Browsing by Author "Kipanyula, Maulilio John"

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Colloid in the anterior pituitary of helmet guinea fowl (Numida meleagris galeata): morphometric analysis and pattern of occurrence in relation to apoptosis
(Springer, 2009-03) Luziga, Claudius; Mbassa, Gabriel; Koichi, Mamba; Kipanyula, Maulilio John
Colloidal accumulations in the pars distalis of helmet guinea fowls at various ages from 1 to 450 days were examined by Periodic acid-Schiff reaction, immunohisto- chemistry and electron microscopy. Round, ovoid and elongated colloids were observed. Colloids (69.5±2.997) with 0.169±0.014 μm mean diameter were already present in a 1- day-old bird. Numerous colloids were encountered in 450 days old birds (2931.333± 29.847) with 2.263± 0.078 μm mean diameter of round colloids. A significant difference in the mean colloidal number and diameter between young and adult birds was observed. In young birds (aged 1–30 days) both Periodic acid-Schiff reaction positive colloids and S-100 positive folliculostellate (FS) cells were found to appear first on or near the posterolateral region. In adult birds, FS cells were found to completely surround the colloids. We examined the biochemical components of colloids and the relationship with apoptosis by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that the colloids are composed of clusterin protein. Apoptotic cells detected by single stranded DNA (ssDNA) were abundant and localized preferentially near colloids. To define clearly the type of cells undergoing apoptosis in the anterior pituitary, we performed electron microscopy. Numerous endocrine cells at different stages of apoptosis were found engulfed by FS cells that were in close association with the colloidal accumulations. The occurrence of extremely large number of colloids in relation to apoptotic profiles in anterior pituitary of helmet guinea fowl is discussed.
The emerging roles of the calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated t-lymphocytes pathway in nervous system functions and diseases
(Hindawi, 2016) Kipanyula, Maulilio John; Kimaro, Wahabu Hamisi; Seke Etet, Paul F
The ongoing epidemics of metabolic diseases and increase in the older population have increased the incidences of neurodegen- erative diseases. Evidence from murine and cell line models has implicated calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T-lymphocytes (NFAT) signaling pathway, a Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent major proinflammatory pathway, in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Neurotoxins such as amyloid-β, tau protein, and α-synuclein trigger abnormal calcineurin/NFAT signaling activities. Additionally increased activities of endogenous regulators of calcineurin like plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase (PMCA) and regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) also cause neuronal and glial loss and related functional alterations, in neurodegenerative diseases, psychotic disorders, epilepsy, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Treatment with calcineurin/NFAT inhibitors induces some degree of neuroprotection and decreased reactive gliosis in the central and peripheral nervous system. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of the roles of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in physiology and pathologies of the adult and developing nervous system, with an emphasis on recent reports and cutting-edge findings. Calcineurin/NFAT signaling is known for its critical roles in the developing and adult nervous system. Its role in physiological and pathological processes is still controversial. However, available data suggest that its beneficial and detrimental effects are context-dependent. In view of recent reports calcineurin/NFAT signaling is likely to serve as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and conditions. This review further highlights the need to characterize better all factors determining the outcome of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in diseases and the downstream targets mediating the beneficial and detrimental effects.
Tick burden and prevalence of Theileria parva infection in Tarime zebu cattle in the lake zone of Tanzania
(springer, 2014-08) Kusiluka, Lughano; Chenyambuga, Sebastian Wilson; Mwega, Elisa Daniel; Mwilawa, Anjello Joseph; Karimuribo, Esron Daniel; Mdegela, Robinson Hammerthon; Msalya, George; Kipanyula, Maulilio John; Laisser, Emmanuel Levillal Katamboi
This study was carried out to assess the distribution, abundance of different tick genera and prevalence of Theileria parva infection in Tarime zebu cattle kept in selected wards of Serengeti and Tarime districts in Mara region. Adult ticks were identified and counted from half body parts of 360 animals which were extensively managed in communal land with natural pastures. Concurrently, blood samples were col- lected and thereafter DNA extracted and a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was done using primers specific for p104 gene to detect the presence of T. parva DNA. Ticks were identified into four groups: Amblyomma genus, Boophilus sub-genus of Rhipicephalus genus, other species of Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma genus. Rhipicephalus genus accounted for 71.8 % of the total ticks, whereas Amblyomma, Boophilus sub-genus of Rhipicephalus genus and Hyalomma constituted 14.1, 14.0 and 0.1 %, respectively. There were more animals (p<0.05) infested with ticks in Tarime district (96.1 %) than in Serengeti (61.7 %). The average counts of ticks were higher in adult animals (p<0.05) than in young animals. The overall prevalence of T. parva was 27.7 % and was higher (p<0.05) in Serengeti (38.3 %) than in Tarime district (16.7 %). However, all animals tested positive for T. parva did not show any clinical signs of East Coast fever (ECF), suggesting the existence of subclinical infection in Tarime zebu. These results suggest that Tarime cattle can tolerate ECF infection and are likely to serve as potential carriers of T. parva to other less-tolerant cattle breeds in mixed herds. Since Tarime cattle are preferred by most farmers with mixed herds, routine screening for T. parva is highly recom- mended to minimize introduction of infected cattle into an immunologically naive population.