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At least 1,099 records · Page 61Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mediates cockroach allergen-induced bronchial hyperreactivity in normal but not CCR2-/- mice: the role of mast cells.

Bronchial eosinophil and mononuclear cell infiltrates are a hallmark of the asthmatic lung and are associated with the induction of reversible airway hyperreactivity. In these studies, we have found that monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), a CC (beta) chemokine, mediates airway hyperreactivity in normal and allergic mice. Using a murine model of cockroach Ag-induced allergic airway inflammation, we have demonstrated that anti-MCP-1 Abs inhibit changes in airway resistance and attenuate histamine release into the bronchoalveolar lavage, suggesting a role for MCP-1 in mast cell degranulation. In normal mice, instillation of MCP-1 induced prolonged airway hyperreactivity and histamine release. In addition, MCP-1 directly induced pulmonary mast cell degranulation in vitro. These latter effects would appear to be selective because no changes were observed when macrophage-inflammatory protein-1alpha, eotaxin, or MCP-3 were instilled into the airways of normal mice or when mast cells were treated in vitro. Airway hyperreactivity was mediated by MCP-1 through CCR2 because allergen-induced as well as direct MCP-1 instilled-induced changes in airway hyperreactivity were significantly attenuated in CCR2 -/- mice. The neutralization of MCP-1 in allergic animals and instillation of MCP-1 in normal animals was related to leukotriene C4 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage and was directly induced in pulmonary mast cells by MCP-1. Thus, these data identify MCP-1 and CCR2 as potentially important therapeutic targets for the treatment of hyperreactive airway disease.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1999

Protocerebral neurons inhibiting proliferation of corpus allatum cells in the cockroach, Diploptera punctata.

A mitotic wave before an increase in juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis was observed in the corpora allata during each ovarian cycle in the cockroach Diploptera punctata and was shown subsequently to be inhibited by the brain until adult females mated. Each corpus allatum (CA) was innervated by groups of neurons in the contralateral pars intercerebralis (PI) and the ipsilateral pars lateralis (PL). In this article, a third set of neurons is identified that innervates the CA located extralaterally in the contralateral PL. The topography of the brain neurons innervating the CA was reconstructed from confocal optical sections after vital staining with two fluorescent carbocyanine dyes, 1,1'-dihexadecyl-3, 3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate [DiIC(16) (3)] and 3, 3'-dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine perchlorate [DiOC(18) (3)]. This provided information necessary to disconnect specific pathways within the brain of virgin females and to determine the effect on mitosis in the corpora allata and on the growth of oocytes. Disconnection of the CA from the PI neurons was followed by a prolonged period of moderate mitotic activity in the glands. Disconnection of the CA from PI and contralateral PL neurons was followed by a rapid wave of high mitotic activity in the CA similar to that observed after mating. The ipsilateral PL neurons did not appear to influence CA cell proliferation, because mitotic activity in glands was similar whether or not glands were connected to these neurons. Disconnection of the contralateral PI and/or ipsilateral PL neurons, but not the contralateral PL neurons, from the CA resulted in oocyte growth indicative of increased JH synthesis. The authors conclude that, whereas contralateral PI neurons inhibit both CA cell proliferation and JH synthesis, ipsilateral PL neurons affect only JH synthesis, and contralateral PL neurons modulate cell proliferation slightly only.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Wind direction coding in the cockroach escape response: winner does not take all.

Cockroaches respond to the approach of a predator by turning away and then running. Three bilateral pairs of giant interneurons are involved in determining the direction of the sensory stimulus and setting the turn direction. Each of these six interneurons has a different directional response to wind stimuli. We have tested whether these six cells use a winner-take-all mechanism to perform this directional determination: that is, each of these cells suppressing the motor response that each of the other cells promotes. Such a mechanism is found in similar behaviors of some other animals. By adding spikes to identified giant interneurons through intracellular stimulation during the sensory-induced behavior and analyzing the resulting directional leg movements, we find that a winner-take-all is not used in this system. Rather, directional determination appears to be based on collaborative calculation of direction by the giant interneurons as a group.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2000

Predicting asthma severity from allergic sensitivity to cockroaches in pregnant inner city women.

OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare cockroach (CR)-specific immunoglobin E (IgE) in sera from pregnant women with mild, moderate and severe asthma. STUDY DESIGN: CR IgE levels were measured in stored sera collected during the Collaborative Perinatal Project. Three matched groups of 93 women were formed: group I (mild), history of asthma but no acute exacerbation; group II (moderate), acute asthma exacerbation; group III (severe), required hospitalization for a diagnosis of status asthmaticus. ANOVA was used to compare the three means. RESULTS: Mean CR IgE paralleled prenatal asthma severity. Mean values were 6.50, 13.12 and 28.99 kU/L for groups I, II and III, respectively (P = .06). High allergen sensitivity, defined as CR IgE > 60 kU/L, was identified in 8 of the 93 study samples. The prevalence of high allergen sensitivity increased as clinical asthma became more severe. Sixty-two percent (5/8) of the high allergen sensitivity occurred in group III. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a positive correlation between sensitivity to CR allergens and asthma severity during pregnancy, and these findings support further evaluation of CR allergen sensitivity as a predictor of asthma severity in pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Functional peculiarities of stretch receptors of the flight apparatus in the cockroach Periplaneta americana].

Functional peculiarities of stretch receptors in wing articulations of the cockroach are considered and possible functional role of these receptors in maintenance of stable rhythm of flight is discussed. Stretch receptors of wing articulations are of phasictonic type they exhibit slow and incomplete adaptation, discharging when the wing goes upward. The pattern of impulse response of the receptor depends both on the angle and the velocity of displacement of wing platelet. The scheme of presumptive pacemaker of wing beats is discussed in detail.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2002

Low-flow, long-term air sampling under normal domestic activity to measure house dust mite and cockroach allergens.

Successful applications of air sampling for the quantification of exposure to indoor allergens have been reported, but its efficiency is still controversial. We evaluated whether the low-flow, long-term air sampling in normal domestic activity conditions can quantify the exposure of house dust mites (HDM) and cockroaches (CR) allergens or not. Airborne Der f 1 and Bla g 1 were captured with a personal air sampler in 25 bedrooms during normal domestic activity. Quantification of the major allergens in the reservoir dust and the extraction of the air sampler filters were done with two-site ELISA kits. Airborne Der f 1 was measured above the threshold level of detection in 15 houses (60%). Detection rate of airborne Der f 1 was significantly higher in those houses where D. farinae was microscopically found in the reservoir dusts (76.5% vs. 25%, chi 2 = 6.0, p = 0.014). Airborne Der f 1 was more frequently detected in the houses with higher Der f 1 (> or = 10 micrograms/g dust) in bedding reservoir dust than the other group (91% vs. 35.7%, chi 2 = 7.819, p = 0.005), and the median value of airborne Der f 1 was also significantly higher in that group (14.0 pg/m3 vs. below detection limit, p = 0.002). Airborne Der f 1 was significantly correlated with Der f 1 in bedding reservoir dust (r = 0.591, p < 0.01). Airborne Bla g 1 was measured with ELISA in 16 houses (64%), and it was more frequently detected in the houses where the CRs were captured by adhesive traps (91% vs. 57%, chi 2 = 3,484, p = 0.06). The median concentration of Bla g 1 in the filter was also higher in the houses with captured CRs (0.12 vs. 0.05 mU/m3, p = 0.06), but the level of Bla g 1 did not correlate with that of the bedding dusts or the floor dusts of kitchen. These results suggested that airborne HDM or CR allergens could be measured by low-flow, long-term air sampling, and that it might be one of appropriate modalities for evaluating personal exposure to HDM and CR allergens.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed1961

Resistance to diazinon in the German cockroach.

Specimens of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) from two different locations near Owensboro, Ky., USA, were tested in the laboratory for resistance to diazinon and malathion. Those from one location were reared for three generations, and those from the other for four generations, before testing was completed. The results showed that both strains possessed resistance to diazinon, but neither strain was resistant to malathion. The males and females of one strain were, respectively, 2.5 and 2.6 times resistant to diazinon at LC(50) and 3.0 and 3.8 times resistant at LC(90): while those of the other strain were 5.8 and 8.0 times resistant to diazinon at LC(50) and 9.3 and 15.3 times resistant at LC(90).

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Purification and localization of p10, a novel protein that increases in nymphal regenerating legs of Periplaneta americana (American cockroach).

Content of a protein with a molecular mass of 10 kDa (p10) was found to increase significantly in regenerating legs of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). This protein was purified to homogeneity from a homogenate of regenerating legs. Partial amino acid sequencing indicated that p10 is a novel protein. Immunoblotting showed that its content in regenerating legs was 30 times that in normal legs, and decreased significantly when leg regeneration was complete. An immunofluorescence study revealed that p10 localizes exclusively on the external side of newly formed epidermis of regenerating legs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cockroach in right main bronchus--an unusual foreign body.

Foreign body aspiration in children is not a uncommon clinical problem. Usually the foreign body is of vegetable origin. It is distinctly uncommon to find a living organism like cockroach, especially a large one as a foreign body in respiratory tract. Here we report one such rare experience.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Nuclear rDNA variability in laboratory strains of the German cockroach Blattella germanica L. (Blattellidae)].

The polymorphism of nuclear ribosomal DNA has been studied in male German cockroaches. The RFLP analysis has been used to identify seven types of HindIII fragments, the variation of which may serve as the basis for the differentiation of laboratory strains with respect to some population indices, including the average number of fragments per animal (N), the proportion of polymorphic loci (P), and the average pairwise similarity (APS). The interpopulation variation (FST) calculated for nine haplotypes is 53.85%.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effects of a neonicotinoid insecticide (acetamiprid) on acetylcholinesterase activity and cuticular hydrocarbons profil in German cockroaches.

Acetamiprid was incorporated into the diet at 2% dose corresponding to the LD50 and orally administrated to newly emerged adults of the German cockroach Blattella germanica and investigated on acetylcholinesterase activity and cuticular hydrocarbons profil. Acetylcholinesterase specific activity was determined on adult males and females after 24, 48 and 72 hours of treatment. Pentanic extracts of cuticular hydrocarbons in males and females after 6 days of treatment were analysed by gas chromatography. Data revealed an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity in both sexes from the control series. However, a significant inhibition in AChE was observed after treatment at 24, 48 and 72 hours especially in females. In addition, hydrocarbons profils were found qualitatively similar in all groups of insects. However, slight quantitative differences between sexes in control series were noted. Acetamiprid feminize the cuticular profil in males with significant reduction of cuticular compound, and these allowed separation of insects into two groups using multivariate analysis.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed2006

Impact of human activity on the distribution of native and non-native cockroach species (Dictyoptera) in La Réunion and Mayotte.

Establishment of non-native species and human-driven alteration of habitats are major causes of the decline of native faunas. Interference between native and non-native cockroach species was evaluated here by comparing their distribution areas in two oceanic islands: Mayotte and La Réunion. A factorial correspondence analysis showed that their presence is related to environmental parameters among which human activity, humidity and altitude are the three most important. Human activity and humidity favour establishment and development of non-native species, whereas altitude limits their presence. Non-native species form guilds (up to seven species). Their distribution areas overlap and illustrate their colonizing capacities. On the contrary, distribution areas of native species never overlap, although some co-occur with non-native species. Native species are more endangered when they are established in cultivated areas than when they are in protected natural areas.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Localization of regenectin in regenerates of American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) legs.

The localization of regenectin, a sucrose-binding C-type lectin, in the regeneration of the cockroach leg was investigated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence studies. Regenectin was found to appear transiently around developing muscle cells in regenerating legs in the late stage of regeneration. With maturation of the muscles, it disappeared and was not detectable in completely regenerated legs. These findings suggest that regenectin is a cementing substance connecting developing muscle cells. Regenectin was not detected in embryos or nymphal legs at various developmental stages, suggesting that it might not be involved in normal development of embryos and legs.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Resistance of German cockroach (Blattella germanica) to DDT and Propoxur in some parts of Bulgaria.

Five field strains of Blattella germanica from different areas of Bulgaria were tested for resistance to DDT. The strain from Sofia-city after 24 hours of exposure was resistant to DDT in terms of mortality by resistant ratio of 3.76 at the LT50 level. Also 5 strains of B. germanica from 3 regions of Bulgaria have been tested to the carbamate insecticide--Propoxur. For the first time in Bulgaria, DDT- and Propoxur-resistant cockroach strains have been found. It is due to female and nymph resistance, while the males are highly susceptible to Propoxur.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Effect of permethrin selection on the developmental cycle and fertility of cockroaches (Blattella germanica)].

Each generation of Blattella germanica were treated with a dose of 0.42 microgram permethrin per VI instar larva. The fecundity varied from 8.21 to 33.66 for I instar larvae per female. Reproduction was significantly lower than that evaluated for untreated insects in third and fourth generations, but significantly higher in the fifth generation. Mortality among insects treated with permethrin, with the exception of the fourth generation only, was higher than among untreated cockroaches. In the third, fourth and fifth generations, the biotic potential was significantly lower in groups of treated insects than in untreated ones. The length of the developmental period of B. germanica treated with permethrin, measured during 7 generations, showed no significant changes in comparison with the control groups.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Distribution of GABA-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.).

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the most frequently occurring neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Using an antiserum against a GABA-protein conjugate, this has also been demonstrated for insects. The distribution of GABA-like immunoreactive neuronal elements within the central nervous system of the insect Periplaneta americana has been investigated by means of immunocytochemistry. An overview of the distribution of neuronal elements with GABA-like immunoreactivity (GLIR) in the brain is given. The ventral nerve cord was extensively investigated. The highest number of neurons with GLIR was estimated in the metathoracic ganglion (ca. 1000). The function of the suboesophageal ganglion as an inhibitory centre for the central nervous system was further confirmed by the high number of GABAergic elements and descending GABAergic pathways within the ventral nerve cord. A GABAergic innervation of skeletal musculature by so-called common inhibitory neurons was revealed for the legs of cockroaches. Nevertheless, GABA mainly seems to be a neurotransmitter in central interneurons. Identical distribution patterns of neuronal elements after immunofluorescence double-staining with anti-GABA antibodies and antibodies against the GABA-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase demonstrated the high specificity of the anti-GABA serum used in this paper.

Animals↗