Menthol Increases Bendiocarb Efficacy Through Activation of Octopamine Receptors and Protein Kinase A.

Great effort is put into seeking a new and effective strategies to control insect pests. One of them is to combine natural products with chemical insecticides to increase their effectiveness. In the study presented, menthol which is an essential oil component was evaluated on its ability to increase the efficiency of bendiocarb, carbamate insecticide. A multi-approach study was conducted using biochemical method (to measure acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity), electrophysiological technique (microelectrode recordings in DUM neurons in situ), and confocal microscopy (for calcium imaging). In the electrophysiological experiments, menthol caused hyperpolarization, which was blocked by an octopamine receptor antagonist (phentolamine) and an inhibitor of protein kinase A (H-89). It also raised the intracellular calcium level. The effect of bendiocarb was potentiated by menthol and this phenomenon was abolished by phentolamine and H-89 but not by protein kinase C inhibitor (bisindolylmaleimide IX). The results indicate that menthol increases carbamate insecticide efficiency by acting on octopamine receptors and triggering protein kinase A phosphorylation pathway.

Auxin resistant 1 gene (AUX1) mediates auxin effect on Arabidopsis thaliana callus growth by regulating its content and distribution pattern.

Callus sustained growth relies heavily on auxin, which is supplied to the culture medium. Surprisingly, there is a noticeable absence of information regarding the involvement of carrier-mediated auxin polar transport gene in callus growth regulation. Here, we delve into the role of the AUXIN RESISTANT 1 (AUX1) influx transporter in the regulation of callus growth, comparing the effects under conditions of light versus darkness. It was observed that callus growth was significantly enhanced under light illumination. This growth-stimulatory effect was accompanied by a decrease in the levels of free auxin within the callus cells when compared to conditions of darkness. In the aux1-22 mutant callus, which lacks functional AUX1, there was a substantial reduction in IAA levels. Nonetheless, the mutant callus exhibited markedly higher growth rates compared to the wild type. This suggests that the reduction in exogenous auxin uptake through the AUX1-dependent pathway may prevent the overaccumulation of growth-restricting hormone concentrations. The growth-stimulatory effect of AUX1 deficiency was counteracted by nonspecific auxin influx transport inhibitors. This finding shows that other auxin influx carriers likely play a role in facilitating the diffusion of auxin from the culture medium to sustain high growth rates. AUX1 was primarily localized in the plasma membranes of the two outermost cell layers of the callus clump and the parenchyma cells adjacent to tracheary elements. Significantly, these locations coincided with the regions of maximal auxin concentration. Consequently, it can be inferred that AUX1 mediates the auxin distribution within the callus.

Intracellular trafficking and proteolysis of the Arabidopsis auxin-efflux facilitator PIN2 are involved in root gravitropism.

Root gravitropism describes the orientation of root growth along the gravity vector and is mediated by differential cell elongation in the root meristem. This response requires the coordinated, asymmetric distribution of the phytohormone auxin within the root meristem, and depends on the concerted activities of PIN proteins and AUX1 - members of the auxin transport pathway. Here, we show that intracellular trafficking and proteasome activity combine to control PIN2 degradation during root gravitropism. Following gravi-stimulation, proteasome-dependent variations in PIN2 localization and degradation at the upper and lower sides of the root result in asymmetric distribution of PIN2. Ubiquitination of PIN2 occurs in a proteasome-dependent manner, indicating that the proteasome is involved in the control of PIN2 turnover. Stabilization of PIN2 affects its abundance and distribution, and leads to defects in auxin distribution and gravitropic responses. We describe the effects of auxin on PIN2 localization and protein levels, indicating that redistribution of auxin during the gravitropic response may be involved in the regulation of PIN2 protein.

Whole-brain tracking of cocaine and sugar rewards processing.

Natural rewards, such as food, and sex are appetitive stimuli available for animals in their natural environment. Similarly, addictive rewards such as drugs of abuse possess strong, positive valence, but their action relies on their pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, it is believed that both of these kinds of rewards activate similar brain circuitry. The present study aimed to discover which parts of the brain process the experience of natural and addictive rewards. To holistically address this question, we used a single-cell whole-brain imaging approach to find patterns of activation for acute and prolonged sucrose and cocaine exposure. We analyzed almost 400 brain structures and created a brain-wide map of specific, c-Fos-positive neurons engaged by these rewards. Acute but not prolonged sucrose exposure triggered a massive c-Fos expression throughout the brain. Cocaine exposure on the other hand potentiated c-Fos expression with prolonged use, engaging more structures than sucrose treatment. The functional connectivity analysis unraveled an increase in brain modularity after the initial exposure to both types of rewards. This modularity was increased after repeated cocaine, but not sucrose, intake. To check whether discrepancies between the processing of both types of rewards can be found on a cellular level, we further studied the nucleus accumbens, one of the most strongly activated brain structures by both sucrose and cocaine experience. We found a high overlap between natural and addictive rewards on the level of c-Fos expression. Electrophysiological measurements of cellular correlates of synaptic plasticity revealed that natural and addictive rewards alike induce the accumulation of silent synapses. These results strengthen the hypothesis that in the nucleus accumbens drugs of abuse cause maladaptive neuronal plasticity in the circuitry that typically processes natural rewards.

ARF GEF-dependent transcytosis and polar delivery of PIN auxin carriers in Arabidopsis.

Cell polarity manifested by the polar cargo delivery to different plasma-membrane domains is a fundamental feature of multicellular organisms. Pathways for polar delivery have been identified in animals; prominent among them is transcytosis, which involves cargo movement between different sides of the cell [1]. PIN transporters are prominent polar cargoes in plants, whose polar subcellular localization determines the directional flow of the signaling molecule auxin [2, 3]. In this study, we address the cellular mechanisms of PIN polar targeting and dynamic polarity changes. We show that apical and basal PIN targeting pathways are interconnected but molecularly distinct by means of ARF GEF vesicle-trafficking regulators. Pharmacological or genetic interference with the Arabidopsis ARF GEF GNOM leads specifically to apicalization of basal cargoes such as PIN1. We visualize the translocation of PIN proteins between the opposite sides of polarized cells in vivo and show that this PIN transcytosis occurs by endocytic recycling and alternative recruitment of the same cargo molecules by apical and basal targeting machineries. Our data suggest that an ARF GEF-dependent transcytosis-like mechanism is operational in plants and provides a plausible mechanism to trigger changes in PIN polarity and hence auxin fluxes during embryogenesis and organogenesis.

L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate: an agent that modulates lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate (OTZ), a cysteine precursor, is a substrate for intracellular glutathione synthesis. As shown previously, OTZ prevents free-radical induced cellular damage during in vitro simulation of peritoneal dialysis. In the present study, we examined the effect of adding OTZ to peritoneal dialysis solution on peritoneal function and structure during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis in rats. In addition, we studied the effects of pretreatment with OTZ (given orally) on the effects of LPS-induced peritonitis in rats. METHODS: Peritonitis was induced in rats by adding LPS (5 microg/mL) to the dialysis fluid. For acute experiments, rats were exposed to a single infusion of dialysis solution containing LPS or to LPS plus 5 mmol/L OTZ; peritoneal cell counts and permeability were determined after 4 hours. Alternatively, rats were pretreated with OTZ added to the drinking water (0.1%) for 10 days prior to infusion of LPS. For chronic experiments, peritoneal dialysis was performed over a 3-week period in rats with implanted peritoneal catheters. On days 8, 9, and 10 of the experiment, the rats were infused intraperitoneally with solution containing LPS (5 micro/mL), or LPS plus 5 mmol/L OTZ, to induce acute peritonitis. At the end of dialysis (10 days after the episodes of peritonitis), peritoneal function was assessed using a peritoneal equilibration test (PET), and peritoneal biopsies were taken to assess effects on peritoneal morphology. RESULTS: In the acute experiments, exposure to LPS led to increased peritoneal cell counts (+61% vs control, p < 0.05) and enhanced permeability of the peritoneum, leading to a loss in ultrafiltration (-63%, p < 0.0005). The glutathione concentration in peritoneal leukocytes also decreased during acute peritonitis (-31%, p < 0.05). During LPS-induced peritonitis, OTZ prevented the increase in dialysate cell count and the decrease in cellular glutathione content. Simultaneous administration of OTZ did not prevent the increased peritoneal permeability induced by LPS. However, in rats pretreated with OTZ, LPS-induced permeability to protein was significantly lower than in the nontreated animals (0.049 +/- 0.011 vs 0.087 +/- 0.034, p < 0.05). In the chronic experiments, LPS-induced peritonitis did not lead to any functional differences in peritoneal transport at the end of 3 weeks of dialysis. However, LPS-induced peritonitis led to increased thickness of the peritoneum and neovascularization within peritoneal interstitium compared to peritonitis-free animals. In contrast to the LPS-treated animals, the peritoneum of the rats exposed to LPS in the presence of OTZ was of a thickness similar to that in the control rats. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of dialysis fluid with OTZ prevented changes in cellular glutathione levels and dialysate cell counts during acute peritonitis in rats. During chronic dialysis in rats exposed to intermittent peritonitis episodes, OTZ prevented increased thickening and neovascularization of the peritoneum. Our results suggest this may help to protect the peritoneal membrane during episodes of peritonitis.

[Plasma level of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in the elderly]. / Stezenie interleukiny-6 i interleukiny-8 w surowicy krwi zdrowych osób w wieku podeszlym.

It is believed that changes in the serum level of cytokines (e.g. IL-6) are natural consequence of physiological aging. On the other hand, increased level of proinflammatory cytokines (Il-6 and IL-8) occurs during inflammation. The aim of the study was to estimate serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 to check if the possible increase in IL-6 in elderly is caused by diseases rather than by aging. The study involved 30 healthy elderly (Group B: age 71.1 +/- 5.5 years; range 65-89 year) and 29 healthy young subjects (Group K: age 27.0 +/- 4.2 years, range: 21-37 years). In every subject serum level of IL-6 and IL-8 was assessed with immunoassay techniques using ELISA. The amount of subjects with the detectable level of IL-6 was comparable in both in group B and K (38.5% vs. 27.6%). The IL-6 level was almost 5 times higher in older group but the difference was not statistically significant (10.89 +/- 22.65 vs. 2.17 +/- 4.94). Similarly, the amount of subjects with the detectable level of IL-8 was comparable in both in B and K group (20.7% vs. 18.2%) and the IL-8 level was almost 5 times higher in older group vs. younger one but the difference was not statistically significant (9.61 +/- 20.89 vs. 2.65 +/- 6.09 pg/ml). In both studied groups, subjects with detectable level of IL-6 (Group B1 and K1, respectively) had also higher IL-8 level in comparison to subjects with non-detectable IL-6 (Group B2 and K2) (B1: 18.06 +/- 27.15 pg/ml, B2: 4.33 +/- 14.43 pg/ml, p = 0.052 and K1: 7.65 +/- 8.69 pg/ml, K2: 0.74 +/- 3.41 pg/ml, p < 0.01). The amount of subjects with detectable level of IL-8 was 40% in Group B1 vs. 12.5% in Group B2 and 50% in Group K1 vs. 4.5% in Group K2 (p < 0.02). In conclusion, our study showed that increased level of IL-6 in elderly seems to reflect the diseases rather than aging itself.

[Il-5 and il-6 in pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis: our experience]. / Rola IL-5 i IL-8 w patogenezie przewleklego niezytu nosa i zatok przynosowych--doswiadczenia wlasne.

The aim of the study was to appraise the level of interleukin 5, 8 in secretion from the nose in etiology of chronic inflammatory state of the nose and nasal sinuses. The group of 32 patients classified as group suffered from the inflammatory state of nasal sinuses described in the International Nose and sinuses Conference in Princeton, New Jersey 1993 was examined. The level of IL-5 and IL-8 with ELISA method was indicated and the cytological examination was carried out. In the material a predominance of neutrophils implying a bacterial etiology of illness was observed. Simultaneously the high level of IL 8 (13-1393 average 2.7 +/- 6.1) was indicated.

Effects of valproic acid (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV) on proliferation, apoptosis and hormone secretion of the human choriocarcinoma BeWo cell line.

Epilepsy has been associated with poor obstetric outcomes that may be the result of the epilepsy or a direct effect of anti-epileptic drugs on placentation. To investigate any direct effect of anti-epileptic drugs on cell proliferation, apoptosis and hormone secretion with focus on human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG), progesterone (P4) and 17ß-estradiol (E2), BeWo cell line was cultured in the presence of different concentrations of sodium valproate (0.45, 0.6, 1.5 or 2 mM) or levetiracetam (0.07, 0.12, 0.3 or 0.5 mM) with appropriate solvent controls. Cell proliferation was measured using BrdU incorporation. Caspase-3 activity was used as a marker of cell apoptosis and was evaluated by a fluorometric assay. Additionally, hormone secretion was evaluated by ELISA kits. Dose-dependent action of VPA on cell proliferation occurred in parallel to stimulation of caspase-3 activity. LEV had no effect on cell proliferation, and after long term exposure to the drug, a decrease in caspase-3 activity was observed. A significant decrease in ß-hCG, P4 and E2 production was observed when the cells were treated with VPA. LEV decreased ß-hCG and E2 secretion but had no effect on P4 level. Direct inhibition of cell proliferation and hormone secretion along with apoptotic action suggest that exposure to VPA at therapeutic doses during early pregnancy should be approached with caution. Trophoblast cells appear to be less sensitive to LEV; however, further studies involving placental tissue are necessary to determine the safety of the drug.

Cellular and molecular requirements for polar PIN targeting and transcytosis in plants.

The polar, sub-cellular localization of PIN auxin efflux carriers determines the direction of intercellular auxin flow, thus defining the spatial aspect of auxin signalling. Dynamic, transcytosis-like relocalizations of PIN proteins occur in response to external and internal signals, integrating these signals into changes in auxin distribution. Here, we examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of polar PIN delivery and transcytosis. The mechanisms of the ARF-GEF-dependent polar targeting and transcytosis are well conserved and show little variations among diverse Arabidopsis ecotypes consistent with their fundamental importance in regulating plant development. At the cellular level, we refine previous findings on the role of the actin cytoskeleton in apical and basal PIN targeting, and identify a previously unknown role for microtubules, specifically in basal targeting. PIN protein delivery to different sides of the cell is mediated by ARF-dependent trafficking with a previously unknown complex level of distinct ARF-GEF vesicle trafficking regulators. Our data suggest that alternative recruitment of PIN proteins by these distinct pathways can account for cell type- and cargo-specific aspects of polar targeting, as well as for polarity changes in response to different signals. The resulting dynamic PIN positioning to different sides of cells defines a three-dimensional pattern of auxin fluxes within plant tissues.

Immunocytochemical technique for protein localization in sections of plant tissues.

There is a growing demand for methods that allow rapid and reliable in situ localization of proteins in plant cells. The immunocytochemistry protocol presented here can be used routinely to observe protein localization patterns in tissue sections of various plant species. This protocol is especially suitable for plant species with more-complex tissue architecture (such as maize, Zea mays), which makes it difficult to use an easier whole-mount procedure for protein localization. To facilitate the antibody-antigen reaction, it is necessary to include a wax-embedding and tissue-sectioning step. The protocol consists of the following procedures: chemical fixation of tissue, dehydration, wax embedding, sectioning, dewaxing, rehydration, blocking and antibody incubation. The detailed protocol, recommended controls and troubleshooting are presented here, along with examples of applications.

Canalization of auxin flow by Aux/IAA-ARF-dependent feedback regulation of PIN polarity.

Plant development is characterized by a profound ability to regenerate and form tissues with new axes of polarity. An unsolved question concerns how the position within a tissue and cues from neighboring cells are integrated to specify the polarity of individual cells. The canalization hypothesis proposes a feedback effect of the phytohormone auxin on the directionality of intercellular auxin flow as a means to polarize tissues. Here we identify a cellular and molecular mechanism for canalization. Local auxin application, wounding, or auxin accumulation during de novo organ formation lead to rearrangements in the subcellular polar localization of PIN auxin transport components. This auxin effect on PIN polarity is cell-specific, does not depend on PIN transcription, and involves the Aux/IAA-ARF (indole-3-acetic acid-auxin response factor) signaling pathway. Our data suggest that auxin acts as polarizing cue, which links individual cell polarity with tissue and organ polarity through control of PIN polar targeting. This feedback regulation provides a conceptual framework for polarization during multiple regenerative and patterning processes in plants.

Polar PIN localization directs auxin flow in plants.

Polar flow of the phytohormone auxin requires plasma membrane-associated PIN proteins and underlies multiple developmental processes in plants. Here we address the importance of the polarity of subcellular PIN localization for the directionality of auxin transport in Arabidopsis thaliana. Expression of different PINs in the root epidermis revealed the importance of PIN polar positions for directional auxin flow and root gravitropic growth. Interfering with sequence-embedded polarity signals directly demonstrates that PIN polarity is a primary factor in determining the direction of auxin flow in meristematic tissues. This finding provides a crucial piece in the puzzle of how auxin flow can be redirected via rapid changes in PIN polarity.

PIN proteins perform a rate-limiting function in cellular auxin efflux.

Intercellular flow of the phytohormone auxin underpins multiple developmental processes in plants. Plant-specific pin-formed (PIN) proteins and several phosphoglycoprotein (PGP) transporters are crucial factors in auxin transport-related development, yet the molecular function of PINs remains unknown. Here, we show that PINs mediate auxin efflux from mammalian and yeast cells without needing additional plant-specific factors. Conditional gain-of-function alleles and quantitative measurements of auxin accumulation in Arabidopsis and tobacco cultured cells revealed that the action of PINs in auxin efflux is distinct from PGP, rate-limiting, specific to auxins, and sensitive to auxin transport inhibitors. This suggests a direct involvement of PINs in catalyzing cellular auxin efflux.

Functional redundancy of PIN proteins is accompanied by auxin-dependent cross-regulation of PIN expression.

Plant development displays an exceptional plasticity and adaptability that involves the dynamic, asymmetric distribution of the phytohormone auxin. Polar auxin flow, which requires polarly localized transport facilitators of the PIN family, largely contributes to the establishment and maintenance of the auxin gradients. Functionally overlapping action of PIN proteins mediates multiple developmental processes, including embryo formation, organ development and tropisms. Here we show that PIN proteins exhibit synergistic interactions, which involve cross-regulation of PIN gene expression in pin mutants or plants with inhibited auxin transport. Auxin itself positively feeds back on PIN gene expression in a tissue-specific manner through an AUX/IAA-dependent signalling pathway. This regulatory switch is indicative of a mechanism by which the loss of a specific PIN protein is compensated for by auxin-dependent ectopic expression of its homologues. The compensatory properties of the PIN-dependent transport network might enable the stabilization of auxin gradients and potentially contribute to the robustness of plant adaptive development.

Release of nitric oxide during experimental trichinellosis in mice.

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the secretory products of macrophages. Abundant evidence indicates that NO contributes to the host defence functions of these cells. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the induced form of NO synthase (iNOS) may participate in the defence of the host against Trichinella. To investigate whether NO was produced during trichinellosis, we examined NO serum levels as an indicator of NO production by iNOS in mice infected with T. spiralis. A statistically significant increase in the NO serum levels relative to the control group (uninfected animals) was observed during weeks 2-8 post-infection. This increase suggest that iNOS is induced during experimental trichinellosis in mice. In the next stage of our study, we compared the NO synthesis by peritoneal macrophages isolated from infected mice with those from uninfected control. A statistically significant increase in the NO release from macrophages obtained from infected mice was noticed on days 7, 21, 29, 43 and 63 post-infection. These results suggest that infection with T. spiralis induces NO production by macrophages.

Lateral relocation of auxin efflux regulator PIN3 mediates tropism in Arabidopsis.

Long-standing models propose that plant growth responses to light or gravity are mediated by asymmetric distribution of the phytohormone auxin. Physiological studies implicated a specific transport system that relocates auxin laterally, thereby effecting differential growth; however, neither the molecular components of this system nor the cellular mechanism of auxin redistribution on light or gravity perception have been identified. Here, we show that auxin accumulates asymmetrically during differential growth in an efflux-dependent manner. Mutations in the Arabidopsis gene PIN3, a regulator of auxin efflux, alter differential growth. PIN3 is expressed in gravity-sensing tissues, with PIN3 protein accumulating predominantly at the lateral cell surface. PIN3 localizes to the plasma membrane and to vesicles that cycle in an actin-dependent manner. In the root columella, PIN3 is positioned symmetrically at the plasma membrane but rapidly relocalizes laterally on gravity stimulation. Our data indicate that PIN3 is a component of the lateral auxin transport system regulating tropic growth. In addition, actin-dependent relocalization of PIN3 in response to gravity provides a mechanism for redirecting auxin flux to trigger asymmetric growth.

Effect of glucose degradation products on human peritoneal mesothelial cell function.

Bioincompatibility of conventional glucose-based peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDF) has been partially attributed to the presence of glucose degradation products (GDP) generated during heat sterilization of PDF. Most previous studies on GDP toxicity were performed on animal and/or transformed cell lines, and the impact of GDP on peritoneal cells remains obscure. The short-term effects of six identified GDP on human peritoneal mesothelial cell (HPMC) functions were examined in comparison to murine L929 fibroblasts. Exposure of HPMC to acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, glyoxal, methylglyoxal, furaldehyde, but not to 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural, resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, viability, and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-stimulated IL-6 release; for several GDP, this suppression was significantly greater compared with L929 cells. Although the addition of GDP to culture medium at concentrations found in PDF had no major impact on HPMC function, the exposure of HPMC to filter-sterilized PDF led to a significantly smaller suppression of HPMC proliferation compared to that induced by heat-sterilized PDF. The growth inhibition mediated by filter-sterilized PDF could be increased after the addition of clinically relevant doses of GDP. These effects were equally evident in L929 cells. In conclusion, GDP reveal a significant cytotoxic potential toward HPMC that may be underestimated in test systems using L929 cells. GDP-related toxicity appears to be particularly evident in experimental systems using proliferating cells and the milieu of dialysis fluids. Thus, these observations may bear biologic relevance in vivo where HPMC are repeatedly exposed to GDP-containing PDF for extended periods of time.

AtPIN4 mediates sink-driven auxin gradients and root patterning in Arabidopsis.

In contrast to animals, little is known about pattern formation in plants. Physiological and genetic data suggest the involvement of the phytohormone auxin in this process. Here, we characterize a novel member of the PIN family of putative auxin efflux carriers, Arabidopsis PIN4, that is localized in developing and mature root meristems. Atpin4 mutants are defective in establishment and maintenance of endogenous auxin gradients, fail to canalize externally applied auxin, and display various patterning defects in both embryonic and seedling roots. We propose a role for AtPIN4 in generating a sink for auxin below the quiescent center of the root meristem that is essential for auxin distribution and patterning.