bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localization of 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐like immunoreactive cells and nerve fibers in the rat female reproductive system
Authors: Amenta F. , Vega J. A. , Ricci A. , Collier W. L.
Published: February 2005

The presence of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)‐like immunoreactivity (IR) was studied in the rat female reproductive system using polyclonal antibodies directed against 5‐HT. Moreover, 5‐HT levels in the ovary, Oviduct, uterus, and cervix were measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The highest 5‐HT concentrations were found in the oviduct, followed in descending order by the cervix, the ovary, and the uterus. Most 5‐HT‐like IR was observed in the cytoplasm of mast cells. These cells were found in the connective tissue around the fimbria, in the oviduct, in the uterus, and in the ovary. Mast cells are clustered in the proximity of the parenchymal blood vessels. Moreover, a few 5‐HT‐like nerve fibers were found distributed mainly perivascularily in the uterine cervix and in the uterine horns as well as in the oviduct. IR nerve fibers were rarely seen within the ovary. The present data provide direct evidence that 5‐HT in the female reproductive system not only is associated with mast cells but is located in nerve fibre‐like structures as well. The functional significance of this probable 5‐HT‐ergic innervation of the female reproductive tract discovered in the present study should be clarified in future investigations. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stratificational relationship among the main nerves from the dorsal division of the sacral plexus and the innervation of the piriformis
Authors: Akita Keiichi , Sakamoto Hirokazu , Sato Tatsuo
Published: February 2005

In order to comprehend more completely the morphology of the nerves to the piriformis, it is necessary to obtain a detailed understanding of the relationship of the origin and the course of these nerves from the dorsal division of the sacral plexus, with reference to the superior and inferior gluteal nerves. Twelve of seven human pelvic halves were carefully dissected in order to examine the origins of the nerves from the dorsal division of the sacral plexus. Six of these pelvic halves were further dissected under a stereomicroscope to examine the nerves to the piriformis.

The origin of the superior gluteal nerve was more proximal and dorsal in the sacral plexus than that of the inferior gluteal nerve.

The superior gluteal nerve consisted of a thick cranial part and a thin caudal part; the former continued as the inferior branch of the nerve, and the latter, the superior branch. The cranial and caudal parts crossed before reaching the glutei medius and minimus.

The nerves to the piriformis arose from three main nerves from the dorsal division of the sacral plexus: (1) the caudalmost root of the superior gluteal nerve, (2) the caudal roots of the inferior gluteal nerve and (3) the common peroneal nerve. Considering the stratificational relationship among the main nerves from the dorsal division of the sacral plexus, the piriformis appears to be composed of parts from different muscle layers. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capillaries measured in canine diaphragm by two methods
Authors: Reid Michael B. , Parsons Dora Beth , Giddings Catherine J. , Gonyea William J. , Johnson Robert L.
Published: February 2005

We have measured capillary distribution in costal and crural canine diaphragm using two methods: histochemical processing and perfusion fixation. Each of 18 dogs was deeply anesthetized, the abdomen opened, and the left inferior phrenic artery cannulated. The animal was heparinized and overdosed with pentobarbital. The right hemidiaphragm was frozen, either postexcision (Protocol 1) or intact with no preload (Protocol 2), for histochemical processing. The left hemidiaphragm was fixed by perfusion in situ using 2% glutaraldehyde, either with preload (Protocol 1) or without (Protocol 2). Costal and crural regions of each hemidiaphragm were sampled for analysis. Frozen samples were sectioned and processed for acid‐stable (pH 4.0) ATpase activity; perfusion‐fixed samples were postifixed, stained, embedded in Epon, and sectioned. Measurements were made using a digital imaging system. We found that muscle fibers had smaller cross‐sectional areas in costal than in crural diaphragm; capillary‐to‐fiber ratio (C:F) did not differ by region and regional differences in capillary density could be attributed to differences in fiber size. Results depended critically on methodology. In perfusion‐fixed muscle, fiber area was less, C:F was greater, and capillary density was greater than in histochemically‐processed tissue. We conclude that capillary distribution is similar in costal vs. crural diaphragm and that perfusion fixation identifies capillaries more effectively than histochemistry. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphogenetic and functional activity of type II cells in early fetal rhesus monkey lungs
Authors: Ten Have‐Opbroek Ank A. W. , Plopper Charles G.
Published: February 2005

To evaluate further the role of type II alveolar epithelial cells in primate lung development, lungs of fetal (46 to 155 days gestational age [DGA]), postnatal, and adult rhesus monkeys were investigated with antibodies against surfactant protein A (SP‐A), Alcian blue (AB) staining, and periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining with/without alpha‐amylase pre‐treatment.

In adult and postnatal lungs, type II cells (cuboid shape; large, roundish nucleus) displayed a unique cytoplasmic staining for SP‐A. In prenatal lungs, a low‐columnar to cuboid type of cell with a large, roundish nucleus was first detectable by 62 DGA. It was the only cell type to line the distalmost tubules or buds of the prospective respiratory tract. It exhibited (initially partial) cytoplasmic staining for SP‐A. AB and PAS stainings showed the presence of acid glycoconjugates and large apical and/or basal glycogen fields. After 95 DGA, the lining of the distal respiratory tract additionally displayed flatter cells with immunoreactivity for SP‐A and non‐reactive zones. Columnar epithelium (pseudostratified or simple) never stained for SP‐A.

We conclude that morphologically identifiable type II cells first appear in fetal rhesus monkey lungs by 62 DGA (pseudoglandular period). The cells may already synthesize surfactant and extracellular matrix components. They generate type I cells, and thus the entire pulmonary acinus lining. These conclusions for the rhesus monkey fully agree with our earlier conclusions for another primate, the human, and for rodents. However, as presently shown, primates differ greatly from rodents with respect to the timing of type II cell differentiation (at 29–38% versus 73–75% of gestation or at 22–25% versus 48–49% of prenatal lung development). © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of the vestibular and auditory system of the northern native cat, Dasyurus hallucatus
Authors: Gemmell R. T. , Nelson J.
Published: February 2005

The developing vestibular and auditory system of the native cat Dasyurus hallucatus was examined from birth to day 55 postpartum to determine when the six sensory regions had an adult structure. The utricle, a sensory epithelium with an overlying discrete population of otoliths, was present in the newborn native cat. The saccule, which has a similar structure to the utricle, and the three crista ampullaris of the semicircular canals, were present by day 21 postpartum. The organ of Corti was formed by day 50 and the external ear duct was patent by day 55 postpartum. Hair is first seen on the native cat by day 45 when the young first leave the pouch. They are left in the nest and travel on the back of the lactating mother until about day 80. The eyes open on approximately day 75. Thus, the native cat has fully functional visual, auditory, and vestibular systems when the juvenile leaves the nest. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fibroblast‐mediated collagen gel contraction does not require fibronectin‐α5β1 integrin interaction
Authors: Tomasek James J. , Akiyama Steven K.
Published: February 2005

Fibroblasts cultured within free‐floating collagen gels can bind to and reorganize the surrounding collagen fibrils into a more dense and compact arrangement. Collagen gel contraction provides an in vitro model for studying fibroblast‐collagen interactions important in wound healing, fibrosis, scar contraction, and connective tissue morphogenesis. We have assessed the role of fibronectin and its interaction with the α5β1 “high affinity” fibronectin‐specific integrin receptor in collagen gel contraction. A variety of agents, which specifically inhibit fibronectin‐α5β1 interactions, were tested for their abilities to inhibit fibroblast‐mediated collagen gel contraction. These included anti‐α5β1 monoclonal antibodies, the synthetic peptide GRGDSP, the cell adhesive fragment of fibronectin, and an antibody against the cell adhesive region of fibronectin. None of these agents inhibited collagen gel contraction. Therefore, it is concluded that fibronectin‐α5β1 interactions are not necessary for collagen gel contraction. However, collagen gel contraction is dependent on a member or members of the β1 subfamily of integrin matrix receptors. A polyclonal antiserum and a monoclonal antibody, both directed against the β1 subunit of integrin matrix receptors, inhibited the spreading of fibroblasts in the collagen gel and inhibited collagen gel contraction. This study demonstrates that fibroblast‐mediated collagen gel contraction is independent of fibronectin‐α5β1 interactions but dependent on an interaction of β1 integrin matrix receptors with collagen fibers.© Willey‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo monastral blue‐induced lamellar‐bodies in lysosomes of pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) of bovine lung: Implications of the surface coat
Authors: Atwal Onkar S. , Minhas Kanwal J. , Gill Baljit S. , Sandhu Prahlad S.
Published: February 2005

We previously reported that the pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs) of sheep, goat, and calf lung contained a heparin and a lipolytic lipase sensitive surface coat by using tannic acid as a component of paraformaldehyde‐glutaraldehyde‐based fixative. The implication of this sensitivity was that the surface coat was predominantly comprised of lipoprotein‐like substance. In this study we report that monastral blue (MB) used as a vascular tracer interacted with the coat globules and lost its original particulate appearance. Its precise localization in the PIMs was in combination with altered macromolecules of the surface coat in the form of lipid droplets, which conformed to the conventional view of neutral lipids. In contrast, pigment particles examined in their native state resembled metalic particles as electron‐dense eliptical rods. The lipid droplets were subsequently internalized through endocytic route and found their access into the lysosomal compartments of PIMs at the electron microscopic level. Lamellar bodies (LLBs) arose from the lysosomal matrix after the entry of lipid droplets in the secondary lysosomes. Acid phosphatase activity was located in secondary lysosomes as well as in endosomes. These observations suggest that coat granules of the PIMs acted as a carrier of exogenous MB particles to deliver the complex to the lysosomal compartment where partial digestion lead to the formation of lamellar bodies. The implications of MB (cationic dye) as a vascular tracer for studying phagocytic index of PIMs in the light of their coat and the rapid development of LLBs are discussed. It is proposed that MB by initially combining with the surface coat provokes mobilization of intracellular lipid pools. In this way metabolism of vasoactive lipid in the PIMs is stimulated to influence the dynamics of pulmonary circulation in the calves.© Willey‐Liss, Inc.
Keratin and vimentin distribution patterns in the epithelial structures of the cannie anal region
Authors: Vos J. H. , van den Ingh T. S. G. A. M. , Ramaekers F. C. S. , De Neijs M. , van Mil F. N. , Ivanyi D.
Published: February 2005

The intermediate filament labeling pattern of the epithelial structures of the canine anal region was studied with different polypeptide specific keratin monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) and with a monoclonal and polyclonal vimentin antibody. The epithelial structures in this region could be discriminated and characterized by differences in their keratin staining pattern. The basal cells in the different epithelial structures showed a similar staining pattern characterized by reactivity with MoAbs staining keratins 5, 8, 14, and 17. Columnar epithelial cells showed a completely different phenotype mostly characterized by reactivity with MoAbs staining keratins 7, 5, 8, 18, and 19. A restricted number of differentiated perianal gland cells showed perinuclear vimentin staining. Myoepithelial cells did not stain for vimentin, but, as other basal cells, were positive for MoAbs staining keratins 5, 8, 14, and 17.© Willey‐Liss, Inc.
Localization of extracellular matrix components in developing mouse salivary glands by confocal microscopy
Authors: Hardman Patricia , Spooner Brian S.
Published: February 2005

The importance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in epithelial‐mesenchymal interactions in developing organisms is well established. Proteoglycans and interstitial collagens are required for the growth, morphogenesis, and differentiation of epithelial organs and the distribution of these molecules has been described. However, much less is known about other ECM macromolecules in developing epithelial organs. We used confocal microscopy to examine the distribution of laminin, heparan sulfate (BM‐1) proteoglycan, fibronectin, and collagen types I, IV, and V, in mouse embryonic salivary glands. Organ rudiments were isolated from gestational day 13 mouse embryos and cultured for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Whole mounts were stained by indirect immunofluorescence and then examined using a Zeiss Laser Scan Microscope. We found that each ECM component examined had a distinct distribution and that the distribution of some molecules varied with culture time. Laminin was mainly restricted to the basement membrane. BM‐1 proteoglycan was concentrated in the basement membrane and also formed a fine network throughout the mesenchyme. Type IV collagen was mainly located in the basement membrane of the epithelium, but it was also present throughout the mesenchyme. Type V collagen was distributed throughout the mesenchyme at 24 hours, but at 48 hours was principally located in the basement membrane. Type I collagen was distributed throughout the mesenchyme at all culture times, and accumulated in the clefts and particularly at the epithelial‐mesenchymal in terface as time in culture increased. Fibronectin was observed throughout the mesenchyme at all times.© Willey‐Liss, Inc.
Changes of cytochemical properties in the Golgi apparatus during in vivo differentation of the ameloblast in developing rat molar tooth germs
Authors: Matsuo Saburou , Ichikawa Hiroyuki , Wakisaka Satoshi , Akai Michio
Published: February 2005

The cytochemical changes of the Golgi stacks occurring concomitantly with cell differentiation were examined in ameloblasts of developing rat molar tooth germs using osmium impregnation and cytochemistry with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase (NADPase), thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase), and acid phosphatase (Acpase). NADPase, TPPase, and Acpase activites were already present in the Golgi stacks of the inner enamel epithelial cells, the undifferentiated form of the ameloblast: NADPase activity existed in the medial Golgi cisternae, TPPase activity in the trans Golgi cisternae, and Acpase activity in almost all cisternae and strongly in the trans‐most cisterna of the Golgi stack. At this stage, however, osmium deposits after impregnation were not observed in the cisterna of Golgi stacks but were present in some small vesicles. These vesicles were located throughout the cytoplasm. Osmiophilic cisternae in the Golgi stacks were apparent for the first time at the stage when the Golgi apparatus developed and migrated to the region distal to the nucleus with the progression of cell differentiation. These findings indicate that the cis subcompartment of the Golgi apparatus was incomplete in the inner enamel epithelial cells with regard to appearance of its cytochemical property, as compared with the medial and trans subcom partments. It is suggested that the cis compartment of the Golgi stack may be completed only in the last stage of the compartmentalized Golgi organization during differentiation of the ameloblast.© Willey‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical demonstration of melatonin in the female mink harderian gland
Authors: Meusy‐Dessolle Nicole , Tillet Y.
Published: February 2005

In the Harderian gland of the female mink, either intact or killed after a bilateral ablation of the cervical superior ganglion, almost all of the cells of the alveoli were immunolabelled with anti‐melatonin antiserum. Animals were killed during the day or during the night. The immunolabelling was observed only in the cytoplasm, while the nucleus remained unstained. Using successive dilutions of the antiserum on serial sections of the Harderian gland to qualitate the melatonin content, a circadian rhythm of melatonin immunoreactivity was observed. The intensity of immunofluorescence labelling was higher in intact animals killed during the day than in those killed during the night. These results could be explained by the inhibitory or stimulatory influence of pineal melatonin released during the night on melatonin synthesis or release in the Harderian gland, respectively. In the Harderian gland of ganglionectomized animals, the intensity of melatonin immunofluorescence was lower than in intact animals killed during the day. It is concluded that the Harderian gland might be involved in the perception of the day/night cycle and that melatonin synthesis/secretion was likely controlled by the cervical superior ganglion in this organ.© Willey‐Liss, Inc.
Immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization evidence for the coexistence of GABA and tyrosine hydroxylase in the rat locus ceruieus
Authors: Iijima Koichi , Sato Mitsuru , Kojima Naosuke , Ohtomo Kazuo
Published: February 2005

We have demonstrated the coexistence of GABA‐like and tyrosine hydroxylase‐like immunoreactivities (GABA‐LI and TH‐LI, respectively) in the same neurons of the rat locus ceruleus (LC). The profiles of these cells were labeled by alternately immunostaining adjacent sections for GABA‐LI or TH‐LI by the avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex method or the peroxidase‐anti‐peroxidase method after perfusion (either Zamboni's fixative or PPG), and observation at light and electron microscopic levels. For light microscopy, pairs of adjacent sections of more than 590 (Zamboni's) and 260 (PPG), and for electron microscopy, 40 ultrathin sections cut from adjacent semithin plastic sections (Zamboni's), were examined. GABA‐LI was found in 80% (1,309/1,642 in total) of small and medium‐sized neurons, uniformly scattered throughout the LC. Observations unequivocally show that the majority of GABA‐ergic neurons are also noradrenergic. Several neurons are neither noradrenergic nor GABA‐ergic, while other noradrenergic neurons do not show GABA‐LI. It is shown that astrocytes, but not oligodendrocytes, contain GABA. In situ hybridization using a probe DNA fragment of the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) cDNA, amplified by the polymerase chain reaction, detected GAD mRNA signals in many neurons throughout the LC, supporting the presence of a GAD/GABA system in the LC. Multiple “classical” transmitters, including GABA, serotonin, and noradrenaline, coexist in many LC neurons and may contribute to its widely diverging projections throughout the entire CNS.© Willey‐Liss, Inc.
Fate of odontoblasts and blood capillaries in the incisal region of the rat incisor pulp
Authors: Tabata Shoji , Wada Kaoru , Semba Teruhiko
Published: February 2005

Transmission electron microscopy of thin sections of the rat incisor pulp revealed that in the middle region of the incisor there were fenestrated capillaries in the “predentinal plexus” and that this region contained the tallest odontoblasts. The odontoblasts gradually became shortened in the incisal part of this region: the fenestrated capillaries in the predentinal plexus changed to continuous type capillaries. Almost all the odontoblasts had degenerated near the incisal end of the tooth. The predentinal plexus disappeared in this region, but the “subodontoblastic capillary plexus” persisted. In a specific region just beneath the worn incisal end, numerous macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils appeared and scavenged the degenerating cells, possibly including the odontoblasts. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modultion of the Golgi apparatus in stimulated and nonstimulated prolactin cells of female rats
Authors: Rambourg A. , Clermont Y. , Chrétien M. , Olivier L.
Published: February 2005

The three‐dimensional structure of the Golgi apparatus and its compartments in prolactin cells has been examined in lactating rats in which secretion of prolactin was suppressed by removing the litter or stimulated by allowing the pups to suckle again. As soon as 2 hr after removal of the litter, large irregular progranules and numerous large pale vesicles accumulated in the trans‐Golgi area together with vesicular or tubular fragments. The cis‐tubular network was no longer recognizable on the cis‐face of the Golgi ribbon; the saccules of the midcompartment were partitined by narrow fissures and also became perforated in register by numerous fenestrations of various sizes and irregular contours. The concomitant appearance of numerous vesicles in the cavities thus formed as well as in the surrounding cytoplasm indicated that they probably arose by the progressive cavitation and fragmentation of saccules of the mid compartment. Such a process, which reached a maximum between 4 and 6 hr after removal of the litter from the mother, was no longer observed at 8 and 12 hr, at which time intervals the Golgi apparatus was reduced in size with no cis‐tubular elements and progranules on its trans‐aspect and few vesicles in its surroundings. When mothers, separated from their litters for a period of 12 hr, were returned to their pups for 20 min, the cis‐tubular network reappeared on the cis‐aspect of the Golgi stacks and presumably formed by fusion of vesicles and anastomosed tubules located next to the cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, the structure of the midsaccules returned to the stimulated condition, and early progranules were again segregated within the trans‐most saccules of the Golgi stack. Hence, the Golgi apparatus of prolactin cells was rapidly and deeply modified in the presence or absence of stimulation. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transport of casein submicelles and formation of secretion granules in the golgi apparatus of epithelial cells of the lactating mammary gland of the rat
Authors: Clermont Y. , Xia L. , Rambourg A. , Turner J. D. , Hermo L.
Published: February 2005

Lactating mammary glands fixed by perfusion with 5% glutaraldehyde subsequently were postfixed with potassium ferrocyanide reduced osmium or were treated with tannic acid. Stained thin sections were examined with the electron microscope and stereopairs were prepared. The distribution of casein submicelles was analyzed in the various components of the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi stacks were composed of five or six elements, all of which contained casein submicelles 20 nm in diameter. The cis‐tubular network or cis‐element, as well as the underlying three or four midsaccules, showed these casein submicelles either attached to their membrane or free in the lumen. The trans‐most element of the stacks formed distended prosecretory granules in which both isolated or clustered casein submicelles were suspended in an electron‐lucent fluid. These micellar aggregates increased in size and became progressively more compact to form spherical dense bodies or casein micelles, in which the individual 20 nm particles could easily be resolved. Casein micelles were seen in secretory granules in addition to a wispy material of low density. The numerous small spherical vesicles (80 nm or larger) seen on the cis, lateral, or trans aspects of the stacks did not appear to contain free casein submicelles. This raises questions regarding the role of these vesicles in the transport of casein macromolecules through the Golgi stacks. It was noticeable that in this Golgi apparatus a trans‐Golgi network was limited to a few small residual tubules free from casein submicelles. It thus appears that the greater part of the trans‐most Golgi element gives rise to the large prosecretory granules. After leaving the Golgi region and prior to exocytosis, the secretory granules often fuse to form larger granules before exocytosis. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scanning electron microscopic observations of human fetal kidney maturing in vivo and in serum‐free organ culture
Authors: Brièare Normand , Magny Pierre
Published: February 2005

A serum‐free model has been developed in our laboratory enabling us to maintain human fetal kidney in culture for periods of 5 days or more. In this totally defined system, morphological integrity of these explants was shown to be preserved at both the light and the electron microscopic levels. The present work was undertaken to validate our culture model via scanning electron microscopy, a technique allowing surface observation of micromorphological features overlooked by conventional microscopy. In uncultured kidney, different developmental stages of nephron formation were identified. A sparse population of short microvilli was present on most cell apical membranes. Cell outlines were polygonal and demarcated by longer and densely packed microvilli. In proximal tubules, these microvilli were in the process of forming a brush border. In the majority of cells, one or two cilia with twisted or hooked tips projected into the capsular space or tubule lumen. Microcraters and bleb‐like structures characterized the luminal membrane of many cells. The urinary papilla epithelium was composed of some ciliated principal cells but mostly of intercalated cells with either apical microplicae, microvilli, or both. Microprojections formed zipper‐like intercellular junctions. In culture, ultrastructural features, including membrane pits and spherical vesicles, Were similar to those in uncultured explants. In summary, these novel observations in cultured fetal kidney indicate that ultrastructural integrity is well preserved in serum‐free medium and that the present model is a valuable tool to study human nephrogenesis. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of bombesin and gastrin‐releasing peptide on human bronchial epithelial cells from a series of donors: Individual variation and modulation by bombesin analogs
Authors: Siegfried Jill M. , Guentert Paul J. , Gaither Autumn L.
Published: February 2005

Human pulmonary neuroendocrine cells produce a variety of hormones, including mammalian bombesin (BN) or gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP). Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia and increased release of BN‐like peptides occur in several diseases of the airways, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Growth stimulation of human bronchial epithelial cells by BN, as measured in a colony‐forming assay, has been reported previously (Willey et al.: Exp. Cell Res. 153:245–248, 1984). In a follow‐up to this report, we examined the response of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells to BN or GRP in a similar system, using cells derived from 13 human tissue donors. A stimulatory response (increased colony‐forming efficiency) was found in cultures from 8 donors, including 3 with COPD. Statistical significance was found for the data from 5 of these 8 donors. The other 5 donors, 1 normal and 4 lung cancer patients, showed inhibition of colony formation by BN or GRP. Statistical significance was found for 3 of these donors. The ability of BN analogs to modulate BN stimulation was examined in cells from a donor with COPD. [ψLeu13, Leu14] BN(1–14), a BN antagonist, blocked the stimulation induced by BN. [D‐Cpa6, ψLeu13,Phe14] BN(6–14), a mixed agonist‐antagonist, showed partial agonist activity in HBE cells. [D‐Phe1, Leu8,9] Litorin, an agonist, also showed agonist activity in a colony‐forming assay with cells from these donors. These results indicate that responsiveness to BN/GRP may vary widely in the human population. Responsiveness may be heightened in disease states involving a proliferation of neuroendocrine cells. Analogs to BN or GRP may have potential in modulating responses to neuropeptides in the human lung. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural localization of a nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein in spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa
Authors: Lee Young H. , G. O'Rand Michael
Published: February 2005

This study demonstrates the ultrastructural localization of rabbit nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (NASP) in spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa. NASP is present in rabbits, rats, mice, and human testes and spermatozoa. It has recently been sequenced in rabbits and humans and characterized as an acidic, histone binding protein. Currently it has been proposed that NASP may play a role in regulating early events of spermatogenesis through its ability to bind and translocate testicular histone variants to nucleosomes. The ultrastructural localization of NASP confirms that it is initially present in primary spermatocytes in their Golgi regions and nucleus. In round spermatids it is present in the nucleus as well as in the acrosome and subacrosomal space. In later spermatids, testicular spermatozoa, and ejaculated spermatozoa, NASP is concentrated over the nucleus, although some is still present in the acrosome. It is likely that NASP would be carried into the ovum with the sperm nucleus at fertilization. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localization of glycogen synthase activity in liver of fasted normal and adrenalectomized rats after injection of dexamethasone
Authors: Michaels John E. , Cardell Robert R.
Published: February 2005

Hepatic glycogen synthase activity was localized in normal and adrenalectomized (ADX) rats after fasting overnight and in fasted ADX rats after injection of dexamethasone (DEX) 2–8 h prior to sacrifice to stimulate glycogen synthesis. Cryostat sections were incubated in medium containing substrate to demonstrate glycogen synthase activity as indicated by glycogen synthesized during incubation. Sections from fasted normal rats showed limited dispersed glycogen synthase activity in both periportal and centrilobular regions. In contrast, activity for glycogen synthase in hepatocytes from fasted ADX rats appeared as large aggregates in random hepatocytes throughtout the lobule. Two hours after injection of DEX the reaction product appeared as aggregates in some hepatocytes, but other cells revealed dispersed enzyme activity. Glycogen synthase activity was evident in more hepatocytes after 4 h treatment with DEX and after 8 h virtually all hepatocytes contained abundant reaction product. The results suggest that synthase activity becomes concentrated in limited regions of selected hepatocytes in fasted ADX rats. DEX stimulation of glycogen synthesis for 4–8 h results in increased enzyme activity. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of maternal bilateral ureteral ligation on fetal development of kidney in rats: Morphometrical changes in glomerular components
Authors: Okada Toshiya , Morikawa Yoshio
Published: February 2005

Development of the glomerulus in fetal kidney was studied morphometrically following ligation of both ureters of pregnant rats. The ligation was performed on days 17, 19, and 21 of gestation, and autopsy was done 24 hr after each operation. The percentage volumes of the five glomerular components (epithelial cells, capillary, mesangium, glomerular basement membrane, and Bowman's space) were determined by point counting, and the surface area of glomerular basement membrane per unit volume of glomerulus was calculated by intercept counting. On fetal days 18, 20, and 22, percentage volume of Bowman's space in the fetuses from the ligated mothers was significantly smaller than that in the fetuses from sham‐ligated mothers. On fetal days 20 and 22, surface area of glomerular basement membrane and glomerular capillary length per unit volume of glomerulus and percentage of glomerular capillary volume in the fetuses from the ligated mothers were significantly larger than those in the fetuses from sham‐ligated mothers. These results suggest that maternal bilateral ureteral ligation induces an increase in filtration area of glomerulus in fetal kidney when the fetal kidney is functional. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional combination of tapering profiles and overlapping arrangements in nonspanning skeletal muscle fibers terminating intrafascicularly
Authors: Hijikata Takao , Wakisaka Hitoshi , Niida Shumpei
Published: February 2005

Using digital image analysis and several anatomical methods, morphometric analysis of nonspanning fibers which had tapering profiles at their intrafascicular termination sites and represented overlapping arrangements within the fiber fascicles was performed in the rat rectus abdominis. Special emphasis was focused on dimensional relationships occurring between overlapping portions and tapering segments and sarcomere lengths in non‐ and overlapping portions. Nonspanning fibers were found to overlap each other for more than 40% of their length. In length, their overlapping portions generally corresponded to their tapering segments, which were also greater than 40% of the fiber length. In addition, despite the presence of overlapping linkages, nonspanning fibers maintained a fairly uniform length irrespective of their overlapping and non‐overlapping portions. Overlapping linkages in fibers without tapering profiles have a larger cross‐sectional area in the overlapping portion than in the non‐overlapping one, resulting in a phenomenon which will cause different sarcomere lengths between the two portions during fiber stretching. The present results suggest that tapering profiles in the overlapping portion ensure uniform sarcomere lengths within nonspanning fibers, thereby providing mechanical stability in each fiber. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stage‐specific detection of mRNA for the sperm antigen SP‐10 in human testes
Authors: Kurth Barbara E. , Wright Richard M. , Flickinger Charles J. , Herr John C.
Published: February 2005

SP‐10 is a sperm‐specific, intra‐acrosomal protein that is considered to be a vaccine candidate for immunocontraception. In the present study, in situ hybridization with biotin and 35S labeled riboprobes was used to determine the pattern of SP‐10 mRNA expression in human testes. Both methods demonstrated SP‐10 mRNA primarily in round spermatids found in stages I, II, and III of the seminiferous cycle. Morphometric analysis of silver grains with the 35S‐labeled probe showed less SP‐10 mRNA in spermatids at stages IV, V, and VI than in previous stages, and rarely was label found in spermatogonia or spermatocytes. The expression of SP‐10 mRNA first appeared at stage I coincident with the appearance of the protein, which was shown previously to persist in the acrosomal matrix throughout spermiogenesis. The decrease in SP‐10 mRNA occurred when spermatids underwent polarization, nuclear condensation, and elongation. The appearance of SP‐10 mRNA in round spermatids suggest that increases in SP‐10 transcription or SP‐10 mRNA stability or both occur as spermatids develop from the Golgi phase to the cap phase. The subsequent decline of SP‐10 mRNA, despite the persistence of the SP‐10 protein in all spermatids, suggests that a decrease in SP‐10 transcription or an increase in mRNA degradation occurs when spermatids elongate. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localization of insulin‐like growth factor‐I‐like immunoreactivity in the reproductive tract of the vitellogenic female American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Cox Cathy , Guillette Louis J.
Published: February 2005

Insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) is a 70 amino acid, mitogenic polypeptide, which, in mammals, acts through an endocrine, paracrine, and/or autocrine pathway to regulate growth and development. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether or not IGF‐I‐like immunoreactivity is present in the oviduct of the vitellogenic American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, and if immunoreactivity patterns vary among the three functional oviducal regions: the albumen‐secreting tube region, the anterior, fiber‐secreting uterus, and the posterior, calcium‐secreting uterus. Immunolocalization of IGF‐I‐like immunoreactivity was accomplished using a polyclonal antihuman rabbit antiserum with an immunoperoxidase staining system. IGF‐I‐like immunoreactivity was detected in all three oviducal regions of the vitellogenic alligator. The presence of IGF‐I‐like immunoreactivity in the oviduct suggests this hormone could function in the growth and proliferation of the alligator oviduct. Furthermore, the presence of IGF‐I‐like immunoreactivity in the tubal glands, which secrete components of the egg white, suggests that growth factors such as IGF‐I may be synthesized by these glands and incorporated into the albumen during egg formation. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of the ventriculoarterial segment of the human embryonic heart: A morphometrics study
Authors: Thurkow Erik W. , Wenink Arnold C. G.
Published: February 2005

In the literature, discussions continue on the question whether the distal portion of the cardiac outlet segment (ventriculoarterial portion, outflow tract of the embryonic heart) is subject to a shortening (absorption, retraction) during development. In 28 human embryos ranging from 4–42 mm crown‐rump length, stereological estimates of volume fractions and surface densities were used to calculate the diameter and the length of the distal outlet segment and their changes during development. A significant increase was found in the wall thickness of this segment, whereas its length remained about the same. An actual shortening was not found. It is concluded that the relative change in proportions is the cause of the disagreements. It is further concluded that there is still a mechanical role for the aorticopulmonary septum in maintaining the length of the outlet segment during growth of this region. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microinjection of antifibronectin antibodies in the chicken blastoderm: Inhibition of mesoblast cell migration but not of cell ingression at the primitive streak
Authors: Harrisson Fernand , Van Nassauw Luc , Van Hoof Johan , Foidart Jean‐Michel
Published: February 2005

The involvement of fibronectin in adhesion and migration of individual mesoblast cells during chicken gastrulation was examined after microinjection of functional and nonfunctional antifibronectin antibodies in the blastoderm during the period of rapid migration of mesoblast cells. The injection of affinity‐purified polyclonal antihuman fibronectin antibody (total IgG or Fab fragment) or of monoclonal antichicken cellular fibronectin caused a thickening of the primitive streak, which was composed of loosely connected cells. This effect was most evident at the level of Hensen's node, and very few mesoblast cells were observed migrating in the space between upper layer and deep layer. The obvious explanation of this effect was that the de‐epithelialization of upper layer cells persisted in the presence of antibodies, but ingressed cells failed to emigrate from the primitive streak. Immunostaining of microinjected antibodies showed binding to the basement membrane, to the cell surface of mesoblast cells that had migrated before microinjection occurred, and to the cell surface of deep layer cells. Cells that ingressed and detached in the course of reincubation of the embryo possessed little immunolabelling along their cell surface. The results suggest that the failure of ingressed cells to emigrate from the primitive streak and to form mesoblast was due (1) to alterations in adhesion between newly ingressed primitive streak cells, which had the ability to detach but possessed relatively little fibronecting along their cell surfaces and a small number of cell protrusions, and (2) probably to a lack of adhesion of detached cells to the basement membrane, which was blocked by the presence of antifibronectin antibodies. We conclude that the presence of fibronectin in the basement membrane is required for emigration of ingressed cells and migration of mesoblast cells to occur. Once migration has commenced, fibronectin is also deposited along the cell surface of migrating cells, a factor that may increase their mutual adhesion. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and high resolution intravital video‐microscopy of capillaries in the mouse exocrine pancreas, with special emphasis on endothelial cells
Authors: Aharinejad S. , MacDonald I. C. , Schmidt E. E. , Böck P. , Hagen D. , Groom A. C.
Published: February 2005

Capillaries in the mouse exocrine pancreas were studied by scanning electron microscopy of microvascular corrosion casts, transmission electron microscopy of tissue sections, and high resolution intravital video‐microscopy. Two types of capillaries were discerned by corrosion casting. The first type was rather straight, had a constant diameter of 5–6 μm, and its surface showed multiple circumferential furrows. The frequency of such constrictions was less in the second type, which was more undulated and had a diameter of 7–9 μm. In the second type, these constrictions defined bulged areas of the capillary cast. Corresponding tissue sections also showed two types of capillaries, fenestrated and non‐fenestrated capillaries. Microtubules were abundant in all capillary endothelial cells, whereas bundles of microfilaments were scarce. Microtubules were arranged along the long axis of endothelial cells as well as parallel to endothelial cell border regions. Endothelial cells were joined by intermediate junctions along cell borders running both circumferentially and longitudinally. Flow reversal in capillaries and spontaneous endothelial contractions were documented in vivo. Endothelial cells bulged into the lumen, either at their nuclear region or distant from it. Spontaneous contraction of pericytes was not observed. These results suggest that contraction of capillaries is carried out by endothelial cells, representing an autonomous flow regulatory device. Capillary contraction in exocrine pancreas may be influenced by blood‐borne agents, probably by those released in Langerhans islets. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Ultrastructural changes in the efferent duct and epididymis of men with obstructive infertility
Authors: Rajalakshmi M. , Ratna Kumar B. V. , Kapur M. M. , Pal P. C.
Published: February 2005

Ultrastructural changes in the efferent duct and in different regions of the epididymis in men with obstructive azoospermia were compared with corresponding tissues collected from men of proven fertility who underwent castration due to malignancy of the prostate. Major degenerative changes were seen in the efferent duct and the caput epididymidis of men with obstruction at the caput epididymidis which may have been induced by fluid pressure due to defective absorption of testicular fluid in the caput epididymidis. These degenerative changes included decrease in tubular and lumen diameter of the caput and the cauda epididymides, decrease in height of the stereocilia, reduction in‐rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi material, and presence of lipofuscin and osmiophilic dense bodies. The degenerative changes were less when the site of obstruction was in the cauda epididymidis since fluid reabsorption would continue to take place normally in the caput epididymidis. In men who had undergone vasoepididymostomy (VEA), the ejaculated spermatozoa showed a high percentage of morphological abnormalities which may have occurred due to adverse effects of long‐term obstruction on spermatogenesis. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Development of the adult endocrine pancreas during metamorphosis in the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus L. II. Electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry
Authors: Elliott W. M. , Youson J. H.
Published: February 2005

The development of the adult endocrine pancreas was followed throughout metamorphosis in the sea lamprey using electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. It was discovered that the caudal pancreas develops from the larval extrahepatic common bile duct through the process of transdifferentiation (dedifferentiation/redifferentiation). Early in metamorphosis the bile duct epithelial cells possess large vacuoles, resembling autophagic vacuoles, containing recognizable cell material. There is a loss of the large bundles of intermediate filaments characteristic of the larval bile duct epithelium. These same cells are then seen to contain granules immunoreactive for insulin. Pancreatic islets develop within the base of the bile duct epithelium from these transdifferentiated cells and migrate into the surrounding connective tissue to form the caudal pancreas. The cranial pancreas was found to develop from the epithelia lining the developing adult diverticulum and anterior intestine in a similar fashion as those in the larva. The second cell type to appear in either portion of the developing pancreas is similar to the third cell type of the adult: cells immunoreactive for somatostatin do not appear until late in metamorphosis in either region. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Age changes in neuromuscular junctions of masseter muscle
Authors: Elkerdany M. K. , Fahim M. A.
Published: February 2005

There is little information regarding the relationship between aging and ensuing morphological changes in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of the masticatory muscle. The masseter of C57BL/6J male mice at three different ages (young adult, 6 months; mature adult, 12 months; and old, 30 months) was studied. Morphological measurements were taken from zinc iodide osmium stained NMJ. Camera lucida drawings were superimposed on a computer monitor via a video camera and traced using a digitizer. The data were treated statistically using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). No difference was found between 6 and 12 months of age, but a significant decrease in morphological parameters in NMJ from 30‐month‐old animals was found when compared with mature adult animals. Nerve terminal areas, perimeters, longitudinal extent lengths, and fiber diameters were reduced by 24%, 21%, 15.5% and 23%, respectively. Nerve terminal branches and incidence of sprouts were significantly increased in older animals. Age changes in the NMJ morphology are probably associated with altered balance between degeneration and regeneration of nerve terminals. This view is supported by increased terminal sprouting in old mice which is indicative of the plasticity or remodelling of NMJ during aging. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Experimental study of the development of the truncus arteriosus of the chick embryo heart. I. Time of appearance
Authors: Garcia‐Peláez Isabel , Arteaga Manuel
Published: February 2005

The time of appearance of the truncus arteriosus was studied in the chick embryo using an in ovo labeling technique. Three hundred embryos at stages 13–18 of Hamburger and Hamilton were selectively labeled at the distal end of the heart tube, using gelatine‐india ink label; 122 of these embryos were reincubated and 111 of them reached stages 25–28. In these stages the final location of the label was determined. Only 95 of these embryos showed both a normal heart and a label located in it. The remaining embryos were discarded due to abnormal cardiac morphology or because the label was not found. Embryos labeled at stages 13–14 had label in the conus in 42.8% of the cases and in the boundary between the conus and the truncus arteriosus in 57.1% of the cases. Label placed at stages 15–16 was located in the conus in 6.1% of the cases, in the boundary between the conus and the truncus arteriosus in 44.8% of the cases, and in the truncus arteriosus in 48.9% of the cases. Finally, label placed at stages 17–18 was located in the boundary between the conus and the truncus arteriosus in 18.7% of the cases and in the truncus arteriosus in 81.2% of the cases. Our results permit us to conclude that the truncus arteriosus appears in the chick embryo as early as stages 15–16 of Hamburger and Hamilton (50–56 hours of incubation). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.