MEASUREMENT OF THE CONCENTRATION OF 226RA, 232TH, 40K IN THE SOIL IN SETTLEMENTS ON THE COASTLINE OF LAKE VAN, TURKEY.

In this study, the natural radioactivity level and its effects on the environment of Lake Van, which is the largest lake in Turkey, were investigated extensively. Initially, 254 soil samples have been collected from the districts (Tusba, Edremit, Gevas, Tatvan, Ahlat, Adilcevaz, Ercis) located around the coastline of Lake Van in eastern Turkey. A Na(TI) detector was used to detect activity concentrations of radium (226Ra), thorium (232Th) and potassium (40K) in each collected soil sample. The obtained average results were compared with available data from Turkey and international data base. The average activity in soil samples was measured as 28.0 ± 3.7-43.6 ± 2.2 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 27.3 ± 4.1-55.4 ± 4.8 Bq/kg for 232Th and 377 ± 42- 706 ± 40 Bq/kg for 40K. It was observed that the average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K (43.6 ± 2.2, 55.4 ± 4.8, 706 ± 40 Bq/kg, respectively) for Tatvan district and (37.0 ± 3.5, 51.4 ± 4.2, 479 ± 41 Bq/kg, respectively) for Ahlat district were higher than both national and international average value. In addition, radiological effect parameters originating from terrestrial natural radionuclides for the study area; gamma dose rate (Dout), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), and lifetime cancer development probability (LCR) were calculated. The Dout, AEDE, LCR (83.0 ± 3.9 nGy/h, 0.102 ± 0.005 mSv/y, 0.36 ± 0.02 x 10-3, respectively) parameters in Tatvan district were found to be above the international allowable value.

Identification of immunohistochemical localization of irisin in the dwarf hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) tissues.

Irisin is mainly secreted by heart and skeletal muscle cells. It is an exercise-induced protein that converts white adipose tissue to brown. Increased irisin expression was lead to weight loss and improved glucose tolerance. We investigated irisin immunoreactivity in various tissues of the dwarf hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii). Tissues were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 µm and stained immunohistochemically for irisin. In the retina, irisin was found almost all layers, except outer nuclear layer. Also, irisin immunoreactivity was observed in the skin, cornea, striated muscle, parotid gland, tongue, oesophagus, stomach and small intestine. The findings from this study support the notion that skeletal muscle is not the primary source of irisin.

Immunohistochemical localization of irisin in mole rats (Spalax leucodon).

Irisin was first identified in skeletal muscle cells. It is an exercise protein that is secreted into the circulation; it causes conversion of white adipose tissue to brown adipose tissue. We investigated irisin immunoreactivity in mole rat (Spalax leucodon) tissues. We examined cerebellum, pituitary, heart, liver, pancreas, spleen, uterus, kidney and striated muscle in female adult mole rats. Tissues were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 µm and stained immunohistochemically for irisin. Irisin immunostaining was detected in the cytoplasm of stained cells; the cytoplasm of Purkinje cells was unstained. We found that irisin may be synthesized in many tissues. The function of locally synthesized irisin currently is unknown.

Immunohistochemical localization of androgen receptors in female mole rat (Spalax leucodon) tissues.

Androgens exert their effects through androgen receptors (AR) in tissues. We investigated the distribution of AR in female mole rat tissues. Tissues were excised, fixed with 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained after microwave antigen retrieval for immunohistochemistry. Immunostaining of AR immunostaining was detected in the nucleus or cytoplasm of the cells in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, anterior pituitary, lung, liver, uterus and skin. Granulosa and some thecal cells in the ovary, cardiac muscle cells and adipose cells exhibited a nuclear reaction for AR. In the kidney, labeling of AR was restricted to the cytoplasm of tubule cells. We found that AR could be detected using immunohistochemistry in the nucleus or cytoplasm or both in the presence of androgens.

Immunohistochemical localization of irisin in skin, eye, and thyroid and pineal glands of the crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata).

Irisin was first identified in muscle cells. We detected irisin immunoreactivity in various organs of the crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata). In the epidermis, irisin immunoreactivity was localized mainly in stratum basale, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum layers; immunoreactivity was not observed in the stratum corneum. In the dermis, irisin was found in the external and internal root sheath, cortex and medulla of hair follicles, and in sebaceous glands. Irisin immunoreactivity was found in the neural retina and skeletal muscle fibers associated with the eye. The pineal and thyroid glands also exhibited irisin immunoreactivity.