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Biomedical subjects

W L Davis

Publications and source records attributed to W L Davis.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

An electron microscopic histochemical and analytical X-ray microprobe study of calcification in Bruch's membrane from human eyes.

Transmission electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, high temperature microincineration, and electron microscopic histochemical procedures were used to study the electron-dense deposits characteristic of the macular aspect of aged human eyes. These inorganic deposits were rich in calcium and phosphorus and selectively removed by flotation on formic acid. The amorphous decalcified masses showed a significant sulfur peak and were readily stained with acidic phosphotungstic acid. The latter observations are indicative of the presence of organic matrical proteoglycan. Such data may be a further indication that proteoglycans are retained at sites of calcification.

Calcinosis↗
PubMed1980

A scanning electron microscopic study of the inorganic and organic matrices comprising the mature shell of Amblema, a fresh-water mollusc.

The scanning electron microscope has been used to describe the morphology of the mature shell in a fresh-water bivalve. The structure of the organic and inorganic components within the nacre, the myostracum, and the prismatic layer is described. A transitional or intermediate zone, interposed between the prismatic layer and the nacre, was identified. In demineralized samples, the organic component of the nacre was found to consist of parallel matricial sheets interconnected by irregular transverse bridges. The structure of the mineral component of the nacre was found to vary with the method of specimen preparation. With polished-etched samples, brick-like units were seen. When shells were simply broken and fixed in osmium, the layers of nacreous material consisted of fusing rhomboidal crystals of aragonite which demonstrated subconchoidal fractures. On the inner surface of the shell, the rhomboidal crystals showed an apparent spiral growth pattern. The myostracum was characterized by regions of modified nacreous structure consisting of enlarged aragonite crystals with a pyramidal morphology. The peripheral aspect of the muscle scars was characterized by rhomboidal crystals, the latter fusing to form the typical nacreous laminae. The uniqueness of the anterior adductor scar is exemplified by the presence of pores, each pore walled by pyramidal units, for the insertion of adductor fibres. In most regions of the shell, the prismatic layer consisted of one prism unit thickness with a height of approximately 225--250 micrometer. However, in two specialized regions of the shell, this layer was seen to consist of multiple layers of stacked prisms. The organic matrices of the prismatic layer are arranged in a honeycomb-like arrangement and packed with mineralized spherical subunits.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Morphological studies on the calcification process in the fresh-water mussel Amblema.

Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, various histochemical procedures for the localization of mineral ions, and analytical electron microscopy have been used to investigate the mechanisms inherent at the mantle edge for shell formation and growth in Amblema plicata perplicata, Conrad. The multilayered periostracum, its component laminae formed from the epithelia lining either the periostracal groove or the outer mantle epithelium (of the periostracal cul de sac), appears to play the major regulatory and organizational role in the formation of the component mineralized layers of the shell. Thus, the inner layer of the periostracum traps and binds calcium and subsequently gives rise to matricial proteinaceous fibrils or lamellar extensions which serve as nucleation templates for the formation and orientation of the crystalline subunits (rhombs) in the forming nacreous layer. Simultaneously, the middle periostracal layer furnishes or provides the total ionic calcium pool and the matrical organization necessary for the production of the spherical subunits which pack the matrical 'bags' of the developing prismatic layer. The outer periostracal layer appears to be a supportive structure, possibly responsible for the mechanical deformations which occur in the other laminae of the periostracum. The functional differences in the various layers of the periostracum are related to peculiar morphological variables (foliations, vacuolizations, columns) inherent in the structure and course of this heterogeneous (morphologically and biochemically) unit. From this study, using the dynamic mantle edge as a morphological model system, we have been able to identify at least six interrelated events which culminate in the production of the mature mineralized shell layers (nacre, prisms) at the growing edge of this fresh-water mussel.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Glyoxylate cycle in toad urinary bladder: possible stimulation by aldosterone.

A homogenate of the toad urinary bladder epithelial cell layer has the two enzymatic activities unique to the glyoxylate cycle--isocitrate lyase (threo-Ds-isocitrate glyoxylate-lyase, EC 4.1.3.1) and malate synthase [L-malate glyoxylate-lyase (CA-acetylating), EC 4.1.3.2]--as well as the capacity to carry out CN-insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation. When tissue is incubated in the presence of a fatty acid substrate, tissue glycogen levels increase. Additionally, in the presence of aldosterone, glycogen levels are higher. These data demonstrate the presence of glyoxylate cycle enzymes in tissue of a higher animal and raise the possibility that such tissue can convert lipid to carbohydrate.

Aldosterone↗
PubMed1980

Site of ocular hydrolysis of a prodrug, dipivefrin, and a comparison of its ocular metabolism with that of the parent compound, epinephrine.

Dipivefrin is a prodrug of epinephrine which is hydrolyzed to epinephrine after absorption into the eye. The major site of this hydrolysis is shown to be the cornea. Some dipivefrin is absorbed unchanged into ocular tissues, but most appears as epinephrine and its metabolites within 15 min after topical application. Metanephrine is the major metabolite of epinephrine found in ocular tissues. It is found as soon as 15 min aftter application of either dipivefrin or epinephrine and appears in all the tissues tested. The data indicate that the peinephrine which is liberated by hydrolysis of topically applied dipivefrin is metabolized similarly to topically applied epinephrine. The monoamine oxidase metabolites of epinephrine appear 1 to 3 hr after treatment and are found mainly in the aqueous humor. After ocular application of either compound there appear to be uptake and storage of the exogenous epinephrine in the iris plus ciliary body. There is also some storage of unmetabolized epinephrine in the cornea.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1979

Calcium containing lysosomes in the normal chick duodenum: a histochemical and analytical electron microscopic study.

Absorptive cells of the normal chick duodenum contain numerous supranuclear vesicular/vacuolar structures. By routine transmission electron microscopy, such structures are membrane bound and demonstrate a granular content. These vesicles appear to move laterally and eventually coalesce with the lateral plasma membrane (exocytosis). The granular contents are resistant to high temperature microincineration, thus revealing their mineral-containing nature. The granular vesicular matrix also stains intensely with osmium pyroantimonate EGTA chelation of pyroantimonate-stained vesicles selectively extracts the granules indicating a high concentration of calcium. X-ray microanalysis also demonstrates a significant intravesicular calcium localization. When tissues were incubated for the presence of acid phosphatase, the supranuclear vesicles were markedly positive for this lysosomal enzyme. A possible role for these calcium-containing lysosomes in the transcellular flux of calcium ions across the intestinal absorptive cell is discussed.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1979

Morphological studies on the periostracum of the fresh-water mussel Amblema (Uniondae): light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

The structure of the periostracum in the fresh-water mussel Amblema has been described using light microscopy, transmission elec;ron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The structure and evolutive course of the periostracum was studied along its entire length, from the periostracal groove until it forms the tough outer covering of the shell. At least five structurally and functionally distinct regions were identified. In addition, the periostracum itself was seen to be a multilayered structure consisting of three major layers which are themselves subdivided into minor layers. From these morphological observations, a regulatory role for the various periostracal layers in mineral trapping, nucleation, and the subsequent formation of the prismatic and nacreous layers of the shell can be postulated.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Ionic and metabolic requirements for the hydroosmotic response to antidiuretic hormone in toad urinary bladder.

A study has been conducted to determine the ionic and metabolic requirements for full expression of the hydroosmotic response to antidiuretic hormone in the toad urinary bladder. By appropriate manipulation of incubation conditions it can be shown that there is a pool of serosal sodium necessary for a full hormone response. This serosal sodium pool is not related to the transepithelial sodium transport pool A full hydroosmotic response also requires serosal potassium; however, no specific anion requirement was demonstrated. Additionally, anaerobic or aerobic metabolism support a full hydroosmotic response equally well.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Insemination-induced histolysis of the flight musculature in fire ants (Solenopsis, spp.): an ultrastructural study (1).

The fine structure of the insemination-induced flight muscle degeneration (histolysis) in the queen fire ant (Solenopsis spp.) has been investigated. Within 2 hours post-insemination, degenerative changes are detectable in the most peripheral fasciculi of the fibrillar flight muscle. Histolysis proceeds internally with time. Myofibril (sarcomere) dissolution begins with myofilament breakdown and continues until only free Z-line material remains. The latter subsequently disappears leaving, at the terminal stages, only nuclei, lamellar bodies (myelin figures), and tracheoles as residual myoid elements. Lysosomes and/or phagocytes do not appear to play a primary role in the initiation and continuance of this process.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Calcium localization in normal rachitic, and D3-treated chicken epiphyseal chondrocytes utilizing potassium pyroantimonate-osmium tetroxide.

Normal, rachitic, and vitamin D3-replete chicken growth plates were studied utilizing the potassium pyroantimonate-osmium tetroxide procedure. A marked membrane and mitochondrial calcium was revealed in all specimens in the maturing and early hypertrophic zones which disappeared as heavy matrix mineralization began. The most significant difference shown in the specimens was in the marked intracellular lipid content of chondrocytes in all zones of the rachitic and D3-replete growth plates. There was negligible lipid present in normal specimens. It is suggested that as most of the mechanisms postulated as necessary for calcification are present in rachitic chicks, perhaps the increased intracellular lipid pool results from the formation of abnormal lipids for insertion into the plasma membrane and thus prevents normal calcium transport. Chains of intracellular vesicles were also visualized in maturing and hypertrophic chondrocytes. These were more often seen in rachitic growth plates and in increased numbers in the early D3-replete specimens. The etiology is unknown at the present time.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Morphological studies on the mantle of the fresh-water mussel Amblema (Unionidae): scanning electron microscopy.

The scanning electron microscope has been used to describe the surface morphology of the mantle in mantle-shell preparations from the fresh-water mussel Amblema. In some regions (adductor muscle insertions), the mantle is firmly attached to the shell. In other areas (along the main course of the mantle), transient adhesions between the outer mantle epithelial cells and the nacre appear to temporally further compartmentalize the extrapallial fluid possibly as a prerequisite for the initial crystallization phenomenon. At the mantle edge, as well as at the isthmus, the periostracum was seen to extrude from the periostracal groove. At the siphonal edge, peculiar finger-like processes were identified; these may represent primitive photoreceptors. The epithelial cells of the outer mantle epithelium are all microvillated whereas those of the inner mantle epithelium are both microvillated and ciliated. Specific differences in surface morphology are described for various regions of the outer mantle epithelium. These may be related to precise regionalized functional differences of this tissue. Several functions of the mantle, in addition to shell formation, and based on its various morphologies, are also discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

The effects cytochalasin B on the surface morphology of the toad urinary bladder epithelium: a scanning electron microscopic study.

Cytochalasin B depresses the hydroosmotic response of the toad urinary bladder to vasopressin without affecting basal (bulk flow) permeability, diffusional permeability, or the hormone induced increase in short circuit current. Fine structural studies demonstrated that this macrolide fungal metabolite, in the presence of both an osmotic gradient and vasopressin, induces the formation of large intracellular vacuoles or 'lakes' in epitelial cells lining the bladder mucosa. Some surface changes (shortening and irregularity of microvilli, clumping of the glycocalyx, etc.) were reported by transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that cytochalasin B drastically alters the mucosal surface morphology of the hormone stimulated bladder. Lesser changes were seen in the absence of vasopressin. In the presence of arginine vasopressin, excessive cellular swelling and possible rupturing, as well as surface membrane infolding and rippling, were seen in the cytochalasin treated tissues, The specific entity most affected by this treatment is the granular cell.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

The effect of cytochalasin B on the endosteal lining cells of mammalian bone. A scanning electron microscopic study.

The lining osteoblasts of the rat tibial endosteum were treated for various times (between 1 and 60 min) and increasing doses (3.87-38.7 microgram/ml) with the macrolide fungal metabolite cytochalasin B (CB). Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) served as the vehicle for CB and was administered to control tissues. An in vitro incubation system and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate the effects of CB. The drug initiated cell rounding (contraction), nuclear protrusion, bleb formation, and the subsequent clustering of blebs and microvilli into aggregates. All CB-induced aberrations of the surface structure were readily reversible when tissues were washed with CB-free media. DMSO had no significant effect on cell surface morphology. The reversible structural changes brought about by CB are explained in terms of alterations of the subplasmalemmal cortical microfilament system of osteoblasts. The potential use of CB in evaluating the bone cell cytoskeleton and its relationship to the physiology of the cellular functional membrane (endosteum) of bone is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Motor disturbances produced by intrastriatal injection of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP.

Male albino rats were permanently cannulated bilaterally in the caudate/putamen nucleus and subsequently injected unilaterally with cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP. Both of these cyclic nucleotides failed to produce any obvious change in motor activity. The concomitant intrastriatal injection of carbachol and cyclic AMP resulted in enhancement of the carbachol-induced dyskinesias. Under similar conditions, cyclic GMP blocked the carbachol effects. The dibutyryl (db) derivatives of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP both enhanced the carbachol-induced dyskinesias and both db cyclic nucleotides induced dyskinesias when injected intrastriatally alone. The concomitant intrastriatal injection of dopamine and carbachol resulted in a blockade of the carbachol-induced dyskinesias. Dopmaine had no effect on db cyclic AMP and db cyclic GMP dyskinesias. The db cyclic AMP effects characteristically involved the distal limb musculature, while the db cycle GMP effects largely involved the proximal limb and trunk muscles. The hypothesis for opposing action of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in the CNS and the discrepancy between the effects of intrastriatal injection of cyclic AMP and dopamine were discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Immunofluorescent localization of cyclic AMP in toad urinary bladder: possible intercellular transfer.

By use of an immunofluorescent cytochemical staining technique, adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) has been localized in toad bladder epithelial cells. Within 2 minutes after addition of vasopressin, staining intensity increases in both mitochondria-rich and granular cells. This finding, taken together with the precise anatomical relation between these two epithelial cell types and the observation that after separation of the two cell types vasopressin stimulates cyclic AMP accumulation in only mitochondria-rich cells, suggests that cyclic AMP may be transferred from mitochrondria-rich to granular cells as part of the response of the toad urinary bladder to vasopressin.

Animals↗