Ultimobranchial and parathyroid glands of the pigeon Columba livia in response to 1,25OH2D3 administration

Columba livia were given daily intraperitoneal injections of 100 pmol of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)/100 g body wt. for 15 days. Ultimobranchial and parathyroid glands were fixed on 1st, 3rd, 5th, 10th and 15th day of the experiment. Following 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment, the plasma calcium levels of pigeon remain unchanged on day 1. The levels increase significantly after day 3 which progresses up to day 10. The plasma calcium level becomes normal at day 15. The plasma inorganic phosphate levels of Columba livia injected with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) remain unaffected up to day 3. The levels exhibit a progressive increase from day 5 to day 10. The levels become normophosphatemic at day 15. Up to day 3 following 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment, there is no change in the ultimobranchial gland of Columba livia. The gland exhibits an increased activity after 5 days 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment which is evident by the increased nuclear volume and weak staining response of the cytoplasm of ultimobranchial cells. After day 10, the nuclear volume depicts a further increase and a few completely exhausted cells are discerned. Following 15-day 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment the nuclear volume records an increase and degenerating cells have been observed at certain places. The parathyroid glands of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-treated Columba livia remain unaffected up to day 5. After day 10 and day 15, there is a progressive decrease in the nuclear volume of parathyroidal cells and reduced chromaticity of nuclei has been noticed. Moreover, after 15 days few degenerating cells are observed.     

Carotid body and glomus cells distributed in the wall of the common carotid artery in the bird

In the bird the carotid body is located between the distal (nodose) ganglion of the vagus nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve at the beginning of the common carotid artery, that is, the organ is located at the cervicothoracic border. The chicken carotid body receives numerous branches from the vagus and the recurrent laryngeal nerves. In addition, dense networks of the peptidergic nerve fibers immunoreactive for substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), galanin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are distributed in and around the carotid body parenchyma. The substance P- and CGRP-immunoreactive fibers are derived from both the superior and inferior ganglia of the vagus nerve. The VIP-, galanin-, and NPY-immunoreactive fibers originate from the 14th cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk. The endocrine organs including the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, carotid body, and ultimobranchial gland are situated as a continuous series along the common carotid artery. The organs are supplied with arteries arising as one trunk from the common carotid artery. Glomus cells are widely distributed not only in the carotid body but also in the wall of the common carotid artery and around the common trunk and its branches. The glomus cells of the chicken carotid body exhibit intense immunoreactivity for serotonin, tyrosine hydroxylase, and chromogranin A. The cells located in the wall of the common carotid artery further express NPY mRNA and peptide. In the chickens exposed to isocapnic hypoxia for 35 days, 3-4-fold increase of the carotid body volume is induced and the carotid body glomus cells show enhanced synthetic and secretory activities. On the other hand, the cells in the wall of the common carotid artery display little changes after the long-term hypoxia, having different functions from the carotid body. The carotid body rudiment is formed in the lateral wall of the third branchial artery. The neural cells immunoreactive for TuJ1, PGP 9.5, and HNK-1, which are continuous with the inferior vagal (nodose) ganglion, first surround and then invade both the carotid body rudiment and the other portions of the third branchial artery, becoming glomus cells.     

Response of serum minerals (calcium,phosphate, and magnesium) and endocrine glands (calcitonin cells and parathyroid gland) of wistar rat after chlorpyrifos administration

Wistar rats (male) were daily administered chlorpyrifos at a dose of 5 mg/kg b wt. and 10 mg/kg b wt. and sacrificed on 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week. In chlorpyrifos exposed rats hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia were recorded. At later intervals an increased levels of serum calcium and phosphate were observed. The parathyroid glands and calcitonin cells exhibited increased activity which is evident by increased nuclear volume of these cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:673–678, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The effects of human menstrual blood stem cells‐derived granulosa cells on ovarian follicle formation in a rat model of premature ovarian failure

Many studies have reported that human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (HuMenSCs) are capable of repairing damaged tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of HuMenSCs transplantation as a treatment modality in premature ovarian failure (POF) associated with chemotherapy‐induced ovarian damage. HuMenSCs were isolated from menstrual blood samples of five women. After the in vitro culture of HuMenSCs, purity of the cells was assessed by cytometry using CD44, CD90, CD34, and CD45 FITC conjugate antibody. Twenty‐four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: negative control, positive control, sham, and treatment groups. The rat models of POF used in our study were established by injecting busulfan intraperitoneally into the rats during the first estrus cycle. HuMenSCs were transplanted by injection via the tail vein into the POF‐induced rats. Four weeks after POF induction, ovaries were collected and the levels of Amh, Fst, and Fshr expression in the granulosa cell (GC) layer, as well as plasma estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels were evaluated. Moreover, migration and localization of DiI‐labeled HuMenSCs were detected, and the labeled cells were found to be localized in GCs layer of immature follicles. In addition to DiI‐labelled HuMenSCs tracking, increased levels of expression of Amh and Fshr and Fst, and the high plasma levels of E2 and P4 confirmed that HuMenSC transplantation had a significant effect on follicle formation and ovulation in the treatment group compared with the negative control (POF) group.     

Use of primary cell cultures and intact isolated glandular epithelia for X-ray microanalysis

Changes in the elemental composition of cells during isolation of glandular epithelia were studied by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Fine chopping of rat submandibular gland followed by enzymatic treatment for 15 min caused marked increases in Na and Cl and a decrease in K concentrations in acinar cells. After enzymatic treatment for 50 min, Na, Cl and K concentrations returned to close to the control level. Mechanical disaggregation of the acinar clumps following enzymatic treatment resulted again in minor increases in Na and Cl and a marked decrease in K concentration. Exposure of isolated acini to cholinergic stimulation in vitro resulted in secretion of Cl and K from the acinar cells. Dissection of the sweat gland from human skin caused a decrease in the K/Na ratio. Incubation of the gland for 30–45 min with collagenase gave rise to a gradual decrease in the K/Na ratio. After mechanical separation of the gland into the secretory coil and reabsorptive duct, a further reduction of the K/Na ratio was seen. However, the duct cells had a much lower K/Na ratio and higher Ca concentration than the coil cells. In primary cultures, the K/Na ratios of the coil and duct cells returned to the in situ level. The elemental composition of sweat gland cells incubated in collagenase-containing medium was no different from that in cells incubated in collagenase-free medium. In the intact collagenase-isolated tissue, Cl^? secretion in the coil was elicited by carbachol but not by cAMP, whereas in the duct cells the reverse was the case. In primary cell cultures, Cl^? efflux in both coil and duct cells could be elicited by both carbachol and cAMP. In conclusion, although changes in elemental composition of gland cells during the isolation procedure occur, physiological responses can be detected. When primary cell cultures are used, it should be borne in mind that cultured cells may have physiological properties different from those of the intact tissue.     

Isolation of epithelial cells,villi and crypts from small intestine of pigeons (<i>Columba livia</i>)

The isolation of viable enterocytes, villi and crypts from the small intestine of a feral bird (Columba livia) is important for performing physiological experiments in ecologically relevant processes of membrane transport. The effectiveness of mechanical disruption, enzymatic digestion and chelating agents were compared. The objectives were to isolate enterocytes, villi and crypts from the small intestine of young pigeons; to evaluate the viability of the isolated intestinal epithelial cells isolated; and to verify the integrity of enterocytes by biochemical features. Enzymatic and mechanical methods yielded both elongated columnar and spherical cells. With the chelating method villi and crypts were obtained. All methods produced a high yield of intestinal epithelial cells with about 50 % viability. Brush border enzymes (sucrase-isomaltase and alkaline phosphatase) activities were high and, as reported in chickens, they did not differ along the intestinal villus-crypt axis. Although the three methods have good viabilities, the enzymatic technique gives the best yield in cell number, while the chelating method provides the highest populations of morphologically distinctive villi and crypts.     

Morphology of the intralobular duct of the submandibular gland in rats in case of experimental diabetes mellitus

The objective of study is to study the peculiarities of morphological changes in different subdivisions of the intralobular duct of the submandibular gland (SMG) in rats in case of experimental diabetes mellitus (DM). The study included sexually mature male Wistar rats. Experimental DM was induced by streptozotocin. Electron microscopic study of subdivisions of the intralobular duct of the SMG was carried out on the 14th, 28th, 42nd, 56th, and 70th days of the experiment. In early stages of experimental DM the intercalated ducts are characterized by a relatively unchanged structure, and in late stages vacuolization of the cytoplasm of their epithelial cells is observed. Since the 14th day vacuolization of mitochondria is observed in epithelial cells of the granular ducts being the most pronounced on the 28th day and not apparent over the subsequent periods. The degree of filling with granules reduces till 56th day, however, it increases sligthly on the last day of the experiment. On the 28th–70th days vacuolization of the cytoplasm is observed in epithelial cells of the striated ducts. In addition, on the 14th day the mitochondrial matrix of these cells condenses; over the next periods it becomes enlightened and mitochondrial cristae are clearly visualized and disorganized. Conclusion: In the intralobular duct of the SMG in experimental DM dystrophic changes of different intensity occur in the granular and striated ducts on the 14th day and in the intercalated ducts only since the 42nd day of the experiment.     

Review : Role of mast cells in gastrointestinal mucosal defense

The purpose of this review, based on studies from our laboratory as well as from others, is to summarize salient features of mast cell immunobiology and to describe their associations with gastrointestinal mucosal defense. Gastrointestinal mast cells are involved in many pathologic effects, such as food hypersensitivity. On the other hand, they also play a protective role in defense against parasitic and microbial infections. Thus, they have both positive and negative effects, but presently the mechanisms that control the balance of these various effects are poorly known. It has been suggested that stabilization of mast cells may be a key mechanism to protect the gastrointestinal tract from injury. Few molecules are known to possess both mast cell stabilizing and gastrointestinal cytoprotective activity. These include zinc compounds, sodium cromoglycate, FPL 52694, ketotifen, aloe vera, certain flavonoids such as quercetin, some sulfated proteoglycans such as chondroitin sulfate and dehydroleucodine. Dehydroleucodine, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Artemisia douglasiana Besser, exhibits anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal cytoprotective action. The lactone stimulates mucus production, and inhibits histamine and serotonin release from intestinal mast cells. The lactone could act as a selective mast cell stabilizer by releasing cytoprotective factors and inhibiting pro-inflammatory mast cell mediators.     

Scanning electron microscope investigation on the process of healing of skin wounds in Cirrhinus mrigala

Present scanning electron microscope study, reports healing of excised skin wounds in Cirrhinus mrigala. Healing process of wounds, inflicted on head skin, using biopsy punch was observed at intervals—0 hour (h), 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 h, 1 day (d) 2 and 4 d. Accumulation of mucus in wound region within 1h after infliction of wound has been considered an immediate measure to provide protection to injured skin from microbial invasion and other external environmental hazards. On infliction of wound, mobilization of epithelial cells at wound edge is associated with disturbance of coaptive relationship of epithelial cells till original coaptive stability is reached. At 6–12 h appearance of epidermal ridge in region of contact of migrating fronts is due to piling up of epithelial cells. This is associated with cessation of migration of epithelial cells and their simultaneous continual arrival in the region. Speedy epithelialization of skin wounds in C. mrigala like in other fishes, compared to that of mammals and other higher vertebrates, is possibly facilitated owing to surrounding wet external environment. Microridges in initial stages of wound healing appear fragmented without particular orientation. Further, epithelial cells in epithelium in wound region and in region adjacent to wound elongate. These changes are associated with the stretching of epithelial cells indicating their streaming and migration, toward wound. Presence of superficial neuromasts, smallest functional units of lateral line system, a hydrodynamic sensory system, has been associated with important functional significance in fish.     

Effect of low-level laser therapy on intramembranous and endochondral autogenous bone grafts healing

The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing process of intramembranous (IM) and endochondral (EC) bone grafts under low‐level laser therapy (LLLT). Male rabbits underwent onlay autogenous bone grafts (1 cm in diameter) retrieved from the calvaria and iliac crest and fixed on parietal bones, divided into four groups: Calvaria (C), Iliac (I), Calvaria + LLLT (C+L), and Iliac + LLLT (I+L). Animals from C+L and I+L Groups had their grafts exposed to LLLT (AlGaAs–808 nm, CW, 30 mW, 0.028 cm² average laser beam area), 15 s irradiation time (16 J/cm² per point–total of 64 J/cm² per session). After 7, 14, 30, and 60 days, grafts were retrieved and resorption pattern analyzed by means of morphometry and TRAP‐positive osteoclasts detection. Differences in the resorption levels of iliac grafts were observed, presenting 40% in I group against 8% in I+L grafts at the 14th day of evaluation (P < 0.05). After 30 days, resorption was maintained at 41% in I group, whereas I+L presented 15% in the same period (P = 0.0591). No significant differences were noted in the rates of calvaria grafts resorption in all periods. A significant higher number of osteoclasts on the grafts' surface was observed in C+L Group at day 30, in comparison with C group. In I+L Group, prevalence of osteoclasts was marked at day 7 (P < 0.05) in comparison to I Group. In general, it was concluded that biomodulative effects of LLLT did not significantly affect healing and resorption processes of autogenous bone grafts from EC and IM origins. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:1237–1244, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Fine structure of the male accessory glands of Triatoma rubrofasciata (De Geer, 1773) (Hemiptera, Triatominae)

Male of Triatoma rubrofasciata has four elongated sac-like reproductive mesodermic accessory glands, lined by an inner single layer of secretory cells, with basal plasma membrane infolds and short apical microvilli, and externally enveloped by a thin visceral muscle layer. The secretory cells have a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, mitochondria, and secretory granules. In one day old adult the gland cells are poorly developed, presenting small, electron-transparent secretory granules scattered among the rough endoplasmatic reticulum, whereas in three days old adult these cells have the cisternae of the rough endoplasmatic reticulum varing size degree, filled with granular electrondense content. In five days old males the secretory granules increase in diameter, being released to the gland lumen. Therefore, there is an increase of the secretory activity according to male maturation.     

ESI in situ analyses of extrachromosomal RNP granules

Observation of unstained ultrathin sections of salivary gland cells of Chironomus thummi and C. tentans, by means of electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI), has revealed that phosphorus is distributed in two types of granular structures in the nucleoplasm of these cells. In addition to a specific type of premessenger ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle, known as the Balbiani ring (Br) granule, ESI revealed a new type of phosphorus-rich small granular component. Examination of unstained sections by energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) offers the opportunity of obtaining the signal from the specimen alone, thus avoiding the possible contributions of heavy metals present in any staining product.     

Capsaicin-sensitive nerve fibers: a potential extra-ACTH mechanism participating in adrenal regeneration in rats

Pituitary-derived factors, including ACTH, have been widely implicated in initiating adrenal regeneration. However, recent work has demonstrated that adrenal regeneration is also modulated by adrenal nerves that extensively reinnervate the regenerating adrenal. Moreover, transection of the splanchnic nerve removes sensory calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and preganglionic sympathetic vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT)-positive fibers from the regenerating gland and delays regeneration. However, it is not known whether the splanchnic nerve effects on adrenal regeneration are mediated by the CGRP-positive or VAChT-positive innervation. The present studies use the drug capsaicin, a neurotoxin selective for a subset of primary afferent neurons, to specifically remove CGRP-positive fibers from the adrenal gland and assess subsequent effects on the recovery of adrenal mass and function after surgical enucleation. Male, Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and treated with capsaicin (vs. vehicle) periaxonally to the thoracic splanchnic nerve (33 mM, 15 minutes) or systemically (30-100 mg/kg for 4 days, s.c.). After 7-12 days of recovery, rats received right adrenalectomy and left adrenal enucleation. At 14 and 21 days postenucleation, prestress and poststress plasma and adrenals glands were collected; adrenals were weighed and fixed for immunolabeling of CGRP-positive nerve fibers. Periaxonal capsaicin treatment decreased adrenal CGRP content prior to surgical enucleation; however, reinnervation by CGRP-positive fibers was not prevented and regeneration was not affected. Systemic capsaicin treatment attenuated the reinnervation by CGRP-positive fibers and increased the rate, but not extent, of adrenal regeneration. These results support the hypothesis that adrenal innervation represents an extra-ACTH mechanism to modulate the rate of adrenal regeneration.     

Immunocytochemical localization of neuropeptides in the adrenal medulla

The distribution of neuropeptides exhibits pronounced interspecies heterogeneity. Neuropeptides may function as hormones secreted from chromaffin cells or as neurotransmitters/neuromodulators released from nerve terminals. However, other possible functions such as trophic or intracellular effects should also be considered. Thus, to understand the role of neuropeptides, it is important to explore their localization in different species. The distribution of enkephalins, neurotensin, neuropeptide Y, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and galanin in the adrenal medulla of rat, cat, hamster, and mouse is presented in detail.     

Astragaloside IV improves melanocyte differentiation from mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Vitiligo results in an autoimmune disorder destructing skin pigment cells, melanocytes (Mcs). This study aimed to investigate whether Astragaloside IV (AIV) could efficiently induce differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) into Mcs. BMMSCs were induced and differentiated into Mcs with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/L AIV during 150-day. Morphologic changes of differentiated cells were observed. Levels of some melanocytic specific genes (TRP-1, TRP-2, MART-1, Mitf) were measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at 90, 120, and 150 days of induction. After 90-day induction, the differentiated cells with 0.4 mg/L AIV demonstrated the typical morphology of Mcs, positive 3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine staining, and positive staining of TRP-1, TRP-2, MART-1, and Mitf. After 90- and 120- days’ induction with 0.4 mg/L AIV, TRP-1 expression was significantly elevated (p < 0.01), and TRP-2 expression was significantly increased in 0.4 mg/L AIV-treated group compared to negative control (p < 0.01), 0.1 mg/L (p < 0.01), and 0.2 mg/L (p < 0.01) AIV-treated groups. Moreover, MART-1 expression was significantly up-regulated in 0.4 mg/L AIV-treated group compared to negative control, but without difference compared to 0.1 mg/L (p > 0.05) and 0.2 mg/L (p > 0.05) AIV-treated groups. During 90 to 150- day induction, there were no significant differences for Mitf levels between AIV-treated groups and negative control (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 90-day induction with 0.4 mg/L AIV up-regulated TRP-1, TRP-2, and MART-1 expression, indicating that AIV can efficiently induce Mcs differentiation from BMMSCs. These results provide experimental and theoretic evidence for AIV application in clinical vitiligo repigmentation treatment.     

Localization and identification of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone producing neurosecretory cells in the eyestalk of blue swimmer crab,Portunus pelagicus

This study intensely focuses on to the localization and identification of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) producing neurosecretory cells in the eyestalk of the blue swimmer crab Portunus pelagicus. Anti‐Carcinus maenas‐CHH was used to identify the location of CHH neurosecretory cells by immunohistochemistry. Ten pairs of eyestalks were collected from intact adult intermoult female crab and fixed in Bouin's fixative. Eyestalks were serially sectioned and stained with chrome‐hematoxylin‐phloxine stain. Histological studies show the presence of different types of neurosecretory cells namely A (multipolar), B (tripolar), C (bipolar), D (unipolar), E (oval), and F (spherical) in the medulla interna, externa, and terminalis regions based on their size, shape, and tinctorial properties. The neurohemal organ, sinus gland (SG) was observed laterally between medulla interna and terminalis regions. Immunohistochemical studies showed the presence of distinct CHH‐like immunoreactivity in the optic ganglia. Divergent group of neurosecretory cells with varying degree of immunoreactivity with Anti‐Carcinus maenas‐CHH (low, moderate, and intense reactivity) were identified in medulla terminalis, medulla interna, medulla externa, and sinus gland. The present study maps the various types of neurosecretory cells in the optic ganglia and also shows the presence of CHH‐like immunoreactivity in various regions of optic ganglia in P. pelagicus. The presence of these unique neurosecretory cell types with larger cell diameter in medulla terminalis, a region that bears the neurosecretory cell bodies, suggest high secretory activity.     

Retaining ionic concentrations during in vitro storage of tissue for microanalytical studies

When human or animal tissue is to be investigated by X-ray microanalysis, it is sometimes necessary to store the tissue between removal from the organism and freezing. However, when excised tissue is stored in buffer, the elemental concentrations in the cell may change. In the present study, it was attempted to develop a storage buffer that would retain the cellular elemental concentrations close to their in situ values. To start, the NaCl component in Krebs–Ringer buffer was exchanged for K-gluconate and KCl for NaCl. This buffer was called a ‘100% high K⁺ solution’. Starting from this solution, part of the K-gluconate was replaced by an equivalent amount of NaCl. Incubation of excised rat liver (4 °C, 4 h) in 85% high K⁺ solution resulted in retention of cellular Na, K, Ca, S and Mg concentration most closely to the in situ state, whereas cellular Cl was retained best when the tissue was incubated in 75% high K⁺ solution. For rat submandibular gland, incubation in 80% high K⁺ solution resulted in optimal retention of cellular Na, K, Ca, P, S and Mg, while Cl was retained best in a 70% high K⁺ solution. Based on these results, an optimally modified Krebs–Ringer solution for the liver would consist of 119 mM K⁺, 26 mM Na⁺ and 45 mM Cl^?. An optimally modified Krebs–Ringer bicarbonate solution for the submandibular gland would be composed of 96 mM K⁺, 53 mM Na⁺ and 46 mM Cl^?. After incubation in the modified solutions (at 4 °C), cellular Na, Mg, S, Cl, K and Ca in both tissues were maintained close to the in situ state throughout a 6-h incubation. The cellular P concentration was reduced after incubation for 1 h; thereafter, in the liver cells it remained at this lower level for the rest of the incubation, whereas in the submandibular gland tissue it increased again after 4 h. The increase in cell volume (oedema) was less in tissue stored in the modified solutions, than in the 100% high K⁺ solutions. Incubation in high Na⁺ buffers (4 °C, 6 h) resulted in a progressive increase in the percentage of cells showing trypan blue uptake. A similar increase in trypan blue uptake was seen in the modified solution, but this increase levelled off after 4 h. After cholinergic stimulation in high Na⁺ solution (25 °C, 1 min), the expected decrease in cellular Cl concentration was seen in submandibular gland cells that had previously been preserved (4 °C, 4 h) in the modified solution, but not in those that had been preserved in the 100% high K⁺ solution.     

General morphology and ultrastructure of the female reproductive apparatus of Trichomalopsis shirakii crawford (Hymenoptera,Pteromalidae)

The morphology and ultrastructure of the female reproductive system were examined for a larval–pupal parasitoid Trichomalopsis shirakii Crawford of Oulema oryzae Kuwayama using light and electron microscopes. The reproductive system includes two ovaries, two pairs of accessory glands, an unbranched venom gland, a large venom reservoir and a Dufour gland. Each ovariole contains follicles and oocytes at different stages of maturation. A fibrous layer covers the surface of mature egg. The accessory glands are made up of a layer of secretory cells surrounded by muscle fibers. In these secretory cells, numerous mitochondria, electron‐dense secretory granules and vesicles filled with dense granular particles are present. These granular particles appear as virus‐like particles (VLPs). The venom gland consists of a single layer of secretory cells which are organelle rich with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and vesicular organelles, a layer of duct cells and an inner intima. The reservoir consists of a muscular sheath, epidermal cells with few organelles and an intima layer. The Dufour gland has a relatively large lumen surrounded by a single layer of columnar epithelial cells which are characterized by clusters of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets. Aside from the venom, the fibrous layer coating the egg and the granular particles which may be VLPs have been discovered in our study. They may serve as one of the parasitoid‐associated factors in their host–parasitoid relationship and play a role in host immune suppression. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:625–636, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

In vivo biocompatibility versus degree of conversion of resin‐reinforced cements in different time periods

This study focused on test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the degree of conversion and biocompatibility of different resin reinforced glass ionomer cements (RRGICs). Forty‐eight male Wistar rats were used, distributed into four groups (n = 12), as follows: Group C (Control, polyethylene), Group FOB (Fuji Ortho Band), Group UBL (Ultra band Lok), and Group MCG (Multicure Glass), in subcutaneous tissue. The events of edema, necrosis, granulation tissue, multinuclear giant cells, young fibroblasts, and collagen formation were analyzed at 7, 15, and 30 days. The degree of conversion was evaluated by the Fourier method. Biocompatibility and degree of conversion were assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests, and ANOVA and Tukey's test, respectively (P < 0.05). It was observed that, there was significant difference between Groups FOB and UBL for the presence of young fibroblasts at 15 days (P = 0.034) and between the Control and MCG Groups for the presence of multinucleated giant cells at 30 days (P = 0.009). Monomer conversion increased progressively until day 30, with significant difference between Group FOB and Groups UBL and MCG (P = 0.013) at 15 days. The null hypothesis was partially accepted, Fuji Ortho Band showed a less monomer conversion and a smaller number of young fibroblasts in the time of 15 days. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:335–340, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Alcohol extract of Bauhinia forficata link reduces lipid peroxidation in the testis and epididymis of adult Wistar rats

Bauhinia forficata is a medicinal plant that has flavonoid components with hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiviral and anti‐inflammatory action. Aim of this study is to evaluate the action of B. forficata alcoholic extract in the male genital system of adult male Wistar rats. For that, 20 adult male Wistar rats were distributed into two experimental groups: the B. forficata group, receiving B. forficata alcoholic extract (0.1 ml/10 g body weight/day) on alternate days, and the control group, receiving just the vehicle for 30 days straight both via gavage. On the 31st day, the animals were euthanized, and the testis and epididymis were collected for histopathological, biochemical, morphometric, and sperm count analysis. Mass spectrometry identified new compounds in the extract: trans‐caffeic acid, liquiritigenin, gallocatechin, and 2,4,6‐trihydroxyphenanthren‐2‐glycoside. Biochemical analysis showed higher total cholesterol levels in the testis and lower malondialdehyde levels in the testis and epididymis, in the B. forficata group. The mast cell count showed a reduction in degranulated mast cells in the caput region of the epididymis, in the B. forficata group. The luminal compartment of the caput and the epithelial of the epididymis cauda were reduced, whereas the stromal region of the epididymis caput was increased in the B. forficata group, compared with the control group. The testicular tissue was less impaired, considering that all the histological analyses were similar to the control. We believe that B. forficata alcoholic extract in the male genital system showed antioxidant action, especially in the epididymal tissue.