In this study, sulfated low molecular-weight Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (SLTP) with different sulfate contents were synthesized and their antioxidant activities, including superoxide anion radical, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities were investigated. The results indicated that, compared to natural Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide...

Sulfated polysaccharides were extracted from Ulva pertusa and fractionated to obtain the most immunostimulating fraction (F(2)). The glycosidic linkages of the polysaccharides in the fraction F(2) were determined using GC-MS and 2D-NMR spectroscopy after chemical modifications, including reduction and desulfation under various conditions. Methanol was used as a sulfate acceptor for the removal ...

The egg jelly coats of sea urchins contain sulfated fucans which bind to a sperm surface receptor glycoprotein to initiate the signal transduction events resulting in the sperm acrosome reaction. The acrosome reaction is an ion channel regulated exocytosis which is an obligatory event for sperm binding to, and fusion with, the egg. Approximately 90% of individual females of the sea urchin Stron...

One hundred and eighty lachrymal glands obtained from 90 broiler chickens originating from a commercial stock, equal number from both genders at the age of 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days were investigated. After the narcosis, decapitation and glandular preparation, using paraffin and frozen sections an evaluation of the gland polysaccharides was carried out following the conventional ...

In this study we report the effects of sulfated polysaccharides on the ecto-ATPase activity of intact cells of Leishmania tropica. Increasing concentrations of dextran sulfate stimulated progressively the ecto-ATPase activity, but did not modify other ecto-enzymes present on the surface of this parasite, such as 5'nucleotidase, 3'nucleotidase and a membrane-bound acid phosphatase activity. This...

Spawning marine invertebrates are excellent models for studying fertilization and reproductive isolating mechanisms. To identify variation in the major steps in sea urchin gamete recognition, we studied sperm activation in three closely related sympatric Strongylocentrotus species. Sperm undergo acrosomal exocytosis upon contact with sulfated polysaccharides in the egg-jelly coat. This acrosome...