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PubMed1989

Effects of long-term hypergastrinaemia on the ultrastructure of enterochromaffin-like cells in the stomach of the rat, hamster and guinea pig.

The present report describes the ultrastructure of the enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the stomach of the rat, hamster and guinea pig, and the ultrastructural consequences of long-term hypergastrinaemia evoked either by continuous infusion of synthetic human (Leu15)-gastrin-17 for 4 weeks (rats) or by daily treatment with large doses of the antisecretory agent omeprazole for 2-10 weeks (rats, hamsters and guinea pigs). As a result, the ECL cells increased greatly in size (maximal effect after 2 weeks of omeprazole treatment, no further gain in size after 4 or 10 weeks). Also the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi area were enlarged. The most conspicuous feature of the ECL cells is the cytoplasmic vesicles, which are of varying size and either devoid of a dense core or with a small, often eccentrically located dense core. The vesicles probably represent the main storage site of the secretory products of the ECL cell. In addition, the cytoplasm contains granules, which differ from the vesicles in that they possess a more or less electron-dense core, surrounded by a narrow halo. The size of the vesicles ranged from small to very large, while the granules were uniformly small. Many vesicles were seen to lie very close together, some displaying an irregular outline (vacuole-like vesicles), at times giving the impression that they were undergoing fusion. The profile size (median value) of the vesicles was unaffected by gastrin infusion for 4 weeks. However, there was a tendency to a relative increase in the number of very small vesicles. In contrast, the vesicles became larger during the omeprazole treatment. Also, the number of vesicles that seemed to be engaged in fusion increased after omeprazole treatment but not after gastrin infusion. The observations support the view that ECL cells are influenced by gastrin. The effects of gastrin infusion and of omeprazole treatment on ECL cell ultrastructure were not completely identical. It cannot be excluded that the omeprazole-evoked achlorhydria evokes effects unrelated to those of hypergastrinaemia on the ECL cells, or that endogenous gastrins may evoke effects that are in some ways distinct from those of synthetic human (Leu15)-gastrin-17. Alternatively, the additional effects seen after long-term omeprazole treatment may reflect simply the duration of the hypergastrinaemic stimulus.

Animals↗

PubMed1976

The relation between cell proliferation, differentiation and ultrastructural development in rat intestinal epithelium.

The ultrastructural development of the principal cells in rat small intestine was studied by morphometric analyses in relation to the exact cell position along crypt and villus. From the bottom to the tip of the crypt, a gradual increase occurred in absolute size of the total cell, the cytoplasm, the terminal web and of nearly all cell organelles. Also, the relative size of the cytoplasm, mitochondria, microvilli and endoplasmic reticulum increased during crypt cell differentiation. No sudden changes in ultrastructure were observed in the so-called "critical decision zone", normally located halfway up the crypt where the proliferative activity ceases. At the crypt-villous junction a 1.4-3 fold increase in cell size, cytoplasm, terminal web and of most organelles was noted. Expansion of the proliferative cell compartment over the total length of the crypt as occurs during recovery after a low X-irradiation dose (72 h after 400 R) does not affect the normal development of cellular ultrastructure. These findings are discussed in relation to biochemical and cell kinetic data.

Animals↗

PubMed1977

Ultrastructure of epidermis of Salamandra salamandra followed throughout ontogenesis.

Ventral epidermal ultrastructure of the amphibian urodele Salamandra salamandra is described and followed throughout its life cycle. Tadpoles were divided into five categories on the basis of the organization of their epidermis and the ultrastructure of its cells. In newly hatched tadpoles the epidermis is arranged in two layers and four types of cells were recognized. The number of epidermal layers increases in the metamorphosing tadpole. At this stage the layers become organized in four strata. Metamorphosis involves the disappearance of some cell types and the appearance of others, typical of the adult epidermis. The significance of these ontogenetic changes in epidermal ultrastructure is discussed in respect to aquatic and terrestrial life habits.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Ultrastructural changes in the thymus of the turtle Mauremys caspica in relation to the seasonal cycle.

Changes in the ultrastructure of the thymus of the turtle Mauremys caspica, with special reference to its non-lymphoid components, were studied in relation to the seasonal cycle. The thymic cortex contains framework-forming epithelial-reticular cells and free macrophages, while the medulla includes, in addition, mature and presumptive pro-interdigitating cells. The ultrastructural features of these cells are generally similar to those described for non-lymphoid components of the mammalian thymus. The turtle thymus undergoes cortical involution in spring, with recovery periods in May-June and during autumn. A moderate involution occurs in winter. At the beginning of spring, cortical (but not medullary) epithelial-reticular cells show degenerative changes, probably related to high levels of circulating testosterone. In spring and autumn, mature interdigitating cells are absent, but macrophages, monocytes, and pro-interdigitating cells are found. During May-June, the cortical epithelial-reticular population recovers and macrophages, monocytes, and interdigitating cells are actively phagocytic. In summer, the epithelial-reticular cells in both cortex and medulla display normal ultrastructural features; mature and immature interdigitating cells are absent and some macrophages are detected occasionally. The results suggest that non-lymphoid components of the reptilian thymus can play a role in governing T-lymphocyte differentiation, and that the thymic cortex and medulla exhibit different cycles of seasonal activity.

Animals↗

PubMed1978

The effect of the ionophore A23187 on amylase release, cellular integrity and ultrastructure of mouse pancreatic acini.

The effects of the Ca2 + ionophore A2317 on pancreatic amylase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, cellular electrolyte balance and ultrastructure were studied with the use of incubated pancreatic fragments. A23187 (0.3 micrometer) in the presence of Ca2 +, increased amylase release but at higher concentrations (1-10 micrometer) also increased LDH release and increased uptake of 14C-sucrose with concomitant loss of tissue K + and gain in Na +. The ultrastructure of the majority of acini appeared normal and showed depletion of zymogen granules. Microtubules and microfilaments which have been implicated in the release process were normal or increased in number. In the absence of Ca + the ionophore had no effect on secretion, cellular integrity or ultrastructure. It is concluded that A23187 in the presence of Ca2 + increases amylase release by a mechanism comparable to the terminal steps in stimulus-secretion coupling induced by physiological secretagogues. This provides further evidence that amylase release is mediated by a rise in cell Ca2 + although the mechanisms of the ionophore- and physiological secretagogue-induced rise in Ca + are probably different. High concentrations of ionophore (greater than 1 micrometer) also induce Ca2 + dependent damage in a fraction of the cells.

Amylases↗

PubMed1988

Implantation of cultured thymic fragments in congenitally athymic (nude) rats. Ultrastructural characteristics of the developing microenvironment.

Cultured thymic fragments correspond to the thymic microenvironment depleted of lymphocytes and dendritic cells. When these fragments are implanted under the kidney capsule of congenitally athymic rats, lymphocytes and dendritic cells of host origin enter the graft and induce thymus-dependent immunity in the recipient. This paper describes the ultrastructure of the fragments and the changes that occur during the restoration of normal thymic architecture. At the end of the culture period of 6-9 days and in the early stages after implantation, the grafts consist of keratin-containing epithelial cells of unusual morphology that can be labelled with antibodies raised against the epithelium of the mid/deep cortex and the subcapsule/medulla. Normal thymic architecture develops, including nerves and blood vessels, as lymphocytes populate the environment, and by 4-6 weeks the epithelial cells are the same phenotypically and ultrastructurally as those found in normal rat thymus. However, some areas without lymphocytes still contain the atypical epithelial cells seen before implantation. Large multinucleated giant cells are also present with a few associated epithelial cells of subcapsular/medullary phenotype. In conclusion, the cultured thymic fragments contain a hitherto unknown precursor epithelial cell with an atypical ultrastructure and phenotype that is not seen in normal development.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Intracellular signals trigger ultrastructural events characteristic of meiotic maturation in oocytes of Xenopus laevis.

Oocytes of Xenopus laevis were treated with agents which induce individual intracellular signals normally evoked during the process of meiotic maturation. Ultrastructural analysis of these oocytes allowed identification of specific second messengers that individually trigger single ultrastructural changes characteristic of the meiotic maturation process: Manipulation of intracellular cAMP levels induced changes in cortical granule position. Cytoplasmic alkalinization triggered a disruption of the annulate lamellae, a specialized organelle in the periphery of oocytes. Activation of protein kinase C caused rapid formation of a cortical endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent disruption of cortical granules. Manipulation of transmembrane calcium flux had varied results dependent upon the agent employed. Two of the treatments, Verapamil and zero external calcium, induced a reorganization in the oocyte periphery. The results indicate that these ultrastructural events are under the control of specific intracellular signals known to be elicited during meiotic maturation.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Ultrastructural and biochemical comparisons of nuclear matrices prepared by high salt or LIS extraction.

We have directly compared two independently published methods for isolating operationally defined nuclear matrices by studying EM ultrastructure, protein composition and distribution of replicating DNA. Nuclear matrices prepared by extraction with 2 M NaCl consisted of fibrous pore complex lamina, residual fibrillar and granular components of nucleoli and interchromatin granules, and an extensive anastomosing internal fibrous network. These matrices were enriched in high molecular weight nonhistone proteins but were virtually devoid of histones. Consistent with previously published data, newly-replicated DNA was resistant to this high salt extraction. Nuclear matrices prepared by extraction of nuclei with 25 mM lithium 3,5-diiodosalicylate, LIS, also contained fibrous pore complex lamina, but lacked morphologically distinct residual nucleoli and were markedly depleted in internal structure. The reduced amounts and complexity of proteins associated with the LIS matrix were consistent with the ultrastructural data. Moreover, much less newly-replicated DNA was recovered in LIS matrices. The data show that LIS dissociates nuclear ultrastructure and extracts both protein and DNA in proportion to the concentration used, regardless of whether nuclei or high salt nuclear matrices are used as starting material. While the data suggest that LIS may not necessarily be an optimal reagent for preparing nuclear matrices containing internal structural elements from all tissue sources, it may be useful for selectively solubilizing and analyzing components of the nuclear matrix.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Ultrastructure and synaptic associations of auditory thalamo-amygdala projections in the rat.

Projections from the acoustic thalamus to the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (AL) have been implicated in the formation of emotional memories. In order to begin elucidating the cellular basis of emotional learning in this pathway, the ultrastructure and synaptic associations of acoustic thalamus efferents terminating in AL were studied using wheat-germ agglutinated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) and Phaseolus vulgaris Leucoagglutinin (Pha-L) as ultrastructural anterograde axonal markers. The tracers were injected into those areas of the thalamus (medial division of the medial geniculate body and posterior intralaminar nucleus, MGM/PIN) known both to project to AL and to receive afferents from the inferior colliculus. Terminals labeled with WGA-HRP or Pha-L in AL contained mitochondria and many small, round clear vesicles and 0-3 large, dense-core vesicles. Most labeled terminals formed asymmetric synapses on unlabeled dendrites; of these the majority were on dendritic spines. These data demonstrate that projections from the acoustic thalamus form synapses in AL and provide the first characterization of the ultrastructure and synaptic associations of sensory afferent projections to the amygdala.

Amygdala↗

PubMed1980

Mechanism of the ultrastructural changes induced by partial hepatectomy in the STH cells of mice.

The ultrastructural changes induced by partial hepatectomy in the STH cells of mice were examined. These changes suggest an increased secretory activity of STH cells. Therefore, several experimental procedures elucidating the possible mechanism of this effect were undertaken. Normal mice were starved for 52 h or treated with insulin, glucagon, or cAMP. Serum glucose level measurements as well as electron microscopy of pituitary STH cells were carried out in each group of animals. It was found that STH cells of glucagon- and cAMP-treated mice showed some of the ultrastructural features observed in partially hepatectomized animals. Hence, serum hyperglucagonemia and increase in pituitary cAMP content, may be important components of the complex mechanism responsible for the ultrastructural changes in STH cells brought about by partial hepatectomy.

Animals↗

PubMed1979

Effects of stimulation and rest on the ultrastructure of the excitatory neuromuscular junctions of Locusta migratoria L.

The terminals of the fast axon on extensor tibiae muscle fibres of Locusta were examined in untreated nerve-muscle preparations and in preparations stimulated electrically at frequencies varying from 0.5 to 100 Hz. The ultrastructure of the terminals in preparations stimulated at the lower range of these frequencies, which induce twitch contractions of the muscles, is similar to that of the controls. Stimulation at the higher frequencies induced tetanic muscle responses and rapid fatigue of the muscles after which they would not respond again to high frequency stimulation for about 1 h. This loss and recovery of the responses of the muscles is correlated with changes in the ultrastructural appearance of the terminals, in particular in the number and shape of the synaptic vesicles. The ultrastructure of these "recovering" axon terminals closely resembles that of the controls.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

Ultrastructural study of the human neurohypophysis. II. Cellular elements of neural parenchyma, the pituicytes.

The pars nervosa of the neurohypophysis from 12 patients undergoing hypophysectomy for palliative treatment of advanced carcinoma was studied electron microscopically. Special attention was given to the cellular elements, the pituicytes. Five different classes of pituicytes, with various transitional forms, were elucidated based on their ultrastructural characteristics: (1) The most common type, referred to as "major pituicytes", is reminiscent of astrocytes. (2) "Dark pituicytes" are thought to represent different functional stages of the "major pituicytes". (3) "Ependymal pituicytes" are believed to provide ultrastructural evidence that human pituicytes are phylogenetically derived from ependymal cells. (4) "Oncocytic pituicytes" were observed in all cases and are of unknown significane. (5) The ultrastructural features of "granular pituicytes" suggest the existence of an active uptake and catabolism of extracellular material by pituicytes, probably through "ultraphagocytosis" or "endocytosis". These five classes of pituicytes are considered to represent different functional forms of one cell line that originates phylogenetically from the ependyma.

Cell Nucleus↗

PubMed1978

Histophysiological studies on the corpus allatum of Leucophaea maderae. VI. Ultrastructural characteristics in gonadectomized females.

The ultrastructure of the corpora allata of 29 Leucophaea ovariectomized in the nymphal stage and maintained up to an adult age of 28 months was examined. In general, the subcellular morphology of these glands has much in common with that of normal female controls examined at the height of their activity. In addition, the most "typical" of the gonadectomy cases show certain distinctive features that are either absent or much less prominent in unoperated controls. Of primary interest is the striking abundance of smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum observed in many but not all of the castrates. Since this organelle is implicated in the biosynthesis of juvenile hormone, the factor normally responsible for yolk deposition, its increase, together with certain additional ultrastructural features, is indicative of an exceptionally high rate of hormone production. An explanation for the putative hyperactivity displayed to various degrees by the experimental animals may well be the constancy of the demand on their corpora allata, since removal of the ovaries abolishes the afferent signals in response to which, in the intact female, the brain turns off these glands during the long periods of gestation. That the synthetic effort may eventually level off, even in the absence of regular inhibitory stimuli, is suggested by the corpora allata of those castrates, the ultrastructure of which reflects moderate activity or possibly further regression.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Hybridocytochemical and immuno-ultrastructural study of calcitonin gene expression in cultured medullary carcinoma cells.

The study was aimed at a morphological demonstration of calcitonin (CT) gene expression in cultured TT cells, or, more specifically, hybridocytochemical detection of CT mRNA and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) mRNA and ultrastructural localization of the two hormones. The TT cells originated from medullary carcinoma of human thyroid gland. Ultrastructural studies of TT cells demonstrated a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, large Golgi apparatus and low number of secretory granules. Hybridocytochemical studies showed the presence of mRNAs for CT and CGRP in all TT cells. At the ultrastructural level, double immunolabelling demonstrated that the two hormones were always expressed together in the same secretory granules. Our results provide a significant addition to the biochemical studies performed up to now and indicate that all TT cells produce both mRNAs and both hormones in parallel.

Calcitonin↗

PubMed1985

Double infection of the CNS with herpes simplex and mumps viruses. Serological and ultrastructural studies.

Clinical, serological and ultrastructural features are described in a case of acute encephalitis. The ultrastructural study of brain biopsy specimens revealed herpes-and paramyxovirus-like particles in neurons and glial cells that were characterized as herpes simplex and mumps viruses by serological study in serum and CSF. Of the few cases previously reported with double encephalitis, this is the only one in which ultrastructural and serological evidence of combined brain infection has been found.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMed1995

Global brain ischemia and reperfusion: Golgi apparatus ultrastructure in neurons selectively vulnerable to death.

The neocortex and the hippocampus were examined for lipid peroxidation products and ultrastructural alterations by fluorescence and electron microscopy, respectively, in rats subjected to 10 min of cardiac arrest or 10 min cardiac arrest and either 90 or 360 min reperfusion. Lipid peroxidation products were observed after 90 min reperfusion in the perikarya and proximal dendrites of neocortical pyramidal neurons and in the hippocampal hilar cells and CA1, region; the fluorescence was most intense at the base of the apical dendrite, the region of the Golgi apparatus. After 90 min of reperfusion, the CA1, showed considerable stretches of rough endoplasmic reticulum devoid of ribosomes and the Golgi cisternae were shorter and widely dilated. The neocortex showed similar endoplasmic reticulum changes, but no significant alterations to the Golgi were noted. In addition there were areas where strings of ribosomes appear to be detaching from the endoplasmic reticulum. After 360 min reperfusion in both the neocortex and the hippocampus, the damage appeared more severe. The Golgi was fragmented into vacuoles, membranous whorls had appeared, and dense aggregates of smooth vesicles were seen coalescing with each other and the vacuoles. These observations suggest that early Golgi involvement is a more important marker of lethal injury than ribosome release from the endoplasmic reticulum. The areas of disturbed Golgi ultrastructure correspond to those areas that show evidence of lipid peroxidation and imply that lipid peroxidation may be causally related to the disturbance in Golgi ultrastructure.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Histological, ultrastructural and chromatographical discrimination of phospholipids in meningiomas.

Phospholipids in meningiomas were studied by light and electron microscopy, and by high-performance liquid chromatography. They were microscopically demonstrated in six of the ten cases by Sudan III staining after the fixation with potassium dichromate. However, the conventional ultrastructural fixation with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide failed to confirm phospholipids, as most of them were dissolved during dehydration. In contrast, the specimens pretreated with tannic acid before osmication ultrastructurally retained phospholipids which were represented by multilamellar bodies or ribbon-like rings. Both were found in 23 of the 30 cases within the cytoplasm, among the plasma membranes and in the extracellular matrices. The outermost lamella or ribbon showed a direct continuity from the neighbouring plasma membranes of the cytoplasm or the mitochondria. The multilamellar bodies showed an overall distribution, while the ribbon-like rings were predominantly distributed around the psammoma bodies. Precipitation of hydroxyapatite crystals within the ribbon-like rings resulted in matrix minerals of psammoma bodies. Chromatographical analyses of meningiomas disclosed phospholipids including phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl serine, sphingomyelin and phosphatidyl inositol in that order. Psammomatous meningiomas contained a higher percentage of phosphatidyl serine than non-psammomatous tumors. Ultrastructural study of synthetic phospholipids adequately treated with tannic acid showed that the multilamellar bodies were similar to phosphatidyl choline, while the ribbon-like rings were similar to phosphatidyl serine. The role of phospholipids in meningiomas is discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Ultrastructural identification of neurofibrillary tangles in the spinal cords in Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia complex on Guam.

The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of spinal cord neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) were examined in Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in parkinisonism-dementia complex on Guam. The spinal cord NFTs reacted with antibodies to tau protein (tau-2), ubiquitin and paired helical filaments (PHFs). Ultrastructurally, the components of the NFTs were seen as randomly arranged fibrils which were often associated with osmiophilic granules; small bundle-like arrangements were also occasionally observed. Individual NFT fibrils appeared as straight fibrils with a diameter of approximately 15 nm and constricted fibrils with a periodicity of approximately 80 nm. Ultrastructural microscopic examination of specimens stained by the modified Bielschowsky method and with the antibodies revealed silver particles and the products of the tau, ubiquitin and PHF immunoreactions on the NFT fibrils. This is the first demonstration of the fine structure of the spinal cord NFTs.

Adult↗