Cytomorphological changes in the rabbit oviductal epithelium after human chorionic gonadotropin treatment

Progenitor cells were isolated from the developing human central nervous system (CNS), induced to divide using a combination of epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2, and then transplanted into the striatum of adult rats with unilateral dopaminergic lesions. Large grafts were found at 2 weeks survival which contained many undifferentiated cells, some of which were migrating into the host striatum. However, by 20 weeks survival, only a thin strip of cells remained at the graft core while a large number of migrating astrocytes labeled with a human-specific antibody could be seen throughout the striatum. Fully differentiated graft-derived neurons, also labeled with a human-specific antibody, were seen close to the transplant site in some animals. A number of these neurons expressed tyrosine hydroxylase and were sufficient to partially ameliorate lesion-induced behavioral deficits in two animals. These results show that expanded populations of human CNS progenitor cells maintained in a proliferative state in culture can migrate and differentiate into both neurons and astrocytes following intracerebral grafting. As such these cells may have potential for development as an alternative source of tissue for neural transplantation in degenerative diseases.     

Evaluation of ciliary epithelium cilia in diagnosis of Kartagener syndrome

A case of 41 year man with Kartagener's syndrome presenting incomplete clinical symptoms of disease was described. Diagnosis was established by electron microscopy analysis of nasal mucous membrane cilia biopsy. Ultrastructurally the complete lack of dynein arms was found.     

Effect of capacitation on bull sperm binding to homologous oviductal epithelium

Sperm binding to oviductal epithelium is thought to be an important mechanism regulating sperm reservoir formation in the oviduct. On the basis of evidence in the hamster, we hypothesized that capacitation affects release of bovine sperm, allowing them to fertilize. Oviducts were obtained from the ovulatory side of estrous Holstein heifers. The isthmic and ampullar epithelia were milked out and reduced to fragments, which formed everted vesicles (explants). Explants were placed in tissue culture wells in TALP medium and incubated at 39 degrees C in 5% CO2. Frozen-thawed sperm were prepared by swim-up in TALP and capacitated by incubation for 4 h in TALP with 20 micrograms/ml heparin (without glucose). Uncapacitated sperm were used immediately after dilution into capacitation medium. Within 2 h of surgery, sperm were added to the explants and incubated with them for 15 min. Sperm and explants were videotaped, and the tapes were analyzed to determine the numbers of sperm bound per surface area. ANOVA did not show a difference between the number of sperm bound/0.1 mm2 in the isthmus and ampulla (p > 0.05); however, an effect of capacitation was detected (p = 0.0015). Also, the percentage of capacitated sperm, determined by chlortetracycline labeling, was greater in sperm that remained free-swimming in the presence of explants than in the absence of explants (p = 0.001). In conclusion, capacitation appears to be involved in the release of bovine sperm from oviductal epithelium and therefore could enable sperm to leave the reservoir and fertilize oocytes.     

Detection and effects of helicobacters in healthy dogs and dogs with signs of gastritis

OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence, colonization density, and distribution of helicobacters and gastric histologic findings in healthy dogs and dogs with signs of gastritis; to evaluate association of colonization density and gastric inflammation; and to compare the number of Helicobacter spp with degree of inflammation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional prevalence survey. ANIMALS: 25 healthy dogs and 21 dogs with signs of gastritis. PROCEDURE: During endoscopy, gastric mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained from healthy and affected client-owned dogs. Histologic and cytologic evaluation and results of a urease test were used for detecting helicobacters, which were identified definitively by use of transmission electron microscopy and bacterial culture. RESULTS: Helicobacters were detected in all 25 healthy and 20 of 21 affected dogs. Cytologic examination was a more sensitive method than histologic examination or the urease test. Helicobacters were found least frequently and in fewest number in the antrum in both groups of dogs. Gastric inflammation was evident in both groups of dogs and did not differ significantly between groups. A significant association was not detected between colonization density or the number of Helicobacter spp and degree of gastric inflammation. In both groups, H bizzozeronii, H felis, and H salomonis were cultured. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Histologically verified chronic gastritis is common in dogs with signs of gastritis as well as in healthy dogs. Colonization density of helicobacters was not associated with degree of gastric inflammation in the dogs of our study. It remains to be determined whether certain strains of Helicobacter spp can induce gastritis in dogs.     

Characterization of the oviductal sperm reservoir in cattle

A reservoir for sperm has been found in the oviductal isthmus in several species. Sperm are apparently trapped in the reservoir by binding to the oviductal epithelium, although other factors may be involved. We hypothesized that binding sites for bovine sperm are limited to the isthmus and are regulated by the hormonal state of the cow. Ipsilateral oviducts were obtained from heifers that were preovulatory (in estrus), had ovulated recently (within 12 h), or were in diestrus (Day 10). The isthmic and the ampullar epithelium were milked out and incubated separately in serum-free (SFRE-199-2) medium, at 39 degrees C in 5% CO2. Frozen-thawed sperm from bulls were added to the epithelium and coincubated for 15 min. The number of spermatozoa that bound to explants was not affected by stage of cycle or by anatomic origin of the explants (p > 0.05). In an additional experiment, oviducts were infused with sperm in vivo and then prepared for scanning electron microscopy, which revealed that sperm were associated with ciliated epithelium in both the isthmus and ampulla. Thus, bovine sperm may form a reservoir in the isthmic end of the oviduct because it is the first oviductal region that they encounter.     

Post-traumatic regeneration of the epithelium of the gastric and intestinal mucous membranes of dogs

The work was devoted to the study of the sources of reparative regeneration of the epithelium of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. A number of surgical interventions on the stomach and intestine of 1 dogs were performed for the solution of this problem. On the basis of the investigations carried out the leading role in the regeneration of the gastric and intestinal mucosa was found to be played by uninjured epithelium surrounding the area of the surgical intervention. This was confirmed by the fact that a mucosa-free intestinal pedicle graft implanted into the defect of the wall of the stomach was covered by gastric mucosa; a stomach graft devoid of own mucosa became covered with intestinal mucosa when displaced in the form of a cylindrical "insertion" into the intestinal tube; mucosa-free stomach pouch became obliterated; this could be reliably attributed to the absence of the main source of regeneration -- uninjured mucosal epithelium along the periphery of the defect. No regeneration of the epithelium of the gastric mucosa from the implanted cells was revealed; this served as an additional confirmation of the fact that regeneration under conditions of the mentioned experiments occurred on account of creeping of epithelial cells surrounding the area of the surgical intervention over the free surface of mucosa.     

Acrosomal status of mouse spermatozoa in the oviductal isthmus

PURPOSE: To report the natural history of macular pseudoholes with regard to ophthalmoscopic appearance and visual acuity. METHODS: Thirty-six eyes of 34 patients with macular pseudoholes who were followed up for 1 year or longer were retrospectively evaluated to compare the initial ophthalmoscopic appearance and visual acuity with the most recent follow-up appearance and visual acuity. RESULTS: Mean visual acuity at initial examination was 20/32 (median, 20/30); mean follow-up visual acuity was 20/32 (median, 20/30). Fourteen eyes (39%) had identical initial and final visual acuities, and 30 eyes (83%) had final visual acuity within 2 lines on the visual acuity chart from their initial examination. Four eyes had improved visual acuity of more than 2 lines, and two eyes lost more than 2 lines of visual acuity. Thirty-one eyes had adequate initial and follow-up photographs allowing comparison of macular appearance. Twenty-three (74%) of the 31 eyes showed a definitive change in macular appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Visual acuity in patients with macular pseudoholes tended to remain stable. However, the macular appearance changed in 74% of eyes.     

Local regulation of oviductal blood flow

1. Blood flow to the oviduct is implicated in the genesis and maintenance of oviductal fluid, in this way contributing to the creation of an adequate medium for ovum/embryo physiology. Therefore, factors controlling the tone of the vessels supplying the oviduct would be expected to affect its luminal environment. In addition, cyclic changes in oviductal blood flow have been suggested to have mechanical functions in the transport of the ovum/embryo. 2. The vascular supply to the oviduct has a prominent adrenergic vasomotor control. A dense adrenergic innervation, together with the presence of a predominant population of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors, provides a contractile regulatory mechanism of oviductal blood flow. No evidence is available on the presence of beta-adrenoceptors. The scanty cholinergic innervation of mammalian oviduct is mainly confined to the vessels, where acetylcholine (ACh) has a vasodilatory effect by releasing endothelium-derived relaxing factors. 3. The presence of nerves containing neuropeptides has been shown in the oviduct. Specifically, a high density of neuropeptide Y- and vasointestinal peptide-containing nerve fibers has been found in relation to blood vessels, but their role in the neutral control of the oviduct blood flow remains to be established. To date, it is not known whether or not oviductal blood vessels receive perivascular nitrergic nerves. 4. Relaxing and contracting factors derived from endothelium also seem to have a modulatory role on oviductal vascular tone. Neurotransmitters or autacoids, such as ACh and histamine, acting on endothelial receptors, release nitric oxide (NO), which relaxes oviductal arteries through guanylyl cyclase activation and accumulation of cyclic GMP. In addition, the release of an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), distinct from NO, by ACh has been shown in oviductal arteries. It acts through the opening of low-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels leading to hyperpolarization and relaxation. Furthermore, potent and long-lasting contractions induced by the endothelium-derived contractile factor, endothelin (ET), points to its role in the long-term regulation of oviductal vascular tone. 5. A particularly high density of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and histamine, present in mast cells clustered in the vicinity of blood vessels, has been described in the oviduct. It is known that histamine elicits a relaxation of oviductal arteries that is partially endothelium-dependent and mediated by the activation of H1-receptors. The implication of histamine in both the increase in blood flow and edema around ovulation, as well as the existence of a functional antagonism between histamine and 5-HT in the regulation of oviductal blood flow, await further investigation. 6. Other factors, such as relaxing and contracting cyclooxygenase-derived products, may also participate in the modulation of blood flow to the oviduct. 7. An overall endocrine regulation of the oviductal vascular supply exists, acting by both direct effects on smooth muscle and modulation of neural and autocrine factors. This control enables cyclic changes in blood flow to the oviduct that are tightly coupled to the reproductive functions of the tube.     

Plasma concentrations and cardiovascular influence of lidocaine infusions during isoflurane anesthesia in healthy dogs and dogs with subaortic stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the plasma concentrations and cardiovascular changes that occur in healthy dogs and dogs with aortic stenosis that are given an infusion of lidocaine during isoflurane anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Phase 1, controlled randomized cross-over trial; Phase 2, before and after trial ANIMALS: Phase 1, 6 healthy dogs (4 female, 2 male) weighing 23.8 +/- 7.4 kg; Phase 2, 7 dogs (4 female, 3 male) with moderate to severe subaortic stenosis (confirmed by Doppler echocardiography) weighing 31.1 +/- 14.5 kg. METHODS: After mask induction, intubation, and institution of positive pressure ventilation, instrumentation was performed to measure hemodynamic variables. After baseline, measurement at an end-tidal isoflurane concentration of 1.9% (phase 1) or 1.85% (phase 2), a loading dose infusion of lidocaine at 400 microg/kg/min was given. Phase 1: Maintenance doses of lidocaine were administered consecutively (40, 120, and 200 microg/kg/min) after the loading dose (given for 10, 10, and 5 minutes, respectively) in advance of each maintenance concentrations. Measurements were taken at the end of each loading dose and at 25 and 35 minutes during each maintenance level. The same animals on a different day were given dextrose 5% and acted as the control. Phase 2: Dogs were studied on a single occasion during an infusion of lidocaine at 120 microg/kg/ min given after the loading dose (10 minutes). Measurements occurred after the loading dose and at 25 and 35 minutes. A blood sample for lidocaine concentration was taken at 70 minutes. Data were compared using a one-way ANOVA for phase 1, and between phase 1 and 2. Statistical analysis for phase 2 was performed using a paired t-test with a Bonferroni correction. A P value < or = .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Phase 1: Plasma lidocaine concentrations achieved with 40, 120, and 200 microg of lidocaine/kg/min were 2.70, 5.27, and 7.17 microg/mL, respectively. A significant increase in heart rate (HR) (all concentrations), central venous pressure (CVP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), and a decrease in stroke index (SI) (200 microg/kg/min) were observed. An increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and mean PAP, and a decrease in SI also followed the loading dose given before the 200 microg/kg/min infusion. No other significant differences from the control measurements, during dextrose 5% infusion alone, were detected. Phase 2: Plasma lidocaine concentrations achieved were 5.35, 4.23, 4.23, and 5.60 microg/mL at 10, 25, 35, and 70 minutes, respectively. They were not significantly different from concentrations found in our healthy dogs at the same infusions. A significant but small increase in CVP compared with baseline was noted after the loading dose. There were no significant differences from baseline shown in all other cardiovascular data. There were no statistically significant differences in any measurements taken during the lidocaine infusion between the dogs in phase 1 and phase 2. Dogs with aortic stenosis tended to have a lower cardiac index than healthy dogs at baseline (88 v 121 mL/kg/min) and during lidocaine infusion (81 v 111 mL/kg/min). A small, statistically significant difference in systolic PAP was present at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: There does not appear to be any detrimental cardiovascular effects related to an infusion of lidocaine at 120 microg/kg/min during isoflurane anesthesia in healthy dogs or dogs with aortic stenosis. The technique used in this study resulted in therapeutic plasma concentrations of lidocaine.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Methods shown in the study can be used in clinical cases to achieve therapeutic lidocaine levels without significant cardiovascular depression during isoflurane anesthesia.     

Role of cilia in human health

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction occurred in a 74-year-old woman after coronary bypass. Antibodies were not detected during preoperative screening but did appear late after exposure to Jkb-positive red blood cells, probably as an anamnestic response to previous exposure during childbirth or remote transfusion. The incidence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of this syndrome are discussed.     

Computation of the internal forces in cilia: application to ciliary motion, the effects of viscosity, and cilia interactions

This paper presents a simple and reasonable method for generating a phenomenological model of the internal mechanism of cilia. The model uses a relatively small number of parameters whose values can be obtained by fitting to ciliary beat shapes. Here, we use beat patterns observed in Paramecium. The forces that generate these beats are computed and fit to a simple functional form called the "engine." This engine is incorporated into a recently developed hydrodynamic model that accounts for interactions between neighboring cilia and between the cilia and the surface from which they emerge. The model results are compared to data on ciliary beat patterns of Paramecium obtained under conditions where the beats are two-dimensional. Many essential features of the motion, including several properties that are not built in explicitly, are shown to be captured. In particular, the model displays a realistic change in beat pattern and frequency in response to increased viscosity and to the presence of neighboring cilia in configurations such as rows of cilia and two-dimensional arrays of cilia. We found that when two adjacent model cilia start beating at different phases they become synchronized within several beat periods, as observed in experiments where two flagella are brought into close proximity. Furthermore, examination of various multiciliary configurations shows that an approximately antiplectic wave pattern evolves autonomously. This modeling evidence supports earlier conjectures that metachronism may occur, at least partially, as a self-organized phenomenon due to hydrodynamic interactions between neighboring cilia.     

Canine neutrophil adhesion proteins and Fc-receptors in healthy dogs and dogs with adhesion protein deficiency, as studied by flow cytometry

Murine monoclonal anti-human antibodies directed against neutrophil adhesion protein receptors CD35, CD18, CD11b, CD11c and the Fc-receptors CD64 (Fc gamma RI), CD32 (FC gamma RII) and CD16 (Fc gamma RIII) were evaluated regarding their ability to bind to the canine homologues. The antibodies against CD35, CD18, CD11b, CD11c and CD16 could be used to evaluate the expression of canine homologues. The routine of using frozen cells and thereby avoiding methodological errors, when samples are stained at different times, was evaluated by comparison of receptor expression in frozen and fresh samples from the same dogs. All receptors were expressed consistently on the cell surface on frozen and fresh neutrophils with the exception of CD16, which showed decreased expression in frozen cells. The expression of CD11c on neutrophils from dogs with canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) was analyzed and there was no difference in receptor expression between CLAD-puppies and healthy controls. CD11b/CD18 expression on neutrophil samples from three parents of CLAD-puppies, i.e. heterozygotes, did not differ from receptor expression in normal controls. Analysis of the Fc-receptor expression on neutrophils from CLAD-puppies showed that the expression of CD16 tended to be decreased in patients compared with controls.     

Atypical melanosis of the foot

We present a case of a seemingly malignant pigmented lesion on the foot, arising in a Japanese female. Clinically, the lesion was characterized by irregular borders and variegated pigmentation closely mimicking those of acral lentiginous melanoma in situ. However, the histologic findings revealed only focal, slight, melanocytic hyperplasia with minimal cytologic atypia along the basal layer. Despite the malignant clinical features, thorough histologic examination failed to disclose any area with significant melanocytic atypia or evidence of malignancy. To the best of our knowledge, no similar lesions with the clinical appearance of melanoma in situ and completely lacking histologic evidence of malignancy have been reported. We, therefore, prefer to designate this lesion as atypical melanosis of the foot, to highlight the clinically atypical findings and to distinguish this from malignant melanoma in situ of the foot (1).     

Evidence for the facilitated diffusion of glucose into rabbit oviductal fluid

The present study examined empathy and socialization in delinquent and nondelinquent juveniles. From 32 first offenders, 16 repeat offenders, and 19 normals who were administered Hogan's empathy scale and the socialization scale of the California Psychological Inventory, groups of 16 subjects matched on age and race were compared. Results indicated that the three groups did not differ on empathy but that each of the three groups differed on socialization. Results are discussed in terms of potentially identifying recidivists and the efficacy of therapist-trained empathy.     

Cultivation of the epithelium in burns

Comparison of two groups of burned patients shows that patients who were treated by wound solution stayed a significantly shorter time in hospital. The group with healing under the scab (PQB) had indeed slighter skin lesions, but syated a much longer time in hospital. The great advantage of treatment of burned wounds with wound solution is seen in the relief of pain of the patients. Aslo, physical exercises can begin immediately. Wound solution needs no anaesthesia for necrolysis. The shortening of the healing time results in stimulation of the marginal epithelium and growth of autologous transplanted cells on the wound.     

Ultrastructure of the stroma of nasal polyps: cilia in stromal fibroblasts

Ultrastructural examination of the stroma of simple nasal polyps was shown that there is an edematous framework of fibroblasts with abundant interdigitating cytoplasmic processes, a plexus of inflamed blood vessels, and a mixed infiltrate of active inflammatory cells. Solitary cilia were seen to arise from the stromal mesenchymal cells; no mycoplasma or viral inclusions were present. These features may have a relationship to the pathogenesis of nasal polyps. An immunologically induced liberation of vasoactive amines from mast cells results in increased capillary permeability and a consequent excess of intracellular fluid; the stromal cells attempt to check this expansion by an increase in collagen synthesis.     

Partial purification of embryotrophic factors from human oviductal cells

Embryotrophic factors from human oviductal cells were partially purified by liquid chromatographic methods. The conditioned medium from human oviductal cell culture was fractionated successively by concanavalin A (Con-A) affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The presence of the embryotrophic activity in the eluates was determined by the stimulatory effects on the development of mouse embryos in vitro. The fraction that did not bind to the lectin Con-A possessed no embryotrophic activity. Ion-exchange chromatography separated the glycoproteins that bound to Con-A into five fractions. Three of them significantly enhanced blastulation as well as conceptus formation. Gel filtration further separated these embryotrophic fractions into five fractions. Three of them with molecular weights of 154 +/- 1, 164 +/- 0.2 and 207 +/- 0.3 kDa significantly stimulated blastulation of mouse embryos. The results of this study demonstrated that several embryotrophic factors with different biochemical properties contributed to the embryotrophic effect of the human oviductal cell/mouse embryo co-culture system.