Vasopressinergic sexual dimorphism: Sex chromosome complement and organizational hormonal effects.

This study aimed to analyze the role of the sex chromosomes (SCC: XX/XY) and the interaction with organizational hormonal effects on Avp gene expression at the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN) due to water deprivation, as well as on the vasopressinergic sexually dimorphic antidiuretic and pressor responses. For this purpose, we used gonadectomized (GDX) transgenic mice of the "four core genotypes" model, in which the effect of gonadal sex and SCC are dissociated. A significant interaction between treatment and SCC on Avp gene expression at the SON was observed.

On the occurrence of a glutaredoxin-like small protein in the anaerobic protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.

Background: Entamoeba histolytica, an intestinal parasitic protozoan that usually lives and multiplies within the human gut, is the causative agent of amoebiasis. To date, de novo glutathione biosynthesis and its associated enzymes have not been identified in the parasite. Cysteine has been proposed to be the main intracellular thiol.

Biochemical characterization of GAF domain of free-R-methionine sulfoxide reductase from Trypanosoma cruzi.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causal agent of Chagas Disease and is a unicellular parasite that infects a wide variety of mammalian hosts. The parasite exhibits auxotrophy by L-Met; consequently, it must be acquired from the extracellular environment of the host, either mammalian or invertebrate. Methionine (Met) oxidation produces a racemic mixture (R and S forms) of methionine sulfoxide (MetSO).