Circular Muscle Research Articles

Conditional deletion of IP3R1 by Islet1-Cre in mice reveals a critical role of IP3R1 in interstitial cells of Cajal in regulating GI motility.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1) has been proposed to play a physiological role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility, but the underlying cell-dependent mechanism remains unclear. Here, we utilized cell-specific IP3R1 deletion strategies to address this question in mice. Conditional IP3R1 knockout mice using Wnt1-Cre, Islet1-Cre mice, and smMHC-CreEGFP were generated. Cell lineage tracing was performed to determine where gene deletion occurred in the GI tract. Whole-gut transit assay and isometric tension recording were used to assess GI function in vivo and in vitro. In the mouse GI tract, Islet1-Cre targeted smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), but not enteric neurons. IP3R1 deletion by Islet1-Cre (isR1KO) caused a phenotype of intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO), evidenced by prolonged whole-gut transit time, enlarged GI tract, abdominal distention, and early lethality. IP3R1 deletion by Islet1-Cre not only reduced the frequency of spontaneous contractions but also decreased the contractile responses to the muscarinic agonist carbachol (CCh) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) in colonic circular muscles. By contrast, smMHC-CreEGFP only targeted SMCs in the mouse GI tract. Although IP3R1 deletion by smMHC-CreEGFP (smR1KO)also reduced the contractile responses to CCh and EFS in colonic circular muscles, the frequency of spontaneous contractions was less affected, and neither global GI abnormalities nor early lethality was found in smR1KO mice. IP3R1 deletion in both ICCs and SMCs but not in SMCs alone causes an IPO phenotype, suggesting that IP3R1 in ICCs plays an essential role in regulating GI motility in vivo.

Bio-inspired circular soft actuators for simulating defecation process of human rectum.

Soft robots have found extensive applications in the medical field, particularly in rehabilitation exercises, assisted grasping, and artificial organs. Despite significant advancements in simulating various components of the digestive system, the rectum has been largely neglected due to societal stigma. This study seeks to address this gap by developing soft circular muscle actuators (CMAs) and rectum models to replicate the defecation process. Using soft materials, both the rectum and the actuators were fabricated to enable seamless integration and attachment. We designed, fabricated, and tested three types of CMAs and compared them to the simulated results. A pneumatic system was employed to control the actuators, and simulated stool was synthesized using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. Experimental results indicated that the third type of actuator exhibited superior performance in pressure generation, enabling the area contraction to reach a maximum value of 1. The successful simulation of the defecation process highlights the potential of these soft actuators in biomedical applications, providing a foundation for further research and development in the field of soft robotics.

Calcium wave dynamics in the embryonic mouse gut mesenchyme: impact on smooth muscle differentiation

Intestinal smooth muscle differentiation is a complex physico-biological process involving several different pathways. Here, we investigate the properties of Ca2+ waves in the developing intestinal mesenchyme using GCamp6f expressing mouse embryos and investigate their relationship with smooth muscle differentiation. We find that Ca2+ waves are absent in the pre-differentiation mesenchyme and start propagating immediately following α-SMA expression. Ca2+ waves are abrogated by CaV1.2 and gap-junction blockers, but are independent of the Rho pathway. The myosine light-chain kinase inhibitor ML-7 strongly disorganized or abolished Ca2+ waves, showing that perturbation of the contractile machinery at the myosine level also affected the upstream Ca2+ handling chain. Inhibiting Ca2+ waves and contractility with CaV1.2 blockers did not perturb circular smooth muscle differentiation at early stages. At later stages, CaV1.2 blockers abolished intestinal elongation and differentiation of the longitudinal smooth muscle, leading instead to the emergence of KIT-expressing interstitial cells of Cajal at the gut periphery. CaV1.2 blockers also drove apoptosis of already differentiated, CaV1.2-expressing smooth muscle and enteric neural cells. We provide fundamental new data on Ca2+ waves in the developing murine gut and their relation to myogenesis in this organ.

Pharmacological characterization of alpha adrenoceptor-mediated motor responses in the rat colon.

Inhibitory neuromuscular transmission in the gastrointestinal tract is mediated by intrinsic nitrergic and purinergic neurons. Purines activate G protein-coupled receptor P2Y1 receptors, increasing intracellular Ca2+ that activates small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SKCa) channels. Little is known about the effect of adrenergic receptor activation on intestinal smooth muscle. In vascular tissue, stimulation of α-adrenoceptors causes smooth muscle contraction, while their effect on intestinal tissue is poorly understood. This study aimed to pharmacologically characterize the effect of α-adrenoceptor activation in the rat colon, which shares similar inhibitory pathways to the human colon. Muscle bath experiments were performed with the rat proximal, mid, and distal colon oriented both circularly and longitudinally. The α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) (10-8-10-5 M) evoked concentration-dependent relaxations of the intestinal smooth muscle from all regions and orientations. However, in the mid-circular colon at low PE concentrations, a contraction sensitive to 10-5 M phentolamine (non-selective α-adrenoceptor blocker), the neural blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX; 10-6 M), and atropine (10-6 M) was recorded. PE-induced relaxations were insensitive to TTX (10-6 M) and the nonselective β-adrenoceptor blocker propranolol (10-6 M). In contrast, PE-induced relaxations were blocked by phentolamine (10-5 M), prazosin (10-6 M) (α1-adrenoceptor blocker), and RS17053 (10-6 M) (α1A-blocker), but not by yohimbine (10-6 M) (α2-adrenoceptor blocker). Apamin (10-6 M), a SKCa channel blocker, abolished PE-induced relaxations. Contractile responses in the circular muscle of the mid colon could be attributed to α-adrenoceptors located on enteric cholinergic neurons. Stimulation of α1A-adrenoreceptors activates SKCa channels to cause smooth muscle relaxation, which constitutes a signaling pathway that shares similarities with P2Y1 receptors.

Histological Study of Development Structure of Testis and Epididymis in Gazelle Gazelle Subgutturosa

Objective: The aim of this study for focused the light on the development structure of the testis of gazelle. Materials and Method: 10 healthy male gazelle were used to study the histology structure of testis (5 pre- Puberty and 5 post- Puberty). Results: The testis is surrounded by a thick, irregular connective tissue capsule. Each lobule of the testis is composed of seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue, and trabecular and interlobular septa divide the lobules apart. Neighboring the seminiferous tubules are Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells. From spermatogenic cells, spermatozoa are produced. The first spermatogonia are small, spherical cells with black, spherical nuclei that reside on the basement membrane. Spermatogonia were earliest stages of the spermatogenic cells. Larger cells with frequently distinct chromatin are called primary spermatocytes. Secondary spermatocytes are rare because of their quick second meiotic division and the haploid spermatids that follow. Spermatids are round, pale-nucleated cells that are grouped close to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule. Prostatogenic cells outnumber Sertoli cells in the body. Oval or triangular in shape, the nucleus has a light coloration. In the connective tissue separating adjacent tubules, Leydig cells are present. Lines the epididymis are pseudostratified epithelium. Extensions of the cytoplasm into the lumen are called stereocilia. In different proportions, there is circular smooth muscle, and a connective tissue lamina propria supports the epithelium. The rete testis is connected to the ductus epididymidis by the efferent ductules, which are convolutions of tubules. Numerous valved veins were visible in the tunica albuginea, which covered the initial ascending portion of the epididymal head. Cuboidal epithelium was lining extratesticular rete testis. Three different cell types; migrating, basal, and columnar had epithelial membranes lining the efferent ductules. Many columnar, non-ciliated cells with many cytoplasmic vacuoles and tiny granules lined the epithelium of the first segment of the efferent ductules. Conclusion: In post-puberty age, the structure of the gazelle's testis exhibited a pattern resembling that of other ruminants; the seminiferous tubules contain adult sperm and a broad lumen.

The contractile efficiency of the mantle muscle of European common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) during cyclical contractions

Escape jet propulsion swimming in cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) is powered by the circular muscles surrounding the mantle cavity. This mode of locomotion is energetically costly compared to undulatory swimmers. The energetic cost of swimming is determined by the mechanical power requirements and the efficiency with which chemical energy is transferred into useful mechanical work. One step in this energy transduction process is the transfer of energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical work by the muscles. Here, we determined the efficiency of this step, termed the contractile efficiency. Muscle preparations from the circular muscles of the mantle cavity were subjected to sinusoidal length changes at different cycle frequencies, and stimulated with a phase and duration that maximised initial net work. Changes in ATP, arginine phosphate and octopine content between control and exercised muscles were determined and used to calculate the energy released from ATP hydrolysis (Emet). The maximum contractile efficiency (the ratio of net work to Emet) was 0.37, occurring at the same cycle frequency at which mechanical power was maximal and that was used during jet propulsion swimming, suggesting that cuttlefish muscle is adapted to generate muscular power efficiently. The overall efficiency of cuttlefish jet propulsion swimming was estimated to be 0.17, which is broadly comparable to that measured during animal flight and human-powered pedalled locomotion, indicating the high energetic costs of jet propulsion swimming are not due to inefficient locomotion per se, instead, they result from the relatively high mechanical power requirements.

Treatment outcome and associated factors of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis at eastern Ethiopia public hospitals

BackgroundInfantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a condition whose etiology is not clear, but it is characterized by progressive hypertrophy of the circular muscles of the pylorus with consequent obstruction of the gastric outflow, mostly in neonates and infants under the age of one year.ObjectivesTo assess the treatment outcome and associated factors of infantile pyloric sphincter stenosis among paediatric patients admitted to HFCSUH and JUSHYRH.MethodologyA retrospective patient record review with 78 participants was studied consecutively using a structured questionnaire. The data was processed and analyzed using Epi Info 7 and SPSS version 24. Descriptive analysis was done, and then associated factors to the outcome were assessed using logistic regression analysis. The association’s significance was determined using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a P-value less than 0.05. The study period was from November 1st to 30th, 2022.ResultsThe magnitude of unfavorable IHPS was 17.1% with a 95% confidence interval of 16.7–23.9%. Hypokalemia (AOR = 2.3, CI = 3.015–19.54), severe dehydration (AOR = 30.9, CI = 2.89–31.75), and delayed presentation (AOR = 7.37, CI = 2.761–12.08) were independent predictors.ConclusionsThe study found a highly unfavorable treatment outcome with delayed presentation; dehydration and electrolyte disturbance were the main predictors of poor outcome. It is recommended to increase community awareness about non-bilious vomiting in infants and ensure high suspicion among healthcare providers. Moreover, following guidelines to correct fluid and electrolyte disturbances and managing these patients in the pediatric ICU postoperatively.

Remodeling of Uterine Tissues During Gestation of Potamotrygon wallacei (Elasmobranchii), a Neotropical Freshwater Stingray Endemic to the Negro River, Central Amazonia.

Neotropical freshwater stingrays of the subfamily Potamotrygoninae exhibit aplacental viviparity with uterine trophonemata. In this reproductive mode, females nourish and provide oxygenation to the embryo via the mucosa of the uterine wall. The aim of this study was to describe and histologically quantify the tissue components of the gravid uterus in an Amazonian freshwater stingray. Adult females of Potamotrygon wallacei were studied in different reproductive periods: resting stage, pregnant, and postpartum. During reproductive rest, the left ovary has numerous follicles compared to the right side. Therefore, uterine fertility is usually higher on the left side. The presence of an embryo in the right uterus suggests that the right ovary is also functional, although this only occurs in larger females. In females at reproductive rest, the wall of the uterus is formed by a mucosal layer (without the trophonemata) that contributes 16.7% to the thickness, while the myometrium accounts for 83.3% of the thickness. The mass-specific volume of the mucosal layer, inner circular, and outer longitudinal smooth muscle sheets tend to increase in the gravid uterus, indicating hypertrophy and hyperplasia of these components. During pregnancy, the trophonemata undergo marked tissue remodeling. Epithelial cells are organized into glandular acini and have apical secretory vesicles; furthermore, peripheral blood vessels proliferate and become dilated. These characteristics demonstrate that the gravid uterus of P. wallacei presents intense uterolactation activity and provides oxygenation to the fetus. Tissue remodeling occurs only in the uterus with the presence of an embryo. During postpartum, females have low body condition factor indicating a high reproductive cost. This study contributes to the knowledge of the reproductive biology of this species and will help us understand the impacts of climate change on the breeding areas of potamotrygonids.

Revisiting the external urethral sphincter: new anatomical insights from a human cadaver study.

The external urethral sphincter (EUS) is critical for urinary continence, but its complex anatomy is not fully understood, complicating its preservation during prostate surgeries. This study aims to elucidate the anatomy and development of the EUS to enhance surgical techniques for continence preservation. The study consisted of a postmortem examination of three male cadavers, aged 52, 64, and 60, with intact urogenital systems. Specimens including the prostate and EUS were dissected, fixed in formalin, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for microscopic analysis. Histological assessments focused on the muscle composition and structure of the EUS and prostate. Macroscopic examination revealed symmetrical prostates without pathologies. Histologically, the anterior prostate lacked tubuloalveolar glands, showing striated muscle fibers from the external urethral sphincter extending into the prostate and prostatic urethra. Reduced glandular structure and prevalent smooth muscle were noted. This intricate integration of striated muscle fibers at the EUS-prostate interface underscores the anatomical complexity vital for surgical preservation of urinary continence. Our study reveals a complex EUS-prostate relationship, challenging the view of the EUS as merely a circular muscle. The findings demonstrate the importance of the EUS's extension into the prostate for urethral stabilization and continence. Recognizing this anatomy is crucial for maintaining urinary continence in prostate surgeries and enhancing postoperative outcomes.

Ex Vivo Study of Colon Health, Contractility and Innervation in Male and Female Rats after Regular Exposure to Instant Cascara Beverage.

Instant Cascara (IC) is a sustainable beverage made from dried coffee cherry pulp, a by-product of coffee processing. It is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds and has a high concentration of antioxidants. This study explored the impact of regular IC consumption on colonic motor function and innervation. Over a period of 4 weeks, male and female healthy rats were given drinking water containing 10 mg/mL of IC. Thereafter, colon samples were obtained to evaluate the longitudinal (LM) and circular (CM) smooth muscle contractile response to acetylcholine (ACh) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) in an organ bath, before and after atropine administration (10-6 M). Histological and immunohistochemical analyses assessed colon damage, muscle thickness, and immunoreactivity to substance P (SP) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). ACh and EFS induced similar responses across groups, but the CM response to EFS was greater in females compared with males, despite their lower body weight. Atropine completely blocked the response to ACh but only partially antagonized the neural response to EFS, particularly that of CM in females treated with IC, which had a greater liquid intake than those exposed to water. However, in the myenteric ganglia, no statistically significant differences were observed in SP or nNOS. Our results suggest that regular IC exposure may enhance specific neural pathway functions, particularly in females, possibly due to their increased IC consumption.

Toll-Like Receptor 7-Expressed Macrophages Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Esophageal Achalasia and Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction.

Esophageal achalasia is a typical esophageal motility disorder (EMD). Although viral infections have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of esophageal achalasia, its etiology remains unclear. This study used esophageal muscle layer specimens collected during per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedures to investigate the association between esophageal achalasia and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) and pattern recognition receptors. Patients with esophageal achalasia and EGJOO who underwent POEM were allocated to the EMD group. Biopsies of the inner circular muscle were conducted during the POEM procedure. The control group comprised individuals diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgical resection. Expression of pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7, was examined by polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine TLR7 expression sites in the esophageal muscle layer, and the relationship between TLR7 mRNA expression and clinical score was investigated. Our analysis revealed a notable upregulation of TLR7 mRNA levels within the muscle layer of esophageal achalasia and EGJOO, in contrast to those of control specimens. In contrast, the correlation between TLR7 and clinical score was not significant. Immunohistochemical staining revealed increased numbers of TLR7-expressing macrophages between the muscle layers. TLR7-expressing macrophages are involved in the innate immune response underlying esophageal achalasia and EGJOO. This result will lead to the elucidation of new pathogenetic mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic targets.

Tetrodotoxin-resistant mechanosensitivity and L-type calcium channel-mediated spontaneous calcium activity in enteric neurons.

Gut motility undergoes a switch from myogenic to neurogenic control in late embryonic development. Here, we report on the electrical events that underlie this transition in the enteric nervous system, using the GCaMP6f reporter in neural crest cell derivatives. We found that spontaneous calcium activity is tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistant at stage E11.5, but not at E18.5. Motility at E18.5 was characterized by periodic, alternating high- and low-frequency contractions of the circular smooth muscle; this frequency modulation was inhibited by TTX. Calcium imaging at the neurogenic-motility stages E18.5-P3 showed that CaV1.2-positive neurons exhibited spontaneous calcium activity, which was inhibited by nicardipine and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB). Our protocol locally prevented muscle tone relaxation, arguing for a direct effect of nicardipine on enteric neurons, rather than indirectly by its relaxing effect on muscle. We demonstrated that the ENS was mechanosensitive from early stages on (E14.5) and that this behaviour was TTX and 2-APB resistant. We extended our results on L-type channel-dependent spontaneous activity and TTX-resistant mechanosensitivity to the adult colon. Our results shed light on the critical transition from myogenic to neurogenic motility in the developing gut, as well as on the intriguing pathways mediating electro-mechanical sensitivity in the enteric nervous system. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? What are the first neural electric events underlying the transition from myogenic to neurogenic motility in the developing gut, what channels do they depend on, and does the enteric nervous system already exhibit mechanosensitivity? What is the main finding and its importance? ENS calcium activity is sensitive to tetrodotoxin at stage E18.5 but not E11.5. Spontaneous electric activity at fetal and adult stages is crucially dependent on L-type calcium channels and IP3R receptors, and the enteric nervous system exhibits a tetrodotoxin-resistant mechanosensitive response. Abstract figure legend Tetrodotoxin-resistant Ca2+ rise induced by mechanical stimulation in the E18.5 mouse duodenum.

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.

Electromechanical Coupling and Anatomy of the In-Vivo Gastroduodenal Junction.

Few biomarkers support diagnosis and treatment of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), although gastroduodenal junction (GDJ) electromechanical coupling is a target for novel interventions. Rhythmic 'slow waves', generated by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and myogenic 'spikes' are bioelectrical mechanisms underpinning motility. In this study, simultaneous in-vivo high-resolution electrophysiological and impedance planimetry measurements were paired with immunohistochemistry to elucidate GDJ electromechanical coupling. Following ethical approval, the GDJ of anaesthetized pigs (N=12) was exposed. Anatomically-specific, high-resolution electrode arrays (256 electrodes) were applied to the serosa. EndoFLIP catheters (16 electrodes; Medtronic, MN, USA) were positioned luminally to estimate diameter. Post-mortem tissue samples were stained with Masson's trichrome and Ano1 to quantify musculature and ICC. Electrical mapping captured slow-waves (N=512) and spikes (N=1071). Contractions paralleled electrical patterns. Localized slow waves and spikes preceded rhythmic contractions of the antrum, and non-rhythmic contractions of the duodenum. Slow-wave and spike amplitudes were correlated in the antrum (r=0.74, p<0.001) and duodenum (r=0.42, p<0.001). Slow-wave and contractile amplitudes were correlated in the antrum (r=0.48, p<0.001) and duodenum (r=0.35, p<0.001). Distinct longitudinal and circular muscle layers of the antrum and duodenum had a total thickness of (2.8 ± 0.9) mm and (0.4 ± 0.1) mm, respectively. At the pylorus, muscle layers merged and thickened to (3.5 ± 1.6) mm. Pyloric myenteric ICC covered less area (1.5 ± 1.1 %) compared to the antrum (4.2 ± 3.0 %) and duodenum (5.3 ± 2.8 %). Further characterization of electromechanical coupling and ICC biopsies may generate DGBI biomarkers.

Exploring Hyperprolific Sows: A Study of Gross Morphology of Reproductive Organs and Oxytocin Receptor Distribution across Parities.

This study investigated the gross morphology of reproductive organs and oxytocin receptor distribution across different parities in hyperprolific sows. A total of thirty-two reproductive organs from Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows were categorized into three groups based on parity numbers: 1 (n = 10), 2-5 (n = 12), and ≥6 (n = 10). All sows were culled due to management problems, and none had reproductive disorders. A gross morphology examination of the ovaries, uterus, and the rest of the reproductive tract was conducted. Using immunohistochemistry, the levels of oxytocin receptor were evaluated in five layers of the uterus, the epithelial, superficial glandular, deep glandular, and circular and longitudinal smooth muscles of the myometrium, and were quantified using an H-score. On average, the age and body weight of sows and the total number of piglets born per litter were 799.8 ± 327.8 days, 213.2 ± 31.7 kg, and 15.5 ± 4.8, respectively. The numbers of ovulations in sows in parity number 1 (19.9 ± 2.4) were lower than those in sows in parity numbers 2-5 (29.7 ± 2.0, p = 0.004) and ≥6 (27.7 ± 2.1, p = 0.022). The uterine weights of sows in parity number 1 (902.9 ± 112.5 g) were lower than those of parity numbers 2-5 (1442.1 ± 111.8 g, p = 0.001) and ≥6 (1394.3 ± 125.1 g, p = 0.004). The length of the uterus in sows with parity number 1 (277.9 ± 26.1 cm) was shorter than those in sows with parity numbers 2-5 (354.6 ± 25.9 cm, p = 0.033) and tended to be shorter than those in sows with parity numbers ≥ 6 (346.6 ± 29.0 cm, p = 0.068). The immunolocalization of oxytocin receptors could be detected in various parts of the porcine endometrium and myometrium. Among the five tissue layers of the uterus, the H-score of oxytocin receptors in the deep uterine glands was greater than in the superficial uterine glands (p = 0.023) and the circular muscle layer of the myometrium (p = 0.011), but it did not differ from the epithelial layer of the endometrium (p = 0.428) or the longitudinal muscle layer of the myometrium (p = 0.081). Sows with parity numbers ≥ 6 had a lower oxytocin receptor H-score than those with parity numbers 1 (p < 0.001) and 2-5 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, these data emphasize the notable variations in several reproductive parameters and the levels of oxytocin receptor within the uterus of hyperprolific sows. Across the majority of uterine tissue layers, there was a marked decrease in the H-score of the oxytocin receptor in the older sows.

Origami-Inspired Bionic Soft Robot Stomach with Self-Powered Sensing.

The stomach is a vital organ in the human digestive system, and its digestive condition is critical to human health. The physical movement of the stomach during digestion is controlled by the circular and oblique muscles. Existing stomach simulators are unable to realistically reproduce the physical movement of the stomach. Due to the complexity of gastric motility, it is challenging to simulate and sense gastric motility. This study proposes for the first time a bionic soft robotic stomach (BSRS) with an integrated drive and sensing structure inspired by origami and self-powered sensing technology. This soft stomach (SS) can realistically simulate and sense the movements of various parts of the human stomach in real-time. The contraction force and contraction rate of the BSRS are investigated with different viscosity contents, and the experimental values are similar to the physiological range (maximum contraction force is 3.2 N, and maximum contraction rate is 0.8). This paper provides an experimental basis for the study of gastric digestive medicine and food science by simulating the peristaltic motion of the BSRS according to the human stomach and by combining the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) sensing technology to monitor the motion of the BSRS in real-time.

Endoscopic ultrasonography in the assessment of physiological cardia in esophageal achalasia

Background. Recently, to assess the physiological cardia in esophageal achalasia (EA), the method of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been used, which combines the capabilities of two studies, endoscopic and ultrasound, in addition to traditional diagnostic methods, radiography and endoscopy, and allows detecting structural changes in the esophageal wall and lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Objective: to determine the role of endoscopic ultrasonography in assessing the state of phy­siological cardia in esophageal achalasia. Materials and methods. In the Department of Digestive Surgery of the SI “Institute of Gastroenterology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” in 2023–2024, according to the objectives of the study, 15 patients with EA and 20 practically healthy individuals (control group) were examined. All patients underwent X-ray and endoscopic examination of the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, and EUS. Results. Videoesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed changes characteristic of EA: dilation of the esophageal diameter (100.0 %), stagnant contents in the esophageal lumen (66.7 %), resistance to the passage of an endoscope through LES (86.7 %). X-ray revealed EA stage I in 13.3 % of cases by peristalsis and esophageal diameter, stage II — in 33.3 %, stage III — in 46.7 %, and stage IV — in 6.7 % of cases. When performing EUS, the esophageal hiatus was 19.29 mm (normal 23–36 mm); the eso­phageal wall thickness in the middle third was 6.76 mm (normal &lt; 3 mm); the LES wall thickness was 6.02 mm (normal &lt; 5 mm). To detect fibrotic changes in the esophageal and the LES wall, compression elastography was used. This method helped reveal a significant thickening of the internal circular muscle of the LES from 2.5 to 4.5 mm in 46.6 % of cases, and in 26.6 %, with EA stage III and IV, fibrotic changes were detected in the lower third of the esophageal wall. Conclusions. It has been found that EUS in EA answers questions that are not answered by traditional research methods, namely, it makes it possible to assess a number of parameters (thickness of the walls of the LES and the lower third of the esophagus, diameter of the esophageal hiatus) and identify structural changes (the presence of fibrosis), which significantly affects the choice of a method for a surgical correction of physiological cardia in EA.

Relationship between jejunum ATPase activity and antioxidant function on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and jejunum microbiota in Hu sheep (Ovis aries)

BackgroundATPase activity and the antioxidant function of intestinal tissue can reflect intestinal cell metabolic activity and oxidative damage, which might be related to intestinal function. However, the specific influence of intestinal ATPase activity and antioxidant function on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and the intestinal microbiota in sheep remains unclear.ResultsThis study analyzed the correlation between ATPase activity and antioxidant function in the jejunum of 92 Hu sheep and their growth performance and feed conversion efficiency. Additionally, individuals with the highest (H group) and lowest (L group) jejunum MDA content and Na+ K+-ATPase activity were further screened, and the effects of jejunum ATPase activity and MDA content on the morphology and microbial community of sheep intestines were analyzed. There was a significant correlation between jejunum ATPase and SOD activity and the initial weight of Hu sheep (P < 0.01). The H-MDA group exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) from 0 to 80 days old and higher body weight (BW) after 80 days. ATPase and SOD activities, and MDA levels correlated significantly and positively with heart weight. The jejunum crypt depth and circular muscle thickness in the H-ATP group were significantly higher than in the L-ATP group, and the villus length, crypt depth, and longitudinal muscle thickness in the H-MDA group were significantly higher than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.01). High ATPase activity and MDA content significantly reduced the jejunum microbial diversity, as indicated by the Chao1 index and observed species, and affected the relative abundance of specific taxa. Among species, the relative abundance of Olsenella umbonata was significantly higher in the H-MDA group than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05), while Methanobrevibacter ruminantium abundance was significantly lower than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05). In vitro culture experiments confirmed that MDA promoted the proliferation of Olsenella umbonata. Thus, ATPase and SOD activities in the jejunum tissues of Hu sheep are predominantly influenced by congenital factors, and lambs with higher birth weights exhibit lower Na+ K+-ATPase, Ca2+ Mg2+-ATPase, and SOD activities.ConclusionsThe ATPase activity and antioxidant performance of intestinal tissue are closely related to growth performance, heart development, and intestinal tissue morphology. High ATPase activity and MDA content reduced the microbial diversity of intestinal tissue and affect the relative abundance of specific taxa, representing a potential interaction between the host and its intestinal microbiota.

Anatomy of blood microcirculation in the pig epicardial ganglionated nerve plexus

Embolization of coronary arteries and their terminal arterioles causes ischemia of all tissues distributed within a cardiac wall including the intrinsic cardiac ganglionated nerve plexus (ICGP). The disturbed blood supply to the ICGP causes chronic sympathetic activation with succeeding atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. This study analyses the anatomy of microcirculation of epicardial nerves and ganglia using the hearts of 11 domestic pigs. Our findings demonstrate that thicker epicardial nerves are normally supplied with blood via 12 epineural arterioles penetrating the endoneurium regularly along a nerve, and forming an endoneurial capillary network, which drains the blood into the myocardial blood flow. The mean diameter of intraneural capillaries was 7.2 ± 0.2 µm, while the diameters of arterioles were 25.8 ± 0.7 μm and involved 45 endothelial cells accompanied by circular smooth muscle cells. Usually, two or three arterioles with a mean diameter of 28.9 ± 1.7 μm supplied blood to any epicardial ganglion, in which arterioles proceeded into a network of capillaries with a mean diameter of 6.9 ± 0.3 μm. Both the epicardial nerves and the ganglia distributed near the porta venarum of the heart had tiny arterioles that anastomosed blood vessels from the right and the left coronary arteries. The density of blood vessels in the epicardial nerves was significantly lesser compared with the ganglia. Our electron microscopic observations provided evidence that blood vessels of the pig epicardial nerves and ganglia may be considered as either arterioles or capillaries that have quantitative and qualitative differences comparing to the corresponding blood vessels in humans and, therefore, a pig should not be considered as an animal model of the first choice for further heart functional studies seeking to improve the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias via trans-coronary cardiac neuroablation. Structured abstractThis study details the anatomy of microcirculation of epicardial nerves and ganglia, from which intracardiac nerves and bundles of nerve fibers extend into all layers of the atrial and ventricular walls in the most popular animal model of experimental cardiology and cardiac surgery - the domestic pig. Our findings provided evidence that blood vessels of the pig epicardial nerves and ganglia may be considered as either arterioles or capillaries that have quantitative and qualitative differences comparing to the corresponding blood vessels in humans and, therefore, a pig should not be considered as an animal model of the first choice for further heart functional studies seeking to improve the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias via trans-coronary cardiac neuroablation.

The effect of alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis on the structural manifestations of the parasite Fasciola gigantica and its comparison with the drug pendazole

The current study aims to find out the effect of alcoholic extracts of the fruit of the Citrullus colocynthis plant, as it was during the current study during the period from 12/2/2022 to 24/4/2023 and by 206 livers for cows, including (31) infected livers and 1348 livers for sheep that did not show infection. In the current study, the incidence of giant liver Fasciola gigantica cows was 15.04%, while sheep hadn't infection during the study period. The results of the current study show that there are different effects in the tissues of the treated worms if compared to the control group, which was showing the integrity of the tissues well after 6 hours, as it is observed the layers of the body wall, spines and muscle layers that cover the wall, as well as the parenchyma tissue in which the body systems are embedded, which did not notice any changes in those tissues and structures, which include (for intestinal backfilling, testicles, mules and uterus). As noted, the damages vary according to the concentration of separation and deformation in the longitudinal and circular muscles, and a few cells are seen in the tenderloin. The thorns are still present in the cover, and the effect of the drug albendazole is little practical Clearly.