Density Of Elastic Fibers Research Articles

Ultrastructural and morphometric description of the ear skin and cartilage of two South American wild histricognate rodents (Dasyprocta leporina and Galea spixii)

ABSTRACT: Skin and cartilage have been the main source for the recovery of somatic cells to be used in conservation strategies in wild mammals. In this sense, an important step for the cryopreservation of these samples is to recognize the properties of the skin and cartilage. Thus, knowing that the skin may differ among species and aiming to contribute to the establishment of cryobanks, the study examined the differences in the ear skin and cartilage of wild rodents from South America, agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) and spix’s yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii). Ultrastructural and quantitative methods were used to measure skin and cartilage thickness, density of collagen and elastic fibers, cell type number and distribution, and proliferative activity. Although ultrastructural analysis revealed a similar pattern between species, morphometric analysis of the skin and cartilage showed differences between agoutis and cavies regarding thickness of epidermis layers (corneum: 5.3±2.5μm vs. 3.9±0.6μm; intermediate: 16.4±6.2μm vs. 23.4±8.1μm; basal: 9.9±2.1μm vs. 4.8±0.5μm), dermis (183.1±44.0μm vs. 258.2±22.9μm), total skin (211.8±46.0μm vs. 290.3±23.7μm) and perichondrium (27.6±6.1μm vs. 10.5±1.8μm). A greater number of epidermal cells (61.7±15.2 vs. 24.8±7.6) and chondrocytes (32.7±9.0 vs. 27.5±4.7) were observed in agouti, while the cavy presented a greater number of melanocytes (12.6±4.7 vs. 29.9±6.2), keratinocytes (14.7±4.2 vs. 29.8±7.6), and fibroblasts (103.6±24.7 vs. 112.2±11.3). Moreover, a higher percentage of collagen fibers and proliferative activity was observed in the skin of cavies, when compared to the skin of agoutis. Therefore, there are differences between agouti and cavy for ear skin and cartilage, requiring the establishment of species-specific cryopreservation protocols.

Skin Changes Due to Massive Weight Loss: Histological Changes and the Causes of the Limited Results of Contouring Surgeries.

Outcomes of body contouring surgeries in patients who previously had obesity are limited because of the loss of skin quality. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of collagen and elastic fibers of the skin in the abdominal epigastric region of patients who had massive weight loss following bariatric surgery and compared such with the skin characteristics of patients with morbid obesity. This observational study compared skin fragments from the epigastric region of 20 patients who had massive weight loss due to bariatric surgery and 20 patients with morbid obesity. The morphometric analysis was performed on the collagen system using the Picrosirius/polarized light method and on the elastic system using the Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin method. Reduction of thick collagen fibers (p = 0.048), increased thin collagen fibers (p = 0.0085), and increased elastic fiber density (p < 0.001) were observed in the massive weight loss group. No differences were found between the groups regarding mean age (p = 0.917) and total amount of collagen fibers (p = 0.3619). Structural dermis alterations in the massive weight loss group demonstrated collagenous remodeling, with consequent reduction of thick, organized, structured, and directed fibers in favor of thin, misaligned, and loosely arranged fibers. Weight loss was also associated with increased skin elasticity. The morphometric changes in the collagen and elastic system scientifically explained the already established clinical perception of cutaneous alterations in patients who had massive weight loss following bariatric surgeries.

The estimation of age from elastic fibers in the tunica media of the aortic wall in a thai population: a preliminary study using aorta image analysis.

Image analysis has an increasing role in the identification of individuals in forensic application. Beside the bones, microstructural of arteries can be used in age estimation study. Aorta is the largest elastic artery which consists of many elastic fibers. Elastin in arterial wall highly resist to chemical and physical influence. The purposes of the study were to quantify elastic fibers in tunica media in each location of the aorta and examine the correlation between elastic fibers and age by using image analysis program. A total of 36 human aortas were dissected in 4 locations. The aortas were obtained from cadavers with an age range of 20 to 90 years. Specimens were stained with Elastic Van Gieson staining. Histological images were investigated about elastic fibers using light microscope with cellSens program and aorta image analysis was used for the evaluation of data. The results showed that the mean percentage density of elastic fibers in the ascending aorta and the aortic arch increased. However, the mean percentage density of elastic fibers decreased in the 31 to 40 years age group in the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta and decreased in each location of aorta continuously until 81 to 90 years. The abdominal aorta showed the highest correlation with age (r=0.732) followed by the thoracic aorta, the aortic arch and the ascending aorta, respectively. Changes in the percentage density of elastic fibers in the tunica media of the aortic wall can be used to add information to age estimation for identification purposes.

Revisiting Anchor Epicanthoplasty in Mild to Moderate Asian Epicanthal Folds: A Clinicopathological Study.

To assess the epicanthal fold (EF), eyelid, eyebrow, scar, and patients' satisfaction after anchor epicanthoplasty and upper blepharoplasty and histopathologically compare Asian epicanthal fold skin with non-Asian counterpart. Asian Iranians with grade 2 and 3 EF were included. Photographs were taken before and at least 12months after the surgery. Photoanalysis included EF grade, inter-canthal distance (ICD), margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), tarsal plate show (TPS), brow fat span (BFS), and eyebrow height. Manchester scar scale score (5-28) and patients' satisfaction score (0-100) were documented. The most medial skin of 5 Asian and 5 non-Asian subjects was histologically compared for the thickness and elastic fiber density and morphology. Included were 89 patients (178 eyelids) with a mean age of 31.6years and follow-up of 13.1months. Mean ICD significantly decreased by 3.5mm (shortening ratio of 9.7%). All grade 2 and almost half of the grade 3 EF disappeared. Significant postoperative increase in mean MRD1 (0.3mm) and TPS (1.1-1.4mm) and decrease in BFS (3.3-3.6mm) and eyebrow height (1.7-3.4mm) were observed. Revision rate of epicanthoplasty was 7.3%. Mean satisfaction and scar scores were 97.1 and 5.4, respectively. Histopathologically, Asian and non-Asian medial upper eyelid skin was not significantly different. Anchor epicanthoplasty eliminated grade 2 and improved grade 3 EF with a high satisfaction and negligible scar. Simultaneous upper blepharoplasty significantly increased MRD1 and TPS and decreased eyebrow height. EF skin was not histologically different from non-Asians. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Dermatochalasis Through Decades: A Histopathologic Study.

Three prior studies (2008, 2011, 2018) histopathologically compared the eyelid specimens of patients with dermatochalasis (DC, undergoing blepharoplasty) with a control group and proposed that DC may begin with subclinical inflammation leading to elastolysis and lymphostasis. With growing number of younger patients consulting for blepharoplasty, the unanswered question is whether histopathologic changes of DC differ between the younger and the older. In this prospective case series, 20 right upper eyelid skin of 20 nonsmoker, class 3 Fitzpatrik skin type women (30-68 years old) were histopathologically examined. Patients were divided into 2 age groups of 50 years or older and older than 50 years. Upper eyelid skin was preoperatively marked, intraoperatively removed, postoperatively divided into 3 sections: lateral (lateral limbus to lateral canthus), central (between medial and lateral limbi), and medial (medial limbus to medial canthus), and separately (totally 60 specimens) sent for histopathological examination. A masked pathologist recorded skin thickness in all specimens (60) as well as lymphatic vessels diameter and density, elastic fiber density, macrophage number, collagen intrafibril edema, and depth of collagen stromal bed in central sections (20 specimens). There were 10 patients at each age group. Histopathological measurements were not significantly different between the 2 age groups except mean lymphatic vessel diameter (P = 0.034) that was larger in the second group (>50 years). A significant positive correlation was also observed between the age and lymphatic vessel diameter (rs = 0.3, P = 0.009). Lymphangiectasia progresses significantly by age. Histopathological characteristics of DC are the same in the 2 age groups.

Comparison of a 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet picosecond laser using a diffractive optical element vs. a nonablative 1550-nm erbium-glass laser for the treatment of facial acne scarring in Asian patients: a 17-week prospective, randomized, split-face, controlled trial.

Novel picosecond lasers using a diffractive optical element (P-DOE) have been available for skin resurfacing with distinct mechanisms. However, there are limited data directly comparing P-DOE and conventional fractional lasers for the treatment of atrophic acne scarring. We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of a 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet P-DOE and a non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) in the treatment of acne scarring. A prospective, randomized, split-face, controlled trial was performed. One randomly assigned half-side of each patient's face (n=25) was treated with four consecutive sessions of P-DOE at 3-week intervals and the other side with NAFL, with subsequent follow-up for 8weeks after the final sessions. The efficacy and safety of the two lasers were determined by the Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'acné (Scale of Clinical Evaluation of Acne Scars; ECCA) grading scale, Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score and patients' reports at the final visit. Histologic analysis was also performed. The P-DOE-treated side achieved a significantly better improvement in acne appearance (ECCA per cent reduction: 55% vs. 42%) with less severe pain (4.3 vs. 5.6) (P<0.05). The IGA score and subjective satisfaction were consistent with ECCA score results. Occurrences of treatment-related side-effects were also lower in the group treated with P-DOE (P<0.05). Histologic analysis revealed elongation and increased density of neocollagen fibres, elastic fibres and mucin throughout the dermis from both sides. Compared with NAFL, P-DOE afforded better clinical outcomes and fewer side-effects in the treatment of acne scarring in Asian patients.

Elastic Fibers Density: a New Parameter of Improvement of NAFLD in Bariatric Surgery Patients

Obesity is a major risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affecting 25% of the worldwide population. Weight loss through bariatric surgery can improve much of the liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. However, it is not known whether there is reversal of the elastic fiber deposition process, triggered by hepatic damage and related to worse prognosis. Individuals submitted to bariatric surgery at our institution, from March 2016 to June 2017, with intraoperative liver biopsy confirming NAFLD were approached. Those who consented were submitted to a second liver biopsy 1year later and were included. Specimens were sliced and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Sirius red for histological assessment according to Brunt's criteria and with orcein for digital analysis morphometrics using ImageJ®. Quantification of elastic fibers was accomplished by corrected integrated density. Thirty-seven patients were included. Body mass index, metabolic markers, NAFLD activity score, and fibrosis improved 1year after the procedure. The elastic fiber density showed a significant decrease: 239.3 × 103 absorbance micrometer2 (141.08-645.32) to 74.62 × 103 absorbance micrometer2 (57.42-145.17), p = 0.007. Liver elastic fiber density decreases with the reversal of NAFLD through weight loss.

Evaluation of Fractional CO2 Versus Long Pulsed Nd:YAG Lasers in Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are challenging to both patients and physicians. They can be aesthetically disfiguring, functionally debilitating, and emotionally distressing. Lasers have introduced new mechanisms to improve scars both on aesthetic and symptomatic levels. Comparing the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser, long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser and their combination in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids on clinical, histopathological, and biochemical basis. Thirty patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids were enrolled in the study. Three scars in each patient were randomly assigned to treatment modalities (i) Fractional CO2 , (ii) Nd:YAG laser, (iii) Combined CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers. For each treatment area four sessions, 4-6 weeks apart were performed. Clinical evaluation was done before and 1 month following last session using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Routine hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Orcein stains were used to evaluate the appearance and pattern of dermal collagen and elastic fibers. Image analysis was used to quantitatively assess the density of collagen and elastic fibers. Biochemical evaluation of tissue level of transforming growth factor-β I (TGF-β I) and TGF-β III was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay studies. Both VSS and POSAS showed significant improvement following treatment with the three used modalities. Collagen fibers showed significant improvement as regards appearance and pattern while it was insignificant as regards density. Elastic fibers density improvement was only significant in fractional CO2 (treatment area A). Hypertrophic scars showed more significant improvement with fractional CO2 laser, while in keloids there was no significant difference between the three modalities regarding improvement. Level of TGF-β I showed significant reduction after treatment in all treatment modalities, while TGF-β III levels showed insignificant elevation in all treatment modalities. Side effects were significantly higher in treatment area C (combined treatment). Long pulsed Nd:YAG laser is effective and safe treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Fractional CO2 laser yields better improvement in hypertrophic scars, while in keloids both fractional CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers achieve comparable improvement. Combination in the same session did not add significant additional benefit and the side effects profile was higher. small sample size and short follow-up period. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Histological Evaluation of the Skin After Fat Grafting: A Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Study.

Autologous fat graft is often employed to treat body contour defects. There is currently increased interest in the regenerative properties of fat grafting. The authors evaluated the histological changes of fat grafting in a blinded randomized controlled trial of staged fat grafting-abdominoplasty. Ten women between 24 and 55 years of age with a body mass index <30 kg/m2 and previous cesarean scar were submitted to fat grafting followed by staged abdominoplasty. The C-section scar served as a landmark for standardization of fat grafting site and control. One side of the abdomen was fat grafted and the other was left intact (control). At the time of abdominoplasty, 4 months later, a full-thickness skin sample from each hemi abdomen (fat-grafted area and control) was collected and sent to histological analysis. All of the fat-grafted samples showed extracellular lipids and signs of fat graft viability, whereas no such changes occurred in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in fat-grafted vs control samples regarding skin inflammatory infiltrate (P = 0.582), dermis thickness (P = 0.973), vascular density (P = 0.326), and amount of elastic fibers (P = 1). The histological evaluation of women's abdominoplasty surgical site skin after 4 months of fat grafting showed signs of fat graft in 100% of the grafted sides but no change in skin inflammatory infiltrate, dermis thickness, vascularity density, or elastic fiber quantity.

Age-dependent histomorphometric evolution of the corpus spongiosum

Purpose:To quantify the age-dependent changes in the relative volume of elastic fibers, collagen fibers and the proportion of collagen types I/III in the corpus spongiosum of rats.Methods:Forty-eight rats, raised under similar conditions, were divided into four groups (G1 to G4) and underwent penectomy at the ages of 6, 9, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Histological sections from the middle segment of the penis were stained with Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin, Masson’s trichrome and Picrosirius red, the volumetric density of elastic fibers, collagen fibers and the proportion of collagen types I and III in the corpus spongiosum were determined by stereological analysis.Results:A reduction in the proportion of collagen I/III between the groups G3 and G4 (p < 0.048) was observed. In the volumetric analysis of elastic fiber, we observed a significant rise between the groups G2 and G3 (p < 0.03) and a reduction of the volume between the groups G3 and G4 (p < 0.01). However, there was no difference in the quantity of total collagen between the groups (p > 0.54).Conclusions:Aging in rats did not change the quantity of total collagen but reduced the proportion of collagen types I/III and the volume of elastic fibers.

Endoscopic Sealing With a Polyglycolic Acid Sheet for Restoration of Vocal Fold Mucosa in Dogs.

Voice outcomes of cordectomy for early glottic cancer are often poor due to vocal fold scarring and tissue defects. Improvements in this aspect could make cordectomy a more acceptable treatment option than radiotherapy. We hypothesized that a polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet could be used to cover vocal fold defects. The present study aimed to prevent vocal fold scarring after cordectomy using the PGA sheet. Animal experiment. Nine male beagles were divided into three groups including a control group (n = 3). Following cordectomy, the vocal fold defect was covered with the PGA sheet plus fibrin glue (PGA group; n = 3) or with the PGA sheet plus fibrin glue containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; the PGA-bFGF group, n = 3). Vocal folds were chronologically observed, and larynges were removed 6 months after surgery. Mucosal amplitude was measured using a high-speed camera, and histological analysis was performed. The re-epithelialization process was delayed in the PGA and PGA-bFGF groups compared with the control group. The mucosal amplitude was significantly more normalized and the thickness ratio significantly higher in the PGA and PGA-bFGF groups compared with the control group. The PGA-bFGF group had the highest elastic fiber density, followed by the PGA group and then the control group, with a significant difference between the PGA-bFGF and control groups. The PGA sheet plus fibrin glue could serve as an effective regenerative scaffold for reconstructing vocal fold morphology and function after cordectomy, with the potential benefit of establishing an endoscopic sealing method for vocal fold defects. NA Laryngoscope, 130:E436-E443, 2020.

Strain-dependent effects on lung structure, matrix remodeling, and Stat3/Smad2 signaling in C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice after neonatal hyperoxia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease of preterm infants, characterized by lung growth arrest and matrix remodeling. Various animal models provide mechanistic insights in the pathogenesis of BPD. Since there is increasing evidence that genetic susceptibility modifies the response to lung injury, we investigated strain-dependent effects in hyperoxia (HYX)-induced lung injury of newborn mice. To this end, we exposed newborn C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice to 85% O2 (HYX) or normoxia (NOX; 21% O2) for 28 days, followed by lung excision for histological and molecular measurements. BL/6J-NOX mice exhibited a lower body and lung weight than BL/6N-NOX mice; hyperoxia reduced body weight in both strains and increased lung weight only in BL/6J-HYX mice. Quantitative histomorphometric analyses revealed reduced alveolar formation in lungs of both strains after HYX, but the effect was greater in BL/6J-HYX mice than BL/6N-HYX mice. Septal thickness was lower in BL/6J-NOX mice than BL/6N-NOX mice but increased in both strains after HYX. Elastic fiber density was significantly greater in BL/6J-HYX mice than BL/6N-HYX mice. Lungs of BL/6J-HYX mice were protected from changes in gene expression of fibrillin-1, fibrillin-2, fibulin-4, fibulin-5, and surfactant proteins seen in BL/6N-HYX mice. Finally, Stat3 was activated by HYX in both strains; in contrast, activation of Smad2 was markedly greater in lungs of BL/6N mice than BL/6J mice after HYX. In summary, we demonstrate strain-dependent differences in lung structure and matrix, alveolar epithelial cell markers, and Smad2 (transforming growth factor β) signaling in neonatal HYX-induced lung injury. Strain-dependent effects and genetic susceptibility need be taken into consideration for reproducibility and reliability of results in animal models.

Vitamin D deficiency and androgen excess result eutrophic remodeling and reduced myogenic adaptation in small cerebral arterioles in female rats

Vitamin D (vitD) insufficiency affects 1 billion people worldwide. Androgen excess (AE) occurs in 8% of fertile females. There are few data about the combined effect of vitD deficiency and AE on the early biomechanical changes of cerebral arterioles in fertile-aged female. Forty-six adolescent female Wistar rats (21–28 day-old, weighing 90–110 g) were grouped randomly in four groups: vitD supplemented groups with and without transdermal testosterone (T) treatment, as well as vitD deficient groups also with and without transdermal T (n = 11 or 12, in all cases). After 8 weeks of treatment, anterior cerebral arterioles (in vivo diameter of 90–130 µm) were obtained and cylindrical segments were examined by pressure arteriography. Myogenic tone, tangential stress and incremental elastic moduli were computed and statistically analyzed. Elastic density was studied on resorcin-fuchsin-stained histological section. VitD deficiency with T treatment resulted in significantly lower inner radii and higher wall thickness values with reduced tangential stress and increased elastic fiber density. VitD deficiency reduced myogenic tone at higher intraluminar pressures (>110 mmHg). Our conclusion is that plasma vitD level is an important factor in the control of myogenic tone in cerebral resistance arteries. AE and vitD deficiency acting parallel induce remodeling of their wall.

Histološke karakteristike i volumenska gustina elastičnih vlakana u dermu tokom starenja

Introduction: Elastic fibers are constituents of the dermal extracellular matrix, determining the histoarchitecture of the dermal connective tissue. Organization and density of elastic fibers change as skin ages. The aim of this paper was to determine the similarities and differences between the photo-aging and the physiological aging of skin by examining organization and quantifying the elastic fibers in the dermis during aging. The material included samples of photoexposed and photoprotected skin, obtained from 90 cadavers aged 0-82 years. The samples were classified into five age groups: newborns, young age, middle age, mature age and the oldest age. Skin samples were stained using the Halmi modification of Aldehyd fucshin staining method, as well as Alcian blue staining (the Spicer method). Volume density (VD) of the elastic fibers was measured using Image J program. Results: In the skin of newborns and young age group (neck and abdomen) elastic fibers appeared to form a network structure. In the photoexposed skin of the mature age and the oldest group, elastic fibers showed tendency to fragment, while the elastic material exhibited tendency to accumulate. VD of elastic network in the skin of the neck in the middle, mature and the oldest age group was greater than VD of abdominal skin of the respective age groups (3.66±0.28%, 5.61±0.22%, 6.24±0.21% respectively). Age-related statistically significant increase in VD of the elastic network in the skin of the neck, as well as a statistically significant reduction of elastic network VD in the abdominal skin, has been observed (middle age - oldest). Conclusion: Correlation of the organization and quantity of elastic fibers with age exhibits different pattern in photoexposed compared to photoprotected skin. A quantitative evaluation of the volume density of elastic fibers correlates with clinically visible signs of photo-aging, primarily with solar elastosis.

Stereological analysis of elastic fibers of the corpus cavernosum of rats during the aging process.

Purpose To evaluate changes in the quantity of elastic fibers in the corpora cavernosa of rats during the natural aging process, and to assess the degree of this change by determining volumetric density (Vv) at different ages via stereological analysis.Methods Forty-eight rats, raised under similar conditions, were subjected to the natural aging process and divided into four groups (G1 to G4), according to age at the time of penectomy (6, 9, 12, and 24 months, respectively). Histological sections of the middle segment of the penis were stained with Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin, and the volumetric density (Vv) of elastic fibers of the corpora cavernosa were determined via stereological analysis.Results There were no statistically significant differences in Vv among groups G1, G2, and G3. These three groups were therefore considered as a single group. The mean Vv of this group showed a statistically significant reduction compared to that of G4 (0.16 vs. 0.11, p<0.05).Conclusion Natural aging in rats was responsible for a reduction in volumetric density of elastic fibers of the corpora cavernosa (approximately 30% decrease in Vv) during senescence.

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY CAUSES INWARD HYPERTROPHIC REMODELING AND ALTERS VASCULAR REACTIVITY OF RAT CEREBRAL ARTERIOLES

Background and purpose Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global health problem, which can lead to several pathophysiological consequences including cardiovascular diseases. Its impact on the cerebrovascular system is not well understood. The goal of the present work was to examine the effects of VDD on the morphological, biomechanical and functional properties of cerebral arterioles. Methods Four-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 11 per group) were either fed with vitamin D deficient diet or received conventional rat chow with per os vitamin D supplementation. Cardiovascular parameters and hormone levels (testosterone, androstenedione, progesterone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D) were measured during the study. After 8 weeks of treatment anterior cerebral artery segments were prepared and their morphological, biomechanical and functional properties were examined using pressure microangiometry. Resorcin-fuchsin and smooth muscle actin staining were used to detect elastic fiber density and smooth muscle cell counts in the vessel wall, respectively. Sections were immunostained for eNOS and COX-2 as well. Results VDD markedly increased the wall thickness, the wall-to-lumen ratio and the wall cross-sectional area of arterioles as well as the number of smooth muscle cells in the tunica media. As a consequence, tangential wall stress was significantly lower in the VDD group. In addition, VDD increased the myogenic as well as the uridine 5’-triphosphate-induced tone and impaired bradykinin-induced relaxation. Decreased eNOS and increased COX-2 expression were also observed in the endothelium of VDD animals. Conclusions VDD causes inward hypertrophic remodeling due to vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and enhances the vessel tone probably because of increased vasoconstrictor prostanoid levels in young adult rats. In addition, the decreased eNOS expression results in endothelial dysfunction. These morphological and functional alterations can potentially compromise the cerebral circulation and lead to cerebrovascular disorders in VDD.

Immunohistochemical Study of the Goat Ductus deferens

Abstract Ductus deferens plays an important role in sperm transport and participates in the preservation of structure, maturation, and viability of sperm. In this study, we have immunohistochemically examined the ductus deferens in the goat. For immunohistochemical study the following monoclonal antibodies were used: cytokeratin 18, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin and elastin. Morphologically, three distinct layers were identified in the goat ductus deferens — tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica adventitia. The epithelium of the mucosa was intensely stained with cytokeratin 18 (CK 18). The fibroblasts in the lamina propria and blood capillaries in the muscle layer showed positive reaction for vimentin. A positive reaction for α-SMA was observed in the smooth muscle cells of the tunica muscularis in the internal, middle and outer sublayers. An intense positive reaction for α-SMA was observed in the wall of the blood vessels. Elastic fibers in the form of a loose meshwork were present in all three layers. The high density of elastic fibers were found in the tunica adventitia.

Vitamin D deficiency causes inward hypertrophic remodeling and alters vascular reactivity of rat cerebral arterioles.

Background and purposeVitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global health problem, which can lead to several pathophysiological consequences including cardiovascular diseases. Its impact on the cerebrovascular system is not well understood. The goal of the present work was to examine the effects of VDD on the morphological, biomechanical and functional properties of cerebral arterioles.MethodsFour-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 11 per group) were either fed with vitamin D deficient diet or received conventional rat chow with per os vitamin D supplementation. Cardiovascular parameters and hormone levels (testosterone, androstenedione, progesterone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D) were measured during the study. After 8 weeks of treatment anterior cerebral artery segments were prepared and their morphological, biomechanical and functional properties were examined using pressure microangiometry. Resorcin-fuchsin and smooth muscle actin staining were used to detect elastic fiber density and smooth muscle cell counts in the vessel wall, respectively. Sections were immunostained for eNOS and COX-2 as well.ResultsVDD markedly increased the wall thickness, the wall-to-lumen ratio and the wall cross-sectional area of arterioles as well as the number of smooth muscle cells in the tunica media. As a consequence, tangential wall stress was significantly lower in the VDD group. In addition, VDD increased the myogenic as well as the uridine 5’-triphosphate-induced tone and impaired bradykinin-induced relaxation. Decreased eNOS and increased COX-2 expression were also observed in the endothelium of VDD animals.ConclusionsVDD causes inward hypertrophic remodeling due to vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and enhances the vessel tone probably because of increased vasoconstrictor prostanoid levels in young adult rats. In addition, the decreased eNOS expression results in endothelial dysfunction. These morphological and functional alterations can potentially compromise the cerebral circulation and lead to cerebrovascular disorders in VDD.

Distribution of Elastic Fibers in the Lacrimal Sac and Nasolacrimal Duct of Japanese Cadavers.

To investigate the distribution of elastic fibers in lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct of Japanese cadavers. We examined 8 lacrimal sacs and nasolacrimal ducts of 7 Japanese cadavers (4 right sides, 4 left sides; 3 males, 4 females; average age of 89 years at death) that were preserved with 10% buffered formalin. The harvested specimens were transversely sectioned. All specimens were stained with Elastica van Gieson. Micrographs were taken, and then converted to white and black images, and the elastic fiber density of 4 locations (middle and upper levels of lacrimal sac, and middle and lower levels of nasolacrimal duct) was compared. Elastic fibers showed greater distribution in the lamina propria, compared with the submucosal tissue, at all locations (p < 0.001). Elastic fiber density within the lamina propria at the middle lacrimal sac level (13.5% ± 4.3%) was similar to the density observed at the upper lacrimal sac level (13.2% ± 2.3%, p = 0.87) and the lower nasolacrimal duct level (17.8% ± 6.0%, p = 0.088), but was significantly greater than the density observed at the middle nasolacrimal duct level (9.5% ± 3.8%, p = 0.0001). Elastic fibers in the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct are primarily distributed in the lamina propria, with a greater density at the upper and middle lacrimal sac levels, and at the lower nasolacrimal duct level, compared with the middle nasolacrimal duct level. This distribution of elastic fibers likely reflects the magnitude of mechanical stress within the lacrimal drainage system.

Histomorphological changes in the common carotid artery of the male rat in induced hypogonadism.

The role of androgens in the development of cardiovascular diseases remains controversial. The current study therefore sought to determine the changes in the histomorphology of the common carotid artery of the male rat in orchidectomy-induced hypogonadism. Twenty-two Rattus norvegicus male rats aged 2 months were used. The rats were randomly assigned into baseline (n=4), experimental (n=9), and control (n=9) groups. Hypogonadism was surgically induced in the experimental group by bilateral orchiectomy under local anesthesia. At experiment weeks 3, 6, and 9, three rats from each group (experimental and control) were euthanized, their common carotid artery harvested, and routine processing was done for paraffin embedding, sectioning, and staining. The photomicrographs were taken using a digital photomicroscope for morphometric analysis. Orchidectomy resulted in the development of vascular fibrosis, with a significant increase in collagen fiber density and decrease in smooth muscle and elastic fiber density. Moreover, there was development of intimal hyperplasia, with fragmentation of medial elastic lamellae in the common carotid artery of the castrated rats. Orchidectomy induces adverse changes in structure of the common carotid artery of the male rat. These changes may impair vascular function, therefore constituting a possible structural basis for the higher incidences of cardiovascular diseases observed in hypogonadism.