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Since even low-level environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd) can lead to numerous unfavourable health outcomes, including damage to the nervous system, it is important to recognize the risk of health damage by this xenobiotic, the mechanisms of its toxic influence, and to find an effective protective strategy. This study aimed to evaluate, in a female Wistar rat model of current human environmental exposure to Cd (1 and 5 mg/kg of diet for 3–24 months), if the low-to-moderate treatment with this element can harm the brain and whether the supplementation with a 0.1% Aronia melanocarpa L. (Michx.) Elliott berries (chokeberries) extract (AE) can protect against this effect. The exposure to Cd modified the values of various biomarkers of neurotoxicity, including enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1)) and non-enzymatic proteins (calmodulin (CAM), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)) crucial for the functioning of the nervous system, as well as the concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and some metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in the brain tissue. The co-administration of AE, partially or entirely, protected from most of the Cd-induced changes alleviating its neurotoxic influence. In conclusion, even low-level chronic exposure to Cd may adversely affect the nervous system, whereas the supplementation with A. melanocarpa berries products during the treatment seems a protective strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repair of nervous tissue is a critical research field in tissue engineering because of the degenerative process in the injured nervous system. In this review, we summarize the progress of injectable hydrogels using in vitro and in vivo studies for the regeneration and repair of nervous tissue. Traditional treatments have not been favorable for patients, as they are invasive and inefficient; therefore, injectable hydrogels are promising for the treatment of damaged tissue. This review will contribute to a better understanding of injectable hydrogels as potential scaffolds and drug delivery system for neural tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a prooxidant that adversely affects human health, including the nervous system. As exposure of the general population to this heavy metal is inevitable, it is crucial to look for agents that can prevent the effects of its toxic action. An experimental model on female rats of current lifetime human exposure to cadmium (3–24-months' treatment with 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg diet) was used to test whether low-level and moderate intoxication can exert a prooxidative impact in the brain and whether supplementation with a 0.1% extract from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. (Michx.) Elliott (AE; chokeberry extract) can protect against this action. Numerous parameters of the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidative barrier, as well as total antioxidative and oxidative status (TAS and TOS, respectively), were determined and the index of oxidative stress (OSI) was calculated. Moreover, chosen prooxidants (myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and hydrogen peroxide) and biomarkers of oxidative modifications of lipids, proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid were assayed. Cadmium dysregulated the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the brain and led to oxidative stress and oxidative injury of the cellular macromolecules, whereas the co-administration of AE alleviated these effects. To summarize, long-term, even low-level, cadmium exposure can pose a risk of failure of the nervous system by the induction of oxidative stress in the brain, whereas supplementation with products based on aronia berries seems to be an effective protective strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale morphological features of branched processes of glial cells may be of decisive importance for neuron–astrocyte interactions in health and disease. The paper presents the results of a correlation analysis of images of thin processes of astrocytes in nervous tissue of the mouse brain, which were obtained by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with high spatial resolution. Samples were prepared and imaged using a unique hardware combination of ultramicrotomy and SPM. Astrocyte details with a thickness of several tens of nanometers were identifiable in the images, making it possible to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of astrocytic processes by integrating a series of sequential images of ultrathin sections of nervous tissue in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to environmental metal pollutants is linked to oxidative stress and the subsequent development of neurological disease. In this study, the effects of copper, manganese, and mercury, were evaluated at X100 the World Health Organization safety limits for drinking water. Using a Sprague-Dawley rat model, following exposure for 28 days, the effects of these metals on biochemical blood parameters and tissue and cellular structure of the brain were determined. Biochemical analysis revealed no hepatocellular injury with minor changes associated with the hepatobiliary system. Minimal changes were found for renal function and the Na+ /K+ ratio was reduced in the copper and manganese (Cu + Mn) and copper, manganese, and mercury (Cu, Mn + Hg) groups that could affect neurological function. Light microscopy of the brain revealed abnormal histopathology of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum and pyramidal cells in the cerebrum as well as tissue damage and fibrosis of the surface blood vessels. Transmission electron microscopy of the cerebral neurons showed microscopic signs of axonal damage, chromatin condensation, the presence of indistinct nucleoli and mitochondrial damage. Together these cellular features suggest the presence and influence of oxidative stress. Exposure to these metals at X100 the safety limits, as part of mixtures, induces changes to neurological tissue that could adversely influence neurological functioning in the central nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The high prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases in the older adult population requires research focused on functional foods with regulatory properties on redox state and with antioxidant potential. Quail egg yolk is a food with a great diversity of antioxidant compounds with neuroprotective activity. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Coturnix japonica egg yolk administration on the nervous tissue of mice against ethanol damage induction. Methodology: 35 mice received the following treatment via orogastric for five days: groups I and II water (10 mL/kg), group III egg yolk (5 mL/kg), group IV egg yolk (10 mL/kg) and group V egg yolk (15 mL/kg). On the fifth day, 99% ethanol was administered subcutaneously (5 g/kg) to groups II-V. After four hours, the mice were decapitated to obtain the brain and cerebellum and subsequently perform biochemical tests and histopathological analysis. Results: Group IV presented neuronal proliferation phenomenon and Purkinje cells pluristratification in the brain and cerebellum respectively and additionally presented a better GSH/GSSG ratio (p<0.05) in comparison to group II. There was no statistically significant difference between protein levels or protein sulfhydryl groups in any of the groups. Conclusions: Coturnix japonica egg yolk administration resulted in better preservation of the brain and cerebellum’s cytoarchitecture and increased GSH profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repair of nervous tissue is a critical research field in tissue engineering because of the degenerative process in the injured nervous system. In this review, we summarize the progress of injectable hydrogels using in vitro and in vivo studies for the regeneration and repair of nervous tissue. Traditional treatments have not been favorable for patients, as they are invasive and inefficient; therefore, injectable hydrogels are promising for the treatment of damaged tissue. This review will contribute to a better understanding of injectable hydrogels as potential scaffolds and drug delivery system for neural tissue engineering applications.

Plastination is a technique used to preserve biological tissues while retaining most of their original appearance. In the technique, developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977, specimens were impregnated with a polymer, such as silicone, epoxy, or polyester. Considered the most suitable material for brain plastination, polyester has a wide application in teaching and research compared with imaging techniques. The materials for plastination are usually imported from Germany and more expensive than domestic products. If domestic polymers were to enter the market it would favor the expansion of plastination in Brazil. Hence, this study evaluated the feasibility of using domestic polyesters to replace the usual Biodur® (P40) in plastination of brain slices. For this evaluation, 2-mm-thick sections of bovine brains were prepared and plastinated with domestic polyester. Slices were compared before impregnation and after curing using standardized photographs taken after dehydration and after curing. Plastination followed the standard protocol: fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation, and curing. Fifteen brain slices were plastinated with each polyester (P40, P18, and C1-3). There was no significant difference in the percent shrinkage between groups after plastination of P18 and P40, but the curing time of Cristalan© polymer was too short for impregnation. Therefore, no initiator was used for C polymers impregnation. Thus, domestic polyester P18 was a viable option for the process.

Cadmium (Cd) is a prooxidant that adversely affects human health, including the nervous system. As exposure of the general population to this heavy metal is inevitable, it is crucial to look for agents that can prevent the effects of its toxic action. An experimental model on female rats of current lifetime human exposure to cadmium (3–24-months’ treatment with 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg diet) was used to test whether low-level and moderate intoxication can exert a prooxidative impact in the brain and whether supplementation with a 0.1% extract from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. (Michx.) Elliott (AE; chokeberry extract) can protect against this action. Numerous parameters of the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidative barrier, as well as total antioxidative and oxidative status (TAS and TOS, respectively), were determined and the index of oxidative stress (OSI) was calculated. Moreover, chosen prooxidants (myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and hydrogen peroxide) and biomarkers of oxidative modifications of lipids, proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid were assayed. Cadmium dysregulated the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the brain and led to oxidative stress and oxidative injury of the cellular macromolecules, whereas the co-administration of AE alleviated these effects. To summarize, long-term, even low-level, cadmium exposure can pose a risk of failure of the nervous system by the induction of oxidative stress in the brain, whereas supplementation with products based on aronia berries seems to be an effective protective strategy.

Introduction: Low back pain appears in approximately two thirds of the population at some point in life and when it exceeds more than 12 weeks, it evolves to chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain is considered one of the most common causes of disability and absence from work. A therapeutic technique that can be used as a treatment for chronic low back pain is neural mobilization, capable of restoring compromised neurological structures, restoring movement by improving the elasticity of neural tissue and adjacent tissues. Objective: To verify the effects of neural mobilization in patients with chronic low back pain. Material and methods: All articles were carefully evaluated in order to obtain concrete and reliable information. The databases used were Google Scholar, Scielo, Medline and PubMed due to the methodological quality and articles in the area of interest. The keywords “low back pain”, “chronic low back pain”, “neural mobilization” and “physiotherapeutic intervention” were combined in the most diverse possibilities, in English and Spanish translations. Results: 86 articles were found, nine of which were included in this review. They had a score ≥ 5 on the PEDro Scale, which methodologically qualifies the articles. After analyzing the results obtained through the selected articles, all the data collected, as well as their respective results, were described in a table that contains data from the articles. Conclusions: Neural mobilization reduces pain and improves the extensibility of tissues, causing a reduction in painful sensation and increased flexibility. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research in order to verify new results obtained through this type of intervention.

Abstract Structurally similar cells have been found and termed telocytes (TCs) since the first characterisation of interstitial Cajal‐like cells in 1911. TCs are a novel and peculiar interstitial cell type with a small cellular body, markedly long cell processes named telopodes and a wide distribution in numerous tissues throughout the body. Besides specific morphological characteristics and immunohistochemical profiles, TCs build three‐dimensional mixed networks through homocellular (connection to each other) and/or heterocellular contacts (connection with other cell types), interaction with extracellular matrix and their vicinity to nerve endings, and thus might play, as part of an integrated system, roles in maintaining organ/tissue function. In this mini‐review, we summarise physical properties, general characteristics and distribution of TCs in diverse organs and tissues, focusing on their potential functions in nervous tissue and current challenges in investigating TCs as a distinct cell type.

The nervous system is distinctive as compared to other tissue systems in human body owing to intricate structural organization. Histological studies played a key role in unveiling complex details of nervous tissue. However, the process of developing suitable staining method for nerve cells was arduous and spanned across almost half a century. The present study explored details of the journey involving quest for propitious staining method in neuroanatomy culminating in promulgation of neuron doctrine at the onset of 20th century. Initial efforts involving hematoxylin (including its diverse modifications) and subsequent adoption of analogous dye-based stains (like Nissl's method) had limited success in visualization of different parts of a nerve cell and structural details of nervous tissue. This was due to inability of dye-based stains to penetrate the connective tissue sheath of nervous tissue. Eventually, advent of metallic stains in form of silver impregnation method (Golgi stain), reduced silver impregnation method with gold stain (Cajal's stain) and silver carbonate staining method of Río-Hortega unraveled the structure of nervous tissue. The evolution of staining methods catalyzed the refinement of theories pertinent to constitution of nervous tissue. Golgi's staining led to emergence of reticular theory (neurons exist as a network) and Nissl's staining was the basis of the concept of Nervösen Grau (nerve cells and glial cells are embedded in mass of gray matter). Finally, Cajal's staining method successfully elucidated the complex anatomy of nerve terminals and resulted in emanation of neuron doctrine (neurons exists as individual units with adjacent connections)., (© 2024 American Association for Anatomy.)

The fishes' nervous system is one of the key objects of evolutionary and biomedical researches. The multiple approaches and methods for visualizing the nervous tissue in fish have been developed, but all possess constraints and disadvantages reducing their application possibilities. As a result, the clear distinctive histological picture of the larval and juvenile nervous system of non-model fish remains a challenging task. Here, we present a modified silver impregnation protocol allowing analyzing the ray-finned fishes' nervous system morphology with a clear background, including bones, cartilages, and muscles, at the early developmental stages, from embryo to juvenile. The main advantages of the protocol are (i) stable staining results; (ii) ability to stain specimens differing in the applied fixatives and storage duration; (iii) affordable relatively non-toxic chemicals; (iv) differentiation of all the major tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs with pivotal roles in the control of gene expression. By comparing the miRNA profiles of uninjured vs. regenerating tissues and structures, several studies have found that miRNAs are potentially involved in the regenerative process. By inducing miRNA overexpression or inhibition, elegant experiments have directed regenerative responses validating relevant miRNA‐to‐target interactions. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been the epicenter of regenerative research because of its exceptional capability to self‐repair damaged tissues and body structures. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries that have improved our understanding of the impact of gene regulation mediated by miRNAs in the context of the regeneration of fins, heart, retina, and nervous tissue in zebrafish. We compiled what is known about the miRNA control of regeneration in these tissues and investigated the links among up‐regulated and down‐regulated miRNAs, their putative or validated targets, and the regenerative process. Finally, we briefly discuss the forthcoming prospects, highlighting directions and the potential for further development of this field. Key Findings: One to several hundreds of miRNA genes have differential expression during the phases of regeneration in tissues of adult zebrafish, recapitulating the regulatory expression signatures active during early stages of development.The regulatory activity of miRNAs is temporally dependent on the stage of regeneration in which the tissue is. Different miRNAs act at different times after tissue injury, with quantitative alteration of expression according to the requirements controlled by cells active in the region of the lesion. This fine‐tuned control allows the precise adjustment in the expression level of genes and their protein products required at each stage of regeneration.In the major groups of vertebrates, during the regeneration of limbs, organs and structures, the regulatory program mediated by microRNAs is remarkably more conserved at the intratissue level between different species than at the inter‐tissue level within a single individual of any given species.Broad comparative analyses of microRNA transcriptome, especially by comprehensive datasets generated by RNA‐seq, are informative about the scenario of molecules with a central role in post‐injury regeneration among zebrafish tissues and represent a valuable strategy for identifying targets for studies in humans. A notable example is miR‐21, which is a uniquely differentially expressed miRNA in multiple zebrafish tissues during regeneration and whose mature transcripts are evolutionarily conserved in human cells, providing new perspectives for translational research.Given the versatility of the zebrafish model and its use as an animal model for structural and functional genome research and the control in the use of new techniques such as genome editing by CRISPR, we believe that the investigation of the role of miRNAs in regeneration will be rapidly increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The network mechanisms underlying how inhibitory circuits regulate ON‐ and OFF‐responses (the b‐ and d‐waves) in the electroretinogram (ERG) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of inhibitory circuits to the emergence of the b‐ and d‐waves in the full‐field ERG in the newt retina. To this end, we investigated the effects of several synaptic transmission blockers on the amplitudes of the b‐ and d‐waves in the ERG obtained from newt eyecup preparations. Our results demonstrated that (a) L‐APB blocked the b‐wave, indicating that the b‐wave arises from the activity of ON‐bipolar cells (BCs) expressing type six metabotropic glutamate receptors; (b) the combined administration of UBP310/GYKI 53655 blocked the d‐wave, indicating that the d‐wave arises from the activity of OFF‐BCs expressing kainate‐/AMPA‐receptors; (c) SR 95531 augmented both the b‐ and the d‐wave, indicating that GABAergic lateral inhibitory circuits inhibit both ON‐ and OFF‐BC pathways; (d) the administration of strychnine in the presence of SR 95531 attenuated the d‐wave, and this attenuation was prevented by blocking ON‐pathways with L‐APB, which indicated that the glycinergic inhibition of OFF‐BC pathway is downstream of the GABAergic inhibition of the ON‐system; and (e) the glycinergic inhibition from the ON‐ to the OFF‐system widens the response range of OFF‐BC pathways, specifically in the absence of GABAergic lateral inhibition. Based on these results, we proposed a circuitry mechanism for the regulation of the d‐wave and offered a tentative explanation of the circuitry mechanisms underlying ERG formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) are key transcription factors that alter gene expression in hypoxia, and play a central role in ensuring an adaptive response to low oxygen levels in the brain. This review provides information on the functional role of HIF in adaptive tissue responses, specifically in response to metabolic shifts, in angiogenesis, apoptosis and others, which plays an important role in cell survival under hypoxic conditions. We describe the molecular structure of the main HIF subunits, changes in their expression and decay at normal oxygen levels, as well as in acute and chronic hypoxia, and the factors regulating these changes. Special attention is paid to the role of microRNAs in regulating HIF changes, as well as the interaction of HIF subunits with mitochondrial factors. The role of HIF in neuroprotection and neuroglial adaptive changes is described in detail. The importance of further study of HIF's physiological role is noted, to obtain new information about the pathogenesis of hypoxic brain injury, including its early stages, which determines the risk of later neurological disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) is the basic function of mitochondria, although the landscape of mitochondrial functions is continuously growing to include more aspects of cellular homeostasis. Thanks to the application of -omics technologies to the study of the OxPhos system, novel features emerge from the cataloging of novel proteins as mitochondrial thus adding details to the mitochondrial proteome and defining novel metabolic cellular interrelations, especially in the human brain. We focussed on the diversity of bioenergetics demand and different aspects of mitochondrial structure, functions, and dysfunction in the brain. Definition such as ‘mitoexome’, ‘mitoproteome’ and ‘mitointeractome’ have entered the field of ‘mitochondrial medicine’. In this context, we reviewed several genetic defects that hamper the last step of aerobic metabolism, mostly involving the nervous tissue as one of the most prominent energy-dependent tissues and, as consequence, as a primary target of mitochondrial dysfunction. The dual genetic origin of the OxPhos complexes is one of the reasons for the complexity of the genotype-phenotype correlation when facing human diseases associated with mitochondrial defects. Such complexity clinically manifests with extremely heterogeneous symptoms, ranging from organ-specific to multisystemic dysfunction with different clinical courses. Finally, we briefly discuss the future directions of the multi-omics study of human brain disorders.

Subcellular fractionation by differential ultracentrifugation has allowed the study of the cell and its organelles from a morphological, physiological, and biochemical perspective. Combined with electron microscopy, and by using animals at different stages of postnatal development, these methods yielded useful results concerning the ontogeny of synaptosomes, mitochondria, and myelin and broadened the possibilities to investigate the molecular underpinnings of cerebellar histogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning electron microscopy in ambient conditions (Air‐SEM) was developed recently and has been used mainly for industrial applications. We assessed the potential application of Air‐SEM for the analysis of biological tissues by using rat brain, kidney, human tooth, and bone. Hard tissues prepared by grinding and frozen sections were observed. Basic cytoarchitecture of bone and tooth was identified in the without heavy metal staining. Kidney tissue prepared using routine SEM methodology yielded images comparable to those of field emission (FE)‐SEM. Sharpness was lower than that of FE‐SEM, but foot process of podocytes was observed at high magnification. Air‐SEM observation of semithin sections of kidney samples revealed glomerular basement membrane and podocyte processes, as seen using conventional SEM. Neuronal structures of soma, dendrites, axons, and synapses were clearly observed by Air‐SEM with STEM detector and were comparable to conventional transmission electron microscopy images. Correlative light and electron microscopy observation of zebrafish embryos based on fluorescence microscopy and Air‐SEM indicated the potential for a correlative approach. However, the image quality should be improved before becoming routine use in biomedical research. Air‐SEM is a recently developed SEM operating under the atmospheric condition. Tooth, bone, brain, kidney, and zebrafish embryo were imaged to assess the biological applicability. The result present a strong potential for the biological application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim: to study the dynamics of immunological markers of nervous tissue regeneration in patients with focal cerebral contusions in posttraumatic period. Material and Methods. Quantitative content of human NRG1-beta1, GFAP and anti-SGPG in patients with focal cerebral contusions was analyzed on the 1st-4th, 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th day post-injury, and one time only — in patients of control group. Results. In patients with focal cerebral contusions the content of NRG-1beta1 was characterized by two-phase increase on the 7th and 21st day, GFAP — on the 14th day, anti-SGPG — on the 21st and 30th day compared to the patients of control group. Conclusion. Functional restoration of the brain in cerebral focal contusions in the posttraumatic period is based on the significantly intensified axon and peripheral nervous fiber regeneration processes with intercellular structure regeneration being less intensified. The degree and direction of these processes is predicated upon the dynamics of immunocytochemical markers.

Hydrogel-based nonviral gene delivery constitutes a powerful strategy in various regenerative medicine scenarios, as those concerning the treatment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neural tissues disorders as well as wound healing. By a minimally invasive administration, these systems can provide a spatially and temporarily defined supply of specific gene sequences into the target tissue cells that are overexpressing or silencing the original gene, which can promote natural repairing mechanisms to achieve the desired effect. In the present work, we provide an overview of the most avant-garde approaches using various hydrogels systems for controlled delivery of therapeutic nucleic acid molecules in different regenerative medicine approaches.

Objective: The effect of chlorophyllin (CHL), CHL + freeze dried cow urine (FCU) and FCU on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cytochrome oxidase activity in the nervous tissue of the host snail Lymnaea acuminata, and parasitic cercaria larvae of Fasciola gigantica were studied. Methods: Whole cercaria larvae and snail nervous tissue was homogenized and supernatant was used as an enzyme source. Enzyme activity was measured in 10-mm path length cuvette using incubation mixtures and change in optical density was recorded. Results: Sublethal 4 h LC50 40% and 80% of these formulations in sunlight and laboratory conditions caused no significant change in AChE activity in the nervous tissue of host snail. It was noted that sublethal in vivo 8 h exposure to 40% and 80% of 4 h LC50 of single and binary combination of CHL+FCU, CHL and FCU significantly altered the AChE and cytochrome oxidase activity in the cercaria larvae. Binary combinations of CHL+FCU in sunlight were more effective in inhibiting both the enzymes. Conclusion: The present study reported that enzymes AChE and cytochrome oxidase were inhibited by chlorophyllin formulations and thus causing the larval death inside the snail body without affecting the snail itself which is an important bioindicator of aquatic ecosytem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chengjiang fossil Lagerstätte (Cambrian Stage 3) from Yunnan, southern China is renowned for its soft-tissue preservation. Accordingly structures in fuxianhuiids, radiodontans and great appendage arthropods have been interpreted as the nervous and cardiovascular systems, including brains, hearts and blood vessels. That such delicate organ systems survive the fossilization process seems remarkable; given that this mode of preservation involves major taphonomic changes, such as flattening, microbial degradation, chemical alteration and replacement. Here,we document a range of taphonomic preservation states in numerous articulated individuals of Fuxianhuia protensa. We suggest that organic (partly iron mineral-replaced) bulbous structures in the head region, previously interpreted as brain tissue, along with sagittally located organic strands interpreted as part of the cardiovascular system or as nerve cords, may be better explained as microbial biofilms that developed following decomposition of the intestine, muscle and other connective tissues, forming halos surrounding the original organic remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropeptides synthesized and released by neuronal cells play important roles in the regulation of many processes, e.g. growth, feeding, reproduction, and behavior. In the past decade, next-generation sequencing technologies have helped to facilitate the identification of multiple neuropeptide genes in a variety of taxa, including arthropods, molluscs and echinoderms. In this study, we extend these studies to Holothuria scabra, a sea cucumber species that is widely cultured for human consumption. In silico analysis of H. scabra neural and gonadal transcriptomes enabled the identification of 28 transcripts that encode a total of 26 bilaterian and echinoderm-specific neuropeptide precursors. Furthermore, publicly available sequence data from another sea cucumber, Holothuria glaberrima , allowed a more in-depth comparative investigation. Interestingly, two isoforms of a calcitonin-type peptide precursor (CTPP) were deduced from the H. scabra transcriptome – HscCTPP-long and HscCTPP-short, likely the result of alternative splicing. We also identified a sea cucumber relaxin-type peptide precursor, which is of interest because relaxin-type peptides have been shown to act as gonadotropic hormones in starfish. Two neuropeptides that appear to be holothurian-specific are GLRFA, and GN-19. In H. scabra , the expression of GLRFA was restricted to neural tissues, while GN-19 expression was additionally found in the longitudinal muscle and intestinal tissues. In conclusion, we have obtained new insights into the neuropeptide signaling systems of holothurians, which will facilitate physiological studies that may enable advances in the aquaculture of sea cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Producing meat products with ingredients which are not consistent with the label is considered fraud. Due to the high economic value of meat, the use of unauthorized tissue in meat products is possible. Aside from the adulteration aspect, it is important to note that some animal tissues like the brain and the spinal cord can bear infective agents which are transmissible to humans. Based on these observations, the aim of the present study was to apply morphological method for detection of nervous tissues in minced meat. Laboratory adulterated minced beef meat; each containing 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% of beef brain was prepared. Then each sample was divided into three parts and four paraffin embedded blocks were prepared from each part. The sections were stained using sudan black and cresyl violet and also the immunohistochemical staining with fluorescent method were applied using anti-neurofilament 200 antibody for the determination of nervous tissue. Although the neuronal cell bodies and neuronal fibers were clearly detectable in Cresyl violet staining and sudan black staining, respectively, however, staining intensity did not show any difference according to different percentages of added brain. In contrary, immunohistochemical study revealed that neurofilament 200-immunolabeling was present in all percentages of added brain samples and the intensity of the labeling varying from weak to strong consisted by the increasing the amount of brain in samples. In conclusion, the immunohistochemical technique with fluorescent method is an effective method for evaluations of additive brain tissue in minced meat with high sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]