any effect during the breeding season. The pineals were found to be active during hibernation and atrophied in the breeding season. It is speculated that the cyclic pineal activity might be responsible for the seasonal variation of spermatogenesis in the toad.

The frequency of hepatitis B was examined using three serological parameters: HBsAg, antiHBs and antiHBc. All three substances were detected qualitatively by means of sensitive radioimmunological techniques. Of 1216 patients with acute hepatitis, 55% were HBsAg and antiHBc positive on admission to hospital. A further 17.8% had no HBsAg but were antiHBc positive and also partly antiHBs positive. These cases can be divided into 2 groups: In one group, in 8.6% of patients had a high antiHBc concentration during the acute phase. Similar antiHBc concentrations were seldom found (0.04%) in HBsAg negative blood donors. AntiHBs in the patients was at first mainly negative and then appeared during reconvalescence. These cases were considered to be acute hepatitis type B, although HBsAg was absent. In the second group, comprising 9.2% of the patients, antiHBc was present in low concentrations and in the majority of cases antiHBs had been present from the beginning. The same antibody constellation was found in 3.6% of 2341 blood donors. In the group of patients it is supposed that the acute hepatitis present is not of type B and has a different aetiology. The low concentration of antibody is interpreted to be a sign of an earlier HBV-infection.

Body fluid and hematologic changes were found in three groups of adult male toads that had been exposed to 48 h of continuous simulated altitudes of 12,000, 18,000, and 24,000 ft, respectively. Erythrocyte counts and hematocrit ratios were increased significantly in all the high-altitude-exposed animals compared with the control group of animals kept at sea level, whereas the hemoglobin concentrations were significantly increased only in the 18,000- and 24,000-ft-exposed animals. Exposure to high altitude generally caused a reduction of plasma volume, blood volume, extracellular fluid volume, and total body water. These reductions were markedly lower in the animals exposed to 24,000 ft. These simulated high-altitude effects on body fluids and hematology in the toad (Bufo melanostictus) were compared with those of the rat, birds, and humans acutely acutely exposed at various high altitudes and were found to be qualitatively similar.

Cassiadinine, a new chromone alkaloid and (+)-6-hydroxymellein, a new dihydroisocoumarin isomer have been isolated together with three triterpenoids, cycloart-23-en-3β,25-diol, friedelin and betulin, a chromone derivative, 5-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-2-methylchromone and γ-sitosterol from the petrol and chloroform extracts of the flowers of Cassia siamea .

Ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthesis in the kidney of normal or hypophysectomized-castrated toads that received gonadotropins were studied. Hypophysectomy and castration or injections of LH decreased AsA biosynthesis. Administration of FSH in the hypophysectomized-castrated or normal toads increased biosynthesis of this vitamin. It is concluded that the AsA biosynthesis in the kidney of toads is regulated by pituitary gonadotropic hormones.

The enzyme Δ6-3β3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was demonstrated histochemically in both the tubular and Leydig cells of the toad testes. Addition of 200 µg of dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) to 100 rag of testicular tissue slices increased the activity of Δ5-3β3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, while a similar dose of ascorbic acid (AsA) failed to stimulate the enzyme. The evidence indicates that DHA participates in the activation of Δ5-3β3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. (Endocrinology 87: 170, 1970) THE ROLE of ascorbic acid (AsA) in the synthesis of steroid hormones has been debated for some time without reaching any definite decision as to its function. AsA has been implicated in the electron transport chain between reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPNH) and one of the cytochromes (1). The DPN-dependent Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which has been demonstrated in the Leydig cells of several mammalian species (2), is concerned with steroid hormone biosynthesis. Administration of AsA to normal toads st...

α2u GLOBULIN is an androgen-dependent rat urinary protein with a molecular weight of about 23,800 (ref. 1). In the male rat, starting from puberty until senescence, α2u globulin is synthesised and secreted by the hepatic tissue and is rapidly cleared by the kidneys into the urine2–4. In addition to its urinary concentration α2u globulin has been found to be concentrated by the salivary glands and released into the saliva (A.K.R., and J.G.B., in preparation). Synthesis of this protein could be induced in the spayed female rat by androgen, and oestrogenic compounds completely inhibited α2u synthesis in the mature male rat5. But α2u globulin does not bind testosterone, oestradiol-17β or any of their metabolites (unpublished results of A.K.R.). Pretreatment of mature male rats with oestrogen induces a dose-dependent temporary lag period within which α2u globulin is not synthesised even under androgenic stimulation. With a daily oestradiol dose of 50 µg per 100g body weight a lag period extending up to 3–4 weeks has been established6. Although the adult male rat synthesises 20–30 mg of α2u globulin per day, no physiological role of this protein has yet been established. The close parallel between the male reproductive capability and the production of α2u globulin4,5 prompted us to look into the possible reproductive role of this protein. The discovery of the oestrogen-mediated lag period in the mature male rats also provided an opportunity to look into the spermatogenic abnormalities within this lag period and any reparative effects which α2u globulin may have on such damage. The results reported here demonstrate considerable protection of spermatogenesis by α2u globulin against potential damage by oestrogen.

Injection of cadmium chloride in a toad increases both the delta 5-3 beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in Bidder's organ.

Addition of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) to the medium elicits an immediate synthesis of a specific GlcNAc-binding protein in yeasts. Synthesis of this protein requires the continuous presence of GlcNAc as the inducer and is inhibited completely by the inhibitors of ribonucleic acid and protein syntheses. Furthermore, this protein has been partially purified from GlcNAc-grown Candida albicans cells and is quite distinct from the other induced enzymes of the GlcNAc catabolic pathway. A good correlation between the level of GlcNAc-binding protein and GlcNAc uptake capacity of the cells during induction was observed. Some of the sugars, e.g., N-acetylmannosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and glucose, had a similar competitive effect on the binding of GlcNAc as well as on its uptake. Furthermore, both the binding and uptake activities were sensitive to sulfhydryl reagents.

Melatonin injection either in the morning or in the evening decreases spermatogenesis as well as the Leydig Cell nuclear area in toad, whereas if administered twice daily (morning+evening) it shows no such effect.

Prolonged suppression of prolactin (PRL) in immature male rats inhibits the spermatocyte-spermatid conversion process, alters leydig cell morphology, decreases accessory sex organ weight and increases serum LH levels without a significant alteration in serum FSH concentration. Amelioration of these effects by exogenous PRL strongly indicates that in the absence of PRL excess titers of endogenous LH fail to exert an influence on the spermatogenic activity of maturing testes.

Continuous darkness decreases spermatogenesis as well as Leydig cell function whereas continuous illumination suppresses spermatogenesis along with increased Leydig cell activity.

Adult male toads were exposed to simulated high altitude of 24,000 feet for 96 hrs of continuous exposure in a decompression chamber. The animals were sacrificed immediately after the exposure period. Significant increase of the weight of the ventricle and spleen is observed in altitude exposed animals. Red blood cell, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit ratio and red cell mass are significantly increased in high altitude exposed animals in comparison to control. MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) are decreased in altitude exposed group. Plasma volume, blood volume, extracellular fluid volume, intracellular fluid volume and total body water are decreased significantly after altitude exposure for 96 hrs. These physiological changes are thought to be due to dehydration of this animal at simulated high altitude and it is highly affected after 96 hrs of exposure as evidenced by the significant reduction of total body water and intracellular fluid volume.

Blood glucose, tissue carbohydrate, total plasma and tissue protein and plasma electrolyte concentrations were estimated in male toads, exposed to simulated high altitude of 12,000, 18,000 and 24,000 feet respectively for 48 hours of continuous exposure in a decompression chamber. Blood glucose and muscle carbohydrate were decreased significantly in animals exposed to 18,000 and 24,000 feet altitude, without having any change in the liver carbohydrate. Muscle carbohydrate was also decreased in 12,000 feet altitude exposed animals.