Ancient wolf lineages in India

All previously obtained wolf (Canis lupus) and dog (Canis familiaris) mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequences fall within an intertwined and shallow clade (the 'wolf-dog' clade). We sequenced mtDNA of recent and historical samples from 45 wolves from throughout lowland peninsular India and 23 wolves from the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau and compared these sequences with all available wolf and dog sequences. All 45 lowland Indian wolves have one of four closely related haplotypes that form a well-supported, divergent sister lineage to the wolf-dog clade. This unique lineage may have been independent for more than 400,000 years. Although seven Himalayan wolves from western and central Kashmir fall within the widespread wolf-dog clade, one from Ladakh in eastern Kashmir, nine from Himachal Pradesh, four from Nepal and two from Tibet form a very different basal clade. This lineage contains five related haplotypes that probably diverged from other canids more than 800,000 years ago, but we find no evidence of current barriers to admixture. Thus, the Indian subcontinent has three divergent, ancient and apparently parapatric mtDNA lineages within the morphologically delineated wolf. No haplotypes of either novel lineage are found within a sample of 37 Indian (or other) dogs. Thus, we find no evidence that these two taxa played a part in the domestication of canids.

Tripartite genetic subdivisions in the ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus)

We examined cytochrome b sequence variation in 251 ornate shrews (Sorex ornatus) from 20 localities distributed throughout their geographical range. Additionally, vagrant (S. vagrans) and montane (S. monticolus) shrews from four localities were used as outgroups. We found 24 haplotypes in ornate shrews from California (USA) and Baja California (Mexico) that differed by 1-31 substitutions in 392 bp of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence. In a subset of individuals, we sequenced 699 bp of cytochrome b to better resolve the phylogeographic relationships of populations. The ornate shrew is phylogeographically structured into three haplotype clades representing southern, central and northern localities. Analysis of allozyme variation reveals a similar pattern of variation. Several other small California vertebrates have a similar tripartite pattern of genetic subdivision. We suggest that topographic barriers and expansion and contraction of wetland habitats in the central valley during Pleistocene glacial cycles account for these patterns of genetic variation. Remarkably, the northern ornate shrew clade is phylogenetically clustered with another species of shrew suggesting that it may be a unique lowland form of the vagrant shrew that evolved in parallel to their southern California counterparts.

Phylogenetic relationships, evolution, and genetic diversity of the domestic dog

The spectacular diversity in size, conformation, and pelage that characterizes the domestic dog reflects not only the intensity of artificial selection but ultimately the genetic variability of founding populations. Here we review past molecular genetic data that are relevant to understanding the origin and phylogenetic relationships of the dog. DNA-DNA hybridization data show that the dog family Canidae diverged about 50 million years ago from other carnivore families. In contrast, the extant canids are very closely related and diverged from a common ancestor about 10 million years ago. The evidence supporting a close relationship of dogs with gray wolves is overwhelming. However, dogs are remarkably diverse in mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Mitochondrial DNA analysis suggests a more ancient origin of dogs than has been indicated by the fossil record. In addition, dogs have originated from or interbred with wolves throughout their history at different times and different places. We test the possibility of an independent domestication event in North America by analysis of mtDNA variation in the Xoloitzcuintli. This unusual breed is believed to have been kept isolated for thousands of years and may be one of the most ancient breeds in North America. Our results do not support a New World domestication of dogs nor a close association of the Xoloitzcuintli with other hair-less breeds of dogs. Despite their phenotypic uniformity, the Xoloitzcuintli has a surprisingly high level of mtDNA sequence variation. Other breeds are also genetically diverse, suggesting that dog breeds were often founded with a large number of dogs from outbred populations.

Conservation genetics of the endangered Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)

The Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus L. 1758) is the most endangered neotropical cervid, and in the past occupied a wide range of open habitats including grassland, pampas, savanna, and cerrado (Brazil) from 5 degrees to 41 degrees S. To better understand the effect of habitat fragmentation on gene flow and genetic variation, and to uncover genetic units for conservation, we examined DNA sequences from the mitochondrial control region of 54 individuals from six localities distributed throughout the present geographical range of the Pampas deer. Our results suggest that the control region of the Pampas deer is one of the most polymorphic of any mammal. This remarkably high variability probably reflects large historic population sizes of millions of individuals in contrast to numbers of fewer than 80,000 today. Gene flow between populations is generally close to one migrant per generation and, with the exception of two populations from Argentina, all populations are significantly differentiated. The degree of gene flow was correlated with geographical distance between populations, a result consistent with limited dispersal being the primary determinant of genetic differentiation between populations. The molecular genetic results provide a mandate for habitat restoration and reintroduction of Pampas deer so that levels of genetic variation can be preserved and historic patterns of abundance can be reconstructed. However, the source of individuals for reintroduction generally should be from populations geographically closest to those now in danger of extinction.

Multiple and ancient origins of the domestic dog

Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences were analyzed from 162 wolves at 27 localities worldwide and from 140 domestic dogs representing 67 breeds. Sequences from both dogs and wolves showed considerable diversity and supported the hypothesis that wolves were the ancestors of dogs. Most dog sequences belonged to a divergent monophyletic clade sharing no sequences with wolves. The sequence divergence within this clade suggested that dogs originated more than 100,000 years before the present. Associations of dog haplotypes with other wolf lineages indicated episodes of admixture between wolves and dogs. Repeated genetic exchange between dog and wolf populations may have been an important source of variation for artificial selection.

GL. Relationship between cranial damage attributable to Skrjabingylus (Nematoda) and braincase capacity in the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)

Cleaned and dried crania of striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), with and without external lesions attributable to Skrjabingylus spp. (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea), were examined to determine the relationship between braincase capacity in M. mephitis and cranial damage attributable to Skrjabingylus spp. The rate of increase in braincase or cranial capacity as a function of skull size was significantly less in crania evincing Skrjabingylus lesions. In general, braincase capacity tended to be smaller in specimens evincing cranial lesions than in comparable-sized skulls lacking lesions. In a sample of 16 freshly killed M. mephitis, 7 of 8 specimens that harbored adult Skrjabingylus chitwoodorum evinced both external lesions and macroscopic damage to the roof of the braincase, whereas none of 8 specimens free of adult S. chitwoodorum had any external or internal cranial lesions. These results support the hypothesis that downwarping of the cranial roof and corresponding reduction in braincase capacity in M. mephitis are associated with Skrjabingylus infections. Such changes in the cranium could explain, at least in part, behavioral aberrations in M. mephitis infected with Skrjabingylus spp.

Comparative electron-microscopic study of the erythrocytic line in refractory anemia (preleukemia) and myelomonocytic leukemia

The bone marrow erythrocytic precursors of 12 patients with refractory anemia (preleukemia) or myelomonocytic leukemia were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The results were tabulated in a semiquantitative manner and a comparison was established between the two main diagnostic groups. The following results are reported. 1. Similar nuclear and cytoplasmic abnormalities of the normoblasts were observed in preleukemia and leukemia. 2. A nuclear lesion consisting of nuclear clefts and blebs was demonstrated in at least some of the normoblasts in all of the patients. Although not specific, this finding appears to be a new contribution in the field of preleukemia and myelomonocytic leukemia. 3. Iron overload, including the presence of pathologic sideroblasts, is common to both preleukemia and leukemia.

Endomyocardiopathy with eosinophilia

Five patients were seen at the Mayo Clinic over an 8-year period with the following complex of clinical and morphologic features; striking eosinophilia, cardiomyopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and either a rapidly fatal or a prolonged, debilitating illness. In recent years, controversy has raged over the precise designation of this syndrome, with proposals ranging from eosinophilic leukemia to hypereosinophilic syndromes. To focus on the major target organ of the disease, we have favored the term endomyocardiopathy with eosinophilia. Experience with these five patients showed that (1) eosinophilia can persist for many years before symptoms appear; (2) progressive restrictive cardiac disease was the major cause of death and debility; (3) osmiophilic cytoplasmic inclusions are present in eosinophils of these patients and also in cells from other patients with marked eosinophilia; and (4) echocardiography may prove to be a useful noninvasive tool to diagnose and follow the progress of cardiac involvement. Although none of these patients was thought to have leukemia, intensive therapy with steroids or cytotoxic agents, or both, is considered necessary to control the progression of the disease.

Ultrastructural cytochemistry of platelets and megakaryocytes in the carcinoid syndrome

Platelets and megakaryocytes from 11 patients with the carcinoid syndrome have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. Cells fixed in phosphate-buffered glutaraldehyde are oval to discoid, with pseudopods, a dilated open-channel system, and a prominent dense tubular system as defined by peroxidase activity and alkaline bismuth stain. Atypical with hexagonal lattices and treaded substructures and large (diameter greater than 0.5 mum), phosphatase-positive, debris-containing vacuoles are four times more numerous than in normal platelets. Incubation of platelets in a 0.05% suspension of latex results in particle incorporation into phagosomes and the debris-containing vacuoles. Molybdate-dichromate stain reveals two classes of dense bodies, one of which (with a reticular core) is 20 times more numerous than in normal platelets. Bone marrow megakaryocytes lack both dense bodies and debris vacuoles analogous to those found in circulating platelets. These results suggest autophagy or endocytosis abnormalities and provide evidence for multiple types of dense bodies in carcinoid platelets.

Platelet granulopathy: a new morphologic feature in preleukemia and myelomonocytic leukemia: light microscopy and ultrastructural morphology and cytochemistry

We have previously reported on the ultrastructure of platelets in preleukemia and myelomonocytic leukemia. We referred to an unusual and distinct anomaly of the platelet granules found in 15 of 16 patients. In the present communication we wish to describe and illustrate the light microscopic appearance of giant anomalous granules. Close scrutiny of the platelet morphology and a search for the aforementioned platelet granulopathy are important in the evaluation of patients with myeloproliferative diseases. In this paper we describe and illustrate in more detail the ultrastructure and ultrastructural histochemistry of the abnormal granules. In those patients with the platelet granulopathy, we have conducted in vitro platelet aggregation studies and carried out an electron microscopic evaluation of the aggregates. At least some of the giant granules remained morphologically intact in advanced stages of the aggregation phenomenon, and thus they are probably composed of elements that were not released during aggregation.

Ultrastructure of platelet aggregation in refractory anemia and myelomonocytic leukemia. II. Individual platelet abnormalities: thrombasthenia-like platelets, surface defects, and dissociation phenomena

Studies of in vitro platelet aggregation were done in five patients with refractory anemia and two with acute myelomonocytic leukemia. The macroscopic results as well as the general ultrastructural findings were reviewed in a companion paper. Electron microscopic analysis of changes in the individual platelets within aggregates revealed a striking heterogeneity, both in the degree of response of each platelet are in the ultrastructural characteristics of the platelet population. Many of the unaggregated platelets had reacted individually, resembling the platelets of patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. There were other abnormalities suggesting the presence of surface defects, such as the presence of areas of obliteration of the interplatelet space (so-called tight connections). One of the most striking findings was a peculiar dissociation between the different components of the aggregation sequence.

Gel-filtered human platelets. Ultrastructure, function, and role of proteins in inhibition of aggregation by aspirin

Gel filtration of human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on columns of Sepharose 2B removed at least 99.85% of the plasma proteins from platelets when a column 10 cm in height was used and a plasma volume 11 to 14% of the gel-bed volume was applied. ADP and ATP levels in gel-filtered platelets (GFP) were not significantly different from those in PRP. By transmission electron microscopy, GFP were indistinguishable from PRP. Gel filtration appears to be a highly satisfactory technique of separating platelets from plasma without modifying structure, function, or contents significantly. The roles of several crude protein fractions in platelet aggregation and aspirin's inhibition of aggregation were examined. Fraction I (mostly fibrinogen) enhanced collagen-induced aggregation of gel-filtered platelets; Fraction V (mostly albumin) was inhibitory. Fraction II (mostly gamma-globulin) or gelatin had no significant effect. Aspirin added to gel-filtered platelets inhibited aggregation by 80%. The addition of mixtures of plasma proteins containing albumin increased albumin's inhibitory effect. Incubation of gel-filtered platelets with aspirin labeled in the carboxyl position resulted in no uptake of the label. In contrast, incubation with acetyl-labeled aspirin was followed by uptake of more than 2 X 10(6) acetyl groups per platelet in 1 minute. Incubation for 30 minutes resulted in a five- to sixfold further increase in uptake of the label. Aspirin can acetylate platelets and inhibit aggregation directly. Plasma proteins, in particular albumin or a contaminant of the albumin fraction tested, enhance the inhibitory effect of aspirin on platelet aggregation.

Ultrastructure of platelet aggregation in refractory anemia and myelomonocytic leukemia. I. Ultrastructure of aggregation in normal controls and general defects in refractory anemia and myelomonocytic leukemia

In vitro aggregation of the platelets from four patients with refractory anemia and two patients with acute myelomonocyctic leukemia revealed distinctive abnormalities. In five patients, there was deficient or minimal aggregation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine, or collagen and only one wave of aggregation could be elicited with ADP at any concentration. Ultrastructural studies revealed numerous isolated platelets, small aggregates with few platelet pseudopods, and the presence of a characteristic type of aggregate with heterogeneous platelet composition combining features of both the primary and the secondary waves of aggregation. These "mixed aggregates" were particularly abundant in the four patients who had refractory anemia and may constitute the structural basis of the single wave of aggregation observed.

Phagocytosis in human platelets: localization of acid phosphatase-positive phagosomes following latex uptake

Incubation of human platelets in plasma containing a suspension of latex particles for 1-90 min resulted in progressive accumulation of particles in the open-channel system, followed by localization of latex in electron-opaque vacuoles. After 60 min, acid phosphatase was localized within latex-containing vacuoles. The periodate-alkaline-bismuth reaction intensely stained external membranes and membranes of the open-channel system. Membranes of latex-containing organelles were not stained. Latex phagocytosis was independent of both anticoagulant choice and aspirin effects. Our results indicate that the platelet can act as a true phagocyte, and we suggest that the phagocytic process is chronologically similar to that reported for polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Comparative properties of the Charcot-Leyden crystal protein and the major basic protein from human eosinophils

Guinea pig eosinophil granules contain a protein, the major basic protein (MBP), which accounts for more than half of the total granule protein, has a high content of arginine, and displays a remarkable tendency to form disulfide-linked aggregates. In this study we have purified a similar protein from human eosinophil granules and have compared the human MBP to the protein comprising the Charcot-Leyden crystal (CLC). Eosinophils from patients with various diseases were purified and disrupted, and the granule fraction was obtained. Examination of the granule fraction by transmission electron microscopy showed numerous typical eosinophil granules. Analyses of granule lysates by gel filtration and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of peroxidase and MBP with properties similar to that previously found in guinea pig eosinophil granules. The human MBP had a molecular weight of 9,200, contained less than 1% carbohydrate, was rich in arginine, and readily formed disulfide-bonded aggregates. CLC were prepared from eosinophil-rich cell suspensions by homogenization in hypotonic saline. The supernates following centrifugation of cell debris spontaneously formed CLC. Analysis of CLC revealed the presence of a protein with a molecular weight of 13,000 containing 1.2% carbohydrate. The protein displayed a remarkable tendency to aggregate even in the presence of 0.2 M acetic acid. Human MBP and CLC protein differed in their molecular weights, carbohydrate compositions, and amino acid analyses. Mixtures of the MBP and the CLC protein yielded two bands in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Neither eosinophil protein increased vascular permeability in the guinea pig skin or contracted the guinea pig ileum. The results indicate that the human MBP and the CLC are distinct substances with properties such that one cannot be derived from the other.

The platelets in preleukemia and myelomonocytic leukemia. Ultrastructural cytochemistry and cytogenetics

Light and electron microscopic studies of platelets from 16 patients with myelomonocytic leukemia or "preleukemia" revealed major morphologic alterations in 15 and minor ones in 1. Although variable in severity from case to case, the changes present followed a distinct pattern. In most cases there were two platelet populations, one morphologically normal and one morpholigically abnormal. The most salient changes pertained to size (giant forms), shape (the platelets being rounded and probably spheroidal), decrease or absence of the microtubules, and increase in immature elements. A striking feature was the variation in size and shape of the granules, with truly giant forms (up to 2.5 mum) being present. In cytogenetic studies in 14 cases, there was no correlation between the chromosomal changes and the various types of platelet anomalies.

Ultrastructure of platelets in Bernard-Soulier syndrome

The platelets of a patient with the Bernard-Soulier syndrome were studied by electron microscopy. The main abnormalities were the presence of giant and often round platelets, hypertrophic and frequently widely dilated open canalicular system, disorganized microtubules, and platelets with sparse or absent granulation. Although well defined, these ultrastructural morphologic aberrations are not considered diagnostic or pathognomonic of the syndrome.

Fanconi syndrome in adults. A manifestation of a latent form of myeloma

From a review of 17 cases of Fanconi syndrome with Bence Jones proteinuria and myeloma or amyloidosis, including three new cases reported here in detail, there emerges a well defined set of characteristics. In most cases, the diagnosis of Fanconi syndrome preceded the development of myeloma or amyloidosis. Myeloma preceding the development of Fanconi syndrome has not been reported. All the patients had Bence Jones proteinuria, but in some it could be detected only by electrophoresis or immunoelectrophoresis, In the seven cases in which the Bence Jones protein was typed, it was of kappa type. There were no serum protein monoclonal abnormalities. In the bone marrow and renal samples of half of the patients, crystalline cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were present in lymphoplasmacytic elements and renal tubular cells. It is proposed that patients with Fanconi syndrome and Bence Jones proteinuria have a distinct type of plasma cell disorder or variant of the monoclonal gammopathies, characterized by a slow progression of the tumor and by an early phase dominated by the metabolic complications of the renal proximal tubular dysfunction. Adult patients with Fanconi syndrome should be carefully investigated for the presence of Bence Jones protein and a plasmacytic dyscrasia should be excluded.

Pseudomyeloma. Is association of severe osteoporosis with serum monoclonal gammopathy an entity or a coincidence?

The designation "pseudomyeloma'' is used to describe three patients who had a clinical picture that closely resembled multiple myeloma and was characterized by severe osteoporosis and a serum monoclonal paraprotein peak. The diagnosis of myeloma could not be made histologically, initally or after three, four, or ten years of observation. The protein abnormalities and the bone marrow picture remained stable. It is not known if this association has pathophysiologic importance or if it represents a chance phenomenon.