Ghost Bodies Research Articles

Morphological study of incompetent saphenous veins: apoptosis and ultrastructural changes of smooth muscle cells.

Varicose veins affect approximately 25% of people in industrialized countries. The study aimed at detecting apoptotic cells and histopathological changes in varicose vein walls. Patients (N.=41) with varicose veins and 30 control group patients were divided into two groups according to their age (younger and older than 50 years). Apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay, elastin and collagen IV expression by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural changes by transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the number of apoptotic cells in the layers of varicose veins increased, in particular in a group of patients aged over 50 years. In the varicose veins as compared to control veins the elastic fibers were found to be thinner, more fragmented and disorderly arranged. Elastin and collagen IV expression was found to decline in the intima and the media of varicose veins in both age groups. Electron microscopy demonstrated hypertrophy and degeneration of smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, cells with ultrastructural feature of apoptosis were noted. In the disorganized and expanded extracellular matrix membrane-bound vesicles, ghost bodies with different size and electron density were observed. Ghost bodies seem to bud off from smooth muscle cells and are likely to be involved in extracellular matrix remodeling as they are seen in close contact with collagen fibers. The study demonstrates increase of apoptotic cells in the wall of varicose veins along with vein wall structural abnormalities including alterations of smooth muscle cells and decline of elastin and collagen IV expression.

The Desire to Disappear in Order Not to Disappear

This article tells a story of the aftermath of the ‘failed revolution’ in Egypt through the prism of sound and gendered political prisoner bodies. It created embodied reactions among Cairene men—years after their lived prison experiences—in which depression, sorrow, stress, paranoia, rage, or painful body memories are prevalent. Affect theory shows how sonic vibrations—important stimuli within everyday experience, with a unique power to induce strong affective states—mediate consciousness, including heightened states of attention and anxiety. Sound, or the lack thereof, stimulates, disorients, transforms, and controls. The sound of life is transformed into the sound of death; the desire to disappear in order not to disappear again produces ‘ghost bodies’ alienated from the ‘new Egypt’, but from the family and the self too.

What a great responsibility, and: Here

What a great responsibility, and: Here Mark Irwin (bio) What a great responsibility What a great responsibility to think of things that no longer exist—the tree housewith ladder struck by lightning. The skyscraper whose floors and ceilings collapsed as people dined abovewhile below computer terminals and desks flew out the windows. What a great responsibility to think of creatures no longer here.The Tasmanian tiger hunted to extinction, or the golden toad that burrowedin the high cloud forests of Costa Rica. What a great responsibility to speak of people no longer here. The hummingof blood, muscle, bone, and skin—of ghost bodies and namesstill haunting windows and doors. What a great responsibility to give human form to words, to place safety conesaround parts of speech, especially nouns and verbs in the pastwhere work will never cease. What a great responsibility to know that each “I” on the page leans toward the horizonwhile the living lie down with the dead. What a great responsibility to speak of things and people. This boy pullingon his father’s work-gloves, or that kid in April, dragging an old violinthrough loose soil till the pear trees bud and then flower in an instant. [End Page 82] Here This world with its dollars and smart phones, this world with itscumuli and muons. This world with its coupons and pop-up ads—someone always trying to argue somethinglike a crow in a lemon tree. In grade school we used to answer Here when roll was called. What it meant thenseems so much less than now, here with Mom at the nursing home, here with the surgeon cutting the melanomafrom my cheek, here with the homeless vet and his just-rescued greyhound, the intaglio ribs of both glowingin sunlight. Here’s a burrito, I say. Here, the word like a shiny plough blade pulled by a horsetoo far away to see. I remember water, green and high, and the swarm of bees in an alder’s branch I cut, tossedin the pickup, then drove to my hives. Here, I said, their brief diaspora over, the queen far in the brood chamber’sdark. Here, I say, six months later to a neighbor, smearing their honey on bread, and here reader, their muted hum like that river’sthrough the just-now sense of these words. [End Page 83] Mark Irwin Mark Irwin’s nine collections of poetry include A Passion According to Green (New Issues, 2017), American Urn: New & Selected Poems (1987–2014) (Ashland Poetry Press, 2015), Tall If (New Issues, 2009), and Bright Hunger (BOA Editions, 2004). He is the recipient of many awards for his poetry, including the Philip Levine Prize for his tenth book, Shimmer (Anhinga Press, 2020). Copyright © 2019 Middlebury College Publications

Subacute ghrelin administration inhibits apoptosis and improves ultrastructural abnormalities in remote myocardium post-myocardial infarction

This study investigated the effect of ghrelin on cardiomyocytes function, apoptosis and ultra-structural alterations of remote myocardium of the left ventricle (LV) of rats, 21 days post myocardial infarction (MI). Rats were divided into 4 groups as a control, a sham-operated rats, a sham-operated+ghrelin, an MI + vehicle and an MI + ghrelin-treated rats. MI was induced by LAD ligation and then rats were recievd a concomitant doe of either normal saline as a vehicle or treated with ghrelin (100 μg/kg S.C., 2x/day) for 21 consecutive days. Ghrelin enhanced myocardial contractility in control rats and reversed the decreases in myocardial contractility and the increases in the serum levels of CK-MB and LDH in MI-induced rats. Additionally, it inhibited the increases in levels of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and increased those for Bcl-2 in the remote myocardium of rat's LV, post-MI. At ultra-structural level, while ghrelin has no adverse effects on LV myocardium obtained from control or sham-treated rats, ghrelin post-administration to MI-induced rats reduced vascular formation, restored normal microfilaments appearance and organization, preserved mitochondria structure, and prevented mitochondrial swelling, collagen deposition and number of ghost bodies in the remote areas of their LV. Concomitantly, in remote myocardium of MI-induced rats, ghrelin enhanced endoplasmic reticulum intracellular organelles count, decreased number of atrophied nuclei and phagocytes, diminished the irregularity in the nuclear membranes and inhibited chromatin condensation. In conclusion, in addition to the physiological, biochemical and molecular evidence provided, this is the first study that confirms the anti-apoptotic effect of ghrelin in the remote myocardium of the LV during late MI at the level of ultra-structural changes.

Ultrastructural Changes of the Smooth Muscle in Esophageal Atresia

Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) is a relatively rare congenital anomaly. Despite the advances in the management techniques and neonatal intensive care, esophageal dysmotility remains a very common problem following EA/TEF repair. Our current study aimed to describe the most significant ultrastructural changes of the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) trying to highlight some of the underlying mechanisms of esophageal dysmotility following EA/TEF repair. Twenty-three biopsies were obtained from the tip of the lower esophageal pouch (LEP) of 23 patients during primary repair of EA/TEF. Light microscopic examination was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and Van Gieson’s stains. Ultrastructural examination was done using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Histopathological examination showed distortion of smooth muscle layer and deposition of an abundant amount of fibrous tissue in-between smooth muscles. Using TEM, SMCs exhibited loss of the cell-to-cell adhesion, mitochondrial vacuolation, formation of myelin figures, and apoptotic fragmentation. There were also plasmalemmal projections and formation of ghost bodies. Interestingly, SMCs were found extending pseudopodia-like projections around adjacent collagen fibers. Engulfed collagen fibers by SMCs underwent degradation within autophagic vacuoles. Degeneration of SMCs and deposition of abundant extracellular collagen fibers are prominent pathological changes in LEP of EA/TEF. These changes might contribute to the pathogenesis of esophageal dysmotility in patients who have survived EA/TEF.

Ultrastructural Changes of Smooth Muscles in Varicocele Veins

Background: Varicocele is a dilatation of the pampiniform venous plexus and internal spermatic veins. It affects about 15–20% of male population and can cause infertility.Objective: To describe the most significant ultrastructural changes of the smooth muscle cells in grade 3 varicocele veins.Methods: The authors analyzed 2- to 3-cm tracts of pampiniform venous plexus from 20 patients who underwent varicocelectomy for left varicocele. Light microscopic examination was performed with Van Gieson’s stain. Ultrastructural examination was done using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.Results: Light microscopic examination revealed irregularity and separation of medial smooth muscle cells by abundant collagen fibers in varicocele veins. On scanning electron microscopy, the medial layer of varicocele veins showed hypertrophy, irregularity, and separation of the outer longitudinal smooth muscle cells and deposition of numerous fatty globules in between muscle fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed marked indentation and chromatin condensation of the nucleus, presence of clear vacuoles and myelin figures in the cytoplasm and plasmalemmal projections and formation of ghost bodies. Furthermore, smooth muscle cells were found to have pseudopodia-like projections around adjacent elastic and collagen fibers.Conclusions: The degenerative changes observed in smooth muscle cells and presence of abundant collagen fibers in the medial layer may contribute to the development of the varicocele of pampiniform venous plexus. Further molecular studies are required to shed more light for the underlying mechanism.

Morphological Changes in Varicocele Veins: Ultrastructural Study

Background: Varicocele consists of dilatation of the pampiniform venous plexus and the internal spermatic veins. It is present in 15% of male population and is a common cause of male infertility. Objective: To describe the normal structure of the internal spermatic vein and the morphological changes in grade 3 varicocele. Methods: The authors dissected and analyzed a 2- to 3-cm tract of the pampiniform venous plexus of 20 patients undergoing varicocelectomy for left varicocele and of 10 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for left inguinal hernia. The histological examination was performed with hematoxylin–eosin and Masson trichrome stains. The ultrastructural evaluation was done using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Compared with normal internal spermatic veins, varicocele veins showed narrowing and/or obliteration of the lumens, destruction of the endothelial cells, invagination of the intima, and deposition of collagen bundles in the media (light microscopy). The ultrastructural changes in varicocele veins included elongation of the endothelial cells with features of cellular damage, loss of the internal elastic lamina, and the appearance of ghost bodies and degenerative vacuoles in the subendothelial layer. Conclusions: The authors believe this is the first report analyzing ultrastructual changes in normal human internal spermatic vein samples and in varicocele. The underlying molecular mechanisms of these changes await further studies.

“GHOST BODIES” IN THE AORTAS OF HYPERTENSIVE RATS (SHR) FED A HIGH FAT DIET

Aortic lesions from hypertensive rats (SHR) fed a high fat diet (10% lard, 1 % cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid) for 1-1.5years were studied by electron microscope. The rats used in this study were the same as those used in a previous report (Kitakanto Med. J., 40, 1990). Intimal thickening consisting of fine granular and fibrillar (“basement membrane-like”) materials was seen. Foam cells, blood mononuclear cells and processes of the medial smooth muscle cells were found in the intima. Giant “ghost bodies” were noticed in the thickened intima and the media of the aortas. Intracellular and extracellular ghost bodies were found in both intimal and medial muscle cells. They were considered to be derived from smooth muscle cytoplasm. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertension caused smooth muscle injury and formed the “ghost bodies”.

Lacunar Dilatations of Intrafusal and Extrafusal Terminal Cisternae, Annulate Lamellae, Confronting Cisternae and Tubulofilamentous Inclusions within the Spectrum of Muscle and Nerve Fiber Changes in Myotonic Dystrophy

In 3 out of 5 muscle spindles available in skeletal muscle biopsy specimens from 30 patients with myotonic dystrophy (MD) unusually large lacunar dilatations of terminal cisternae were observed that had thus far only been reported in extrafusal muscle fibers. Cytoplasmic annulate lamellae, confronting cisternae and regularly proliferated terminal cisternae, as well as intranuclear tubulovesicular inclusions were found in extrafusal muscle fibers that in combination with concentric membranous bodies seen in perineurial cells and Schwann cells generally emphasize an involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum in the pathogenesis of MD. In addition, a nuclear inclusion body was observed composed of tubulofilamentous structures with close similarity to those thought to be rather specific for inclusion body myositis. Vesicles filled with amorphous material originating from outer spindle capsule cells were suggested to indicate matrical lipidic debris leading to "ghost bodies" and calcifying globules. Light microscopical evaluation of 8 sural nerve specimens revealed a neuropathy in only 2 patients that was predominantly axonal in type and of slight to moderate severity with a secondary demyelinating component in 1 patient. These findings add to the large spectrum of muscle and nerve fiber changes in MD underlining the phenotypic multiplicity of a well defined genetic defect.

Characteristic features of the smooth muscle cell migration in vascular wall injury

Characteristic features of the smooth muscles cell migration and ghost body formation observed in vascular lesions induced by intravenous administration of Lipofundin-S (Braun, Melsungen) were studied and compared to lesions seen in other models. Phenomena revealed can be explained by alterations of the cell environment. The cell, producing ghost body looses a part of the cytoplasm and complies with the new environment. Thus ghost bodies play an active part in maintaining the equilibrium between the cell and its environment.

Ultrastructural analysis of the effects of erythromycin on the morphology and developmental cycle of Chlamydia trachomatis HAR-13.

The effect of erythromycin (10 micrograms/ml) on the morphology and developmental cycle of Chlamydia trachomatis HAR-13 was examined by electron microscopy. When the antibiotic was added later than 24 h post infection, the HAR-13 morphology or developmental cycle was not altered. Addition at 18 or 24 h post infection inhibited glycogen production, blocked the transformation of the reticulate body to elementary body, and produced ghost bodies and reticulate bodies twice the diameter of untreated reticulate bodies. When erythromycin was added within 12 h post infection, the conversion of the elementary body to reticulate body was inhibited. Erythromycin (10 micrograms/ml) was bactericidal to strain HAR-13 throughout the developmental cycle.

Formation of "ghost" bodies and calcification in experimental atherosclerosis in nonhuman primates. An ultrastructural study.

Aortic lesions from African green monkeys fed a cholesterol diet for up to 24 months were studied by electron microscopy. The lesions, grossly classified as fatty dots and fatty streaks consisted of foam cells, increased amounts of interstitial connective tissues and osmiophilic lipid material. In addition, in the interstitial spaces, there were membrane-bound detached cytoplasmic fragments and deeply osmiophilic calcium spherules. The smooth muscle cells had a frayed appearance and bulbous cytoplasmic pseudopodlike processes. Figures suggestive of transition between these cell processes and the detached cytoplasmic fragments were observed. The detached cytoplasmic fragments or ghost bodies often contained lipid droplets, myelin-like figures and calcific material. The process of budding off cytoplasmic fragments was interpreted as a form of clasmatosis enabling smooth muscle cells to eliminate substances which could not be degraded intracellularly. It is proposed that material presented within the ghost bodies may become a nucleation site for calcium salts deposition. Cell necrosis was not a feature observed in this material.

A morphological study of early cellular changes in the closure of the rabbit ductus arteriosus.

AbstractA light and transmission electron microscopic study was performed on 67 ductus arteriosus (DA) specimens from rabbits (31 days normal gestation period) ranging in age from 21 days of gestation to 4 days after birth. Some fetuses were permitted to breath before sampling, while others were not. The aorta and pulmonary trunk served as controls. The objectives of the study were to identify the earliest cellular alterations leading to closure of the DA, to study in detail the sequence of cellular changes in closure of the DA, and to correlate these observations with what is known about the physiological factors involved in closure of the DA. Changes in the architecture of the DA wall were seen as early as on the twenty‐sixth day of gestation and involved the appearance of increased numbers of radially or longitudinally reoriented smooth muscle cells in the intima and fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina. The progress of these changes continued and intensified until the end of gestation. At that stage the inner one‐half of the medial smooth muscle cells was reoriented, and the lumen was significantly reduced by a greatly expanded intima which often contained many intercellular “ghost bodies.” Very few mitoses were seen during DA closure, especially during 29 to 31 days of gestation. It is concluded that cellular changes involved in closure of the DA of the rabbit fetus begin far in advance of birth and breathing. These cellular changes are highly analogous to those which occur in the early pathogenesis of arterial intimal fibromuscular lesions. Closure of the DA, therefore, seems to afford an excellent, natural model for study of key cellular events involved in the production of arterial fibromuscular lesions.

Zur Frage der “ghost bodies” bei experimenteller Gefäßwandschädigung

Question: Details on the origin and the pathogenesis of the so-called “ghost bodies” occurring in the arteries and arterioles following experimental lesions of the vascular wall were to be studied under peculiar experimental conditions (immunological injury and cholesterol diet in combination). Material and methods: The experiments were carried out on 26 young rabits of the same race and equal sex. They were selected from several test groups with experimentally induced arteriosclerosis. For challenge of immunological injury the animals were administered 3 intracutaneous injections of each 3 ml of horse serum at intervals of one week. Afterwards they received one or two intravenous injections of 2-3 ml of horse serum at weekly intervals. Immediately after the last injection the animals were sacrificed. A series of the animals were fed a cholesterol diet for some weeks after previous immunological injury (for details see WEIDENBACH and MASSMANN 1972). From a total of 26 animals always several sections of the aorta were investigated. 5 animals were used for controls. After decapitation of the animals the aortas were removed immediately and fixed in 2.5-3% glutaraldehyde for 2 hours. Afterwards they were postfixed in 1% osmium-Millonig solution for 1 hour. After 15 min the tissue samples were washed in Tyrode solution for 15 min, dehydrated in ascendent aceton grades and contrasted in blocks in the stage of 70% aceton. After embedding in Micropal the material was sectioned by an ultramicrotome OmU 2 (Fa. Reichert, Wien) and investigated in electron microscopes of the types SEM 2-3 (100 kV) or KEM 1-2 (60 kV) (VEB Werk für Fernsehelektronik Berlin-Oberschiineweide ). Results: Basing on their observations the authors classify as ghost bodies all cytoplasmic protrusions and all constricted extracellular structures which are limited by a membrane and filled with prevailingly filamentous-granular material (figs. 1, 2, 3), occasionally also including fragmetns of cell organelles (fig. 4). They develop from cytoplasmic protrusions or bulgings of the processes of smooth muscle cells (figs. 1 and 2). In these protrusions the cytoplasm of the smooth muscle cells is loosened and of filamentous-granular appearance (fig. 1). The cells themselves show all characteristics of a modified or activated smooth muscle cell: they are branched, the organelles display marked secretory-metabolic activity associated with particalloss of the contractile elements whereas degenerative changes of these cells are nearly completely absent. Frequently focal disorganization of the cell membrane with release of the content to extracellular regions can be observed which is locally associated with the development of fibrillar structures. — In the environment of the “ghost bodies” the formation of collagenous fibres is visible (fig. 3). Degenerative changes which point to transition to necrosis can only occasionally be observed. The so-called ghost bodies were present in all 26 experimental animals in various extent whereas they could not be observed in the control animals. Summarizing, it is suggested that the development of ghost bodies is only partially a consequence of degenerative processes whereas it preponderately represents a consequence of secretory activities of the smooth muscle cells associated with release of cellular substances.