Lesioning of the Striatum Reverses Motor Asymmetry in the 6-Hydroxydopamine Rodent Model of Parkinsonism

In the rat several paradigms of grafting of adrenal medulla into the striatum were studied following the induction of a parkinsonian model, using a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion of the substantia nigra . Direct autologous grafting of adrenal medulla into the caudate-putamen complex, a radiofrequency lesion of the striatum alone, and a radiofrequency lesion followed by delayed grafting of adrenal medulla were compared by analyzing rotational behavior. Direct grafting of adrenal medulla produced an overall reduction in apomorphine induced turning behavior by 43.5% when compared with controls. Radiofrequency lesioning of the striatum without graft showed the best improvement over control animals with a 92% reduction in the total number of rotations induced by apomorphine. Delayed grafting into the caudate lesion cavity also produced a dramatic reduction in motor asymmetry but did not improve the behavioral outcome over that of the lesion alone. Animals receiving only radiofrequency lesions exhibited a band of increased tyrosine hydroxylase like immunoreactivity bordering the lesion cavity. Graft survival was limited in the nonlesioned animals but appeared enhanced in the animals whose striatum was previously lesioned. Lesion location within the striatum influenced the behavioral outcome. Large reductions in apomorphine-induced rotations could result from small lesions of the dorso-lateral striatum. These findings indicate that selective destruction of the caudate-putamen complex without tissue transplantation produces a dramatic reduction in the motor asymmetry of 6-OHDA treated rats. Suggested explanations for the decrease in induced rotational behavior with radiofrequency lesions include a decrease in the number of striatal dopamine receptors following cell destruction and lesioninduced recovery of host dopaminergic afferents. Striatal damage in critical areas can reverse some of the motor behavior associated with the 6-OHDA model and needs to be considered when evaluating the effects of neural grafting in this model

Quelques parasites faciles à récolter. 1. Le schistosome (Schistosoma bovis)

<p><strong>Abstract</strong> A paper [in French] describing how to collect live schistosomes from a slaughterhouse. Written for high school teachers as a teaching help. Published 1983 in a local journal in Senegal. With figures of Schistosomes, especially adults in the mesentary. </p> <p><strong>Original reference:</strong> Bulletin de l’Association pour l’Avancement des Sciences Naturelles au Sénégal, vol 81, Mars 1983, pp. 17-20.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Résumé</strong> Un article [en français] expliquant comment récolter des schistosomes vivants dans un abattoir. Article écrit comme aide pédagogique pour les professeurs du second degré. Publié en 1983 dans une revue locale au Sénégal. Avec des figures de schistosomes, en particulier les adultes dans le mésentère.</p> <p><strong>Référence d'origine:</strong> Bulletin de l’Association pour l’Avancement des Sciences Naturelles au Sénégal, vol 81, Mars 1983, pp. 17-20.</p

La classification générale des Plathelminthes parasites: changements récents et utilisation des caractères ultrastructuraux, en particulier des spermatozoïdes (1997)

<p>Justine J-L. <strong>1997</strong>. La classification générale des Plathelminthes parasites: changements récents et utilisation des caractères ultrastructuraux, en particulier des spermatozoïdes. <strong>Bulletin de la Société Zoologique de France</strong> <strong>122:</strong> 269-277.</p> <p> </p> <p>La classification des Plathelminthes parasites (= Aspidogastrea, Digenea, Monogenea, Amphilinidea, Gyrocotylidea et Eucestoda) a beaucoup changé depuis vingt ans, du fait de l'utilisation de la méthode cladistique et de l'apport de nouveaux caractères, en particulier ultrastructuraux. Parmi ces caractères ultrastructuraux, ceux des spermatozoïdes sont particulièrement nombreux et informatifs, du fait de la grande variabilité des gamètes mâles chez les Plathelminthes. La classification cladistique des Plathelminthes est présentée. Des exemples de synapomorphies ultrastructurales du spermatozoïde sont donnés pour la Trepaxonemata, les Temnocephalidea, les Eucestoda et les Cyclophyllidea</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The general classification of parasitic Platyhelminthes: recent changes, and the use of ultrastructural characters, particularly those of spermatozoa</strong></p> <p><strong>Bulletin de la Société Zoologique de France 122: </strong>269-277.</p> <p>The classification of parasitic Platyhelminthes (= Aspidogastrea, Digenea, Monogenea, Amphilinidea, Gyrocotylidea and Eucestoda) has greatly clanged in the past twenty years, because of the use of the cladistic methodsand of the description of new characters, particularly those dealing with ultrastructure. Among these new characters, spermatozoal characters are especially numerous and informative, because of the great variability of male gametes in Platyhelminthes. The cladistic classification of the Platyhelminthes is presented. Examples of synapomorphies defined upon spermatozoal ultrastructure are given for the Trepaxonemata, the Temnocephalidea, the Eucestoda, and the Cyclophyllidea.</p

Avez-vous vu Obama dans votre jardin ? [Have you seen Obama in your garden?]

A paper in "The Conversation" about the invasive land planarian <i>Obama nungara</i>

Understanding the evolution of parasitic worms by studying their spermatozoa

A paper in "The Conversation" about recent findings on spermatozoa of Monogenes (Platyhelminthes) and their interest for the understanding of evolution

Comparative ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis in digeneans and monogeneans (Platyhelminthes). Relationships between morphology of spermatozoon, biology of fertilization and phylogeny [Étude ultrastructurale comparée de la spermiogenèse des Digènes et des Monogènes (Plathelminthes). Relations entre la morphologie du spermatozoïde, la biologie de la fécondation et la phylogénie] Dr. Sc. Thesis (1985) in French, with English abstract.

<p>[Comparative ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis in digeneans and monogeneans (Platyhelminthes). Relationships between morphology of spermatozoon, biology of fertilization and phylogeny]</p> <p>Dr. Sc. Thesis (1985) in French, with English abstract.</p> <p>English Summary</p> <p>Chapter I. Material and methods</p> <p>1. Material</p> <p>A list of the parasites studied (and their hosts) is given: about 40 species of Monogeneans, 10 Digeneans, some Cestodes and Temnocephala.</p> <p>2. Methods</p> <p>The methods used for parasite collection, light and transmission electron microscopy are described.</p> <p>Chapter II. Descriptive study of spermiogenesis and spermatozoa</p> <p>1. Gross structure of the testis</p> <p>The testis contains supporting cells, and germinal cells which are grouped in a common cytoplasmic mass at the spermatid stage. The evolution of this mass is described.</p> <p>2. Spermiogenesis</p> <p>A "classical" spermiogenesis is described in the Digeneans: 7 stages are defined. This spermiogenesis is also found in the Polyopisthocotylean Monogeneans. The various processes of spermiogenesis of other species may be compared with the "classical" spermiogenesis; they show modifications which are generally simplifications. A general Table showing the possible homologies between the stages of spermiogenesis found in the different species is proposed. In the case of the schistosome, after analysing the spermiogenesis, we suggest considering its aberrant spermatozoon as "neotenic", because it resembles a precociously matured spermatid. The fate and possible role of two organelles of the spermatid which are absent in the spermatozoon, the centre body and the striated roots, are considered. The process of separation of the nature spermatozoon is discussed. The aberrant case of the Polyopisthocotylean Monogenean Diplozoon is underlined, because it is the single case which cannot be compared with the "classical" spermiogenesis. The spermiogenesis of Monogeneans and Digeneans is compared with that of the other Platyhelminthes: it is close to that of Cestodes, but it shows fundamental differences from that of Turbellarians, in spite of a superficial resemblance of the spermatozoa.</p> <p>3. Structure of the mature spermatozoa</p> <p>Spermatozoa of Digeneans and Monogeneans are generally filiform. A Table compares the length of spermatozoa in various species. A "classical" pattern of spermatozoon (or type 1) is described: it comes from the "classical" spermiogenesis. The "classical" spermatozoon contains two axonemes incorporated in the sperm body and cortical longitudinal microtubules. This "classical" pattern is almost universal within Digeneans and Polyopisthocotylean Monogeneans, but is unknown in the Monopisthocotylean Monogeneans. It also exists, in a slightly modified form, in some Cestodes. Spermatozoa of the Monopisthocotylean Monogeneans are classified by means of two simple ultrastructural characteristics, the number of axonemes (1 or 2) and the presence of cortical microtubules, in three patterns (types 2, 3 and 4). The cases of the Digenean Schistosoma (non filiform) and of the Polyopisthocotylean Monogenean Diplozoon (aflagellate) are aberrant and set aside. Comparative diagrams are presented.</p> <p>4. The organelles of the spermatozoon and their evolution during spermiogenesis</p> <p>Centrioles of mature spermatozoa are atypical and are generally made up of 9 singlets, instead of the typical structure of triplets found in the spermatids. The axonemes show a special pattern, called 9+ ''1 "; the few variations are presented. The ornamentations associated with the membrane are described. The position of the nucleus is discussed: it is posterior, meaning that spermatozoa of Digeneans and Monogeneans are "inverted" compared with those of other animals. Coils of spermatozoa found in some species are considered to be details added to a fundamentally filiform structure.</p> <p>5. Motility of spermatozoa</p> <p>Comparative Tables of spermatozoan motility and ultrastructure (axonemes and microtubules) are given. It is impossible to correlate in a precise manner ultrastructure and motility.</p> <p>6. Behaviour of the spermatozoa during fertilization</p> <p>The spermatozoa penetrate the oocyte with the nucleus in a posterior position; available data concern only few species, mainly with "classical" spermatozoa.</p> <p>7. Partial conclusion after chapter II</p> <p>Data advanced in this chapter are summarised and discussed.</p> <p>Chapter III. Morphology of spermatozoa, biology of fertilization and phylogeny</p> <p>1. Introduction</p> <p>Some classical cases of the literature are considered.</p> <p>2. Spermatozoa and biology of fertilization</p> <p>The "classical" spermatozoon (type 1 ) of the Digeneans and Polyopisthocotylean Monogeneans seems to be linked with internal fertilization, through genital ducts (Digeneans) or by hypodermic injection (at least a part of the Polyopisthocotylean Monogeneans). In the monopisthocotylean Monogeneans (with spermatozoa of types 2, 3 and 4), the literature mentions some cases of spermatophores, but it is not possible to establish a strict relationship between these sperm structures and fertilization by spermatophore. The case of the Polyopisthocotylean Monogenean Diplozoon is interesting. In this animal, the biology of fertilization is unique because the two members of the pair are fused, and the spermatozoon is the only aflagellate case known: it displays a remarkable correlation between the biology of fertilization and sperm structure. The case of the schistosomes is discussed. Attempts are made to relate the atypical structure of the spermatozoon to the peculiar characteristics of the schistosomes: gonochorism, progenesis, life in pairs. It seems that life in permanent pairs is a factor of differentiation of atypical sperm structures, in the schistosomes, Diplozoon, and some Didymozoonidae.</p> <p>3. Spermatozoa and phylogeny</p> <p>Relationships between phylogeny, taxonomy, biology of fertilization and sperm structure are discussed. In the Trematodes (Digeneans and Aspidogastreans), the sperm structure is very homogenous (type 1) and thus of little use for the understanding of phylogeny within this group. The few variations known (Didymozoata and Strigeata) seem to be linked mainly with the biology of fertilization rather than with phylogeny. In the Monogeneans, comparative spermatology allows us to separate Polyopisthocotyleans and Monopisthocotyleans. Polyopisthocotylean Monogeneans are very homogenous and share type 1 with the Trematodes. The single really different case, Diplozoon, seems to have no phyletic value but is correlated with the biology of fertilization. Monopisthocotylean Monogeneans show three types of spermatozoa. A phyletic scheme built only from sperm ultrastructure shows resemblances with classical phylogenies drawn from the structure of the adults, and a remarkable coincidence with modern phylogenies elaborated from the structure of larvae. The case of the Monogeneans is thus a demonstrative example of the usefulness of comparative spermatology for the understanding of phylogeny.</p> <p>4. Trends in the evolution of spermatozoa in parasitic Platyhelminthes</p> <p>Spermatozoa of Platyhelminthes are generally biflagellate. After a comparative study, we consider that the less evolved spermatozoon in the parasitic Platyhelminthes (Monogeneans, Digeneans and Cestodes) is the "classical" type, or type 1. This type 1 is maintained in the Digeneans and Polyopisthocotylean Monogeneans, but is modified in the Cestodes (loss of the mitochondrion, and of one axoneme in some cases), and in the Monopisthocotylean Monogeneans (loss of the microtubules am of one axoneme). The origin of type 1 may possibly be found in the Turbellaria Rhabdocoela Kalyptorhynchia. Comparative and phyletic diagrams of sperm structure in the phylum Platyhelminthes are given.</p

Yes, giant predatory worms really are invading France

Article in The Conversation, published 29 May 201

Comprendre l’évolution des vers parasites grâce à leurs spermatozoïdes

A paper in French in "The Conversation" about recent findings on spermatozoa of Monogenes (Platyhelminthes) and their interest for the understanding of evolution.<div><br><div>Article en français dans "The Conversation" à propos de découvertes récentes sur les spermatozoïdes des Monogènes (Plathelminthes) et leur intérêt pour comprendre l'évolution.</div></div

Contribution à l'étude de l'influence de l'alimentation sur le développement et la reproduction d'Orius niger Wolff, 1811 (Heteroptera : Anthocoridae)

<p><strong>Contribution à l'étude de l'influence de l'alimentation sur le développement et la reproduction d'<em>Orius niger</em> Wolff, 1811 (Heteroptera : Anthocoridae)</strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Unpublished document in French, with English Abstract. Ms. Sc. ("DEA"), 1978</p> <p>English Title:</p> <p><strong>Contribution to the study of the influence of alimentation on the development and reproduction of <em>Orius niger</em> Wolff, 1811 (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae)</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <p><strong>English Abstract</strong></p> <p><em>Orius niger</em> was reared in growth chambers, and a new system of growth chamber is described. Various foods were tested: eggs of <em>Ephestia kuehniella</em> (= <em>Anagasta kuehniella</em>), adult <em>Thrips tabaci,</em> and pollen from 5 species of plants. Development time from egg to adult, number of consumed preys, food efficiency (from dry weight), egg production and longevity were studied for each diet. The best diet was eggs of <em>Ephestia kuehniella</em> plus pollen.</p> <p>Author : Jean-Lou Justine</p> <p>Document : Rapport de DEA, University of Montpellier, France</p> <p>Date : 11 July 1978</p> <p> </p> <p>Note by author: This is a beginner's work.</p

Chrysomela labiata

<p>[Ultrastructural study of gametogenesis in Schistosoma bovis Sonsino, 1876 (Trematoda: Schistosomatidae)] Text in French with many plates of electron micrographs of spermatogenesis and oogenesis in Schistosoma.</p> <p>PhD Thesis. Thèse de troisième cycle, Université des Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc<br>(Montpellier II), France, 1980. High Resolution Version (exists also in lower resolution http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.154986)</p> <p> </p