Changes on corpus luteum structure and progesterone synthesis pathway after hCG or GnRH treatment during the early luteal phase in sheep.

This study investigated the effect of hCG or GnRH on structural changes of the corpora lutea (CL) and the regulation of the expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in P4 secretion in post-ovulatory (po-CL) and accessory CL (acc-CL). Sixty-four ewes were assigned to three groups receiving: 300 IU of hCG (hCG) or 4 µg Buserelin (GnRH) or 1 mL of saline solution (Control) on Day (d) 4 post artificial insemination (FTAI). Laparoscopic ovarian were performed on d 4, 14 and, 21 post-FTAI to determine the numbers of CL. Blood samples were collected for serum LH and P4 analysis. On d 14 post-FTAI, both CL were removed from the ovary to determine large luteal cell (LLC) number and to evaluate the expression of steroidogenic enzymes (HSD3B1, STAR, CYP11A1). Only hCG and GnRH treated ewes generated acc-CL. The LLC in both po- and acc-CL were significantly greater in the hCG group compared to GnRH and Control groups (P<0.05). Overall, hCG group showed the greatest immunodetection of HSD3B1and STAR in both po- and acc-CL (P<0.05). rnRNA expression of HSD3B1, STAR and CYP11A1 in the acc-CL tended to be greater in hCG group than in GnRH group (P<0.1). The LH concentration was increased in GnRH group (P<0.05) and P4 concentration was greater in hCG group compared to the other groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, administration of hCG has a notably impact on acc-CL development and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes compared to GnRH treatment in ewes. This leads to elevated P4 concentration and improved luteal function.

Thermophysiological plasticity could buffer the effects of global warming on a Patagonian lizard.

Ecophysiological plasticity determines, to a great extent, the geographic distribution and the vulnerability of ectotherms to climate change. We studied the relationship between locomotor performance and temperature of Liolaemus elongatus lizards in three populations in northern Patagonia, Argentina, differing in thermal characteristics. We related the thermophysiological and locomotor performance parameters with the environmental conditions currently experienced by these populations and analyzed whether the expected increment of the environmental temperature due to climate change could affect these vital traits. We also determined, for one of the populations, the effects of 30 acclimation days at two temperature treatments (22°C and 30°C) on running speed, thermal preference in the laboratory (Tpref ), panting threshold, and minimum critical temperature. We found that L. elongatus, despite the differences in environmental temperatures among the three sites, exhibited maximum speed at similar temperatures (optimum temperature for locomotor performance; To ). The southern populations currently experience temperatures below that required to reach their maximum locomotor performance while the northernmost population is threatened by peaks of high temperatures that exceed the To . Therefore, global warming could diminish lizards' running performance in northern populations and lizards may spend more time refuging and less time on other activities such as feeding, territory defense, and dispersion. However, we show evidence of plasticity in L. elongatus locomotor performance when acclimated at high temperatures resulting in a potential advantage to cushion the effect of the rising environmental temperatures expected during climate change.

A simple method to select high superovulatory responder goats.

In most female mammals, a common drawback to multiple ovulation embryo transfer programs is the variability in the superovulatory response to the multidose pFSH treatment. The aim of the present study was to identify embryo donor goats based on their response to superovulation before the performance of a high-cost hormonal treatment, as we have previously done in sheep. To this end, we evaluated the number of ovulations obtained in response to the administration of a one-shot eCG treatment and related it with the subsequent ovarian response to a multiple-dose pFSH treatment in 33 goats of the Criolla-Neuquina breed. Goats received a one-shot eCG treatment of 800 IU at the end of a 17-day progestational treatment; 9 days later, started a second 17-day progestational treatment and then received a multiple-dose pFSH treatment on days 15-17 (116 mg pFSH, in six decreasing doses). The number of corpora lutea (CL) per goat was recorded laparoscopically after both hormonal treatments. On day 8 after the second pessary removal, embryos were surgically recovered and classified by quality. Results showed a significant positive correlation between the number of CL obtained in response to the eCG and pFSH treatments (r = 0.41; y = 0.8352x + 6.9906; P < 0.05), although of limited value to select high ovulatory responding goats, due to its low correlation value. Then, goats were grouped into high and low ovulatory responders to the eCG (High ≥9; Low <9 CL) and pFSH treatments (High ≥13; Low <13 CL). After the eCG and pFSH treatments, 60% of the goats maintained their classification as high or low superovulatory responders (expressed as recurrence rate). Significant differences were found in the number of CL (18.2 ± 1.3 vs 9.9 ± 1.3), number of embryos + oocytes (13.5 ± 1.7 vs 7.6 ± 1.7), number of embryos (10.8 ± 1.4 vs 5.1 ± 1.4) and number of Grade 1 and Grade 2 embryos (8.8 ± 1.4 vs 4.3 ± 1.4) between high and low superovulatory responder goats (P < 0.05), while no differences were observed in the number of oocytes and in the recovery of embryos + oocytes, embryos, Grade 1 and Grade 2 embryos and fertilization rates (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the recurrence rate in ovarian response between the one-shot eCG treatment and the multiple-dose pFSH treatment would confirm the existence of an "individual or intrinsic factor" of the donor goat that would respond as a high or low ovulatory responder to superovulatory treatments.

A successful vitrification technique for goat morulae conservation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different vitrification and warming processes on the in vitro embryo survival of caprine morulae, considering the day of recovery. A total of 136 morulae of Criolla-Neuquina goats recovered on Days 7 or 8 after sponge removal, were exposed to three different vitrification processes; V1 (n = 48): glycerol (G) + ethylene glycol (EG); V2 (n = 44): EG + 0.5 M sucrose and V3 (n = 44): G + EG + 0.5 M sucrose. The morulae of each vitrification process were randomly assigned to three warming processes; W1 (n = 45): 0.5 M sucrose at 25 °C; W2 (n = 44): 0.5 M sucrose at 39 °C; and W3 (n = 47): solution containing half the concentration of the cryoprotectants + 0.5 M sucrose at 25 °C. After, embryos were cultured in 100 µL TCM 199 drops under mineral oil, at 39 °C and a 6.5% CO2 atmosphere for 72 h according to the different treatments. There were no viable embryos in V1 and V2 in none of their three respective warmings. Only V3 showed an embryo survival rate to hatched blastocyst stage of 59.1%. When considering embryo survival according to the warming processes, the survival rate was higher in V3W2 (76.9%) and V3W3 (66.7%) groups compared to the V3W1 group (37.5%; P < 0.05). The embryo survival of V3 for Day 8 after sponge removal (81.3%) was higher compared to Day 7 (46.4%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, a successful embryo survival is obtained by using a combination of cryoprotectants (G + EG) with addition of sucrose in the vitrification process for conservation of caprine morulae in embryo transfer programs. The survival rates in vitro of vitrified-warmed morulae in goats were influenced by their recovery day. Further studies should be conducted to determine if these results are reproducible in vivo embryo transfer on field situations.

Photoperiod in aquaculture of the sea urchin Arbacia dufresnii (Echinodermata: Echinoidea): Effects on gamete production and maturity / Fotoperiodo en la acuicultura del erizo de mar Arbacia dufresnii (Echinodermata: Echinoidea): El efecto en la producción y madurez de gametas

Introduction: Photoperiod is, together with temperature and food availability, one of the main stimuli in the regulation of gametogenesis in a wide variety of species. Objective: To evaluate the effect of photoperiod on the production of mature gametes in cultured Arbacia dufresnii. Methods: An experiment was carried out with three varying light-dark regimes/treatments: constant light (24 h light), neutral photoperiod (12 h light, 12 h darkness), and constant darkness (24 h darkness). Twenty females were used in each treatment. All were induced to spawn and, ten randomly selected females from each treatment were induced to spawn again after 30 days. After 60 days, spawning was induced in the remaining females. The gametes were collected in filtered seawater, fixed in Davidson solution, quantified and measured per individual in triplicate in a Sedgewick-Rafter chamber. To determine maturation, fertilization success was evaluated 30 minutes after fertilization. Results: Our results showed that in the aquaculture system, after only two months, mature gametes were obtained, and in the neutral light regime there were 10 times more gametes than the number produced in wild sea urchins during the spawning period in question. We also found that with a greater exposure to light, a lower number of mature gametes was produced. Conclusions: This study suggests the viability of the production of mature gametes in a short period of time as regards Arbacia dufresnii.

Introducción: El fotoperiodo es, junto con la temperatura y la disponibilidad de alimentos, uno de los principales estímulos para el desarrollo de la gametogénesis en una amplia variedad de especies. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del fotoperiodo en la producción de gametas maduras de Arbacia dufresnii en un sistema de recirculación cerrado para determinar el mejor fotoperiodo para una acuicultura novedosa, enfocada en la producción de gametas con alta concentración de pigmentos para usos biotecnológicos. Métodos: Se realizó un experimento con tres regímenes/tratamientos diferentes de luz y oscuridad: luz constante (luz durante 24 h), fotoperiodo neutro (12 h de luz, 12 h de oscuridad) y oscuridad constante (oscuridad durante 24 h). Se utilizaron veinte hembras en cada tratamiento. Se indujo a todas las hembras a desovar al comienzo del experimento. Después de 30 días, diez hembras seleccionadas al azar de cada tratamiento fueron inducidas a desovar nuevamente. Al final del experimento, después de 60 días, se indujo el desove a las hembras restantes en cada tratamiento. Las gametas se recolectaron en agua de mar filtrada, se fijaron en solución de Davidson, se cuantificaron y midieron por triplicado en una cámara Sedgewick-Rafter. Para determinar la maduración, se evaluó el éxito de la fecundación después de 30 minutos de fertilización, calculando el porcentaje de huevos fertilizados. Resultados: Nuestros resultados muestran que, en el sistema acuícola, en solo dos meses se obtuvieron gametas maduras y casi 10 veces más la cantidad producida por los erizos de mar en su ambiente natural usando el fotoperiodo neutro (12 h luz:12 h oscuridad). También encontramos que la mayor exposición a la luz produce la menor cantidad de gametas maduras. Conclusión: Este estudio sugiere la viabilidad de la producción de gametos maduros en un corto período de tiempo en Arbacia dufresnii.

The influence of density on survival and larval development in the sea urchin Arbacia dufresnii (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Introduction: Density is one of the critical factors in echinoderm larvae for aquaculture purposes. Echinoplutei larvae are very sensitive to overcrowding. High culture density can lead to problems with bacteria or protozoa, decreasing survival and generating abnormal morphotypes. Objective: To evaluate the effect of culture density on survival and larval growth in the sea urchin Arbacia dufresnii. Methods: Two days after fertilization of A. dufresnii we we kept treatments at 1, 3, 5 and 10 larvae.ml-1, with three replicates each. We recorded survival and abnormal morphotypes periodically, as well as growth:somatic rod length, total length, and length of the post oral arms,. we applied generalized linear models. Results: Survival is dependent on density, time and replicates, and their interactions. Larval growth depended on density and time, also with interaction between the variables. The treatment of 5 larvae.ml-1 had the highest survival and larval condition. Conclusions: Larval culture of A. dufresnii had the best results at 5 larvae.ml-1.

Introducción: La densidad es uno de los factores críticos para las larvas de equinodermo para fines de acuicultura. Las larvas de Echinoplutei son muy sensibles al hacinamiento. Una alta densidad de cultivo puede provocar problemas con bacterias o protozoos, disminuyendo la supervivencia y generando morfotipos anormales. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la densidad de cultivo sobre la supervivencia y el crecimiento larvario del erizo de mar Arbacia dufresnii. Métodos: Dos días después de la fertilización de A. dufresnii se mantuvieron los tratamientos a 1, 3, 5 y 10 larvas.ml-1, con tres repeticiones cada uno. Registramos la supervivencia y los morfotipos anormales periódicamente, así como el crecimiento: longitud de la varilla somática, longitud total y longitud de los brazos posorales. aplicamos modelos lineales generalizados. Resultados: La supervivencia depende de la densidad, el tiempo y las réplicas y sus interacciones. El crecimiento larvario dependió de la densidad y el tiempo, también de la interacción entre las variables. El tratamiento de 5 larvas.ml-1 tuvo la mayor supervivencia y condición larvaria. Conclusiones: El cultivo larvario de A. dufresnii tuvo los mejores resultados con 5 larvas.ml-1.

Embryonic and larval development is conditioned by water temperature and maternal origin of eggs in the sea urchin Arbacia dufresnii (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Introduction: Embryonic and larval development in sea urchins is highly dependent on maternal nutritional status and on the environmental conditions of the seawater. Objective: To compare the development of Arbacia dufresnii in two different water temperatures and in progeny with varying maternal origins. Methods: We induced A. dufresnii females and males from Nuevo Gulf to spawn, collected the eggs of each female individually (progeny), separated them into two seawater temperatures (12 and 17 °C), and fertilized them. We recorded the percentage of fertilized eggs and embryos per developmental stage according to time, temperature and progeny. We measured larval growth by total length (TL) and midline body length (M) according to time post fecundation (DPF), temperature, and progeny. Results: Temperature did not affect fertilization, but embryo development was faster and more synchronized in the high temperature treatment. The generalized linear models indicate that embryo development depends on a quadruple interaction between the embryonic stage, time (h), seawater temperature and progeny. Larval growth was faster, producing larger larvae at the highest temperature. Larval growth depends on a triple interaction between time (DPF), seawater temperature and progeny. Conclusions: We found a temperature and progeny impact during embryonic and larval development and, in both cases, these factors generate a synergistic effect on developmental timing and larval size. This probably provides a survival advantage as a more rapid speed of development implies a decrease in the time spent in the water column, where the sea urchins are vulnerable to biotic and abiotic stressors.

Introducción: El desarrollo embrionario y larvario de los erizos de mar depende en gran medida del estado nutricional materno y de las condiciones ambientales del agua de mar. Objetivo: Comparar el desarrollo de Arbacia dufresnii en dos temperaturas de agua diferentes y en progenies con diferentes orígenes maternos. Métodos: Indujimos a las hembras y machos de A. dufresnii del Golfo Nuevo a desovar, recolectamos los huevos de cada hembra individualmente (progenie), los separamos en dos temperaturas de agua de mar (12 y 17 ° C) y los fertilizamos. Registramos el porcentaje de óvulos fecundados y el porcentaje de embriones por etapa de desarrollo según tiempo, temperatura y descendencia. Medimos el crecimiento larvario según la longitud total (TL) y la longitud corporal de la línea media (M) de acuerdo con el tiempo en días post fecundación, la temperatura y la progenie. Resultados: La temperatura no afectó la fertilización, pero el desarrollo del embrión fue más rápido y más sincronizado en el tratamiento de alta temperatura. Los modelos lineales generalizados indican que el desarrollo del embrión depende una interacción cuádruple entre el estadio embrionario, el tiempo (h), la temperatura del agua de mar y la progenie. El crecimiento larvario fue más rápido, produciendo larvas más grandes a la temperatura más alta. El crecimiento de las larvas depende de una triple interacción entre el tiempo (DPF), la temperatura del agua de mar y la progenie. Conclusiones: Encontramos un impacto en la temperatura y en la progenie durante el desarrollo embrionario y larvario y, en ambos casos, estos factores generaron un efecto sinérgico sobre el tiempo de desarrollo y el tamaño de las larvas. Esto probablemente proporciona una ventaja de supervivencia, ya que una velocidad de desarrollo más rápida implica una disminución en el tiempo que pasan en la columna de agua, donde los erizos de mar son vulnerables a los factores estresantes bióticos y abióticos.

Effect of the charge state on the structure of the Au60 cluster.

This manuscript outlines a DFT-D study of a neutral and charged Au60 cluster. The neutral structure features an I-symmetry, while 1-, 1+, and 2+ charge states result in a structure with Cs symmetry. The main difference among neutral and charged clusters is their compactness and we used a polyhedral approach to analyze their structure in terms of tetrahedral and octahedral building blocks. Moreover, we calculated their IR/Raman spectra to distinguish among them.

Impact of immunological state on eco-physiological variables in one of the southernmost lizards in the world.

The immune state is an essential component of survival as it directly influences physiological performance and health status. Variation in the leukocyte profile, a significantly increase in body temperature, and a detriment of the eco-physiological performance are among the possible consequences of an unhealthy state. In this study we analyse and discuss how field body temperature, preferred body temperature, the speed for sprint and long runs, locomotor stamina, and body condition can be affected by the immunological state (i.e. leukocyte profile) in a wild population of Liolaemus sarmentoi. Juveniles and adult males with a high percentage of eosinophils, basophils, and a low percentage of monocytes preferred higher body temperatures in a thermal gradient, while pregnant females maintained thermal preferences independently of leukocyte profile. Although juveniles with a high percentage of heterophils showed less locomotor stamina, adult males and pregnant females showed no differences in locomotor performance in relation to leukocyte profile. This study represents a starting point in eco-immunology of a wild lizard population of Liolaemus in cold and temperate environments of Patagonia where the southward shift in the geographic ranges of pathogen populations due to global warming represents a threat to resident host populations.

Potential benefits from global warming to the thermal biology and locomotor performance of an endangered Patagonian lizard.

Global warming can significantly affect many aspects of the biology of animal species, including their thermal physiology and physiological performance. Thermal performance curves provide a heuristic model to evaluate the impacts of temperature on the ecophysiology of ectotherms. When integrated with other thermal biology parameters, they can be used to predict the impacts of climate change on individual fitness and population viability. In this study, we combine holistic measures of thermal physiology and the thermal sensitivity of locomotor performance with environmental temperatures measured at fine scale to estimate the vulnerability to global warming of the endangered Patagonian lizard Phymaturus tenebrosus. Our results indicate that this lizard exhibits its preferred temperatures and maximum locomotor performance at higher temperatures than the mean temperature it currently experiences in its habitat. In addition, it exhibits a low effectiveness of thermoregulation, being a poor thermoregulator. In view of the results obtained, we suggest that the climatic conditions of Patagonia may be advantageous for P. tenebrosus to survive future global warming, since its thermal physiology and locomotor performance may improve under increasing in environmental temperatures in its habitat.

Technical recommendations for artificial insemination in sheep.

Artificial insemination (AI) was the first important biotechnology applied to improve the genetics of farm animals. It allows the rapid and massive diffusion of desirable characteristics of males with high productive potential. We describe the different types of estrus induction and synchronization techniques and the use of the AI with fresh, chilled or frozen semen. Through the adequacy of the protocols of estrus synchronization and AI to the different production systems, the efficient use of reproductive techniques is possible, reaching acceptable pregnancy rates. Summary of reproductive results obtained using cervical and laparoscopic AI are presented.

Vitrified embryo transfer in Merino sheep under extensive conditions.

The aim was to evaluate pregnancy success after transfer of embryos vitrified in micropipette tips in Merino sheep under extensive conditions. A second objective was to evaluate the influence of embryo stage in such pregnancy rate. One hundred and twenty-seven embryos were rewarmed and transferred into recipient ewes. On rewarming, the embryos were placed into three-step cryoprotectant dilutions. Finally, prior to transfer to recipient females, embryos were maintained in Basic Medium for 5 min at 25ºC and were re-evaluated by morphological criteria; all degenerated embryos were eliminated. Recipient ewes (n = 150) were treated for estrus with sponges placed for 14 days and 300 IU of eCG. At embryo transfer, three experimental groups were defined: morulae transferred on Day 7, blastocysts transferred on Day 7 and blastocysts transferred on Day 8 after sponge removal. In all groups, semi-laparoscopic transfer of one rewarmed embryo per recipient was performed. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography on day 28 after embryo transfer. The embryo selection rate after rewarming was higher for blastocysts (89.3% - 67/75) compared to morulae (65.9% - 60/91) (P < 0.05). Pregnancy diagnosis showed a 38.3% (23/60) of success after morula transfer on Day 7 post progestagen removal. The day of transfer showed a significant influence on pregnancy rate after blastocyst transfer (Day 8, 55.9% - 19/34 vs Day 7, 21.2% - 7/33) (P < 0.05). Blastocysts transfer on Day 8 showed the highest global efficiency (pregnancies/total embryos after rewarming) (47.5% - 19/40) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, reproductive efficiency obtained by vitrified embryo transfer allows its recommendation for embryo transfer programs under extensive conditions. The importance of considering the synchrony between the embryo age and the recipient uterus stage is emphasized.

Behavioral and physiological polymorphism in males of the austral lizard Liolaemus sarmientoi.

Integrative behavioral studies show that the interplay between individual physiology and social behavior influences the ecology of the species, ultimately affecting individual fitness. Particularly in lizards, color polymorphism is associated with differential behaviors and reproductive strategies, which are evident in mature males during the mating season. Dominant males generally have greater endurance, higher body temperature, and larger bodies than submissive males, so they can acquire and defend larger territories and have greater access to females for mating. We studied whether the color morphs observed in males of one of the world's southernmost reptiles, Liolaemus sarmientoi, are related to behavioral variation during agonistic interactions, thermal physiology, morphology, and/or locomotor stamina. Liolaemus sarmientoi males exhibit three color morphs: red (RR), red-yellow (RY), and yellow (YY). These lizards exhibit subtle behavioral displays and we did not observe stamina differences among morphs. However, we found that RR males are more aggressive than YY males during agonistic encounters. In addition, greater body temperature change during trials, higher field body temperatures, and greater head sizes of RR males compared to RY or YY indicate that RR is a dominant morph, which may influence their ability to acquire and defend territory and tactics for achieving reproductive success.

Reproductive strategies in males of the world's southernmost lizards.

Reproductive and life history patterns in reptiles are tightly related to the environmental conditions, so male reproductive cycles have been historically characterized as continuous, for tropical lizards, or seasonal, for temperate lizards. However, males of Liolaemus and Phymaturus lizards (Liolaemidae), from cold temperate climates of high altitudes or latitudes in Argentina and Chile, have developed a variety of reproductive cycles to coordinate with the short female reproductive season and to deal with the low frequency of reproductive females in the population. Using gonadal histology and morphological analysis, we describe the male reproductive biology, fat storage and sexual dimorphism of the viviparous lizards Liolaemus sarmientoi and Liolaemus magellanicus that inhabit an austral grass steppe at 51°S, in the southern limit of the American continent. Males of L. sarmientoi and L. magellanicus are reproductively available during the entire activity season of approximately 5 months. In addition, males of both species exhibit greater body sizes than females in morphological variables relevant in sexual selection. Meanwhile, females of both species exhibit larger inter-limb length than conspecific males, which suggests fecundity selection to increase space for a larger litter size. The continuous sperm production throughout the activity season allows these liolaemids to mate at any time when females ovulate, representing a selective advantage to deal with the short activity season and the adversities of the cold environment they inhabit.

Vulnerability to climate change of Anolis allisoni in the mangrove habitats of Banco Chinchorro Islands, Mexico.

As niche specialist species, lizards from tropical environments are characterized by a low tolerance and high physiological sensitivity to temperature changes. The extent of vulnerability to thermal changes depends on the lizard's physiological plasticity to adjust the environmental changes. Herein we studied the thermal biology of Anolis allisoni, an endemic arboreal lizard from the tropical islands of the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, carried out during April and May 2012 and April 2014. We report field body (Tb) and preferred body temperatures in the laboratory (Tpref), operative temperatures (Te) and restriction of hours of activity. Anolis allisoni showed high and identical Tb and Tpref (33°C), not significantly different than the mean Te (32.15°C). The effectiveness of thermoregulation (E=-0.30) and the analysis of hours of restriction suggested that the high temperatures of Te (40-62.5°C) registered at midday (from 12:00 to 15:00) of A. allisoni habitat are hostile and force lizards to take refuge during a period of 3h of their daily time of activity. The scarcity of opportunities to find alternative refuges for thermoregulation in Banco Chinchorro point out the vulnerability of A. allisoni and the risk of local extinction when considering future predictions of increase in global environmental temperatures.

Vulnerability to climate warming of Liolaemus pictus (Squamata, Liolaemidae), a lizard from the cold temperate climate in Patagonia, Argentina.

The vulnerability of populations and species to global warming depends not only on the environmental temperatures, but also on the behavioral and physiological abilities to respond to these changes. In this sense, the knowledge of an organism's sensitivity to temperature variation is essential to predict potential responses to climate warming. In particular, it is interesting to know how close species are to their thermal limits in nature and whether physiological plasticity is a potential short-term response to warming climates. We exposed Liolaemus pictus lizards, from northern Patagonia, to either 21 or 31 °C for 30 days to compare the effects of these treatments on thermal sensitivity in 1 and 0.2 m runs, preferred body temperature (T pref), panting threshold (T pant), and critical minimum temperature (CTMin). Furthermore, we measured the availability of thermal microenvironments (operative temperatures; T e) to measure how close L. pictus is, in nature, to its optimal locomotor performance (T o) and thermal limits. L. pictus showed limited physiological plasticity, since the acclimation temperature (21 and 31 °C) did not affect the locomotor performance nor did it affect T pref, the T pant, or the CTMin. The mean T e was close to T o and was 17 °C lower than the CTMax. The results suggest that L. pictus, in a climate change scenario, could be vulnerable to the predicted temperature increment, as this species currently lives in an environment with temperatures close to their highest locomotor temperature threshold, and because they showed limited acclimation capacity to adjust to new thermal conditions by physiological plasticity. Nevertheless, L. pictus can run at 80 % or faster of its maximum speed across a wide range of temperatures near T o, an ability which would attenuate the impact of global warming.

An inhibitor of neuronal exocytosis (DD04107) displays long-lasting in vivo activity against chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Small peptides patterned after the N terminus of the synaptosomal protein of 25 kDa, a member of the protein complex implicated in Ca(2+)-dependent neuronal exocytosis, inhibit in vitro the release of neuromodulators involved in pain signaling, suggesting an in vivo analgesic activity. Here, we report that compound DD04107 (palmitoyl-EEMQRR-NH(2)), a 6-mer palmitoylated peptide that blocks the inflammatory recruitment of ion channels to the plasma membrane of nociceptors and the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from primary sensory neurons, displays potent and long-lasting in vivo antihyperalgesia and antiallodynia in chronic models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, such as the complete Freund's adjuvant, osteosarcoma, chemotherapy, and diabetic neuropathic models. Subcutaneous administration of the peptide produced a dose-dependent antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic activity that lasted ≥24 h. The compound showed a systemic distribution, characterized by a bicompartmental pharmacokinetic profile. Safety pharmacology studies indicated that the peptide is largely devoid of side effects and substantiated that the in vivo activity is not caused by locomotor impairment. Therefore, DD04107 is a potent and long-lasting antinociceptive compound that displays a safe pharmacological profile. These findings support the notion that neuronal exocytosis of receptors and neuronal algogens pivotally contribute to chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain and imply a central role of peptidergic nociceptor sensitization to the pathogenesis of pain.

Carbaprostacyclin, a PPARdelta agonist, ameliorates excess lipid accumulation in diabetic rat placentas.

AIMS: Maternal diabetes impairs placental development and metabolism. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors relevant in metabolic homeostasis. We investigated the concentrations of PPARdelta and its endogenous agonist prostacyclin (PGI2), as well as the effects of carbaprostacylin (cPGI(2,) a PPARdelta agonist) on lipid metabolism in placentas from control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats on day 13.5 of gestation. MAIN METHODS: The placentas were explanted to evaluate PPARdelta expression and PGI2 concentrations, and cultured with cPGI2 for further analysis of lipid metabolism (concentrations and (14)C-acetate derived synthesis of triglycerides, cholesteryl esters, phospholipids, cholesterol and free fatty acids; release of glycerol and lipid peroxidation). KEY FINDINGS: Reduced PGI2 concentrations were found in the placentas from diabetic rats when compared to controls. cPGI2 additions reduced the concentrations and synthesis of several lipid species, increased lipid catabolism and reduced lipid peroxidation in the placenta. These effects were more marked in diabetic tissues, which presented alterations in the lipid metabolic parameters evaluated. cPGI2 additions increased placental PPARdelta and acyl-CoA oxidase expression, which are changes possibly involved in the catabolic effects observed. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study reveals the capability of cPGI2 to regulate placental lipid metabolism and PPARdelta expression, and suggests that preserving appropriate PGI2 concentrations in the placenta may help to metabolize maternal derived lipid overload in diabetic gestations.

Trastornos digestivos en la enfermedad de Parkinson: disfagia y sialorrea / Digestive disorders in Parkinson’s disease: dysphagia and sialorrhea

Introducción. Los síntomas no motores de la enfermedad de Parkinson representan un trastorno frecuente y a menudo infradiagnosticado. Entre los diferentes síntomas no motores cabe destacar la disfagia y la sialorrea, relativamente habituales en estadios avanzados de la enfermedad por su importante repercusión funcional y por la comorbilidad asociada. Desarrollo y conclusiones. Durante los últimos años se han desarrollado diferentes escalas de valoración para su uso clínico y el cribado de dicha sintomatología. Dentro de las diferentes opciones terapéuticas, la toxina botulínica representa el tratamiento de elección para la sialorrea. En cambio, la logopedia, junto con una optimización del tratamiento antiparkinsoniano, suelen ser medidas útiles para la disfagia, reservándose la gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea para aquellos pacientes parkinsonianos con disfagia grave

Introducción. The non-motor symptoms of Parkinson ’s disease are a frequent and often under-diagnosed disorder. Two of the most significant non-motor symptoms are perhaps dysphagia and sialorrhea (which are relatively common in advanced stages of the disease) owing to their important functional repercussions and to the associated comorbidity. Development and conclusions. In recent years, different evaluation scales have been developed for clinical use and in screening the aforementioned symptoms. Of the different therapeutic options available, botulinum toxin represents the preferred treatment for sialorrhea. In contrast, speech therapy and an optimisation of the antiparkinsonian therapy are generally useful measures to treat dysphagia, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy being reserved for patients suffering from Parkinson who have severe dysphagia (AU)