bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Exencephaly the Forerunner of Anencephaly?
Authors: Padmanabhan R.
Published: July 2008

Exencephaly is said to precede anencephaly resulting from failure of the rostral neuropore closure. In order to verify if the exencephaly induced after neural tube closure would also lead to anencephaly, exencephaly was induced in rat fetuses by maternal administration of a single dose (15 mg/kg) of cyclophosphamide on day 12 of gesta tion and pregnancy was prolonged by uterine ligation until postconception (PC) day 24. Fetal death was found to increase with prolongation of gestation and no sign of recovery from growth retardation was observed. Alizarin red-S stained skeletal preparations substantiated the persistence of skull malformations in the exencephalic fetuses. Histological observations of the mesenchyme and the brain indicated degenerative changes that were intensifying with time. The ventricular system expanded progressively; the ependyma was denuded and neural mass lay free in the ventricle. The choroid plexus appeared to be elaborate and extensive. The haemorrhagic capillary network around the brain tissue was highly proliferative and appeared to penetrate the former from the exterior. Tissue necrosis seemed to progress unabated. Cystic spaces appeared beneath the base of the brain and became progressively large and it appeared as if the brain was being pushed out of the shallow cranial fossae. By PC day 24, most of the brain tissue had degenerated, thus giving clearly the appearance of the anencephalic condition.
Ultrastructural Study on a Variety of Non-Neural Cells Immunoreactive for Nerve Growth Factor Receptor in Developing Rats
Authors: Amano O. , Abe H. , Kondo H.
Published: July 2008

The occurrence of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) immunoreactivity was newly demonstrated in mesenchymal cells of lung bud and lateral palatine processes. Nerve fibers and enclosing Schwann cells with or without immunoreaction were present only in the periphery of the immunoreactive mesenchymal cell aggregation but were not found within them. The NGFR-immunoreactive cells in immature skeletal muscles were revealed by immunoelectron microscopy to be perimysial cells without myofilament bundles, but not myoblastic cells. NGFR immunoreactivity was detected in noninnervated epithelial cells performing the invagination such as epithelial cells of the renal glomerulus and the lens placode. The immunoreactivity was also expressed in the innermost cells of the theca cell layer of the postnatal ovary and they contained no lipid droplets. In postnatal lymphatic tissues, NGFR-immunoreactive cells were identified as the interdigitating cells which were located in the internodular and deep cortex of the lymph nodes, in the marginal zone of the splenic white pulp, and in the medulla of the thymus. These findings suggest a potentially more widespread involvement of nerve growth factor and NGFR in the program of ontogeny than expected.
Correlation of Myosin Isoforms with Anatomical Divisions in Equine Musculus biceps brachii
Authors: Hermanson J.W. , Hegemann-Monachelli M.T. , Daaod M.J. , LaFramboise W.A.
Published: July 2008

The biceps brachii of horses is subdivided into a lateral and medial head. Electrophoresis of samples from the lateral head revealed three slow-migrating native myosin isoforms, including one that does not correspond to slow myosin isoforms described for other mammalian muscles. In contrast, the medial head contained a single slow isoform. Both the lateral and medial heads contained three fast-migrating isoforms corresponding with the FM-2 FM-3 and FM-4 isoforms reported for other mammalian fast-twitch muscle fibers. Electrophoresis of myosin heavy chains (MHCs) revealed only two MHC bands, one fast-migrating band that comigrates with rat type I MHC and a second slower-migrating band that comigrates with rat type II a MHC. Quantitation of the histochemical data is correlated with densitometric analysis of MHCs in the medial and lateral heads of biceps brachii and is consistent with previously hypothesized functional specializations of this muscle.
Morphological Study on the ‘Seams’ in the Multiroot Formation of Rat Molar Teeth
Authors: Kuroiwa M. , Kodaka T. , Higashi S.
Published: July 2008

‘Seams’ of the root furcation with multiroots in rat molar teeth termed by Lester and Boyde were investigated using transmitted light and scanning electron microscopy in the formation process. The seam was formed in the junctional line of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheaths. The seam formation will be classified into three types in the initial stage based on the position of the epithelial root sheaths approaching each other: (1) the close junction or the very narrow slit or gap formed between them, (2) the clear gap containing mesenchymal cells and (3) the gap containing one blood vessel. When the roots were formed, the seam was formed as follows: (1) the slight ridge composed of the cellular cementum, (2) the proliferation or the depression in the dentine formation and (3) the accessory or lateral canal of the root. These structures were variously combined with each other into one seam, although the slight ridge was very common.
Sexually Dependent Changes in Rat Somatotropic Cells following Bilateral Adrenalectomy
Authors: Carretero J. , Sánchez F. , González R. , Blanco E. , Juanes J.A. , Riesco J.M. , Vázquez R.
Published: July 2008

In order to elucidate the existence of gender-related variations in both growth hormone (GH) release and the activity of somatotropic cells following bilateral adrenalectomy, a morphometric analysis was performed on GH-immunoreactive cells from adult male and female rats after bilateral adrenalectomy, correlating the findings with the serum levels of the hormone. The results obtained were compared to those found in untreated animals. Bilateral adrenalectomy was seen to induce a decrease in serum GH levels (p < 0.01) in male rats; this was accompanied by a significant decrease in cellular area (p < 0.01), cytoplasmic area (p < 0.05) and nuclear area (p < 0.01) and by a decrease in the cytoplasmic immunoreaction intensity of GH cells. By contrast, the above-mentioned changes did not appear in the female rats. These results suggest that the action of glucocorticoids on the synthesis and release of GH depends on the sex of the animal.
A Morphometric and Comparative Study of the Malleus
Authors: Oschman Z. , Meiring J.H.
Published: July 2008

This study has attempted to research, in detail, the dimensions and form of the malleus, and to indicate possible differences with regard to race, sex and side of origin (left or right). The ossicles were obtained from 75 adult cadavers and the dimensions were determined with the aid of a reflection microscope. Clear statistically significant differences were found between the Negroid and Caucasoid races, as well as between the right and left ossicles. No meaningful differences were determined between male and female ossicles.
Lectin Histochemistry of Mucus-Secreting Cells in the Calf Bulbourethral Gland
Authors: Moré J.
Published: July 2008

The bulbourethral glands of 2-month-old calves were studied by means of lectin histochemical methods. The lectin-binding sites for each considered lectin can be divided into three groups according to their zonal topography. In the first group including PNA, MPA, RCAl5 SB A and BPA binding sites were seen in most of the secreting tubules and end pieces. In the second group (WGA, GSi, DBA, UEAi and Con A) the reactive cells were limited to a reduced number of tubuloalveolar units generally located at the periphery of the gland. The third group was composed of two lectins, GSΠ and LTA for which the bulbourethral parenchyma was unreactive. These findings can be related to the glandular activity of the calf bulbourethral gland except for restricted peripheral areas with an appearing functional differentiation. This duality in the histochemical nature of glycoconjugates was compared with previous results obtained in other groups of mammals.
The Aqueductus vestibuli – A Morphological Study
Authors: Steyn M. , Meiring J.H. , Swari J.G. , Coetzee W.J.C.
Published: July 2008

The morphology of the aqueductus vestibuli enjoys considerable attention as it may possibly play a role in the cause of Ménière’s disease. In this study, silicone rubber casts of human temporal bones were used, and the aqueductus vestibuli was then measured by means of a reflection microscope. By this method the morphometry of the aqueductus vestibuli was determined accurately.
Effects of Training and an Anabolic Steroid on Murine Red Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Soares J.M.C. , Duarte J.A.R.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was the evaluation of changes induced by training (swimming 1 h/day, 5 days/ week, 6 weeks) and an anabolic hormone (nandrolone decanoate, intramuscular injections of 15 mg · kg”1 per week) on fiber size, capillarization and mitochondrial fraction of murine soleus muscle. The animals (n = 32) were divided into 4 groups: a control group (C) that received the arachis oil carrier; a steroid group (S) that received the hormone; a training group (T) and a group that was submitted to training and to the administration of hormone (S+T). The soleus muscle was selected for quantitative light- and electron-microscopic evaluation. The muscle fiber size was increased in group T and decreased in groups S and S+T. The axial length of capillaries per unit volume of muscle decreased significantly in groups S and T. The number of capillaries per number of fibers showed a significant decrease in groups S and S+T and an increase in group T. The mitochondrial content decreased in group S, which suggested that anabolic steroids can be harmful for these organelles. This hypothesis was confirmed by histological evaluation at the electron-microscopic level. Many swollen and disrupted mitochondria were found in groups S and S+T. The results suggest that administration of nandrolone decanoate may have some deleterious effects on the muscle respiratory system (capillaries and mitochondria).
Fine Structure of Morphologically Well-Defined Type II Neurons in the Enteric Nervous System of the Porcine Small Intestine Revealed by Immunoreactivity for Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
Authors: Scheuerman D.W. , Krammer H.-J. , Timmermans J.-P. , Stach W. , Adriaensen D. , De Groodt-Lasseel M.H.A.
Published: July 2008

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing perikarya and axonal processes were localized by preembedding electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry in the porcine small intestine. Immunoreactive well-defined type II neurons were localized in the plexus myentericus, and plexus submucosus externus and internus. In some cases, they were found in direct contact to the basal lamina surrounding the ganlion, thus being in close apposition to the interstitial space. The perikarya are generally larger than the immunogative nerve cell bodies and have a typical smooth outline. The electron-microscopic features of the labeled nerve processes investigated provide evidence for their axonal nature. These ultrastructural observations confirm previous light-microscopic results which showed that CGRP-containing nerve cells in the porcine small intestine belong to the neuronal population of the type II cells, the processes of which display the ultrastructural features of axons. A large number of reactive varicosities show synaptic specializations on immunonegative nerve cell bodies, suggesting that at least part of the type II neurons have post-synaptic effects on CGRP-negative neurons.
A New Classification of the Brachial Extensors in Tarsius
Authors: Matsumoto S. , Yamada T.K. , Ikeda A.
Published: July 2008

The muscular system of the tarsier was first described by Burmeister (1846), who noted that brachial extensors (triceps complex) have six heads. The first three heads, respectively, correspond to the long, lateral and medial heads of the triceps brachii muscle in man. The fourth head is the anconaeus and the fifth is the dorsoepitrochlearis. Schultz (1984) divided the sixth head into two different parts (preaxial and postaxial) from the viewpoint of nerve supply. The present study found that the whole sixth head is innervated by the ulnar nerve, and we propose that it is recognized as the proximal and distal heads of the (preaxial) epitrochleoanconaeus muscle. The proximal head may have developed specially in the tarsier in addition to the distal head observed in other prosimians. It is thought to support the extension of the elbow joint and contribute to the tarsier’s effective locomotion.
Efferent Ductules of the Boar – A Morphological Study
Authors: Stoffel M. , Friess A.E. , Kohler T.
Published: July 2008

The efferent ductules of the boar were investigated by means of corrosion casts, light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. They arise from an extratesticular rete and constitute the major, caudolateral part of the ascending limb of the caput epididymidis. Ductules may be subdivided into three segments: a slightly undulating testicular segment, a highly coiled intermediate segment and a moderately coiled epididymal segment. A decrease in diameter is particularly marked from the intermediate to the epididymal segment. The epithelial transitions from the extratesticular rete to the efferent ductules and from these to the epididymal duct are clearly demarcated. The epithelium of the efferent ducts consists of principal and ciliated cells. Mononuclear leukocytes are found in the basal half. Ultrastructural evidence supports a strong absorptive activity of principal cells. Apical protrusions are not considered to be a proof of apocrine secretion but rather seem to be artifacts. The nature of membrane-bound granules of variable density remains speculative.
Three-Dimensional infrastructure of Human Tendons
Authors: Jozsa L. , Kannus P. , Balint J.B. , Reffy A.
Published: July 2008

The three-dimensional ultrastructure of human tendons has been studied. Epitenon and peritenon consis of a dense network of longitudinal, oblique and transversal collagen fibrils crossing the tendon fibres. The interna structure of tendon fibres is also complex. The collagen fibrils are oriented not only longitudinally but also transversel· and horizontally. The longitudinal fibrils do not run only parallel but also cross each other forming spirals (plaits) These fibril bundles are bound together by a three-dimensional collagen fibril network of endotenon. In the myotendi nous junction the surface of the muscle cells form processes. A network of tendineal collagen fibrils fills the recesses between the muscle cell processes penetrating the basement membrane of these processes. This complex ultrastructur < of human tendons most likely offers a good buffer system against longitudinal, transversal, horizontal as well as rotational forces during movement and activity.
Paraterminal Ligaments of the Distal Phalanx
Authors: Soon P.S.H. , Arnold M.A. , Tracey D.J.
Published: July 2008

The paraterminal ligaments of the distal phalanges have been studied by dissection. They are a normal feature of all distal phalanges in both the hand and foot, and connect the paraterminal spines and paraterminal tubercles of the distal phalanx on both sides. Branches of the proper palmar digital artery and nerve pass under the ligament to reach the matrix of the nail, which they supply.
Histochemical and Immunological Analyses of Differentiating Skeletal Muscle Fibers of the Postnatal Rat
Authors: Umezu Y. , Hachisuka K. , Ueda H. , Yoshizuka M. , Ogata H , Fujimoto S.
Published: July 2008

Fiber type differentiation as revealed by myosin ATPase activities and the immunological analysis of myosin light chains (MLC) by the Western blotting method were done on the postnatal rat soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. In the soleus, type 1 (slow-twitch) muscle fibers gradually increase in percentage after postnatal day 10, and, in the EDL, the differentiation of type 2A and 2B (fast-twitch) muscle fibers is also pronounced between postnatal days 10 and 15. The present immunological analysis of MLC indicates that the antigenicity of LclS becomes more intense with a rapid decrease in anti-genicity of Lc2F from postnatal day 7 in the soleus, while the antigenicity of LclF becomes noticeable during the same period in the EDL. These results suggest that the differentiation of slow-twitch fibers is mainly due to that of Lc1S in the soleus and the differentiation of fast-twitch fibers is mainly due to that of Lc1F in the EDL
Secretion Mode of the Harderian Gland of Rats after Stimulation by Cholinergic Secretagogues
Authors: Satoh Y. , Ishikawa K. , Oomori Y. , Takede S. , Ono K.
Published: July 2008

We studied the morphological changes in rat Harderian glands 30 min after injection of cholinergic secretagogues. In controls, the glands exhibited a tubuloalveolar structure with relatively wide lumina, in which some osmiophilic dense droplets exocytosed from glandular cells were observed. Also two types of glandular cells (type A cells and type B cells sometimes showing exocytotic figures of lipid-secretory vacuoles) and myoepithelial cells were recognized. After injection of carbamylcholine chloride (subcutaneously, 0.1 mg/kg body weight), which has both nicotinic and muscarinic actions, many of the alveolar lumina dilated and contained a small number of osmiophilic droplets. Exocytotic figures in both types of cells and a pronounced decrease in the number of vacuoles in the glandular cells were observed. However, there was no evidence of apocrine or holocrine secretion. The injection of the higher dose of carbamylcholine (1.0 mg/kg) caused fusion of secretory vacuoles in the apical cytoplasm and contraction of myoepithelial cells. Most alveoli showed no clear lumina; their centers were jammed with cytoplasmic fragments and accumulated secretory products. Massive discharge of cytoplasmic fragments containing some secretory vacuoles was often observed. This may be classified as apocrine secretion. Bethanechol chloride (subcutaneous injection, 1.0 mg/kg), a muscarinic agonist, stimulated the Harderian-gland secretion, and enhanced exocytosis was observed. The discharge from the glandular cells, following injection of various doses of carbamylcholine, were almost inhibited by atropine sulfate, a muscarinic antagonist. The present results suggested that the cholinergic systems regulate the secretion of rat Harderian-gland cells which have muscarinic receptors.
Blood Vasculature of the Lymph Node in the Dog: Anatomical Evidence for Participation of Extrahilar Arterial Vessels in the Blood Supply of the Cortex
Authors: Salvador A.C. , Pereira A.S. , De Sá C.M. , Grande N.R.
Published: July 2008

The organization of the arterial vessels of dog lymph nodes (LN) was studied using methods of visualization of the vasculature by systemic injection of different tracers (colloidal carbon, Micropaque® resin and methylmethacrylate) followed by observation of the samples by light microscopy (after clearing of the thick sections of LN) or scanning electron microscopy (corrosion casts). LN from all of the three groups of nodes studied (tracheobronchial, paratracheal and popliteal) showed an extensive network of arterial vessels encircling the capsule of the organ. We found that branches of these capsular arteries penetrated deeply into the cortical domain of LN. The capsule-originating vessels appeared to have a significant participation in the blood supply of the LN parenchyma at the cortical domains of the organs. Our findings are in contrast with current views on the angiology of the LN that consider that virtually all of the arterial capillaries of the LN parenchyma come from hilar arteries. We propose, therefore, that important segments of the LN cortex receive their blood supply from capsular arteries rather than from hilar vessels.
Solid Cell Nests of the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Pianzola H.M. , Ottino A. , Castelletto R.H.
Published: July 2008

In order to establish the prevalence of solid cell nests (SCN) in adult thyroids, we studied 100 consecutive glands at necropsy. These were serially sectioned and stained with routine and immunoperoxidase techniques in order to detect calcitonin, carcinoembryonic antigen, thyroglobulin and keratin. SCN may be considered as normal thyroid gland components, and they share with C cells a common origin in the ultimobranchial body.
Evidence of the Occurrence of Calcitonin Cells in the Ultimobranchial Follicle of the Rat Postnatal Thyroid
Authors: Martin-Lacave I. , Conde E. , Moreno A. , Utrilla J.C. , Galera-Davidsona H.
Published: July 2008

A study on thyroid glands of Wistar rats of ages ranging from 1 to 120 days was carried out. The glands were serially sectioned and stained for calcitonin using the peroxidase antiperoxidase method. All the thyroids contained ultimobranchial follicles (UBF) located partially embedded among the usual follicles but in a 5-day-old rat this structure showed an unusual position in the interstitium of connective tissue between the cartilage of the trachea and the thyroid gland. We have observed in the wall of that UBF the presence not only of resting C cells but also mitotic figures of C cells. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the same UBF an active area of formation of thyroid follicles was found. These observations provided the first evidence of the contribution of the UBF in the formation of C cells during the postnatal life of the rat. Furthermore, it is suggested that some C cells may share a common origin with ultimobranchially derived follicular cells.
Differential Localization of G Proteins, G, and Go, in the Olfactory Epithelium and the Main Olfactory Bulb of the Rat
Authors: Shinohara H. , Kato K. , Asano T.
Published: July 2008

The immunohistochemical localization of proteins Gi1 (plus Gi3). Gi2 and Go was studied in the olfactory epithelium and the main olfactory bulb of rats, using purified antibodies to the respective α subunits and βγ subunits of these G proteins. In the olfactory epithelium, only a restricted population of olfactory cells was immunopositive for Gi2α, but others were not. The immunoreactivity for Gi1α/Gi3α was not observed. The olfactory epithelium was immunopositive for both Goα and βγ, but its apical surface was immunopositive only for βγ. In the main olfactory bulb, all layers were intensely immunopositive for Goα and βγ but weakly for Gi2α. In contrast to the negative or weak immunostainings in the olfactory nerve fiber layer and glomeruli, the molecular and the internal granular layers were intensely immunopositive for Gi1α/Gi3α. These findings suggest the functional difference among Gi1α/Gi3, Gi2 and Go in the signal transduction in the olfactory system.
Studies on the Microvascularization of the Digestive Tract by Scanning Electron Microscopy of Vascular Corrosion Casts
Authors: Aharinejad S. , Hagen D. , Gangler P. , Firbas W.
Published: July 2008

The microvascularization of the bile duct was studied in 20 adult guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) using microvascular corrosion casts in the scanning electron microscope. The main supplying and draining vessels are located in the adventitial layer; from there they form the subepithelial capillary network. The micro-angioarchitecture of the common bile duct is reminiscent of that of the cystic and hepatic ducts. The diameter of these ducts is 1,000 µm on average. The micro-vascular arrangement in the bile duct suggests a probable involvement of the capillaries in the absorption of bile hormones.
Stereological Studies of the Parathyroid Gland of Phosphate-Treated Golden Hamsters Subjected to a Hypergravity Environment
Authors: Shownura S. , Emura S. , Utsumi M. , Yamahira T. , Hayakawa D. , Terasawa K. , Tamad A. , Arakawa M. , Isono H.
Published: July 2008

The ultrastructure of the parathyroid glands of phosphate-treated golden hamsters exposed to a 5-G environment was studied. In the phosphate-treated animals exposed to a hypergravity environment, the Golgi complexes associated with numerous prosecretory granules, and the enlarged intercellular spaces containing floccular or finely particulate material showed a significant increase compared to those of the control, centrifuged, and phosphate-treated groups, and the cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum showed a significant increase compared to those of the control and phosphate-treated groups. In addition, numerous secretory granules were situated close to the plasma membrane of chief cells in the phosphate-treated animals exposed to a hypergravity environment. These findings suggest that the synthesis, and to a greater extent the release of secretory granules may be markedly stimulated, in the parathyroid glands of phosphate-treated animals exposed to a hypergravity environment.
Iron Overload of the Bone Marrow by Trimethylhexanoyl-Ferrocene in Rats
Authors: Braumann A. , Wulfhekel U. , Düllmann J. , Nielsen P.
Published: July 2008

Iron-deficient female Wistar rats were fed a diet which contained 0.5% 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl (TMH)-ferrocene over a 57-week period. The state of iron deficiency was characterized by means of the absence of stainable iron in the bone marrow. After the first days on the iron-enriched diet, ferritin-containing siderosomes were found, in numerous erythroblasts up to orthochromatic nor-moblasts and in reticulocytes, i.e. the dispensed iron was used for haemoglobin synthesis. After 1 week the first macrophages showed a positive Perls’ Prussian blue reaction. In the cytoplasm they stored the iron in the form of free ferritin molecules and lysosomally as aggregated ferritin and/or haemosiderin. The iron loading of the macrophages increased in both of the storage qualities proportionally with duration of the feeding period and reached a maximum after 38 weeks. Final stages showed extremely iron-loaded macrophages with high concentrations of free ferritin molecules and large siderosomes, partially flowing together to still greater units. Iron deposits within endothelial cells of bone marrow sinusoids can be observed for the first time after 4 weeks. In these cells the iron is stored as ferritin in siderosomes of relatively small and uniform size; free ferritin molecules in the cytosol were of only slight concentration. The TMH-ferrocene model of iron overload shows in the bone marrow: (1) an unimpeded utilization of the iron component for erythropoiesis, (2) development of excessive iron overload of the bone marrow in macrophages and endothelial cells of sinusoids and (3) a pattern of distribution of iron as seen in secondary haemochromatosis.
Morphological, Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Differences between Tumorous and Adjacent Tissues in Chemically Induced Colon Cancer in Rats
Authors: Zusman I. , Zimber A. , Madar Z. , Nyska A.
Published: July 2008

Methods of morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were used to further characterize differences between tumorous and adjacent grossly normal tissues in chemically-induced colon cancer in rats. Colon tumors were induced by the treatment of rats with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine or with N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine alone or with subsequent treatment with deoxycholic bile acid. Tissues were studied morphologically (for the presence of goblet cells in the colon crypts, and the extent of infiltration of lymphocytes into the crypts and between them) histochemically (for the presence of positive reaction to neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides) and immunohistochemically (for the presence of tissue polypeptide antigen). All data were evaluated quantitatively, and index of tissue damage was calculated for both tumorous and non-tumorous tissues. Significant morphological differences were found between tumorous and adjacent apparently normal tissue. Histochemically and immunohistochemically, both types of tissue reacted very similarly to exposure to the carcinogens. Index of damage was significantly different from normal untreated colon in both kinds of tissue. It was suggested that precancerous state in tissue adjacent-to-tumor could be detected using the combination of these methods.
Thenar and Hypothenar Muscles and Their Innervation by the Ulnar and Median Nerves in the Human Hand
Authors: Homma T. , Sakai T.
Published: July 2008

The thenar and hypothenar muscles as well as their supplying nerves were analyzed with an improved dissecting method. Among the four thenar muscles, the m. abductor pollicis brevis (AbPB) has a separate muscle belly, whereas the m. opponens pollicis (OP), the superficial and deep heads of the flexor pollicis brevis (sFPB and dFPB), and the adductor pollicis (AdP) are fused with each other to make a single mass (deep thenar muscle group). These muscles are innervated by branches of the recurrent nerve and the accessory recurrent nerve from the median nerve as well as by terminal branches of the deep branch (ramus profundus) of the ulnar nerve. These three nerves frequently form a loop within the deep thenar muscle group (thenar loop), and a branch to the OP and one to deep parts of the sFPB often make a smaller loop (intrathenar loop) whereas the AbPB receives a separate nerve branch. Among the hypothenar muscle, the m. abductor digiti minimi and the m. flexor digiti minimi brevis are fused with each other, and their supplying nerves frequently form a loop in these muscles (intrahypothenar loop), whereas the m. opponens digiti minimi is separated from the others and receives a separate nerve branch. In the distribution pattern of supplying nerves to the thenar and hypothenar muscles, we find regularities in that they branch off in a regular manner from the ulnar and the median nerve, and that nerve branches to those muscles with fused bellies frequently communicate with each other to make loops.
Ultrastructure of the Parathyroid Gland of Fetal and Pregnant Golden Hamsters Subjected to Hypergravity Environment
Authors: Shoumura S. , Emura S. , Utsumí M. , Chen H. , Hayakawa D. , Yamahira T. , Terasawa K. , Tamada A. , Arakawa M. , Isono H.
Published: July 2008

The ultrastructure of the parathyroid glands of fetal and pregnant golden hamsters exposed to 5-gravity environment was studied. In the centrifuged fetal animals the Golgi complexes associated with some prosecretory granules were significantly increased compared with those of the control fetal animals, and several secretory granules were located in a peripheral position just beneath the plasma membrane. In the centrifuged pregnant animals the Golgi complexes associated with numerous prosecretory granules were significantly increased, cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum appeared to be increased compared with those of the control pregnant animals, many secretory granules were located in the peripheral cytoplasm and several granules were situated close to the plasma membrane. These findings suggest that in the parathyroid glands of the fetal golden hamsters as well as the pregnant animals the synthesis and release of parathyroid hormone may be stimulated in response to a hypergravity environment.
Human Sperm Surface Mapping with Lectins
Authors: Bains U.K. , Sehgal S. , Bawa S.R.
Published: July 2008

Ten fluorescein isothiocyanate (FΙTC)-linked lectins [Bauhimia purpurea, Concanavalin A, Dolichos biflorus (DBA), Griffonia simplicifolia I, Griffonia simplicifolia II, Madura pomifera, Arachis hypogea (PNA), Glycine max, Ulex europaeus (UEA) and Triticum vulgaris agglutinin] have been used to study their binding features on the human ejaculate spermatozoa. Qualitative changes in the labeling pattern have been observed in unfixed and acetone-treated spermatozoa. Furthermore, ultrastructural localization of some of the colloidal gold-linked lectins, namely PNA, UEA and DBA, has been attempted to delineate the binding domains of the specific sugars on the sperm surface. It needs to be emphasized that flow-cytometric methods employed in our study, which provide quantitative slant to qualitative data, should be utilized to evaluate the functional status of the spermatozoa.
Branches of the Right Pulmonary Artery Supplying the Basal Segments of the Lung Segments of the Lung
Authors: Maciejewski R.
Published: July 2008

The studies were carried out on 100 right lungs taken from dead human bodies of both sexes whose age varied from 16 to 81 years. The pulmonary artery and the bronchus were injected with a 65% solution of duracryl and then digested in sul furic acid. The specimens obtained were then examined to determine the number and dimensions of the branches of the basal portion of the right pulmonani artery (RPA) penetrating into the basal segments of the right lower pulmonan lobe. Their length was 52 mm at the most, and their diameter 14 mm. Three types of ramification of the basal portion of the RPA were distinguished on the basis of the trunks, segmental and subsegmental branches present. In 72% of the cases the branches penetrating into the basal segments showed a tree-like type. in 2% of the cases a bushy-like type and in 26% of the cases a middle type.
Use of LR White Resin for Post-Embedding Immunolabelling of Brain Tissue
Authors: Gocht A.
Published: July 2008

The object of this study was to investigate the applicability of the acrylic resin ‘LR White’ to immunolabelling of various antigenic determinants in aldehyde-fixed rat CNS tissue. Antibodies were used, which worked well in paraffin sections and therefore were suitable to detect antigens resistant to complete dehydration and heat. Different LR White embedding protocols were employed in order to select the preparation conditions that adequately preserved both the antigenicity and fine structure. Specimens were completely dehydrated with up to 100% ethanol, which was followed by various infiltration times with LR White monomer. Polymerization of the resin was induced by heat, a chemical catalytic procedure (accelerator), or ultraviolet (UV) light. Paraffin, as well as semithin and ultrathin LR White sections were incubated with antibodies reacting to antigens located on the cell surface (stage-specific embryonic antigen-1; SSEA-1), within the plasma membrane (myelin basic protein), in the cytosol (HNK-1, S100 protein), in the cytoskeleton (GFAP, vimentin, neurofilament protein, INT-FIL), and in the extracellular matrix (laminin). All of the examined antigens were immunocytochemically detectable in paraffin-embedded material, while the carbohydrate moieties, HNK-1 and SSEA-1, were not immunoreactive in LR White sections. However, in cryostat sections processed for pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopy, the HNK-1 epitope and SSEA-1 were immunolabelled. Polymerization carried out under UV light led to better structural preservation of brain tissue than resin cured with heat or catalyst. The length of prior infiltration with monomer apparently had no effect on tissue preservation. Consequently, UV light-induced polymerization of LR White gives acceptable morphology of brain tissue. However, the use of this acrylic resin is restricted to the detection of some CNS antigens only.
Periostale und intraossäre Versorgungsstrukturen der Fibula und ihre klinische Bedeutung
Authors: Menck J. , Sander A.
Published: July 2008

The angioarchitecture of the human fibula was investigated by anatomical dissection. The main artery of the periosteal and endosteal blood supply is the arteria fibularis. The proximal part of the facies lateralis is additionally nourished by a well-built branch of the arteria tibialis anterior. The periosteal branches of he arteria fibularis are most voluminous on the dorsal side in the middle of the fibula. Small plates take care of these branches. For an additional revascularization the well-built branch of the arteria tibialis anterior is proposed. The best anatomical region for a vascularized fibular transfer is at an average of 20% up to 75% of the fibular length.
The Sensory Innervation of the Gingiva and Mucosa in Monodelphis domestica: An Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Schulze C. , Spaethe A. , Halata Z.
Published: July 2008

The location and structure of sensory nerve endings was examined in the mucosa and in the gingiva propria adjacent to the third premolar of Monodelphis domestica by light and electron microscopy. The mucous membrane of the gingiva propria is covered with a stratified keratinized squamous epithelium. The mucous membrane of the adjacent inner aspect of the lip and of the vestibulum oris were covered with a nonkeratinized squamous epithelium. Free nerve endings, Merkel nerve endings and lamellated corpuscles were found in all the examined areas. Free nerve endings were located in the connective tissue papillae between the epithelial cones, in the basal layer of the epithelium and directly under the epithelium of the cones. They were innervated by myelinated A-delta- and nonmyelinated C-fibers. The basal layer of the first three to four epithelial cones of the gingiva propria contained single or groups of Merkel nerve endings. The epithelial cones of the oral mucous membrane contained five times more Merkel nerve endings than those of the vestibular mucous membrane. Lamellated corpuscles were mainly found in the plica sublingualis. In the connective tissue below the epithelial cones of the mucous membranes they usually occur with a perineural capsule, in the connective tissue papillae between the cones they occur without a perineural capsule. In the latter position they resemble the Meissner corpuscles of glabrous skin. The density of receptors in the oral mucous membrane of the lower jaw of M. domestica implies that this richly innervated mechanoreceptive area acts as an antagonist of the tongue and provides important information during mastication.
Measurement Techniques in Animal Locomotion Analysis
Authors: Schamhardt H.C. , Van den Bogert A.J. , Hartman W.
Published: July 2008

Animal performance can be determined by subjective observations or objective measurements. Numerical data are only then superior to results of subjective observations when they are the result of measurements carried out to test a well-defined hypothesis or to give the answer to a clear, precisely formulated question. In the analysis of kinematics a careful evaluation of the set-up of the measurement equipment and the resulting accuracy in the data is required. Measurements in three dimensions (3D) are theoretically better than those in 2D. Practically, however, collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of 3D data are so much more complicated that frequently 2D analysis appears to be more useful. The minimal size of markers necessary to obtain a certain accuracy in kinematic data is usually too big for practical use. Smaller markers impair accuracy. Reduction of measurement noise is obligatory when time derivatives are to be calculated. Skin movement artefacts cannot be removed by data smoothing. Forces occurring between the digits and the ground can be determined using a force plate or an instrumented shoe. A force plate is accurate, but repeated trials are necessary. Using a force shoe each ground contact results in useful data. However, the shoe itself may affect locomotion. Surface strains on long bones can be recorded relatively easily. Determination of loading forces from surface strains is complicated but can be carried out using multiple strain gauges and a post-mortem calibration test. Strain in tendons is difficult to measure due to problems in defining a ‘zero’ or reference length. Tendon forces can either be calculated from signals of parallel, compliant transducers or estimated by application of tendon buckles or wedge-shaped implantable transducers. In both cases a calibration procedure is required to convert transducer signals to tendon forces.
Kinematics of the Standardbred Trotter Measured at 6, 7, 8 and 9 m/s on a Treadmill, before and after 5 Months of Prerace Training
Authors: van Weeren P.R. , van den Bogert A.J. , Back W. , Bruin G. , Barneveld A.
Published: July 2008

A kinematic study was performed on a group of 8 Standardbred stallions. Recordings were done using a modified CODA-3 optoelectronic kinematic analysis system with the horses running on a treadmill at speeds of 6, 7, 8, or 9 m/s. Linear and temporal gait characteristics, joint angle diagrams and the trajectories of the hoof in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement were studied. Two consecutive recording sessions were held at an age of 21–23 months, and a third was held 5 months later after an intensive training period. Joint angle diagrams appeared to show a similar pattern for all horses though certain individual characteristics could be identified. Only a few kinematic parameters appeared to have significantly changed after the 5-month training period (p < 0.05). The hoof trajectories showed marked and consistent differences between front and hind hooves, but the most striking feature was the very individual character of the patterns exhibited, leading to the assumption that these patterns could possibly be used as the ‘fingerprint’ of the horse.
Gallop Kinematics of Olympic Three-Day Event Horses
Authors: Deuel N.R. , Park J.
Published: July 2008

Limb contact variables of the gallop of 3-day event horses were determined for competitors in the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games. Horses were filmed during the steeplechase, phase B of the speed and endurance test on day 2 of competition. Two 16-mm high-speed cameras were aimed perpendicularly to the direction of subject motion along a straightaway on the steeplechase track, filmed at 200 frames/s. Thirty-four of 48 competitors were filmed and 108 gallop strides analyzed. Velocity (VEL) averaged 12.09 ± 0.10 m/s (mean ± SE), stride length (SL) 6.04 ± 0.05 m and stride frequency (SF) 2.00 ± 0.01/s. Superior overall 3-day event performances were associated with faster VEL and longer SL in the steeplechase phase. A linear and quadratic regression of SL and SF against total 3-day penalty points yielded a response surface revealing that the score was optimized with gallop SF between 1.85 and 2.05/s and VEL between 13 and 14.3 m/s. Up to 7 m, there appeared to be no upper limit for optimal SL. This study provided objective documentation of gallop stride kinematic patterns associated with successful performance in world-class 3-day event competition.
The Extended Canter: A Comparison of Some Kinematic Variables in Horses Trained for Dressage and for Racing
Authors: Clayton H.M.
Published: July 2008

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that there is no significant difference in selected temporal and linear stride variables of the extended canter in horses bred and trained for dressage or racing. Nine advanced-level dressage horses and 7 Thoroughbred racehorses were filmed at a frame rate of 200 Hz at an extended canter on a sand track. Two strides were recorded per trial, and each horse performed 6 or 7 trials. Temporal and linear data were determined from the films, and descriptive statistics (mean, SD) were calculated. Strides were selected for analysis on the basis of having a velocity in the range of 6.0–7.0 m/s, and multivariate analysis of variance was used to detect significant differences in the stride kinematics of horses trained for the two sports (p ≤ 0.01). The average velocity of the dressage horses was 6.37 m/s, compared with 6.40 m/s for the racehorses. There were no significant differences between the two groups in velocity, stride duration, stride length or the distances between limb placements. The stance durations of all four limbs and the overlaps between them were longer, whereas the duration of the suspension phase was shorter in the dressage horses than in the racehorses (p < 0.01). The time between impacts of the diagonal limb pair was close to zero in both groups, with individual horses showing some variability in the order of placement of the diagonal limb pair. However, the sequence of footfalls was not significantly different between the two groups (p ≤ 0.01).
Structural Changes in Intercellular Junctions during Keratinization of the Stratum Medium of the Equine Hoof Wall
Authors: Leach D.H.
Published: July 2008

Cells of the intertubular horn of the stratum medium of the equine hoof wall are joined by three types of junctions. Desmosomes and gap junctions were present in all strata. Septate-like junctions and an intercellular line were seen in the distal stratum spinosum subsequent to extrusion of the contents of membrane-coating granules. At a later stage of keratinization, non-membrane-bound acid phosphatase reaction product appeared to leak into the intercellular space except into areas occupied by septate-like junctions and the intercellular line. It is proposed that the formation of septate-like junctions and the intercellular line prior to leakage of acid phosphatase into the intercellular space created stable areas of intercellular adhesion between fully keratinized cells.
Compartmentalization in the Pig Latissimus dorsi Muscle
Authors: Herring S.W. , Sola O.M. , Huang X. , Zhang G. , Hayashida N.
Published: July 2008

Portions of the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle are frequently employed as free muscle or myocutaneous grafts. The functional consequences for both the graft and the remaining donor tissue must depend in part on the neural organization of the muscle. Previous anatomical and clinical reports have suggested that the LD is organized into independently innervated segments, but experimental documentation has been lacking. This study investigated the neural organization of the LD in pigs using (1) synchronous electromyography (EMG) of several sites within the LD and motion analysis of the shoulder and forelimb, and (2) dissection and stimulation of the primary branches of the thoracodorsal nerve, followed by histochemical analysis, to delineate the areas innervated by each. The findings indicated that while there is minor overlap between adjacent segments, the LD can be considered as consisting of three semi-independent compartments. Further, the teres major is linked to the LD functionally as well as anatomically, so that the two muscles can be considered as a four-part complex.
Ultrastructural Characteristics of Atrial, Ventricular and Subendocardial (Purkinje) Cells of the Fruit-Eating Bat Eidolon helvum
Authors: Ayettey A.S. , Tagoe C.N.B. , Yates R.D.
Published: July 2008

The ultrastructure of the myocardium of the large (285 gm) fruit-eating bat (Eidolon helvum) provides further evidence that, among mammalian species, different types of cardiac myocytes are morphologically heterogeneous. Atrial cells of this species, like those of smaller bats previously studied, have few of the natriuretic hormone-containing granules. These granules are also small, with a mean diameter of 176 ± 3.9 nm in comparison with those of the rat (230 ± 5.8 nm) and mouse (211 ± 4.7 nm). In all types of myocytes of the bat investigated, mito-chondrial matrix granules are more prominent than in those of the rat and mouse. Also distinctive are the Purkinje cells which, aside from their large size (30 µm) and lack of T-tubules, have atrial granule-like inclusions. These cells are well endowed with mitochondria (28% of cytoplasmic volume) and with lipid bodies but have few glycogen granules. Their myofibrillae (33%) are well aligned. The ventricular cells (average diameter 14 µm) have nearly equal volumes of mitochondria (41%) and myofibrils (47%). Mitochondrial cristae, however, are not compactly organized. Lipid material is found in the matrix of the mitochondria. Extensive evaginations of endothelial cells of the bat endocardium appear continuous with endothelial vacuoles. In these endothelial cells, there are also many dense granules of varying shapes and sizes.
Seam Structures Observed along the Junctional Line of Hertwig’s Epithelial ‘Root’ Sheaths in Rat Incisors
Authors: Kodaka T. , Kuroiwa M.
Published: July 2008

Linear structures were occasionally found on the lingual surface of the cementum of infant rat incisors along the long axis of the incisors, which are teeth that grow continuously from a persistent odontogenic organ. The observations strongly suggest that these linear structures on the junctional line of Hertwig’s epithelial ‘root’ sheaths correspond to the seams on the multirooted molar teeth of rats.