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[Characteristics of tear proteins in the vole, Microtus arvalis]
1Department of Physiological Chemistry, Nippon Veterinary and Zootechnical College, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Tear proteins were detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the vole, Microtus arvalis. The tear proteins were separated to 6 to 8 bands and the bands were divided to three regions on the anodic side. In the adult male vole, a male specific band (Vtp-1) was detected in the first region. The first region of adult female and immature voles contained two specific bands (Vtp-2, 3). In the castrated adult males or adult males injected with estrogen, the male specific hand, Vtp-1, disappeared and Vtp-2 and 3 bands appeared. In all castrated voles, the Vtp-1 band appeared and Vtp-2 and 3 bands disappeared after the administration of testosterone. Thus, sex hormone-dependent proteins are present in vole tears.
Insights
Sex hormones influence tear protein composition in voles. Specific tear protein bands (Vtp-1, Vtp-2, Vtp-3) change based on sex hormones, indicating hormone-dependent protein expression in vole tears.
Area of Science:
- Proteomics
- Comparative Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Tear protein analysis using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in voles (Microtus arvalis).
- Identification of distinct protein band patterns in vole tears based on age and sex.
Purpose:
- To investigate the presence and nature of sex hormone-dependent proteins in vole tears.
- To characterize the electrophoretic separation of vole tear proteins and identify sex-specific markers.
Summary:
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed 6-8 protein bands in vole tears, separable into three anodic regions.
- Adult male voles exhibited a male-specific band (Vtp-1), while females and immature voles showed two specific bands (Vtp-2, 3).
- Hormonal manipulation demonstrated that Vtp-1 expression is testosterone-dependent and repressed by estrogen, with Vtp-2 and 3 showing inverse regulation.
Impact:
- Establishes the existence of sex hormone-dependent proteins in vole tears.
- Provides a basis for further research into the physiological roles of these proteins.
- Highlights vole tears as a model for studying hormone-environment interactions.