Morphological Studies of the Valves of the Kidney Vein in Domestic Swine

It was established macroscopically that 37.5% of the renal veins investigated possess valves. Valves were observed on both sides, but predominantly on the left side of the kidneys (14.58%). Some valves were also observed in the main branches of the renal veins. The structure of the valves was studied with the use of light and electron microscopy. The most important finding was the observation of mast cells in the valves. This is probably a common biological phenomenon, since mast cells have been observed in the cardiac valves and the wall of the renal artery and vein.     

Morphological and immunocytochemical investigations on mast cells in porcine ureter

Morphological, morphometric, histochemical and immunocytochemical investigations on mast cells, located in the wall of ureter of 8 months aged pigs were performed. Mast cells were found in all three layers of ureteral wall, but their distribution was irregular and the number unequal. It was established that alcian blue (AB)-positive mast cells were significantly more than toluidine blue (TB)-positive mast cells. A statistically significant smaller number of both AB and TB-stained mast cells were observed in the tunica mucosa. The largest number of mast cells was found in the tunica muscularis. In the adventitia, mast cells were higher in number in the main connective tissue than in the connective tissue near the blood vessels. Mast cells stained with TB showed variably expressed gamma-metachromasia, which was best visible in those situated in the lamina propria of the mucosa. The prevailing parts of mast cells, however, were AB-positive after AB-safranin staining. This was mostly found in mast cells of the tunica muscularis and in mast cells of perivascular location in the tunica adventitia. Immunocytochemically, mast cells were found to be positive for histamine and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the muscle coat, and to histamine in the adventitia, as well. On the basis of obtained results it was presumed that the mast cells in porcine ureter most probably took part not only in keeping of local homeostasis, but played also an important role of mobility of smooth muscle cells in the middle layer of ureter on one hand, and, on the other, in the adventitial blood vessels.     

猪延髓中微血管及静脉注射呕吐毒素后阳性细胞的分布

应用组织学方法对猪延髓微血管及静脉注射呕吐毒素(DON)后在猪延髓的分布进行了初步观察.结果显示,进入延髓的动脉有较厚的弹性纤维膜,平滑肌层厚度为弹性膜的一半,向背侧延伸的分支,管壁薄,仅见内皮细胞和周细胞.在网状结构与纤维束间见有微血管,管壁未见弹性纤维.电镜免疫组化染色结果显示,延髓最后区毛细血管内皮细胞间有的部位有紧密连接,而有些部位缺失,内皮细胞与胶质细胞之间有较宽的空隙,有些部位缺少周细胞.D()N免疫阳性反应为棕褐色或棕黄色颗粒,主要分布于延髓微动脉管壁及最后区毛细血管周边神经元细胞质中,细胞核内量少或无反应.结果表明,猪延髓内不同部位的微血管的分布及结构均有差异,为猪的中枢神经系统脑血管的组织学增加了内容.     

山羊胚胎大动脉壁发育的组织学研究

本文应用光镜和透射电镜对山羊胚胎大动脉壁的发生发育过程进行了系统观察。结果表明：血管发生初期仅由一层内皮细胞构成。随着胚胎的发育，除毛细血管外，其它血管壁形成分层结构，形成内膜、中膜、外膜；胚胎大动脉内皮细胞胞质内存在着丰富的粗面内质网和游离核糖体，代谢是很活跃的；大动脉管壁的内弹性膜形成较晚，先产生小片段，然后呈连续带状；大动脉内膜和中膜内不含典型的成纤维细胞，在中膜内存在一种能产生胶原纤维的细胞，其结构类似于平滑肌细胞。     

Chemoreceptive Epithelioid Cells in the Chicken Aorta. An Electron Microscopical Study

Aggregations of granulated epithelioid cells exist in the chicken aorta. In the present study, the locational characteristics of the epithelioid cells were investigated via an electron microscopic approach. Epithelioid cells were found mainly in two regions; the tunica interna just below the endothelial cell layers, and the intermediate region of the tunica media. In the former, the epithelioid cells were in contact with endothelial cells and sometimes directly exposed to the aortic lumen. No contact between the epithelioid cells and the nerve endings was observed in this region. On the other hand, in the intermediate region of the tunica media, five or more epithelioid cells were aggregated, and the cynaptic structures were occasionally observed. Additionally, the epithelioid cells in this region were observed to closely contact smooth muscle cells. In an experiment using horseradish peroxidase injection, reactions were detected in the intercellular spaces between the epithelioid cells and endothelial cells. These results suggest that the epithelioid cells localized in the subendothelial region receive information from the aortic lumen, whereas their aggregations in the tunica media are controlled by the nervous system.     

Microscopical and Ultrastructural Studies of the Renal Artery in Domestic Swine

Both renal arteries from six, 8-month old, Camborow hybrid pigs were examined in histological, semithin and ultrathin sections. It was established that the membrana elastica interna showed an expressed degree of wrinkliness. In certain sections, sometimes occupying 20% of the diameter of a cross-section, its curves were considerably higher and wider than those in the remaining part. The inner elastic membrane in these sections was cleaved in two layers. Estates of lengthways-situated smooth muscle cells of an elliptical form were located in the middle shell (tunica media). Furthermore, a great quantity of mast cells were found in the middle shell. The electron-microscopic observations showed that their granules had various sizes and shapes. The outer shell (tunica adventitia) had an irregular thickness. In some parts, a few elastic fibres entered the middle shell. They had a tuft-like shape with a wedge-like or elongated configuration, and were situated among the layers of smooth-muscle cells.     

Histological and ultrastructural studies on the coronary artery of adult domestic dog (Canis familiaris)

The objective of this work was to study the histological structure of the dog's coronary artery by light and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The coronary artery consisted of three tunics: tunica intima, tunica media and tunica adventitia. The tunica intima consisted of endothelium rested directly on internal elastic lamina without the subendothelial connective tissue layer. The tunica media were composed of smooth muscle fibres interspersed with few elastic and collagen fibres. The tunica adventitia consisted of collagen and elastic fibres intermingled with fibroblast cells; it had vasa vasorum and nervi vasorum. Some histomorphometric measurements were performed and compared statistically. The ultrastructural study showed that the endothelial cells were communicated through complex junctions and characterised by filiform cytoplasmic processes passed through the opening of the underlying internal elastic membrane. The smooth muscle fibres of tunica media communicated with each other through cytoplasmic processes. The tunica adventitia showed minute non-myelinated nerve. This work revealed that the dog's coronary arteries are typical muscular arteries, which show little structural variations from that of other mammals.     

Morphological Studies on the Peripheral Circulation of the Ovary in One‐Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Histological examination of the peripheral circulation of the ovary of 18 females of the one‐humped camel revealed a series of blood vessels with special structures. Throttle or occlusive artery was recorded in the ovarian zona vasculosa and in the cortex, and it showed an intimal cushion‐like thickening made up of intimal bolsters that formed of smooth muscle fibres and glomus cells. The smooth muscle cells of the tunica media and the tunica adventitia of throttle artery pursued a circumferential pattern. Anastomosis arteriovenosa included simple bridge‐like anastomotic vessels between arteria and venae, and glomus vessels of typical structure were demonstrated. Glomus organs were recorded in the ovary and were comprised of the tortuous glomus vessels and the related afferent and efferent vessels. Glomus cell complexes also were commonly occur at the cortex ovarii that possessed an extremely convoluted course with a hyperplastic wall and a narrow lumen. Atypical glomus vessels were demonstrated within the ovarian zona vasculosa, and the wall of these vessels was relatively thick and consisted of double tunica media with an intimal bolster. Some vessels contained an intimal bolster device of exclusively glomus cell structure (glomus bolster) with a tunica elastic interna demarcated it from the glomus cell media. Some venae represented several layers of longitudinally arranged smooth muscle fibres in the tunica media. Other venae showed wall with variable thickness. Venae with double muscular tunica media were recorded in the medulla. Some venae showed double internal elastic lamina. Also, venae with thick adventitia contained dispersed smooth muscle fibres were determined. Spirally oriented arteriole and venule were demonstrated within the cortex and medulla ovarii. Gestation sclerosis was demonstrated in ovarian zona vasculosa of pregnant females.     

Histomorphologic structure of the carotid rete-cavernous sinus complex and its functional importance in sheep (Ovis aries)

Paraffin sections of the carotid rete-cavernous sinus complex of sheep were studied, using different stains. The carotid rete of sheep was composed of medium-sized arteries with smooth muscle layers that were oriented in different directions. The carotid body cells may have migrated proximally in the adventitia of the intracranial portion of the internal carotid artery as its extracranial portion degenerates early in life. The cavernous sinus shared a common tunica adventitia with surrounding rete branches. At places, the wall of the cavernous sinus had a distinct tunica media interposed between the endothelial cells and the tunica adventitia. Therefore, the name cavernous venous plexus has been proposed for the cavernous sinus in sheep.     

Histological characterization of umbilical cord in alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

The histomorphometric features of umbilical cord constituents in seven foetuses of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) from Cerro de Pasco, Department, Peru, were determined. Sections of 2–5 cm of umbilical cord were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed for light microscopy. Standard histological slides stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and Van Gieson's trichrome were obtained. Histologically, common features of umbilical artery and vein were observed as well as mucous connective tissue, some cell features that compound this tissue constituted by cells presented features of myofibroblasts. Among most important findings that were observed, the lumen of umbilical vein was obliterated into star‐shaped form with the thinner umbilical artery wall; the smooth muscles and fibroblast were comparatively more in number in umbilical artery than that of umbilical vein, and the tunica media was larger in dimension than the tunica adventitia in umbilical vein. Conclusively, this histological study features an observation of the umbilical cord of alpaca foetuses and shows the similarity between them and those of other mammal species, including dromedaries and South American camelids.     

The ultrastructure of Strongylus vulgaris-mediated equine chronic mesenteric arteritis

Cells found in the intima and media of the cranial mesenteric artery of a mature mare with chronic arteritis were identified as smooth muscle cells and occurred in association with collagen and elastin fibres. As no fibroblasts were demonstrable within these regions, the smooth muscle cells were the likely source of the extracellular matrix. In contrast, the abnormal adventitis from the same artery contained abundant fibroblasts which are considered to be the source of the adventitial collagen.     

Structural Differences in the Umbilical Vein Wall after Full-Term and Pre-term Delivery

With the exception of its most proximal segment, the human umbilical cord lacks innervation. It might be expected, therefore, that a paracrine effect through the direct contact between the smooth muscle cells and the endothelium may be particularly important in the control of the fetoplacental circulation. In this study, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were applied to examine umbilical veins immediately after full-term and pre-term delivery. The smooth muscle cells in the upper layer of the tunica media exhibited long, foot-like processes with c-kit immunoreactivity. In the umbilical vein of full-term neonates more than 50% of these cell processes display a normal ultrastructure and they were closely associated with the lamina elastica interna. Whereas in pre-term infants more than 60% of these cell processes exhibit signs of severe shrinkage and detachedness from the lamina elastica interna. At the same time, the high level of immunoreactivity of the endothelial cells as regards the proapoptotic gene product Bax in pre-term infants is indicative of an enhanced apoptotic process in these cells.     

Morphological Study of Mast Cell Localization in the Wall of the Proximal Tubule in the Domestic Swine Kidney

Morphological studies to localize mast cells in the wall of the convoluted and straight parts of the proximal tubules of the domestic swine kidney were performed. Kidney perfusion was carried out in 8-month-old pigs and semi-thin and ultrathin sections were prepared after a routine treatment. A light microscopic study showed that mast cells were not frequently found. Most were localized in the wall of the proximal convoluted tubule, while in the proximal straight tubule wall they were fewer in number. Most of the mast cells were oval in shape, their size being typical for this species, and the granules were reddish in colour. Three types of granule containing an evenly distributed granular-fibrous substance were found by TEM examination: the first type had a single electron-optically dense belt under the membrane; the second showed optically empty spaces between the substance and the cell membrane; the granules from the third type had two parallel dense belts below the granular membrane and were the smallest in size. Some of the granules of the first type were connected with the granular endoplasmic reticulum. A very narrow intercellular area and single desmosome-like junctions were found between the mast cells and the epithelial cells. Protrusions of plasmalemma and granules outside the cells were not established. On the basis of these results and data from the scientific literature, a comparative analysis was carried out. This showed certain differences between the results obtained and previous findings on the morphology of domestic swine mast cells and granules.     

Closure of the ductus arteriosus of indigenous South African goats at high altitude

The closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA) of 31 indigenous South African goats, whose ages ranged from 30 days prenatal to 60 days postnatal, were studied at an altitude of 1,514 m above sea level by vascular injection as well as histologically and ultrastructurally. The vascular injection results showed that functional occlusion started from the pulmonary end of the DA in kids 6 days old and progressed to the aortic end in kids 8 days old. Histologically, anatomical obliteration was observed in kids from 35 days of age. The functional closure was preceded by enlargement of the subendothelial region, progressive intimal thickening, presence of subendothelial vacuolization and endothelial detachment. There was radial orientation of the subintimal smooth muscle cells and subsequent migration towards the intima. The inner tunica media contained mast cells and areas of cytolysis. Following functional closure, the subendothelial region showed migrating subintimal smooth muscle cells with extensive cytoplasmic processes and, ultrastructurally a fragmented internal elastic lamina. In 15-day-old kids there were prominent, progressively enlarged cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and numerous free, dispersed ribosomes. In kids 19 and 25 days old, there was, additionally, rarefaction of the cell cytoplasm and appearance of intracellular myofibrils and extra cellular collagen in the surrounding amorphous matrix, which culminated in the complete anatomical closure of the DA in 35-day-old kids.     

Ultrastructural changes related to the lymph node haemorrhages in acute African swine fever

In order to determine the pathogenic mechanisms involved in lymph node haemorrhages in acute African swine fever ( ), eight pigs were inoculated with virus, strain Malawi'83. Lymph node haemorrhages were observed from three days post infection (dpi) onwards, coinciding with ASF virus replication in monocytes and macrophages adjacent to stimulated endothelial cells, phagocytic stimulation of capillary and small-vessel endothelial cells, increase in the number of fenestrations of endothelial cells, and endothelial cell loss, as well as clusters of blood cells and necrotic material beneath the endothelium. Vascular lumina were blocked by platelet plugs and fibrin microthrombi. These phenomena became more marked as the disease progressed. At five dpi, virus replication was also found in circulating neutrophils. At seven dpi, lesions were more intense and were accompanied by virus replication in sinus and capillary endothelial cells, and in other cell populations including pericytes, fibroblasts, smooth muscle fibres and reticular cells. The results obtained in this study suggest that lymph node haemorrhages are related to endothelial stimulation and the onset of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Virus replication in vessel wall cells occurs only in the final stages of the disease and plays a secondary role.     

酶消化法分离培养肉鸡肺动脉平滑肌细胞

试验旨在探讨胶原酶消化法分离并培养肉鸡肺动脉平滑肌细胞(pul monary artery smooth muscle cell,PASMC)的方法。将1～7日龄雏鸡的肺动脉中膜剪成小于1 mm2的组织块,0.1%Ⅱ型胶原酶消化分离PASMC并进行原代培养和传代培养。倒置显微镜下观察培养细胞的形态,对培养细胞进行HE染色和光学显微镜观察,并采用抗α-肌动蛋白单克隆抗体(α-Smooth muscle actin)免疫组化染色法检测细胞胞浆内α-肌动蛋白的表达,用以鉴定所培养的细胞。结果表明,倒置显微镜下细胞为长梭形,呈典型的"峰—谷"状,未见明显异型细胞。α-actin胞浆染色阳性细胞数占总细胞数的97%以上。因此,胶原酶消化法可用于分离培养肉鸡PASMC,且有方法简单,成活细胞数多、传代周期短的特点,可用于肉鸡心血管疾病如肺动脉高压和肺血管重构的研究工作。     

Immunohistochemical detection of apolipoprotein A-I and B-100 in canine atherosclerotic lesions

We attempt to determine and compare the localization of apolipoproteins (apo) apoA-I and B-100 in atherosclerotic lesions of canine aortas, coronary arteries, and the peripheral arteries, using immunohistochemical techniques. Histopathologically, atherosclerotic lesions were characterized by deposition of lipids and infiltration of lipid-laden foamy cells in the tunica intima and tunica media, sometimes forming fibrofatty plaques containing abundant sudanophilic and mineralized material. Canine apoA (CapoA)-I and canine apoB (CapoB)-100 immunopositive signals were simultaneously observed in mild and severe atherosclerotic lesions of the aorta, coronary arteries, splenic arteries, and renal arteries in the double-immunolabeled sections. Both CapoA-I and CapoB-100 positive signals were seen in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. The subendothelial space and extracellular matrix in the tunica intima and media were also positive. Neither CapoA-I nor CapoB-100 positive signals were seen in normal arteries. These findings closely resemble those of the localization of apoA-I and apoB-100 in human atherosclerotic lesions.     

Intestinal smooth muscle cells locally enhance stem cell factor (SCF) production against gastrointestinal nematode infections

Smooth muscle cells can produce stem cell factor (SCF) in the normal state for the preservation of mast cells, but it is still unknown whether smooth muscle cells can enhance SCF production in response to the pathological stimuli. The present study showed that smooth muscle cells in mast cell-increased regions around worm cysts of intestinal nematodes significantly enhanced SCF gene expression compared with mast cell non-increased regions in same sample. SCF gene expression in mast cell non-increased regions in nematode-infected mice showed almost the same level as in non-infected control groups. These results indicate that smooth muscle cells can locally enhance SCF gene expression, and may have a role in local immunological reactions as growth factor-producing cells.     

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1)-dependent recruitment of bone marrow-derived renal endothelium-like cells in a mouse model of acute kidney injury

Ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most key pathological event for accelerating progression to chronic kidney disease through vascular endothelial injury or dysfunction. Thus, it is critical to elucidate the molecular mechanism of endothelial protection and regeneration. Emerging evidence indicates that bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) contribute to tissue reconstitution in several types of organs post-injury, but little is known whether and how BMCs contribute to renal endothelial reconstitution, especially in an early-stage of AKI. Using a mouse model of ischemic AKI, we provide evidence that incorporation of BMCs in vascular components (such as endothelial and smooth muscle cells) becomes evident within four days after renal ischemia and reperfusion, associated with an increase in stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1) in endothelium and that in CXCR4/SDF1-receptor in BMCs. Notably, anti-CXCR4 antibody decreased the numbers of infiltrated BMCs and BMC-derived endothelium-like cells, but not of BMC-derived smooth muscle cell-like cells. These results suggest that reconstitution of renal endothelium post-ischemia partially depends on a paracrine loop of SDF1-CXCR4 between resident endothelium and BMCs. Such a chemokine ligand-receptor system may be attributable for selecting a cellular lineage (s), required for renal vascular protection, repair and homeostasis, even in an earlier phase of AKI.     

The pregnant Syrian hamster as a model to study intravascular trophoblasts and associated maternal blood vessel changes.

In pregnant Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) used as an animal model for studying the migration of fetal trophoblasts and the associated changes in maternal blood vessels, intravascular trophoblasts migrated well beyond the blood vessels of the uterus and into the vessels of the mesometrium. They migrated beyond the decidua of the uterus, into the lumina of maternal uterine and mesometrial arteries, but not into veins. The arterial changes, which were often segmental, resembled those seen in the decidua and consisted of a replacement of normal smooth muscle cells by poorly differentiated stromal cells. Ultrastructurally, the trophoblasts were either above or below maternal endothelial cells. They occurred also as single or multiple layers within the lumina of arteries that lacked an endothelial lining. Apparent penetration of the elastic membrane by the fetal trophoblasts brought them into close apposition to maternal cells in the arterial wall. Histochemical studies showed heightened metabolic activity of the intravascular trophoblasts as suggested by strong histochemical reactions to nonspecific esterase, succinic dehydrogenase and the glycerophosphate dehydrogenase reactions. Thus, these metabolically active fetal trophoblasts actively migrate into the maternal arterial system, resulting in loss of endothelial cells and changes in the wall of the maternal arteries similar to those in the decidua at the uteroplacental junction.