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PubMed2001

Nonphotosynthetic reduction of the intersystem electron transport chain of chloroplasts following heat stress. The pool size of stromal reductants.

The properties of a negative transient signal (negative peak) observed during the first seconds of the induction of the photoacoustic (PA) signal in dark-adapted barley leaves treated with methyl viologen (MV) and diuron and then exposed to high temperatures have been examined. Under those conditions no electron donation from photosystem II (PSII) occurred, and electron flow through PSI could be supported only by soluble reductants located in the chloroplast stroma. The negative peak was observed only if the PA signal had been monitored at low, and not high, frequencies. The peak obviously originated from the oxygen consumption by PSI. The size of the peak increased as the temperature of preheating was raised from 39 to 45 degrees C. The size of the peak decreased exponentially with a half-time of 3.7 s during illumination under low light. This decrease was found to be much faster under strong light. The recovery of the peak during dark acclimation required several minutes. It is concluded that the negative peak reflects the oxygen consumption supported by stromal reductants, their pool being rapidly exhausted under light in the presence of MV. The maximal size of the pool was calculated as 140 eq: P700 in dark-adapated leaves.

Chloroplasts↗
PubMed2004

Development of a passive, in situ, integrative sampler for hydrophilic organic contaminants in aquatic environments.

Increasingly it is being realized that a holistic hazard assessment of complex environmental contaminant mixtures requires data on the concentrations of hydrophilic organic contaminants including new generation pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and many chemicals associated with household, industrial, and agricultural wastes. To address this issue, we developed a passive in situ sampling device (the polar organic chemical integrative sampler [POCIS]) that integratively concentrates trace levels of complex mixtures of hydrophilic environmental contaminants, enables the determination of their time-weighted average water concentrations, and provides a method of estimating the potential exposure of aquatic organisms to the complex mixture of waterborne contaminants. Using a prototype sampler, linear uptake of selected herbicides and pharmaceuticals with log K(ow)s < 4.0 was observed for up to 56 d. Estimation of the ambient water concentrations of chemicals of interest is achieved by using appropriate uptake models and determination of POCIS sampling rates for appropriate exposure conditions. Use of POCIS in field validation studies targeting the herbicide diuron in the United Kingdom resulted in the detection of the chemical at estimated concentrations of 190 to 600 ng/L. These values are in agreement with reported levels found in traditional grab samples taken concurrently.

Environmental Monitoring↗
PubMed2005

Fabrication of herbicide biosensors based on the inhibition of enzyme activity that catalyzes the scavenging of hydrogen peroxide in a thylakoid membrane.

A novel herbicide biosensor with a thylakoid modified membrane electrode is presented. Thylakoid, isolated from spinach leaves, was entrapped in a membrane of poly (vinylalcohol) with the styrylpyridinium group (PVA-SbQ). The thylakoid membrane was fixed on the surface of a platinum electrode. It was found that the enzymes in thylakoid kept their activity for several months in the membrane. The oxidative current of hydrogen peroxide in a Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH 7.4) was detected at the modified electrode by a differential pulse voltammetric method. In the presence of herbicides, the oxidation current from the hydrogen peroxide decreased due to an inhibitor effect on the enzymes in thylakoid compared with that in the absence of the herbicides. The changes in the oxidation current at the electrode were proportional to the herbicide concentrations. The sensor could be used to detect herbicides in concentration ranges of 3 x 10(-9) - 1.5 x 10(-7) M for paraquat, 1 x 10(-8) - 3 x 10(-7) M for diuron, 4 x 10(-8) - 3 x 10(-6) M for prometryn, 5 x 10(-8) - 5 x 10(-6) M for atrazine and 1 x 10(-7) - 5 x 10(-6) M for ametryn, respectively. The enzyme activity on scavenging hydrogen peroxide in the modified PVA-SbQ membrane was examined.

Biosensing Techniques↗
PubMed2002

Algal dermatitis in cichlids.

Three varieties of a popular African cichlid aquarium species, Pseudotropheus zebra, from 2 tropical fish farms in east central Florida were submitted for diagnostic evaluation because of the development of multifocal green lesions. The percentage of infected fish in these populations varied from 5 to 60%. Fish were otherwise clinically normal. Microscopic examination of fresh and fixed lesions confirmed algal dermatitis, with light invasion of several internal organs in each group. A different alga was identified from each farm. Fish from farm A were infected with Chlorochytrium spp, whereas fish from farm B were infected with Scenedesmus spp. Because of the numbers of fish involved, bath treatments to remove the algae from affected fish from farm B were attempted, with different dosages of several common algaecides including copper sulfate pentahydrate, diuron, and sodium chloride. However, none of these treatments were successful, possibly because of the location of the algae under the scales and within the dermis, and also because of the sequestering effect of the granulomatous response. To our knowledge, this is the first report of algal dermatitis in ornamental cichlids, as well as the first report of Scenedesmus spp infection in any fish.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

A sensitive photosystem II-based biosensor for detection of a class of herbicides.

We have developed a biosensor for the detection of residual triazine-, urea- and phenolic-type herbicides, using isolated photosystem II (PSII) particles from the thermophilic cyanobacterium, Synechococcus elongatus, as biosensing elements. The herbicide detection was based on the fact that, in the presence of artificial electron acceptors, the light-induced electron transfer through isolated PSII particles is accompanied by the release of oxygen, which is inhibited by the herbicide in a concentration-dependent manner. The PSII particles were immobilized between dialysis membrane and the Teflon membrane of the Clark oxygen electrode mounted in a flow cell that was illuminated. Inclusion of the antibiotic chloramphenicol in the reaction mixtures prolonged, by 50%, the lifetime of the biosensor. The use of highly active PSII particles in combination with the flow system resulted in a reusable herbicide biosensor with good stability (50% of initial activity was still remaining after 35-h use at 25 degrees C) and high sensitivity (detection limit for diuron was 5 x 10(-10) M).

Biosensing Techniques↗
PubMed1998

NTP Technical Report on the Toxicity Studies of 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene (CAS No. 14047-09-7) Administered by Gavage to F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice.

3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene is not commercially manufactured but is formed as an unwanted byproduct in the manufacture of 3,4-dichloroaniline and its herbicidal derivatives Propanil(R), Linuron(R), and Diuron(R). In addition, environmental contamination by 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene occurs from the degradation of chloranilide herbicides and the photolysis and biolysis of 3,4-dichloroaniline. 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene was nominated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for toxicity testing based on concerns over the potential for human exposure, the structural resemblance to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, and the reported dioxin-like effects of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazobenzene. The toxicity of 3,3',4,4'- tetrachloroazobenzene was evaluated in 16-day and 13-week gavage studies in male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice. In addition to histopathology, evaluations included hematology (rats only), clinical chemistry, thyroid hormone analyses (rats only), cytochrome P(450)1A immunohistochemical staining in the liver (rats only), and assessments of male reproductive endpoints and estrous cycle length. Genetic toxicology studies included mutagenicity tests in Salmonella typhimurium and the determination of micronuclei in mouse bone marrow and peripheral blood erythrocytes. In the 16-day studies, groups of five male and five female rats received 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene in corn oil by gavage 5 days a week at doses of 0, 12.5, 32, 80, 200, or 500 mg per kg body weight. Groups of five male and five female mice received 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene in corn oil by gavage 5 days a week at doses of 0, 1, 3.2, 10, 32, or 100 mg/kg. Major effects included increases in liver, lung, and spleen weights of rats and liver and heart weights of mice and decreases in thymus weights of rats and mice. No effects were found on survival or mean body weight gains of rats or mice. Incidences of hematopoietic cell proliferation in the spleen were increased in all groups of dosed male rats, in female rats that received 32 mg/kg or greater, and in 100 mg/kg male and female mice. Renal tubule hyaline droplet accumulation in the cytoplasm of renal cortical epithelial cells and chronic nephropathy were observed microscopically in male rats in the 80, 200, and 500 mg/kg groups. Female mice in the 100 mg/kg group had atrophy of the thymus. In the 13-week studies, groups of 10 male and 10 female rats and mice received 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene in corn oil by gavage 5 days a week at doses of 0, 0.1, 1, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg. In the 13-week rat study, the major effects included a decrease in the mean body weight gain of 30 mg/kg females and final mean body weights of 30 mg/kg males and females, decreased thymus weights of males and females in the 10 and 30 mg/kg groups accompanied by thymic atrophy observed microscopically, increased incidences of hematopoietic cell proliferation in the spleen in 10 and 30 mg/kg males and females, a responsive anemia in 10 and 30 mg/kg males and females at week 13, and decreased platelet counts in 10 and 30 mg/kg males and females on day 21 and at week 13. Spleen weights were increased in 10 and 30 mg/kg males and females. Liver weights were increased in males that received 1 mg/kg or greater and in 10 and 30 mg/kg females. Furthermore, hepatic cytochrome P(450)1A staining presence and intensity were increased in 30 mg/kg males and females. Sharp decreases in circulating thyroxine concentrations were observed in males and females at all doses. In spite of this sharp decrease, thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were marginally increased. Incidences of hyperplasia of the forestomach were increased in males administered 3 mg/kg or greater and females administered 30 mg/kg. In the 13-week mouse study, the major effects included increases in liver and spleen weights of 10 and 30 mg/kg males and females and increased incidences of hyperplasia of the forestomach in males and females that received 1 mg/kg or greater. Furthermore, a decrease in thymus weight of 30 mg/kg males, an increase in centrilobular hypertrophy of hepatocytes in males that received 3 mg/kg or greater, and an increase in the incidences of hematopoietic cell proliferation in the spleen in males that received 3 mg/kg or greater were observed. A significant decrease in epididymal spermatozoal concentration was observed in 3 and 30 mg/kg males. 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene was mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA97 in the presence of rat liver S9 activation enzymes; no mutagenic activity was detected in strain TA98, TA100, TA1535, or TA1537 with or without S9. In vivo, the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes was significantly increased in peripheral blood samples from male and female mice given 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene by gavage for 13 weeks. However, results of a 3-day exposure of up to 200 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection did not demonstrate induction of micronuclei in bone marrow erythrocytes of male mice. In summary, 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene caused typical dioxin-like effects, such as thymic atrophy, an increase in liver weights, induction of hepatic cytochrome P(450)1A, and decreased mean body weight gains. Furthermore, in the 13-week studies, a sharp decrease in circulating thyroxine concentrations was observed even at the lowest dose (0.1 mg/kg) tested in rats. Other effects included a decrease in epididymal spermatozoal concentration in mice, major effects on the hematopoietic system, and increased incidences of hyperplasia of the forestomach in 3 and 30 mg/kg males and 30 mg/kg females. A no-observable-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was not reached in rats. The NOAEL in mice was 0.1 mg/kg. Comparison of various dioxin-like effects in these studies with those reported in the literature indicate that 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene is six to two orders of magnitude less potent than 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

NTP Technical Report on the Toxicity Studies of 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazoxybenzene (CAS No. 21232-47-3) Administered by Gavage to F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice.

3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazoxybenzene is not commercially manufactured but is present as a contaminant of 3,4-dichloroaniline and its herbicidal derivative Diuron(R). In addition, environmental contamination occurs when 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazoxybenzene is formed by the photolysis and biolysis of 3,4-dichloroaniline. 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazoxybenzene was nominated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for toxicity testing based on concerns over the potential for human exposure, the structural resemblance to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, and the reported dioxin-like effects of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazoxybenzene. The toxicity of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazoxybenzene was evaluated in 16-day and 13-week gavage studies in male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice. In addition to histopathology, evaluations included hematology (rats only), clinical chemistry, thyroid hormone analyses (rats only), hepatic cell proliferation (rats only), cytochrome P(450)1A immunohistological staining in the liver (rats only), and assessments of male reproductive endpoints and estrous cycle length. Additional genetic toxicology studies included mutagenicity tests in Salmonella typhimurium and the determination of micronuclei in mouse bone marrow and peripheral blood erythrocytes. In the 16-day studies, groups of five male and five female rats received 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazoxybenzene in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 12.5, 32, 80, 200, or 500 mg per kg body weight, 5 days a week. Groups of five male and five female mice received 0, 1, 3.2, 10, 32, or 100 mg/kg in corn oil by gavage, 5 days a week. Major effects in rats included increases in liver and lung weights, and decreases in mean body weights and body weight gains, heart weights, and thymus weights. Effects in mice included increases in liver weights and decreases in thymus weights. No effects on survival were observed. Treatment-related lesions included cytoplasmic alteration of hepatocytes, splenic hematopoietic cell proliferation, thymic atrophy, and nephropathy in rats and thymic atrophy, splenic hematopoietic cell proliferation, and hepatic foci of inflammation and necrosis in mice. In the 13-week studies, groups of 10 male and 10 female rats and mice received 3,3',4,4'- tetrachloroazoxybenzene in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.1, 1, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg, 5 days a week. In the 13-week rat study, all males and seven females in the 30 mg/kg groups died. Decreases in final mean body weights and body weight gains were observed in 3 and 10 mg/kg males and 10 and 30 mg/kg females. Decreased thymus weights, accompanied by thymic atrophy observed microscopically, were observed at doses of 1 mg/kg or greater in males and females. Increased liver weights were observed in males and females administered 1 mg/kg or greater, and hepatic cytochrome P(450)1A staining was increased in 1 and 3 mg/kg males and 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg females. In addition, a responsive anemia and decreases in platelet counts were observed in dosed male and female rats. A marked decrease in circulating thyroxine concentrations was observed in dosed males and females. In spite of this sharp decrease, thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were marginally increased. A decrease in epididymal spermatozoal motility was observed in all dosed groups tested. In 10 mg/kg females, the estrous cycle length was increased. Major effects included increased incidences of hyperplasia of the forestomach in 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg males and 10 and 30 mg/kg females. Increased incidences of centrilobular degeneration and hematopoietic cell proliferation were observed in the liver of dosed males and females. Furthermore, chronic active inflammation of the lung vasculature and hematopoietic cell proliferation in the spleen were observed in dosed males and females. The increased severities of cardiomyopathy and nephropathy in males and the incidences of cardiomyopathy and nephropathy and severity of cardiomyopathy in females were 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazoxybenzene related. In the 13-week mouse study, the major effects included increases in liver weights in males administered 3 mg/kg or greater and females administered 1 mg/kg or greater. Hyperplasia of the forestomach and dilatation of hair follicles were observed in 10 and 30 mg/kg males and 30 mg/kg females. Furthermore, thymus weights were decreased in males administered 3 mg/kg or greater and in 10 and 30 mg/kg females. Increased incidences of centrilobular hypertrophy of hepatocytes were observed in 10 and 30 mg/kg males and females. Increased incidences of hematopoietic cell proliferation in the spleen were observed in 30 mg/kg males and in 10 and 30 mg/kg females. Increases in the incidences of thymocyte necrosis were observed in 10 mg/kg males and in 10 and 30 mg/kg females. The incidences of splenic pigmentation were increased in all dosed groups of males, and the severity of pigmentation increased with increasing dose in males and females. 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazoxybenzene was not mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA97, TA98, TA100, or TA1535 with or without induced S9 metabolic activation enzymes. It did not induce significant increases in micronucleated erythrocytes in a three-exposure male mouse bone marrow micronucleus test up to dose levels of 200 mg/kg, but results of a 13-week peripheral blood micronucleus test conducted in male and female mice were positive. In summary, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloroazoxybenzene caused typical dioxin-like effects, including thymic atrophy, increased liver weights, induction of hepatic cytochrome P(450)1A, and decreased mean body weight gains. Furthermore, a marked decrease in circulating thyroxine concentrations was observed in male and female rats, even at the lowest dose (0.1 mg/kg) in female rats. A decrease in epididymal sperm motility was observed at all doses in rats. Effects on the hematopoietic system occurred at doses including and lower than those that caused histopathologic alterations in the liver. A no-observable-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was not reached in rats. In male and female mice, the NOAEL was 1 and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, treatment-related effects included increased incidences of hyperplasia of the forestomach epithelium in rats and mice, chronic active inflammation of the vasculature of the lung in rats, increased incidences and/or severities of cardiomyopathy and nephropathy in rats, and dilatation of the hair follicles in mice. Comparison of various dioxin-like effects in these studies with those reported in the literature indicate that 3,3',4,4'- tetrachloroazoxybenzene is six to two orders of magnitude less potent than 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1985

NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of 1,2-Dichlorobenzene (o-Dichlorobenzene) (CAS No. 95-50-1) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies).

The major use of 1,2-dichlorobenzene is as an intermediate in the synthesis of several organic compounds (e.g. 3,4-dichloroaniline) and in the syntheses of the herbicides propanil, diuron, and neburon. It is used as an industrial solvent for toluene diisocyanate, an additive to degreasing agents, a heat exchange medium, a deodorant for garbage and sewage, an ingredient in paint removers, an engine cleaner and de-inking solvent, and a solvent and intermediate in dye manufacture). 1,2-Dichlorobenzene is also used as an insecticide and a fumigant to control peach tree borers, bark beetles, grubs, and termites and to kill mites and other insects in poultry houses and animal sleeping quarters. Because of its properties as both an insecticide and a solvent, 1,2-dichlorobenzene has been used in low-pressure aerosol formulations of insecticides. Approximately 49 million pounds of 1,2-dichlorobenzene were produced in the United States in 1980. First reported commercial production began in 1921. In 13-week studies using F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice, 500 mg/kg of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (<99% pure) decreased survival in male and female mice and female rats when administered in corn oil by gavage five times per week. At this dose, 1,2-dichlorobenzene produced centrolobular necrosis of the liver, hepatocellular degeneration, and depletion of lymphocytes in the thymus and spleen of both sexes of rats and mice. At a dose of 250 mg/kg, necrosis of individual hepatocytes was observed in both sexes of rats and in male mice. Minimal hepatocellular necrosis was observed in a few rats at a dose of 125 mg/kg, but no hepatic alterations were observed in mice at this dose. Renal tubular degeneration was observed in male rats at 500 mg/kg, and multifocal mineralization of the myocardial fibers of the heart and skeletal muscle were seen in mice. The only hematologic changes considered notable were slight decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit in the 500 mg/kg male and female rats and in red blood cell counts in the 500 mg/kg male rats; no other marked hematological changes were observed in either species. Two-year toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of 1,2-dichlorobenzene were conducted by administering the test chemical in corn oil gavage five times per week for 103 weeks to groups of 50 male and 50 female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice at doses of 60 and 120 mg/kg. Groups of 50 rats and 50 mice of each sex received corn oil by gavage on the same schedule and served as vehicle controls. Survivals of female rats, male mice, and female mice were comparable to those of the corresponding vehicle controls in the 2-year study, but survival of high dose male rats was (P<0.001) shorter than that of the vehicle controls. In this group there were three accidental deaths and five deaths probably due to the gavage process; in addition aspiration of 1,2-dichlorobenzene in corn oil into the lungs may have been a contributing factor to the deaths of 12 high dose male rats. The 120 mg/kg dose level of 1,2-dichlorobenzene did not affect body weight in rats or mice of either sex or survival of mice or female rats. An increase in tubular regeneration in the kidney of high dose male mice was observed in the 2-year study (control, 8/48, 17%; low dose, 12/50, 24%; high dose, 17/49, 35%). No other compound-related nonneoplastic histological lesions were noted in the 2-year study. The incidence of pheochromocytoma of the adrenal gland in low dose male rats was elevated (P<0.05, life table test) relative to controls (9/50, 16/50, 6/49). However, the incidence in the high dose group was lower than that of the controls and the dose-response trend was not statistically significant. Therefore, the increase in pheochromocytoma in the low dose male rats is not regarded as related to administration of 1,2-dichlorobenzene. A dose-related increase (P<0.05) in malignant histiocytic lymphoma was observed in male mice (control, 0/50, 0%; low dose, 1/50, 2%; high dose, 4/50, 8%) and in female mice (0/49, 0%; 0/50, 0%; 3/49, 6%); however, comparisons of the numbers of animals with all typnt;; 3/49, 6&percnt;); however, comparisons of the numbers of animals with all types of lymphomas is considered to be a more appropriate comparison. 1,2-Dichlorobenzene did not increase the incidence of all types of lymphomas (combined) in male mice (8/50, 16&percnt;; 2/50, 4&percnt;; 4/50, 8&percnt;) or female mice (11/49, 22&percnt;; 11/50, 22&percnt;; 13/49, 27&percnt;). Therefore, the increase in histiocytic lymphomas was discounted. Under the conditions of these two-year gavage studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenicity of 1,2-dichlorobenzene for male or female F344/N rats or B6C3F1 mice receiving 60 or 120 mg/kg per day. Levels of Evidence of Carcinogenicity: Male Rats: Negative Female Rats: Negative Male Mice: Negative Female Mice: Negative Synonym: o-dichlorobenzene

Journal Article↗
PubMed1992

[The role of bacterial metabolism in transformation of non-mutagenic compounds into mutagens. I. Participation of Escherichia coli nitroreductase in creation of mutagens from non-mutagenic new pesticides].

Investigations concerned Escherichia coli nitroreductase in creation of mutagens from non-mutagenic pesticides-derivatives of urea. Three new compounds were studied: N-phenyl-N'-methylurea (IPO 4328), N-methyl,N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N'phenylurea (IPO 2363), N-(2-hydroxyethyl), N-methyl-N'-(3,4 dichloroethyl) urea, and diurone-3-(3,4 dichlorophenyl)-1,1 dimethylurea. These compounds were incubated in anaerobic conditions with cells of E. coli K-12 (KF) strain and nitrate or nitrite. Using Ames test, mutagenicity of resulting metabolites was investigated. It was found that during incubation of herbicide IPO 4328 with cells of E. coli K-12 (KF) and nitrate, mutagenic product for strain of S. typhimurium TA 1537 is created. Very weak mutagenic metabolite for the same strain was appearing during incubation of herbicide IPO 2363 with cells of E. coli K-12 (KF) in presence of nitrite. Incubation of investigated compounds with E. coli K-12 (KF) cells alone did not result in appearance of mutagenic substances. Thus, role of Escherichia coli in creation of mutagenic compounds from non-mutagenic derivatives of urea consisted of nitrite from nitrate production with participation of nitroreductase, which afterwards in absence of bacteria or action of their enzymes reacted with investigated pesticides.

Escherichia coli↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[A new type of adaptation of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis to illumination conditions].

Incubation of cells of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis under conditions of exposure to low-intensity (2-3 microE m-2 s-1) red light, which was predominantly absorbed by photosystem I (PS I), caused atypical adaptation changes. Invariable pigment composition and stoichiometry of photosystems was observed in the cells incubated under these conditions against the background of a decrease in the rate of photosynthetic fixation of CO2 (by one-half) and a 1.5-fold increase in the rate of dark respiration relative to cells incubated under conditions of exposure to green light. Comparison of these data with a high rate of dark relaxation of P700+ in the presence of diuron suggests that deficiency of reduced equivalents at the donor side of PS I in the Spirulina cells exposed to red light is compensated by electron supply from the respiratory chain NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complex.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Light and nitrate utilization by soybean callus cells].

We studied the role of light during exogenous assimilation of nitrate (as the only source of nitrogen) by the callus cells of soybean (Glycine max). The nitrate absorbed and assimilated by the photosynthetic (mixotrophic) and non-photosynthetic cells (heterotrophic and chlorophyll-containing cells cultivated in the light in the same medium with diuron) was quantified. The assimilated nitrate was quantified at the final stage of the growth cycle as the difference between the amount of nitrogen absorbed from the medium and the amount of endogenous nitrate in the cells. Comparison of the assimilated nitrate quantities per accumulated dry biomass between the photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic cells demonstrated that nearly 30% of nitrate is assimilated with the help of photosynthesis in a mixotrophic culture when nitrate is the only source of nitrogen.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1997

[Separation and detection of seven carbamate pesticides in biological samples by solid phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography].

Methomyl, metolcarb, propoxur, carbaryl, isoprocarb, diuron and bassa are all carbamate pesticides. In this paper, a reversed-phase HPLC method is described for analysis of these carbamate pesticides in biological samples with Spherisorb C18 column (150 mm x 2.0 mm i.d., 5 microm), 60:40 (V/V) MeOH-H20 eluent and photodiode array detector. These pesticides were identified by their spectrum characteristics and retention times. Their quantity was determined by their peak area. The biological samples were extracted with C18 cartridge and eluted with ethyl acetate, and then analysed by HPLC. The sensitivity of detection for the seven carbamates was in the range of 1-2 mg/L of blood sample and 5-10 mg/L of urine sample. The recoveries of blood and urine samples were 70%-80% and 65%-82%, respectively. The method is simple, rapid and highly sensitive.

Carbamates↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Photochemical activity of photosystem II and hydrogen photoproduction in sulfur-deprived Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutants D1-R323D and D1-R323L].

The role of photosystem II in hydrogen photoproduction by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells was studied in mutants with modified D1-protein. In D1-R323D and D1-R323L mutants, the replacement of arginine by aspartate or leucine, respectively, resulted in the disruption of electron transport at the donor side of photosystem II. The rate of oxygen evolution in D1-R323D decreased twice as compared to the pseudo-wild type (pWT), and in D1-R323L no oxygen evolution was detected. The latter mutant was not capable of photoautotrophical growth. The dynamics of changes in oxygen content, the reduction of photosystem II active reaction centers (deltaF/F(1)m), and hydrogen production rate in pWT were found to be similar to the wild type if cultivated under sulfur deprivation in a closed bioreactor. The observed gradual decrease in the deltaF/F(1)m value turned to a sharp drop almost to zero followed by a partial recovery during which the production of hydrogen set in. The transition to the anaerobic phase in D1-R323D cultured in a sulfur-deprived medium occurred earlier than it happened in pWt under the same conditions. However, the partial recovery of photosystem II activity and hydrogen production started at a later time, and the rate of hydrogen production was low. The D1-R323L mutant incapable of oxygen evolution entered the rapidly anaerobiosis but produced no hydrogen. The kinetics of photoinduced redox transitions in P700 was similar in all investigated strains and was not affected by diuron addition. This implies that the mutants had a pool of reducers, which could donate electrons through the quinone pool or cytochrome to photosystem I. However, in D1-R323L mutant lacking the active photosystem II, this condition was not sufficient to support hydrogenase activity.

Algal Proteins↗
PubMed2005

Development of biofilters to treat the pesticides wastes from spraying applications.

Several studies carried out in Europe showed the importance of direct losses to the contamination of surface water by pesticides. These pesticides losses can occur at the farm site when the sprayer equipment is filled with the pesticide formulation (spills, overflowing, leaking) and during the clean-up (rinsing) of the sprayer after the treatment. In Belgium studies are carried out on biofilters to treat in an efficient way effluents containing pesticides. The biofilter substrate is elaborated from a homogenised mixture of local soil, chopped straw and peat or composted material, able to absorb or degrade the active substances. Biofilters consist in systems of 2 or 3 units depending on the spray equipment of the farmer and on the configuration of the farmyard. Each unit is made from a 1 m3 plastic container and the different units are stacked in a vertical pile and connected between them using plastic valves and pipes. Eight pilot systems were installed in March 2002 in seven farms and in one agricultural school, all selected in the loamy region of Belgium specialised in arable crops such as cereals, sugar beets and vegetables. The efficacy (yield) of the systems was determined by measuring the balance of the inputs and outputs of the pesticides. Results were expressed in percent of pesticide retained on the biofilters. The results obtained after two years with 5 tracer pesticides (atrazine, carbofuran, diuron, lenacil and simazine) brought on the biofilter installations are very satisfactory since the percentage of retention is generally higher than 95% of the amount applied. In the beginning of 2004, ten new pilot biofilters were installed in several farms or agricultural technical centres (producing cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables, fruits or ornamental plants), and in a municipal maintenance service. Some biofilters were installed in duplicate in order to compare the efficacy of different substrates. The efficacy of the biofilters was studied for the 5 classical tracer pesticides but also for other chemical classes of herbicides (sulfonylurea, aryloxyalcanoic acids, chloroacetanilides), insecticides (pyrethroids, carbamates) and fungicides (dicarboximides, phenylamides, triazoles and strobilurines). To monitor these pesticides in elutes and substrates, two analytical methods were developed, optimised and validated : the first one by Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry Detection (GC-MS), and the second one by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV Diode Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). The micro-organisms activity in the substrate was also measured in some situations.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed1991

Ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase of higher plants. Isolation and characterization of the bc1 complex from potato tuber mitochondria.

A procedure is described for isolation of active ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (bc1 complex) from potato tuber mitochondria using dodecyl maltoside extraction and ion exchange chromatography. The same procedure works well with mitochondria from red beet and sweet potato. The potato complex has at least 10 subunits resolvable by gel electrophoresis in the presence of dodecyl sulfate. The fifth subunit carries covalently bound heme. The two largest ("core") subunits either show heterogeneity or include a third subunit. The purified complex contains about 4 mumol of cytochrome c1, 8 mumol of cytochrome b, and 20 mumol of iron/g of protein. The complex is highly delipidated, with 1-6 mol of phospholipid and about 0.2 mol of ubiquinone/mol of cytochrome c1. Nonetheless it catalyzes electron transfer from a short chain ubiquinol analog to equine cytochrome c with a turnover number of 50-170 mol of cytochrome c reduced per mol of cytochrome c1 per s, as compared with approximately 220 in whole mitochondria. The enzymatic activity is stable for weeks at 4 degrees C in phosphate buffer and for months at -20 degrees C in 50% glycerol. The activity is inhibited by antimycin, myxothiazol, and funiculosin. The complex is more resistant to funiculosin and diuron than the beef heart enzyme. The optical difference spectra of the cytochromes were resolved by analysis of full-spectrum redox titrations. The alpha-band absorption maxima are 552 nm (cytochrome c1), 560 nm (cytochrome b-560), and 557.5 + 565.5 nm (cytochrome b-566, which has a split alpha-band). Extinction coefficients appropriate for the potato cytochromes are estimated. Despite the low lipid and ubiquinone content of the purified complex, the midpoint potentials of the cytochromes (257, 51, and -77 mV for cytochromes c1, b-560, and b-566, respectively) are not very different from values reported for whole mitochondria. EPR spectroscopy shows the presence of a Rieske-type iron sulfur center, and the absence of centers associated with succinate and NADH dehydrogenases. The complex shows characteristics associated with a Q-cycle mechanism of redox-driven proton translocation, including two pathways for reduction of b cytochromes by quinols and oxidant-induced reduction of b cytochromes in the presence of antimycin.

Carotenoids↗
PubMed1991

The PQ/PQH2 ratio and occupancy of photosystem II-QB site by plastoquinone control the degradation of D1 protein during photoinhibition in vivo.

Photoinactivation of photosystem II (PSII) and light-dependent degradation of the reaction center II (RCII) protein D1 have been investigated in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutants D6, AC208, and B4 deficient in cytochrome b6/f, plastocyanin, and photosystem I (PSI) activity, respectively. These mutants possess active PSII and reduce plastoquinone (PQ) but cannot oxidize plastoquinol (PQH2) via light-dependent reduction of NADP. In light-exposed cells a high ratio PQH2/PQ and a low turnover of PQ/PQH2 at the RCII-QB site are maintained. In all mutants photoinactivation of RCII was slower as compared to the wild-type (wt) cells, and D1 degradation was drastically decreased. The degradation of D1 was also lower in the wt cells under anaerobic conditions and presence of ascorbate, while raising the concentration of dissolved oxygen increased the degradation of the D1 protein in the AC208 mutant. Photoinactivation and light-dependent degradation of the D1 protein were drastically increased in the Scenedesmus obliquus LF-1 mutant cells altered in its PSII manganese binding and thus unable to reduce PQ using water as an electron donor. Diuron inhibited the light-dependent degradation of D1 protein in both the LF-1 mutant and wt cells. Based on these results we propose that availability of PQ at the QB site is required for (i) the photoinactivation process of the RCII acceptor side followed by inactivation of the donor side leading to the generation of harmful cation radicals (Z+, P680+, chlz+) which damage the D1 protein, and (ii) the accessibility of the cleavage site of the damaged D1 protein to proteolytic degradation.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

[Photosynthetic electron transfer at the level of cytochrome f and plastocyanin].

Light-induced redox conversions of cytochrome f and plastocyanin in situ and electron transporst from H2O to NADP+ were studied by a dual-wave differential spectrophotometry under identical conditions and subsequently compared. The analysis in red and far red light, treatment by inhibitors, e. g. diurone and dibromothymoquinone, and the analysis of photoreactions during the greening of etiolated seedlings demonstrated that cytochrome f functions only in the non-cyclic chain of electron transport, whereas plastocyanin--both in the non-cyclic and in the cyclic electron transport chains. The jositions of cytochrome f and plastocyanin in various electron-transport chains are proposed.

Cytochromes↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Determination of linuron in potatoes using capillary column gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

A convenient method for the determination of the N-methyl,N-methoxy-phenylurea herbicide (linuron) in potatoes has been developed. The herbicide is extracted from potatoes using a slightly modified Luke multiresidue procedure. The extract is analyzed directly by gas chromatography with cold on-column injection, using an ion trap mass spectrometer in the chemical ionization mode as the detector. Quantitation is performed using p-bromonitrobenzene as the internal standard. The limit of detection is 0.1 ppm. Recoveries of linuron in potatoes averaged 112 +/- 6% at the 0.5 ppm level, and 110 +/- 2% at the 0.2 ppm level. No linuron residues were found in 25 potato samples that were analyzed by this method. Two other N-methyl,N-methoxy-phenylurea herbicides, metobromuron and chlorbromuron, are also sufficiently stable to be determined by this method, but the N,N-dialkyl-phenylurea herbicides neburon, diuron, and monuron are too thermally unstable and degrade in the gas chromatograph.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry↗