Development Of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Research Articles

Unique Features of the Tissue Structure in the Naked Mole Rat (Heterocephalus glaber): Hypertrophy of the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Spatial Mitochondrial Rearrangements in Hepatocytes.

The reason for the exceptional longevity of the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) remains a mystery to researchers. We assumed that evolutionarily, H. glaber acquired the ability to quickly stabilize the functioning of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to adjust metabolism to external challenges. To test this, a comparison of the hepatic mitochondria and ER of H. glaber and C57BL/6 mice was done. Electron microscopy showed that 2-months-old mice have more developed rough ER (RER) than smooth ER (SER), occupying ~17 and 2.5% of the hepatocytic area correspondingly, and these values do not change with age. On the other hand, in 1-week-old H. glaber, RER occupies only 13% constantly decreasing with age, while SER occupies 35% in a 1-week-old animal, constantly rising with age. The different localization of mitochondria in H. glaber and mouse hepatocytes was confirmed by confocal and electron microscopy: while in H. glaber, mitochondria were mainly clustered around the nucleus and on the periphery of the cell, in mouse hepatocytes they were evenly distributed throughout the cell. We suggest that the noted structural and spatial features of ER and mitochondria in H. glaber reflect adaptive rearrangements aimed at greater tolerance of the cellular system to challenges, primarily hypoxia and endogenous and exogenous toxins. Different mechanisms of adaptive changes including an activated hepatic detoxification system as a hormetic response, are discussed considering the specific metabolic features of the naked mole rat.

Male Accessory Glands of Blister Beetles and Cantharidin Release: A Comparative Ultrastructural Analysis.

Simple SummaryMeloidae, also called blister beetles, are known to actively produce cantharidin, a toxic terpene with a defensive function that is released externally by reflex bleeding, and that is also stored in large quantities in the male accessory glands. These glands are involved in the transfer of terpene from males to females, which receive cantharidin via spermatophores as a nuptial gift to be used for their own protection and that of the eggs. However, it is still debated whether the male accessory glands can actively produce the terpene or if they only mediate its transfer, since neither the cantharidin-producing organ nor the metabolic pathway are known to date. The focus of the work is to analyze comparatively the accessory glands of males in representative Meloidae species to provide morphological evidences that can contribute to this debate. The results highlight the complexity of the accessory gland system, consisting of three different types of glands that are highly variable between species with the exception of one, which remains conserved even in independent phyletic lines. This gland is a good candidate for hypothesizing a direct role in cantharidin production and/or concentration.Members of the family Meloidae are known to produce cantharidin, a highly toxic monoterpene found in their hemolymph and exuded as droplets capable of deterring many predators. As a nuptial gift, males transfer large amounts of cantharidin to females via a spermatophore, which is formed by specific accessory glands containing high concentrations of this terpene. Using light, electron and ion beam microscopy, the ultrastructural features of the three pairs of male accessory glands as well as the glandular part of the vasa deferentia were comparatively investigated in seven species of blister beetles belonging to five different tribes and two subfamilies. All gland pairs examined share common features such as mesodermal derivation, the presence of muscle sheath, a developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, abundant mitochondria, secretory vesicles, and microvillated apical membranes. Within the same species, glands exhibit distinctive features, suggesting that each pair is responsible for the formation of a specific substance. The vasa deferentia, while showing many similarities within the family, often exhibit features unique to each of the individual species investigated, whereas the accessory glands of the first and second pairs display the highest degree of ultrastructural variability. A comparison across the species shows an interesting constancy limited to ultrastructural features in the third pair of accessory glands. The similarities and differences among the species are discussed in the light of the available literature and in relation to the potential role that blister beetles’ male accessory glands could play in the storage and management of cantharidin.

Intestinal Barrier Breakdown and Mucosal Microbiota Disturbance in Neuromyelitis Optical Spectrum Disorders.

Background and PurposeThe mechanism underlying the pathology of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) remains unclear even though antibodies to the water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) on astrocytes play important roles. Our previous study showed that dysbiosis occurred in the fecal microbiota of NMOSD patients. In this study, we further investigated whether the intestinal barrier and mucosal flora balance are also interrupted in NMOSD patients.MethodsSigmoid mucosal biopsies were collected by endoscopy from six patients with NMOSD and compared with samples from five healthy control (HC) individuals. These samples were processed for electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry to investigate changes in ultrastructure and in the number and size of intestinal inflammatory cells. Changes in mucosal flora were also analyzed by high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing.ResultsThe results from bacterial rRNA gene sequencing showed that bacterial diversity was decreased, but Streptococcus and Granulicatella were abundant in the colonic mucosa specimens of NMOSD patients compared to the HC individuals. The intercellular space between epithelia of the colonic mucosa was wider in NMOSD patients compared to the HC subjects (p < 0.01), and the expression of tight junction proteins [occludin, claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)] in NMOSD patients significantly decreased compared to that in the HC subjects. We also found numerous activated macrophages with many inclusions within the cytoplasm, mast cells with many particles in their cytoplasm, and enlarged plasma cells with rich developed rough endoplasmic reticulum in the lamina propria of the mucosa of the patients with NMOSD. Quantitative analysis showed that the percentages of small CD38+ and CD138+ cells (plasma cells) were lower, but the percentage of larger plasma cells was higher in NMOSD patients.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that the intestinal barrier was disrupted in the patients with NMOSD, accompanied by dysbiosis and inflammatory activation of the gut. The mucosal microbiota imbalance and inflammatory responses might allow pathogens to cross the damaged intestinal barrier and participate in pathological process in NMOSD. However, further study on the pathological mechanism of NMOSD underlying gut dysbiosis is warranted in the future.

Ultrastructural and histochemical analysis of glandular trichomes of Marrubium vulgare L. (Lamiaceae)

Anatomical and ultrastructural investigations of the glandular trichomes of aboveground organs of the white horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) were carried out. Additionally, identification of the main components of the secreted products was conducted. The following types of glandular structures were found: peltate with a stalk cell and a large eight-celled head and capitate trichomes, which were divided into three types: I. long-stalked with a 1-celled head, II. short-stalked with a 2-celled head, III. short-stalked capitate with a 4-celled head. Histochemical tests showed that the glands contained various substances such as lipids, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, terpenes, tannins, and flavonoids. During the secretory stage, the ultrastructure of the bicellular head of the capitate trichome was characterized by a highly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous plastids, and mitochondria. After exocytosis, the secretion was temporarily stored in the periplasmic space and passed through the cell wall to the subcuticular space.

Ultrastructural characterization of Gonadotrophs in the Wild caught female bat Taphozous nudiventris kachhensis (Dobson)

Present study has been design to observe the ultramicroscopic structure of Gonadotrophs in the female bat Taphozous nudiventris kachhensis during the various phases of reproductive cycle. During the present study specimen were collected during Estrous and pregnancy to know the probable role of Gonadotrophs (FSH, LH) in respective stage of reproductive cycle. After collecting female specimen they were weight and dissect out for the pituitary gland and then those were fixed in ice cold gluteraldehyde. Gonadotrophs (FSH and LH) are mostly frequently observed cell types after Somatotrophs cells in the pars distalis of the female bat Taphozous nudiventris kachhensis. FSH cell during estrus is large, ovoid to polyhedral in shape with irregular shaped nucleus. Cell cytoplasm shows well developed Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria this indicating active state. During early pregnancy cytoplasm of FSH cell appears vacuolated because of dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Mitochondria are spherical to rod shaped with lamellar cristae. During late pregnancy rough endoplasmic reticulum shows dilation. Golgi complex is juxtanuclear in position and mitochondria are numerous. LH cells during early part of gestation are large with bilobed nucleus. Cell cytoplasm shows well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum heavily dotted with ribosomes and contains large number of secretory granules. Hypertrophied LH cell in pars distalis of bat during late pregnancy shows well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum occupies major part of cytoplasm. Golgi zone is well developed with dilated saccules. Secretory granules are very few.

Secretory function in subplate neurons during cortical development.

Subplate cells are among the first generated neurons in the mammalian cerebral cortex and have been implicated in the establishment of cortical wiring. In rodents some subplate neurons persist into adulthood. Here we would like to highlight several converging findings which suggest a novel secretory function of subplate neurons during cortical development. Throughout the postnatal period in rodents, subplate neurons have highly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are under an ER stress condition. By comparing gene expression between subplate and layer 6, we found that several genes encoding secreted proteins are highly expressed in subplate neurons. One of these secreted proteins, neuroserpin, encoded by the serpini1 gene, is localized to the ER in subplate cells. We propose that subplate might influence cortical circuit formation through a transient secretory function.

THE LEAF GLANDS OF VERONICA BECCABUNGA L.: ULTRASTRUCTURE AND A POSSIBLE PATHWAY OF SECRETION

ABSTRACT The leaf glands of emerged shoots of the water plant Veronica beccabunga were investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as cytochemical and vital staining reactions. The glands consist of two glandular head cells surrounded by a mucilage containing polysaccharides and proteins, and one non-glandular stalk cell. The ultrastructure of the head cells is characterized by the presence of a highly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum which shows a close association with the Golgi apparatus, the latter consisting of numerous hypersecretoric dictyosomes. Both these components of the endomembrane system may be involved in a secretional mechanism as has been postulated for protein-secreting animal cells. The two head cells of a senescent gland frequently exhibit different ultrastructural features and distinct vital staining reactions, thus simulating functional heterogeneity. This phenomenon is probably caused by an asynchronous gland cell degeneration accompanied by a disch...

Signet Ring Cell Lymphoma with Plasmacytic Differentiation in a Pig

A case of signet ring cell lymphoma in a 3-year-old mixed-breed sow is described. Macroscopical examination revealed enlargement of superficial, thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes and multiple tumor masses in the liver. The neoplastic tissue was composed of follicle center-like structures, in which neoplastic cells with Russell bodies were conspicuous. The bodies were immunostained for IgM (κ), and corresponded to moderately dense amorphous material within markedly distended cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) at the ultrastructural level. In contrast to typical signet ring cell lymphoma, the component cells of which resemble follicular center B lymphocytes with poorly developed RER, most neoplastic cells had features of plasma cells characterized by a cartwheel arrangement of heterochromatin and development of RER. Signet ring cells frequently had one or a few large Russell bodies occupying the entire cytoplasm, which may have been caused by abundant synthesis and defective secretion of immunoglobulin.

Sulforaphane synergistically enhances the cytotoxicity of arsenic trioxide in multiple myeloma cells via stress-mediated pathways

Persistent paraprotein production in plasma cells necessitates a highly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that is unusually susceptible to perturbations in protein synthesis. This biology is believed to account for the exquisite sensitivity of multiple myeloma (MM) to the proteasomal inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ). Despite remarkable response rates to BTZ in MM, BTZ carries the potential for serious side-effects and development of resistance. We, therefore, sought to identify therapeutic combinations that effectively disrupt proteostasis in order to provide new potential treatments for MM. We found that sulforaphane, a dietary isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, inhibits TNFα-induced Iκβ proteasomal degradation in a manner similar to BTZ. Like BTZ, sulforaphane synergistically enhances the cytotoxicity of arsenic trioxide (ATO), an agent with clinical activity in MM. ATO and sulforaphane co-treatment augmented apoptotic induction as demonstrated by cleavage of caspase-3, -4 and PARP. The enhanced apoptotic response was dependent upon production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as demonstrated by glutathione depletion and partial inhibition of the apoptotic cascade after pretreatment with the radical scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). Combination treatment resulted in enhanced ER stress signaling and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), indicative of perturbation of proteostasis. Specifically, combination treatment caused elevated expression of the molecular chaperone HSP90 (heat shock protein 90) along with increased PERK (protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase) and eIF2α phosphorylation and XBP1 (X-box binding protein 1) splicing, key indicators of UPR activation. Moreover, increased splicing of XBP1 was apparent upon combination treatment compared to treatment with either agent alone. Sulforaphane in combination with ATO effectively disrupts protein homeostasis through ROS generation and induction of ER stress to culminate in inhibition of protein secretion and apoptotic induction in MM. Our results suggest that sulforaphane deserves further investigation in combination with ATO in the treatment of MM.

Ultrastructure of Cotesia plutellae Bracovirus in Its Replication at Wasp Ovarian Calyx

Cotesia plutellae bracovirus (CpBV) is a polydnavirus symbiotic to an endoparasitoid, C. plutellae. Despite rich information on CpBV genome, there has been little known on its viral replication mode from proviral to episomal form. This study illustrates fine structures of the epithelial cells producing CpBV with a reference to non-producing ovarian epithelial cells. The ovarian epithelial cells of teneral females (within 12 h after emergence) were characterized by large nucleus and rich rough endoplasmic reticulum. CpBV particles were present only at the calyx region, in which follicle epithelial cells exhibited virogenic structures. Though a matured CpBV particle found in the calyx lumen was encapsidated in a single envelop containing multiple nucleocapsids, numerous free nucleocapsids were observed in the calyx epithelial cells and appeared to undergo assembly step to a final multiple capsid form. The multiple capsid forms appeared to be released into the oviduct lumen. The epithelial cells bordering the oviduct lumen showed phagocytosis presumably due to clearing cellular debris. At the calyx area close to the common oviduct, the epithelial cells appeared to maintain protein synthetic activity due to highly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, but showed a marked decrease in the viral production.

The caseins of milk as calcium-binding proteins.

AbstractThe virtual image of milk, which would be constructed by most people, is that of a creamy white fluid rich in calcium. The lubricity and taste of milk are related to this perception and are based upon three unique biological structures: the colloidal calcium-protein complexes (the casein micelles), the milk-fat globules with their limiting membrane, and the milk sugar:lactose (1). The complexity of these structures is necessitated by the fact that milk is, in essence, predominantly water. It is the accommodation of these ingredients to an aqueous environment that forms the basis for the structure of milk at the molecular level. Adaptation of milk components to their ultimate aqueous environment begins during secretion. Lipid and protein synthesis are partitioned from the start. Amino acids and their metabolic precursors are actively transported into the secretory epithelial cells and assembled into proteins on the ribosomes of the highly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum. All proteins of mammary origin have conserved leader sequences which cause insertion of the nascent proteins into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (see Fig. 1). The proteins are then transported through the Golgi apparatus, as shown in Fig. 1; presumably the globular proteins of milk are folded during this period. In the Golgi apparatus, the caseins, which are the major milk proteins in most species, are phosphorylated to begin the process of calcium transport. In general, when milks that contain>2% protein are analyzed, the accompanying inorganic phosphate and calcium levels yield insoluble precipitates (apatite or brushite). Cell physiology of lactating mammary gland. (A) A single alveolus consisting of lactating epithelial cells surrounding the lumen. (B) A typical lactating cell indicating active secretion of protein and lipid by distinct mechanisms. (Reprinted with permission from S. Patton, Sci. Am. July 1969). KeywordsCircular DichroismHigh Ionic StrengthCasein MicelleWeight Average Molecular WeightSlow PeakThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Ultrastructural changes in gill chloride cells during smoltification in wild and hatchery-reared masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou

SUMMARY: Ultrastructural changes in gill chloride cells during smoltification were examined in wild and hatchery-reared masu salmon. On the filament, two types of chloride cells (α and β) and accessory cells were observed in wild fish from January (parr) to May (full-smolt), while only α and accessory cells (α-a cells) were observed in hatchery-reared fish from March (pre-smolt) to May (full-smolt). Among α-a cells of both types of fish, development of rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus was detected in pre-smolt before full-smolt. However, ultrastructural changes were not revealed in β cells of wild fish during smoltification. During smoltification, the α-a cell number increased and β cell number decreased. On the lamella, only one type of chloride cell was observed in both wild and hatchery-reared fish during smoltification. Their ultrastructural changes were almost the same as those in filament α-a cells, and their number declined during smoltification. Although there was almost no difference between changes in ultrastructure or in the number of chloride cells in both wild and hatchery-reared fish during smoltification, the chloride cell number of hatchery-reared fish varied widely in comparison to that in wild fish. The present study is the first report for wild salmonids of ultrastructural changes in gill chloride cells during smoltification, and indicated that there were some ultrastructural differences between gill chloride cells of wild masu salmon and hatchery-reared fish.

Fibroblasts in Geriatric Vocal Fold Mucosa

Fifty fibroblasts in the macula flava (MF) and 50 fibroblasts in the Reinke's space (RS) of geriatric vocal folds were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Five larynges from autopsy cases in the age range 74-83 years were included in the study. The results were compared with those obtained previously from younger adults. The majority of fibroblasts in RS were spindle-shaped and those in MF were stellate. This was the case with younger adults. The nucleus/cytoplasm (N/C) ratio was 0.5-2.0 in most fibroblasts in RS and MF. Again, this was in common with the findings in younger adults. The development of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and Golgi apparatus (GA) in MF was less marked in the geriatric group than in adults. Glycogen particles were observed in 28 fibroblasts in MF. Lipofuscin granules were found in 12 fibroblasts of RS and 9 cells of MF. The findings suggest a decrease in activities and the presence of ageing processes in fibroblasts of geriatric vocal fold mucosa, to which geriatric changes in the vocal ligament can be attributed.

Morphologic comparisons among equine endometrium categories I, II, and III, using light and transmission electron microscopy

Abstract Objective To evaluate whether the pathologic changes observed by light microscopy in endometrium of categories II and III were reflected by cellular changes and to describe differences in the endometrial cell ultrastructure during estrus and diestrus. Animals 18 healthy mares. Procedure Endometrial tissues biopsied during the physiologic breeding season were categorized, using light microscopy, and were studied, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results Using TEM, glycogen granules were associated with giant mitochondria for all endometrial types during diestrus. Development of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and Golgi apparatus suggested protein synthesis in the endometrial glands during diestrus. TEM did not reveal major ultrastructural differences, between endometrium of categories I and II. This was unlike differences identified by light microscopy. The most extensive pathologic changes were seen in category-III tissue (TEM and light microscopy). Category-III endometria had a large number of light cells with more degenerative structures and fewer organelles, and lacked cilia in the lumen of the glands. This tissue had extensive fibrotic tissue in the lamina propria and many inflammatory cells in most tissue layers. Conclusions The severe ultrastructural changes may be one of the many factors decreasing the fertility of mares with category-III, compared with category-1 and -2, endometrium. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:49–55)

Ultrastructure of the female gonad of two temnocephalids (Platyhelminthes, Rhabdocoela)

The female gonad of Temnocephala dendyi and T. minor consists of a single germarium and two rows of vitellaria. It is enveloped by an extracellular lamina and accessory cells. Accessory cells are only peripherally located in the germarium while their cytoplasmic projections also fill the spaces between vitellocytes in the vitellarium. The main feature of oocyte maturation is the appearance of chromatoid bodies and the development of rough endoplasmic reticulum (R.E.R.) and Golgi complexes which appear to be correlated with the production of double-structured egg granules. The egg granules, which are localized in the cortical cytoplasm of mature oocytes, contain glycoproteins, are devoid of polyphenols and are similar in structure and composition to the cortical granules observed in some Digenea and Monogenea. Vitellocytes are typical secretory cells with well-developed R.E.R. and Golgi complexes which are involved in the production of shell globules and yolk. The multigranular pattern and the polyphenolic composition of the shell globules of the temnocephalids investigated are similar to those observed in other rhabdocoels, and in some Prolecithophora and Neodermata. This feature may represent a synapomorphy shared by these taxa.

Co-expression of fibroblastic, histiocytic and smooth muscle cell phenotypes on cultured adherent cells derived from human palatine tonsils: a morphological and immunocytochemical study.

Adherent cells derived from human palatine tonsils were isolated and cultivated. Exponentially growing adherent cells (TAC) were observed by phase-contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Immunocytochemical studies were also performed. TAC were composed of relatively monotonous cells with polygonal or spindle shapes and high proliferative activity. In addition to the development of rough endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes, the TAC possessed a moderate amount of pinocytotic vesicles and a few microfilaments. All of the TAC strongly expressed fibroblastic markers and partial monocyte/macrophage markers, such as beta-subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (DAKO-fibroblast), lysozyme, anti-alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (alpha ACT), and CD68 (KP-1, EBM/11). It was noted that, as the TAC were cultured for a longer period, they gradually increased the reactivity with the monoclonal antibody PG-M1. Furthermore, the TAC expressed myocytic phenotype, such as alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha SMA) with various intensity. Moreover, as to extracellular matrix, TAC stained for collagen type I, collagen type III, laminin, and fibronectin. Collagen type IV was weakly positive. The results presented here showed that the TAC expressed three different phenotypes of fibroblasts, histiocytes and smooth muscle cells at the same time. The monoclonal antibody raised against the TAC reacted strongly with the subendothelial pericytes and/or smooth muscle cells in the extrafollicular area in human tonsils. The present results also suggested that the origin of the TAC was probably subendothelial pericytes and/or smooth muscle cells of the microvasculatures in the tonsil.

Detection of multiple hormones and their mRNAs in human neuroblastoma cell line NB-1 using in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay.

The production and secretion of multiple peptide hormones and tyrosine hydroxylase by the human neuroblastoma cell line NB-1 and the effects of dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2cAMP) and phorbol esters such as 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on them were investigated. The presence of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)/peptide histidine methionine (PHM), preprotachykinin, and tyrosine hydroxylase was detectable in the cytoplasm of cultured NB-1 cells by in situ hybridization. Treatment with Bt2cAMP and TPA markedly increased the number of cells immunoreactive to VIP, PHM, neuropeptide Y, Met-enkephalin, substance P and tyrosine hydroxylase and also the contents of VIP and Met-enkephalin in the culture medium. Bt2cAMP and TPA induced morphological changes characteristic of endocrine differentiation, such as an increase in neuroendocrine granules and the development of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The results indicated that treatment with Bt2cAMP and TPA induces the expression of multiple genes of peptide hormone and tyrosine hydroxylase and increases hormone production and secretion through morphological changes into endocrine cells.

A Multiparametric Study of Malignant Lymphoma of Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue (Malt)

A morphological, immunophenotypic and ultrastructural study, cell cycle estimation, DNA and cytogenetic analysis were performed in ten cases of B-MALT lymphomas. Five had low grade lymphoma and five had high grade. Low and high grade cases showed the same cells but in different percentages: These included centrocyte-like cells with occasional monocytoid cytoplasmic changes, and centroblast-like cells. However, in high grade cases more dysplastic and large cells were present. All cellular types showed an important development of rough endoplasmic reticulum. In all cases a large panel of monoclonal antibodies was employed to study the B-cell immunophenotype. Ki-67 positivity ranged from 5% to 30% in low-grade cases and from 50% to 70% in high-grade cases. Gene rearrangement analysis showed rearrangement with Jh probe and half of the cases were also rearranged with the Kde probe (Kappa constant chain gene). A rearrangement banding pattern with TCR genes was not present in any of the cases. Cytogenetic study showed complex alterations in high grade cases and a normal karyotype in low grade lymphomas. Only one case had rearrangement for the bcl-2 probe.

The relationship between morphology and cell activity in hyperparathyroidism

The relationship between tissue morphology and cellular activity in hyperparathyroidism was investigated by 2-color flowcytometry and an immunohistochemical technique using anti-parathyroid hormone (PTH) antibody. A total of 21 cases were employed, which included 8 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and 13 cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The results of 2-color flowcytometry on DNA ploidy pattern revealed that all the 8 PHPT cases were diploids. In SHPT, however, there were 9 diploids (69.2%), 2 tetraploids (15.4%) and 2 aneuploids (15.4%). Electron microscopic studies were performed on the diploid 2c and 4c peak cells, which were obtained by individually sorting the cells from each cycle. As a result, these cells were found to possess well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. These cells in general showed weak immunostaining. Furthermore, numerous secretory granules were found in the cells obtained from abnormal peak of aneuploid when compared to diploid cells. In tetraploids and aneuploids, the darkly stained cells and glandular cells showed intense immunostaining. These cells contained numerous secretory granules and they were thought to possess high cellular activity.

Effect of estrogen replacement on liver function in ovariectomized rats.

The effect of estrogen (17 beta-estradiol; E2) replacement on the liver function was examined in ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomy decreased serum transaminase activity and physiological dosage levels of E2 replacement returned the activity up to or above non-ovariectomized levels. Under the conditions of this experiment the elevated serum transaminase levels in the E2 replacement were not coincident with histological changes suggestive of liver dysfunction. The elevations of both serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and serum mitochondrial GOT were accompanied by increased hepatic tissue activity, suggesting that the elevated serum levels can be attributed to the accelerated synthesis of the enzymes. On the other hand, the elevation of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase was not accompanied by increased tissue activity in the original organs, namely liver, kidney, heart and skeletal muscle. Ovariectomy decreased serum albumin and inhibited development of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the liver, and E2 replacement returned them up to or above the non-ovariectomized levels.