Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (rough + endoplasmic_reticulum)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Ultrastructure and functional features of midgut of an adult water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch, 1837) (Hydrachnidia: Teutoniidae)

ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
Andrew B. Shatrov
Abstract Shatrov, A. B. 2010. Ultrastructure and functional features of midgut of an adult water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch 1837) (Hydrachnidia: Teutoniidae). ,Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 222,232 The midgut of the adult water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch 1837) (Hydrachnidia: Teutoniidae) was investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and on semi-thin sections. The midgut is represented by a blind sac composed of the narrow ventriculus, two proventricular lateral diverticula and three pairs of postventricular caeca. A single-layered epithelium consists of one type of endodermal digestive cells of quite different shape and size, which may form protrusions into the midgut lumen. The large nuclei are frequently lobed and contain one to three nucleoli. The apical cell membrane forms short scarce microvilli, between their bases the pinocytotic vesicles of unspecific macropinocytosis as well as the narrow pinocytotic canals are formed and immersed into the cell. The intracellular digestion of the food ingested into the midgut after extraintestinal digestion is predominant. The pinocytotic vesicles fuse with small clear vesicles of proposed Golgi origin to form secondary lysosomes. The digestive cells also contain small amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, variously structured heterolysosomes, residual materials in the form of both the small electron-dense bodies and the large variously granulated substances, reserve nutritive materials such as lipid and glycogen, as well as clear vacuoles. Residual materials are obviously extruded from the cells into the gut lumen. [source]


Ultrastructural preservation of rat embryonic dental tissues after rapid fixation and dehydration under microwave irradiation

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2000
Luciana F. Massa
Adequate preservation of the cells and matrix of mineralising tissues remains difficult, as organic components and initial mineral deposits may be lost during conventional processing for electron microscopy. In this study, we have reduced significantly the processing time using microwave irradiation. Rat molar tooth germs were fixed in 4% glutaraldehyde+4% formaldehyde with 0.1 M sodium cacodylate in a laboratory microwave oven for two periods of 20 s with a maximal temperature of 37°C. After conventional washing and post-fixation, specimens were dehydrated in graded ethanols under microwave irradiation for a total of 7 min 20 s. For comparison, some specimens were processed by conventional methods. After embedding, ultrathin sections were examined by electron microscopy. In differentiating ameloblasts and odontoblasts, plasma membranes, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex, together with all other cytoplasmic organelles exhibited excellent preservation. Microtubules, microfilaments and coated vesicles were particularly evident. Crystal-like mineral deposits were conspicuously present in relation to dentine matrix vesicles and collagen fibrils as well as in enamel matrix. The matrix of forming enamel had a globular electron-lucent appearance. It is concluded that this is a rapid method which provides a preserved or even improved morphology. [source]


Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical characterization of immortalized odontoblast MO6-G3

INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 6 2006
C. Mesgouez
Abstract Aim, To investigate an immortalized murine odontoblast cell line as a potential alternative for experimental studies on dentinogenesis. Methodology, The MO6-G3 cell line was investigated morphologically over 3, 7, 11 and 42 days of culture, using histochemical localization of dentine sialoprotein (DSP), alkaline phosphatase (AP), type I collagen and actin filaments, histoenzymatic staining and biochemical investigation of AP and finally, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Results, Scanning electron micrographs showed elongated cells. Accordingly, a polarized organization of odontoblasts was observed by transmission electron microscopy, identifying distinct subcellular compartments as described in vivo. The secretion apparatus, which includes cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus saccules and secretion vesicles and granules, was longitudinally organized in the supranuclear compartment ending distally in the secretory pole. A cellular process was observed. The investigation of the cytoskeleton network revealed that actin microfilaments were organized in parallel stress fibre oriented depending on the longitudinal axis of the cytoplasm. Immunofluorescent labelling showed a continuous expression of type I collagen, DSP and AP. A unipolar distribution characterized intracellular DSP immunoreactivity. Histoenzymology revealed AP active sites increasing from 3 to 11 days albeit with a moderate level of activity comparatively to the in vivo situation in dental cells. Conclusion, This cell line MO6-G3 not only showed the criteria of odontoblast phenotype as previously reported but also the characteristic morphodifferentiation pattern of polarized odontoblasts at the cellular level but with an apparent random distribution. [source]


Paraspermatogenesis in Littoraria (Palustorina) articulata, with reference to other Littorinidae (Littorinoidea, Caenogastropoda)

INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2000
John A. Buckland-Nicks
Abstract. The ultrastructure of paraspermatogenesis is examined in the littorinid subfamily Littorininae, with special emphasis on Littoraria (Palustorina) articulata (PHILIPPI 1846). In particular the study focuses on the fate of the nucleus and origin of the rod bodies during parasperm development. Parasperm of the Littorininae are rounded or oblong cells, which undergo an abortive meiosis and eliminate part of the nucleus but often retain a nuclear remnant. The cytoplasm is filled with numerous spherical vesicles in all Littorininae, but in Littoraria (and in certain species of Nodilittorina, Tectarius and Cenchritis) dense ,rod-bodies' also occur. Littoraria (Palustorina) are unique in possessing a flagellum-like structure termed the ,pseudotrich", which lacks an axoneme but contains microtubules during its development. Paraspermatogonia differ from euspermatogonia in the structure of the nucleus and in the extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and swollen cytoplasm. Two types of secretions develop in Littoraria: (1) numerous, spherical granules (composed of putative glycoprotein, also seen in other Littorininae) and (2) rhomboid granules (composition uncertain but reacting positively to RNA stains; these granules arising within RER cisternae close to the nucleus). As the rhomboid granules fuse to form the larger, rod-bodies (polygonal in cross section), the RER membrane enclosing the rod-bodies becomes confluent with the outer nuclear membrane, thereby forming a common compartment. Results of this study clearly show that the rod-bodies are secretions of the RER cisternae and not, as claimed in some light microscopic accounts, the product of fusion of eusperm nuclei which have entered the parasperm cytoplasm (either by active eusperm penetration or by phagocytosis). Developmental characteristics of littorinid parasperm show differences between species and may, in some cases, provide characters diagnostic of subgenera. [source]


Interstitial Cajal-like cells in rat mesentery: an ultrastructural and immunohistochemical approach

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 1 2008
M. E. Hinescu
Abstract Interstitial Cajal-like Cells (ICLC) were recently recognized in a plethora of non-digestive organs. Here, we describe a cell type of rat mesentery sharing ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features with ICLC. Mesenteric ICLC were demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and further tested by light microscope immunohistochemistry. The cell described here fulfils the TEM diagnostic criteria accepted for ICLC: location in the connective interstitium; close vicinity to nerves, capillaries and other interstitial cells; characteristic long, moniliform cell processes; specialized cell-to-cell junctions; caveolae; mitochondria at 5,10% of cytoplasmic volume; rough endoplasmic reticulum at about 1,2%; intermediate and thin filaments, microtubules; undetectable thick filaments. The processes of this mesenteric ICLC were particularly long, with a mean length of 24.91 ,m (10.27,50.83 ,m), and a convolution index of 2.32 (1.37,3.63) was calculated in order to measure their potential length. Mean distances versus main target cells of ICLC,nerve bundles, vessels, adipocytes and macrophages,were 110.69, 115.80, 205.07 and 34.65 nm, respectively. We also tested the expression of CD117/c-kit, CD34, vimentin, ,-smooth muscle actin, nestin, NK-1, tryptase and chymase and the antigenic profile of the mesenteric ICLC was comparable if not identical with that recently observed in ICLC from other extra-digestive tissues. Due to the peculiar aspect of the mesenteric ICLC processes it can be hypothesized that these cells form a three-dimensional network within the mesentery that is at the same time resistant and deformable following stretches consequent to intestine movements, mainly avoiding blood vessels closure or controlling blood vessels rheology. It remains, however, to be established if and how such cells are connected with the archetypal enteric ICC. [source]


Renal sexual segment of the Cottonmouth snake, Agkistrodon piscivorous (Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae)

JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
David M. Sever
Abstract The seasonal variation of the renal sexual segment (RSS) of males of the Cottonmouth snake, Agkistrodon piscivorous, is described using light and electron microscopy. This study is the first to describe the ultrastructure of the RSS of a viper (Viperidae) and only the fourth on a snake. Renal sexual segments from males collected February to May and from August to November are similar in appearance. The cells are eosinophilic and react with periodic acid/Schiff procedure (PAS) for neutral carbohydrates and bromphenol blue (BB) for proteins. At the ultrastructure level, the cells contain large (2 ,m diameter), electron-dense secretory granules and smaller vesicles with a diffuse material, and these structures abut against the luminal border and upon clear vacuoles continuous with intercellular canaliculi. Evidence was found for both apocrine and merocrine processes of product release. In June and July, the RSS are significantly smaller in diameter, largely basophilic, and have only scattered granules that are PAS+ and BB+. Cytologically, the RSS from June to July lack electron-dense secretory granules and the smaller vesicles with diffuse material. Numerous condensing vacuoles and abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, however, indicate that active product synthesis is occurring. This is the first report of significant seasonal variation in the histology and ultrastructure of the RSS of a snake, although such reports exist for lizards. The seasons when the RSS is most highly hypertrophied correspond to the fall and spring mating seasons of A. piscivorous, as determined by other studies. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Expression of mutant cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in human chondrocytes induces the pseudoachondroplasia phenotype

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2006
Thomas M. Merritt
Abstract Over 70 mutations in the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), a large extracellular pentameric glycoprotein synthesized by chondrocytes, have been identified as causing two skeletal dysplasias: multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED/EDM1), and a dwarfing condition, pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH). These mutations induce misfolding of intracellular COMP, resulting in retention of the protein in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) of chondrocytes. This accumulation of COMP in the rER creates the phenotypic enlarged rER cisternae in the cells, which is believed to compromise chondrocyte function and eventually cause cell death. To study the molecular mechanisms involved with the disease, we sought to develop an in vitro model that recapitulates the PSACH phenotype. Normal human chondrocytes were transfected with wildtype (wt-) COMP or with mutant COMP (D469del; mt-) recombinant adenoviruses and grown in a nonattachment redifferentiating culture system that provides an environment allowing formation of a differentiated chondrocyte nodule. Visualization of normal cells expressing COMP suggested the hallmarks of the PSACH phenotype. Mutant COMP expressed in normal cells was retained in enlarged rER cisternae, which also retained IX collagen (COL9) and matrilin-3 (MATN3). Although these proteins were secreted normally into the ECM of the wt-COMP nodules, reduced secretion of these proteins was observed in nodules composed of cells transfected with mt-COMP. The findings complement those found in chondrocytes from PSACH patient growth plates. This new model system allows for production of PSACH chondrocyte pathology in normal costochondral chondrocytes and can be used for future mechanistic and potential gene therapy studies. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res [source]


ENDOMEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND THE CHLOROPLAST PROTEIN TARGETING PATHWAY IN HETEROSIGMA AKASHIWO (RAPHIDOPHYCEAE, CHROMISTA)

JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 6 2000
Ken-ichiro Ishida
Chloroplasts in heterokont algae are surrounded by four membranes and probably originated from a red algal endosymbiont that was engulfed and retained by eukaryotic host. Understanding how nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins are translocated from the cytoplasm into the chloroplast across these membranes could give us some insights about how the endosymbiont was integrated into the host cell in the process of secondary symbiogenesis. In multiplastid heterokont algae such as raphidophytes, it has been unclear if the outermost of the four membranes surrounding the chloroplast (the chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum [CER] membrane) is continuous with the nuclear envelope and rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we report detailed ultrastructural observations of the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada ex Y. Hara et Chihara that show that the CER membranes were continuous with ER membranes that had attached ribosomes, implying that the chloroplast with three envelope membranes is located within the ER lumen, that is, topologically the same structure as that of monoplastid heterokont algae. However, the CER membrane of H. akashiwo had very few, if any, ribosomes attached, unlike the CER membranes in other heterokont algae. To verify that proteins are first targeted to the ER, we assayed protein import into canine microsomes using a precursor for a nuclear-encoded chloroplast protein, the fucoxanthin-chlorophyll a/c protein of H. akashiwo. This demonstrated that the precursor has a functional signal sequence for ER targeting and is cotranslationally translocated into the ER, where a signal sequence of about 17 amino acids is removed. Based on these data, we hypothesize that in H. akashiwo, nuclear-encoded chloroplast protein precursors that have been cotranslationally transported into the ER lumen are sorted in the ER and transported to the chloroplasts through the ER lumen. [source]


Ultrastructure and distribution of superficial neuromasts of blind cavefish, Phreatichthys andruzzii, juveniles

MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 9 2009
Bahram S. Dezfuli
Abstract Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM) were used to study the ultrastructure of superficial neuromasts in 15 six-month old blind cavefish juveniles, Phreatichthys andruzzii (Cyprinidae). In five specimens examined with SEM, the number of superficial neuromasts over the fish body (480,538) was recorded. They were localized mainly on the head (362,410), including the dorsal surface, the mentomandibular region, and laterally from the mouth to the posterior edge of the operculum. Neuromasts were also present laterally on the trunk and near the caudal fin (116,140). A significantly higher number of neuromasts were present on the head compared to the trunk (t -test, P < 0.05). Superficial neuromasts of the head and those along the trunk were similar in ultrastructure. Each neuromast comprised sensory hair cells surrounded by nonsensory support cells (mantle cells and supporting basal cells) with the whole covered by a cupula. Each hair cell was pear-shaped, 15,21 ,m high and 4,6 ,m in diameter, with a single long kinocilium and several short stereocilia. Most support cells were elongated, with nuclei occupying a large portion of the cytoplasm. In the margin of the neuromast, mantle cells were particularly narrow. Both types of support cells had well-developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The number of hair cells and nonsensory support cells of the anterior lateral line (head) did not differ significantly from those of the posterior lateral line (trunk) (t -test, P > 0.05). Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Ultrastructure of the Male Reproductive System of Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with Preliminary Characterization of the Secretions

MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 7 2007
Fang Huang
Abstract The morphology and ultrastructure of testes and accessory glands along with the characterization of their secretions were investigated for a braconid species Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) using light and electron microscopes. The male internal reproductive system of this species is distinguished by a pair of testes, one vas deferens, and a pair of male accessory glands. The testes are separate, and the accessory glands are oval and not fused. It was observed that the secretory cells of testes have characteristic smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and that the cytoplasm is filled with an array of granule droplets usually of two to three types. The secretory cells in the case of accessory glands are typified by the presence of microvilli on their apical cell surfaces and numerous mitochondria in their cytoplasm. SDS-PAGE profile when performed depicted a similarity in most bands of the secretions from both testes and accessory glands, except for four proteins of which two were present only in testes, while the other two only appeared in accessory glands. Their molecular weights were 117 and 55 kDa for testes and 196 and 30 kDa for accessory glands, respectively. This study gives new insights into the intriguing features of male internal reproductive system and it especially constitutes the first report of its kind about the secretion properties of these organs in C. vestalis. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Involvement of spinal motor neurons in parkin-positive autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism

NEUROPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
Shoichi Sasaki
We intensively examined the spinal cord of an autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (ARJP) female patient with a homozygous exon 3 deletion in the parkin gene, anticipating a possible involvement of anterior horn neurons. Although the clinical features of the patient were consistent with parkinsonism as a result of parkin mutation, her tendon reflex was abolished in the lower limbs. This feature was in contrast with hyperreflexia, usually found in previous reports of ARJP. Histologically, on the level of the cervical, thoracic, and sacral spinal cord, anterior horn neurons were well preserved and normal. However, the lumbar spinal cord exhibited many swellings of proximal axons (spheroids) and degenerative changes in the somata of the large anterior horn neurons such as central chromatolysis, cystatin C-negative small eosinophilic inclusions, and eosinophilic Lewy body-like inclusions. Ultrastructurally, accumulations of neurofilaments and abnormal structures, such as inclusion bodies similar to skein-like inclusions and disorganized rough endoplasmic reticulum, were observed in the somata and neuronal processes. Lewy body-like inclusions in this study were positively immunostained for both ,-synuclein and ubiquitin that closely resemble Lewy bodies, but are different from Lewy body-like inclusions negatively immunostained for ,-synuclein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These findings suggest that eosinophilic inclusions that closely resemble Lewy bodies may be formed in the spinal motor neurons of ARJP patients with parkin mutations and the motor neurons of these patients may be vulnerable to neurodegeneration. [source]


Ultrastructural and MRI study of the substantia nigra evolving exofocal post-ischemic neuronal death in the rat

NEUROPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2002
Fengyu Zhao
To clarify the morphological characteristics of exofocal post-ischemic neuronal death (EPND) in the substantia nigra (SN), we investigated the course of light- and electron-microscopic changes of the SN of rats subjected to occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) for 1, 2, 4, 7 and 12 days. To assess cellular edema, sequential magnetic resonance (MR) mapping of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the T2 value test was performed. Histological and electron-microscopic examination on day 1 showed dotted chromatin clumps in the nuclei of some neurons and mild swelling of the perivascular endfeet of astrocytes in the ipsilateral SN. On day 2, a few cells of the ipsilateral SN pars reticulata (SNr) revealed key morphological signs of apoptosis , apoptotic body-like condensation and segregation of the chromatin and DNA fragmentation-like nuclear remnants. On day 4, 38% of neurons became swollen (pale neurons) with cytoplasmic microvacuoles, which appeared to originate from rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), mitochondria and Golgi apparatus. Twenty percent of neurons showed massive proliferation of the cisternae of the rER, some of which were fragmented or had lost their normal parallel arrangement. In addition, MR mapping revealed a transient ADC decrease with a T2 increase (signifying a phase of cellular edema), which coordinated with the phase of ultrastructural cellular swelling. Further, the total number of neurons started to decrease gradually, the perivascular endfeet of astrocytes were markedly swollen, and the neuropil became loose on day 4. On day 7, reactive astrocytes and dark neurons occurred most frequently. These results suggest that the EPND in the SN after occlusion of the MCA in adult rats is due to both apoptosis and necrosis, although necrosis seems to be the dominant mechanism of the EPND. However, the morphologic resemblances of EPND to delayed neuronal death suggest these processes have a common pathomechanism. [source]


Immunocytochemical Localization of Caveolin-3 in the Synoviocytes of the Rat Temporomandibular Joint During Development

THE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
Masahiro Niwano
Abstract Caveolins,caveolin-1, -2, -3 (Cav1, 2, 3),are major components of caveolae, which have diverse functions. Our recent study on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) revealed expressions of Cav1 and muscle-specific Cav3 in some synovial fibroblast-like type B cells with well-developed caveolae. However, the involvement of Cav3 expression in the differentiation and maturation of type B cells remains unclear. The present study therefore examined the chronological alterations in the localization of Cav3 in the synovial lining cells of the rat TMJ during postnatal development by immunocytochemical techniques. Observations showed immature type B cells possessed a few caveolae with Cav1 but lacked Cav3 protein at postnatal day 5 (P5). At P14, Cav3-immunopositive type B cells first appeared in the synovial lining layer. They increased in number and immunointensity from P14 to P21 as occlusion became active. In immunoelectron microscopy and double immunolabeling with heat shock protein 25 (Hsp25) and Cav3, coexpressed type B cells developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and numerous caveolae, while the Cav3-immunonegative type B cell with Hsp25 immunoreaction possessed few of these. Results suggest that Cav3 expression, which is closely related to added functional stimuli, reflects the differentiation of the type B synoviocytes. Anat Rec, 291:233,241, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Intraneuronal localization of Nogo-A in the rat

THE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2003
Wei-Lin Jin
Abstract Nogo-A is known to be a myelin-associated protein with strong inhibitory effect on neurite outgrowth and has been considered one of the major factors that hinder fiber regeneration in the central nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated widespread occurrence of nogo-A mRNA and Nogo-A protein in neurons. Our concurrent immunohistochemical study substantiated the widespread distribution of neuronal Nogo-A. The present study was thus focused on its intraneuronal distribution in the central nervous system, using Western blotting, immunohistochemical, and immunogold electron microscopic techniques. Western blotting of the nucleus, cytoplasm, and membrane subcellular fractions of the cerebellum and spinal cord tissues demonstrated that all three fractions contained Nogo-A. Nogo-A immunoreactivity could be identified under confocal microscope in the nucleus, perikayon, and proximal dendrite and along the cell membrane. Under the electron microscope, the perikaryonal Nogo-A immunogold particles were mainly distributed at polyribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting its relationship with translation process. The immunogold particles could also be found beneath or on the plasma membrane. In the nucleus, the Nogo-A immunogold particles were found to be localized at the chromatins of the nucleus, indicating its possible involvement in gene transcription. The presence of Nogo-A in the nucleus was further supported by transfection of COS-7L cells with nogo-A. This study provides the first immunocytochemical evidence for intraneuronal distribution of Nogo-A. Apparently, the significance of Nogo-A in the central nervous system is far more complex than what has been envisioned. J. Comp. Neurol. 458:1,10, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Axonal secretion of reelin by cajal-retzius cells: Evidence from comparison of normal and RelnOrl mutant mice

THE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2001
Paul Derer
Abstract A novel secretory pathway has been identified in the study of mice homozygous for the RelnOrl mutation, a line characterised by the defective secretion of the large extracellular matrix glycoprotein Reelin. By using both light and electron microscopy, immunohistochemical studies for Reelin in these mutants identified morphological changes in their Cajal-Retzius cells (CR cells). The CR cells of the mutant displayed the characteristic features of bipolar, tangentially elongated neurons with a dendritic proximal pole and an axonal cone at the opposite end of the soma. At either pole, cisterns of prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) were found to be rich in Reelin. However, the Reelin-positive RER cisterns of the axonal cones were hugely dilated in homozygous RelnOrl mice as compared with their wild type counterparts. CR cell axons displayed beads throughout their length, each contained a smooth spheroidal cistern filled with Reelin-immunoreactive fibrillar material, and were increased in number and size in RelnOrl mice. RER phenotype was rescued in the RelnAlb2 mice, a mutation in which no Reelin protein is produced. We propose that the RER dilations viewed in the RelnOrl mutation are due to the accumulation of the defective Reelin protein, and the large axonal beads in RelnOrl mice reflect the accumulation of truncated Reelin as the result of defects in its secretion. These observations point to an original, hitherto unrecognised, mechanism of secretion by bulk transport in smooth cisterns from the axonal cone into the axon, followed by secretion in the cortical marginal zone from the axonal cisterns that we have named axonal reelin reservoirs. J. Comp. Neurol. 440:136,143, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


BK Polyoma Virus Allograft Nephropathy: Ultrastructural Features from Viral Cell Entry to Lysis

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 11 2003
Cinthia B Drachenberg
BK virions must enter the host cell and target their genome to the nucleus in order to complete their life cycle. The mechanisms by which the virions accomplish these tasks are not known. In this morphological study we found that BK virions localized beneath the host cell cytoplasmic membrane in 60,70-nm, smooth (non-coated) monopinocytotic vesicles similar to, or consistent with, caveolae. In the cytoplasm, the monopinocytotic vesicles carrying virions appeared to fuse with a system of smooth, vesicles and tubules that communicated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and was continuous with the Golgi system. Membrane-bound single virions and large tubulo-reticular complexes loaded with virions accumulated in paranuclear locations. Occasional nuclei displayed virions within the perinuclear cisterna in association to the perinuclear viral accumulations. Tubular cells with mature productive infection had large nuclei, distended by daughter virions, whereas they lacked significant numbers of cytoplasmic virions. In addition to virally induced cell necrosis, there was extensive tubular cell damage (apoptosis and necrosis) in morphologically non-infected tubules. The observed ultrastructural interactions between the BK virions and host cells are remarkably similar to viral cell entry and nuclear targeting described for SV40 virus. [source]


Morphological Analysis of the Lung of Neonatal Yak

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2 2010
B. Yang
Summary With 20 figures and 5 tables Although yaks play an important role as companion or pack and draught animals on Chinese plateaus in alpine and sub-alpine regions, morphological studies and anatomical data on the lung of yak are sparse. To provide anatomical descriptions and morphometric data, 10 one-day-old yaks were examined by means of dissection, light and electron microscopy. The measurements of lung were made on dissected specimens and histological sections. Unequal dichotomous branching was demonstrated in the dissected tracheobronchial tree. The diameters of bronchial airways and height of epithelium were measured, and showed that the variation of diameters in airways was always greater than that of height of epithelium. In addition, the thickness of muscularis, cartilage and adventitia was examined, as well as the number of goblet and Clara cells in airways. Ultrastructural studies showed that the surface epithelium was mainly composed of goblet, ciliated, Clara and basal cells, similar to that in other domestic animals. Under electron microscope, two distinctive types of ciliated cells could be seen in the tracheobronchial epithelium. The first type contained some mitochondria, distended smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), little rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and numerous vacuoles in electron-lucent cytoplasm. The second type had dense cytoplasm with abundant mitochondria, RER and no vacuoles. Both types were rich of glycogen granules. The goblet cells in neonatal yak lung had the following characteristic features: dentate nucleus in dense cytoplasm, with stacks of RER and numerous dense membrane-bounded mucous droplets, which were round or oval, often with an electron-lucent core. The droplets were not confluent. Glycogen granules were numerous, and Golgi complex was occasionally present. Clara cells were dome-shaped and usually protruded into the airway lumen. Large amounts of SER and many secretory droplets were found within the cytoplasm. Several typical ,clefts' were also found in the cytoplasm. [source]


Light and Electron Microscope Studies on the Nasopharynx and Nasopharyngeal Tonsil of the Horse

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2 2001
P Kumar
Light and electron microscope studies were conducted on the nasopharynx and the nasopharyngeal tonsil of 15 young horses. The nasopharynx and nasopharyngeal tonsil was lined with pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium and goblet cells. The lymphoepithelium of the nasopharyngeal tonsil was folded forming crypts, the mucosa of which was modified into follicle associated epithelium characterized by stratified cuboidal epithelium, loss of cilia, absence of goblet cells and infiltration of lymphocytes. The lamina propria mucosae of the nasopharyngeal tonsil contained well-developed lymphoid tissue and clusters of seromucus acini. Scanning electron-microscopy revealed a dense mat of cilia covering the nasopharynx and nasopharyngeal tonsil. The follicle-associated epithelium consisted of different populations of microvillus cells in addition to M cells with very short microvilli and a few squamous and intermediate cells. Microvillus cells in the deeper part of the FAE had larger microvilli and their cytoplasm contained a dense population of mitochondria, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes and lysosomes. The flat surfaced M cell had a more electron-dense cytoplasm and contained small supranuclear vacuoles in addition to the organelles seen in microvillus cells. [source]


Light and Electron Microscopic Study of the Thyroid Gland of the Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 6 2000
E. M. Abdel-Magied
The thyroid gland of sexually immature dromedary camels was studied using both light and electron microscopy. The thyroid gland contained follicles of different sizes in both summer and winter. However, most of the follicles were large in summer and small in winter. The large follicles were lined by very low cuboidal or semi-squamous follicular cells whereas the small ones were lined by high cuboidal or low columnar follicular cells. Electron microscopy showed that the very low cuboidal follicular cells were poor in organelles and were considered hypoactive. High cuboidal follicular cells on the other hand, were rich in organelles that included mitochondria, cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, secretory vesicles, colloid droplets, heterosomes and autophagic vacuoles; they were considered to be very active. The possible role played by these organelles in synthesis of thyroglobulin and liberation of tri- and tetraiodothyronine is discussed. A few degenerate follicular cells were infrequently encountered in the camel thyroid. Parafollicular (C) cells were not seen in this study either with light or electron microscopy. [source]


Fine Structure of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium, Bruch's Membrane and Choriocapillaris in the Horse

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 3 2000
H. Altunay
Summary The fine structure of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch's membrane and choriocapillaris was investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy in both the tapetal and non-tapetal fundus of the horse eye. In all locations, the RPE consisted of a single layer of low cuboidal cells. The epithelial cells were joined laterally by apically located tight junctions. These cells displayed numerous basal infoldings and abundant thin apical processes which enclosed the rod outer segments. The epithelial cell nuclei were large and located basally. Within the epithelial cells, smooth endoplasmic reticulum was very abundant, while rough endoplasmic reticulum was scarce. polysomes and mitochondria, which often display a ring-shaped struccture, were abundant. Melanosomes were abundant in the non-tapetal area but absent in the tapetal area. Bruch's membrane was pentalaminate throughout the retina. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris was heavily fenestrated. [source]


Primary hepatic clear cell myomelanocytic tumor,

APMIS, Issue 12 2007
Case report, review of the literature
A case of hepatic clear cell myomelanocytic tumor in a 31-year-old woman presenting clinically with abdominal pain is reported. Histopathologic examination showed a lesion characterized by a population of large epithelioid cells with clear or eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, rich in glycogen. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for HMB-45, Melan-A and muscle-specific actin, but negative for epithelial markers, desmin, S-100 protein, and neuroendocrine markers. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells had abundant glycogen, well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, microtubules and aberrant melanosomes. Clinical and pathologic features with a brief review of the relevant literature for hepatic CCMMT as a variant of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) are discussed. [source]


Protein transport into the rough endoplasmic reticulum,

BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION, Issue 2 2004
Joszef Szeberenyi
Terms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test: in vitro protein synthesis, endoplasmic reticulum, [35S]methionine labeling, ribosomes, aminoacyl-tRNA synthase, microsomes, signal recognition particle (SRP),, SRP receptor, protease, detergent, SDS-PAGE, autoradiography, protein glycosylation, peptidyl transferase, protein kinases, signal peptide, signal peptidase. [source]