Thick Connective Tissue Research Articles

Serial variation in histological character of articular soft tissue in young human adult temporomandibular joint condyles

Histological variation was studied in serial sections, in contrast to previous studies which have generalized from representative sections. The sample consisted of consecutive serial sagittal sections from the central third of nine condyles, plus an accompanying stone cast showing the intact articular surface before sectioning. The thickness of the articular soft tissue and its fibrous connective tissue and cartilage components was measured, and the presence of undifferentiated mesenchymal (UM) cells was assessed by low-power light microscopy. Components of variance analysis showed that section-to-section variation in thickness was of the same order as differences between joints, each explaining approx. 50% of the variance in both connective tissue and cartilage thickness. The fibrous connective tissue contributed as much to the overall variation in soft tissue thickness as did the cartilage component (SD 0.0946 versus 0.0909 mm for the superior sector). Serial UM cell variability was common, and the UM cells were often distributed in islands rather than uniformly across the articular tissue. Condyles with the greatest surface irregularity were characterized by greater serial variability in fibrous connective tissue thickness, more frequent absence of cartilage, and more areas of UM cell depletion. These results suggest that serial variation in histological character may be more important than mean values in the description of surface contours and articular tissue relations in the temporomandibular joint. This should influence the design of future investigations.

Quemodectoma em cães: relato de caso

O quemodectoma é uma neoplasia derivada dos corpos aórticos e carotídeos, tendo origem neuroectodérmica. Tem sido relatado com maior freqüência em humanos e cães. Destes, os animais braquicefálicos são os mais susceptíveis, notadamente em faixa etária superior a 6 anos. O presente relato se refere a um animal de espécie canina, de raça Boxer, macho, de 7 anos de idade, apresentando histórico de quadro convulsivo e tosse seca. O animal veio a óbito e foi encaminhado ao setor de Anatomia Patológica do Departamento de Patologia da FMVZ-USP. O exame macroscópico evidenciou a presença de hemopericárdio, congestão e edema pulmonares, congestão hepática, renal e edema de vesícula biliar. Porém, o achado macroscópico mais significativo foi a presença de 4 formações tumorais ovaladas na cavidade torácica. O exame histopatológico das formações evidenciou um tecido sólido, altamente celular, com a delimitação de lóbulos através de trabéculas conjuntivas espessas, que emitiam septos delicados subdividindo-os. As células tumorais apresentaram-se uniformes, tendo um formato poliédrico, com núcleo grande esférico, geralmente excêntrico; nucléolo evidente, e cromatina finamente granular; citoplasma de dimensões variáveis e granulação acidofílica delicada. Foi observado pequeno número de figuras mitóticas sem sinais de atipia. Os quadros macro e microscópicos são compatíveis com o diagnóstico de quemodectoma.

The connective tissue and partial thickness double pedicle graft: a predictable method of obtaining root coverage.

Obtaining predictable root coverage has been a goal of periodontal therapy for sometime. The purpose of this study is to present a technique for obtaining root coverage. This study reports the results of 20 patients (30 defects) treated with a connective tissue and partial thickness double pedicle graft. Root coverage of 100% was obtained in 24 of 30 defects, or 80% of the time. In all the treated defects the root coverage obtained was to within 0.5 mm of the cemento-enamel junction. The mean percent root coverage was 97.4%. The mean amount of exposed root surface initially was 3.6 mm. At the final postoperative appointment the mean exposed root surface was 0.1 mm. This change represents a net root coverage of 3.5 mm or 97.2%. The number of sites with bleeding on probing and plaque present decreased. The esthetics, both color match and tissue contours, were acceptable to all the patients in all cases. With this technique root coverage can be accomplished in a predictable manner.

Blind‐ending tubules and branching patterns of the rat ductuli efferentes

The ductuli efferentes of Sprague-Dawley rats were studied by microdissection and microscopic evaluation to document the presence of blind-ending tubules (ductuli aberrantes) and to describe morphological and ultrastructural differences between normally open ductules and blind-ending tubules. The branching patterns of the ductuli efferentes varied considerably between animals. A majority of the animals studied had either six or seven ductuli connected to the rete testis, with some animals having as few as four or as many as eight. Pairs of ductules began merging in the conus vasculosa, ultimately forming a single terminal duct within the capsule of the initial segment epididymidis. In a majority of animals, the junctions were unequally matched and located at various positions within the conus. Blind-ending tubules, found in 60% of the animals, were surrounded by thick connective tissue, and had a smaller diameter (78.7 +/- 1.4 microns) than normal ductules in the conus vasculosa (119.5 +/- 2.1 microns) or the terminus (102.2 +/- 1.5 microns). The lumina of blind-ending tubules were contracted and did not contain sperm. Nonciliated cells in the epithelium of blind-ending tubules contained fewer PAS-positive granules and electron-dense bodies (lysosomes) than nonciliated cells in normal ductules. Consideration of these characteristics will prevent blind-ending tubules from being mistaken for pathological changes in efferent ductules.

Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for Rat Relaxin. V.Passive Immunization with Monoclonal Antibodies throughout the Second Half of Pregnancy Disrupts Development of the Mammary Apparatus and, Hence,Lactational Performance in Rats*

There were two related objectives to this study. The first was to determine the influence of relaxin on development of the mammary apparatus (nipples and glands) during the second half of pregnancy. The second was to determine whether the relaxin-dependent development of the mammary apparatus was required for normal postpartum lactational performance. Both objectives were accomplished by neutralizing endogenous relaxin throughout the second half of pregnancy with a monoclonal antibody specific for rat relaxin (MCA1). MCA1 was administered iv to rats daily from days 12-22 of pregnancy. On day 22 the morphology of the mammary apparatus of MCA1-treated rats differed from that of controls; nipples were dramatically smaller, collagen fibers had significantly greater mean density and consistency, and elastin fibers had greater mean density, length, and interdigitation. In addition, the mean number of alveoli surrounding lactiferous ducts was significantly smaller in MCA1-treated rats than in controls. There were no differences between MCA1-treated rats and controls in the mean thickness of connective tissue surrounding ducts, the height or density of luminal cells lining lactiferous ducts, or the sizes of either adipocytes or arteries. To examine lactational performance, MCA1-treated and control rats were cesarean sectioned between 2100-2400 h on day 22 of pregnancy and given foster pups born of untreated intact donors. Although both MCA1-treated rats and control rats exhibited a high incidence of maternal behavior after cesarean delivery, mean pup weight and incidence of live pups declined markedly during days 1-5 of fosterage in MCA1-treated rats compared to controls. Furthermore, unlike controls, there was no observable postpartum nipple development in MCA1-treated rats by day 5 of fosterage. Mammary glands obtained from MCA1-treated rats on day 5 of fosterage had markedly lower mean weight than controls. This study demonstrates that passive immunization of endogenous relaxin throughout the second half of pregnancy disrupts development of the nipples and mammary glands in the rat. Moreover, it establishes that relaxin's effects on the development of the mammary apparatus during pregnancy are essential for growth and survival of the young during lactation.

Distribution of Proteoglycans During the Hair Growth Cycle in Human Skin

The involvement of proteoglycans in hair growth has been recognized through the observation of increased hair growth in diseases such as the mucopolysaccharidoses and pre-tibial myxedema, which involve an increase in skin proteoglycan content. In an attempt to understand this, we have examined the distribution of chondroitin 6 sulphate (C6S), unsulphated chondroitin (COS), dermatan sulphate (DS), and heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG) in frozen tissue sections of normal scalp by immunostaining. Results show that during anagen, the thick connective tissue sheath around the follicle strains strongly for C6S, COS, and DS. COS is uniquely associated with this region and is not found beneath the epidermis or infundibular epithelium. HSPG is, however, localized in the basement membrane zone adjacent to the outer root sheath. In addition, all of these proteoglycans are localized in the dermal papilla. In mid-catagen, we observed significant loss of C6S and COS staining from both the dermal papilla and the connective tissue sheath, but no decrease in staining for HSPG. In late catagen, very little staining of C6S and COS was observed. In early anagen, we observed that C6S was again present in the connective tissue sheath and dermal papilla; however, COS staining appeared to be weaker and less closely associated with the follicle. HSPG staining was observed in early anagen in a pattern very similar to that found for other basement membrane components. Results for DS were not obtained for catagen or early anagen. These results provide further evidence that hair growth is associated with the presence of chondroitin proteoglycans in the follicle environment and that the cessation of growth is associated with their removal. Further studies are underway to characterize the relationship between hair growth and proteoglycans.

非定型抗酸菌が分離されたッベルクリン反応陽性牛の皮膚結核

In August 1989, a dairy cow showed positive tuberculin reaction in Niigata Prefecture.Necropsy revealed skin lesions on the posterior region of the udder, approximately 50 cm under the vulva. The lesions consisted of multiple, cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules between 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter. Lesions were encapsulated by a thick connective tissue and the cut surface exuded a yellow brown pus. The supramammary lymph node was swollen with hemorrhage. Histologically, the skin lesions were composed of tuberculous granuloma. The center of the lesions showed necrosis, caseation and calcification, and epitheloid cells, Langhans-type giant cells, many lymphocytes and a small number of neutrophils were seen in the surrounding area. A few acid-fast bacilli were found in necrotic areas. The epitheloid cells and giant cells also infiltrated into the supramammary lymph node. No acid-fast bacilli were isolated from the lymph node.Acid-fast bacilli belonging to RUNYON'S group IV were isolated from the skin lesions. Guinea pigs sensitized with isolated acid-fast bacilli showed a positive reaction against mammalian tuberculin.

An Unusual Complication of Silastic Dural Substitute: Case Report

Abstract A case is presented in which a patient developed an unusual complication after the use of Silastic dural substitute. In 1983. the patient underwent removal of a meningioma with the involved dura. Five years later, he developed around the graft material a very thick connective tissue capsule, which simulated a recurrent meningioma clinically and radiologically.

An unusual complication of silastic dural substitute

A case is presented in which a patient developed an unusual complication after the use of Silastic dural substitute. In 1983, the patient underwent removal of a meningioma with the involved dura. Five years later, he developed around the graft material a very thick connective tissue capsule, which simulated a recurrent meningioma clinically and radiologically.

The treatment of cervical pain syndromes with radiofrequency procedures

Non-inflammatory thickening of the subsynovial connective tissue is a common histological finding in carpal tunnel syndrome. This subsynovial connective tissue thickening may precede changes in electrodiagnostic testing. Therefore, measuring subsynovial connective tissue thickness may help in detecting early changes in carpal tunnel syndrome.To provide an overview of subsynovial connective tissue thickness characteristics in subjects with and without carpal tunnel syndrome, a systematic review of articles, assessing human subsynovial connective tissue, was performed using MEDLINE, CENTRAL and EMBASE.Seven studies were included for qualitative analysis. Measurements were done ex vivo (laser (n = 3), photographic (n = 1), micrometric (n = 1)) and in vivo (ultrasound (n = 3)). All four case-control studies showed a significant difference in subsynovial connective tissue thickness between subjects with and without carpal tunnel syndrome. One study showed good correlation between ultrasound and anatomical measurements. No correlation was found between subsynovial connective tissue thickness and symptom duration, electrodiagnostic changes, age and sex.Subsynovial connective tissue thickness may be a valuable aid in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. No factors influencing subsynovial connective tissue thickness are identified, although they are not well investigated.

The structure of the ampullae of lorenzini inDasyatis garouaensis and its implications on the evolution of freshwater electroreceptive systems

The peripheral electroreceptive system of the African freshwater stingray, Dasyatis garouaensis, consists of numerous tubules, each originating as a minute cutaneous pore and terminating within the dermis as a slightly expanded bulb. These “mini-ampullae” range in size from ca. 0.75 to 2.00 mm long in adults and appear to increase in both size and number ontogenetically. They are heavily concentrated on the ventrum, particularly around the mouth. Each canal wall consists of several (2–6) layers of stratified epithelium that varies from columnar to squamous with the proximity to the pore. The corresponding ampulla is innervated and contains a patch of relatively small sensory cells interspersed among large, vacuolated cells. Both ampulla and canal are surrounded by a thick connective tissue coat. The electroreceptive system of this exclusively freshwater, African species is similar to that of the South American Potamotrygonidae. Both taxa possess shorter, narrower canals with smaller, much simpler (less alveolate) ampullae than the marine dasyatids. The arrangement of the sensory epithelium also appears similar. However, D. garouaensis differs from Potamotrygon in the histological nature of the canal wall, the complexity of the cutaneous pore and the relative thickness of the connective tissue tunic. The functional significance of these similarities and differences reflects the constraints of the freshwater environment on electrosensitivity.

Morphology of the mandibulo-stylohyoid ligament in human adults.

The mandibulo-stylohyoid ligament is a consistently occurring connective tissue band or sheet that courses between the angle of the mandible and the stylohyoid ligament. Previously, in a few instances it has been variously named and described as a thickening of deep cervical fascia. Recently, Shimada et al. (1986) described the connective tissue thickening and named it the mandibulo-stylohyoid ligament because of its arrangement and attachments. In the present study the ligament was dissected in 99 adult cadavers (both white and black, 98 right sides, 95 left sides). It was present in all of the specimens examined and has been classified into three types according to refinements in its morphology. Type 1: The ligament was a thick, separate band that coursed from the region of the angle of the mandible to the stylohyoid ligament. Type 2: The ligament had the same attachments as Type 1 but was more extensive, being continuous with the stylomandibular ligament. Type 3: The ligament had the same attachments as Type 1 but was thin and less well developed. The Type 1 arrangement occurred 41% of the time, Type 2, 37% of the time, and Type 3, 22% of the time. The consistency and arrangement of the ligament suggests an important role of additional structural support in the region of the angle of the mandible and hyoid bone.

Paired Comparisons of Steroid‐Eluting and Nonsteroid Endocardial Pacemaker Leads in Dogs: Electrical Performance and Morphologic Alterations

The effects of steroid elution from endocardial pacemaker electrodes on electrical performance and the thickness and cellularity of the reactive fibrous connective tissue formed around the stimulating electrode (peri-electrode tissue) were determined. Comparison was made with a nonsteroid electrode implanted in the same cardiac chamber (right ventricle) in each of six dogs for 6 weeks. Paired Students' t-tests showed that steroid-eluting leads had significantly (P less than .05): (1) lower voltage stimulation thresholds (as determined in sequential measurements made on the conscious animals during the experiment and on the anesthetized dogs at termination of the study); (2) less fibrous connective tissue formation around the electrode surfaces; and (3) fewer cells per unit area of peri-electrode fibrous connective tissue. There were also fewer (P less than .10) mast cells in the reactive connective tissue surrounding steroid-eluting leads. The thinner reactive connective tissue surrounding the steroid-eluting electrodes was correlated with lower voltage stimulation thresholds (r = 0.7, P less than .01). This is consistent with the hypothesis that the effect of the peri-electrode connective tissue is to increase the virtual surface area of the electrode, decreasing current density in adjacent stimulatable tissue. The relatively fewer total cells and mast cells in the peri-electrode connective tissue of the steroid-eluting electrodes suggest that the observed differences in fibrous connective tissue thickness, and therefore voltage stimulation threshold, may be related to a relatively decreased population of inflammatory cells due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the steroid.

Studies on subtype "d" biliary atresia.

Nine cases of specific type (subtype d) biliary atresia were experienced at the Tohoku University Hospital and were classified into three groups on the basis of their clinical and pathological findings. Group 1 cases were defined as cases showing obstruction on the side of the hepatic duct and cystic dilatation, communicating with the gallbladder, in the common bile duct. Group 2 cases were those showing dilatation similar to Group 1, but measuring less than 20 mm, the dilated part being covered with thick connective tissue. Group 3 cases were those showing isolated dilatation in the common hepatic duct or the common bile duct and having no communication with the gallbladder. The postoperative course was good in Group 1 patients, while jaundice was prolonged in Group 2 patients. In Group 3, jaundice disappeared in one patient who died later, while the other patient showed recurrence of slight jaundice.

Effects of retinoic acid on regenerating normal and double half limbs of axolotls : Histological studies.

Retinoids induce proximodistal (PD) pattern duplication in zeugopodial (lower arm or leg) regenerates of normal limbs and PD pattern duplication plus anteroposterior (AP) pattern completion in double anterior half zeugopodial regenerates. In contrast, retinoids inhibit the regeneration of double posterior half zeugopodia (Kim and Stocum, 1986). Here we describe the developmental histology of regenerating normal, double anterior half and double posterior half zeugopodia in axolotls after intraperitoneal injection of retinoic acid (RA) at the stage of initial blastema cell accumulation. In all three classes of RA-treated limbs, the accumulation of blastema cells disappeared within 3 days after injection, and dedifferentiation continued to a much more proximal extent than in controls. Subsequently, however, the developmental histology of the three limb classes was different. RA-treated double posterior limbs exhibited the histological features typical of non-regenerating limbs: the premature appearance of a thick basement membrane under the wound epidermis, formation of a thick connective tissue mat between the basement membrane and the cut ends of the stump cartilages, and failure of blastema formation. In contrast, RA-treated normal zeugopodia reformed single blastemas which grew out in a posterior or posterodorsal direction. RA-treated double anterior zeugopodia formed twin blastemas that were spatially separated to varying degrees and which grew distally. The blastemas of both these RA-treated limb types consisted of a proximal, low-density cell population that formed the girdle of the regenerate and a distal, high-density cell population that formed the free limb. In the free limb portion of the blastema, the density of the mesenchymal cell population was higher than in controls. Blastemas of RA-treated normal and double anterior zeugopodia appeared similar in size and proportions to controls at the medium bud stage, but subsequently took on the characteristics of stylopodial blastemas. These observations suggest that the extra pattern induced by RA in regenerating urodele limbs may be correlated with an increase in the number of defifferentiated cells per unit of blastema volume.

Microscopia óptica e eletrônica do corpúsculo de Stannius do curimbatá (Prochilodus scrofa Steindachner, 1881) (Osteichthyes, Cypriniformes, Prochilodontidae)

The Stannius corpuscles of Prochilodus scrofa are studied microscopically (both optically and electronically) as well as macroscopically. Two CS, and sometimes 3 or 4, are found per animal. They are pink-coloured organs, rounded in shape and scattered laterally in the first anterior third of the kidney. Each CS is enveloped by a thick connective tissue capsule. The grandular parenchyma consists of only one cellular (PAS-/AF-) type, cylindrical in shape, with oval or rounded nucleus located eccentrically with visible nucleolus. The ultrastructural description is as follows: well developed Golgi complexes, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in moderate quantities. Electron-dense granules numerous. CS highly vascularized.

Electron-microscopic studies on the physiological cell loss in the gastric mucosa of the golden hamster.

Fine-structural aspects of physiological cell loss in the gastric mucosa of the golden hamster were observed. As the surface mucous cell ascends along the gastric pit, the cell becomes taller and funnel-like in shape. The interfoveolar cell located at the superficial portion of the gastric pit has many lysosomes and a few lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. The nucleus moves toward the upper region of the cytoplasm, while the Golgi apparatus moves downward toward the infranuclear region. After the rupture of the apical plasma membrane takes place, the lateral and basal plasma membranes of this cell reamin in spite of loss of the cell contents. Between the basal plasma membrane of the interfoveolar cell and the capillary endothelium is a thick connective tissue layer characterized by densely packed collagen fibrils. The remaining basal and lateral plasma membranes of the ruptured cell and the thick underlying collagenous layer might play a role in protecting the tissue from potential damage induced by the physiological cell loss.

Retrocerebellar Glio-ependymal Cyst with Corpora Amylacea in Wall

The capsule of a retrocerebellar glio-ependymal cyst, which was incidentally found in a 54-year-old asymptomatic female, was studied by both light and electron microscopy. Microscopically, the capsule measured 25-400 μm in thickness and consisted of four layers. The external covering was an arachnoid cell layer abutting on the thick connective tissue with scattered vessels, whereas the luminal lining was a layer of ependymal cells abutting on the glial tissue. The ependymal cells were cuboidal in shape and some, but not all, were ciliated. The glial tissue underneath the ependymal lining contained numerous corpora amylacea, especially in its abluminal side. Electronmicroscopically, the arachnoid cell layer consisted of both arachnoid epithelium and the underlying arachnoid cells. The former showed a relatively higher electron density than the latter. There was a distinct basement membrane between them. In the former, a moderate number of desmosomes and intermediate junctions assured contacts between the arachnoid cells. In the latter, there were many extracellular clefts containing numerous collagen fibrils and microfibrils. Neighboring cytoplasmic processes often formed interdigitations. The luminal surface of ependymal cells displayed variable numbers of microvilli with or without cilia, whereas the abluminal surface abutted directly on the astrocytic processes of the glial layer. There were some interdigitations of the plasmalemma of adjacent cells, with surface specializations consisting of fasciae adherentes joined by gap junctions. Two or more adjacent cells contributed to the development of microrosettes, packed with both numerous surface microvilli and several profiles of cilia. The corpora amylacea varied 5-15 μm in diameter and consisted of randomly oriented filaments with fine osmiophilic granules. The fibrillar elements within the processes of the fibrillary astrocytes swept around the corpora amylacea or impinged upon the latter. Although their outline was usually smooth and clearly demarcated, no membrane or space intervened between the corpora amylacea and the surrounding structures. It is most probable that the present glio-ependymal cyst arose from the displaced segment of the wall of the neural tube, which corresponds to the sites from which the tela chorioidea forms.

The thymus of the rainbow trout ( [formula omitted]) light and electron microscopic study

The rainbow trout thymus is a paired organ, organized in 3 adjacents zones. The gland lying on a thick connective tissue layer, is covered by a thin epithelial capsule. Cellular components of thymus are essentially the thymocytes and the epithelial cells. Thymocytes occur mainly in the inner and outer zones but neither cortex nor medulla are clearly delimited. Septa represent a typical epithelial structure associated with thymocytes and blood vessels. Thymus is well vascularized and electron microscopy demonstrates a characteristic relationship between vascular system and lymphoid tissue.

Carpal tunnel syndrome associated with danazol therapy

The carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterired by symptoms and signs of median nerve compression at the wrist. As a result there may be paresthesia, sensory impairment, and eventually muscular atrophy in the hand area supplied by the median nerve. Positive Tinel’s sign (distal tingling on percussion of the wrist) may be noted; also, on flexion of the hand paresthesia may be described (Phalen’s sign). Causes include occupational hazard, amyloidosis, or thickening of connective tissue as a result of a number of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and acromegaly. The gynecologist-obstetrician may see apparently transient carpal tunnel syndrome in association with pregnancy, estrogen-progestin medication, or highdose progestin medication.’ We recently encountered a patient with endometriosis who developed transient carpal tunnel syndrome which started while she received danazol therapy (Danocrine, Winthrop Laboratories, New York).