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Posautz A, Gyuranecz M, Denes B, Knauer F, Dier H, Walzer C. Tularemia - possible increase and new risk factors. Int J Infect Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.11.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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2
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Gerritsmann H, Stalder G, Spergser J, Hoelzl F, Deutz A, Kuebber-Heiss A, Walzer C, Smith S. Multiple strain infections and high genotypic diversity among Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis field isolates from diseased wild and domestic ruminant species in the eastern Alpine region of Austria. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2014; 21:244-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Posautz A, Kübber-Heiss A, Knauer F, Kelemen Z, Suchentrunk F, Walzer C. Health Status of Brown Hares (Lepus europaeus) in Eastern Austria. J Comp Pathol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2013.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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4
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Loncaric I, Kubber-Heiss A, Posautz A, Stalder GL, Hoffmann D, Rosengarten R, Walzer C. Characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. carrying the mecC gene, isolated from wildlife. J Antimicrob Chemother 2013; 68:2222-5. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkt186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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5
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Hermes R, Hildebrandt TB, Walzer C, Göritz F, Gray C, Niemuller C, Schwarzenberger F. Estrus induction in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). Theriogenology 2012; 78:1217-23. [PMID: 22898017 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The estrous cycle length in the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is either 4 or 10 wk. The cause(s) for this variation as well as the poor fertility rate in captivity remains under debate in this species. Most captive adult white rhinoceros undergo long anovulatory periods without luteal activity which are considered a major reason for their low reproductive rate. In this study, the synthetic progestin chlormadinone acetate (CMA) was tested in combination with hCG or the GnRH analogue deslorelin for its efficiency to induce ovulation in fourteen females without luteal activity and in three, regular cycling females. HCG (N = 12), injectable GnRH analogue (N = 8) and GnRH analogue implants (N = 15) were given to induce ovulation after CMA treatment. Treatment success was determined using both transrectal ultrasonography and progesterone metabolite EIA analysis. A preovulatory sized follicle (3.5 ± 0.1 cm) or a corpus luteum (5.1 ± 0.7) was present on the ovary one day after induction in 93.1% of the treatments. Despite this high rate of ovarian response, ovulation rate differed between the study groups. The ovulation rate for hCG, injectable GnRH analogue and GnRH analogue implants was 66.7%, 62.5% and 93.3%, respectively. Ovulation rate in cyclic females treated with GnRH implants was 100% (6/6) compared with 89% (8/9) in females without luteal activity receiving the same treatment. The length of the estrous cycle when induced with hCG was 4 wk (85.7%). The estrous cycle when induced with GnRH analogue was predominantly 10 wk long. Two females without luteal activity treated with GnRH became pregnant. In conclusion, CMA in combination with GnRH analogue implants was highly effective to induce ovulation in white rhinoceroses and thus can contribute to efforts aimed at increasing natural mating and reproductive rates in the captive white rhinoceros population.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hermes
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.
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Noack M, Brendler C, Liebers F, Walzer C, Latza U. Aufbau eines computergestützten Verfahrens zur Kodierung von Berufsangaben und Möglichkeiten zur Weiterentwicklung. Gesundheitswesen 2011. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1283575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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7
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Kaczensky P, Ito TY, Walzer C. Satellite Telemetry of Large Mammals in Mongolia: What Expectations Should We Have for Collar Function? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 6:108-126. [PMID: 22003358 DOI: 10.2461/wbp.2010.6.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The rapid pace of the development of satellite wildlife tracking tools has left little time for thorough testing of new equipment and identifying possible sources of technical failures. In the Gobi and Eastern Steppe region of Mongolia we deployed 98 satellite collars, collecting animal locations using the Doppler based Argos (n = 29) or the global positioning system (GPS; n = 69), on 45 Asiatic wild asses (Equus hemionus), 34 Mongolian gazelles (Procapra gutturosa), 15 Przewalski's horses (E. ferus przewalskii), eight wild Bactrian camels (Camelus ferus), and two wolves (Canis lupus). Although, we collected valuable data from little-known species in a remote environment, of 98 collars deployed, only 29 worked as good as or better than expected whereas 69 were subject to technical problems. The majority of problems had to do with a reduced performance of the Argos component (n = 12), with both the Argos and the GPS components (n = 1), or with the Argos component in combination with another unknown problem (n = 12). Further problems were caused by human error during manufacturing or deployment (n = 10), software bugs (n = 7), mechanical failures (n = 5), poor GPS performance (n = 1) and premature failures for unknown reasons (3 ≤ n ≤ 21). The better performance of Argos only collars on Mongolian gazelles and of collars not attached to an animal suggest that a large body mass reduces the Argos signal below a critical threshold. Consequently, we presently would not recommend the use of collars depending on an Argos unit for data collection or transfer on large bodied ungulates in central Asia. Although, several premature failures may have been caused by animals being poached, our failure rate remains high and indicates that managers and researchers need to be aware that there is a high risk of equipment failure when applying newly emerging satellite tracking technology. This implies logistic and financial uncertainties which may be difficult to explain to the scientific community, the public, management- and funding agencies alike. We recommend the development of a web-based platform where users and producers of telemetry products can quickly post and exchange their experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kaczensky
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, A-1160 Vienna, Austria, ;
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8
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Charruau P, Fernandes C, Orozco-Terwengel P, Peters J, Hunter L, Ziaie H, Jourabchian A, Jowkar H, Schaller G, Ostrowski S, Vercammen P, Grange T, Schlötterer C, Kotze A, Geigl EM, Walzer C, Burger PA. Phylogeography, genetic structure and population divergence time of cheetahs in Africa and Asia: evidence for long-term geographic isolates. Mol Ecol 2011; 20:706-24. [PMID: 21214655 PMCID: PMC3531615 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2010.04986.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has been described as a species with low levels of genetic variation. This has been suggested to be the consequence of a demographic bottleneck 10 000–12 000 years ago (ya) and also led to the assumption that only small genetic differences exist between the described subspecies. However, analysing mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites in cheetah samples from most of the historic range of the species we found relatively deep phylogeographic breaks between some of the investigated populations, and most of the methods assessed divergence time estimates predating the postulated bottleneck. Mitochondrial DNA monophyly and overall levels of genetic differentiation support the distinctiveness of Northern-East African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii). Moreover, combining archaeozoological and contemporary samples, we show that Asiatic cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) are unambiguously separated from African subspecies. Divergence time estimates from mitochondrial and nuclear data place the split between Asiatic and Southern African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) at 32 000–67 000 ya using an average mammalian microsatellite mutation rate and at 4700–44 000 ya employing human microsatellite mutation rates. Cheetahs are vulnerable to extinction globally and critically endangered in their Asiatic range, where the last 70–110 individuals survive only in Iran. We demonstrate that these extant Iranian cheetahs are an autochthonous monophyletic population and the last representatives of the Asiatic subspecies A. j. venaticus. We advocate that conservation strategies should consider the uncovered independent evolutionary histories of Asiatic and African cheetahs, as well as among some African subspecies. This would facilitate the dual conservation priorities of maintaining locally adapted ecotypes and genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Charruau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Population Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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9
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Abstract
Cases of human exposure to veterinary injectable anaesthetics were reviewed following a literature search and completion of an online questionnaire in an attempt to provide an objective approach to the problem. The modified Glasgow Coma Scale was used to rank cases according to their severity. From the cases examined, results showed that intoxication with potent opioids, such as etorphine, carfentanil and thiafentanil, need to be treated with antagonists such as naloxone, nalmefene or naltrexone, and not with antagonists with agonistic properties, such as diprenorphine. With regard to the alpha(2)-agonists xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and romifidine, no antagonist is currently accredited for human use. Atipamezole, a specific alpha(2)-antagonist, is widely used in veterinary medicine and has been used experimentally to reverse dexmetomidine in a study in human medicine. The high concentrations of alpha(2)-agonists being used in zoo and wildlife medicine warrant the accreditation of atipamezole for use in cases of human exposure. Knowledge and availability of the appropriate antagonist are essential in cases of human intoxication with injectable anaesthetics. Preventive measures, such as wearing gloves and eye protection, need to be used more regularly to reduce the risk of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Haymerle
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1160 Vienna, Austria.
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Andris M, Aradottir GI, Arnau G, Audzijonyte A, Bess EC, Bonadonna F, Bourdel G, Bried J, Bugbee GJ, Burger PA, Chair H, Charruau PC, Ciampi AY, Costet L, Debarro PJ, Delatte H, Dubois MP, Eldridge MDB, England PR, Enkhbileg D, Fartek B, Gardner MG, Gray KA, Gunasekera RM, Hanley SJ, Havil N, Hereward JP, Hirase S, Hong Y, Jarne P, Jianfei Q, Johnson RN, Kanno M, Kijima A, Kim HC, Kim KS, Kim WJ, Larue E, Lee JW, Lee JH, Li C, Liao M, Lo N, Lowe AJ, Malausa T, Malé PJG, Marko MD, Martin JF, Messing R, Miller KJ, Min BW, Myeong JI, Nibouche S, Noack AE, Noh JK, Orivel J, Park CJ, Petro D, Prapayotin-Riveros K, Quilichini A, Reynaud B, Riginos C, Risterucci AM, Rose HA, Sampaio I, Silbermayr K, Silva MB, Tero N, Thum RA, Vinson CC, Vorsino A, Vossbrinck CR, Walzer C, White JC, Wieczorek A, Wright M. Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 June 2010 - 31 July 2010. Mol Ecol Resour 2010; 10:1106-8. [PMID: 21565125 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2010.02916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This article documents the addition of 205 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Bagassa guianensis, Bulweria bulwerii, Camelus bactrianus, Chaenogobius annularis, Creontiades dilutus, Diachasmimorpha tryoni, Dioscorea alata, Euhrychiopsis lecontei, Gmelina arborea, Haliotis discus hannai, Hirtella physophora, Melanaphis sacchari, Munida isos, Thaumastocoris peregrinus and Tuberolachnus salignus. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Halobaena caerulea, Procellaria aequinoctialis, Oceanodroma monteiroi, Camelus ferus, Creontiades pacificus, Dioscorea rotundata, Dioscorea praehensilis, Dioscorea abyssinica, Dioscorea nummularia, Dioscorea transversa, Dioscorea esculenta, Dioscorea pentaphylla, Dioscorea trifida, Hirtella bicornis, Hirtella glandulosa, Licania alba, Licania canescens, Licania membranaceae, Couepia guianensis and 7 undescribed Thaumastocoris species.
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Affiliation(s)
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- Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas, Centro do IMAR da Universidade dos Acores, 9901-862 Horta, Açores, Portugal
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Liebers F, Brendler C, Walzer C, Latza U. Sekundärdatenauswertung zur berufsbezogenen Arbeitsunfähigkeit durch degenerative Muskel-Skelett-Erkrankungen für das Jahr 2008 in Deutschland. Gesundheitswesen 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1266505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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12
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Brendler C, Liebers F, Walzer C, Latza U. Berufsbezogene Analyse der Arbeitsunfähigkeit aufgrund von Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen für das Jahr 2008 in Deutschland. Gesundheitswesen 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1266523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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13
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Saragusty J, Walzer C, Petit T, Stalder G, Horowitz I, Hermes R. Cooling and freezing of epididymal sperm in the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). Theriogenology 2010; 74:1256-63. [PMID: 20615541 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge concerning reproduction in common hippopotamus is scarce and in particular very little is known about male reproductive physiology and sperm cryopreservation. Testes were obtained from nine castrated bulls and sperm extracted from the epididymides of eight of these individuals. Mean ± SEM values of reproductive parameters were: testicular weight (including epididymis and tunicas)--275.9 ± 54.1 g, total sperm motility--88.1 ± 4.2%, total cells extracted--11.0 ± 3.6 × 10(9), intact acrosome--87.7 ± 1.8%, intact sperm morphology--51.6 ± 4.1%, and, for 3 individuals, hypoosmotic swelling test for membrane integrity-83.3 ± 1.8%. Chilled storage extenders tested were Berliner Cryomedium (BC), Biladyl(®), modification of Kenney modified Tyrode's medium (KMT), and Human Sperm Refrigeration Medium (HSRM). Extender had significant effect on post-dilution motility and motility and intact morphology after 4h and 24h at 4°C (P ≤ 0.007 for all). Berliner Cryomedium and HSRM were superior to Biladyl(®) and KMT. Freezing extenders tested were BC with either 6% dimethyl sulfoxide (Me(2)SO), or 5%, 7%, or 10% glycerol. Post-thaw motility was < 5% in 3/7 bulls in all extenders. When frozen in BC with 6% Me(2)SO, one bull had 15% post-thaw motility and 3/7 had 20 to 60%. In glycerol, 3/7 had 15-30% post-thaw motility in 5%, 2/7 in 7%, and 1/7 in 10%. The extender had significant effect on post-chilling motility (P = 0.008), post-thaw morphology (P = 0.016), and motility 30 min after thawing (P = 0.015). Berliner Cryomedium with 6% Me(2)SO or 7% glycerol were the freezing extenders of choice. Information obtained in this study allows initiation of cryobanking of sperm from the common hippopotamus which is of particular importance for genetically valuable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Saragusty
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany.
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Silbermayr K, Orozco-terWengel P, Charruau P, Enkhbileg D, Walzer C, Vogl C, Schwarzenberger F, Kaczensky P, Burger PA. High mitochondrial differentiation levels between wild and domestic Bactrian camels: a basis for rapid detection of maternal hybridization. Anim Genet 2009; 41:315-8. [PMID: 19968638 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2009.01993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hybridization between wild species and their domestic congeners often threatens the gene pool of the wild species. The last wild Bactrian camel (Camelus ferus) populations in Mongolia and China are examples of populations facing such a hybridization threat. To address this key issue in the conservation of wild camels, we analysed wild, hybrid and domestic Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) originating from Mongolia, China and Austria. Through screening of an 804-base-pair mitochondrial fragment, we identified eight mitochondrial haplotypes and found high sequence divergence (1.9%) between C. ferus and C. bactrianus. On the basis of a mitochondrial DNA sequence fixed difference, we developed a diagnostic PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay to differentiate between wild and domestic camel samples. We applied the assay to 81 individuals and confirmed the origin of all samples including five hybrids with known maternal ancestry. The PCR-RFLP system was effective for both traditional (blood, skin) and non-invasive samples (faeces, hair), as well as for museum specimens. Our results demonstrate high levels of mitochondrial differentiation between wild and domestic Bactrian camels and that maternal hybridization can be detected by a rapid and reliable PCR-RFLP system.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Silbermayr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna A-1210, Austria
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Hermes R, Göritz F, Portas TJ, Bryant BR, Kelly JM, Maclellan LJ, Keeley T, Schwarzenberger F, Walzer C, Schnorrenberg A, Spindler RE, Saragusty J, Kaandorp S, Hildebrandt TB. Ovarian superstimulation, transrectal ultrasound-guided oocyte recovery, and IVF in rhinoceros. Theriogenology 2009; 72:959-68. [PMID: 19720394 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2008] [Revised: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Numerous reports on reproductive pathology in all rhinoceros species illustrate the abundance of female infertility in captive populations. In infertile rhinoceroses, oocyte collection and embryo production could represent the best remaining option for these animals to reproduce and to contribute to the genetic pool. We report here on superstimulation, repeated oocyte recovery, and attempted in vitro fertilization (IVF) in white and black rhinoceroses. Four anestrous rhinoceroses (two white, two black) with unknown follicular status were treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, deslorelin acetate, for 6 to 7 d. Number and size of follicles in superstimulated females was significantly higher and larger compared with those in nonstimulated anestrous females (n=9). Ovum pick-up was achieved by transrectal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration. Up to 15 follicles were aspirated per ovary. During six ovum pick-ups, a total of 29 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were harvested with a range of 2 to 9 COCs per collection. No postsurgical complications were noted on the rhinoceros ovaries using this minimally invasive approach. Various in vitro maturation (IVM) and IVF protocols were tested on the collected COCs. Despite the low total number of COCs available for IVM and IVF in this study, we can report the first rhinoceros embryo ever produced in vitro. The production of a 4-cell embryo demonstrated the potential of transrectal ultrasound-guided oocyte recovery as a valuable tool for in vitro production of rhinoceros embryos from otherwise infertile females.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hermes
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, PF 601103, Berlin, Germany.
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16
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17
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Kaczensky P, Ganbaatar O, von Wehrden H, Enksaikhan N, Lkhagvasuren D, Walzer C. Przewalski's Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) Re-introduction in the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area: from Species to Ecosystem Conservation. Mong J Biol Sci 2007; 5:13-18. [PMID: 22064815 PMCID: PMC3207201 DOI: 10.22353/mjbs.2007.05.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii Poljakov, 1881), or "Takhi" in Mongolian, became extinct in the wild by the mid 1960's. The last recorded sightings of Przewalski's horses occurred in the Dzungarian Gobi desert in SW Mongolia, today's Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area (SPA). A re-introduction program was initiated in 1992 and the first group of captive-born Przewalski's horses was airlifted to the SPA. Given the logistical challenges associated with such a venture, the initial project focus has been on transport logistics and the well-being of the re-introduced horses. Today, conservation efforts are spread over the entire protected area. Present day efforts include other mammals, vegetation and the local people. Due to its important symbolic value in Mongolian culture, the Przewalski's horse became an important flagship species for the protected area's conservation and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Kaczensky
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna Savoyenstrasse 1, A-1160 Vienna, Austria,
| | - O. Ganbaatar
- Great Gobi B SPA Administration, Takhiin Tal, Mongolia,
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 210646,
| | - H. von Wehrden
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna Savoyenstrasse 1, A-1160 Vienna, Austria,
- University of Halle, Department of Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108 Halle/Saale, German,
| | | | - D. Lkhagvasuren
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 210646,
| | - C. Walzer
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna Savoyenstrasse 1, A-1160 Vienna, Austria,
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Abstract
Numerous cases of acute-onset progressive ataxia, hindlimb paresis and paralysis of unknown aetiology occurred during 1993 to 2003 in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) within the European Endangered Species Programme (eep). This study describes the immunohistochemical investigation of a possible viral aetiology of the "cheetah myelopathy". Antibodies to feline herpesvirus type 1, canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus and Borna disease virus were applied to formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded brain and spinal cord sections from 25 affected cheetahs aged between three-and-a-half months and 13 years. Using the avidin-biotin complex technique, none of the antibodies gave positive immunosignals in either the brain or the spinal cord tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Shibly
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
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19
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Hildebrandt TB, Hermes R, Walzer C, Sós E, Molnar V, Mezösi L, Schnorrenberg A, Silinski S, Streich J, Schwarzenberger F, Göritz F. Artificial insemination in the anoestrous and the postpartum white rhinoceros using GnRH analogue to induce ovulation. Theriogenology 2007; 67:1473-84. [PMID: 17451805 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2006] [Revised: 03/01/2007] [Accepted: 03/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop AI and to achieve first time pregnancy in a nulliparous rhinoceros. For this, one 24-year-old irregular cycling female white rhinoceros was selected, which had never been mated. The endocrine function was monitored by faecal and serum pregnane analysis. Ultrasound determined the optimal day for AI by measuring follicle sizes of 2.0, 2.6, 3.0, 3.2 cm on days -6, -4, -1, 0 of the induced oestrous cycle, respectively. AI was performed and ovulation induced when a pre-ovulatory-sized follicle was present using GnRH analogue, deslorelin. Fresh semen was deposited in the uterine horn using a patented AI catheter overcoming the hymeneal membrane and torturous cervical folds non-surgically. Moreover, ultrasound monitoring of the uterine involution and ovarian activity on days 16, 26, 30 postpartum facilitated the induction of and the AI on the first postpartum oestrous in a rhinoceros using GnRH analogue. Two consecutive pregnancies were achieved by AI for the first time in the rhinoceros. Pregnancies were diagnosed by elevated serum and faecal 20-oxo-pregnane concentrations. In addition ultrasound measured biometric parameters of the two foetuses on days 86 and 133 of gestation. Two female calves were born after 490 and 502 days of gestation, yet one calf was stillborn. AI in rhinoceros might now be used as assisted reproduction technology tool to boost critically small captive rhinoceros populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Hildebrandt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, PF 601103, D-10252 Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
We report a congenital follicular dysplasia in five coatis from four different litters of the same parents born between 1996 and 2001. These coatis were born apparently alopecic with the entire body covered by very short dark hairs, with secondary lichenification of the skin, crusting and scaling. The main histopathological feature consisted of premature cornification of the cortical cells of the hair shaft. Cells were already fully cornified below the Adamson's fringe, leading to a disorganized, fragmented and constricted hair shaft. Based on the history of the animals and the nature of the lesions, a genetic defect in hair shaft keratinization was suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nicolier
- Neurocentre, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, PO Box, CH-3001 Berne, Switzerland
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21
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Abstract
The molecular bases of late-onset and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) still have to be unraveled. Among putative candidates for molecular variations in AD, we propose LMO4 protein, a transcription regulator, involved in multiple protein complexes. We investigated changes in LMO4 immunoreactivity in vulnerable brain regions of AD cases and controls of comparable age. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed a high level of LMO4 expression in the entorhinal cortex (EC) and in the CA1 hippocampal region of the control brains and a consistent decrease in the AD brains, correlated with the amount of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) degenerating neurones and the severity of senile plaques deposition. The decrease in LMO4 immunoreactivity resulted both from weaker immunoreactive signals and from a loss of immunoreactive neurones. LMO4 immunocytochemical staining appeared not to be colocalized with NFT in a majority of neurones. Its expression was weak in the dentate gyrus and stronger in CA3-4, two regions with no or low numbers of NFT, but there was no decrease in AD compared to control cases. In the frontal cortex, the ventro-infero-median region (area 12) showed a greater LMO4 expression than the polar one (area 9), but no decrease in AD was observed. As LMO4 has been proposed to inhibit cellular differentiation, it can be hypothesized that a reduced expression is associated in EC and CA1 with attempts of diseased neurones to differentiate (e.g. compensatory neuritogenesis). Taken together, these data indicate that LMO4 protein is involved in the complexity of the disease phenotype, at least as a secondary factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Leuba
- Centre for Psychiatric Neurosciences & University Psychogeriatrics Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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23
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Abstract
Information on uterine neoplasia in felids and more so in non-domestic felids is sparse. In non-domestic felids, this may be due to the small sample size. A uterine fibroleiomyoma is described in a 17-year-old captive cheetah. The multicentric nodular tumour masses were situated in the myometrium, were well demarcated, non-encapsulated and did not show infiltrative growth. Between the neoplastic cells, numerous of varying width, and irregularly braided bundles and whorls of collagen and reticular fibres were demonstrated. Immunohistochemical examinations revealed positive reactions for both desmin, the marker for smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and vimentin, the marker for fibrocyte-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Walzer
- Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, A-5081 Anif, Austria. E-mail:
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24
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Prinzinger R, Nagel B, Bahat O, Bögel R, Karl E, Weihs D, Walzer C. Energy metabolism and body temperature in the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) with comparative data on the Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and the White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0361.2002.02039.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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25
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Abstract
This study evaluated partial antagonism of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) anesthesia in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and differences between two benzodiazepine antagonists, flumazenil and sarmazenil, in this species. Four cheetahs were anesthetized three times at an interval of 14 days with an average intramuscular dose of 4.2 mg/kg TZ. In trials 2 and 3 flumazenil at 0.031 mg/kg and sarmazenil at 0.1 mg/kg, respectively, were applied intramuscularly 30 min after initial TZ injection. There was a highly significant difference between the duration of TZ anesthesia with and without antagonist. Use of the antagonists significantly shortened duration and recovery and eliminated excitatory behavior during the recovery phase. No significant differences could be determined between the two antagonists. We recommend the use of sarmazenil and flumazenil to antagonize TZ anesthesia in cheetahs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Walzer
- Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, A-5081 Anif, Austria.
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26
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Abstract
Two long-acting neuroleptics were used to tranquilize nine captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Perphenazine enanthate (3.0 mg/kg) and zuclopenthixol acetate (0.6 mg/kg) were each administered to separate groups of three cheetahs in a double blind trial. Both products were administered together to a third group of three animals at the same dosages. Behavioral effect, duration of effect, and possible side effects were observed by a predefined protocol. Under standardized holding conditions, the cheetahs were observed 5 days before drug administration and 14 days after administration. Daily activity was defined and statistically evaluated by a U-test. A significant reduction of activity was observed after administration in all three trials. Zuclopenthixol acetate at 0.6 mg/kg alone and in combination with perphenazine enanthate caused inappetence, ataxia, extra pyramidal reactions, akathisia, and prolapse of the third eyelid. Zuclopenthixol acetate should not be used in cheetahs. Perphenazine enanthate did not cause inappetence, reduced appetite, or any of the previously mentioned side effects when used alone. It produced satisfactory tranquilization and is suitable and safe for cheetahs at 3.0 mg/kg. This dosage should be varied depending on health, age, and temperament of the individual cheetah.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Huber
- Institute for Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Veterinary Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Königinstr. 16, D-80539 München, Germany
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Freeman AR, MacHugh DE, McKeown S, Walzer C, McConnell DJ, Bradley DG. Sequence variation in the mitochondrial DNA control region of wild African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Heredity (Edinb) 2001; 86:355-62. [PMID: 11488972 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2540.2001.00840.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Five hundred and twenty-five bp of mitochondrial control region were sequenced and analysed for 20 Acinonyx jubatus and one Felis catus. These sequences were compared with published sequences from another domestic cat, 20 ocelots (Leopardus pardalus) and 11 margays (Leopardus weidii). The intraspecific population divergence in cheetahs was found to be less than in the other cats. However variation was present and distinct groups of cheetahs were discernible. The 80 bp RS2 repetitive sequence motif previously described in other felids was found in four copies in cheetah. The repeat units probably have the ability to form secondary structure and may have some function in the regulation of control region replication. The two central repeat units in cheetah show homogenization that may have arisen by convergent evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Freeman
- Department of Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Miralles C, Agustí AG, Aubry C, Sanchez JC, Walzer C, Hochstrasser D, Busquets X. Changes induced by oxygen in rat liver proteins identified by high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Eur J Biochem 2000; 267:5580-4. [PMID: 10951217 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2000.01627.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Molecular oxygen (O2) regulates the expression of a variety of genes. Several of the proteins that respond to changes in oxygen concentration have been identified in a variety of cell lines. We extend these previous studies by analyzing the effect of oxygen on the entire protein expression profile of an intact organ using high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. To this end, we used an isolated, in vitro perfused organ preparation to produce two groups of rat livers perfused with high (95% O2, 5% CO2) or low (95% N2, 5% CO2) oxygen concentrations. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis we compared the protein expression profiles of both groups of livers. Computer analysis of the files obtained after laser densitometry of the two-dimensional gels revealed two spots that were strongly up-regulated in high PO2 perfused livers compared with low PO2 perfused livers. These spots were analyzed by peptide mass fingerprinting analysis. These spots were identified as arginase 1 (liver-type arginase; EC 3.5.3.1) and mitochondrial enoyl-CoA hydratase 1 (EC 4.2.1.17). The possible role of these proteins in its new context of oxygen availability is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Miralles
- Servei de Pneumologia, Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Univeritari Son Dureta, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
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Ferrer-Alcón M, García-Sevilla JA, Jaquet PE, La Harpe R, Riederer BM, Walzer C, Guimón J. Regulation of nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of neurofilament proteins in the prefrontal cortex of human opioid addicts. J Neurosci Res 2000; 61:338-49. [PMID: 10900081 DOI: 10.1002/1097-4547(20000801)61:3<338::aid-jnr12>3.0.co;2-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The neurofilament (NF) proteins (NF-H, NF-M, and NF-L for high, medium, and low molecular weights) play a crucial role in the organization of neuronal shape and function. In a preliminary study, the abundance of total NF-L was shown to be decreased in brains of opioid addicts. Because of the potential relevance of NF abnormalities in opioid addiction, we quantitated nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated NF in postmortem brains from 12 well-defined opioid abusers who had died of an opiate overdose (heroin or methadone). Levels of NF were assessed by immunoblotting techniques using phospho-independent and phospho-dependent antibodies, and the relative (% changes in immunoreactivity) and absolute (changes in ng NF/microg total protein) amounts of NF were calculated. Decreased levels of nonphosphorylated NF-H (42-32%), NF-M (14-9%) and NF-L (30-29%) were found in the prefrontal cortex of opioid addicts compared with sex, age, and postmortem delay-matched controls. In contrast, increased levels of phosphorylated NF-H (58-41%) and NF-M (56-28%) were found in the same brains of opioid addicts. The ratio of phosphorylated to nonphosphorylated NF-H in opioid addicts (3.4) was greater than that in control subjects (1.6). In the same brains of opioid addicts, the levels of protein phosphatase of the type 2A were found unchanged, which indicated that the hyperphosphorylation of NF-H is not the result of a reduced dephosphorylation process. The immunodensities of GFAP (the specific glial cytoskeletol protein), alpha-internexin (a neuronal filament related to NF-L) and synaptophysin (a synapse-specific protein) were found unchanged, suggesting a lack of gross changes in glial reaction, other intermediate filaments of the neuronal cytoskeletol, and synaptic density in the prefrontal cortex of opioid addicts. These marked reductions in total NF proteins and the aberrant hyperphosphorylation of NF-H in brains of opioid addicts may play a significant role in the cellular mechanisms of opioid addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferrer-Alcón
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Genève, Switzerland
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García-Sevilla JA, Escribá PV, Ozaita A, La Harpe R, Walzer C, Eytan A, Guimón J. Up-regulation of immunolabeled alpha2A-adrenoceptors, Gi coupling proteins, and regulatory receptor kinases in the prefrontal cortex of depressed suicides. J Neurochem 1999; 72:282-91. [PMID: 9886080 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.1999.0720282.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Suicide and depression are associated with an increased density of alpha2-adrenoceptors (radioligand receptor binding) in specific regions of the human brain. The function of these inhibitory receptors involves various regulatory proteins (Gi coupling proteins and G protein-coupled receptor kinases, GRKs), which work in concert with the receptors. In this study we quantitated in parallel the levels of immunolabeled alpha2A-adrenoceptors and associated regulatory proteins in brains of suicide and depressed suicide victims. Specimens of the prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9) were collected from 51 suicide victims and 31 control subjects. Levels of alpha2A-adrenoceptors, Galphai1/2 proteins, and GRK 2/3 were assessed by immunoblotting techniques by using specific polyclonal antisera and the immunoreactive proteins were quantitated by densitometry. Increased levels of alpha2A-adrenoceptors (31-40%), Galphai1/2 proteins (42-63%), and membrane-associated GRK 2/3 (24-32%) were found in the prefrontal cortex of suicide victims and antidepressant-free depressed suicide victims. There were significant correlations between the levels of GRK 2/3 (dependent variable) and those of alpha2A-adrenoceptors and Galphai1/2 proteins (independent variables) in the same brain samples of suicide victims (r = 0.56, p = 0.008) and depressed suicide victims (r = 0.54, p = 0.041). Antemortem antidepressant treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the levels of Galphai1/2 proteins (32%), but with modest decreases in the levels of alpha2A-adrenoceptors (6%) and GRK 2/3 (18%) in brains of depressed suicide victims. The increased levels in concert of alpha2A-adrenoceptors, Galphai1/2 proteins, and GRK 2/3 in brains of depressed suicide victims support the existence of supersensitive alpha2A-adrenoceptors in subjects with major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A García-Sevilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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31
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Schwarzenberger F, Walzer C, Tomasova K, Vahala J, Meister J, Goodrowe KL, Zima J, Strauss G, Lynch M. Faecal progesterone metabolite analysis for non-invasive monitoring of reproductive function in the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). Anim Reprod Sci 1998; 53:173-90. [PMID: 9835375 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(98)00112-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The two subspecies of white rhinoceros, southern (Ceratotherium simum simum) and northern (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), breed poorly in captivity, and estimates of oestrous cycle length vary considerably (range, 25-90 days). To characterise reproductive patterns, faecal samples were collected 2-3 times/week for up to 56 months from non-pregnant animals (n=21) of both subspecies. Immununoreactive pregnanes containing a 20-oxo-group (20-oxo-P) were analysed in a group-specific enzyme immunoassay using an antibody against 5alpha-pregnane-3beta-ol-20-one 3HS:BSA. Reproductive patterns were highly variable among and within individual animals. However, rhinoceroses could be classified into four major categories on the basis of oestrous cycle length and luteal phase 20-oxo-P concentrations: (1) regular oestrous cycles of 10 weeks duration and > 800 ng/g (n=2 animals); (2) oestrous cycles between 4-10 weeks and 250-750 ng/g (n=6); (3) no apparent cycle regularity, but luteal activity indicated by 20-oxo-P concentrations of 100-200 ng/g (n=6); (4) no apparent luteal activity as indicated by 20-oxo-P of < 100 ng/g (n=7). In two attempts to induce ovarian activity, chlormadinone acetate was fed daily to one animal for 35 and 45 days, respectively. Each treatment was followed by a subsequent hCG injection which resulted in luteal phases of 17 and 18 days, respectively, beginning about 10 days after hCG. Concentration of faecal 20-oxo-P in one pregnant animal during the 4th and 5th month of gestation were markedly higher than those observed during the luteal phase of the cycle. In conclusion, two thirds of white rhinoceroses in this study had erratic or missing luteal activity, whereas variable cycles of 4-10 weeks in length were evident in six females, and regular oestrous cycles of 10 weeks in length were found in two animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schwarzenberger
- Institut für Biochemie and Ludwig Boltzmann-Institut für Veterinärmedizinische Endokrinologie, Veterinärmedizinische Universität, Vienna, Austria.
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Walzer C. Dermal anesthesia in the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) using a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine. J Zoo Wildl Med 1998; 29:300-2. [PMID: 9809602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Various methods have been used to obtain blood samples from unrestrained rhinoceros. Without extensive prior training, the results are generally poor due to pain avoidance reactions. However a new dermal anesthesia technique previously used in humans, an eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine, made it possible to obtain blood samples from the ear veins of one male and two female white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) and five full-thickness skin punch biopsies and subsequent suturing on unrestrained rhinoceros. In all animals, the procedures elucidated neither limb withdrawal nor head shake and were regarded as painless.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Walzer
- Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn, Anif, Austria
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Abstract
Imidazoline receptors (29/30- and 45-kDa proteins) were quantitated in postmortem brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) by using immunoblotting techniques and a specific antiserum. Increased levels of the 29/30-kDa protein (30%), 45-kDa protein (36%) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (88%) were found in the frontal cortex of AD patients. These findings are in line with the reported higher density of imidazoline receptors labelled by [3H]idazoxan in AD brains, suggesting that these imidazoline receptor proteins are related to the I2-imidazoline receptor located in mitochondria of glial (astrocyte) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A García-Sevilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, H.U.G., Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland
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García-Sevilla JA, Escribá PV, Ozaita A, Walzer C, Guimón J. Density of imidazoline receptors in platelets of euthymic patients with bipolar affective disorder and in brains of lithium-treated rats. Biol Psychiatry 1998; 43:616-8. [PMID: 9564448 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(97)00398-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelet imidazoline receptors have been shown to be up-regulated in patients with unipolar major depression. This study examines the status of imidazoline receptor proteins in platelets of euthymic bipolar patients and in brains of lithium-treated rats. METHODS Platelets were collected from 12 bipolar patients (lithium-treated or drug-free) and brains from chronic lithium-treated rats. Imidazoline receptors were quantitated by immunoblotting, using a specific antiserum, and/or radioligand binding. RESULTS No changes in platelet imidazoline receptors (35-kDa and 45-kDa proteins) were found. Lithium treatment did not alter brain imidazoline receptors (29/30-kDa, 45-kDa, and 66-kDa proteins or density/affinity of [3H]-idazoxan binding sites). CONCLUSIONS Imidazoline receptor proteins are not altered in platelets of euthymic patients with bipolar affective disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A García-Sevilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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García-Sevilla JA, Walzer C, Busquets X, Escribá PV, Balant L, Guimón J. Density of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins in platelets of patients with major depression: increased abundance of the G alpha i2 subunit and down-regulation by antidepressant drug treatment. Biol Psychiatry 1997; 42:704-12. [PMID: 9325564 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(96)00493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to quantitate the density of guanine nucleotide-binding (G) protein subunits (inhibitory G alpha i, stimulatory G alpha s, G alpha q/11, and G beta) in platelets of unipolar depressed patients to assess the status of these signal transduction proteins in depression and the effects of antidepressant drug treatment. Blood platelets were collected from 22 drug-free depressed patients and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The levels of the various G protein subunits were assessed by immunoblotting techniques. The immunoreactivity of G alpha 12 was increased (41%) and that of G alpha i3 decreased (25%) in platelets of depressed patients. The levels of other G protein subunits (G alpha s, G alpha q/11, G beta) did not change significantly with respect to those of control subjects. Chronic administration of cyclic antidepressant drugs (citalopram, clomipramine, imipramine) decreased the immunoreactivity of the up-regulated G alpha i2 protein (31%). Since platelet G alpha i2 is in line with the existence of supersensitivity of these receptors in major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A García-Sevilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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García-Sevilla JA, Ventayol P, Busquets X, La Harpe R, Walzer C, Guimón J. Marked decrease of immunolabelled 68 kDa neurofilament (NF-L) proteins in brains of opiate addicts. Neuroreport 1997; 8:1561-5. [PMID: 9189892 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-199705060-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
NEUROFILAMENT (NF) proteins, the major components of the neuronal cytoskeleton, have been shown to represent previously unknown targets for the chronic effects of morphine in rats. This study was designed to evaluate the abundance of immunoreactive NF-L (68 kDa) proteins in post-mortem brains of chronic opiate addicts who had died of a heroin or methadone overdose. Levels of NF-L proteins were assessed by immunoblotting techniques. Levels of immunoreactive NF-L proteins were markedly decreased (47%, n = 17) in the frontal cortex. The reduced abundance of brain NF-L proteins was not related to the post-mortem delay or to the plasma concentrations of opiates, suggesting that the observed changes represent a specific long-term effect of opiate drugs. Because of the functions associated with NF proteins (e.g. axonal transport), this finding suggests that opiate drugs may induce neuronal damage after chronic abuse in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A García-Sevilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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García-Sevilla JA, Ventayol P, Busquets X, La Harpe R, Walzer C, Guimón J. Regulation of immunolabelled mu-opioid receptors and protein kinase C-alpha and zeta isoforms in the frontal cortex of human opiate addicts. Neurosci Lett 1997; 226:29-32. [PMID: 9153634 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(97)00227-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To assess the status of opioid receptors in the human brain during the process of opiate addiction, the abundance of immunoreactive mu-opioid receptors was quantitated in postmortem brains of chronic opiate addicts who had died of a heroin or methadone overdose. The immunoreactive levels of the associated enzyme protein kinase C (PKC-alpha and zeta isoforms) and G proteins (G alpha(i1/2) subunits) were also assessed in the same brains. In the frontal cortex of opiate addicts, the abundance of mu-opioid receptors was not different from that obtained in matched controls. The level of Ca2+-dependent PKC-alpha was decreased (25%), whereas that of the atypical PKC-zeta remained unchanged. The density of G alpha(i1/2) proteins also was found to be increased (40%). The results indicate that opiate addiction in humans does not appear to be associated with a reduced density of brain mu-opioid receptors. The sustained down-regulation of PKC-alpha in the brain of opiate addicts would allow the up-regulation of G alpha(i1/2) proteins aimed at compensating the postulated desensitization of the mu-opioid receptor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A García-Sevilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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García-Sevilla J, Escribá P, La Harpe R, Walzer C, Guimόn J. Brain α 2a-Adrenoceptors and Associated Regulatory Proteins in Suicide. Eur Psychiatry 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(97)80511-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Abstract
The newly discovered imidazoline receptors have been found to be upregulated in patients with major depression (platelet 45 kDa and 35 kDa proteins) and in suicide victims (brain 45 kDa protein). The signalling pathways coupled to these receptors are not known however. The aim of this study was to quantify, in platelets of depressed patients, the density of various G proteins to assess possible associations with the abundance of imidazoline proteins. There were positive correlations between the immunoreactivities of 45 kDa imidazoline receptors and those of G alpha q/11 (r = 0.64, n = 19, p < 0.005), G alpha i2 (r = 0.46, n = 22, p < 0.05) and G beta (r = 0.62, n = 18, p < 0.01) proteins. The relationship with regulatory G alpha q/11 proteins suggests that this 45 kDa protein (putative I1 imidazoline receptor) may couple to phosphoinositide pathway in platelets. This finding might be of relevance in understanding the functional implications of the abnormal higher expression of imidazoline receptors (45 kDa protein) in the pathogenesis of major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A García-Sevilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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García-Sevilla JA, Escribá PV, Sastre M, Walzer C, Busquets X, Jaquet G, Reis DJ, Guimón J. Immunodetection and quantitation of imidazoline receptor proteins in platelets of patients with major depression and in brains of suicide victims. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1996; 53:803-10. [PMID: 8792757 DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.1996.01830090049008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imidazoline receptors are a newly discovered family of receptors, some of which, like alpha 2-adrenoceptors, have a presynaptic inhibitory effect on the release of norepinephrine. The aim of this study was to identify by immunodetection imidazoline receptor proteins in human platelets and the brain to assess their status in depression and suicide. METHODS Platelets were collected from 26 drug-free depressed patients and 26 controls. Specimens of frontal cortex (Brodmann area 9) were collected from 13 suicide victims and 11 controls. Levels of imidazoline receptor proteins were assessed by immunoblotting techniques. Solubilized imidazoline receptors were separated by gel electrophoresis, transferred to nitrocellulose membranes, labeled with a specific anti-imidazoline receptor antiserum, and quantitated by image analysis. RESULTS Platelet and brain membranes expressed similar 45-kd imidazoline receptor proteins, and their mean +/- SEM immunoreactivities were found to be increased in depressed patients (platelets, 40% +/- 5%) and suicide victims (brain, 51% +/- 14%). Platelets also expressed a 35-kd imidazoline receptor protein that was also found to be up-regulated in depressed patients (21% +/- 4%). In contrast, brain membranes did not express this 35-kd protein but revealed a 29/30-kd imidazoline receptor protein that was found to be down-regulated in suicide victims (19% +/- 3%). In a subset of depressed patients who underwent antidepressant treatment, a change in the immunoreactivity of the up-regulated 45-kd platelet imidazoline receptor protein (-35% +/- 5%), but not of the 35-kd protein, was observed. CONCLUSION The results support a role for the newly discovered imidazoline receptors (mainly the 45-kd receptor expressed in the brain and platelets) in the pathogenesis of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A García-Sevilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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Gravel P, Walzer C, Aubry C, Balant LP, Yersin B, Hochstrasser DF, Guimon J. New alterations of serum glycoproteins in alcoholic and cirrhotic patients revealed by high resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996; 220:78-85. [PMID: 8602862 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1996.0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Plasma protein are synthesized and secreted by the liver. Several reports have shown that excessive consumption of ethanol interferes with the hepatic protein synthesis and/or secretion. This study was undertaken to identify the plasma/serum proteins altered in two groups of patients with different alcohol-related diseases: actively drinking alcoholic patients group without liver disease and alcohol cirrhotic patients group. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to separate proteins with high resolution. Proteins were detected by silver staining and glycoproteins were specifically visualized and analyzed after lectin blotting followed by chemiluminescence detection. Different protein alterations were identified in each group of patients. In the alcoholic group, two new glycosylation modifications of serum proteins were identified. An abnormal microheterogeneity of haptoglobin and alpha1-antitrypsin was detected in the serum of all alcoholic patients. We also characterized by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis the carbohydrate deficient transferrin. The modifications of haptoglobin, alpha1-antitrypsin and transferrin present a similar change of charge and molecular weight in the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis pattern. These qualitative estimations support the hypothesis of a general mechanism of liver glycosylation alteration of serum proteins induced by excessive alcohol consumption. The immunoglobulin alterations were easily visualized and identified for the cirrhotic and the alcoholic patients. And finally, the decrease of haptoglobin and albumin spots for cirrhotic patients was confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gravel
- Clinical Research Unit, Psychiatric University Institutions of Geneva, Switzerland
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García-Sevilla J, Escribá P, Walzer C, Balant L, Eytan A, Guimón J. Platelet imidazoline receptors and G proteins in patients with major depression. Eur Psychiatry 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0924-9338(96)89069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Gravel P, Sanchez JC, Walzer C, Golaz O, Hochstrasser DF, Balant LP, Hughes GJ, Garcia-Sevilla J, Guimon J. Human blood platelet protein map established by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Electrophoresis 1995; 16:1152-9. [PMID: 7498158 DOI: 10.1002/elps.11501601191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2-D) maps of cytosol and enriched-membrane platelet proteins has allowed the identification of more than 25 spots by three different methods: matching of the platelet gels with other 2-D reference maps, immunoblotting with chemiluminescence detection, and N-terminal sequencing. Different G protein (guanosine triphosphate-binding protein) subunits, cytoskeletal proteins, and proteins common to the human liver, red blood cells and plasma were identified. The two platelet protein maps presented here contribute to the project of identification of human cell and body fluid proteins. They may serve as working tools since platelets are popular models for the study of central nervous system neurotransmitter systems and stimulus-response coupling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gravel
- Clinical Research Unit, Psychiatric University Institutions of Geneva, Switzerland
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Golaz O, Gravel P, Walzer C, Turler H, Balant L, Hochstrasser DF. Rapid detection of the main human plasma glycoproteins by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis lectin affinoblotting. Electrophoresis 1995; 16:1187-9. [PMID: 7498164 DOI: 10.1002/elps.11501601197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Glycoprotein modifications in the glycan moiety can occur in diseases such as cancers, inflammatory processes and alcoholism. We combined high-resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) with lectin affinoblotting in order to establish the normal human plasma glycoprotein map. Human plasma proteins were separated by mini 2-D PAGE (7 x 9 cm), transferred onto polyvinylidene difluoride membranes and incubated with biotinylated lectins. We focused our study on lectins binding sialic acid and galactose residues. Known plasma glycoproteins such as alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, alpha 2-HS glycoprotein, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, haptoglobin beta-chain and transferrin were easily detected in ng amounts. This protocol was adequate to establish a normal plasma glycoprotein map and will allow the study of glycoproteins in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Golaz
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland
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Santos BR, Monteiro MG, Walzer C, Turler H, Balant L, von-Wartburg JP. Alcohol flushing, patch test, and ADH and ALDH genotypes in Brazilian ethnic groups. Braz J Med Biol Res 1995; 28:513-8. [PMID: 8555970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Self reports of flushing reaction after drinking, cutaneous sensitivity to alcohol (patch test), and genotypic determination of ADH2, ADH3, and ALDH2 were studied in 53 Brazilian volunteers of different ethnic groups. Genotypes were determined using single-strand conformation polymorphism in discontinuous buffer electrophoresis. Analysis of the results indicated several cases of a reported flushing reaction among ALDH2 1/1 individuals, while all but 2 cases of ALDH2 heterozygotes reported a flushing reaction. The latter subjects also had a negative result in the patch test. These preliminary results indicate that variability in the facial flushing reaction to alcohol seems to be a phenomenon resulting not only from the presence of a deficient ALDH2*2 allele, but also from other polymorphisms of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Santos
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brasil
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Gravel P, Golaz O, Walzer C, Hochstrasser DF, Turler H, Balant LP. Analysis of glycoproteins separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis using lectin blotting revealed by chemiluminescence. Anal Biochem 1994; 221:66-71. [PMID: 7985806 DOI: 10.1006/abio.1994.1380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The carbohydrate structures of blotted glycoproteins can be analyzed by probing with lectins. The objective of the present work was to optimize the lectin blotting of human plasma glycoproteins separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the detection by the sensitive chemiluminescence method. The proposed detection method was found to be ten times more sensitive than a standard colorimetric reaction. Furthermore, the generated signals are detected on a X-ray film and provide a permanent record. The method is also very reliable when compared to the colorimetric detection. The present procedure for glycoprotein analysis is particularly well suited for screening changes in glycosylation of proteins in biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gravel
- Clinical Research Unit, Psychiatric University Institutions of Geneva, Switzerland
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Helander A, Walzer C, Beck O, Balant L, Borg S, von Wartburg JP. Influence of genetic variation in alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase on serotonin metabolism. Life Sci 1994; 55:359-66. [PMID: 8035649 DOI: 10.1016/0024-3205(94)00646-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The influence of genetic variation in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH; EC 1.1.1.1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH; EC 1.2.1.3) on the metabolic pattern of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in humans was examined from the relative urinary concentrations of the end products 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) and 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL). Healthy Caucasian (Swedish) and Oriental (Chinese) subjects were genotyped for ADH2, ADH3 and ALDH2 by a PCR/SSCP technique. The 5-HTOL/5-HIAA ratios ranged between 0.9-9.4 pmol/nmol (4.4 +/- 1.8, mean +/- SD, n = 143). No significant difference in the 5-HT metabolic pattern was observed between Caucasians and Orientals (4.3 +/- 1.8 and 4.4 +/- 1.8 pmol/nmol, respectively), nor between any of the ADH2, ADH3 and ALDH2 genotypes. Despite the modulatory effects of genetic variation of these enzymes on ethanol metabolism, the present results indicate that the individual isozyme composition of ADH2, ADH3 and ALDH2 is not important for the metabolic pattern of 5-HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Helander
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
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Golaz O, Hughes GJ, Frutiger S, Paquet N, Bairoch A, Pasquali C, Sanchez JC, Tissot JD, Appel RD, Walzer C. Plasma and red blood cell protein maps: update 1993. Electrophoresis 1993; 14:1223-31. [PMID: 8313871 DOI: 10.1002/elps.11501401183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This publication updates the reference plasma and red blood cell protein maps obtained with immobilized pH gradients. Seventeen polypeptide spots or chains were partially characterized by direct N-terminal sequencing or by sequencing of peptides obtained from enzymatic digestion. Additional new polypeptides and previously known proteins are listed in a table and/or labeled on the protein maps, thus providing the 1993 update of the human plasma and red blood cell two-dimensional gel SWISS-2DPAGE database. SWISS-2DPAGE and the SWISS-PROT protein sequence databases are closely linked together through the use of common accession numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Golaz
- Medicine Department, Geneva University
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Walzer C, Turler H, Balant L, Golaz O, Hochstrasser DF, Monteiro M, von Wartburg JP. Determination of human alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase genotypes by single strand conformation polymorphism in discontinuous buffer electrophoresis. Electrophoresis 1993; 14:566-9. [PMID: 8375345 DOI: 10.1002/elps.1150140189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Under appropriate conditions single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products allows the detection of single base mutations in a given DNA fragment. We adapted this method for the routine determination of allele variants of human alcohol and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase without radioisotopic labeling. After PCR amplification of the selected exon, the DNA fragments were heat-denatured and loaded on a polyacrylamide gel containing glycerol. For electrophoresis a discontinuous buffer system was used with sulfate as leading ion and borate as trailing ion. The DNA bands were revealed by silver staining. Acrylamide concentrations, ionic strength and electrophoresis temperature were systematically investigated for each DNA fragment. The polymorphisms detected by SSCP were identical to those found by hybridization with 32P-labeled allele-specific oligonucleotides. This method avoids the use of radioactivity, is less expensive and simpler than the allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) methodology and thus particularly suited for routine analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Walzer
- Psychiatric University Institutions, Geneva University, Sao Paulo
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Abstract
The epidermis of superficial human skin samples could easily be separated from the dermis following incubation at +4 degrees C for 1 h in a solution containing 250-500 micrograms/ml thermolysin, a proteolytic enzyme hitherto mostly used for protein analysis. Light and electron microscopy revealed that the dermo-epidermal separation occurred at the basement membrane between the sites of bullous pemphigoid antigen and laminin and that the hemidesmosomes were selectively disrupted. The cohesion and morphology of the separated epidermis as well as the immunologic parameters investigated were not altered by this procedure. The clear cut dermo-epidermal separation produced by thermolysin treatment differed from the separation obtained with trypsin, which predominantly occurred between basal and suprabasal cells by disruption of desmosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Walzer
- Department of Dermatology, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
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