bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Unusual Cylindrical Body in Interstitial Cells of Rat Testis
Authors: Leeson Thomas S. , Leeson Roland
Published: July 2008

Testes of 6 rats were processed routinely for electron microscopy and, as an incidental finding, interstitial (Leydig) cells were found to contain bundles of unusual cylindrical bodies or macrotubules. These cytoplasmic structures were found in testes of only 2 of the 6 rats and varied in number from 2 to 346 per cell profile, usually in parallel array but with an irregular orientation in approximately 5 % of the cells. The macrotubules were up to 11 μm long, showed a diameter of 130 nm with a wall of 18–20 nm and an inside diameter of about 94 nm. The wall appeared to be formed by two membranes 6–7 nm thick showing a unit membrane structure with a central electron-lucent space of 6 nm. In several instances, the wall membranes appeared corrugated, which may account for the apparent formation of the wall by a spiralling small tubule or tubules of 18 nm diameter. Several macrotubules showed continuity between their wall membranes and elements of endoplasmic reticulum and occasionally two adjacent macrotubules showed continuity at their ends in a U-form. Similar if not identical structures have been described previously in four studies of interstitial cells of the rat renal medulla, in one instance correlated with water-deprivation. They have been considered an alteration in the endoplasmic reticulum. Also, they have been reported in pig uterine glands in pregnancy. They may represent a cellular response to an unrecognized physiopathological state.
Leucocyte Responses to Fighting in the Adult Male Bandicoot Rat
Authors: Ghosh P.R. , Sahu A. , Maiti B.R.
Published: July 2008

The Effect of fighting stress on blood leucocyte count was studied in the adult male bandicoot rat. Exposure to fighting stress for 3 h induced neutrophilia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia and monocytopenia. The changes were more significant in the subordinate rat than in the dominant animal. It is suggested that leucocyte responses to fighting are perhaps mediated by the adrenal gland in these animals.
Metabolic Pathways in Chick Amnion Muscle
Authors: Müller Edith , Schneider M. , Rickenbacher J.
Published: July 2008

By means of histochemical techniques different reactions were studied in the amnion musculature of the chick during their most active period of contractions between the 5th and the 9th days of incubation. The muscle cells showed strong activity for cholinesterase and glutamate dehydrogenase and low activity for monoaminoxidase. The glycogen, phosphorylase and UDPG-glycogen glycosyltransferase were negative. Whereas, lipids and enzymes involved in fat metabolism were positive. The supposed energy source of the amnion musculature is discussed.
Localization of Acid Phosphatase in the Principal Cells of the Guinea Pig Epididymis
Authors: Adams C.S.
Published: July 2008

The activity of acid phosphatase in the principal cells of the guinea pig epididymis was studied histochemically. The enzyme activity was localized in the Golgi and apical regions in segments 1–4. In segments 5–7, the enzyme activity was distributed throughout the entire supranuclear cytoplasm. There was a gradual increase of acid phosphatase activity from segments 1–7. A possible function of acid phosphatase in the epididymis is discussed.
Contribution à l’étude de la vascularisation artérielle du lambeau du dos du pied
Authors: Mairesse J.L. , Mestdagh H. , Bailleul J.P. , Letendart J. , Dabrowski A.
Published: July 2008

The dorsal foot skin supplied by the arteria dorsalis pedis the dorsal venous arch, the peroneal sensory nerves and the musculus extensor digitorum brevis is a very good myocutaneous flap. The material on which the study was carried out, consisted of 20 feet from standard cadavers, injected with a mixture of terebenthene and minium through the arteria tibialis anterior. The m. extensor digitorum brevis is 6.1 cm long, 1.7 cm wide, 3.9 mm thick. It is mainly supplied by the a. dorsalis pedis and its branches: the a. tarsea dorsalis (constant) and the a. metatarsea dorsalis (12 of 20 specimens). The average diameter of the a. dorsalis pedis at the upper limit of the m. extensor retinaculum was 2.14 mm and this was chosen as the most proximal limit of the dorsalis pedis flap. The a. tarsea dorsalis was present in all the specimens, with a diameter of 0.95 mm at its origin and a length of 35 mm. On average, this artery divided into four branches to the m. dorsalis pedis. The a. metatarsea dorsalis was present in 12 of 20 specimens, with an average diameter of 0.53 mm and a length of 22 mm. On average, this artery divided into three branches to the m. dorsalis pedis. We drew three lines in the proximal, middle and distal third of each flap design and calculated the sum of arterial branch sections with our lines. We think this provides a reasonable indication of the comparative richness of the cutaneous blood supply in the flap. The mean number of cutaneous branches was 10 in the proximal third, 6.7 in the middle third (13 if branches supplying the m. extensor pedis brevis are included) and 5 in the distal third. The myocutaneous dorsalis pedis arterialized flap can be safely used as an island flap to cover the ankle or heel and as a free flap for palm defects.
The Lymphatic Vessels of the Lung: Morphological Study
Authors: Grande Rodrigues , Ribeiro J. , Soares M. , Carvalho E.
Published: July 2008

The authors studied the anatomical structures of the pulmonary lymphatic vessels in the dog and in man using injection techniques and macro- and microangiographic and histological methods. The results show that injection in the basal lobes is easier than in the apical lobes. The dog, an animal with a thin pleura, has a very dense superficial lymphatic network, like man. The superficial and the deep lymphatic vessels are connected through the pleural septa.
Stereographic Reconstruction of Human Brain CT Series
Authors: Graf von Keyserlingk D. , De Bleser R. , Poeck K.
Published: July 2008

A relatively simple method for the three-dimensional reconstruction of brain contours from a series of CT scans is presented. A procedure is described for storing the structural information obtained from the CT series and for organizing and displaying the data. Furthermore, it is shown how additional features such as standardized artery information taken from an atlas can be superimposed on the spatially reconstructed brain model. It is proposed that three-dimensional representations in the form of computed stereo pairs are quite suitable for morphological documentation of specific neuropsychological issues, such as the localization of aphasic syndromes.
Movement of Copper into a Rapidly Proliferating Organised System of Differentiating Cells
Authors: Iyengar Bhanu
Published: July 2008

The early chick blastoderm has been used as a rapidly proliferating organised system of differentiating cells. From the present study, it is noted that copper is transported into the blastoderm through the periblastodermal yolk globules. Over a large dose range the changes are identical, indicating that the yolk monitors the movement. Mordanting of haematoxylin and histochemical staining indicate that copper is bound to nucleic acids during transport. The changes produced by this trace metal appear to be a reflection of this binding. The possible role of this finding in neoplasia has been discussed.
Ultrastructural and Cytochemical Studies of Resorptive and Digestive Functions of Secretory Ameloblasts in Kitten Tooth Germs
Authors: Sasaki T.
Published: July 2008

Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies of kitten secretory ameloblasts were made in order to clarify their functions in the resorption and digestion of extracellular organic materials. The secretory ameloblast had triangular Tomes’ processes whose profile was divided into type 1 and type 2 faces. Type 1 face was associated with tubular structures, coated pits, coated vesicles, and irregularly shaped vesicles presumably representing phago-somes. Freeze-fracture replicas clearly showed the presence of large, particle-rich depressions and small depressions on the cell membrane P face in the type 1 face of the Tomes’ process. Exocytosis of secretory granules was seldom observed. In both thin sections and replicas, the type 2 face possessed cell membrane microinvaginations. From the supranuclear region to a zone near the Tomes’ process, many dense bodies, multivesicular bodies, and vacuoles were present; and many of them showed intense acid phosphatase reactions. Reaction products of acid phosphatase were demonstrated in the Golgi apparatus, GERL, and the lateral cell membrane. These results suggest that kitten secretory ameloblasts resorb and digest extracellular organic materials.
Pattern of Membranous and Chondral Bone Growth. A Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis in the Rabbit
Authors: Alberius Per
Published: July 2008

To elucidate longitudinal tubular bone growth patterns in relation to craniofacial development, nine 4-week-old male New Zealand white rabbits received tantalum implants in the calvarial bones and in the proximal and distal tibial epiphyses. The animals were examined by roentgen stereophotogrammetry. The rapid growth rate deceleration pertained to all growth regions studied, except the sagittal suture. A brief period of under-nutrition highlighted the parallel in growth rates between the frontonasal suture (associated to the facial skeleton) and the tibia. The neurocranial coronal suture exhibited a different growth pattern, presumably related to neural tissue expansion, which was also observed to rapidly react to nutritional deficiency. Tibial growth was found to sensitively reveal influences of somatic development. Hence, it might be used to optimize growth evaluations.
Mechanisms of Development of Prolactin-Induced Adenomyosis in Mice
Authors: Mori T. , Nagasawa H.
Published: July 2008

Ectopic (intrauterine and under the renal capsule) pituitary transplantation induced a high incidence of adenomyosis with subserous nodules in both SHN and SLN strains of mice. Early signs of the development were the invasion of stromal fibroblasts into the myometrium along the branches of blood vessels, followed by uterine gland invasion of the musculature to the serosa. Pituitary grafting did not modify the effects of carcinogens on the uterus. Mechanisms of the development of adenomyosis and hormonal milieu facilitating these pathological changes of the uterus are discussed.
Development of the Human Fetal Auditory Cortex: Growth of Afferent Fibres
Authors: Krmpotić-Nemanić Jelena , Kostović Ivica , Kelović Zlatko , Nemanić Đorđe , Mrzljak Ladislav
Published: July 2008

The sequential development and growth of the subcortico-cortical fibres have been studied by means of acetylcholinesterase (AChE; acetylcholine acetylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.7) histochemistry on the serial sections obtained from brains of human fetuses ranging from 10 to 28 weeks of gestation. It was found that thalamic and basal telencephalic fibres approaching the fetal auditory cortex have very strong AChE reactivity during a prolonged period of growth. In the youngest fetuses (10.5 weeks) a prominent fibre system was seen emerging from the ventroposterior thalamic territory while the auditory neopallium was free of AChE staining. In older fetuses (16–18 weeks) AChE-positive fibres originating in the ventroposterior thalamus and basal telencephalon penetrate the ‘subplate layer’ of the auditory cortex. On the basis of AChE reactivity of the ‘subplate layer’ the auditory cortex can be delineated from the surrounding neocortical areas. In the oldest fetuses (22–28 weeks) AChE-positive fibres of thalamic origin penetrate the developing cortical plate of the auditory cortex.
Morphology and Permeability of Junctional Complexes in Maturing Ameloblasts of Rat Incisors
Authors: Sasaki T. , Higashi S. , Tachihawa T. , Yoshiki S.
Published: July 2008

Thin sections of newborn rat incisors were examined by tracer experiments and freeze-fracture replication in order to clarify the morphology and permeability of ameloblast junctional complexes in the maturation stage. Ameloblast junctional complexes consisted of gaps and tight junctions at the proximal and distal ends. Whereas the proximal junctional complexes sealed extracellular spaces incompletely, the distal ones formed complete, belt-like barriers around the cell. Tight junctions of these junctional complexes, however, were composed of both continuous and discontinuous rows of particles with various spaces among them. Intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase (HRP) reached the enamel surface through the extracellular spaces among ameloblasts and was absorbed by ameloblasts of the ruffled borders. Pinocytosis and transcellular migration of HRP could not be demonstrated in maturing ameloblasts except in the ruffled border zone.
Nerve Sheaths in the Leptomeningeal Connective Tissue
Authors: Krahn V.
Published: July 2008

In 2 cats nerves of the spinal pia mater were studied by means of electron microscopy. These nerves possessed no perineurium. However, it has been observed that flat cells of the surrounding connective tissue can form an incomplete covering for small nerve bundles. In addition the perivascular nervous plexus of subarachnoid arteries of the brain stem, which were examined in 1 animal, also showed no perineural sheath. These results are discussed with those reported in the literature dealing with the perineurium of other peripheral nerves. The observations concerning the distribution and the composition of leptomeningeal nerves are in accordance with those obtained by light microscopic investigations.
Occurrence of APUD-Type Cells in the Ciliated Cyst of the Parathyroid Gland of Ozone-Exposed Dogs
Authors: Pemsingh R.S. , Atwal O.S.
Published: July 2008

Presence of APUD-type cells in the ciliated cysts of the parathyroid glands of ozonized dog is described in this report. These cells were present on the abluminal side of the cyst wall and contained secretory granules with dense core, homogeneous matrix and coated vesicles throughout the cytoplasm. Intermixed with the granules were sheaves of microfilaments which were mostly seen in the perinuclear area. The APUD cells formed hemidesmosomes with the basal lamina.
Elastica-Positive Material in the Atrial Endocardium
Authors: Klein Wolfgang , Böck Peter
Published: July 2008

The elastic layer of the endocardium is studied in various laboratory animals (mouse, rat, rabbit, cat, and dog) and in man. Coarse elastica-positive fibers form a tightly woven layer in the endocardium of the left atrium; the elastic layer consists of loosely arranged delicate fibers in the endocardium of the right atrium. Electron microscopy shows the elastic material to consist of homogeneous elastin (E) and of elastic fiber microfibrils (EFM). Elastic material in the endocardium of the left atrium is mainly formed of E with few EFM present. By contrast, the portion of EFM predominates that of E in elastic fibers from the right atrium, where some elastica-positive fibers even appear as pure bundles of microfibrils. This was also observed in human material obtained from aged individuals (8th decennium). It is concluded that EFM are not only progenitors of E but represent an independent fibrous component of the connective tissue.
Light and Electron Microscopy of Cells in Pig Colostrum, Milk and Involution Secretion
Authors: Lee C.S. , McCauley I. , Hartmann P.E.
Published: July 2008

Cells in pig colostrum, milk and involution secretion were identified using light and electron microscopy. Cell types identified were neutrophils, macrophages, epithelial cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes. The neutrophils predominated in colostrum and involution secretion, whereas in milk it was the epithelial cell. Macrophages and lymphocytes were present throughout lactation and so too were eosinophils which were always present in lower concentrations. Both neutrophils and macrophages were seen with phagocytic vacuoles containing either lipid, casein or cellular debris. The possible roles played by the phagocytic and lymphoid cells in the protection of the mammary gland of the sow and the gut of the neonate from pathogenic microorganisms is discussed.
Analysis of Vertebral Muscle Obtained during Surgery for Correction of a Lumbar Disc Disorder
Authors: Ford D. , Bagnall K.M. , McFadden K.D. , Greenhill B. , Raso J.
Published: July 2008

Biopsies of erector spinae (sacrospinalis) and multifidus muscles were taken, in a precise manner, adjacent to lumbar vertebra 5, from 18 patients aged 28–73, suffering from acute lumbar disc disorders. The respective muscle fiber characteristics were assessed histologically and histochemically using ATPase and NADH staining procedures. A ‘strength factor’ component was developed for each muscle by combining measurements of fiber area and fiber type, to introduce a functional indication of force. No obvious signs of muscle pathology were evident histologically or histochemically. While a large difference in muscle characteristics may exist on opposite sides of the vertebral column in individual subjects, these differences do not appear to be related to the side of the disc protrusion. It is therefore suggested that muscle obtained from patients suffering from disc protrusion can be used as representative of normal muscle.
Effects of Retinoic Acid on the Development of the Facial Skeleton in Hamsters: Early Changes Involving Cranial Neural Crest Cells
Authors: Wiley M.J. , Cauwenbergs P. , Taylor I.M.
Published: July 2008

Treatment of gravid hamsters with 60 mg/kg of retinoic acid on the 8th day of pregnancy resulted in facial skeletal defects in 100% of the survivors examined by alizarin staining at term. An investigation of the early stages in the development of these malformations indicated that the teratogen induced delayed and disorganized patterns of cranial neural crest cell migration as well as extensive death and damage of crest cells. The results demonstrate that retinoic acid provides a useful tool for studies in the pathogenesis of facial skeletal abnormalities in vivo. Moreover, the extensive defects seen in the teratogen-treated litters at term, together with the results of the microscopical analyses, support the hypothesis that cranial neural crest cells make an important contribution to the development of the mammalian facial skeleton.
Two Types of Oxytocin and Vasopressin Nerve Fibers in the Intra- and Extrahypothalamic Neuronal Systems as Revealed by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kawata Mitsuhiro , Ueda Shuichi , Sano Yutaka
Published: July 2008

The oxytocin and vasopressin nerve fibers in the intra- and extrahypothalamic neuronal systems of several mammalian brains are immunohistochemically demonstrated using a modified peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. The axonal processes of these peptidergic neurons are classified into thick and thin beaded fibers. Thick beaded fibers were preferentially distributed in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract and in some circum-ventricular organs, with termination on the blood vessels. Thin beaded fibers were found in various extrahypothalamic areas and these terminals were in the vicinity of the neuronal somata of such areas. This report suggests that there are at least two different functions concerning neurotransmission in the oxytocin and vasopressin neuronal system.
Cytochemical Studies Demonstrating the Effect of Monosodium Glutamate on RNA Concentration in Neurons in Mice
Authors: Dhindsa Kuldip S.
Published: July 2008

The effect of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the concentration of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the neurons of mice was studied, using the specific cytochemical stain, azure B bromide. The RNA-rich sites such as the nucleolus and the Nissl substances of large neurons showed a marked decrease in the concentration of RNA in the MSG-treated as compared to the control animals. Since RNA is believed to be the principal macromolecule involved in the learning and behavioral processes, previous reports have attributed learning and behavioral dysfunctions in MSG-treated animals to a significant decrease of the RNA concentration in these animals.
Atmungsabhängige Verschiebungen im Bereiche des Aortenbogens
Authors: Ebner Inge , Reimann Reinhold
Published: July 2008

The contents of the mediastinum take part in a different degree in its inspiratory longitudinal expansion: Heart, pulmonary root, and the bifurcation of the trachea – all of them connected with the diaphragm by pericardium or membrana bronchopericardiaca -move caudad proportional to the sinking of the diaphragm. Compared with the corona cordis the planum cardiacum moves further caudad according to its distance from the upper apertura thoracis. So the heart necessarily has to compensate for this difference by taking an upright position and by rotation to the right. The arcus aortae, however, fixed in the neck by its three main branches cannot perform such a proportional excursion. A significant distance of the left pulmonary root from the aortic arch is the result. At the same time a subaortal space, the ‘spatium subaortale mediastini’, unfolds into which a bulge of the pleura mediastinalis moves. This bulge is filled with tissue of the upper lobe of the left lung.
Microscopic Evaluation of the Sequential Degeneration and Repair of the Retinae of Albino Mice after High-Dose Laser Irradiation
Authors: Yew David T. , Liu H.C. , Chan Y.W. , Lam Spencer
Published: July 2008

After irradiation of the retinae of albino mice with a dose of 13 J, using a ruby pulse laser, the lesions were followed for a period of 60 days. Severe degenerations were observed in the outer layer 2–9 days after irradiation. By the 21st day after irradiation, the pigment epithelium started to regenerate and outer segments began to reform. Progressive recovery and repair were by and large completed by the 60th day after irradiation.
Fine Structure of the Epithelium of the Human Ejaculatory Duct
Authors: Cossu M. , Marcello M.F. , Usai E. , Testa Riva F. , Riva A.
Published: July 2008

Normal human ejaculatory ducts were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The lumen, which shows an irregular shape due to complex mucosal folds, is lined by a simple secretory epithelium. A strong cell polymorphism has been observed concerning cell height, nuclear shape, and amount of secretory organelles. Apart from small differences, the epithelium appears to be identical to that of the seminal vesicle and deferential ampulla. These observations demonstrate that the human ejaculatory duct is not only a passage for semen, but also contributes to its formation.
Is the Meniscus of the Knee Joint a Fibrocartilage?
Authors: Somer L. , Somer T.
Published: July 2008

A histological analysis of the structure of intact knee joint menisci was carried out in adult dogs. By means of specific histochemical methods for the connective tissue and cartilage, it was found that the meniscus as a whole does not have a unique structure. The anterior and posterior horns are populated by round chondroid cells encircled by abundant interstitial substance’and branched wavy connective fibers; blood vessels are present. The outer third of the meniscus is constituted of cross bundles of connective fibers, fibrocytes and spindle-like areas of loose connective tissue with blood vessels. The inner avascular two thirds of the meniscus are filled with parallel circumferentially oriented fascicles of connective fibers, ovally elongated chondroid cells, and a small quantity of chondroid interstitial substance. In some menisci, in the inner two thirds of the body, there are isles of typical cartilage, which show metachromasia of the beta type and rarely of the gamma type. The occurrence and way of the manifestation of cartilage are of an individual character. The structural duality of the knee meniscus is accounted for by its functional duality manifested in offering resistance to the forces of traction and pressure, the latter ones favoring the process of evolution of tissue from connective, through chondroid, to cartilaginous.
Über die Glandula infraorbitalis des Goldhamsters (Mesocricetus auratus Waterhouse 1838)
Authors: Kühnel Wolfgang
Published: July 2008

The infraorbital gland of golden hamsters has been investigated light and electron microscopically. The main results are as follows: (1) The infraorbital gland of golden hamsters is a tubuloacinar gland. Tubuli and acini are enclosed in a basal lamina with some myoepithelial cells. The cells contain secretory granules with a heteromorphic structure. (2) Like salivary glands, the infraorbital gland of the golden hamster has a prominent duct system. Intercalated ducts have a stratified cuboidal epithelium with secretory granules. The intercalated ducts continue into the striated ducts. Cells here show basal striation, which by electron microscopy is resolved as basal invaginations of the plasma membrane with numerous elongated mitochondria in the pockets of cytoplasm so formed. In the epithelium of the striated ducts are many secretory cells. (3) Interlobular ducts consist of a pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium. The epithelial cells also show basal infoldings of the basal plasmalemma.
Surface Features of Epithelium of the Seminal Vesicle in Young Adult and Old Guinea Pigs and after Castration
Authors: Wong Y.C.
Published: July 2008

The study involves an SEM examination of the guinea pig seminal vesicle in both normal and old animals and after orchiectomy. The mucosa showed complicated anastomosing folds. The surface cells were characterized by dense and long microvilli. The density of microvilli decreased in old animals. The lateral surfaces were relatively smooth with few ridges interlocking with the neighbouring cells. The irregular basal surface was covered by basal lamina richly endowed with fine collagenous fibres derived from the loose subepithelial stroma. After orchiectomy the mucosal folds were less prominant. The cells were shorter and with sparse and short microvilli while the subepithelial stroma became more condense. Rejection or degeneration of glandular cells were observed. This shows that the morphology of the luminal surfaces is related to age and stages of function and that castration results in a reduction of microvilli and causes degeneration of cells.
Retinal Photoreceptor Fine Structure in the Domestic Sheep
Authors: Braekevelt C.R.
Published: July 2008

The structure of the photoreceptors of the domestic sheep has been investigated by light and electron microscopy. In the sheep retina the photoreceptors are readily differentiated and adequately described by the classical terminology of rods and cones. Rods are more numerous then cones. They appear as tall slender cells measuring 45–50 µm in length and 2–3 µm in diameter with inner and outer segments of the same diameter. Rod nuclei are located at all levels of the outer nuclear layer. The rod synaptic ending is small and rounded with two to three invaginated (ribbon) synaptic sites. Cone cells are shorter than rods, measuring only 30–35 µm in total length. The cone inner segment is wider than the outer segment which tapers distally. Cone nuclei are located adjacent to the external limiting membrane and are more vesicular than rod nuclei. Cone synaptic endings are larger spherules with ten to twelve (ribbon) synaptic sites. Both rods and cones also display supperficial synaptic regions. An unusual form of apparent degeneration is noted in cone photoreceptors. This involves a disorganization and loss of the outer segment and a progressive distal movement of the nucleus through the inner segment towards the retinal epithelial layer. The structure and ratio of rods and cones remains similar in both the tapetal and nontapetal regions of the fundus.
Histological Demonstration of Capillaries, Interstitial Space and Muscle Fibers in Heart and Skeletal Muscle with Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Vetterlein F. , Schmidt G.
Published: July 2008

A method is described which allows a clear demonstration of capillaries and muscle fibers in the heart and skeletal muscle of experimental animals. The fluorescent dyes fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and lissamine rhodamine B 200 (RB 200) were conjugated with a protein of high (γ-globulin) and low (myoglobin) molecular weight, respectively, and were intravitally injected into the vascular system of rats. FITC globulin distributes itself in the intravasal space and RB 200 myoglobin in the extracellular. In histological sections the capillary lumina and the borderlines of the muscular fibers can be clearly identified and quantitatively evaluated because of the selective fluorescence in the respective structures.
Brain Weight of Danish Children
Authors: Voigt Jørgen , Pakkenberg Henning
Published: July 2008

Medico-legal data are presented on 995 child deaths, 361 girls and 634 boys aged 0–18 years, whose brains were weighed at the time of autopsy using a standardized weighing technique (the brains were weighed before fixation, immediately after entire removal; the medulla oblongata was divided in the foramen magnum). From the results it appears that the brain weights are greater than those reported in a previously published series. This may be ascribed to a higher degree of oedema and a shorter duration of illness, or an absence of illness; another explanation may be related to a difference in origin. It should be remembered that post-mortem brain weights exceed the ante-mortem weights by up to 9%. The greater part of brain growth is completed by the end of the 2nd year of life, and thereafter the brain weight in girls is on the average a little lower than that in boys. No significant differences in brain weights are found in the various groups of causes of death; the brain weights in the group of sudden, unexpected infant deaths especially do not deviate from those in the other groups.
Investigation of Articular Cartilage Surface Morphology with a Semiquantitative Scanning Electron Microscopic Method
Authors: Jurvelin J. , Kuusela Tarja , Heikkilä Riitta , Pelttari A. , Kiviranta I. , Tammi M. , Helminen H.J.
Published: July 2008

A semiquantitative scanning electron microscopic method for analysis of the articular cartilage surface morphology was developed. The method was based on a survey of large picture montages (ca. 70 × 100 cm) and classification of the cartilage surface changes at three levels. Computer technique was utilized in the analysis. The method ensured numerical expression and statistical treatment of the results. With this method we investigated the effects of physical exercise and immobilization on the articular cartilage of rabbit patella.
Distribution of Carboxylic Esterases in the Telencephalon and Diencephalon of a Microchiropteran Bat (Taphozous melanopogon Temminck)
Authors: Sood P.P. , Mohanakumar K.P.
Published: July 2008

The contribution deals with the histoenzymological makeup of telencephalon and diencephalon of a microchiropteran bat which is considered to have a primitive type of brain. Three esterases, namely acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholineesterase (BChE) and nonspecific esterase (NSE), have been studied. In comparison with other mammalian brains the telencephalon and diencephalon of the bat demonstrate a high concentration of enzyme, especially in the nucleus caudatus and putamen, stria medullaris and the nuclei of the thalamus. AChE concentration is higher in neurons, while BChE is seen in almost all fibrous areas of the telencephalon and diencephalon. NSE activity is prominent in neurons and neuropil of neocortex, thalamus and hypothalamus. All the above data indicate that the brain of echolocating microchiropteran bats is metabolically much more active than that of other mammals. This is specifically true of the auditory system which is considerably specialized in these animals; this is also confirmed by the present histoenzymological study.
Effects of Prenatal Gamma-Radiation on the Development of Mice and Its Modification by 2-Mercaptopropionylglycine
Authors: Dev P.K. , Pareek B.P. , Goyal P.K. , Mehta G. , Gupta S.M.
Published: July 2008

Pregnant Swiss albino mice were whole-body exposed to 250, 150 and 50 R gamma-radiation from 60Co in the presence or absence of 2-mercaptopropionylglycine during selective organogenesis and fetal growth periods (days 11.25 and 14.25, 16.25 and 18.25 after conception, respectively). Both the protected and nonprotected pregnant females of 11.25-day gestation showed complete resorption of embryos irradiated with 250 R. With 150 R, in absence of the drug, 11.25-day gestating females showed partial resorption (76.10%). The percentage of parturition improved in the drug-treated females. Nonprotected females irradiated with 50 R showed slight resorption, while drug-treated females had normal parturition. Females irradiated during the fetal growth period showed no resorption. Also, no significant alteration in litter size and sex ratio of the newborn animals was noticed when irradiated during this period, both in the control and the experimental groups. Mortality of the young was higher in nonprotected animals as compared to the protected ones.
Adaptation of the Endocrine Tissue of Rat Pancreas after Partial Pancreatectomy – A Morphometric Study
Authors: Prado Maria Luisa M. , Cruz Andre R.
Published: July 2008

The changes occurrring in the endocrine pancreas of the rat after partial pancreatectomy were studied morphometrically. Pancreatic adaptation to the functional deprivation of 75% of the endocrine tissue is characterized by a hyperplastic process with increased cell numbers and increased size and volume of the islets.
Association of Mitochondria with the Plasma Membrane of the Acinar Cells of Actively Secreting and Nonsecreting Rat Lacrimal and Parotid Glands
Authors: Sampson Wayne , Montalvo Ana Maria
Published: July 2008

The distance between mitochondria and the nearest plasma membrane was measured in actively secreting and nonsecreting exocrine glands in order to determine the effect of the secretory mechanism upon mitochondrial distribution. The greatest accumulation of mitochondria was at 0.6 µm from the plasma membrane. No difference was noted in mitochondrial distribution of actively secreting, untreated and atropine-treated animals. There was also no difference in mitochondrial distribution of lacrimal and parotid acinar cells. The possible physiological significance of this observation is discussed.
Structural Alterations and Changes in the Distribution of Markers in Transected Skeletal Muscle Fibers of the Guinea Pig
Authors: Echeverría Olga M. , Vázquez-Nin Gerardo H. , Ninomiya Jesús G.
Published: July 2008

The structural alterations produced by transection in striated fibers of cremaster muscle are studied with light and electron microscopes. Diffusion of procion yellow and procion black, which are extracellular space markers, is observed after incubating the transected fibers in the presence or in the absence of Ca++ for 1 h. Cytoplasm at the injured end is always separated from the extracellular space by the sarcolemmal membrane. No outflow of cytoplasmic structures can be seen with light or electron microscopes. The zone of muscle fiber adjacent to the transection is generally dilated. It is occupied by a meshwork of 7-nm-thick filaments. No normal myofibrils are present. The diffusion of procion markers comes to an end within 1 h after the lesion if the fiber is incubated in normal Krebs’ solution. In this period of time they penetrate 250–350 µm inside the fibers. When the transected fibers are incubated in a Ca++ -free solution, procion dyes penetrate about 1 mm. This distance increases in the following 3 h. Diaphragm muscle fibers are used as controls. In these fibers the free penetration of the markers by the injured end is not impeded by Ca++ . These results are in accordance with the calcium-dependent recuperation of the membrane potential 1 h after the transection in cremaster muscle fibers, and with the absence of this recuperation in the diaphragm. It is proposed that the closure of the sarcolemmal membrane creates the diffusion barrier blocking the penetration of markers and ions, allowing the recuperation of membrane potential.
Some Observations on the Nature of Neural Intranuclear Inclusions (Roncoroni Bodies)
Authors: Penner Abraham
Published: July 2008

In experimental jejunal obstruction produced in cats, the neurones of the intermediate gray column of the cord showed bilateral intranuclear inclusions. They were also seen when hypertrophy and hyperplasia, produced in various elements of the bowel wall, were prevented by large doses of atropine. The latter observation implied that the afferent autonomic nerve supply is involved in the production of these unusual structures. The inclusion bodies were extremely rare or absent in control animals. In order to see whether these bodies occurred by chance even though they are regularly produced in the above-mentioned area, an effort was made to see whether they would appear unilaterally following stimulation of a unilateral afferent nerve. This was done by ligation and severance of the right common carotid artery below its bifurcation with or without severing its accompanying vagal trunk. Removal of the pulsatile blood supply to the carotid sinus and carotid body has long been known to produce afferent action potentials in the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. Within 6 h many neurones in the middle half of the ipsilateral nucleus of the tractus solitarius showed the inclusions. The cephalic end of this nucleus showed no inclusions. At the level of the obex the inclusions were present bilaterally. The inclusions also appeared in numerous other areas of the brain, brain stem and cervical cord in bilateral fashion. They were found in neurones of the neurohyphysis as well as in the cingulate gyrus. Their widespread but focal distribution corresponds to numerous areas of the cord and brain in which physiologists have produced striking effects with electric probing and stimulation. The inclusion bodies are at present conceived as representing the neuronal nuclear response to an afferent stimulus which causes an increase in the metabolic activity controlled by the nucleus.
Freeze-Fracture Surface of Salivary Glands of Rat Observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Espinal E.G. , Ubios A.M. , Cabrini R.L.
Published: July 2008

The structure of parenchymal components of rat submandibular glands observed with scanning electron microscopy is presented. The glands were fixed, submerged in liquid nitrogen, cryofractured, dehydrated and critical-point-dried. The fracture surface displayed the acini, granular ducts and striated ducts. Acini exhibit a typical sponge-like pattern of irregular and empty cavities. Granular ducts are lined by bulging cells laden with numerous secretory granules. Their diameter ranged from 0.2 to 3.2 μm, with a mean value of 1.240.4 μm. Measurement of the actual granules was rendered possible by direct observation. Striated ducts exhibited a cribiform pattern near the basal cell region which corresponds to infoldings of the basal cell membrane.
Influence of 25-OHD3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 on Bone Growth and Remodelling in the Rat
Authors: Thorngren K.-G. , Johnell O. , Hansson L.I.
Published: July 2008

To study the in vivo effects on bone formation in standardized bone growth and remodelling systems, a moderate supplement of vitamin D metabolites was given adolescent rats on a standard diet. Comparison with other hormones previously shown to stimulate the bone formation in these systems is thereby facilitated. Female rats (10 animals per group) were given one daily subcutaneous injection of 1.5 µg/ kg 25-OHD3 or 0.04 µg/kg 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 20 days (75–94 days of age). Controls were given 0.5 ml solvent. Tetracycline was used as intravital marker to determine the longitudinal bone growth of proximal tibia as well as the apposition and resorption of cortical bone in the femur diaphysis. The osteoclasts were counted in the metaphysis and diaphysis of the ribs. Vitamin 1,25-(OH)2D3 resulted in retardation (p$0.05) of the accumulated longitudinal bone growth. A similar but insignificant tendency was found for 25-OHD3. The body weight and the periosteal and endosteal bone formation at various levels along the femoral shaft were unchanged compared to the controls. The total cortical width was somewhat lower in the distal femur for 1,25-(OH)2D3. In the proximal femur 25-OHD3 resulted in a somewhat thicker cortical bone. Most levels along the femur, however, showed no differences. The osteoclast count showed an increased number (p $ 0.05) in the cortex of the rib in the rats given 1,25-(OH)2D3. Compared to growth hormone, which is the major bone growth stimulating agent, the influences on bone formation of the vitamin D metabolites were minor and predominantly negative.
Ultrastructural Detection of the Onset of Pituitary Thyrotroph Sensitivity to Lowered Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in the Fetal Sheep
Authors: Perry R.A. , McIntosh G.H. , Robinson P.M.
Published: July 2008

The goitrogen methylthiouracil was administered orally to pregnant ewes of known gestational ages to induce hypothyroidism in both mother and fetus. Developing pituitary thyrotrophic cells were studied using electron microscopy to detect the earliest gestational age at which morphological changes occurred in response to lowered plasma thyroid hormone concentrations. At 50 days of gestation, the pituitaries of fetuses exposed to the goitrogen were indistinguishable from untreated control glands. However, at 58 days and subsequent ages, ‘thyroidectomy’ cells were observed in pituitaries of all hypothyroid fetuses. These findings indicate that fetal sheep pituitary thyrotrophs are sensitive to lowered thyroid hormone concentrations by 58 days of gestation, suggesting that thyroid-thyrotroph interaction exists at this early stage of development.
A Comparison of Vertebral Muscle Fiber Characteristics between Human and Monkey Tissue
Authors: Bagnall K.M. , Ford D.M. , McFadden K.D. , Greenhill B.J. , Raso V.J.
Published: July 2008

A comparison has been made of the vertebral muscle fiber characteristics between human and rhesus monkey. The main purpose of the experiment was to asses the value of the monkey as an animal model for the study of idiopathic scoliosis involving vertebral muscle influence. Vertebral muscle samples were collected from both clearly defined superficial and deep sites on both sides of the column in the midlumbar region. The material was subjected to routine histological and histochemical techniques. The results show considerable similarities between the deep muscle samples of the two species, but the superficial muscles are significantly different on most of the measurements made.
Localization of Acetylcholinesterase in Autonomic Nerves of the Rat Anococcygeus Muscle
Authors: Iijima Tadahiko
Published: July 2008

Using the histochemical method by Karnovsky and Roots, localization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity has been examined in the autonomic nerves of the rat anococcygeus muscle. The SPG fluorescence method for adrenergic nerves was also employed. By light microscopy the anococcygeus muscle received a much scarcer innervation of lightly stained fibres displaying the AChE reaction than it did of adrenergic fibres. At the ultrastructural level, occasional axons of both adrenergic and non-adrenergic categories were faintly stained for the AChE reaction after 5–15 min incubation and moderately stained after 30–60 min incubation at O°C. The present findings support the previous colorimetric data reported on the presence of AChE activity in the muscle. However, the typical cholinergic axons observed at the ultrastructural level did not show a heavy enough AChE activity to suggest their cholinergic nature.
Os Penis of the Rat. IV.
Authors: Vilmann Anders , Vilmann Henning
Published: July 2008

Histomorphological and histochemical aspects of the proximal cartilage of os penis and its surrounding perichondrium in 60 rats aged between 1 and 100 days are described. Comparisons at 11–14 days with the mandibular condylar cartilage reveal a slight difference in their general morphological composition. The developmental changes which take place in the os penis cartilage reveal histomorphologic events, some of which may be brought into agreement with previous observations of patterns of transformations of the bone. Observations on an age-dependent morphological appearance of the area adjacent to the proximal surface of the cartilage suggest certain agreements between the mandibular angular cartilage and the os penis cartilage. The study of phosphomonoesterases in the os penis cartilage and its perichondrium reveals significant, unexplained differences in the distribution of alkaline phosphatase between this cartilage and the mandibular condylar cartilage.
The Circumferential Length of the Internal Elastic Membrane Measured by Computer Digitizer Morphometry, and Its Relation to in vivo Aorta Diameter
Authors: Svendsen E. , Tindall A.R.
Published: July 2008

The circumference of the internal elastic membrane of rabbit aorta has been measured by means of computer digitizer morphometry. Measurements were made on sections cut at 90° to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. These measurements were compared with calculated values of a luminal circumference based on in vivo measurements of the external diameter and vessel wall thickness measured on the sections prepared. It is found that the lengths of the internal elastic membranes measured are significantly greater than the calculated values. Thus the internal elastic membranes must be thrown into folds in vivo. The possible function of the folds is considered.
A Quantitative Study of the Position of the Golgi Apparatus in the Developing Chick Myocardium. Effects of Colchicine Administration
Authors: Icardo J.M. , Ojeda J.L. , Hurle J.M.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents a quantitative study of the position of the Golgi apparatus in the developing chick myocardium between stages 8+ and 13+ . In addition we have studied the effects of colchicine on the position and structure of the Golgi apparatus. During the formation of the heart tube and loop the position of the Golgi apparatus in the myocytes situated in the vicinity of the dorsal mesocardium is related to that found in the cells of the precardiac mesoderm, but it is completely different from that found in the bulk of myocytes of the heart tube and loop. The position of the Golgi apparatus in both pre- and myocardial cells shows clear significative patterns of polarity. The possible significance of the Golgi apparatus polarity is discussed. After colchicine treatment microtubules disappear, the Golgi apparatus loses its polarization and vacuoles filled with amorphous material and/or collagen fibrils are observed. A possible role of the microtubular system in the maintenance of the structure and polarity of the Golgi apparatus and in the intracytoplasmic transport of the cardiac jelly materials is proposed.
Pineal Complex of Rats: Effects of Superficial Pinealectomy on the Deep Pineal
Authors: Heidbüchel U. , Vollrath L.
Published: July 2008

Previous studies have shown that in rodents the pineal complex may consist of two parts, i.e. the small deep pineal and the large superficial pineal. As commonly used techniques of pinealectomy remove the superficial pineal only, it was decided to examine what effect this operation has on the deep pineal in male Sprague-Dawley rats. 3 and 6 weeks after superficial pinealectomy, the deep pineal exhibited a clear decrease in volume, due to an atrophy of the intrinsic pinealocytes. An atrophy was still noticeable after 6 or 12 months. It is concluded that after superficial pinealectomy the deep pineal is not an important factor with respect to melatonin formation, in particular, as there are extrapineal sites of melatonin formation.