Whole-cell-mount cytochemistry by the colloidal gold labeling method. Combined transmission and scanning electron microscopic study of ConA binding sites in mouse macrophages

Downsizing of animal communities triggers stronger functional than structural decay in seed-dispersal networks

Downsizing of animal communities due to defaunation is prevalent in many ecosystems. Yet, we know little about its consequences for ecosystem functions such as seed dispersal. Here, we use eight seed-dispersal networks sampled across the Andes and simulate how downsizing of avian frugivores impacts structural network robustness and seed dispersal. We use a trait-based modeling framework to quantify the consequences of downsizing-relative to random extinctions-for the number of interactions and secondary plant extinctions (as measures of structural robustness) and for long-distance seed dispersal (as a measure of ecosystem function). We find that downsizing leads to stronger functional than structural losses. For instance, 10% size-structured loss of bird species results in almost 40% decline of long-distance seed dispersal, but in less than 10% of structural loss. Our simulations reveal that measures of the structural robustness of ecological networks underestimate the consequences of animal extinction and downsizing for ecosystem functioning.

Modulation of ConA-induced inflammatory ascites by histamine - short communication

The early phase of the ConA-induced inflammatory ascites was studied, with special reference to histamine. Concanavalin A (ConA), a cell-surface binding lectin was injected i.p. (25 mg/kg bw) to mice. After 1 h the animals were killed, the ascitic fluid collected and measured. Other agents were injected s.c., 10 min before the ConA-challenge. Exogenous histamine markedly inhibited the ConA-induced ascites. Release of endogenous vasoactive agents from the mast cells by Compound 48/80 had a similar, but slight effect. Cromolyn, a mast cell stabilizing agent, and chloropyramine, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist was ineffective. Although histamine increases endothelial permeability, it did not enhance the formation of ascitic fluid, on the contrary, it inhibited the ConA-induced ascites, presumably due to its known hypotonic effect. It is concluded that ConA-induced ascites is not mediated by mast cell histamine.

Inhibition of phagocytic activity by the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-specific lectin from Amaranthus leucocarpus

Amaranthus leucocarpus lectin (ALL), specific for N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, induces inhibition of the erythrophagocytic activity of resident murine peritoneal macrophages and of the macrophage-like cell line J-774. This effect was observed only in macrophages that were Mac-2 (CD11c/CD18 or CR4) negative, indicating that macrophage activation induces important modification to the glycosylation (mainly O-glycosylation) of the membrane. Receptors for IgM and C3b remain unaltered after lectin treatment. Ultrastructural analysis revealed (a) that ALL induced the formation of pinocytic vacuoles, and (b) a regular distribution over the macrophage membrane as well as endosomal vesicles of the gold labeled ALL. Our results suggest that macrophage membrane glycoproteins with constitutive N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues participate in the regulation of pinocytic-phagocytic vacuole formation.

Effect of different fixatives on Con A surface receptors of mouse peritoneal macrophages

The effects of glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, or osmium tetroxide fixation on the number of labeled Con A surface receptors on mouse peritoneal macrophages were compared. Gold-labeled Con A receptors were found to be isolatedly arranged and evenly distributed on cell surfaces independent of the fixative used. Only cells preincubated with Con A and subsequently fixed by osmium tetroxide showed arrangement of labeled receptors in clusters. Significant differences were found in the number of Con A receptors per cell depending on the fixative used. The fluorescence intensity of FITC-Con A staining was detected spectrophotometrically, the characteristic X-rays of gold-labeled Con A receptors were determined by means of electron beam-induced X-ray microanalysis. The experimental results obtained both at light and electron microscopic level pointed to formaldehyde being the best fixative also for this purpose.