Difference In Epithelial Thickness Research Articles

Curcumin Protective Potential for the Seminiferous Tubules of Mice Treated with Lead Acetate

Curcumin as an antioxidant plays an important role in reducing lead toxicity. This research aimed to demonstrate the potential of curcumin in maintaining epithelial thickness and diameter of seminiferous tubules of mice treated with lead acetate. Thirty BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) were divided into 5 groups. Group N was the negative control group with no treatment. Group P was the positive control group, which was given 0.075 g/kgBW of lead acetate once in a day for 35 days. The treatment groups, T1, T2 and T3, were treated with curcumin 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW once a day for 3 days; after 3 days, they were treated with curcumin 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW; then, 1 h later, they were treated with lead acetate 0.075 g/kg BW once a day for 35 days. There was a significant difference in epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubule between group P and group T3, and a significant difference in the diameter of seminiferous tubules between group P and groups T2 and T3. Curcumin dosages of 200 and 400 mg/kgBW could significantly maintain the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and curcumin dosage of 400 mg/kgBW could significantly maintain the epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules of mice treated with lead acetate. HIGHLIGHTS Curcumin as an antioxidant plays an important role in reducing lead toxicity Administration of curcumin could increase the diameter and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules, as well as the testicular weight. It was proven that curcumin reduced apoptosis activity by, among others, chelating with lead and serving as a ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenger Our research found the best dosages of curcumin that could significantly maintain the diameter and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules of mice treated with lead acetate GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

How Can We Diagnose Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia With Optical Coherence Tomography?

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the differential diagnosis of anterior segment diseases such as ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and pterygium. Patients who were pre-diagnosed with either OSSN (21) or pterygium (19) between January 2020 and November 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Anterior segment photographs and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) measurements were obtained from each patient. Excisional or incisional biopsy materials underwent pathological evaluation. Preoperative AS-OCT images of the patients with OSSN showed similarities with histopathological specimens. Both ocular and pathological specimens appeared to have a thicker epithelial layer with a distinct change from healthy to neoplastic epithelium. Preoperative AS-OCT images of individuals with pterygium were also comparable with histopathological samples. Both pathological and AS-OCT images of the pterygium patients showed a normal thickness epithelium and a thickened subepithelial layer under the epithelium. The mean epithelial thickness measured with AS-OCT in OSSN patients was found to be 295.3 ± 111.3 µm, while it was 80.7 ± 43.4 µm in pterygium patients. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a cut-off value of 97 µm for the differential diagnosis of OSSN from pterygium, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94.7%. AS-OCT can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for the evaluation of ocular surface lesions. Its ability to distinguish between OSSN and pterygium is demonstrated by the statistically significant difference in epithelial thickness and the significant morphological association with histopathological findings.

Kefir Gel Increased The Epithelial Thickness in First-Degree Sunburn

Background: UVB radiation may cause skin to experience acute symptoms such as erythema and pain. The acute symptoms are categorized as first-degree sunburn. Prevention can be done through kefir gel administration.Purpose: This study aimed to determine differences between effect kefir oral, topical gel, and combination (oral and topical gel) effects and the negative control group on epithelial thickness in first-degree sunburn. Method: An experimental study with post-test only control group design was conducted on BALB/c mice, and the negative control group exposed only with UVB without kefir and oral, topical, and combination (oral and gel) group administration with dose of 0.25 mL/KgBB/day. The epithelial thickness was determined by histopathological preparations of back skin tissue through HE painting. Distribution analysis of data normality was through Shapiro-Wilk test. Homogeneity test of both groups was done through Levene test. One-way Anova test was continued with Post Hoc TukeyHSD test for epithelial thickness.Result: The analysis of Post Hoc TukeyHSD test showed p score &lt;0.05 which meant that there was a significantly higher difference in epithelial thickness of topical group (12.59 ± 2.067) than the negative control (5.30 ± 0.353). Kefir gel dose of 0.25mL/kgBW/day escalates thickness of epithelialization compared to negative control group.Conclusion: There is a significant difference in epithelial thickness between the negative control group and the topical kefir gel treatment groups and the combination of both (oral and topical).

Pengaruh Gel Ekstrak Daun Kenitu (Chrysophyllum cainito L.) terhadap Reepitelisasi pada Penyembuhan Luka Bakar Mukosa Bukal Tikus Wistar

Burn therapy involves elimination of causative factors and symptomatic therapy. Kenitu leaves (Chrysophyllum cainito L.) are known to contain β-amylin acetate, Gallic acid, ursolic acid, quercetin, β-sitosterol, and other substances that have the potential to be antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. The use of kenitu leaves (Chrysophyllum cainito L.) as an alternative to wound healing has low side effects and is easy to obtain, especially in Jember Regency. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of kenitu leaves (Chrysophyllum cainito L.) leaf extract gel on re-epithelialization in buccal mucosal burns of wistar rats. This type of research is experimental laboratories. This research used 32 samples which divided into four control groups and four treatment groups. Burns are made on the left buccal mucosa. In the control group the CMC placebo gel was given and the treatment group was given 2% leaf extract gel. Euthanasia was performed on days 4, 7, 10, and 13 then histological preparations were made. Measurement using software optilab viewer 2.2 and image raster 3.0. The average yield of epithelial thickness was lowest in the control group on day 4 and highest in the treatment group on day 13. The results of the One Way Anova statistical test showed a significant difference in epithelial thickness between the control group and the treatment group. This study proved that the 2% leaf extract can accelerate the process of reepithelialization in the healing of wistar mucosal mucosal burns.

Re-epithelization and density of collagen fibers on wound healing of mice’s skin (Mus musculus) that treated with combination of chitosan membrane and eel (Monopterus albus) mucous

Untreated skin wound can inhibit the wound healing process. Chitosan and eel mucous have biodegradable, biocompatible, and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to determined the potential of combination between chitosan membrane and eel mucous extract in skin wound re-epithelization and collagen fibers deposition. Thirty adult male mice were divided into 5 groups, 6 animals/group. Skin wo und were perform by punch biopsy in 0.5 cm diameter. Group I-IV respectively recieved: 10% povidone iodine; eel mucus extract and gauze; combination of 1 % chitosan membrane and eel mucus; 1% chitosan membrane. Group V without therapy. Therapy was given once a day for 10 days. At the 5th and 10th half of animals/group were euthanized. Wound skin area were collected for hematoxylin-eosin and Mallory-azan stainings. Epithelial thickness and collagen density were observed and analyzed statistically. The result s showed significant difference in epithelial thickness on the 5th and 10th days (P ≤ 0.05) in combination group. Percentage of collagen density at 10th day of combination group showed significantly difference (P ≤ 0.05) compared with control. The conclusion is combination of 1 % chitosan membrane and eel mucous extract has the most potential to re-epithelization and increase density of collagen fibers in skin wound healing.

Obesity and ethnicity\xa0alter gene expression in skin

Obesity is accompanied by dysfunction of many organs, but effects on the skin have received little attention. We studied differences in epithelial thickness by histology and gene expression by Affymetrix gene arrays and PCR in the skin of 10 obese (BMI 35–50) and 10 normal weight (BMI 18.5–26.9) postmenopausal women paired by age and ethnicity. Epidermal thickness did not differ with obesity but the expression of genes encoding proteins associated with skin blood supply and wound healing were altered. In the obese, many gene expression pathways were broadly downregulated and subdermal fat showed pronounced inflammation. There were no changes in skin microbiota or metabolites. African American subjects differed from European Americans with a trend to increased epidermal thickening. In obese African Americans, compared to obese European Americans, we observed altered gene expression that may explain known differences in water content and stress response. African Americans showed markedly lower expression of the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator characteristic of the disease cystic fibrosis. The results from this preliminary study may explain the functional changes found in the skin of obese subjects and African Americans.

EFFECT OF SEX DIFFERENCE ON THE HISTOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF BRONCHUS AND NASAL CAVITY IN ANIMAL ASTHMA MODEL

Background: The prevalence of asthma in prepuberty woman is more common than in puberty men. However, after puberty to a certain age, women dominate more. It is still unclear whether sex hormones affect the histological structure of male and female airways or not. Objective: This study objective is to examine the effect of sex difference on the histological structure of bronchial and nasal cavity of mice model (Mus musculus) with ovalbumin exposure. Material and Method: This study used 24 mice in four groups (male control, female control, male asthma model, and female asthma model). At the sensitization phase in days 0 and 14, mice were injected intraperitoneally with 100 μl of a mixture of 50 μl ovalbumin (200 μl / ml) and 50 μl alum. At the exposure phase in days 21 to 23, mice were exposed to 1% ovalbumin (aerosol, 30 minutes / per day). Mice were sacrificed 48 hours after the last exposure. The data taken included four variables, namely: bronchial epithelial thickness, bronchial smooth muscle thickness, nasal cavity goblet cells number, and nasal cavity mucosal thickness. Next, Shapiro-Wilk normality test and parametric t-test were conducted. Result: In animal asthma models, mice with male and female exposure did not cause differences in epithelial thickness and smooth muscle thickness in bronchus compared to the control group. However, there were significant differences in the number of goblet cells and mucosal thickness in nasal cavity of male and female mice compared to the control group (respectively, p = 0.002; p = 0.006 and p = 0.003; p = 0.005). There were no significant differences between groups of male and female mice on all variables. Conclusion: In animal asthma models of mice, ovalbumin exposure did not cause differences in the values of all variables between male and female groups.

EFFECT OF SEX DIFFERENCE ON THE HISTOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF BRONCHUS AND NASAL CAVITY IN ANIMAL ASTHMA MODEL

Background: The prevalence of asthma in prepuberty women is more common than in puberty men. Even after puberty, to a certain age, women dominate more. It is still unclear whether sex hormones affect the histological structure of male and female airways. Objective: This study objective was to examine the effect of sex difference on the histological structure of bronchial and nasal cavity of mice model (Mus musculus) with ovalbumin exposure. Materials and Methods: This study used 24 mice in four groups (male control, female control, male asthma model, and female asthma model). At the sensitization phase in days 0 and 14, the mice were injected intraperitoneally with 100 μl of a mixture of 50 μl ovalbumin (200 μl/ml) and 50 μl alum. At the exposure phase in days 21 to 23, the mice were exposed to 1% ovalbumin (aerosol, 30 minutes/per day). The mice were sacrificed 48 hours after the last exposure. The data taken included four variables, bronchial epithelial thickness, bronchial smooth muscle thickness, nasal cavity goblet cells number, and nasal cavity mucosal thickness. Then, Shapiro-Wilk normality test and parametric t-test were conducted. Results: In animal asthma models, mice with male and female exposure did not cause differences in epithelial thickness and smooth muscle thickness in bronchus compared to the control group. However, there were significant differences in the number of goblet cells and mucosal thickness in nasal cavity of male and female mice compared to the control group (respectively, p= 0.002; p= 0.006 and p= 0.003; p = 0.005). There were no significant differences between groups of male and female mice on all variables. Conclusion: In animal asthma models of mice, ovalbumin exposure did not cause differences in the values of all variables between male and female groups.

The Effects of Halofuginone on Wound Healing in the Rat Nasal Mucosa.

Background Halofuginone is an alkaloid febrifugine analogue and bioactive molecule that was isolated incidentally from the Dichroa febrifuga plant. The therapeutic efficacy of halofuginone in parasitic infections, scleroderma, inflammation, and fibrosis-related diseases, as well as in some types of cancer, has been previously reported. The effects of halofuginone on nasal mucosal damage are not yet known. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effect of topically applied halofuginone on wound healing in the mechanically injured nasal mucosa of rats. Methods A unilateral mucosal wound was created in the nasal cavity of 32 rats (aged 4 weeks) using the brushing technique. These rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Although the control group did not receive an intervention, a dry pad, a saline-impregnated pad, or a pad impregnated with halofuginone were placed in the rats of the other 3 groups and left for 5 minutes. Rats were sacrificed on the 14th day, and a histological examination was performed. The nasal mucosa was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. Results There were no statistically significant differences in epithelial thickness, inflammation, goblet cell formation, and epithelial disarray values between the halofuginone group and the control group ( P &gt; .05). The subepithelial thickness was significantly decreased in the saline-treated group and the halofuginone-treated group ( P &lt; .05), but a significantly lower level of subepithelial fibrosis was only observed in the halofuginone group compared to the other groups ( P &lt; .05). Conclusions Topical halofuginone administration reduces the development of fibrosis and subepithelial edema after experimentally induced nasal mucosal injury, but it does not exert therapeutic or preventive effects on epithelial damage, inflammation, and goblet cell hyperplasia.

RE-EPITELISASI LUKA SOKET PASCA PENCABUTAN GIGI SETELAH PEMBERIAN GEL GETAH PISANG RAJA (Musa sapientum L) Kajian histologis pada marmut (Cavia cobaya)

ABSTRACTGingival epithelium has an important role in the protection of the gingival tissue from mechanical, physical, and chemical trauma also microbial invasion. Re-epithelialization is an important phase of post extraction socket healing. Previous study showed that banana (Musa sapientum L) latex containing tanin, saponin, flavanoid, vitamin C, and minerals i.e: kalium, magnesium, calcium induced re-epithelialization in skin wounds. The objective of the present research was to study the effectivity of banana latex gel in the re-epithelialization of post extraction socket in guinea pigs (Cavia cobaya).Fifty four guinea pigs were divided into 3 groups, there were negative control group, positive control group and banana latex gel group. Each group consisted of 18 guinea pigs. Mandibular left central incisive were extracted and CMC-Na 1% (negative control), iod-glycerin (positive control) and banana latex gel were applied into the wound socket. Guinea pigs were then sacrified at 1,3,5,7,14,24 day post extraction and processed for histological examination. The specimens were stained with hematoxilin eosin. Epithelial thickness was measured with optilab (µm). The result of Anova showed significant differences in epithelial thickness among groups (p0,05). Least Significant of Difference test showed significant differences (p0,05) at 3,5,7,14,24 day post extraction between banana latex gel group compared to negative control group and also at 7 and 24 day post extraction between banana latex gel group compared to positive control group. In conclusion, banana latex gel may induce re-epithelialization of post extraction socket. The effect of banana latex gel is similar to iod-glycerin.Key words: re-epithelialization, banana latex gel, tooth socket

Distinguishing Keratoconic Eyes and Healthy Eyes Using Ultrahigh-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography–Based Corneal Epithelium Thickness Mapping

To find differences in epithelial thickness (ET) maps of eyes with keratoconus (KC) and healthy eyes. Institutional cross-sectional study. In this study 40 keratoconic eyes and 76 healthy eyes were scanned using a custom-built ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography system. Automated segmentation ET maps with 17 subsectors were calculated (central, temporal inferior, temporal superior, nasal inferior, and nasal superior area). The thinnest point of the epithelium (minET), the thickest point of the epithelium (maxET), and the thinnest point diagonally opposing the thickest point (ETmax/op) were additional parameters. Ratios were calculated as follows: minET/diagonally opposing point (R1), maxET/diagonally opposing point (R2), inferior temporal area/superior nasal area (RTI/NS), and inferior/superior hemisphere (RI/S). Furthermore, collected parameters were analyzed regarding their diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve; AUC). Statistically significant differences were as follows: central ET, 46.25 ± 2.56/50.91 ± 1.66; minET, 38.50 ± 2.10/46.79 ± 1.27; ETmax/op, 47.14 ± 2.45/49.60 ± 1.57; temporal inferior area: 43.93 ± 2.95/51.04 ± 1.51 (all mean ± standard deviation, μm); R1, 0.76 ± 0.09/0.93 ± 0.04; R2, 1.08 ± 0.04/1.21 ± 0.16; RTI/NS, 0.85 ± 0.08/1.02 ± 0.04; RI/S: 0.92 ± 0.07/0.99 ± 0.02. AUC values were R1: 0.979 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.957-1.000), RTI/NS: 0.977 (CI: 0.951-1.000), and minET: 0.928 (CI: 0.880-0.977). Epithelial thickness maps could clearly visualize different ET patterns. Parameters with the highest potential of diagnostic discrimination between eyes with KC and healthy eyes were, in descending order, R1, RTI/NS, and minET. Consequently, epithelial thickness irregularity and asymmetry seem to be the most promising diagnostic factor in terms of discriminating between keratoconic eyes and healthy eyes.

Epithelial Thickness Profile Change After Combined Topography-Guided Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy and Corneal Cross-linking in Treatment of Keratoconus.

To evaluate corneal epithelial remodeling after topography-guided transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) combined with corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in the treatment of keratoconus. Retrospective analysis of the epithelial thickness distribution changes in 53 keratoconic eyes of 44 patients. Manifest refraction, maximum (Kmax) and minimum (Kmin) keratometry obtained by Placido topography, corneal irregularity index (IRI) measured by Scheimpflug topography, and the epithelial thickness profile over the central 5-mm zone obtained by anterior-segment spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 to 3, 3 to 6, and more than 6 months postoperatively. Preoperatively, the epithelial thickness at the thinnest area (MinArea) was 48.8 ± 4.4 µm, correlating negatively with Kmax (r = -0.310, P < .05) and IRI (r = -0.362, P < .05). At more than 6 months postoperatively, epithelial thickening of 5.5 ± 5.1 µm occurred at the thinnest area (MinArea). There was no significant change in the epithelial thickness in other areas, resulting in a decrease of difference in epithelial thickness between MinArea and the rest of the paracentral areas of 5.5 ± 4.3 µm. Corrected distance visual acuity, refractive astigmatism, Kmax, Kmin, and IRI all improved after the treatment (P < .05). A significant epithelial thickness profile change occurred after the treatment due to an increase in thickness at the preoperatively thinnest area. Because the thickness in other areas remained largely unchanged, the treatment resulted in a more even epithelial thickness distribution. This may be attributed to regularized postoperative corneal stromal shape. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(9):626-634.].

Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Increases Immune Cell Numbers and Activation Markers in Human Vaginal Mucosal Tissues

The relationship between exogenous contraceptive hormones and permissiveness of the female genital tract to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the subject of renewed debate. To better characterize the effect of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on HIV-1 cellular targets and epithelial integrity in the vagina, we compared leukocyte populations, markers of activation and proliferation, and the density of intercellular junctional proteins in the vaginal epithelium of women during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle and approximately 12 weeks after receiving a DMPA injection. This prospective cohort study involved 15 healthy women. Vaginal biopsies were obtained in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and approximately 12 weeks following a 150-mg intramuscular injection of DMPA. Leukocyte populations, activation phenotype, and epithelial tight junction and adherens proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. After receiving DMPA, the numbers of CD45, CD3, CD8, CD68, HLA-DR, and CCR5 bearing immune cells were significantly (p<0.05) increased in vaginal tissues, compared to the follicular and/or luteal phases of untreated cycles. There were no significant differences in immune cell populations between the follicular and luteal phases of the control cycle. There were also no statistically significant differences in epithelial thickness and density of epithelial tight junction and adherens proteins among the follicular, luteal, and post-DMPA treatment sampling points. In this pilot study, vaginal immune cell populations were significantly altered by exogenous progesterone, resulting in increased numbers of T cells, macrophages, and HLA-DR- and CCR5-positive cells.

Feasibility and acute healing of vocal fold microflap incisions in a rabbit model

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of performing mucosal elevation of a vocal fold microflap in a rabbit model and to measure the acute healing of rabbit microflap incisions compared to control vocal folds. Prospective animal study. Ten New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. All rabbits received a 3-mm incision through the epithelium of one vocal fold using a sickle knife and mucosal elevation through this incision using a microlaryngeal fine-angled spatula. The contralateral vocal fold was left intact to serve as an internal control. Student t tests were used to investigate differences in epithelial thickness, immunohistochemical staining of CD45, and inflammatory and profibrotic gene expression between vocal folds undergoing microflap and control. Exposure of the rabbit larynx was achieved, allowing for the identification of a surgical plane and the creation of a microflap and elevation of the vocal fold mucosa. Hematoxylin-and-eosin staining revealed no significant differences in epithelial thickness, immunohistochemistry for CD45 showed no significant differences in CD45-positive cells, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed no significant differences in interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor β-1, or cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression between vocal folds undergoing microflap and control. We demonstrate the feasibility of vocal fold microflap surgery in a rabbit model. With the advantage of greater access to primers and antibodies for molecular biologic studies, the application of the microflap technique in a small-animal model such as rabbit has broad implications for future experimental investigations in laryngology.

Ultra-High Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography for Differentiation of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia and Pterygia

To assess the use of an ultra-high-resolution (UHR) optical coherence tomography (OCT) as an adjuvant diagnostic tool in distinguishing ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and pterygia. Prospective case series. Thirty-four eyes of 34 patients with conjunctival lesions clinically suspicious for OSSN or pterygia. All patients were photographed and then imaged with a custom-built UHR OCT device. Subsequently, each patient underwent excisional or incisional biopsy with histopathologic diagnosis. Comparison of preoperative UHR OCT images and the corresponding histopathologic specimen; comparison of epithelial thickness between the 2 groups as measured by UHR OCT. Preoperative UHR OCT images of OSSN demonstrated similarities to the histopathologic specimens. Both optical and pathologic specimens showed a thickened layer of epithelium, often with an abrupt transition from normal to neoplastic tissue. Likewise, preoperative UHR OCT images of patients with pterygia were well correlated with the histopathologic specimens. As opposed to OSSN, both UHR OCT and pathologic images of pterygia demonstrated a normal thin epithelium, with underlying thickening of the subepithelial mucosal layers. Differences in the measured epithelial thickness on UHR OCT between OSSN and pterygia were statistically significant, with an average epithelial thickness of 346 μm (standard deviation [SD], 167) in OSSN patients and 101 μm (SD, 22) in pterygium patients (P<0.001). By receiver operating characteristic curve, the sensitivity and specificity of UHR OCT for differentiating between OSSN and pterygia was found to be 94% and 100%, respectively, using a cutoff value of 142 μm. Ultra-high-resolution OCT may show promise as a noninvasive diagnostic tool to evaluate ocular surface lesions. In addition to a statistically significant difference in epithelial thickness, a significant degree of morphologic correlation with the histopathologic results demonstrates its potential in evaluating ocular surface squamous neoplasia and pterygia.

Acceptable Warm Ischemia Time of Tracheal Grafts From Non–heart-beating Donors in Rats

Objectives Warm ischemia (WI)-induced airway complications are common in clinical lung transplantation. However, the acceptable WI time of tracheal grafts from non–heart-beating donors (NHBDs) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptable WI time by observing tracheal epithelial regeneration among NHBD. Method Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into four groups (each with 12 rats): WI-0 minutes (group A), WI-30 minutes (group B), WI-45 minutes (group C), and WI-60 minutes (group D). In each group, the tracheas from 6 rats were imbedded in the greater omentum of 6 other rats. Fourteen days later, the transplanted trachea was obtained from the recipient to evaluate epithelial thickness and regeneration. Six tracheas were obtained from living donors as a control group. Results There were no significant differences in tracheal transplantation time (mean, 17.66 ± 1.21 minutes). There were no significant differences in epithelial thickness and regeneration between the controls and groups A, B, and C ( P < .05). Group D showed no normal epithelial structure of the trachea only with monolayer cells. Conclusions The time limits of tolerance to WI of tracheal grafts from NHBDs may be 45 minutes.

005 Analyses histologiques et ultra structurales des cornées humaines conservées en Corneamax et déturgées durant 48 heures dans les poloxamers

Poloxamers (P) are various synthetic block copolymers widely used in pharmaceutic industry. We previously described the efficiency of P188, 237, 338 and 407 to deswell human corneas at the end of organ culture (OC) and their ability to reduce the endothelial cell loss compared to 5% T500 Dextran in CorneaMax (with 2% foetal calf serum). We aimed to further assess the cellular effects of 48 hours incubation in P using histology and electron microscopy (EM). The P were dissolved in CMax (Eurobio, Les Ulis, France) at 350 mOsmol/L. Five paired human corneas with more than 2000 endothelial cells/mm2 used for each poloxamer. After 3 weeks of OC in CMax, one cornea was incubated for 48 hours in CMax + poloxamer, and the mate cornea in CorneaJet (CMax+ 5% T500 Dextran). Controls: fresh corneal button from keratoconus and lattice dystrophy (for normal unstored endothelium) and organ cultured corneas without deswelling. Corneas were divided into 3 parts for cross sectional histology (epithelial thickness measurement and counting of keratocytes), transmission EM of the posterior stroma and endothelium (cell morphology and interfibrillar spaces measurement) and scanning EM of the endothelium (morphology). Cross sectional histology showed differences in epithelial thickness. For both types of macromolecules (poloxamers and dextran) TEM revealed cytoplasmic vacuoles in endothelial cells and keratocytes and SEM confirmed the integrity of endothelial monolayer. Histological and ultrastructural findings, along with capacity of thinning, transparency improvement and endothelial cell preservation will allow selecting poloxamers to be added to CorneaMax for a future clinical application. This complementary validation using light and electron microscopy reasonably confirms the promising use of Poloxamer to replace T500 Dextran to deswell corneas during organ culture.

Functional morphology of the postpharyngeal gland of queens and workers of the ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.)

AbstractEelen D., Børgesen L.W. and Billen J. 2006. Functional morphology of the postpharyngeal gland of queens and workers of the ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 87: 101–111The postpharyngeal gland (PPG) is unique to ants and is the largest exocrine gland in their head. In queens of the pharaoh's ant, Monomorium pharaonis, the gland contains approximately 15 finger‐like epithelial extensions on each side and opens dorsolaterally in the posterior pharynx. In these ants the PPG morphology varies considerably according to age and mating status. The epithelial thickness increases with age and reaches a maximum at 3 weeks in both virgin and mated queens. A considerable expansion of the lumen diameter occurs in both groups between 4 and 7 days. Virgin queens release their secretion into the gland lumen from an age of 7 days, whereas mated queens accumulate large amounts of secretion in their epithelium. The increasing epithelial thickness, together with the increasing lumen diameter, the presence of numerous inclusions in the epithelium and the release of secretion, are indicative for increasing gland activity. The gland ultrastructure indicates involvement in lipid metabolism and de novo synthesis of lipids. The PPG of workers consists of 12 finger‐like tubes at each side. There is a significant difference in epithelial thickness between nurses and repletes and between nurses and foragers. We suggest the PPG serves different purposes in pharaoh's ants: it is likely that the PPG of workers and virgin queens is used to feed larvae. In mated queens the gland probably plays a role in providing the queen with nutritious oils for egg production. The PPG may also function in signalling species nestmate and caste identity, as well as in the reproductive capacity of the queens.

Morphology and Glycoconjugate Content of Opossum Esophageal Epithelium and Glands: Regional Heterogeneity and Effects of Acid-Induced Mucosal Injury and Recovery

This study examined the regional heterogeneity and site-specific changes in histology and glycoconjugate content following the induction of esophagitis and after recovery in an established animal model. Esophageal samples were excised from five sites in anesthetized opossums 24 hr after 3 consecutive days of 45-min perfusion with saline or 100 mM HCl or 1 week after acid in recovery animals. Controls exhibited significant regional differences in epithelial thickness, gland volume, glycoconjugate composition, and mast cell numbers. Acid perfusion induced erosive esophagitis and significant epithelial denudation throughout the distal 7 cm, combined with significant site-specific increases in gland lumen volume, decreases in mast cell numbers, and changes in glycoconjugate content. No differences from controls were noted in recovery animals, except for a significant increase in epithelial thickness and change in glycoconjugate content in the distal 2 cm. The results of this study highlight the impact of acid exposure on these structural defenses, but further investigation is required to explore the importance of these acid-induced changes in the pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis.

Histochemical study on the ouabain-sensitive potassium-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activity along the nephron in several mammals.

Localization of ouabain-sensitive, K-dependent p-nitrophenylphosphatase (K-NPPase) activity along the rabbit, guinea pig, rat and mouse nephron was studied both in aldehyde-fixed and unfixed fresh frozen kidney sections under the K-phosphatase cytochemical method by Mayahara et al. (25), and the results were compared with those of reports on biochemical Na-K-ATPase activity.The distribution pattern of K-NPPase activity along the nephron was identical in the four species in unfixed sections; with the highest activity in thick ascending limbs of Henle's loop (TALH) and high in distal convoluted tubules (DCT), intermediate in cortical collecting tubules (CCT), low in proximal convoluted tubules (PCT), little or none in proximal straight tubules (PST), collecting ducts, and thin limbs. Fixation did not affect the distribution pattern, however, it inverted the relative intensity of staining between DCT and medullary TALH. In all species, K-NPPase activity was higher in medullary thick ascending limbs (MTALH) than in cortical ones (CTALH). This was due to the difference in epithelial thickness between these two segments, and especially apparent in the rabbit and least pronounced in the rat. As this alteration occurred in the boundary between the outer stripe and the inner stripe of the outer medulla, it was suggested that MTALH should be divided into these two segments, namely inner stripe and outer stripe ones. The cytochemical K-NPPase activity along the nephron is in good agreement with biochemical reports of Na-K-ATPase activity, and some discordance in details were explained reasonably. These observations validated the usefulness of K-phosphatase cytochemistry for detection of Na-K-ATPase.