bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Funktionell-morphologische Differenzierung der FSH- und LH-Zellen im Hypophysenvorderlappen
Authors: Ferdin F. , Lange L.
Published: July 2008

The identification of pituitary FSH and LH cells in states of pharmacological treatment influencing the pituitary FSH and LH production was performed by histological staining at the isoelectric points of these hormones in the cat. The intensity of the stained material in the hormone-producing cells was determined by a microphotometric technique. As a physiological control, the FSH and LH levels in blood were measured by a radioimmunoassay.
Collagen Fibril Diameters in Arteries of Mice
Authors: Montes G.S. , Nicolelís M.A.L. , Brentani-Samaia H.P. , Furuie S.S.
Published: July 2008

Arteries of mice were studied by a silver impregnation technique, by the Picrosirius-polarization method and by transmission electron microscopy. The histochemical results obtained coincided with the electron-microscopic observations in showing the presence of two distinct collagen populations, segregated into different compartments of each artery. The fibrous component of the tunica media was comprised of reticulin fibers, which displayed a distinct argyrophilia when studied by means of the silver impregnation technique, and showed up as thin, weakly birefringent, greenish fibers when examined with the aid of the Picrosirius-polarization method. In addition, the electron-microscopic studies disclosed the presence of thin collagen fibrils in the tunica media, contrasting with the thicker fibrils that could be localized ultrastructurally to the tunica adventitia where nonargyrophil, coarse collagen fibers had been characterized by the histochemical methods used. In this respect, collagen distribution in arteries of mice is very similar to the pattern that was consistently observed in the other species studied, which argues in favor of the existence of a uniform structural pattern of collagen distribution that is a general phenomenon in vertebrate arteries. Experimental results comparing the traditional method and the computer-aided measurement of collagen fibril diameters showed that the system provides results equivalent to those produced by manual execution. In addition, the advantage in speed of the computer-aided method should prove useful in complicated studies where nufherous structures are involved.
Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Studies on the Articular Disk of the Temporomandibular Joint in Rats
Authors: Fujita Shigeyuki , Hoshino Kazumasa
Published: July 2008

The effects of surgically induced malocclusion upon the articular disk of the temporomandibular joint in adult male rats were investigated histochemically and immunohistochemically using antibody against type II collagen. In the intermediate portion of the articular disk, the number of collagen fibers and chondrocytes was much less and the collagen fibers became more wavy, rough and irregular in surgically operated rats than in control rats. Clusters of chondrocytes were found in some experimental rats.The present experiments revealed that surgically induced malocclusion causes noticeable changes in collagen fibers and chondrocytes within the extracellular matrix of the articular disk of the temporomandibular joint.
Ultrastructure of Secretory Ameloblasts in the House Musk Shrew, Suncus murinus, Insectivora
Authors: Masuda T. , Nishikawa K. , Takagi T.
Published: July 2008

Tooth germs from neonatal house musk shrews, Suncus murinus, were used for the study.The tooth morphogenesis was compared electron microscopically to that of Primates. In the tooth germ at the bell stage, the ameloblast was 3 × 50 µm in size, columnar in shape and had several tubular-type Golgi apparatus which were at the distal end of the cell. Most mitochondria were noted at the proximal.end of ameloblasts. Tomes’ processes were 1 µm in width, protruded 10 µm from the ameloblast and had many dense bodies and two kinds of vesicles. They were morphologically different from human ameloblasts and enamel rods.
Ultrastructural Findings in the Wound Healing of the Colonic Mucosa of Rabbits
Authors: Mori Naoki , Yoshizuka Mitsuaki , Ueda Hiroshi , Ono Eizo , Umezu Yuichi , Fujimoto Sunao
Published: July 2008

The wound healing of the rabbit colonic mucosa after experimental excision was observed with the electron microscope. Between 5 and 7 days, considerable numbers of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells (group I), differentiating muscle cells (group II) and histiocyte-like cells (group III) appear in the regions where the muscularis mucosae is re-establishing. Our electron micrographs indicate that group I cells are stem cells which differentiate to group II cells involved in muscle regeneration or to group III cells involved in phagocytosis. The mitotic proliferation of pre-existing smooth-muscle cells at the ulcer margin does not seem to be the major reason for the re-establishment of the muscular layer. Multinucleated cells occurring in this healing mucosa are considered to be formed by successive fusions between the group III cells and to play a role in enclosure of cell debris such as fragments of elastin.
Development of the External Genitalia in Fetuses of the Southern Minke Whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Authors: Amasaki Hajime , Ishikawa Haime , Daigo Masayuki
Published: July 2008

The developmental changes of the anogenital distance and external genitalia were studied in 81 fetuses of the southern minke whale. It was difficult to sex the fetuses with less than 55.8 mm crown-rump length (CRL) even by histological means, but it was easy in the fetuses with more than 77.0 mm CRL and less than 110.0 mm CRL. The histologically determined male fetuses had a ratio of anogenital distance to CRL or body length of more than 5% while females had a value of less than 4%. At later stages with a CRL of more than 113.0 mm, male fetuses had an umbilicus-directed genital tubercle, while in females a tail-directed tubercle was observed.The present study suggests that the stage with sexual dimorphism might be earlier in the southern minke whale than that previously reported.
The Sclerocorneal Trabecula of the Primates
Authors: Ruano-Gil D. , Costa-Vila J.
Published: July 2008

In this work, after having studied the chamber angle of 14 types of primates, we describe the sclerocorneal trabecula. They are a formation dependent on the tendinous insertion fibres of the longitudinal portion of the ciliary muscle.These trabecula consist of a reticulate area and another spongy area with some interstices that we think get bigger or smaller in size according to the degree of contraction of the ciliary muscle, thus either easing or impeding the flow of aqueous humour to Schlemm’s canal.
Growth of the Clavicle and Development of Clavicular Secondary Cartilage in the Embryonic Mouse
Authors: Tran Simone , Hall Brian K.
Published: July 2008

Whether secondary cartilage develops in the mammalian clavicle has been a matter of controversy. This study documents, in the embryonic mouse: (a) the onset of clavicular osteogenesis at 14 days of gestation (Theiler stage 22); (b) the appearance of secondary cartilage at 16 days of gestation (Theiler stage 24) and its persistence as a prominent cartilage until 18 days of gestation; (c) that the relative growth rate of the clavicle is much higher (0.097 mg/g body weight/day) between 16 and 17 days of gestation than at later ages (mean of 0.005 mg/g/day between 17 days of gestation and 4 days postnatally), and (d) that secondary cartilage failed to form in clavicles from 15-day-old embryos maintained in vitro. We conclude that secondary cartilage is a feature of the developing mouse clavicle, that it arises when the relative growth rate of the clavicle is highest, and that the most likely stimulus for differentiation of this cartilage is mechanical, muscle-based and associated with rapid relative clavicular growth.
Changes in Myosin Isozyme Expression during Cardiac Hypertrophy in Hyperthyroid Rabbits
Authors: Seiden David , Srivatsan Malathi , Navidad Paraluman A.
Published: July 2008

The myosin isozyme distribution in the left ventricle and in the interventricular septum of rabbits was studied after 3 7,11,14 and 21 days of L-thyroxine (500 µg/kg/day) administration. Histochemical procedures were employed to identify V1 and V3 by their Ca2+ ATPase activity and their proportions were quantified through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the left ventricle, the subepicardium was the first to show the shift fromV3 to V1 followed by the subendocardium. The intermediate region became heterogeneous by 11 days and remained so until 21 days. The right subendocardial and the intermediate regions of the interventricular septum were heterogeneous in the normal rabbit and hyperthyroidism resulted in a shift from V3 to V1 in both the right and left subendocardial regions of the septum. Like the left ventricle, the intermediate region of the interventricular septum remained heterogeneous. Localized accumulations of collagen were seen in all regions of the left ventricle and interventricular septum. From these results we conclude that in thyrotoxic myocardial hypertrophy the isozymic shift from V3 to V1 is progressive, region-specific and is directly correlated with the period of hyperthyroidism in the first 2 weeks. Prolonged hyperthyroidism results in localized accumulation of collagen which does not exhibit any regional specificity.
Fine Structure of the Retinal Epithelium and Tapetum Lucidum of the Ranch Mink Mustela vison
Authors: Braekevelt C.R.
Published: July 2008

The morphology of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch’s membrane (complexus basalis), choriocapillaris and tapetum lucidum has been studied in the eye of the ranch mink (Mustela vison) by light and electron microscopy. The RPE is composed of a single layer of cells joined laterally by apically located junctional complexes. Basally (sclerally) these cells display numerous infoldings whereas apically (vitreally) two types of processes are associated with rod and cone outer segments. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are abundant in these cells whereas rough endoplasmic reticulum and polysomes, although present, are not plentiful. An occasional wandering phagocyte is noted at the RPE-photoreceptor interface. In the posterosuperior part of the fundus, a degenerative tapetum lucidum is present. The presence of only a few layers of tapetal cells containing but little reflective material and the haphazard arrangement of this material makes it very unlikely that this area functions as an effective tapetum lucidum. The RPE over the aberrant tapetum, however, shows the morphology that is seen when a functioning tapetum ceilulosum is present, namely the absence of melanosomes and an indented choriocapillaris. Bruch’s membrane in non-tapetal areas is pentalaminate but, over the tapetum and where it is associated with capillary profiles, it is reduced to a single, thickened basal lamina.The choriocapillary endothelium is highly fenestrated and in non-tapetal areas these capillaries are not indented into the epithelial layer.
Structural and Morphometric Characteristics of the Basement Membrane of Rabbit Parietal Podocytes Induced by Corticoids
Authors: Ojeda José L. , Ros Angeles , García-Porrero Juan A.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents a structural and morphometric study of the basement membrane underlying the parietal epithelium of cysts developed in the rabbit kidney after a single postnatal injection of methylprednisolone acetate. This epithelium consists of podocyte-like cells named parietal podocytes. Our results show that the parietal podocytes synthesize their own basement membrane in vivo. However, the different laminae of this membrane present differences in structure and thickness when compared to the analogous layers of both the normal glomerular and parietal basement membranes. Differences between the different zones of the parietal podocytic basement membrane are also observed, depending upon the structure that surrounds the cyst (capillaries, interstitial cells or loose connective tissue). A lamina lucida, analogous to the lamina lucida interna of the glomerular basement membrane, is formed only in segments of the parietal podocytic basement membrane in close contact with endothelial or interstitial cells. The thickness of the lamina lucida externa of the parietal podocytic basement membrane appears regulated by the presence of interstitial cells and capillaries. In the zones in contact with capillaries, the lamina densa of the parietal prodocytic basement membrane appears thinner than in other segments. This fact together with structural observations suggests that the formation of a single basement membrane, interposed between the parietal podocytes and the endothelium, does not take place by fusion of the two basement membranes but by previous removal of the capillary basement membrane. In areas where the parietal podocytic basement membrane is in contact with loose connective tissue, a lamina fibroreticularis is observed. All these data indicate that the formation of the basement membrane by the parietal podocytes is influenced by nonpodocytic cells. Around the glomerular cysts, a tardy formation of capillaries is observed. Parietal podoytes can be hypothesized to synthesize an angiogenic factor that may be implicated in the process of angiogenesis.
Incidence of Centrally Positioned Nuclei in Mouse Masticatory Muscle Fibers
Authors: Vilmann Anders , Vümann Henning , Kirkeby Svend
Published: July 2008

Cross-sections of normal digastric, temporalis and masseter muscles from 7- and 30-week-old mice were studied for centrally positioned nuclei. Such nuclei were inhomogeneously distributed throughout each muscle and varied markedly between specimens. The incidence of centrally positioned nuclei in the digastric muscle (mean ± SD: 0.029 ± 0.015, n = 25) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that in the temporalis (mean ± SD: 0.011 ± 0.010, n = 25) and masseter muscles (mean ± SD: 0.005 ± 0.007, n = 9), but did not differ between the two latter muscles (p = 0.41). Furthermore, the frequency in a given muscle was apparently age-independent. A connection between fiber type and centrally positioned nuclei is suggested.
Filmischer Nachweis örtlich wechselnder Kontraktionsruhe in Herzmuskelfibrillen von Hühnerembryonen: Kulturbeobachtung
Authors: Conti G. , Gross W.O.
Published: July 2008

In studies of the pulsation of embryonic heart muscle cells in culture, pauses can be sometimes observed during which for some seconds all interconnected cells rest. This can be remarked in the whole field of vision. At once the pulsation starts again and, with unbroken force, the activity continues until the next pause. Such pauses in the heart function of warm-blooded animals would be lethal. However, in culture, the rests can be limited to only one fibril of the cell complex. In that case, the performance of the heart would be maintained. Rests can be observed in even only a few sarcomeres, if not one single sarcomere of fibrils of the striated heart muscle. The sarcomeres are alternately exempted from contraction and the shortening of the fibril by the contraction is practically not diminished. This mechanism could provide a mode of recovery for the ever pulsating heart. The phenomenon of sarcomerical release from fibril contraction could be made visible in the film by a 4-fold slowdown.
Dense-Cored Vesicles and Unusual Lamellar Bodies in Type III Gustatory Cells in Taste Buds of Rabbit Foliate Papillae
Authors: Toyoshima Kuniaki , Tandler Bernard
Published: July 2008

Some type III cells in taste buds of rabbit foliate papillae have greatly increased numbers of dense-cored vesicles. Such cells also contain unusual lamellar bodies that resemble those in alveolar type II cells; they consist of alternating dense and light layers with a periodicity of about 4.4 nm.The precise relationship between the vesicles and the lamellar bodies is unkown.
The Vasculature of Xenotransplanted Human Melanomas and Sarcomas on Nude Mice
Authors: Konerding M.A. , Steinberg F. , Streffer C.
Published: July 2008

The tumor-inherent vasculature plays a major role with respect to tumor sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Ultrastructural studies of the tumor vasculature are necessary in order to obtain more detailed information on the architecture and structure and on the sites affected by tumor therapy. The vasculature of xenotransplanted human tumors on nude mice was investigated in this study by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Structurally complete real arteries or veins are neither to be seen in the periphery nor in the center. Large-caliber vessels basically have a capillary wall structure. The endothelial cells show a very alternating height and electron density. Frequently, different cell types and tumor cells themselves are apparently involved in the formation of the vessel wall. The endothelium is characterized by very simple immature cell contacts. In some tumors the amount of vessels without or with incomplete endothelium seems to be higher than the number of structurally real capillaries. This has consequences as well for radiotherapy as for hyperthermia and chemotherapy.
Untersuchungen über Veränderungen im Fussskelet und im Verlauf der Ansatzsehnen der Unterschenkelmuskulatur bei Tibiaaplasie
Authors: Selke B. , Bogusch G.
Published: July 2008

Skeleton muscles and tendons were investigated in 3 lower legs with aplasia of the tibia. The tibiofibular joint appears to be rather a syndesmosis than a diarthrosis. In all 3 cases, talus and calcaneus are connected by a synostosis. Also in the other parts of the skeleton of the feet, synarthroses with different extensions are found. The muscles, normally originating from the tibia, have shifted their origin to the fibula. The proximal part of the inserting tendons under the retinacula is quite normal. Also, their distal part in the region of the metatarsaha and of the digits exhibits no alterations. In the region of the tarsus in which already alterations in bone formation are found, the tendons of the flexor muscles of the toes exhibit some variations. Often the muscles show a new, strong insertion into the bones of the tarsus. The normal connection between the proximal and distal parts of the tendons is sometimes still indicated by a thin bundle of collagenous fibers. In all 3 cases, the tibialis anterior muscle inserts into the distal part of the tendons of the flexor muscles of the toes, indicating that there are also connections between tendons of muscles from different blastemas.
Effect of Osmolarity of the Fixative on the Ultrastructure of Preimplantation Rabbit Embryos
Authors: Hegele-Hartung Christa , Piegsa Karin , Fischer Bernd
Published: July 2008

In an attempt to clarify whether or not glutaraldehyde molecules contribute to the effective osmotic pressure of the fixative solution the ultrastructure of noncultured and in vitro-cultured day 1 3 and 4 rabbit embryos was evaluated. Total osmolarity of the fixative solution (200–800 mosm) was only varied by changing the aldehyde concentration, whereas the vehicle osmolarity (145 mosm) remained unchanged. Optimum preservation in all embryonic stages was obtained when total osmolarity of the fixative solution was 285–340 mosm. Higher (480–800 mosm) or lower (250 mosm) osmolarities of the fixative solution led to alterations mainly in mitochondria and smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. Shrinkage of cells and condensation of the cytoplasm occurred only occasionally. Compared with early cleavage stage embryos blastocysts were generally more susceptible to hyperton and hypoton fixative solutions. In vitro culture for 24 h per se did not have any influence on the fixation.
Ultrastructure of the Porcine Myometrium during Pregnancy
Authors: Thilander G. , Rodriguez-Martinez H.
Published: July 2008

The fine structure of myometrium from pigs collected at well-defined stages during pregnancy was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The morphology of the pregnant myometrium resembled that in non-pregnant pigs. Thick myofilaments were conspicuous during early pregnancy, inapparent during mid-pregnancy and visible again by days 80–84 and towards parturition. Gap junctions were extremely rare throughout pregnancy. Only occasionally were nerve axons observed.
Structure of the Sensory Innervation of the Anal Canal in the Pig
Authors: Rettig Theresia , Halata Zdenek
Published: July 2008

The sensory innervation of the anal canal of the pig was investigated by light and electron microscopy. The distribution of the different types of sensory nerve endings correlates with the histology of different zones: (1) After the rectal mucosa there was a zone lined with nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium. (2) A middle zone was lined with keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Here the dermis already showed a papillary and a reticular layer. (3) The last zone showed hairy skin with a high hair density. The following nerve endings were found: Free nerve endings reached the stratum superficiale in nonkeratinized squamous epithelium and the stratum granulosum in the keratinized squamous epithelium. Dermal free nerve endings were found in all zones near the epithelium and two different types were identified as those derived from C-fibers and those from A-delta-fibers. Merkel nerve endings showed different features depending on their location. Few Merkel-like cells were found in the epithelium of the anal crypts. Typical Merkel ‘Tastscheiben” were located at the base of epithelial ridges or pegs in zones 2 and 3. The number of Merkel cells varied up to 200. The myelinated afferent fiber supplied 10–15 Merkel cells. Merkel cells were also found regularly in the outermost layer of the external rooth sheath of hair follicles at about the same level as perifollicular nerve endings. Lamellated corpuscles were found in the dermis of all zones except the cranial part of zone 1, where the anal crypts are located. Generally they consisted of a central nerve terminal which may be branched. Each terminal was surrounded by an inner core of concentrically arranged lamellae of the terminal Schwann cell and one or several inner cores were included in a capsule of perineural cells. The size of the corpuscle, the regularity of the inner core and the number of capsular layers depended on the location of the corpuscle. The closer it was to the epithelium, the less well developed was the capsule and the smaller the corpuscle tended to be. Perifollicular nerve endings andpilo-Ruffinicomplex are unique features of the sensory innervation of hairy skin. They were regularly found with the large guard hairs.
A Comparison of the Position of the Mental Foramen in Chinese and British Mandibles
Authors: Santini Ario , Land Moira
Published: July 2008

The antero-posterior position of the mental foramen was studied in 68 Chinese and 44 British skulls of known or calculated age at death. All skulls showed low pre-mortem tooth loss and had a good occlusion. The position of the foramen was related to the body of the mandible as well as to the standing mandibular teeth using two previously published methods. There was no significant difference in the size of the Chinese and British mandibles. There was a significant difference between the two groups when measurements relating the foramen to the body of the mandible (symphysis menti) were considered, the foraminal position being more distal in the Chinese group. The modal position of the foramen in the Chinese sample was along the long axis of the second premolar, whereas in the British sample it lay between the apices of the first and second premolar. The foraminal position apparently moved distally in both groups with age and this was likely to be associated with mesial tooth drift and age-related attrition.
Gliogenesis and Myelination in the Optic Nerve of Trisomy 19 Mice
Authors: Lorke Dietrich E. , Lauer Martin
Published: July 2008

Trisomy 19 (tsl9) of the mouse permits detailed studies on the influence of an extra autosome upon the postnatal development of the central nervous system. To examine gliogenesis and myelinogenesis, the optic nerves of 19 tsl9 pugs aged 1–15 days have been examined by light and electron microscopy and compared to those of litter-mate controls. Differentiation of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, myelinogenesis as well as the opening of the eyes are each delayed by about 2 days. Myelin sheaths are normally structured in ts 19. There is a decrease in the percentage of myelinated fibres. The cross-sectional area of the tsl9 optic nerve is reduced. The fibre density, which decreases with age both intsl9 and control mice, is higher in tsl9 mice. Both with tsl9 and control animals, the distribution of fibre diameters of myelinated axons overlaps with that of promyelinated and unmyelinated fibres, but myelinated axons cannot be observed below a diameter of 0.3 µm and unmyelinated axons are always smaller than 1 µm. The mean diameter of promyelinated axons is identical in tsl9 and control animals. Myelination is therefore not severely disturbed in the tsl9 optic nerve. As retinal differentiation in tsl9is delayed by 2 days as well reports on an asynchronous development of neurons and myelin sheaths cannot be confirmed for the visual system.
Sympathetic Supply to the Arteries of Canine Hindlimbs
Authors: Iwahashi Kanji , Hiratani Katsuhiko , Tsunekawa Kengo
Published: July 2008

Sympathetic supply to the saphenous and dorsal pedal arteries of canine hindlimbs was determined using the glyoxylic acid method for monoamines for the fluorescence histochemical demonstration. Adrenergic nerve fibers of the dorsal pedal artery had almost completely disappeared after L6, L7 sympathectomy. The fibers of the saphenous artery had disappeared by about 90% by L3–L5 sympathectomy. It is concluded that all the postganglionic fibers distributed to the dorsal pedal artery originate in L6 and L7 ganglia and 90% of those distributed to the saphenous artery originate in L3–L5 ganglia.
Architectural and Histochemical Analysis of the Biceps brachii Muscle of the Horse
Authors: Hermanson John W. , Hurley Karyl J.
Published: July 2008

The biceps brachii of horses is a complex muscle subdivided into two heads which may subserve distinct functions. The lateral head contains a large percentage of type I myofibers. This region is largely composed of short fibers (5–7 mm long) arranged in a pinnate fashion and heavily invested with connective tissue. The medial head contains fewer type I fibers and is composed of relatively longer myofibers (15–20 mm long) also arranged in a pinnate fashion but less heavily invested with connective tissue. It is hypothesized that the lateral muscle head of biceps brachii contributes to the postural role of the muscle in the forelimb passive stay apparatus. The medial head with its longer fibers and generally fast fiber population may be most important during dynamic activity such as walking, trotting and running.
Zur arteriellen Versorgung der zervikalen Wirbelkörper beim Neugeborenen
Authors: Menck J. , Lierse W.
Published: July 2008

The cervical vertebral column is mainly supplied by both vertebral arteries. A regular ladder pattern of arteries is on the dorsal plane as well as on the ventral plane of the cervical vertebral bodies opposite to the thoracal and the lumbar area of the vertebral column with only a dorsal ladder pattern of arteries. The cervical arterial anastomoses are built by the segmental arteries of the vertebral arteries, in the back of the cervical vertebral bodies by the arteriae canalis vertebralis anteriores and in the front by the rami anteriores (corporum vertebrarum). The thyrocervical and the costocervical trunks are an additional blood supply especially to the ventral anastomoses. A loss of a segmental artery may have no effect because of the good anastomoses. Some decades of aa. nutriciae come in the vertebral body from all sides, but only 2 up to 4 rr. centrales anteriores and 2 rr. centrales posteriores join in the middle of the vertebral body. There are parallels to the arterial blood supply of the thoracal and the lumbar vertebral bodies. The longitudinal ligaments are supplied by both ladder patterns of arteries.
Milky Spots in the Human Greater Omentum
Authors: Shimotsuma M. , Kawata M. , Hagiwara A. , Takahashi T.
Published: July 2008

Macroscopic and histological investigations were made from surgical specimens demonstrating milky spots in the human greater omentum from subjects of various ages. The milky spots in the human greater omentum appear as tiny, cotton-wool-like masses to the naked eye. Histologically, the milky spots consisted mainly of many macrophages with diffuse cytoplasmic esterase reaction products and esterase-negative B lymphocytes surrounding the vascular networks. Macrophages phagocytosed many carbon particles which were introduced as a carbon suspension during the operation. The vascular networks were blood capillary convolutions with a glomerular shape. Silver impregnation showed the delicate networks of reticular fibers which constitute the framework of the organ. The number of milky spots was highest in infancy and gradually decreased with age.
Quantitative Study of Circadian Variations in Mast Cell Number in Different Regions of the Mouse
Authors: Chen Xiao-Jun , He Ze-Yong
Published: July 2008

The tongue, pinna and dorsal skin of adult male C-1 mice were removed at 03.00, 06.00, 09.00, 12.00, 15.00 18.00 21.00 and 24.00 h fixed in basic lead acetate and stained with Alcian blue-safranin or 0.5 % toluidine blue. The mast cell numbers of these regions were counted and analyzed statistically by analysis of variance. It was found that there were circadian variations in the mast cell number in the tongue pinna and dorsal skin. The difference between the minimum and maximum of circadian variation in mast cell number in all three regions was highly significant (p < 0.01). Furthermore the time points of the maximum and minimum of mast cell number varied between the different regions. The time point of the minimum in the tongue and pinna was at 06.00 h, whereas it was at 09.00 h in the dorsal skin. The time point of the maximum in the tongue and dorsal skin was at 21.00 h, but in the pinna it was at 18.00 h.
Upper Jaw in Human Cyclopia
Authors: McGrath Philomena
Published: July 2008

In human cyclopia the upper jaw forms a solid bony mass between the median orbit and the oral cavity. The skeletal elements forming the upper jaw have been studied in serial sections through the median third of the head in 3 perinatal human specimens presenting with a median orbit and proboscis. One head was sectioned in the sagittal plane and 2 in the coronal plane. The upper jaw has also been studied in a dried cyclops skull and in a desiccated cyclops head in which the roof of the orbit had been removed. The data obtained demonstrate the particular contributions made by the lacrimal bones the maxillae and the palatine bones to the upper jaw in human cyclopia. The effects of the absence of the frontonasal process contribution and of the absence of the nasal cavity on the upper jaw in cyclopia are considered.
The Organization of Corticopontine Fibres in Man
Authors: Tredici G. , Barajon I. , Pizzini G. , Sanguineti I.
Published: July 2008

Patients with lesions located in the frontal and temporal lobes, in the parieto-temporo-occipital border zone and in the anterior limb of the internal capsule did not present ataxia or other cerebellar signs. On the other hand patients with the ataxic hemiparesis (AH) syndrome had lesions located in the posterior limb of the internal capsule, in the corona radiata and in the central region of the cerebral cortex. These findings in man do not confirm the existence of large frontal (Arnold’s bundle) and temporal (Türck’s bundle) projections to the pontine nuclei and indicate that the main bulk of corticopontíne fibres originates from the central region of the cerebral hemisphere and courses in the posterior limb of the internal capsule. In man the anatomical organization of corticopontíne fibres is therefore similar to that recently demonstrated in animals.
Differential Size Distribution of A trial Dense Granules in Spontaneously Hypertensive, Wistar-Kyoto and Wistar Rats
Authors: Stein B.A. , Katzeff I. , Norton G. , De Wef G. , Rosendorff C.
Published: July 2008

The differential size distribution of atrial dense granules (ADGs) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and two normotensive controls, Wistar and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, was investigated. The ADGs in SHR were smaller than those in Wistar rats. The ADGs of WKY rats were of intermediate size. It is possible that ADGs are more rapidly secreted in SHR compared with WKY and Wistar rats or that the smaller-diameter granules may contain more atriopeptinogen than the larger granules. The intermediate size of the ADGs in WKY suggests that the WKY variant is morphologically intermediate between the SHR and Wistar strains.
Orthogonal Arrays Are Absent from the Membranes of Human Glioblastomatous Tissues
Authors: Hatton James D. , Sang U Hoi
Published: July 2008

Human astrocytic gliomas were studied with the freeze fracture technique. Orthogonal arrays of particles were noted in the plasma membranes of low-grade astrocytoma tissues. However, no such arrays were found in the plasma membranes of anaplastic glioma or glioblastoma tissues. Gap junctions were rarely seen in the membranes of these higher-grade gliomas; when seen, they consisted of relatively few particles in poorly organized plaques. These plasma membranes were dominated by randomly distributed single particles. These findings constitute aspects of the loss of differentiation in these malignant tumors.
An Immunocytochemical Study on the Occurrence of Liver Fatty-Acid-Binding Protein in the Digestive Organs of Rats: Specific Localization in the D Cells and Brush Cells
Authors: heki Shoichi , Kondo Hisatake
Published: July 2008

Rat liver fatty-acid-binding protein (L-FABP) was originally isolated from the liver parenchymal cells and later found also in the intestinal absorptive cells. By light- and electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry we examined the distribution of L-FABP in the entire digestive system of the rat and revealed two other cell types i. e. the endocrine D cell and the brush cell, to be specifically immunoreactive for L-FABP. The immunoreactive D cells, identified by the simultaneous immunoreactivity for somatostatin and by characteristic endocrine granules, were found in the stomach epithelium and pancreatic islets. The immunoreactive brush cells, identified by the ultrastructural features of cell apex, were found primarily in the stomach epithelium and also in the epithelia of the rectum and common bile duct. Almost all immunoreactive brush cells had a thin process in contact with the basement membrane. No secretory granules with dense cores similar to those of the endocrine cells were observed in the brush cells. The present findings reveal L-FABP to be a useful marker of the gastrointestinal D cells and brush cells especially of the latter, confirming that the brush cell is a distinct entity different from any other cell types in the gastrointestinal epithelia. Furthermore, FABP may be involved in the specific functions of these cell types related to fatty acid metabolism.
Intracellular Enzyme Localization in the Epithelium of the Bovine Glandular Stomach
Authors: Schessner Monika , Schnorr Bertram
Published: July 2008

The intracellular localization of calcium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca2+-ATPase) was studied ultracytochemically in the pyloric glands of the abomasal mucosa of cattle. A remarkable staining pattern exhibited the Golgi apparatus, as there was a gradation in staining of the interior sides of dictyosomal cisternae from the not or weakly stained cis to the heavily stained trans face. Membranes of Golgi-endoplasmic reticulum lysosome complex-secretory vesicles showed either no or strong enzyme activity. Membranes of secretory vesicles accumulated in the cell apex stained positive for ATPase activity. This accounts also for the apical cortical cytoplasm. From these results it is speculated that Ca2+-ATPase may play an important role in the pathway of exocytotic secretion, especially in the process of membrane sorting and biogenesis of secretory vesicles, in the steps of vesicle accumulation and transport to the site of exocytosis as well as in membrane fusion events.
Atrial Natriuretic Factor in the Heart of the Human Embryo
Authors: Larsen Terje H.
Published: July 2008

The presence of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) has been demonstrated in striated myocytes of the human embryonic heart as well as in the adult heart, by immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical methods. The post-conceptional age of the embryos ranged from 8 to 9 weeks. At this early stage of development, shortly after the appearance of atrial granules in humans, ANF was localized both in the auricles and remaining parts of both atria. Immunostaining was intensified in the subendocardial areas. No immunoreactivity was observed in the developing ventricles. Immunogold electron microscopy of atrial myocytes showed that the ANF-containing atrial granules were distributed throughout the sarcoplasm, although they tended to accumulate in the paranuclear areas. Neither the Golgi apparatus nor the rough endoplasmic reticulum exhibited ANF immunoreactivity, indicating that immunoreactive ANF of the human embryonic atria is stored in the mature granules. These results indicate an endocrine function of the human embryonic atria.
Quantitative Evaluation by Immunocytochemistry of the Age-Related Variations in Thyroid C Cells in the Rat
Authors: Delverdier M. , Cabanie P. , Roome N. , Enjalbert F. , Plaisancie P. , van Haverbeke G.
Published: July 2008

C cells in the rat thyroid were identified easily and clearly using an immunocytochemical technique. This identification allowed a precise study to be carried out on the quantitative variations of these cells with respect to age (between 10 and 60 weeks) and sex of the animals. No difference related to sex was seen. There was a net increase in the volume fraction of C cells (hyperplasia) with age.
Functional Construction of the Superficial and Deep Fascia System of the Lower Limb in Man
Authors: Gerlach U.J. , Lierse W.
Published: July 2008

The muscular system, the connective tissue and the bones are the components of a biomechanical pelvis-lower extremity model. The occasional electrical events in the muscles were not taken into account, as they can only be measured by physiological methods. In this publication, the connective tissue of the lower extremities is examined. The connective tissue system of the thigh and leg was prepared; after removal of the muscles the so-called ‘hollow’ lower extremity could be studied. A topographical documentation followed, and the structure and directions of the fibers were observed with polarized light. The connective tissue systems of the lower extremities and bones form a biomechanical effective and functional system, the bone-fascia-tendon system. The components of the connective tissue in such a system are the fascia lata, the crural fascia, the iliotibial tract, the femoral and crural intermuscular septa, and the membrana interossea. The iliotibial tract is not the sole part of this system having a tension band effect, other components – above all the lateral femoral intermuscular septum – also reduce the forces acting on the bones. Therefore, the tensile strength of the iliotibial tract has to be considered lower as supposed. The iliotibial tract is not a part of the fascia lata; it is an independent, vertically tightened tendon of the ‘pelvic deltoid muscle’ (gluteus maximus, tensor fasciae latae). The iliotibial tract passes over the greater trochanter like on a roller bearing. It is not attached directly to the greater trochanter and to the lateral femoral condyle, so that previous models have to be modified. The iliotibial tract glides in a fascia bag which is composed of oblique and horizontal fibers of the broad fascia. The iliotibial tract, as tendon of the pelvic deltoid muscle, continues in a lateral location into the leg where it is fixed to the lateral malleolus. The present report provides a new description of the structure of the connective tissue system of the lower extremities. The model reported complies with the laws of similarity mechanics by describing exactly the geometric, physical and functional conditions. This representation could facilitate the construction of a computer-aided, efficient, biomechanical model of the pelvis-lower extremity region considering also the complex functional circumstances, in contrast to previous models. In order to construct such a model the data obtained by the examination of the connective tissue of the lower extremities have to be given into a data bank, which, however, has to be built up.
Observation of the Proximal Portions of Axons of Anterior-Horn Cells in the Human Spinal Cord
Authors: Sasaki Shoichi , Maruyama Shoichi , Takeishi Makoto
Published: July 2008

The proximal portions of axons of large anterior-horn cells were investigated in the lumbar cords of 10 normal human autopsy cases. Light-microscopically, 81 myelinated axons were observed to be connected with the cell body. Of the 81 axons, 78 emanated from the cell body and 3 others originated in the proximal part of primary dendri-tes. As for normal-looking neurons (n = 77), the length of the axon hillock plus initial segment was 64.0 ± 12.3 µm (average ± SEM) ranging from 47.5 to 110.0 µm, while the diameter of the thinnest portion of the initial segment was 2.40 ± 0.30 µm (average ± SEM), ranging from 1.32 to 3.92 µm. Electron-microscopically, the predominant organelles of the axon hillock were mitochondria, neurofilaments which merged into the axon and occasional granular endoplasmic reticulum. A few synaptic boutons were found on the surface of the axon hillock. The cell membrane of the initial segment consisted of a layer of electron-dense material (undercoating). The cytoplasm contained many neurofilaments, running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the initial segment. Among the neurofilaments, lysosomes, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, dense bodies and vesicular profiles as well as mitochondria were seen. At the beginning of the myelin sheath, the axoplasm contained mitochondria, many neurofilaments and occasional lysosomes.
Age-Related Osteo-Arthrotic Degeneration of the Temporomandibular Joint in the Mouse
Authors: Dreessen D. , Halata Z.
Published: July 2008

The light-microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of female STR/IN mice, aged from 3 to 12 months, were studied. Every TMJ of an adult mouse starts to degenerate in early adulthood and subsequently suffers from osteo-arthrosis. Ageing of the TMJ is characterized by thinning out of its cartilaginous components. The chondrocytes are no longer distributed regularly in the ground substance but form clusters. Cracks and fissures invade the condylar cartilage and lead to the formation of cartilage islands, which finally become loose as free bodies in the lower joint chamber and joint capsule. The lower joint chamber diminishes, but no ankylosis is observed. Ultrastructurally, the number of vesicles around the degenerated chondrocytes increases. Aged chondrocytes contain more lysosomes. The condylar surface becomes irregular and reveals microscars. Its surface is covered by an electron-dense fine granular material, considered to be built up by proteoglycans. Compared to the male ICR mouse, the osteo-arthrotic destruction of the cartilage, the subchondral sclerosis and the deformation of the underlying bone exhibit only minor states in the female STR/IN mouse. Concerning the aetiology and pathogenesis, the very early degeneration of the mostly unloaded TMJ seems to be based on a genetically altered composition of the articular cartilage, possibly due to failing articular chondrocyte responses to stimuli connected with degeneration and repair.
Microanatomy of Retia Mirabilia of Bowhead Whale Foramen Magnum and Mandibular Foramen
Authors: Pfeiffer C.J. , Kinkead T.P.
Published: July 2008

The morphology of vessels of the cervical rete mirabile near the region of the foramen magnum of the bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus, as well as of retial vessels of the mandibular foramen was studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. A comparison of arterial and venous components of the mandibular rete revealed considerable arterial branching and arteriovenous anastomoses. Although the small arteries of bowhead retia contained the same layers found in nonretial arteries, several distinctive morphologic features were evident. These included wide separation by collagenous connective tissue and small size of individual smooth muscle cells of the tunica media. These myocytes also contained considerable perinuclear glycogen and communicated minimally with adjacent myocytes by small foot-like cytoplasmic appendages as well as branching of basement membranes. Ganglia-like neural plexuses were observed within the tunica media of arterial retia. Endothelial cells lining the intima demonstrated loose peripheral edges which frequently projected into the vessel lumen, and these cells rested upon a subjacent layer of reticular fibers. It is known for some species that the retial supply to the brain in whales largely supplants an internal carotid arterial supply and that the spinal cord is supplied by retia. The physiologic role of the bowhead mandibular retia remains unknown. The retia mirabilia of cetaceans are considered as one of the morphologic adaptations which modulate hemodynamics during diving and resurfacing. The morphologic features of these vessels in the bowhead whale, as revealed by electron microscopy, appear to reflect the capability to respond in a slow but sustained manner to diving, and the large glycogen deposits may help sustain vascular myocyte metabolism during prolonged submersion.
Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan in the Extracellular Matrix of the Canine Superior Olivary Nuclei
Authors: Atoji Y. , Kitamura Y. , Suzuki Y.
Published: July 2008

The perineuronal extracellular matrix of the canine superior olivary nuclei was examined by the histochemical method. The extracellular matrix was stained with Alcian blue (pH 1.0 and 2.5), high iron diamine and ruthenium red. The staining intensity of Alcian blue in the extracellular matrix was remarkably reduced after chondroitinase ABC digestion but not after that of heparitinase or hyaluronidase. These results indicate that the extracellular matrix consists of proteoglycans and contains the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan.
Coexpression of Intermediate Filament Proteins in the Chick Embryo Heart
Authors: Vélez C. , Muros M.A. , Aránega A.E. , Fernández J.E. , González F.J. , Alvarez L. , Aránega A.
Published: July 2008

We studied the distribution of intermediate filament proteins during several stages of chick embryo heart development by indirect immunofluorescence and fluorescence-activated cell surface analysis. Vimentin is the predominant intermediate filament during the early stages of cardiac genesis, while desmin appears essentially with maturation. Desmin is the main subunit protein of intermediate filaments in the mature myocyte.