http://publicationslist.org/data/carla.falugi/atom.xml Carla Falugihttp://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi$basepathfavicon.icoRecent additions to Carla Falugi's PublicationsList.org pagehttp://publicationslist.org/publications.png2009-02-07T20:24:46Z http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid2 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Presently, a large effort is being made worldwide to increase the sustainability of industrial development, while preserving not only the quality of the environment but also that of animal and human life. In this work, sea urchin early developmental stages were used as a model to test the effects of the organophosphate pesticide (diazinon) on the regulation of gene expression by immunohistochemica...<br/><br/>M G Aluigi, C Angelini, G Corte, C Falugi (2008) <i>Cell Biol Toxicol</i> <i></i> <i></i> 24: 6 587-601<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid1 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Echinoderm early developmental stages might supply a good tool for toxicity testing in different fields, ranging from environment to food contamination, and in full respect of the 3Rs objectives (reduction, refinement, and replacement of animal experiments) that will eventually lead to the replacement of high vertebrate animal testing in toxicology. Sea urchin is one of the few organismic models c...<br/><br/>Carla Falugi, Maria Lammerding-Koppel, Maria Grazia Aluigi (2008) <i>Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today</i> <i></i> <i></i> 84: 3 188-203<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid3 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The teratocarcinoma cell line NTERA2 is recently used in a wide range of researches (from developmental biology to toxicology, for their ability to be induced to neural differentiation. In order to study the genetic potential of these cells, it is needed to use methods for gene silencing and/or mRNA interference, allowing cell viability and further differentiation. To check these features, we simu...<br/><br/>M G Aluigi, S Hofreiter, C Falugi, M Pestarino, S Candiani (2007) <i>Eur J Histochem</i> <i></i> <i></i> 51: 4 301-304<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid4 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

It is now widely accepted that assays with protists are relevant to be exploited for the study of environmental modifications due to the presence of xenobiotic compounds. In this work, the possibility of utilizing Euplotes crassus, an interstitial marine ciliate, for the pre-chemical screening of estuarine and coastal sediments was evaluated. For this purpose, the effects of exposure to pollutants...<br/><br/>Francesca Trielli, Andrea Amaroli, Francesca Sifredi, Barbara Marchi, Carla Falugi, Maria Umberta Delmonte Corrado (2007) <i>Aquat Toxicol</i> <i></i> <i></i> 83: 4 272-283<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid8 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Exposure of fertilized eggs of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus to an electromagnetic field of 75-Hz frequency and low amplitudes (from 0.75 to 2.20 mT of magnetic component) leads to a dramatic loss of synchronization of the first cell cycle, with formation of anomalous embryos linked to irregular separation of chromatids during the mitotic events. Because acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) is thoug...<br/><br/>Silvia Ravera, Carla Falugi, Daniela Calzia, Isidoro M Pepe, Isabella Panfoli, Alessandro Morelli (2006) <i>Biol Reprod</i> <i></i> <i></i> 75: 6 948-953<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid7 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Recently, we showed that Paramecium primaurelia synthesizes molecules functionally related to the cholinergic system and involved in modulating cell-cell interactions leading to the sexual process of conjugation. It is known that nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in regulating the release of transmitter molecules, such as acetylcholine, and that the NO biosynthetic enzyme, nitric oxide synthase (NOS)...<br/><br/>Andrea Amaroli, Marzia Ognibene, Francesca Trielli, Sonya Trombino, Carla Falugi, Maria Umberta Delmonte Corrado (2006) <i>Eur J Protistol</i> <i></i> <i></i> 42: 3 201-208<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid6 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Previous studies have shown that the cholinergic system plays a pivotal rule in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell growth through an autocrine loop that activates the nicotinic cholinergic receptor, which together with the activation of this receptor by nicotine links SCLC evolution with tobacco use. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer and is also linked to to...<br/><br/>Laura Paleari, Sonya Trombino, Carla Falugi, Lorenzo Gallus, Sebastiano Carlone, Cristiano Angelini, Kristina Sepcic, Tom Turk, Marco Faimali, Douglas M Noonan, Adriana Albini (2006) <i>Int J Oncol</i> <i></i> <i></i> 29: 6 1381-1388<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid9 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

A year-round biomonitoring study on blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was carried out in 4 selected sites along the Gulf of Oristano (Sardinia, Italy): a commercial port (Port), the outlet of the S'Ena Arrubia and Marceddì lagoons (in the catchment area of intensive agricultural and diary activities, and abandoned mining), and a reference site (North). Heavy metal concentrations in sedimen...<br/><br/>P Magni, G De Falco, C Falugi, M Franzoni, M Monteverde, E Perrone, M Sgro, C Bolognesi (2006) <i>Environ Pollut</i> <i></i> <i></i> 142: 1 65-72<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid10 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Organophosphate (OP) compounds exert inhibition on cholinesterase (ChE) activity by irreversibly binding to the catalytic site of the enzymes. For this reason, they are employed as insecticides for agricultural, gardening and indoor pest control. The biological function of the ChE enzymes is well known and has been studied since the beginning of the XXth century; in particular, acetylcholinesteras...<br/><br/>M G Aluigi, C Angelini, C Falugi, R Fossa, P Genever, L Gallus, P G Layer, G Prestipino, Z Rakonczay, M Sgro, H Thielecke, S Trombino (2005) <i>Chem Biol Interact</i> <i></i> <i></i> 157-158: 305-316<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid5 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The early development of sea urchins has been thoroughly studied since the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the particular features of the model involving cell signalling, making it easy to follow the complex cell-to-cell interactions that lead to development. In this chapter, the prominent role of cell-to-cell communication in developmental events is discussed, as well as the role of intra...<br/><br/>C Angelini, M G Aluigi, M Sgro, S Trombino, H Thielecke, C Falugi (2005) <i>Prog Mol Subcell Biol</i> <i></i> <i></i> 39: 45-70<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid14 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

This study presents data suggesting that both human mesothelioma (cell lines and human mesothelioma biopsies) and human normal mesothelial cells express receptors for acetylcholine and that stimulation of these receptors by nicotine prompted cell growth via activation of nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Thus, these data demonstrate that: (a) human mesothelioma cells and human biopsies of mesotheli...<br/><br/>Sonya Trombino, Alfredo Cesario, Stefano Margaritora, PierLuigi Granone, Giovanni Motta, Carla Falugi, Patrizia Russo (2004) <i>Cancer Res</i> <i></i> <i></i> 64: 1 135-145<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid12 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Acetylcholine (Ach), one of the most important examples of a neurotransmitter, represents a phylogenetically old molecule, widely distributed from bacteria to humans. The finding that neuronal Ach receptors (nAChRs) are present in non-neuronal cells raised some interesting issues related to their specific activity. In humans, different studies have showed that many lung cancer cells expressed nAch...<br/><br/>Sonya Trombino, Alessandra Bisio, Alessia Catassi, Alfredo Cesario, Carla Falugi, Patrizia Russo (2004) <i>Curr Med Chem Anticancer Agents</i> <i></i> <i></i> 4: 6 535-542<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid11 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Cholinergic neurotransmitter system molecules were found to play a role during fertilisation and early cell cycles of a large number of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. In this study, we investigated the presence and possible function of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT, the biosynthetic enzyme of acetylcholine) in gametes of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, through localisation and fun...<br/><br/>C Angelini, B Baccetti, P Piomboni, S Trombino, M G Aluigi, S Stringara, L Gallus, C Falugi (2004) <i>Eur J Histochem</i> <i></i> <i></i> 48: 3 235-243<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid17 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Oncogenic Ras proteins have been seen as an important target for novel anticancer drugs. Due to the functional role of Ras farnesylation, fanesyltransferase (FTase) inhibition was thought to be a strategy for interfering with Ras-dependent transformation. When farnesylation is blocked, the function of Ras protein is severely impaired because of the inability of the nonfarnesylated protein to ancho...<br/><br/>Carla Falugi, Sonya Trombino, Pierluigi Granone, Stefano Margaritora, Patrizia Russo (2003) <i>Curr Cancer Drug Targets</i> <i></i> <i></i> 3: 2 109-118<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid19 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Biological effects of neurotoxic insecticides widely used for agricultural purposes were studied using the early development of the Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus as a model. These compounds, dispersed as aerosols or powders in agricultural regions near to the coast, may affect the health of organisms in the marine environment. The biological effects of Basudin (an organophosphate ...<br/><br/>D Pesando, P Huitorel, V Dolcini, C Angelini, P Guidetti, C Falugi (2003) <i>Mar Environ Res</i> <i></i> <i></i> 55: 1 39-57<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid16 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Comprehensive and contemporary evaluations of physical, chemical and toxicological endpoints have been performed on bed sediments of the Po River, the major Italian watercourse. Two extensive sampling campaigns were conducted in summer and winter low-flow conditions. Composite sediment samples were collected from ten reaches of the main river: the first was located in the upper region (ambient con...<br/><br/>Luigi Viganò, Attilio Arillo, Andrea Buffagni, Marina Camusso, Ruggero Ciannarella, Giuseppe Crosa, Carla Falugi, Silvana Galassi, Licia Guzzella, Antonio Lopez, Marina Mingazzini, Romano Pagnotta, Luisa Patrolecco, Gianni Tartari, Sara Valsecchi (2003) <i>Water Res</i> <i></i> <i></i> 37: 3 501-518<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid18 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

A therapeutic strategy that relies on the use of c-myc antisense in combination with a farnesyltransferase inhibitor, RPR-115135 (C31H29NO4), was studied in human cancer cell lines carrying different mutations (Ras, p53, myc amplification). Cell proliferation was strongly inhibited by the combination and was observed when c-myc oligo (at a concentration that down-regulates c-myc expression) was fo...<br/><br/>Patrizia Russo, Dario Arzani, Sonya Trombino, Carla Falugi (2003) <i>J Pharmacol Exp Ther</i> <i></i> <i></i> 304: 1 37-47<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid15 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence and distribution of cholinergic molecules in Balanus amphitrite cyprids and their possible involvement in settlement and adhesion. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE, the lythic enzyme of acetylcholine) activity was detected, for the first time, by biochemical and histoenzymological methods, in the thoracic muscles, gut wall and cement gland. Th...<br/><br/>M Faimali, C Falugi, L Gallus, V Piazza, G Tagliafierro (2003) <i>Biofouling</i> <i></i> <i></i> 19 Suppl: 213-220<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid13 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

AIMS: A case-control study was performed to investigate the relationship between cervical cancer and TP53 polymorphism at codon 72 in young black African women from The Gambia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TP53 polymorphism at codon 72 was examined by PCR amplification and SSCP analysis in 40 patients with primary cervical cancer and in 20 healthy women of the same age and from the same geographical...<br/><br/>G Tanara, C Falugi, A Cesario, S Margaritora, P Russo, A Cosimi (2003) <i>Int J Biol Markers</i> <i></i> <i></i> 18: 4 280-283<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid25 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

In our study, we show that expression of HPV-16 E6 sensitizes TNF-induced cytotoxicity of human ovarian cancer cell line A2780. This effect is not related to a different number of TNF receptors present on cell membrane. The major induction of massive apoptosis induced by TNF is not p53- and p21(waf-1)-dependent but it is principally related to NF-kappaB inhibition in A2780/E6 cells. Consistently t...<br/><br/>Faina Vikhanskaya, Carla Falugi, Piera Valente, Patrizia Russo (2002) <i>Int J Cancer</i> <i></i> <i></i> 97: 6 732-739<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid23 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The existence of a response to acetylcholine (ACh) and cholinomimetic drugs in sea urchin eggs and zygotes was investigated in two sea urchin species: Paracentrotus lividus and Lytechinus pictus. The calcium sensitive fluorescent probe, Fura-2 dextran, was employed to investigate the regulation of cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) by cholinomimetic drugs in unfertilised and fertil...<br/><br/>P K Harrison, C Falugi, C Angelini, M J Whitaker (2002) <i>Cell Calcium</i> <i></i> <i></i> 31: 6 289-297<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid27 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to examine molecules related to the cholinergic neurotransmission system and detected at all the larval stages of Paracentrotus lividus, by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. CLSM, providing spatial resolution of the cells located both at the larval surface and at depth, allows a complete mapping in a three-dimensional volumetric frame...<br/><br/>C Falugi, A Diaspro, C Angelini, M L Pedrotti, M Raimondo, M Robello (2002) <i>Micron</i> <i></i> <i></i> 33: 3 233-239<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid21 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Recently, we found acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the ciliate protozoan Paramecium primaurelia. As in the slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum the presence of a serine esterase was found with strong sequence identity to Torpedo AChE, we extended to D. discoideum the investigation on the characterization and possible functions of cholinesterases (ChEs). In amoeboid cells, histochemical, bi...<br/><br/>Carla Falugi, Andrea Amaroli, Valentina Evangelisti, Aldo Viarengo, Maria Umberta Delmonte Corrado (2002) <i>Chemosphere</i> <i></i> <i></i> 48: 4 407-414<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid24 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

A protocol for detecting hepatic micronuclei in fish was performed to check genotoxic damage, as an indicator of environmental hydrocarbons exposure, in relation to the "Haven" oil spill. As target fish, we have chosen three demersal species with different habitats and feeding behaviour (i.e., Lepidorhombus boscii, Merluccius merluccius and Mullus barbatus) collected from two differently impacted ...<br/><br/>D Pietrapiana, M Modena, P Guidetti, C Falugi, M Vacchi (2002) <i>Mar Pollut Bull</i> <i></i> <i></i> 44: 3 238-243<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid20 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-related molecules were identified in Paramecium primaurelia by immunocytochemical methods, and GABA(A) receptors by their histochemical BODIPY-binding sites. Confocal microscope analysis showed different localizations according to the stages of the developmental cycle. A comparison was made with the cholinergic molecules, such as the acetylcholine biosynthetic enzyme...<br/><br/>Maria U Delmonte Corrado, Marzia Ognibene, Francesca Trielli, Huguette Politi, Mario Passalacqua, Carla Falugi (2002) <i>Neurosci Lett</i> <i></i> <i></i> 329: 1 65-68<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid22 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

A new non peptidic farnesyltransferase inhibitor, RPR-115135, in combination with 5-FU was studied in 10 human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116, RKO, DLD-1, Colo-320, LoVo, SW-620, HT-29, HCT-15, Colo-205 and KM-12) carrying several mutations but well characterized for p53 and Ras status. We found that there was a slight tendency (not statistically significant) for the p53 inactivated cells to be ...<br/><br/>Patrizia Russo, Davide Malacarne, Carla Falugi, Sonya Trombino, Patrick M O'Connor (2002) <i>Int J Cancer</i> <i></i> <i></i> 100: 3 266-275<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid26 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The variation of the two main aromatic compounds in Ocimum basilicum cv Genovese Gigante grown in greenhouse and "in vitro" was analyzed. The content of methyleugenol and eugenol was correlated to the plants' height rather than to the plants' age and the growth site. Particularly, methyleugenol was prevalent in plants up to 6.5 cm, as plants grew it was replaced by eugenol that was dominant in tal...<br/><br/>M Miele, B Ledda, C Falugi, M Mazzei (2001) <i>Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper</i> <i></i> <i></i> 77: 4-6 43-50<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid30 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

To investigate the relationship between oncogene activation and induction of micronuclei by a new non-peptidic mimetic farnesyltransferase inhibitor, RPR-115135, two isogenic cell lines, human colon cancer line HCT-116, which harbors a K-ras mutation, and spontaneously immortalized human breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A, were utilized. HCT-116 cells were transfected with an empty control pCMV v...<br/><br/>C Ottoboni, A Crippa, C Falugi, P Russo (2001) <i>Mutagenesis</i> <i></i> <i></i> 16: 5 423-430<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid29 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

In recent years, the finding of a complete set of molecules related to the cholinergic neurotransmitter system in male gametes of different invertebrate and vertebrate species has opened the question of the possible involvement of this signaling system in the regulation of intracellular ion change, functional to sperm motility and probably also to interaction with the egg. In this work, we localiz...<br/><br/>P Piomboni, B Baccetti, E Moretti, L Gambera, C Angelini, C Falugi (2001) <i>J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol</i> <i></i> <i></i> 33: 1-2 187-193<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid31 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

We recently discovered, in mating-competent Paramecium primaurelia, the presence of functionally related molecules of the cholinergic system: the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), both its nicotinic and muscarinic receptors and its lytic enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Our results on the inhibition of mating-cell pairing in vivo in mating-competent cells treated with cholinomimetic drugs s...<br/><br/>M U Delmonte Corrado, H Politi, M Ognibene, C Angelini, F Trielli, P Ballarini, C Falugi (2001) <i>J Exp Biol</i> <i></i> <i></i> 204: Pt 11 1901-1907<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid28 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The modifications of several biomarkers were investigated in flounder (Platichthys flesus) when exposed in the laboratory to sediment samples collected from the Northern Adriatic Sea. Besides clean sand used as a control substrate, fish were exposed to sediments sampled offshore the delta of the Po River, the harbour of Trieste, and from the industrial harbour of Venice (Porto Marghera). After six...<br/><br/>L Viganò, A Arilloi, C Falugi, F Melodia, S Polesello (2001) <i>Mar Pollut Bull</i> <i></i> <i></i> 42: 10 887-894<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid35 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

By histochemical and immunohistochemical methods, the presence of cholinergic-like molecules has previously been demonstrated in Paramecium primaurelia, and their functional role in mating-cell pairing was suggested. In this work, both true acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities were electrophoretically investigated, and the presence of molecules immunologically r...<br/><br/>M U Delmonte Corrado, H Politi, F Trielli, C Angelini, C Falugi (1999) <i>J Exp Zool</i> <i></i> <i></i> 283: 1 102-105<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid33 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

P Russo, C Ottoboni, C Falugi, W Reinhold, J F Riou, S Parodi, P M O'Connor (1999) <i>Ann N Y Acad Sci</i> <i></i> <i></i> 886: 252-256<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid32 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The presence of cholinergic molecules was recently found in male gametes of different animal species; very little is known from this point of view about the somatic component of the gonad. In the present study, a contribution is given to the localization of some cholinergic-like molecules, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nicotinic acetylcholine and muscarinic acetylcoline (nAchR and mAChR, re...<br/><br/>S Palmero, G Bardi, L Coniglio, C Falugi (1999) <i>Eur J Histochem</i> <i></i> <i></i> 43: 4 277-283<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid36 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Dose-dependent terathogenic effects of an organophosphate insecticide were found during early sea urchin development. This biological assay is low cost, easy to measure, and allows to detect the effects of the exposure of organisms to the active principle at concentrations lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for man. Effects were found independently from the stage of exposure, and were ma...<br/><br/>A Morale, L Coniglio, C Angelini, G Cimoli, A Bolla, D Alleteo, P Russo, C Falugi (1998) <i>Chemosphere</i> <i></i> <i></i> 37: 14-15 3001-3010<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid34 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

During neurogenesis, markers of the cholinergic system are present in the eye and visual cortex of vertebrates. In adult vertebrates, a role for these molecules, including muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), in eye growth non-accommodative regulation is also known. In order to understand the biological mechanisms triggered by the cholinergic system in these events, we analysed the effects...<br/><br/>C Angelini, M Costa, F Morescalchi, G Cimoli, L Coniglio, C Falugi (1998) <i>Eur J Histochem</i> <i></i> <i></i> 42: 4 309-320<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid37 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

During metamorphosis, ascidian tadpoles settle on appropriate substrates, by secreting adhesive substances from the papillae. The papillae were shown by different authors to possess neural structures, probably for substrate recognition. In free-swimming tadpoles, AChE activity was localized by histochemical methods at the cell surface of the adhesive papillae, suggesting the possible presence of a...<br/><br/>L Coniglio, A Morale, C Angelini, C Falugi (1998) <i>J Exp Zool</i> <i></i> <i></i> 280: 4 314-320<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid38 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Glycoconjugates are generally involved in cell adhesion and morphogenetic movements. To investigate their distribution and expression changes during amphibian development, several FITC-or HRP-labeled lectins were used in Rana dalmatina embryos and larvae. During gastrulation, WGA, ConA, HPA, GSA-I, PNA and RCA-I labeled either the envelopes on the perivitelline space-contained substances, while ec...<br/><br/>C Faraldi, C Falugi, S Fasulo (1996) <i>Eur J Histochem</i> <i></i> <i></i> 40: 1 67-74<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid39 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The distribution of different classes of acetylcholine (ACh) receptor-like molecules in sperms of different invertebrate and vertebrate species is described. ACh receptor molecules belong to one of two classes: muscarinic receptors (mAChRs), associated with signal transduction mechanisms in the inner domain of the cell, and nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), capable of opening Na+ channels when activat...<br/><br/>B Baccetti, A G Burrini, G Collodel, C Falugi, E Moretti, P Piomboni (1995) <i>Zygote</i> <i></i> <i></i> 3: 3 207-217<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid42 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Single oral doses of norfloxacin (4, 2, 1, 0.5 mmole/kg) administered to pregnant rats significantly increase the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes both in fetal liver and in maternal bone marrow. Therefore norfloxacin in this work has been found to be a genotoxic agent.<br/><br/>A Maura, A Pino, A Gardella, C Falugi (1994) <i>Mutat Res</i> <i></i> <i></i> 312: 2 127-130<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid41 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The possible correlation between cholinesterase (ChE) activity and ion channels antagonist drug effects was studied in sea urchin early development, showing that ChE activity is different when cation channels are affected: generally, drugs maintaining channels in the open state, such as nicotine, cause an increased ChE activity, while antagonist drugs to receptors (such as curare, butx, ttx), caus...<br/><br/>M De Vries, C Falugi (1994) <i>Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper</i> <i></i> <i></i> 70: 4 105-109<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid40 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Neurotransmission in Cnidarians is known to occur mainly by peptidergic neuronal pathways; the role of cholinergic neurotransmission, that in other animals this involves both neurotransmission and developmental regulation, has never been shown with certainty. This histochemical-immunohistochemical study was performed, in different developmental stages of some hydroidomedusan species (characterized...<br/><br/>C Falugi, C Morri, J Bouillon, F Boero (1994) <i>Tissue Cell</i> <i></i> <i></i> 26: 4 523-538<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid45 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Data on the non-nervous location of cholinergic molecules are reviewed to give a general indication of their possible functions. Cholinergic or immunologically related molecules were detected and localized mainly in three classes of differentiative events supported by intracellular ion concentration changes. I: during gamete maturation, activation and interaction; II: during the early development ...<br/><br/>C Falugi (1993) <i>Eur J Histochem</i> <i></i> <i></i> 37: 4 287-294<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid44 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

We have investigated the ability of the neutral ionophore ETH 129 to translocate Ca2+ across artificial and biological membranes. ETH 129 induces Ca2+ transport across planar lipid bilayer. The zero-current membrane potential in a gradient of Ca2+ concentration exhibits Nernst behavior. The dependence of the membrane conductance on ionophore and Ca2+ concentration indicates that three ionophore mo...<br/><br/>G Prestipino, C Falugi, R Falchetto, P Gazzotti (1993) <i>Anal Biochem</i> <i></i> <i></i> 210: 1 119-122<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid43 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

This histochemical-immunohistochemical study was performed on the earthworm Eisenia foetida at different developmental stages, to investigate the presence and distribution of cholinergic molecules (AChE, BuChE, alpha-bungarotoxin-binding sites), several biogenic amines (5HT and catecholamines), and some immunologically-related peptides (somatostatin. FMRF-amide, VIP, substance-P, bombesin). The re...<br/><br/>C Falugi, C Davoli (1993) <i>Tissue Cell</i> <i></i> <i></i> 25: 3 311-323<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid46 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

In the present work we tested the effects of cholinergic drugs on the early development of P. lividus. Fertilization was performed in the presence of cholinergic drugs, and the embryos were fixed after 2 hours, when the controls (untreated) completed the second segmentation cleavage. We identified four classes of stages in the development of the embryos affected by the drugs, i.e.: unhatched zygot...<br/><br/>M Pieroni, C Falugi (1992) <i>Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper</i> <i></i> <i></i> 68: 2 113-119<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid47 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

By use of several lectins (ConA, WGA, SBA, GS I, PNA), a study was carried on gametes and developing embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, to investigate developmental changes in cell surface, leading to changements in cell-environment interactions. ConA, WGA, and SBA, with high affinity, bind to the vitelline membrane of unfertilized eggs, while PNA labelling at the same site is weak; ...<br/><br/>A Contini, C Falugi, S Fasulo (1992) <i>Acta Histochem</i> <i></i> <i></i> 92: 2 179-189<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid49 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The effects of the spider toxin alpha-latrotoxin (alpha-LTX) on gametes, zygotes, and early embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus have been investigated by in vivo experiments and by histochemical studies of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Treatment of unfertilized eggs with nanomolar amounts (1 to 0.3 nmol/l) of alpha-LTX neither triggered cortical granule exocytosis, nor prevente...<br/><br/>C Falugi, G Prestipino (1989) <i>Gegenbaurs Morphol Jahrb</i> <i></i> <i></i> 135: 2 229-239<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid48 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

The effects of specific inhibitors of cholinesterases on chick development were studied. Inhibitors were injected into the eggs, at final concentration ranging between 1 mM and 10 nM. Their effects were depending on inhibitor concentration, and detectable at stages as more advanced as more diluted were the inhibitors. The strongest teratogenic effects on gastrulation, neurulation and morphogenesis...<br/><br/>M Parodi, C Falugi (1989) <i>Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper</i> <i></i> <i></i> 65: 9 839-845<br/>

http://publicationslist.org/carla.falugi/refid50 2009-02-07T19:17:35Z

Experiments are described, showing the presence of putative nicotinic cholinoreceptors in the egg after fertilization. The experiments were carried out on gametes and early embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, by using nicotinic agonists and antagonists. 1 mM Acetylcholine (ACh), 100 microM nicotine, 100 nM alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BuTx) and 100 microM curare inhibit sperm motility an...<br/><br/>C Falugi, G Prestipino (1989) <i>Cell Mol Biol</i> <i></i> <i></i> 35: 2 147-161<br/>