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Investigation of the effect of tetrahydroaminoacridine on turnover kinetics of camel (Camelus dromedarius) retina acetylcholinesterase.

The effect of tetrahydroaminoacridine (THA) on turnover kinetics of camel retina acetylcholinesterase has been investigated. The turnover number (Kcat) and specificity constant (Ksp) were 62.1 min-1 and 9.92 x 10(5) (M. min)-1 in the control system while the values for both parameters were lowered by 25-68% and 48-87% in the THA (0.05-0.4 microM) treated systems respectively. Therefore, THA's effect on turnover number must be considered at the time of therapy to the Alzheimer's disease patients.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Inhibition studies of the carnitine acetyltransferase from skeletal muscle of the camel (Camelus dromedarius) by sulfhydryl reagents and metal ions.

The effect of certain sulfhydryl reagents and metal ions were studied on the carnitine acetyltransferase (CAT) activity from the skeletal muscle of the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius). DTNB and iodoacetamide caused concentration and time dependent inhibition of CAT activity. The inhibition seen with these sulfhydryl reagents could be protected with prior incubation of the enzyme with acetyl-Co A, suggesting that these reagents might interact with the same site. Among the various metal ions tested, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Hg2+ caused total inhibition at very low concentrations, while, Mn2+, Mo6+ and Co2+ caused between 32-52% inhibition at 10 mM concentrations. Alkali earth divalent metals Mg2+ and Ca2+ caused less than 15% inhibition at this concentration. These metal ions are probably interacting at certain nucleophilic groups in the enzyme thus disrupting its tertiary structure.

Acetyl Coenzyme A↗

Inhibition of camel lens zeta-crystallin/NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase activity by chloranilic acid.

Camel lens zeta-crystallin/NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase activity was inhibited by chloranilic acid (2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone) with NADPH as an electron donor and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) as an electron acceptor in a time-independent but concentration dependent manner. The IC50 of chloranilic acid was 1 microM. The inhibition was noncompetitive with respect to both NADPH and PQ as deduced by Lineweaver-Burk plots. The estimated inhibition constant (Ki) was 0.8 microM for both NADPH and PQ. Examination of other benzoquinones suggested that the presence of -OH and -Cl on benzoquinone was essential for the inhibition.

Animals↗

Effect of sevin on kinetic parameters of camel retina acetylcholinesterase.

The present investigation addresses the effect of sevin (insecticide) on kinetic parameters of camel retina membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7). The Michaelis-Menten constant (Ks) for the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine iodide (ASCh) by AChE was 0.072 mM in the control system, a value decreased by 38-55% in the sevin treated systems. The Vmax was 0.967 mumole/min/mg protein for the control system while it was decreased by 50-84% in the sevin treated systems. The Lineweaver-Burk plot, Dixon plot, and their secondary replots indicated that the nature of the inhibition was of the linear mixed type, i.e. uncompetitive and noncompetitive. The values of Ki(slope) and KI(intercept) were estimated as 6.194 and 2.811 microM, respectively. The turnover number (Kcat) and specificity constant (Ksp) were 74.65 min-1 and 10.37 x 10(5) (M.min)-1 in the control system respectively, while the values for both parameters were significantly decreased in the sevin treated systems.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Circadian rhythm in plasma aldosterone concentration and its seasonal modulation in the camel (Camelus dromedarius) living in the Algerian Sahara desert.

Five male camels dwelling in the Algerian Sahara were studied for circadian rhythmicity in plasma aldosterone concentration and its seasonal modulation. Blood was sampled at a frequency of 1 h or less for a span of 27 h during each season of the year. The mean plasma aldosterone concentration exhibited a significant circadian rhythmicity in every season of the year. Plasma aldosterone concentration was lowest in the morning, increased in the afternoon, and generally highest in the late evening. The peak of the circadian rhythm exhibited seasonal variation; it occurred at 20:04h in October, 16:41h in December, 20:40h in March, and 24:16h in June. The rhythm's 24h mean also exhibited seasonal variability, being significantly higher in March and June compared to October.

Aldosterone↗

Camel heavy-chain antibodies: diverse germline V(H)H and specific mechanisms enlarge the antigen-binding repertoire.

The antigen-binding site of the camel heavy-chain antibodies devoid of light chain consists of a single variable domain (V(H)H) that obviously lacks the V(H)-V(L) combinatorial diversity. To evaluate the extent of the V(H)H antigen-binding repertoire, a germline database was constructed from PCR-amplified V(H)H/V(H) segments of a single specimen of Camelus dromedarius. A total of 33 V(H)H and 39 V()H unique sequences were identified, encoded by 42 and 50 different genes, respectively. Sequence comparison indicates that the V(H)Hs evolved within the V(H) subgroup III. Nevertheless, the V(H)H germline segments are highly diverse, leading to a broad structural repertoire of the antigen-binding loops. Seven V(H)H subfamilies were recognized, of which five were confirmed to be expressed in vivo. Comparison of germline and cDNA sequences demonstrates that the rearranged V(H)Hs are extensively diversified by somatic mutation processes, leading to an additional hypervariable region and a high incidence of nucleotide insertions or deletions. These diversification processes are driven by hypermutation and recombination hotspots embedded in the V(H)H germline genes at the regions affecting the structure of the antigen-binding loops.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Stimulation of attachment in a camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii (Acari: Ixodidae): the unintended result of sublethal exposure to permethrin-impregnated fabric.

The susceptibility of a camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii (Koch), to permethrin-impregnated military uniform fabric was studied to determine the effects of laundering and contact time. Separate contact toxicity tests were conducted with laboratory-colonized male and female ticks of uniform age. Unfed, unmated ticks were exposed for periods of 5, 10, 30, and 60 min to each of five fabrics: unwashed-untreated, unwashed-treated, and 1, 2, or 3 times washed after treatment (1-, 2-, 3-wash-treated). Treated fabric was impregnated with permethrin at 0.125 mg (AI)/cm2. Laundering was by machine washing with detergent followed by hot air machine drying. Intoxication immediately after exposure was assessed by activity response: the proportion of ticks attaching to a host (rabbit) within 60 min and the average time elapsed between contact and insertion of mouthparts. Unexpectedly, permethrin exposure activated an attachment response in both sexes. At all contact times, and in each wash-treated group, a greater proportion of ticks attached, and did so more rapidly, than in controls. Mortality assessment 24 h after exposure showed that females were more tolerant than males and experienced light mortality even after 60 min of contact. Both natural and acquired factors may account for permethrin tolerance in this species. Consistent with pyrethroid mode of action and pheromone function in ticks, it is hypothesized that sublethal levels of permethrin may act on H. dromedarii to induce premature or excess release of a neurosecretory substance that elicits attachment.

Animals↗

Affinity selection of a camelized V(H) domain antibody inhibitor of hepatitis C virus NS3 protease.

The HCV genome encodes, within the NS3 gene, a serine protease whose activity specifically cleaves the viral polyprotein precursor. Proteolytic processing of HCV polyprotein precursor by the viral NS3 proteinase is essential for virion maturation and designing specific inhibitors of this protease as possible anti-viral agents is a desirable and practical objective. With a view to studying both the function of HCV NS3 protease and to designing inhibitors of this enzyme, we directed our interest towards engineering macromolecular inhibitors of the viral protease catalytic activity. We describe here the affinity-selection and biochemical characterization of one inhibitor, cV(H)E2, a 'camelized' variable domain antibody fragment, isolated from a phage displayed synthetic repertoire, which is a potent and selective inhibitor of proteolysis by the NS3 enzyme. In addition to being useful as a biological probe to study the function of HCV protease, this inhibitor can serve as a potential pharmacophore model to design antivirals. Moreover, the results suggest a way of engineering improved human-derived small recognition units tailored for enzyme inhibition.

Animals↗

Phenotypic variations in blood and milk of the Somali camel.

132 blood samples and 54 milk samples obtained from Somali camel were analysed for red blood cell antigens with the cattle reagents and for Hb, Ca, X proteins, Tf, Alb, Am, SOD, alpha-La, beta-Lg and casein systems respectively. Positive lytic reactions were obtained with the anti-B, -Q, -Q', -W, -F1 and -J reagents. No biochemical polymorphism was observed except for Hb, X protein and beta-Lg systems.

Animals↗

Fine structure of nerve endings and junctions in the superior cervical ganglion of the camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The superior cervical ganglion of the one humped camel was studied using an electron microscope. The ganglion contained presumptive cholinergic endings, presumptive aminergic endings, and presumptive sensory endings. Presumptive cholinergic endings contained numerous small clear vesicles, a few large dense-cored vesicles, and mitochondria. They frequently made synaptic junctions with dendritic processes and, occasionally, with axons in transit. There were few presumptive aminergic endings and they were characterized by a mixed population of dense-cored vesicles and clear vesicles. They only made synaptic junctions with axons in transit. Presumptive sensory endings were characterized by numerous slender mitochondria and had no synaptic junctions of any kind. Symmetrical membrane thickenings (puncta adherens) were frequently encountered in this study, usually between dendritic processes and other neuronal elements of the superior cervical ganglion.

Animals↗

Anatomy of the sinus node of camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Anatomy of the sinus node was studied in six camel hearts (Camelus dromedarius) with serial histologic sectioning. The sinus node in this species of animal was located 0.5 mm beneath the epicardium, near the junction between the cranial vena cava and the right atrium at the sulcus terminalis. Its shape was elongated, bent oblong with 28.25 mm length, 5.75 mm width and 5.38 mm thickness. The maximum section area was 101.66 mm2. The central artery of the node originated from the circumflexus branch of the left coronary artery and, throughout its length in the substance of the sinus node, had an internal elastic membrane. Histologically, the sinus node of this animal contained a central artery and a framework of collagen fibres, which were distributed around the central artery. The nodal cells were irregularly organized around the central artery and two types, i.e. "p' cells and transitional cells were present. The "p' cells had a perinuclear clear zone but the transitional cells contained more myofibrils. The intercalated discs were not present. At the periphery of the sinus node there were many nerve fibres and a ganglion. The purkinje fibres were present within atrial myocardium, as well as within ventricular myocardium. The glycogen content of the sinus nodal cells was higher than that of the atrial myocardial cells.

Animals↗

Silicate pneumoconiosis in camels (Camelus dromedarius L.).

In a random screening of camel diseases in Somalia dust-laden macrophages in lungs and/or bronchial lymph nodes were discovered in 94 of 134 animals. In 44 cases the dust-laden macrophages occurred in a number of small or large aggregates. There was a significant positive correlation between dust-laden macrophage aggregates in the lungs and pulmonary fibrosis not related to other chronic lung diseases, such as echinococcosis and chronic pneumonia. Six cases showed a cellular reaction and hyalinized nodules of the classic silicotic type. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis of the dust particles revealed presence of silica, aluminium, potassium and iron in that order. The possible clinical significance as well as the comparative pathology of the observations is discussed.

Animals↗

An outbreak of enterotoxaemia in suckling camels.

An outbreak of enterotoxaemia was observed for the first time in suckling camels in Saudi Arabia. The animals were weak, diarrhoeic and succumbed quickly to exertion. The main pathological findings were those of acute catarrhal enteritis and acute myocardial degeneration. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from the enteric lesions; Aeromonas hydrophila was also identified. The properties of both isolates were studied.

Aeromonas hydrophila↗

Characterization of camel leukocytes by flow cytometry and microscopic evaluation of granulocyte phagocytosis of fluorescent bacteria.

Peripheral blood was obtained from four lactating camels (Camelus bactrianus) and flow cytometry was used to characterize cell populations. The ability of the granulocytes to engulf fluorescent bacteria was studied in vitro using fluorescence microscopy. Three clusters of blood cells (mononuclear cells, neutrophils and eosinophils) were identified by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. Milk, on the other hand, was dominated by cell fragments and no distinct cluster formation was found. The mean yield of blood granulocytes and monocytes isolated on Ficoll gradient was 92.2 +/- 5.4% and 7.9 +/- 5.7%, respectively. Cell viability was 95%. The mean percentage of phagocytic cells was 71.8 +/- 5.9% at 10 min and increased to 97.3 +/- 0.5% at 60 min when observation was terminated. The average number of bacteria per phagocyte was 8.7 +/- 2.1 and 13.1 +/- 0.9 at 10 and 60 min incubation time.

Animals↗

Actinomycosis in a one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

An actinomycotic granuloma caused by Actinomyces viscosus is reported in a dromedary camel. Two hard, cutaneous, large granulamatous nodules were present on both sides of the postero-ventral side of the mandible exhibiting exudation and necrosis. After radical excision of the lesion, the daily treatment with penicillin-streptomycin combination was continued for 4 weeks. About 8 and 24 weeks from the initial treatment, no new nodules were noticed.

Actinomyces↗

Synovial fluid cell counts and total protein concentration in clinically normal fetlock joints of young dromedarian camels.

Twenty-seven 9-12 months old healthy male dromedarian camels were used to determine total nucleated leucocyte count (TNCC), absolute and percentages of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear leucocytes, and total protein (TP) concentration in synovial fluid from grossly and radiographically normal fetlock joints. Arthrocentesis was performed bilaterally from the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Blood contaminated samples and samples obtained from grossly or radiographically abnormal joints were excluded. The mean +/- SD of TNCC in 108 samples of fetlock joint synovial fluids was 500 +/- 400 cells/microl. Monocytes/macrophages were the predominant cell type. There were no significant differences in mean TNCC, absolute numbers and percentages of various leucocytes and TP concentrations between the right and left fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs or between the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The mean +/- SD of absolute numbers and percentages of various cell types were: PMN leucocytes 1 +/- 2 cells/microl (2%), lymphocytes 116 +/- 167 cells/microl (26%), and monocytes/macrophages 383 +/- 323 cells/microl (72%). The mean +/- SD of TP concentration was 2 +/- 1 g/dl.

Animals↗

Vertebral osteoma in a dromedary camel.

A case of vertebral osteoma observed in a female 4-year-old dromedary camel is presented. The patient showed a progressive ataxia, incoordination and finally a permanent recumbence position. Treatment was unfruitful and the animal was humanely euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed an expansive growth at vertebral body of the 10th thoracic vertebra, which was histologically classified as an osteoma. To the author's knowledge, this would be the first description of an osteoma in a camelid species.

Animals↗

Camel papillomatosis in Somalia.

Outbreaks of papillomatosis in camels (Camelus dromedarius) were detected for the first time in Somalia. Electron microscopic investigations revealed typical papillomavirions in skin lesions. Histopathological sections showed alterations which are regarded as pathognomonic for warts. The presumptive diagnosis of the skin disease was contagious ecthyma, as this infection was found simultaneously in some affected herds with symptoms similar to those of papillomatosis.

Animals↗