bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implantation of Fetal Thymus and Sympathetic Ganglion within the Anterior Eye Chamber in Mice, to Study Neuro-Immune Interaction in Thymic Development
Authors: Singh Upendra , Fatani Jamal , Mehta Lalit , Mohajir Abdul Majeed
Published: July 2008

In this study 13- to 14-day fetal thymic lobes were implanted within the anterior eye chambers in mice either with or without a syngeneic newborn sympathetic ganglion. It was observed after 6 weeks of implantation that the thymic lobes that grew with the ganglia had fewer lymphoid cells than their counterparts which were grown without the ganglia. The cells that developed within the thymic lobes were Thy-1- and peanut agglutinin-positive. The thymic lobes that grew with sympathetic ganglia also showed the presence of adrenergic nerves, perhaps due to reinnervation of the thymic grafts from the ganglia.
Morphometry and Elemental Analysis of Rat Exocrine Pancreas following Administration of Trypsin Inhibitor
Authors: Sato Tamiko , Herman Lawrence
Published: July 2008

The morphological responses of the exocrine pancreas of the adult male rat to soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI) were studied by ultrastructural morphometry and electron probe X-ray microanalysis. STI administered orally in drinking water for 14 days resulted in a 72% increase in the wet weight of the pancreas. This enlargement was due, largely, to an increase in acinar cell mass. Volume increases in the acinar cell mass and extra-acinar cell compartment were 72 and 30% respectively. The estimated total number of acinar cells in the mean exocrine pancreas was 500 million in the control and 630 million in the experimental group, representing an increase of 27%. Acinar cell volume was 1,790 µm3 for the control and 2,457 µm3 for the STI group. The pronounced morphometric changes of the organelles in the STI group were: the mean nucleolar volume increased by 56%; the volume of zymogen granular mass per cell increased by 93%; the volume of the Golgi complex and the condensing vacuoles per cell increased by 52 and 100% respectively, whereas the membrane area of the Golgi complex and the condensing vacuoles increased by 98 and 47% respectively. Spectral analysis of seven elements (Na, Mg, P, S, Cl, K and Ca) showed significant changes for nuclei, zymogen granules and mitochondria following STI: nuclei showed Na, P, K increased; zymogen granules showed Na, P, S, K increased, Cl decreased; mitochondrial particles showed Mg, P, Cl, Ca increased, and the mitochondrial matrix showed S decreased. The persistent uptake of STI probably resulted in a continual release of a trophic hormone acting on pancreatic tissue components consequently causing hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the exocrine pancreas to accommodate a heightened demand for synthesis of exportable proteins.
Growth and Differentiation of Fetal Rat Limb Buds Transplanted in Athymic (Nude) Mice
Authors: Shiota Kohei , Arishima Kazuyoshi , Uwabe Chigako , Shirai Mitsuyuki , Yamamoto Masako , Nishimura Hideo
Published: July 2008

Limb buds of day 14 rat fetuses were cut into pieces and transplanted into the subcutaneous tissue of athymic (nude) mice. In day 14 fetal limbs, mesenchymal cells have begun to condense to form cartilaginous anlage, but no cartilage has been formed. Within 7 days after grafting, masses of hyaline cartilage developed. Numerous osteoblasts appeared, and new bone formation began by 14 days. By 20 days, osteoclasts appeared, and the formation of bone trabeculae and marrow cavities progressed. The cytological characteristics of chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts were essentially the same as those seen in vivo. Many grafts developed into long bones having the diaphysis and epiphysis. The mode of chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in the grafts was histologically similar to the corresponding process in vivo, although the differentiation was slower in the grafted limbs. Since the grafted limb buds showed remarkable growth and tissue differentiation for at least several weeks, this heterotransplantation system would be of potential use for the study of bone formation and resorption as well as for developmental toxicological studies.
Zwei atavistische Merkmale des Kehlkopfskelettes
Authors: Kainz J. , Friedrich G. , Anderhuber F.
Published: July 2008

In the analysis of laryngeal anomalies in 30 selected phoniatric patients by CT examination, 2 atavisms of the laryngeal skeleton were found. The ventral enclosure of the thyroid cartilage by the hyoid bone presents an inhibition malformation of the laryngeal skeleton with essential reduced vocal ability. The posterior junction between the cornu majus ossis hyoidei and the cornu superius cartilaginis thyroideae is marked by the direct contact of these cornua lacking the ligamentum thyrohyoideum laterale. Both anomalies are characterized by the persistence of the close relation between the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage, which normally exists phylogenetically as well as ontogenetically. That could be shown by anatomical sections performed on 4 human newborns in the horizontal plane.
Arterial Supply of the Human Long Biceps Tendon
Authors: Hermann B. , Steiner D.
Published: July 2008

The present study deals with the question whether an insufficient vascular supply of certain areas can be made responsible for ruptures in the biceps tendon. The macroscopic and microscopic examination shows that the blood supply of the tendon in the part most prone to ruptures that is in the bicipital groove is guaranteed even in older individuals. It is at least much better than in the intra-articular portion where ruptures are seldom observed. This means that mechanical components such as friction are dominant. The vascular factors seem to play a minor part.
Arcade-Like Anastomoses between the Posterior Intercostal Arteries in Man
Authors: Aharinejad S. , Fuss FK. , Franz P. , Firbas W.
Published: July 2008

The intercostal arteries of 12 nonpreserved human bodies were investigated: in 8 specimens they were injected with Latex® for anatomical preparation, 4 specimens were radiographed after injection of Angiographin®. Arcade-shaped anastomoses were consistently found to be present between neighboring intercostal arteries IV–VIII; frequently, inconstant arcade-like communications were seen as far down as the 11th intercostal artery. The superior and inferior ends of each arcade were equidistant from the aorta as were the right and left arcades. Communications on the right side were stronger than those on the left.
Effects of Hypercalcemia-Producing Tumor Extract and Parathyroid Hormone on Osteoclast Ultrastructure
Authors: Barengolts Elena , Buschmann Robert , Shevrin Daniel H. , Abramson Edith C. , Kukreja Subhash C.
Published: July 2008

Hypercalcemia is a frequent complication of cancer. Recently, parathyroid hormone-related protein has been isolated from tumors associated with this syndrome. In the present study, the effects of tumor-derived hypercalcemic factor and bovine parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone were compared in an organ culture system using calvarial bones from newborn mice. Mouse calvaria were incubated for 72 h with control medium or media containing 0.15 mg/ml tumor extract (TE) or 2 × 10–9M PTH. Bone resorption as assessed by the amount of calcium released into the medium and the number of osteoclasts counted on light microscopy, was increased by both PTH and TE. On electron microscopy areas for cytoplasm ruffled border and clear zone were statistically increased in PTH- and TE-treated calvaria as compared to control. These values were not significantly different between PTH- and TE-treated calvaria. The study therefore demonstrates that the ultrastructural changes in osteoclasts induced by the hypercalcemia-producing TE are similar to those induced by PTH.
Experimental Reflux Esophagitis in Rats
Authors: Aharinejad S. , Franz P. , Fakhari M.
Published: July 2008

We investigated the morphological alterations of the esophageal mucosa due to reflux disease by scanning electron microscopy. The esophagi of several rats were perfused with hydrochloric acid in the lower third, which was sealed towards the cardia with an inflatable catheter. Our findings indicate extensive erosion of the esophageal mucosa with detachment of the epithelial layer and underlying lamina propria from the lamina muscularis mucosae. The esophagi of control animals were perfused with physiologic saline solution and displayed no evidence of erosion or ulcerous alterations.
Transplantation of the Chick Early Eye Primordium into a Lensectomized Optic Cup of a Host Embryo
Authors: García-Lomas V. , Espinar A. , Génis-Galvez J.M.
Published: July 2008

Eye primordia of young chick embryos (stage XII) were transplanted into lensectomized optic cups of older embryos (stage XVII) to analyze the influence of the host retina on the degree of morphological differentiation attained by the donor lens. Embryos were sacrificed 24–96 h later. The donor lens primordium showed a differentiation more in correlation with the host eye cup (stage XXIII) after 24–96 h of incubation.
Morphometric Data on the Lymph Capillaries of the Ventricles of the Rabbit Heart
Authors: Poggi Paola , Marchetti Carla , Calligaro Alberto , Casasco Andrea
Published: July 2008

A morphometric analysis was done on the lymph capillaries of both left and right ventricles from the rabbit heart. The measurements were made on the lymphatics identified in the subepicardium, myocardium and subendocardium of the ventricular walls. Quantitative evaluations were carried out on light and electron microscopic sections by a computerized image analysis system. The following parameters were selected and measured: (1) the diameter (of area-equivalent circle) of lymph capillaries, (2) the diameter of the uncoated micropinocytotic vesicles (located on the abluminal and adluminal side and in the cytoplasm of the endothelial cell) and the area occupied by the vesicles per unit area of cytoplasm. Differences in the size of the lymph capillaries were found in the three layers (subepicardium myocardium and subendocardium) of the ventricular walls. The largest vessels were present in the subepicardium both in the left ventricle and in the right one. No significant variations were found in the lymphatics of corresponding regions on both ventricles. Little variations on the mean diameter of the uncoated micropinocytotic vesicles are present in the three regions of the endothelial wall. In the left ventricle only, the subendocardial vesicles are significantly larger than the subepicardial and the myocardial ones (p < 0.05). The areal density occupied by vesicular system in the three layers of the ventricular wall showed significant differences in both ventricles (p < 0.05). The vesicles present in the subepicardial vessels occupied the smallest areal density. No significant variations existed in the vesicular areal density betweeti the two ventricles. These quantitative variations are discussed in relation to the physiological and morphological differences between left and right ventricles and between the three layers of the ventricular walls.
Effects of Isoproterenol Treatment on the Parathyroid Glands in Golden Hamsters of Different Ages, with Special Reference to the Frequency of Lipid Droplets
Authors: Emura Shoichi , Shoumura Shizuko , Ishizaki Noriko , Yamahira Tomo , Chen Huayue , Ito Masaki , Isono Hideo
Published: July 2008

The frequency of lipid droplets in the parathyroid glands of young, adult and senile golden hamsters after treatment with isoproterenol was investigated. In the parathyroid glands of the young and senile animals the number of lipid droplets increased gradually by 1 h, and thereafter it remained almost unchanged at 3 h after administration. In the glands of adult animals it increased, at first rapidly and then gradually, by 3 h after administration. It is considered that in the parathyroid glands of the golden hamsters stimulated by isoproterenol there is a relationship between the number of lipid droplets and aging.
Die hydrodynamische Komponente im Gelenk: Nachweis eines Membranen-Zisternen-Systems in der kalzifîzierten Zone des Knorpels am Femurkopf
Authors: Copf F. , Czarnetzki A.
Published: July 2008

The theoretical postulate of a hydrodynamic system for the transmission of forces at the hip joint led to the discovery of a two-membrane system. Within the calcified cartilaginous zone of the femoral head there exists a system of small spaces and cisterns which can only be understood in the postulated sense as an overall acting hydrodynamic system. A correlation between the destruction of the calcified zone, i.e. the hydrodynamic system, and arthrosis is indicated. Ongoing studies and deliberations will help to discover the true model of the transmission of forces and impulses and to solve the problems of treating arthrosis.
Ischemic Reperfusion Injury in Rabbit Spinal Cord: Protective Effect of Superoxide Dismutase on Neurological Recovery and Spinal Infarction
Authors: Cuevas Pedro , Reimers Diana , Carceller Fernando , Jimenez Araceli
Published: July 2008

The potential role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) a specific superoxide anion radical scavenger in treating spinal cord ischemia was investigated in rabbits subjected to aortic occlusion for 20 min. SOD treatment targeted to the early reperfusion period, reduced both motor dysfunction and incidence of spinal infarcts at 7 days after ischemia. Present results suggest that oxygen-derived free radicals play a role in the pathogenesis of infarcts developing in the spinal cord after ischemia and reperfusion injuries.
Functional Topography and Ultrastructure of Periarticular Mechanoreceptors in the Lateral Elbow Region of the Rat
Authors: Strasmann Thomas , van der Wal Jacob C. , Halata Zdenek , Drukker Jan
Published: July 2008

The distribution and ultrastructure of sensory nerve endings were investigated in the deep lateral elbow region of the rat. Three zones of distribution of mechanoreceptors were distinguished each in relation to the functional architecture of the connective and muscular tissue in that area: (1) a zone with muscle spindles, Golgi tendon organs, free nerve endings and single small lamellated corpuscles (‘muscle-tendon spectrum’), situated in the middle third of the supinator muscle and its superficial aponeurosis; (2) a zone with small lamellated corpuscles and free nerve endings situated pericapsularly to the humeroradial joint capsule (‘shearing spectrum’): this moderately dense, irregular connective tissue is covered by the proximal continuation of the supinator’s aponeurosis, and muscle fibers insert from beneath this aponeurosis, which displays, as a part of the joint capsule, a strong collagenous tissue plate; (3) a zone with only free nerve endings within the tendon-like, most proximal part of the supinator’s aponeurosis, inserting into the periosteal layer of the lateral humeral epicondyle (‘endotenonial spectrum’): it is part of the joint capsule. The ultra-structure of these sensory endings is described and the distribution pattern of the mechanoreceptors observed is discussed in relation to the classification into ‘muscle receptors’ and ‘joint receptors’.
Corpuscular Bodies in the Palate of the Rat
Authors: Liem R.S.B. , van Willigen J.D. , Copray J.C.V.M. , Horst Ter
Published: July 2008

The source of innervation of the corpuscular bodies in the palate and the central projections of the afferent fibres of the entire palate was studied in rats by transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase conjugated to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-HRP) and with substance P (SP) immunohistochemistry. WGA-HRP injected into the incisal papilla was taken up by the nerve fibres that terminated in the corpuscles. Retrogradely labelled neurons were observed in the trigeminal ganglion as well as anterogradely labelled terminals in the dorsolateral part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus and in the lateral part of the nucleus of the solitary tract. No labelling could be found in the geniculate ganglion the facial nerve and the hypoglossal nucleus. Following WGA-HRP injection in the intermolar area and in the soft palate labelling was only restricted to the trigeminal ganglion. The lamina propria of the entire palate and the corpuscle-enriched area of the incisal papilla and the soft palate were richly innervated by SP-containing fibres. Numerous SP-containing fibres were also observed in the nerve plexus at the base of the corpuscle. In addition, SP-positive neurons were identified in the trigeminal ganglion and SP-labelled terminals in the sensory trigeminal nuclear complex and in the solitary tract nucleus. On the basis of our morphological observations we conclude that the palatal corpuscular bodies are involved in taste perception which is of trigeminal origin.
The Persistent Trigeminal Artery and Its Topographical Relations
Authors: Tschabitscher M. , Weber M.W.W. , Georgopoulos M.
Published: July 2008

The topographical relation of a persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) to neighboring structures was investigated. The vessel belongs to Saltzman’s type I. It originates from segment C5 of the internal carotid artery and opens into the basilar artery, 8 mm before the bifurcation into the two posterior cerebral arteries. The 6th cranial nerve winds around the first part of the PTA which is situated within Parkinson’s triangle.
The Ligamentum infundibulo-cornuale in the Pig: Morphological and Physiological Studies of the Smooth Muscle Component
Authors: Persson Elisabeth , Rodriguez-Martinez Heriberto
Published: July 2008

The ligamentum infundibulo-cornuale (LIC) in the pig runs along the anterolateral side of the tubal isthmus, connecting the uterotubal junction and the edge of the infundibulum and has a comparatively well-developed muscular component running under the mesothelium. The well-vascularized smooth muscle cells held close cell-to-cell contacts and received innervation by adrenergic and cholinergic-like nerve terminals. Isolated LIC preparations, collected during oestrus showed a rhythmic spontaneous motility in vitro, the frequency and the relative amplitude of the contractions being highest during the preovulatory period. In vitro, noradrenaline and adrenaline elicited contractile (α) and relaxatory (β) responses, while isoprenaline induced only β-responses, as demonstrated by pretreatment with selective blockers. Oxytocin, PGF2cΔ and PGE2 always increased the muscular activity of the LIC. Indomethacin inhibited, in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner, the spontaneous motility of the porcine LIC, which could be fully restored by PGF2α, indicating an endogenous local synthesis of prostaglandins in the tissue. The present results suggest that, in the pig, the LIC consists of a well-arranged, richly innervated bulk of smooth muscle which shows rhythmic spontaneous activity at the time of ovulation that could assist ova pick-up.
Effect of Intracerebral Injection of Chlorpromazine and Diazepam on Acid Phosphatase Activity in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Tanwar R.K. , Sethi J.S.
Published: July 2008

Chlorpromazine (CPZ) administration resulted in an increase in acid phosphatase (AcP) activity in the lamina VI of the neocortex pyramidal cell layer granular cell layer and hilus of the hippocampal formation. Diazepam (DZ) administration also induced an increase in AcP activity in the lamina VI of the neocortex and in the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampal formation. The large-sized pyramidal cells of the hippocampal formation indicated a more prominent and continuous reaction in the cell processes during the administration of CPZ and DZ. The possible role of CPZ and DZ has been discussed in relation to the AcP activity in the regions studied.
Ultrastructural Cytology of the Cyclic Corpus luteum of the Cow
Authors: O’Shea J.D. , Rodgers R.J. , McCoy K. , D’Occhio M.J.
Published: July 2008

Corpora lutea (CL) from cows on day 12 of the oestrous cycle were studied by electron microscopy to investigate whether, and how, different subpopulations of luteal cells can be identified in tissue sections. Tissues from 6 CL were examined and nucleated profiles of luteal cells were classified as large medium or small on the basis of their areas in electron micrographs. Cut-off points for area categories for large, medium and small-sized cells were based on diameters of > 25, 20–25 and < 20 µm, respectively, if the measured areas were converted to a circular shape after correction for shrinkage. The only qualitative features which distinguished cells of large size from those of small size were the presence of clusters of secretory granules, and of exocytosis of these granules, in large cells only. However, these features were observed in only 59% of large cells, probably primarily due to sampling limitations in single sections. Other qualitative features which have been regarded as diagnostic of large or small luteal cells were observed in cells in all size categories. It was concluded that large and small luteal cells in the cyclic CL of the cow are distinguishable by their ultrastructural features. However, these data do not support the recent suggestion that the mid-cycle CL of the cow contain two subpopulations of large luteal cells in approximately equal numbers.
Influence of Pretreatment on Interstitial and Intracellular Space of Canine Left-Ventricular Myocardium
Authors: Schmiedl A. , Schnabel Ph.A. , Haasis G. , Mall G. , Gebhard M.M. , Richter J. , Bretschneider H.J.
Published: July 2008

In this study, the interstitial space and myocytes were investigated qualitatively and morphometrically in samples from beating, fibrillating as well as from cardioplegically HTK-arrested hearts fixed by immersion or perfusion. The size of tissue clefts separating bundles of myocytes and that of the interstitial space within bundles of myocytes depend on the functional state and on the kind of fixation. Cellular preservation is significantly better in HTK-arrested hearts compared to beating or fibrillating hearts. Thus, for the structural evaluation of myocytes and interstitium, the pretreatment constitutes a highly significant factor.
Early Changes in the Rat Pancreatic B Cell Size Induced by Glucose
Authors: Semino M.C. , Gagliardino A.M. , Bianchi C. , Rebolledo O.R. , Gagliardino J.J.
Published: July 2008

The perimeter, cell area and volume density (Vvi) of B cells and exocytotic images present in these cells were measured in rat pancreas perfused with 3.3 or 16.6 mM glucose. Four minutes after the beginning of 16.6-mM glucose perfusion and coincident with the appearance at the apex of the first phase of insulin secretion, all these parameters underwent a significant increase. The changes observed in the perimeter, the cell area and the Vvi of B cells suggest an increase in their surface area. An imbalance in the rate of endocytosis:exocytosis processes with a relative predominance of the latter would increase the length of the plasma membrane and could be responsible at least partly, for the changes in the B cell size.
Comparative Electron Microscopy of Chorio-Allantoic Placental Barrier in Some Indian Chiroptera
Authors: Bhiwgade D.A.
Published: July 2008

In the present study the comparative ultrastructure of the definitive chorio-allantoic placental barrier has been studied in considerable detail in six species of bats, representing six different families and both suborders of Chiroptera, by electron microscopy, and these species illustrate different kinds of interhaemal membranes met with among bats. The definitive chorio-allantoic placenta of Rousettus leschenaulti is haemodichorial, since the syncytio-trophoblast and cytotrophoblast layers are present to term. The fine structure of the placental barrier in the labyrinth of the definitive placenta of Rhinopoma hardwíckei hardwickei is essentially endotheliomonochorial due to the presence of a single layer of cytotrophoblast and maternal endothelial cells. The placenta of Taphozous melanopogon, examined electron-microscopically in the present study, shows a thick maternal endothelium, a continuous interstitial membrane and the presence of a single layer of syncytiotrophoblast. The placenta of Megaderma comprises a typical endothelio-chorial labyrinth and the presence of two layers of trophoblast. In Rhinolophus rouxi, the mature placenta during advanced pregnancy resembles that of Megaderma, its labyrinth containing large maternal capillaries with maternal endothelial cells and the two layers of trophoblast. Finally, the placental barrier of Hipposideros fulvus fulvus is haemodichorial due to the presence of two layers of trophoblast and the absence of maternal endothelial cells.
Acetylcholinesterase Activity of Developing Muscles in the Lower Limb of the Rat
Authors: Umezu Yuichi , Yoshizuka Mitsuaki , Ueda Hiroshi , Ogata Hajime , Fujimoto Sunao
Published: July 2008

A cytochemical study of acetylcholinesterase was done in the lower limb of the prenatal rat and in the gastrocnemius muscle of the postnatal rat. Between 15 and 17 days of gestation, mesenchymal cells constituting the muscle primordia are characterized by the presence of enzyme activity in their rough endoplasmic cisterns and nuclear envelopes while those involved in the formation of the neocapillary and cartilage do not show enzyme activity. This suggests that mesenchymal cells destined to myogenic cells actively produce acetylcholinesterase in a limited period, which may play a role in cellular aggregation and fusion during the muscular morphogenesis. Cytochemical findings as to extensive networks of secondary synaptic folds of the neuromuscular junctions and invaginations of the sarcolemma in the extra-synaptic regions are also illustrated in the differentiating gastrocnemius muscles.
Myocardial Fiber Architecture in the Human Heart
Authors: Sanchez-Quintana D. , Garcia-Martinez V. , Hurle J.M.
Published: July 2008

Ventricular myocardial fiber architecture has been considered an important factor in heart dynamics. Most anatomical studies however have focussed on the analysis of normal hearts. The present study compares ventricular myocardial fiber architecture patterns in dissections of 5 normal hearts and a malformed human heart with membranous ventricular septal defect, overriding right aorta, pulmonic stenosis, with absent pulmonary valve and hypertrophied right ventricle. Qualitative and quantitative changes in ventricular myocardial fiber architecture were noted in the malformed heart.
Esophageal Prostaglandins in Guinea Pigs and Rats
Authors: Aharinejad S. , Franz P. , Sinzinger H. , Firbas W.
Published: July 2008

The synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) in the mucosa of the esophagus is studied in 20 albinotic adult guinea pigs and rats using the radioimmunoassay method. Both species investigated synthesize five PGs. The PG synthesis activity in the guinea pig’s esophagus is higher than that in the rat’s. PGE2 and PGF2α might be involved in the regulation of lower esophagus sphincter pressure.
Neuroepithelial Endocrine Cells in the Lung of the Lungfish Protopterus aethiopicus
Authors: Adriaensen Dirk , Scheuermann Dietrich W. , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , De Groodt-Lasseel Marie H.A.
Published: July 2008

The occurrence and distribution of neuroepithelial endocrine (NEE) cells was demonstrated electron- and fluorescence-microscopically in the lungfish Protopterus aethiopicus. They were only found to occur solitarily in the basal part of the ciliomucous epithelium which is restricted to the pneumatic duct and adjacent parts of the common anterior chamber. The NEE cells show a yellow, formaldehyde-induced fluorescence. Electron-microscopically, all the NEE cells are characterized by membrane-bound electron-dense secretory granules with varying diameters, ranging from 75 to 150 nm. These granules are distributed throughout the cytoplasm with a higher concentration in the basal region. The NEE cells were regularly found to contain paracrystalline inclusions with a tubule-like substructural arrangement. A small part of the NEE cells appeared to reach the luminal surface by means of a long slender process bearing specialized beaded microvilli on its apical pole. Intraepithelial nerve fibres with the ultrastructural characteristics of afferent fibres, were found running parallel to the airway surface. Nerve profiles, largely resembling the latter, can be seen in the proximity of the basolateral plasma membrane of the NEE cells. In addition nerve terminals containing an aggregation of small clear vesicles are in close contact with the NEE cells. In conclusion it appears that as has so far been assumed in higher vertebrates the NEE cells in the lung of Protopterus may perceive changes in the airway gasses whereupon they could respond by releasing a chemical modulator, influencing contacting afferent nerve terminals or nearby smooth muscle bundles. Furthermore, intraepithelial nerve fibres or NEE cells might be stretch-sensitive.
Developing Testicular Microvasculature in the Golden Hamster, Mesocricetus auratus: A Model for Angiogenesis under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Mayerhofer A. , Bartke A.
Published: July 2008

The ultrastructure of the developing testicular microvasculature in the testes of immature (3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30 and 35 days old) golden hamsters was examined and compared to the testicular microvasculature of adult (3 months old) hamsters. In addition, in 16- to 35-day-old hamsters vascular permeability was studied after localization of injected horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Angiogenic processes were present in the testes of all examined immature hamsters and were most conspicuous between 8 and 25 days of age. These processes were absent in the testes of 3-month-old hamsters. On days 3 and 5, few undifferentiated blood vessels with activated endothelium were present in the interstitial spaces. Endothelial cell migration started from these ‘mother vessels’ and led to invasion of intertubular spaces by vascular sprouts, before vascularization of peritubular spaces occurred (after day 12). Sprouting endothelial cells were identified by the presence of a basal lamina and characterized by abundant cytoplasm and cell organelles. HRP-positive slits were seen in developing vessels, which opened to form the vascular lumen. HRP exited the vascular lumen through unspecialized endothelial contacts and micropinocytotic vesicles. By day 16, the blood-testis barrier prevented HRP from entering the seminiferous tubules beyond the basal compartment. By days 30 and 35 most testicular microvessels and at the age of 3 months all testicular microvessels were of the mature type, with narrow inactive endothelium and specialized cell contacts (including tight junctions). These results demonstrate that the postnatal vascularization of the testis in the golden hamster is a timed complex process. Due to high permeability, vascular sprouts are likely to influence the metabolic situation and thus the maturation processes of the testis. Angiogenesis in the golden hamster testis shares typical morphological features with angiogenic processes in other organs and species under various pathological and physiological conditions. We therefore conclude that the postnatal testis can be viewed as a physiological model of angiogenesis.
Pattern Formation of the Sensible Nerves in the Hand of Mouse Embryos with Special Reference to the Posterior-Anterior Developmental Gradient
Authors: Bogusch G.
Published: July 2008

The development of the sensible innervation of the hand was investigated. For this reason normal fore-limbs and limb bud cultures from 12- to 14-day-old mouse embryos were stained in toto using the cholinesterase technique. The dorsal side of the hand is mainly innervated by sensible branches of the radial and the musculocutaneous nerve, which penetrate the fascia in the region of the elbow. From here they grow in a distal direction forming the dorsal digital nerves. On the ventral side the median nerve grows in a subfascial compartment towards the palmar side of the hand. While passing the wrist the median nerve exhibits a frayed appearance. A net of branching and anastomosing small nerve fibre bundles is visible. This implies that on the palmar side of the metacarpal region of the hand-plate no specific highways for the growing nerve fibres exist. From late day 12 to early day 14 of embryonic development this diffuse nerve net is organized. In a posterior-anterior (ulnoradial) developmental gradient the common palmar digital nerves were formed, and these nerves divide at their tip into the proper digital nerves. However, the proper digital nerves again follow special pathways during their outgrowth.
Histochemistry and infrastructure of Nerve Fibres and Contractile Cells in the Tunica albuginea of the Rat Testis
Authors: Santamaría L. , Reoyo A. , Regadera J. , Paniagua R.
Published: July 2008

Whole-mounted preparations of the tunica albuginea of the rat testis were studied using light microscopy techniques for demonstration of cholinergic nerve fibres (Karnóvski-Root method), catecholaminergic nerve fibres (De la Torre’s method) and actin filaments (avidin-biotin-peroxidase method). An ultrastructural study of different regions of the albuginea was also performed. Cholinergic fibres were seen to penetrate into the albuginea with the testicular artery to form a broad network in the mediastinum testis, many fibres ending beneath the rete testis epithelium. Catecholaminergic fibres penetrated through the middle part of the cauda epididymis and formed a plexus in the albuginea covering the inferior testicular pole. This plexus gave rise to straight fibres which formed varicosities, some of them appeared related with mast cells. Actin-containing cells were only found beneath the rete testis epithelium. These cells were similar to myofibroblasts. The location of both cholinergic fibres and contractile cells among the rete testis channels suggests that these cells may be involved in the pumping of semen towards the ductuli efferentes and that their contractility may be regulated by cholinergic fibres.
The Phosphorus Content of Lysosomes in Hepatocytes and Kupffer Cells
Authors: Köpf-Maier P.
Published: July 2008

In the present study, the distribution of phosphorus was analyzed within lysosomes of hepatocytes, Kupffer cells and mast cells in untreated liver tissue of mice by the use of electron-spectroscopic imaging, a new electron-microscopical method which combines microanalysis with ultrastructural representation and allows to image the spatial distribution of light elements such as· N or P in cells and tissues. The obtained analytical data unfolded marked differences regarding the phosphorus content of lysosomes within hepatocytes. Whereas peribiliary bodies always included phosphorus highly condensed in a coarse-granular distribution, the lysosomes apart from biliary capillaries contained different amounts of phosphorus, varying from high concentration to moderate and negligible amounts appearing as dust-like powder in the lysosomal interior. In contrast, the lysosomes of Kupffer cells always comprised phosphorus in high density and similar concentration as it is found in cytoplasmic ribosomes. These results confirm a pronounced and unexpected heterogeneity regarding the elemental composition of lysosomes in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. It may be assumed that this heterogeneity is not accidental but based on differences in the functional state of lysosomes and the activity of their hydrolytic enzymes.
Localization of Carbonic Anhydrase Activity in the Developing Boar Testis
Authors: Rodriguez-Martinez H. , Hurst M. , Ekstedt E.
Published: July 2008

Embryonic and fetal pig gonads were obtained immediately after the sow’s slaughter at 18,21 25 28,30, 36,55,63, 80 or 108 days of pregnancy. Semithin plastic sections were incubated for localization of carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity using a cobalt precipitation technique. In the embryonic gonad, CA activity was only present in the coelomic epithelium and in the endothelium of scattered blood capillaries. In the early testes (30–36 days) the CA activity was also localized in the cytoplasm of the sustentacular cells. Both spermatogonia and the developing interstitial cells were negative. At later stages, the testes presented a clear CA cytoplasmic activity in the Sertoli cells and a membrane-bound activity in the peritubular capillaries, resembling the enzymatic localization in the adult. The epithelium of the rete testis had a clear membrane-bound CA activity. CA histochemistry is useful as a marker for topographical studies of Sertoli cells during the prenatal development in the pig.
Nude Mice Are Not Hairless
Authors: Köpf-Maier P. , Mboneko V.F. , Merker H.J.
Published: July 2008

In the present study, the morphological aspect of the skin and the hairs of athymic, macroscopically nude mice (NMRI, nu/nu) was investigated by descriptive light- and electron-microscopical methods and compared with the appearance of the skin and the hairs in normally haired mice (NMRI). These morphological studies revealed that athymic, macroscopically nude mice are not at all hairless, but have about the same number of hair bulbs, embedded in the hypodermis, as normally haired animals. However, within the hair follicles of athymic mice, the keratinization processes are obviously deeply impaired, resulting in the formation of short, crippled and bent hair shafts which only seldom emerge from the hair follicles. The cuticles of the inner root sheath and the hair are not built up, the cortex of the hair being composed by abnormal globular aggregates. The epidermis shows similar disturbances of keratinization, which are reflected by the presence of only few and thin bundles of tonofilaments in the basal spinous and granular layers of the epidermis and in the stratum corneum by bizarrely formed and irregularly arranged lamellae of corneocytes separated from one another. These results demonstrate that athymic, nude mice are not hairless but that the development and differentiation of hairs are severely injured in this mouse mutant. Analogously, the keratinization of the epidermis is also impaired. In view of the previously shown ectodermal defect as primary cause for the dysgenesis of the thymus, it seems to be probable that defects of the ectoderm are actually the common reason for both the thymus dysgenesis and the severe disturbances of hair development in ‘athymic, nude’ mice.
Development of the Adrenergic Innervation in the Myocardium and Coronary Arteries of the Dog
Authors: Doležel S. , Gerová M. , Hartmannová B. , Vašků J.
Published: July 2008

The development of the adrenergic cardiac innervation was studied in premature dog fetuses, puppies and adult dogs by means of the formalin-induced fluorescence technique. A point-counting technique was used to evaluate the density of innervation. Two types of fluorescent profiles can be observed in the heart during development: (1) sprouting axons, and (2) beaded terminals. The axonal fluorescence disappears in adult neurons. A different morphology and a different time course of development enable to study separately the innervation of the myocardium (cardiomotor innervation) and that of the vessels (vasomotor innervation). The late prenatal innervation is very poor (0.1 hit). The first but very scant cardiomotor terminals appear in this period. A mature cardiomotor innervation is found in 4-month-old puppies [1.5 ± 0.3 (SD) hits]. The vasomotor innervation is shifted to the right. The development of beaded vascular terminals begins and matures 1–2 weeks later. The growing fluorescent axons reveal that the myocardium is supplied by axons of the cardiac plexus and of the perivascular nerves; the vascular wall on the other hand is supplied by the perivascular nerves only. The developmental, spatial and morphological differences in innervation suggest that two different types of neurons exist in the sympathetic ganglia: (1) neurons innervating the vessels (coronaromotor neurons), and (2) neurons innervating the myocardium (cardiomotor neurons).
Abnormal Development of the Os Penis in Male Mice Treated Neonatally with Tamoxifen
Authors: Iguchi T. , Irisawa S. , Uesugi Y. , Kusunoki S. , Takasugi N.
Published: July 2008

The os penis of male C57BL/Tw mice given 5 daily injections of 100 µg tamoxifen (Tx) starting on the day of birth (day 0) was examined at ages of 5–60 days; the bones of males given Tx injections for 5 days starting at 0–10 days and of those given neonatal injections of 100 µg clomiphene or naf oxidine were examined at 60 days. In the control males given the vehicle alone, the proximal segment of the os penis, composed of a compact cell mass found at day 0, developed at 5 days into the membrane bone with bone marrow and hyaline cartilage; the distal segment, composed of mesenchymatous cells until 10 days, developed at 30 days into fibrocartilage characterized by a distribution of type I collagen. By contrast, in Tx mice, fibrocartilage in the distal segment, and hyaline cartilage characterized by a distribution of type II collagen, and bone marrow in the proximal segment disappeared by 30 days. The maximum area of the proximal and distal segments gradually increased with age in control mice, whereas the proximal segment area remained unchanged in Tx mice. In clomiphene and naf oxidine mice at 60 days the proximal segment was composed of hyaline cartilage; however, the distal segment lacked fibrocartilage. Hyaline cartilage in the proximal segment and fibrocartilage in the distal segment disappeared in all 60-day-old mice given Tx starting within 5 days. Neonatal castration did not suppress the formation of bone marrow and fibrocartilage in the os penis, though the bone size was smaller than in the intact controls. Formation of spines on the glans penis skin was suppressed by Tx given within 5 days. These results suggest that neonatally administered Tx inhibits the postnatal differentiation of the mouse os penis, resulting in aplasia of the distal segment and of bone marrow in the proximal segment and the formation of spines on the glans penis.
Distribution of Epithelia in the Nasal Cavity of Piglets
Authors: Larochelle R. , Martineau-Doizé B.
Published: July 2008

The epithelial distribution in the nasal cavity of piglets was studied by serial transverse sections. The epithelial distribution in the nasal cavity of healthy piglets varied according to the age of the animal. The transitional epithelium, which contained goblet cells but no ciliated cells, occupied a smaller proportion of the nasal cavity in the newborn piglets than in the 4-week-old piglets. The ciliated epithelium extended more rostrally in the newborn piglets and covered the non-mineralized rostral portion of the nasal ventral concha. At 28 days of age the rostral cartilaginous concha is overlaid by the transitional epithelium the respiratory epithelium covering the mineralized nasal ventral concha. The variations in the epithelial distribution according to age are discussed with regard to the greater susceptibility of newborn piglets to bacterial infection.
Anatomy of the Extrinsic Spinal Muscles Related to the Deformities of Scoliosis
Authors: Nudelman W. , Reis N.D.
Published: July 2008

The spatial displacement of vertebrae in idiopathic scoliosis is not explicable by forces created by the muscles which act upon the spine only (intrinsic muscles). The trapezius and latissimus muscles are attached to the spinous processes and the upper limb. In keeping with Newton’s third law, these muscles act on the spine as well as upon the upper extremity. The peculiarity of the vertebral anatomy, together with the direction of pull of these muscles, permits an explanation of the biomechanics of the development of ‘idiopathic’ scoliosis.
Morphology of Normal and Osteochondrotic Porcine Articular-Epiphyseal Cartilage
Authors: Ekman S. , Rodriguez-Martinez H. , Plöen L. , Jansson Åsa
Published: July 2008

Osteochondrosis is a generalized skeletal disorder that affects the growth cartilage in the growing domestic pig but not in the minipig of wild hog ancestry. In the present study, we compare the ultrastructure of the articular and epiphyseal growth cartilage in the domestic pig with that in the minipig. The domestic pigs had areas of enlarged epiphyseal cartilage with chondronecrosis, which had caused focal impairment of the endochondral ossification, with retention of cartilage in the subchondral bone. Areas of chondronecrosis close to blood vessels were found in the resting zone, with no evidence of thickened cartilage or impaired ossification. The chondronecrosis was surrounded by chondrocytes, organized in small clusters, containing many lipid droplets. The vascular channels adjacent to the chondronecrosis contained degenerated blood vessels. The minipigs showed no areas of enlarged epiphyseal cartilage. A few dead chondrocytes could be seen close to vascular channels which contained morphologically normal blood vessels. We conclude that restricted perivascular chondrolysis may occur in the pig without the presence of vascular degeneration and without progressing to osteochondrosis.
Effects of Zinc on the Trophic Activity of Testosterone in Androgen Target Tissues of Castrate Mice
Authors: Moura N.M. , Minetti C.A.S.A. , Valle L.B.S. , Oliveira-Filho R.M.
Published: July 2008

Swiss, 60-day castrate mice were injected with 0.5, 1.5 or 5.0 mg of testosterone propionate (TP; single dose subcutaneously) 5 days before sacrifice in order to investigate the ability of the submandibular gland (SMG) and other androgen target tissues to recover their normal morphology and function. Some animals were additionally injected intraperitoneally with ZnCl2 (0.14 or 0.28 mg Zn2+/animal per day) during the last 15 days before sacrifice. Only SMG tissue fully recovered by TP treatment. ZnCl2 significantly impaired the dose-dependent recovery of the granular ducts of mouse SMG tissue and that of other organs which display ‘androgenic’ (prostate, epididymis) and ‘anabolic’ responses (bulbocavernosus muscle). Histological examination of testes and epididymides of intact mice injected with ZnCl2 revealed abnormal spermatogenesis with multinucleated cells and acidophilic bodies within the tubular lumen; the circulating levels of testosterone in these animals were low. In vitro, Zn2+ inhibited androgen-binding activity in SMG cytosol, but the binding capacity increased in SMG of zinc-injected animals. It is suggested that zinc, although essential for the androgenic expression, is critical as far as its intracellular concentrations are concerned and that pharmacological doses of Zn2+ determine androgenic suppression by competition at receptor and acceptor levels.
Ultrastructural Study of the Ciliated Cyst in the Human Uterine Tube Epithelium
Authors: Hagiwara H. , Shibasaki S. , Ohwada N.
Published: July 2008

Ciliated cysts in the human uterine tube epithelium were investigated with the transmission electron microscope. The cysts were about 3–9 µm in diameter and were provided with many ciliary apparatuses and microvilli. Degenerative changes of these cilia, such as electron-dense round or irregular bodies and amorphous substance, were observed in many cysts, but complete disappearance of ciliary structures was not detected in any ciliated cysts. The ciliated cysts were mostly observed in basal cells and were occasionally found in ciliated cells bordering the tubal lumen. In the basal cells, these cysts distended with the increase in degenerated cilia. Distended ciliated-cyst-containing cells became exposed directly to the tubal lumen. U- or reverse Ω-shaped deep indentations of the apical surface of ciliated cells confirmed the opening of ciliated cysts into the lumen. It was suggested that the ciliated cysts result from the premature differentiation of basal cells or disturbed migration of centrioles in ciliogenic cells.