Circular Muscle Cells Research Articles

Distribution and ultrastructural characteristics of enteric glial cell in the chicken cecum

Enteric glial cell (EGC) is involved in neuroimmune regulation within the enteric nervous system (ENS); however, limited information exists on the distribution and ultrastructure of EGC in the poultry gut. We aim to investigate the morphological features and distribution of EGC in the chicken cecum. Here, we investigated the distribution and ultrastructural features of chicken cecum EGC using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). IHC showed that EGC was widely distributed throughout the chicken cecum. In the mucosal layer, EGC was morphologically irregular, with occasionally interconnecting protrusions that outlined signal-negative neurons. The morphology of EGC in the submucosal layer was also irregular. In the inner circular muscle layer and between the inner circular and outer longitudinal muscle layers, EGC aligned parallel to the circular muscle cells. A small number of EGC with an irregular morphology were found in the outer longitudinal muscle layer. In addition, in the submucosal and myenteric plexus, EGC were aggregated, and the protrusions of the immunoreactive cells interconnected to outline the bodies of nonreactive neurons. TEM-guided ultrastructural characterization confirmed the IHC findings that EGC were morphologically irregular and revealed they developed either a star, bipolar, or fibrous shape. The nucleus was also irregular, with electron-dense heterochromatin distributed in the center of the nucleus or on the nuclear membrane. The cytoplasm contained many glial filaments and vesicle-containing protrusions from neuronal cells; organelles were rare. EGC was in close contact with other cells in their vicinity. These findings suggest that EGC is well-situated to exert influence on intestinal motility and immune functions through mechanical contraction and chemical secretion.

ANGLE RECESSION, THE SEQUELA OF EIGHT-BALL HYPHEMA AFTER SPRAYED BY FIRE HYDRANT: A CASE REPORT

Introduction : Hyphema results from damage to the blood vessels of the iris or anterior ciliary body after blunt trauma, and in 56–100% of cases can occur angle recession.
 Case Illustration : A 40-year-old man complaints of pain and blurred left eye after being sprayed by a high-pressure fire hydrant five hours before coming to the emergency room. Visual acuity was 20/20 and hand movement in right and left eye, IOP is 13 mmHg and 18 mmHg in both eyes. Subconjunctival bleeding, conjunctival and pericorneal injections were found with punctate fluorescein test in the left eye. The cornea was edema and the anterior chamber was full of hyphema. Five days after being hospitalized and treated with topical atropine, antibiotics, and steroid in combination with oral tranexamic acid, the visual acuity was 5/6.5 and the hyphema was resolved. The IOP elevated after 1-6 weeks of follow-up in the outpatient clinic then timolol eyedrops were given. Gonioscopy showed widening of CBB, torn iris processus 2 clock hours in the inferior quadrant. The antiglaucoma medication was stopped due to the controlled IOP in the end episode of the treatment.
 Discussion : Angle recession involves a tear between the longitudinal and circular muscle fibres of the ciliary body. Medication is needed to control the IOP, while surgical management only indicated in cases where medical treatment fails to control the IOP and risk of progressive visual loss.
 Conclusion : Angle recession can occur after blunt eye trauma with hyphema and IOP control is needed to prevent the development of secondary glaucoma.

Comparison of the Development and Involution Periods of Bursa of Fabricius with Histological and Histochemical Methods

The aim of this study is to histologically and histochemically determine the developmental and involutional stages of bursa of Fabricius of henna partridge (Alectoris chukar). In the study, bursa of Fabricius of 12 3-month-old (6 males, 6 females), 12 6-month-old (6 males, 6 females) henna partridges purchased from a private farm were used. It was observed that bursa of Fabricius was surrounded by a connective tissue capsule and consisted of tunica serosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica mucosa layers from the outside to the inside. It was seen that the tunica muscularis consisted of outer longitudinal and inner circular smooth muscle fibers. It was observed that the tunica mucosa made plicae towards the lumen of the organ and consisted of 10-15 plicae. It was seen that lamina epithelialis and lymph follicles were present in each plica. It was determined that the lamina epithelialis consisted of two parts called FAE (Follicle-Associated Epithelium) and IFE (İnter Follicular Epithelium). It was noted that the lymph follicles contained cortex and medulla sections and were separated locally by capillaries together with cortical medullary boundry cells. In the Methyl Green-pyronin staining method, plasma cells were found in the bursa of Fabricius of the henna partridge, in the connective tissue surrounding the organ, around the blood vessels and inside the follicles. In AB pH=2.5 staining, AB-positive reaction was seen only in the apical part of the epithelial cells forming FAE and IFE in the pre- and post-involution period. In PAS staining, PAS-positive reaction was observed only in the apical part of the epithelial cells forming FAE and IFE in the pre- and post-involution period. In PAS/AB pH=2.5 combined staining method, AB-positive reaction was observed only in the apical part of epithelial cells in the pre- and post-involution period. As a result of this study, it was found that bursa of Fabricius of the henna partridge did not undergo any histochemical changes despite its histologically large differences after involution.

The Drosophila AWP1 ortholog Doctor No regulates JAK/STAT signaling for left-right asymmetry in the gut by promoting receptor endocytosis.

Many organs of Drosophila show stereotypical left-right (LR) asymmetry; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we have identified an evolutionarily conserved ubiquitin-binding protein, AWP1/Doctor No (Drn), as a factor required for LR asymmetry in the embryonic anterior gut. We found that drn is essential in the circular visceral muscle cells of the midgut for JAK/STAT signaling, which contributes to the first known cue for anterior gut lateralization via LR asymmetric nuclear rearrangement. Embryos homozygous for drn and lacking its maternal contribution showed phenotypes similar to those with depleted JAK/STAT signaling, suggesting that Drn is a general component of JAK/STAT signaling. Absence of Drn resulted in specific accumulation of Domeless (Dome), the receptor for ligands in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, in intracellular compartments, including ubiquitylated cargos. Dome colocalized with Drn in wild-type Drosophila. These results suggest that Drn is required for the endocytic trafficking of Dome, which is a crucial step for activation of JAK/STAT signaling and the subsequent degradation of Dome. The roles of AWP1/Drn in activating JAK/STAT signaling and in LR asymmetric development may be conserved in various organisms.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Total Resection and Endorectal Pull-Through Technique for Congenital Megarectum with Anorectal Malformation

Background/PurposeCongenital megarectum (CMR) is sometimes associated with anorectal malformations (ARM), although there is no established therapeutic strategy. This study aims to clarify the clinical features of ARM with CMR, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of a surgical treatment, namely laparoscopic-assisted total resection and endorectal pull-through technique. MethodsWe conducted a review of the clinical records of the patients with ARM with CMR treated at our institution between January 2003 and December 2020. ResultsSeven of 33 cases of ARM (21.2%) were diagnosed with CMR, four males and three females. The types of ARM were ‘intermediate’ in four, and ‘low’ in three patients. Five of the seven patients (71.4%) required resection of megarectum for intractable constipation and underwent laparoscopic-assisted total resection and endorectal pull-through technique. Bowel function was improved after resection in all five cases. All five specimens showed hypertrophy of the circular fibers, and three of them showed abnormal location of ganglion cells within the circular muscle fibers. ConclusionsCMR often causes intractable constipation and requires resection of the dilated rectum. Laparoscopic-assisted total resection and endorectal pull-through technique for ARM with CMR considered to be an effective, minimally invasive treatment for intractable constipation. Level of evidence for clinical research papersLevel Ⅳ. Type of studyTreatment study.

SJLA_2024_A9: Surgical Management of Achalasia

Introduction: Achalasia is a rare neurological disorder, in which the esophagus fails to relax. The esophagus also has a marked absence of peristalsis. In <50% of patients, the lower esophageal sphincter is hypertensive. This condition causes a functional obstruction at the gastroesophageal junction. Background: Treatment is to ease the symptoms of achalasia by decreasing the outflow resistance caused by a nonrelaxing and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. Surgical options are laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and peroral endoscopic myotomy. The recommended step for reducing pressure across the lower esophageal sphincter is surgical myotomy, which can be done laparoscopically. This procedure will cut the circular muscle fibers running across the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to relaxation. LHM can potentially cause uncontrolled gastroesophageal reflux, so it typically pairs with an antireflux procedure such as Nissen, the posterior (Toupet), or the anterior (Dor) partial fundoplication. The anterior fundoplication is the more common choice. LHM with partial fundoplication is the surgical procedure of choice. The important thing is that the fundoplication is partial, not complete, so as not to cause postoperative dysphagia, which is more severe with Nissen fundoplication. The clinical success rate of LHM is high (76%–100%) at 35 months, with a low mortality rate of 0.1%. Disease progression after 5 years subsequently reduces the success rate. Methods: Video demonstration of case of achalasia treated with Heller myotomy. Results: Video demonstration of case of achalasia treated with Heller myotomy. Discussion: Video demonstration of case of achalasia treated with Heller myotomy. Conclusion: Video demonstration of case of achalasia treated with Heller myotomy.

Muscle system of the penial complex in three species of Hygrophila (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

The Hygrophila, a group comprising freshwater lung-bearing gastropods, have a complex copulatory apparatus, whose musculature has recently been shown to provide a number of phylogenetically informative characters that appear to concur with the results of molecular phylogenetic analyses. The number of hygrophilan species for which the male copulatory musculature is known, however, is still relatively small. We examined the muscle arrangement in the penial complex (penis and penis sheath) of three species of Hygrophila: Aplexa hypnorum (Linnaeus, 1758) (fam. Physidae), Kolhymorbis bogatovi Zatravkin et Moskvicheva, 1985 (fam. Planorbidae, tribe Segmentinini), and Planorbarius corneus (Linnaeus, 1758) (fam. Planorbidae, tribe Helisomatini) to explore whether the organization of the male copulatory musculature in these species is consistent with the previously proposed phylogenetic hypotheses. In A. hypnorum, the primarily glandular penis sheath has a three-layered musculature with outer and inner circular and intermediate longitudinal layers. The tubular penis also has a three-layered musculature, with the same sequence of muscle fibers as in the penis sheath. In K. bogatovi, the sequence of muscle layers in the penis sheath is essentially the same as in A. hypnorum. Penial musculature is also arranged in three layers, but the intermediate layer consists of small radial, rather than longitudinal fibers and the inner and outer layers are circular. In P. corneus, the boundaries between muscle layers in both penis and penis sheath are somewhat indistinct, but the circular muscles tend to lie close to their outer and inner walls, while the longitudinal fibers are concentrated in the interior. The comparison with other hygrophilan species, in which the copulatory musculature has been previously studied, shows that the male copulatory musculature of K. bogatovi is consistent in arrangement with that of other representatives of Segmentinini and that the phylogenetic lineage leading to P. corneus has probably diverged before the clade Planorbini + Segmentinini. The musculature of the penial complex of A. hypnorum is generally similar to that of another physid, Physella acuta (Draparnaud, 1805), but the penis sheath of P. acuta lacks an outer layer of circular muscle fibers, which may be explained by reduction.

Gambaran Anatomi dan Histologi Usus Besar Ayam Hutan Hujau (Gallus varius) Asal Pulau Alor

Green jungle fowl (Gallus varius) is one of Indonesia's endemic poultry species, which is often used by the community to produce high-value ornamental birds. This study aims to determine the anatomical morphology and histology of the large intestine of green jungle fowl. Colon samples were taken from 3 green jungle fowl collected in Alor Regency. The obtained samples were observed macroscopically and then fixed using 10% formalin, then processed into histological preparations and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). The results showed that the large intestine of the green jungle fowl consisted of a pair of cecum and a rectum. The location of the cecum and rectum of green jungle fowl is the same as that of poultry in general, which is located in the peritoneal cavity, adjacent to other intestinal segments. Each cecum consists of 3 parts, namely proximal, corpus, and apex. The cecum is pale red in color with a soft consistency. The average cecum length of the green jungle fowl is 10.9 cm. The rectum is the last segment of the intestine in the form of a straight channel that connects the ileum and cloaca. The rectum is pale red in color, soft in consistency and has thicker walls than the rest of the intestine. The average length of the rectum of the green jungle fowl is 3.9 cm. Histologically the cecum and rectum walls of green jungle fowl are composed of tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. The wall layer of the large intestine of green jungle fowl is generally the same as other birds, but differs in the muscularis tunica, namely circular smooth muscle fibers located on the outside and longitudinal smooth muscle on the inside.

Histological and histochemical study of large intestine in Camel (Camelus Dromedarius)

Current study was performed to describe the Histohistological and histochemical structures of the large intestine in Iraqi one humped camel (Camelus Dromedarius). Five healthy male camels Approximately 3 to 4 years old were chosen and their specimens from cecum, colon and rectum. The specimens were directly transferred after the animal’s slaughtering to the histology lab at College of Veterinary Medicine for subsequent histological techniques. Tissue specimensfrom various parts of the large intestine (cecum, colon and rectum) were collected and fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin then subjected to routine tissue processing. Sections of 6 micrometers thickness were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for general histology and Periodic Acid Schiff combine with Alcian blue (AB–PAS), Masson's trichrome as well as Verhoeff stains for histochemical description. Microscopic findings revealed four tunicae constructing the wall of cecum, colon and rectum mucosa, that were from the inner most mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and the outer most either serosa or adventitia. The tunica mucosa characterized by simple columnar epithelium rested on basement membrane and the presence of muscularis mucosa which separated mucosa from the underneath submucosa. Crypts of Lieberkühn and goblet cells were abundant in the colonic epithelium. The submucosa was made up of irregular connective tissue rich with adipose tissue and was supplied well with many blood vessels. Tunica muscularis in all over the three parts of large intestine was made up of inner circular smooth muscle fibers and outer longitudinal smooth muscle fibers. The tunica serosa, and in parts replaced by adventitia, was made up of loose connective tissues.

SOME MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF MUSCULATURE IN TREMATODES FASCIOLA HEPATICA (PLATYHELMINTHES)

The distribution of muscle elements in adult Fasciola hepatica was studied on frozen sections using histochemical staining and fluorescent microscopy. Measurements were taken from the stained sections on photomicrograms. The histochemical staining detected actin in muscle filaments of the muscle system. The body wall consisted of circular, diagonal and longitudinal muscle fibers. The thickness of the dorsal muscle layer of the body was 25–50 µm, and the ventral muscle layer was 18– 25 µm. Numerous dorsal and ventral muscle bundles of 10–28 µm thick connected the dorsal and abdominal walls of the body. The musculature thickness of the oral sucker was 196 to 238 µm. The thickness of the pharyngeal wall was 64–98 µm; it was represented by circular, longitudinal and radial muscle fibers. The round and oval lumens of the branched blind intestine had a diameter of 63–119 µm. The intestine was surrounded by thin circular and diagonal muscle fibers of 2–3 µm thick, with a distance of 5-7 µm between them. The ventral sucker consisted of three types of muscle fibers, namely, circular, longitudinal and radial fibers. The maximum thickness of its musculature was about 340 µm.

Lower Pitch Voice Produce by Effort Sound in Previously Uvulectomized Children

The palatine uvula is conic projection composing of soft connective tissue which has a number of racemose glands. It hangs from the posterior edge of the middle of the soft palate of the roof of the mouth. It has circular muscle fibres at its base and helps in closing the nasopharynx during deglutition. Copious secretion from the uvula helps moisten the larynx and vocal cord to maintain quality speech. In the Hausas’ culture in Northern Nigeria, the uvula is highly demonized and blamed for a lot of health problems and risk of death and so all infants must ‘proactively’ undergo uvulectomy on the 7th day after birth, with few exceptions. This study aims at evaluating the effect of uvulectomy on pitch quality of effort sounds of young children between 2 to 11 years of age. Eighty subjects were divided into two groups of 40 uvulectomized and 40 non-uvulectomized children which were further subdivided into various age ranges of equal mix of male and female. Audio frequency analyzer software is used to conduct the test and the result shows a reduction in frequency of the sounds produced by uvulectomized subjects, p<0.05. Uvulectomy does affect the quality of sound produced in children giving a significant lower pitch quality. Keywords: Uvula, Uvulectomy, Effort Sound, Frequency, Pitch DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/90-01 Publication date: June 30 th 2021

MUSCULATURE AND NEUROTRANSMITTERS IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF TREMATODES

In this paper we analyzed the results of our own and published data concerning the presence of muscle elements in various parts of the digestive system in adult and larval forms of trematodes. The data on the localization of the circular and longitudinal muscle fibers in the pharynx, esophagus, and intestine of various representatives of trematodes are presented. The results of immunocytochemical studies indicate the presence the serotonergic and peptidergic (FMRFamidergic) nerve elements in the parts of the digestive system of trematodes. The available literature date is supplemented by the studies conducted on Prodistomum alaskense, a representative of the family Lepocreadiidae, an intestinal parasite of deep-sea fish (Zaprora silenus and Aptocyclus ventricosus). The localization of the serotoninergic and FMRFamidergic nervous structures was identified using immunocytochemical methods and the confocal scanning laser microscopy. For musculature staining the TRITC (tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate) – conjugated phalloidin was used. The preparations were examined using a fluorescence microscope and a confocal scanning laser microscope. The analysis of the data obtained and the information available in the literature suggests that the muscular system of the digestive tract is well developed in trematodes of various taxonomic groups. The musculature of the digestive system of trematodes is innervated by serotonergic and peptidergic (FMRFamidergic) nerve elements, which are involved in the regulation of the contractile activity of various parts of the digestive system of trematodes.

THE ORAL SUCKER OF SOME GASTROINTESTINAL TREMATODES: HISTOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL RESEARCH

We conducted histological and histochemical studies of the oral sucker of gastrointestinal trematodes of the family Paramphistomatidae, Fischoeder, 1901 living in the rumen of ruminants, namely, Liorchis scotiae, Paramphistomum cervi and Paramphistomum ichikawai. The oral sucker of paramphistomes and the Liorchis scotiae trematode is a complex muscular organ modified into a pharynx-sucker, the muscle complex of which is formed from longitudinal, circular and radial muscle fibers. In the thick pharynx wall, we found secretory cells, single neurosecretory cells and many desmoblastic cells of connective tissue. Histochemical stains showed intense staining with alcian blue, toluidine blue, bromophenol blue and a positive periodic acid Schiff reaction, which indicates the presence of glycosaminoglycans, total proteins and glycoproteins. Due to this structure, the pharynx sucker of gastrointestinal trematodes is involved in capturing food and evacuating its undigested residues from the helminth's body to the outside. In addition, the substances produced by secretory cells of the pharynx carry out a partial chemical treatment of the food consumed by the parasite and protect the parasite from substances that are metabolites of the host tissues and waste products of symbionts and commensals that inhabit the rumen of ruminants. Thus, trophic adaptation of the parasite in its ecological niche, the rumen of polygastric mammals, is ensured.

Ultrastructure of Midgut of Scrabeus sacer (Coleoptera:Scrabaeidae)

The midgut of the adult Scrabeus sacer was divided into three parts, anterior, middle and posterior midgut. In the anterior part of the midgut, the apical part showed microvilli long and slender. These microvilli appear open in other parts. Numerous organelles appeared, well-developed nucleus mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum. A thin basement membrane was observed and well-developed basal labyrinth. Regenerative cells were observed and well-developed circular muscle fibers. Tracheae and mitochondria were also observed. In the median portion of the midgut, well-developed long and slender microvilli were observed. Polymorphic mitochondria, well-developed nucleus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles were coming out of the cell to the lumen through the apical part of the middle midgut. A basement membrane, well-developed basal labyrinth, circular muscles, tracheae and vacuoles were observed in the basal part of the median midgut. The rear part of the midgut showed a well-developed brush border of microvilli. Polymorphic mitochondria, rods of bacteria, nucleus and other organelles are projecting in the lumen of the cell. Lateral cell membranes and numerous crescent shape mitochondria were observed in the posterior midgut. Gap junctions were observed in the posterior midgut. A well-developed basal labyrinth was observed enclosing mitochondria and tracheae. Regenerative cells are obvious in the basal part of the posterior region. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is not restricted to a defined part of the cell. No peritrophic membrane was observed throughout the midgut of the adult beetle Scrabeus sacer. Multivesicular bodies were observed in different parts of the midgut.

Study Of The Histological Alterations That Result From The Effect Of Deltamethrin On The Earthworm Skin

Our study aims to investigate all the histological changes that occur in skin tissues of the earthworms that exposure to deltamethrin at concentration (1:2000) g/L. our study is included two groups, the first group exposed to deltamethrin at a concentration (12.5) mg/L while the second group is included normal earthworms (control group). The soil samples were collected from local agricultural land randomly in the Daghara district in the city of Diwaniyah, then adding deltamethrin by distributed to the collected soil samples equally. The experimental group is consists of (20) samples wherever, which showed that the histological changes of the skin of the earthworm that exposure to deltamethrin (12.5) mg/L is included breaking in the cuticle layer, with clear degeneration in the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle fibers. Furthermore, the sub-dermal layer is very thin and destroyed with clear degeneration of the epidermal cells as well as showed slight congestion of the blood vessels under the nerve and a clear breakdown of the cerebral nerve ganglia, while the control group consists of (20) soil samples collected randomly, wherever, demonstrates that the tissue of the skin of the earthworm was naturally without changes, as a normal cuticle layer is observed, the epidermis layer is lined with normal epithelial cells, and the smooth muscle layer appears naturally arranged. In a conclusion, deltamethrin has histopathological effects on skin tissues of the earthworms that make are destroyed and leading to negative effects on the earthworm.

Morph-anatomic and histochemical study of ileum of goose (Alopochen egyptiacus) with special references to immune cells, mucous and serous goblet cells, telocytes, and dark and light smooth muscle fibers.

The morphological characteristics of the ileum of 20 adult male Egyptian geese were determined using LM, SEM, and TEM. The mean length of the ileum in the male goose was approximately 158.71 mm, representing nearly 10.19% of the total length of the small intestine. The ileum is composed of four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, and serosa. The mucosal layer comprises the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa. The mucosa forms finger-like villi and is invaginated at the bases, forming the crypts of Lieberkühn. The ileum is lined by simple columnar epithelium that contains absorptive dark and light enterocytes with two types of goblet cells (mucous and serous varieties) microfold like cells, dendritic reticulum cells, Paneth cells, and a closed type of enteroendocrine cells. The lamina propria has diffuse lymphoid tissue containing lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, plasma cells, and heterophils as well as telocytes. The muscularis mucosa comprises circular smooth muscle fibers extending into the core of the villi. The submucosa is a thin layer of elastic-rich connective tissue. The muscular level consists of four layers, with light and dark smooth muscle fibers. We described in detail the structure of all cellular components and histomorphometric measurements.

The POEM bottom-up technique for achalasia.

POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy) is rapidly becoming a valid option for surgical myotomy in achalasia patients. Several techniques to perform POEM are described, but all concentrate on the division of the circular muscle fibers in a proximal-to-distal fashion. Our aim is to present the distal-to-proximal, or the bottom-up technique using the Flush/Dual knife, which overcomes the disadvantages of the standard technique. A retrospective study on a prospectively maintained database was performed on all patients treated by POEM in our institution. Clinical presentation, operating time, adverse events, and outcomes were studied. POEM was performed on 105 achalasia patients. The first 15 cases were performed using the standard technique and were compared to the next 90 cases performed using the bottom-up technique. The average preop Eckardt scores in the standard and bottom-up groups were 9.5 and 8.8, respectively, declining to 1.4 and 0.5, 3months post myotomy (p < 0.001). The average procedure time was 111.2min for the standard technique and 74.3 for the bottom-up technique. (p = 0.002). Perioperative adverse events included 14 instances of pneumoperitoneum, 3 tunnel leaks, and 4 patients with fever on postoperative day one. Pneumoperitoneum needing decompression and postoperative fever were more prevalent in the standard technique group. As POEM is becoming more common for the treatment of achalasia, refinements of the technique and instruments used are valuable. We compared our experience of the standard technique to our bottom-up technique and found the latter to be equally effective as well as safer, faster, and easier. We, therefore, suggest considering performing POEM in this technique.

Macro- and microscopic morphology of the reproductive system of the terrestrial snail Macrochlamys indica (Godwin-Austen, 1883) (Eupulmonata, Stylommatophora, Ariophantidae)

ABSTRACT The morpho-anatomical and morphometrical characteristics of the reproductive system, together with the spermatophore and dart apparatus, of Macrochlamys indica are described and the results compared with available data of other Macrochlamys species. Histology of some reproductive structures such as the ovotestis, hermaphrodite duct, albumen gland, penis and dart shaft of M. indica are also studied. A muscular, brownish capsule is developed between the free oviduct and the vagina, here named as vaginoviducal capsule and its location is species-specific. The distal end of the vaginoviducal capsule bifurcates into a free oviduct and the duct of the gametolytic organ. The gametolytic sac of the gametolytic organ is a whitish, tubular structure that becomes pinkish and club-shaped in inseminated snails. Two to seven spermatophores are found in the pinkish gametolytic sac. The spermatophore is a whip-like, translucent structure. The epiphallus possesses a coiled epiphallic caecum to which a penial retractor muscle is attached. The penis is a short, muscular structure with a distinct penial caecum. The dart apparatus is well-developed, having four distinct parts. The proximal part of the dart apparatus possesses a non-disposable muscular dart. The dart shaft includes a central core which is encircled by many layers of circular muscle cells.

The neuromuscular system of the sheep tapeworm Moniezia expansa.

Cestodes are common gastrointestinal parasites of humans and livestock. They attach to the host gut and, without a mouth or intestinal system, absorb nutrients through their epidermis. Here we show that despite this simplified anatomy and sessile lifestyle, they maintain a complex neuromuscular system. We used fluorescently labelled phalloidin as a specific probe for filamentous actin to define the overall organisation of several distinct muscle systems in the cyclophyllidean Moniezia expansa. Like all flatworms, the body wall musculature below the neodermis of this intestinal parasite of sheep is characterised by outer circular and inner longitudinal muscle fibres. Diagonal fibres, typically found in free-living and trematode platyhelminths, on the other hand, are notably absent. Prominent longitudinal sheaths dominate the parenchyma and provide retractor muscles to the four acetabula in the scolex; they attach at the bottom of each cup-shaped holdfast. Within sexually mature proglottids, circular fibres dominate the duct walls of the male and female reproductive systems. Nerve cells and fibres that express serotonin or neuropeptide F supply well-developed innervation to several of the described muscle systems: emanating from the central nervous system, fibres in the periphery develop pervasive nerve nets that anastomose within body wall musculature as well as the parenchymal longitudinal and oblique muscle fibres, and innervate the sexual organs and gonopore in mature proglottids. Using homology searches, we provide evidence for 20 neuropeptide precursors together with four prepropeptide processing enzymes as well as several 5-HT signalling components to be represented in the Moniezia transcriptome.

The neuroactive substances and associated muscle system in Rhipidocotyle campanula (Digenea, Bucephalidae) from the intestine of the pike Esox lucius.

We report about the muscular system and the serotonergic and FMRFamidergic components of the nervous system of the Bucephalidae trematode, Rhipidocotyle campanula, an intestinal parasite of the pike. We use immunocytochemical methods and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM). The musculature is identified by histochemical staining with fluorescently labeled phalloidin. The body wall musculature of R. campanula contains three layers of muscle fibres - the outer thin circular, intermediate longitudinal and inner diagonal muscle fibres running in two opposite directions. The digestive system of R. campanula possess of a well-developed musculature: radial, longitudinal and circular muscle elements are detected in the pharynx, circular and longitudinal muscle filaments seen in the oesophagus, and longitudinal and the circular muscle fibres were found in the intestinal wall. Specific staining indicating the presence of actin muscle filaments occurs in the cirrus sac localized in the posterior body region. The frontal region of anterior attachment organ, the rhynchus, in R. campanula is represented by radial muscle fibres. The posterior part of the rhynchus comprise of radial muscles forming the organ's wall, and several strong longitudinal muscle bundles. Serotonergic and FMRFamidergic structures are detected in the central and peripheral compartments of the nervous system of R. campanula, that is, in the paired brain ganglia, the brain commissure, the longitudinal nerve cords, and connective nerve commissures. The innervations of the rhynchus, pharynx, oesophagus and distal regions of the reproductive system by the serotonergic and FMRFamidergic nervous elements are revealed. We compare our findings obtained on R. campanula with related data for other trematodes.