Italiano
University TS
Biology
Research
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY E GENETICS: Animal physiology
Morphology-toxicology of nematocysts
Identification of the different types of nematocysts present in various species of medusas of the
Adriatic and other geographical areas (eastern Mediterranean, south-west Atlantic); morphological,
ultrastructural and morphometric study and analysis of their quantitative distribution in the various
tissues. Study of the toxins responsible for the burns caused by medusas, as far as concerns the
mechanism of action and the specificity of the target, and of the dermato-toxic effects caused by the
nematocysts on man.
Collaborations: Daphne Command Centre of Cesenatico (Adriatic), University and I.O.L.R. of
Haifa (Israel), INIDEP Centre of Mar del Plata (Argentina), Institute of Microbiology of Trieste
(Toxicologic analysis), University Dermatologic Clinic of the Hospital of Cattinara of Trieste and
Dermatology Department of the University of Maryland, Baltimora USA (Dermatotoxic analysis).
Scientist in charge: M. Avian.
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY E GENETICS: Animal physiology
Accumulation of algal toxins in mussels
The research is based on histological and ultrastructural analysis and immunolocalisation of the
accumulation of toxins deriving from algae in the digestive gland of Mitilus galloprovincialis,
carried out on monthly and/or weekly samples from a breeding station in the Gulf of Trieste. This
research attempts to clarify the mechanisms of accumulation, expulsion and partial detoxification of
the okadaic acid and its derivatives originating from the ingestion of algae of the Dinophysis genus.
Identification and localisation of a protein induced by okadaic acid in the epato-pancreas of the
mussel.
Production of Monoclonal Antibodies against this protein.
Scientists in charge: G.A. Amirante, M. Avian,
S. Battistella.
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY E GENETICS: Animal physiology
Comparative Immunology
Comparative study of humoral and cellular mechanisms in larvae and adults of certain species of
Insects. The bio- and immuno-chemical characteristics of the humoral lectins in certain classes of
Arthropoda are also studied in terms of their function in the immune defence system, of their role as
membrane receptors in the different classes of blood cells (emocytes) and of their importance in self
and non-self recognition. The results have led to the identification, for the first time, of the seat of
synthesis (emocytes) of highly specific lectins and to the clarification of their role in the recognition
of self by a class of cells (granulocytes) with the consequent formation of foreign body capsules.
Part of these studies are carried out in collaboration with the Departments of Biology of the
Universities of Milan and Varese and with the Federal University of St. Catarina (Brasil).
Scientists in charge: G. A. Amirante, S. Battistella.
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY E GENETICS: Animal physiology
Reproductive physiology of Crustaceans and Teleosts
The research aims at the identification and quantification of markers of the sexual maturation
processes, for use in applications in aquaculture. Molecular characterisation of haematic proteins
and neuro-hormones in Crustaceans and Teleosts has been carried out, using biochemical, immuno-
localisation, video-imaging and ultrastructural techniques in the investigation of their site of
synthesis, their expression control, processing and accumulation, with particular reference to
the vitellogenic proteins and to the hormones of the MTGX-SG complex. The results from the
monitoring of natural populations and from hormonal manipulation allow the identification or the
inducement of sexually mature reproducing individuals for the purposes of breeding in controlled
conditions. The programmes are carried out in collaboration with the Zoologisches Institut Univ.
Salzburg A, the Institute of Biology Univ. Ljubljana SLO, the Gatty Mar. Lab. Univ. St. Andrews
UK and the Inst. Aquaculture Univ. Stirling UK.
Scientists in charge: E. Ferrero, R. Marzari,
P. Giulianini
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY E GENETICS: Animal physiology
Morphophysiology of Sense Organs
Microscopic anatomy, computerised morphometry and ultrastructure of the exteroceptive and
proprioceptive, chemical and visual, mechanical sensorial receptors in vertebrates and invertebrates;
an adaptive interpretation of distribution, morphology and function, in relation to lifestyle and to
environmental restraints, has been preferred. An electrophysiological characterisation of the
receptors, wherever accessible, has also been given. The neuro-anatomic and electrophysiological
study, extended to the sensorial-motory integration in the Arthropods, has suggested models of
sensorial control of behaviour in relation to environmental stimuli and social interactions. The
research has been carried out at or in conjunction with the Dept. Biol. Mol. Sciences Univ. Stirling
UK, the Dept. Biologie Univ. Montreal CND and the Inst. of Biology Univ. Ljubljana SLO, and
also in collaboration with the Italian Universities of Modena and Calabria.
Scientist in charge: E. Ferrero, P. Giulianini.
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY E GENETICS: Animal physiology
Ecotoxicology in Crustaceans
The lethal and sub-lethal effects of exposure to heavy metals and to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
have been evaluated in relation to humoral and cellular defence responses. Decrease in the
circulating emocytes and hyperglycemic reponse have been identified as general indicators, in
representative species of different taxa and environments, of stressful ecological conditions.
Together with the "in vitro" emocyte activation and degranulation response, they have proven to be
valid bioindicators for the monitoring of the quality of the marine environment. They are, moreover,
a good index of the ability of different species to compensate, within the physiological range, for
the changes induced by the altered ecological parameters. The possible applications of such
methodologies in the field of biomonitoring, especially as far as the quality of the waters intended
for aquaculture is concerned, are being investigated in collaboration with the Gatty Mar. Lab. Univ.
St Andrews UK.
Scientists in charge: E. Ferrero, R. Marzari.
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY E GENETICS: Animal physiology
Scientist in charge: E. Tongiorgi.
ULTRASTRUCTURE, PHYSIOLOGY E GENETICS: Animal physiology
Scientist in charge: E. Tongiorgi.
Italiano
University TS
Biology
Research