Proteomics of the nucleus ovoidalis and field L brain regions of zebra finch

The purpose of present study is to analyze the brain proteome of the nucleus ovoidalis (OV) and Field L regions of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). The OV and Field L are important brain nuclei in song learning in zebra finches; their analyses identified a total of 79 proteins. The zebra finch brain proteome analyses are poised to provide clues about cell and circuit layout as well as possible circuit function

Proteomic analyses of songbird (Zebra finch; Taeniopygia guttata) retina

Proteomic analyses of male songbird (Zebra finch; Taeniopygia guttata; ZF) retina were performed resulting in identification of 129 proteins. Comparison of T. guttata retinal proteome with that of chicken found proteins detected in both retinas. Immunohistochemical analyses of T. guttata retinal sections and Western analyses of total retinal protein extract were performed confirming presence of select bona fide retinal proteins. Results demonstrate the utility of one-dimensional gel fractionation for mass spectrometry and will be useful for future proteomic comparison of songbird retina and brain tissues in different behavioral and pharmacological studies

Neurotoxicity of Organomercurial Compounds

ReviewMercury is a ubiquitous contaminant, and a range of chemical species is generated by human activity and natural environmental change. Elemental mercury and its inorganic and organic compounds have different toxic properties, but all them are considered hazardous in human exposure. In an equimolecular exposure basis, organomercurials with a short aliphatic chain are the most harmful compounds and they may cause irreversible damage to the nervous system. Methylmercury (CH3Hg+) is the most studied following the neurotoxic outbreaks identified as Minamata disease and the Iraq poisoning. The first description of the CNS pathology dates from 1954. Since then, the clinical neurology, the neuropathology and the mechanisms of neurotoxicity of organomercurials have been widely studied. The high thiol reactivity of CH3Hg+, as well as all mercury compounds, has been suggested to be the basis of their harmful biological effects. However, there is clear selectivity of CH3Hg+ for specific cell types and brain structures, which is not yet fully understood. The main mechanisms involved are inhibition of protein synthesis, microtubule disruption, increase of intracellular Ca2+ with disturbance of neurotransmitter function, oxidative stress and triggering of excitotoxicity mechanisms. The effects are more damaging during CNS development, leading to alterations of the structure and functionality of the nervous system. The major source of CH3Hg+ exposure is the consumption of fish and, therefore, its intake is practically unavoidable. The present concern is on the study of the effects of low level exposure to CH3Hg+ on human neurodevelopment, with a view to establishing a safe daily intake. Recommendations are 0.4 µg/kg body weight/day by the WHO and US FDA and, recently, 0.1 µg/kg body weight/day by the US EPA. Unfortunately, these levels are easily attained with few meals of fish per week,depending on the source of the fish and its position in the food chain.This work was supported by grants FIS 00-1094 and CIRIT SGR00047. J.S. is a recipient of an IDIBAPS fellowship. We thank Dr. Santiago Barambio, Yolanda Trejo and Irene Gallego from Tutor Médica Clinics for providing the human tissues used for the cell culture experiments illustrating this review. Permission to use human tissue was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the CSIC.Peer reviewe