胆固醇在高脂高胆固醇诱导非酒精性脂肪性肝炎发生发展过程中的动态作用

目的探讨胆固醇在高脂高胆固醇诱导的非酒精性脂肪性肝炎(non-alcoholic steatohepatitis,NASH)发生发展过程中的动态作用。方法将SD大鼠随机分为CON组(正常饮食)、HFC0组(20%脂肪)、HFC1组(20%脂肪+1%胆固醇)、HFC2组(20%脂肪+2%胆固醇)及HFC5组(20%脂肪+5%胆固醇)。饲喂第4、6、8及12周末,采血并取肝脏组织;采用油酸(oleic acid,OA)及OA+低密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol,LDL-C)诱导人肝脏正常细胞(HL-7702)5 d后,构建NASH模型,同时以RPMI1640培养基(含10%FBS)为对照组。分别检测大鼠血浆及HL-7702细胞培养液中丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)和天门冬氨酸氨基转氨酶(AST)的含量,大鼠肝脏组织及HL-7702细胞中总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)及甘油三酯(triglyceride,TG)的含量;HE及Masson染色观察肝脏组织病理改变;油红O及菲律宾菌素染色观察HL-7702细胞内脂滴及胆固醇含量;Western blot法检测活性n-固醇调节元件结合蛋白-2(n-sterol regulatory element binding protein 2,n-SREBP-2)、低密度脂蛋白受体(low-density lipoproteins receptors,LDLR)及3-羟基3-甲基戊二酰辅酶A还原酶(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase,HMGCR)的蛋白表达水平。结果动物水平:12周末,与CON组比较,HFC2组、HFC5组血浆中ALT、AST及肝脏组织中TC、TG含量均显著升高(P均<0.05),肝细胞脂肪变性、气球样变性及纤维化病变明显,HFC2组、HFC5组大鼠NASH诱导成功;经Western blot分析,4、6及8周末,HFC2组、HFC5组较CON组LDLR蛋白表达水平均显著升高(P均<0.05),12周末,HFC5组较CON组LDLR蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05);4、6及8周末,各组n-SREBP-2蛋白表达水平与CON组比较差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05),12周末,HFC2组、HFC5组较CON组n-SREBP-2蛋白表达水平均显著升高(P均<0.05);4、6及12周末各组HMGCR蛋白表达水平与CON组比较差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05),8周末,HFC5组较CON组HMGCR蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。细胞水平:OA+LDL-C组较对照组及OA组细胞内胆固醇含量、n-SREBP-2及HMGCR蛋白表达水平均显著升高(P均<0.05);OA组及OA+LDL-C组较对照组LDLR蛋白表达水平均显著降低(P均<0.05)。结论胆固醇摄入量和摄入时间的长短与NASH肝损伤呈正相关;胆固醇可诱导肝细胞高表达LDLR,促使胆固醇进入肝脏增加,抑制HMGCR调控的内源性胆固醇合成;随着肝内胆固醇堆积增多,肝细胞LDLR表达减少,使肝内胆固醇相对不足,反馈性调节n-SREBP-2及HMGCR表达升高,打破肝脏胆固醇代谢稳态,促进了NASH的发生发展。     

Differential metabolism of 1,8-cineole in insects

In order to compare the metabolism of 1,8-cineole in the pyrgo beetle, Paropsisterna tigrina, three other herbivorous insect species, Faex nigroconspersa, Chrysophtharta bimaculata, and Oxyops vitiosa, were fed 1,8-cineole leaf diets. F. nigroconspersa adults excreted predominantly 9-hydroxy-1,8-cineole (36.2% of the volatile constituents) with some 2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole (11.4%). In contrast, larvae excreted predominantly 2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole (27.4%) and smaller proportions of 9-hydroxy-1,8-cineole (5.2%) and 3-hydroxy-1,8-cineole (4.3%). C. bimaculata adults excreted predominantly 3-hydroxy-1,8-cineole (16.5%). Oxyops vitiosa adults, on a lower 1,8-cineole diet, excreted predominantly 2,9-dihydroxy-1,8-cineole (4.2%) and 2-hydroxy-1,8-cineole (3.5%), with smaller proportions of 3-hydroxy-1,8-cineole (1.1%) and 9-hydroxy-1,8-cineole (0.5%). This is the first reported occurrence of a dihydroxycineole as an insect metabolite. Gas chromatographic and mass spectral data for hydroxycineoles are recorded and interspecific metabolite variation discussed.     

不同性质的脂肪酸对脂肪变性L02肝细胞凋亡和葡萄糖调节蛋白78表达的影响

目的探讨不同性质脂肪酸对脂肪变性L02肝细胞凋亡和葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78)表达的影响。方法用油酸(不饱和脂肪酸)和软脂酸(饱和脂肪酸)分别诱导建立L02细胞脂肪变性模型;油红O染色观察细胞内脂滴的变化;甘油三酯(TG)试剂盒检测细胞内TG含量;流式细胞术Annexin-V/PI双染检测细胞凋亡率;AO/EB染色法观察细胞凋亡形态;Westernblot和RT-PCR法分别检测GRP78蛋白和mRNA的表达。结果不同性质的脂肪酸均可导致L02细胞发生以甘油三酯升高为特点的脂肪变性。流式细胞术及AO/EB染色形态观察显示,两种类型的脂肪酸均可引起不同程度的肝细胞凋亡,软脂酸组在48和72h的细胞凋亡率显著高于对照组、DMSO组以及油酸组,同时伴有GRP78蛋白及mRNA表达的明显增加。结论油酸不能影响GRP78的表达,饱和脂肪酸可能通过上调葡萄糖调节蛋白78的表达诱导脂肪变性肝细胞的凋亡。     

Lipopolysaccharide and tyloxapol accelerate the development of atherosclerosis in mice

The occurrence of atherosclerosis is closely related to inflammation and lipid metabolism disorder. It has been found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could induce inflammation, and tyloxapol (Ty) could induce hyperlipidemia. However, the effects of LPS and Ty on the development and mechanism of atherosclerosis have not been investigated thoroughly. To answer this question, we used assay kits to detect total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content to evaluate dyslipidemia. We used hematoxylin and eosin staining to evaluate the pathological structure of the aorta and liver, and then used Oil Red O staining to access lipid accumulation in the aortic wall. Subsequently, we used the alanine transaminase (ALT) kit to examine the liver injury. Finally, we used the Western blot experiment to measure proteins that regulate lipid metabolism. We found that the LPS + Ty group could increase the levels of TC, TG, and LDL in the serum and promote lipid accumulation in the aortic wall in mice. Moreover, our study showed that the LPS + Ty group induced pathological changes in hepatocytes and increased ALT content in mice. Significantly, we found that the LPS + Ty group could activate acetyl-CoA carboxylase, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and inhibit peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α in mice. Therefore, we suppose that LPS and Ty aggravated the development of atherosclerosis by promoting hyperlipidemia and the disorder of lipid metabolism in mice. These findings are significant for the study of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the selection of animal models.     

Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. Decreases Athero-Susceptibility in Lipoproteins and the Aorta of Guinea Pigs Fed High Fat Diet

Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. (COT), a traditional Chinese herb, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In this study, we examined the protective effect of COT on the initiation of atherosclerosis induced by high fat diet and explored the underlying mechanisms. We established guinea pig models of hyperlipidemia and treated them with three dosages of COT or 20 mg/kg/d simvastatin (a positive control drug) for 8 weeks. Plasma lipid analysis indicated that COT decreased total cholesterol (TC), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) and apolipoprotein E (apoE) levels and increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. The analysis of the hepatic gene involving cholesterol metabolism by quantitative real-time PCR revealed that COT upregulated the mRNA abundance of LDL receptor (LDL-R), scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase A1 (CYP7A1) and the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR). Oil red O staining showed COT significantly reduced lipid deposition in the arterial wall. Moreover, ELISA assay revealed COT lowered the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma. Meanwhile, the level of Nitric oxide (NO) in plasma was increased by COT. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed the expression of CD68 and active NF-kB p65 proteins in the arterial wall was decreased by COT. The content of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma were determined and the data indicated COT suppressed oxidative stress reaction. These results reveal that administration of COT decreases athero-susceptibility through lowering plasma lipid, attenuating inflammation, and suppressing oxidative stress in guinea pig fed high fat diet.     

Allelopathic Effects of Volatile Cineoles on Two Weedy Plant Species

The volatile monoterpene analogs, 1,4-cineole and 1,8-cineole, have been identified as components of many plant essential oils, but relatively little is known about their biological activities. We compared the effects of 1,4- and 1,8-cineole on two weedy plant species by monitoring germination, mitosis, root and shoot growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency. 1,4-Cineole severely inhibited growth of roots and shoots, causing cork-screw shaped morphological distortion, whereas 1,8-cineole caused a decrease in root growth and germination rates. Chlorophyll fluorescence data (yield and F _v / F _m) indicated that 1,4-cineole caused significantly higher stress (P 0.001) to photosynthesis when compared to controls. Mitotic index data showed that 1,8-cineole severely decreased (P 0.001) all stages of mitosis when compared with controls, while 1,4-cineole only caused a decrease in the prophase stage (P 0.05). Although superficially similar in structure, these two cineoles appear to have different modes of action.     

Dietary trans-Fatty Acid Induced NASH is Normalized Following Loss of trans-Fatty Acids from Hepatic Lipid Pools

Previous experiments in mice showed that dietary trans-fats could play a role in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) yet little is known about the accumulation trans-fats in hepatic lipid pools in relationship to liver injury. NASH is also associated with obesity yet improves with only modest weight loss. To distinguish the role of obesity versus sustained consumption of a trans-fat containing diet in causing NASH, mice with obesity and NASH induced by consuming a high trans-fat diet for 16?weeks were subsequently fed standard chow or maintained on trans-fat chow for another 8?weeks. The accumulation, partitioning and loss of trans-fats in the major hepatic lipid pools during and after trans-fat consumption were determined. Obese mice switched to standard chow remained obese but steatohepatitis improved. trans-fats were differentially incorporated into the major hepatic lipid pools and the loss of trans-fats after crossover to control chow was greatest in the cholesteryl ester pool. In summary, dietary changes can improve the biochemical and histopathological changes of NASH despite persistent obesity in mice. Analysis of hepatic lipids confirmed that dietary trans-fats accumulate in the major lipid pools and are released differentially with diet normalization. The substantial loss of trans-fats from the cholesteryl ester pool in parallel with improvement in NASH suggests that this pool of trans-fats could play a role in the pathogenesis of NASH.     

Feeding Behavior of Lambs in Relation to Kinetics of 1,8-cineole Dosed Intravenously or into the Rumen

The monoterpene 1,8-cineole is a major constituent of the essential oils that adversely influence intake of sagebrush by herbivores, but little is known about the mechanisms of its action. We investigated the influence of 1,8-cineole on the feeding behavior of two groups of sheep, one group dosed intravenously and the other intraruminally. In the first study, we infused 40 mg/kg BW of 1,8-cineole intravenously into four lambs on wk 1, 2, and 4. In the second, we administered 125 mg/kg BW of 1,8-cineole into the rumen of four lambs as a single-bolus dose in wk 1 and 2. Lambs dosed intravenously spent less time feeding than controls (28 vs. 60 min; P < 0.05), as did lambs dosed intraruminally (35 vs. 60 min; P < 0.05). Dosed lambs ate less than controls during rumen dosing studies (P < 0.05). For the intravenous infusion studies, rates of elimination did not differ among weeks (P < 0.05). For the rumen infusion studies, however, the absorption rate constant increased from 0.035/min to 0.076/min from wk 1 to 2, while the absorption half-life declined from 24 to 10 min (P < 0.05). Maximum plasma concentrations and time to reach maximum plasma concentrations were no faster in wk 2 than wk 1, but the primary elimination rate constant was 2.3 times higher in wk 2 (0.058/min) than in wk 1 (0.025/min) (P < 0.05). Dosed lambs exhibited clinical effects—licking of lips, drowsiness, staggering, and 1,8-cineole-smelling breath—that were much more pronounced with intravenous than rumen infusions. Dosing did not affect the acid–base balance. Collectively, these data suggest 1) rapid absorption and distribution of 1,8-cineole was responsible for initiating satiety, while more prolonged excretion was responsible for the duration of the satiety effect, and 2) lambs more readily adapted to 1,8-cineole in the rumen-dose study than in the intravenous-dose study.     

桉叶素的纯化

对云南某香料公司生产的某批桉叶油进行了全组成分析,结果为桉叶素、柠檬烯、对聚伞花素、γ-萜品烯、月桂烯、α-蒎烯、β-蒎烯、α-水芹烯、芳樟醇、松油烯-4-醇、α-松油醇和未知成分的质量分数分别为86.98%、9.10%、0.89%、0.79%、0.57%、0.54%、0.27%、0.39%、0.16%、0.02%、0.03%和0.12%。物性分析表明,主要杂质与桉叶素具有相近的沸点和溶解性质,而熔点相差较大,因而确定采用管式熔融结晶技术对桉叶素进行纯化。40次实验结果表明,采用w(桉叶素)≈80%的桉叶油为原料,通过二次重结晶,即首先将原料在-20~-30℃结晶,缓慢发汗至0.5℃,得到w(桉叶素)≥95%的中间产品;再重结晶一次,可得w(桉叶素)≥99.5%的最终产品。实验结果再现性好。     

Gut microbial fatty acid metabolites (KetoA and KetoC) affect the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and reverse cholesterol transport metabolism in mouse model

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common liver disease that occurs in both alcoholics and nonalcoholics. Oxidative stress is a possible causative factor for liver diseases including NASH. Gut microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria, can produce unique fatty acids, including hydroxy, oxo, conjugated, and partially saturated fatty acids. The oxo fatty acid 10-oxo-11(E)-octadecenoic acid (KetoC) provides potent cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress through activation of Nrf2-ARE pathway. The aim of this study was to explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of gut microbial fatty acid metabolites in a NASH mouse model. The mice were divided into 3 experimental groups and fed as follows: (1) high-fat diet (HFD) (2) HFD mixed with 0.1% KetoA (10-oxo-12(Z)-octadecenoic acid), and (3) HFD mixed with 0.1% KetoC. After 3 weeks of feeding, plasma parameters, liver histology, and mRNA expression of multiple genes were assessed. There was hardly any difference in fat accumulation in the histological study; however, no ballooning occurred in 2/5 mice of KetoC group. Bridging fibrosis was not observed in the KetoA group, although KetoA administration did not significantly suppress fibrosis score (p = 0.10). In addition, KetoC increased the expression level of HDL related genes and HDL cholesterol levels in the plasma. These results indicated that KetoA and KetoC may partly affect the progression of NASH in mice models.     

Molecular Characterization of Constipation Disease as Novel Phenotypes in CRISPR-Cas9-Generated Leptin Knockout Mice with Obesity

(1) Background: We characterized a novel animal model with obesity-induced constipation because constipation is rarely known in genetically engineered mice (GEM); (2) Methods: The changes in the constipation parameters and mechanisms were analyzed in CRISPR-Cas9-mediated leptin (Lep) knockout (KO) mice from eight to 24 weeks; (3) Results: Significant constipation phenotypes were observed in the Lep KO mice since 16 weeks old. These mice showed a significant decrease in the gastrointestinal motility, mucosal layer thickness and ability for mucin secretion as well as the abnormal ultrastructure of Lieberkühn crypts in the transverse colon. The density or function of the enteric neurons, intestinal Cajal cells (ICC), smooth muscle cells, and the concentration of gastrointestinal (GI) hormones for the GI motility were remarkably changed in Lep KO mice. The downstream signaling pathway of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) were activated in Lep KO mice, while the expression of adipogenesis-regulating genes were alternatively reduced in the transverse colon of the same mice; (4) Conclusions: These results provide the first strong evidence that Lep KO mice can represent constipation successfully through dysregulation of the GI motility mediated by myenteric neurons, ICC, and smooth muscle cells in the transverse colon during an abnormal function of the lipid metabolism.     

1,8-Cineole Inhibits Both Proliferation and Elongation of BY-2 Cultured Tobacco Cells

Volatile monoterpenes such as 1,8-cineole inhibit the growth of Brassica campestris seedlings in a dose-dependent manner, and the growth-inhibitory effects are more severe for roots than hypocotyls. The preferential inhibition of root growth may be explained if the compounds inhibit cell proliferation more severely than cell elongation because root growth requires both elongation and proliferation of the constituent cells, whereas hypocotyl growth depends exclusively on elongation of existing cells. In order to examine this possibility, BY-2 suspension-cultured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cells were treated with 1,8-cineole, and the inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and on cell elongation were assessed quantitatively. Treatment with 1,8-cineole lowered both the mitotic index and elongation of the cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for cell elongation was lower than that for cell proliferation. Moreover, 1,8-cineole also inhibited starch synthesis, with IC₅₀ lower than that for cell proliferation. Thus, the inhibitory effects of 1,8-cineole were not specific to cell proliferation; rather, 1,8-cineole seemed inhibitory to a variety of physiological activities when it was in direct contact with target cells. Based on these results, possible mechanisms for the mode of action of 1,8-cineole and for its preferential inhibition on root growth are discussed.     

(?)-Epicatechin-3-O-β-d-allopyranoside from Davallia formosana,Prevents Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia by Regulation of Glucose Transporter 4 and AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation in High-Fat-Fed Mice

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the antidiabetic and lipid-lowering effects of (−)-epicatechin-3-O-β-d-allopyranoside (BB) from the roots and stems of Davallia formosana in mice. Animal treatment was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) or low-fat diet (control diet, CD). After eight weeks of HFD or CD exposure, the HFD mice were treating with BB or rosiglitazone (Rosi) or fenofibrate (Feno) or water through gavage for another four weeks. However, at 12 weeks, the HFD-fed group had enhanced blood levels of glucose, triglyceride (TG), and insulin. BB treatment significantly decreased blood glucose, TG, and insulin levels. Moreover, visceral fat weights were enhanced in HFD-fed mice, accompanied by increased blood leptin concentrations and decreased adiponectin levels, which were reversed by treatment with BB. Muscular membrane protein levels of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) were reduced in HFD-fed mice and significantly enhanced upon administration of BB, Rosi, and Feno. Moreover, BB treatment markedly increased hepatic and skeletal muscular expression levels of phosphorylation of AMP-activated (adenosine monophosphate) protein kinase (phospho-AMPK). BB also decreased hepatic mRNA levels of phosphenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), which are associated with a decrease in hepatic glucose production. BB-exerted hypotriglyceridemic activity may be partly associated with increased mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα), and with reduced hepatic glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) mRNA levels in the liver, which decreased triacylglycerol synthesis. Nevertheless, we demonstrated BB was a useful approach for the management of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia in this animal model.     

Lessons from Mouse Models of High-Fat Diet-Induced NAFLD

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a clinicopathologic spectrum of diseases ranging from isolated hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the more aggressive form of fatty liver disease that may progress to cirrhosis and cirrhosis-related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of NAFLD, including NASH, is also increasing in parallel with the growing epidemics of obesity and diabetes. However, the causal relationships between obesity and/or diabetes and NASH or liver tumorigenesis have not yet been clearly elucidated. Animal models of NAFLD/NASH provide crucial information, not only for elucidating the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH, but also for examining therapeutic effects of various agents. A high-fat diet is widely used to produce hepatic steatosis and NASH in experimental animals. Several studies, including our own, have shown that long-term high-fat diet loading, which can induce obesity and insulin resistance, can also induce NASH and liver tumorigenesis in C57BL/6J mice. In this article, we discuss the pathophysiology of and treatment strategies for NAFLD and subsequent NAFLD-related complications such as NASH and liver tumorigenesis, mainly based on lessons learned from mouse models of high-fat diet-induced NAFLD/NASH.     

超临界二氧化碳介入的α-松油醇催化合成1，8-桉叶素

提出超临界二氧化碳介入α-松油醇异构合成1,8-桉叶素的方法,并采用二极管阵列检测器测量超临界二氧化碳下α-松油醇/环己烷体系的最大吸收波长研究二氧化碳加入量与极性的关系。考察了溶剂体系极性、溶剂量和二氧化碳压力对磷钨酸/聚离子液体（PW/PIL）催化剂催化α-松油醇异构合成1,8-桉叶素的影响,并探讨了超临界二氧化碳介质中,PW/PIL催化剂催化α-松油醇异构合成1,8-桉叶素可能的反应机理。开发了一种绿色高效的1,8-桉叶素合成工艺,当环己烷/α-松油醇的质量比10∶1,PW/PIL催化剂/α-松油醇的摩尔比0.0163∶1,CO₂压力19.0 MPa,50℃反应8 h时,α-松油醇的转化率为89.3%,1,8-桉叶素的选择性为54.6%。研究表明,超临界二氧化碳起到共溶剂、膨胀溶剂、降低溶剂体系极性的三重作用,从而改善了催化剂的团聚现象,提高了1,8-桉叶素的选择性。     

Role of Volatile and Non-Volatile Plant Secondary Metabolites in Host Tree Selection by Christmas Beetles

Individual Eucalyptus trees in south-eastern Australia vary considerably in susceptibility to herbivores. On the one hand, studies with insect herbivores have suggested that variation in the concentrations of foliar monoterpenes is related to variation in susceptibility. On the other, studies with marsupial folivores have suggested that variation in the concentrations of sideroxylonals (a group of formylated phloroglucinol compounds) is responsible for variation in susceptibility. We examined relative importance of sideroxylonals and 1,8-cineole (a dominant monoterpene) in host tree selection by Christmas beetles (Anoplognathus species: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) by using no-choice experiments, choice/no-choice experiments, and manipulative experiments in which concentrations of sideroxylonals or 1,8-cineole were altered. We used two species of host Eucalyptus, one species of non-host Eucalyptus, and three species of non-host non-Eucalyptus trees. Leaf consumption by Christmas beetles was negatively correlated with the concentrations of sideroxylonals and 1,8-cineole. Artificial increases in the concentration of sideroxylonals or 1,8-cineole reduced leaf consumption by Christmas beetles. An artificial reduction in foliar monoterpenes had no effect on leaf consumption by the beetles when leaves contained high or very low concentrations of sideroxylonals. However, when the concentration of sideroxylonals was moderate, a reduction in the foliar monoterpenes increased leaf consumption by the beetles. Therefore, monoterpenes such as 1,8-cineole may be used as a negative cue by Christmas beetles. The pattern of food consumption on non-host Eucalyptus species and non-host non-Eucalyptus species suggest that both positive and negative cues may be used by Christmas beetles to select host trees.     

1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol), a mosquito feeding and ovipositional repellent from volatile oil ofHemizonia fitchii (Asteraceae)

The mosquito feeding and ovipositional repellency of the major monoterpenoid present in the volatile oil ofHemizonia fitchii (Asteraceae), i.e., 1,8-cineole, was investigated. Although 1,8-cineole did not exhibit any significant mosquito larvicidal activity, it was moderately effective as a feeding repellent and highly effective as an ovipositional repellent against adultAedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito). The ovipositional repellency of 1,8-cineole, coupled with the presence of severalHemizonia chromenes previously shown to possess mosquito larvicidal activity, may therefore account in large part for the observed suppression of local mosquito populations which was associated withH. fitchii plants in northern California.Part III in the series Biologically Active Constituents of North American Plants. For Part II, see Klocke et al., 1986.