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At least 1,135 records · Page 63Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

The whale (Odontoceti) spleen: a type of primitive mammalian spleen.

Three spleens from two Odontoceti species were studied histo-anatomically. These spleens consisted of lymphatic nodules, the red pulp (broad sense), and the trabeculo-capsular system composed of the elasto-fibroleiomyocytic tissue. The periarterial lymphatic sheath (PALS) was unclear. Two layers, the intermediate zone and perivenous layer, were distinguishable in the red pulp (broad sense). The perivenous layer was narrow in width and consisted of venules and the intervascular reticular tissue rich in myeloid cells. The collecting and drainage veins were enclosed in this layer. The perivenous layer corresponds to the red pulp (narrow sense) of the common mammalian spleen and may be under involution in a process that probably relates to the remodelling of the intrasplenic vein. The pattern of the arteriovenous communication seemed to be closed, and no ellipsoids were noted around arterial terminals. The Odontoceti spleen has two venous drainage routes (hilar and capsular systems), suggesting a primitive state of evolution, and may be an additional example of the primitive mammalian spleen.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Studies on cobalt myoglobins and hemoglobins. Interaction of sperm whale myoglobin and Glycera hemoglobin with molecular oxygen.

The pH dependence of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum and oxygen affinity of cobaltous porphyrin-containing myoglobin (CoMb) have been examined. The hyperfine structures of the EPR spectrum of oxy-CoMb undergo small, reversible pH-dependent changes with pK values of 5.33, 5.55, and 5.25 +/- 0.05 for proto-, meso-, and deutero-CoMb's, respectively, whereas deoxy-CoMb does not exhibit any pH dependence of its EPR spectrum. The partial pressure of oxygen at half-saturation of proto-CoMb decreases from 26 to 42 Torr on lowering the pH from 7.0 to 4.8. For comparison, we have prepared cobaltous porphyrin-containing monomeric Glycera hemoglobin (CoHb (Glycera)), in which the distal histidyl group of myoglobin is replaced by a leucyl residue, and examined the equilibria and kinetics of its oxygenation and EPR spectrum. CoHb (Glycera) has exhibited a very low oxygen affinity (p50 = 7 X 10(2) Torr at 5 degrees) and a large dissociation rate constant (more than 8 X 10(4) S-1 at 5 degrees). The EPR spectrum of oxy-CoHb (Glycera) was affected by neither pH nor replacement of H2O with D2O. Low temperature photodissociation studies by EPR and spectrophotometry have shown that the photolyzed form of the ligated hemoglobin (Glycera) is similar to its deoxy form, in contrast to myoglobin which gives a new intermediate states as the photolyzed form. These differences between CoMb and CoHb (Glycera) are interpreted with relation to the possible role of the distal histidyl residue in CoMb.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Cross-linking of crystalline sperm whale myoglobin using glutaraldehyde].

The salt composition of the solution has been found, which does not interact with glutaraldehyde and myoglobin at an ionic strength corresponding to that of the mother liquid, i.e., 4.5 M (NH4)2SO4. Cross-linking conditions have been elaborated when crystalline myoglobin retains its native structure: myoglobin in 3 M Cs2SO4 pH 5.4 is cross-linked by diffusion in 5% glutaraldehyde vapours in the same salt solution (5 days, room temperature).

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Genetic control of immune response to sperm whale myoglobin in mice. II. T lymphocyte proliferative response to the synthetic antigenic sites.

The genetic control of T lymphocyte proliferative response to the five synthetic antigenic sites of myoglobin, two synthetic nonantigenic control peptides, and one "nonsense" peptide was determined in independent and recombinant strains of mice. In all the strains examined, the nonantigenic control peptides and the "nonsense" peptide did not invoke a response in myoglobin-primed mice. Further, when mice were not primed with whole myoglobin, no response was obtained with any of the antigenic sites. Haplotypes H-2d, H-2f, and H-2s are higher responders to sites 1 and 2, whereas haplotypes H-2d and H-2s are high responders to site 5. Response to site 3 may be controlled by a non-H-2-linked gene. Site 4 can stimulate H-2b and H-2k haplotypes that are nonresponders to the whole myoglobin. Studies with the recombinant strains suggested that Ir genes to sites 1 and 2 map in the I-A subregion and I-C subregion and were designated Ir-Mb-1,2(A) and Ir-Mb-1,2(C). Ir genes to sites 4 and 5 mapped only in the I-A subregion and were designated Ir-Mb-4(A) and Ir-Mb-5(A). These studies suggest that individual antigenic sites in a molecule are controlled by unique Ir genes.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Enamel structure in odontocete whales.

With regard to the enamel structure of mammals, a large number of studies have been reported in the past. Of them, however, the enamel structure of odontocetes has not yet been sufficiently elucidated. The author therefore observed the enamel structure of 11 species in 7 families of living odontocetes. A clear prism structure in the enamel is noted in delphinids and Pontoporia blainvillei. Neophocaena phocaenoides has a very simple-structured prism, but even this structure is obvious only in the deep layer of the enamel, disappearing gradually from the mid layer to surface layer. The prism pattern of delphinids differs significantly depending on the site of the enamel; that of Pontoporia shows as a whole pattern 1. On the other hand, the enamel of Physeter catodon, Berardius bairdi, Phocoena phocoena, Phocoenoides dalli and Delphinapterus leucus is prismless. The enamel of Physeter and Phocoena shows pseudoprisms; that of Phocoenoides contains enamel tubuli. The enamel of Berardius and Delphinapterus is 3 to 8 micron thick, which is extremely thin for mammalian enamel. No enamel was noted in Monodon monoceros teeth. The enamel structure of living odontocetes is thus very variable. Several characteristic structures having been present during the evolutionary course of this tissue are still present in some of them. As the results of comparative histologic study, it is considered that the variable enamel structure of living odontocetes is a secondary phenomenon produced during the degenerative history of the enamel.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Pakicetus inachus and the origin of whales and dolphins (Mammalia: Cetacea).

The present paper is concerned with the comparative morphology of the archeocete and odontocete skull. Among the archeocetes, the recently described lower Eocene Pakicetus inachus obviously represents an early stage of adaptation to aquatic life. The morphology of the incomplete cranial remains, however, gives no evidence that Pakicetus was an amphibious intermediate stage. The evolution of advanced archeocetes and odontocetes is characterized by the successive acquirement of new morphological devices related to the emission and perception of ultrasound under water. The formation of a sonar system in odontocetes obviously not only helped to compensate for the loss of the peripheral olfactory system but moreover was a substantial factor in the evolution of the exceptional dolphin brain.

Animals↗