Behavioural and physiological effects in sheep of a chronic stressor and a parasite challenge

1991 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 1335 ◽  
Author(s):  
LR Fell ◽  
JJ Lynch ◽  
DB Adams ◽  
GN Hinch ◽  
RK Munro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Challenge Infection ◽  
Parasitic Disease ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Immunological Status ◽  
Plasma Cortisol Concentration ◽  
Chronic Stressor ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Arena Test ◽  
Parasite Challenge

Mature Merino ewes, either at pasture (paddock) or in a feedlot situation (penned), were given a serial challenge infection with the gastric nematode parasite, Haemonchus contortus, and compared with control animals for their behaviour in an arena test, their plasma cortisol concentration and haematological and immunological status. Very low levels of infection resulted and parasitic disease was not evident. There were, however, significant effects on behaviour of both the challenge infection and the feedlot situation. The parasitic treatment resulted in a reduced distance between the sheep and the person in the arena test and also an increase in locomotor activity in the case of penned sheep. Overall, the penned animals displayed twice as much locomotor activity as paddock sheep. Mechanisms whereby a infectious challenge could affect sheep behaviour require further investigation.

scholarly journals Malaria parasites both repress host CXCL10 and use it as a cue for growth acceleration

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifat Ofir-Birin ◽  
Hila Ben Ami Pilo ◽  
Abel Cruz Camacho ◽  
Ariel Rudik ◽  
Anna Rivkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Cerebral Malaria ◽  
Survival Strategy ◽  
Parasitic Disease ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Sensing System ◽  
Rich Domain ◽  
Cargo Delivery ◽  
Low Levels

AbstractPathogens are thought to use host molecular cues to control when to initiate life-cycle transitions, but these signals are mostly unknown, particularly for the parasitic disease malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The chemokine CXCL10 is present at high levels in fatal cases of cerebral malaria patients, but is reduced in patients who survive and do not have complications. Here we show a Pf ‘decision-sensing-system’ controlled by CXCL10 concentration. High CXCL10 expression prompts P. falciparum to initiate a survival strategy via growth acceleration. Remarkably, P. falciparum inhibits CXCL10 synthesis in monocytes by disrupting the association of host ribosomes with CXCL10 transcripts. The underlying inhibition cascade involves RNA cargo delivery into monocytes that triggers RIG-I, which leads to HUR1 binding to an AU-rich domain of the CXCL10 3’UTR. These data indicate that when the parasite can no longer keep CXCL10 at low levels, it can exploit the chemokine as a cue to shift tactics and escape.

Are roads and traffic sources of physiological stress for the Florida scrub-jay?

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina M. Morgan ◽  
Travis E. Wilcoxen ◽  
Michelle A. Rensel ◽  
Stephan J. Schoech
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Florida Scrub ◽  
The Road ◽  
Threatened And Endangered Species ◽  
Chronic Stressor

Context Anthropogenic disturbances induce physiological and behavioural responses in numerous species. The negative effects of human disturbance are of special concern to threatened and endangered species. Aims The present study aims to compare physiological stress measures and reproductive success of Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) living near roads with jays that live away from roads. Specifically, it aims to test whether roads are stressful. Methods We assessed physiological measures that can serve as indicators of ‘stress’ to determine whether a highway that bisects our study site had physiological effects on adult male Florida scrub-jays. We captured male breeders from three territory types, including scrub habitat that (1) bordered a highway with a grassy shoulder that created an ‘edge’ habitat (roadside), (2) bordered human-maintained habitat (a plowed firebreak of sand with adjacent pasture) that served as a control for the edge-effect of the road (pasture) and (3) contained only natural scrub habitat (interior). We measured baseline concentrations of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT), body mass, and a suite of longitudinal body measures to generate a body condition index in males from each territory type over three breeding seasons. Key results Roadside jays had greater body mass than did interior and pasture jays, although there were no differences in overall baseline CORT concentrations or body condition among territory classes. There was no difference in clutch initiation date or size and nestling and independent-young survival. Conclusions Our results suggest that the road through our study site has physiological effects on Florida scrub-jays; however, there is mixed evidence as to whether it acts as a chronic stressor. Implications Our findings provide evidence that roads and road-associated disturbance has neutral or potentially beneficial physiological effects of roads on Florida scrub-jays. Knowledge of these effects of roads and disturbance on jays will hopefully provide additional opportunities to improve conservation of this species.

Chronic exposure to low levels of inorganic arsenic causes alterations in locomotor activity and in the expression of dopaminergic and antioxidant systems in the albino rat

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 640-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verónica Mireya Rodríguez ◽  
Jorge Humberto Limón-Pacheco ◽  
Leticia Carrizales ◽  
María Soledad Mendoza-Trejo ◽  
Magda Giordano
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Inorganic Arsenic ◽  
Antioxidant Systems ◽  
Albino Rat ◽  
Low Levels

scholarly journals Acute pancreatitis promotes the generation of two different exosome populations

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Jiménez-Alesanco ◽  
M. Marcuello ◽  
M. Pastor-Jiménez ◽  
L. López-Puerto ◽  
L. Bonjoch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Proteomic Analysis ◽  
Ribosomal Proteins ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Cell Distribution ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Alveolar Compartment

AbstractExosomes are small extracellular vesicles that act as intercellular messengers. Previous studies revealed that, during acute pancreatitis, circulating exosomes could reach the alveolar compartment and activate macrophages. However, proteomic analysis suggested that the most likely origin of these exosomes could be the liver instead of the pancreas. The present study aimed to characterize the exosomes released by pancreas to pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid (PAAF) as well as those circulating in plasma in an experimental model of taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. We provide evidence that during acute pancreatitis two different populations of exosomes are generated with relevant differences in cell distribution, protein and microRNA content as well as different implications in their physiological effects. During pancreatitis plasma exosomes, but not PAAF exosomes, are enriched in the inflammatory miR-155 and show low levels of miR-21 and miR-122. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis showed that PAAF exosomes contains 10–30 fold higher loading of histones and ribosomal proteins compared to plasma exosomes. Finally, plasma exosomes have higher pro-inflammatory activity on macrophages than PAAF exosomes. These results confirm the generation of two different populations of exosomes during acute pancreatitis. Deep understanding of their specific functions will be necessary to use them as therapeutic targets at different stages of the disease.

scholarly journals A Pilot Comparative Study of 26 Biochemical Markers in Seminal Plasma and Serum in Infertile Men

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui-Xiang Feng ◽  
Jin-Chun Lu ◽  
Hong-Ye Zhang ◽  
Nian-Qing Lü
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Biochemical Markers ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Accessory Glands ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Infertility Patients ◽  
And Function

Introduction. The relationships of the biochemical components in seminal plasma and serum, and their origins and physiological effects in male reproductive system have been poorly understood.Methods. Based on the calibration and quality control measures, 26 biochemical markers, in seminal plasma and serum samples from 36 male infertility patients with nonazoospermia were detected and compared.Results. Only PA was undetectable in all seminal plasma samples. There were significant differences of all other 24 biochemical markers in seminal plasma and serum (P<0.05) except for UA (P=0.214). There were rich proteins in seminal plasma, and globulin accounted for about 90%. There were also abundant enzymes in seminal plasma, and the activities of ALT, AST, AKP, GGT, LDH, CK, andαHBDH in seminal plasma were significantly higher than those in serum while ADA was inversely lower. There were relatively low levels of Glu, TG, TC, and hsCRP in seminal plasma, but Glu was undetectable in 8 of 36 cases.Conclusions. The differences of the levels of biochemical markers in seminal plasma and serum might be associated with the selective secretion of testis, epididymis and male accessory glands, and the specific environment needed for sperm metabolism and function maintenance.

scholarly journals Reactive Oxygen Species in the Tumor Microenvironment: An Overview

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Weinberg ◽  
Nithya Ramnath ◽  
Deepak Nagrath
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Proliferative Effect ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Cellular Components ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity ◽  
Insight Into

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important signaling molecules in cancer. The level of ROS will determine physiological effects. While high levels of ROS can cause damage to tissues and cell death, low levels of ROS can have a proliferative effect. ROS are produced by tumor cells but also cellular components that make up the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which ROS can affect the TME with particular emphasis on tumor-infiltrating leukocytes. Greater insight into ROS biology in this setting may allow for therapeutic manipulation of ROS levels in order to remodel the tumor microenvironment and increase anti-tumor activity.

MCH Neuron Activity Is Sufficient for Reward and Reinforces Feeding

2019 ◽  
Vol 110 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 258-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pelin Dilsiz ◽  
Iltan Aklan ◽  
Nilufer Sayar Atasoy ◽  
Yavuz Yavuz ◽  
Gizem Filiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Glucose Tolerance ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Neuron Activity ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Direct Role ◽  
Reward Function ◽  
Melanin Concentrating Hormone

Background: Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)-expressing neurons have been implicated in regulation of energy homeostasis and reward, yet the role of their electrical activity in short-term appetite and reward modulation has not been fully understood. Objectives: We investigated short-term behavioral and physiological effects of MCH neuron activity manipulations. Methods: We used optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches in Pmch-cre transgenic mice to acutely stimulate/inhibit MCH neuronal activity while probing feeding, locomotor activity, anxiety-like behaviors, glucose homeostasis, and reward. Results: MCH neuron activity is neither required nor sufficient for short-term appetite unless stimulation is temporally paired with consumption. MCH neuronal activation does not affect short-term locomotor activity, but inhibition improves glucose tolerance and is mildly anxiolytic. Finally, using two different operant tasks, we showed that activation of MCH neurons alone is sufficient to induce reward. Conclusions: Our results confirm diverse behavioral/physiological functions of MCH neurons and suggest a direct role in reward function.

scholarly journals Stable isotopes: their use and safety in human nutrition studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter S. W. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotopes ◽  
Protein Turnover ◽  
Nuclear Industry ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Nutritional Studies ◽  
Assess Body Composition

Abstract Stable isotopes have been used as tracers in human nutritional studies for many years. A number of isotopes have been used frequently to assess body composition, energy expenditure, protein turnover and metabolic studies in general, such as deuterium (2Hydrogen), 18Oxygen, 13Carbon and 15Nitrogen. Nevertheless, there is still occasional confusion and concern over their safety, which can hinder the appropriate use of these isotopes in human studies. This mini review aims, therefore, to consider the safety of the four stable isotopes mentioned above, and to reiterate and reaffirm their safety once again. It is hoped that these data will be of use to new researchers in the field, as well as those considering the ethical or other implications of using these stable isotopes in nutritional research. Undoubtedly some of the confusion arises as deuterium, especially, is associated with the nuclear industry. However, as their name implies, of course, none of these stable isotopes are radioactive, and no adverse biological or physiological effects have been reported at the very low levels of enrichment that are used in human studies. There are ample data to reaffirm the safety of stable isotopes at the levels used in nutritional research, and unnecessary concerns and/or confusion should not be a block to continued use of these important tracers.

The effect of colostrum on pigs pre-natally or post-natally exposed toSchistosoma japonicum

Parasitology ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 129 (5) ◽  
pp. 597-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. TECHAU ◽  
M. V. JOHANSEN ◽  
P. LIND ◽  
N. ORNBJERG
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Japonicum ◽  
Challenge Infection ◽  
Liver Pathology ◽  
Immunological Status ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Egg Antigen

Pre-natal infection ofSchistosoma japonicumin pigs may prove to be a useful model in shedding light on human pre-natal schistosomiasis. This study describes the effects of immune colostrum on worm burdens, tissue egg counts, liver pathology and crude worm or egg antigen-specific IgG and IgA responses, in groups of pigs pre-natally, pre-natally+post-natally or post-natally exposed toS. japonicum. Results suggest that pre-natal exposure and immune colostrum did not affect the establishment of a post-natal challenge infection. However, immune colostrum seemed to increase the levels of septal fibrosis in pre-natally exposed pigs. These findings indicate that further investigations will prove valuable, elucidating the influence of the parasitological and immunological status of the sow, on pre-natally exposed pigs, and on the ability of these pigs to develop resistance againstS. japonicumlater in life.

Synaptosomal uptake of norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine and synthesis of catecholamines during benzodiazepine treatment

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 777-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. B. Rastogi ◽  
Y. D. Lapierre ◽  
R. L. Singhal
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Homovanillic Acid ◽  
Single Injection ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Catecholamine Synthesis ◽  
Endogenous Level ◽  
Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid ◽  
Previously Treated ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Chronic Diazepam

Administration of diazepam (10 mg/kg, sc) acutely or for 22 consecutive days decreased spontaneous locomotor activity and presumably the release of norepinephrine and dopamine as evidenced by increased levels of these amines in crude synaptosomes and low levels of their metabolites, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylglycol in brain and homovanillic acid in striatum of rats. Acute or chronic diazepam elevated the levels of synaptosomal 5-hydroxytryptamine by 21 and 50%, respectively, suggesting that the release of this indoleamine was also diminished. Whereas a single injection of diazepam failed to alter the synaptosomal uptake of 5-[3H]hydroxytryptamine or rate of synthesis of this indoleamine, repeated exposure for 22 days enhanced it by 31 and 28%, respectively. Acute diazepam treatment also enhanced 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in hypothalamus, pons–medulla, and midbrain of rats. The endogenous level of tryptophan in P2 pellet also was increased (by 117%) in chronic diazepam-treated rats. Diazepam given acutely or chronically failed to change the rate of catecholamine synthesis. However, discontinuation of diazepam for 48 h in rats previously treated for 20 days significantly increased locomotor activity and synaptosomal catecholamine synthesis above the values of 'treated' as well as normal control animals. Despite their increased synthesis, the synaptosomal levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in 'withdrawn' groups were decreased to 46 and 62%, respectively. This could presumably be due to a compensatory release of these monoamines and partly to altered uptake of norepinephrine which was diminished by 24%. Additionally, the levels of homovanillic acid in striatum and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylglycol in brain were enhanced to 196 and 193%, respectively, taking the values of chronically exposed rats as 100%. Withdrawal of rats from diazepam decreased the rate of synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine and the level of 5-hydroxytryptamine within the crude synaptosomes; the latter could be attributed to enhanced release and impeded uptake of this indoleamine. The view gains support from enhanced levels of the metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid seen in several brain areas of withdrawn rats.Our data suggest that diazepam exerts its central effects on mood and behaviour by impairing the release of catecholamines and 5-hydroxytryptamine. It is also suggested that enhanced release and decreased uptake of these monoamines may, in part, be responsible for the hyperexcitability seen during the 'rebound' phase in anxious patients withdrawn from benzodiazepine therapy.

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