The pollen grain morphology and leaf epiderm shape and microstructural of Rye（ Secale cereal ）, common wheat and Octoploid Trititrigia were observed with the scanning electron microscope（SEM）. The results revealed...The pollen grain morphology and leaf epiderm shape and microstructural of Rye（ Secale cereal ）, common wheat and Octoploid Trititrigia were observed with the scanning electron microscope（SEM）. The results revealed that there were great differences between pollen and leaf epiderm microcosmic morphology in three species. Such characteristics of Octoploid tnticalwere between those of common wheat and Rye. The morphology of pollen grain and leaf epiderm shape counld be used as an index for taxonomy for genera and species, and had somewhat scientif- ic references to identify new multiploid species created by chromosome engineering.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to study characters of pollen grains of tetraploid lines and diploid control line of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium (Trev.) Vis.,morphological characters,fertility of pollen grain and germinatio...[Objective] The aim was to study characters of pollen grains of tetraploid lines and diploid control line of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium (Trev.) Vis.,morphological characters,fertility of pollen grain and germination percentage of seeds. [Method] Pollen grains were prepared by sulphuric acid-acetyl oxide decomposition method. The lengths of polar axis and equatorial axis of pollen grains were determined with general optical microscope. The morphology of pollen grains was observed with SEM (scanning electron microscope) and the typical visual fields of 2 500× (or 2 000×),7 000× were taken pictures. [Result] Comparing with the diploid control line,the pollen grains of five tetraploid lines which were tested were different from the diploid line in morphology,sculpture,etc.. 4 of the 5 tested samples were significant larger than the diploid line in size and one was similar to the diploid line. [Conclusion] This research provided references for breeding tetraploid improved varieties of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium (Trev.) Vis. with good fertility and high germination percentage.展开更多
The germination of pollen grain in vitro and the growth of pollen tube in the pistil of rice were observed with a microscope. The stigma was removed at different time points after pollination to study its effect on se...The germination of pollen grain in vitro and the growth of pollen tube in the pistil of rice were observed with a microscope. The stigma was removed at different time points after pollination to study its effect on seed setting rate. The rice pollen grain started to germinate at 2 min after pollination and the pollen tube penetrated stigma into style in 5-10 min, 30 min later the end of pollen tube reached the bottom of ovary, and only some pollen tubes arrived at embryo sac at 40 min after pollination. Meanwhile, a small amount of callose began to deposit in the pollen tubes, a great deal of callose was observed at 50 min after pollination, whereas the pollen grain began to shrink. The growing rates of pollen tube in the rice stigma, style and ovary were 1500, 5000, and 5400 μm/h, respectively. The seed setting rate was quite low when the stigma was removed at about 10-15 min after pollination, gradually increased when it removed at 20 min to 50 min after pollination, and over 60% when it removed at 50 min after pollination and finally tended to be stable.展开更多
The airborne pollen grains of Afyon have been studied for a two_year period (1999-2000) with a Durham sampler. A total of 14 367 pollen grains belonging to 40 taxa have been identified and recorded with some unidentif...The airborne pollen grains of Afyon have been studied for a two_year period (1999-2000) with a Durham sampler. A total of 14 367 pollen grains belonging to 40 taxa have been identified and recorded with some unidentified ones. Of them, 6 732 were identified in 1999 and 7 635 in 2000. Of the total pollen grains, 69.67% were arboreal, 26.64% non_arboreal and 3.68 % unidentified. The majority of the investigated pollen grains were from Pinus, Gramineae, Cupressaceae, Platanus , Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Quercus, Ailanthus, Moraceae, Juglans , Salix, Cedrus and Rosaceae. The highest level of pollen grains was in May.展开更多
Pollen grains and plant spores have emerged as innovative biomaterials for various applications such as drug/vaccine delivery,catalyst support,and the removal of heavy metals.The natural microcapsules comprising spore...Pollen grains and plant spores have emerged as innovative biomaterials for various applications such as drug/vaccine delivery,catalyst support,and the removal of heavy metals.The natural microcapsules comprising spore shells and pollen grain are designed for protecting the genetic materials of plants from exterior impairments.Two layers make up the shell,the outer layer(exine)that comprised largely of sporopollenin,and the inner layer(intine)that built chiefly of cellulose.These microcapsule shells,namely hollow sporopollenin exine capsules have some salient features such as homogeneity in size,non-toxic nature,resilience to both alkalis and acids,and the potential to withstand at elevated temperatures;they have displayed promising potential for the microencapsulation and the controlled drug delivery/release.The important attribute of mucoadhesion to intestinal tissues can prolong the interaction of sporopollenin with the intestinal mucosa directing to an augmented effectiveness of nutraceutical or drug delivery.Here,current trends and prospects related to the application of plant pollen grains for the delivery of vaccines and drugs and vaccine are discussed.展开更多
Single pollen grain polymerase chain reaction （PCR） has succeeded in several species, however only limited numbers of pollen grains were involved due to difficulties in pollen isolation and lysis. This has limited i...Single pollen grain polymerase chain reaction （PCR） has succeeded in several species, however only limited numbers of pollen grains were involved due to difficulties in pollen isolation and lysis. This has limited its application in genetic analysis and mapping studies in plants. A high-throughput （HT） procedure for collecting and detecting genetic variation in a large number of individual pollen grains by PCR is reported. The HT procedure involved the collection of individual pollen grains by a pair of special forceps and the lysis of pollen grains in a heated alkali/detergent solution followed by neutralization with a tris-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid （TE） buffer. These resulting template solutions yielded PCR reactions involving the 5S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacers, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, and simple sequence repeats markers. Using this procedure, one person with experience could collect and process up to 288 single pollen grain PCR reactions per day. The method worked well on sugarcane, corn, Miscanthus spp., snap bean, sorghum, and tomato. The ability to collect and conduct PCR on individual pollen grains on a large scale offers a new approach to genetic analyses and mapping studies in an easily controllable environment with a considerable cost reduction. The method will also significantly benefit studies in species that are difficult subjects for classical genetic research.展开更多
Transmission electron microscopy was conducted to characterize the mature pollen grains in the massulae of Habenaria sagittifera at anthesis to understand its ultramicroscopic features of mature pollen grains of this ...Transmission electron microscopy was conducted to characterize the mature pollen grains in the massulae of Habenaria sagittifera at anthesis to understand its ultramicroscopic features of mature pollen grains of this species. I found that(a) pollen walls on the surface of the massula consisted of several layers, which included the tectum, baculum, nexine-1, nexine-2, and intine, whereas pollen walls within the massula were comprised of less layers, lacking tectum and baculum;(b) both vegetative and generative nuclei in mature pollen grains were predominated by highly condensed chromatin, which occupied over half of the nuclear volume; and(c) the pollen grains did not contain lipid droplets, starch grains,or storage proteins, indicative of the absence of macromolecular storage reserves. In summary, the structural difference between walls on the surface of the massula and walls within the massula, the highly condensed status of the vegetative nucleus, and the absence of macromolecular storage reserves were the most noticeable ultramicroscopic characteristics of mature pollen grains of H. sagittifera.展开更多
Magnesium （Mg^2＋） is abundant in plant cells and plays a critical role in many physiological processes. A 10-member gene family AtMGT （also known as AtMRS2） was identified in Arabidopsis, which belongs to a eukar...Magnesium （Mg^2＋） is abundant in plant cells and plays a critical role in many physiological processes. A 10-member gene family AtMGT （also known as AtMRS2） was identified in Arabidopsis, which belongs to a eukaryote subset of the CorA superfamily, functioning as Mg^2＋ transporters. Some family members （AtMGT1 and AtMGT10） function as high-affinity Mg^2＋ transporter and could complement bacterial mutant or yeast mutant lacking Mg^2＋ transport capability. Here we report an AtMGT family member, AtMGT9, that functions as a low-affinity Mg^2＋ transporter, and is essential for pollen development. The functional complementation assay in Salmonella mutant strain MM281 showed that AtMGT9 is capable of mediating Mg^2＋ uptake in the sub-millimolar range of Mg^2＋. The AtMGT9 gene was expressed most strongly in mature anthers and was also detectable in vascular tissues of the leaves, and in young roots. Disruption of AtMGT9 gene expression resulted in abortion of half of the mature pollen grains in heterozygous mutant ＋/mgt9, and no homozygous mutant plant was obtained in the progeny of selfed ＋/mgt9 plants. Transgenic plants expressing AtMGT9 in these heterozygous plants can recover the pollen phenotype to the wild type. In addition, At- MGT9 RNAi transgenic plants also showed similar abortive pollen phenotype to mutant ＋/mgt9. Together, our results demonstrate that AtMGT9 functions as a low-affinity Mg^2＋ transporter that plays a crucial role in male gametophyte development and male fertility.展开更多
Polygala paniculata L.is a medicinal plant that grows in the Brazilian Atlantic coast,known as‘barba-de-São-João’,‘barba-de-bode’,‘vassourinha branca’,and‘mimosa’.In this study,pollen viability was e...Polygala paniculata L.is a medicinal plant that grows in the Brazilian Atlantic coast,known as‘barba-de-São-João’,‘barba-de-bode’,‘vassourinha branca’,and‘mimosa’.In this study,pollen viability was estimated by three different staining methods:2%acetic orcein,2%acetic carmine,and Alexander’s stain.The young inflorescences of twenty accessions were collected and fixed in a solution of ethanol:acetic acid(3:1)for 24 hours,then stored in ethanol 70%under refrigeration.Six slides per plant,two for each stain,were prepared by squashing,and 300 pollen grains per slide were analyzed.Pollen viability was high(>70%)for most accessions of P.paniculata using the Alexander’s stain,which proved the most adequate method to estimate pollen viability.展开更多
Air pollution is harm and discomfort to human or other living organisms, it also causes damage to the environment. The aim of this project was to study the effect of air pollutions on structure and pollen grains devel...Air pollution is harm and discomfort to human or other living organisms, it also causes damage to the environment. The aim of this project was to study the effect of air pollutions on structure and pollen grains development in Chenopodium album. Anthers of Chenopodium album L. were collected at different stages of development from control （less polluted） and polluted areas （mainly SO2, NO2, CO and APM）. Structure and development of pollen grains were studied and compared. The effects of pollution on pollen structure was investigated under Light and Scanning electron microscopy and the results showed that when pollen grains were exposed to polluted air they became abnormality in form and covered with large amounts of pollutants compared to control ones. Pollen abnormalities were seen as irregularity, shrinkage, thinning and breakage of the exine. Cellular material release was induced also. The data presented suggest that prolonged exposures of plants to air pollution may cause different biological effects at the cellular tissue and organ levels.展开更多
Aim of study: Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants/preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Phoenix dactylifera in which the pollen grain has been acclaimed to be used as an aphro...Aim of study: Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants/preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Phoenix dactylifera in which the pollen grain has been acclaimed to be used as an aphrodisiac. However, the validity has not been scientifically tested. Dopamine is known to facilitate male sexual function. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen on the sexual behavior of male rats and to measure of serum Estradiol and Testostrone. Also, dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbence (NAc) was studied in male rats using in vivo microdialysis. Methods and Materials: sixty male rats were randomized into 6 groups (A-F). Group A received 0.2 ml of Normal Saline mixed with Dimethyl Sulphate (DMSO), while groups B-F were injected same volume containing 35 mg/kg, 70 mg/kg, 105 mg/kg, 140 mg/kg and 350 mg/kg of DPP extract, respectively. Sexual behavioral parameters including mounting, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and latencies were recorded in male rats one hour after injection of extract by mating with a receptive female (1:1). The male serum testosterone and estradiol concentrations were also determined. Results: All doses stimulated male sexual behavior. Extract significantly increased mount, ejaculation, intromission frequencies and ejaculation latency in comparison to controlled ones (p 0.001). Mount and intromission latencies significantly reduced (p 0.001). Maximum effect was observed in dose 140 mg/kg. This extract was found to enhance Testestrone, Estradiol and the orientation of males toward female ones by increasing mounting and ano-genital investigatory behavior. Conclusions: Data from this study identified that the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen grain enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats. The improved sexual appetitive behaviour in male rats may be attributed, to the alkaloids, saponins, and or flavonoids since these phytochemicals has engorgement, androgen enhancing. Also, our findings support the traditional use of this plant as acclaimed aphrodisiac and for the treatment of pre-ejaculation and impotency.展开更多
A medicolegal/botanical collaboration has to lead to an interdisciplinary procedure for developing methods when studying dead bodies found in water with no clear circumstances. Hereby we present a report or a prelimin...A medicolegal/botanical collaboration has to lead to an interdisciplinary procedure for developing methods when studying dead bodies found in water with no clear circumstances. Hereby we present a report or a preliminary attempt as a basis for encouraging further work in the field. The body of an unidentified 25 - 35 years old woman was found immersed in a fresh water ditch in state of decomposition. Structural alterations avoid any a priori identification of asphyxia or traumatic cervical lesions. The last cause of death was estimated as a cardio respiratory collapse and a drowning investigation was proposed. Taxonomic species identification was carried out to relate the pollen aspiration with the water medium in lung, spleen, liver and water medium. We presented pollen grains in spleen, as a closed organ, as a clue for death investigation in the absence of diatom findings. Information about where and when pollen grains occur may ascertain that a body or an object was in some place at a certain time. Since the consequences of aspiration depend on many factors, such as the quantity, size and solidity of the material aspirated and whether the aspiration is chronically recurrent or acute, the pollen investigation must be done with precaution. We conclude that in the absence of other microscopic structures, biochemical blood analyses, or histological findings, forensic palynology may be of help to relate the presumptive drowned body with its death scenario.展开更多
The aim of the current study was to investigate the process of microgametogenesis and diagnostic of condition of the Pinus sylvestris male generative system in the tree stands exposed to the influence of Reftinskiy GR...The aim of the current study was to investigate the process of microgametogenesis and diagnostic of condition of the Pinus sylvestris male generative system in the tree stands exposed to the influence of Reftinskiy GRES power plant (RGpp) emission during ontogenesis in connection with the level of technogenic pollution. It was detected that in the impact area, smoke emissions from the RGpp in the south-west direction zones of technogenic pollution were formed. Those vary in qualitative composition of the snow pack pollutants and their quantitative characteristics. The content of water insoluble compounds in melt snow water and the compile suspended matter, decreases regularly at the longer distance from the source of air pollutants. The highest content of water soluble compounds in the melt snow water was indicated at the distances of 5, 8 and 14 km from the source of air pollutants, authentically lower in the nearest and farthest sampling points of the snow trials. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) pollen significative with high prognostic value in relation to the level of toxic load upon the eco-systems and the condition of male generative system were discovered. It was detected that the significative meanings of pollen with morphological abnormalities decreased, and the meanings of functional significatives increased at the longer distance from the source of air pollutants. Pollen fertility, pollen tube length and reserve substances content significative is negatively related to the presence of micro and macro elements in the snow water;those identify the toxic load level on the ecosystem probably to the highest degree. Pine male gametophyte elimination, while forming in the impact zone of the GRES power plant, takes place at the stage of pollen grain germination as well as pollen tubes’ growth stage.展开更多
文摘The pollen grain morphology and leaf epiderm shape and microstructural of Rye（ Secale cereal ）, common wheat and Octoploid Trititrigia were observed with the scanning electron microscope（SEM）. The results revealed that there were great differences between pollen and leaf epiderm microcosmic morphology in three species. Such characteristics of Octoploid tnticalwere between those of common wheat and Rye. The morphology of pollen grain and leaf epiderm shape counld be used as an index for taxonomy for genera and species, and had somewhat scientif- ic references to identify new multiploid species created by chromosome engineering.
基金Supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (SWJTU09BR221)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to study characters of pollen grains of tetraploid lines and diploid control line of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium (Trev.) Vis.,morphological characters,fertility of pollen grain and germination percentage of seeds. [Method] Pollen grains were prepared by sulphuric acid-acetyl oxide decomposition method. The lengths of polar axis and equatorial axis of pollen grains were determined with general optical microscope. The morphology of pollen grains was observed with SEM (scanning electron microscope) and the typical visual fields of 2 500× (or 2 000×),7 000× were taken pictures. [Result] Comparing with the diploid control line,the pollen grains of five tetraploid lines which were tested were different from the diploid line in morphology,sculpture,etc.. 4 of the 5 tested samples were significant larger than the diploid line in size and one was similar to the diploid line. [Conclusion] This research provided references for breeding tetraploid improved varieties of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium (Trev.) Vis. with good fertility and high germination percentage.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants Nos. 30070454 and 30471045)
文摘The germination of pollen grain in vitro and the growth of pollen tube in the pistil of rice were observed with a microscope. The stigma was removed at different time points after pollination to study its effect on seed setting rate. The rice pollen grain started to germinate at 2 min after pollination and the pollen tube penetrated stigma into style in 5-10 min, 30 min later the end of pollen tube reached the bottom of ovary, and only some pollen tubes arrived at embryo sac at 40 min after pollination. Meanwhile, a small amount of callose began to deposit in the pollen tubes, a great deal of callose was observed at 50 min after pollination, whereas the pollen grain began to shrink. The growing rates of pollen tube in the rice stigma, style and ovary were 1500, 5000, and 5400 μm/h, respectively. The seed setting rate was quite low when the stigma was removed at about 10-15 min after pollination, gradually increased when it removed at 20 min to 50 min after pollination, and over 60% when it removed at 50 min after pollination and finally tended to be stable.
文摘The airborne pollen grains of Afyon have been studied for a two_year period (1999-2000) with a Durham sampler. A total of 14 367 pollen grains belonging to 40 taxa have been identified and recorded with some unidentified ones. Of them, 6 732 were identified in 1999 and 7 635 in 2000. Of the total pollen grains, 69.67% were arboreal, 26.64% non_arboreal and 3.68 % unidentified. The majority of the investigated pollen grains were from Pinus, Gramineae, Cupressaceae, Platanus , Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Quercus, Ailanthus, Moraceae, Juglans , Salix, Cedrus and Rosaceae. The highest level of pollen grains was in May.
文摘Pollen grains and plant spores have emerged as innovative biomaterials for various applications such as drug/vaccine delivery,catalyst support,and the removal of heavy metals.The natural microcapsules comprising spore shells and pollen grain are designed for protecting the genetic materials of plants from exterior impairments.Two layers make up the shell,the outer layer(exine)that comprised largely of sporopollenin,and the inner layer(intine)that built chiefly of cellulose.These microcapsule shells,namely hollow sporopollenin exine capsules have some salient features such as homogeneity in size,non-toxic nature,resilience to both alkalis and acids,and the potential to withstand at elevated temperatures;they have displayed promising potential for the microencapsulation and the controlled drug delivery/release.The important attribute of mucoadhesion to intestinal tissues can prolong the interaction of sporopollenin with the intestinal mucosa directing to an augmented effectiveness of nutraceutical or drug delivery.Here,current trends and prospects related to the application of plant pollen grains for the delivery of vaccines and drugs and vaccine are discussed.
基金Grower/processor Check-off Funds administrated by theAmerican Sugar Cane League of the USA., Inc., Thibodaux, Louisiana, USA(to Y.-B. Pan)the Chinese 948 Project (2003-Q06) (to P.-H. Chen).
文摘Single pollen grain polymerase chain reaction （PCR） has succeeded in several species, however only limited numbers of pollen grains were involved due to difficulties in pollen isolation and lysis. This has limited its application in genetic analysis and mapping studies in plants. A high-throughput （HT） procedure for collecting and detecting genetic variation in a large number of individual pollen grains by PCR is reported. The HT procedure involved the collection of individual pollen grains by a pair of special forceps and the lysis of pollen grains in a heated alkali/detergent solution followed by neutralization with a tris-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid （TE） buffer. These resulting template solutions yielded PCR reactions involving the 5S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacers, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, and simple sequence repeats markers. Using this procedure, one person with experience could collect and process up to 288 single pollen grain PCR reactions per day. The method worked well on sugarcane, corn, Miscanthus spp., snap bean, sorghum, and tomato. The ability to collect and conduct PCR on individual pollen grains on a large scale offers a new approach to genetic analyses and mapping studies in an easily controllable environment with a considerable cost reduction. The method will also significantly benefit studies in species that are difficult subjects for classical genetic research.
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2015HL115)National Natural Science Foundation(31300545)
文摘Transmission electron microscopy was conducted to characterize the mature pollen grains in the massulae of Habenaria sagittifera at anthesis to understand its ultramicroscopic features of mature pollen grains of this species. I found that(a) pollen walls on the surface of the massula consisted of several layers, which included the tectum, baculum, nexine-1, nexine-2, and intine, whereas pollen walls within the massula were comprised of less layers, lacking tectum and baculum;(b) both vegetative and generative nuclei in mature pollen grains were predominated by highly condensed chromatin, which occupied over half of the nuclear volume; and(c) the pollen grains did not contain lipid droplets, starch grains,or storage proteins, indicative of the absence of macromolecular storage reserves. In summary, the structural difference between walls on the surface of the massula and walls within the massula, the highly condensed status of the vegetative nucleus, and the absence of macromolecular storage reserves were the most noticeable ultramicroscopic characteristics of mature pollen grains of H. sagittifera.
基金Acknowledgments We are grateful to Dr Michael E Maguire （Case Western Reserve University, USA） for providing the Salmonella mutant strain MM281 and advice on tracer uptake. This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China （30370794）, Hunan Young Scientist Program （03JJY1003）, and Hunan Provincial NSFC （08JJ3088）.
文摘Magnesium （Mg^2＋） is abundant in plant cells and plays a critical role in many physiological processes. A 10-member gene family AtMGT （also known as AtMRS2） was identified in Arabidopsis, which belongs to a eukaryote subset of the CorA superfamily, functioning as Mg^2＋ transporters. Some family members （AtMGT1 and AtMGT10） function as high-affinity Mg^2＋ transporter and could complement bacterial mutant or yeast mutant lacking Mg^2＋ transport capability. Here we report an AtMGT family member, AtMGT9, that functions as a low-affinity Mg^2＋ transporter, and is essential for pollen development. The functional complementation assay in Salmonella mutant strain MM281 showed that AtMGT9 is capable of mediating Mg^2＋ uptake in the sub-millimolar range of Mg^2＋. The AtMGT9 gene was expressed most strongly in mature anthers and was also detectable in vascular tissues of the leaves, and in young roots. Disruption of AtMGT9 gene expression resulted in abortion of half of the mature pollen grains in heterozygous mutant ＋/mgt9, and no homozygous mutant plant was obtained in the progeny of selfed ＋/mgt9 plants. Transgenic plants expressing AtMGT9 in these heterozygous plants can recover the pollen phenotype to the wild type. In addition, At- MGT9 RNAi transgenic plants also showed similar abortive pollen phenotype to mutant ＋/mgt9. Together, our results demonstrate that AtMGT9 functions as a low-affinity Mg^2＋ transporter that plays a crucial role in male gametophyte development and male fertility.
文摘Polygala paniculata L.is a medicinal plant that grows in the Brazilian Atlantic coast,known as‘barba-de-São-João’,‘barba-de-bode’,‘vassourinha branca’,and‘mimosa’.In this study,pollen viability was estimated by three different staining methods:2%acetic orcein,2%acetic carmine,and Alexander’s stain.The young inflorescences of twenty accessions were collected and fixed in a solution of ethanol:acetic acid(3:1)for 24 hours,then stored in ethanol 70%under refrigeration.Six slides per plant,two for each stain,were prepared by squashing,and 300 pollen grains per slide were analyzed.Pollen viability was high(>70%)for most accessions of P.paniculata using the Alexander’s stain,which proved the most adequate method to estimate pollen viability.
文摘Air pollution is harm and discomfort to human or other living organisms, it also causes damage to the environment. The aim of this project was to study the effect of air pollutions on structure and pollen grains development in Chenopodium album. Anthers of Chenopodium album L. were collected at different stages of development from control （less polluted） and polluted areas （mainly SO2, NO2, CO and APM）. Structure and development of pollen grains were studied and compared. The effects of pollution on pollen structure was investigated under Light and Scanning electron microscopy and the results showed that when pollen grains were exposed to polluted air they became abnormality in form and covered with large amounts of pollutants compared to control ones. Pollen abnormalities were seen as irregularity, shrinkage, thinning and breakage of the exine. Cellular material release was induced also. The data presented suggest that prolonged exposures of plants to air pollution may cause different biological effects at the cellular tissue and organ levels.
文摘Aim of study: Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants/preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Phoenix dactylifera in which the pollen grain has been acclaimed to be used as an aphrodisiac. However, the validity has not been scientifically tested. Dopamine is known to facilitate male sexual function. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen on the sexual behavior of male rats and to measure of serum Estradiol and Testostrone. Also, dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbence (NAc) was studied in male rats using in vivo microdialysis. Methods and Materials: sixty male rats were randomized into 6 groups (A-F). Group A received 0.2 ml of Normal Saline mixed with Dimethyl Sulphate (DMSO), while groups B-F were injected same volume containing 35 mg/kg, 70 mg/kg, 105 mg/kg, 140 mg/kg and 350 mg/kg of DPP extract, respectively. Sexual behavioral parameters including mounting, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and latencies were recorded in male rats one hour after injection of extract by mating with a receptive female (1:1). The male serum testosterone and estradiol concentrations were also determined. Results: All doses stimulated male sexual behavior. Extract significantly increased mount, ejaculation, intromission frequencies and ejaculation latency in comparison to controlled ones (p 0.001). Mount and intromission latencies significantly reduced (p 0.001). Maximum effect was observed in dose 140 mg/kg. This extract was found to enhance Testestrone, Estradiol and the orientation of males toward female ones by increasing mounting and ano-genital investigatory behavior. Conclusions: Data from this study identified that the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen grain enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats. The improved sexual appetitive behaviour in male rats may be attributed, to the alkaloids, saponins, and or flavonoids since these phytochemicals has engorgement, androgen enhancing. Also, our findings support the traditional use of this plant as acclaimed aphrodisiac and for the treatment of pre-ejaculation and impotency.
文摘A medicolegal/botanical collaboration has to lead to an interdisciplinary procedure for developing methods when studying dead bodies found in water with no clear circumstances. Hereby we present a report or a preliminary attempt as a basis for encouraging further work in the field. The body of an unidentified 25 - 35 years old woman was found immersed in a fresh water ditch in state of decomposition. Structural alterations avoid any a priori identification of asphyxia or traumatic cervical lesions. The last cause of death was estimated as a cardio respiratory collapse and a drowning investigation was proposed. Taxonomic species identification was carried out to relate the pollen aspiration with the water medium in lung, spleen, liver and water medium. We presented pollen grains in spleen, as a closed organ, as a clue for death investigation in the absence of diatom findings. Information about where and when pollen grains occur may ascertain that a body or an object was in some place at a certain time. Since the consequences of aspiration depend on many factors, such as the quantity, size and solidity of the material aspirated and whether the aspiration is chronically recurrent or acute, the pollen investigation must be done with precaution. We conclude that in the absence of other microscopic structures, biochemical blood analyses, or histological findings, forensic palynology may be of help to relate the presumptive drowned body with its death scenario.
文摘The aim of the current study was to investigate the process of microgametogenesis and diagnostic of condition of the Pinus sylvestris male generative system in the tree stands exposed to the influence of Reftinskiy GRES power plant (RGpp) emission during ontogenesis in connection with the level of technogenic pollution. It was detected that in the impact area, smoke emissions from the RGpp in the south-west direction zones of technogenic pollution were formed. Those vary in qualitative composition of the snow pack pollutants and their quantitative characteristics. The content of water insoluble compounds in melt snow water and the compile suspended matter, decreases regularly at the longer distance from the source of air pollutants. The highest content of water soluble compounds in the melt snow water was indicated at the distances of 5, 8 and 14 km from the source of air pollutants, authentically lower in the nearest and farthest sampling points of the snow trials. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) pollen significative with high prognostic value in relation to the level of toxic load upon the eco-systems and the condition of male generative system were discovered. It was detected that the significative meanings of pollen with morphological abnormalities decreased, and the meanings of functional significatives increased at the longer distance from the source of air pollutants. Pollen fertility, pollen tube length and reserve substances content significative is negatively related to the presence of micro and macro elements in the snow water;those identify the toxic load level on the ecosystem probably to the highest degree. Pine male gametophyte elimination, while forming in the impact zone of the GRES power plant, takes place at the stage of pollen grain germination as well as pollen tubes’ growth stage.
