[Changes in the sulfhydryl group content in the hemolymph of freshwater gastropods infected with trematode parthenitae and larvae]

A study was conducted on the changes in sulphhydryl groups in the haemolymph of Lymnaea stagnalis infected with partenites of Opisthioglyphe ranae, Planorbis corneus infected with partenites of Cotylurus cornutus and females of Viviparus viviparus infected with partenites and larvae of Echinoparyphium petrowi. At the infection in the haemolymph of hosts were recorded statystically reliable changes in the protein sulphhydryl groups which are blocked by toxines excreted by the parasites. The reduction rate in the content of these substances depends on the localization of the parasites and infection intensity of the hosts.

Additional precipitation reactions of lectins with human serum glycoproteins

Highly purified human serum glycoproteins were treated with neuraminidase and examined for their cross reaction with several lectins with anti-galactosyl specificity: beta-D-galactosyl structures are thought to be the main terminal sugar residues that become attached de novo after removal of neuraminic acid. The following lectins were tested: Tridacnin from the bivalve clams Tridacna maxima and Tridacna gigas, the agglutinin from the sponge Axinella polypoides, the lectin from the roach Rutilus rutilus and the plant lectins from Ricinus communis, Ononis spinosa, Glycine soja and Abrus precatorius. In agar gel diffusion, these purified and precipitating lectins gave more or less strong or negative results against the different neuraminidase-treated serum glycoproteins, thus indicating subtle differences with respect to their anti-galactosyl combining specificity. On the other hand, serum glycoproteins which reacted with the same lectin, did not always show complete identity lines. Finally, as revealed by these lectins, the carbohydrate moiety of serum glycoproteins may reflect a complex and broad spectrum of heterogeneity. This could lead to a more detailed understanding of the topographical and steric arrangement of the chemical structure and of the biological role of carbohydrate groups in these glycosubstances.

[Determination of the molecular weight of vitellogenin and of lipovitellins of Orchestia gammarella, Crustacea, Amphipoda]

Vitellogenin and lipovitellins of Orchestia gammarella, tested by electrophoresis on gels of different acrylamide concentrations, following the procedure of Hedrick and Smith (1968), displays a migration pattern identical to that of proteins of respectively congruent to 4 x 10(5) (vitellogenin), congruent to 3,5 x 10(5) (lipovitellins I and I') and congruent to 5 x 10(5) (lipovitellin II) molecular weights.

Molecular characterization of limulin, a sialic acid binding lectin from the hemolymph of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus

The sialic acid binding lectin, limulin, was isolated by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography from the hemolymph of Limulus polyphemus. When the purified protein was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of beta-mercaptoethanol, two major protein bands were observed. These two bands, subsequently found to contain carbohydrate as well, corresponded to molecular weights of 25 000 and 27 000. Amino acid sequence analyses were performed on both the intact protein and isolated cyanogen bromide fragments. The following primary structural features were noted in the amino-terminal region of limulin: (1) the absence of histidine and alanine from the NH2-terminal 50 residues; (2) the presence of five of the total eight prolines of the molecule between positions 13 and 30; and (3) a possible carbohydrate attachment site consisting of only the amino acids proline and serine between residues 13 and 19. The resultsof cyanogen bromide cleavage studies confirmed the presence of 2 methionine residues per subunit, at positions 25 and 58 respectively. No sequence heterogeneity was observed in this study. While it is quite possible that limulin plays some role in the defense mechanisms of the horseshoe crab, there is no obvious sequence homology between this invertebrate lectin and vertebrate immunoglobulins.

Biochemical and immunological studies on larval serum protein 1, the major haemolymph protein of Drosophila melanogaster third-instar larvae

Larval serum protein 1 is the major haemolymph protein just before puparium formation in Drosophila melanogaster. It has been purified and characterised as a family of hexamers (molecular weight 450000-480000) of three immunologically related polypeptides (molecular weight 75000-81000). Homologous proteins, present in other dipterans, are similar in structure, amino acid composition and developmental profile.

Electrophoretic analyses of the crop contents of Helobdella stagnalis (L.) (Hirudinea)

First, experiments were tested for a new method concerning analyses of crop contents in liquosomatophagous animals. Disc-electrophoretic separations of the crop contents of Helobdella stagnalis yielded protein patterns typical for the number of bands and for the relative mobilities in these Chironomid larvae, on which H. stagnalis were fed. Additionally, slowly migrating bands occurred in the separations of the crop contents, varying in their number; likewise, an esterase showed a high activity at a crop contents of pH 6.2.

A specific binding protein for the moulting hormone ecdysterone in locust haemolymph

Specific binding of 3H-ecdysterone to a high mol. wt protein from Locusta migratoria haemolymph was shown by gel filtration. The hormone-protein complex shows a dissociation constant Kd congruent to 3.10(-7) M, and the concentration of binding sites varies during the last larval instar.

Insect immunity. III. Purification and partial characterization of immune protein P5 from hemolymph of Hyalophora cecropia pupae

We previously showed that in pupae of Hyalophora cecropia, eight hemolymph proteins (P1 through P8) were selectively synthetized after immunization (Faye et al., Infect, Immun. 12:1426-1438, 1975). We also showed that a gross fractionation was obtained by a series of ammonium sulfate precipitations (designed A through D) and that protein P5 was enriched in fraction A. Starting from fraction A, we have now purified protein P5 by using dialysis, isoelectric focusing, and hydroxylapatite chromatography. The final product gave a single band in both gradient gel and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using the latter method, proteins P5 and P8 were found to be enriched in fraction A, but they were absent in fraction Ac prepared from nonimmunized pupae. Protein P5 was found to have a pI of 6.6 and a molecular weight of 24,000 in sodium dodecyl sulfate and 96,000 in tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane-borate, pH 9.0. These data suggest a structure for P5 composed of four subunits of equal size. Protein P5 stimulated the killing of Escherichia coli by hemolymph fractions B and D, but it had neither killing nor phenol oxidase activity of its own.

Granular cells in the connective tissue of Helix pomatia L. (gastropoda, pulmonata). Histochemistry, ultrastructure, and results of polyacrylamide electrophoretic investigations

Granular cells (cells crowded with colourless granules staining with paraldehyde fuchsin according to Gomori-Gabe and not containing calcium) are independent cells in the connective tissue of Helix pomatia. Histochemical data suggest that the granules are rich in sulfhydryl-containing proteins, but lack biogenic monoamines. Electron microscopic investigations confirm the supposed secretory activity of the granular cells. Secretory proteins are presumed to be synthetized in the endoplasmic reticulum and condensed in the Golgi apparatus giving rise to the granules. Extrusion occurs by exocytosis. Electrophoresis of homogenates, prepared from tissues containing numerous granular cells, results in the separation and identification of a secretory protein from the granular cells. An electrophoretically homologous protein is recognized in the hemolymph, but in very small quantities. Our findings and the work of others suggest the involvement of granular cells in neuroendocrine events.

A haemagglutinin in the tissue fluid of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, with specificity for sialic acid residues in glycoproteins

An agglutinin for human red cells has a specificity for sialic acid and a high affinity for bovine salivary glycoprotein. Digestion of the glycoprotein with Pronase or neuraminidas indicated that binding of sialic acid to receptors in the agglutinin is the first step in the mechanism of formation of a stable complex between ligand and receptor.

The hemoglobins of Artemia salina. IV. A model for genetic control of hemoglobin 1, hemoglobin 2, and hemoglobin X

Two loci account for all genetic variation resulting in difference in electrophoretic mobility in three hemoglobins (Hb1, Hb2, and HbX) in the hemolymph of the brine shrimp. Four alpha alleles and nine beta alleles have been studied. In shrimps of all genotypes and in electrophoresis in media with varying degrees of molecular sieving, Hb2 is approximately equidistant from Hb1 and HbX. A shrimp heterozygous at both loci has a three-banded Hb1, a four-banded Hb2, and a three-banded BbX. We conclude that Hb2 contains n alpha-polypeptides and n beta-polypeptides. Hb1 contains 2n alpha-polypeptides. HbX contains 2n beta-polypeptides. During electrophoresis, the three native hemoglobins undergo reversible dissociation to n subunits. Subunits with the same charge reassemble to migrate as molecules of the same size as the native molecules. Although there is no evidence for an additional polypeptide in the three hemoglobins, we cannot exclude such a possibility. If it exists, it is under three constraints: (1) it must be present in equal amounts in each of the three hemoglobins; (2) it must have the same molecular weight as the alpha- and beta-polypeptides; and (3) it must be free of genetic variation (detectable by electrophoresis).

The hemoglobins of Artemia salina. V. Genetic variation in hemoglobin 1, hemoglobin 2, and hemoglobin 3

Electrophoretic mobilities of three hemoglobins (Hb1, Hb2, and Hb3) were studied in 15 populations of brine shrimps. Genetic segregation data support the model that Hb2 contains n alpha-polypeptides and n beta-polypeptides; Hb1 contains 2n alpha-polypeptides- Hb3 contains neither alpha- nor beta-polypeptides. There is no evidence of linkage of alpha and beta loci with each other or with the locus (or loci) which governs Hb3 or with the nonhomologous portion of the sex chromosomes. Hemoglobins of different populations may be hybridized in vitro by incubation at high temperature. Reversible dissociation to subunits which contain only one (alpha or beta) polypeptide occurs at 40 C (for Hb1) and at 50 C (for Hb2).

Cation concentrations in the hemolymph of Loligo pealei

Hemolymph and protein-free hemolymph obtained from Loligo pealei were analyzed for cation concentration by the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy, for the following ions: Na+, K+, Ca++, and Mg++. No significant differences were seen in ion concentration between hemolymph and protein-free hemolymph. Of particular neurophysiological significance is that K+ ion concentration is much closer to that of seawater than previously reported.

[Electrophoretic study of the proteins of the hemolymph, intestine, excrement (and ova) of active and dispausal Dermacentor marginatus Sulz (Ixodidae) females]

The polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis was used to separate the negative charged proteins from adult females of the tick Dermacentor marginatus Sulz. There were separated up to 25 protein bands from haemolymph and up to 19 bands from midgut extracts of the engorged females. The number of protein bands in excreta and eggs was 15 and 18 respectively. Haemoproteins from haemolymph, midgut and eggs were different in their electrophoretic mobility. Active and diapausing ticks showed essential differences in protein spectra and content of haemolymph (the enrichment of them was characteristic of diapausing ticks). The presence or absence of reproductive diapause affects the digestive functions and has no influence on the excretory functions of the midgut.

Automatic measurement of the oxygen affinity of Cancer magister hemocyanin

1. The P50 of Cancer Magister hemocyanin in hemolymph was 40.0 mm at 25 degrees C, nmax = 3.9; at 14 degrees C, 15.0 mm and 3.4; and at 10 degrees C. 10.2 mm and 3.3. 2. In the absence of Ca2+ and Mg2+, the P50 at 25 degrees C was in the range of 150 to 250 mm, depending upon pH. 3. Our results show that temperature variation and pH variation may be important factors in the physiological regulation of oxygen delivery in this species. 4. The automatic recording device of Imai et al. (1970) previously used for the study of hemoglobins, was found to be eminently suitable for the study of O2 affinities of hemocyanins.

A new marker for neuraminidase-treated human serum glycoproteins from the haemolymph of Tridacna maxima (Röding)

Highly purified human serum glycoproteins were treated with neuraminidase. The exposed subterminal carbohydrate structures reacted strongly with an anti-galactan precipitin from the haemolymph of Tridacna maxima which detects terminal, non-reducing beta-D-galactoside residues. This invertebrate precipitin, Tridacnin, may be used as a marker for nearly two thirds of all asialo serum glycoproteins; A number of different cross-reactions with various other polysaccharides and galactans subdivides those neuraminidase-treated glycoproteins into several subgroups, indicating that the uncovered carbohydrate structures are not always completely identical. In this way, together with the cross-reacting precipitins from plant and invertebrate origin. Tridacnin may be a useful tool for elucidating and establishing the structure of the carbohydrate part of serum glycoproteins.

[Free amino acids of hemolymph of marine isopods, Sphaeroma hookers Sphaeroma serratum (Flabellifera) and Idotea balthica (Valvifera)]

The total concentration of the free amino acids in the hemolymph is higher (about twice the amount in three species of marine Isopods (Sphaeroma hookeri, S. serratum and Idotea balthica) than in Decapods. In the three species so far studied, the proportions of glycine and taurine are always rather high. In the Sphaeromatidae, serine is the most concentrated amino acid while the proline concentration is comparatively low. The situation is reversed in Idotea balthica. In Crustaceans, the free amino acid composition of the hemolymph thus appears, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to be a biochemical character of marine Isopods when compared to Oniscoids Isopods and to Decapods.