bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PULSAR KICKS WITH STANDARD AND STERILE NEUTRINOS AND LANDAU LEVELS
Authors: KISSLINGER LEONARD S.
Published: July 2008

I first give an update on our study of the energy asymmetry given the proto-neutron star during the time when the neutrino sphere is near the surface of the proto-neutron star, at a time 10-20s, using the modified URCA process. With the magnetic field strong enough for a large fraction of the electrons produced with the anti-neutrinos to be in the lowest Landau level, we predict a pulsar velocity of 1.03 × 10−4(T/1010K)7 km / s , which reaches 1000 km/s if T ≃ 9.96 × 1010 K . Also, using the recent results of the MiniBoone study, with two sterile neutrinos, I give results for pulsar kicks during the first 10s.
EFFECTS OF PRIMORDIAL MAGNETIC FIELD ON EARLY UNIVERSE
Authors: YAMAZAKI DAI G. , ICHIKI KIYOTOMO , TOSHITAKA KAJINO , MATHEWS GRANT J.
Published: July 2008

The existence of a primordial magnetic field (PMF) would affect both the temperature and polarization anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and the formation of the large scale structure(LSS). It also provides a plausible explanation for the disparity between observations and theoretical fits to the CMB power spectrum and the LSS. Here we report on calculations of not only the numerical power spectrum of the PMF, but also the correlations between the PMF power spectrum and the primary curvature perturbations.
Interaction of Estrogen and Progesterone on Kisspeptin-10-Stimulated Luteinizing Hormone and Growth Hormone in Ovariectomized Cows
Authors: Whitlock Brian K. , Daniel Joseph A. , Wilborn Robyn R. , Rodning Soren P. , Maxwell Herris S. , Steele Barbara P. , Sartin James L.
Published: July 2008

Background/Aims: Growth hormone (GH) is necessary for optimal reproductive efficiency and its secretion is influenced by sex steroids. This study was designed to determine whether kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) could stimulate GH and if gonadal steroids enhance the GH response to Kp10 in cows. Methods and Results: Intravenous injection of Kp10 at 100 or 200 pmol/kg body weight with or without treatment with estradiol cypionate and/or progesterone increased luteinizing hormone (p < 0.01) plasma concentrations. Plasma concentrations of GH were increased following Kp10 in cows treated with estradiol cypionate and/or progesterone (p < 0.05) but not in cows treated with Kp10 without gonadal steroids. Conclusions: These data suggest that reproductive steroids enhance the sensitivity of the somatotropic axis to physiologically relevant doses of Kp10, and support the possibility that Kp10 is an integrator of luteinizing hormone and GH release.
Portal-Like Microcirculation in Rat Sympathetic Ganglia
Authors: Mekhail Nagy A. , Estafanous Fawzy G. , Vitullo John C. , Khairallah Philip A.
Published: July 2008

The fine structure of intraganglionic blood vessels of rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglia is studied with the light microscope and with both conventional and ultrastructural histochemical methods. Two sets of small capillaries together with larger sinusoidal ones are identified. One set of capillaries is associated with the clustered (type II) small catecholamine-containing (CC) cells and exhibits features suggestive of fluid transport function (multiple wide fenestrae and active pinocytosis). The second set of capillaries is in direct relation to the sympathetic neurons (SN) and shows characteristics suggestive of absorptive function (microvilli and pinocytotic vesicles). The larger sinusoidal capillaries are observed in the vicinity of type II CC cells extend parallel to the long axes of the perikarya of the neurons and occasionally form loops around them. The latter are assumed to be larger blood spaces connecting the two capillary sets and serve to slow the circulation around the neurons. A pattern of portal-like intraganglionic microcirculation through which type II CC cells participate in modulating the SN is postulated. Type II CC cells secrete a catecholamine modulator which, driven by concentration gradient, gains access to the circulation through the fenestrated capillaries. The sinusoidal capillaries serve to perfuse the SN with a slow stream of blood rich in the catecholamine modulator. The latter can be filtered through the microvilli and pinocytotic vesicles of the second set of capillaries to induce slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential on the SN.
Defective Ensheathment of Motoric Nerves in the Splotch Mutant Mouse
Authors: Franz Thomas
Published: July 2008

Mouse embryos, homozygous for mutations at the Splotch locus, are afflicted with spina bifida and disturbances of neural-crest-derived tissues, e.g. spinal ganglia and pigment cells. The development of Schwann cells is affected in homozygotes to a varying degree along the rostrocaudal axis. In cervical motoric roots, nerves are associated with apparently normal Schwann cells. At the thoracic level, nerve-associated cells become more scarce and resemble the surrounding mesenchymal cells. They are not enveloped by a basal lamina and frequently show wide gaps between neighbouring cells. Lumbar motoric roots are mostly devoid of any associated cells. The Splotch mutant embryo is proposed to be a new animal model for the study of peripheral nerve ensheathment. The implications for Schwann-cell-mediated axon guidance are discussed.
‘Synaptic’ Bodies in the Pineal Glands of the Cow, Sheep and Pig
Authors: Struwe M.C.W. , Vollrath L.
Published: July 2008

The present results show that ‘synaptic’ bodies (SB) are a heterogeneous group of organelles in the pineal glands of Artiodactyla. Basically, rod-like (ribbons) and sphere-like (spherules) SB can be distinguished. In the pig small numbers of both ‘synaptic’ ribbons (SR) and ‘synaptic’ spherules (SS) are found. In bovine and ovine pineal glands few SS but no SR were seen. The same results were obtained from animals of the same species but from different continents. This suggests that the numbers of SB are species specific rather than influenced by the different lighting conditions in Europe and in equatorial Africa.
Morphological Studies of the Foramen caecum linguae of the Human and Guinea Pig Tongue
Authors: Toh H. , Ohmori T.
Published: July 2008

A three-dimensional study of the development of the thyroid gland in human and guinea pig embryos was made together with a histological investigation of the foramen caecum of the human adult tongue. In the human embryo, an epithelial depression was not seen between the first and second branchial arches except a shallow sulcus. Ciliated cells were observed on the dorsal surface of the tongue in all embryos which exceeded 18 mm in crown-rump length. The presence of a foramen caecum was observed in 18 (51%) cadavers from 35 human adults. Several circumvallate papillae were found in a 10-mm-deep foramen caecum on the side adjacent to the anterior two thirds of the tongue. In all specimens serous glands open into the foramen caecum.
Ultrastructural Studies on the Barrier Properties of the Paraganglia in the Rat Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Authors: Chíen C.L. , Chau Y.P. , Lu K.S.
Published: July 2008

The permeability of blood capillaries in the paraganglia of the rat recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was investigated by employing the ionic lanthanum tracer at ultrastructural level. Two types of blood capillaries, namely, fenestrated and nonfenestrated types, were observed in the rat RLN and its associated paraganglia (RLN paraganglia). A preferential distribution of fenestrated capillaries in the RLN paraganglia was noted. Nonfenestrated capillaries were distributed in the area of RLN devoid of paraganglia. Minute aberrant ganglia consisting of 4–8 neurons were frequently encountered in the rat RLN near the paraganglia. The capillaries in these neuronal areas were also nonfenestrated. The lanthanum tracer was limited within the vascular lumen, but not in the extravascular space, in the RLN proper and in the area of RLN paraganglia where the neurons were identified. In the RLN paraganglia, the tracer was located in the vascular lumen, extravascular space, periaxonal space of nerve fibers, and the intercellular space of the RLN paraganglionic cells. We concluded that (1) a blood-nerve barrier and a blood-ganglion (or blood-neuron) barrier exist in the area of RLN devoid of paraganglia, and (2) blood-paraganglion barrier and blood-nerve barrier were lacking in the rat RLN paraganglia.
Morphological Changes in Human Chorionic Villi Cultivated in Conditioned Atmospheres of Gases
Authors: Esposito F. , Esposito G. , Fenu G. , Napodano S. , Tedde G.
Published: July 2008

With the aim to verify the changes that a reduction of the oxygen rate may elicit in the morphological pattern of the human chorionic villi, a new experimental procedure has been suggested. Chorionic villi from human early placentas were incubated in Dulbecco’s modified medium of Eagle in the presence of oxygen, air or CO2 at a gas pressure equal to 0.7 atm. The specimens were fixed, dehydrated and embedded in resin, and semithin sections were obtained. Using an image analyser, the thickness of the trophoblastic layer and the mean radius of the villi were evaluated and the results submitted to a statistical analysis. The results show a decrease in the ratio thickness of the trophoblast/mean radius of the villus, directly proportional to the reduction of the oxygen percentage in the employed gases. The interesting conclusions demonstrate that the changes which affect the chorionic villi occur very early and are easily evaluable with quantitative methods; a clinical interest in the use of the proposed quantitative procedure can be emphasized.
Electron-Microscopic Study of the Parathyroid Gland of Epinephrine-Treated Golden Hamsters Subjected to Hypergravity Environment
Authors: Shoumura S. , Emura S. , Utsumi M. , Chen H. , Yamahira T. , Hayakawa D. , Tamada A. , Terasawa K. , Arakawa M. , Isono H.
Published: July 2008

The ultrastructure of the parathyroid glands of golden hamsters subjected to 5-gravity environment after administration of epinephrine was studied. In the epinephrine-treated animals exposed to a hypergravity environment, the Golgi complexes associated with numerous prosecretory granules were significantly increased compared with those of the control centrifuged and epinephrine-treated animals as well as the cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum compared with those of the control and centrifuged animals. In addition, many secretory granules were situated close to the the plasma membrane of the chief cells in the epinephrine-treated animals exposed to a hypergravity environment. Those observations suggest that the secretory activity of the parathyroid gland may be markedly stimulated in the epinephrine-treated animals exposed to a hypergravity environment.
Role of Morphological Methods in the Analysis of Chemically Induced Colon Cancer in Rats
Authors: Zusman I. , Zimber A. , Nyska A.
Published: July 2008

The role of selected histopathological methods was evaluated for the characterization of tumorous tissues resulting from chemically induced carcinogenesis in rats. Colon cancer was induced by treating rats with a direct carcinogen, N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), alone or with subsequent treatments with secondary bile acids. Morphological studies showed that the tumorigenic effect of MNNG resulted in changes in the shape of the crypts, disappearance of mucous (goblet) cells, and marked increases in the mitotic index, the size of nuclei and the number of aberrant nuclei. A significant number of lymphocytes infiltrated between the crypts and into their lumens. A sharp decrease in concentrations of neutral mucopolysaccharides and sulfomucins and an increase in the amount of vic-glycol groups and nonsulfated mucosubstances were demonstrated in tumorous epithelial cells. A moderate positive reaction to tissue polypeptide antibody was observed in these cells. The tumor-promoting effects of secondary bile acids were detected morphologically by an increase in the amount of connective tissue that infiltrated newly formed tumors. The increased number of micronuclei in otherwise histologically unaltered colon tissues adjacent to a tumor suggests that these regions represent a precancerous stage in the development of tumors. The important role of morphological methods in the evaluation of the effects of carcinogen and tumor promoters and in the detection of various phases in experimental carcinogenesis was discussed.
Arterial Supply of the Oral Mucosa
Authors: Piehslinger E. , Chouéki A. , Chouéki-Guttenbrunner K. , Lembacher H.
Published: July 2008

In 15 human heads, bilateral injection through the common carotid artery was carried out in order to find out whether there are any more or less distinctly limited segments of the oral mucosa supplied by certain arterial branches that would represent the nutritive pedicles of the respective segments. It seems that the gingiva libera of the buccal side in the region of the upper molars and premolars represents such a segment. In spite of small anastomoses between the right and left sublingual arteries, one half of the sublingual mucosa may also be considered as a segment. The same refers to the mucosa of one half of the hard palate. Even smaller units of varying extent of the palatine mucosa maybe differentiated as distinct vascular areas. For the majority of the oral mucosa, however, no limitations of vascular segments with distinct arterial pedicles could be discovered.
Immunocytochemical Localisation of Transferrin in the Human Brain
Authors: Morris C.M. , Candy J.M. , Bloxharn C.A. , Edwardson J.A.
Published: July 2008

Immunocytochemical studies on the adult human brain have shown that transferrin is localized within three main compartments in the adult human brain. Oligodendrocytes and some astrocytes together with cells of the choroid plexus showed the highest intensity of staining. Neuronal staining occurred mainly within pyramidal or large polygonal cells, but this showed considerable regional variation being most marked in areas such as the cerebral cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, brainstem and cerebellar Purkinje cells. Small neurones such as caudate interneurones and granule cells showed relatively low activity. Diffuse immunostaining of the neuropil was evident, particularly where heavy neuronal or glial staining occurred. Immunostaining was also observed in white-matter fibre tracts. This pattern of distribution helps to provide a model for the mechanisms responsible for iron homeostasis in the normal brain.
Distribution of Synaptic Boutons in the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus of the Rat – A Quantitative Electron-Microscopical Study
Authors: Liem R.S.B. , Copray J.C.V.M. , Van Willigen J.D.
Published: July 2008

The distribution of synapses and synaptic bouton types in the mesencephalic trigeminal (Me5) nucleus was examined in a quantitative electron-microscopical study. Of 588 terminal boutons that were counted in the compact caudal part of the Me5 nucleus, less than 8% formed synapses on the somata of the predominantly unipolar Me5 neurons. About 79% formed synapses on fibres located between the Me5 somata, while about 13% of the vesicle-containing terminals had no clear synaptic specialization. All of these non-synaptic terminals were G type boutons, with pleomorphic and large characteristic dense-core vesicles. Approximately 60% of the axosomatic synapses were of the S type, containing spherical vesicles and an asymmetrical or symmetrical synaptic specialization. About 20, respectively 15% of the axosomatic synapses, were of the F, respectively P type; both are symmetrical synapse types containing either a majority of flat or pleomorphic vesicles. Less than 10% of the axosomatic synapses were of the G type. Although some proportional differences were noted, an almost similar bouton type distribution pattern was found for the axodendritic synapses suggesting that the axosomatic and axodendritic synapses in the Me5 nucleus are part of the same afferent fibre plexus covering the Me5 nucleus.
Three-Dimensional Observations of Accessory Canals in Mature and Developing Rat Molar Teeth
Authors: Kuroiwa M. , Kodaka T. , Abe M. , Higashi S.
Published: July 2008

The structure, distribution and formation of accessory canals in the developing and mature molar teeth of rat mandibular jaws were investigated with scanning electron microscopy and with three-dimensional image analysis using serial light-microscopic sections. In the initial stage of the accessory canal formation, most of the canals appeared in the gaps of the epithelial root sheaths formed by their approaching each other in the initial stage of the root formation. However, some of the canals appeared in the slits which may be formed by the destruction of the epithelial root sheath in the root apex regions. When the gaps and slits were invaded by blood vessels, the regions surrounding the vessels did not mineralize but became accessory canals. Usually, an accessory canal with one blood vessel connected the periodontal ligament to the dental pulp; however, in some cases, the canals were broken off midway following the destruction of the vessels.
Sexually Dimorphic Duct System of the Submandibular Gland in Mouse with Testicular Feminization Mutation (Tfm/Y)
Authors: Sawada K. , Noumura T.
Published: July 2008

The X-linked testicular feminization mutation (Tfm/Y) in the mouse is characterized by androgen insensitivity of the target cells. The aim of this study was to examine sexually dimorphic development of the submandibular gland of Tfm/Y mutant mice in comparison with those of wild-type male, wild-type female and heterozygous Tfm female mice. In either 30- or 90-day-old wild-type male mice, the granular convoluted tubules (GCT) of the glands were more developed, and the relative occupied areas (ROA) of GCT were superior to those of the age-matched wild-type and heterozygous Tfm females. In androgen-insensitive Tfm/Y mice, the glandular structures rather resembled the female glands, showing lower values of the ROA of the GCT. Sex differences in the mitotic rate were observed at 30 days of age, being significantly higher in the wild-type male GCT than in the female GCT. Thereafter, the mitotic rate of the wild-type male GCT declined to the female levels by 90 days of age. The mitotic rate of GCT in Tfm/Y mutants was as low as those of the females during observation periods. An other three regions, the acini, the intercalated ducts and the excretory striated ducts, were not significantly different in either the ROA or the mitotic rate among wild-type males and females, and Tfm/Y. On the other hand, either the ROA or the mitotic activity of GCT of the glands in Tfm/Y mutants was completely unaffected by 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The glands of heterozygous Tfm females were responded to DHT, but the ROA of their GCT was inferior to those in wild-type females, showing the mosaic expression of the X-chromosome in activation in heterozygous Tfm females. The present study suggests that in androgen-insensitive Tfm/Y mice, both the glandular structures and the mitotic activities were rather similar to those of the females.
Some Observations upon the Distribution of Cytochrome Oxidase Activity in the Globus pallidus of the Rat
Authors: Giménez-Amaya J.M.
Published: July 2008

The histochemical distribution of the enzyme cytochrome oxidase (CO) was explored in the globus pallidus (GP) of the rat, and it was compared with the distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), another well-known enzyme of the basal ganglia in mammals. This neurochemical research illustrates two prominent findings. In the first place, a regional compartmentalization was detected in the pallidal distribution of CO, in which dorsal territories of the GP exhibited a more abundant presence of this enzyme. In addition, the distribution of this mitochondrial enzyme was not uniform all over those dorsal pallidal territories. Thus, the pallidal concentration of CO was gradually decreasing dorsoventrally and lateromedially, and, sometimes, areas highly stained for CO were intermingled with zones in which this enzyme was less conspicuous. In the second place, the pallidal distribution of AChE was the opposite of that found for CO (i.e. more abundant in ventral and medial territories of the GP). The functional significance of these findings is discussed in the light of the heterogeneous hodological neuroanatomy of the GP of rodents.
SEM Study on the Dorsal Lingual Surface of the Common Tree Shrew, Tupaia glis
Authors: Chunhabundit P. , Thongpila S. , Somana R.
Published: July 2008

The dorsal lingual surface of the common tree shrew was examined by SEM after treating it with HC1 to remove the mucous substance. Filiform (FI), fungi-form (FU) and circumvallate papillae (CI) were observed. The FI exhibited a small circular bulge surrounded by anterior and posterior filamentous processes. FU were scattered among the FI. There were 3 CI separating the anterior 4/5 from the posterior 1/5 of the tongue. In addition, a group of conical projections with caudal orientation was found anterior to the palatoglossal fold on each side of the tongue. Microridges were widely observed on the entire dorsal lingual surface, except on the free surface of FI processes.
Ultrastructural Observation of Calcification Preceding New Bone Formation Induced by Demineralized Bone Matrix Gelatin
Authors: Yamashita K. , Takagi T.
Published: July 2008

Demineralized bone matrix gelatin (BMG) was implanted into the skeletal muscle of Sprague-Dawley rats, and the resulting ultrastructural changes of the BMG were examined 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 days later. Most of the implanted BMG became calcified 7–20 days after implantation. Calcification (‘acellular mineral deposition’) was first observed as needle-shaped crystalline deposits in the BMG matrix on day 7 after implantation, which gradually increased in size and fused with one another in some deposits. They appeared to be divided into small partitions consisting of denatured collagen fibers unlike those of noncalcified BMG. Some deposits had electron-lucent areas in their center adjacent to well-calcified peripheral areas, and the central area contained many collagenlike fibers and spherical vacuoles. Osteoblast-like cells were not present around these calcified deposits 7 days after implantation. After that, new bone formation was often seen near the area of acellular mineral deposition, and the fused calcified deposits remained until day 15 after implantation. The noncalcified BMG was mainly absorbed by macrophages, and the sites of acellular mineral deposition were absorbed by multinucleated cells resembling osteoclasts which were considered to be activated by the implants. Acellular mineral deposition probably started as calcium and phosphate deposits on some materials in the BMG matrix, and by heterogenic nucleation without osteoblasts or matrix vesicles, inducing bone formation. Thus the BMG may be not only a carrier of bone morphogenetic protein, gradually supplying it to the surrounding tissue, but also a storage site for minerals that are indispensable for bone formation. Furthermore, these osteoblasts may be activated by osteoclast-like cells that absorb minerals from sites of acellular mineral deposition.
Ultrastructural and Morphometric Study of Hepatocytes from Near-Term Minipig Fetuses Exposed to Ethanol in vivo
Authors: Rømert P. , Matthiessen M.E.
Published: July 2008

Hepatocytes of near-term minipig fetuses were studied after their mothers had received a daily addition of 3 g/kg body weight of ethanol to the ordinary sufficient fodder during the last half of pregnancy. The ethanol-exposed hepatocytes were evaluated ultrastructurally and morphometrically, and compared with hepatocytes of unexposed fetuses. The present results show that hepatocytes of near-term fetuses, exposed to a high concentration of ethanol for a long period exhibit neither qualitative nor quantitative changes. This is in contrast to maternal hepatocytes which show an adaptation of cellular components to ethanol by developing increased volume densities of mitochondria and smooth endoplas-mic reticulum and a decreased volume density of glycogen.
Failure to Detect a Second-Generation Effect in Female Mice after Neonatal Treatment with an Estrogen (Diethylstilbestrol)
Authors: Forsberg J.-G. , Hailing A.
Published: July 2008

Inbred female mice of the NMRI strain were treated subcutaneously with 5 µg diethylstilbestrol (DES) in olive oil or vehicle only for the first 5 days after birth. One group of DES-treated females was killed at the age of 8-12 weeks, and the uterine cervix and adjacent parts of the vagina and uterine horns prepared for histological studies. In all preparations, the cervical epithelial lining contained regions with heterotopic columnar epithelium (HCE) along 69-100% of the length of the common cervical canal. Ovaries from neonatally DES-treated females were grafted to 8-week-old ovariectomized control hosts and these hosts were mated to control males 2 weeks later. The hosts gave birth to normal-sized litters. The female offspring from these litters had a normal cervical epithelial lining and, in turn, gave birth to normal-sized litters. These results indicate that treatment of neonatal female mice with DES does not affect the female germ cells as far as concerns factors associated with the development of HCE or reduced fertility in the next generation.
Relationship between Morphological Signs of Cell Injury in Myocardial Ischaemia
Authors: Greve G. , Stangeland L.
Published: July 2008

Morphological signs of severe ischaemic injury are well known. However, we still lack knowledge about how indices of milder injuries are related on a cellular level. In a previous study we have reported on the sequence of alterations across the border zone in cat hearts subjected to 3 h of coronary occlusion. In the present study, which elaborates that study, we have examined the relationship between morphological variables in serial sections of 220 myocytes within the border zone. In cells with intact sarcolemma and no chromatin changes, the fractional volume of cytoplasm has a bimodal distribution indicating cells with and without oedema. Whereas cells with focal disruptions of the sarcolemma have a moderate oedema, usually localized submembranously, cells with extensive sarcolemmal fragmentation have an extensive oedema. A mild oedema is seen before other signs of severe cell injury, even though more extensive oedema is closely associated with sarcolemmal fragmentation. The fractional volume of mitochondria was smaller, whereas the fractional volume of lipid droplets was larger in cells with oedema than in cells without oedema.
Measurements of Cross-Sectional Areas in Selected Human Wrist-Joint Ligaments
Authors: Kooloos J.G.M. , Savelberg H.H.C.M.
Published: July 2008

The cross-sectional area of a particular ligament is an important characteristic in order to establish the biomechanical properties of this ligament. Calculations of the cross-sectional areas of the ligaments of the wrist joint are made from two three-dimensional models. It is discussed that differences between the presented and the scarcely published data on cross-sectional areas are the result of different divisions of the wrist-joint ligamentous complex into separate ligaments.
L’apexogénèse post-éruptive
Authors: Apiou J. , Bonnaure-Mallet M.
Published: July 2008

During the course of root formation, histologic examinations show many pictures; however, the last stage of root formation is not well documented. In this paper, we describe cellular and extracellular components of immature teeth with incompletely formed roots. The odontoblast cells were observed with reticular fibers. The cementoblasts and epithelial cells covered the cementoid tissue. The results are discussed.
Modulation of Phenotype and Cytoskeleton Architecture by lnterleukin-1 Alpha in Human Osteoblast-Like Cells in vitro
Authors: Bodo M. , Baroni T. , Calvitti M. , Carinci F. , Arena N. , Venti G.
Published: July 2008

Interleukin-1α, a growth factor produced by macrophages as well as many other types of cells, is able to modulate biosynthetic activities in bone cells. In this work, the authors show that the administration of interleukin-1α to osteoblas-like cells in vitro induces a marked change in cell morphology, which becomes dendritic, with a smaller cellular body and numerous prolongations. The morphological changes are also accompanied by an alterated expression in the pattern of cytoskeleton proteins.
Identification of Sugar Residues in Human Fetal Olfactory Epithelium Using Lectin Histochemistry
Authors: Gheri G. , Bryk Gheri , Balboni G.C.
Published: July 2008

Lectin-binding histochemistry was used to investigate the distribution and the changes of the glycoconjugate saccharidic moieties in the olfactory epithelium of human fetuses ranging from 8 to 12 weeks of gestation. It was found that the basal cells, the sustentacular cells and the olfactory neurons exhibit differences in oligosaccharide cellular content and distribution. Differences in lectin binding was also demonstrated at the dendrite, cell body and axon of the receptor cells. From the 11th week onwards, Ulex europaeus agglutinin I was found to be a marker of the olfactory neurons.
Influence of Continuous Electromagnetic Fields on the Stage, Weight and Stature of the Chick Embryo
Authors: Piera V. , Rodriguez A. , Cobos A. , Torrente M. , Cobos P.
Published: July 2008

The influence of continuous electromagnetic fields (0,181 or 361 Gs/cm2) on tht development of chick embryo (n = 144) was studied. Several parameters were determined at days 5,10 and 15 of incubation: stage (following Hamburger and Hamilton), vertex-coccyx length (size) and weight. At 5 days of incubation, all embryos showed a similar stage. However, at days 10 and 15, the embryos exposed to 181 Gs/cm2 showed a stage significantly superior to that of the others. There were no differences between the exposed embryos and the control ones with regard to weight and stature, except at 15 days when the embryos exposed to 361 Gs/cm2 showed greater weight and stature than those of the controls.
Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein-Like Immunoreactive Ependymal Elements in the Third Ventricle of the Rat
Authors: Juanes J.A. , Riesco J.M. , Sánchez F. , Carretero J. , Blanco E. , Vázquez R.
Published: July 2008

Using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method a study was made of the cells immunoreactive to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) anti-serum in the ependyma of the third ventricle of the rat at different stages of growth. Most of the ependymal cells of the third ventricle were seen to be unreactive to this protein; however, it was sometimes possible to observe some GFAP-immunoreactive ependymocytes and occasionally other immunoreactive cellular types, such as tanycytes and supraependymal cells. Despite this, the most frequent localization of the elements immunoreactive to the protein adopted the shape of an immunoreactive subependymal band situated parallel to the ventricular wall. As the weights of the animals increased an increase in the elements immunoreactive to this protein could be observed in all the zones considered, there being no differences between the male and female animals.
Determination of the Center of Pressure of the Hoofs of the Forelimbs of Horses Standing on a Flat Level Surface
Authors: Colahan P. , Lindsey E. , Nunier C.
Published: July 2008

The pressure exerted on a flat level surface by recently trimmed, unshod hoofs of the front limbs of 23 sound, adult horses was measured using pressure-sensitive film and a specially built cassette. The horses were tranquilized and stood with one foot on the 2.9-cm-thick cassette and the other on a block of equal height. The hoofs were observed for motion during the measurement, and the developed film was examined for improper alignment of the film or slipping of the hoof. The center of pressure was located using the method of weighted proportions of Barrey. This static measurement system with a long measurement time and the number of measurements reduced the influence of variables inherent in the horses’ behavior and the measuring system. The calculated point was recorded as falling medial to, lateral to or on a line bisecting the central sulcus of the frog. In the dorsal to palmar orientation the point was classified with reference to a line drawn halfway between the most dorsal and the most palmar mark on the film. Forty-six percent of the calculated centers of pressure were located in the medial heel area. Binomial analysis for large samples indicates that this was a significant variation from a random distribution. Seventy-six percent of the centers were located in or on the borders of the medial heel.
In vivo Measurements of the Loading Conditions on the Tibia of the Goat
Authors: Roszek B. , Weinans H. , van Loon P. , Huiskes R.
Published: July 2008

In vivo strain measurements at 8 locations on the tibia of the goat were performed. Successive in vitro calibrations were used to determine the assumed linear relationship between the measured strain signals and the external loads (3 forces and 3 moments) at the tibia. For the reconstruction of the in vivo external loads from the strain data, a transformation matrix was created from the calibration experiments, using ‘singular-value decomposition’. The method is a reliable technique for measuring in vivo loads during functional gait and gives reproducible results.
Immunofluorescent Analysis of the Spinal Cord in Dysraphic Mice
Authors: Wilson D.B. , Wyatt D.P.
Published: July 2008

Development of the spinal cord was analyzed immunocytochemically at 10–12 days of gestation in normal and dysraphic embryos of the loop-tail mutant mouse, using an anti-neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and the lectin concanavalin A (Con A) as histological markers for evaluating neural cell organization and distribution. The normal and abnormal embryos showed similar patterns of reactivity to anti-NCAM and Con A, even though the neural folds were open and everted in the abnormal embryos, with displacement of the dorsal root ganglia. In the abnormal embryos the floor plate was similar to that in normal embryos, as evidenced by its increased anti-NCAM and Con A labeling relative to that in the rest of the neuroepithelium. Moreover, each lateral end of the everted abnormal neuroepithelium developed an attenuated ‘roof plate’ that appeared to be structurally similar to the normal roof plate. However, some of these ‘roof plates’ exhibited prominent clusters of labeled and nonlabeled cells, especially in the 10-day embryos. In addition, whereas normal embryos showed strong luminal labeling of the neuroepithelial cells with Con A, comparable regions in the abnormals were spotty and poorly defined except for the ‘roof plate’ and floor plate. The results indicate that dorsoventral polarity in the spinal cord, as assessed structurally and histochemically, develops essentially normally in abnormal dysraphic embryos, even though the topographic relationships of the abnormal neural tube are disturbed.
Adaptations of Diaphragm Neuromuscular Junction following Inactivity
Authors: Prakash Y.S. , Zhan W.Z. , Miyata H. , Sieck G.C.
Published: July 2008

We hypothesized that differences exist in the morphological adaptations of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) on different fiber types in response to prolonged inactivation. Two weeks of inactivity of both phrenic motoneurons and diaphragm muscle was induced by spinal cord hemitransection at C2 (spinal isolation; SI). A three-color fluorescent immunocytochemical technique, combined with laser-scanning confocal microscopy, was used to create two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images of NMJs and obtain morphological information concerning: (1) innervating axons and presynaptic nerve terminals; (2) motor endplates (postsynaptic apparatus consisting of acetylcholine receptors), and (3) myosin heavy chain (MHC) phenotype of muscle fibers. In both sham controls (CTL) and SI animals, planar (2D) and surface (3D) areas of motor endplates and nerve terminals on type II muscle fibers (anti-fast MHC immunoreactive) were smaller than on type I (nonimmunoreactive to anti-fast MHC) fibers, when normalized for fiber diameter. The number of branches, total branch length and perimeter of both motor endplates and nerve terminals were greater for NMJs on type II fibers than on type I fibers. The extent of overlap between nerve terminal and endplate was greater on type I fibers than on type II fibers. After SI, there was a significant expansion of NMJs on type II fibers. Planar and surface areas of motor endplates and nerve terminals, number of endplate and nerve terminal branches, total branch length, and perimeter were all increased on type II fibers following SI. The extent of overlap of nerve terminal and endplate increased on type II fibers, approaching that observed in type I fiber NMJs. These results indicate that neuromuscular inactivation leads to a selective expansion of type II fiber NMJs through addition of new terminal area, and elongation of existing terminal branches. These changes may represent a compensatory effort to improve neuromuscular transmission.
In vitro Chick Pre-Cardiac Explant Tissue Differentiation during Spaceflight on SpaceHab-02
Authors: van Twest J.S. , Paulsen A. , Spooner B.S.
Published: July 2008

Chick precardiac tissue explants were cultured on the 8-day mission of STS-60, space shuttle Discovery. Development of in vitro cultures of precardiac chick tissue from embryo stages 5 through 8 (H-H) were initiated during orbit and were terminated after approximately fifteen hours of 37 °C culture. Transmission electron microscopy and tritiated thymidine studies were performed postflight. No significant differences in cell proliferation were observed between flight and ground controls. Electron-microscopic studies revealed stage 8 explants were capable of differentiation during flight in a pattern which matched ground control tissues. As anticipated, stage 7 explant tissues had differentiated to a lesser extent compared to stage 8 tissues. Interestingly, stage 7 precardiac explant flight tissue differentiation was less than ground control tissue. This difference in differentiation between flight and ground cultures was enhanced in stage 6 tissues, as high levels of myofibril organization were only seen in ground controls. Other cellular components such as Golgi apparatus, junctional complexes, and mitochondria were present and appeared normal and healthy.
Distribution Patterns of Neoglycoprotein-Binding Sites (Endogenous Lectins) and Lectin-Reactive Glycoconjugates during Cartilage and Bone Formation in Human Finger
Authors: Zschäbitz A. , Gabius H.-J. , Krahn V. , Michiels I. , Schmidt W. , Koepp H. , Stofft E.
Published: July 2008

The distribution of endogenous lectins, visualized by labelled neoglycoproteins, and of defined oligosaccharide structures, reactive with plant lectins, during fetal development of the fingers was analyzed in sections of human 3- to 8-month-old fetal specimens. Chondrogenesis as well as ossification were correlated with characteristic modulations in the expression of both glycoligand-binding molecules and characteristic carbohydrate structures. Occurrence of xylose-specific receptors was judged to be an early sign of cartilage development. Similarly, α-mannosyl residues that had been attached to labelled carrier proteins were strongly bound by the extracellular matrix already during early stages of finger maturation. Staining intensity for heparin gradually increased during chondrogenesis, whereas affinity for mannose showed a stage-related decline. Binding of mannose-6-phosphate was confined to hypertrophied cartilage of primary ossification centers. Accessible binding sites for terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine moieties were detected only in osteoid. In addition to monitoring the sugar-binding capacity, presence and developmental regulation of distinct carbohydrate structures were also assessed. PSA and SBA enabled the demonstration of an abrupt loss of staining affinity in the zone of maturing hypertrophic cartilage. Succinylated WGA proved to be an apparently useful marker of evolving bone tissue. GSL-II binding was restricted to chondroclasts and osteoclasts. The findings of this investigation are consistent with the supposed role of glycoconjugate-lectin interactions in cartilage and bone development.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Transforming Growth Factor-Alpha in Suckling Porcine Intestine
Authors: Jaeger L.A.
Published: July 2008

The distribution of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFα), a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, was studied immunohistochemically in small intestinal tissues of suckling pigs which were 7, 14 and 21 days of age. TGFα immunostaining was similar in villous epithelium in all intestinal regions of all ages examined, and was diffuse throughout the epithelial cytoplasm and more prominent in the apical and brush-border regions of the cells. Cytoplasmic immunoreactive TGFα was also identified in crypt epithelial cells; the pattern and extent of immunostaining differed among intestinal regions and ages. In all cases, the relative number of TGFα-immunopositive crypt epithelial cells was fewer than the number of immunonegative cells within the compartment. In duodenal and jejunal segments, relative numbers of immunopositive crypt epithelial cells were greater in 14- and 21- than in 7-day-old pigs. In all 7-day-old pigs, a relatively greater number of immunopositive epithelial cells was present in the jejunal crypts than in the duodenal crypts. Intracellular TGFα immunostaining was present within Peyer’s patches of distal jejunum and ileum, and is a previously unreported finding. The presence of TGFα immunoreactive protein within small intestinal crypt epithelium has not been previously described in any species, and may be unique to suckling animals or, alternatively, the porcine species. These data suggest that TGFα may be an endogenous ligand for the EGF receptor in suckling porcine intestine. Increased expression of TGFα in suckling pigs during the period in which marked structural and functional changes occur within the small intestinal mucosa suggests a role for this growth factor in remodelling and maturation of the neonatal mucosa.
The Influence of Collapse of the Lung Parenchyma on the Morphology of Pulmonary Blood Vessels in the Rat
Authors: Buyssens N. , van den Bosche R. , de Meyer G. , Herman A.G.
Published: July 2008

During a search for resident subendothelial smooth muscle cells in pulmonary vessels of the rat we found that in expanded lungs the muscular pads in the veins, considered by some authors as sphincters, were hardly visible whereas in collapsed lungs they were very conspicuous. In a separate study intended to quantify the degree of collapse or expansion the left lung was examined in 5 rats with a collapsed and in 5 rats with an expanded lung: the expansion was produced by filling the airways by gravity with Methacarn fixative. The degree of expansion was determined by morphometry measuring the volume density of the tissue fraction of the pulmonary parenchyma in the microscopic sections: in the expanded lung the mean value was 8.5% (range 6.7–12.6%), in the collapsed lung 20.1% (range 18.7–22.3%), a highly significant difference (p < 0.000). Serial sections generally 60–100, 6-um-thick, were stained by PAS, Sirius red hematoxylin and Verhoeff s elastic stains. Immunohistochemical staining was done with monoclonal antibody against alpha smooth muscle cell actin and desmin. Graphic reconstructions of representative vessels were performed. It was shown that the muscular media of the veins was interrupted and that the muscular pads corresponded to the contracted smooth muscle cell segments alternating with the noncontracted segments devoid of muscle. In the expanded lungs muscular pads were flattened and often hardly detectable. This indicates that the structures considered as sphincters are postmortem contraction rings in collapsed lungs.
Quantitative Morphology and Histochemistry of Intrinsic Lingual Muscle Fibers in Macaca fascicularis
Authors: DePaul R. , Abbs J.H.
Published: July 2008

Histological, histochemical, and quantitative morphometric techniques were used to determine muscle fiber-type distributions and sizes in four intrinsic tongue muscles of Macaca fascicularis. Histologically, fiber interdigitation among muscles was striking with pronounced infiltration of endomysium into muscle fascicles. Endomysium and perimysium were most prominent anteriorly. Histochemically, with a sample of 20,106 fibers, type II fibers predominated (73.9%) over type I fibers (26.1 %) and 99% of type II fibers were categorized as IIA. The relative density of type I and type IIA fibers varied consistently within all muscles from anterior to posterior and to a lesser degree from superficial to deep. Although the tongue apex was composed almost exclusively of type IIA fibers, the proportion of type I to type IIA fibers increased posteriorly. Most posteriorly, type I and IIA fibers were in about equal proportions. These nonuniform fiber-type concentrations may suggest that different segments of individual primate intrinsic tongue muscles may be functionally independent, supporting recent models of tongue motor system biomechanics. For example, predominantly type IIA fibers in the anterior segments of a given muscle may underlie characteristic rapid tongue tip movements while slower movements of the posterior tongue are executed via separately activated type I fibers. Mean fiber diameters were quantified in one animal (n = 7,758). The distribution was unimodal (5.61–63.03 um) and overall type IIA fibers were larger than type I fibers. However, within all muscles studied, sizes of both fiber types were greater at posterior sites, further suggesting functional intramuscular segregation.
Terminal Nerve Branch Entries (Motor Points) of Forearm Muscles: A Comparative Study between Monkey and Human
Authors: Liu J. , Lau H.K. , Pereira B.P. , Kumar V.P. , Pho R.W.H.
Published: July 2008

A study of the number of muscles, the nerve branches innervating them and number and distribution of the motor points was carried out on the forearm of the monkey (Macaca fascicularis) and human. There were 8 flexor muscles and 11 extensor muscles in the human, while there were 7 flexors and 12 extensors in the monkey. The distribution of the branches of the median, ulnar and radial nerves were similar in both species. The number of motor points and their distribution in the flexor and extensor muscles also showed considerable similarity between the two species. The monkey is a suitable experimental animal model for the study of the clinical application of functional electrical stimulation of the paralyzed forearm and hand of patients with upper motor neuron lesions.
Immunogold Localization of Serotonin within Synaptic Terminals in the Rat Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus
Authors: Liem R.S.B. , Copray J.C.V.M.
Published: July 2008

With the use of postembedding electron-microscopic immunogold cytochemistry, the vesicular distribution of serotonin within serotonergic synaptic terminals in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus was determined in order to obtain further insight into the mechanisms and functional significance of serotonin release to these jaw muscle spindle afferent neurons. Immunogold labelling was restricted to the previously described type I and type II terminals. The distribution of immunogold particles over the synaptic terminals indicated that serotonin was stored in small round or pleomorphic (RSV) vesicles and in large granular dense-cored (DSV) vesicles. The amount of serotonin present in the DSV vesicles, which are generally considered to contain colocalized neuropeptides, showed a high degree of variation. These DSV vesicles were usually located at some distance from the synaptic area of the terminals suggesting that they represent a nondirectly releasable vesicle pool. The serotonergic RSV vesicles were, in general, irregularly distributed over the terminals. However, in about 19% of the analyzed labelled synaptic terminals serotonergic RSV vesicles were clustered together near their release site at the synaptic cleft. These synaptic terminals may represent highly active serotonergic synapses with a high release frequency and a high reuptake level, resulting in a dense concentration of vesicles containing a high amount of serotonin near the synaptic cleft.