scholarly journals Physiological and biochemical aspects of the avian uropygial gland

2009 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 437-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Salibian ◽  
D. Montalti
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Production Control ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Gland Secretion ◽  
Water Repellent ◽  
Endocrine Regulation ◽  
Uropygial Gland ◽  
Lipid Mixture

This review discusses different aspects of the uropygial gland of birds. The gland exhibits a striking morphological diversity in size, shape and presence/absence of tufts of feathers. It was shown that acidic mucins, neutral lipids, glycolipids and phospholipids are normal components of secretion. Several morphological and physiological aspects of the gland were studied on Rock Pigeon Columba livia Gmelin, 1879. The amount of the uropygial gland secretion, its lipid content and fatty acids profile were determined. The extracted lipid mixture contained of C14 to C20 fatty acids, mostly unsaturated; the saturated fatty acids were mainly 14:0, 16:0 and 18:0. No correlation was found between the size of the gland and the aquatic/terrestrial nature of the species. Ablation of the gland did not affect survival, body weight, feeding rate and serum cholesterol, total lipids or calcium levels after 32-120 days. The possible role of the gland in the protection against lipophilic compounds was discussed. The function of the gland is still a subject of controversy. It is accepted that its secretion confers water-repellent properties on the feather coat and maintain the suppleness of the feathers. Other physiological roles of the gland secretion may be associated to pheromone production, control of plumage hygiene, thermal insulation and defence against predators. Concerning the endocrine regulation of the uropygial function, there is scarce information presenting evidence for steroid regulated mechanisms.

Zur Chemotaxonomie der Corviden, II. Die Bürzelsekrete von Eichelhäher (Garrulus glandariusJ, Elster (Pica pica), Alpendohle (Pyrrhocorax graculus) und Kolkrabe ( Corvus corax) / Chemotaxonomy of Corvidae, II. The Uropygial Gland Secretion from the Jay (Garrulus glandarius), Magpie (Pica pica), Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus), and Raven (Corvus corax)

1974 ◽  
Vol 29 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 239-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Poltz ◽  
Jürgen Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Gland Secretion ◽  
Uropygial Gland ◽  
Pica Pica ◽  
Corvus Corax ◽  
Garrulus Glandarius ◽  
The Family ◽  
Uropygial Gland Secretion ◽  
Branched Alcohols

The uropygial gland fats from four species of the family Corvidae are found to be mainly mono­ ester waxes, which consist of mono-, di-, and trimethyl substituted fatty acids and n- and methyl-branched alcohols. The positions of all methyl brandlings are even-numbered, the 2-position is preferred. About 2 - 40% of the secretions consist of triester waxes: Alkyl-hydroxy-malonic acids esterified with n-fatty acids and n-alcohols. Waxes of this type are very common in the uropygial gland fats of birds and therefore, in opposite to the monoester waxes, they are not usable for a chemotaxo­ nomy of birds.

Chemical Composition of the Nasal Gland Secretion from the Marsh Deer Odocoileus ( DorcelaphusJ dichotomus (Illiger)

1976 ◽  
Vol 31 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 496-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Jacob ◽  
Ernst Von Lehmann
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Hydroxy Fatty Acids ◽  
Gland Secretion ◽  
Cholesterol Esters ◽  
Double Bonds ◽  
Lipid Mixture

Abstract The secretion of the nasal gland from the marsh deer (Odocoileus dichotomus) has shown to be a lipid mixture predominantly containing cholesterol esters, mono-and diester waxes, the latter of which containing 2-hydroxy fatty acids. The alcoholic constituents of the mono-and diester waxes contain considerable amounts of mono-unsaturated homologues, all with double bonds in(ω-9) position.

scholarly journals  Biologically active substances of bird skin: a review

2010 ◽  
Vol 55 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 413-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Rajchard
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Carpodacus Mexicanus ◽  
Uropygial Gland ◽  
Repellent Effect ◽  
In The Wild

Bird skin has a number of specific properties. The uropygial gland is a significant skin gland in many species. The secretion of this gland is particularly necessary for maintaining physical characteristics, including feather waterproofing. In some bird species this gland secretion has a repellent effect against potential mammalian predators; in other species it affects the final colour of feathers. In the investigated species of storks (genus Ciconia), secretions of the uropygial gland have been found to be mixtures of monoester waxes, diester waxes, triester waxes and triglycerides. Wax diesters were also found in the red knot Calidris canutus (order Charadriiformes). Lipid substances in the secretions of the rock dove (Columba livia) consist mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (59% secretion; mostly oleic acid – 37%, linoleic acid – 6% and arachidonic acid – 7%). Free fatty acids, which are decomposition products of epidermal lipids, can regulate microbial colonization of skin (e.g., by modification of pH); a shift of these values was detected in poultry in battery husbandry. Analysis of fatty acids from lipids shows the influence of age, diet, and also the relationship to feather pecking – the individual composition affects the smell and taste, and thus the attractiveness to other individuals. The antibacterial activity of skin secretions has been demonstrated. Secretions of the hoopoe (Upupa epops) have besides the function of maintenance of physical properties of feathers also a repellent effect on parasites and predators. Its active substance is a peptide bacteriocin, produced by strains of Enterococcus faecalis. This substance is active against a number of both G + and G-bacteria and helps to sustain the nest hygiene, it is also effective against Bacillus licheniformis that produces keratin-decompositing enzymes. A similar antimicrobial activity of uropygial secretion against bacteria which degrade feathers was demonstrated in the wild house finch Carpodacus mexicanus. Changes in skin microflora have been demonstrated in parrots kept for breeding in comparison with those living in the wild, which may have significance for husbandry practices and veterinary care. Passerines of the genus Pitohui and Ifrita living in New Guinea store in their skin and feather batrachotoxins, which they receive from food - beetles of the genus Choresine. These toxins are active against parasites (e.g. lice – Phthiraptera). In contrast, substances that act as potential attractants for hematophagous insects (e.g. mosquitoes of genus Culex) were found in the skin of chickens. Alcohols, ketones and diones were detected in these substances. The composition of uropygial gland secretions may be a guide in assessing the relatedness of bird species. Feather waxes can be analyzed also from old museum specimens. Lipid-enriched organelles, multigranular bodies in the epidermis mean that zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) are facultatively waterproof, which appears to have a function in protecting the organism against dehydrating when water is unavailable.

scholarly journals Functional bioactive compounds and biological activities of Spirulina platensis lipids

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (No. 3) ◽  
pp. 211-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.F. Ramadan ◽  
M.M.S. Asker ◽  
Z.K. Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Spirulina Platensis ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Radical Scavenging Activity ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Lipid Classes ◽  
Gamma Tocopherol

The compositions and concentrations of lipid classes, fatty acids, tocopherols were determined in the lipids from blue-green microalga <i>Spirulina platensis</i>. Total lipids (TL) recovered using chloroform: methanol (2:1, v/v) were found to be 163.5 g/kg (on dry weight basis). The level of neutral lipids was the highest, followed by glycolipids and phospholipids, respectively. Among TL and lipid classes, palmitic, &gamma;-linolenic and linoleic acids were the dominating fatty acids. Compared to the neutral lipids, the polar fractions were generally characterised by higher percentages of saturated fatty acids. The recovered lipids were characterised by high percentage of tocopherols, wherein &gamma;-tocopherol constitutes about 73% of total tocopherols present, the rest being &gamma;-tocopherol. <i>Spirulina platensis</i> lipids exhibited a strong radical scavenging activity towards stable DPPH free radicals, whereas 27% of DPPH radicals were quenched after 2 h incubation. TL and lipid classes inhibited the growth of different microorganisms except gram-negative bacteria. At high concentrations, the tested lipids appeared more effective against <i>A. niger</i> (28.3 ± 1.53 mm). The information obtained in the present investigation is useful for lipid characterisation and further chemical and nutritional investigations of <i>Spirulina platensis</i>.

The Oil of Adenanthera pavonina L. Seeds and its Emulsions

2004 ◽  
Vol 59 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 321-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Zarnowski ◽  
Anna Jaromin ◽  
Milan Certik ◽  
Tibor Czabany ◽  
Joël Fontaine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Zeta Potential ◽  
Active Ingredient ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Soybean Lecithin ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Lipid Emulsions ◽  
Adenanthera Pavonina

The oil of Adenanthera pavonina L. seeds was analysed by chromatographic and instrumental means. The oil was found to be rich in neutral lipids (86.2%), and low in polar lipids (13.8%). The neutral lipids consisted mainly of triacylglycerols (64.2%). Unsaturated fatty acids were found as high as 71%, while the percentage of saturated fatty acids was only 29%. GC and GC/MS analyses revealed linoleic, oleic and lignocerotic acid to be predominant among all fatty acids in the A. pavonina oil, whereas stigmasterol was the major steroid identified within this study. Subsequently, the oil was used for preparation of submicron oilin- water (o/w) lipid emulsions. Lipid emulsions were formulated by using soybean lecithin (SL) to investigate their particle size, Zeta potential and stability at the different oil and SL ratios. The results obtained indicate possible applications of the tested oil in pharmaceutical and medical fields as drug and cosmetic active ingredient carriers.

scholarly journals Novel Approaches To KillToxoplasma gondiiby Exploiting the Uncontrolled Uptake of Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Vulnerability to Lipid Storage Inhibition of the Parasite

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina J. Nolan ◽  
Julia D. Romano ◽  
John T. Kline ◽  
Isabelle Coppens
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Neutral Lipids ◽  
Parasitophorous Vacuole ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Lipid Storage ◽  
Acid Uptake ◽  
Lipid Uptake ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTToxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite replicating in mammalian cells within a parasitophorous vacuole (PV), is an avid scavenger of lipids retrieved from the host cell. Following lipid uptake, this parasite stores excess lipids in lipid droplets (LD). Here, we examined the lipid storage capacities ofToxoplasmaupon supplementation of the culture medium with various fatty acids at physiological concentrations. Supplemental unsaturated fatty acids (oleate [OA], palmitoleate, linoleate) accumulate in large LD and impair parasite replication, whereas saturated fatty acids (palmitate, stearate) neither stimulate LD formation nor impact growth. Examination of parasite growth defects with 0.4 mM OA revealed massive lipid deposits outside LD, indicating enzymatic inadequacies for storing neutral lipids in LD in response to the copious salvage of OA.Toxoplasmaexposure to 0.5 mM OA led to irreversible growth arrest and lipid-induced damage, confirming a major disconnect between fatty acid uptake and the parasite's cellular lipid requirements. The importance of neutral lipid synthesis and storage to avoid lipotoxicity was further highlighted by the selective vulnerability ofToxoplasma, both the proliferative and the encysted forms, to subtoxic concentrations of the acyl coenzyme A:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) pharmacological inhibitor T863. T863-treated parasites did not form LD but instead built up large membranous structures within the cytoplasm, which suggests improper channeling and management of the excess lipid. Dual addition of OA and T863 to infected cells intensified the deterioration of the parasite. Overall, our data pinpointToxoplasmaDGAT as a promising drug target for the treatment of toxoplasmosis that would not incur the risk of toxicity for mammalian cells.

Bürzeldrüsensekrete von Spechten (Piciformes) / The Uropygial Gland Secretion of Woodpeckers (Piciformes)

1974 ◽  
Vol 29 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 236-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Jacob ◽  
Jens Poltz
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Gland Secretion ◽  
Uropygial Gland ◽  
Uropygial Gland Secretion ◽  
Branched Alcohols

The uropygial gland secretion of the blade (Dryocopus martius) and the green woodpecker (Picus viridis) is a mixture of monoester waxes. These are composed mainly of 3-methyl-branched fatly acids and n-and well as 3-methyl-alkanols. Besides 3,x-dimethyl-and 3,7,11-trimethyl-sub-stituted fatty acids and monomethyl-branched alcohols with anteiso configuration and 3,x-dimethyl-substituted alkanols occur (x = 7,9,11,13,15,17).

Gefiederlipide der Ringeltaube Columba palumbus / Plumage Lipids from the Ring Dove (Columba palumbus)

1975 ◽  
Vol 30 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 363-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Jacob ◽  
Gernot Grimmer
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Free Fatty Acids ◽  
Chain Length ◽  
Gland Secretion ◽  
Uropygial Gland ◽  
Ring Dove ◽  
Uropygial Gland Secretion

Abstract Ring Only 6.7% of the whole plumage lipids of the ring dove originates from diester waxes of the uropygial gland secretion. The rest is distributed to hydrocarbons (3.3%), sterolesters and waxes (10.7%), free alcohols and sterols (5%), free fatty acids (55.6%), and unidentified material (18.7%). Among the hydrocarbons saturated odd-numbered, unbranched individuals predominate, but moreover 7-methylalkanes have been detected. The chain length of free and esterified alcohols cor­ responds to those of fatty acids where even-numbered compounds predominate. Main alcoholic component, however, is cholestanol. The origin of these lipids is discussed.

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