[Research progress of mast cell activation-related receptors and their functions].

Mast cells are widely distributed in various parts of the body, especially in the mucosal surface between the body and the external environment. Mast cell is one of the important immune cells and plays important roles in innate immunity, adaptive immunity and immune regulation. Previous researches have shown that excessive activation of mast cells is closely related to the development of allergic and inflammatory diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, acute and chronic itching. Mast cells infiltrate into the inflammation site and release various allergic mediators during the occurrence and development of these diseases. Therefore, termination of mast cell activation can be one of the effective methods for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases, and receptors related to mast cell activation are potential targets for the development of anti-allergic drugs. There are many receptors related to mast cell activation, and the effects mediated by different receptors varied from each other. In the recent years, new mast cell receptors are being discovered, but there are not many literatures discussing the possible functions of these newly discovered receptors. This review aims to summarize the receptors involved in mast cell activation and classify related receptors according to their effects.

Effects of Acupuncture on the Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

OBJECTIVES: To conclude the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture to treat couples with subfertility undergoing ART. METHODS: We searched the major databases from their inception to March 2018: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chongqing VIP, and Sino-Med (the Chinese database). The primary outcomes of the overview were live birth and clinical pregnancy, and secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, and adverse events. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed independently by two review authors. Review methodological quality was assessed by using the AMSTAR tool, and the quality of the evidence was rated by GRADE methods. RESULTS: Eleven systematic reviews were included and published between 2009 and 2017. Our study showed that the acupuncture treatment seems to be a useful tool to improve the clinical pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. However, there was no evidence that acupuncture had any effect on live birth rate, ongoing pregnancy rates, or miscarriage regardless of whether acupuncture was performed around the time of oocyte retrieval or around the day of embryo transfer; this evidence is inconclusive because of the low quality of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for acupuncture to treat couples with subfertility undergoing ART remains unclear. Further research is needed, with high-quality trials undertaken and reported.

Physical Location of New PCR-Based Markers and Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene(s) on Rye (Secale cereale L.) Chromosome 4 Using 4R Dissection Lines.

Rye (Secale cereale L.) 4R chromosome contains elite genes that are applicable for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar improvement. PCR-based 4R-specific markers can benefit the detection of elite genes on 4R in wheat backgrounds. In this study, a new fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) map of the 4RKu chromosome of rye Kustro has been constructed. A set of 4RKu dissection lines was obtained and 301 new 4RKu-specific markers were developed using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology. These markers were combined with the 99 4RKu-specific markers previously developed, and were physically mapped to 4RKu chromosome using the new FISH map and the 4RKu dissection lines. A total of 338 of the 400 markers have been successfully mapped to six regions of 4RKu chromosome. Additionally, the powdery mildew resistance gene(s) on the 4RLKu arm was located to the segment between L.4 and L.8, the same region where 115 4RLKu-specific markers were mapped. The markers developed in this study can be used to identify a specific segment of 4R chromatin in wheat backgrounds, help construct a high-density physical map of 4R chromosome, and facilitate the utilization of elite genes on 4R chromosome in wheat breeding programs.

Osthole inhibits histamine-dependent itch via modulating TRPV1 activity.

Osthole, an active coumarin isolated from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, has long been used in China as an antipruritic herbal medicine; however, the antipruitic mechanism of osthole is unknown. We studied the molecular mechanism of osthole in histamine-dependent itch by behavioral test, Ca(2+) imaging, and electrophysiological experiments. First, osthole clearly remitted the scratching behaviors of mice induced with histamine, HTMT, and VUF8430. Second, in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, osthole showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect to histamine. On the same neurons, osthole also decreased the response to capsaicin and histamine. In further tests, the capsaicin-induced inward currents were inhibited by osthole. These results revealed that osthole inhibited histamine-dependent itch by modulating TRPV1 activity. This study will be helpful in understanding how osthole exerts anti-pruritus effects and suggests that osthole may be a useful treatment medicine for histamine-dependent itch.

Development of new PCR-based markers specific for chromosome arms of rye (Secale cereale L.).

PCR-based rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome-specific markers can contribute to the effective utilization of elite genes of rye in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding programs. In the present study, 578 new PCR-based rye-specific markers have been developed by using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology, and 76 markers displayed different polymorphism among rye Kustro, Imperial, and King II. A total of 427 and 387 markers were, respectively, located on individual chromosomes and chromosome arms of Kustro by using a set of wheat-rye monosomic addition lines and 13 monotelosomic addition lines, which were derived from T. aestivum L. 'Mianyang11' × S. cereale L. 'Kustro'. In addition, two sets of wheat-rye disomic addition lines, which were derived from T. aestivum L. var. Chinese Spring × S. cereale L. var. Imperial and T. aestivum L. 'Holdfast' × S. cereale L. var. King II, were used to test the chromosomal specificity of the 427 markers. The chromosomal locations of 281 markers were consistent among the three sets of wheat-rye addition lines. The markers developed in this study can be used to identify a given segment of rye chromosomes in wheat background and accelerate the utilization of elite genes on rye chromosomes in wheat breeding programs.

Phosphoinositide interacting regulator of TRP (Pirt) enhances TRPM8 channel activity in vitro via increasing channel conductance.

AIM: Pirt is a two-transmembrane domain protein that regulates the function of a variety of ion channels. Our previous study indicated that Pirt acts as a positive endogenous regulator of the TRPM8 channel. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the regulation of TRPM8 channel by Pirt. METHODS: HEK293 cells were transfected with TRPM8+Pirt or TRPM8 alone. Menthol (1 mmol/L) was applied through perfusion to induce TRPM8-mediated voltage-dependent currents, which were recorded using a whole-cell recording technique. PIP2 (10 µmol/L) was added into the electrode pipettes (PI was taken as a control). Additionally, cell-attached single-channel recordings were conducted in CHO cells transfected with TRPM8+Pirt or TRPM8 alone, and menthol (1 mmol/L) was added into the pipette solution. RESULTS: Either co-transfection with Pirt or intracellular application of PIP2 (but not PI) significantly enhanced menthol-induced TRPM8 currents. Furthermore, Pirt and PIP2 synergistically modulated menthol-induced TRPM8 currents. Single-channel recordings revealed that co-transfection with Pirt significantly increased the single channel conductance. CONCLUSION: Pirt and PIP2 synergistically enhance TRPM8 channel activity, and Pirt regulates TRPM8 channel activity by increasing the single channel conductance.

Itches-stimulating compounds from Colocasia esculenta (taro): bioactive-guided screening and LC-MS/MS identification.

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schoot (taro) is one of the most common crops in the world. Its rhizome was a tonic medicine and accustomed to treat some gastrointestinal disorders in traditional Chinese medicine. Today, the taro was further developed as anticancer prescription in herbal therapy. However, the mucilage of the fresh taro has irritation, and causes itchy feeling. The components in the mucilage were not evident up to now. Two active compounds, uracil and glycol-protein taro lectin (Accession number: A5HMM7), were purified and identified from the fresh taro. The glycol-protein taro lectin showed nerve stimulation activity on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from GCaMP transgenic mice at the concentration of 1mg/mL.

[Identification of the 1RS-7DS.7DL wheat-rye small segment translocation lines].

Rye (Secale cereale L., RR) is a valuable genetic resource for the improvement of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L., AABBDD). Transferring alien rye genes into wheat by distant hybridization and automatic chromosome doubling is an important and efficient method to boost agronomic traits, disease resistance and widening the gene pool in wheat. In this study, an octoploid triticale CD-13 (AABBDDRR) was obtained via automatic chromosome doubling by crossing landrace Penganbaimaizi (T. aestivum L., AABBDD) and rye "Qinling rye" (S. cereale cv. Qinling, RR). GISH and FISH analyses indicated that CD-13 contained a 1RS-7DS.7DL wheat-rye small segment translocation chromosome. In order to transfer the 1RS-7DS small segment translocation into hexaploid wheat, 58 lines of the F5 inbred population from the cross CD-13 x Chuanmai 42 were screened for rye chromosome segments by GISH and FISH analyses. The results showed that 13 lines contained the 1RS-7DS.7DL small segment translocation chromosome by reciprocal translocation between 1RS and 7DS. These translocation lines carrying 1RS small rye alien segment were tested for the translocation breakpoints and the presence of a storage protein locus Sec-1. The Sec-1 locus was absent in the line 811, a stable 1RS-7DS.7DL small segment translocation line. The translocation breakpoint of 1RS-7DS.7DL of this line was located in the interval of IB267-IAG95 around the telomere of 1RS chromosome. Thousand-kernel weight of the line 811 was much higher than the parent CD-13, but not significantly different from Chuanmai 42. This indicated that 1RS-7DS.7DL small segment translocation had no negative effect on thousand-kernel weight in the genetic background of Chuanmai 42. The line with 1RS-7DS.7DL translocation chromosomes can be used as a new genetic material for further studies of valuable genes and their genetic effect on 1RS small segment.

Pirt reduces bladder overactivity by inhibiting purinergic receptor P2X3.

Pirt is a transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in peripheral neurons. However, the physiological and pathological roles of Pirt in hollow viscus are largely unknown. Here we show that Pirt deficiency in mice causes bladder overactivity. The density of α,ß-meATP-induced currents is significantly reinforced in Pirt-deficient dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Pirt and P2X3 receptor co-localize in bladder nerve fibres and heterologous Pirt expression significantly reduces P2X3-mediated currents. Pirt interacts with P2X3 through the N-terminal 14 amino-acid residues. TAT-conjugated Pirt(N14) peptide (Pirt(N14)) is sufficient to inhibit P2X3 activation in bladder DRG neurons and to alleviate bladder overactivity in Pirt(-/-) mice. Pirt expression is decreased in the bladder of cyclophosphamide (CYP)-treated mice, a commonly used model of bladder overactivity. Importantly, Pirt(N14) administration reduces the frequency of bladder voiding and restores the voided volume of CYP-treated mice. Therefore, our results demonstrate that Pirt is an endogenous regulator of P2X3 in bladder function.

Abnormal mitosis induced by wheat-rye 1R monosomic addition lines.

Octoploid triticale were derived from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L. 'Mianyang11') × rye (Secale cereale L. 'Kustro'), and some progeny were obtained by the backcrossing of triticale with 'Mianyang11' followed by self-fertilization. In situ hybridization using rye genomic DNA and repetitive sequences pAs1 and pSc119.2 as probes was used to analyze the mitotic chromosomes of these progeny. Three wheat-rye 1R monosomic addition lines and a wheat line (12FT-1685) containing a 1R and a 1BL.1RS translocation chromosome were identified. Abnormal mitosis was observed in the two lines. During mitosis of a 1R monosomic addition line (3-8-20-1R-2), lagging chromosomes, micronuclei, chromosomal bridges, and the one pole segregation of 1R chromosome were observed. Abnormal mitotic behaviour of chromosomes was also observed in some of the self-progeny plants of lines 12FT-1685 and 3-8-20-1R-2. These progeny contained 1R chromosome or 1R chromosome arm. In addition, 4B chromosomes were absent from one of the progeny of 3-8-20-1R-2. This abnormal mitotic behaviour of chromosomes was not observed in two other 1R monosomic addition lines. These results indicate that a single 1R chromosome added to wheat might cause abnormal mitotic behaviour of both wheat and rye chromosomes and different genetic variations might occurr among the sibling 1R monosomic addition lines.

[Establishment of wheat-rye addition lines and De Novo powdery mildew resistance gene from chromosome 5R].

The F5 plants derived from octoploid triticale × common wheat were investigated by FISH methods using repetitive DNA sequences pAS1 and pSc119.2 as probes. The disease resistance of these plants was also screened and evaluated in the field. The 1R, 2R, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R and 7R monosomic addition lines and 1R and 2R disomic addition lines were found. The occurrence frequencies of chromosomes 1R and 4R addition lines were higher than that of chromosomes 2R, 3R, 5R, 6R, and 7R addition lines in the high generation screened. The 5R and 6R monosomic addition lines were immune to powdery mildew. The chromosome 5R in this study might carry new powdery mildew resistance gene(s). In addition, the preferential elimination of chromosome 4B was observed in several plants.

Diversity and evolution of four dispersed repetitive DNA sequences in the genus Secale.

We present the first characterization of 360 sequences in six species of the genus Secale of both cultivated and wild accessions. These include four distinct kinds of dispersed repetitive DNA sequences named pSc20H, pSc119.1, pSaO5(411), and pSaD15(940) belonging to the Revolver family. During the evolution of the genus Secale from wild to cultivated accessions, the pSaO5(411)-like sequences became shorter mainly because of the deletion of a trinucleotide tandem repeating unit, the pSc20H-like sequences displayed apparent homogenization in cultivated rye, and the second intron of Revolver became longer. In addition, the pSc20H-, pSc119.1-, and pSaO5(411)-like sequences cloned from wild rye and cultivated rye could be divided into two large clades. No single case of the four kinds of repetitive elements has been inherited by each Secale accession from a lone ancestor. It is reasonable to consider the vertical transmission of the four repetitive elements during the evolution of the genus Secale. The pSc20H- and pSaO5(411)-like sequences showed evolutionary elimination at specific chromosomal locations from wild species to cultivated species. These cases imply that different repetitive DNA sequences have played different roles in the chromosome development and genomic evolution of rye. The present study adds important information to the investigations dealing with characterization of dispersed repetitive elements in wild and cultivated rye.

Variations of tandem repeat, regulatory element, and promoter regions revealed by wheat-rye amphiploids.

To better understand the evolution of allopolyploids, 4 different combinations between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.) including 12 F1 hybrids and 12 derived amphiploids were analyzed and compared with their direct parental plants by PCR analysis using 150 wheat SSR (single sequence repeat) markers and by FISH analysis using a rye-specific repetitive sequence (pSc200) as a probe. Nine SSR markers amplified rye-specific fragments whose sizes ranged from 471 bp to 1089 bp. These fragments contain regulatory elements and (or) promoters. Some of these fragments were amplified from all 24 progenies, while others were amplified from a subset of the progenies. The disappearance of rye-specific fragments from some progenies was caused by sequence elimination or DNA modification. Marker Xgwm320 amplified a new fragment (403 bp), a rye-specific tandem repeat, from some of the progenies. Twenty-eight SSR markers displayed microsatellite variation in progenies derived from 'Chinese Spring' x 'Jinzhou-heimai', but none of the 150 SSR markers displayed microsatellite variation in the progenies derived from the other three combinations. FISH signals of pSc200 were eliminated from one telomere/subtelomere of 4 chromosomes of 'Kustro' during allopolyploidization and expanded in amphiploids derived from 'Chinese Spring' x 'AR106BONE'. Thus, allopolyploidization in wheat-rye can be accompanied by rapid variation of tandem repeats, regulatory elements, and promoter regions. The alterations of repetitive sequence pSc200 indicate coordination between the constituent genomes of the newly formed amphiploids. Different genetic backgrounds of parents appear to affect genome changes during allopolyploidization.

[Variation of Rye-Specific repetitive DNA pSc119.1 among sister T1RS.1BL translocations].

Specific primers were designed according to the rye-specific repetitive sequence pSc119.1 and were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis using the genomic DNA of two sets of sister T1RS.1BL translocations, CN12, CN17, CN18, 96 I 176-1 and 96 I 176-3 as templates. The results indicated that the target fragments were amplified from CN12, CN17, and CN18. A target and a non-target fragment were produced from 96 I 176-1. However, no products were obtained from 96 I 176-3. Southern blot analysis indicated that the elimination of pSc119.1 did not occur in line 96 I 176-3. Three target fragments were cloned from CN12, CN17, and CN18 respectively through recovering. For each target fragment, ten clones were selected randomly for sequencing. Variation of the sequence pSc119.1 was observed in all of the three wheat lines and line CN18 had the most obvious variation. Most of the 30 sequences had 94% or 95% similarity with the sequence pSc119.1 published and the variation of bases of these sequences. Most variations of most bases arose from transition, and a few of them were transversion. Furthermore, there was great coherence among these changed bases in type and site. The evolution process of progenies of wide hybrids may be continuous. For each set of sister 1RS.1BL translocation, difference of some traits was observed among the wheat lines or cultivars. The difference was probably related to the variation of the repetitive DNA. This research provides some useful information for studying on mechanism of epigenetics.

[Transfer of a rye small chromosomal segment with powdery mildew-resistant gene(s) into common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)].

The advanced progeny lines (BC1F5) from the monosomic addition lines between common wheat cultivar Mianyang 11, which is highly susceptible to powdery mildew, and an inbred rye line R12 were analyzed for selection of wheat-rye translocations. Based on a rye-specific repetitive sequence of pSc20H, which spread over all chromosomes of rye but did not existed in wheat, a set of PCR primer was designed and used to identify the rye chromosome segments in wheat. From 300 of the BC1F5 progeny lines 70 were found to contain chromosome composition of rye. An advanced line, 96II691-830-98, originated from 6R monosomic addition line was observed to be immune to powdery mildew, different from its wheat parent Mianyang 11. A small segment of rye chromosome at telomere in a pair of wheat chromosome in the line was found by means of GISH. The results indicated that a small segment of rye chromosome 6R carrying the gene(s) for resistance to powdery mildew has been transferred into common wheat. In the progeny of monosomic addition lines a high frequency of wheat-alien species translocation with various segments of chromosomes could be found by application of both PCR and GISH technique.

A complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Asian black bear Sichuan subspecies (Ursus thibetanus mupinensis).

We obtained the complete mitochondrial genome of U.thibetanus mupinensis by DNA sequencing based on the PCR fragments of 18 primers we designed. The results indicate that the mtDNA is 16,868 bp in size, encodes 13 protein genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes, with an overall H-strand base composition of 31.2% A, 25.4% C, 15.5% G and 27.9% T. The sequence of the control region (CR) located between tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe is 1422 bp in size, consists of 8.43% of the whole genome, GC content is 51.9% and has a 6bp tandem repeat and two 10bp tandem repeats identified by using the Tandem Repeats Finder. U. thibetanus mupinensis mitochondrial genome shares high similarity with those of three other Ursidae: U. americanus (91.46%), U. arctos (89.25%) and U. maritimus (87.66%).

Enhanced visuomotor associative learning following stimulation of alpha 2A-adrenoceptors in the ventral prefrontal cortex in monkeys.

The present study investigated the effect of locally infused guanfacine, an alpha2A-adrenergic agonist, into the ventral prefrontal cortex (PFv) on visuomotor associative learning. Two monkeys were well trained on a two-problem visuomotor associative task: the monkeys performed movement A if presented with a circle pattern, or movement B if presented with a triangle pattern. For learning of new visuomotor associations, the monkeys were presented with a new set of four patterns in each and every daily session, two of which instructed movement A and the other two movement B. Bilaterally infused guanfacine (2.5 microg/microl; 3 microl on each side) improved the monkeys' ability to learn new visuomotor associations: trials and errors to learning criterion of 90% correct decreased significantly. The monkeys showed an enhanced capability to use win-stay/lose-shift strategy on 'repeat trials' and change-stay/change-shift strategy on 'change trials.' The present results indicate that alpha2A-adrenoceptor in the PFv is involved in regulating visuomotor associative learning.

Firing properties and dye coupling of neurons in the pigeon nucleus semilunaris.

Our previous study indicated that the nucleus semilunaris in birds is a visual center. The present study using pigeon brain slices shows that 84 semilunar cells examined could be grouped into five types according to responses to depolarizing current injections. Type I cells (early bursting, 44%) fire a single burst followed by regular spiking. Type II cells (regular spiking, 13%) regularly produce spikes, the rates of which are enhanced as currents are increased. Type III cells (bursting, 17%) discharge a series of bursts each consisting of 2-4 spikes. Type IV cells (dual spiking, 15%) evoke both spikes and spikelets. Type V cells (inhibition-following, 11%) are characterized by regular spiking followed by an inhibitory period after current cessation. Morphologically, semilunar neurons have piriform, round, or fusiform somata of 12-23 mum in diameter, which give rise to 2-4 primary dendrites with sparse branches. Dual spiking activity is invariably correlated with dye coupling, and bursting cells have a tendency to be fusiform in shape. Other types of semilunar cells do not show a correlation between their firing patterns and morphological features.

Intracellular recording and staining of neurons in the pigeon nucleus lentiformis mesencephali.

The pretectal nucleus lentiformis mesencephali in pigeons is involved in optokinetic nystagmus and consists of lateral (nLMl) and medial (nLMm) subnuclei. The present study using intracellular recordings and brain slices shows that pretectal cells respond to depolarizing current injection in different ways. Type I cells (32%) fire spontaneously and have regular spikes. Type II cells (20%) discharge regular spikes, whose frequency increases as current intensity increases. Type III cells (8%) produce a series of bursts, each of which consists of 2-5 spikes depending on current intensities. Type IV cells (39%) fire several spikes in a cluster at the onset of current injection and are then rapidly adapted. One cell of type V (1%) shows spontaneous firing and is inactivated by depolarizing currents. Cells of types III and V are only found in nLMm, and other types of cells exist in both subnuclei. This physiological difference might be a bias due to the small sampling of cells. Twenty-six cells are labeled with dye and they could be categorized into fusiform (23.1%), piriform (7.7%), or multipolar (69.2%) cells. Some correlation seems to exist between the physiological and morphological properties of pretectal neurons. Statistically, the somatic size of nLMm cells is significantly larger than that of nLMl cells, indicating that the nucleus could be divided cytoarchitecturally into magnocellular and parvocellular components as suggested previously.

Discharge patterns evoked by depolarizing current injection in basal optic nucleus neurons of the pigeon.

The nucleus of the basal optic root of the accessory optic system in birds is involved in optokinetic nystagmus, which stabilizes images on the retina by compensatory movements of the eyes. The present paper studies the physiological and morphological properties of basal optic neurons in the pigeon by using a brain slice preparation and intracellular recordings. Sixty-one cells examined could be categorized into six types based on their firing patterns in response to depolarizing current injection. Type I cells (54%) fire spontaneously and more spikes as current intensity is increased. Type II cells (15%) discharge regular spikes with similar interspike intervals. Type III cells (5%) show an early burst followed by tonic firing. Type IV cells (5%) fire regular bursts with similar interburst intervals. Type V cells (16%) fire a few spikes in a cluster only at onset of current application. Type VI cells (5%) produce a hump-like depolarization or a single spike depending on current intensities. Seventeen cells stained with Lucifer yellow have multipolar or piriform perikarya (15-28 microm) with two to eight primary dendrites. In some cases, an axon is observed to originate from the cell body, traveling dorsolaterally or dorsally. The physiological significance of these findings is discussed.