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Ventricular Cavity (ventricular + cavity)
Selected AbstractsAquaporin 4 changes in rat brain with severe hydrocephalusEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 11 2006Xiaoyan Mao Abstract Hydrocephalus is characterized by impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow with enlargement of the ventricular cavities of the brain and progressive damage to surrounding tissue. Bulk water movement is altered in these brains. We hypothesized that increased expression of aquaporins, which are water-permeable channel proteins, would occur in these brains to facilitate water shifts. We used quantitative (real-time) RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to evaluate the brain expression of aquaporins (AQP) 1, 4, and 9 mRNA and protein in Sprague,Dawley rats rendered hydrocephalic by injection of kaolin into cistern magna. AQP4 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in parietal cerebrum and hippocampus 4 weeks and 9 months after induction of hydrocephalus (P < 0.05). Although Western blot analysis showed no significant change, there was more intense perivascular AQP4 immunoreactivity in cerebrum of hydrocephalic brains at 3,4 weeks after induction. We did not detect mRNA or protein changes in AQP1 (located in choroid plexus) or AQP9 (located in select neuron populations). Kir4.1, a potassium channel protein linked to water flux, exhibited enhanced immunoreactivity in the cerebral cortex of hydrocephalic rats; the perineuronal distribution was entirely different from that of AQP4. These results suggest that brain AQP4 up-regulation might be a compensatory response to maintain water homeostasis in hydrocephalus. [source] Structural and Functional Features of Choroid Epithelium from Buffalo BrainTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 11 2007Gaetano Scala Abstract Choroid plexuses (CPs) play pivotal roles in many processes that establish, survey, and maintain the biochemical and cellular status of the central nervous system (CNS). Changes in the anatomy and physiology of CPs have been linked to several CNS diseases. However, CP structure and function are not definitely known. Here, we report structural and functional features of choroid epithelium from buffalo brain never described before. Mixed with common epithelial cells, two novel cell types were identified by scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The first peculiar cells showed a globular apical portion projecting into the ventricular cavities, and a basal peduncle in direct contact with blood capillaries underlying the epithelium. The second type of cells resulted to be formed by a globular body from which depart numerous processes; these cells, localized deeply in the choroid epithelium, strictly contact neighboring epithelial cells. No synaptic contacts were detected between these cell populations and common epithelial cells. To gain some insight into the functional properties of choroid cells, NADPH diaphorase (NADPHd) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activities were evaluated. Of interest, whereas a strong NADPHd activity was detected in all cell types of choroid epithelium, nNOS was only detected in the first type of peculiar cells. The presence of nNOS in the CPs was confirmed by Western blotting. These results suggest that nitric oxide may serve as a signal for the regulation of CP multiple functions. Anat Rec, 290:1399,1412, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Normal Development of the Muscular Region of the Interventricular Septum.ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 3 2009Summary In a first paper, we concluded that the muscular region of the interventricular septum is developed by the trabecular branches and showed evidence that the developing interventricular septum elongates in a direction opposite to that of atria. Nevertheless, to date the literature is lacking precise information on the importance of myocardial proliferation not only in this process but also in the morphogenesis of the ventricular cavities. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of high-intensity foci of cycling myocytes in the ventricular region of the heart of chicken embryos during cardiac septation. Histological studies, detection of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen by light and confocal microscopy and flow cytometric analysis were carried out. The results corroborate that the developing interventricular septum grows in a direction opposite to that of atria. A remoulding mechanism that results in fenestrated trabecular sheets and trabecular branching is discussed. Our findings allowed us to summarize the normal morphogenesis of the muscular region of the interventricular septum in a way that is different from that suggested by other researchers. [source] Regional Analysis of the Ependyma of the Third Ventricle of Rat by Light and Electron MicroscopyANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 1 2008T. C. Mathew Summary Ependymal lining of cerebral ventricles lies at the interface between the ventricular cavities and the brain parenchyma. Ependymal cells are involved in various functions within the brain and play a major role in the production of the chemical principals of the cerebrospinal fluid. Histological studies on the regional variation of the third ventricular ependyma and the subependyma of adult rats were carried out by light and electron microscopic methods. For light microscopic analysis, methacrylate sections were used. In addition to the routine haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining for histological studies, the sections were stained with toluidine blue, cresyl violet and periodic acid Schiff's reagent (PAS). A regional analysis of the ependyma of the third ventricle showed that in most regions the ependyma was monolayered. The sidewalls and floor of the ventral portion of the third ventricle showed a multilayered ependyma. For descriptive purposes at the light microscopic level, the ependymal cells were classified, based on the cell shape (flat, cuboidal or columnar), presence or absence of cilia and the number of cytoplasmic granules present in the cells. Studies of transmission electron microscope have shown that these granules represent the cell organelles of the ependyma. The subependyma also showed a regional morphological variation, and, in most instances, contained glial and neuronal elements. In regions of specific brain nuclei, neurons were the major cell type of the subependyma. PAS staining did not show any positive granules in the ependymal cytosol. Characteristic supraependymal elements were present at the ependymal surface of the third ventricle. [source] A Different Intracardiac Mass: Retained SpongeECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2006Yildirim Imren M.D. We report a case involving a surgical sponge retained following an aortic valve replacement. The surgical sponge was placed into the left ventricle to protect calcified debris from falling down into the left ventricular cavity. However, the sponge was forgotten and left inside the patient. We identified the retained surgical sponge by transesophageal echocardiography, which was performed because of a difficulty in weaning the patient from the cardiopulmonary bypass. [source] "Hands-Free" Continuous Transthoracic Monitoring of Pericardiocentesis Using a Novel Ultrasound TransducerECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2003F.R.C.P., P.A.N. Chandraratna Background: Pericardiocentesis can be monitored with a hand-held transducer. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of monitoring pericardiocentesis using a novel ultrasound transducer, which can be attached to the chest wall, developed in our laboratory (CONTISON). Methods: We studied nine patients with large pericardial effusions. The 2.5-MHz transducer is spherical in its distal part and mounted in an external housing to permit steering in 360 degrees. The external housing is attached to the chest wall using an adhesive patch. The CONTISON transducer was placed at the cardiac apex and an apical four-chamber view obtained. Pericardiocentesis was performed from the subcostal position. The pericardial effusion was continuously imaged. Mitral inflow velocity signals were recorded before and after pericardiocentesis. When fluid was first obtained, 50 mL of fluid were discarded after which 5 mL of agitated saline was injected through the needle. Results: In the first patient the pericardiocentesis needle was seen in the left ventricular cavity. Saline injection produced a contrast effect in the left ventricle. The needle was gradually withdrawn until contrast was seen in the pericardial sac. A total of 1100 mL was removed without further complications. The second patient had clear fluid followed by blood stained aspirate. The echocardiogram revealed gradual appearance of granular echoes within the pericardial sac, suggestive of intrapericardial clot that was subsequently surgically evacuated. In the remaining seven patients, agitated saline produced a contrast effect in the pericardial sac indicative of proper needle position. Mitral flow velocity paradoxus was noted in five patients, and it resolved after pericardiocentesis in four patients. No adjustment of the transducer was required. Conclusion: The CONTISON transducer permitted continuous monitoring of pericardiocentesis. This technique could potentially facilitate pericardiocentesis. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 20, August 2003) [source] Digital Analysis of Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography: A Clinical Study Using an Air-Filled Agent in Normal SubjectsECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2000EDWARD A. GEISER M.D., F.A.C.C. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether direct digital image analysis would allow improved detection of myocardial contrast. Eighteen normal subjects were recruited and separated into two groups. In group 1, the time-brightness curves of the left ventricular cavity and three myocardial perfusion beds were formed from digitized video tape, with output power and imaging time as secondary variables. In group 2, curves constructed from direct polar digital data were compared, with fundamental and second harmonic image formation as variables. In group 1 subjects, using fundamental imaging, the area under the curve in the left ventricular cavity increased slightly with intermittent imaging. No consistent myocardial opacification was identified. In group 2 subjects, using intermittent imaging, the area under the myocardial curve and peak intensity increased with high output second harmonic imaging in the left anterior descending and right coronary artery regions. Intermittent, second harmonic imaging and digital processing can demonstrate myocardial contrast even with an air-filled agent. [source] Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the elderlyGERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2010Toru Kubo Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a relatively common genetic cardiac disorder with heterogeneous morphological, functional and clinical features. Although the risk of sudden death and incapacitating symptoms in young patients has been focused upon, the disease has been found with increasing frequency in elderly patients. However, there have been few studies on clinical features of HCM in the elderly. We established a cardiomyopathy registration study in Kochi Prefecture, which is one of the most aged communities in Japan, to provide detailed descriptions of the clinical features of HCM in a community-based patient cohort. The unselected regional HCM population consisted largely of elderly patients (70% of the study cohort being ,60 years of age at registration), although HCM has been regarded largely as a disease of the young. Cardiac hypertrophy that becomes clinically apparent late in life can be a genetic disorder, and mutations in the cardiac myosin-binding protein C gene are the most common cause of late-onset or elderly HCM. In the morphological features, sarcomere gene defects seem to have a predilection for a crescent-shaped left ventricular cavity with reversed septal curvature even in elderly patients, although an ovoid left ventricular shape was frequently seen in elderly patients in previous clinical studies on morphological characteristics of HCM. In middle-aged or elderly patients with HCM, heart failure and embolic events, which were strongly associated with atrial fibrillation, were very important. It is important to manage HCM patients from the standpoint of longitudinal evolution in order to prevent those clinical complications. [source] Rapid cine MRI of the human heart using reconstruction by estimation of lines and inhibition of fold-inMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 5 2002Wolfgang G. Rehwald Abstract A fast imaging method is described that yields an approximately six-fold acquisition time reduction relative to conventional techniques. The method involves: 1) acquisition of every sixth k -space line; 2) shifting of acquired k -space lines between odd and even frames; and 3) a single-frame correction image. Reconstruction is achieved by temporal interpolation for k -space lines not acquired combined with subtraction of stationary fold-in artifacts. Seven patients with heart disease and one volunteer were evaluated. SNR was measured in myocardium and the ventricular cavity for both the conventional and new technique. The method is best suited for fast imaging of moving objects confined to a small region within a larger stationary object, such as the heart within the thoracic cavity. It can be implemented in cine and functional imaging sequences and, in principle, in perfusion sequences. Magn Reson Med 47:844,849, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Prenatal diagnosis of ventricular aneurysm: a report of two cases and a reviewPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 2 2002Salvatore Pipitone Abstract Ventricular aneurysms have rarely been reported prenatally. Their prognosis is variable depending on factors such as early detection, their relative size in comparison to the ventricular cavity, growth on follow-up, and signs of cardiac failure. In view of the fact that it may be useful to report on additional cases in order to make available further information on aetiology, prognosis and neonatal management, we hereby report on two cases of ventricular aneurysm with good mid-term prognosis. One case of apical aneurysm of the left ventricle was associated with a muscular ventricular septal defect, the features of which are compatible with a fetal myocardial infarction and ventricular septal rupture in absence of coronary artery anomalies as demonstrated by catheterisation. Another case of sub-tricuspidal aneurysm of the right ventricle associated with mitral prolapse appears to be a component of diffuse connective dysplasia. Despite the early gestational age at diagnosis, the large size of the aneurysm and the associated defect, both the infants were asymptomatic in infancy prompting a conservative management. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Retroviral vector-producing mesenchymal stem cells for targeted suicide cancer gene therapyTHE JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009Ryosuke Uchibori Abstract Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising vehicle for targeted cancer gene therapy because of their potential of tumor tropism. For efficient therapeutic application, we developed retroviral vector-producing MSCs that enhance tumor transduction via progeny vector production. Methods Rat bone marrow-derived MSCs were nucleofected with the proviral plasmids (vesicular stomatitis virus-G protein-pseudotyped retroviral vector components) (VP-MSCs) or pLTR plasmid alone (non-VP-MSCs). The luciferase-based in vivo imaging system was used to assess gene expression periodically. To evaluate the anticancer effects, we administered MSCs expressing herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV- tk) into the left ventricular cavity of nude mice engrafted with 9L glioma cells subcutaneously. Results In vivo imaging revealed that administration of luciferase-expressing non-VP-MSCs enhanced the bioluminescence signal at the inoculation sites of 9L cells, whereas no accumulation was observed in mice at the site of the control Rat-1 fibroblasts. Compared to non-VP-MSCs, the administration of VP-MSCs resulted in significant augmentation of the signal with an increase in transgene copy number. Immunohistochemical analysis showed marked luciferase expression at the tumor periphery in mice injected with VP-MSCs, whereas little expression was detected in those injected with non-VP-MSCs. Under the continuous infusion of ganciclovir, systemic administration of VP-MSCs expressing HSV- tk suppressed tumor growth more effectively than non-VP-MSC administration, whereas no anticancer effect was observed without ganciclovir treatment. Furthermore, VP-MSC administration caused no transgene transduction in the normal tissues and organs. Conclusions VP-MSCs accumulated at the site of tumors after intravascular injection in tumor-bearing mice, followed by in situ gene transfer to tumors without transduction of normal organs. When applied to the HSV- tk/ganciclovir suicide gene therapy, more efficient tumor growth suppression was observed using VP-MSCs compared to non-VP-MSCs. This VP-MSC-based system has great potential for improved cancer gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||