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The ultrastructure of the coracoacromial ligament in patients with chronic impingement syndrome.

In an ultrastructural study of the cells and matrix of the coracoacromial ligament (CAL) in 11 patients with impingement syndrome (IS), the cells appeared variegated, in contrast to those in normal CALs. Many showed degenerative changes such as lipid inclusions in the cytoplasms or swelling of cytoplasmic organelles, especially in the vicinity of fibrin exudate where the collagenous matrix disappeared. However, some cells had increased cytoplasmic organelles, including an elaborate Golgi apparatus, indicating enhanced synthetic activity. The matrix, instead of consisting of packed collagenous fibers of fairly uniform diameter as seen in the normal CAL, contained collagen fibers of varying diameters and microfibrils. The ultrastructural features of both the cells and the matrix were suggestive of chronic effects of strain on the ligament. In patients with chronic IS, the CAL has been implicated as the likely cause of impingement when no significant bony or articular abnormality exists. This was not substantiated by the present findings. The changes in the CAL in IS are possibly secondary, and are probably induced by alterations in soft-tissue structures of the subacromial compartment.

Acromion↗

Histopathology of human keratorefractive lenticules.

Eight human corneal lenticules (three from keratophakia, two from hypermetropic keratomileusis, and three from myopic keratomileusis) were examined by light and electron microscopy. The keratophakic lenticules were removed for optical reasons 3, 3.5, and 6 months after surgery. Microscopically, all displayed hypocellularity, mature collagen fibrils and microfibrils, keratocyte ghosts, and keratocytic debris. The hypermetropic keratomileusis specimens were removed at 13 and 14 months postoperatively, the first because of opacities from enzymatic digestion of the cornea, and the second due to contact lens-induced erosion of Bowman's layer and decreased lacrimal secretion. Ultrastructurally, both lenticules exhibited fractures in Bowman's layer, and the 14-month specimen showed multilayered squamous epithelia. The myopic keratomileusis specimens were removed at 4, 8, and 48 months postoperatively due to opacification of the interface caused by delayed epithelial healing, detergent trauma, and previous epithelization, respectively. Electron microscopy revealed fractures in Bowman's layer, subepithelial fibrocellular growth, sparse keratocyte populations of the anterior stroma, porous collagen bundles, keratocytic debris, and regions of epithelial ingrowth.

Adult↗

[Several ultrastructural peculiarities of the fascia transversalis in direct inguinal hernias of senile men].

Fascia transversalis of the dorsal wall of the inguinal canal in direct hernias in senile men was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Collagen microfibrils (CMF) were unevenly arranged and rarely formed compact fibres. Dysplastic CMF with variable diameters and nonuniform profiles were also encountered. There was a marked collagenophagy: in some fibroblasts we observed collagen-containing vacuoles in different stages of microfibrillar degradation. Among CMF matrix vesicles were also detected. These ultrastructural findings are discussed as a morphological substrate leading to supportive and mechanical insufficiency of the fascia transversalis causing herniation. It is concluded also that because of the structural defects of the fascial sheath there is a need of alloplastic reconstruction where Bulgarian-made AMPOXEN tissue can successfully be applied.

Aged↗

[The morphological changes in the skin of the prepuce in patients with xerotic balanoposthitis].

The authors analyze the findings of histologic and electron-microscopic examinations of skin biopsy specimens from 15 patients with xerotic balanoposthitis. The results evidence that xerotic balanoposthitis morphologically is characterized by atrophy of the epidermis, vacuolar dystrophy of the basal cells, changed structure of keratohyalin granules, presence of a vast edematous area under the epidermis, absence of elastic fibers, inflammatory cellular infiltrate under the edematous area. During initial manifestations of the disease and its progressive stage more manifest changes are detectable in the derma. Atrophy of the epidermis was not observed, a lesser edematous area was seen under the epidermis, and, in contrast to the typical pattern of sclerotic and atrophic lichen, a dense, more superficially located cellular infiltrate in the derma. Small-granular substance is detectable in the edematous area under the epidermis, as are numbers of microfibrils and this diffusely located collagen fibrils that indicate synthesis of fibrillar substances.

Balanitis↗

5-Azacytidine induction of stable myoepithelial and acinar cells from a human salivary intercalated duct cell clone.

A neoplastic human salivary intercalated duct cell clone was cultured in 5 microM 5-azacytidine for 5 days at 37 degrees C; then the cells were trypsinized and subcultured in growth medium without 5-azacytidine. Thereafter, subclones were cloned from the subculture. Of 12 subclones isolated, 7 clonal cell lines were established and characterized. The two subclones composed of cells which were spindle shaped or stellate exhibited phenotypes similar to those of myoepithelial cells such as microfibrils and myosin and formed a myoepithelioma upon transplantation of the cells into nude mice. The other five subclones were composed of polygonal cells with numerous secretory granules in their cytoplasm and containing amylase that seems to be specific to acinar cells; transplantation of these cells into nude mice resulted in production of acinic cell carcinoma. These findings indicate that a neoplastic human salivary intercalated duct cell is capable of at least bidirectional differentiation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Regional odontodysplasia: new histopathological data.

Light microscopy, microradiography, SEM and TEM of 4 tooth follicles in a 12-year-old caucasian girl presenting regional odontodysplasia showed widespread globular dentin, calcifications located in the enlarged pulp chambers, hypoplastic and hypomineralized enamel. Hypomineralized strands were sandwiched between two normal enamel layers, which indicates that amelogenesis, interrupted for a while, has once more become established. The enamel surface was covered with calcoglobules. Numerous rounded calcifications were scattered within the dental follicles. Some of these occurred in microfibrils (possibly oxytalan fibers), distinct from collagen fibers. Calcification of the sheath surrounding epithelial rests was a conspicuous feature. The fibroblasts in contact with calcifications developed numerous cytoplasmic extensions, which suggests that they may have assumed a phagocytosis behaviour.

Child↗

Distal surface of the rat ruffle-ended ameloblasts at the stage of enamel maturation observed by scanning electron microscopy.

Distal surface of the rat ruffle-ended ameloblasts was observed by high resolution scanning electron microscopy. Specimens fixed by perfusion with 0.5% formaldehyde and 0.5% glutaraldehyde were decalcified with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and freeze-fractured using dimethyl sulfoxide. They were treated with 0.1% osmium tetroxide for 96 hr to remove excess cytoplasmic matrices, dehydrated, and critical-point dried. The present method was useful for observing both surface and intracellular structures simultaneously. The dense lamina lining the distal surface of the ruffle-ended ameloblasts having been dissolved in this preparation, the surface was clearly demonstrated in three dimensions under SEM. The surface was characterized by a complex labyrinth formed by protrusion and invagination of the plasma membrane. At high magnification, two kinds of minute granules are visible: small and larger granules measured as 10-20 nm and 70 nm in diameter, respectively. The former were more numerous than the latter. Furthermore, microfibrils connecting the protrusions of the plasma membrane were observed on the distal surface. The small granules probably connect the dense lamina with the distal surface of the ameloblasts. In addition, a denuded area free from the granules was sometimes recognized on the distal surface. These surface structures of the distal end of the ameloblasts appeared to be concerned with the enamel maturation.

Ameloblasts↗

Ultrastructural changes of collagen and elastin in human gingiva during orthodontic tooth movement.

After 15 days of mesializing or distalizing orthodontic treatment, 10 permanent premolars of young patients were extracted with the interdental gingiva. The connective tissues of the compressed or stretched interdental papillae were compared to that of untreated samples by light and transmission electron microscope. Large collagen fibres bundles represented by fibrils with a banding pattern of 64 nm and a mean diameter of 75 nm were observed in compressed interdental gingiva. Several elastic fibres with a mean diameter of 950 nm were also present. In some central areas of compressed gingiva collagen fibrils longitudinally split into widely spaced microfibrils were often observed in proximity to the elastic fibres. In stretched and untreated interdental papillae the collagen fibrils presented a mean diameter of 66 nm and 57 nm respectively. In both groups, few elastic fibres ranging in diameter 600 nm were seen. The increased size of the gingival collagen fibrils undergoing pressure and tension is indicative of remodelling of the fibrous collagen system. The fair increase in number and size of elastic fibres in compressed gingiva suggests that the elastic fibre system takes over the place whenever a collapse of the collagenous framework occurs.

Child↗

Intercellular contacts between germinal center cells. Mechanisms of adhesion between lymphoid cells and follicular dendritic cells.

Intercellular connections exist between germinal center cells especially between lymphoid cells and follicular dendritic cells (FDC). Even after isolation, FDC remain associated to lymphocytes and are able, in a cell suspension, to establish new connections with others. Using human tonsillar cells or mouse lymph node cells we analysed these connections which were shown to be species-specific. Low temperature as well as absence of Ca++ and Mg++ in the culture medium reduced the adherence of fluorochrome-labeled lymphoid cells to FDC. Colchicine treatment did not impair the adherence, whereas cytochalasin B dit it; this was the first observation underlining the importance of microfibrils in FDC. Antibodies directed towards integrin molecules (LFA-1 alpha or beta chain, CD11a and CD18 respectively) reduced the adherence, others (anti-CR3 or anti-gp 150/95, CD11b and c respectively) did not influence it. Antibodies directed against MHC class II exerted no inhibitory action on the lymphoid cell adhesion to FDC. As, at ultrastructural level, gold-labeled immune complexes can be found between FDC and lymphoid cells, we examined the effect on cell adhesion of the addition of immune complexes to the cell suspensions. It only impaired the lymphoid cell adhesion when complement components were present. IgM complexes were then more inhibitory than IgG complexes. When antibodies against Fc IgG receptors (CD16) were added, the adhesion was strongly reduced whereas antibodies to Fc IgE (CD23) receptors had no influence. The antibody DRC1, specifically recognizing an antigen on human FDC reduced the attachment of cells to FDC. This antigen thus seems to play a role in the intercellular contacts; this is the first function ascribed to this FDC specific antigen.

Animals↗

Fine structure of cartilage elastic system fibers, in particular those of the mandibular condyle.

Light microscopy of the mandibular joint tissues from fetal mice show a distribution of fibrillar structures in the articular fibrous capsule covering the condylar head. Further SEM and TEM studies were conducted on autoclaved xiphoid and mandibular condylar processes of the fetuses for observation of the elastic system fibers in these cartilaginous tissues. SEM showed that non-collaginous fibers branched and united to form a complicated network in the cartilage. A fine structure study on diameter distribution of the fibers indicated elastogenesis in the differentiating cell layer and fiber maturation in the articular surfaces and calcification layer, thus suggesting a sequential development, growth, and degeneration of the cellular and fibrillar components in the cartilage, as well as bidirectional cell differentiation in the growing mandibular joint. A further TEM study on these autoclaved connective tissues showed the elastic system fibers in the network to be composed of fine microfibrils and amorphous elastin. The elastic fibers in the condylar cartilage were a loose network having many tortuous main and oblique elastic fibers, and coiling oxytalan fibers.

Animals↗

Expression of neurofilaments in a neoplastic human salivary intercalated duct cell line or its derivatives and effect of nerve growth factor on the cellular proliferation and phenotype.

A neoplastic salivary cell line with an ultrastructure similar to that of an intercalated duct cell of the salivary gland, established from a human submandibular salivary gland, has been used in our laboratory as a model for studying mechanisms regulating cytodifferentiation in salivary glands. The expression of neurofilaments (Mr 200,000, 160,000, and 68,000) in the neoplastic human salivary intercalated duct cell line and its derivatives was found by the immunofluorescence staining technique, immunoblotting, or immunoelectron microscopy. In addition, these cells stained with Bodian impregnation and expressed specific antigens such as tubulin alpha and beta chain, HNK-1 antigen, and laminin. When these cells were cultured in the presence of nerve growth factor, only the cells with a myoepithelial cell phenotype formed the long cytoplasmic processes which were densely packed with ample microfibrils in addition to microtubule bundles, and they exhibited marked suppression of anchorage-independent and anchorage-dependent growths. These findings indicate that the characteristics of neoplastic human salivary intercalated duct cell line and its derivatives are similar to those of neuronal cells.

Biomarkers↗

[The physiology of primary hemostasis].

Primary haemostasis, on the same grounds as coagulation and fibrinolysis, is one of the three main stages of haemostasis. It involves mainly the vascular endothelium and the blood platelets. An endothelial lesion will uncover thrombogenic structures-mainly microfibrils and collagen-to which the platelets will adhere. The latter will then undergo a complete morphological transformation, from a discoid shape to a structure provided with pseudopods. This transformation is accompanied by a biological explosion, which affects in the first place the metabolism of prostaglandins and of cyclic AMP. There occurs also a release of the contents of the platelet granules. The final phase of platelet activation consists in their aggregation, which is reversible in a first time and irreversible afterwards. On the other hand, the activated platelets can also trigger the process of coagulation, which demonstrates the narrow relationship between the various stages of haemostasis.

Animals↗

Organization of collagen and other extracellular material in anterior capsular cataract.

Capsular cataract takes the form of a white-grey opacity appearing under the anterior lens capsule (anterior subcapsular cataract). The capsule is wrinkled through the action of myofibroblast-like cells developed from the anterior lenticular epithelium. The myofibroblast-like cells also produce collagen that takes on a dysplastic appearance. Collagenous microfibrils accumulate to form fibre-like aggregations. These aggregations represent an abnormal collagen density (collagen condensation or attraction) in comparison to normal collagenous fibrils and fibres. Within the anterior capsular cataract 4 topological regions may be distinguished: Cell regions (1), stratification regions (2), aggregation regions (3), and intermediate regions (4). It is postulated that these regions represent different stages in the maturation and degradation of collagen, in the absence of phagocytic elements.

Cataract↗

[Experimental and histologic studies on fetal membrane tensility and membrane rupture].

The collagen microfibrils of the amniotic connective tissue are irregularly textured. In all a preference for a meridional orientation perpendicular to the placental-rim can be observed. There are randomly dispersed weak spots between dense bundles of collagen fibres. The chorion connective tissue consists also of fibril bundles in a meridional main orientation. Within the bundles or bands there is an unmistakable pattern of latticed arranged fibrils. The framework receives its stability from the bundles that run perpendicular or inclined to the previously mentioned bundles. There are randomly dispersed weak areas between the dense fibril aggregates. In general the amniotic and chorionic connective tissues are both of variable strength. The tensile strength of both membranes is regionally varying due to the irregular texture. At times it varies within the same fetal membrane or from fetal membrane to fetal membrane considerably, where by the variation in membrane thickness also is of influence. It is to be observed that in general the resistance perpendicular to the meridian direction is smaller than along the meridian direction. During the rupture of the membranes the latticed arranged fibres from the bundles of the chorionic connective tissue give way and tear in an arbitrary weak spot. In the amniotic tissue the tearing also begins in a weak spot and continues to tear in a non predictable direction between the irregular pattern of bundles.

Amnion↗

Elastic fibers in the rat exorbital lacrimal gland duct system.

In the rat, each paired subcutaneous exorbital lacrimal gland overlies the retromandibular area. The fibrous cord containing its ducts passes over the masticatory muscles to the temporal canthus. Thus, the lacrimal system must accomodate both jaw and lid movements. To see whether elastic fibers exist to modulate alterations in tension caused by such movements, light and electron micrographs were made of its duct system. The innermost elastic fibers are connected by elaunin fibrils and oxytalan microfibrils to the lamina densa, particularly near the hemidesmosomes. The innermost elastic fibers appear to be longitudinal and about 0.2 micron from the lamina densa. Circumferential fibers exist about 0.8-3.2 microns from that structure. More peripheral fibers of both orientations also exist. Light microscopy of the extraglandular duct demonstrated circumferential fibers near the basement membrane and longitudinal and angular elastic fibers amid the collagenous layers. Some of the longitudinal fibers assume a loose cross-weave. Intraglandularly, as duct size diminishes elastic fibers progressively decrease in number and size until the smallest ducts have none. Thus, an elastic gradient exists. It is believed that recoil of the angular elastic fibers aids distension of the large and medium ducts when secretion is great and that recoil of the circumferential ones permits those duct diameters to diminish when secretion does. The longitudinal elastic fibers would allow all but the smallest ducts to recoil from the stretching of much of the exorbital lacrimal duct system accompanying blinking and other facial movements.

Animals↗

Effect of DL-penicillamine on the aorta of growing chickens. Ultrastructural and biochemical studies.

The effect of DL-penicillamine on the architecture of the aortic wall of growing chickens was studied, with particular attention to elastin and collagen. Penicillamine was added to the diet (0.2% and 0.4%, in the presence or not of 10 mg/kg CuSO4 and 100 mg/kg vitamin B6) from hatching, for periods from 7 days up to 2 months. The same regions of the thoracic aortas were examined and compared in all the different experimental conditions. The results showed that penicillamine induced relevant modifications in the process of elastin fibrogenesis. The alterations consisted of an increase of elastin in the extracellular space, associated with an increase in the number of elastin fibers per unit area, and a decrease of the mean profile area of the fibers. Interestingly, penicillamine induced the formation of numerous bundles of microfibrils associated or not with elastin fibers. After prolonged treatment, elastin tended to diminish and the fibers tended to fuse into polymorphic syncytia. Collagen fibrils were larger, showed more heterogeneous cross diameters, were less numerous, and were more spread out within the tissue. All the other components of the aortic wall appeared not to be altered by the chemical. Penicillamine did not modify the copper content of chick aortas, whereas it induced a 40-50% reduction of the activity of both salt and 4 M urea-soluble peptidyl lysyl oxidases in the same tissue. These data may help in understanding some of the pathologic manifestations in human beings during D-penicillamine treatment.

Animals↗

Electron microscopic observations of Descemet's membrane of peripheral cornea.

The posterior portion of the Descemet's membrane was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy; the materials comprised 87 human peripheral corneas with ages from 2 to 98 years, 5 monkey corneas and 4 rabbit corneas. In some specimens, the endothelium was removed by ultrasonication. After removal of the endothelium, "curly structures" were recognized on the surface of the Descemet's membrane, where the membrane showed a gradual thinning. These structures appeared along the whole circumference of the cornea with variable width in the human specimens, but in monkey and rabbit corneas, the extent of these structures was less than in the human cornea. The "curly structures" were not encountered in young subjects, and they increased with age. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.60, P less than 0.001) between the age and the extent of these structures. Other aging products of the Descemet's membrane, ie, Hassall-Henle bodies, were partly surrounded by the "curly structures". The human "curly structures" consisted of collagen fibrils, halo structures in the collagen bundles, wide-spacing fibers, microfibrils, ground substances containing minute filaments and a structure resembling the Descemet's membrane. Components of "curly structures" of the monkey and rabbit were almost the same as those of the human except for the Descemet's membrane-like structure.

Aging↗

Aberrant development of Trichophyton mentagrophytes hyphae cultured in the presence of Congo red.

When Trichophyton mentagrophytes colonies were placed on a medium containing 150 micrograms/ml of Congo red, a dye which prevents chitin fibrillogenesis, their growth rate was reduced. The newly formed mycelium, examined under an ultraviolet microscope, consisted of thick, curled and branched hyphae endowed with swollen tips and subapical bulges. Short-time exposure revealed that the major sites of dye accumulation were the extension zones. Normally structured hyphae arose from aberrant mycelia when they were transferred onto a dye-free medium. The phenomena observed suggest that Congo red alters the wall properties of the extension zone, by inhibiting the gradual conversion of chitin chains, synthesized at the extreme tip, into microfibrils of increasing size and density.

Congo Red↗