scholarly journals Functional Significance of Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigens in the Development of Preimplantation Embryos

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (113) ◽  
pp. 131-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohko U. Katagiri ◽  
Ban Sato ◽  
Kenji Miyado ◽  
Hidenori Akutsu ◽  
Hajime Okita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Significance ◽  
Preimplantation Embryos ◽  
Embryonic Antigens

Serotonin localization and its functional significance during mouse preimplantation embryo development

Zygote ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Il'ková ◽  
Pavol Rehák ◽  
Jarmila Veselá ◽  
štefan Čikoš ◽  
Dušan Fabian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Functional Significance ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Embryo Cell ◽  
Preimplantation Embryos ◽  
Preimplantation Embryo Development ◽  
Receptor Mrna ◽  
Mouse Oocytes ◽  
Mouse Embryo Development

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter functioning also as a hormone and growth factor. To further investigate the biological role of serotonin during embryo development, we analysed serotonin localization as well as the expression of specific serotonin 5-HT1D receptor mRNA in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos. The functional significance of serotonin during the preimplantation period was examined by studying the effects of serotonin on mouse embryo development. Embryo exposure to serotonin (1 μM) highly significantly reduced the mean cell number, whereas lower concentrations of serotonin (0.1 μM and 0.01 μM) had no significant effects on embryo cell numbers. In all serotonin-treated groups a significant increase in the number of embryos with apoptotic and secondary necrotic nuclei was observed. Expression of serotonin 5-HT1D receptor mRNA in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos was confirmed by in situ hybridization showing a clearly distinct punctate signal. Immunocytochemistry results revealed the localization of serotonin in oocytes and embryos to the blastocyst stage as diffuse punctate cytoplasmic labelling. It appears that endogenous and/or exogenous serotonin in preimplantation embryos could be involved in complex autocrine/paracrine regulations of embryo development and embryo-maternal interactions.

Functional significance of preserved color patterns of mollusks from the Gosport Sand (Eocene) of Alabama

1988 ◽  
Vol 62 (01) ◽  
pp. 83-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia H. Kelley ◽  
Charles T. Swann
Keyword(s):  
Functional Morphology ◽  
Functional Significance ◽  
Intraspecific Variability ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Color Patterns ◽  
Historical Factors ◽  
Life Mode ◽  
Molluscan Fauna ◽  
Excellent Preservation ◽  
Architectural Constraints

The excellent preservation of the molluscan fauna from the Gosport Sand (Eocene) at Little Stave Creek, Alabama, has made it possible to describe the preserved color patterns of 15 species. In this study the functional significance of these color patterns is tested in the context of the current adaptationist controversy. The pigment of the color pattern is thought to be a result of metabolic waste disposal. Therefore, the presence of the pigment is functional, although the patterns formed by the pigment may or may not have been adaptive. In this investigation the criteria proposed by Seilacher (1972) for testing the functionality of color patterns were applied to the Gosport fauna and the results compared with life mode as interpreted from knowledge of extant relatives and functional morphology. Using Seilacher's criteria of little ontogenetic and intraspecific variability, the color patterns appear to have been functional. However, the functional morphology studies indicate an infaunal life mode which would preclude functional color patterns. Particular color patterns are instead interpreted to be the result of historical factors, such as multiple adaptive peaks or random fixation of alleles, or of architectural constraints including possibly pleiotropy or allometry. The low variability of color patterns, which was noted within species and genera, suggests that color patterns may also serve a useful taxonomic purpose.

Complex Vesicles, Microtubules, and Cytoplasmic Filaments in the Endothelial Cells of Normal Dog Aorta

1968 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 172-173
Author(s):  
C. N. Sun ◽  
J. J. Ghidoni
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Functional Significance ◽  
Tubular Structures ◽  
Aldehyde Fixation ◽  
Cytoplasmic Filaments

Endothelial cells in longitudinal and cross sections of aortas from 3 randomly selected “normal” mongrel dogs were studied by electron microscopy. Segments of aorta were distended with cold cacodylate buffered 5% glutaraldehyde for 10 minutes prior to being cut into small, well oriented tissue blocks. After an additional 1-1/2 hour period in glutaraldehyde, the tissue blocks were well rinsed in buffer and post-fixed in OsO4. After dehydration they were embedded in a mixture of Maraglas, D.E.R. 732, and DDSA.Aldehyde fixation preserves the filamentous and tubular structures (300 Å and less) for adequate demonstration and study. The functional significance of filaments and microtubules has been recently discussed by Buckley and Porter; the precise roles of these cytoplasmic components remains problematic. Endothelial cells in canine aortas contained an abundance of both types of structures.

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