The accumulation of cadmium, its affinity for metallothioneins (MTs), and its relation to copper, zinc, and selenium were investigated in the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus), and the common toad Bufo bufo. Cd accumulation was different in individual tissues. The highest concentrations of Cd were measured in the kidneys in both amphibians and in the gills of Necturus, while lower in the liver and other tissues. The survey results confirmed the interaction of Cd with essential metalloids on tissue and cellular level. High concentration, especially in the liver tissue and its binding with Cd and / or Cu clearly indicate its participation in detoxification of cadmium and copper excess.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2587727
The aquatic troglobiont Brasileirinho cavaticus (Crustacea: Isopoda: Calabozoidea), gen. and sp. nov., was described from the karst cave of Bahia (Brazil). Based on its unique features, a new family, Brasileirinidae, was created. Some biological, ecological and behavioral data for the species were provided together with the nature conservation issues. Its assignment to the suborder Calabozoidea was discussed through comparison with other two known calabozoids. Updated morphological evidence enabled discussion of Calabozoidea relationships and, consequently, the emending of some diagnostic characters.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2630991
Optimization of egg number and egg size according to the environmental demands is a classic trade-off in evolutionary biology. Can any other co-evolving trait affect this trade-off? The comparison of 14 different Niphargus species from two ecologically distinct habitats showed, that larger and stouter cave-lakes species retain the same number of significantly larger eggs than spring species. This deviation from the expected trade-off between egg number and egg size can be explained in the light of coevolution of body size and shape, as they affect resource allocation strategy and aeration of eggs.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2636623
Gland-piliferous organs are known from males of trichoniscid terrestrial isopods, but they are not well studied. In the subterranean species Titanethes albus, paired tubercles with numerous hairs and pores are present dorsally on the pleon. We analyzed the microscopic anatomy of these structures with transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Diverse epicuticular structures and numerous sensilla are present on the tubercles. Three different types of male-specific rosette glands are present in different areas of the pleon and the uropods. Glands secreting on the dorsal tubercles are composed of several secretory cells arranged around a stellar central cell, which directs secretory products along its extensions. Such a mechanism of collecting secretory products is described for the first time. The ultrastructure and histochemical staining of male glands in T. albus indicate that the glands secrete peptides, which may function as contact pheromones.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2468943