Application of video EM and image processing for evaluation of barrier tissues endocrine activity after environmental chemical exposure

Abstract

Biotesting procedure of new environmental chemicals is unavoidable within framework of environmental medicine and public health. Micrographs in transmission electron microscopy are indispensable for evaluation of fine details of ultrastructure of diffuse endocrine system cells located in barrier epithelial tissues of gastrointestinal tract. At the same time it is insufficient to obtain integrated image and tissue functional activity analysis. Videoprocessed electron microscopy provides for full section (s) visual information and is applicable in environmental medicine.Wistar rats 250-280 gr b.w. had been once tube fed with 0.1 DL50 solution of piperasin derivative herbicide saprol (Celamerck, FRG) and investigated 15 min., 4 h and 24 h after treatment. Vertical samples of pyloric mucosa were prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Separate types of gastric endocrine cells had been verified ultrastructurally from micrographs according to lausanne (1981) Enteroendocrine Cells Classification. TEM image had been videoprojected to the monitor and computer processed to obtain distinct electron optical density, maturity level and number of secretory granules within 1 sq mkm of endocrine cell cytoplasma. Granules size (nm) frequency distribution histograms provided as well.