Thimet oligopeptidase (THOP 1) distribution in cane toad (Bufo Marinus, Linnaeus, 1758) brain.

Thimet oligopeptides (THOP 1) is a metal-dependent peptidase involved in the metabolism of neuropeptides and the presentation of peptides via MHC-1. It has been shown to play a role in the regulation of protein-protein interactions and the metabolism of intracellular peptides. THOP 1 is associated with important biological processes such as metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases, among others.

Drought leads to reproductive quiescence in smooth-billed anis: Phenotypic evidence for opportunistic breeding and reproductive readiness.

Previous studies have suggested that the smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani, Linnaeus, 1758) breeds opportunistically following unpredictable rainfall in drought areas. To obtain proof of this phenomenon, the present study described and compared reproductive morphology and cell proliferation in the gonads of free-living smooth-billed anis during a wet season (April to June 2012) and the following dry season (July to September 2012) in a semiarid area using light and electron microscopy (transmission and scanning) and the AgNOR method. The morphological findings indicated distinct levels of reproductive activity related to seasonal changes.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity of aqueous extracts of Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves in rats.

The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of aqueous extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides leaves. To measure acute toxicity, rats were administered 0, 0.3, 1.

Ectoplacental cone induces resistance to apoptosis in high doses of interferon (IFN)-γ-treated decidual cells.

PROBLEM In this study, we explored the relationship between decidual cells (DC) and interferon (IFN)-γ, in the presence or absence of ectoplacental cone (EC) using a coculture system. METHOD OF STUDY  Decidual cells and EC were isolated from pregnant mice on gestation day 7.5.

Determination of semen characteristics and sperm cell ultrastructure of captive coatis (Nasua nasua) collected by electroejaculation.

Despite the wide geographical distribution of coati (Nasua nasua) from the south of Canada to the north of Argentina, studies regarding the reproductive characteristics of this species are extremely limited. The objective of this study was to describe the various characteristics of coati semen by morphometric and ultrastructural analysis. Five mature males were anesthetized and electroejaculated for the collection of semen.

Drosophila S2 cells produce multiple forms of carboxypeptidase D with different intracellular distributions.

Carboxypeptidase D (CPD) functions in the processing of proteins that transit the secretory pathway, and is present in all vertebrates examined as well as Drosophila. Several forms of CPD mRNA were previously found in Drosophila that resulted from differential splicing of the gene. In the present study, Northern blot, reverse transcriptase PCR, and Western blot analysis showed that each splice variant occurs in a single cell type, the Drosophila-derived Schneider 2 (S2) cell line.

Identification and distribution of mouse carboxypeptidase A-6.

Carboxypeptidase A-6 (CPA6) was recently discovered in the human genome. To gain information regarding the potential function of this novel protein, the mouse homolog of CPA6 was identified using a combination of bioinformatics and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, homologs in rat, chicken, and frog were identified using a bioinformatics approach.

The intracellular distribution and secretion of endopeptidases 24.15 (EC 3.4.24.15) and 24.16 (EC 3.4.24.16).

Endopeptidase 24.15 (EC 3.4.

Effect of voluntary exercise on genetically obese Cpefat/fat mice: quantitative proteomics of serum.

Objective: To compare the effect of voluntary exercise on body weight, food consumption, and levels of serum proteins between wild-type and carboxypeptidase E-deficient (Cpefat/fat) mice.

Research Methods And Procedures: Study 1 consisted of three groups of female mice: Cpefat/fat mice with continuous access to exercise wheels for 3 weeks (n = 4); wild-type C57BKS mice with access to exercise wheels for 3 weeks (n = 4); and sedentary Cpefat/fat mice (n = 3). Activity, body weight, and food consumption were monitored for this period and a subsequent 9-week period without exercise wheels.

Localization of EP24.15, a major liver kininase.

The liver is important for the kallikrein-kinin system modulation. This system plays a role in the inflammatory cascade with anticoagulant, profibrinolytic, and anti-adhesive attributes. The metalloendopeptidase EP24.