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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Mean wheal diameter in skin tests for castor bean extracts in castor bean allergic workers of eastern Sudan.

The mean wheal diameter by prick test for castor bean (Ricinus communis, Euphorbiaceae) extracts was measured in a castor bean allergic population. Three types of castor bean extracts namely Cimmaron, Pacific and dust (a mixture of Cimmaron, Pacific and hull), were applied at 1/10,000 dilutions with a control solution. The subjects comprised 318 male workers who were divided into four groups with a fifth control group of 63 male workers. The solutions were tested on three subject groups with Cimmaron in the first, Pacific in the second, and dust in the third. All three extracts were applied in the fourth and the control groups. The results have shown that the Cimmaron type gives a larger wheal diameter than Pacific or dust at the same concentration. There were statistically significant differences between the wheal diameters caused by different extracts in the same subjects. The possibility of producing a type of seed containing less amount of allergen could be considered and experimented on by the agricultural research bodies.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Cloning and characterization of the acid lipase from castor beans.

Castor bean endosperm contains a well known acid lipase activity that is associated with the oil body membrane. In order to identify this enzyme, proteomic analysis was performed on purified oil bodies. A approximately 60-kDa protein was identified (RcOBL1), which shares homology with a lipase from the filamentous fungus Rhizomucor miehei. RcOBL1 contains features that are characteristic of an alpha/beta-hydrolase, such as a putative catalytic triad (SDH) and a conserved pentapeptide (GXSXG) surrounding the nucleophilic serine residue. RcOBL1 was expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli and shown to hydrolyze triolein at an acid pH (optima approximately 4.5). RcOBL1 can hydrolyze a range of triacylglycerols but is not active on phospholipids. The activity is sensitive to the serine reagent diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate, indicating that RcOBL1 is a serine esterase. Antibodies raised against RcOBL1 were used to show that the protein is restricted to the endosperm where it is associated with the surface of oil bodies. This is the first evidence for the molecular identity of an oil body-associated lipase from plants. Sequence comparisons reveal that families of OBL1-like proteins are present in many species, and it is likely that they play an important role in regulating lipolysis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1981

Analysis of green coffee bean and castor bean allergens using RAST inhibition.

Coffee workers with occupational allergic symptoms and positive skin tests to green coffee bean and factor dust antigens have elevated serum IgE antibodies (by radioallergosorbent test--RAST) to green coffee and castor bean allergens. These antibodies were used in a RAST inhibition assay to analyse coffee and castor allergens. Bean allergens were extracted by homogenization in PBS, centrifugation and concentration of supernates by ultrafiltration. Green coffee bean allergens, fractionated by gel filtration and Pevikon block electrophoresis, were shown to be very heterogeneous with a molecular weight range of 50 000 to 500 000 daltons. Castor allergens were more homogeneous with a molecular weight of 14 000 daltons and were partially purified by Pevikon block electrophoresis, gel filtration and isoelectrofocusing. Chemical analysis showed that protein was the major component in both allergen extracts. However, proteolytic enzymes could only partially destroy allergenic activity. Such isolation and characterization of these allergens should result in better methods of diagnosis and treatment of coffee workers with occupational allergic disease.

Allergens↗
PubMed1987

The relationship between total serum IgE and castor-bean-specific IgE antibodies in castor-bean-sensitive patients from Marseilles.

The relationship between serum IgE and castor bean (Ricinus communis)-specific IgE was studied in a group of dockworkers and other residents of Marseilles who were diagnosed as having castor bean allergy. The diagnosis was made because they had asthma or other allergic symptoms together with a positive skin test to castor bean. Total serum IgE was found to be higher in castor-bean-allergic patients (mean = 174 IU/ml) than in a control group of local blood donors (mean = 66 IU/ml). IgE levels were not as high as those found in the sera of a previously identified group of castor-bean-allergic dockworkers from Port Sudan (mean = 902 IU/ml). Castor-bean-specific IgE was demonstrated in the serum of 91% of the allergic group and there was some correlation with total IgE (r = 0.53, p less than 0.01). The proportion of IgE antibody specific for castor bean was determined in 20 castor-bean-sensitive patients using the radioallergosorbent test and was found to vary between 9 and 64% (mean = 38% or 265 ng/ml). No castor-bean-specific IgE antibody was detected in the control group.

Ricinus communis↗
PubMed1988

Allergy to castor bean. II. Identification of the major allergens in castor bean seeds.

Castor bean proteins were separated and identified by isoelectric focusing and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and blotted onto nitrocellulose paper. The capacity of the castor bean proteins to bind human IgE was probed with sera from castor bean-sensitive patients and radiolabeled anti-IgE. It proved difficult to identify allergens with isoelectric focusing. However, three allergens were identified when proteins were first separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: the 2S storage albumin, the 11S crystalloid proteins, and a third protein doublet with molecular weights of 47 and 51 kd. Specific IgE antibody to the 2S storage albumin, measured by RAST, was detected in most (96%) castor bean-sensitive patients, confirming it as the major allergen. We would like to suggest that the 2S albumin be named Ric c I, that the crystalloid proteins be named Ric c II, and that the 47/51 kd doublet be named allergen 3.

Allergens↗
PubMed1988

Sensitization to green coffee bean (GCB) and castor bean (CB) allergens among dock workers.

Dock workers (n = 218) occupationally exposed to green coffee beans (GCB) were studied, using a specific questionnaire for allergic symptoms and skin tests for common and occupational allergens. Thirty-one workers (14.3%) complained of allergic symptoms of the eye, nose and bronchial system at the workplace. The prick tests, using both commercial allergens and specific extracts prepared from the most common types of coffee and their corresponding sacks, confirmed a sensitization in 21 workers (9.6%). A positive skin reaction to castor beans (CB) was found in nearly all these cases; in ten workers there was also a positive reaction to GCB allergens and in 14 cases prick tests were positive to extracts of sacks. There was a good concordance between prick tests and specific IgE for CB (95.0%) and also, but to a lesser extent, for GCB. The authors concluded that there is a significant risk of sensitization to CB and GCB allergens in dock workers occupied in handling green coffee bean, despite the fact that the exposure is not continuous. CB emerged as a common contaminant of GCB from various countries. For effective prevention, a modification of the methods of transport is required to avoid CB contamination to other products. Eliminating environmental dust during shipping operations is the most important preventive measure and it can be achieved by the use of containers, as some exporting countries are already doing.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Membrane lipid metabolism in germinating castor bean endosperm.

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L. var. Hale) endosperms, excised after 2 days germination at 30 C, were incubated 5 min to 8 hr with (14)C-acetate and (3)H-glycerol. Homogenates were fractionated by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Organelles found to be active in lipid synthesis were the lipid bodies and the endoplasmic reticulum. The products of incorporation in the lipid bodies were (3)H-diglycerides containing (14)C-fatty acids of more than 20 carbons. In contrast, the endoplasmic reticulum produced (3)H-phospholipids as well as (3)H-diglycerides rich in (14)C-linoleate. The phospholipids synthesized and their acyl contents were of the types known to be the major components of organelle membranes in this tissue. Phospholipids and diglycerides containing (14)C and (3)H were found in the glyoxysomes and mitochondria subsequent to their appearance in the endoplasmic reticulum. The results show that germinating castor bean endosperm synthesizes membrane lipids de novo from acetate rather than reutilizing stored lipid components directly. It is also apparent that the endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for several steps in membrane lipid production.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1978

Evidence that the castor bean allergens are the albumin storage proteins in the protein bodies of castor bean.

The well characterized castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) allergens were identified as the low molecular weight albumin storage proteins in the matrix of the protein bodies in the endosperm. The methods of identification involved molecular weight estimation, amino acid composition, stability at 100 degrees C, solubility in various solvents, gel electrophoresis, and immunological techniques. The finding explains the wide distribution of allergens in various seeds.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1974

Effect of chilling temperatures on the activities of glyoxysomal and mitochondrial enzymes from castor bean seedlings.

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is included among the group of plants sensitive to chilling temperatures. Seedlings of this species were shown to exhibit visible symptoms of this injury, as well as impaired radicle growth and storage product mobilization. Respiration of intact seedlings and oxidation of succinate by isolated mitochondria displayed discontinuities in Arrhenius plots of their reaction velocities, characteristic of chilling species. However, gluconeogenic glyoxysomal enzymes do not display such discontinuities, indicating that there is probably no functional relationship between these enzymes and the glyoxysomal membrane.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Factors related to the development of sensitization to green coffee and castor bean allergens among coffee workers.

BACKGROUND: Occupational allergic respiratory symptoms in coffee workers have been frequently reported, but the ultimate cause of sensitization is still debated, castor bean being considered besides green coffee beans. Atopy and cigarette smoking have been suggested as promoting factors of sensitization for several occupational allergens. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of allergic respiratory symptoms and of sensitization to both green coffee beans and castor bean in the whole workforce of a coffee manufacturing plant. Furthermore we wanted to ascertain both the presence of castor bean antigens in the settled dust of the green coffee beans warehouse and the possible crossreactivity between the two beans. Meanwhile, the effect of smoking and atopy was considered. METHOD: Two-hundred and eleven workers were examined. A questionnaire on oculorhinitis and asthma was administered and skin-prick tests for green coffee beans, castor bean and 15 common inhalant allergens were carried out. Isoelectric focusing, isoelectric focusing immunoblot and radioallergosorbent assay (RAST) inhibition were performed on samples of settled environmental dust from the green coffee area, as well as on castor bean and green coffee beans. RESULTS: Ten per cent of the workers complained of oculorhinitis alone and 16% of asthma (nearly always associated with oculorhinitis). The overall prevalence of skin-sensitization was: 15% for green coffee beans, 22% for castor bean, 22% for common allergens. Evidence of sensitization to occupational allergens was more common in smokers, with a more than twofold increase in relative risk. The strong association between skin positivity to common and occupational allergens suggests that atopy acts as an enhancing host factor towards occupational sensitization. The analysis of the dust confirmed the presence of castor bean antigens. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that castor bean is the major cause of occupational sensitization among coffee workers, whereas smoking and atopy act as enhancing factors.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Naturally occurring and experimentally induced castor bean (Ricinus communis) poisoning in ducks.

Castor bean (Ricinus communis) poisoning accounted for the death of several thousand ducks in the Texas panhandle in the fall and winter months of 1969-1971. Signs of intoxication resembled those of botulism, except for mucoid, blood-tinged excreta. The most common lesions were severe fatty change in the liver, widely distributed internal petechial hemorrhages or ecchymoses, and catarrhal enteritis. Nearly intact castor beans were found in the stomach of one duck during field necropsy. Fragments of seed coat resembling castor bean were found in the stomachs of 10 of 14 ducks examined in the laboratory. Clinical signs and postmortem lesions observed in wild ducks were induced experimentally in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) by force-feeding intact castor beans. Toxicity titrations were erratic, but the LD50 appeared to be between three and four seeds. The mouse toxicity test, used to detect Clostridium botulinum toxin in the blood serum of intoxicated ducks, was negative in every case. Hemagglutination and precipitin tests generally failed to detect castor bean in extracts of excreta or intestinal contents of experimentally intoxicated ducks.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Effect of gibberellin a(3) on the endoplasmic reticulum and on the formation of glyoxysomes in the endosperm of germinating castor bean.

Seedlings of castor bean (Ricinus communis cv. Hale) were exposed to a range of concentrations of gibberellin A(3) (GA(3)). Treatments for 20 hours with GA(3) concentrations of 0.5 muM or higher resulted in increased levels of NADH-cytochrome c reductase, phosphorylcholine glyceride transferase, and malate synthase in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) isolated from endosperm on linear sucrose gradients. GA(3) treatment also resulted in increased RNA associated with ER. Malate synthase and catalase in crude homogenates were enhanced by 1 to 100 muM GA(3) concentrations. Isocitrate lyase, citrate synthase, malate synthase, catalase, and glycolate oxidase in isolated glyoxysomes were enhanced by 60, 20, 18, 40, and 28%, respectively, over controls. Treatment with abscisic acid led to decreased levels of glyoxysomal enzymes and reduced glyoxysomal protein. The effect of GA(3) and abscisic acid on the specific activities of glyoxysomes of different densities suggests that GA(3) influences enzyme levels and glyoxysome assembly.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1989

Elicitation of lignin biosynthesis and isoperoxidase activity by pectic fragments in suspension cultures of castor bean.

Suspension cultures of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) which have been treated with pectic fragment elicitor rapidly accumulate lignin as measured by derivatization with thioglycolic acid. The responsiveness of cultured cells to elicitor is dependent on the stage of culture growth. In 6-day (maximally responsive) cultures, increases in lignin are first evident 3 hours after addition of pectic fragment elicitor with maximal rates of lignin synthesis between 4 and 10 hours. The abundance of lignin in cultures after 12 hours of elicitor treatment is 10- to 20-fold higher than in untreated control cultures and can thereby account for as much as 2% of the dry cell weight. Only intermediate sizes of pectic oligomer are active as elicitors of lignin. Half-maximal accumulation of lignin occurs at 250 to 300 micrograms per milliliter of an optimal elicitor preparation with an average degree of polymerization of seven. We consider the synthesis of lignin in elicited cultures to be a mechanism of plant disease resistance which is induced by the elicitor. Plant peroxidases have been proposed to catalyze the last enzymatic steps in the biosynthesis of both lignin and hydrogen peroxide. Six extracellular isoenzymes of peroxidase (two anionic, designated A1 and A2, and four cationic, designated C2, C3, C4, and C7) are detectable in healthy suspension cultures of castor bean by native gel electrophoresis. Treatment of cultures with elicitor causes substantial changes in the activity of four of these species (A1, C2, C3, and C7). Elicitor treatment also results in the appearance of three new peroxidase isoenzymes that are not readily detectable in healthy cultures (C1, C5, and C6). Increases in the activities of these isoenzymes are concurrent with or slightly precede the accumulation of lignin in elicited 6-day cultures. By 12 hours after addition of elicitor, C1 becomes the most abundant extracellular isoperoxidase. The differential regulation of expression of peroxidase isoenzymes following elicitor treatment suggests that individual isoenzymes of peroxidase may have specific functional roles in the biosynthesis of disease-lignin.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1983

Transport of dicarboxylic acids in castor bean mitochondria.

Mitochondria from castor bean (Ricinus communis cv Hale) endosperm, purified on sucrose gradients, were used to investigate transport of dicarboxylic acids. The isolated mitochondria oxidized malate and succinate with respiratory control ratios greater than 2 and ADP/O ratios of 2.6 and 1.7, respectively. Net accumulation of (14)C from [(14)C]malate or [(14)C]succinate into the mitochondrial matrix during substrate oxidation was examined by the silicone oil centrifugation technique. In the presence of ATP, there was an appreciable increase in the accumulation of (14)C from [(14)C]malate or [(14)C]succinate accompanied by an increased oxidation rate of the respective dicarboxylate. The net accumulation of dicarboxylate in the presence of ATP was saturable with apparent K(m) values of 2 to 2.5 millimolar. The ATP-stimulated accumulation of dicarboxylate was unaffected by oligomycin but inhibited by uncouplers (2,4-dinitrophenol and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) and inhibitors of the electron transport chain (antimycin A, KCN). Dicarboxylate accumulation was also inhibited by butylmalonate, benzylmalonate, phenylsuccinate, mersalyl and N-ethylmaleimide. The optimal ATP concentration for stimulation of dicarboxylate accumulation was 1 millimolar. CTP was as effective as ATP in stimulating dicarboxylate accumulation, and other nucleotide triphosphates showed intermediate or no effect on dicarboxylate accumulation. Dicarboxylate accumulation was phosphate dependent but, inasmuch as ATP did not increase phosphate uptake, the ATP stimulation of dicarboxylate accumulation was apparently not due to increased availability of exchangeable phosphate.The maximum rate of succinate accumulation (14.5 nanomoles per minute per milligram protein) was only a fraction of the measured rate of oxidation (100-200 nanomoles per minute per milligram protein). Efflux of malate from the mitochondria was shown to occur at high rates (150 nanomoles per minute per milligram protein) when succinate was provided, suggesting dicarboxylate exchange. The uptake of [(14)C]succinate into malate or malonate preloaded mitochondria was therefore determined. In the absence of phosphate, uptake of [(14)C]succinate into mitochondria preloaded with malate was rapid (27 nanomoles per 15 seconds per milligram protein at 4 degrees C) and inhibited by butylmalonate, benzylmalonate, and phenylsuccinate. Uptake of [(14)C]succinate into mitochondria preloaded with malonate showed saturation kinetics with an apparent K(m) of 2.5 millimolar and V(max) of 250 nanomoles per minute per milligram protein at 4 degrees C. The measured rates of dicarboxylate-dicarboxylate exchange in castor bean mitochondria are sufficient to account for the observed rates of substrate oxidation.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of castor bean toxicosis in dogs: 98 cases.

Castor beans (Ricinus communis) contain ricin. Ricin is a glycoprotein reported to cause hypotension, gastroenteritis, depression, and death. However, few deaths are reported following castor bean ingestion in animals. From January 1987 to December 1998, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-National Animal Poison Control Center received 98 incidents of castor bean ingestion in dogs. The most commonly reported clinical signs were vomiting, depression, and diarrhea. Death or euthanasia occurred in 9% of the cases. The severity of clinical signs following castor bean ingestion may depend on whether the beans were chewed or swallowed whole.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Promoter analysis and expression of a phospholipase D gene from castor bean.

The expression of a castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) phospholipase D (PLD; EC 3.1.4.4) gene has been studied by examining its promoter activity in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) carrying a PLD promoter-glucuronidase transgene and by monitoring the levels of PLD mRNA in castor bean. Sequence and the 5' truncation analyses revealed that the 5' flanking region from nucleotide -1200 to -730 is required for the regulation and basal function of the PLD promoter. The PLD promoter in vegetative tissues is highly active in the rapidly growing regions such as the shoot apex and the secondary meristem producing axillary buds and vascular tissues of young leaves and stems. The PLD promoter activity in floral tissues was high in stigma, ovary, and pollen grains, but low in petals, sepals, the epidermis of anthers, styles, and filaments. The PLD promoter activity was enhanced by abscisic acid. Northern-blot analysis of PLD in castor bean showed that the PLD mRNA levels were high in young and metabolically more active tissues such as expanding leaves, hypocotyl hooks, developing seeds, and young seedlings, and they decreased in mature tissues such as fully expanded leaves and developed seeds. These patterns of expression suggest a role of PLD in rapid cell growth, proliferation, and reproduction.

Base Sequence↗