scholarly journals Design and Activity of Antimicrobial Peptides against Sporogonic-Stage Parasites Causing Murine Malarias

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 2104-2110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romanico B. G. Arrighi ◽  
Chikashi Nakamura ◽  
Jun Miyake ◽  
Hilary Hurd ◽  
J. Grant Burgess
Keyword(s):  
Intensity Of Infection ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Sporogonic Stage ◽  
Short Novel ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Parasite Stage ◽  
Pathogenic Microbes

ABSTRACT Insects produce several types of peptides to combat a broad spectrum of invasive pathogenic microbes, including protozoans. However, despite this defense response, infections are often established. Our aim was to design novel peptides that produce high rates of mortality among protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, the malaria parasites. Using existing antimicrobial peptide sequences as templates, we designed and synthesized three short novel hybrids, designated Vida1 to Vida3. Each has a slightly different predicted secondary structure. The peptides were tested against sporogonic stages of the rodent malaria parasites Plasmodium berghei (in vitro and in vivo) and P. yoelii nigeriensis (in vitro). The level of activity varied for each peptide and according to the parasite stage targeted. Vida3 (which is predicted to have large numbers of β sheets and coils but no α helices) showed the highest level of activity, killing the early sporogonic stages in culture and causing highly significant reductions in the prevalence and intensity of infection of P. berghei after oral administration or injection in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The secondary structures of these peptides may play a crucial role in their ability to interact with and kill sporogonic forms of the malaria parasite.

Animal Models and Alternatives in the Quality Control of Vaccines: Are In Vitro Methods or In Vivo Methods the Scientific Equivalent of the Emperor's New Clothes?

1995 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-73
Author(s):  
Coenraad Hendriksen ◽  
Johan van der Gun
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
In Vitro Test ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Inactivated Vaccines ◽  
Vitro Test

In the quality control of vaccine batches, the potency testing of inactivated vaccines is one of the areas requiring very large numbers of animals, which usually suffer significant distress as a result of the experimental procedures employed. This article deals with the potency testing of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, two vaccines which are used extensively throughout the world. The relevance of the potency test prescribed by the European Pharmacopoeia monographs is questioned. The validity of the potency test as a model for the human response, the ability of the test to be standardised, and the relevance of the test in relation to the quality of the product are discussed. It is concluded that the potency test has only limited predictive value for the antitoxin responses to be expected in recipients of these toxoids. An alternative approach for estimating the potency of toxoid batches is discussed, in which a distinction is made between estimation of the immunogenic potency of the first few batches obtained from a seed lot and monitoring the consistency of the quality of subsequent batches. The use of animals is limited to the first few batches. Monitoring the consistency of the quality of subsequent batches is based on in vitro test methods. Factors which hamper the introduction and acceptance of the alternative approach are considered. Finally, proposals are made for replacement, reduction and/or refinement (the Three Rs) in the use of animals in the routine potency testing of toxoids.

Activation of the peptidergic neurosecretory system in Diphyllobothrium dendriticum (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea)

Parasitology ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaretha K. S. Gustafsson ◽  
Marianne C. Wikgren
Keyword(s):  
Neurosecretory Cells ◽  
Final Host ◽  
Fish Host ◽  
Neurosecretory System ◽  
Weak Reaction ◽  
Diphyllobothrium Dendriticum ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Short Times

SUMMARYThe activation of the peptidergic neurosecretory system in Diphyllobothrium dendriticum was studied following cultivation of plerocercoids for short times in vitro and in vivo. In the plerocercoid the neurosecretory cells gave a very weak reaction with paraldehyde fuchsin (PAF). After cultivation for 1 h large numbers of neurosecretory cells filled with PAF-positive granules were evident. The significance of the activation of the neurosecretory system during the transfer of the worm from the cold-blooded fish host to the warm-blooded final host is discussed.

scholarly journals ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF PLASMA-CELL TUMORS OF THE MOUSE

1961 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. F. Parsons ◽  
M. A. Bender ◽  
E. B. Darden ◽  
Guthrie T. Pratt ◽  
D. L. Lindsley
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Tissue Culture ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Granular Body ◽  
Virus Particles ◽  
Culture Cells ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Tumor Agent

The X5563 tumor has been grown in tissue culture. Cells similar to those of the original tumor migrated from the explant and attached to the glass walls of the culture vessels. Electron microscopy showed that large numbers of particles, similar in morphology to virus particles, were associated with these cells after 7 days of culture. The two principal types of particles found in the tumor in vivo appear to be present in vitro. Many more of these particles, however, were larger and showed a more complex structure. Whereas the particles were mainly localized inside endoplasmic reticulum or the Golgi zone in the tumors in vivo, in the tissue culture the majority of the particles were associated with the plasma membrane and were found outside of the cells. The relation of the particles to the granular body is discussed as well as a possible relation to the mammary tumor agent.

scholarly journals Ex VivoMaturation Assay for Testing Antimalarial Sensitivity of Rodent Malaria Parasites

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 6859-6866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi Wei Chang ◽  
Benoit Malleret ◽  
Bruce Russell ◽  
Laurent Rénia ◽  
Carla Claser
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Parasite Development ◽  
Ring Stage ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Rodent Malaria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Parasite Biology

ABSTRACTEx vivoassay systems provide a powerful approach to studying human malaria parasite biology and to testing antimalarials. For rodent malaria parasites, short-termin vitroculture andex vivoantimalarial susceptibility assays are relatively cumbersome, relying onin vivopassage for synchronization, since ring-stage parasites are an essential starting material. Here, we describe a new approach based on the enrichment of ring-stagePlasmodium berghei,P. yoelii, andP. vinckei vinckeiusing a single-step Percoll gradient. Importantly, we demonstrate that the enriched ring-stage parasites develop synchronously regardless of the parasite strain or species used. Using a flow cytometry assay with Hoechst and ethidium or MitoTracker dye, we show that parasite development is easily and rapidly monitored. Finally, we demonstrate that this approach can be used to screen antimalarial drugs.

scholarly journals Mammalian deubiquitinating enzyme inhibitors display in vitro and in vivo activity against malaria parasites and potentiate artemisinin action

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson V. Simwela ◽  
Katie R. Hughes ◽  
Michael T. Rennie ◽  
Michael P. Barrett ◽  
Andrew P. Waters
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Reverse Genetics ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitors ◽  
Artemisinin Resistance ◽  
Drug Repurposing ◽  
Antimalarial Drugs ◽  
Malaria Parasites

AbstractCurrent malaria control efforts rely significantly on artemisinin combinational therapies which have played massive roles in alleviating the global burden of the disease. Emergence of resistance to artemisinins is therefore, not just alarming but requires immediate intervention points such as development of new antimalarial drugs or improvement of the current drugs through adjuvant or combination therapies. Artemisinin resistance is primarily conferred by Kelch13 propeller mutations which are phenotypically characterised by generalised growth quiescence, altered haemoglobin trafficking and downstream enhanced activity of the parasite stress pathways through the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Previous work on artemisinin resistance selection in a rodent model of malaria, which we and others have recently validated using reverse genetics, has also shown that mutations in deubiquitinating enzymes, DUBs (upstream UPS component) modulates susceptibility of malaria parasites to both artemisinin and chloroquine. The UPS or upstream protein trafficking pathways have, therefore, been proposed to be not just potential drug targets, but also possible intervention points to overcome artemisinin resistance. Here we report the activity of small molecule inhibitors targeting mammalian DUBs in malaria parasites. We show that generic DUB inhibitors can block intraerythrocytic development of malaria parasites in vitro and possess antiparasitic activity in vivo and can be used in combination with additive effect. We also show that inhibition of these upstream components of the UPS can potentiate the activity of artemisinin in vitro as well as in vivo to the extent that ART resistance can be overcome. Combinations of DUB inhibitors anticipated to target different DUB activities and downstream 20s proteasome inhibitors are even more effective at improving the potency of artemisinins than either inhibitors alone providing proof that targeting multiple UPS activities simultaneously could be an attractive approach to overcoming artemisinin resistance. These data further validate the parasite UPS as a target to both enhance artemisinin action and potentially overcome resistance. Lastly, we confirm that DUB inhibitors can be developed into in vivo antimalarial drugs with promise for activity against all of human malaria and could thus further exploit their current pursuit as anticancer agents in rapid drug repurposing programs.Graphical abstract

Causal Relationships among Metabolic Circadian Rhythms in Lemna

1984 ◽  
Vol 39 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 73-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Goto
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Continuous Light ◽  
Mirror Image ◽  
Nad Kinase ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Night Period

Abstract Biochemical aspects of circadian rhythms were studied using a long-day duckweed, Lemna gibba G3 cultured in short day condition (9 h light at 3800 lux followed by 15 h darkness), which was transferred in continuous light (LL) at the end (LL 0) of the last night period. With such a system I have previously reported a rhythm of affinity for NAD+ of cytoplasmic NAD - dependent glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Cyt-NAD -GPD ) 180° out of phase with that of affinity for NADP+ of chloroplastic NADP-dependent GPD (Chl-NADP-GPD ) and that NADP+ could increase in vitro the affinity for NADP+ of Chl-NADP-GPD . I report here that NADP+ can decrease in vitro the affinity for NAD+ of Cyt-NAD -GPD as well, and furthermore, that the in vivo level of NADP+ oscillates in phase with the rhythm of the affinity for NADP+ of Chl-NADP-GPD. Moreover, I found the existence of mirror-image circadian rhythms, of comparable am plitudes, of in vivo levels of NAD+ + NADH (total NAD) (with peaks, as the ones of Cyt-NAD - GPD. at LL 0 and 24) and of NADP+ + NADPH (total NADP) (with peaks, as the ones of Chl-NADP-GPD, at LL 12 and 36). Consequently, a circadian rhythm in the rate of net in vivo production of total NADP (or NAD) might be expected 90° in advance of that in the level of total NADP (or NAD). Indeed. I found oscillations in the activities of NAD kinase and of NADP phosphatase with peaks occurring, respectively, at LL 6 and at LL 18. Moreover, in vitro treatments with EGTA (a Ca2+-chelator), chlorpromazine and W7 (both inhibitors of calmodulin) were able to both inhibit NAD kinase from its highest level of activity to its minimal one and activate NADP phosphatase from its lowest level of activity to its maximal one. I conclude, therefore, that the in vivo level of Ca2+-calmodulin could oscillate in phase with the rhythm of NAD kinase activity and induce the mirror-image circadian rhythms of activities of NAD kinase and of NADP phosphatase. I propose that the control sequence among the several circadian rhythms I studied could start with changes in Ca2+-calmodulin, then proceed through oscillations in NAD kinase and NADP phosphatase activities, leading to changes in NAD+, NADP+, and NADPH levels, which would themselves induce the Chl-NADP-GPD and Cyt-NAD -GPD rhythms.

scholarly journals Platelet Alterations Caused by Antiplatelet Antibodies in the Circulation

1977 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Nagasawa ◽  
B.K. Kim ◽  
M.G. Baldini
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Rabbit Model ◽  
Antiplatelet Antibodies ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Severe Reduction ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
Specific Activities

It is known that antiplatelet antibodies cause loss of platelet cytoplasmic and granular contents in vitro. It is, however, unknown whether similar platelet changes occur in vivo, in the circulation, leading to destruction and phagocytosis of platelets in the R.E. system. To study this possibility a rabbit model was devised. Severe and stable thrombocytopenia was first produced in rabbits by one intravenous injection of Adriamycin. Large numbers of allogenic platelets labeled in vitro with 51Cr and 14C-serotonin were then infused to raise the circulating platelet count to 180-250 × 103/mm3. A dilute heteroimmune antiplatelet serum prepared in the guinea pig was infused intravenously and platelet samples were collected four times during the subsequent 30 minutes to 24 hours. Platelet hexokinase and β-glucuronidase, 14C-serotonin and 51Cr were measured. Within the first 60 min the specific activity of 51Cr in platelets decreased by 21%, 14C-serotonin declined by 30%, hexokinase by 5% and β-glucuronidase by 29%. During the subsequent 24 hours only 51Cr and hexokinase registered a mild decrease but 51C-serotonin and β-glucuronidase remained essentially unchanged. In a second series of experiments the effect of platelet alloantibodies was studied in rabbits previously immunized with allogenic platelets. The decline in the specific activities of the enzymes and 14C-serotonin was similar to that observed in animals treated with heteroimmune sera but loss of 51Cr was more severe. These results demonstrate that the platelets remaining in the circulation after the disappearance of the immediate effect of hetero- or alloantibodies were qualitatively altered with a severe reduction of their granular and cytoplasmic contents.

Synergy of the antiretroviral protease inhibitor indinavir and chloroquine against malaria parasites in vitro and in vivo

2011 ◽  
Vol 109 (6) ◽  
pp. 1519-1524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofen Li ◽  
Zhengxiang He ◽  
Lili Chen ◽  
Yayong Li ◽  
Qinyan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protease Inhibitor ◽  
Malaria Parasites

scholarly journals Cooperation between PDGF and FGF converts slowly dividing O-2Aadult progenitor cells to rapidly dividing cells with characteristics of O-2Aperinatal progenitor cells.

1992 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 889-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Wolswijk ◽  
M Noble
Keyword(s):  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Dividing Cells ◽  
Rapid Generation ◽  
And Migration

We have shown previously that oligodendrocyte-type-2 astrocyte (O-2A) progenitor cells isolated from adult rat optic nerves can be distinguished in vitro from their perinatal counterparts on the basis of their much slower rates of division, differentiation, and migration when grown in the presence of cortical astrocytes or PDGF. This behavior is consistent with in vivo observations that there is only a modest production of oligodendrocytes in the adult CNS. As such a behavior is inconsistent with the likely need for a rapid generation of oligodendrocytes following demyelinating damage to the mature CNS, we have been concerned with identifying in vitro conditions that allow O-2Aadult progenitor cells to generate rapidly large numbers of progeny cells. We now provide evidence that many slowly dividing O-2Aadult progenitor cells can be converted to rapidly dividing cells by exposing adult optic nerve cultures to both PDGF and bFGF. In addition, these O-2Aadult progenitor cells appear to acquire other properties of O-2Aperinatal progenitor cells, such as bipolar morphology and high rate of migration. Although many O-2Aadult progenitor cells in cultures exposed to bFGF alone also divide rapidly, these cells are multipolar and migrate little in vitro. Oligodendrocytic differentiation of O-2Aadult progenitor cells, which express receptors for bFGF in vitro, is almost completely inhibited in cultures exposed to bFGF or bFGF plus PDGF. As bFGF and PDGF appear to be upregulated and/or released after injury to the adult brain, this particular in vitro response of O-2Aadult progenitor cells to PDGF and bFGF may be of importance in the generation of large numbers of new oligodendrocytes in vivo following demyelination.

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