Circular Muscle Cells Research Articles

Lingual structural pattern of juvenile Chameleon, Chameleo chameleon

It is belong to the order Squamata, family, Chamaeleonidae. They have characteristic features of tongue protrusion during capturing prey attracts many research works and assay its velocity during protrusion. Yet little studies touched the anatomical and histological feature of the juvenile tongue and especially the middle tongue region involved in the tongue elongation, the present study aimed to focus on the histological structure of the mid-tongue and clarify its role in projection of the tongue as well as the glandular structure, keratinization of lingual epithelium and proliferation capacity of the fore-tongue region in relation with their feeding habits during the juvenile age. Juvenile Chameleo chameleon are collected from Abu Rawash, north of Giza Governorate, Egypt during summer 2015. Three juvenile developmental stages are used in the present study and categorized according to the gross morphological criteria of head, abdomen and limb lengths. The tongue and hyoid apparatus were removed and photographed. Histological, immunohistochemistry of cytokeratin and stem cell factor and scanning electronic microscopic investigations were carried out on the fore-tongue region, meanwhile only histological studies were done for the median tongue region. Morphometric assessments of number and length of lingual papillae and grades of cytokeratin and stem cell expression were done. Histologically, the dorsal lingual mucosa of the fore-tongue possessed different pattern of lingual papillae including finger-like, club, cubical, biforked and multi-branched papillae. The finger-like papillae are more abundant compared to the other types. The lamina propria of anterior median tongue pad are more glandular and exhibited abundant distribution of PAS-positive tubular glands and moderate alcian blue staining affinity of both alveolar and branched alveolar glands. There is no detected keratinization of the lingual epithelium. Stem cell factor appeared denser on the lingual mucosa and cell boundaries of glandular tissues. The mid-tongue region possessed a central cartilaginous core outlined by double layers of connective tissue coat and longitudinal and circular muscle fibers which give the power of protrusion of tongue. It is the first time to record the presence of cartilaginous elements in the mid-tongue region of chameleon. Finally the authors concluded that the juvenile stages of common chameleon exhibited striking cartilaginous inner compartment of the med-tongue and glandular fore-tongue adapted for capturing prey coincides with high proliferated activities and presence of different kinds of non-keratinized lingual papillae.

Morphological, Histological and Immunohistochemical Study of the Rabbit Uterus during Pseudopregnancy

Ten mature virgin rabbit does (4-5 months old) with mean weight of 2.4 kg were induced to ovulate; by intramuscular injection of HCG (50-70 IU). The day of induction was considered 0 days. Uteri were obtained from 14 h, 3, 7, 18 days post induction. At first stage of pseudopregnancy; the two uteri became hyperemic and slightly swollen. The uterine epithelium and endometrial glands epithelium were of columnar type with oval basal nuclei. The endometrial glands were few in number and small in size. The endometrial glands showed apocrine activity. The uterus had six longitudinal folds and the uterine epithelium form crypts. The endometrium had slight vascularization. At middle stage of pseudopregnancy, the two uteri became hyperemic and more swollen. This stage characterized by; mucosal folding, glandular formation, epithelial proliferation and thickening of the uterine wall. At last stage of pseudopregnancy; the two uteri became flaccid and more swollen. This stage characterized by dramatic changes in the uterine architecture in the form of: increased epithelial proliferation and crypt formation increase the complexity of luminal folding, increase in length, size and abundance of the uterine endometrial glands, increase in the uterine micro vascular development (increased abundance of the large microvessels and development of subepithelial capillary plexuses). Tunica vascularis could be demonstrated between the inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle fibers of the myometrium at the all stages of psedopregnancy. Telocytes with its characteristic morphology could be demonstrated in the myometrium of the rabbit uterus during pseudopregnancy. Cell-specific immuno-localization of progesterone receptors alpha (PRA) in the rabbit uterus during pseudopregnancy revealed that, there were mild, moderate and strong nuclear PRA immunostaining in the endometrial epithelial cells, endometrial glands and in the smooth muscles fibers of the myometrium of the first, middle and last stages of pseudopregnancy respectively. The present study revealed that the morphological, histological and immunohistochemical changes in the rabbit uterus during pseudopregnancy resembled that occurred during early stage of pregnancy. These changes were characterized by dramatic changes in the uterine architecture in the form of: increased epithelial proliferation and crypt formation increase the complexity of luminal folding, increase in length, size and abundance of the uterine endometrial glands, increase in the uterine microvascular development. These uterine changes were accompanied with PRA immunolocalization in the uterine tissues.

Upregulation of L-type calcium channels in colonic inhibitory motoneurons of P/Q-type calcium channel-deficient mice.

Enteric inhibitory motoneurons use nitric oxide and a purine neurotransmitter to relax gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Enteric P/Q-type Ca2+ channels contribute to excitatory neuromuscular transmission; their contribution to inhibitory transmission is less clear. We used the colon from tottering mice (tg/tg, loss of function mutation in the α1A pore-forming subunit of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels) to test the hypothesis that P/Q-type Ca2+ channels contribute to inhibitory neuromuscular transmission and colonic propulsive motility. Fecal pellet output in vivo and the colonic migrating motor complex (ex vivo) were measured. Neurogenic circular muscle relaxations and inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) were also measured ex vivo. Colonic propulsive motility in vivo and ex vivo was impaired in tg/tg mice. IJPs were either unchanged or somewhat larger in tissues from tg/tg compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Nifedipine (L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist) inhibited IJPs by 35 and 14% in tissues from tg/tg and WT mice, respectively. The contribution of N- and R-type channels to neuromuscular transmission was larger in tissues from tg/tg compared with WT mice. The resting membrane potential of circular muscle cells was similar in tissues from tg/tg and WT mice. Neurogenic relaxations of circular muscle from tg/tg and WT mice were similar. These results demonstrate that a functional deficit in P/Q-type channels does not alter propulsive colonic motility. Myenteric neuron L-type Ca2+ channel function increases to compensate for loss of functional P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. This compensation maintains inhibitory neuromuscular transmission and normal colonic motility.

Muscle system in rediae and daughter sporocysts of several digeneans

Morphological studies on digenetic trematodes are quite numerous, but the large majority of researchers deal with the hermaphroditic generation (cercariae, metacercariae, adults). Parthenitae (miracidia, sporocysts, rediae), although they constitute a significant part of a digeneans’ life cycle, attract much less attention. The sparse literature concerning the musculature of parthenitae indicates that it differs in many respects from that of digenean hermaphroditic generation and many other flatworms. We have tried to fill the knowledge gap on digenean muscle systems by focusing on daughter parthenitae (three species with rediae and two with daughter sporocysts). The study was performed using TRITC-phalloidin labeling and confocal microscopy and was aimed at both describing general trends and comparing different morphotypes. The basic body-wall muscle layers were confirmed to be composed of circular and longitudinal muscle fibers. Circular fibers form quite a uniform layer, and longitudinal fibers are typically joined into bundles. The density of muscle layers varies widely among studied species, and the possible causes of this variation are discussed. The internal muscle fibers and bundles are present in all studied species, being most prominent in the anterior region. The brood chamber and birth pore channel often have a muscular lining. The rediae pharynx has a typical set of muscle elements, mostly coinciding with one in the pharynx of the hermaphroditic generation. Taken together, our findings suggest that data on the musculature of daughter parthenitae are important from an evolutionary perspective.

PD44-01 RECONSTRUCTION OF BULBO-MEMBRANOUS URETHRAL STRICTURES AFTER SURGERY FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HIPERPLASIA WITH PRESERVATION OF CONTINENCE

You have accessJournal of UrologyTrauma/Reconstruction/Diversion: Urethral Reconstruction (including Stricture, Diverticulum) III1 Apr 2016PD44-01 RECONSTRUCTION OF BULBO-MEMBRANOUS URETHRAL STRICTURES AFTER SURGERY FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HIPERPLASIA WITH PRESERVATION OF CONTINENCE Reynaldo Gomez, Juan Carlos Castaño, Laura Velarde, and Rodrigo Campos Reynaldo GomezReynaldo Gomez More articles by this author , Juan Carlos CastañoJuan Carlos Castaño More articles by this author , Laura VelardeLaura Velarde More articles by this author , and Rodrigo CamposRodrigo Campos More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.1793AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Bulbo-membranous urethral strictures (BMUS) after surgery for BPH are challenging because the internal sphincter has been removed and continence relay on the external sphincter, which is located just at the site of the stricture; any attempt to reconstruction may jeopardize continence. Anatomical studies have shown that the rhabdosphincter is separated from the membranous urethra by a sheath of connective tissue [1]. We developed a novel technique performing a meticulous dissection of this sheath to separate the muscle from the urethral wall, thus performing an intra-sphincteric anastomosis without disturbing the sphincteric function METHODS Patients with BMUS after TURP or open prostatectomy (OP) who failed dilation and/or internal urethrotomy were reconstructed with a BPA with preservation of the external sphincter. The bulbo-membranous junction is approached dorsally and the bulb is mobilized only from one side, without detachment from the perineal body. The bulbo-membranous junction is isolated with a vessel loop and the bulbar vessels retracted posteriorly. The sheath of the membranous urethra is opened circumferentially, carefully reflecting the circular muscle fibers of the external sphincter until exposure of the urethral wall is obtained. Gentle blunt proximal dissection along this connective tissue plane allows separating the muscle away from the urethra up to the prostatic apex, where healthy urethra is found to perform the anastomosis RESULTS From January 2010 to October 2015 we operated 23 patients, 14 after TURP and 9 after OP. All had membranous or bulbo-membranous strictures; bladder neck contractions were excluded. Mean age was 68 years (57 – 81). Except 4 patients, all have been treated with either dilation and or one or more DVIUs; seven were with a suprapubic tube. Mean length of stricture was 3 cm (1 - 4.5), mean time from surgery to reconstruction was 30 months (2 - 153). At a mean follow-up of 34 months (1 - 68) 19/23 patients were completely dry or using only one security pad (83% success). There were two Clavien I and one Clavien III complications and no stricture recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Excision and bulbo-prostatic anastomosis with sphincter sparing for BMUS after BPH surgery is feasible and safe. Our technique allows preserving continence in most patients and to our knowledge it has not been described before. A larger series and reproduction in other centers are needed to validate our results. 1. Dalpiaz O et al. Anatomical approach for surgery of the male posterior urethra. BJU Int 2008; 102: 1448-1451. © 2016FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 195Issue 4SApril 2016Page: e998 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016MetricsAuthor Information Reynaldo Gomez More articles by this author Juan Carlos Castaño More articles by this author Laura Velarde More articles by this author Rodrigo Campos More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Stimulus-induced pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal associated with the deep muscular plexus of the small intestine.

The ICC-DMP have been proposed to generate stimulus-dependent pacemaker activity, rhythmic transient depolarizations, that take part in orchestrating segmentation and clustered propulsive motor patterns in the small intestine. However, little is known about the fundamental properties of ICC-DMP. This study was undertaken to increase our understanding of intrinsic properties of the ICC-DMP through calcium imaging and intracellular electrical recordings. Without stimulation, most ICC-DMP were quiescent. In some preparations ICC-DMP generated rhythmic low-frequency calcium oscillations (<10 cpm) with or without high frequency activity superimposed (>35 cpm). Immunohistochemistry proved the existence of NK1R on the ICC-DMP and close contacts between ICC-DMP and substance P-positive nerves. Substance P (25 nM) induced low-frequency calcium oscillations that were synchronized across the ICC-DMP network. Substance P also induced low frequency rhythmic transient depolarizations (<10cpm) in circular muscle cells close to the ICC-DMP. An intracellular recording from a positively identified ICC-DMP showed rhythmic transient depolarizations with superimposed high frequency activity. To investigate if quiescent ICC-DMP were chronically inhibited by nitrergic activity, nNOS was inhibited, but without effect. Substance P changes non-synchronized high frequency flickering or quiescence in ICC-DMP into strong rhythmic calcium transients that are synchronized within the network; they are associated with rhythmic transient depolarizations within the same frequency range. We hypothesize that Substance P, released from nerves, can evoke rhythmicity in ICC-DMP, thereby providing it with potential pacemaker activity.

Fetal Development of the Bovine Uterus: A Light Microscopy and Immunohistochemical Study

Important steps during the prenatal development of the bovine uterus are described using conventional hematoxylin-eosin staining of fetuses from different developmental stages [crown-rump length (CRL) 9.2-94.0 cm]. Additionally, a number of intermediate filaments (keratin 7, 8, 14, 18, 19; and vimentin), the basement membrane protein laminin, smooth-muscle marker (SMA), and S100 were studied to further characterize certain differentiation processes. During early development, the uterine epithelium is simple or (pseudo)stratified with bud-like protrusions. Developing caruncles can be observed in the corpus uteri at a CRL of 15.8 cm onwards, showing a simple, keratin-positive epithelium. In contrast, the intercaruncular areas are characterized by a (pseudo)stratified epithelium, which also shows positive staining in a different manner for the investigated keratins. A differentiation of smooth muscle cell layers can be observed from a CRL of 24.4 cm onwards. Intense SMA-positive cells/fibers, arranged perpendicularly to the developing circular SMA-positive muscle cell layer, can be found preferentially located in the developing caruncles. Lymphocytes occur in the uterine epithelium and stroma in the corpora and cornua of fetuses with a CLR of 15.8 cm and higher.

Novel Bladder Neck Preservation Approach for RALP: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Outcomes

Abstract Objectives: To describe our novel surgical technique for preserving bladder neck during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Methods: Between December 2012 and May 2014, 52 RALP surgeries were performed in our institute. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were recorded. Quality of life (QoL) scores were assessed before RALP, after urethral catheter removal, and at the first month of RALP. Fatty connective tissue between the bladder neck and prostate was identified and cauterized in all patients, to visualize the circular muscle fibers of internal sphincter and simplify the preservation of the bladder neck. Complications were analyzed accordingly to the Clavien–Dindo classification. Statistical analyses were performed. Results: The mean follow-up was 9.6±5.2 months and the mean age was 61.1±6.5 years. Our novel surgical approach for preserving bladder neck was performed in 52 patients. The patient resulted to be continent right after catheter removal. The mean ...

The structure of the muscular and nervous systems of the female Intoshia linei (Orthonectida)

The systematic position of the Orthonectida remains enigmatic. According to a classical point of view, they are placed together with Dicyemida in the phylum Mesozoa. Traditionally, orthonectids are regarded as rather primitive organisms, lacking digestive, muscular, and nervous systems. Here, using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and immunohistochemical methods, we describe the musculature and serotoninergic nervous system of female adults of Intoshia linei (Orthonectida). The whole muscular system consists of 4 longitudinal and 9–11 circular muscle cells. The general muscular topography corresponds to the typical pattern for small-sized annelids or flatworms. Immunohistochemistry reveals six serotonin-like cells, which form part of a small nervous system comprising only 10–12 total cells based on nuclear counts. This is the first finding of a serotoninergic nervous system in orthonectids. Our analysis of muscular and neural organization in Orthonectida reveals significant differences from Diciemyda and aligns it more closely with the Lophotrochozoa.

Somatic musculature in trematode hermaphroditic generation.

BackgroundThe somatic musculature in trematode hermaphroditic generation (cercariae, metacercariae and adult) is presumed to comprise uniform layers of circular, longitudinal and diagonal muscle fibers of the body wall, and internal dorsoventral muscle fibers. Meanwhile, specific data are few, and there has been no analysis taking the trunk axial differentiation and regionalization into account. Yet presence of the ventral sucker (= acetabulum) morphologically divides the digenean trunk into two regions: preacetabular and postacetabular. The functional differentiation of these two regions is already evident in the nervous system organization, and the goal of our research was to investigate the somatic musculature from the same point of view.ResultsSomatic musculature of ten trematode species was studied with use of fluorescent-labelled phalloidin and confocal microscopy. The body wall of examined species included three main muscle layers (of circular, longitudinal and diagonal fibers), and most of the species had them distinctly better developed in the preacetabuler region. In majority of the species several (up to seven) additional groups of muscle fibers were found within the body wall. Among them the anterioradial, posterioradial, anteriolateral muscle fibers, and U-shaped muscle sets were most abundant. These groups were located on the ventral surface, and associated with the ventral sucker. The additional internal musculature was quite diverse as well, and included up to twelve separate groups of muscle fibers or bundles in one species. The most dense additional bundles were found in the preacetabular region and were connected with the suckers.ConclusionsPreviously unknown additional somatic musculature probably provides the diverse movements of the preacetabular region, ventral sucker, and oral sucker (or anterior organ). Several additional muscle groups of the body wall (anterioradial, posterioradial, anteriolateral fibers and U-shaped sets) are proposed to be included into the musculature ground pattern of trematode hermaphroditic generation. This pattern is thought to be determined by the primary trunk morphofunctional differentiation into the preacetabular and the postacetabular regions.

Drosophila type IV collagen mutation associates with immune system activation and intestinal dysfunction

The basal lamina (BM) contains numerous components with a predominance of type IV collagens. Clinical manifestations associated with mutations of the human COL4A1 gene include perinatal cerebral hemorrhage and porencephaly, hereditary angiopathy, nephropathy, aneurysms and muscle cramps (HANAC), ocular dysgenesis, myopathy, Walker–Warburg syndrome and systemic tissue degeneration. In Drosophila, the phenotype associated with dominant temperature sensitive mutations of col4a1 include severe myopathy resulting from massive degradation of striated muscle fibers, and in the gut, degeneration of circular visceral muscle cells and epithelial cells following detachment from the BM. In order to determine the consequences of altered BM functions due to aberrant COL4A1 protein, we have carried out a series of tests using DrosophilaDTS-L3 mutants from our allelic series of col4a1 mutations with confirmed degeneration of various cell types and lowest survival rate among the col4a1 mutant lines at restrictive temperature. Results demonstrated epithelial cell degeneration in the gut, shortened gut, enlarged midgut with multiple diverticulae, intestinal dysfunction and shortened life span. Midgut immunohistochemistry analyses confirmed altered expression and distribution of BM components integrin PSI and PSII alpha subunits, laminin gamma 1, and COL4A1 both in larvae and adults. Global gene expression analysis revealed activation of the effector AMP genes of the primary innate immune system including Metchnikowin, Diptericin, DiptericinB, and edin that preceded morphological changes. Attacin::GFP midgut expression pattern further supported these changes. An increase in ROS production and changes in gut bacterial flora were also noted and may have further enhanced an immune response. The phenotypic features of Drosophila col4a1 mutants confirmed an essential role for type IV collagen in maintaining epithelial integrity, gut morphology and intestinal function and suggest that aberrant structure and function of the COL4A1 protein may also be a significant factor in modulating immunity.

Bladder Neck Muscle Degeneration in Patients with Prostatic Hyperplasia

To improve understanding of the variations of bladder neck musculature we investigated histological changes of the bladder neck associated with prostatic hyperplasia in adult male cadavers. We examined histological sections from 24 donated male cadavers with a mean age of 74 years. Sections were subjected to Azan and immunohistochemical staining using desmin and S-100 antibodies. The collagen content per cross-sectional area was calculated and statistically compared. The existence of 3 muscle layers (submucosal longitudinal muscles, circular bladder neck muscles and external longitudinal muscles) was confirmed at the anterior and posterior regions of the bladder neck. Increased prostate volume significantly correlated with an increase in collagen fibers and thinning of muscle bundles in the anterior bladder neck. An increase in prostate volume and increasing age significantly correlated with degeneration of the posterior bladder neck muscles. As prostatic hyperplasia advanced the bladder neck muscles were progressively affected by fibrosis with the circular muscle fibers becoming thin and fragmented. In addition the severity of fibrosis associated with prostatic hyperplasia showed interindividual variation. We also devised a schematic classification of bladder neck morphology in men. Degeneration of muscle bundles in the bladder neck of men with prostatic hyperplasia was confirmed. It was found that the bundles became thinner along with an increase in collagenous tissue. Our schematic classification of bladder neck morphology in men may be useful for further investigations.

English

Eucalyptus oil is frequently used in phytotherapy. The objective of the present paper was to investigate to what extent 1.8-cineole influences the activity of smooth muscle fibres. The effects of 1.8-cineole on the spontaneous contractile activity were investigated in in vitro experiments with circular smooth muscle fibres of guinea pig stomach. 1.8-cineole was found to have agonistic effects on the a1 and a2 adrenergic receptors. These effects can be registered at low concentrations of up to 3 × 10-7 to 2 × 10-5 M 1.8-cineole. At higher concentrations, the well-known spasmolytic effect appears. At concentrations above 4 × 10-4 M 1.8-cineole, the effect of 10-5 M acetylcholine is 100% suppressed. The results allow for the assumption that, besides the spasmolytic effects investigated to date and owing to its specific effects on the a2 adrenergic receptors of the nerve cells, 1.8-cineole brings about an additional improvement to local blood circulation and alleviates pain. Key words: Smooth muscle fibre, 1.8-cineole (eucalyptol), a1 and a2 adrenergic receptors, papaverine, pain, clonidine.

R‐Type Calcium Channels Contribute to Colonic Inhibitory Neuromuscular Transmission

The inhibitory neurotransmitters, ATP and nitric oxide (NO), relax the colonic smooth muscle which is important for propulsion of colonic content. Voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) control neurotransmitter release and regulate colonic motility. The α1E subunit of the R‐type VGCC is expressed by enteric neurons yet its role in regulating colonic motility is unclear. We investigated the role of R‐type VGCCs in colonic inhibitory neuromuscular transmission using alpha1E knockout (KO) mice. Intracellular recordings of inhibitory junction potentials (IJP) were obtained from circular muscle cells in distal colon. IJPs were evoked by trains of electrical stimulation (1s, 10 Hz, 40‐90 volts). IJPs have a fast ATP‐mediated component and a slow NO‐mediated component. Peak amplitude (ATP component) and area under the curve (AUC; both components) of the IJP were compared between wildtype (WT) and KO mice. Resting membrane potential (RMP) was measured as an index of ongoing inhibitory transmission. There was a voltage dependent increase in IJP amplitude and AUC in WT and KO mice. IJP amplitude was similar in WT and KO mice. The IJP AUC was decreased in KO compared to WT. Nifedipine (1 µM; L‐type VGCC blocker) had no effect on these responses. RMP in KO muscle cells was decreased compared with WT (‐44 ± 2 mV in WT and ‐38 ± 1 mV in KO; P &lt; 0.05). Thus, there was a 5.4 mV RMP depolarization in KO mice. Nifedipine did not change RMP of WT or KO cells (‐39 ± 3 mV, WT and ‐40 ± 1 mV in KO). In conclusion, R‐type VGCCs contribute to colonic inhibitory neuromuscular transmission by controlling NO release. In addition, R‐type VGCCs contribute to ongoing release of NO and ATP which maintain colonic muscle tone.

Expression and regulation of scavenger receptor class B type 1 in the rat ovary and uterus during the estrous cycle

Scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) preferentially mediates the selective uptake of high density lipoprotein–cholesterol ester and the delivery of cholesterol for steroidogenesis. Although multiple analyses have investigated the function of SR-B1 in the liver, adrenal and ovary, its expression in rat ovary and uterus during the estrous cycle is lacking. In the present study, real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to investigate SR-B1 expression in the rat ovary and uterus during the estrous cycle. The results demonstrated that ovarian SR-B1 expression was in a stage-dependent manner, continuously increased from proestrus and kept elevated during metoestrus, while uterine SR-B1 expression decreased from proestrus to diestrus. To determine whether ovarian and uterine SR-B1 expression were affected by sex steroid hormones, immature rats were treated with 17 β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), or their antagonists from postnatal days 24–26. Results showed that the levels of SR-B1 mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated by E2 in both the ovary and uterus. IHC results showed that SR-B1 was primarily localized in the oocytes, theca internal cells (T-I) of follicles, interstitial cells (IC) as well as corpus luteum (CL), but not granulosa cells (GC) in the ovary during the estrous cycle. Uterine SR-B1 was highly expressed in the endometrial luminal epithelial cells (LEC) and glandular epithelial cells (GEC) as well as in the circular muscle (CM) cells, and weak staining in stromal cells (SC) through estrous cycle. Taken together, SR-B1 expression in the ovary and uterus across the estrous cycle demonstrate that SR-B1 may be involved in uterine function, follicular development as well as luteal function.

Muscular Structure at the Male Bladder Outlet Examined With Successive Celloidin-embedded Slices

To re-examine the detailed anatomy of the muscular system at the bladder neck and proximal urethra in the male and to explore its function in urinary continence and micturition further. The pelvic organs, including bladder, prostate, and rectum, were obtained from 20 formalin-fixed adult male cadavers and were removed from the pelvic cavity and embedded in celloidin in their entirety. The embedded block was cut into successive slices with an immersing-alcohol microtome. Circular muscle fibers of the detrusor at the bladder outlet consist of the anterior downward-projected circular muscle fibers of the bladder outlet (ADPC), the bilateral accumulated circular fibers, and the posterior circular fibers of the bladder outlet. Together, these fibers concentrically surround the internal urethral orifice and trigone muscle. The lower part of the ADPC surrounds the ventral surface of the proximal urethra. Longitudinal muscle fibers are radially inserted into the circular muscle around the internal urethral orifice. Numerous fibers from the ventral longitudinal muscle are inserted into the lower part of the ADPC. The upper part of the trigone muscle exists in bladder cavity; the lower part extends into the proximal urethra to surround the posterior and posterolateral surface of the urethra. The ADPC and the upward extension of the rhabdosphincter comprise the anterior fibromuscular stroma. The circular muscle of the bladder outlet may be responsible for closure; the longitudinal muscle of the bladder outlet may be responsible for opening of the internal urethral orifice and proximal urethra.

English

Sections from duodenum, jejunum and ileum of local breeds of goat (Capra hircus) were studied histologically using light and scanning electron microscopy. The wall of goat small intestine is composed of typical layers: lamina epithelialis mucosae, lamina propria, lamina muscularis mucosae, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. Small intestine villi were covered by a simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells and simple tubular glands, the crypts of Lieberkuhn, containing paneth cells were observed between the villi. The presence of mucus was extensive in the duodenum and the number of goblet cells was highest in the duodenum. The lamina propria consisted of loose connective tissue rich in blood and lymphatic vessels. The lamina muscularis mucosa was presented as a thin layer of circular smooth muscle fibers at the base of the crypts. The submucosa consisted of conjunctive tissue containing blood and lymphatic vessels. The tunica muscularis consisted of the typical inner circular layer and outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle. The tunica serosa was the thin, outermost small intestine layer that consisted of a very small amount of conjunctive tissue covered by mesothelium. The submucosa was devoid of glands in all three small intestine regions. Scanning electron microscopy showed finger shaped villi in the jujenum, tongue shaped in ileum, leave like in duodenum; the villus has corrugated surface. The corrugations are deep, irregular clefts cutting into the side of the villus. The corrugations are scarce in the duodenum, few in jujenum and numerous in ileum. The surface of villi presents the goblet cell orifices. Keywords: goat, intestine

Neurochemical phenotype and function of endomorphin 2-immunopositive neurons in the myenteric plexus of the rat colon.

The distribution and activity of endomorphins (EMs), which are endogenous μ-opioid receptor (MOR) ligands in the gastrointestinal tract (GI), are yet to be elucidated. The current study aimed to shed light on this topic. EM2 was expressed in the enteric neurons in the myenteric plexus of the mid-colon. Of the EM2-immunoreactive (EM2-IR) neurons, 53 ± 4.6%, 26 ± 4.5%, 26 ± 2.8% and 49 ± 4.2% displayed immunopositive staining for choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide synthetase (NOS), respectively. A bath application of EM2 (2 μM) enhanced spontaneous contractile amplitude and tension, which were reversed by β-FNA (an antagonist of MOR) but not NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ether (L-NAME, a non-selective inhibitor of NOS) or VIP6-28 (an antagonist of the VIP receptor) in the colonic strips. EM2 significantly suppressed inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) in 14 of the 17 examined circular muscle cells, and this effect was not antagonized by preincubation in L-NAME. EM2 was widely expressed in interneurons and motor neurons in the myenteric plexus and presynaptically inhibited fast IJPs, thereby enhancing spontaneous contraction and tension in the colonic smooth muscle.

A novel surgical technique for preserving the bladder neck during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: preliminary results.

To describe our new surgical technique for preserving the bladder neck during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) and to present the anatomy between the bladder neck and prostate. Between December 2012 and May 2014, 52 RALPs were performed at our institute. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were recorded. Quality of life (QoL) scores were assessed before RALP, after urethral catheter removal, and at the first month after RALP. Fatty connective tissue between bladder neck and prostate was introduced, and circular muscle fibers of the internal sphincter were seen in all patients. Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Statistical analyses were performed. Mean follow-up was 9.6±5.2 months; mean age was 61.1±6.5 years. Our novel surgical technique for preserving the bladder neck was performed in 52 patients, and they were continent after catheter removal; mean duration of the catheter was 9.4±1.4 days. There was a significant difference in QoL before RALP and after catheter removal, however, but there was no statistical difference between before and 1 month after RALP (respectively; P<0.001, P=0.5). Furthermore, there was no complication related to the bladder neck such as bladder neck stricture, acute/chronic urinary retention, as well as no Clavien III, IV, and V complications. In addition, conventional laparoscopy and/or open surgery was not needed in any of the RALP cases. Our novel technique provided very early continence at the time of catheter removal after RALP within short-term follow-up. This can help early recovery and develop QoL scores after RALP.

Damage from dissection is associated with reduced neuro-musclar transmission and gap junction coupling between circular muscle cells of guinea pig ileum, in vitro.

Excitatory and inhibitory junction potentials of circular smooth muscle cells in guinea pig ileum and colon are suppressed 30–90 min after setting up in vitro preparations. We have previously shown this “unresponsive” period is associated with a transient loss of dye coupling between smooth muscle cells, which subsequently recovers over the ensuing 30–90 min; junction potentials recover in parallel with dye coupling (Carbone et al., 2012). Here, we investigated which components of dissection trigger the initial loss of coupling. Intracellular recordings were made from circular muscle cells of guinea pig ileum with micropipettes containing 5% carboxyfluorescein. After allowing 90–120 min for junction potentials to reach full amplitude, we re-cut all 4 edges of the preparation more than 1 mm from the recording sites. This caused a reduction in the amplitude of IJPs from 17.2 ± 0.7 mV to 9.5 ± 1.5 mV (P < 0.001, n = 12) and a significant reduction in dye coupling. Both recovered within 60 min. We repeated this experiment (n = 4), recording both 1 and 4 mm from the cut edge: both sites were equally affected by re-cutting the sides of the preparation. Equilibrated preparations were stretched to 150% of their original length, this had no significant effect on junction potentials or dye coupling. Setting up preparations in low calcium solution did not prevent the initial suppression of IJPs and dye coupling. Application of 3 μM indomethacin (n = 3), 10 μM ketotifen (n = 4) or 10 μM forskolin during dissection did not prevent the suppression of IJPs and dye coupling. If dissection damage was reduced, by leaving the mucosa and submucosa attached to the circular muscle, IJPs showed less initial suppression than in preparations where the layers were dissected off. We conclude that physical damage to the gut wall triggers loss of gap junction coupling and neuromuscular transmission, this is not due to stretch, influx of calcium ions, release of prostaglandins or mast cell degranulation. The mechanisms underlying this potent effect remain to be determined.