Ortenzio Fabiani

Neuropeptide Y in the Brain and Retina of the Adult Teleost Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

The presence of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the brain and retina of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) was investigated for the first time. For this investigation we employed an immunoperoxidase technique and the western immunoblot analysis using an antiserum raised against porcine NPY. The results showed that NPY‐immunoreactivity was widely distributed in the brain of S. aurata. In particular, we have found NPY‐immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the area ventralis telencephali pars centralis and pars lateralis, in the area dorsali telencephali pars centralis subdivision two and in nucleus intermedius thalami. An intense NPY‐ir was detected in the telencephalon, in the optic tectum, in the thalamus, hypothalamus and in the vagal lobes. Scarce positive fibres were seen in the olfactory bulbs. NPY‐ir amacrine cells were observed in the retina. The western immunoblot analysis revealed a protein band with a mobility corresponding to that of synthetic NPY. Our findings are, in general, in agreement with those obtained in other teleosts. The extensive distribution of NPY indicates for this peptide a key role in basic physiological actions, including visual and gustatory inputs processing.

Arabinogalactan as active compound in the management of corneal wounds: In vitro toxicity and in vivo investigations on rabbits

Purpose: Aims of the present investigation were to prove that natural polysaccharide arabinogalactan (AG) is well tolerated after ocular administration and exerts a high restoring effect on corneal epithelium abrasions. Materials and Methods: AG interactions with corneal cells, as well as its effect on their proliferation, were evaluated employing rabbit corneal epithelial cell cultures. The effects due to the presence of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) were also studied on cell cultures, ex vivo on rabbit isolated corneas, evaluating the hydration level, and on the healing rate of experimental corneal wounds in rabbits. Furthermore, the healing process of corneal lesions treated with an experimental 5.0% AG solution was studied and compared with those obtained applying solutions of hyaluronic acid and tamarind seed polysaccharide, both chosen as a reference by virtue of their well-known adjuvant properties on corneal trophism; the study was carried out by light and transmission electron microscopy. Results: BAK showed toxic effects on corneal epithelium in all experiments. AG proved to stimulate the growth of the corneal epithelial cells by interacting at the level of the cell plasma membrane. The microscopy observations of the epithelial surface of AG-treated damaged corneas revealed a well-restored and histologically organized ultrastructure characterized by fully formed microvilli and glycocalyx; the healing process resulted faster with respect to spontaneously recovered untreated corneas. Conclusion: Our results suggest that AG can interact with corneal epithelial cells without any toxic side effect; moreover, it proved to stimulate cell proliferation, thus promoting tissue re-epithelialization and reorganization just 48 hr post-wounding.

Autoradiographic localization and binding study of benzodiazepines receptor sites in carp brain (Cyprinus carpio L.)

This study demonstrates, for the first time, by both autoradiography and binding assay that [3H]Ro 15-1788 binds to carp brain with a high degree of anatomical selectivity. Saturation binding of the radioligand was determined in seven anatomically defined regions and suggested the presence of one class of binding sites (Type I-lke). In general, there was a good correlation between the autoradiographic and the binding data. By far, the optic tectum and the vagal, facial, and glossopharyngeal lobes showed the majority of [3H]Ro 15-1788 binding sites. Low to negative concentration of binding sites was detected in the cerebellum. The location of [3H]Ro 15-1788 binding sites in particular brain regions, indicates that benzodiazepine receptors could be associated with pathways involved in the control of basic central functions as spatial learning acquisition and retention, and feeding behaviour.

Autoradiographic distribution of neuropeptide Y binding sites in the brain of the carp Cyprinus carpio L. (Cyprinidae, Teleostei)

The present study reports the distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-binding sites in the brain of the adult carp Cyprinus carpio L. Radioiodinated NPY was used as tracer in the autoradiographic procedure. The NPY-binding sites (NPY-bs) were widely distributed in the carp brain. Generally, a good match was observed between the distribution of NPY-bs and the distribution of NPY-immunoreactive (NPY-ir) elements previously reported in the forebrain of the carp. Low to moderate concentration of NPY-bs were found in the telencephalon, this finding indicates that NPY may play a role in the processing of olfactory inputs and in more complex behaviours like spatial learning acquisition and retention, whose importance could correlated with similar results obtained in mammals. Moreover, in the rhombencephalon, the presence of NPY-bs at level of lobus vagus and the lobus facialis suggests that NPY may be implicated in food-seeking behaviour and swallowing reflex.

Interspecific ovarian transplantation in stick insects (Phasmatodea)

Abstract Vitellogenic ovarian follicles of Bacillus rossius, Sipjloidea sipylus and Baculum thaii were transplanted into female abdomens of another stick insect, Carausius morosus. Intraspecific transplantations served as controls. Ovarian follicles from all three donnor species were analyzed by immunoblotting using both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised against vitellins of C. morosus. When reacted with rabbit polyclonal antisera, all major vitellin subunits of donor and host species appeared homologous. On the other hand, extensive species‐specific differences were revealed in the polypeptide composition of all vitellins by the use of four different monoclonal antibodies. Following transplantation, both host and transplanted follicles were exposed in vivo to 35S‐methionine. Follicle polypep‐tides were then resolved by gel elctrophoresis and the incorporated radioactivity revealed fluorographically. Data showed that host vitellin polypeptides became radioactive in transplanted follicles, sugges...