DigitalUM :: Browsing by Subject "Ultrastructure"

Browsing by Subject "Ultrastructure"

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Open Access
A new morphological classification during follow-up in patients with celiac disease. A three-dimensional observation by scanning electron microscopy
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1996) Magliocca, F.M.; Bonamico, M.; Petrozza, V.; Mariani, P.; Correr, S.; Familiari, G.; Carpino, F.
The structure and ultrastructure of the villi of small intestinal mucosa was examined in 237 duodenal or jejunal biopsies taken from children with active celiac disease and during gluten-free diet. Al1 biopsies were processed for light and scanning electron microscopy. Conventional histology showed four different morphological aspects: total and subtotal villous atrophy in patients on unrestricted diet, partial villous atrophy and normal mucosa during gluten-free diet. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that in active celiac disease the severity of the intestinal lesions was related to individual vulnerability to gluten. Our results showed that during dietary treatment the process of mucosa1 healing was constant and strictly time-dependent. Furthermore, the ultrastructural examination has been relevant in evaluating the evolution of the villous regeneration. In this study a classification regarding the healing process of the small intestinal mucosa correlated with the time of start of dietary therapy is proposed.
Open Access
Alveolar cells in cyclophosphamideinduced lung injury_ An ultrastructural analysis of type II alveolar epithelial cells in situ
(F. Hernández y Juan F. Madrid. Universidad de Murcia: Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 1998) Sulkowska, M.; Sulkowski, S.
Recent studies have brought rich evidence in favour of the significant contribution of the surfactant system-forming structures to morphogenesis of many pulmonary disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide administration on changes within this system. The experiments used 40 Wistar rats, of 170g body weight. The animals were divided into two experimental groups. Group I animals were given cyclophosphamide (Endoxan-ASTA) in a single intraperitoneal dose of 150mg/1kg b.w./1ml PBS/. Group II (control) received 1ml PBS. All the animals were sacrificed after 1, 3, 7 and 28 days following intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide or PBS administration. Morphological examinations of pulmonary tissue were based on ultrastructural analysis in the transmission electron microscope. The study revealed that a single intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide injection caused damage to all elements forming the surfactant system, particularly to type II alveolar epithelial cells. Rebuilding processes in pulmonary tissue, coexisting with destructive changes, occurred with a significant contribution of type II alveolar epithelial cells. These cells are likely to take an active part in pulmonary fibrosis processes observed after the action of cyclophosphamide.
Open Access
Amitosis in human adrenal cells
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1991) Magalhães, M. C.; Pignatelli, D.; Magalhães, M. M.
Adrenal pieces obtained from 3 fcmalc ancl 2 ~nirle patients sho\\'cd morpl~ologicirl figures of umito4is in aclrcnirl zona ret ic~~l :~rcicsl ls. Such aspects were ohs c r \~~i~n cblo th normal and hyperactive aclrcnuls. Nuc,lci appeal-cd constricted. hea\ ill stained. \\.it11 coarse chromatin. sometimes scattered among c!toplasmic organcllcs. hut never niarginating in cre4ccntic cirps. C'lea\:~gc 01' the cells originated t\\lo hnl\,cs \\it11 a nucleolus in each pole. Rin~lcleateclc clls \vcl-c also seen in zona rcticularis. -1~Iie meaning ot' nmitosis in human aclren:rl i4 cIisc11~4ccI.
Open Access
Changes in the brain cortex of rabbits on a cholesterol-rich diet following supplementation with a herbal extract of Tribulus terrestris
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2009) Berkman, Zafer; Tanriover, Gamze; Acar, Goksemin; Sati, Leyla; Altug, Tuncay; Demir, Ramazan
Extracts of the medicinal herb Tribulus terrestris (TT) are used for treating various diseases. The saponins, a component of TT, play a role in regulating blood pressure and in treatment of hyperlipidemia. The aim of the study was to investigate the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural alterations in the cerebral cortex of experimental rabbits on a cholesterol rich diet treated with TT. The rabbits were divided into three groups and followed for 12 weeks as control group (CG); experimental group I (EG-I), fed with a cholesterol-rich diet; experimental group II (EG-II), treated with an extract of TT (5mg/kg/day) after a cholesterol-rich diet of 4 weeks. In EG-I there were ultrastructural changes, including mitochondrial degeneration, increased lipofuscin pigments, myelin sheath damage with axoplasmic shrinkage and electron dense granules in the neurovascular unit. The number of synapses apparently decreased in both experimental groups. Administration of TT extract in EG-II led to marked ultrastructural alterations in neurons, including decreased mitochondrial degeneration (P<0.001) and extensive oedematous areas in the neurovascular unit. However, in EG-II, lamellar myelin, axonal structures and mitochondria were well protected. These alterations possibly indicate that saponins have an effect on the neurons either directly or by its conversion to steroidal saponins. Therefore, these findings add further evidence supporting the protective claims of TT in cerebral architecture in dietary induced hyperlipidemia.
Open Access
Chronic hypoxia induced ultrastructural changes in the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2002) Lorente, M.; Mirapeix, R.M.; Miguel, M.; Longmei, W.; Volk, D.; Cervós-Navarro, J.
The adrenal cortex plays an important role in adaptation to various forms of stress, including hypoxia. While physiological changes in the aldosterone metabolism during hypoxia have been extensively described, few studies have focused on the morphological changes in the adrenal glands under chronic hypoxia. We studied the ultrastructure of the z o n a g l o m e ru l o s a of 6-month-old Wistar rats exposed to chronic normobaric hypoxia. Animals were divided into two groups: control (n=12) and hypoxic (n=12). In this latter group, the animals were kept at 7% O2 concentration after a gradual adaptation (21, 15, 12, 10, 8, 7 vol% O2 ). The duration of the study was 112 days. In comparison with normoxic rats, body weight and adrenal gland weight of hypoxic animals was significantly reduced by 18.5% (p=0.006) and 14.7% (p=0.001) respectively. The thickness of the z o n a glomerulosa decreased due to atrophy of cells. The main ultrastructural changes observed were: 1) a decrease in, or complete elimination of, lipid droplet content; 2) a marked increase in lysosome number; and 3) the presence of giant mitochondria. Our findings show that rats fail to adapt to severe chronic hypoxia. The ultrastructural changes in the zona g l o m e ru l o s a found in the present study could reflect changes in the aldosterone pathway.
Open Access
Comparison of ultrastructure and lectin histochemistry on the anterior medial gland of nasal septum in rat and gerbil
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2010) Chang, Chi-Fen; Chau, Yat-Pang; Lu, Kuo-Shyan
The anterior medial gland (AMG), located in the submucosa of rodent nasal septum, is suggested to provide fluid for humidification of inspired air. Tremendous variation of the environmental air humidity, on which rats and gerbils depend to live, leads us to expect a multiplicity on ultrastructure and various subcellular glycoconjugate distribution within the AMG acinar cells between these two species. Electron microscopy revealed that: (1) The nucleus of AMG acinar cells in rat was irregular-shaped, but that in gerbil was round or elliptical; (2) Secretory granules in rat AMG acinar cells contained homogenous content with various electron density. However, two types of secretory granules in gerbil AMG acinar cells were found: one with lamellated-structure and high electron density, while the others had particulate materials; (3) Myoepithelial cells were present in the acinus of medial and posterior regions in rat AMG, but absent in gerbil; and (4) Nerve terminals were present only in the medial and posterior rat AMG, but in all three regions of the gerbil AMG. Lectin histochemistry demonstrated that: (1) Rat and gerbil AMG acinar cells expressed strong affinity toward Con A and WGA, but neither showed any reactivity toward UEA and PNA; and (2) Varying degrees of reactivity toward different lectins, including DBA, PNA, SBA and EBL, were recognized in rat and gerbil AMG acinar cells. We confirm the species variation on the ultrastructure and lectin histochemistry of AMG in rats and gerbils, and speculate that these variations may be due to the different living environment.
Open Access
Differential severity of LPS-induced lung injury in CD26/DPP4 positive and deficient F344 rats
(2019) Zientara, Alicja; Stephan, Michael; von Hörsten, Stephan; Schmied, Andreas
Background. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation often leads to lung injury, in which pulmonary recruitment of neutrophils plays a pivotal role. Inflammatory processes are influenced by CD26/DPP4, highly expressed in lungs. Asthma induced CD26/DPP4 deficient (CD26/DPP4 - ) Fischer (F) 344 rats suffering from a transport block in the rER caused by a point mutation showed reduced pulmonary inflammation and reduced expression of immuno- modulating surfactant proteins (SP). The degree of LPS induced lung injury in CD26/DPP4 deficient rats has not been investigated so far. Objective. We hypothesize that LPS induced lung injury leads not only to an attenuated inflammation but also to a reduced SP expression and decreased structural damage in CD26/DPP4 - rats. Methods. Both genotypes were intratracheally instilled with 250 μl LPS or with 250 μl 0.9% NaCl. Nine hours later animals were killed and either bronchoalveolar lavage was carried out to determine inflammatory cells and surface tension or lung blocks were removed and processed for histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy or qRt-PCR analyses and Western Blot analyses. Results. Signs of acute lung injury, such as structural damage of the blood gas barrier occurred only sporadically in both genotypes. LPS-induced CD26/DPP4 - rats showed decreased gene expression of SP-A and SP-D and reduced signs of lung inflammation associated with a reduced alveolar influx of macrophages and neutrophils. Conclusions. Less pulmonary inflammation combined with less structural alterations and minor expression of immunomodulating SP may be an indication of the critical role of CD26/DPP4 in regulating lung inflammation
Open Access
Dimensions of compartments and membrane surfaces in the intact rabbit heart of importance in studies on intramyocardial transfer of blood-borne substances
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2016) van der Vusse, Ger J.; Verheyen, Fons; Reneman, Robert S.; Arts, Theo
Cardiac studies on the uptake, storage and intramyocardial transfer of blood-borne substances require detailed information on the geometric ultrastructural dimensions of myocardial compartments and parts thereof, and the membranes separating these compartments. Such a specific ultrastructural set of data of the heart is yet lacking. In the present study, we quantitatively assessed these dimensions in glutaraldehyde-perfusion fixed rabbit hearts by means of histological and tailored mathematical techniques. We showed the true ellipsoid nature of the myocardial capillary cross section and estimated the mean capillary diameter dcap. After correction for the ellipsoid shape, dcap was found to be 5.21±1.41 μm. Effective widths of the endothelial cell and the pericapillary interstitium (is1), dimensions of importance in diffusion, amounted to 187±7 and 160±10 nm, respectively. The fractional volume of the large vessels (arteries and veins larger than 10 µm), capillaries, endothelium, is1, cardiomyocytes, non-pericapillary interstitium is2, t-tubular compartment and interstitial cells amounted on average to 5.92%, 9.36%, 1.83%, 1.94%, 73.07%, 5.97%, 0.95% and 0.96%, respectively, of total myocardial volume, defined as the cardiac tissue volume, the large blood vessels included. Normalized to total myocardial volume, the surface area of the luminal and abluminal endothelial membranes and of the cardiomyocyte membrane opposing the endothelial cells amounted to 75.2±5.5x103, 82.2±6.0x103 and 89.1±6.5x103 m2/m3, respectively. The present study provides quantitative information about ultrastructural dimensions of the adult rabbit heart, among others, of importance for studies on cardiac uptake, and intramyocardial transfer and storage of blood-supplied substances.
Open Access
Effects of ethanol on the ultrastructure of the hamster thyroid C-cell
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2000) chen, H.; Hayakawa, D.; Emura, S.; Tamada, A.; Ozawa, Y.; Taguchi, H.; Yano, R.; Shoumura, S.
The morphology of the thyroid C-cells in golden hamsters after short- and long-term treatment with ethanol was studied. Immunohistochemistry was applied to examine the distribution of the C-cells in the thyroid gland. In the short-term experimental animals, the Golgi complexes and the granular endoplasmic reticulum were well developed and the number of the secretory granules was decreased as compared with those of the control animals. These findings suggest that the cellular activity of the thyroid C-cell is stimulated after short-term treatment with ethanol. The morphology of the thyroid C-cells of the long-term experimental animals was similar to that of the controls. It is conceivable that long-term treatment with ethanol does not affect the function of the C-cell.
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Effects of living cyanobacteria, cyanobacterial extracts and pure microcystins on growth and ultrastructure of microalgae and bacteria
(Elsevier, 2006-12-02) Aboal Sanjurjo, Marina; Valdor Alonso, Rut; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular B e Inmunología
In this study, we demonstrate the inhibitory effect of both cyanobacterial extracts and pure microcystins on the growth of microalgae and bacteria. This inhibitory effect was more persistent in pure microcystins than in the extracts, which lost their properties eight days after exposure. In addition, the effects on bacteria were longerlasting than those on microalgae. The microalgae exposed to both extracts and cultures of microcystin producing species showed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, even in cases where there was no clear effect on growth. The implications for colonisation and benthic communities structure and development are discussed in the context of biomonitoring.
Open Access
Effects of long-term treatment with ethanol on the ultrastructure of the golden hamster parathyroid gland
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1999) chen, H.; Hayakawa, D.; Emura, S.; Tamada, A.; Jamali, M.; Ozawa, Y.; Taguchi, H.; Yano, R.; Ohtake, N.; Shoumura, S.
The ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland in golden hamsters after long-term treatment with ethanol was studied. Male hamsters of experimental groups were given ethanol at the concentration of 7% for 3 and 5 months with food and water freely available. In the ethanol-treated hamsters, the Golgi complexes associated with many prosecretory granules were well developed and many secretory granules were located near the plasma membrane as compared with those of the control animals. Exocytotic events were observed in 5-month-treated animals. These findings suggest that the secretory activity of the parathyroid gland is stimulated after long-term treatment with ethanol.
Open Access
Electron microscopic study on amyloid fibril formation in human lymph nodes
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1986) Michio Dobashi; Fumiaki Yuda; Akihiro Masuda; Kazuo Terashima; Yutaka lmai
The purpose of this investigation was to clarify the mechanisms of amyloid fibril formation in human lymph nodes. In our present study, amyloid deposition was observed diffusely in all compartments of the lymph nodes. The deposition form showed extremely characteristic findings in its morphological features. Namely, amyloid deposits mainly consisted of clusters of round or oval nodules. Each amyloid nodule was frequently enclosed with long-stretched cytoplasmic processes of abutting reticulum cells and/or macrophages. Amyloid fibrils often formed parallel amyloid bundles radiating to outlying sections of the nodule from the center. The amyloid bundles closely adhered to the cytoplasmic membrane of not only the abutting reticulum cells, macrophages and sinus endothelium but also to the lymphocytes and plasma cells. In the central portion of the amyloid nodules, a concentric core was also observed. The most interesting finding was the intracellular formation of amyloid fibrils in all cells, such as macrophages, reticulum cells, foreign body giant cells and lymphocytes in the process of degeneration. Some fibrils localized in the limited area of the cytoplasm and others appeared in all parts of the cells, including the nucleus. Their cell membranes were missing in several areas and the cell organella had gradually dissolved. Finally the cell residuums were completely replaced by amyloid fibrils and transformed into a nodular structure with radiating bundles of amyloid fibrils.
Open Access
Enteric plexus and interstitial cells of Cajal, lnterrelationship in the stomach of Podarcis hispanica (Reptilia). An ultrastructural study
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2001) Junquera, C.; Martínez Ciriano, C.; Castiella, T.; Serrano, P.; Calvo, E.; Lahoz, M.
The ultrastructure organization of the stomach enteric plexus was examined in the lizard Podarcis hispanica. The ganglions of the myenteric plexus present a low number of nerve cell bodies with a peculiar nucleus, which occasionally establish direct contacts with cells of the circular muscle layer. Glial cells are smaller than the neurones, and their nucleus is very electron-dense. They surround the axons that constitute the fibres of the myenteric plexus. Four main types of axon profile are described in a morphological consideration of the vesicle population. In the interstice of the circular muscle layer we describe two types of interstitial cells that, due to their ultrastructural characteristics, may be equivalent to the interstitial cells of Cajal which have been described in mammalians. These cells shows parallel distribution to the stomach nerve plexuses, establishing close contacts with them through their long cytoplasmic prolongations. By means of small gap-like unions, they contact both each other and the smooth muscle cells near them. We describe a submucous plexus, where neuronal bodies are scattered among bundles of nervous fibres, some of which are myelinated. A mucous plexus with isolated neurones is located in the lamina propria. Axonal varicosities containing vesicles contact with the cells of the mucous. Interconnected interstitial cells may also be found in this plexus.
Open Access
Evaluation of the impact of Momordica charantia on the testis of cisplatin-treated albino rats: Biochemical, histopathological, and ultrastructural study
(Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) Shalaby, Fatma Mohsen; Elrefaie, Amany Omar; Abd, Kandil; Attia, El Hai; Biología Celular e Histología
Cisplatin is an antineoplastic drug that exhibits toxicity dependent on dosage and has adverse reproductive effects. Momordica charantia (Bitter melon) is a natural vegetable plant; its active ingredients possess antioxidant, apoptotic, antiproliferative, hypoglycemic, and other therapeutic properties. This study evaluates the effect of the administration of bitter melon extract, cisplatin, and cisplatin/bitter melon cotreatment on liver and kidney functions, serum and testicular oxidative status, testis histology, and sperm parameters. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I (Control) received normal saline, Group II received oral bitter melon extract (300 mg/kg), Group III received cisplatin (2.5 mg/kg), and Group IV received the same doses of cisplatin and bitter melon, for six successive weeks, daily. Our results showed that bitter melon extract stimulates antioxidant enzymes and has anti-lipid peroxidation properties through the significantly increased plasma levels of glutathione and significantly decreased testicular malondialdehyde. The cisplatin-treated group showed oxidative stress indicated by the significant decrease of catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels and a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels in both serum and testis compared with the control group. In the cisplatin/bitter melon-cotreated group, there was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde in both serum and testis compared with cisplatin-treated rats. The bitter melon alone or with cisplatin cotreatment resulted in reduced gonadosomatic index, sperm count, motility, and viability. These results were confirmed by histopathological examinations, apoptosis assay using flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. In conclusion, the administration of bitter melon extract alone or in combination with cisplatin led to testicular structure disturbances and showed an anti-spermatogenic effect. These findings are likely due to a combination of inhibited cellular proliferation, increased cell death, minor decrease in testosterone levels, and localized oxidative stress that outweigh the antioxidant benefits of bitter melon extract.
Open Access
Fine structure of the pecten oculi of the barred owl (Strix varia)
(F. Hernández y Juan F. Madrid. Universidad de Murcia: Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 1996) Smith, B. J.; Smith, S. A.; Braekevelt, C. R.
The pecten oculi of the barred owl (Strix varia) has been examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The pecten in this species is of the pleated type and is small in comparison to the size of the ocular globe. The pecten consists of 8-10 accordion-like folds that are linked apically by a pigmented tissue bridge. Each fold contains numerous capillaries, larger supply and drainage vessels, and abundant pleomorphic melanocytes. Most of these capillaries are extremely specialized vessels that possess plentiful microfolds on both the luminal and abluminal surfaces. Some capillaries however display only a few microfolds. The endothelial cell bodies are extremely attenuated, with most organelles located near the nucleus. All capillaries are surrounded by a very thick fibrillar basal lamina, which is thought to provide structural support to these small vessels. Pericytes are commonly found within these thickened basal laminae. Numerous melanocytes are also present, with processes that form an incomplete sheath around the capillaries. These processes are also presumed to provide structural support for the capillaries. As in other avian species, the morphology of the barred owl pecten is indicative of extensive involvement in substance transport. When compared to the pecten of more visually-oriented species, this pecten is smaller, has fewer folds, and displays a reduced number of microfolds within the capillaries. In these and other features, the barred owl pecten is similar to the pecten of the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus).
Open Access
Fine structure of the retina of black bass, Micropterus salmoides. Centrarchidae, Teleostei
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1999) García, M.; De Juan, J.
The structure of light- and dark-adapted retina of the black bass, Micropterus salmoides has been studied by light and electron microscopy. This retina lacks blood vessels at all levels. The optic fiber layer is divided into fascicles by the processes of Miiller cells and the ganglion cell layer is represented by a single row of voluminous cells. The inner nuclear layer consists of two layers of horizontal cells and bipolar, amacrine and interplexiform cells. In the outer plexiform layer we observed the synaptic terminals of photoreceptor cells, rod spherules and cone pedicles and terminal processes of bipolar and horizontal cells. The spherules have a single synaptic ribbon and the pedicles possess multiple synaptic ribbons. Morphologically, we have identified three types of photoreceptors: rods, single cones and equal double cones which undergo retinomotor movements in response to changes in light conditions. The cones are arranged in a square mosaic whereas the rods are dispersed between the cones.
Open Access
Gestational protein restriction: Study of the probable effects on cardiac muscle structure and function in adult rats
(Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 2017) Amer, Mona G.; Mohamed, Nader M.; Shaalan, Aly A.M.
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been linked to heart disease in adulthood. This study aimed to examine the effect of gestational protein restriction during fetal and early postnatal life on the cardiac muscle structure and function in adult offspring. Pregnant female rats were randomly divided into two dietary groups: normal-protein diet (NP) and low-protein diet (LP). Fifteen male offspring from each group were included in the study. Offspring body weights were recorded at birth and monthly from weaning until 24 weeks of age while systolic blood pressure was measured weekly. At the end of the experiment, hearts were weighed and processed for light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemical study. Immunohistochemical staining for localization of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and connexin 43 proteins was performed. The gestational protein restriction induced deleterious effects on adult offspring including decreased birth weight, heart weight, and heart rate, and increased systolic blood pressure. Histologically, the number of cardiomyocytes decreased and cardiac fibrosis increased. Signs of degeneration at both structural and ultra-structural levels of cardiomyocytes were also seen. The iNOS was up regulated in LP offspring which was a promoter for apoptosis, while connexin 43 was down regulated which would affect heart conductivity and contractility. Our results demonstrate that adult offspring body weight and cardiac muscle structure and function can be programmed by maternal gestational nutrition. These adverse outcomes suggest the criticality of dietary behavior during pregnancy on long-term offspring cardiac health.
Open Access
Histochemical and ultrastructural features
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1995) Fekete, Eva; Resch, B.A.; Benedeczky, I.
The developing enteric nervous systern of the hurnan foetus has been analyzed at the 10th and 18th week of gestation with a special reference to the development of nerve-rnuscle contacts. The rnyenteric plexus forrnation was analyzed by rneans of electron microscopy and on whole-mounts after NADH diaphorase histochernistry. The developrnent of noradrenergic innervation as an extrinsic inhibitory supply was followed by means of a glyoxylic acidinduced fluorescence rnethod. Differentiated neurons and neuroblasts both occurred in rnyenteric ganglia of the 10- and 18-week-old foetus although the ganglionic neuropil was almost unidentifiable ultrastructurally at the 10th week of gestation but was rnature looking at the 18th week. The nerve plexuses connecting the ganglia frequently forrned distant and close rnyoneural contacts. NADH-diaphorase histochernistry revealed that in the 18-week-old hurnan foetus rnost of the neural perikarya was within the ganglia. Also, at the 18th week of gestation a well-defined fluorescent network was dernonstrated within the ganglia, as well as in the internodal segrnents. On the basis of these observations we concluded that the time between the 10th and 18th week of gestation has pararnount irnportance for both the rnorphological and functional rnaturation of the enteric nervous systern.
Open Access
Histochemical and ultrastructural study of skeletal muscle in patients with sepsis and multiple organ failure syndrome (MOFS)
(F. Hernández y Juan F. Madrid. Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, 1998) Díaz, N. L.; Finol, H. J.; Torres, S. H.; Zambrano, C. I.; Adjounian, H.
Muscle biopsies for histochemical and ultrastuctural analysis were obtained from seven critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the "Domingo Luciani" Hospital, Caracas, Venezuela. The sample included two patients with sepsis of abdominal origin, and five that presented sepsis/MOFS, with renal, hepatic, and respiratory disturbances and muscular weakness. Sections were examined for myosin adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) after pre-incubation with both acid buffer (pH 4.37 and 4.6) and alkaline buffer (pH 10.3), for reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide diaphorase (NADHd), and for a-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (a-GPDH). Sections were stained with hematoxilin and eosin to look for pathological changes and examined with a transmission electron microscope. Skeletal muscle of patients in early stage of sepsis showed a normal aspect with light microscopy, but at the ultrastructural level some of the fibres showed atrophy and some capillaries looked altered . Patients with sepsis/MOFS exhibited an evident muscle disorder with oedema. infiltrate, atrophy and segmental necrosis. All fibre types showed decrease in diameter; specially fibre types IIA and lIB . Intramuscular capillaries were thickened and occluded , indexes of capillarity were slightly reduced, and fibre oxidative activity was decreased. At ultrastructural level fibres showed severe atrophy, contractile system disorganization and segmental necrosis. Capillaries were also altered and the mononuclear cell infiltrate was abundant and represented by macrophages. lymphocytes and mastocytes.
Open Access
Histology and ultrastructure of the pineal organ in the domestic goose
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2006) Prusik, M.; Lewczuk, B.; Nowicki, M.; Przybylska-Gornowicz, B.
The pineal organs of 14-week-old domestic geese were investigated with light and electron microscopy. The pineals consisted of a wide distal part and a narrow middle-proximal one. The glands were attached to the intercommissural region via the choroid plexus. The pineal parenchyma was formed by round or elongated follicles. The follicular wall was composed predominantly by cells immunoreactive with antibodies against hydroxyindolo-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) or glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP). They formed two or more layers. HIOMT-positive elements were represented by elongated cells bordering the follicular lumen and oval cells located in the external layer of the follicular wall. These cells were identified in ultrastructural studies as rudimentary-receptor pinealocytes and secretory pinealocytes, respectively. Among rudimentary-receptor pinealocytes two types of cells, designed as A and B, were distinguished due to structural differences. Type A cells extended through the whole follicular wall and showed regular stratified distribution of organelles in well-recognizable zones with rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus and mitochondria. Type B cells, like type A pinealocytes, contacted the pineal lumen and showed polarity of their internal structure. However, they were markedly shorter than the cells of type A and lacked stratified distribution of organelles. Secretory pinealocytes contained irregularly dispersed organelles. A prominent feature of all types of goose pinealocytes was the presence of numerous dense core vesicles. The population of GFAP-positive cells consisted of ependymal-like supporting cells and astrocyte-like cells.