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Season of birth as predictor of atopic manifestations.

The relation between month of birth, sensitisation, and manifestations of atopy was assessed in 209 children who were followed from birth to 12-15 years. Children born during the tree pollen season were less likely to develop allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, IgE antibodies to pollen, or a positive screening test for IgE antibodies (odds ratio 0.28, 0.41, 0.35, respectively) than children born during the rest of the year. The prevalence of IgE antibodies to food and animal dander at 9 months and to atopic disease was higher in children born in the autumn and winter, that is, September to February, compared to the spring and summer (egg 20% v 6%; milk 10% v 2%). Thus sensitisation to pollen and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is least common in children born in the spring, while birth in September to February is associated with an increased incidence of sensitisation to food and of atopic disease.

Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗

[RFLP analysis of wheat-L. racemosus translocation lines].

A number of wheat-L. racemosus translocation lines were developed by irradiation, pollen culture and gametocidal chromosome methods. In order to identify homozygous translocation lines and determine the exact location of the breakpoints involved in the translocations, 67 probes genetically or physically mapped previously on wheat chromosomes belonging to seven homoeologous groups were used for RFLP analysis. Three homozygous translocation lines were identified: T1BL.7Lr # 1S, T4BS.4BL-7Lr # 1 and T6AL.7Lr # 1S. In lines T1BL.7Lr # 1S and T6AL.7Lr # 1S, the breakpoint of chromosome 7Lr # 1 was located in the short arm between the area marked by clone MWG808 and that of ABG476.1, and the breakpoints of chromosomes 1B and 6A were both located near the centromere. In line T4BS.4BL-7Lr # 1S, the breakpoint of chromosome 7Lr # 1 was located in the short arm between the area marked by clone BCD349 and that of CDO595, the breakpoint of chromosome 4B was located in the long arm between the area marked by clone CDO541 and that of PSR164.

Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length↗

Grass conjuvac. I. Immunogenicity in rabbits, guinea pigs and rats.

Sera of rabbits injected with Conjuvac developed high titres of pollen-specific haemagglutinating antibody. Similarly, sera of guinea pigs treated with Conjuvac developed high titres of pollen-specific IgG1 antibody, as assessed using guinea pig passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). In both species, the immunogenicity of pollen extract was increased by conjugation to alginate to an extent greater than or equal to that resulting from adsorption to aluminium hydroxide. In contrast, in rats, Conjuvac alone failed to induce pollen-specific IgE antibody, and it suppressed the IgE response induced by pollen extract absorbed to aluminium hydroxide.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

[Atopy, HLA-system and steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (author's transl)].

Atopic features are frequently observed in patients with steorid sensitive nephrotic syndrome. In the younger child food allergies are dominant, while older children develop allergies against pollens. Serum IgE rather is elevated in those patients with nephrotic syndrome accompanied by atopy. The natural course of allergy is independent of that of the nephrotic syndrome. No clear association of one of the known HLA-Antigens could be observed as was previously postulated by others.

Adolescent↗

[Pollen information of airborne Japanese cedar pollen using a simulation method].

We have developed a simulation method of airborne Cryptomeria japonica pollen distribution on a map displayed visually on a TV screen. Each patient can be available the information where the place he or she lives. The pollen season in 1995, we served the information about airborne pollen distribution on a map and C. japonica flowering areas on a map to a local resident through TV broadcasting. To verify the simulation method, comparison was made between the result from actual pollen counting and from simulation. It was clarified that both results were comparatively agreed on daily basis. Problem about compatibility among personal computers were solved to rewrite the program of displaying the image using Visual Basic for MS-Windows and create image files. The files can be read continuously by animation software. We think the information can be offered to local resident, local clinicians and patients waiting at the clinics by use of computer networks.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Phytosulphokine gene regulation during maize (Zea mays L.) reproduction.

The sulphated pentapeptide phytosulphokine (PSK) was identified as a substance that promotes cell division in low-density suspension cultures and has been implicated in various aspects of tissue differentiation in plants. The peptide is derived from PSK precursor proteins that are encoded by small gene families. The physiological roles of PSK are still not clearly defined and little is known about expression of members of the PSK precursor gene family in any plant species. In this study, highly regulated tissue and cell type-specific expression are described for four PSK genes from maize (Zea mays L.) in female and male gametophytes, and during seed development. ZmPSK1 and ZmPSK3 were specifically and differentially expressed in cells of female and male gametophytes and in female and male gametes. In anthers ZmPSK1 or ZmPSK3 transcripts were found, for example, at high levels in secretory tapetal cells which support developing microspores. ZmPSK1 mRNA was abundant in mature pollen including sperm cells. ZmPSK1 and ZmPSK3 transcripts were also detected in egg and central cells of the female gametophyte and ZmPSK1 mRNA was present in synergids, indicating that the PSK peptide probably plays a role during gametogenesis, pollen germination, and fertilization. In developing maize kernels all four ZmPSK genes were expressed, albeit with striking differences in their expression patterns. It is proposed here that PSK is required for numerous but defined processes during gametophyte and early sporophyte development. In general, PSK availability appears to be controlled through transcriptional regulation in a tissue and cell type-specific and development-dependent manner.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The gar2 and rga alleles increase the growth of gibberellin-deficient pollen tubes in Arabidopsis.

Ectopic expression in Arabidopsis of a pea (Pisum sativum) cDNA (2ox2) encoding a gibberellin (GA) 2-oxidase (PsGA2ox2), involved in the deactivation of biologically active GAs, has been used to establish a role for GAs in promoting pollen tube growth. One line, 35S:2ox2/28c, when homozygous for the transgene, exhibits a novel small fruit phenotype. The 28c transgene reduces pollen tube growth, and this results in a reduced number of fertilized seeds that are only present at the end of the silique nearest the stigma. To confirm that the 28c pollen tube phenotype is due to sense expression of the 2ox2 mRNA, a "hairpin" RNA interface silencing construct, designed to silence 2ox2 expression, has been used to restore pollen tube growth and fruit development. The interaction between 28c and other mutants with increased GA response has also been examined to provide further evidence that GAs play an important role in pollen tube growth. Based on the ability of mutant alleles to suppress the 35S:2ox2/28c phenotype, we define new roles for the gar2-1 and rga alleles in GA signaling during pollen tube elongation in addition to their previously established roles in vegetative tissues. In contrast to the constitutive GA response observed in internodes and leaves lacking RGA and GAI, the rga-2 gai-d5 mutant combination is only a partial suppressor of the 28c phenotype. Because the dominant dwarfing gai-1 allele reduces GA response in vegetative tissues, its effect on plant fertility has been examined. Although gai-1 reduces seed set, this appears to reflect defects in reproductive development other than pollen tube function. Finally, we show that the genetic background (Landsberg erecta or Columbia) modifies the 28c phenotype and that this effect is not due to the ER/er difference between these two ecotypes.

Alleles↗

Seven zinc-finger transcription factors are expressed sequentially during the development of anthers in petunia.

The development of anthers and pollen involves several stages. In an attempt to identify the transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of gene expression associated with the development of anthers, seven genes for new zinc-finger proteins that are expressed in anthers were detected using RT-PCR. Subsequent cloning and sequence analysis of the full-length cDNA clones revealed that they all encoded zinc-finger proteins of the EPF type. However, the encoded proteins were very different from each other in terms of size, number of zinc fingers (two, three and four) and the spacings between the fingers. Northern blot analysis revealed that the genes were expressed preferentially in anthers. Moreover, it was found that the seven genes were expressed transiently for short periods that corresponded to different developmental stages. It appeared that the genes were activated sequentially during the development of the anther. Considering these observations, a possible mechanism that could account for the autonomous progression of the development of the anther via a regulatory cascade of these transcription factors is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Male and female synchrony and the regulation of mating in flowering plants.

Successful mating clearly requires synchronous development of the male and female sexual organs. Evidence is accumulating that this synchrony of development also persists after pollination, with both pollen and pistil following complex, but highly integrated developmental pathways. The timing of the male-female interaction is crucial for the pistil, which, far from being a mature passive structure, is engaged in a continuing programme of development: only being receptive to the advances of the pollen for a relatively short window of time. This developmental programme is most conspicuous in the ovary, and this review focuses on the interaction between the male and female tissues in this structure. The review first considers pollen tube development in the ovary, concentrating of the mechanisms by which its growth is modulated at various control points associated with structures within the ovary. Second, alterations to this 'normal' developmental programme are reviewed and considered in the context of a breakdown of developmental synchrony. Finally, the consequences of male-female developmental synchrony and asynchrony are explored. Clearly, a synchronous male-female relationship leads to a successful fertilization. However, lack of synchrony also occurs, and could emerge as a powerful tool to investigate the regulation of mating.

Magnoliopsida↗

Metaxenia in the vine cacti Hylocereus polyrhizus and Selenicereus spp.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Flowers of the vine cacti of the genera Hylocereus and Selenicereus grown in Israel must be hand pollinated due to self-incompatibility and lack of efficient pollinators. In controlled pollination experiments, it was found that the time elapsed between pollination and ripening depends on the source of the pollen. Therefore a study was made of some effects of the pollen source on fruit development. METHODS: Flowers of Hylocereus polyrhizus were pollinated on the same day with different pollen sources and the stigmas were covered. Fruits were collected 4 d after reaching full colour. RESULTS: Pollinating flowers of Hylocereus polyrhizus with Selenicereus grandiflorus and S. megalanthus pollen delayed ripening by 1 and 3 weeks, respectively, as compared with ripening of fruits pollinated with Hylocereus undatus pollen. Other fruit characteristics affected by the pollen source were fruit size, pulp dry weight and number of seeds per fruit, all being significantly reduced, while peel dry weight was significantly increased by S. megalanthus pollen. Total soluble sugar content was reduced in H. polyrhizus fruits pollinated with S. grandiflorus pollen. No other major traits were affected. CONCLUSIONS: The results are evidence for the existence of metaxenia, i.e. an effect of pollen on maternal tissues, in cacti fruits. This pollen effect on the fruit-ripening time may be used for extending the marketing period of H. polyrhizus fruits.

Cactaceae↗

Decreased NADH glutamate synthase activity in nodules and flowers of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) transformed with an antisense glutamate synthase transgene.

Legumes obtain a substantial portion of their nitrogen (N) from symbiotic N2 fixation in root nodules. The glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2)/glutamate synthase (GOGAT) cycle is responsible for the initial N assimilation. This report describes the analysis of a transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) line containing an antisense NADH-GOGAT (EC 1.4.1.14) under the control of the nodule-enhanced aspartate amino-transferase (AAT-2) promoter. In one transgenic line, NADH-GOGAT enzyme activity was reduced to approximately 50%, with a corresponding reduction in protein and mRNA. The transcript abundance for cytosolic GS, ferredoxin-dependent GOGAT (EC 1.4.7.1), AAT-2 (EC 2.6.1.1), asparagine synthase (EC 6.3.5.4), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC, EC 4.1.1.31) were unaffected, as were enzyme activities for AAT, PEPC and GS. Antisense NADH-GOGAT plants grown under symbiotic conditions were moderately chlorotic and reduced in growth and N content, even though symbiotic N2 fixation was not significantly reduced. The addition of nitrate relieved the chlorosis and restored growth and N content. Surprisingly, the antisense NADH-GOGAT plants were male sterile resulting from inviable pollen. A reduction in NADH-GOGAT enzyme activity and transcript abundance in the antisense plants was measured during the early stages of flower development. Inheritance of the transgene was stable and resulted in progeny with a range of NADH-GOGAT activity. These data indicate that NADH-GOGAT plays a critical role in the assimilation of symbiotically fixed N and during pollen development.

Antisense Elements (Genetics)↗

Development of a sandwich-type ELISA for measuring Pla a 1, the major allergen of Platanus acerifolia pollen.

BACKGROUND: Platanus acerifolia is an important cause of pollinosis in Western European cities. Pla a 1, a nonglycosylated 18-kDa protein with a prevalence of 80%, is a major allergen in P. acerifolia pollen extracts. Our aim was to develop a Pla a 1-specific ELISA to quantify this protein in allergenic extracts and preparations for clinical use. METHODS: Pla a 1 was purified by cation exchange at pH 7.0, gel filtration, and anion exchange chromatography at pH 10.0. Monoclonal (mAb) and polyclonal antibodies were obtained by immunizing mice and rabbits with nPla a 1. One (5C1) of the 13 mAb obtained was used as capture antibody at 5 mug/ml and biotin-labeled specific polyclonal antiserum at 0.63 microg/ml served for detection. RESULTS: The prevalence of Pla a 1-specific IgE to purified Pla a 1 among 47 P. acerifolia-allergic patients was 79%. The Pla a 1-ELISA developed has a linear range of 3-25 ng/ml, high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/ml and is highly specific as none of the 24 pollen, mite, mold, and plant food extracts tested gave positive results. The assay could quantify Pla a 1-like proteins in other planetree pollen extracts. A good correlation was obtained between Pla a 1 content of 11 P. acerifolia pollen extracts (average content 0.69% of the total protein) and their IgE-binding activity. CONCLUSIONS: The described two-site sandwich ELISA to measure Pla a 1 is useful for standardization of planetree pollen extracts intended for clinical use.

Allergens↗

Damage of oxidative stress on mitochondria during microspores development in Honglian CMS line of rice.

One of the cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) types used for hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in China is the Honglian (HL)-CMS. Previous studies suggested that pollen abortion of the sterile plants was resulted from a special programmed cell death (PCD) program started at meiosis in the microspores. To elucidate the molecular basis of the pollen abortion, we compared the biochemical and physiological properties such as content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP, NADH, total glutathione and ascorbate acid, the activities of dehydroascrbate reductase, glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxides and superoxide dismutase, and the integrity of mitochondrial genome DNA isolated from an HL-CMS line, Yuetai A and its maintainer line, Yuetai B. Our results indicated that the mitochondria of the HL-CMS line suffered from a serious oxidative stress during microspores development. Oxidative stress induced by abnormal increased ROS at meiosis stage resulted in the depletion of ATP and NADH, and the degradation of mitochondrial genomic DNA. This suggests that the presence of redox signal originated in mitochondria affects the rest of the cell. Therefore, it is possible that the abortion of premature microspores in HL-CMS line is induced by the chronic oxidative stress in mitochondria in the early stage of pollen development.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Plant profilin isovariants are distinctly regulated in vegetative and reproductive tissues.

Profilin is a low-molecular weight, actin monomer-binding protein that regulates the organization of actin cytoskeleton in eukaryotes, including higher plants. Unlike the simple human or yeast systems, the model plant Arabidopsis has an ancient and highly divergent multi-gene family encoding five distinct profilin isovariants. Here we compare and characterize the regulation of these profilins in different organs and during microspore development using isovariant-specific monoclonal antibodies. We show that PRF1, PRF2, and PRF3 are constitutive, being strongly expressed in all vegetative tissues at various stages of development. These profilin isovariants are also predominant in ovules and microspores at the early stages of microsporogenesis. In contrast, PRF4 and PRF5 are late pollen-specific and are not detectable in other cell types of the plant body including microspores and root hairs. Immunocytochemical studies at the subcellular level reveal that both the constitutive and pollen-specific profilins are abundant in the cytoplasm. In vegetative cell types, such as root apical cells, profilins showed localization to nuclei in addition to the cytoplasmic staining. The functional diversity of profilin isovariants is discussed in light of their spatio-temporal regulation during vegetative development, pollen maturation, and pollen tube growth.

Arabidopsis↗

Developmental and thermal regulation of the maize heat shock protein, HSP101.

The plant heat stress protein, Hsp101, and the yeast ortholog, Hsp104, are required to confer thermotolerance in plants and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), respectively. In addition to its function during stress, Hsp101 is developmentally regulated in plants although its function during development is not known. To determine how the expression of Hsp101 is regulated in cereals, we investigated the Hsp101 expression profile in developing maize (Zea mays). Hsp101 protein was most abundant in the developing tassel, ear, silks, endosperm, and embryo. It was less abundant in the vegetative and floral meristematic regions and was present at only a low level in the anthers and tassel at anthesis, mature pollen, roots, and leaves. As expected, heat treatment resulted in an increase in the level of Hsp101 protein in several organs. In expanding foliar leaves, husk leaves, the tassel at the premeiosis stage of development, or pre-anthesis anthers, however, the heat-mediated increase in protein was not accompanied by an equivalent increase in mRNA. In contrast, the level of Hsp101 transcript increased in the tassel at anthesis following a heat stress without an increase in Hsp101 protein. In other organs such as the vegetative and floral meristematic regions, fully expanded foliar leaves, the young ear, and roots, the heat-induced increase in Hsp101 protein was accompanied by a corresponding increase in Hsp101 transcript level. However, anthers at anthesis, mature pollen, developing endosperm, and embryos largely failed to mount a heat stress response at the level of Hsp101 protein or mRNA, indicating that Hsp101 expression is not heat inducible in these organs. In situ RNA localization analysis revealed that Hsp101 mRNA accumulated in the subaleurone and aleurone of developing kernels and was highest in the root cap meristem and quiescent center of heat-stressed roots. These data suggest an organ-specific control of Hsp101 expression during development and following a heat stress through mechanisms that may include posttranscriptional regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗