Gland Duct Research Articles

Ultrastructural Characterization of Salivary Glands, Alimentary Canal and Malpighian Tubules of the Red Shield Bug Carpocoris mediterraneus Tamanini, 1958 (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae).

In this study, the gut structure and excretory system of Carpocoris mediterraneus which is phytophagous insect, were described with light and electron microscopies and discussed in relation to other Heteroptera species. The salivary system has two principal and accessory salivary glands, two principal and accessory gland ducts. The salivary gland and duct wall have a single layer of cuboidal cells. The duct lumen is surrounded by a thick intima layer. In the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells are seen vesicles. The gut includes fore, mid, and hindguts. The foregut consists of a long narrow tubular pharynx which opens into a slightly wider esophagus. The esophagus is thin walled and in turn opens into the midgut. The midgut has four regions (V1–V4). V1–V4 walls have a monolayered epithelium. V1 epithelium is double-nucleated. V1 cytoplasm contains numerous vesicles, secretory granules, spherocrystals, and cytoplasmic inclusions. Rod-shaped bacteria are seen in V4 lumen. The hindgut has pylorus and rectum. Malpighian tubules were attached in the pylorus. Malpighian tubules have a single-layer cuboidal epithelium. In their lumen, there are spherocrystals. The rectum wall has a monolayer of squamous epithelium and muscle layer. Numerous bacteria and uric acid crystals are seen in its lumen.

HISTOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF BRUNNER'S GLANDS IN LOCAL ADULT COWS

The study was conducted to add information to the database for concentrate on theBrunner's glands of the duodenum in adult local cows. The histological study showedthat Brunner's glands present in the tunica submucosa of the duodenum in local adultcows, the glands were branched tubuloalveolar secreting mucous, extended from theend of the pylorus to the first and middle third of duodenum, and absent at the lastthird of the duodenum. The excretory ducts of Brunner's glands opened at the cryptsof lieberkuhn at the base of intestinal villi penetrating the muscularis mucosa layer.The statistical analysis showed there was a significant variation in the diameter andlumen of Brunner's glands between the first and middle third of duodenum at (P≤0.05). The diameter and lumen of Brunner's glands at the first third of duodenum werelower than that of the middle third of duodenum. The statistical study showed , thatthere was no significant variation of the lining epithelium of Brunner's glands betweenfirst and middle third of duodenum, and there was no significant variation in thethickness of Brunner's glands aggregation between first and middle third of theduodenum.The histochemical study revealed that there were different types of glycoprotein inBrunner's glands and excretory duct in local adult cows, at first third of duodenumBrunner's glands contain a large amount of neutral glycoprotein and little amount ofacidic glycoprotein, while at middle third of duodenum the Brunner's glands containthe same amount of neutral and acidic glycoprotein. At the first third of duodenum,the excretory ducts of Brunner's glands contain neutral glycoprotein more than acidicglycoprotein, while at the middle third of duodenum the excretory ducts of Brunner's glands contain a large amount of acidic glycoprotein and little amount of neutralglycoprotein.

Histological Study of the Harderian Gland of Pati Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) of Assam during Postnatal Development

Background: The farmers are rearing duck in small scale in semi intensive system without investing more capital but it contributes a major part to uplift the socio-economic condition of the rural poor people of Assam. The Pati duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) population constitutes a major indigenous non-descript economically important duck variety in the state of Assam. The Harderian gland acts as a part of the head associated lymphoid tissue (HALT) and provides local innate immunity to the upper respiratory system, to the eye and oral cavity. Since literature on histological study of Harderian gland of Pati duck is scant, hence the present study was designed to establish the basic histological details on Harderian gland at different stages of postnatal development of Pati duck of Assam. Methods: The present study was conducted on total forty five (45) numbers Pati duck of Assam at different stages of postnatal development. The experimental birds were brought to the Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-22 and was sacrificed according to the method of Gracy (1986). For histological study the tissue samples from the Harderian gland of all the age group were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution and processed to prepare paraffin blocks as per the procedure described by Luna (1968). The paraffin blocks were sectioned in Shandon Finesse microtome in 5 µm thickness and the sections were stained by different methods as described by Luna (1968). Result: The Harderian gland of Pati duck had a capsule, the thickness of the capsule of the Harderian gland was increased slightly along the advancement of the age. The capsular connective tissue penetrated the parenchyma of the Harderian gland in the form of septa. The collagen, reticular, elastic and nerve fibers were observed along with the capsule and as well as in the septa. The Harderian gland of the Pati duck was compound tubular gland. The columnar epithelial cells lined the tubules. There was no cortex and medulla in the gland and the tubular structure were uniformly distributed within the lobules. A central canal was present in the gland which converged to the duct of the gland. The lymphocytes, plasma cells were found in the intertubular connective tissue. The numbers or population of plasma cell and lymphocytes were accelerated by the advancement of age. The myoepithelial cells with spindle shaped nucleus were present near the basement membrane close to the secretary cells. The histology of the duct of the Harderian gland of Pati duck was like that of typical hollow tubular organs. There were few lymphatic nodules very distinctly present extended from the lamina propria to the muscle layer.

COVID-19–Related Chronic Bilateral Dacryoadenitis

Pathological features of ophthalmic aftereffects of COVID-19 are important for new insight in treating patients. To examine the expression of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in lacrimal gland tissues of a patient with COVID-19 and a patient without COVID-19. In this retrospective case-control study, the case of a 35-year-old woman with positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 who had had lacrimal gland enlargements for 6 months was analyzed. A 43-year-old woman without COVID-19 who had idiopathic chronic bilateral dacryoadenitis served as a negative control. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry with anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and ACE2 in the lacrimal glands. Both patients were Japanese women aged 35 years (case) and 43 years (control). Histopathologic findings in the patient with COVID-19 demonstrated marked inflammatory cell infiltration, lymphoid follicles, and germinal center formation in the lacrimal gland. The inflammation was mainly made up of lymphocytes and plasma cells with several polymorphonuclear leukocytes, where the lacrimal glands were atrophic. Of note, a number of lacrimal gland ducts markedly contained eosinophilic materials in the lumens, which indicated glandular damage. Immunoreactivity for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein was noted in the inflammatory cells around the lacrimal gland ductal epithelia. In addition, strong ACE2 expression was noted in the lacrimal gland. In the patient without COVID-19, marked inflammation was noted in the lacrimal gland; however, there were no eosinophilic material deposits in the ductal lumens. SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein immunoreactivity was not observed, whereas ACE2 was expressed in the lacrimal glands. In this case-control study, expression of ACE2 indicated that the lacrimal gland could be a target organ for SARS-CoV-2 to adhere to. Chronic bilateral dacryoadenitis in the patient with COVID-19 showed SARS-CoV-2-positive inflammatory cells with glandular damage, which might be a COVID-19-associated ophthalmic aftereffect.

Islet Regeneration and Pancreatic Duct Glands in Human and Experimental Diabetes.

Contrasting evidence is present regarding the contribution of stem/progenitor cell populations to pancreatic regeneration in diabetes. Interestingly, a cell compartment with stem/progenitor cell features has been identified in the pancreatic duct glands (PDGs). The aims of the present study were to evaluate pancreatic islet injury and regeneration, and the participation of the PDG compartment in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) and in an experimental model of diabetes. Human pancreata were obtained from normal (N = 5) or T2DM (N = 10) cadaveric organ donors. Experimental diabetes was generated in mice by intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ, N = 10); N = 10 STZ mice also received daily intraperitoneal injections of 100 µg of human recombinant PDX1 peptide (STZ + PDX1). Samples were examined by immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence or RT-qPCR. Serum glucose and c-peptide levels were measured in mice. Islets in T2DM patients showed β-cell loss, signs of injury and proliferation, and a higher proportion of central islets. PDGs in T2DM patients had a higher percentage of proliferating and insulin+ or glucagon+ cells compared to controls; pancreatic islets could be observed within pancreatic duct walls of T2DM patients. STZ mice were characterized by reduced islet area compared to controls. PDX1 treatment increased islet area and the percentage of central islets compared to untreated STZ mice but did not revert diabetes. In conclusion, T2DM patients show signs of pancreatic islet regeneration and involvement of the PDG niche. PDX1 administration could support increased endocrine pancreatic regeneration in STZ. These findings contribute to defining the role and participation of stem/progenitor cell compartments within the pancreas.

Dermal Duct Tumor: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Poromas or poroid tumors are a group of rare, benign cutaneous neoplasms derived from the terminal eccrine or apocrine sweat gland duct. There are four poroma variants with overlapping features: dermal duct tumor (DDT), eccrine poroma, hidroacanthoma simplex, and poroid hidradenoma, of which DDT is the least common. Clinically, the variants have a nonspecific appearance and present as solitary dome-shaped papules, plaques, or nodules. They can be indistinguishable from each other and a multitude of differential diagnoses, necessitating a better understanding of the characteristics that make the diagnosis of poroid neoplasms. However, there remains a paucity of information on these lesions, especially DDTs, given their infrequent occurrence. Herein, we review the literature on DDTs with an emphasis on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management.

Gaint Sialolith of The Wharton S Duct of Salivary Gland – A Case Report

Gaint Sialolith of The Wharton S Duct of Salivary Gland – A Case Report

Ameliorative effect of nanocurcumin on Staphylococcus aureus-induced mouse mastitis by oxidative stress suppression

Mammary pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus is related to a mastitis and its treatment is still based on the use of antibiotics. In the era of antimicrobial resistance, natural plant based product (curcumin) as an efficient treatment or prophylactic option. Since curcumin is rapidly eliminated from the body, its oral bioavailability is low. However, nanoformulation of curcumin significantly enhances its therapeutic efficiency by improving its oral bioavailability. The present study synthesized a novel, anti-mastitis agent, the nanocurcumin and analyzed its activity against bovine S. aureus mastitis in mouse model. Curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (CUR-NP) were prepared by solid-in-oil-in-water emulsion method. The mouse model of mastitis was induced by inoculation of a field strain of S. aureus on the 9th day of parturition through the duct of the mammary gland. CUR-NP and curcumin were given orally for 7 days (day 2 to day 8 of parturition) prior to S. aureus inoculation. In infected mice, CUR-NP elicited a time dependent decrease in mammary gland pathology that included inflammatory cell infiltration, cellular exudates in the alveolar lumen and mammary cell necrosis. Furthermore, CUR-NP inhibits inflammatory response in mammary tissues from S. aureus-infected mice by inhibiting super oxide anion radical and increased antioxidants activities. Together, nanocurcumin administration in Staphylococcus aureus mastitis reduced markers of oxidative stress, reversed antioxidant depletion and restored the histology structure of mammary gland.

Lectin histochemistry of the olfactory mucosa of Korean native cattle, Bos taurus coreanae.

The olfactory mucosa (OM) is crucial for odorant perception in the main olfactory system. The terminal carbohydrates of glycoconjugates influence chemoreception in the olfactory epithelium (OE). The histological characteristics and glycoconjugate composition of the OM of Korean native cattle (Hanwoo, Bos taurus coreae) were examined to characterize their morphology and possible functions during postnatal development. The OM of neonate and adult Korean native cattle was evaluated using histological, immunohistochemical, and lectin histochemical methods. Histologically, the OM in both neonates and adults consists of the olfactory epithelium and the lamina propria. Additionally, using periodic acid Schiff and Alcian blue (pH 2.5), the mucus specificity of the Bowman's gland duct and acini in the lamina propria was determined. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that mature and immature olfactory sensory neurons of OEs express the olfactory marker protein and growth associated protein-43, respectively. Lectin histochemistry indicated that numerous glycoconjugates, including as N-acetylglucosamine, mannose, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, complex type N-glycan, and fucose groups, were expressed at varied levels in the different cell types in the OMs of neonates and adults at varying levels. According to our observations, the cattle possessed a well-developed olfactory system, and the expression patterns of glycoconjugates in neonatal and adult OMs varied considerably. This is the first study to describe the morphological assessment of the OM of Korean native cattle with a focus on lectin histochemistry. The findings suggest that glycoconjugates may play a role in olfactory chemoreception, and that their labeling properties may be closely related to OM development and maturity.

An Unusual Case of Submandibular Sialolithiasis in Early Childhood: A Case Report

Sialolithiasis is the most common condition of the salivary glands and it is characterized by the development of a calcified structure within a salivary duct. This condition can lead to inflammation, bacterial infection, and abscess. The different forms of management range from the direct massage of the duct to the complete removal of the gland. This report describes an unusual case of submandibular sialolithiasis in a four-year-old girl. The main complaints were pain when eating and swelling in the floor of the mouth. The diagnosis was sialolithiasis in the duct of the submandibular gland. Since the salivary stone was palpable and located in the anterior portion of the duct, a minimally invasive procedure was planned. An excisional biopsy was performed and a unilateral salivary stone was removed. The histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Although rare in children, understanding the diagnostic process and the different treatment modalities leads to a favorable prognosis.

Philately, world postage stamps, history of medicine, and anatomists

Philately deals with the study and assortment of postal stamps. However, there are no barriers for the connection between the history of medicine and philately. It is very much exciting to see the portraits of people of world-famous anatomists, medical reputation, medical inventions, welfare organizations of medicine, and diseases as postal stamps. Postal departments all over the world have supported the efforts of governments in creating awareness and spreading information on health topics and programs. Great Britain has issued the first stamp globally in the year 1840.[1] In India, from 1837 onward, the East India Company used hand-struck stamps. However, the first stamp in India was printed in 1854 by Victoria-George VI during British India. Before the era of telephones, computers, and mobile phones, postal letters were the best and only method of communication nationally and internationally. Postage stamps are the token offered for postal charges and they are also utilized to spread essential information about history, culture, awareness, and achievements.[2] The hobby of postal stamp collection is now changed to digital philately due to advanced technology. A total of 48,159 stamps from 184 countries are registered in the World Association for the Development of Philately (WADP).[2] In 1970, France released a postal stamp featuring a French professor of pharmacy, Pierre Joseph Pelletier, and his student, Joseph Coventou, who together prepared pure salts of quinine and tested them clinically. This postal stamp was released to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the discovery of quinine.[3] The highest number of entries in the WADP is by France (1258), followed by Japan (1106), and the other top entries included the USA (1096), Portugal (1029), Belgium (994), Great Britain (987), Australia (954), Hungary (915), Spain (849), and Romania (846). Indian stamps totaled 554 entries, and the least entry in the WADP Numbering System is by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[2] During the 7th international conference of anatomy, which was held in New York City, USA, in 1960, Oscar V. Batson, who identified the vertebral venous system, was remembered.[4] Aristotle was published on a postal stamp from Greek and Galen in Yemen.[5] Leonardo da Vinci, who was instrumental in patenting the cross-sectional anatomy, was given on a stamp in France [Figure 1a]. Andreas Vesalius [Figure 1b][5] is considered the founder of modern anatomy, and World Anatomy Day is celebrated on every year, October 15, which is the death anniversary of him. World Anatomy Day is an initiative of “International Federation of Association of Anatomists.” The picture of Andreas Vesalius, which shows the surgical dissection of the upper extremity, was reproduced [Figure 1c].[5] Niels Stensen, who identified the duct of the parotid gland, was commemorated in Denmark in 1969.Figure 1: (a) Leonardo da Vinci in a French stamp; (b) Andreas Vesalius, the founder of modern anatomy; (c) the woodcut portrait of Andreas Vesalius, which shows the dissection of an upper limb[5]Although philately will not cover the whole historical anatomists and medicine, whatever published pictures on the postal stamps will introduce the world famous academicians and scientists into the fascinating medical field and the history of human anatomy.[5]

Is the spider a weaving master or a printing expert?

This paper shows that a spider is a spinning master and a printing expert as well. Firstly, a spider can produce different types of silks by controlling the spinning process, which is correlated with silk properties. Understanding the natural spinning process can greatly help for the improvement of artificial spinning processes to control the products? quality. Here we show the periodic motion of muscles connected to the spinnerets plays an important role in controlling the spinning process and the silk properties, which leads to a zero resistance of the viscous flow in the gland duct and ordered macromolecules in the silk. We anticipate this finding can promote a sophisticated study of other animals? spinning properties and bio-inspired design of artificial spinning processes. Secondly, the spider web is not weaved, but it is printed, the process is similar to the modern 3-D printing technology. Finally, a spider-inspired 4-D printing technology is suggested.

Cisto epidérmico: relato de caso raro em criança de 5 meses

ABSTRACT The epidermal cyst is a rare, benign lesion, usually asymptomatic and slowly enlarging, more frequently located in the submandibular region. Its etiology is believed to be associated with the epithelial residual tissues retained in the midline during the closure of the first and second brachial arches, in the third and fourth weeks of intra-uterine life. Its clinical characteristics are of a rubbery consistency to palpation, well defined borders, with the absence of skin appendages within their squamous epithelium lined walls. The final diagnosis is confirmed through histopathological examination with stratified squamous epithelium findings in the cystic fluid lumen or keratin. The treatment is usually surgical and without recurrence and the final diagnosis is confirmed through histopathological examination. This paper aims to present a case report of a congenital epidermal cyst in a 5-month-old female patient located in the mouth floor near the sublingual gland duct. The case was treated with excisional biopsy and after follow-up, there was no recurrence.

Effectiveness of Thuja occidentalis in the treatment of solitary nodular lesion of tongue: A case report

Background: Solitary, nodular lesions of the oral mucosa present a clinical dilemma with their similar presentation to the physician. The lesions that appear on the ventral surface of the tongue, a soft muscular organ are distinct and even rarer with varied manifestations. It may occur in different locations in the oral mucosa due to trauma or obstruction of minor salivary gland ducts with the lower lip as the predominant site, often overlooked during screening procedures because of their asymptomatic nature.Case Summary: Here, we report an interesting case of solitary nodular lesion on the anterior ventral surface of the tongue in 4 year old female child based on the clinical diagnosis. Moreover, these cystic nodular lesions should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis while evaluating a growth involving the ventral surface of the tongue in young female children. Diagnosis: Mucocele of the Tongue.

Secondary Liver Metastasis from Lacrimal Duct Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma as the Primary Origin: Literature Review

Introduction: The Liver is a noble organ in charge of detecting malignant cells and prohibiting them from spreading out its borders as much as possible. While liver secondary involvement is believed to be beyond resectability in most cases, it can sometimes require exceptional opportunity taking into consideration the original tumor behavior. Herein, we report a case of a patient who developed isolated late secondary liver deposits from previously completely excised lacrimal duct carcinoma.

STRUCTURE OF EXCRETORY DUCTS OF EXTRAAND INFRAORBITAL GLAND OF LABORATORY RATS

The aim of the study. To find out and compare the structure of the excretory ducts of the extraand infraorbital lacrimal gland of the laboratory rat. Object and methods. Five male laboratory rats were examined by dissecting the lacrimal glands, from which a series of thin paraffin sections were obtained for histological examination. Micropreparations were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined under a light microscope. Results. It was found that the tubular-alveolar epithelial components of the extraorbital gland of rats inside the lobe are even denser than in the infraorbital gland, as evidenced by very narrow interstitial fissures. The lacrimal glands of laboratory rats have an individual well-defined connective tissue capsule. Inside and between the lobes there are slit-like interpithelial interstitial spaces, in which we do not detect an accumulation of lipocytes, as occurs in the lacrimal glands of man. In the volume of lobes such as the extraorbital and infraorbital glands, the interpithelial interstitial spaces contain vessels of the hemicrocirculatory tract, mainly capillaries, precapillary arterioles and postcapillary venules. Arterioles and venules are usually visualized outside the lobes in more pronounced interstitial spaces. Conclusions. 1. The epithelial tubular structures of the lacrimal gland of the laboratory rat form a complex-branched system of excretory ducts, in which there are no typical intercalated ducts, which would be the connecting component between the terminal section and the excretory duct system. 2. The absence of intercalated ducts leads to a change in the appearance on histological specimens of tubulo-acinar aggregates of the lacrimal glands of rats in favor of tubuloalveolar assemblages. 3. Among the excretory ducts of the lacrimal glands of the laboratory rat, the following can be distinguished: intra-lobular, lobular and common excretory ducts, through which the secret is produced. The common ducts of the extraand infraorbital lacrimal glands, as a rule, combine to form their common duct.

Viral contamination of acrylic resin removable denture bases in patients with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

Statement of problemSalivary gland ducts are one of the primary targets of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Moreover, saliva contains minor and major salivary gland secretions and a combination of nasopharyngeal and lung secretions. The acrylic resin bases of complete or partial removable dentures have pores and provide a favorable environment for the growth of microorganisms. PurposeThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the presence of viral contamination of acrylic resin removable denture bases in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Material and methodsThe acrylic resin denture bases (partial and complete) of 29 patients with COVID-19 who underwent treatment in the Infectious Diseases Department of Razi Hospital in Ghaemshahr, Mazandaran, Iran, were evaluated. Samples were collected from the intaglio surface of the prostheses by direct swabbing and coding and were evaluated in a laboratory for the presence or absence of coronavirus. The relationship between hospital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denture PCR and the relationship between denture type and denture PCR were evaluated with the Fisher exact test (α=.05). ResultsTwenty-nine patients, age range 55 to 85 years, 18 women, 3 with partial dentures and 26 with complete dentures, were evaluated. The hospital PCR test was positive in 28 patients, while the denture PCR test was positive in 4 patients. No significant relationship was observed between the results of hospital PCR and denture PCR in patients with COVID-19 (P=.138). All 4 patients who tested positive for denture PCR had complete dentures. No significant relationship was found between denture type and denture PCR test results in patients with COVID-19 (P>999). ConclusionsDespite the microporous structure of the acrylic resin base, no statistically significant viral contamination was observed.

The Translational Role of MUC8 in Salivary Glands: A Potential Biomarker for Salivary Stone Disease?

Mucin (MUC) 8 has been shown to play an important role in respiratory disease and inflammatory responses. In the present study, we investigated the question of whether MUC8 is also produced and secreted by salivary glands and whether it may also play a role in the oral cavity in the context of inflammatory processes or in the context of salivary stone formation. Tissue samples from parotid and submandibular glands of body donors (n = 6, age range 63–88 years), as well as surgically removed salivary stones from patients (n = 38, age range 48–72 years) with parotid and submandibular stone disease were immunohistochemically analyzed targeting MUC8 and TNFα. The presence of MUC8 in salivary stones was additionally analyzed by dot blot analyses. Moreover, saliva samples from patients (n = 10, age range 51–72 years), who had a salivary stone of the submandibular gland on one side were compared with saliva samples from the other “healthy” side, which did not have a salivary stone, by ELISA. Positive MUC8 was detectable in the inter- and intralobular excretory ducts of both glands (parotid and submandibular). The glandular acini showed no reactivity. TNFα revealed comparable reactivity to MUC8 in the glandular excretory ducts and also did not react in glandular acini. Salivary stones demonstrated a characteristic distribution pattern of MUC8 that differed between parotid and submandibular salivary stones. The mean MUC8 concentration was 71.06 ng/mL in female and 33.21 ng/mL in male subjects (p = 0.156). Saliva from the side with salivary calculi contained significantly (15-fold) higher MUC8 concentration levels than saliva from the healthy side (p = 0.0005). MUC8 concentration in salivary stones varied from 4.59 ng/mL to 202.83 ng/mL. In females, the MUC8 concentration in salivary stones was significantly (2.3-fold) higher, with an average of 82.84 ng/mL compared to 25.27 ng/mL in male patients (p = 0.034). MUC8 is secreted in the excretory duct system of salivary glands and released into saliva. Importantly, MUC8 salivary concentrations vary greatly between individuals. In addition, the MUC8 concentration is gender-dependent (♀ > ♂). In the context of salivary stone diseases, MUC8 is highly secreted in saliva. The findings support a role for MUC8 in the context of inflammatory events and salivary stone formation. The findings allow conclusions on a gender-dependent component of MUC8.

L-Argine regulates the proliferation, apoptosis and endocrine activity by alleviating oxidative stress in sheep endometrial epithelial cells

l-arginine (L-Arg) is a semiessential amino acid that plays crucial roles in the reproductive performance of animals. This research aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing L-Arg on endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) of Hu sheep. In vivo, female Hu sheep were randomly divided into three groups: control group (n = 5), nutrient-restricted group (n = 5), and L-Arg supplemented nutrient-restricted group (n = 5). Then, the effect of L-Arg on ovine endometrial growth and antioxidant capacity was assessed. We found that L-Arg supplementation promoted the growth of endometrial ductal gland invaginations (DGI), and alleviated oxidative stress in nutrient-restricted sheep. In order to investigate its mechanism, a H2O2-induced EECs oxidative stress model was established, and roles of L-Arg in EECs oxidation resistance, proliferation, apoptosis and endocrine activity were studied in vitro. Our results showed that L-Arg markedly decreased the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA), and enhanced the expression and activity of certain antioxidant enzymes in EECs challenged by the H2O2 (p < 0.05). Supplementation of L-Arg significantly reduced the effect of 200 μM H2O2 on the viability of EECs (p < 0.05). In addition, EECs treated with L-Arg significantly alleviated the G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and the inhibition of endometrial growth factors expression caused by H2O2 (p < 0.05). Overall, the results demonstrate that L-Arg performs crucial roles in maintaining the proliferation of ovine EECs, endocrine activity and inhibiting apoptosis through reducing oxidative stress. This study offers a theoretical basis for using L-Arg to improve sheep the uterine function.

Single-nucleus transcriptomes reveal evolutionary and functional properties of cell types in the Drosophila accessory gland.

Many traits responsible for male reproduction evolve quickly, including gene expression phenotypes in germline and somatic male reproductive tissues. Rapid male evolution in polyandrous species is thought to be driven by competition among males for fertilizations and conflicts between male and female fitness interests that manifest in postcopulatory phenotypes. In Drosophila, seminal fluid proteins secreted by three major cell types of the male accessory gland and ejaculatory duct are required for female sperm storage and use, and influence female postcopulatory traits. Recent work has shown that these cell types have overlapping but distinct effects on female postcopulatory biology, yet relatively little is known about their evolutionary properties. Here, we use single-nucleus RNA-Seq of the accessory gland and ejaculatory duct from Drosophila melanogaster and two closely related species to comprehensively describe the cell diversity of these tissues and their transcriptome evolution for the first time. We find that seminal fluid transcripts are strongly partitioned across the major cell types, and expression of many other genes additionally defines each cell type. We also report previously undocumented diversity in main cells. Transcriptome divergence was found to be heterogeneous across cell types and lineages, revealing a complex evolutionary process. Furthermore, protein adaptation varied across cell types, with potential consequences for our understanding of selection on male postcopulatory traits.