scholarly journals Genetic variability in melatonin secretion originates in the number of pinealocytes in sheep

2002 ◽  
Vol 172 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Gomez Brunet ◽  
A Gomez Brunet ◽  
B Malpaux ◽  
A Daveau ◽  
C Taragnat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Melatonin Secretion ◽  
High Group ◽  
Plasma Melatonin ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Genetic Value ◽  
The Brain

Genetic variability in plasma melatonin concentrations in ewes results from variations in pineal weight. This study investigated whether it is due to a difference in the number of pinealocytes, or in their size. Two groups of lambs were assigned before birth to being extremes (18 High and 21 Low) by calculating their genetic value on the basis of the melatonin concentrations of their parents. Lambs were bled from 1 week of age until 14 weeks of age. Pineal gland, brain and pituitary weights, length and width of the brain, and length of the hypothalamus were recorded. A significant effect (ANOVA) of genetic group (P<0.05) and age (P<0.05) was detected on mean nocturnal plasma melatonin concentrations, as soon as the first week after birth (mean +/- s.e.m.; High: 51.7 +/- 10.7 vs Low: 31.9 +/- 3.2 pg/ml). There was no difference between the two genetic groups in any of the brain parameters measured, but the pineal glands of the High group were heavier and contained significantly more pinealocytes (High: 27.8 +/- 2.4 vs Low: 21.0 +/- 2.4 x 10(6); P<0.05) than those in the Low group. The mean size of pinealocytes did not differ between the two genetic groups. Thus, the genetic variability in nocturnal plasma melatonin concentrations in sheep is expressed by 1 week of age and higher levels of secretion are the consequence of larger pineal glands containing a greater number of pinealocytes.

scholarly journals Genetic variability in plasma melatonin in sheep is due to pineal weight, not to variations in enzyme activities

1999 ◽  
Vol 277 (5) ◽  
pp. E792-E797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven L. Coon ◽  
Luis A. Zarazaga ◽  
Benoît Malpaux ◽  
Jean-Paul Ravault ◽  
Loys Bodin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Difference ◽  
Methyltransferase Activity ◽  
Group 13 ◽  
Melatonin Concentration ◽  
Plasma Melatonin ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Extreme Groups ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Genetic Value

This study was conducted to determine the origin of the high variability in the mean nocturnal plasma melatonin concentration (MC) in sheep. Two extreme groups of 25 lambs each [low (L) and high (H)] were obtained by calculating their genetic value on the basis of the MC of their parents. The MC of lambs was significantly higher in the H group than in the L group (L: 189.7 ± 24.4 vs. H: 344.1 ± 33.0 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Within each group, 13 lambs were slaughtered during the day (D) and 12 lambs during the night (N). Pineal weight was significantly higher in the H group than in the L group (L: 83.5 ± 6.7 vs. H: 119.1 ± 9.2 mg, P < 0.01) but did not differ between D and N. The amount of melatonin released in vitro per milligram of pineal gland, the arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) activity, the AANAT protein content, and the level of AANAT mRNA differed significantly between D and N but not with genetic group. Hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase activity did not differ significantly between D and N or between genetic groups. Therefore, the genetic difference in MC between the two groups of lambs was attributed to a difference in pineal size, not in enzymatic activity of the pinealocytes.

Enhanced circadian rhythm of melatonin in anorexia nervosa

1989 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 574-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Tortosa ◽  
Manuel Puig-Domingo ◽  
Miguel-Angel Peinado ◽  
Josep Oriola ◽  
Susan M. Webb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Melatonin Secretion ◽  
Plasma Melatonin ◽  
Pineal Function ◽  
The Mean

Abstract. Plasma melatonin circadian profiles were investigated in a group of 4 patients with anorexia nervosa and 4 healthy regularly cycling women. There were no differences in the mean age of both groups, whereas the anorexia nervosa patients had lower mean body weight (37.8 ± 2.0 vs 57.0 ± 4.9 kg) and body mass index (13.9 ± 1.1 vs 20.8 ± 2.0). Samples were collected every 2 h and plasma melatonin was measured by using a RIA with an iodinated tracer. Anorexia nervosa patients exhibited higher diurnal (60.7 ± 1.8 vs 25.4 ± 1.72 pmol/l, P< 0.02) and nocturnal (419.2 ± 37.4 vs 108.0 ± 33.6 pmol/l), P< 0.001) mean plasma melatonin concentrations. There were no differences in the time peak for nocturnal melatonin secretion in both groups, detected at 02.00 h. In anorexia nervosa, the melatonin circadian profile paralleled that observed in the control group, indicating that the increased melatonin values for anorexia nervosa were probably due to an enhanced secretory pineal function rather than an impaired melatonin metabolism. These results suggest a participation of the pineal gland in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa.

scholarly journals Genetic diversity of Ukrainian local pig breeds based on microsatellite markers

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. S. Kramarenko ◽  
S. I. Lugovoy ◽  
V. R. Kharzinova ◽  
V. Y. Lykhach ◽  
A. S. Kramarenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Microsatellite Markers ◽  
Pig Breeds ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Living Material ◽  
The Individual ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Private Alleles

Preserving the current diversity of the living material on Earth is fundamental for the survival of future generations . A study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of Ukrainian local pig breeds. A total of 350 pigs representing five local pig breeds from Ukraine (Mirgorod – MIR, Poltava Meat – PM, Ukrainian Meat – UM, Ukrainian White Steppe – UWS and Ukrainian Spotted Steppe – USS) and one commercial breed (Duroc, DUR) were sampled. Twelve microsatellite loci (SW24, S0155, SW72, SW951, S0386, S0355, SW240, SW857, S0101, SW936, SW911 and S0228) were selected and belong to the list of microsatellite markers recommended by ISAG. The results indicate that there exists, in general, a high degree of genetic variability within the five Ukrainian local pig breeds. However, the genetic variability in the MIR and PM breeds was significantly lower (mean Na = 2.92–3.92; Ho = 0.382–0.411; FIS = 0.178–0.184) than in the other three Ukrainian local pig breeds – UM, UWS and USS (mean Na = 5.00–8.42; Ho = 0.549–0.668; FIS = 0.027–0.066). Thirty-four private alleles were identified among the six analyzed genetic groups which were distributed between 11 of the 12 loci. A high number of alleles typical for the breed (private alleles) was observed in Duroc pigs – 9 alleles did not occur in Ukrainian local pig breeds. The HWE test showed that all of the polymorphic loci deviated from HWE (P < 0.05) in at least one population. Loci S0355 (5), S0386 (4) and SW24 (4) presented a higher number of populations in imbalance. The mean FST showed that approximately 77.8% of the genetic variation was within-population and 12.2% was across the populations. The five Ukrainian local breeds were classified into two major groups, according to the phylogenetic tree, which was based on standard genetic distance. Overall, we found that 92.6% of the individual pigs were correctly assigned (324 out of 350) to the respective breed of origin, which is likely a consequence of the well-defined breed structure. Probabilities from the allocation test of individuals for the six pig genetic groups were estimated with Structure Harvester. In cluster 1 the highest grouping probabilities were found for the MIR (0.917) and PM (0.750) breeds. Local breeds UM (0.824) and USS (0.772) were grouped in cluster 2. Cluster 3 was related to the local pig breed USW (0.873). Cluster 4 presented high allocation probabilities for the commercial pig breed Duroc (0.924). The obtained results are important for the future conservation of Ukrainian local pig breeds.

Comparison of Fluorine(18)-fluorodeoxyglucose and Gallium(68)-citrate PET/CT in patients with tuberculosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (05) ◽  
pp. 371-378
Author(s):  
Alfred O. Ankrah ◽  
Ismaheel O. Lawal ◽  
Tebatso M.G. Boshomane ◽  
Hans C. Klein ◽  
Thomas Ebenhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tracer Uptake ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
The Mean ◽  
18F Fdg ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Gallium 68 ◽  
Attending Physician ◽  
Pet Scans ◽  
The Brain

Abstract 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate PET/CT have both been shown to be useful in the management of tuberculosis (TB). We compared the abnormal PET findings of 18F-FDG- and 68Ga-citrate-PET/CT in patients with TB. Methods Patients with TB on anti-TB therapy were included. Patients had a set of PET scans consisting of both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate. Abnormal lesions were identified, and the two sets of scans were compared. The scan findings were correlated to the clinical data as provided by the attending physician. Results 46 PET/CT scans were performed in 18 patients, 11 (61 %) were female, and the mean age was 35.7 ± 13.5 years. Five patients also had both studies for follow-up reasons during the use of anti-TB therapy. Thirteen patients were co-infected with HIV. 18F-FDG detected more lesions than 68Ga-citrate (261 vs. 166, p < 0.0001). 68Ga-citrate showed a better definition of intracerebral lesions due to the absence of tracer uptake in the brain. The mean SUVmax was higher for 18F-FDG compared to 68Ga-citrate (5.73 vs. 3.01, p < 0.0001). We found a significant correlation between the SUVmax of lesions that were determined by both tracers (r = 0.4968, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Preliminary data shows 18F-FDG-PET detects more abnormal lesions in TB compared to 68Ga-citrate. However, 68Ga-citrate has better lesion definition in the brain and is therefore especially useful when intracranial TB is suspected.

Batch Precipitation of Lead Iodide

1994 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 1301-1304
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Nývlt ◽  
Stanislav Žáček
Keyword(s):  
Aqueous Solution ◽  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Crystal Size ◽  
Lead Nitrate ◽  
Lead Iodide ◽  
Constant Rate ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
The Mean

Lead iodide was precipitated by a procedure in which an aqueous solution of potassium iodide at a concentration of 0.03, 0.10 or 0.20 mol l-1 was stirred while an aqueous solution of lead nitrate at one-half concentration was added at a constant rate. The mean size of the PbI2 crystals was determined by evaluating the particle size distribution, which was measured sedimentometrically. The dependence of the mean crystal size on the duration of the experiment exhibited a minimum for any of the concentrations applied. The reason for this is discussed.

The Effect of Moderate Weight Loss on Overnight Melatonin Secretion

1990 ◽  
Vol 156 (6) ◽  
pp. 875-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. M. Anderson ◽  
S. E. Gartside ◽  
P. J. Cowen
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Melatonin Level ◽  
Melatonin Secretion ◽  
Plasma Melatonin ◽  
Healthy Women ◽  
Before And After

Overnight plasma melatonin level was measured in ten healthy women before and after a 4300 kJ (1000 kcaI) diet in which they lost an average 3.1 kg. This weight loss did not significantly alter melatonin levels.

scholarly journals PSV-16 Infrared thermography technology as a promising tool for assessing temperament of water buffaloes

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 220-221
Author(s):  
Caroline L Francisco ◽  
André M Castilhos ◽  
Daiane C Marques da Silva ◽  
Fabiola Martinez da Silva ◽  
Aline S Aranha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Thermography ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Thermal Imager ◽  
Initial Body Weight ◽  
Water Buffaloes ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Positive Correlations

Abstract This study evaluated the use of the infrared thermography (IT) as a tool to identify the temperament of 75 non-castrated water buffaloes (390±32 days of age; 310±61.27 kg of initial body weight) of 3 genetic groups (GG:Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah; n = 25 for each GG). The animals were classified for temperament through the temperament score (TSc) obtained by the mean of the sum of the scores of the time of entry into the squeeze chute (1 to 5: 1=greater time spent for entry; 5=less time spent for entry) and the exit velocity score (1 to 5: 1=lower speed; 5=higher speed) calculated after the period of adaptation to the feedlot (d0). The animals were categorized into adequate (ADQ; TSc≤3) or excitable (EXC; TSc &gt;3) temperaments. The rectal temperature was measured and IT images were obtained (Testo 882 Thermal Imager, Testo, Inc, Germany) from regions of the chest, eye, snout, cheek, foreleg (left side), ribs, hind legs, rear area (left side), and scrotum on d0. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS, considering the GG, temperament, and the resulting interaction as fixed effects. Correlation was analyzed using the CORR procedure of SAS. There were no effects of interactions (P ≥ 0.14). ADQ animals showed lower rectal (P = 0.02) and ribs (P = 0.05) temperatures than EXC animals (Table1). Tendencies for temperament effect were detected for chest (P = 0.06) and rear area (P = 0.07). There was no effect of temperament for other variables (P = 0.19). Positive correlations were verified between the TSc and rectal (r=0.36; P &lt; 0.01), chest (r=0.35; P &lt; 0.01), and rear area (r=0.33; P &lt; 0.01) temperatures. Tendency for a positive correlation was detected between TSc and scrotum (r=0.23; P = 0.07). In conclusion, the temperament causes changes in the temperature of some body regions suggesting the IT technology may be a promising tool for assessing the temperament of water buffaloes. Supported by FAPESP (#2018/25939-1; #2014/05473-7).

scholarly journals Effects of topical gel formulation of Ficus carica latex on cutaneous leishmaniasis induced by Leishmania major in BALB/c mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Pouryousef ◽  
Erfan Eslami ◽  
Sepehr Shahriarirad ◽  
Sina Zoghi ◽  
Mehdi Emami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Murine Model ◽  
Leishmania Major ◽  
Considerable Effect ◽  
Ficus Carica ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Topical Gel ◽  
The Third ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ficus carica latex on the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), induced by Leishmania major. A 5% topical gel with F. carica latex was prepared. BALB/c mice were infected by inoculation of amastigotes form of L. major. Thirty BALB/c mice were divided into five groups, where the first group was treated daily, the second group twice per day, and the third group every other day with the 5% topical gel, for 3 weeks. The sizes of the lesions were measured before and during the course of treatment. Results Although the mean size of lesions in the mice group treated with the 5% F. carica gel, especially in the group receiving daily treatment, was less than the mean size of the lesions in the control group, yet, the differences was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The findings of the current study demonstrated that the 5% F. carica latex with a 3-week course of treatment had no considerable effect in recovery or control of CL induced by L. major in the murine model. Using higher concentration of F. carica latex and with longer treatment lengths may increase its efficacy in the treatment of CL.

scholarly journals Mudrock Microstructure: A Technique for Distinguishing between Deep-Water Fine-Grained Sediments

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 653
Author(s):  
Shereef Bankole ◽  
Dorrik Stow ◽  
Zeinab Smillie ◽  
Jim Buckman ◽  
Helen Lever
Keyword(s):  
Grain Size ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Weak Current ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Water Facies

Distinguishing among deep-water sedimentary facies has been a difficult task. This is possibly due to the process continuum in deep water, in which sediments occur in complex associations. The lack of definite sedimentological features among the different facies between hemipelagites and contourites presented a great challenge. In this study, we present detailed mudrock characteristics of the three main deep-water facies based on sedimentological characteristics, laser diffraction granulometry, high-resolution, large area scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique. Our results show that the deep-water microstructure is mainly process controlled, and that the controlling factor on their grain size is much more complex than previously envisaged. Retarding current velocity, as well as the lower carrying capacity of the current, has an impact on the mean size and sorting for the contourite and turbidite facies, whereas hemipelagite grain size is impacted by the natural heterogeneity of the system caused by bioturbation. Based on the microfabric analysis, there is a disparate pattern observed among the sedimentary facies; turbidites are generally bedding parallel due to strong currents resulting in shear flow, contourites are random to semi-random as they are impacted by a weak current, while hemipelagites are random to oblique since they are impacted by bioturbation.

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