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Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) zygotic embryogenesis occurs in a dynamically regulated ovular environment, and in ovulohormones regulate embryogenic processes. Levels of ABA, IAA, and the cytokinins Z, ZR, DHZ, DHZR, iP, and iPA were studied in developing wheat kernels from anthesis to maturity . High cytokinin and low IAA and ABA levels were associated with the early stage of embryo formation and active tissue histodifferentiation. Following histodifferentiation, cytokinin levels declined while IAA accumulated throughout the stage of active grain growth and then declined with grain maturity. ABA levels increased at the soft-dough developmental stage and through to grain maturity. Endogenous +ABA levels in developing wheat grains treated with fluridone, which indirectly blocks ABA synthesis, declined at the soft-dough stage. As a result, mature desiccated fluridone-treated kernels exhibited little dormancy. However, fluridone-treated kernels were not viviparous, suggesting a strong caryopsis-embryo interaction in maintaining embryogenically competent tissues. Induction of embryogenically competent wheat callus cultures was highly variable between genotypes and pre-initiation environments. Genotypic and environmental influences altered endogenous hormone levels and affected embryogenic competence. Establishment of competent embryo explants for somatic embryo induction was favored by a high cytokinin-to-auxin ratio and very low ABA levels throughout histodifferentiation (around 4 to 8 DPA). Similar to embryos forming within the caryopses, competent callus cultures had a high cytokinin (Z)-to-auxin ratio at 7 DPI. Increased frequency of embryogenic cultures was achieved when embryo explants were excised during a narrow window of low hormone levels. Wheat line and pre-initiation environment affected this window. Simulation in vitro of the in ovulo wheat kernel environment improved zygotic embryogenesis in vitro . Embryos exposed to physiologically normal ABA levels and low 0 2 tensions of 2.5 mM (7%) most closely approached morphological and physiological normalcy. The culmination of these studies clearly defines windows of embryo development for explant excision, associated roles of plant hormones in embryogenesis, and in ovulo hormone levels that vastly improve the frequency of successful embryogenesis when simulated in in vitro culture systems.

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2016-06-09T14:56:06Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Sandra Maria Souza da Silva.pdf: 1116227 bytes, checksum: 547243820615bfc6e7266bb8181631ec (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-09T14:56:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Sandra Maria Souza da Silva.pdf: 1116227 bytes, checksum: 547243820615bfc6e7266bb8181631ec (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-14 / Cimetidine, a H2 receptor blocker parietal cell acts as xenoestrogênica substance. Chronic use produces hormonal disorders and toxicity in the male reproductive system in addition to reducing the 2-hydroxylated estradiol and increase serum levels of estradiol and prolactin in women leading to hyperprolactinemia, which may be a risk factor for cancer. The neurohormone melatonin one synthesized by the pineal gland plays a key role in reproductive function by regulating the production of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin. The study tested the hypothesis that melatonin can block or reduce the estrogenic effects of cimetidine on the uterine stromal interfering with estrogen receptors in the content of collagen and hormonal levels (estrogen, progesterone and prolactin) in adult rats. We used 45 albino rats randomly divided into three experimental groups: I rats treated with placebo (control), II rats treated with cimetidine (50mg/kg/animal) and III rats treated with cimetidine (50mg/kg/animal) associated melatonin (200μg/100g/animal) for 7, 14 and 19 days. The results revealed that cimetidine has allowed more intensive markings of estrogen receptors in animals treated for 19 days, in addition to causing higher intensity distribution of collagen fibers in the endometrium and higher serum levels of estradiol and progesterone and reduce prolactin, whereas melatonin associated with blocking these effects cimetidine. Thus, it is concluded that melatonin has cytoprotective activity of cimetidine effects on endometrial stroma reducing or preventing the increase in collagen synthesis by fibroblasts by regulating the activity of serum estradiol as well as the expression of its receptors endometrial, while maintaining normal levels of progesterone and prolactin. / O cloridrato de cimetidina, um bloqueador de receptores H2 das células parietais gástricas, que age reduzindo a secreção de ácido no estomago, tem sido estudado como substância xenoestrogênica. O uso crônico da cimetidina produz distúrbios hormonais e toxicidade no aparelho reprodutor masculino, além de reduzir o estradiol 2-hidroxilado e aumentar níveis séricos de estradiol e prolactina em mulheres levando a hiperprolactinemia, que pode ser fator de risco para o câncer. A melatonina um neurohormônio, sintetizado pela glândula pineal tem importante papelna função reprodutiva, regulando a produção de estrógeno, progesterona e prolactina. Na referida pesquisa testouse a hipótese de que a melatonina pode bloquear ou reduzir os efeitos estrogênicos da cimetidina sobre o estroma uterino interferindo nos receptores de estrógeno, no teor de fibras colágenas e nos níveis hormonais (estrógeno, progesterona e prolactina) em ratas adultas.Utilizou-se 45 ratas albinas, pesando entre 167 a 284g, foram distribuídas de forma aleatória em três grupos experimentais:i) ratas tratadas com placebo (controle);ii) ratas tratadas com cimetidina (50mg/kg/animal) e iii) ratas tratadas com cimetidina (50mg/kg/animal) associado à melatonina (200μg/100g/animal) por 7, 14 e 19 dias. Os resultados revelaram que a cimetidina permitiu marcações mais intensas de receptores de estrógenos nos animais tratados por 19 dias, além de ocasionar maior intensidade da distribuição de fibras colágenas no endométrio e maiores níveis séricos de estradiol e prolactina e redução da progesterona, enquanto que a melatonina associada à cimetidina bloqueou esses efeitos. Assim, conclui-se que a melatonina apresenta atividade citoprotetora aos efeitos da cimetidina no estroma endometrial reduzindo ou impedindo o aumento na síntese de fibras colágenas pelos fibroblastos por regular a atividade de estradiol sérico, bem como a expressão dos seus receptores endometriais, além de manter os níveis normais de progesterona e prolactina.

<p>S. 1-40: sammanfattning, s. 41-96: 5 uppsatser</p> / digitalisering@umu.se

African mole-rats (Bathyergidae) exhibit a wide range of social structures ranging from solitary to eusocial. This allows for studies looking at links between sociality and measurable characteristics such as spatial learning and kin-recognition. Furthermore, the existence of species with differing level of sociality allows for comparison between the highly social species and the solitary species. The existence of differences in spatial learning ability and memory between the sexes has long been debated. Eusocial Damaraland mole-rats (Cryptomys damarensis) and solitary Cape mole-rats (Georychus capensis) were tested to see if there were sex or species differences in the ability to locate food in an artificial maze task with the express purpose of investigating spatial learning and memory. Measurements of the time taken to complete the task, the distance travelled, wrong turns taken, and the average velocity at which animals travelled were used to compare performance between animals. Both sexes in each of the species exhibited learning and a decay in memory over time. The Damaraland mole-rat exhibited superior learning and memory retention when compared to the Cape mole-rat. Male Cape mole-rats had superior learning and longer term memory retention when compared to females of the same species. There was no significant difference in learning curves between male and female Damaraland mole-rats, but this species did exhibit a tendency for females to show better medium term memory retention while males performed better on long term memory trials. Species differences are likely to be linked to social organization and possibly the resultant burrow-structure in the natural environment, while sex-differences may be due to differing life histories. Kin-recognition is important in maintaining the social structure and hierarchy in the eusocial species of African mole-rat, Cryptomys damarensis. Opposite sex sibling pairs from reproductively quiescent colonies were tested to see if exposure to colony urine odour would reinforce recognition of opposite sex siblings and the concomitant incest avoidance. Control sibling pairs from the same colonies were exposed to water. Mating, social, and non-social behaviours were measured in all sibling pairs. In addition, urinary levels of cortisol, progesterone and testosterone were measured to examine the interaction between four factors: colony olfactory cues (urinary odour), hormone levels, mating behaviour and relatedness. Exposure to urinary odour reinforced recognition and was correlated to a decrease in mating behaviour. Hormonal assays suggest that female hormone levels are modified based on exposure to colony urine odour, while males are not affected. Olfactory cues such as colony urinary odour is linked to the alteration and correlation of hormone levels and mating behaviour. The Damaraland mole-rat and other species in the family Bathyergidae provide a useful system for investigating aspects of learning and memory, as well as the potential correlation between cognitive processes and sociality. / Dissertation (MSc (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted