Aldehyde Fuchsin Staining Research Articles

Histomorphology of the Beta-Cells and Phytochemical Evaluation of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Africa Star Apple - Chrysophyllum albidum (Sapotaceae)

Objective: Studies have recognized the numerous health benefits of Chrysophyllum albidum. This study examine the phytochemical evaluation of ethanolic leaf extract of C. albidum and its histological effects on the beta-cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
 Method: Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats (170- 200 g) were divided into six (n=7) groups. Groups 1 and 2 were given 10 mL of normal saline; group 3 was given 2 mg/kg of glibenclamide; and groups 4, 5, and 6 were given 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg/ day of C. albidum ethanolic leaf extract, respectively. Except for group 1, animals in groups 2-6 were injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg streptozotocin after 14 days of oral treatment with normal saline, glibenclamide, and extract. For the next 14 days, rats were given normal saline, glibenclamide, and extract. The rats were fasted overnight before sacrifice on day 14; the pancreas was removed under diethyl ether anaesthesia and prepared for histological examination using a modified aldehyde fuchsin staining technique. Standard procedures were used for phytochemical evaluation and proximate analysis.
 Results: It was observed histological that the pancreatic tissues revealed cellular regeneration of the damage beta cells at a doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg/day. Phytochemical screening revealed the following; anthocyanin, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, reducing sugar, and tannins while proximate analysis confirmed that the leaf contained 4.83% moisture, 39.59% crude fibre, 3.35% ash, 2.35% crude fats, 3.21% crude proteins and 46.71% carbohydrate.
 Conclusion: The results shows that C. albidum may possess a strong pharmacological activity owing to its rich phyto- constituents. This may have mediated its antidiabetic action by pancreatic beta cells regeneration. Hence, C. albidum could be a potential drug precursor for management of diabetes.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 01 January’24 Page : 63-73

Histology and histochemistry of the major salivary glands in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor).

This study aimed to investigate the major salivary glands in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) histologically and histochemically. Five adult males were included in this study. The results showed that anatomically the shape of the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands of the Erinaceus concolor was respectively almost pear, elliptical to pyramidal and oval. Histologically, the parotid gland had serous acini and secretory cells showed negative reaction to alcian blue (AB) (pH=2.5) and negative response to aldehyde fuchsin (AF), methylene blue (MB) and PAS stains. The submandibular gland was a mixed gland of mucous and serous acini. The mucous acini were strongly positive for PAS, AB, MB and AF. However, serous acini were week for PAS and negative against AB, MB and AF stains. The sublingual gland was purely composed of mucous acini. The mucous acini of the sublingual gland were strongly positives for PAS, AB and MB methods. While their reaction to the AF staining was negative. In conclusion, the histological and histochemical observations of the major salivary glands of the southern white-breasted hedgehog (E. concolor) indicated that these glands shown similarities and some special different histochemical features as compared to other mammalian species.

Histomorphometrical and histochemical study of the pancreas on the local dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

In the current study, ten adult healthy local dogs of both sexes were used to perform histomorphometrical study on their pancreases. The dog pancreas had an inverted V-shape consisting of left and right lobes joined by a body. The pancreas possesses both exocrine and endocrine parts. The exocrine portion was composed of numerous acini and fewer tubules as well as the duct system. The number, total diameter and cellular height of acini were significantly abundant, larger and taller in the right lobe compared those of the body and left lobe. Furthermore, the number and total diameter of large pancreatic islets were significantly abundant and larger in the left lobe despite with those of the body and right lobe. This result leads to consider the right lobe was a target region for enzymatic secretion, while the left lobe has a specific function for hormonal secretion. According to available literature, no such result and thus conclusion had been reported on dog pancreas previously. In all parts of the pancreas and with aldehyde fuchsin stain, only the large pancreatic islets contained α-, β-, δ-cells as well as non-staining cells. Only, the β-cells occurred as single cells between the pancreatic acini or even within the connective tissue septa. These single cells were more numerous in the left lobe, but they were infrequently located in the body and right lobe.

Neuroendocrine control of cocoon production in native earthworm Perionyx ceylanensis subjected to seasonal variation

Aim: The aim of the present study was to observe the role of cerebral ganglionic neurosecretory cells (NSCs) during cocoon production in native earthworm species Perionyx ceylanensis subjected to amputation and seasonal variations. Methodology: Histological studies (using Aldehyde Fuchsin and Chrome Alum Haematoxylin Phloxin stain) were carried out on brain NSCs in the two groups of earthworms (Group I and Group II) maintained in earthen culture pots (2L) with cowdung as food. Group I comprised of brain amputed earthworms was subjected to observe the role of brain NSCs in production of cocoon and Group II earthworms subjected to seasonal changes in the cerebral NSCs during cocoon production. Five replications were kept for Group I (1 individual per pot) and Group II (1 pair per pot). Results: Group I debrained earthworms started to lay cocoons from the 31st day following regeneration of cerebral ganglionic type A NSCs. In group II worms the highest neurosecretory activity was registered in the cerebral type A cells, especially during monsoon coinciding with the hike of cocoon generation. Interpretation: Appearance of type A NSCs in regenerated brain and peak of type A neurosecretory cell activity during peak reproductive period of earthworm species (as indicated by peak of cocoon production) indicates the possible role of cerebral type A NSCs in cocoon laying.

Evaluating Three Elastic-Fiber Staining Methods for Detecting Visceral Pleural Invasion in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of three combination staining approaches, each composed of pancytokeratin immunostaining with an elastic-fiber staining method of choice, in diagnosing visceral pleural invasion (VPI) in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Tissue samples were resected from 23 lung adenocarcinoma patients, for whom neither hematoxylin and eosin nor Gomori's aldehyde-fuchsin (GAF) staining accurately detected the presence of VPI. Three slices were prepared from each sample and examined by immunohistochemical staining of cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and one of the following methods for elastic-fiber staining, including Victoria blue (VB), GAF, or Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin (WRF). The staining scores and slider view time were compared among the three staining protocols with tumor extension beyond the elastic layer of the visceral pleura as the diagnostic criterion for VPI. Conclusive diagnoses were achieved for all 23 tissue samples stained with VB, 18 with GAF, and 17 with WRF. VB staining was the fastest of the three methods, and produced significantly brighter, clearer color, and better contrast between the elastic fibers and tumor cells, thus facilitating slide review. The combination of VB elastic fiber and cytokeratin AE1/AE3 staining is a user-friendly, fast, and highly effective method that produces bright stains, favorable color contrast against the background, and high tumor localization accuracy. Hence, this method can improve the accuracy of VPI diagnosis and the corresponding staging of lung adenocarcinoma. We recommend the combined use of VB and pancytokeratin immunostaining when VPI is suspected.

Long-term Food Additive Monosodium Glutamate Induces the Differentiation of Pancreatic Adipose Tissue into newly Formed Islets of Langerhans

The aim of this study was to find the effect of long-term food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the tissue of pancreas. For this purpose, two treated groups of adult wistar rats were administered 15 mg/kg body weight for 30 and 75 days respectively. Immediately after sacrificing, specimens of pancreas were collected and fixed. Routine histological processes were carried out to prepare the specimens for light microscopy. Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Gomori aldehyde fuchsin stains were used. The study confirmed that the pancreas had a histological compensatory defense mechanism. In terms of exocrine units, the size of islets of Langerhans were increased due to increase the size of alpha and beta cells and the engorgement of the surrounding blood vessels. The exocrine acini neighboring to islets of Langerhans were engorged with secretion. After 75 days, fusion of some preexisting islets among the exocrine units were recorded. The study firstly focused the light on the pancreatic adipose tissue differentiation to give rise a newly–formed islets of langerhans. The alpha and beta cells of the islets had a well cytological architecture with apparent network of functional blood vessels. Creation of a new generation of beta cells induced by appetizer, may regarded as an important approach in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The study concluded that, in small animals, the endocrine mass of pancreatic islets proportionate with the need of insulin. Moreover, adipose tissue act as endocrine tissue and may secreting the hormone insulin. The study declared a positive relationship between exocrine and endocrine units, when the pancreas was subjected to external stressful factor

The Protective Effects of Cryptochlorogenic Acid on β-Cells Function in Diabetes in vivo and vitro via Inhibition of Ferroptosis.

PurposeMulberry leaf extract has exerted better antidiabetic activities, while the effects of major active components in mulberry leaf extract are still unclear. Cryptochlorogenic acid (CCA) as the major active component in mulberry leaf extracts was investigated herein.Materials and MethodsRats were treated with 50mg/kg streptozotocin for the establishment of diabetic model in vivo, and cells were treated with 33.3 mM glucose for the establishment of cell model in vitro. HE staining assay was performed for observation of pancreatic pathology and aldehyde fuchsin staining assay for examining islet cell numbers. The iron content was detected via Perls staining assay with iron assay kit (ab83366). The malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were detected by corresponding kits. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed for assessment of gene level and Western blot for measurement of protein expression level. The cell survival was detected via CCK-8 assay.ResultsThe blood glucose level, iron content, accumulation of lipid peroxides and islet injury in diabetic model were all improved by CCA via a concentration-dependent manner. CCA functions via inhibition of ferroptosis by activation of cystine/glutamate transporter system (XC−)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)/Nrf2 and inhibition of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) in diabetes.ConclusionCCA exerted excellent antidiabetic effects via inhibition of ferroptosis, so it may be a promising agent for diabetes therapy, providing a new avenue for diabetes treatment.

Treatment of Large Scars in Children Using Artificial Dermis and Scalp Skin Grafting

Large scars formed after burns injury can seriously hamper appearance and function in children. Surgical resection of scars and secondary skin or flap grafting often brings severe damages to donor sites, which may lead to physiological and psychological development disorders in children. Here, we introduce the use of artificial dermis and skin grafts from scalps to treat large scars in children to minimize the donor site morbidity. A retrospective char review was performed including 7 children with large scars between January 2016 and December 2017. First, the scars were resected, and artificial dermis was applied to the secondary wounds. Twelve days later, outer silicone membrane was removed. Another 2 days later, scalp skin grafts of 0.3 mm were transplanted to the wounds. Manchester Scar Scale and Visual Analog Scale were used to evaluate scar appearance before and after the treatment respectively. One special patient with extensive scars was treated twice at an interval of 1 year. The first therapy was performed with both conventional method of resection and skin grafting and the new method described above. In the second therapy, 4 samples were taken from 4 different sites-the normal skin, scars, the skin where artificial dermis and scalp skin grafting were performed, and the skin where only scalp skin grafting was performed. H-E staining, Masson staining, Aldehyde fuchsin staining, and scanning electron microscopy were used for histological observation. All skin grafts survived well. The Manchester Scar Scale score of the graft area was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) after the treatment. Histological examination showed obviously better dermis arrangement where artificial dermis and scalp grafting was performed. The therapy achieves better appearances and minimizes donor site morbidity. It is beneficial to physical and psychological development of children and provides an alternative to treat children with large scars.

Immunohistochemical distribution of insulin-, glucagon- and somatostatin-containing cells in the pancreas of Lake Van fish (Alburnus tarichi Güldenstädt, 1814) (Cyprinidae).

The Lake Van fish (Alburnus tarichi) is a species that is endemic to Turkey’s Lake Van basin. In this study, the regional distribution, volume density, and relative frequency of some pancreatic endocrine cells in Lake Van fish were investigated via immunohistochemistry using specific mammalian antibodies. The pancreatic tissue was observed to be surrounded by adipose tissue, which was adjacent to the gall bladder or extrahepatic bile duct, or dispersed in the adipose tissue ranked among coils of post-esophageal swelling and intestine. The pancreatic endocrine cells were examined, including the islets, exocrine pancreas, and pancreatic ducts. According to the modified aldehyde fuchsin staining and immunohistochemistry, insulin-secreting beta cells were observed to localize throughout the islets. Glucagon immune-reactive (IR) cells were observed to be situated moderately on the islet periphery, and were rarely determined in the islet central region. A small number of somatostatin- IR cells were observed in the islet centers and peripheries. Similar distributions of those three endocrine cells were also determined in the secondary islets. Additionally, the endocrine cell percentages did not differ between the primary and secondary islets; insulin-, glucagon- and somatostatin-IR cells comprised approximately 54%, 29%, and 11% of the endocrine cells in the principal islets, whereas they comprised 52%, 27%, and 14% in the secondary islets, respectively. Insulin-, glucagon- and somatostatin-IR cells were also determined among the epithelium and subepithelial connective tissue in the pancreatic ducts or exocrine areas of the pancreas. With this study, the existence, regional distribution, and relative frequency of the insulin-, glucagon- and somatostatin-IR cells were first investigated in the pancreatic tissue of Lake Van fish and the results were discussed.

Conjunctival myxoid stromal tumour: a distinctive clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study

Background/aimsTo describe the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of 10 patients representing a new entity of benign conjunctival myxoid stromal tumours.MethodsRetrospective review of clinical findings, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies identified 10...

Sequential development of human fetal pancreatic islets of langerhans cells: A histopathological study

Background: Knowledge of normal development pattern of various endocrine cells of the human pancreas is of paramount importance, due to its implication during replacement therapies in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Development related literature of fetal pancreas is scanty due to ethical and technical difficulties to obtain fetuses.Aims and Objectives:Present study was conducted on 49 fetuses from gestational weeks 10 to 40 to obtain the sequential appearance and arrangement of islets of langerhans cells of pancreas.Material and Methods: Forty nine fetuses were collected in formal saline immediately after abortion, medical termination of pregnancy or premature delivery. The fetal pancreas was processed for paraffin blocks. Sections were taken and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin as well as Gomori’s modified Aldehyde Fuchsin stain and observed under light microscope.Results: Islets were initially a small number of cells with Alpha cells, which were seen at 10th week of gestation. Beta cells were identified in the islets of fetuses around 16 weeks of gestation. Delta cells were observed from 17 weeks onwards and islets appeared as a group from the beginning of 19th week.Conclusion: In the present study we observed a sequential development of Alpha, Beta and Delta cells and subsequent grouping of the islets. The exact gestational time of appearance of above islet cells and their encapsulation can add to the existing knowledge data base for successful transplant of pancreas in patients of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(5) 2018 67-72

A preliminary study on the establishment of an animal model of conjunctivochalasis.

To explore a feasible method on the establishment of an animal model of conjunctivochalasis (CCH). Twelve clean-grade New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups (n=3/group): the control group (one received no interventions, and the others underwent subconjunctival injection of sterile water), the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) group (administered subconjunctival injection of MMP-3), the aging group (administered subcutaneous injection of D-galactose), the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) solution group (administered eye drops of TNF-α). Anterior segment photography, conjunctival tissue light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed after 12wk. Among all groups, the MMPs group had the following changes: the looser connection between the inferior bulbar conjunctiva and sclera; the more disordered collagen fibers (Trichrome staining) and the broken elastic fibers (Aldehyde-fuchsin staining); the focal necrosis of fibroblasts (TEM). Administration of MMPs may be a feasible method for the establishment of an animal model of CCH.

Role of DNA methyltransferase 1 in mouse skin aging

To explore the role ofDNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in mouse skin aging. Methods: Epidermal conditional K14 Cre-mediated DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) knockout mice (Mut group, n=4) and the littermate normal mice with the same age (WT group) n=4) were used in this study. HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of skin; the changes of number in the dermal elastic fibers were detected by Gomori aldehyde fuchsin staining, the number of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled transit amplifying cells (TAC) in epidermis were detected by immunohistochemical staining; the number of chlorodeoxyuridine (CldU)-label-retaining cells (LRC) in epidermis were detected by immunofluorescent staining. Results: Compared with the WT group, the skin showed premature aging symptoms in the Mut group concomitant with the decreased epidermal thickness as well as the number of dermal collagen fibers, while the increased dermal elastic fiber fracture. Compared with the WT group, the number of TAC in the epidermis was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the number of LRC was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the Mut group. Conclusion: The phenotype of skin premature aging in epidermal stem cell conditional DNMT1-knockout mice suggests an important role of DNMT1 in skin aging.

Comparative Histomorphology of Endocrine Pancreas in Deccani Sheep and Bidri Goat

The present study was conducted in six adult Deccani sheep and Bidri goats to know the histological structure of endocrine pancreas. Islets were distributed irregularly within the exocrine portion of the gland. The reticular fibers formed a boundary between the endocrine and exocrine portion. The islets were oval, round or irregular in shape and were classified into small, medium and large, based on their size on its long axis. Three types of cells α, β and δ were identified within the islets by special stains like Masson’s trichrome, Modified aldehyde fuchsin stain method and Maldonado’s method.

Functional anatomy of the lacrimal gland in African black ostrich Struthio camelus domesticus in the embryonic and postnatal period.

The aim of the present study was morphological and histochemical analysis of the lacrimal gland (LG) in African black ostrich Struthio camelus domesticus in the embryonic and postnatal period. Studies were conducted on 50 ostriches aged between the 28th day of incubation until 7 months old. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Azan trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue pH 2.5, aldehyde fuchsin and Hale's dialysed iron. The LG in ostrich was classified as a tubulo-acinar type. The primordia of the lobes were determined in the LG structure on the 28th day of incubation, whilst the weakly visible lobes with acini and tubules were observed on the 40th day of incubation. Morphometric studies of the LG showed steady growth, characterised by an increase in both length and width. Histometric measurements of lobe size showed little difference between the first, second and third age groups, whilst in the fourth age group a marked increase in size of lobes was observed. The study showed that, apart from morphological changes, during the growth of the LG the character of acid mucopolysaccharides changed. Sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides were indicated, particularly with aldehyde fuchsin (AF) staining in the fourth age group. The Hale's dialysed iron (HDI) staining showed a low concentration of carboxylated acid mucopolysaccharides in the first and second age groups and a higher concentration in the third and fourth age groups. Periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS)-positive cells were observed in each age group, but only a small number of cells with a weakly PAS-positive reaction were demonstrated in the first age group.

The effect of time and temperature on viability and performance of Langerhans islets separated from Balb/c mouse after death.

Background:Tissue transplantation plays a pivotal role in the treatment of diseases. Pancreatic beta cell transplantation is the best way to obtain normal blood glucose in patients with diabetes type 1. However, it is not clear how long endocrine pancreas cells can be used for transplantation after the donor's death. The present study was conducted to analyze the performance and viability of pancreatic islet cells after death.Materials and Methods:Pancreas was separated from Balb/c mice at different times (0, 1, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after death) at temperatures of 4°C and 23°C, and was cultured in Roswell_Park_Memorial_Institute (RPMI) 1640. Insulin shock, MTT assay, aldehyde fuchsin staining, dithizone staining, and florescence microscopy methods were applied to analyze the performance of beta cells, cell viability, islets’ diagnosis, islet cells’ diagnosis, and viable and necrotic cells diagnosis, respectively.Results:Islets of Langerhans and beta cells were diagnosed. By increasing the temperature and time, the viability and performance of beta cells decreased significantly (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The best condition for keeping the islets of Langerhans in terms of viability and performance is 4 h after death at temperature of 4°C.

The developmental gross morphology of pancreas in chick embryo after prenatal administration of valproic acid.

To determine the effects of prenatal administration of valproic acid on the developmental gross morphology of pancreas in chick embryo. Experimental study. Anatomy Department, Regional Centre, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Islamabad, from February 2010 to February 2011. An experimental group-A and control group-B, comprised of 30 eggs each. Freshly laid fertilized chicken eggs of experimental group were injected with valproic acid, incubated and hatched. Eggs of control group underwent sham treatment using normal saline. The chicks were sacrificed on hatching or day 22 of incubation, whichever was earlier. The pancreata of only alive chicks of both groups were dissected out, and evaluated for gross morphology in terms of length and weight by statistically comparing with control ones. Then pancreata were stained with aldehyde fuchsin and orange-G stain to study other obvious histological effects, if any. Chicken embryos exposed to valproic acid in ovo, showed significant decrease in length and weight of pancreata. The mean of length (cm) of pancreata in group-A was 2.208 ± 0.166, and group-B was 2.300 ± 0.102 (p=0.008). The mean of weight (g) of pancreata in group-A was 0.032 ± 0.009, and group-B was 0.048 ± 0.005 (p=0.001). Valproic acid exposure showed retarding effect on the gross development of pancreas as depicted by decrease in the length and weight of pancreata.

Histochemical and immunohistochemical characteristics of elastofibromas

Elastofibromas are slow-growing and rare soft-tissue tumors. The etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms are still controversial and there are only a few studies in the literature investigating the histochemical, immunohistochemical, and genetic features to determine the pathogenesis. We investigated the cellular composition of lesions with a diagnosis of elastofibroma in 17 patients by using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. There were 17 cases with a mean age of 53.5 years. Mean lesion diameter was 6.6 cm. The immunohistochemical method showed vimentin and factor XIIIa positivity in all cases. Four cases had focal myoglobin positivity in the spindle-shaped cells between the collagen fibers. Spindle cells were positive for CD34 in 8 cases. Smooth muscle actin, desmin, type 4 collagen and laminin were negative in all cases. The elastic nature of the abnormal fibers was shown histoch with Verhoeff elastin staining and aldehyde fuchsin staining in all cases. Our results have shown that the concurrent positivity of factor XIIIa and CD34 in the cells forming the lesion might show that the lesionoriginates from primitive dermal mesenchymal cells. In addition, the myoglobin positivity found in some cases indicates the possibility of a myofibroblastic origin of elastofibromas.

Cartilage tissue engineering using chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix scaffold suppressed vessel invasion during chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells in vivo

Loss of chondrogenic phenotypes of tissue engineered cartilage using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vivo are thought to be influenced by environmental factors like vessel invasion in particular. This study investigated effect of a chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix (CD-ECM) scaffold on the hypertrophic changes and vessel invasion into tissue engineered cartilage using rabbit MSCs in comparison with a synthetic polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffold. Rabbit MSCs in CD-ECM or PGA scaffold were differentiated for 1 week in vitro and implanted in the back of nude mice for 6 weeks in vivo. Gross observation showed red stains, indicative of vessel invasion, increased along with the loss of chondrogenic phenotype in safranin-O stains, which was more prominent in the PGA constructs. The area showing loss of chondrogenic phenotypes in safranin-O stain was correlated well with the mineralized area in the von kossa stain and the area with vessel-like structures in the gomori aldehyde fuchsin stain at 6 weeks in terms of their size and distribution. Also, vessel invasion took place more deeply and intensively into the constructs, in accordance with the expression of angiogenic markers (CD31, VEGF-A and HIF-1α) and a macrophage marker (CD68). This phenomenon progressed much more rapidly in the PGA constructs than in the CDECM constructs, and correlated well with the loss of chondrogenic phenotypes. In conclusion, this study showed that tissue engineered cartilage using the CD-ECM scaffold maintained better chondrogenic phenotypes in vivo and showed lower levels of hypertrophic changes and vessel invasion.

Intergender differences in histological architecture of the fascia pelvis parietalis: A cadaveric study

The fascia pelvis parietalis (FPP) or endopelvic fascia is a well-known structure, but few studies described the detailed histological architecture, including the composite fiber directions. We hypothesized a gender-specific fiber architecture corresponding to the functional demand. For the first step to examine this hypothesis, we investigated specimens from 27 adult cadavers (10 males and 17 females) and 11 midterm fetuses (five males and six females) using immunohistochemistry and aldehyde-fuchsin staining. The adult female FPP was a solid, thick monolayered structure that was reinforced by abundant elastic fibers running across the striated muscle fibers, but it contained little or no smooth muscles (SM). In contrast, the male FPP was multilayered with abundant SM. In midterm fetuses, SM originated from the inferior part of the bladder and extended inferiorly along the gender-specific courses. Thus, we found a clear intergender difference in FPP architecture. However, the functional significance remained unknown because the basic architecture was common between nulliparous and multiparous women. Rather than for meeting the likely mechanical demands of pregnancy and vaginal delivery, the intergender difference of the FPP seemed to result from differences in the amount and migration course of bladder-derived SM as well as in hormonal background.