007628   Nagpure N S;Ravindra Kumar;Srivastava S K; Srivastave S K;Kushwaha B;Singh P J;Fopalakrishnan A;Basheer V S (NO, Natn Bur of Fish Genetic Resour, Canal Ring road, PO Dilkusha, Lucknow-226 002, Email: nagpurens@yahoo.co.in) : A report on high number of chromosomes in three endemic fish species from the Western Ghats of India. Nucleus 2005, 48(3), 165-70.

Cytogenetic studies have been carried out in three fish species from the Western Ghats viz. barbodes carnaticus (Jerdon), Osteochilichthys longidorsalis (Pethiyagoda & Kottelat) and gonoproktopterus curmuca (Hamilton-Buchanan) by conventional karyotyping and nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NOR) staining. a high diloid chromosome number (2n) of 100 has been found in all the species. However, interspecific variation in karyomorphology was observed with karyotype formula 22m+40sm+22st+61t (FN=162); 24m+26sm+22st+28t (FN=150) and 18m+38sm+28st+16t (FN=156), respectively. Silver staining revealed presence of NORs on three pairs in B. carnaticus, G. curmuca dnd while in O. longidorsalis one pair of NOR was present.

6 illus, 1 table 25 ref

007627   Muthalagi S;Sakthivel M (Dep of Zool, Govindammal Aditanar Coll, Tiruchendur-628 215) : Effects of different concentrations of domestic sewage on gill tissues of the fish Cirrhinus mrigala. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2006, 16(2), 121-5.

Effect of different concentrations (25, 50 & 100%) of domestic sewage on the histopathological changes of gills of Cirrhinus mrigala reveals that the pollutants in domestic sewage is capable of producing severe damages in the epithelium of primary and secondary lamellae and pillar cells, there by affects the respiration and leads to the death of the fish in higher concentrations (100%) whereas in lower concentration (25%), the damages in the gills are not severe.

4 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

007626   Mali R P;Kalyankar S N (P.G. Dep of Zool and Chem, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded-431 602) : Effect of cadmium sulphate on cardiac physiology of a freshwater crustacean, Barytelphusa guerini. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 173-5.

Impact of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal on cardiac physiology of the freshwater crustacean, Barytelphusa guerini was investigated after acute exposure to different concentrations of its salt, the cadmium sulphate. The results of investigation show initial decline in the heart rate up to 48 hrs which was followed by gradual increase up to 120 hrs. Observed initial decline in the rate of heart beat indicates that on exposure to the toxicant, the response of animal is in the form of slowing down of metabolic rate. The phase has been followed an increasing metabolism as indicated by an accelerating heart rate.

1 illus, 1 tables, 13 ref

007625   Lin Y J;Edelman J R (Dep of biological Sci, Saint John's Univ, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, New York 11439, USA, Email: thechromosomekid@37.com) : Chromocenters and regeneration of teeth in reptiles: a correlation. Nucleus 2005, 48(3), 171-2.

The ability of cells, tissues, organs, systems and organisms to regenerate was correlated with chromocenters in their nuclei (the "chromocenter/regeneration hypothesis"), naming the chromocenters as "regenerosomes" (5). Since reptiles have the lifelong ability to regenerate teeth, we decided to test the hypothesis by analyzing cells from the toothbeds of two reptilian species (Iguana iguana and Anolis carolinensis for the presence of nuclear chromocenters. In concordance with the hypothesis, cells were found to contain numerous chromocenters, providing additional supporting evidence for and advancing the chromocenter/regeneration hypothesis.

1 illus, 8 ref

007624   Krishna S M;Piska R S (Dep of Zool, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Ichthyofaunal diversity in secret lake-Durgamcheruvu, Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 77-9.

Ichthyofaunal diversity in Secret Lake-Durgamcheruvu, Ranga Reddy District, Andhra Pradesh, India for a period of 2 years, during the years 2003 and 2004 has been presented. The water-spread area is 67 hectors and water is used for fishery and tourism activities. Thirty one ichthyofauna identified during the study belongs to cypriniformes 14 species, siluriformes 7 species, channiformes 3 species, perciformes 4 species and a species each of clupeiformes, mastacembeliformes and cyprinodontiformes. Further, these fishes were grouped into major carps (6), minor carps (3), catfishes (7), murrels (3), trash fishes (6) and other fishes (6). Five species most abundantly, 8 species abundantly, 9 species each of less abundant and rarely found in the lake. All fishes are useful as food fishes except Gambusia, which in useful as larvicidal fish.

2 tables, 9 ref

007623   Khedkar G D (Dep of Zool Aquacult Res Lab, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Use of plastic lining for rearing pond in rearing Cyprinus carpio from fry to fingerling stage. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 193-7.

Cyprinus carpio can easily breeds in confined water with very less efforts or arrangements. No hatchery or hatchery like system is required. It breeds twice in a year i.e. during August-September and February-March. Therefore this fish is very popular among the farmers. Fish seed rearing during first season is not a problem for the farmers but during the second season i.e. February-March, there is a severe scarcity of water and atmospheric temperature reaches up to 40-45 °C. Small natural water bodies became dry. During this season seed rearing is a big problem for most of the farmers. To combat with this situation, trials were taken by constructing a rearing pond of 0.6 ha size by providing plastic lining. A black cotton soil bed of six inch was provided at the bottom of the pond over plastic lining. High density stocking of fry @ 300, 400 & 500 fry/m³ was stocked in three different cycles. Wet cow dung, urea and H₂PO₄ were used for fertilization of pond. Artificial feed in the form of GNOC, rice bran & pulses husk was given @ 10% body weight of the fry twice in a day. No water exchange was practiced; just the evaporative losses were compensated by fresh water refilling. After 50 days seed was harvested. Growth and survival percentage was counted. Results were compared with earthen rearing ponds.

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

007622   Kavitha A V;Jagadeesan G (Dep of Zool Fac of Sci, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002, Email: jaga_zoo@yahoo.co.in ) : Role of Tribulus terrestris (Linn.) (Zygophyllacea) against mercuric chloride induced nephrotoxicity in mice, Mus musculus (Linn.). J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 397-400.

Influence of methanolic fraction (MF) of Tribulus terrestris fruit extract on the kidney tissues of mercury intoxicated mice, Mus musculus. At median-lethal dose of mercuric chloride (12.9 mg/kg body weight), the whole kidney tissue showed an increased level of lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and simultaneously a decreased level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH). These parameters reached to near normal after administration of fruit extracts of T. terrestris for 7 days. The results suggested that the oral administration of methanolic fraction of Tribulus terrestris fruit extract at dose 6 mg/kg body weight provided protection against the mercuric chloride induced toxicity in the mice.

2 tables, 21 ref

007621   Kaushal V;Brar A P S;Soni G (Deptt. of Biochem and Chem and Vet Path, Punjab Agric Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Experimental study on acute toxic effects of N-nitrosodiethylamine in rats. Toxic int 2006, 13(1), 39-42.

N-Nitrosodiethylamine is amongst the important group of carcinogens frequently present in human environment. The mechanism of toxicity of nitroso-compounds at cellular level is not clear, at least when the exposure is for short period. Therefore, the effect of varying doses of NDEA (50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) was studied in albino rats. Intraperitoneal administration of NDEA resulted in heart and spleen enlargement and decrease in liver weight. Hepatotoxicity was evident by a steady increase in enzyme levels of liver function test in a dose dependent manner. A significant increase in creatinine level at higher doses indicated it to be nephrotoxic as well. NDEA increased lipid peroxidation of blood and tissues in a dose dependent manner. These results were further supported by histopathological changes seen at higher doses.

2 tables, 22 ref

007620   Kasinathan R;Thirumavalavan R (Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Studies on trace elements from a commercially important snail Babylonia spirata (Linnaeus) mollusca: gastropoda: buccinidae from the South East coast of India. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), (NULL).

Commercially important snail Babylonia spirata's trace elements studied in detail. There was as progressive increase in the concentrations of iron, zinc, manganese and copper during January, December, March, August and May. Secondary peaks were also observed in iron, zing, manganese and copper. The results clearly suggest that the concentration of trace metal is less.

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

007619   G Sujay Kumar;Reddy M S (Dep of Zool, S.V. Univ P.G. Cent, Kavali-524 201, Email: msrpgc@yahoo.com) : Influence of fatty acid composition on the growth potentials of tropical penaeid prawn, Penaeus monodon. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 210-16.

Tropical Penaeid Prawn Penaeus monodon was fed with seven diets formulated different lipid sources containing n-3, n-6 HUFA. Among the animal sources, cod liver oil induced best growth potentials and is better utilized by prawn. Among the plant oil sources selected n-3 containing diets have relatively higher nutritional values compared to n-6 containing diets. Therefore it is very clear that both n-3, and n-6 fatty acids are considered to be essential for induction of better growth potentials in Prawn P. monodon.

5 tables, 23 ref

007618   Dua A;Kanwaljit Kumar (Dep of Zool Aqu Biol Lab, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: anishdua@hotmail.com) : Age and growth patterns in Channa marulius from Harike wetland (A Ramsar site), Punjab, India. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 377-80.

Scale samples of Channa marulius were collected and studied for age determination and calculation of growth parameters. The fish were sampled from Harike Wetland during 1998 to 1999. Linear relationship with a high degree of correlation was observed between total fish length and the lateral scale radius. Age determination studies revealed 5 age groups. The harvestable size falls just below the 2nd year. The regression equation is given. Various growth parameters indicate a hardy nature of the fish and the suitability of habitat ecology for its optimum growth.

4 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

007617   Devi B C;Rajaratnam B;Gnanender S; Ravindranath K (Coll of Fishery Sci, Sri Venkateswara Vet Univ, Muthukur-524 344) : Amputation of chelate leg-effect on the growth performance of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 225-7.

Evaluates the effect of amputation of 2nd pair of chelate legs on the growth and survival of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Experiments were conducted in cement cisterns of 14m x 7m x1.5m size has been conducted. The stocking density was 30 animals per tank, initial mean weight of the animals was 5.06 g (control) and 5.02 g (treated) and the final mean weight was 28.42 g (control) and 22.13 g (treated) at the end of 45 days experiment. Survival % in the control and treatment was 96.7 and 93.3 respectively. At a stocking density of 100 animals per tank and a mean weight in control and treatment of 6.37 g and 6.55 g, the animals reached an average size of 33.23 g and 27.33 g at the end of 45 days with mean weight gain of 26.86 g (control) and 26.78 g (treated). Survival % was 95.0 (control) and 90 (treated). The results of the study indicate that amputation of 2nd pair of chelate legs adversely affected the growth and % survival of Macrobrachium rosenbergii.

2 illus, 5 ref

007616   Deivasigamani B (CAS in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Histomorphology of immune organ of a fresh water fish, Anabas testudineus (Bloch). J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 138-41.

Light microscopic observation of immune organ of spleen in Anabas testudineus was carried out. It is a large encapsulated organ located near the small intestine and closer to the pancreatic islets. It is a triangular and elongated organ, dark red in colour.

4 illus, 12 ref

007615   Deivasigamani B (CAS in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Immune organ thymus in ophiocephalus fish, Channa punctatus. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 135-7.

Light microscopic studies of the immune organ of thymus in Channa punctatus, were carried out. The thymus showed presence of numerous lymphocytes, reticular cells, cystic epithelial cells, Hassalls corpuscles along with melanomacrophage centres. The morphology of immune organ of the freshwater fish has been discussed in light microscopic level.

1 illus, 14 ref

007614   Chaudhry A;Geeta (Dep of Zool, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Assessment of genotoxic effect of monocrotophos using mosquito genome (Culicidae: Diptera). J Cytol Genet 2005, 6(NS)2, 103-10.

The results deal with the assessment of genotoxic effects of an organophosphate pesticide monocrotophos (MCP) on the genome of Anopheles subpictus. The results are based on the data of various types of structural aberrations in the polytene chromosomes of larvae treated with LC₂₀ of MCP along with equal number of nontreated parallel controls maintained in a BOD incubator. Inversions and asynapses of somatically paired homologues were the most frequent types of mutations. The data was statistically analysed by employing the student `t' test. It was noticed that there was a marked elevation in the number of aberrations in the treated stocks and the susceptibility of the various chromosomal arms to MCP was: 2L <62> 2R <62> 3L <62> 3R <62> X while the frequency of aberrations in these chromosomal arms was 2L-2±0.32, 2R-1.8±0.28, 3L-1.7±0.23, 3R-1.5±0.21 and X-0.8±0.19. The zones prone to these structural mutations were marked on the polyhtene chromosome map of Anopheles subpictus which was taken as a reference standard.

2 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

007613   Chakravarty M S;K Krishna Murthy (Dep of Mar Living Resour, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Species-and sex-related protein studies in the shrimps of the genus Trachypenaeus (Penaeidae:Crustacea:Decapoda: off Visakhapatnam coast, Andhra Pradesh. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 130-4.

Total protein, proteins of the pressed juice, water soluble protein and the five KCl extracted proteins at 0.1M, 0.2M, 0.3M, 0.4M and 0.5M were quantitatively estimated for Trachypenaeus curvirostris, T. sedili, T. pescadorensis with reference to species and sex. Variation has been observed among the different species and more significantly the females show higher value than the males in all three species.

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

007612   Bhide M;Gupta P;Khan M A;Dubey U;Thakur P; Preeti Nema;Jain S (Dep of Zool, Dr. H.S. Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar-470 003, Email: manglabhide@rediffmail.com) : Morphological and biochemical studies on the different developmental stages of a fresh water snail, Lymnaea stagnalis (Lymnaeidae) after treatment with some pesticides. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 359-66.

When the egg masses of Lymnaea stagnalis showing different developmental stages were introduced with the sub lethal concentrations of baygon and nuvan from cleavage to before hatching stages exhibited the development arrest in most of the egg capsules due to deviation in protein fractions in the corresponding development stages in comparison to control groups resulted into high percentage of mortality and low percentage of hatchability in treated groups. Another potent cause of low percentage of hatchability of young snails from their corresponding egg capsules was the phenomenon of polyembryony in nuvan treated egg masses which showed the high rate of mortality due to the lack of metabolites for their progressive development in comparison to control groups. Teratogenesis and deformities in larval stages were also observed in most of the egg capsules which could be correlated with the depletion of most of the protein fractions in the investigation.

6 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

007611   Balasubramanian V;Kaliraj P (Dep of Zool Post Grad and Res, Ayyanadar Janaki Ammal Coll (Autonomous), Sivakasi-626 124) : Immuno-stimulatory effect of vitamin-A on common carp Cyprinus carpio. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 202-5.

In aquaculture, infectious diseases are the major problems causing heavy loss to fish farmers. Intensive aquaculture practices have led to a growing interest in understanding fish diseases, so that they can be prevented or treated. It has been reported that vitamins are essential for fish growth and resistance against diseases. Vitamin-A plays important role in the regulation of immune function. In vitamin A treated fishes, there was no mortality and increase in the weight was observed. As the dose increases the fish weight also increases in the experimental groups. Vitamin A containing retinol promotes the magnitude of antibody production in response to heat killed Aeromonas hydrophila. The retinal treated experimental groups elicited higher antibody litre, there by achieving higher protection for fish. Vitamin A showed immunostimulatory effect at the very low dose and immunosuppressive effect at high dose.

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

007610   Athikesavan S;Vincent S;Ambrose T;Velmurugan B (PG and Res Dep of Zool Unit of Envir Hlth and Biotechnol, Loyola Inst of Frontier Energy Loyola Coll, Chennai-600 034, Email: svincent_loyola@yahoo.co.in) : Nickel induced histopathological changes in the different tissues of freshwater fish, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes). J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 391-5.

Nickel chloride, heavy metal widely used in industries was investigated in the study for histopathological studies in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Fish were exposed for 10, 20 and 30 days in sublethal concentration of nickel 5.7 mg/l. The histopathological changes were studied in the gill, liver, intestine and kidney of the nickel treated freshwater fish H. molitrix. The nickel showed a tissue specific alteration in the tissues. Mucus proliferation, fusion of the gill lamellae and hypertrophy of gill tissues were observed. Lack of normal palisade arrangement was followed by necrosis in hepatocytes. Degeneration of blood vessels, vacuolation, hypertrophy, pyknotic nuclei and lesion were observed in liver tissues. Degeneration of tubular cells, hyperplasia was observed in kidney tissues.

1 illus, 35 ref

007609   Aruna Devy R;Khan A B;Kumar (Dept. of Zool, St. Thomas Coll, Ranni, Kerala-689 673, Email: arunadevy@yahoo.com) : Cadmium chloride induced histopathological and biochemical changes in the tests of adult albino rats. Toxic int 2006, 13(1), 61-4.

Effect of Cadmium chloride administered intraperitoneally at 0.5 (low-dose), 1.0 (medium-dose) and 2 (high-dose) mg/kg, body weight dose levels for 15 days was observed on the testes of adult albino rats. Cadmium chloride increased the activity of total protein by 6.5 fold; 3 and 4 fold increase occurs in the TC and TG levels. There is a significant increase occurs in the Ca⁺⁺ ATP-ases and 59% and 32% reduction occurs in the Mg⁺⁺ ATPase and Inorganic phosphatases. Histologically testes showed dose dependent seminiferous epithelial necrosis, degeneration and loss of spermatozoa. The changes were dose-dependent. These altered structural and biochemical changes associated with cadmium chloride intoxication along with altered membrane permeability may be responsible for the observed metabolic changes.

3 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

007608   Aruna Devi P S;Nagarajan K (Deppartment of Zool, Sri Vasavi Coll, Erode-638 316) : Impact of distillery effluent on certain physiological aspects of the Indian major freshwater carp Labeo rohita. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2006, 5(2), 173-8.

Toxicity of treated and untreated distillery effluent was evaluated on fish Labeo rohita. The LC₅₀ values for treated and untreated effluents were 5.5% and 4.5% respectively. Growth studies were done in sublethal concentrations of treated and untreated distillery effluents. The growth calculated for a period of 21 days on wet weight basis of fish in control was 0.55±0.074g. and in treated and untreated distillery effluents 0.35±0.01g and -0.073±0.02g respectively. The feeding rate, conversion rate and conversion efficiency of fish Labeo rohita in control were 51.31 ± 4.50, 9.26 ± 1.14 mg/g live fish/day and 9.72%. For the individuals reared in untreated distillery effluent the values were 43.15±5.86, -3.85±0.81 mg/g live fish/day and -2.24%, and for the group reared in treated distillery effluent were 46.16 ± 1.774. 8.19 ± 0.64 mg/g live fish/day and 13.17% respectively.

5 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

007607   Aruna D R;Khan A B (Deptt. of Zool, St. Thomas Coll, Ranni, Kerala-689 673, Email: arunadevy@yahoo.com) : Cadmium chloride induced hepato-renal toxicity in the adult albino rats. Toxic int 2006, 13(1), 29-31.

Effect of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) at three different dose levels: 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg of body weight, given intraperitoneally (i.p), daily for 15 days was studied in the liver and kidney tissues of male and female wistar strain adult albino rats. There is an increase (1.4 and 1.2 fold) of GOT in the kidney tissues of both male and female rats. Whereas in the liver tissue GOT decreased by 18% to 28% in the male and female rats. GPT level decreased by 54% and 73% in the liver tissue of female and male rats respectively, but in kidney tissue the increase was in the ratio of 1:2 and 1:1.7 respectively. In the liver tissue, in males ALP increased at 1:1.6 and 1:2.2 ratio in the female respectively but in the kidney tissue the change was insignificant. Among the lipids, there is a decrease in TG level by 15%, 35% and 43% (low, medium and high) in the liver of male and 2 fold increase in female rats. Sixty percent to 40% reduction occurs in the kidney tissue of male and female rats. However TC level was increased significantly by 2 to 4 fold in liver and a slight increase in the kidney of male and female rats respectively.

2 tables, 11 ref

007606   Arokia Mary K;Venkatesan P (Dep of Zool, Loyola Coll, Chennai-600 034) : Role of predators sex and density on predation by the water stick insect - Ranatra filiformis. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2006, 16(2), 101-6.

Predatory efficiency of Ranatra filiformis using large and small sized CULEX larvae was determined in a container of one litre water. Females showed higher predation rate 12.2 at 150 prey density than the males with 2.4 in 1 hour treatment and 136 at 150 prey density and 173 at 200 prey density compared to males with 116 and 163 respectively in 24 hours treatment. The increase in predatory performance of the water bug is directly proportional to period of exposure at 1 hr and 24 hrs period. With mixed population of male and female, the predation rate was 86.2 and 108.7 at 150 and 200 prey densities respectively compared to with males or females alone.

2 tables, 11 ref

007605   Annadurai D (Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502) : Radula structure of the venomous gastropod Conus textile in relation to feeding habits-elucidated by scanning electronic microscopy. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 143-6.

Radula structure of the venomous gastropod Conus textile was elucidated by scanning electron microscopy. The result showed that the radula was heavy serrations over most of the length of the shaft, moderately slender and with a strong barb near the base of the end of the serration. The component parts were apex, barbs, cutting edge, adapical opening of the lumen, serrations, external fold, shaft, basal cusp, base and basal opening of the lumen which are used in the capture of prey and this structure also corresponds to the molluscivorous type.

4 illus, 9 ref

007604   Anitha Kumari S;Sree Ramkumar N (Dep of Zool Cell and Molec Biol Lab, Nizam Coll Basheerbagh, Hyderabad-500 001) : Impact of pollution stress on blood glucose, lactate and pyruvate levels in certain fish collected from Hussainsagar lake, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 179-83.

Studies were conducted on the spectrophotometric analyses of blood components such as glucose, lactate and pyruvate in 3 different species of fish such as Heteropneustes fossilis, Channa punctatus and Channa striatus that abound the Hussainsagar lake. All the 3 species of fish showed marked increases in glucose and lactate content with a concomitant decline in the pyruvate content of the blood samples when compared with those of the control fishes.

1 illus, 1 tables, 33 ref

007603   Agrahari S;Krishna Gopal;Pandey K C (Dep of Zool, Univ of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007, Email: kc_pandey@rediffmail.com) : Biomarkers of monocrotophos in a freshwater fish Channa punctatus (Bloch). J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 453-7.

Activity of a few biomarkers have been investigated on freshwater fish Channa punctats treated with monocrotophos for acute exposure to 18.56 ppm at 96 hr and subacute exposure viz. 0.46 ppm, 0.96 ppm and 1.86 ppm for 30 days. Biomarkers such as total protein, lipid peroxidation and acetylcholinesterase have been measured in different tissues of fish viz. gills, liver, brain and muscles. The protein levels were found to be depleted in all the tissues after pesticide exposure to lethal and sublethal concentration over the control, where as the lipid levels showed an increase under the stress of pesticide monocrotophos. The increased lipid level may be due to inhibition of lipase activity and other biomarkers of lipid metabolism. A significant inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) indicating its effects on nervous system have also been observed. These parameters can be used as biomarkers to predict the early toxicity of monocrotophos added to aquatic ecosystem.

5 illus, 40 ref

007602   Achyutha Devi J;Piska R S (Dep of Zool, Univ Coll of Sci Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Effect of fluoride on tissue proteins of fresh water cat fish, Clarias batrachus (Linn.). J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 184-7.

Effect of fluoride on the tissue proteins of fresh water cat fish, Clarias batrachus (Linn.) The fish were exposed to 1, 10, 20 and 30 ppm of sodium fluoride for 1, 30 and 60 days. The total proteins were estimated in tissue like liver, kidney, gill, muscle and brain. The levels of total proteins were decreased in all the experimental tissues at all exposure spans when compared to controls. A progressive reduction was found both as function of time as well as increase in the concentration of fluoride. Maximum amount of protein reduced in muscle, followed by kidney, liver, brain and gills. Fluoride intoxication results and proteolysis inhibition of protein synthesis has been studied.

1 table, 20 ref

006487   Yeragi S G;Yeragi S S (Mangrove Res Lab, K.J. Somaiya Coll of Scicence, Vidyavihar, Mumbai-400 077) : Biodiversity and present status of avifauna in and around mangroves of Akshi creek, Alibaug. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 5-8.

Akshi creek (Lat 17°, 72' N, Long. 73°, 64' E) is associated with the weltland ecosystem. The associated forest is now - a - days not safe for the avain fauna due to anthropogenic activities, therefore, the birds search new protective habitat for their nesting. The mangrove ecosystem of Akshi creek is safe for them for food as well as their young ones. Birds represented 23 species recorded at various stations of Akshi creek.

2 tables, 2ref

006486   Vishalakshi C;Singh B N (Dep of Zool, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: bnsingh@bhu.ac.in) : Sexual isolation between two sibling species of Drosophila: D. ananassae and D. pallidosa. Curr Sci 2006, 90(7), 1003-6.

Sexual isolation, a form of premating reproductive carriers, is one of the elementary causes of speciation. Ivestigations on sexual isolation between two sympatric sibling species, namely Drosophila ananassae and D. pallidosa have been undertaken by employing four different choice conditions (multiple-, female-, male- and no-choice). Mating success was scored by direct observation in Elens-Wattiaux mating chamber. In all the four choice conditions, homogamic matings were more frequent than heterogamic ones, which indicates preferential mating between males and females of the same species. The values of isolation estimate in all the four techniques are close to zero, suggesting the presence of strong sexual isolation between these two sibling species. In female choice method, where the sex ratio was 1 female: 2 males, males of the two species differ in their mating success. Similarly, in male-choice method with sex ratio 1 male: 2 females, females of the two species differ in their mating success. However, in multiple- and no-choice methods where the sex ratio was 1:1 (equal number of males and females), no difference was found in mating success of the two types of males and females. From these results, it is concluded that there is strong ethological isolation between D. ananassae and D. pallidosa, which is not affected by different experimental condition. However, mating propensity is influenced by sex ratio in these two sibling species.

1 table, 37 ref

006485   Verma P K;Paul D K (Life Sci Res Lab, Godda Coll, Godda-814 133) : Impact of shifting cultivation on biodiversity in tribal belt of Santal Pargana, Jharkhand. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 51-7.

Shifting cultivation and wood cutting practices most commonly employed by Paharia tribe in Rajmahal hill range of Santal Pargana under Godda district of Jharkhand state, were found to be responsible for considerable increase in the rate of deforestation resulting in disturbed environmental conditions, such as barren hill slope, enormous soil erosion, very low biodiversity of plants and wild animals, poor soil fertility, acute scarcity of perennial sources of water and a declining trend of floristic-faunistic compositions. These accounts appeared to have tilted the well balanced ecology of this tribal area, thereby posing a serious threat to the gradual extinction of plant species and migration of wild animals from their natural habitat. Soil and water conservation, afforestation, re-stablishing the denuded lands by suitable plantation and establishment of herbal garden on the hill top and hill slope of the tribal belt are certain effective remedial measures to protect and conserve the environment, which will brought in new hope of preserving biodiversity.

2 tables, 7 ref

006484   Verma A (NO, , E/72 Ashok Vihar, P.O. Hinoo, Ranchi-2) : Effect of continuous illimination on the testes and pineal gland of the Indian garden lizard, Clotes versicolor. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 59-64.

Effect of continuous illumination (LL) for 60 days, was studied on the testes and pineal gland of Calotes versicolor during the active and inactive phases of its annual gonadal cycle. Exposure to LL, during the active phase, had no significant effect on the testes and pineal gland of the animal. During the inactive phase LL exposure resulted in a significant increase in the testicular weights and its cholesterol level. A corresponding significant decrease was noted in the pineals gland weight and its protein content. It is suggested that LL stimulates the inactive testes of this lizard but has an opposite inhibitory effect on its pineal gland.

2 tables, 29 ref

006483   Vaishnav K;Goyal S;Ramawat K G (Lab of Biomolecular Technol Dep of Bot, M L Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: kg_ramawat@yahoo.com) : Isoflavonoids production in callus culture of Pueraria tuberosa, the Indian kudzu. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 1012-17.

Isoflavonoid contents of different plant parts and callus tissues of the Indian Kudzu, Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb.ex.Willd.) are presented. The initial cultures were slow growing, associated with browning of the tissues. The production of four isoflavonoids (puerarin, genistin, genistein and daidzein) in the callus cultures of P. tuberosa was studied by manipulating the plant growth regulators and sucrose concentration in the medium. Organogenesis was not recorded in callus on any of these treatments. Tuber and stem accumulated puerarin, a glycoside of daidzein, at high amounts, 0.65% and 0.054% respectively. However, the daidzein content of the callus tissues grown on Murashige and Skoog medium containing BA (20.9 μM) and sucrose (60 gl^-1) was significantly higher (0.056%) than in vivo plant material (0.02%) and other comparable culture systems like Genista and Pueraria lobata.

2 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

006482   Tiwary N P;Prabhakar A K;Gupta H R P;Jitendra Kumar;Ambooj K;Ranjan R K (Zool Dep, Coll of Commerce, Patna, Bihar) : Effect of pH and ambient water temperature on food effeciency and growth in an air breathing fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 79-82.

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of amibient water temperature on food intake, food effeciency (%) and daily individual growth increament in an air breathing siluroid fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). It has been found that daily food intake, food effeciency and daily individual growth increment were 1.28 g, 19.9% and 0.255 g/fish/day respectively at 18.5±1.0°C which increased to a value of 1.33 g, 26.8 and 0.358 at 24.0±1.5°C and 1.44g, 26.9% and 0.401 g/fish/day respectively at 28.5±1.5°C.

1 table, 12 ref

006481   Taneja S K;Mandal R (Dep of Zool, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: sktaneja@gmail.com) : Effect of modified egg on developmental defects in neonates of NIDDM induced wistar rats. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 863-74.

Maternal Zn deficiency has been suggested as the contributing factor for all congenital malformations during pregnancy particularly in diabetes. Maternal Zn-supplementation, therefore, was suggested as one possible nutrition intervention during pregnancy to improve its outcome. But a number of trials with Zn-supplementation are not consistent and discourage the use of excessive Zn-supplementation during pregnancy. Instead a multivitamin/mineral supplement to them has been suggested to reduce its complication. Accordingly, the poultry egg was modified for trace elements, vitamin-E and omega-3 fatty acids so as to use it as a dietary supplement for diabetics to reduce their complications during the pregnancy. The results showed that NIDDM induced rats fed either on 40 or 80 mg Zn/kg diet delivered less number of pups/litter and their body weight was higher at birth as compared to control group fed 20 mg Zn/kg diet. During the weaning period, some abnormalities characterized by restricted movements of the hind legs, curl toes of limbs, eye opening problems, less hair on the body and more head to body ratio were observed. Whereas number of pups delivered per litter were more with higher body weights without abnormalities in the pups in NIDDM groups fed egg mixed diet. Further Zn, Cu and Mg concentrations were significantly less in the liver, hair and abdominal muscles in pups in NIDDM groups but their concentrations were restored approaching closer to control in pups in groups fed egg mixed diet estimated on 18th day of weaning period. The excretion of these trace elements increased in the urine of dams fed Zn supplemented diet but decreased in the dams fed egg mixed diet on 15th day of their suckling period. The data suggest that if these modified eggs are included in the regular diet during pregnancy, they may protect the neonates in womb against the damaging effect of imbalances of physiologically important nutrients due to diabetes or environmental contamination.

2 illus, 7 tables, 100 ref

006480   Suman G;Khan M;Sabitha K;Jamil K (Dep of Genet, Bhagawan Mahavir Hosp & Res Cent, 10-1-1, Masab tank, Hyderabad-500 004, Email: Kaiser.jamil@gmail.com) : Mutation in mexR-gene leading to drug resistance in corneal keratitis in human. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 929-36.

Deals with the genetic polymorphism of the mexR gene which is involved in the resistance to drugs like ciprofloxacin. Mutations in mexR result in increased resistance to multiple antibiotics due to overexpression of this efflux system. The MexR product contains 147 amino acids with a molecular mass of 16,964 Da. We detected 28 point mutations in 14 samples were detected from corneal scraping infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which were screened for ciprofloxacin resistance. Twenty four were silent mutations and four missense mutations. Mapping these mutations was done by using in silico methods on the protein 3D- structure obtained from PDB database, localized at 3 specific sites. Single amino acid changes (mutations) may influence MexR stability or its ability to dimerise, and thus result in the conformation changes at the DNA-binding domain, of the structure. Hence it is concluded that the mutations in the DNA binding domain of mexR gene could be one of the factors contributing to the possible drug resistance in these patients.

5 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

006479   Sudheer Kumar D J;John Sushma N;Sivaiah U; Madhava Rao S;Jayantha Rao K (Zool Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: kjrao-@rediffmail.com) : Effect of chlorpyriphos and Azadirachtin on Ach and AchE of fish Tilapia mossambica. Aquacult 2006, 7(1), 87-91.

In the investigation, chlorpyriphos and azadirachtin toxicity on Tilapia mossambica were evaluated. And also the effect of chlorphriphos and azadirachtin onAch and AchE were determined. The AchE levels were inhibited by chlorpyriphos and azadirachtin in all tissues of 7 and 15 days exposed fish. The inhibition is significant in all tissues except in brain and gill of 7 days azadirachtin exposed fish. The Ach content was more in brain followed by muscle, gill and liver in control animals. The organophosphates are protein inhibitors of the enzyme acetyl cholinesterase. They bind the active site and prevent breakdown of Ach resulting in blocking of synaptic transmission in cholinergic nerves. In consonance with the decrease in the AchE level, there is a corresponding increase in the Ach content of the tissues suggesting decrease in the cholinergic transmission and consequent accumulation of Ach in the tissues.In the study when the individual effects of chlorpyriphos and azadirachtin were compared on the inhibition of AchE, the effect of chlorpyriphos is greater than the azadirachtin in all the tissues of pesticide exposed fish, which suggests higher affinity of the enzyme, AchE towards chlorpyriphos than towards azadirachtin.

3 tables, 13 ref

006478   Subbanna P K T;Tyagi M G (Dep of Pharmac & Clin Pharmac, Christian Med Coll, Vellore-632 002, Email: tyagi243@yahoo.co.in) : PAF antagonism modifies neuroprotective action of histone deacetylase and calcineurin phosphatase inhibitors in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(11), 886-91.

Evaluate the hypothesis that platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonism may affect the functional recovery following the nerve injuries and also to evaluate the effect of PAF receptor antagonism on the neuroprotective effect of tacrolimus and sodium valproate, effect of PAF receptor antagonist. WEB2086 was evaluated in animal models of sciatic nerve crush and endothelin-1 induced focal cerebral ischemia. WEB2086, per se, while attenuating spontaneous sensory motor recovery after sciatic nerve crush, enhanced functional recovery after focal cerebral ischemia. WEB2086 also attenuated the neuroprotective effect of tacrolimus and sodium valproate subsequent to peripheral nerve injury, while it significantly improved the neuroprotective action of tacrolimus and sodium valproate following cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. The PAF receptor antagonists alone and in combination with tacrolimus/sodium valproate could be used in the treatment of cerebral ischemia reperfusion injuries however, their use following peripheral nerve injuries could be detrimental.

1 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

006477   Soundararajan P;Mahesh R;Ramesh T;Begum V H (Dep of Siddha Med, Fac of Sci, Tamil University, Thanjavur-613 005, Email: drhazeenabiomed@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of Aerva lanata on calcium oxalate urolithiasis in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 981-6.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone was induced in rats using 0.75% of ethylene glycol in drinking water for 28 days. Ethylene glycol treated rats showed significant increase in the activities of oxalate synthesizing enzymes such as glycolic acid oxidase (GAO) in liver and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in liver and kidney. CaOx crystal deposition, as indicated by increased excretion of stone-forming constituents in urine, such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid, phosphorus and protein and decreased concentration of inhibitors, such as citrate and magnesium was observed in ethylene glycol induced urolithic rats. Histopathological studies also confirmed the deposition of CaOx crystals. Administration of Aerva lanata aqueous suspension (2g/kg body wt/dose/day for 28 days) to CaOx urolithic rats had reduced the oxalate synthesizing enzymes, diminished the markers of crystal deposition in the kidney. The result confirmed that A. lanata can be used as an curative agent for urolithiasis.

1 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

006476   Sood R;Rose H S;Pathania P C (Zool Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002, Email: pathaniapc@yahoo.co.in) : Genitalial morphology of some eupterotidae (Lepidoptera) from Shivaliks in India. Zoos Print J 2006, 21(8), 2343-6.

External genitalial morphology of five species of Eupterotidae namely, Apona cashmirensis Kollar, Eupterote undata Blanchard, Eupterote assimilis Moore, Eupterote fraterna Moore, and Eupterote decorata Moore were studied and a key for their identificaation has been presented.

11 illus, 6 ref

006475   Sinha P (Zool Dep, A.N. Coll, Patna-800 013) : Effect of seasonal variations on incidence and intensity of helminth infection of Calotes versicolor in and around Patna. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 83-8.

In a sample of 434 garden lizards (Caslotes versicolor), five different helminth species were found. These comprised of three nematodes (Physaloptera paradoxa, Thelandros maplestoni and Thubunaea quadridentata), one cestode (Oochoristica indica) and one trematode (Paradistomoides orientalis). Observations made on the incidence of infection in various months/seasons were recorded. Incidence of nematode was 50.69%, cestode was 24.4% and trematode was 28.57%. Incidence was the highest (82%) during summer and the lowest (61%) during winter incidence of Thubunaea quadrientata and the maplestoni showed significant seasonal variations. Incidence of infection and its intensity were not related. Intensity of infection was not associated with season.

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

006474   Sinha A;Tulika Kumari;Sharma S K;Sinha S K (Zool Dep, V.B. Univ, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand) : Description of an acanthocephalan parasite Pallisentis nandai from freshwater fish Nandus nandus with notes on histopathological changes in the host. Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 21-31.

The structure and anatomy of an acanthocephalan worm isolated from freshwater fish of North Chotanagpur Division of Jharkhand has been described. Pallisentis nandai, a small slender worm with spinned cuticle in the body, has been found to cause heavy damage to the host fish, Nandus nandus. This is the first report on the occurrence of Pallisentis nandai from a fish of this region. The results of histological studies of the host are characterized by disrupted or atrophied villi, necrosed, vacuolised and disintegrated mucoid epithelial cells and disrupted epithelial order. Compressed or disitegrated lamina propria, eroded glands and submucosa, increased number of eosinophils and lymphocytes, dialated submucosal blood vessels, dialated and ruputed muscularis blood vessels, extensive cellular infiltration at the infection site, thinned out muscularis mucosa and eroded serosa are other changes caused by the infection.

6 illus, 9 ref

006473   Sinha A M;Roshan Arora;Khatoon R A R;Singh M K;Singh R K;Singh B K (Zool Dep, Magadh Univ, Bodh Gaya, Bihar) : Role of hormones on salinity tolerance in Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 89-93.

An attempt has been made to study experimentally the effect different hormones on the salinity tolerance in a freshwaser air breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). The median tolerance limit (TLm) of control fish were 33.4% sea water. It was observed that adrenaline, testosterone and ovocyclin raised the salinity tolerance to a significant level where as the treatment of L - thyroxine tends to diminish the salinity tolerance in this fish.

1 table, 14 ref

006472   Singh L B;Pandey P N;Mahendra Prasad (Zool Dep, Sindri Coll, Sindri, Dhanbad, Jharkhand) : Thermal demand constancy in the embryonic development of rice weevil, Sitophilus orzae (Linn). Proc Zool Soc India 2005, 4(2), 43-9.

Life span flexibility and total thermal demand of rice - weevil, Stophilus oryzae L. in different block - months of experimental year 1997-2000, have been carefully studied and mathematically worked out. With high thermal threshold input in summer, low in winter and optimum in rains, the life cycle showed inverse adjustment by shortening, stretching and optimizing the life span through its variable embryonic period. Interestingly the total thermal demand of the propagating weevil showed constancy at 900 ±15 degree days.

2 tables, 7 ref

006471   Singh B R;Chandra M;Agrawal R K;Nagrajan B (Natn Salmonella Cent (Vet) Div of Bact and Mycol, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: brs1762@yahoo.co.in) : Antigenic competition among different 'O' antigens of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovars during hyperimmunization in pony mares. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 1022-5.

Antigenic competition among somatic 'O' antigens of different Salmonella groups (A, B, C1, C2, D and E1) in mares revealed that the immune response to most of the antigens was not (A, B, C2) or little (C1, D) affected by antigenic competition. However, E1 group antigen, which induced high antibody litres (Avg. 12967.3) when given alone, produced almost 3.5 log₂ lower antibody litres on giving with other antigens, indicating the antigenic competition among some Salmonella group antigens. The antigenic competition varied for different antigens even of the similar chemical nature. Therefore, antigens belonging to different somatic groups should not be given together for the purpose of raising polyvalenl serum or for immunization using multivalent Salmonella vaccines prepared from strains of different 'O' groups revealing antigenic competition.

^ssc1 table, 20 ref

006470   Shejule K B;Kharat P S;Kale R S (Zool Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Toxicity of organotin tributyltin chloride to freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium kistnensis. Aquacult 2006, 7(1), 141-4.

Tributyltin (TBT) compounds are organic derivatives and they have been recognized as strong biological poison because of their persistent nature and cumulative activeness. The crustaceans are the suitable bioindicators of chemical contamination of water. The experiments were conducted on Macrobrachium kistnensis to find out the lethal concentration LC₅₀ value of the Organotin tributyltin chloride. Well-acclimatized healthy female prawns were selected for toxicity test in tap water for a period of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Observed and calculated values were recorded LC₅₀ values for tributyltin chloride were found to be 0.33, 0.26, 0.17 and 0.09 ppm for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h respectively. The results show that the LC₅₀ values decreased with increase in exposure period.

1 table, 13 ref

006469   Sharma A;Sandhir R (Biochem Dep, Punjab Univ, Basic Medical Science Building, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014) : Oxidative stress after Lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus in mice brain. Ann Neurosci 2006, 13(1), 1-4.

The imbalance between oxidants and the antioxidant defense sysgtem in Li-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus (SE) was studied by measuring lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH), total thiols (TSH) and teh activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalaase in the cerebral cortex of mice. SE was induced by treating the animals with LiCl (3 meg/kg, i.p) followed 21 h later by pilocarpine challenge (30 mg/kg, i.p), while control animals were administered normal saline. A significant incrase (37.5%) in lipid peroxidation was observed in brain after the induction of SE. Concomitantly, the GSH and TSH levels were found to decrease by 16.7 and 19.1% in brain of animals treated with Li-pilocarpine. This was accompanied by a significant increase in activities of catalase and SOD (40.8% and 81.4%, respectively) as compared to the control group. These results show evidence of neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex in terms of increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in levels of protein and non-protein thiol groups. The studies clearly suggest that oxidant-antioxidant balance is disturbed in status epilepticus.

2 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

006468   Senthilkumar N;Barthakur N D;Borah N J (NO, Rain For Res Inst, Jorhat-785 001) : Orthopteran fauna of the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam. Zoos Print J 2006, 21(8), 2347-9.

A checklist of 25 species of Orthoptera recorded from the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary has been presented along with a series of indices such as Simpson's, Hill's, Margalef's, Mehinick's and evenness. The order is comprised of 25 species of 21 genera and 12 families. This preliminary sutdy indicates many more species yet to be recorded from the area.

1 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

006467   Sardar K K;Sarkar S N;Bawankule D U;Mishra S K;Raviprakash V (Div of Pharmac and Toxicol, Indian Vet Res Inst, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: snsarkar@ivri.up.nic.in) : Effects of oxidizing and reducing agents on ovine pulmonary artery responses to nitric oxide donors, sodium nitroprusside and 3-morpholino-sydnonimine. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 964-70.

Nitrovasodilators-sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 10^-9-10^-4 M) and 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1; 10^-9-l0^-4 M) produced concentration-dependent relaxation of the fourth generation sheep pulmonary artery, preconstricted with 5-hydroxytryptamine (1 μM). Oxidizing agents [oxidized glutathione (GSSG, 1 mM) and CuSO₄ (5 and 20 μM) and reducing agents [dithiothreitol (DTT, 0.1 mM), ascorbic acid (1 mM) and reduced glutathione (GSH, 1 mM)] caused opposite effects on nitric oxide (NO)-induced vasodilation in the artery. Ascorbic acid and GSH potentiated the NO responses, while GSSG and CuSO₄ inhibited relaxation caused by the nitrovasodilators. DTT, however, reduced the relaxant potency and efficacy of SNP and SIN-1. Pretreatment of the pulmonary artery strips with DTT (0.1 mM) inhibited SNP (10 μM)-induced Na⁺ K⁺ ATPase activity, while ascorbic acid (1 mM) and GSH (1 mM) had no effect either on basal or SNP (10 μM)-stimulated ⁸⁶Rb uptake, an index of Na⁺K⁺ ATPase activity, in ovine pulmonary artery. The results suggest that reducing agents like ascorbic acid may have beneficial effect in improving the vascular function under oxidative stress.

6 illus, 1 tables, 22 ref

006466   Rohilla M S;Rao R J;Tiwari P K (Sch of Stud in Zool, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior-474 011, Email: pk_tiwari@hotmail.com) : Use of peripheral blood lymphocyte culture in the karyological analysis of Indian freshwater turtles, Lissemys punctata and Geoclemys hamiltoni. Curr Sci 2006, 90(8), 1130-41.

A simple, efficient and economic method has been optimized for in vitro culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes from two freshwater turtles, Lissemys punctata (Trionychidae) and Geoclemys hamiltoni (Batagurinae), for various parameters like culture media, mitogen concentration, mitotic index, culture volume, incubation time, humidity, duration of culture or mitotic arrest, etc. The most optimal condition for good mitotic index was obtained when the lymphocytes were cultured at 28°C in a common RPMI-1640 medium with L-glutamine but without NaHCO₃, 10% PCS, PHA-P as mitogen (10 μg/ml), streptomycin (100 μg/ml), penicillin (50 μg/ml) and incubated for a period of 84 h. The mitotic arrest was made for 10 to 12 h with colcemid (0.2 μg/ml) after 72 h of setting the culture. The non-banded mitotic chromosomes of both the species were characterized. The diploid chromosome (2N) numbers were found varying in the two species, being 66 in L. punctata, and 52 in G. hamiltoni. The difference in the chromosome numbers in the two species was basically in the telocentric- and micro-chromosomes, both being higer in L. punctata than in G. hamiltoni. Except for some of the large or macrochromosomes most others appeared species-specific, indiating their distinct evolutionary lineage among chelonians.

2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

006465   Rathore G;Swaminathan T R;Sood N;Mishra B N; Kapoor D (Natn Bur of Fish Genetic Resour, Canal Ring Rd, P.O. Dilkusha, Lucknow-226 002, Email: rathore69@rediffmail.com) : Affinity purification and partial characterization of IgM-like immunoglobulins of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 1018-21.

IgM like macroglobulin from bovine serum albumin (BSA)-immunized African catfish C. gariepinus was purified by affinity chromatography and partially characterized. The molecular weight of this macroglobulin was 840 kDa, as estimated by gel filtration chromatography. Purified macroglobulin was analyzed using SDS-PAGE under reducing and non-reducing conditions. The molecular weight (MW) of heavy and light chain was 74.8 kDa and 27.2 kDa respectively, in presence of a reducing agent. In non-reducing SDS-PAGE, a single high MW band was observed representing tetrameric form.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref