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PloS One 2023Drosophila melanogaster is a popular model organism in the study of memory due to a wide arsenal of methods used to analyze neuronal activity. The most commonly used...
Drosophila melanogaster is a popular model organism in the study of memory due to a wide arsenal of methods used to analyze neuronal activity. The most commonly used tests in research of behavioral plasticity are shock avoidance associated with chemosensory cues and courtship suppression after mating failure. Many authors emphasize the value of courtship suppression as a model of behavior most appropriate to natural conditions. However, researchers often investigate courtship suppression using immobilized and decapitated females as targets of courtship by males, which makes the data obtained from such flies less valuable. In our study, we evaluate courtship suppression towards immature mobile non-receptive females after training with mated or immature females combined with an aversive stimulus (quinine). We have shown that the previously described mechanisms of courtship suppression, as a result of the association of the courtship object with the repellent, as well as due to increased sensitivity to the anti-aphrodisiac cVA after mating failure, are not confirmed when immature mobile females are used. We discuss the reasons for the discrepancies between our results and literature data, define the conditions to be met in the courtship suppression test if the aim is to analyze the natural forms of behavioral plasticity, and present data on the test modifications to approximate conditions to natural ones.
Topics: Animals; Male; Female; Drosophila melanogaster; Drosophila Proteins; Courtship; Sexual Behavior, Animal
PubMed: 37561803
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290048 -
Nutritional Neuroscience Jun 2024Autism is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder and recent studies showed that omega-3 or astaxanthin might reduce autistic symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory...
Autism is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder and recent studies showed that omega-3 or astaxanthin might reduce autistic symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we investigated the effects of omega-3 and astaxanthin on the VPA-induced autism model of rats. Female Wistar albino pups ( = 40) were grouped as control, autistic, astaxanthin (2 mg/kg), omega-3 (200 mg/kg), and astaxanthin (2 mg/kg)+omega-3 (200 mg/kg). All groups except the control were prenatally exposed to VPA. Astaxanthin and omega-3 were orally administered from the postnatal day 41 to 68 and behavioral tests were performed between day 69 and 73. The rats were decapitated 24 h after the behavioral tests and hippocampal and prefrontal cytokines and 5-HT levels were analyzed by ELISA. VPA rats have increased grooming behavior while decreased sociability (SI), social preference index (SPI), discrimination index (DI), and prepulse inhibition (PPI) compared to control. Additionally, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels increased while IL-10 and 5-HT levels decreased in both brain regions. Astaxanthin treatment raised SI, SPI, DI, PPI, and prefrontal IL-10 levels. It also raised 5-HT levels and decreased IL-6 levels in both brain regions. Omega-3 and astaxanthin + omega-3 increased the SI, SPI, DI, and PPI and decreased grooming behavior. Moreover, they increased IL-10 and 5-HT levels whereas decreased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ levels in both brain regions. Our results showed that VPA administration mimicked the behavioral and molecular changes of autism in rats. Single and combined administration of astaxanthin and omega-3 improved the autistic-like behavioral and molecular changes in the VPA model of rats.
Topics: Animals; Xanthophylls; Female; Pregnancy; Rats, Wistar; Valproic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Autistic Disorder; Disease Models, Animal; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Behavior, Animal; Hippocampus; Cytokines; Rats; Serotonin; Prefrontal Cortex; Social Behavior
PubMed: 37534957
DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2023.2239575 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023() is a crucial member of the (TCP) gene family and is well known for playing a central role in shoot branching by controlling buds' paradormancy. However, the...
() is a crucial member of the (TCP) gene family and is well known for playing a central role in shoot branching by controlling buds' paradormancy. However, the expression characteristics and molecular regulatory mechanism of during blueberry bud dormancy are unclear. To shed light on these topics, shoots of three blueberry cultivars with different chilling requirements (CRs) were decapitated in summer to induce paradormancy release and subjected to different levels of chilling in winter to induce endodormancy release. The results showed that the high-CR cultivar 'Chandler' had the strongest apical dominance among the three cultivars; additionally, the expression of , which is homologous to , was the highest under both the decapitation treatment and low-temperature treatment. The 'Emerald' cultivar, with a low CR, demonstrated the opposite trend. These findings suggest that plays a negative regulatory role in bud break and that there may be a correlation between the CR and tree shape. Through yeast 1-hybrid (Y1H) assays, we finally screened 21 upstream regulatory genes, including eight transcription factors: zinc-finger homeodomain protein 1/4/5/9, MYB4, AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor AINTEGUMENTA (ANT), ASIL2-like, and bHLH035. It was found that these upstream regulatory genes positively or negatively regulated the expression of based on the transcriptome expression profile. In summary, this study enriched our understanding of the regulatory network of during bud dormancy and provided new insights into the function of .
PubMed: 37514210
DOI: 10.3390/plants12142595 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology Jul 2023Alveolar bone resorption is a post-extraction complication wherein there is a reduction in the dimensions and quality of the alveolar bone. This study aimed to examine...
Alveolar bone resorption is a post-extraction complication wherein there is a reduction in the dimensions and quality of the alveolar bone. This study aimed to examine the effects of implantation of a combination of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (IPRF) on the expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and new bone formation. A total of 32 male rats had their upper right incisors extracted under general anesthesia and were then divided into a control group, nHA group, IPRF group, and nHA-IPRF group. Decapitation was carried out on day 14 and day 28 in each group and the jaws of each rat were subjected to immunohistochemical and histological analysis. The results showed a decrease in TRAP expression in the nHA-IPRF group compared with the control group on day 14 ( = 0.074) and day 28 ( = 0.017). The study also showed an increase in ALP and OCN in the HA-IPRF group on day 14 and day 28 compared with the control group. New bone formation suggested a significant increase in the nHA-IPRF group compared with the control group on day 14 ( = 0.001) and day 28 ( = 0.001). nHA-IPRF implantation can suppress alveolar bone resorption, which is indicated by decreased TRAP expression, and it can increase bone growth, as indicated by increased expression of ALP, OCN, and new bone formation.
PubMed: 37504293
DOI: 10.3390/cimb45070377 -
Neuroendocrinology 2023Olfaction and its relation to human health is an area of growing interest. Although olfaction disorders have been considered a part of Kallmann syndrome, the role of...
From Nose to Lumbar Spinal Cord - Reduced Sperm Numbers Occur by Olfactory Bulbectomy-Related Onuf's Nucleus Degeneration: New Experimental Evidence for Kallmann Syndrome.
INTRODUCTION
Olfaction and its relation to human health is an area of growing interest. Although olfaction disorders have been considered a part of Kallmann syndrome, the role of olfactory dysfunction on spermatogenesis has not been studied yet. We studied if olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) causes dysfunction in spermatogenesis as a result of Onuf's nucleus damage.
METHODS
Twenty-eight male rats were divided into three groups: six as the control (G-1; n = 6), six as the only frontal burr hole applied animals SHAM (G-2; n = 6), and 16 as the study group (G-3; n = 16) in which OBX was performed. The animals were followed for 2 months. After the decapitation of the animals, olfactory bulb (OB) volumes (mm3), the neuron density of the Onuf's nucleus (n/mm3), and sperm density (n/mm3) were estimated stereologically and analyzed.
RESULTS
OB volumes (mm3), degenerated neuron density of Onuf's nucleus (n/mm3), and sperm numbers of control, SHAM, and study groups were estimated as: 4 ± 0.5; 6 ± 2 and 103.245 ± 10.841 in G-1; 3.5 ± 0.7; 14 ± 4 and 96.891 ± 9.569 in G-2; and 1.3 ± 0.3; 91 ± 17 and 73.561 ± 6.324 in G-3. The statistical results of degenerated neuron density of Onuf's nucleus and sperm numbers between groups are p < 0.005 for G-1/G-2; p < 0.0005 for G-2/G-3; and p < 0.00001 for G-1/G-3.
DISCUSSION
This study first time indicates that Onuf's nucleus degeneration secondary to OBX seems to be responsible for reduced sperm numbers.
Topics: Male; Humans; Animals; Rats; Sperm Count; Kallmann Syndrome; Smell; Semen; Spinal Cord; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 37497936
DOI: 10.1159/000531962 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences Jun 2023Gastrointestinal health is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Improving nutrient absorption and energy metabolism are the critical targets for intestinal...
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal health is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Improving nutrient absorption and energy metabolism are the critical targets for intestinal health. This study aimed to determine the effects of different boron (B) derivatives on nutrient digestibility, intestinal nutrient transporters, and lipid metabolism in rats.
METHODS
Twenty-one rats were allocated to three groups (n = 7) as follows: (i) Control, (ii) Sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (SPP), and (iii) boric acid (BA). The rats were fed a chow diet (AIN-93M) and supplemented with 8 mg/kg elemental B from SPP (45.2 mg/kg BW) and BA (42.7 mg/kg BW) via oral gavage every other day for 12 weeks. The nutrient digestibility of rats in each group was measured using the indigestible indicator (chromium oxide, Cr2 O3, 0.20%). At the end of the experiment, animals were decapitated by cervical dislocation and jejunum, and liver samples were taken from each animal. The nutrient transporters and lipid-regulated transcription factors were determined by RT-PCR.
RESULTS
The nutrient digestibility (except for ash) was increased by SPP and BA supplementation (p < 0.05). SPP and BA-supplemented rats had higher jejunal glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), GLUT2, GLUT5, sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1), fatty acid transport protein-1 (FATP1), and FATP4 mRNA expression levels compared to nonsupplemented rats (p < 0.0001). BA-supplemented rats had remarkably higher peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) levels than nonsupplemented rats (p < 0.0001). In contrast, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), liver X receptor alpha (LxR-α), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) levels decreased by SPP supplementation compared to other groups (p < 0.05).
DISCUSSION
SPP and BA administration enhanced nutrient digestibility, intestinal nutrient transporters, and liver lipid metabolism in rats.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Lipid Metabolism; Glucose Transporter Type 1; Intestines; Liver; Boron Compounds
PubMed: 37476906
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5624 -
Current Biology : CB Jul 2023Extreme neck elongation was a common evolutionary strategy among Mesozoic marine reptiles, occurring independently in several lineages. Despite its evolutionary success,...
Extreme neck elongation was a common evolutionary strategy among Mesozoic marine reptiles, occurring independently in several lineages. Despite its evolutionary success, such an elongate neck might have been particularly susceptible to predation, but direct evidence for this possibility has been lacking. Composed of only 13 hyperelongate vertebrae and associated strut-like ribs, the configuration of the long neck of the Triassic archosauromorph Tanystropheus is unique among tetrapods. It was probably stiffened and used to catch prey through an ambush-strategy. Here, we show that the neck was completely severed in two Tanystropheus specimens (Figure 1), most likely due to a predatory attack, providing vivid evidence of predator-prey interactions among Mesozoic marine reptiles that are rarely preserved in the fossil record. The recurring incidence of decapitation suggests that the elongate neck was a functional weak spot in Tanystropheus, and possibly the long-necked marine reptile bauplan more generally.
Topics: Animals; Phylogeny; Decapitation; Biological Evolution; Reptiles; Fossils
PubMed: 37343555
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.027 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jul 2023Exposure to a sublethal concentration of CdO nanoparticles impairs the vision of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) by disrupting histamine (HA) synthesis and...
Exposure to a sublethal concentration of CdO nanoparticles impairs the vision of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) by disrupting histamine (HA) synthesis and recycling mechanisms. To gain more insights, we measured HA titer using HPLC in CdO NP-treated vs. non-treated adults in the current study and found that CdO NPs caused an increase in the level of HA in the head and the decapitated body. We asked whether HA accumulation (increase) is a response of photoreceptors or CNS histaminergic neurons, and whether there is any difference in the expression levels of HA recycling and transport encoding genes (Lovit, CarT, Ebony, Tan, BalaT) between the adult fly head and decapitated body that could explain this HA accumulation. We used GAL4/UAS system tool with three GAL4 drivers: ubiquitous tubP-GAL4, nervous system driver (elav Gal4), and compound eye drivers (sev Gal4 and GMR Gal4) to silence HA synthesis in site specific manner followed by detecting the expression level of genes involved in HA recycling and transport in both the heads and the decapitated bodies of CdO treated and non-treated flies. We found an increase in Lovit expression in the heads of treated adults, which is responsible for HA loading into synaptic vesicles and release from photoreceptors, as well as a decrease in catalytic enzymes involved in HA recycling, which leads to HA accumulation without increasing the real signal. To conclude, both photoreceptors and CNS histaminergic neurons are responsible for the increase in HA in CdO NP-treated flies, but through different mechanisms. Our results provide more insights on the underlying molecular mechanism of vision impairment because of nano-sized cadmium particles exposure.
Topics: Animals; Drosophila melanogaster; Histamine; Drosophila; Neurons; Nanoparticles; Drosophila Proteins
PubMed: 37340164
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28211-7 -
BMC Genomics Jun 2023Branching is a plastic character that affects plant architecture and spatial structure. The trait is controlled by a variety of plant hormones through coordination with...
BACKGROUND
Branching is a plastic character that affects plant architecture and spatial structure. The trait is controlled by a variety of plant hormones through coordination with environmental signals. Plant AT-rich sequence and zinc-binding protein (PLATZ) is a transcription factor that plays an important role in plant growth and development. However, systematic research on the role of the PLATZ family in apple branching has not been conducted previously.
RESULTS
In this study, a total of 17 PLATZ genes were identified and characterized from the apple genome. The 83 PLATZ proteins from apple, tomato, Arabidopsis, rice, and maize were classified into three groups based on the topological structure of the phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, gene structure, regulatory cis-acting elements, and microRNAs of the MdPLATZ family members were predicted. Expression analysis revealed that MdPLATZ genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in different tissues. The expression patterns of the MdPLATZ genes were systematically investigated in response to treatments that impact apple branching [thidazuron (TDZ) and decapitation]. The expression of MdPLATZ1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, and 16 was regulated during axillary bud outgrowth based on RNA-sequencing data obtained from apple axillary buds treated by decapitation or exogenous TDZ application. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that MdPLATZ6 was strongly downregulated in response to the TDZ and decapitation treatments, however, MdPLATZ15 was significantly upregulated in response to TDZ, but exhibited little response to decapitation. Furthermore, the co-expression network showed that PLATZ might be involved in shoot branching by regulating branching-related genes or mediating cytokinin or auxin pathway.
CONCLUSION
The results provide valuable information for further functional investigation of MdPLATZ genes in the control of axillary bud outgrowth in apple.
Topics: Malus; Phylogeny; Decapitation; Genes, Plant; Plant Shoots; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 37322464
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09399-x -
Journal of Neurological Surgery. Part... Jun 2023Life-threatening basilar artery dissection (BAD) can be seen following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but it is not clear whether subarachnoid hemorrhage causes...
The Enigma of Basilar Artery Dissections Secondary to Vasospasm following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Exploration of the Unknown Effect of Superior Cervical Ganglia: A Preliminary Experimental Study.
BACKGROUND
Life-threatening basilar artery dissection (BAD) can be seen following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but it is not clear whether subarachnoid hemorrhage causes dissection, or not. This study aims to investigate the relationship between, degenerative changes in the superior cervical ganglia and the dissection rate of the basilar artery.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
In this article, after three weeks of experimental SAH, animals were decapitated. 18 rabbits were divided into three groups, according to their vasospasm indexes. The basilar arteries were examined by anatomical and histopathological methods.
RESULTS
Basilar dissection with high vasospasm index value (VSI>3) was detected in six animals (G-I, n=6); severe basilar edema and moderate vasospasm index value (VSI>2.4) in seven rabbits (G-II, n=7) and slight vasospasm (VSI<1.5) index value in five subjects (G-III, n=5) was detected. The degenerated neuron densities (n/mm3) of the superior cervical ganglia were detected as 12±4 in G-I, 41±8 in G-II; and 276±78 in G-III. The dissected surface values/lumen values were calculated as (42±1)/(64±11) in G-I; (21±6)/(89±17) in G-II; and (3±1)/(102±24) in G-III. If we look at these ratios as a percentage: 62%in G-I, 23% in G-II, and 5% in G-III.
CONCLUSION
Inverse relationship between the degenerated neuron densities (n/mm3) of the superior cervical ganglia and the dissected surface values basilar artery was observed. The common knowledge is that basilar artery dissection may lead to SAH, however, this study indicates that SAH is the cause of basilar artery dissection.
PubMed: 37263287
DOI: 10.1055/a-2104-1520