Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Tissue Components (tissue + component)
Kinds of Tissue Components Selected AbstractsPerinatal development of the rat kidney: Apoptosis and epidermal growth factorCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 3 2003Toshiya Okada ABSTRACT, Localization of apoptotic cells in the kidney of perinatal rats was examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase,mediated d,UTP,biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method and electron microscopy. Perinatal changes in the percentage of kidney cells with DNA fragmentation were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Through observation of two successive sections, the relationship between the localization of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive cells and TUNEL positive cells in the kidney was determined. From fetal day 18 to neonatal day 5, TUNEL positive cells were noted in immature glomeruli, collecting ducts and interstitium. Electron microscopically, chromatin condensed nuclei and apoptotic bodies were seen in the same tissue component as the TUNEL positive cells. The percentage of DNA fragmented cells significantly increased from fetal days 18 to 20 and significantly decreased from fetal days 20 to 22, while they still remained low in the neonatal period. The TUNEL positive cells in immature glomeruli and collecting ducts were not reactive to the EGFR antibody. The TUNEL positive cells were not observed in the proximal tubular cells, which were positive to EGFR antibody. These results indicate that apoptotic cells are present in the kidney throughout the perinatal period in the rat and that EGF plays an important role in perinatal development of the rat kidney. [source] Calcifying epithelial odontogenic (Pindborg) tumor with malignant transformation and metastatic spreadHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 8 2001Michael J. Veness MB Abstract Background Pindborg tumors (calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors) are uncommon neoplasms of odontogenic origin most often located in the posterior mandible. First described in detail in 1955 by Pindborg, these tumors are considered benign but can be locally aggressive in nature, with recurrence rates of 10% to 15% reported. The malignant form of this tumor is exceedingly rare. Methods We describe the case of a 64-year-old woman initially treated for a painful infected left mandibular third molar. The patient underwent extraction of the tooth and excision of an associated soft tissue component. Subsequent histologic review identified a Pindborg tumor of the left posterior mandible. Results After initial excision, this tumor recurred twice, with the recurrences exhibiting a progression to a malignant Pindborg tumor (odontogenic carcinoma) with vascular invasion and spread to a cervical lymph node. Further treatment involved radical surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. At last review 12 months after treatment, the patient was disease free. Conclusions This article describes only the second case of odontogenic carcinoma. The transformation from benign to malignant histologic findings has not previously been documented in this tumor. The salient clinical features of this case are presented along with supportive pathologic and radiologic evidence. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 692,696, 2001. [source] Stereological measurement of porto-central gradients in gene expression in mouse liverHEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2004Jan M. Ruijter The liver is thought to consist of lobules, numerous repeating, randomly oriented units. Within these lobules, genes are expressed in gradients along the porto-central axis, which spans the distance between portal and central veins. We have developed a robust stereological method to map all points in an image to their position on this porto-central axis. This approach is based on the distribution of well-characterized periportal and pericentral enzymes, which are visualized on sections preceding and following the section of interest. Because expression of the model genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and ornithine aminotransferase declines gradually with increasing distance from the portal vein and central vein, respectively, these genes can be used to prepare images with topographical information without any assumption about the shape of the hepatic unit, or about the direction or shape of the gradient to be determined. The "relative distance" image is a 2-dimensional image that accurately maps the relative position of hepatocytes on the porto-central axis in 3-dimensional space. It is superimposed on the serial section under investigation to relate local staining density to position on the porto-central axis and obtain the gene expression gradient. The method was used to determine the expression gradient of 2 periportal and 2 pericentral enzymes and their response to fasting. The "total distance" image was used to measure the length of the porto-central axis, which was approximately 210 ,m in mice and found to decrease 13% after 1 day of starvation. The method can be applied to any tissue component that can be stained quantitatively. (HEPATOLOGY 2004;39:343,352.) [source] Immediate implants at fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in the beagle dog comparing four different implant systems.JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 8 2010Soft tissue findings de Sanctis M, Vignoletti F, Discepoli N, Muñoz F, Sanz M. Immediate implants at fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in the beagle dog comparing four different implant systems. Soft tissue findings. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 769-776 doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2010.01570.x. Abstract Objectives: To evaluate whether different implants placed immediately upon tooth extraction may affect the dimension and composition of the peri-implant soft tissues. Material and Methods: Eight beagle dogs received implants randomly installed into the distal socket of 3P3 and 4P4. Four commercially available implant systems were evaluated: 3i Osseotite Certain straight; Astra MicroThreadÔ -OsseoSpeedÔ; Thommen SPI Element®; and Straumann ITI standard. Each animal provided four test implant sites. All animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after implant placement, providing specimens for the evaluation of the soft tissue dimensions by histometric analysis. Results: The biological width at 6 weeks after implant placement consisted of a junctional epithelium measuring between 2 and 2.7 mm and a connective tissue component between 1 and 1.8 mm with no statistical differences among the four implant systems. Conclusion: This study failed to demonstrate differences in the soft tissue healing outcome when placing four different implant systems into fresh extraction sockets. Nevertheless, the length of the epithelium achieved with the four implant systems is longer than what has been reported when placing implants in healed-ridge experimental models. [source] Vascular endothelial growth factor in edematous mouse embryos induced by retinoic acid in uteroCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 2 2001Yoshiko Yasuda ABSTRACT, Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is induced by hypoxic environment and contributes to vascular formation in both developing embryos and adults. Exogenous retinoic acid (RA) induces avascular yolk sacs with anemic stunted embryos of day 9 and 10 of gestation when RA is given to pregnant mice on day 6, 6.5 or 7 of pregnancy (Yasuda et al., 1996). We undertook the present studies to find out whether VEGF is activated and plays any role in those RA-exposed embryos. Embryos were obtained from dams given 60 mg/kg of RA on day 6 or 7 of pregnancy and sacrificed three days later. Most RA-exposed embryos showed edematous swelling without prominent vascular nets, but had beating heart tubes on day 9 and day 10 of gestation. Microscopic examination of developing tissue components showed various degrees of degeneration, and distension of the dorsal aorta when the body cavity was dosed. Northern blot analysis revealed expression of VEGF mRNA in the RA-exposed and control embryos. The highest expression of VEGF mRNA was seen in the embryos of day 10 exposed to RA on day 7, and these embryos had a significantly lower ATP content than did the controls (p < 0.01). Immunoreactive VEGF was detectable in both experimental and control embryos; in the former it was especially visible in the distended neuroepithelium, endothelium and membranes. These VEGF-immunoreactive regions also expressed another permeability factor, bradykinin. These findings suggest that VEGF upregulated by hypoxic conditions in edematous embryos induced by RA exposure in utero acts as hyperpermeability. [source] Is my antibody-staining specific?EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2008How to deal with pitfalls of immunohistochemistry Abstract Immunohistochemistry is a sensitive and versatile method widely used to investigate the cyto- and chemoarchitecture of the brain. It is based on the high affinity and selectivity of antibodies for a single epitope. However, it is now recognized that the specificity of antibodies needs to be tested in control experiments to avoid false-positive results due to non-specific binding to tissue components or recognition of epitopes shared by several molecules. This ,Technical Spotlight' discusses other pitfalls, which are often overlooked, although they can strongly influence the outcome of immunohistochemical experiments. It also recapitulates the minimal set of information that should be provided in scientific publications to allow proper evaluation and replication of immunohistochemical experiments. In particular, tissue fixation and processing can have a strong impact on antigenicity by producing conformational changes to the epitopes, limiting their accessibility (epitope masking) or generating high non-specific background. These effects are illustrated for an immunoperoxidase staining experiment with three antibodies differing in susceptibility to fixation, using tissue from mice processed under identical conditions, except for slight variations in tissue fixation. In these examples, specific immunostaining can be abolished depending on fixation strength, or detected only after prolonged postfixation. As a consequence, antibody characterization in immunohistochemistry should include their susceptibility towards fixation and determination of the optimal conditions for their use. [source] Vascular alterations in the rabbit patellar tendon after surgical incisionJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 5 2001M. R. DOSCHAK Open incision of the patellar tendon (PT) is thought to promote acute vascular responses which ultimately result in an enhanced degree of tendon repair. Such a clinical procedure is commonly applied to patients with refractory tendinitis. The objective of this study was to quantify the vascular adaptations (both anatomical and physiological) to longitudinal incision of the PT, and the resultant effects on tendon organisation. Fifty-four New Zealand White rabbits were separated into 3 experimental groups and 2 control groups. Experimental groups underwent surgical incision of the right PT, and were assessed 3 d, 10 d and 42 d following injury; normal unoperated controls were evaluated at time zero, and sham-operated controls were evaluated at 3 d to control for the effects of incising the overlying skin. Quantitative measures of PT blood supply (blood flow, microvascular volume) and geometric properties of PT substance were obtained for each PT. Histomorphology was assessed to evaluate vascular remodelling and matrix organisation in the healing PT. Longitudinal open incision surgery of the PT led to rapid increases in both blood flow and vascular volume. The incision of overlying tissues alone (sham-operated) contributed to this measurable increase, and accounted for 36% and 42% of the elevated blood flow and vascular volume respectively at the 3 d interval. In the incised PT, blood flow significantly increased by 3 d compared with both time zero and sham-operated controls, and remained significantly elevated at the 10 d interval. Similarly, vascular volume of the incised PT increased at 3 d compared both with time zero and sham-operated controls. At the 10 d interval, the increase in vascular volume was greatest in the central PT substance. By 42 d both blood flow and vascular volume of the incised tendon had diminished, with only blood flow remaining significantly different from controls. In the contralateral limb, a significant neurogenically mediated vasodilation was measured in the contralateral PTs at both early time intervals, but was not seen by the later 42 d interval. With respect to PT geometric properties in the experimental animals, a larger PT results as the tendon matrix and blood vessels remodel. PT cross-sectional area increased rapidly by 3 d to 1·3 times control values, and remained significantly elevated at 42 d postinjury. Morphological assessments demonstrated the disruption of matrix organisation by vascular and soft tissue components associated with the longitudinal incisions. Substantial changes in matrix organisation persisted at 42 d after surgery. These findings suggest that open longitudinal incision of the PT increases the vascular supply to deep tendon early after injury. These changes probably arise through both vasomotor and angiogenic activity in the tissue. Since PT blood flow and vascular volume return towards control levels after 6 wk but structural features remain disorganised, we propose that vascular remodelling is more rapid and complete than matrix remodelling after surgical incision of the PT. [source] IMMEDIATE LOADING OF IMPLANTS IN THE ESTHETIC ZONEJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 5 2005Saj Jivraj DDS The predictability of dental implants using the traditional Branemark protocol has been well documented. Since its inception, this protocol has been progressively challenged to decrease treatment time, minimize the number of surgical procedures, and maximize esthetic outcomes. Today, in specific clinical situations, implants may be placed and immediately loaded with provisional restorations. Immediate loading in the edentulous mandible has been well documented. There are also good data to show that immediate loading of the edentulous maxilla is also feasible if bone quality is suitable. The focus now has shifted toward immediate loading of implants placed in the esthetic zone. Clinicians have recognized that the challenge of providing anterior tooth replacements is in preserving the hard and soft tissue components that exist around natural teeth. The advantages of immediate restoration are obvious; however, the application of immediate or early load may pose an increased risk of implant failure in single-tooth situations. The prerequisites for achieving and maintaining acceptable results are not fully known. This review examines some of the literature concerning the reliability of early or immediate loading of implants placed in the esthetic zone. [source] Magnetic resonance imaging of entheses using ultrashort TE (UTE) pulse sequencesJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 2 2007Michael Benjamin PhD Abstract The attachment of tendons, ligaments, and joint capsule to bone (entheses) is reviewed and new options for visualizing key components of entheses provided by ultrashort TE (UTE) pulse sequences are described. Many features of entheses are adapted to the dispersion of stress at the boundary between tendons/ligaments and bone. Of particular interest is fibrocartilage, which has mechanical properties different from those of both "pure" tendon/ligament and bone. Features typical of entheses can also be seen at sites where tendons or ligaments are in contact with (but not attached to) bone, and the concept of a "functional enthesis" has been developed to emphasize the similarities. The enthesis concept has also been broadened to include the idea of an "enthesis organ" in which many tissues play a role in dissipating stress concentration. UTE pulse sequences can specifically identify the calcified and uncalcified fibrocartilage tissue components of entheses and differentiate these from fibrous connective tissue and bone. These tissues cannot be separately visualized at entheses with conventional pulse sequences. Entheses are involved in overuse syndromes and seronegative spondyloarthropathies (SpA) and there are important issues related to tissue repair and healing following surgery. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] MRI of bone tumors: Fast STIR imaging as a substitute for T1-weighted contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed spin-echo imagingJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 4 2004Osamu Tokuda MD Abstract Purpose To compare the usefulness of short inversion recovery (STIR) and T1-weighted, contrast-enhanced, fat-suppressed (T1W-CEFS) sequences for the evaluation of bone tumors. Materials and Methods Eighteen patients with 19 bone tumors who underwent both STIR and T1W-CEFS imaging were evaluated. The tumors were categorized in pairs as follows: bone marrow and soft-tissue components, benign and malignant tumors, and tumors with and without mineralization. The signal difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and tumor volume were calculated in each group. An additional qualitative analysis was performed by means of the ratings of imaging contrast. Results The mean SDNRs of all bone marrow components and bone marrow components without mineralization were significantly higher on fast STIR images than on T1W-CEFS images (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean SDNR and SNR of the other group (surrounding soft tissue components, bone marrow components with mineralization, benign and malignant lesions) between fast STIR images and T1W-CEFS images. The mean volume of the tumors was significantly higher with STIR than with the T1W-CEFS sequence (P < 0.05). Conclusion The STIR sequence should be used instead of T1W-CEFS imaging for the evaluation of bone tumors. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:475,481. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Pancreatic Enzymes and Microvascular Cell Activation in Multiorgan FailureMICROCIRCULATION, Issue 1 2001GEERT W. SCHMID-SCHÖNBEIN ABSTRACT Cell activation in the microcirculation leads to an inflammatory cascade and is accompanied by many cardiovascular complications. There is a need to identify the trigger mechanisms that lead to the production of in vivo activating factors. We review here mechanisms for cell activation in the microcirculation and specifically the production of humoral cell activators in physiological shock. The elevated levels of activating factors in plasma could be traced to the action of pancreatic enzymes in the ischemic intestine. New interventions against the production of the activators are proposed. The evidence suggests that pancreatic enzymes in the ischemic intestine may attack several tissue components and generate cellular activators that are associated with multiorgan dysfunction in physiological shock. [source] Computerised morphometric study of the paraurethral tissue in young and elderly womenNEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 6 2002M. Verelst Abstract Aim. Changes in structural support of the urethra and bladder neck have been proposed to be among the most important factors in the pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence. In this context, we histologically investigated the paraurethral area in continent women to quantify the relative distribution of connective tissue, smooth muscle, vessels, nerves, and striated muscle. Previously published literature gives only descriptive evaluations of the relative distribution of these tissue components. Methods. We used a computerised morphometric method, which allowed us to estimate the paraurethral tissue distribution in a more objective way. The material was obtained by dissection during autopsy in five premenopausal and five postmenopausal women. Results. Paraurethral tissue consisted of 56% connective tissue (SD, 5%), 30% smooth muscle (SD, 5%), 11% blood vessel (SD, 6%), 2% striated muscle (SD, 3%), and 1% nerves (SD, 1%). We also found that the distribution of different tissue components along the length of the urethra did not differ at a statistically significant level. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in the amount of connective tissue and blood vessels in the postmenopausal women compared with the premenopausal women. Conclusions. The present study shows that the paraurethral area is built of heterogeneous tissue with small changes in its composition along the course of urethra. Increase in connective tissue was found to be the dominating change in the process of ageing. Neurourol. Urodynam. 21:529,533, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The effect of fetal tracheal occlusion on lung tissue mechanics and tissue composition,PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Jacques C. Jani MD Abstract Fetal tracheal occlusion (TO) is currently used to treat severe cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (DH). Clinical and experimental studies suggest an improved postnatal outcome, but lung tissue mechanics after TO have not been studied. We determined the effect of TO on mechanical impedance and lung tissue components in a rabbit model for DH. At 23 days of gestation (term,=,31 days) either a sham thoracotomy or a diaphragmatic defect was induced. DH fetuses were randomly assigned to undergo 5 days later TO. Fetuses were delivered by term cesarean section to determine lung to body weight ratio (LBWR), dynamic lung mechanics and lung impedance. Airway resistance (Raw), elastance (HL), tissue damping (GL) and hysteresivity (GL/HL) were calculated from impedance data. Collagen I and III and elastin were quantified histologically. LBWR was significantly increased by TO compared to DH (P,<,0.001) and resistance and compliance of the respiratory system (Rrs, Crs) were improved as well. TO resulted in a significant decrease of Raw comparable to observations in sham-fetuses, without effect on lung tissue mechanics HL, GL and hysteresivity. This coincides with a significant decrease of collagen I, III and elastin in comparison to DH fetuses. In this first report on lung tissue mechanics in a rabbit model of DH, TO had a substantial effect on tissue morphology yet this was not mirrored in lung mechanics. We conclude that the effect of TO on lung mechanics without in utero reversal of occlusion, is dominated by airway remodeling. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:112,121. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Position and Histological Structure of the Testes in the Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) during Seasonal Regression and RecrudescenceANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2 2000B. Simeunovi The position and histological structure of the testes of 33 brown hares (Lepus europaeus) were studied from July to December. From July to September, the testes were located in the scrotum; in October and November, in some animals, the testes were positioned more or less in the inguinal canal towards the abdominal cavity, and in December none of the investigated animals had testes located in the scrotum. Testes were weighed and a quantitative analysis of tissue components was performed: the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the depth of the seminiferous epithelium, the thickness of the tunica albuginea, the thickness of the peritubular tissue and the relative proportion of seminiferous tubules were determined. The tunica albuginea and peritubular tissue were thickest in September, October and at the beginning of November. In the same months the testis weight was low, and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the depth of the seminiferous epithelium and the relative proportion of seminiferous tubules in the testis tissue were significantly lower than in other months. We did not find any correlation between testicular regression or testis weight reduction and the change in the position of the testes. During recrudescence of spermatogenesis in November and December the testes were located in the inguinal canal. [source] Natural abundance of 15N and 13C in fish tissues and the use of stable isotopes as dietary protein tracers in rainbow trout and gilthead sea breamAQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 1 2009M. BELTRÁN Abstract For developing efficient diets, two sets of experiments examined whether the use and allocation of dietary protein can be traced by labelling with stable isotopes (15N and 13C) in two culture fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Sparus aurata). In the first experiment, natural abundance and tissue distribution of these isotopes were determined, by measuring the ,13C and ,15N values by isotopic ratio mass spectrometry, in fingerlings (14,17 g) adapted to diets differing in the percentage of fish meal replacement by plant protein sources. For both species, ,15N and ,13C were greater in tissues with higher protein and lower lipid content. Delta 15N of diets and tissues decreased as replacement increased, suggesting ,15N can be used as a marker for dietary protein origin. The 15N fractionation (,15N fish , ,15N diet) differed between groups, and could thus be used to indicate protein catabolism. In the second experiment, fish (75,90 g) of each species ingested a diet enriched with 15N-protein (10 g kg,1 diet) and 13C-protein (30 g kg,1 diet). These proportions were suitable for determining that the delta values of tissue components were high enough above natural levels to allow protein allocation to be traced at 11 and 24 h after feeding, and revealed clear metabolic differences between species. [source] Histopathologic changes at "synovio,entheseal complexes" suggesting a novel mechanism for synovitis in osteoarthritis and spondylarthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 11 2007Michael Benjamin Objective To determine the extent to which different entheses form part of a "synovio,entheseal complex" (SEC) and whether such SECs are commonly associated with the presence of inflammatory cells and evidence of enthesis microdamage. Methods Specimens from 49 cadaveric entheses were processed for histologic study, and all soft tissue components of the entheses or enthesis organs were examined. To exclude articular cartilage degeneration as a triggering factor for synovitis, the selected entheses included 17 that were not immediately adjacent to such cartilage. Results An SEC was present at 82% of entheses. These included 47% of the attachments not adjacent to articular cartilage, where the synovium was that of bursae or tendon sheaths. One or more of a wide variety of degenerative changes were noted on the soft tissue side of every enthesis; the most common changes were cell clustering and/or fissuring (in 76% of entheses). Synovial villus formation or inflammatory cell infiltration was seen in 85% of entheses, and in 73% of attachments there were also inflammatory cells in the enthesis organ itself. The changes included synovial invasion (pannus formation) of the enthesis. Conclusion Entheses are frequently juxtaposed to synovium, thus forming SECs. They are also often associated with both degenerative and inflammatory changes, and the latter may involve the immediately adjacent synovium. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which synovitis could develop in both degenerative joint disease and spondylarthritis. [source] Iron in neuronal function and dysfunctionBIOFACTORS, Issue 2 2010Gabriela A. Salvador Abstract Iron (Fe) is an essential element for many metabolic processes, serving as a cofactor for heme and nonheme proteins. Cellular iron deficiency arrests cell growth and leads to cell death; however, like most transition metals, an excess of intracellular iron is toxic. The ability of Fe to accept and donate electrons can lead to the formation of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, and oxidative damage to tissue components; contributing to disease and, perhaps, aging itself. It has also been suggested that iron-induced oxidative stress can play a key role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Iron progressively accumulates in the brain both during normal aging and neurodegenerative processes. However, iron accumulation occurs without the concomitant increase in tissue ferritin, which could increase the risk of oxidative stress. Moreover, high iron concentrations in the brain have been consistently observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In this regard, metalloneurobiology has become extremely important in understanding the role of iron in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons have developed several protective mechanisms against oxidative stress, among them the activation of cellular signaling pathways. The final response will depend on the identity, intensity, and persistence of the oxidative insult. The characterization of the mechanisms involved in high iron induced in neuronal dysfunction and death is central to understanding the pathology of a number of neurodegenerative disorders. [source] Innervation of the detrusor muscle bundle in neurogenic detrusor overactivityBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 7 2003M.J. Drake OBJECTIVE To evaluate the peripheral anatomical distribution of innervation within muscle bundles of the detrusor and the changes arising in neurogenic detrusor overactivity (DO). PATIENTS AND METHODS Full-thickness samples from the bladder dome of three cadaveric transplant organ donors and four people with neurogenic DO caused by spinal cord injury were compared. Systematic serial cryostat sections were stained using Masson trichrome and elastin techniques, and vimentin immunohistochemistry. A coherent image stack was generated for three-dimensional image reconstructions, which were displayed using mixed rendering (i.e. differing graphics for separate tissue components) to show peri- and intra-bundle innervation against the muscle fascicle framework. RESULTS Control specimens had a dense nerve supply. Muscle bundle innervation was derived by dichotomous branching from peri-bundle nerve trunks in the inter-bundle connective tissue. Transverse interfascicular branches entered bundles perpendicular to the long axis at the midpoint of the bundle. They gave rise to axial interfascicular branches, which distributed to the pre-terminal and terminal nerve fibres. All samples from patients with neurogenic DO had patchy denervation. The primary deficit was predominantly at the level of the terminal axial innervation and was cross-sectionally consistent along the longitudinal axis of the muscle bundle. CONCLUSION Patchy denervation may reflect a deficit at the level of the peripheral ganglia. Any contraction in the areas of denervation either occurs out of co-ordination with the rest of the bladder, or is co-ordinated by means of non-neural structures. The observation of fine muscle strands running between fascicles, and connective tissue anchoring structures, represent two hypothetical mechanisms by which such co-ordination might be effected. [source] Oral cimetidine gives effective symptom relief in painful bladder disease: a prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trialBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2001R. Thilagarajah Objective To evaluate the efficacy of oral cimetidine as a treatment for painful bladder disease (PBD, variously described as a ,symptom complex' of suprapubic pain, frequency, dysuria and nocturia in the absence of overt urine infection) by assessing symptom relief and histological changes in the bladder wall tissue components, compared with placebo. Patients and methods The study comprised 36 patients with PBD enrolled into a double-blind clinical study with two treatment arms, i.e. oral cimetidine or placebo, for a 3-month trial. Patients were asked to complete a symptom questionnaire (maximum score 35), and underwent cystoscopy and bladder biopsy before treatment allocation. On completing treatment the patients were re-evaluated by the questionnaire and biopsy. The symptom scores and bladder mucosal histology were compared before and after treatment, and the results analysed statistically to assess the efficacy of cimetidine. Results Of the 36 patients recruited, 34 (94%) completed the study. Those receiving cimetidine had a significant improvement in symptoms, with median symptom scores decreasing from 19 to 11 (P < 0.001). Suprapubic pain and nocturia decreased markedly (P = 0.009 and 0.006, respectively). However, histologically the bladder mucosa showed no qualitative change in the glycosaminoglycan layer or basement membrane, or in muscle collagen deposition, in either group. The T cell infiltrate was marginally decreased in the cimetidine group (median 203 before and 193 after) and increased in the placebo group (median 243 and 250, P > 0.3 and > 0.2, respectively). Angiogenesis remained relatively unchanged. The incidence of mast cells and B cells was sporadic in both groups. Conclusions Oral cimetidine is very effective in relieving symptoms in patients with PBD but there is no apparent histological change in the bladder mucosa after treatment; the mechanism of symptom relief remains to be elucidated. [source] Three-dimensional and quantitative analysis of atherosclerotic plaque composition by automated differential echogenicityCATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 7 2007Nico Bruining PhD Abstract Objective: To validate automated and quantitative three-dimensional analysis of coronary plaque composition using intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS). Background: ICUS displays different tissue components based on their acoustic properties in 256 grey-levels. We hypothesised that computer-assisted image analysis (differential echogenicity) would permit automated quantification of several tissue components in atherosclerotic plaques. Methods and Results: Ten 40-mm-long left anterior descending specimens were excised during autopsy of which eight could be successfully imaged by ICUS. Histological sections were taken at 5 mm intervals and analyzed. Since most of the plaques were calcified and having a homogeneous appearance, one specimen with a more heterogeneous composition was further examined: at each interval of 5 mm, 15 additional sections (every 100 ,m) were evaluated. Plaques were scored for echogenicity against the adventitia: brighter (hyperechogenic) or less bright (hypoechogenic). Areas of hypoechogenicity correlated with the presence of smooth muscle cells. Areas of hyperechogenicity correlated with presence of collagen, and areas of hyperechogenicity with acoustic shadowing correlated with calcium. None of these comparisons showed statistical significant differences. Conclusion: This ex vivo feasibility study shows that automated three-dimensional differential echogenicity analysis of ICUS images allows identification of different tissue types within atherosclerotic plaques. This technology may play a role as an additional tool in longitudinal studies to trace possible changes in plaque composition. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] 2431: The eyelid margin: an underestimated contributor to ocular surface health and diseaseACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010E KNOP Purpose The eyelid margin is frequently underestimated in the consideration of factors in ocular surface health and disease. Clinically the whole free end of the lid margin is often addressed simply as "margin" without further differentiation. It is attempted to review the structure, embryology and function of the lid margin as well as its involvement in ocular surface pathology. Methods A review based on the available literature on the lid margin is prepared together with own findings on the histology of normal and pathological tissues. Results The human lid margin is divided into distinct zones that consist, coming from the skin side, of a rounded outer lid border, a free lid margin (between the eye lashes and the opening of the meibomian glands), the muco-cutaneous junction and a sharp inner lid border. The embryological development of the eye lids and their tissue components (loose connective tissue, lid muscles, ciliary hairs, Meibomian glands and vascular and neural components) takes place during the period of sealed lids. During this time the development of the Meibomian glands shows considerable similarity to that of the ciliary hairs. The sealing of the mesodermal lid folds and their eventual separation is dependent on several factors that may be involved in pathology. Various disease states, as well as the aging process, can lead to destruction of the lid margin and, conversely, this can lead to deterioration of the cornea and conjunctiva. Conclusion The eyelid margin is an underestimated contributor to ocular surface health and disease. Increased awareness of the anatomy, embryology, physiology and pathophysiology of the lid margin and it tissue components appears important for the preservation of ocular surface integrity. Support DFG KN317/11 [source] | |||||||||||||