Density Of Connective Tissue Research Articles

O efeito do intervalo da estimulação elétrica no músculo desnervado de rato

OBJETIVO: Comparar o efeito da estimulacao eletrica (EE) aplicada diariamente e em dias alternados na densidade de area do tecido conjuntivo (TC) e na area de seccao transversa (AST) das fibras do musculo desnervado. MATERIAIS E METODOS: Trinta e cinco ratos foram divididos em grupos controle (C), desnervado (D), desnervado + eletroestimulado diariamente (EED) e desnervado + eletroestimulado em dias alternados (EEA). A aplicacao da EE no musculo gastrocnemio teve inicio 24 horas apos lesao nervosa do tipo axoniotmese, sendo a mesma aplicada durante 20 e 30 dias. Cortes transversais foram corados com HE para mensuracoes da AST e densidade de area de TC. Analise estatistica: teste Shapiro Wilk, seguido pela analise de variância (ANOVA) F (one-way) e teste de Tukey (5%). RESULTADOS: Na analise da densidade de area do TC, observou-se que somente o Grupo EED apresentou valores similares ao Grupo C nos dois periodos analisados. No Grupo 20 dias, nao houve diferenca na AST quando comparados os grupos submetidos a EE com o Grupo D (p> 0,05), e apos 30 dias todos os grupos experimentais alcancaram valores similares ao Grupo C. CONCLUSOES: A EE nao foi eficiente para minimizar a atrofia das fibras musculares. Entretanto, o TC foi responsivo a EE, sendo a aplicacao diaria mais benefica ao musculo do que a aplicacao em dias alternados, sugerindo que o intervalo de aplicacao da EE em musculo desnervado e variavel importante para as adaptacoes do TC.

Efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular sobre o membro posterior imobilizado de ratos durante 15 dias: análises metabólicas e morfométricas

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da estimulacao eletrica (EE) sobre o perfil metabolico e morfometrico dos musculos do membro posterior de ratos submetidos a imobilizacao durante 15 dias. METODO: Ratos Wistar foram divididos em 3 grupos (n=5): controle, imobilizado por 15 dias e imobilizado associado a EE por 15 dias. Foram avaliados: reserva de glicogenio (RG) dos musculos soleo (S), extensor longo dos dedos (ELD), gastrocnemio branco (GB), gastrocnemio vermelho (GV) e tibial anterior (TA), alem do peso do soleo, area das fibras e tecido conjuntivo do S. A analise estatistica foi feita pelos testes ANOVA e Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A imobilizacao promoveu alteracoes significativas (p<0,05) como: reducao nas RG (S: 44,73%, GB: 47,82%, GV: 46,34%, ELD: 41,66%, TA: 48,38%), no peso (7,2%) e na area das fibras (35%) do S, alem do aumento da densidade do tecido conjuntivo (160%). A EE promoveu aumento significativo (p<0,05) nas RG de todos os musculos imobilizados (S: 90,47%, GB: 62,5%, GV: 95,45%, ELD: 76,19%, TA: 56,25%), no peso (20,94%) e na area das fibras (19,65%) do S e tambem promoveu reducao significativa (15,38%, p<0,05) na densidade do tecido conjuntivo. CONCLUSOES: A EE minimizou a reducao das RG, preveniu a reducao da area das fibras e a proliferacao do tecido conjuntivo nos musculos submetidos a imobilizacao.

Dense breast stromal tissue shows greatly increased concentration of breast epithelium but no increase in its proliferative activity

IntroductionIncreased mammographic density is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. The reasons for this are not clear; two obvious possibilities are increased epithelial cell proliferation in mammographically dense areas and increased breast epithelium in women with mammographically dense breasts. We addressed this question by studying the number of epithelial cells in terminal duct lobular units (TDLUs) and in ducts, and their proliferation rates, as they related to local breast densities defined histologically within individual women.MethodWe studied deep breast tissue away from subcutaneous fat obtained from 12 healthy women undergoing reduction mammoplasty. A slide from each specimen was stained with the cell-proliferation marker MIB1. Each slide was divided into (sets of) areas of low, medium and high density of connective tissue (CT; highly correlated with mammographic densities). Within each of the areas, the numbers of epithelial cells in TDLUs and ducts, and the numbers MIB1 positive, were counted.ResultsThe relative concentration (RC) of epithelial cells in high compared with low CT density areas was 12.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.9 to 13.8) in TDLUs and 34.1 (95% CI 26.9 to 43.2) in ducts. There was a much smaller difference between medium and low CT density areas: RC = 1.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.6) in TDLUs and 1.9 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.3) in ducts. The relative mitotic rate (RMR; MIB1 positive) of epithelial cells in high compared with low CT density areas was 0.59 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.66) in TDLUs and 0.65 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.79) in ducts; the figures for the comparison of medium with low CT density areas were 0.58 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.70) in TDLUs and 0.66 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.97) in ducts.ConclusionBreast epithelial cells are overwhelmingly concentrated in high CT density areas. Their proliferation rate in areas of high and medium CT density is lower than that in low CT density areas. The increased breast cancer risk associated with increased mammographic densities may simply be a reflection of increased epithelial cell numbers. Why epithelium is concentrated in high CT density areas remains to be explained.

In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Study of Blebs after Filtering Surgery

To analyze bleb structure after filtering surgery at the cellular level using a new generation in vivo confocal microscope. Observational case series. We retrospectively evaluated 17 filtering blebs of 13 patients after trabeculectomy. Ophthalmologic examinations included slit-lamp examination, applanation tonometry, and in vivo confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Cornea Module). Eyes were classified into 3 groups: (1) functioning blebs (6 eyes), (2) nonfunctioning blebs (6 eyes), and (3) functioning blebs after application of mitomycin C (5 eyes). Cellular patterns, morphologic appearance, and functional aspects of functioning and nonfunctioning blebs were compared in a masked manner. In vivo confocal microscopy images were analyzed for number of intraepithelial microcysts, density of subepithelial connective tissue, presence of blood vessels, or encapsulation. All functioning blebs had numerous intraepithelial optically-empty microcysts, whereas all nonfunctioning blebs had none or few. Subepithelial connective tissue was widely spaced in all functioning blebs, whereas the tissue was dense in 83.3% of nonfunctioning blebs. Functioning blebs with mitomycin C had numerous microcysts and loosely arranged subepithelial connective tissue as compared with nonfunctioning blebs. In vivo confocal microscopy study of blebs is an original method that agrees well with ex vivo histologic examination. The number of microcysts and the density of the subepithelial connective tissue observed with in vivo confocal microscopy are correlated with bleb function. By providing details of the structures of filtering blebs at the cellular level, in vivo confocal microscopy constitutes a new promising way to understand wound healing mechanisms after filtering surgery.

Effect of strip length on the contractile dysfunction of bladder smooth muscle after partial outlet obstruction

Objectives Partial outlet obstruction mediates decreased contractile responses and increased collagen synthesis; however, it is not known to what extent the increased collagen contributes to contractile dysfunction. Methods Sixteen WNZ rabbits were divided into three groups: control, 2-week obstructed, and 2-week sham. Each rabbit was anesthetized, and the bladder was excised and cut into equal width strips of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0-cm lengths. The contractile responses to field stimulation, carbachol, potassium chloride, and adenosine triphosphate were determined. At the end of the experiment, each strip was fixed in formalin and immunostained for collagen. Results The contractile responses for the control and sham strips were similar for all strip lengths. In obstructed tissue, the shorter strip lengths generated significantly more tension per cross-sectional area than did the longer strips. The collagen density and distribution were similar for the control and sham bladders. The obstructed bladders had significantly increased collagen deposits between and within the smooth muscle bundles and cells. Conclusions Because the relationship between strip size and contraction were similar for field stimulation, carbachol, and potassium chloride, it is the increased density of connective tissue within and between the muscle bundles and fibers that interferes with contraction (ie, the greater the strip length, the greater the interference and the greater the contractile dysfunction). Therefore, both functional and structural alterations in the obstructed bladder participate in contractile dysfunction.

Clinical and histological safety assessment of rectocele repair using collagen mesh.

To clinically and histologically evaluate inflammatory response following rectocele repair using porcine collagen mesh. Seventeen patients underwent rectocele repair using porcine collagen mesh. Inflammatory response was assessed by clinical and histological inflammatory grading pre- and postoperatively. Postoperative body temperature, complications and hospital stay was compared with 15 patients undergoing posterior colporraphy. Postoperative clinical examination did not demonstrate any inflammatory reaction. There were no significant changes in fibroblast count (P = 0.43), connective tissue density grading (P = 0.54), macrophage count (P = 0.20), inflammatory cell count (P = 0.48), total cell count (P = 0.51), or inflammatory grading (P = 0.87) postoperatively compared with preoperative values. Body temperature was significantly elevated for both the study and control group, although higher for the study group, postoperatively day 1 (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in hospital stay and postoperative complications. Porcine collagen mesh was not associated with an adverse inflammatory response at clinical or histological evaluation and appears to be a safe material when used for rectocele repair.

Anatomic and Functional Characteristics of Muscles at Transosseous Distraction Osteosynthesis (clinics, experiment - facts, hypothesis)

Analysis of clinical and experimental data related to biomechanical, functional and morpholo­gical changes of skeletal muscles in surgical crus lengthening by transosseous distraction osteo­synthesis was presented. It was electrophysiological proved that muscle activity decreased starting from the first days of lengthening while muscle tonus significantly increased. Sonography showed that muscle bands reoriented parallel to distraction forces. In fixation period local thickening of muscle bands was detected. After device removal muscle structure and muscle conractivity of the lengthened segment restored. Morphological studies showed that during dis­traction the volumetrical density of connective tissue in muscles increased and simultaneously destruction and reparative regeneration of muscle fibers were noticed. It was shown that after single-step compression of bone regenerate, stroma-parenchyma relationship was shifted to parenchyma. Active training of muscles was stipulated because inner tension of the muscles prevented the development of destructive processes, stimulated regeneration of muscles fibers. All those processes made up the base for functional rehabilitation of loco-motor system both in patients with orthopaedic pathology and in healthy subjects at surgical increasing of height with cosmetic purpose.

Stereology of the myocardium in Leontopithecus (Lesson, 1840) callitrichidae - primates.

Rare morphological features of the Leontopithecus cardiovascular system have been reported in the literature. The samples analyzed in this study came from 33 specimens of Leontopithecus from the collection of the Center of Primatology of Rio de Janeiro-FEEMA (CPRJ-FEEMA). Morphometry and stereological data were obtained from all animals. Adult body weights of L. rosalia were the lowest, the greatest being those of L. chrysopygus caissara; body weights of L. chrysomelas and L. c. chrysopygus were similar and in between those of the two former species. Cardiomyocytes (left ventricular myocardium) were bigger in adults than in infants. The myocardium of L. rosalia showed focal fibrosis, fatty vacuoles, and hyalinization. In L. chrysomelas the myocardium showed areas of fibrosis and presence of mononuclear cells. Fibrosis and areas of congestion were observed in L. c. chrysopygus; areas of disorganization and vascular congestion were found in L. c. caissara. In L. rosalia infants, a greater density of vessels per myocardial area and a greater length density of vessels were observed as compared with those of L. chrysomelas. In adults, L. chrysomelas showed greater density of connective tissue in the myocardium than L. c. chrysopygus and L. c. caissara did. In L. rosalia, cardiomyocyte nuclei had a greater area density than those of the other forms of Leontopithecus. These characteristics may explain the faster development of L. rosalia infants as compared with that of L. chrysomelas and L. c. chrysopygus kept under the same handling conditions at the CPRJ-FEEMA.

Influence of the muscle fibre type composition and the proportion of connective tissue on the sensory acceptance of beefsteak tartare

The investigation was carried out on 5 different muscles of 5 fattened bullocks of the Croatian Simmenthal breed aged 15 months and weighing about 400 kg and beefsteak tartare type products made of these muscles. Comparing the structure of the muscles used in the production of the beefsteak tartare, one may conclude that m. psoas major and m. longissimus dorsi are formed by dominantly white dynamic FG muscular fibres representing more than a half of all muscular fibres. In comparison with other muscles, the afore-mentioned muscles contain the least quantity of connective tissue. The investigations showed some statistically irrelevant differences (P>0.05) concerning the fibre diameters and volume density of connective tissue in m. psoas major and m. longissimus dorsi (L2). Some statistically irrelevant differences were also observed in the evaluation of the beefsteak tartare type products made from these muscles. The products prepared from m. semimembranaceus and m. triceps brachii were qualified worse than those made from m. psoas major and m. longissimus dorsi, which were statistically significant (P<0.05). As m. semimembranaceus and m. triceps brachii contain less white fibres (41.0% and 43.1%) than red and intermediate ones (59.0% and 56.9%) and also more connective tissue (17.0% and 13.0%) than m. psoas major (6%) and m. longissimus dorsi (9% and 7%), these factors probably contributed to the lower ranking of the products made from m. semimembranaceus and m. triceps brachii.

Effect of different high-fat diets on the myocardium stereology and blood pressure in rats

The effect of three high-fat diets containing 29% canola oil (CA), lard plus egg yolk (LE) or canola oil, lard and egg yolk (CA+LE) in male Wistar rats was investigated over a period of 6 months. We analyzed the myocardium, composed of cardiomyocytes and interstitium, which is made up of connective tissue and blood vessels. Volume density of cardiomyocyte (Vv[m]), volume density of blood vessels (Vv[v]), and volume density of connective tissue (Vv[ct]) were the stereological parameters determined. The rats of the LE group had a significantly higher heart mass/body mass ratio than those of the CA group. The blood pressure of the LE group was significantly higher than that of the other groups. In the CA group, the Vv[m] was significantly higher and the Vv[ct] was significantly lower than in the other groups. The myocardium of both the LE and CA+LE groups showed a significant reduction of Vv[m] and a compensatory increase of the Vv[ct]. These findings were less pronounced in the CA+LE group, in which the Vv[v] was found to be significantly higher than in the CA group. Comparing three high-fat diets, the data suggest that the diet canola oil had a major beneficial effect, preserving the myocardial structure and the blood pressure in rats.

Effects of estrogen and progesterone on urinary bladder in female rabbit: evaluation by quantitative morphometric analysis

Objectives. To investigate possible effects of estrogen and/or progesterone on the histologic characteristics of female rabbit urinary bladders, we carried out quantitative morphometric analysis of the rabbit bladders. Methods. Mature female rabbits were treated by ovariectomy with and without successive estrogen and/or progesterone administration. Area densities of the connective tissue (CT) and smooth muscle (SM) cells, the area of single SM cells, and the thickness of the bladder wall were determined by computer-assisted quantitative morphometric analysis. Results. Six weeks after each treatment, ovariectomy alone resulted in a decrease in CT density of the bladder. Successive estrogen treatment increased the bladder wet weight and SM cell density within the bladder wall. Progesterone treatment reduced CT degradation in ovariectomized rabbits. Sex steroids did not significantly influence the area of each SM cell. There was no significant difference in histologic characteristics between the rabbits treated by estrogen alone and those treated by combination (estrogen and progesterone) therapy. Conclusions. Ovariectomy and successive hormonal replacement therapy resulted in morphologic changes within the rabbit urinary bladder. Cotreatment with progesterone did not significantly change the morphologic findings produced by estrogen treatment alone.

Low dietary protein during early pregnancy alters bovine placental development.

To determine if low dietary protein concentration in the first two trimesters of pregnancy alters placental development, genetically similar heifers from closed herd were fed diets containing different levels of protein in the first and second trimesters of gestation. There were four animals per treatment group, the groups being: L/L = fed a diet containing 7% crude protein (CP) (low protein) in the first and second trimesters; H/H = fed a diet containing 14% CP (high protein) in the first and second trimesters; L/H = fed low protein in the first trimester and high in the second trimester and vice versa for the H/L group. Low protein diets in the first trimester increased dry cotyledon weight at term. Trophectoderm' volume density increased in the H/L and L/H group compared to the L/L and H/H groups. Blood vessel volume and volume density in foetal villi decreased in the H/L and L/H groups compared with the H/H and L/L groups. There was no effect of diet treatment on cotyledon number, diameter or wet weight and no effect on the volume density of connective tissue or fibroblasts in the foetal villi. These results show that a low dietary protein concentration in the first trimester of pregnancy followed by increased protein in the second trimester enhanced placental development. Further, trophectoderm volume was highly correlated with birth weight. Early protein restriction in the pregnant cow may enhance foetal growth in part by stimulating placental growth and function.

Relationships between echo level and histologic characteristics in small hepatocellular carcinomas

The relationships between ultrasound echo level and histologic characteristics of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) of 2 cm or less in diameter were studied. The apparent echo level and frequency-dependent attenuation from the abdominal wall to the tumor and surrounding liver parenchyma were quantitated on B-mode images using diagnostic ultrasound equipment. The inherent echo level corrected by the frequency-dependent attenuation was used in this study. Histologic specimens were collected by sonographically guided small-gauge core-needle biopsy. Increase in deposition of fat and changes in cellular density and in connective tissue density were evaluated histologically. From the quantitative comparison of echo levels and histologic characteristics, it was evident that the deposition of fat caused an increase in echo levels. A reduction in connective tissue density resulted in a decrease in echo levels in hypoechoic HCCs, which had no or little fat deposition. The estimation of echo level in small HCCs may be useful in predicting the tumors' histologic characteristics.

Relationships between echo level and histologic characteristics in small hepatocellular carcinomas

Purpose The relationships between ultrasound echo level and histologic characteristics of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) of 2 cm or less in diameter were studied. Methods The apparent echo level and frequency-dependent attenuation from the abdominal wall to the tumor and surrounding liver parenchyma were quantitated on B-mode images using diagnostic ultrasound equipment. The inherent echo level corrected by the frequency-dependent attenuation was used in this study. Histologic specimens were collected by sonographically guided small-gauge core-needle biopsy. Increase in deposition of fat and changes in cellular density and in connective tissue density were evaluated histologically. Results From the quantitative comparison of echo levels and histologic characteristics, it was evident that the deposition of fat caused an increase in echo levels. A reduction in connective tissue density resulted in a decrease in echo levels in hypoechoic HCCs, which had no or little fat deposition. Conclusions The estimation of echo level in small HCCs may be useful in predicting the tumors' histologic characteristics. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 26:295–301, 1998.

Neural Control of the Gallbladder: An Intracellular Study of Human Gallbladder Neurons

Background/Aims: Gallbladder neurons are important governors of gallbladder function. In animal models, gallbladder ganglia can be regulated both by neural and hormonal inputs. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining recordings from human gallbladder neurons. Methods: Human gallbladders (n = 33) were bathed in oxygenated Krebs solution (37°C) containing the vital fluorescent stain 4-Di-2-ASP to localize the ganglia. Cells were characterized using conventional intracellular recording techniques. Results: The mean resting membrane potential of human gallbladder neurons was –51.2 ± 1.8 mV (n = 11). Depolarizing current pulses elicited only 1–4 spikes regardless of the amplitude or duration of the stimulus. Afterspike hyperpolarizations had a mean duration of 144.5 ± 19.2 ms (n = 10). Anodal break excitation was not recorded with hyperpolarizing current pulses. Fiber tract stimulation elicited fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials in all neurons tested. Conclusion: Intracellular recordings of human gallbladder neurons utilizing 4-Di-2-ASP are thus feasible, but are very problematic due to the density of connective tissue overlying the ganglia. As human and guinea pig gallbladder neurons have similar basic electrical properties, the guinea pig may be an appropriate model for further electrophysiological studies into gallbladder disease.

Effect of antenatal tracheal occlusion on lung development in the sheep model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a morphometric analysis of pulmonary structure and maturity.

The incidence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is 1:1,207-5,000, and the condition is associated with high mortality and morbidity, attributed principally to associated pulmonary hypoplasia. Repairing the diaphragmatic defect by antenatal surgery has high mortality, mainly due to premature labor. Antenatal tracheal occlusion, which is achievable by less invasive methods, stimulates lung growth (weight and DNA). However, its effectiveness in reversing structural and maturational abnormalities and its optimal timing requires further investigation. We hypothesized that (1) antenatal tracheal occlusion performed in the lamb model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia will stimulate lung growth and structural development and restore lung structure and maturity toward normal levels by term gestation; (2) effects will be detectable by morphometric measurements of the following parameters: lung volume, ratio of parenchyma to nonparenchyma, volume density of connective tissue within nonparenchyma, ratio of gas exchange tissue to airspace in parenchyma, gas exchange surface area, capillary loading, alveolar/airspace density and alveolar perimeter; (3) effects will be seen in all lobes of the lung; and (4) a greater effect will be observed when tracheal occlusion is performed early rather than late in gestation. Fourteen lambs underwent CDH creation at gestation day 72-74 followed by tracheal occlusion at day 101 (n = 7) or 129 (n = 7). They were delivered by Cesarean section at 143 days (term = 145-149). Lungs were obtained at autopsy, inflation fixed, divided into lobes, and sampled; morphometric analysis was performed. Comparisons were made with previously reported results from control lungs of normal lambs and lambs with untreated CDH. In comparison with untreated lungs, antenatal tracheal occlusion at both times resulted in increased volumes for total lung and lobes, increased volume density of parenchyma and of airspace within parenchyma, and increased gas exchange surface areas. Normal values for gas exchange surface area density, and alveolar density and perimeter were attained and the lungs appeared more mature than non-occluded lungs. Tracheal occlusion earlier in gestation produced a greater effect, achieving greater than normal values for lung volumes and volume densities, whereas the capillary loading value was similar to normal lung. Later occlusion achieved less than normal values for lung volumes and volume densities, with a reduced capillary loading value. We conclude that antenatal tracheal occlusion is capable of reversing structural total lung and lobar hypoplasia and immaturity caused by CDH as determined by morphometrically determined parameters. The effect is greater when tracheal occlusion is performed early rather than late in gestation. The results are encouraging for development of treatment methods for humans with antenatally diagnosed CDH.

Smooth muscle development in the obstructed fetal bladder

Objectives To evaluate changes in the smooth muscle and connective tissue development in the obstructed and normal fetal bladder. Methods The smooth muscle and connective tissue composition of 19 fetal urinary bladders, including those of 9 fetuses with anatomic obstruction and 10 controls free of urologic disease, were analyzed by light microscopy and computer-assisted color image analysis. Results The bladder wall thickness was markedly increased in obstructed fetuses throughout gestation as compared with that in controls. The disparity in bladder wall thickness increased rapidly during gestation. The percent area density of smooth muscle and connective tissue as well as the ratio of smooth muscle to connective tissue remained the same in the obstructed and normal control fetal bladders. Conclusions Although bladder outlet obstruction is associated with a marked increase in bladder wall thickness, the percent of smooth muscle and connective tissue comprising the mural histology remains relatively constant as compared with that of normal fetal controls. This study suggests that bladder outlet obstruction in the fetus is not associated with excess collagen deposition but rather with an increased amount of bladder with normal cellular content and a concomitant increase in smooth muscle development.

Comparison of the cellular composition of benign prostatic hyperplasia in chinese and caucasian-american men

Objectives To compare the cellular composition of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Chinese and Caucasian-American men. Methods Surgical specimens of the prostate were obtained from 9 Chinese and 8 Caucasian-American men undergoing cystoprostatectomy for invasive transitional cell carcinoma. The mean ages of the Chinese and Caucasian-American men were 66.8 years and 66.4 years, respectively ( P = 0.94). The mean prostate weight of the Chinese and Caucasian-American men was 53.4 g and 32.1 g, respectively ( P = 0.01). Double immunoenzymatic staining with antibodies against actin and prostatic acid phosphatase and computer-assisted color image analysis were performed on whole-mount tissue sections. The percent area density of smooth muscle (SM), connective tissue (CT), epithelium (E), and epithelial lumen (L) were obtained by analyzing 30 fields from each specimen. Results The mean percent area density of SM, CT, E, and L in the prostate of Chinese men was 32%, 9.1 %, 10.8%, and 48.5%, respectively. The mean percent area density of SM, CT, E, and L in the prostate of Caucasian-American men was 52.5%, 27.9%, 12.8%, and 7%, respectively. Overall, the prostates of Chinese men contained significantly more glandular lumen and significantly less SM and CT. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that the cellular composition of BPH in the prostates of Caucasian-American and Chinese men is different. These cellular differences may account for previously observed differences in the incidence of clinical BPH.

Experimental biliary fibrosis correlates with increased numbers of fat-storing and Kupffer cells, and portal endotoxemia

In the present study, we have investigated the correlation between hepatic fibrosis in rats subjected to bile duct ligation, the numbers of Kupffer and fat-storing cells, and the level of endotoxin in both the portal and systemic circulation. The extent of hepatic fibrosis was measured by morphometry. Kupffer cells were identified by indirect immunoperoxidase staining using ED-2 anti-macrophage antibody. Fat-storing cells were stained with DE-B-5 anti-desmin antibody. Endotoxin levels were determined by the Limulus Lysate test. Following bile duct ligation, connective tissue septa rapidly developed in periportal areas. After 1 week, the volume density of connective tissue had increased from 0.6±0.1% in control animals to 3.8±1.1%. After 2 weeks, this volume increased to 19.9±1.3%, and after 3 weeks to 34.3±2.7%. The number of periportal fat-storing cells increased 2.8-fold during the first 2 weeks, whereas pericentral fat-storing cells increased only 1.7-fold. After 2 weeks, no further increase was observed. During the first week of bile duct ligation, the number of Kupffer cells increased nearly two-fold. Thereafter, no further increase was detected. In control rats, only two of ten rats showed low amounts of endotoxin in the portal blood. Portal endotoxemia increased with time after bile duct ligation. After 3 weeks, all rats were positive. The measured endotoxin levels were approximately 7 times higher than in control rats. We conclude that the development of fibrosis secondary to experimental bile duct ligation is accompanied by portal endotoxemia, and increases in the numbers of Kupffer and periportal fat-storing cells. We found a significant correlation between portal endotoxemia, the number of Kupffer and fat-storing cells, and the extent of fibrous septa, supporting the view that high endotoxemia levels coincide with Kupffer cell activation and fibrogenesis.

Effects of cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum II (Cisplatin) on the Splenic Tissue of Rats: A Histoquantitative Study

Histoquantitative methods were applied to study the changes of splenic structure and proportions of splenic tissue compartments in cisplatin-treated (6 mg/kg body wt) male Wistar rats. Six days after treatment the significant reduction of volume density of white pulp was observed, which was due to the very prominent decrease of volume density of follicles. The volume density of periarteriolar lymphatic sheaths did not change substantially. Volume density of the marginal zone was also significantly reduced. A significant increase of volume density of connective tissue was observed. Morphometrical parameters of the follicles were also markedly altered: the number of follicles per mm 2 of spleen section area, the numerical density of the follicles in the spleen, and the total number of the follicles were significantly reduced.