Open Access
Access granted
Subscription Access
Vol 61, No 1 (2025)
EXPERIMENTAL ARTICLES
Embryo-conditioned media affect the functional state of endothelial cells
Abstract
Currently, the main method of selecting high-quality embryos in assisted reproduction is based on morphological evaluation. In order to standardize the selection process and increase transfer efficiency, it is necessary to develop other objective, non-invasive methods. One potential approach is the assessment of soluble factors in media samples collected during embryo incubation. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IP-10, G-CSF, and GM-CSF in embryo-conditioned media, as well as assess the effect of these media on the functional activity of endothelial cells. We did not find stable levels of these cytokines in the embryo-conditioned medium after 2 days of incubation. Nevertheless, the media obtained from embryos of quality A and AB, consisting of 3 or 4 cells, had an effect on the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. In the future, it will be necessary to identify the nature of active molecules present in embryo-conditioned media in order to determine their potential as markers for selecting the best embryos.
3-15
Brain monoamines in early ontogenesis and selection effects in rats with behavioral stereotypy
Abstract
The rat strain with hereditary stereotypy in the form of pendulum movements (PM) can be considered as a new model of audiogenic epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to investigate levels of brain monoamines (MA) at the early stages of postnatal ontogenesis in PM rats, as well as to assess the severity of PM, audiogenic epilepsy and aggressiveness in adult PM rats of different generations of selection. The effects of selection in adult rats with PM in 52–54 generations of selection included an increase in the amplitude of PM, an increase in the frequency and intensity of clonic-tonic seizures, an increase in the duration of postictal catalepsy and increased aggressiveness. The higher level of serotonin (5HT) in the brainstem was shown in PM pups compared to Wistar pups at the age of 14 days. The higher level of the serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA), was found in the cortex of 14-day-old PM pups. Higher levels of dopamine metabolites DOPAC and homovanillic acid (HVA) were found in the cortex of 14-day-old PM rat pups. But the level of HVA in the cortex was lower in 10-day-old PM pups than it in Wistar pups. Higher levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were shown in the brainstem of PM pups compared to Wistar pups at the specified age. The reduced dopamine turnover was shown in the brainstem of 14-day-old PM pups in compare with Wistar pups. This data indicate changes in the levels of MA and their metabolites in the central monoaminergic system in early postnatal ontogenesis in PM rats, which may contribute to the formation of behavioral and physiological abnormalities in adult PM rats. The growth of the PM amplitude and the increased severity of audiogenic seizures, observed during selection, confirms the connection between catatonic and neurological symptoms in this model — rats with pendulum-like hyperkinesis.
16-25
Features of carotenoid accumulation in the bivalve Abra segmentum in the Black Sea
Abstract
The bivalve mollusk Abra segmentum is widespread on the Crimean coast in sandy-silty soils. Its adaptive capabilities to changes in salinity, temperature and hypoxia are interesting from the point of view of the participation of carotenoids in them. The aim of the work was to study the carotenoids of this mollusk in the coastal zone at a depth of 0-0.2 m. In the period from February to April, the level of total carotenoids in the mollusk tissues fluctuated from 1.7 ± 0.2 mg / 100 g dry matter to 0.4 ± 0.1 mg / 100 g dry matter. The study of the carotenoid composition of A. segmentum mollusks taken in coastal zones showed the presence of 11 carotenoids, including isomers and esters of 3 carotenoids. Among the dominant carotenoids are: β-carotene (15.2%), diadinoxanthin (7.3%), fucoxanthin (5.8%), trans-halocynthiaxanthin (9.3%), cis-halocynthiaxanthin (7.6%), trans-pectenol A (13.6%), cis-pectenol A (7.9%). A. segmentum accumulated both plant carotenoids and subjected some to metabolic transformation: fucoxanthin→ fucoxanthinol→ halocynthiaxanthin (cis- trans); diatoxanthin→ pectenol A (cis- trans-). The possible role of A. segmentum carotenoids in death of fish due to hypoxia discussed.
26-31
Antioxidant and phenoloxidase protective systems activity in the gut of Pycnoscelus nigra (Brunner, 1865) roaches on different food substrates
Abstract
This paper investigates changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the phenoloxidase cascade in the Pycnoscelus nigra (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865) roach gut in adaptation to new food substrates. Several different food substrates were chosen. The primary goal of the paper was to examine enzyme activity dynamics of the roaches during their adaptation to new food substrates. Phenoloxidase, catalase and peroxidase activity in roach gut was measured at different points in time. Spectrophotometry was utilized to determine enzyme specific activities via optical density. During the experiment the morphometric parameters of the roaches were measured. Various degrees of enzyme activity were observed depending on the experiment stage and food substrates. Certain patterns of adaptation to new food substrates were shown. The roaches experienced varying degrees of stress reflected in the morphometric parameters of individuals. Understanding the process of insect adaptation to new food substrates may perspectively be useful in combating insect pest dispersal, as well as in insect biotechnology.
32-40
Activity of digestive enzymes in the small intestine Black-legged kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, nesting on the coast of the Barents Sea
Abstract
The black-legged kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla nesting on the Murmansk coast of the Barents Sea have been studied. The activity of digestive enzymes (aminopeptidase N, maltase and sucrase) in the mucosa of the small intestine of birds was measured. The composition of the feeds of the black-legged kittiwakes was determined by the contents of their stomachs. Capelin, juvenile cod and crustaceans made up their diet. Capelin and crustaceans have been recorded in the diet of females, while males mainly have cod. Comparative analysis showed that the values of digestive enzyme activity had no significant differences in females and males. An increase in the activity of sucrase in the mucosa of the small intestine was recorded in birds in whose stomachs otoliths of cod, capelin and crustacean remains were found, compared with the activity of digestive enzymes in birds with empty stomachs. The species composition of helminths parasitizing in the small intestine of black-legged kittiwakes has been established, and their invasion rates have been calculated. The cestodes Alcataenia larina and Tetrabothrius erostris have been recorded in the proximal section of the small intestine of birds. In places of localization A. larina increased the activity of aminopeptidase N and decreased the activity of maltase relative to the indicators of uninfected black-legged kittiwakes.
41-50
Search and identification of serum proteins with high osmotic activity in pike Esox lucius
Abstract
The search and identification of proteins with high osmotic activity (OAPs) in the blood serum of a representative of albumin-containing teleost fish — pike Esox lucius L. were carried out using 2D-electrophoresis and MALDI mass-spectrometry. Using the criterion of high negative charge of proteins in disk-electrophoresis, 8 extracellular and one intracellular OAPs were identified. Their total relative content was ~60% of the total serum protein concentration: ~30% for hemopexin, ~10 and ~12% for proteinase inhibitors and apolipoprotein A (in high-density lipoprotein composition), respectively, 3.6% for albumin and "traces" of intracellular Grb14. According to gene ontology annotations, the main functions of OAPs are associated with protection and transport, and the manifestation of high osmotic activity of OAPs is due to their high negative charge. Comparison of the list of OAPs in albumin-containing pike with the list of OAPs in albumin-free teleost fish indicates their coincidence in all extracellular proteins except albumin. In light of the albumin-free model of capillary exchange, this fact suggests an ordinary, rather than a key role of albumin in the control of osmotic homeostasis inside the body. The multiplicity of OAPs in the blood of teleost fish distinguishes them from mammals, in which serum albumin specializes in the control of capillary fluid exchange.
51-60