Localisation of two classes of acetylcholine receptor-like molecules in sperms of different animal species

Zygote ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Baccetti ◽  
A.G. Burrini ◽  
G. Collodel ◽  
C. Falugi ◽  
E. Moretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nicotinic Receptor ◽  
Nicotinic Receptors ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Similar Distribution ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Immunogold Staining ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Transduction Mechanisms

SummaryThe distribution of different classes of acetylcholine (ACh) receptor-like molecules in sperms of different invertebrate and vertebrate species is described. ACh receptor molecules belong to one of two classes: muscarinic receptors (mAChRs), associated with signal transduction mechanisms in the inner domain of the cell, and nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), capable of opening Na+ channels when activated by the ligand. Molecules immunologically related to mAChRs and to ACh can be identified by specific antibodies, and revealed by immunofluorescent or immunogold staining; the nicotinic receptor-like molecules are localised as curare-sensitive affinity sites for α-bungarotoxin. In all species studied, both classes of receptors were found, with a similar distribution. Muscarinic-like molecules were found mainly in the sperm head regions of most species; such a localisation may be correlated to a function in sperm–egg interaction, for instance in the regulation of the block to polyspermy. Nicotinic-like molecules are present mainly in the tail and in the post-acrosomal region of most animals, thus confirming their function in the regulation of sperm propulsion, but are also present at the acrosomal region of most species. The distribution patterns of the different classes of molecules indicate that both may be in sperm–egg interactions, in addition to their known function in the regulation of sperm propulsion.

scholarly journals Vegetation Height and Diurnal Period Influenced the Landscape-Use Pattern of Small Ruminants in Woodlands around Summer

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
Shailes Bhattrai ◽  
Uma Karki ◽  
Sanjok Poudel
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Control Area ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Understory Shrubs ◽  
Diurnal Period

Despite the huge potential of using woodlands for small ruminant grazing in the southeast US, unmanaged understory shrubs grown beyond animals’ access minimize the utilization of such vegetation. This study aimed to determine the effect of vegetation height and diurnal period on the behavior and distribution patterns of goats and sheep in woodlands around summer. The study was conducted in six woodland plots (0.4 ha each) comprising southern pines and non-pine (non-target) plant species. Non-pine plants in each study plot were assigned to four treatments: cut to 0 m, 0.9 m, or 1.5 m from the ground level or left uncut (control). Cut plant stubs were allowed to regrow to full canopy before stocking animals. Eight Kiko wethers and five Katahdin rams were rotationally stocked in separate plots, and their diurnal (dawn–dusk) behaviors and distribution patterns were monitored when they were in each plot (three plots per animal species) around the summer of 2018. Animal behavior data were analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure with multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in SAS, while animal distribution pattern and weather data were analyzed in SAS using a GLM procedure and the distribution evenness index (DEI) using the Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test in R. Level of significance was set at 5%. Both animal species visited the control area the least. Wethers browsed predominantly in areas where non-pine plants were cut to 0.9 m from the ground level, and rams grazed mostly in areas where non-pine plants were cut to the ground level, mostly during the post-midday period. Browsing was the dominant feeding behavior of wethers (39% browsing vs. 4% grazing), while rams’ feeding behavior was dominated with grazing (24% grazing vs. 12% browsing). Lying was a predominant diurnal behavior in both wethers (46%) and rams (35%), mostly during the midday period. Wethers had a higher value for DEI than rams during the morning and post-midday periods. This study established that (1) the utilization of woodland understory foliage by small ruminants can be increased by lowering plant height, and (2) both vegetation characteristics and diurnal period are important factors for influencing small ruminants’ behavior while stocked in woodlands around summer.

scholarly journals Microhabitat of small mammals at ground and understorey levels in a deciduous, southern Atlantic Forest

2013 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 727-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
GERUZA L. MELO ◽  
BARBARA MIOTTO ◽  
BRISA PERES ◽  
NILTON C. CACERES
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Strong Evidence ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Didelphis Albiventris

Each animal species selects specific microhabitats for protection, foraging, or micro-climate. To understand the distribution patterns of small mammals on the ground and in the understorey, we investigated the use of microhabitats by small mammals in a deciduous forest of southern Brazil. Ten trap stations with seven capture points were used to sample the following microhabitats: liana, fallen log, ground litter, terrestrial ferns, simple-trunk tree, forked tree, and Piper sp. shrubs. Seven field phases were conducted, each for eight consecutive days, from September 2006 through January 2008. Four species of rodents (Akodon montensis, Sooretamys angouya, Oligoryzomys nigripes and Mus musculus) and two species of marsupials (Didelphis albiventris and Gracilinanus microtarsus) were captured. Captured species presented significant differences on their microhabitat use (ANOVA, p = 0.003), particularly between ground and understorey sites. Akodon montensis selected positively terrestrial ferns and trunks, S. angouya selected lianas, D. albiventris selected fallen trunks and Piper sp., and G. microtarsus choose tree trunks and lianas. We demonstrated that the local small-mammal assemblage does select microhabitats, with different types of associations between species and habitats. Besides, there is a strong evidence of habitat selection in order to diminish predation.

scholarly journals Animal rabies epidemiology in Nepal from 2005 to 2017

2021 ◽  
pp. 190-195
Author(s):  
Pushkar Pal ◽  
Adisorn Yawongsa ◽  
Rajesh Bhatta ◽  
Hiroshi Shimoda ◽  
Theera Rukkwamsuk
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Central Zone ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Population Management ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Development Zone ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Veterinary Laboratory ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Background and Aim: Animal rabies is endemic in Nepal, and it occurs in two forms. Although governmental and non-governmental agencies are working toward the control of rabies by mass dog vaccination and stray dog population management, there is still massive number of rabies incidence reported to the reference veterinary laboratory, Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed to assess animal species, temporal, regional, and agro-ecological distribution patterns of animal rabies in Nepal from 2005 to 2017. Materials and Methods: The epidemiological data on animal rabies from the period of 2005 to 2017 were obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. The laboratory-confirmed rabies cases were analyzed according to animal species, temporal, regional (developmental zones), and agro-ecological distributions. In addition, descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the distribution patterns of rabies. Results: From 2005 to 2017, a total of 2771 suspected rabies cases in animals were reported to The Central Veterinary Hospital, Kathmandu. Of which, 1302 were found laboratory-confirmed cases. The rabies cases were most commonly reported and confirmed in dogs followed by other domestic animals. The high occurrences were recorded between 2005 and 2007. However, the incidence was increased during 2016 and 2017. The highest number of rabies cases was recorded in the eastern development zone, and the least number in the central zone at regional level. Likewise, it was highest in the Terai (plain) region and lowest in mountainous areas at agro-ecological zones. The findings also revealed that the occurrences of rabies significantly differed among seasons. Conclusion: Rabies is present in Nepal throughout the year and all seasons with seasonal variation. Among the animal species, dogs are the primary animals affected with rabies followed by cattle and other domestic animals. At the regional level, eastern development zone had the highest incidence and Central development zone recorded the least. Similarly, the Terai region had the highest incidence rates, and the least overall prevalence rate was observed in mountainous regions among agro-ecological zones. Therefore, the government should implement the strict enforcement of mass dog vaccination and dog population management through one health approach to control rabies incidence in the country.

Salmonella serovar distribution from non-human sources in Italy; results from the IT-Enter-Vet network

2018 ◽  
Vol 183 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzia Mancin ◽  
Lisa Barco ◽  
Carmen Losasso ◽  
Simone Belluco ◽  
Veronica Cibin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Chain ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Similar Distribution ◽  
Progressive Decrease ◽  
The Third ◽  
Mandatory Participation ◽  
Over Time

The study summarises the results obtained over the period 2002–2013 by the Italian IT-Enter-Vet network, aimed at collecting data on Salmonella isolates from non-human sources. A total of 42,491 Salmonella isolates were reported with a progressive decrease over the years. S. Typhimurium was the most frequent serovar up to 2011, but then, it was overtaken by S. 4,[5],12,:i:-, S. Derby, S. Livingstone and S. Enteritidis alternated as the third most commonly isolated serovars. With regard to the sources of isolation, S. Typhimurium was distributed ubiquitously among the animal species. On the contrary, S. 4,[5],12,:i:- and S. Derby were strictly associated with pigs, whereas S. Livingstone, S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis were clearly related to poultry. Intriguingly, when the frequency of serovar distribution along the food chain was considered, it was evident that S. Typhimurium and S. Derby tended to persist along the chain, as they were isolated even more frequently from foods than from animals. A similar distribution was found for S. Enteritidis and S. Hadar. Despite limitations related to non-mandatory participation of laboratories in the network, the data presented are valuable to obtain a picture of the evolution of Salmonella from non-human sources over time in Italy.

scholarly journals Evolutionary trends in onshore-offshore distribution patterns of mushroom coral species (Scleractinia: Fungiidae)

2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bert W. Hoeksema
Keyword(s):  
Related Species ◽  
Coral Species ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Similar Distribution ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Species Association ◽  
Incidence Data ◽  
Coral Fauna ◽  
Mushroom Coral

A phylogenetically based comparative analysis of onshore-offshore distribution patterns of mushroom coral species (Scleractinia: Fungiidae) was made to reconstruct an evolutionary scenario for differentiation in fungiid shelf habitats. This phyloecological study integrates data on fungiid distribution patterns along environmental gradients on the Spermonde Shelf, SW Sulawesi, with a recently published phylogeny reconstruction of the Fungiidae. A mushroom coral fauna of 34 species was used to compare their distributions by use of 50-m2 belt quadrats in transects (1) from the mainland to the shelf edge, (2) around reefs with regard to predominant wind directions, and (3) over bathymetrical reef zones. Species association ordinations were made for each of the four shelf zones using both abundance and incidence data to examine whether closely related species cooccurred. Some closely related species or even sister species appeared to show very similar distribution patterns and to coexist in high abundances. These results indicate that there may not be community saturation and competitive exclusion among mushroom corals species, most of which are free-living. In reconstructions of fungiid habitat evolution, offshore reef slopes appear to be original (ancestral), whereas onshore habitats, shallow reef flats, and deep sandy reef bases seem to be derived. The latter is in contrast with an earlier hypothesis, in which deep sandy substrates were considered ancestral mushroom coral habitats.

Comparison of various approaches to calculating the optimal hematocrit in vertebrates

2012 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heiko Stark ◽  
Stefan Schuster
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Oxygen Transport ◽  
Oxygen Supply ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Maximum Amount ◽  
Interesting Problem ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Optimal Values ◽  
Spatially Homogeneous

An interesting problem in hemorheology is to calculate that volume fraction of erythrocytes (hematocrit) that is optimal for transporting a maximum amount of oxygen. If the hematocrit is too low, too few erythrocytes are present to transport oxygen. If it is too high, the blood is very viscous and cannot flow quickly, so that oxygen supply to the tissues is again reduced. These considerations are very important, since oxygen transport is an important factor for physical performance. Here, we derive theoretical optimal values of hematocrit in vertebrates and collect, from the literature, experimentally observed values for 57 animal species. It is an interesting question whether optimal hematocrit theory allows one to calculate hematocrit values that are in agreement with the observed values in various vertebrate species. For this, we first briefly review previous approaches in that theory. Then we check which empirical or theoretically derived formulas describing the dependence of viscosity on concentration in a suspension lead to the best agreement between the theoretical and observed values. We consider both spatially homogeneous and heterogeneous distributions of erythrocytes in the blood and also possible extensions, like the influence of defective erythrocytes and cases where some substances are transported in the plasma. By discussing the results, we critically assess the power and limitations of optimal hematocrit theory. One of our goals is to provide a systematic overview of different approaches in optimal hematocrit theory.

scholarly journals Early Lesions of Proliferative Enteritis in Pigs and Hamsters

1989 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. McOrist ◽  
G. H. K. Lawson ◽  
A. C. Rowland ◽  
N. MacIntyre
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Intestinal Lumen ◽  
Intracellular Bacteria ◽  
Immunogold Staining ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Early Lesions ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Gnotobiotic Pigs ◽  
Intracellular Multiplication ◽  
Marked Proliferation

Gnotobiotic pigs and conventional hamsters were given suspensions of intestinal mucosa from a pig with proliferative hemorrhagic enteropathy and killed 10 or 21 days later. Affected animals had evidence of marked proliferation of immature enterocytes in the intestinal crypts. Numerous Campylobacter-like organisms were in the cytoplasm of enterocytes, and in some instances, bacteria were closely associated with enter-ocytes. Some intracellular bacteria lying below the microvillous border were within membrane-bound structures. Immunofluorescence and electron immunogold staining with specific antibodies indicated that these organisms were antigenically different from curved bacteria in the crypt lumen of early lesions. This study indicates that the life cycle of the intracellular organisms may involve entry into crypt enterocytes from the intestinal lumen with subsequent intracellular multiplication.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTENNAL SENSE ORGANS OF FEMALE CULICINE MOSQUITOES

1970 ◽  
Vol 102 (10) ◽  
pp. 1258-1267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan B. McIver
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Culex Pipiens ◽  
Host Preference ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Similar Distribution ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Culex Tarsalis ◽  
Type Number ◽  
Sense Organs ◽  
Culex Fatigans

AbstractThe type, number, and distribution of the antennal sense organs of female Culex territans Walker and Culex restuans (Theo.) were determined and compared to similar data on Culex pipiens L., Culex fatigans Wiedemann, and Culex tarsalis Coquillett. All types of sense organs have similar distribution patterns on the five species, but large differences in number occur. These differences are discussed with regard to the host preference of the mosquitoes.

NEONICOTINOID INSECTICIDE TOXICOLOGY: Mechanisms of Selective Action

2005 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 247-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motohiro Tomizawa ◽  
John E. Casida
Keyword(s):  
Nicotinic Receptor ◽  
Nicotinic Receptors ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Selective Action ◽  
Flea Control ◽  
Major Class ◽  
Toxicological Profile ◽  
Neonicotinoid Insecticide ◽  
Low Toxicity ◽  
Detoxification Mechanisms

The neonicotinoids, the newest major class of insecticides, have outstanding potency and systemic action for crop protection against piercing-sucking pests, and they are highly effective for flea control on cats and dogs. Their common names are acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam. They generally have low toxicity to mammals (acute and chronic), birds, and fish. Biotransformations involve some activation reactions but largely detoxification mechanisms. In contrast to nicotine, epibatidine, and other ammonium or iminium nicotinoids, which are mostly protonated at physiological pH, the neonicotinoids are not protonated and have an electronegative nitro or cyano pharmacophore. Agonist recognition by the nicotinic receptor involves cation-π interaction for nicotinoids in mammals and possibly a cationic subsite for interaction with the nitro or cyano substituent of neonicotinoids in insects. The low affinity of neonicotinoids for vertebrate relative to insect nicotinic receptors is a major factor in their favorable toxicological profile.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document