In vitro immune analysis of serum from the hemolymph of the anomuran crab Albunea symmysta (Linnaeus, 1758) displayed diversified reactions.

The present investigation aims to substantiate that serum from the hemolymph of anomuran crab Albunea symmysta encompasses multiple immunological reactions in in vitro condition. The serum highly agglutinated human O erythrocytes in the presence of Ba2+. Distinct and unique sugar binding capacity of serum towards laminarin, N-acetyl sugars and higher binding specificity towards a glycoprotein, fetuin was inferred. In vitro enhancement of melanin synthesis due to enhanced oxidation of 3, 4-dihydroxy-dl-phenylalanine (dl-DOPA) by preincubation of nonself molecules with serum phenoloxidase (PO) was documented. Similarly, dl-DOPA oxidation by serum PO was reduced when preincubated with chemical inhibitors and copper chelators. Further, the crab serum lysed the vertebrate erythrocytes with maximum hemolysis against chicken and it unveiled dependency on divalent cation, serum concentration, ionic strength, pH, temperature and time interval. Occurrence of maximum hemolysis at a concentration of 30 µl, pH 8.0, temperature 37 °C and time interval of 60 min in the presence of Ba2+ were documented. Interestingly, serum hemolysis was reduced by different osmoprotectants suggesting a colloid-osmotic mechanism involving in hemolysis. It was observed that A. symmysta serum had antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The serum showed higher glycan content, potent lysozyme and free radical scavenging activity suggesting the existence of potential immune molecules of therapeutic use. These results clearly demonstrated the diversified immunogenicity of A. symmysta serum confirming a highly conserved non-specific immunity of crustaceans.

1, 2 di-substituted idopyranose from Vitex negundo L. protects against streptozotocin-induced diabetes by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression.

The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of an action of compound isolated from Vitex negundo in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Light microscopic examination of liver, kidney and pancreatic sections of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice showed changes like coarsening of acinar cells of endoplasmic reticulum, destruction of ß-cells, and alteration in their secretory function were observed in the pancreas. Changes like dilation of vein, unusual concentric arrangement of hepatocytes, and liver fibrosis were observed in the liver. Thickening of tubules and expansion of glomerulus were observed in kidneys. All these altered parameters were reversed close to normal condition upon treatment using idopyranose. The results show the antidiabetic potential of idopyranose. Interestingly, liver, kidney, and pancreatic sections of diabetic mice fed with the isolated 1, 2 di-substituted idopyranose showed regeneration of hepatocytes, nephrocytes, as well as ß-cells and acinar region appeared normal with increased numbers of ß-cells. To understand the probable mechanism of action of 1, 2 di-substituted idopyranose, we analyzed proinflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) expression by immunohistochemistry and the results showed an increased iNOS and NF-κB levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic liver, kidney and pancreas. Such high iNOS and NF-κB levels were inhibited in 1, 2 di-substituted idopyranose treated mice. The results suggest that 1, 2 di-substituted idopyranose helps in the protection of hepatocytes, nephrocytes and pancreatic ß-cells probably by its action against NF-κB and iNOS mediated inflammation in streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Effect of black tea on histological and immunohistochemical changes in pancreatic tissues of normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice (Mus musculus).

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of hot water extract of black tea in regenerating beta cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Light microscopic examination of pancreatic sections of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice showed the acinar cells to be small, shrunken, and with deteriorated beta cells. The dose of streptozotocin not only altered the function of beta cells but also damaged the acinar region. The changes in acinar cells were coarsening of endoplasmic reticulation suggesting alteration in their secretory function. The control pancreatic tissue showed well-defined granulated islets and dark beta cells when stained with chrome hematoxylin and phloxine. Interestingly, pancreatic sections of diabetic mice fed with black-tea extract showed regeneration of beta cells and acinar region appeared normal with increased numbers of beta cells. To understand the probable mechanism of action of black-tea extract, we analyzed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression by immunohistochemistry and the results showed an increased iNOS levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic pancreas, and such high iNOS levels were inhibited in black-tea extract treated mice. According to histological results obtained, it can be concluded that the black-tea extract helps in regeneration of damaged pancreas and protects pancreatic beta cells by its antioxidant action against nitrosative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetes.