Effect of hypoxia on the circulating levels of essential mineral elements in rats

Changes occurring in concentrations of certain trace metals and electrolytes viz. chromium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, magenesium and chloride in plasma of rats exposed to intermittent hypobaric hypoxia were evaluated. Batches of Sprague-Dowley rats (12 in each group) were exposed for 1, 7,14 and 21 days to a simulated altitude 7,620 m for 6 h per day and one group of unexposed animals was kept as control. There was a significant rise of 153% in plasma chromium levels of 1 day exposed group in comparison to the unexposed group which tends to normalise on subsequent exposure. There was a gradual increase in plasma copper levels of 9.0, 28.2, 62.6 and 65.6% respectively in 1,7,14 and 21 days exposed rats in comparison to unexposed rats. On the other hand plasma zinc levels were seen to be decreasing during entire exposure. Plasma sodium levels decreased initially in 1 and 7 day exposed rats and increased in later groups whereas plasma potassium levels of exposed groups remained low in comparison to unexposed group. Chloride levels were found to be elevated in 14 and 21 day exposed groups. The plasma calcium and magnesium levels were higher in all exposed groups over unexposed groups. Changes in chromium, copper and zinc observed in the present study during exposure to hypoxic stress may be responsible for the hyperglycemia and anorexia encountered during intial phase of high altitude acclimatisation.     

The Nutrient Status of Some Graminaceous Species in Britain. 1. Molinia Caerulea (L.) Moench

Above-ground biomass biomass of Molinia caerulea from 36 sites throughout Britain was analysed for concentrations of elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Na), with matching analyses of soil nutrients, together with pH and LOI. Between-year and seasonal variation in the nutrients was also studied at one of the sites. the grass was found on acid sites ranging between pH 3.1 and 5.8. the soil humus content varied widely, and there were significant correlations between that and elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na) in the soil. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, zinc and manganese in the plant material were significantly correlated with extractable levels in the soils. Between year variation in the plant nutrient concentrations at one site was of a similar order to variation between the sites. Generally there was less variation in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium tissue levels than in calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper. Iron and sodium were the most variable. Tissue concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and copper declined throughout the growing season, whereas magnesium, calcium and iron built up until August/September after which a decline set in as the leaves senesced. the results are discussed in relation to the importance of standardizing the time of sampling, in comparison with concentrations of tissue levels in other plants and the growth strategy of this deciduous grass.     

Influence of electromagentic field exposure on serum glucose and cortisol levels in Guinea pigs

Studies showed significant disturbances of electromagnetic fields on metabolism of carbohydrate, lipid, proteins, as well as enzyme activities. In this investigation, the effect of whole-body magnetic field (MF) on glucose and cortisol levels was studied on 30 adult male Guinea pigs. Guinea pigs were exposed to sinusoidal 5 Hz, 0.015 µT and 50 Hz, 0.21 µT MF for 2 and 4 h per day over a 7-day period. Blood samples were taken, and serum glucose was measured by an auto analyzer, and cortisol by radioimmunoassay. The results showed significant decreased serum glucose and cortisol levels in 50 Hz, 0.21 µT MF after 2 or 4 h exposure. A greater decrease was noted in exposure after 2 or 4 h with 50 Hz, 0.21 μT compared to 5 Hz, 0.015 μT MF in all samples. The results indicated a direct relation between MF exposure, serum glucose, and cortisol levels.     

The Nutrient Status of Some Graminaceous Species in Britain. 1. Molinia Caerulea (L.) Moench

Above-ground biomass biomass of Molinia caerulea from 36 sites throughout Britain was analysed for concentrations of elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Na), with matching analyses of soil nutrients, together with pH and LOI. Between-year and seasonal variation in the nutrients was also studied at one of the sites. the grass was found on acid sites ranging between pH 3.1 and 5.8. the soil humus content varied widely, and there were significant correlations between that and elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na) in the soil. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, zinc and manganese in the plant material were significantly correlated with extractable levels in the soils. Between year variation in the plant nutrient concentrations at one site was of a similar order to variation between the sites. Generally there was less variation in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium tissue levels than in calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper. Iron and sodium were the most variable. Tissue concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and copper declined throughout the growing season, whereas magnesium, calcium and iron built up until August/September after which a decline set in as the leaves senesced. the results are discussed in relation to the importance of standardizing the time of sampling, in comparison with concentrations of tissue levels in other plants and the growth strategy of this deciduous grass.     

镉在鲤鱼组织内的蓄积及对血浆指标的影响

随着工业的迅速发展,水环境中的镉污染日趋严重,镉的蓄积性强,毒性高。为了进一步研究镉在鱼类不同组织内的蓄积及其对血浆指标的影响,以鲤鱼(Cyprinus carpio)为受试生物,设置3个浓度梯度,镉浓度分别为0(对照组)、5和50μg·L-1,试验周期为30d。结果显示,随着暴露时间的延长,染毒组鲤鱼鳃、肝胰脏和肾脏中镉蓄积量与对照组相比均显著升高(p<0.05),其中肾脏蓄积量最大,其次为肝胰脏和鳃,且50 μg·L-1染毒组各组织镉蓄积量显著高于5 μg·L-1染毒组(p<0.05);30d时,5和50 μg·L-1染毒组鳃、肝胰脏和肾脏中镉蓄积量分别为对照组的12.3和43.5倍、5.1和27.3倍、11.9和70.8倍;鲤鱼肌肉中仅检测到微量镉(0.02～0.04mg·kg-1),且暴露时间和镉暴露浓度不影响肌肉中镉的蓄积量。整个试验期间,各染毒组血浆中钙和磷含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量和谷草转氨酶(GOT)活性与对照组相比无显著差异(p>0.05)。研究表明,不同程度的水体镉污染均能造成鲤鱼各组织(肌肉除外)内较高浓度的镉蓄积,但对血浆指标无显著影响。     

Biochemical responses of the striped mullet Mugil cephalus to oil exposure I. Acute responses—Interrenal activations and secondary stress responses

Acute single exposures to the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of a No. 2 fuel oil influences several biochemical parameters in juveniles of Mugil cephalus Linnaeus. Plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations were measured at 1 and 3 h after exposure to 1, 5, 10 or 20% WSF. No elevation of plasma cortisol or glucose levels occurred in fish exposed to the lowest concentration of oil, whereas a dose-response relationship was observed at higher doses. The dynamics of plasma corticosteroid, glucose and cholesterol concentrations and osmolality as well as accumulation of naphthalenes in the fish tissues were monitored during exposure to 20% WSF. Circulating cortisol concentrations rose rapidly to 5 times normal values 1h after exposure to oil and subsequently declined to control levels 6 h after oil addition. A smaller secondary rise occurred at 12 h, but cortisol had returned to basal levels 12 h later. In contrast, plasma glucose, cholesterol and osmolality rose more slowly to reach maximum values between 3 and 4 h after oil addition. By 24 h plasma cholesterol and osmolality had returned to normal values whereas the hyperglycemia persisted. However, 72 h after the addition of WSF all biochemical parameters had returned to control levels. At this time considerable accumulation of total naphthalenes had occurred in several fish tissues, whilst the concentration of total naphthalenes in the exposure tanks had declined to background levels. When freshly prepared 20% WSF was added to the exposure tanks during this period, all biochemical parameters were again elevated. The results suggest that the volatile components of fuel oil in the water trigger the biochemical changes described in a dosedependent manner. The possible ecological significance of these changes and the potential use of these parameters as sublethal indicators of environmental contamination are discussed.     

Changes in nutritive value of fish, Channa punctatus after chronic exposure to zinc

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the effects of sublethal concentrations of zinc (0.1 and 0.2 mgl(-1)) on the nutritional value of fish Channa punctatus after exposure for 135 days. The parameters studied were, levels of total proteins, glycogen, total lipids, cholesterol and vitamins (A and D) in the muscle. Total proteins, glycogen, total lipids and vitamin D show highly significant decline from day 90 to 135, while cholesterol and vitamin A, show no significant changes upto 105 days. This study signifies a drastic reduction in the nutritive value of fish, which is compounded by the fact that under natural conditions fish are exposed to these levels of zinc for prolonged periods.     

The Influence of Potassium and Phosphorus in Predisposition of Tomato to Verticillium Wilt

The effects of varying the concentration of phosphorus and potassium independently in the growing medium of pot-grown tomato plants on their subsequent susceptibility in normal medium to vascular wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb. were studied. The degree of host invasion was measured by estimating the chitin component of diseased tissue. Different levels of potassium had little effect on the degree of invasion of inoculated stems, but this was considerably enhanced in plants raised in the absence of phosphorus. Root inoculated plants were particularly resistant when raised in nutrients totally lacking in potassium, and very susceptible when raised in the absence of phosphorus.     

Hematology and Some Biochemical Parameters of Wild Rodents in Pistachio Gardens of Kerman Province, Southeast Iran

Wild rodents were collected using live snap traps in pistachio gardens of Kerman Province, Southeast Iran from 2007 to 2009, then some physiological parameters of them were measured. The samples were identified as follow: Nesokia indica, Meriones persicus, Meriones lybicus and Tatera indica. Blood samples were obtained from the heart, then the blood parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, HDL, red and white blood cell number) in wild species of rodents and laboratory rat were compared. The results showed that there were no significant differences in serum glucose, triglyceride, HDL and total protein levels among different experimental groups. The concentration of cholesterol in T. indica was more than that in N. indica (P < 0.01). The total numbers of red blood cells also showed significant difference between wild garden rodent species and laboratory rat (P < 0.01), while the numbers of white blood cells showed no significant difference.     

Zinc phosphate granules in tissue surrounding the midgut of the barnacle Balanus balanoides

The chemical composition of inorganic granules found in parenchyma cells surrounding the midgut of adult Balanus balanoides (L.) was determined. X-ray microanalysis indicated the presence of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc in the granules. A quantitative analysis of granule-rich pellets isolated from the midguts of adult barnacles showed that the granules were composed mainly of zinc phosphate, the remaining elements being minor constituents only.     

镉对籽粒苋耐性生理及营养元素吸收积累的影响

初步阐明了镉对籽粒苋耐性生理及营养元素吸收积累的影响,为进一步揭示籽粒苋的镉耐性与镉富集机理奠定了基础。通过对生物量的监测,对叶绿素、蛋白质、游离氨基酸、大量元素及微量元素等的含量的测定,阐明镉胁迫对籽粒苋生长生理、抗胁迫耐性、营养元素吸收分配的影响。研究结果显示,镉胁迫对籽粒苋的生长抑制作用不明显,植株生物量随着镉浓度的提高而轻微降低。随着镉处理浓度的提高,叶绿素含量下降幅度显著;蛋白质和游离氨基酸含量变化幅度不明显;钾含量无大幅变化;镉、磷、钙、镁、锌、铁、锰、铜含量变化幅度较显著。镉、钾、磷、锰的迁移系数随着镉处理浓度的提高无显著变化;钙的迁移系数呈上升趋势;镁、锌、铁、铜的迁移系数均呈下降趋势。这些结果表明：镉胁迫降低籽粒苋叶绿素含量,抑制植株光合作用,继而抑制了植株的生长,但其程度不明显;镉胁迫条件启动活性氧防御机制;引起植株体内部分养分代谢紊乱。结论：低浓度镉处理条件下,籽粒苋受镉离子影响,抗氧化能力下降。在高浓度镉处理条件下,籽粒苋调节了营养元素的吸收和分配,启动了一系列活性氧防御机制,提高了抗胁迫能力。     

Responses of the Indian major carp Labeo rohita to deltamethrin at acute and sublethal concentrations

The effects of deltamethrin at acute and sublethal concentrations on some hematological and biochemical profiles in the Indian major carp Labeo rohita have been examined. The lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of deltamethrin for 24 and 96 h were found to be 0.44 and 0.38 mg L^?1, respectively. During acute treatment (24 h), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), mean cellular volume (MCV), mean cellular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values were significantly increased compared to control group. Plasma glucose, protein, cholesterol, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, and glycogen in gill and muscle were significantly decreased. Upon sublethal treatment (0.044 mg L^?1, 10th of 24 h LC₅₀), RBC and the biochemical parameters, except glucose and cholesterol, decreased significantly, while MCV, MCH, and MCHC values increased up to the 28th day and then declined. Cholesterol level was significantly increased throughout the study period. A biphasic response in the levels of Hb, Hct, WBC, and glucose were observed during sublethal treatment.     

施肥对小白菜产量和品质的影响

为研究安全的蔬菜施肥技术，通过不同质地土壤的田间试验，研究不同氮、钾质量配比对小白菜产量和品质的影响。结果表明，在固定施磷水平的基础上，在不同质地的土壤上，小白菜对氮、钾质量配比有不同的效应，氮、钾合理配施可使蔬菜高产优质；所施氮的形态，对小白菜硝酸盐含量有显著的影响。     

Analysis of blood chemistry and flow cytometry of gonadal cell cycle during reproductive cycle of Anabas testudineus

The population of climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, an important food fish in India, is presently under threat and has been declared endangered. A narrow range of environmental conditions for successful reproduction of the species was previously ascertained in breeding experiments. In this study, the role of physiological parameters including plasma glucose, total protein, cholesterol, and glycogen content in liver and ovary were determined with respect to the reproductive cycling stages. Flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle of ovary and testis in relation to reproductive cycle was also analyzed. In both the sexes, plasma glucose and plasma protein changed significantly during breeding cycle. Plasma cholesterol levels were reduced markedly during spawning. Liver and ovarian glycogen levels showed significant variation during reproductive cycling. Flow cytometric study revealed that the hypoploid and synthesis phase were altered significantly with breeding cycle in ovarian and testicular cells. Data indicate that the biochemical parameters indicative of the fish reproduction capacity are influenced by environmental conditions. Thus, climatic changes may therefore potentially induce biochemical alterations that may exert detrimental effects on fish reproduction and subsequent population decline.     

The renal and serum concentrations of calcium,magnesium and phosphorus in captive and wild turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) reared in captivity suffer a hepato-renal syndrome, one of the characteristics of which is, on the basis of histological evidence, calcification of the renal tubules. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus were therefore compared in the kidney, the serum, and ultrafiltrates of the serum of wild turbot and of turbot reared in captivity at two separate sites. No differences in renal calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels were found. Renal calcium levels were normal, being comparable to those found in other marine and freshwater fish. Serum from wild turbot contained significantly higher concentrations of both total and ultrafilterable magnesium than did serum from turbot reared in captivity. Less of the serum calcium of wild turbot was ultrafilterable than was the serum calcium of captive turbot. No other differences in serum levels of these elements were found between wild and captive turbot. The analyses do not suggest any relationship, either causal or indirect, between the hepato-renal syndrome and a disturbance of calcium/magnesium metabolism.     

Sub-lethal toxic effects of deltamethrin on blood biochemical parameters of Japanese quail,Coturnix japonica

Feeding deltamethrin-contaminated grains to domestic poultry, such as quails may result in toxic effects in these birds. This study was done to investigate the effects of recommended doses of deltamethrin, sometimes used in grain storage silos, on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Quails were fed grains contaminated with 0.25 and 0.50 mg deltamethrin per kg diet for 21 days and the effects on survival and blood biochemical parameters were studied. Plasma uric acid, creatinine levels, and creatinine phosphokinase activity in the blood were increased. Aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and glucose levels significantly increased in birds treated with the high dose of deltamethrin. Alanine aminotransferase activity and albumin or cholesterol levels were not changed, and acetylcholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase activities, total protein and globulin in plasma were decreased. Administration of 0.25 mg/kg deltamethrin caused increased blood triglyceride levels, 0.50 mg/kg deltamethrin decreased triglyceride levels.     

Phosphatase activity in Eutrophic Tokyo Bay

Alkaline phosphatase activity in seawater samples taken from Tokyo Bay was measured by both spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods. A stratified distribution pattern of the enzyme was observed in August, a vertically mixed pattern in December. The distribution of phosphatase activity in the eutrophic seawater was paralleled by variations in other parameters, such as viable counts of bacteria, chlorophyll a content, inorganic and total phosphorus concentrations, amounts of seston, particulate deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) and protein. A significant correlation between phosphatase activity and these measurements indicated that the enzyme was a good indicator of the degree of eutrophication. The positive relationship between phosphatase and inorganic phosphorus indicates that enzyme activity was not inhibited at inorganic phosphorus levels present in the bay and that production of phosphatase by microorganisms inhabiting the bay was not repressed at the inorganic phosphorus levels in the bay. Culture experiments revealed that the formation of repressible phosphatase by bacteria isolated from the bay was not affected by the inorganic phosphorus levels in the bay.     

高锰酸钾对中国花鲈的毒性效应

为给中国花鲈(Lateolabrax rnaculatus)养殖的病害防治提供理论数据,研究了高锰酸钾对中国花鲈鱼苗和幼鱼急性毒性,检测了暴露于不同质量浓度高锰酸钾中,幼鱼肝脏的谷胱甘肽(GSH)和丙二醛(MDA)含量以及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、谷丙转氨酶(GPT)和谷草转氨酶(GOT)活力.结...     

Prevalence of plasmid mediated pesticide resistant bacterial assemblages in crop fields

Three crop fields namely paddy sugarcane and tomato exposed to bavistin [Methyl (1H-benzimidazol-2-yl) carbomate], monocrotophos[Dimethyl(E)-1-methyl-2-(methyl-carbamoyl) vinyl phosphate] and kinado plus [(EZ)-2-chloro-3-dimethoxyphosphinoyloxy-X1, X1-diethylbut-2-enamide], respectively were chosen for the present investigation to know the bacterial population and degradation of pesticides. The chemical nature of the soil and water samples from the pesticide contaminated fields was analysed along with counting of the total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), Staphylococci and Enterococcci population. Mean calcium, phosphate and biological oxygen demand were maximum in tomato field water Field water recorded maximum phophate and silicate content, whereas, sugarcane field water elicited maximum dissolved oxygen content. On the other hand, available phosphate and exchangeable potassium were maximum is sugarcane field soil. Significant variations in the bacterial population were evident between the treatments in sugarcane field soil and tomato field water exposed to monocrotophos and kinado plus, respectively In addition, significant variations between THB, Staphlyococci and Enterococci population were also evinced in both the sugarcane andtomato fields. The dominant pesticide resistant bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa harboured plasmids and the resistant trait observed were found to be plasmid borne.     

Effects of the level of dietary protein on the toxicity of hexachlorocyclohexane in rats

Male albino rats were fed for 28 days from weaning on diets containing 5% (group 1), 10% (group 2) and 21% (group 3, normal protein) protein as casein. At the end of dietary period, HCH was administered daily for 30 days to investigate the interaction between protein deficiency and pesticide toxicity. The results indicated that rats fed a lower protein diet and HCH had a higher mortality, lower rate of growth, increased liver weight and deposition of the pesticide in blood and tissues in larger amounts. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) was significantly increased and the heart rate showed tachycardia in low protein exposed animals. A significant increase of total lipids, cholesterol, triglycirides, free fatty acids in serum and tissues of animals exposed to low protein was observed. A close correlation existed between lipid accumulation and storage of HCH in tissues and dietary protein seemed to play an important role in detoxification.