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The purification of Ostrich (Struthio camelus) egg-white lysozyme is reported. The quantitative amino acid composition, the molecular weight, the N-terminal sequence (34 amino acids) as well as kinetic studies allow to range this enzyme among the goose type lysozymes.
Biological and binding activities of adenohypophysial hormones purified from the ostrich (ost), Struthio camelus, were compared to those of the corresponding hormones derived from mammalian and other avian species. The potency of ostrich prolactin was comparable to those of other avian preparations and slightly less active than the ovine hormone when tested in the pigeon crop-sac assay, but ostrich growth hormone (GH) was more potent than several other avian preparations and was comparable to mammalian GH in the rat tibia bioassays. Marked discrepancies were evident in the activities of both ostrich gonadotropins (ostGn) when they were tested in a variety of in vivo and in vitro bioassays and radioreceptor assays (RRAs). Both the ostrich follicle-stimulating hormone (ostFSH) and luteinizing hormone (ostLH) were among the most potent tested thus far in in vivo bioassays for total gonadotropin in a lizard and a cockerel; a high sialic acid content may account for these high potencies. OstFSH was also the most potent nonmammalian Gn tested in two FSH specific mammalian bioassays, an in vivo (ovarian augmentation) and an in vitro (cAMP production) rat bioassay; in fact, ostFSH behaved more like a mammalian than an avian hormone in these assays. However, the binding activity of ostFSH was not unlike that of other avian FSH preparations when tested in either mammalian or nonmammalian FSH-RRA systems. OstLH was more potent than other avian preparations in an in vitro mammalian bioassay, but not in avian or amphibian LH bioassays; species specificity was pronounced among these LH assays. Binding activities of ostLH in mammalian and avian LH-RRAs were generally consistent with potencies in the two species of bioassays. However, a marked discrepancy was apparent in the behavior of ostLH in FSH-RRAs. Although ostLH had very low FSH activity when tested by radioimmunoassay, by bioassay, or by FSH-RRA with avian gonads, it was equipotent to ostFSH in competing for FSH-binding sites on the mammalian gonad; in this respect it was more like turkey than chicken LH. The ability of ostLH to antagonize the biological activities of ostFSH in the stimulation of cAMP by rat seminiferous tubules confirms that ostLH binds to the same functional receptors as FSH on the rat testis, even though it does not induce the characteristic physiological response associated with FSH.
1. alpha 2-Macroglobulin (alpha 2M) activity is present in the serum of the ostrich, Struthio camelus. The chromogenic synthetic peptide substrates BAPNA and ATNA were hydrolysed by trypsin and chymotrypsin, respectively, in the presence of ostrich serum and the alpha 2 M in ostrich serum protected trypsin from being inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor. Ostrich alpha 2M proved to be a potent inhibitor of bovine pancreatic trypsin and chymotrypsin. 2. alpha 2M was purified to apparent homogeneity by PEG precipitation, DEAE-Toyopearl 650M, Bio-Gel A-5m and Zn(2+)-affinity chromatography. 3. Ostrich alpha 2M migrated as a single band (M(r) 779,000 during non-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and showed increased mobility after reaction with trypsin. Denaturation dissociated ostrich alpha 2M into half-molecules. Denaturation with reduction further dissociated the protein into quarter-subunits. 4. Isoelectric focusing revealed a pI of 5.3. 5. The amino acid composition of ostrich alpha 2M is typical of an alpha 2M, comparing favourably with those of other animal species. The carbohydrate composition of the purified protein, in percentage dry weight of the molecule, was galactose: mannose (1:1), 4.55; N-acetylglucosamine 2.35; N-acetylneuraminic acid, 0.58; and fucose, 0.77. 6. alpha 2M was assessed immunologically by Ouchterlony double-diffusion and Western blot analysis with polyvalent antisera directed against ostrich alpha 2M. 7. Ostrich alpha 2M seems to show many physical, chemical and kinetic properties similar to those of other known alpha 2M(s), but is expected to differ from other alpha Ms when considering the primary structure of the bait region, the area differing among alpha Ms from different species and determining its specificity.
The Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius), the one-humped camel, is a primary inhabitant of the northern half of Africa, the Middle East and Pakistan and India. The dromedary is a multipurpose animal used for transportation, the production of milk and meat, as well as such by-products as wool, hair and hides. Dromedaries are extremely well adapted to their hot, arid environment. Consequently, Arabian camels are of considerable economic importance. Relatively little attention has been paid to the breeding of dromedaries. In the literature, particularly that in the English language, information on reproduction in the dromedary tends to be fragmentary. This review consolidates several widely scattered reports as projected against the author's own experience. It is hoped that the information is of particular help for those in charge of the breeding of dromedaries in zoological gardens and animal parks in countries where the one-humped camel is a rare species.
Three pepsinogens were isolated and purified from the proventriculus of the ostrich Struthio camelus, by a combination of chromatography steps on DEAE-cellulose, Sephadex G-100 and Hydroxylapatite. The purified pepsinogens manifested peptic activity towards haemoglobin as substrate after activation, but resembled chicken pepsinogens in that they appeared to lose their potential peptic activities during storage. All three pepsinogens contained glycine as N-terminal amino acid, but differed in their overall amino acid compositions. The pH and temperature optima of the activated pepsinogens were determined, as well as their molecular weights.
Cationic trypsin was isolated and purified from the pancreas of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) by affinity chromatography on a Trasylol-Sepharose column. External activation of trypsinogen was required before trypsin could be isolated. The final preparation was homogeneous by SDS-PAGE and by sedimentation equilibrium centrifugation studies, resulting in Mr values of 24,547 and 22,091, respectively. The Mmin value obtained from amino acid analysis was 22,450. A mean sedimentation coefficient of 2S was obtained by sedimentation velocity centrifugation. Results obtained from N-terminal and amino acid analyses were similar to those from trypsins of other species. The effects of pH, temperature and inhibitors (LBTI, KBPTI and PMSF) on the tryptic activity were examined. The effect of calcium ions and enzyme concentration on the rate of self-digestion of ostrich trypsin was also investigated.
The pecten oculi is a structure peculiar to the avian eye. Three morphological types of pecten oculi are recognized: conical type, vaned type and pleated type. The pleated type has been well studied. However, there exists only scanty data on the morphology of the latter two types of pectens. The structure of the vaned type of pecten of the ostrich, Struthio camelus was investigated with light and electron microscope. The pecten of this species consists of a vertical primary lamella that arises from the optic disc and supports 16-19 laterally located secondary lamellae, which run from the base and confluence at the apex. Some of the secondary lamellae give rise to 2 or 3 tertiary lamellae. The lamellae provide a wide surface, which supports 2-3 Layers of blood capillaries. Pigmentation is highest at the distal ends of the secondary and tertiary Lamella where blood capillaries are concentrated and very scanty on the primary and the proximal ends of the secondary lamella where the presence of capillaries is much reduced. In contrast to the capillaries of the pleated pecten, the endothelium of the capillaries in the pecten of the ostrich exhibits very few microvilli. These observations suggest that the morphology of the pecten of the ostrich, a flightless ratite bird is unique to the pleated pecten and is designed to meet the balance between optimal vision and large surface area for blood supply and yet ensuring it is kept firmly erect within the vitreous.
This study reports, for the first time, the establishment of endometrial organoids (EOs) from the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) and evaluates their suitability as an in vitro model for embryo-maternal interactions during implantation. Endometrial tissues were collected from non-pregnant she-camels and cultured in Matrigel with a defined growth medium. By Day 7, organoids displayed a spherical morphology (200-250 µm), remained viable for up to 20 days, and expanded to approximately 1 mm. They exhibited epithelial characteristics and high proliferative activity, confirmed by expression of mucin-1, pan-cytokeratin, vimentin, and Ki67. Day 7 in vitro-produced embryos co-cultured with EOs showed significant improvements in development and trophoblast outgrowth. This was accompanied by upregulation of key developmental genes (OCT4, c-MYC, KLF4, CDX2). Cytokine profiling revealed enhanced bidirectional signaling: embryos increased secretion of CCL2, CCL4, IGF-1, IFNG, IL1α, IL12b, IL-8, LIF, IL-10, and NTF3, while EOs upregulated VEGFA, IL-8, CCL2, and TIMP1. Co-culture uniquely induced additional cytokines and amplified signaling intensity. Metabolomic analysis of embryo-conditioned medium identified 108 metabolites, including steroids associated with immunomodulation. Notably, embryos cultured in EO-conditioned medium developed up to Day 21 post-cleavage, reaching a mean diameter of 2.4 mm. Overall, camel EOs provide a physiologically relevant platform that supports embryo development and enables detailed investigation of cytokine-mediated embryo-maternal communication and implantation processes in the dromedary camel.
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-beta superfamily. They are capable of inducing ectopic bone formation. Until now, the main interest has been focused on mammalian osteoinductive BMPs, and there are no reports of native BMP extracts of birds. In this study, we isolated and characterized native BMPs of ostrich (Struthio camelus) and compared them with identically isolated native bovine (cow) and reindeer BMPs with regard to BMP pattern and osteoinductive capacity. The ostrich BMP pattern differed markedly from that of cow and reindeer BMP in non-reduced SDS-PAGE, reduced SDS-PAGE and Western blot. The differences in isoelectric focusing analysis were smaller. However, the ostrich BMP extract had a peak at pH 5.1, clearly differing from the BMPs of cow and reindeer. The osteoinductive capacity and density of ectopic bone, induced by BMP extracts in a mouse thigh muscle pouch, were determined radiographically. The ostrich BMP extract displayed significantly lower osteoinductive capacity and density of induced bone than the bovine and reindeer BMP extracts. In conclusion, our results indicate that the BMP pattern of birds differs considerably from that of mammals, and that the osteoinductive capacity of BMPs and the density of induced bone are lower in birds than in mammals. They also suggest that the bone metabolism of birds is adapted to make light bones suitable for flying.
The immunohistochemical localization of progesterone and oestrogen receptors was studied in the shell gland of the immature ostrich (Struthio camelus) during periods of ovarian activity and inactivity. In birds with active ovaries moderate to strong immunostaining for the progesterone receptor was observed in the surface epithelium and tubular glands. In contrast faint progesterone receptor immunostaining was observed in the surface epithelium of the shell gland in ostriches with inactive ovaries. In addition, bud-like invaginations of the surface epithelium, which signaled tubular gland development, were negative for the progesterone receptor. Oestrogen receptor immunostaining, which was seen only in birds with active ovaries, was weak and restricted to nuclei of the surface epithelium. These results suggest that steroid hormones secreted by the active ovary regulate the differentiation of the shell gland. Furthermore, the influence of these hormones on the shell gland appears to be mediated predominantly through the activation of the progesterone receptor.
In the present work we identify the species of Entamoeba from ostriches (Struthio camelus). The complete sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene from this organism has been compared with those published for other species of the genus and clear differences have been found. These results confirm previous data which showed differences on parasite morphology and class of host with the other Entamoeba species. Taking all these data together, it can be concluded that the organism from ostriches is a new species whose proposed name is Entamoeba struthionis n.sp. This species probably infects rheas (Rhea americana), but genetic analysis of isolates from this host should be performed to confirm morphological data. Also, comparison of gene sequences with data from other authors on cysts recovered from human stool samples showed the possibility that this amoeba may affect humans. Further studies are needed to determine the risk of transmission of this new species to humans.
Microspectrophotometry was used to determine the absorbance spectra of both rod and cone visual pigments and oil droplets from the retinae of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) and rhea (Rhea americana). Light and fluorescence microscopy of whole fresh tissue mounts were used to determine the relative numbers and distribution of oil droplets in the retinae. Both species possessed rods, double cones and four classes of single cone identified by their oil droplets. The rods had lambda max at about 505 nm, whereas three cone pigments were recorded with lambda max at 570, 505 and 445 nm. The P570 pigment was located in both members of the double cones and in a class of single cone containing an R-type oil droplet (lambda cut at 555 nm). The P505 and P445 cone pigments were found in populations of single cones containing Y-type and C-type oil droplets (lambda cut of 500 and 420 nm, respectively). The fourth class of single cone contained a T-type droplet and in the ostrich contained a visual pigment with lambda max at about 405 nm. Double cones possessed a P-type droplet in the principal member and an A-type droplet in the accessory member. The complement of visual pigments and oil droplets, and the ratio of cone types in the ostrich and rhea, are remarkably similar to those found in many groups of neognathous birds.
The first case of Entamoeba of the 1-nucleate mature cyst group in birds is described. Trophozoites and cysts of Entamoeba have been found in ostriches (Struthio camelus) from farms located all over Spain. The cysts are large (13.47microm mean diameter); they possess one nucleus when mature, with a large endosome and peripheral chromatine arranged in small granules; chromatoid bodies, when present, are large and elongated. Trophozoites are large (19. 88microm mean diameter), with a clear differentiation between ecto- and endoplasm, this containing numerous vacuoles; the nucleus is large and diffuse. The characteristics of this amoeba resembles but do not completely fulfill those of E. suis and E. chattoni; also, these species are from mammals.
The amino-acid sequence of alpha-amylase isolated from the pancreas of the ostrich, Struthio camelus was determined. The alpha-amylase (OPA) consisted of 497 amino acid residues with pyroglutamic acid at the N-terminus and no oligosaccharide. Amino acid identity between OPA and chicken, porcine and human pancreatic alpha-amylases individually, was found to be 88, 82 and 86%, respectively.
We measured oxygen consumption (V(O(2))) and carbon dioxide emission (V(CO(2))) rates, air-cell gas partial pressures of oxygen (P(A)O(2)) and CO(2) (P(A)CO(2)), eggshell water vapour conductance and energy content of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) egg, 'true hatchling' and residual yolk, and calculated RQ and total oxygen consumption (V(O(2)tot)) for ostrich eggs incubated at 36.5 degrees C and 25% relative humidity. The V(O(2)) pattern showed a drop of approximately 5% before internal pipping. V(O(2)) just prior to internal pipping agrees with allometric calculations. Despite the higher incubation temperature compared to other studies, and the resultant shorter incubation duration (42 days), V(O(2)tot) (91.7 l kg(-1)) was similar to a previously reported value. RQ values during the second half of incubation (approx. 0.68) were lower than expected for lipid catabolism. Prior to internal pipping, P(A)O(2) and P(A)CO(2) were 98 and 48.3 torr (13.1 and 6.4 kPa), respectively. The growth pattern of the ostrich embryo is different from the typical precocial pattern, showing a time delay in the rapid growth phase. As a result, the lowered overall energy expenditure for tissue maintenance, as compared to other species, is reflected in the low yolk utilization and high residual yolk fraction of the whole hatchling dry mass. These could also result from the relatively short incubation period of the ostrich egg, thereby evading desiccation by excess water loss.
1. Avian corticotropin (ACTH) was purified from both fresh and aged pituitary glands of the ostrich Struthio camelus. 2. The isolation of corticotropin in pure form involved acid/acetone extraction, NaCl fractionation, CM-cellulose chromatography and Sephadex G-50 chromatography. 3. The hormone preparations from fresh and aged glands behaved as single substances on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, and both preparations were found to consist of 39 amino acid residues, in identical molar proportions for the different amino acids. 4. The isoelectric points of the two hormone preparations were estimated to be in the range pH 8.3-8.7, indicating possible differences in amide content, and the N-terminal amino acid of both preparations appeared to be serine. 5. The hormone preparations from fresh and aged glands exhibited similar biological potencies (73 and 77 i.u./mg respectively), as measured by steroidogenesis in vitro. 6. Apart from possible differences in amide content, the corticotropin preparations obtained from fresh and aged glands appear to be indistinguishable.
1. Avian beta-endorphin was purified from adenohypophyseal glands of the ostrich Struthio camelus by a procedure involving acid/acetone extraction, NaCl fractionation, CM-cellulose chromatography, Sephadex G-50 chromatography and paper electrophoresis (pH 6.7). 2. The 31-amino acid peptide behaved as a single substance during polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing, the isoelectric point being 8.84. 3. Ostrich beta-endorphin exhibited significant opiate activity in the guinea-pig ileum preparation.
1. The hatching sequence of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) was determined by observing embryos during candling, those in the process of hatching and in dead-in-shell eggs. 2. Candling showed that there was a progressive increase in dark shadowing within the egg but fine details were not easily seen. Nevertheless candling is considered to be an important method of assessing development of ostrich eggs during incubation. 3. The ostrich embryo adopts a hatching position and follows a hatching sequence different from that of the fowl. During internal pipping, the air space is pulled towards the beak in the former but the beak moves to the air space in the latter. The right foot has an important role in breaking the shell during hatching. 4. The hatching process is considered to reflect an adaptation to the egg having a hard, brittle shell. 5. Malpositions in the ostrich may have been misinterpreted in the past because of the unusual hatching position. The commonest malposition described here was head-in-the-small-end.