Tight junctions between osteocyte processes.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
SEARCH · Search PubMed
Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In mice, alveolarization occurs during postnatal days 4 through 12, when secondary alveolar septae create thin-walled alveoli in the distal lung. We hypothesized that genes predominantly expressed in newly forming secondary alveolar septae influence the process of alveolarization. To address this hypothesis, tips of secondary alveolar septae were isolated from sections of postnatal day 6 mouse lung tissue using laser capture microdissection. Total RNA was isolated and amplified from the dissected alveolar septal tips and from intact postnatal day 6 lung tissue. Gene expression in the samples was characterized using Affymetrix mouse U74AN2 GeneChips. Galectin-1 was an abundantly expressed transcript that was enriched in the alveolar septal tips compared with levels in the whole lung tissue. Galectins are beta-galactoside-binding proteins involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in fibroblasts, muscle cells and endothelial cells, cell types that are present in the alveolar wall. Immunostaining in postnatal day 6 lung tissue confirmed that galectin-1 protein is concentrated in the tips of secondary alveolar septae, predominantly in myofibroblasts. Fibroblasts isolated from day 6 neonatal mouse lung tissue contained galectin-1 protein. Real-time PCR demonstrated that galectin-1 mRNA levels in mouse lung tissue peak at postnatal day 6. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that peak levels of lung galectin-1 protein are found at postnatal days 6 to 12. The increased expression of galectin-1 at the site and time of ongoing alveolarization in the newborn mouse is suggestive that galectin-1 may play an important role in this critical aspect of lung development.
The most reliable outcome variable for assessing periodontal regeneration is human histology; however, the morbidity associated with this technique makes it feasible only in isolated case studies designed to prove that a drug, device, or technique is capable of regenerating the lost periodontium including bone, cementum, and functionally oriented periodontal ligament. In the absence of this genuine variable, other "surrogate" variables must be used. Of these, measurement of new bone is the primary alternative. Direct bone measurements, including linear and volumetric assessment, are by far the best tools; however, the need for a second surgical procedure is a definite drawback of this technique. To overcome this problem, other outcomes have been employed: sounding bone measurements is a less invasive method, albeit it is also less accurate. Another tool that has been tested extensively is radiographic analysis. Conventional radiography is not useful in most regenerative trails where minimal or no crestal changes occur. The use of standardized radiographs and image processing techniques to measure alveolar bone changes has not significantly enhanced the applicability of this method. Digital subtraction radiography (DSR) offers some improvement over previous techniques; however, the correlation between the magnitude of clinical bone changes and changes in the digital image is yet to be substantiated. Other variables have been successfully used in regenerative studies. These include clinical attachment level changes, change in probing depth, and gingival recession. The information derived from these variables, especially attachment level changes, supplement and substantiate the direct bone measurements. Other variables that may be monitored are those associated with plaque formation, periodontal pathogens and gingival inflammation; while not direct measures of regeneration, these variables are likely to affect future prognosis and treatment stability. In summary, direct bone measurements are the most ideal surrogate outcome variable, although clinical attachment level measurements are commonly used in large-scale regenerative clinical trials. Clinical response may be assessed at different time intervals; however, the endpoint measurements for regenerative studies should be taken at least 12-months postoperatively.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Asbestosis is an inflammatory and fibrotic process of the alveolar structures mediated, at least in part, by cytokines released by "activated" alveolar macrophages. The process of phagocytosis and "activation" of alveolar macrophages is poorly understood. Are all macrophages activated or only subpopulations? Which cytokines are up-regulated? How does the local milieu modulate profibrotic and antifibrotic mediators? Is protein release accompanied by up-regulation of gene transcription? Is there an ordered sequence of cytokine activity? What roles do neutrophils and lymphocytes play? How can disease progression best be quantified absent further exposure? Answers to these questions are important to direct rational strategies at interdicting the fibrotic process. The question of cancer and asbestos is more vexing. The processes of inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis appear to be closely intertwined. For example, proto-oncogenes such as c-sis (PDGF B-chain) are up-regulated in activated alveolar macrophages from fibrotic lungs; these and possibly others may play an important role in asbestos carcinogenesis. Second, asbestos can transfect DNA into cells. Furthermore, DNA can adhere to asbestos fibers, and these fibers are capable of direct transmigration into cells. The questions of the mechanisms of cigarette smoke cocarcinogenicity and latency remain. Lastly, if the bronchial epithelium is highly metaplastic throughout from cigarette smoking, what triggers a single (or several) nidus of cells to transform into carcinoma? Malignant mesothelioma poses the most challenging questions because of association with brief asbestos exposure by history. Mesothelial cells are susceptible to minute environmental manipulations, and changes occur after exposure to all fiber types. Yet epidemiologic studies point toward long amphiboles as having greater mesothelioma risk. To test this hypothesis, experimental data must be generated differentiating tumorigenesis risk from short, chrysotile fibers that can migrate to the parietal pleura from the associations of long amphiboles persisting in lung tissue. Despite the future decreasing numbers of clinical cases of asbestos-related disease, solving the important mechanistic questions remaining will contribute significantly to our understanding of fibrosis and cancer.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The aim of the paper was to evaluate mutual relations in the system of alveolar macrophage (AM) - type II pneumocyte (PII) - interstitium of alveolar septa, in the course of experimental lung emphysema in rats subjected to BCG vaccine effect. Administration of BCG vaccine resulted in the cumulation of AM within pulmonary alveoli. These cells exhibited morphological features of increased activity. Intratracheal papain injection induced intralobular emphysema changes, partly generalized, in the animal lungs. The emphysematous changes, with domination of interalveolar septum atrophy, were accompanied by focal accumulation of collagen and elastin. Fibroplasia processes were strongly pronounced in BCG- and papain-treated animals. The areas of connective tissue fibres cumulation revealed indistinctness of the boundary line between PII and the interstitium in some places. Anchorage of collagen fibres and microfibrillary structures were observed in the cytoplasm of PII. The morphological examinations of AM - fibroblasts co-cultures as well as the evaluation of the uptake of 3H-thymidine did not show any significant differences between respective co-cultures of fibroblasts and AM isolated both from the lungs of control and experimental animals (treated with BCG or papain, and BCG+papain). However, a significant growth was noted in 3H-thymidine uptake between fibroblast cultures realized with or without cells isolated from the lungs. The results obtained suggest the possibility of active participation of PII and AM in fibroplasia processes in the course of lung rebuilding after papain administration and in pathological states of the pulmonary tissue, particularly when they are accompanied by increased activity of alveolar macrophages. They also support the inflammatory-repair hypothesis in the development of emphysematous changes.
The present study is devoted to Msx1 distribution and function from birth to 15 months, events and periods still unexplored in vivo using Msx1 knock in transgenic mice. The study is focused on the mandible, as an exemplary model system for Msx1-dependent neural crest-derived skeletal unit. The transgenic line enabled study of morphological abnormalities in Msx1 null mutation mice and Msx1 protein expression in Msx1+/- heterozygous mice. In Msx1 null mutation, the most striking feature was an inhibition of the mandibular basal convexity, the absence of teeth and alveolar bone processes, and absence of endochondral ossification in the mandibular condyle. At birth, in Msx1+/- heterozygous animals, we identified for the first time a double Msx1 aboral-oral and disto-proximal gradient field developmental pattern located in the low border of the mandibular bone in relation with this bone segment modeling. Msx1 expression involved both osteoblast and osteoclast cells. A distinct pattern characterized bone surfaces: Periosteum osteoblast differentiation was related to Msx1 down-regulation, while in the endosteum both differentiated osteoblasts and osteoclasts expressed the homeoprotein. In postnatal stages, Msx1 expression was maintained in the alveolar bone processes and dento-alveolar cells in relation with tooth function. Our data suggest that Msx1 play a role in a site-specific manner not only in early patterning but also in skeletal growth and modeling by acting on heterogenous bone cell populations.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
We studied morphometric nerve fiber analysis and the aging process of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). Human IANs were resected at the mandibular foramen. The preparation of sections involved fixation, washing, dehydration, embedding, sectioning and staining as described in our previous reports. We estimated the total number of myelinated axons in the IAN being average 26,200, the transverse area of those being average 37.1 microns 2, the average perimeter of those being 23.0 microns, the average circularity ratio of those being 0.85, respectively. According to these results, the IAN did not demonstrate notable age-relation change in any measured item. The IAN differed from not only our previous data on the human motor peripheral nerves but also those on the human sensory peripheral nerves. With regard to the aging process, the IAN indicated morphological features compared with other peripheral nerves.
AIM: Alveolitis is considered a disturbance of the alveolar healing process that is characterized by blood clot disintegration, alveolar wall infection and extreme pain. Several substances have been investigated to improve healing and guarantee postoperative comfort to patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate, microscopically, in rats, the healing process in non-infected tooth sockets, after application of a 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing, using lanolin as vehicle and mint as flavoring. METHODS: Forty-five rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) had their right incisor extracted and were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=15): Group I (control): the sockets were filled with blood clot; Group II: application of adrenaline solution at 1:1 000 with an absorbent paper point during 1 min plus filling of the socket with a 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing, with lanolin as vehicle, and mint as flavoring; Group III: filling of the socket with the 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing, with lanolin as vehicle and mint as flavoring. After 6, 15 and 28 days postoperatively, 5 animals per group were euthanized with an injectable anesthetic overdose. Histological and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The results showed that the 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing with lanolin as vehicle and mint as flavoring yielded similar response as that of the normal repair group and may be used to prevent the onset of alveolitis in those cases in which any predisposing factor is present. CONCLUSIONS: The use of this dressing has shown a good postoperative patient's comfort and does not cause a significant delay in the alveolar healing process.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was the histologic and ultrastructural evaluation of a biomaterial composed of cortical pig bone in the form of granules. METHODS: After maxillary sinus augmentation using this biomaterial, 10 specimens were retrieved after 5 months in 10 patients using this biomaterial. The specimens were processed to be observed under light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Histomorphometric measurements were presented by means +/- standard deviations. RESULTS: LM showed that most of the particles were surrounded by newly formed bone. In some areas, the osteoid matrix was present; however, mainly compact bone was present at the interface. There was no evidence of an acute inflammatory infiltrate. The newly formed bone was 36% +/- 2.8% and marrow spaces were 38% +/- 1.6%, whereas residual grafted material was 31% +/- 1.6%. Under TEM, all phases of bone formation (osteoid matrix, woven, and lamellar bone) were observed in proximity with the biomaterial particles. The bone-biomaterial interface showed a close contact between the porcine bone particles and the surrounding bone that had mainly features of mature bone with numerous osteocytes. A lamina limitans was sometimes present at this interface. CONCLUSIONS: According to our knowledge, this is the first study presenting data on TEM of a porcine bone-derived biomaterial used in sinus augmentation procedures in humans. Our findings show that this is a biocompatible biomaterial that can be used for maxillary sinus augmentation procedures without interfering with the normal reparative bone processes.