Induced maturation of frog mast cells by nerve growth factor during ontogenesis

The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on ontogenesis of frog mast cells was investigated in vivo by histochemical, morphometric, and ultrastructural analysis. Three groups of tadpoles at various stages of development were used. In the first group, the larvae received i.p. injections of 1 ng NGF/g; the second group received 10 ng NGF/g, while the control group received only the vehicle. The first recognizable mast cells arose symmetrically in the tongue at stage 26 of Witschi's standard table. At stages 26 and 29, the mast cell number in the NGF-injected tadpoles was significantly higher than the control group. From stage 29 onward, the mast cell number rapidly increased in all groups. No significant differences in mast cell number were observed between the control group and the NGF-injected groups at stages 31 and 33. Electron microscopy revealed that at metamorphic climax (stage 33), the mast cells in the NGF-treated groups were more mature than those in the control group. Therefore, nerve growth factor at early stages of tadpole development is likely to induce differentiation of mast cell precursors, while at later stages it is likely to induce maturation of immature mast cells. The close anatomical association between mast cells and perineurium, observed during nerve development, is intriguing. Already in the early stages of nerve development, the mast cells form a network around Schwann cell-axon complexes, together with the perineurial cells. At climax, the mast cells are located between the perineurial layers, suggesting that they may play a role in the tissue-nerve barrier of the perineurium. Nerve growth factor also seems to induce perineurial cell maturation.     

Development,growth, and plasticity in the crayfish olfactory system

Decapod crustaceans have a well-defined olfactory system characterised by a set of chemosensitive sensilla grouped together in an array (the olfactory organ) on their antennules. Olfactory receptor neurons in the olfactory organ project exclusively to, and terminate in, cone-shaped olfactory glomeruli in a discrete neuropil in the brain, the olfactory lobe. The olfactory organ appears to be the only afferent input to the olfactory lobe, making the system convenient for the study of its development and growth. The progression of development of the olfactory system is a continuum and can be traced from the first appearance of peripheral receptor cells and central stem cells through to the construction of the tracts and neuropils that constitute the adult system. Cell proliferation leading to the production of peripheral and central olfactory neurons can be observed with mitotic markers in both embryonic stages and in postembryonic growth. Cell proliferation in the olfactory system in crayfish persists throughout the lives of the animals and can be modulated by manipulating the living conditions imposed on growing animals. Large serotonergic neurons that are associated with the olfactory system may play a role in the regulation of cell proliferation.     

Role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in breast cancer cell growth

The mitogenic effects of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are regulated by a family of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). One member of this family, IGFBP-3, mediates the growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of a number of growth factors and hormones such as transforming growth factor-beta, retinoic acid, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. IGFBP-3 may act in an IGF-dependent manner by attenuating the interaction of pericellular IGFs with the type-I IGF receptor. It may also act in an IGF-independent manner by initiating intracellular signaling from a cell surface receptor, or by direct nuclear action, or both. The possibility of a membrane-bound receptor is strengthened by recent studies which have identified members of the transforming growth factor-beta receptor family as having a role, either directly or indirectly, in signaling from the cell surface by IGFBP-3. A number of growth factors and hormones stimulate the expression and secretion of cellular IGFBP-3, which then signals from the cell surface to bring about some of the effects attributed to the primary agents. Within the cell, the apoptosis-inducing tumor suppressor, p53, can also induce IGFBP-3 expression and secretion. Since IGFBP-3 upregulates the cell cycle inhibitor, p21(Waf1), and increases the ratio of proapoptotic to antiapoptotic members of the Bcl family, it appears to exert the same effects on major downstream targets of cell signaling as p53 does. The nuclear localization of IGFBP-3 has been described in a number of cell types. IGFBP-3 may act to import IGFs or other nuclear localization signal-deficient signaling molecules into the nucleus. It may also act directly in the nucleus by enhancing the activity of retinoid X receptor-alpha and thereby promote apoptosis. All of the above phenomena will be discussed with particular emphasis on the growth of breast cancer cells.     

人体嗅觉系统模拟的研究

本文通过对人体感觉系统机制的研究,构画了人体感觉系统总体原理结构图,并在此基础上对人体嗅觉系统工作原理进行了模拟研究,指出了人体嗅觉系统模拟研究中的不足,并以电子鼻为对象,讨论了人工嗅觉系统是否能真实反映生物学原理,以及人体嗅觉系统模拟在工程中如何实现.同时,比较了EP神经网络和SOM神经网络这两种模式识别技术在人体嗅觉系统模拟中的优劣,对今后的工作提出了展望.     

Ciliated and microvillar receptor cells degenerate and then differentiate in the olfactory epithelium of rainbow trout following olfactory nerve section.

We used scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy to examine ultrastructural changes in the olfactory epithelium (OE) of rainbow trout following unilateral olfactory nerve section. Both ciliated receptor cells (CRC) and microvillar receptor cells (MRC) degenerated and subsequently differentiated from unidentified precursor cells. The following changes took place in fish that were held at 10 degrees C at the stated period following olfactory nerve section: on day 7, MRC and CRC contained intracellular vacuoles; on day 12, the olfactory knobs appeared disrupted; by day 26, olfactory receptor cells were absent from the OE; on day 42, there were receptor cell bodies and a few CRC with short cilia at the apical surface; and on day 55, a small number of both CRC and MRC had differentiated. By day 76, both CRC and MRC repopulated the OE. Degenerative changes in the cytoplasm of the sustentacular cells (SC) and ciliated nonsensory cells (CNC) were observed in the first 26 days following olfactory nerve section, but these cells remained intact throughout the experiment. The degeneration and subsequent differentiation of CRC and MRC supports and extends previous observations that both cell types are olfactory receptor neurons with axons that extend along the olfactory nerve to the olfactory bulb.     

Histological and electrophysiological analysis of the peripheral nerve allografts using an immunosuppressive agent

In peripheral nerve allografts, use of an immunosuppressive agent is one of the ways of reducing nerve rejection. FK506 is a newly discovered substance, extracted from Streptomyces tsukubaensis, and has strong immunosuppressive effects. In the present study, immunosuppressive effects of FK 506 were examined using allografts of rat sciatic nerves. Good nerve regeneration was demonstrated through 12 weeks in this model. The immunosuppressed group gained weight over the course of the experiment. Another study was performed to observe the histological changes caused by ceasing the administration of FK506. Administration of FK506 was terminated 12 weeks after grafting. At 8 weeks after cessation, cellular infiltration and large unmyelinated axons were observed in the extended subperineurial space of grafts. At 12 weeks, histological characteristics of rejection were not observed. In the electrophysiological study, the temporal dispersions were recorded at 4 and 8 weeks. However, the normal electrophysiological waves were recorded at 12 weeks after cessation. It was concluded that FK506 is effective for preventing rejection of nerve allografts without any serious side effects on rats, and findings of total rejection of grafts were not recognized after ceasing the administration of FK 506. In peripheral nerve allografts, short-term administration of an immunosuppressive agent is sufficient to lead to good nerve regeneration.     

同位素示踪法研究~(125)Ⅰ-NGF在小鼠体内的吸收、分布及排泄

本文应用放射性同位素示踪法与电泳分离法相结合的方法研究125I-NGF在小鼠体内的吸收、分布和排泄。结果显示:静脉注射和肌肉注射125I-NGF在小鼠体内的代谢规律均符合二房室开放模型。肌肉注射10μg/kg,20μg/kg,40μg/kg 3个剂量达峰时间分别为0.71h,1.66h,3.78h;峰浓度分别为1.74ng/mL,2.82ng/mL,4.23ng/mL;曲线所围面积分别为8.44μg/h/L,21.6μg/h/L,43.12μg/h/L,消除相半衰期分别为4.83h,4.49h,4.43h。肌肉注射10μg/kg125I-NGF生物利用度为52.7%。静脉注射125I-NGF 10μg/kg,分布相半衰期为0.13h,消除相半衰期为3.68h,表观分布容积为0.697L/kg,曲线所围面积为16.01μg/h/L。125I-NGF在所测的14种组织中均有分布,其中肾、胃、肠中放射性浓度最高,脑和脊髓最少。肌肉注射125I-NGF主要随尿液排出体外。     

Immunocytochemical localization of cell adhesion molecules in the developing and mature olfactory system.

The localization of Ca+(+)-independent cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in the developing and mature olfactory epithelium and bulb is reviewed. The CAMs included in this article are the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), the 180 kD component of N-CAM (N-CAM 180), the embryonic form of N-CAM (E-N-CAM), L1 glycoproteins, J1 glycoproteins, and the adhesion molecule on glia (AMOG). In addition, the expression of the L2-HNK-1 carbohydrate epitope, shared by N-CAM, L1, J1 and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) in the adult olfactory epithelium and bulb has also been documented. For the localization of these molecules at the light and electron microscopic levels, immunocytochemical techniques were used and are described in detail. During development and organogenesis, the olfactory system exhibits a pattern of CAM expression similar to the general pattern described for the developing nervous system. In the adult olfactory system, however, a significant retention of CAMs characteristic for developmental and morphogenetic processes, such as E-N-CAM, AMOG, as well as the high molecular weight components of J1 glycoproteins, can be observed. The retention of these embryonic features are most likely associated with the cell turnover and high plasticity of this system. Moreover, the predominance of N-CAM 180 with respect to other components of N-CAM, as well as the absence of the L2/HNK-1 carbohydrate epitope, are also particular traits of the primary olfactory system which could be associated with its exceptional properties.     

Developmental changes in the structure and function of the central olfactory system in gregarious and solitary desert locusts

Desert locusts are guided by olfactory cues in different behavioural contexts. In order to understand the basis for the variable olfactory guided behaviour displayed by different developmental stages and by solitary and gregarious locusts, we investigated their central olfactory system with neuroanatomical and neurophysiological methods. The primary olfactory centre of the brain, the antennal lobe (AL), increases in size during development due to an increased number and size of glomeruli. These glomeruli are innervated by a constant number of projection neurons that display increased dendritic arborizations during the development of the locust. The anatomical parameters do not differ between gregarious and solitary locusts. In parallel with the observed neuroanatomical changes, neurophysiological changes in response spectra and response specificity of AL neurons were found. During development, the percentage of neurons responding specifically to aggregation pheromone components decreases, whereas an increase in both pheromone-generalists and plant-pheromone generalist neurons is observed. The percentage of neurons responding to green leaf volatiles, however, remains constant. A decrease in the number of nymph blend-specific neurons was also observed. Our data show that anatomical and physiological properties of the AL and its neurons to a large extent reflect the changes in olfactory guided behaviour during development and between phases. The majority of our results are also in accordance with findings that the number of olfactory receptor neurons increases during development, resulting in increasing convergence on AL neurons.     

Biology of transforming growth factor beta in hepatocarcinogenesis

TGF-beta is an important factor in the regulation of liver growth. It is an inhibitor of hepatocyte DNA synthesis and may induce active cell death, e.g., to remove excessive tissue mass. Studies using transgenic mice suggest that expression in the resting liver has to be well balanced; either under- or overexpression appear to cause an increased turnover of hepatocytes and to predispose to hepatocarcinogenesis. TGF-beta overexpression is frequently observed in human hepatocellular carcinomas, probably as a late event in tumor development. In men and mice, TGF-beta overexpression appears to be associated with loss of TGF-beta responsiveness often by disruption of TGF-beta signaling. However, mechanisms as mutations in TGF-beta receptor II or Smad2 and 4 genes, frequently observed in other human cancers, have only rarely been observed in hepatocellular carcinomas. Further studies may clarify the mechanisms by which hepatocellular tumors escape TGF-beta growth control, as well as analyze possible roles of TGF-beta overexpression in immunosuppression and angiogenesis.     

基于燃料电池技术的新能源发展论述

现代工业的发展,需要更清洁的能源.燃料电池是一种等温并直接将储存在燃料和氧化剂中的化学能高效、环境友好地转化为电能的新型发电装置,燃料电池不受热机效率的限制、能量转换效率高;无污染、无噪音,是继火电、水电、核电之后的第四种连续发电方式.介绍了燃料电池的工作原理,分类及特点,综述了世界燃料电池技术研究现状,分析了燃料电池技术的最新发展动向及应用价值.     

Role of transforming growth factor-beta1 in prostate cancer

TGF-beta1 is an important regulator of the normal and malignant prostate. In the non-malignant prostate, TGF-beta1 stimulates cell differentiation, inhibits epithelial cell proliferation, and induces epithelial cell death. TGF-beta1 is secreted into semen where it is an important immunosuppressive factor. Prostate cancer cells express high levels of TGF-beta1, which seems to enhance prostate cancer growth and metastasis by stimulating angiogenesis and by inhibiting immune responses directed against tumour cells. Prostate cancer cells frequently lose their TGF-beta receptors and acquire resistance to the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of TGF-beta1. Accordingly, high expression of TGF-beta1 and loss of TGF-beta receptor expression have been associated with a particularly bad prognosis in human prostate cancer patients. TGF-beta1 also seems to be a mediator of castration-induced apoptosis in androgen dependent normal and malignant prostate epithelial cells. The ability of some prostate tumours to avoid castration-induced apoptosis may not, however, be simply due to loss of TGF-beta receptor type I or type II expression in the tumour cells. It may also be related to an inability of these cells to up-regulate TGF-beta receptor levels in response to castration or possibly due to defects downstream of the receptors. Short-term therapy-induced changes in the TGF-beta system in prostate tumours can probably be used to predict the long-term response to androgen ablation treatment. Further investigations into the TGF-beta system in the prostate are needed, however, to elucidate how alterations in this system affect the behaviour of prostate tumours, and whether this system can be manipulated for therapeutical purposes.     

Role of the central and peripheral nervous system in the ovarian function

This review attempts to give a comprehensive overview of ovarian innervation, considering the whole nervous system and its different levels that may modify the ovarian function. The connection between the ovary and the central nervous system through the autonomic pathways, including the peripheral ganglia, is highlighted. The evidence obtained over the last years highlights the role of the superior ovarian nerve (SON) in the ovarian phenomena. Besides, the effect on the ovary of conventional neurotransmitters and others such as indolamines and peptides, which have been found in this organ, are discussed. Various reproductive diseases have been studied almost exclusively from the endocrine point of view. It is evident that a better knowledge about the role of the neural factors involved in the ovarian physiology may facilitate the understanding of some of these. A review of the concepts and an update of some experimental designs is made that permits clarifying several aspects of the relationship between the neural system and the ovary. At present, there is no doubt that the innervation of the ovary is involved in several physiological aspects of this gland function. However, the relationship of some levels of the nervous system and the ovary offer a wide avenue for future research.     

Phylogeny of the vomeronasal system and of receptor cell types in the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia of vertebrates.

In this paper, the evolutionary origin of the vomeronasal system as a discrete sensory system separate from olfaction is examined. The presence of a discrete vomeronasal system appears to be a derived character in tetrapods, and its presence in larval amphibians indicates that the system did not arise as a terrestrial adaptation. The vomeronasal system has been lost independently in several taxa, including crocodilians, some bats, cetaceans, and some primates. The presence of microvillar receptor cells in the vomeronasal epithelium appears to be the ancestral condition for tetrapods, and alternative hypotheses concerning the ancestral condition for receptor cell types in the vertebrate olfactory epithelium are discussed. Finally, the possibility that the vomeronasal system is present in some fishes in a form that has not been recognized is discussed in relation to the phylogenetic distribution of receptor cell types in vertebrates.     

Immunohistochemical localization of epidermal growth factor system in the lung of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) during the post‐hatching period

The purpose of this study is to determine the possible changes in the localization of the four Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors and three ligands in quail lungs from the first day of hatching until the 125th after hatching using immunohistochemical methods. Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that four EGFRs and their ligands are chiefly located in the cytoplasm of cells. Additionally, ErbB4, AREG, and NRG1 are localized to the nucleus and nucleolus, but EGF is present in the nucleolus. ErbB2 was also found in the cell membrane. In the epithelium of secondary bronchi, the goblet cells only exhibited ErbB1 and ErbB2, whereas the basal and ciliated cells exhibited EGFRs and ligands immunoreactivity. The atrial granular cells displayed moderate levels of ErbB1–ErbB3 and EGF and strong levels of ErbB4, AREG, and NRG1 immunoreactivity. While the squamous atrial cells and squamous respiratory cells of air capillaries and endothelial cells of blood capillaries exhibited moderate to strong ErbB2, ErbB4, AREG, and NRG1 immunoreactivity, they had negative or weak ErbB1, ErbB3, and EGF immunoreactivity. The expression levels of ErbB2–ErbB4, EGF, AREG, and NRG1 were also detected in fibroblasts. Although ErbB2 was highly expressed in the bronchial and vascular smooth muscle cells, weak expression of ErbB1, ErbB3, AREG and EGF and moderate expression of ErbB4 and NRG1 were observed. Macrophages were only negative for ErbB1. In conclusion, these data indicate that the EGFR‐system is functionally active at hatching, which supports the hypothesis that the members of EGFR‐system play several cell‐specific roles in quail lung growth after hatching. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:807–822, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Role of growth factors and their receptors in gastric ulcer healing

The repair of gastric ulcers requires the reconstitution of epithelial structures and the underlying connective tissue, including vessels and muscle layers. Several growth factors have been implicated in this process, since they are able to regulate important cell functions, such as cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, secretion, and degradation of extracellular matrix, all of which are essential during tissue healing. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and trefoil factors (TFFs) are mainly involved in the reconstitution of the epithelial structures. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) play a major role in the reconstitution of connective tissue, including vessels and smooth muscle cells, and provide the extracellular matrix substrate for cell migration and differentiation. The expression of these growth factors and their receptors is increased during ulcer healing and, in some cases, intracellular signaling related to receptor binding and transduction has been demonstrated. EGF, TGF-alpha and TFFs are normally present either in the gastric juice or in the mucosa, and may exert their effects immediately after damage, before newly synthesized EGF and TFFs are released from the ulcer margin. The inhibition of their effects by neutralizing antibodies may result in delayed ulcer healing, while the administration of recombinant or natural analogues may improve ulcer repair. In this review, we will summarize the basic molecular characteristics of some of these growth factors, and will discuss available evidence supporting their role in the ulcer repair process.     

论农业综合开发在构建农村和谐社会中的地位和作用

从自然界、人、社会三者关系演变的过程,阐述了农村和谐社会的基本内涵.从农业综合开发的实践,论述了农业综合开发在构建农村和谐社会中的地位和作用,农业综合开发通过财政资金向农业、农村和农民倾斜,在一定程度上调整工业先进与农业相对落后、城市发达与农村和农民相对贫困的矛盾;通过加强农业基础设施建设和农业生态建设,促进农业可持续发展;通过改善农业生产条件,推进农业结构调整,增加农民收入,让农民得到公共财政的阳光雨露,架起党和政府与农民密切联系的桥梁.提出了进一步搞好农业综合开发的对策措施.     

Ultrastructural changes of the olfactory bulb in manganesetreated mice

The effect of manganese toxicity on the ultrastructure of the olfactory bulb was evaluated. Male albino mice were injected intraperitoneally with MnCl₂ (5 mg/Kg/day) five days per week during nine weeks. The control group received NaCl (0.9%). The olfactory bulbs of five mice from each group were processed for transmission electron microscopy after 2, 4, 6 and 9 weeks of manganese treatment. On week 2, some disorganization of the myelin sheaths was observed. After 4 weeks, degenerated neurons with dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and swollen mitochondria appeared. A certain degree of gliosis with a predominance of astrocytes with swollen mitochondria, disorganization of the endomembrane system, dilation of the perinuclear cisternae and irregularly shaped nuclei with abnormal chromatin distribution were observed after 6 weeks. Some glial cells showed disorganization of the Golgi apparatus. On week 9, an increase in the number of astrocytes, whose mitochondrial cristae were partially or totally erased, and a dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum were found. Neurons appear degenerated, with swollen mitochondria and a vacuolated, electron dense cytoplasm. These changes seem to indicate that the olfactory bulb is sensitive to the toxic effects of manganese.     

软件机器人技术在系统开发中的应用

软件机器人是模拟操作员操作的程序。只要编制组合程序控制软件机器人改变组合软件包间输入／输出走向，就可将现有的多种软件包组合起来建立新的系统。软件机器人大大简化了系统开发。     

图形信息交换在异形玻璃切割CAM系统中的应用

通过AutoCAD的二次开发,对设计出的异形玻璃图样进行预处理,同时把一些必要的处理信息以扩展数据的形式添加到DXF文件中,分析开发CAM软件时数据转换接口的设计方法,并探讨其中的数据存储结构形式。可为开发CAD/CAM软件时进行图形信息交换提供参考。