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Results for “Struthioniformes”

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PubMed2002

Mechanical behavior of chemically treated ostrich pericardium subjected to uniaxial tensile testing: influence of the suture.

The mechanical behavior of sutured ostrich pericardium was studied by uniaxial tensile testing. One hundred forty-four tissue specimens were assessed: 96 sutured samples (48 in which a centrally located suture was placed at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis, whereas in the remaining 48, a centrally located suture was placed at a 45 degrees angle to the longitudinal axis, in sets of 12 samples each, sewn with sutures made of Gore-Tex, nylon, Prolene, or silk), and 48 unsutured controls. Each group of 24 samples sewn at one angle or the other with the different suture materials was assayed together with a corresponding control group of 12 unsutured samples. The mean tensile strengths in the unsutured controls ranged between 30.16 MPa and 43.42 MPa, whereas those of the sutured sets ranged from 14.68 MPa to 21.91 MPa. The latter presented a statistically significant loss of resistance (p < 0.01) when compared with the unsutured tissue samples. The angle of the suture with respect to the longitudinal axis influenced the degree of shear stress produced by the suture, as well as the behavior of the different suture materials used. The set of samples sewn with Prolene appeared to be that most sensitive to changes in the angle of the suture, whereas tissue sewn at a 45 degrees angle with Gore-Tex presented lower shear stress values in comparison with samples in which the other three materials were used. A method of tissue selection based on morphological and mechanical criteria was used to ensure the homogeneity of the results in such a way that the coefficients of determination (R2) for the stress/strain curve fitting equation ranged between 0.888 and 0.995. This excellent fit made it possible, applying regression analysis, to predict the mechanical behavior of a specimen by determining that of a contiguous tissue sample. Thus, it should be possible, at least theoretically, to characterize the behavior of a specific region or zone of the biomaterial. In conclusion, ostrich pericardium exhibits strong resistance to rupture, even when sutured. The selection method used ensures the homogeneity of the samples and, thus, of the results. The angle of the suture with respect to the longitudinal axis, where the load is centered, determines the shear stress produced by the suture and the mechanical behavior of each suture material.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Resistance to tearing of calf and ostrich pericardium: Influence of the type of suture material and the direction of the suture line.

The tearing of the valve leaflet of a cardiac bioprosthesis can cause early failure of this device, which is employed to replace a diseased native valve. This report involves the study of the behavior of 312 tissue samples (152 of calf pericardium and 160 of ostrich pericardium) treated with glutaraldehyde and subsequently subjected to tear testing. The samples were cut in the two principal directions: longitudinally, or root to apex, and transversely. They included a series of control samples that were left unsutured, and the remaining samples were repaired with the use of two different suture techniques: a running suture in the direction of the load and a telescoping suture perpendicular to the load. Four commercially available suture materials were employed: Pronova, nylon, Gore-Tex, or silk. The unsutured control samples of both types of pericardium exhibited a similar anisotropic behavior in the tear test. The mean resistance to tearing of the calf pericardium was 24.29 kN m in samples cut longitudinally and 34.78 kN m in those cut transversely (p =.03); the values were 28.08 kN m and 37.12 kN m (p =.002), respectively, in ostrich pericardium. The series repaired with the telescoping suture always exhibited greater resistance to tearing, with values that ranged between 44.34 and 64.27 kN for the samples of calf pericardium and from 41.65 to 47.65 kN for those obtained from ostrich. These assays confirm the anisotropic behavior of calf and ostrich pericardium treated with glutaraldehyde when subjected to tear testing, as well as the loss of this behavior in ostrich pericardium after suturing. Suturing techniques, such as the telescoping model, that provide a greater resistance to tearing should be studied for use in the design of the valve leaflets of cardiac bioprostheses made of biological materials.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Mechanical resistance of a new biomaterial, ostrich pericardium, and a new method of joining tissues combining suturing and a biological adhesive.

We studied the mechanical behavior in response to tensile stress of samples of ostrich pericardium bonded with a cyanoacrylate glue or sewn with a rectangular, overlapping suture that was subsequently sealed with the same bioadhesive. Seventy-two trials were performed in three series of 24 samples each: series AG, glued with an overlap of 1 cm2; series ASG, sewn with a rectangular, overlapping suture and sealed; and series AC, control samples that were left intact. The mean stress at rupture in series AG (glued) was 0.1 MPa, much lower than the working stress of a human valve leaflet, which is approximately 0.25 MPa. In the control series, this stress was 26.28 MPa. At rupture in series ASG (sutured/glued), the suture material was being subjected to a stress of 64.91 MPa, thus confirming the existence of an interaction between the suture and the shear stress exerted by the suture on the samples of pericardium. In series ASG, the mean value for the resistance to rupture when measured in machine kg was 8.83 kg, lower than but similar to that recorded in the control series AC (10.26 kg). The percentages of reversible deformation, or elongation, once the samples were torn were similar in series AC (19.15%) and ASG (21.93%). This phenomenon can only be explained by the damage to the collagen fibers in the area around the rupture, while other more distant regions work at a lower load within the elastic limit. We conclude that cyanocrylate adhesives alone are not suitable as bonding materials in cardiac bioprostheses. The results with the rectangular, overlapping suture, when subsequently sealed with an adhesive, can be considered good because, although this approach does not impede shear stress, it does maintain an excellent degree of resistance to rupture of the samples thus joined. We stress the need to take into account the concentration of the load in the design of bioprostheses.

Adhesives↗

PubMed2006

Determination of the force necessary for the propagation of tears in ostrich and calf pericardium.

The durability of prosthetic heart valve leaflets made of biological materials is limited. A tear in the biomaterial accelerates their early failure, but microtearing of the collagen fibers may be responsible for their medium-term failure. We studied the force necessary to propagate tearing in two biomaterials: ostrich and calf pericardium. One hundred twenty samples of each tissue were tested in an Elmendorf pendulum capable of measuring the force required to tear a tissue in which a predefined slit had been made. The forces required to produce tears, ranging between 2.5 and 0.25 cm in length, were determined. For ostrich pericardium, this force ranged between 67.67 and 4.80 newton, while that required to tear the same lengths of calf pericardium ranged between 70.67 and 4.70 newton. The function that relates the tearing force to the length of the tear was expressed as follows: y = 20.62x + 1.77x(2) (R(2) = 0.923) for ostrich pericardium and y = 45.57x - 7.21x(2) (R(2) = 0.936) for calf pericardium, where y is the force in newton and x is the length in centimeter. Calf pericardium was found to have a greater resistance to tearing. However, these results should be interpreted with caution owing to the fact that the thickness of the majority of the samples of ostrich pericardium was significantly less than that of calf pericardium. A more careful selection and utilization of adult ostrich pericardium would probably improve these results.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Immunohistochemical localization of S100-like protein in non-mammalian kidney.

The immunolocalization of S100-like protein was investigated in the kidney of saltwater fishes (Dicentrarchus labrax; Coris julis; Serranus cabrilla; Scorpaena porcus), amphibia (Rana aesculenta), reptiles (Lacerta viridis), and aves (Gallus domesticus; Strutio camelus). S100-like immunoreactivity was detected in the juxtaglomerular cells of all saltwater fishes studied. No immunoreactivity was observed in other tracts of the nephron or in the interstitial tissue. In frog kidney, S100-like immunoreactive cells were localized in the proximal tubule, singly distributed or placed side by side in clusters of two or three cells. S100-like immunoreactive cells were distributed in the distal and in the collecting tubules in lizard, chicken, and ostrich kidney. In the distal tubule of lizard kidney, S100-like immunoreactive cells were numerous and uniformly distributed. In lizard collecting tubules, S100-like immunoreactive cells showed less intense immunoreactivity than in the distal tubule, except for a cluster of cells at the junction with the initial collecting duct. In chicken and ostrich kidney, S100-like immunoreactive cells of the distal tubules were closely packed together. In the collecting tubules, S100-like immunoreactive cells were alternate to negative cells. These results indicate the high conservation degree of S100 proteins through phylogenesis and suggest a functional role for these proteins in the vertebrate kidney.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Distribution of neurotrophin and TrK receptor-like immunoreactivity in the adrenal gland of birds.

The occurrence and localization of neurotrophins and their specific TrK receptor-like proteins in the adrenal gland of chicken, duck and ostrich were examined by immunohistochemical methods. In all species studied NGF-, TrK A- and TrK C-like immunoreactivity was observed in neurons and fibers of adrenal ganglia. Thin TrK A- and TrK C-like immunoreactive fibers were also observed among chromaffin cells. NT-3-like immunoreactivity was detected in chromaffin cells as revealed by the double immunolabelings NT-3/chromogranin A and NT-3/DbetaH. The interrenal tissue never showed IR to any neurotrophins and TrK tested, and none of the adrenal structures displayed immunoreactivity to BDNF and TrK B. Double immunolabelings NGF/TrK A, NGF/TrK C and TrK A/TrK C showed colocalization in some neurons and fibers in adrenal ganglia. In adrenal glands of the species studied, the distribution of neurotrophins and TrK receptors could suggest an involvement of NT-3 on neuronal populations innervating adrenal ganglia by means of its high affinity receptor TrK C and low affinity receptor TrK A. In addition, NGF could be utilized by neuronal populations of adrenal ganglia through its preferential receptor TrK A by an autocrine or paracrine modality of action.

Adrenal Glands↗

PubMed2002

Pentadactyl pattern of the avian wing autopodium and pyramid reduction hypothesis.

We report herein that a pentadactyl developmental pattern is evident in early wing morphogenesis of Gallus (chicken) and Struthio (ostrich). Five avascular zones (spatially predestined locations of contiguous metacarpal and phalangeal aggregation) and four interdigital vascular spaces are established by the regression patterns of autopodial vasculature. Transient vestiges of the first and fifth metacarpals are confirmed histologically and histochemically. They lie within the preaxial-most and postaxial-most avascular zones, respectively. These observations reveal conservative patterning of the avian hand and corroborate a II-III-IV metacarpal interpretation, argue for II-III-IV identity of ossified digits in birds, and favour a simple reduction rather than a homeotic shift in terms of the phenotype expressed by Hox genes in the phylogeny of the avian manus. We suggest that gradual, bilateral reduction of phalanges and metacarpals, via apoptosis mediated by BMP, occurred during the evolution of birds (Pyramid Reduction Hypothesis). This is congruent with the establishment of a central wing axis that became co-opted for coordinated movements. On the basis of evidence presented here, the direct avian ancestor is predicted to have been five-fingered with dominant digits (+ metacarpals) as follow: II, III, IV.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Homologies of the transversospinalis muscles in the anterior presacral region of Sauria (crown Diapsida).

Homologies of muscles of the m. transversospinalis group in the dorsal and cervical regions in Sauria are established based on detailed dissections and published accounts of lepidosaurs, crocodylians, and birds. Attachments and directions of tendons comprising this muscle group are fairly conserved among the saurian clades, enabling rather robust inferences on muscle homologies. The innervation pattern indicates that mm. ascendentes are the most lateral muscles of the m. transversospinalis group in Aves, and are inferred to be homologous with the crocodylian m. tendinoarticularis based on their topological similarities. It is suggested here that the lepidosaurian articulo-parietalis part of m. longissimus cervico-capitis actually belongs to the m. transversospinalis group because its tendons of origin are shared with those of m. semispinalis. The avian m. complexus and the lateral part of the crocodylian m. transversospinalis capitis have origins and insertions similar to this lepidosaurian muscle, and are proposed to be homologous with the latter. In some birds, m. longus colli dorsalis, pars profunda continues directly into the anterior cervical region as m. splenius accessorius, suggesting a serially homologous relationship. Similarly, m. splenius anticus continues anteriorly from m. longus colli dorsalis, pars cranialis, and both of these muscles lie dorsal to m. splenius accessorius. Therefore, the currently used nomenclature that regards m. splenius accessorius as a part of m. longus colli dorsalis, pars cranialis and that regards m. splenius anticus as a part of the former muscle does not accurately reflect the serial homologies among these muscles and may not be justified.

Alligators and Crocodiles↗

PubMed2002

The hand of birds revealed by early ostrich embryos.

The problem of resolving the homology of the digits of the avian hand has been framed as a conflict between paleontological and embryological evidence, the former thought to support a hand composed of digits I, II, III, because of similarity of the phalangeal formulae of the earliest known bird Archaeopteryx to that of Mesozoic pentadactyl archosaurs, while embryological evidence has traditionally favored a II, III, IV avian hand. We have identified the critical developmental period for the major features of the avian skeleton in a primitive bird, the ostrich. Analysis of digit anlagen in the avian hand has revealed those for digits/metacarpals I and V, thus confirming previous embryological studies that indirectly suggested that the avian hand comprises digits II, III, IV, and was primitively pentadactyl. The identity of the digits of the avian tridactyl hand was first addressed in 1821 and has been hotly debated since then (Meckel 1821; Holmgren 1955). Early avian embryos have three central digital condensations and a condensation for a reduced digit/metacarpal V which disappears late in development; typically a condensation for digit/metacarpal I is absent. By incubating, preparing and comparing bracketed embryos of a paleognathous bird, the ostrich, we identified the critical period for digital anlagen, providing the first direct and demonstrable evidence to support previous embryological studies that implied that the avian hand comprises digits II, III, IV (Burke and Feduccia 1997; Hinchliffe 1997). A deep split between neognathous and paleognathous birds is evidenced by Lower Cretaceous fossils of the paleognaths Ambiortus and Otogornis from Mongolia and China (Kurochkin 1999). Because paleognaths are the most likely primitive living birds, their embryology presents an opportunity to test hypotheses of skeletal homology obscured by derived modifications in other taxa.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Immunoreactivities to protein gene product 9.5, neurofilament protein and neuron specific enolase in the ovary of the sexually immature ostrich (Struthio camelus).

The innervation of the ovary has been studied in various species of birds and mammals. Despite the fact that the innervation of any organ is an essential factor in controlling its growth and function, no information is available on the distribution of nerve fibers in the ovary of the sexually immature ostrich. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate the distribution of nerve fibers in the ovary of the sexually immature ostrich, using antibodies against neurofilament protein type M of 160 kD (NP), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and neuron specific enolase (NSE). A total of 26 sexually immature female ostriches, aged between 12 and 14 months were used in the present study. Immunostaining was performed using a LSAB plus kit (Dakocytomation, Denmark). Antibodies against NP and PGP 9.5 were used at dilutions of 1:25 and 1:50, respectively. A ready-to-use solution containing antibodies against NSE was also used. Strong immunostaining for NP, PGP 9.5 and NSE was observed in nerve bundles, which coursed through the ovarian stalk and extended into the medulla and cortex. In addition, NSE immunoreactive nerve cell bodies were observed in the cortex and medulla. NP, PGP 9.5 and NSE immunoreactive nerve fibers were present in the thecal layer of the follicular wall. The current study has highlighted the distribution of NP, PGP 9.5 and NSE-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the ovary of the sexually immature ostrich. The findings of the present study suggest that the distribution of nerve fibers in the immature ostrich is similar to that of the domestic fowl.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

The morphological features of the rete testis of the ostrich (Struthio camelus).

The epithelium of the rete testis of the ostrich is simple cuboidal to columnar in nature, unlike the more flattened epithelium encountered in other non-passerine birds. A solitary cilium projects into the ductal lumen. A unique lateral cell membrane modification, similar, in some respects, to a hemi-desmosome, occurs frequently along the length of this membrane. The lateral cell membrane is complexly folded, and the cell contains an abundance of intermediate filaments, particularly in the vicinity of the nucleus and the internal surface of the basal cell membrane. The Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum are moderately developed. Another unique feature of the cell is the presence of a solitary, large, heterogeneous lipid body/droplet situated in the immediate supranuclear region of the cell. Overall, the cell structure conveys the impression of a metabolically active cell, which has the capability of transporting material from the duct lumen to the basal part of the cell, and of protein synthesis, apparently much in excess of what is necessary for cellular maintenance and sustenance.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

The morphology of the efferent ducts of the testis of the ostrich, a primitive bird.

The efferent duct of the ostrich consists of two segments, the proximal efferent duct (PED) and the distal efferent duct (DED) that are continuous, as in some other birds. Both segments of the duct possess an epithelium comprising non-ciliated and ciliated cells in varying proportions between the two segments. The non-ciliated cell (type I) of the PED contains a well-developed, subapical endocytic apparatus of apical tubules and endocytic vacuoles, a solitary, large, heterogeneous lipid droplet, and numerous, oval, dense bodies in the supranuclear region of the cell. Mitochondria tend to concentrate in the basal part of the cell. Intercellular spaces between the non-ciliated cells are enlarged, especially in the basal half of the epithelium. Together, these morphological features confer on the PED an efficient fluid absorption capability. The DED epithelium displays the type II non-ciliated cell whose poorly developed subapical endocytic apparatus as well as the absence of dilated basal intercellular spaces indicate its limited fluid absorptive capacity.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Outbreaks of avian influenza H6N2 viruses in chickens arose by a reassortment of H6N8 and H9N2 ostrich viruses.

The first recorded outbreak of avian influenza (AI) in South African chickens (low pathogenicity H6N2) occurred at Camperdown, KwaZulu/Natal Province (KZN) in June 2002. To determine the source of the outbreak, we defined the phylogenetic relationships between various H6N2 isolates, and the previously unpublished gene sequences of an H6N8 virus isolated in 1998 from ostriches in the Leeu Gamka region (A/Ostrich/South Africa/KK98/98). We demonstrated that two distinct genetic H6N2 lineages (sub-lineages I and II) circulated in the Camperdown area, which later spread to other regions. Sub-lineages I and II shared a recent common H6N2 ancestor, which arose from a reassortment event between two South African ostrich isolates A/Ostrich/South Africa/9508103/95 and (H9N2) A/Ostrich/South Africa/KK98/98 (H6N8). Furthermore, the H6N2 sub-lineage I viruses had several molecular genetic markers including a 22-amino acid stalk deletion in the neuraminidase (NA) protein gene, a predicted increased N-glycosylation, and a D144 mutation of the HA protein gene, all of which are associated with the adaptation of AI viruses to chickens. The H6N2 NS1 and PB1 genes shared recent common ancestors with those of contemporary Asian HPAI H5N1 viruses. Our results suggest that ostriches are potential mixing vessels for avian influenza viruses (AIV) outbreak strains and support other reports that H6 viruses are capable of forming stable lineages in chickens.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

The morphology of the pecten oculi of the ostrich, Struthio camelus.

The pecten oculi is a structure peculiar to the avian eye. Three morphological types of pecten oculi are recognized: conical type, vaned type and pleated type. The pleated type has been well studied. However, there exists only scanty data on the morphology of the latter two types of pectens. The structure of the vaned type of pecten of the ostrich, Struthio camelus was investigated with light and electron microscope. The pecten of this species consists of a vertical primary lamella that arises from the optic disc and supports 16-19 laterally located secondary lamellae, which run from the base and confluence at the apex. Some of the secondary lamellae give rise to 2 or 3 tertiary lamellae. The lamellae provide a wide surface, which supports 2-3 Layers of blood capillaries. Pigmentation is highest at the distal ends of the secondary and tertiary Lamella where blood capillaries are concentrated and very scanty on the primary and the proximal ends of the secondary lamella where the presence of capillaries is much reduced. In contrast to the capillaries of the pleated pecten, the endothelium of the capillaries in the pecten of the ostrich exhibits very few microvilli. These observations suggest that the morphology of the pecten of the ostrich, a flightless ratite bird is unique to the pleated pecten and is designed to meet the balance between optimal vision and large surface area for blood supply and yet ensuring it is kept firmly erect within the vitreous.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Identification and quantitation of species in complex DNA mixtures by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Six TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems using minor groove binding (MGB) probes have been developed for the detection quantitation of bovine, porcine, lamb, chicken, turkey, and ostrich DNA in complex samples. Species-specific amplification was achieved by combining only two fluorogenic probes and 10 oligonucleotide primers targeting mitochondrial sequences, decreasing the cost of the assay significantly. The limits of detection ranged from 0.03 to 0.80 pg of template DNA. Analysis of experimental mixtures containing two to four different species showed the suitability of the assay for detection of more than 1% of pork, chicken, or turkey and of more than 5% of cattle or lamb. The quantitation accuracy in samples containing 10-100% of beef or pork DNA was close to 90%. The system is complemented with one additional TaqMan MGB detector based on consensus sequence segments of the nuclear 18S ribosomal RNA gene. A method to evaluate the presence of unknown eukaryotic DNA in a mixture, where data derived from the species-specific detection are compared with the experimental values obtained from the general 18S detector, is presented. This method allows the validation of the quantitative measurements, providing an internal control of the total content of PCR-amplifiable DNA in the sample. The system was tested on DNA mixtures containing different shares of up to four different species and on DNA extracted from processed commercial food samples.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in farm-reared ostriches and wild game species from Zimbabwe.

One hundred and seventy one serum samples from 10 game species from Zimbabwe were tested for IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii infection using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Significantly higher seroprevalences were found in the felidae (Panthera leo) (92% of 26), bovidae (Tragelaphus species) (55.9% of 34) and farm-reared struthionidae (Struthio camelus) (48% of 50) compared to the other groups tested. Among the bovidae, the nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) had the highest seroprevalence of 90% (9/10). Anti-Toxoplasma antibody prevalences in browsers [greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) (20% of 10), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) (10% of 10) and elephant (Loxodonta africana) (10% of 20)] were generally in the lower range. No antibodies were detected in the wild African suidae [warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) and bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus)]. Attempts to isolate T. gondii from the heart muscles of seropositve ostriches by subinoculation in BALB/c mice were unsuccessful.

Agglutination Tests↗

PubMed2006

Biochemical and mechanical behavior of ostrich pericardium as a new biomaterial.

We have performed a comparative analysis of glutaraldehyde-preserved ostrich pericardium, as a novel biomaterial, with bovine pericardium. The biochemical characteristics (histology, water content, amino acid composition, and collagen and elastin contents), mechanical properties, and in vivo calcification in a subcutaneous rat model were examined. Ostrich pericardium is slightly thinner and shows a higher water content (70+/-2% vs. 62+/-2%) than bovine pericardium. Additionally, ostrich pericardium presents 1.6-fold lower elastin content and a lower percentage of collagen in reference to the total protein content (68+/-2% vs. 76+/-2%). However, ostrich pericardium shows better mechanical properties, with higher tensile stress at rupture (32.4+/-7.5 vs. 11.5+/-4.6) than calf pericardium. In vivo calcification studies in a rat subcutaneous model show that ostrich pericardium is significantly less calcified than bovine pericardium (23.95+/-13.30 vs. 100.10+/-37.36 mg/g tissue) after 60 days of implantation. In conclusion, glutaraldehyde-stabilized ostrich pericardium tissue shows better mechanical properties than calf tissue. However, calcium accumulation in implanted ostrich tissue is still too high to consider it a much better alternative to bovine pericardium, and anticalcification treatments should be considered.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Ostrich (Struthio camelus) eggshell matrix contains two different C-type lectin-like proteins. Isolation, amino acid sequence, and posttranslational modifications.

In contrast to chicken and goose, the ostrich calcified eggshell layer matrix contained two different C-type lectin-like proteins as major components. These proteins, named struthiocalcin-1 (SCA-1) and struthiocalcin-2 (SCA-2), were isolated and their amino acid sequence was determined. SCA-1 clearly was the ortholog of goose eggshell ansocalcin. Its amino acid sequence had the same length as that of ansocalcin (132 aa) and showed 65% sequence identity with the goose eggshell protein compared to 41% with chicken eggshell ovocleidin-17. Furthermore, as ansocalcin and unlike ovocleidin-17, it contained an additional, seventh, cysteine that was, however, located close to the C-terminus of SCA-1 and not in the N-terminal third of the sequence as in ansocalcin. SCA-2 showed features of both ansocalcin and chicken eggshell ovocleidin-17 (OC-17). Its sequence was 46% identical to that of ansocalcin and 36% identical to OC-17. It contained the same stretches of negatively charged amino acids conserved in ansocalcin and SCA-1, which are absent in OC-17. On the other hand, its length of 142 amino acids was identical to that of OC-17 and it contained only the usual set of six cysteines conserved in most C-type lectin-like proteins. The presence of three phosphorylated serines located at exactly the same region of the sequence as the two phosphoserines of OC-17 further stressed the similarity between SCA-2 and OC-17.

Amino Acid Sequence↗