scholarly journals POSSIBILITIES FOR INTER- AND INTRACELLULAR TRANSLOCATION OF SOME ICOSAHEDRAL PLANT VIRUSES

1969 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 814-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. de Zoeten ◽  
G. Gaard

Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV) and Tomato ringspot virus (TomRV) were compared with regard to possible ways of inter- and intracellular translocation. The pore complexes in the nuclear membranes of nuclei in leaf palisade and mesophyll cells of several plant species commonly used in plant virus research were studied. The pore structure resembled that earlier described. The diameter of the pores was great enough to allow icosahedral plant viruses between 25 and 30 mµ wide to move through. SBMV occurred in noncrystalline form in nuclei of infected cells. Although this virus forms paracrystalline structures when partially purified, no virus crystals were seen in the cytoplasm of cells containing high concentrations of SBMV. It was established that this virus could move through nuclear pores. TomRV was found in infected leaf tissue in low concentrations. This virus showed a tendency to crystallize even when present in low concentrations. TomRV was observed only in the cytoplasm, not in nuclei. This virus was present in plasmodesmata, indicating the possibility of cell to cell translocation of whole particles through these structures.

1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 706-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert T. Lartey ◽  
Soumitra Ghoshroy ◽  
Vitaly Citovsky

Following inoculation, many plant viruses spread locally from cell to cell until they reach the vascular system, through which they then move to other parts of the plant, resulting in systemic infection. To isolate host genes involved in systemic transport of plant viruses, ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized Arabidopsis thaliana plants were screened for significant delays in the systemic movement of turnip vein clearing virus (TCVC). One such mutant, designated vsm1 (virus systemic movement), was identified. Unlike the wild-type plants, vsm1 did not develop viral disease and did not allow the systemic spread of the virus. The local viral movement within the inoculated vsm1 leaves, however, was not affected. TVCV systemic movement within the vsm1 plants was likely blocked at the step of viral entry into the host plant vasculature from the infected leaf tissue. vsm1 plants also restricted the systemic movement of another tobamovirus but not of an unrelated carmovirus.


2008 ◽  
Vol 82 (14) ◽  
pp. 6880-6888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Ling Li ◽  
Tzu-Yu Kwan ◽  
H. Anne Simmonds ◽  
Victor Stollar

ABSTRACT Cells infected with Sindbis virus (SV) make two positive-strand RNAs, a genomic-length RNA (G) RNA and a subgenomic (SG) RNA. In cells infected with SVstd, and in general in cells infected with wt alphaviruses, more SG RNA is made than G RNA. How the balance between synthesis of G RNA and SG RNA is regulated is not known. SVpzf and SVcpc are nsP4 mutants of SV which, in mosquito cells, make more G RNA than SG RNA. When low concentrations of pyrazofurin (inhibits the synthesis of UTP and CTP) were added to SVpzf-infected cells, the yield of virus was increased, and the ratio of SG/G RNA was changed from <1 to >1. These effects were reversed by uridine. In SVcpc-infected cells, but not in SVstd-infected cells, synthesis of viral RNA was inhibited by the addition of either uridine or cytidine, and viral yields were lowered. Our findings suggest that the activities of the viral RNA-synthesizing complexes in cells infected with SVpzf or SVcpc, in contrast to those in SVstd-infected cells, are sensitive to high concentrations of UTP or CTP. Using a cell-free system that synthesizes both SG and G RNA, we measured viral RNA synthesis as a function of the UTP/CTP concentrations. The results indicated that the presence of the SVpzf mutations in nsP4 and the SG promoter produced a pattern quite different from that seen with the SVstd nsP4 and SG promoter. As the UTP/CTP concentrations were increased, the SVpzf system, in contrast to the SVstd system, made more G RNA than SG RNA, reflecting the situation in cells infected with SVpzf.


Author(s):  
Russell L. Steere ◽  
Eric F. Erbe

It has been assumed by many involved in freeze-etch or freeze-fracture studies that it would be useless to etch specimens which were cryoprotected by more than 15% glycerol. We presumed that the amount of cryoprotective material exposed at the surface would serve as a contaminating layer and prevent the visualization of fine details. Recent unexpected freeze-etch results indicated that it would be useful to compare complementary replicas in which one-half of the frozen-fractured specimen would be shadowed and replicated immediately after fracturing whereas the complement would be etched at -98°C for 1 to 10 minutes before being shadowed and replicated.Standard complementary replica holders (Steere, 1973) with hinges removed were used for this study. Specimens consisting of unfixed virus-infected plant tissue infiltrated with 0.05 M phosphate buffer or distilled water were used without cryoprotectant. Some were permitted to settle through gradients to the desired concentrations of different cryoprotectants.


Author(s):  
R.H.M. Cross ◽  
C.E.J. Botha ◽  
A.K. Cowan ◽  
B.J. Hartley

Senescence is an ordered degenerative process leading to death of individual cells, organs and organisms. The detection of a conditional lethal mutant (achloroplastic) of Hordeum vulgare has enabled us to investigate ultrastructural changes occurring in leaf tissue during foliar senescence.Examination of the tonoplast structure in six and 14 day-old mutant tissue revealed a progressive degeneration and disappearance of the membrane, apparently starting by day six in the vicinity of the mitochondria associated with the degenerating proplastid (Fig. 1.) where neither of the plastid membrane leaflets is evident (arrows, Fig. 1.). At this stage there was evidence that the mitochondrial membranes were undergoing retrogressive changes, coupled with disorganization of cristae (Fig. 2.). Proplastids (P) lack definitive prolamellar bodies. The cytoplasmic matrix is largely agranular, with few endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae or polyribosomal aggregates. Interestingly, large numbers of actively-budding dictysomes, associated with pinocytotic vesicles, were observed in close proximity to the plasmalemma of mesophyll cells (Fig. 3.). By day 14 however, mesophyll cells showed almost complete breakdown of subcellular organelle structure (Fig. 4.), and further evidence for the breakdown of the tonoplast. The final stage of senescence is characterized by the solubilization of the cell wall due to expression and activity of polygalacturonase and/or cellulose. The presence of dictyosomes with associated pinocytotic vesicles formed from the mature face, in close proximity to both the plasmalemma and the cell wall, would appear to support the model proposed by Christopherson for the secretion of cellulase. This pathway of synthesis is typical for secretory glycoproteins.


1992 ◽  
Vol 68 (05) ◽  
pp. 570-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary A Selak

SummaryWe have previously demonstrated that human neutrophil cathepsin G is a strong platelet agonist that binds to a specific receptor. This work describes the effect of neutrophil elastase on cathepsin G-induced platelet responses. While platelets were not activated by high concentrations of neutrophil elastase by itself, elastase enhanced aggregation, secretion and calcium mobilization induced by low concentrations of cathepsin G. Platelet aggregation and secretion were potentiated in a concentration-dependent manner by neutrophil elastase with maximal responses observable at 200 nM. Enhancement was observed when elastase was preincubated with platelets for time intervals of 10–60 s prior to addition of a low concentration of cathepsin G and required catalytically-active elastase since phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride-inhibited enzyme failed to potentiate cell activation. Neutrophil elastase potentiation of platelet responses induced by low concentrations of cathepsin G was markedly inhibited by creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase and/or indomethacin, indicating that the synergism between elastase and cathepsin G required the participation of ADP and thromboxane A2. On the other hand, platelet responses were not attenuated by the PAF antagonist BN 52021, signifying that PAF-acether did not play a role in elastase potentiation. At higher concentrations porcine pancreatic elastase exhibits similar effects to neutrophil elastase, demonstrating that the effect of elastase was not unique to the neutrophil protease. While neutrophil elastase failed to alter the ability of cathepsin G to hydrolyze a synthetic chromogenic substrate, preincubation of platelets with elastase increased the apparent affinity of cathepsin G binding to platelets. In contrast to their effect on cathepsin G-induced platelet responses, neither neutrophil nor pancreatic elasatse potentiated aggregation or dense granule release initiated by ADP, PAF-acether, arachidonic acid or U46619, a thromboxane A2 mimetic. Moreover, unlike its effect on cathepsin G, neutrophil elastase inhibited thrombin-induced responses. The current observations demonstrate that elastase can potentiate platelet responses mediated by low concentrations of cathepsin G, suggesting that both enzymes may function synergistically to activate platelets under conditions where neutrophil degranulation occurs.


1989 ◽  
Vol 61 (02) ◽  
pp. 254-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret L Rand ◽  
Peter L Gross ◽  
Donna M Jakowec ◽  
Marian A Packham ◽  
J Fraser Mustard

SummaryEthanol, at physiologically tolerable concentrations, inhibits platelet responses to low concentrations of collagen or thrombin, but does not inhibit responses of washed rabbit platelets stimulated with high concentrations of ADP, collagen, or thrombin. However, when platelet responses to high concentrations of collagen or thrombin had been partially inhibited by prostacyclin (PGI2), ethanol had additional inhibitory effects on aggregation and secretion. These effects were also observed with aspirin- treated platelets stimulated with thrombin. Ethanol had no further inhibitory effect on aggregation of platelets stimulated with ADP, or the combination of ADP and epinephrine. Thus, the inhibitory effects of ethanol on platelet responses in the presence of PGI2 were very similar to its inhibitory effects in the absence of PGI2, when platelets were stimulated with lower concentrations of collagen or thrombin. Ethanol did not appear to exert its inhibitory effects by increasing cyclic AMP above basal levels and the additional inhibitory effects of ethanol in the presence of PGI2 did not appear to be brought about by further increases in platelet cyclic AMP levels.


1970 ◽  
Vol 23 (03) ◽  
pp. 601-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Th. B Tschopp

SummaryAggregation of cat platelets in the citrated plasma is examined by means of Born’s absorptiometer. A marked tendency of the platelets of this species to spontaneous aggregation necessitated first of all the development of an improved technique of blood collection.A hypothesis according to which 5-HT is released from the platelets, explains the absence of oscillations on the base line of the absorptiometer, the absence of platelet swelling, when ADP is added, and the effect of stirring on the aggregation curves in cat PRP. The average volume of cat platelets amounts to 10.46 μ3 when directly fixed in the blood, when fixed from PRP to 12.17 μ3, when fixed from stirred PRP to 13.51 μ3.In low concentrations (0.3-2 μM) ADP produce reversible aggregation; in narrowly restricted, individually dissimilar mean concentrations irreversible aggregation in two phases and in high concentrations, irreversible aggregation in one phase. Like ADP serotonin produces 2 phase irreversible aggregation in concentrations of 3-10 μM, but unlike ADP, the aggregation velocity decreases again with high 5-HT concentrations (>100 μM). Adrenaline does not produce aggregation and it is likely that adenosine and adenosine monophosphate inhibit the aggregation by serotonin but not by ADP. Species differences in the aggregation of human, rabbit and cat platelets are discussed.


1971 ◽  
Vol 26 (01) ◽  
pp. 145-166
Author(s):  
E Deutsch ◽  
K Lechner ◽  
K Moser ◽  
L Stockinger

Summary1. The aniline derivative AN 162, Donau Pharmazie, Linz, Austria, has a dual action on the blood coagulation: an anticoagulant and an coagulation enhancing effect.2. The anticoagulant action may only be demonstrated with high concentrations (over 1 X 10”3 M related to plasma) preferentially in PPP. It is partially caused by an inhibition of the endogenous way of generation of the prothrombin converting principle. In addition it is suggested that it interferes with the fibrinogen-fibrin reaction in a manner not yet understood.3. The coagulant action is caused by a greater availability of platelet constituents at low concentrations of AN 162 (over 1 × 10-4 M) and by the induction of a release reaction at higher concentrations. The platelet factors 3 and 4, serotonin, adenine, and acid phosphatase are released.4. AN 162 inhibits platelet aggregation. This inhibition can be demonstrated by the PAT of Breddin and in the stirred aggregation test of Born. It is more effective to inhibit the collagen-induced and the second phase of the adrenaline-induced aggregation than the ADP induced one. The platelet retention (test of Hellem) is also reduced.5. The action of AN 162 on the platelets is caused by a damage of the platelet membrane which becomes permeabel for both, soluble platelet constitutents and granula.6. AN 162 interferes with the energy metabolism of the platelets. It causes a loss of ATP, and inhibits the key-enzymes of glycolysis, citric acid cycle, fatty acid oxydation and glutathione reduction.7. AN 162 inhibits the growth of fibroblasts without influence on mitosis.


1986 ◽  
Vol 55 (01) ◽  
pp. 136-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
K J Kao ◽  
David M Shaut ◽  
Paul A Klein

SummaryThrombospondin (TSP) is a major platelet secretory glycoprotein. Earlier studies of various investigators demonstrated that TSP is the endogenous platelet lectin and is responsible for the hemagglutinating activity expressed on formaldehyde-fixed thrombin-treated platelets. The direct effect of highly purified TSP on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was studied. It was observed that aggregation of gel-filtered platelets induced by low concentrations of thrombin (≤0.05 U/ml) was progressively inhibited by increasing concentrations of exogenous TSP (≥60 μg/ml). However, inhibition of platelet aggregation by TSP was not observed when higher than 0.1 U/ml thrombin was used to activate platelets. To exclude the possibility that TSP inhibits platelet aggregation by affecting thrombin activation of platelets, three different approaches were utilized. First, by using a chromogenic substrate assay it was shown that TSP does not inhibit the proteolytic activity of thrombin. Second, thromboxane B2 synthesis by thrombin-stimulated platelets was not affected by exogenous TSP. Finally, electron microscopy of thrombin-induced platelet aggregates showed that platelets were activated by thrombin regardless of the presence or absence of exogenous TSP. The results indicate that high concentrations of exogenous TSP (≥60 μg/ml) directly interfere with interplatelet recognition among thrombin-activated platelets. This inhibitory effect of TSP can be neutralized by anti-TSP Fab. In addition, anti-TSP Fab directly inhibits platelet aggregation induced by a low (0.02 U/ml) but not by a high (0.1 U/ml) concentration of thrombin. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that TSP is functionally important for platelet aggregation induced by low (≤0.05 U/ml) but not high (≥0.1 U/ml) concentrations of thrombin. High concentrations of exogenous TSP may univalently saturate all its platelet binding sites consequently interfering with TSP-crosslinking of thrombin-activated platelets.


1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 907-914 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Attal ◽  
M. Brigodiot ◽  
P. Camacho ◽  
J. Manem

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the biological phenomena involved in the production of hydrogen sulfide in urban wastewater (UWW) systems. It is found that the UWW itself naturally possesses the biomass needed to consume the sulfates. These heterotrophic sulfate-reducing bacteria populations, though immediately active in strict anaerobic conditions, are present only in very low concentrations in the UWW. A concentration of them was studied within the pressure pipes, in the form of deposits, and this justifies the high concentrations of sulfides measured in certain wastewater networks. There are two reasons why the ferrous sulfate used as a treatment in any wastewater networks should not cause the production of additional sulfides. Firstly, the sulfate consumption kinetics are always too slow, relative to the residence time of the water in the pipe, for all of the sulfates to be consumed anyway. Secondly, the amount of assimilable carbon, soluble carbon, and carbon from suspended solid (SS) hydrolysis is insufficient.


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