Glandular Complex Research Articles

Glandular cell products in adult cestode: A new tale of tapeworm interaction with fish innate immune response

The caryophyllidean tapeworm Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Janiszewska, 1953) is indigenous to the Lake Blidinje in the west-central part of Bosnia-Herzegovina where it infects chub Squalius tenellus (Heckel, 1843). Of 22 chubs examined, 45% were infected with C. brachycollis and a total of 912 specimens of this worm were counted. Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations were conducted on interface region between chub intestine and cestode scolex. Different sizes of lipid droplets in cestode tegument, in interface region and in chub enterocytes were observed. C. brachycollis lacks any specialized attachment organs and with an expanded, flattened scolex goes deep in mucosal folds and firmly attaches to them. In the epithelium of fish intestine, near the site of worm attachment, a high number of mucous cells and several rodlet cells were noticed. Indeed, within the intestinal tunica propria-submucosa, beneath the site of scolex attachment, numerous neutrophils and mast cells were encountered. Transmission electron microscopy of the apical part of the scolex of C. brachycollis showed the occurrence of a multicellular, syncytial glandular complex, the scolex produced membrane-bound secretory granules and their fibrillar contents discharged by merocrine and apocrine secretion onto the host-parasite interface. Our results are among the first to provide evidence on the sophisticated relationship between fish intestine and amorphous-undefinable substance produced by scolex glandular complex.

Ultrastructural analysis and 3D reconstruction of the frontal sensory-glandular complex and its neural projections in the platyhelminth Macrostomum lignano.

The marine microturbellarian Macrostomum lignano (Platyhelminthes, Rhabditophora) is an emerging laboratory model used by a growing community of researchers because it is easy to cultivate, has a fully sequenced genome, and offers multiple molecular tools for its study. M. lignano has a compartmentalized brain that receives sensory information from receptors integrated in the epidermis. Receptors of the head, as well as accompanying glands and specialized epidermal cells, form a compound sensory structure called the frontal glandular complex. In this study, we used semi-serial transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to document the types, ultrastructure, and three-dimensional architecture of the cells of the frontal glandular complex. We distinguish a ventral compartment formed by clusters of type 1 (multiciliated) sensory receptors from a central domain where type 2 (collar) sensory receptors predominate. Six different types of glands (rhammite glands, mucoid glands, glands with aster-like and perimaculate granula, vacuolated glands, and buckle glands) are closely associated with type 1 sensory receptors. Endings of a seventh type of gland (rhabdite gland) define a dorsal domain of the frontal glandular complex. A pair of ciliary photoreceptors is closely associated with the base of the frontal glandular complex. Bundles of dendrites, connecting the receptor endings with their cell bodies which are located in the brain, form the (frontal) peripheral nerves. Nerve fibers show a varicose structure, with thick segments alternating with thin segments, and are devoid of a glial layer. This distinguishes platyhelminths from larger and/or more complex invertebrates whose nerves are embedded in prominent glial sheaths.

MRI anatomical investigation of rabbit prostate gland

The aim of the study was to provide diagnostic imaging data on rabbit prostate complex by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with regard to their use in morphological investigations of the gland. Six anaesthetised sexually mature clinically healthy New Zealand White rabbits, 8 months of age, with body weight 2.8-3.2 kg were used. The pelvic cavity and pelvic organs were investigated in the sagittal, dorsal and transversal planes from the 7th lumbar (L7) to the 1st coccygeal (C1) vertebra with 2-mm slice thickness using a Magnetom Essenza 1.5T tunnel MRI scanner. The prostate complex (proprostate, prostate and paraprostate parts) demonstrated signal hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI images. The prostate capsule was hyperintense compared to glandular parenchyma. The prostate complex was visualised on slices between the caudal part of the first sacral and cranial part of the third sacral vertebrae. The prostate part signal was hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI images. The shape of the prostate complex in dorsal view was craniocaudally elongated, oval and localised bilate­rally from prostatic urethra in ventrodorsal view. The transverse T2 image of the pelvis through the 2nd sacral vertebra delineated the prostate part of the gland as a bilateral bilobed oval structure with hypointense parenchyma, embraced by a hyperintense capsule. The intrapelvic localisation and the shape of MRI image of healthy rabbit prostate complex is a species-specific morphological feature. The signal hyperintensity of rabbit prostate complex was higher on T2-weighted images. The T2 hyperintensity of prostate part vs hypointensity of proprostate and paraprostate parts provide evidence for the presence of substantial amount of glandular elements, presuming a dominating role of prostate part in the secretory function of the glandular complex.

Lymphatic Drainage Conduit and Macro Anatomy of Lymphoid System in Large Intestine of Post Weaned Pigs

Background: The gut mucosa is effectively protected by a local organization of lymphoid tissue. In large intestine, isolated lymphoid follicles give rise to solitary lymphoid nodules and lympho glandular complexes, which are responsible for sampling of gut antigen and production of local immunity. Large intestine requires higher level of mucosal protection as because it is the site where food staff remains for a longer period and also for ascending rectal infection. Present study was undertaken highlighting the lymphatic drainage from large intestine and solitary lymphoid nodules of pig. Methods: 1% solution of methylene blue up to 100 micro litters in the one place of submucosa of large intestine as per the standard technique advocated by Smedley et al. (2014) and then stained nearest mesenteric lymph nodes were recorded and re-injected to map the drainage to the next draining lymph node to trace the lymphatic tract. Result: The study was designed on 12 (Twelve) apparently healthy weaned crossbred piglets of 3 to 4 months age irrespective of sex. Gross study revealed the presence of two different types of solitary lymphatic nodules (SLN) viz. scrotiform and faviform. The scrotiform SLN consisted of central small pore was appreciated in colon and rectum, whereas the faviform SLN although present in colon and rectum was devoid of a central pore. The average solitary lymphoid nodules in the large intestine was 427, of which 403 in colon and 24 in rectum and in terminal part of rectum patches of solitary lymphoid nodules of more than 100 numbers were observed. The different lymph nodes involved in the lymphatic drainage of large intestine of pig were colic caecal, anorectal , lumbar aortic, renal , medial lumbar and lateral lumbar lymph nodes. Again, except the right and left lumbar duct, one minor lymphatic trunk was observed parallel to the rectum, draining the lymph from anorecral lymph node to caudal mesenteric lymph node and then to renal lymph node. The celiac trunk and the jejunal trunk joined and formed a common trunk which was again joined by the colic trunk that finally opened into the caudal aspect of cysternachyli.

Histoarchitecture of Large Intestine and Lympho Glandular Complex of Pig

Background: To have a better understanding of the lympho glandular complexes (LGC) along with the histoarchitecture of large intestine and associated M cells, the proposed study have been undertaken. Methods: Present study was conducted on 12 (twelve) numbers of apparently healthy weaned crossbred piglets of 3 to 4 months irrespective of sex. After humane sacrifice of the animals with the approval of institutional animal ethics committee, the representative tissue samples were collected preserved, processed and stained as per standard methods of Luna (1968). Result: Columnar cells predominated the follicle associated epithelium (FAE) and the crypts. M cells were recorded in the follicle associated epithelium as well as in lower crypt epithelium in toluidine blue stained ultra thin sections. M cells were observed with intraepithelial lymphocyte and basally placed euchromatic nucleus. In the colon and rectum of crossbred pigs the lympho glandular complex (LGC) typically consisted of a pore like depression on surface epithelium from which extensions of mucosal glands passed through the circular gap into lamina muscularis mucosae. The lymphatic aggregation of LGC in the lamina propria and tunica submucosa showed three distinct zone viz. follicle, interfollicular area and dome area and distinct FAE could be appreciated. The epithelium lining the solitary lymphatic nodule (SLN) showed (Periodic acid-Schiff) PAS positive reaction. The mucous substance showed strong reaction in the gland in LGC and the FAE epithelium the number of goblet was less. The LGC was formed by aggregation of lymphoid follicles with invagination of crypt gland inside the follicle in the tunica sub mucosa. The follicle associated epithelium devoid of goblet cells were observed on the LGC with interspersed of diffuse migrating lymphocytes in the lamina propria. In the LGC, secondary follicle with interfollicular area was appreciated. In mesenteric lymph node the secondary follicles with inner germinal centre and outer corona could be seen in cortico medullary area. Meshwork of reticular fibers was abundantly present around the crypts in the lamina propria and in the pore like depression of LGC and around the secondary follicle. Collagen fibers could be seen surrounding the LGC and glands. Scanty collagen fibres were observed in the inter-follicular glands. Innervations of nerve fibre was observed around the lymphoid follicle and penetrating the LGC. The mucosal glands were PAS positive.

The anatomy and histology of the reproductive system of Aplysia oculifera (Mollusca: Heterobranchia: Aplsiida) from the Red Sea coastal waters

ABSTRACT Aplysia oculifera is an endemic sea hare that inhabits the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea. We describe the reproductive system of this species for the first time. It is composed of an ovotestis, small hermaphroditic duct, nidamental glandular complex, large hermaphroditic duct, gametolytic gland, external seminal groove and cephalic penis. The follicles within the ovotestis contain spermatogenic and oogenic cells. A pre-ampulla, ampulla, and post-ampulla constitute the different regions of the small hermaphroditic duct. The nidamental complex consists of albumen, mucus, and membrane glands all confluent with the fertilization chamber. The nidamental glands consist of glandular cells alternating with supporting cells. The glandular cells have different histochemical characters concerning the production of acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides. The large hermaphroditic duct is attached to a seminal receptacle. The duct has two components; red and white hemiducts the secretory epithelia of which are distinguished internally. An atrial gland is present near the visceral genital opening. The gametolytic gland has four types of columnar cells. A seminal groove arises from the genital opening and extends anteriorly to the apex of an ear-like flap penis. The results suggest that some differences in certain reproductive characters may be of phylogenetic importance.

Tergal Gland Secretion of the Rove Beetle Aleochara pseudochrysorrhoa (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae): Chemical Composition and Biological Roles.

Aleochara pseudochrysorrhoa has a glandular complex known as the tergal gland. Generally, the tergal gland secretion (TGS) has been described to have defensive function, but some reports point to a possible secondary function of this complex. For example, the TGS of the related species A. curtula has been demonstrated to possess an important role in intraspecies communication. In this work, we describe the chemical composition of the TGS of A. pseudochrysorrhoa males and females. Eleven compounds were identified based on GC/MS and GC-FT-IR analyses, retention indexes and derivatization products. Furthermore, a brief study regarding the biological function of the TGS in mating behavior is provided, in which the stimulation of male grasping response reaction by female TGS proved to be dependent on concentration.

Clinical case of breast tumor relapse in domestic cat

Domestic shorthair 10-year-old cat, not sterilized, not vaccinated, feeding from the table. We went to the clinic with breast cancer. General and special research methods were performed: blood analysis, x-ray examination of the lungs and abdominal ultrasound. Based on anamnesis and clinical examination, the diagnosis was made: a malignant breast tumor. The operation was performed. The operating material is sent for histological examination. Chemotherapy was prescribed. After the fi rst chemotherapy and monitoring of the animal's condition, it was necessary to perform a second unilateral mastoectomy of the remaining mammary glands, but the animal's owners refused to perform the operation. Chemotherapy was performed twice. Re-applied, after a year and a half with a sharp deterioration in the General condition and the appearance of a new tumor on the non-removed mammary glands. The owners refused the necessary treatment and decided to euthanize the cat. At the autopsy, breast neoplasms are presented as tubercles of various sizes. There are pronounced signs of inflammation, ulceration and necrosis foci. In the chest cavity, the lungs are enlarged, there were single and multiple formations of white and brown color, round shape of different diameters, dense consistency. There is a large number of metastases in the liver parenchyma. The organ is enlarged in size, dark brown in color, irregularly colored, with an uneven (bumpy) surface. In General, there are many dense nodes of a round-oval shape of white color, of various diameters. Histological examination of the tumor revealed foci of necrosis, atypical glandular complexes with frequently occurring mitosis figures. This structure indicates a low-grade breast adenocarcinoma. In the lungs, there is an expansion of the alveoli and bronchioles, thinning and rupture of the interalveolar partitions. There is a complex of tumor cells. In the liver, there is a lack of structural units of the liver, hepatocytes disperse chaotically, liver triads do not have a clear localization, atrophy and necrosis are expressed. Metastases in the liver, various forms. In a cat, a breast tumor interpreted as an adenocarcinoma had different biological behavior. At the initial diagnosis-adenocarcinoma of medium differentiation, and a year and a half later-low-grade adenocarcinoma.

External morphology of the abdominal glands in Asopinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Heteropterans communicate chemically through thoracic or abdominal glandular complexes. The dorso-abdominal scent glands (DAGs) are externalized by cuticular specialized structures forming the external scent efferent system (SES). Different groups in Heteroptera present other glands, such as the Asopinae (Pentatomidae), whose males can have ventral abdominal pheromonal glands externalized by cuticular modifications, called glandular patches (GPs). Here we describe the SES of DAGs and, for the first time, the GPs of 22 Asopinae genera. The ostioles of SES 1 vary in shape. SES 2 and SES 3 were restricted to scars, indicating that only the SES 1 remains functional in adults. The GPs are found mostly in segments V and VI. We have not found any difference in the morphological pattern between the SES of species bearing GPs and those lacking it, meaning that the acquisition of GPs is likely related to some sexual behavior, thus not as a complex structure replacing any role of the DAGs. The cuticle of the GPs is microsculptured, bearing many pores surrounding the base of sensilla being the pathway for the secretions to reach the outside of the exoskeleton. The sensilla may be adaptations to increase the contact surface, assisting rapid evaporation of the volatile secretions from the pores.

Anatomy of Pedal Scant Gland in Greater one Horn Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

The present study was conducted on one Pedal scant gland of Greater one Horn Rhinoceros. The Pedal scant gland was exocrine glandular complex, situated in the subcutaneous layer. The Pedal scant gland was composed of proximal, intermediate and distal. The proximal part of the gland contained large cutaneous pores on the skin surface. A canal was observed in the intermediate part of the gland. The intermediate part of the gland was lined by keratinized stratified squamus epithelium. Dermal layer of the gland contained connective tissue along with blood vessels. The distal part of the gland contained abundant acini. These acini were lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. Collagen fibers were observed among the acini as well as dermal layer of gland.

STRUCTURE OF SOME STRIGEATAS' ORGAN OF BRANDES

The purpose of the research: the analysis of histology and histochemistry of the Brandes organ of Strigea strigis and Alaria alata. The trematode marites of Strigea striges and Alaria alata were the material. Fixation of the material was carried out in 10% neutral formalin. The treatment of the specimens was carried out using the conventional histological and histochemical methods: with hematoxylin-eosin according to the method of Van Gizon, Mallory, with Sudan black B, sulema-Bromphenol blue according to Bonhage, with periodic acid Schiff reaction by Mac-Manus, alcian blue according to Stedman and Mowry and with toluidine blue. Histochemical reactions were performed with appropriate controls. The studies have shown that the structure of the Brandes organ of Strigea strigis and Alaria alata differs by their constituents and morphology of glandular cells. The histochemical reactions are similar. The cells of the glandular complex show bromophenolophilia, toluudinophilia and fuchsinophilia in periodic acid Schiff reaction speaks about the glycoprotein nature of the secreted substances. Bromphenophilia and sudanophilia of glandular cells cytoplasm indicate the presence of lipoprotein substances in them. The Brandes of S. strigis and A. alata is a morphofunctional unit, to which the principle of multi-functionality is inherent. It performs the main function – digestion of food components by means of developed glandular structures and specialized secretory activity. Its ability to fix the helminth tightly in the endostatin can be considered a secondary function of the organ.

A cave-dwelling Iberian palpigrade (Arachnida: Palpigradi) of the Eukoenenia mirabilis group.

A new species Eukoenenia amatei sp. nov. is described on the basis of a female captured in a cave in south-eastern Spain. It is characterized by the presence of a single blade on the lateral organ and the absence of a glandular complex on sternites IV and VI. Some of these characters are shared with five other species distributed in Europe, Asia, Africa and South and Central America. The new species is remarkable for the elongation of basitarsus of leg IV which is the second longest in the E. mirabilis group. Only one other species in this group, E. indalica, has similar troglomorphic characters. In addition, formulas of palp and leg chaetotaxy are provided to facilitate species comparison.

Morphological analysis of the male reproductive accessory glands of the bat Artibeus lituratus (Phyllostomidae: Chiroptera).

Bats are distributed worldwide from tropical to temperate regions. Despite their wide geographical radiation and advances in studies using evolutionary approaches, aspects related to the reproduction of these animals remain poorly explored, especially those related to the male reproductive accessory glands (RAGs). Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the morphophysiology of the male RAGs in the bat Artibeus lituratus. The RAGs in A. lituratus are composed of a compact intra-abdominal glandular complex, consisting of the prostate with two prostatic regions (ventral and dorsal), plus Littre glands and a pair of extra-abdominal bulbourethral glands. The ventral region of the prostate has an epithelium with variable morphology, due to its holocrine type of secretion. In contrast, the dorsal region has a typical cubic-to-columnar pseudostratified epithelium. Both regions contain two cell types, basal and secretory cells. Similar to the epithelial morphology, the secretion also varies, with the ventral region containing numerous PAS-positive globular vesicles, whereas the dorsal region has a more fluid, hyaline and PAS-negative secretion. Littre glands are dispersed in the connective tissue of the urethra, while the bulbourethral glands are located in the penile root, both glands with cubic-to-columnar pseudostratified epithelium and globular PAS-positive secretion. The results demonstrate that the RAGs of A. lituratus are composed of two prostatic regions, ventral and dorsal, and urethral and bulbourethral glands, with no seminal vesicles. Each prostatic region has unique and distinctive characteristics, with the ventral region presenting an exclusive holocrine nature and the dorsal region having similarities to the ventral prostate of rodents.

Toxic action of Acmella oleracea extract on the male reproductive system of Amblyomma cajennense ticks

The present study evaluated through morphohistological and histochemical techniques the effects of different concentrations of crude ethanolic extract of A. oleracea (EEAO) (Jambu) on the male reproductive system of Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto (s.s.) ticks. The toxicity of this natural chemical was stablished, signalizing the promising potential of the compound as a strategy to control ectoparasites in the near future. For the experiment, 100 males fed on host rabbits with homogeneous weight (p>0.05) were used. The ticks were divided into five groups (10 animals each): Control 1–exposed to distilled water; Control 2–exposed to ethanol 50% and DMSO 1%; Treatment 1–3–exposed to the concentrations of 6.2, 12.5 and 25mg/mL of the EEAO, respectively, diluted in ethanol 50% and DMSO 1%, with exposure by immersion. After exposure, the males were dissected for the removal of the reproductive system and subjected to routine histological analysis with HE staining and histochemical techniques (PAS for the detection of neutral polysaccharides and Bromophenol blue to detect total proteins). The exposed individuals showed alterations in the glandular complex cells; however, the testes remained intact. The secretory cells of the multilobulated accessory glands presented intense cytoplasmic vacuolation. Additionally, the synthesis and secretion were reduced in the secretion granules, mainly concerning the polysaccharides, glyco- and lipoprotein elements, substances that will constitute the seminal fluid and enable the capacitation of spermatozoa in the female genital tract and also necessary for the formation of the spermatophore, which will encapsulate the mature spermatids. The alterations were dose-dependent, i.e., more intense and severe as the concentration of the product increased. .This experiment confirmed the cytotoxic potential of A. oleracea ethanolic extract in the concentrations of 6.2, 12.5 and 25mg/mL on the reproductive system of A. cajennense s.s. male ticks.

Aspects of mast building and the fine structure of “amphipod silk” glands in Dyopedos bispinis (Amphipoda, Dulichiidae)

In the present study, we investigated the biology of Dyopedos bispinis, a mast-building amphipod that is abundant near the N. Pertsov White Sea Biological Station. To examine the peculiarities of mast building in Dyopedos bispinis, we studied the social structure of individuals inhabiting the masts and identified the preferred substrata through underwater photography and direct observations, characterized the internal and external structures of the masts, and studied the ultrastructure of pereopodal silk glands using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively). The most frequent substrata for mast building are other fouling organisms, including hydroids, bryozoans, ascidians and sponges. As in other corophiids, each Dyopedos bispinis mast represents the territory of one female and, occasionally, one male, but unique collective masts occupied by three or more (up to 23) adults were also observed. Masts comprise one or 2-4 central cylinders and a laminated cortex that contains detritus and amphipod silk layers. The pereopodal glandular complex of Dyopedos bispinis is composed of two distinct gland groups, proximal and distal, in each pereopod 3-4, and ducts in the glandular complex lead into a common chamber in the dactylus. The proximal glands are multicellular; their secretory cells are uninuclear, unlike in certain other amphipods; and the cell membrane is deeply invaginated. The invaginations are filled with extensions of the cytoplasm of lining cells, but the origin of the lining is unclear. Axon terminals were observed adjacent to the secretory cells, and it is assumed that these axons regulate amphipod silk glands. The proximal silk glands of Dyopedos bispinis have similarities with the lobed and rosette glands of isopods, but they have strongly elongated forms. We refer to these glands as pseudotubular glands. Such glands are rarely observed in Crustacea and have only been described in silk-producing pereopodal systems of marine Peracarida and in the antenna of terrestrial Malacostraca.

New data on morphology and ultrastructure of skin photophores in the deep‐sea squid Histioteuthis bonnellii (Férussac, 1834), Cephalopoda: Histioteuthidae

AbstractMorphology and ultrastructure of skin photogenic organs in the deep‐sea squid Histioteuthis bonnellii from the Strait of Messina (Mediterranean Sea) was investigated. The photophore is formed by a glandular complex, made up of photogenic cells involved in the light production process, and a set of annexes (filter, reflector, pigmented layer and gelatinous body), with suggested dioptric function. The photocytes have an elongated shape, often arranged in an approximately radial series within the chamber, and show eccentric rounded euchromatic nucleus. The filter shows a membranous tissue made up of rows of cells, rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The analysis on reflector's cells highlighted the presence of several iridosomal platelets in the cytoplasm, having irregular and sinuous shape. The pigmented layer and the gelatinous body provide protection to the organ and may have dioptric functions too. The photogenic organs were found to be innervated by nerves, and it was possible to confirm the strictly glandular nature of the photophores of this species. The detailed anatomical descriptions of the photophores of H. bonnellii extend our current knowledge and provide a scientific basis for future studies aimed to relate the evolution of photogenic system to the ecology of this squid.

Septum-based cervical lymph-node free flap in rat: a new model

BackgroundA limited number of lymph node flap models are available in rats, and none of them include a skin paddle. The aim of this study was to describe a new cervical lymph node-adipo-cutaneous flap model in the rat for future experimental studies. Material and MethodsFifteen Wistar rats were used. In four, neck anatomy was investigated with special focus on cervical lymph nodes. In eleven rats, a lymph node flap with a skin paddle of 1.5 × 0.5 cm centered along the surface projection of the innominate septum was harvested and transferred to the inguinal region. The rats were followed-up for 7 d. At 30-d postoperatively, the lymphatic flow restoration with the recipient limb lymphatics was assessed with methylene blue, and histology was performed on excised flaps. ResultsAccording to the anatomic findings, the flap was based on an innominate septum which was a well-defined adipofascial structure containing glandular vessels to the surrounding tissues and located between submandibular-sublingual glandular complex and parotid gland. Flap's microvascular and lymph node anatomy (two to three lymph nodes) was constant. Donor-site morbidity was minimal, and all flaps survived. At 30-d postoperatively, the restoration of the lymphatic flow with the recipient limb lymphatics was observed, and histology revealed viable lymph nodes. ConclusionsThe constant anatomy, the possibility to include a skin paddle and the minimal donor-site morbidity, make this flap a safe, reliable, and versatile lymph node flap supermicrosurgical model for autologous transplant in the rat for future experimental studies.

Histological study on the leaf rehydration of desiccation-tolerant plant Xerophyta scabrida

Water uptake and water use efficiency of poikilochlorophyllous resurrection plants considerably differ from other vascular plants due to their special ecological adaptation strategies. Histological traits of the living and dead leaves of desiccation-tolerant Xerophyta scabrida (Pax) Th., Dur. et Schinz. were investigated after safranin staining to examine the dynamics of rehydration and the process of water transport by safranin impregnation differences. Staining that appeared on the leaf's surface epidermal glands after 30min of remoistening in living X. scabrida leaves suggested that glandular complexes could take part in the water uptake from the beginning of the rehydration process, when the xylem might not have been filled up, yet. The leaves of living X. scabrida became fully impregnated faster than the dead leaves: Sclerenchyma staining started from the xylem while dead X. scabrida leaves were not able to rehydrate fully. The dynamics of rehydration by the orientation of immersing leaves was also studied. Leaves immersed into the solution with their base downward became fully impregnated earlier than the leaves sank into the dye with their apex downward. Faster water supply in the former case might have been related to the earlier recovery of xylem integrity and the resultant spatially continuous water supply. The results indicate that the living leaves of desiccation-tolerant X. scabrida were able to uptake significant water amount not only (and not primarily) through their vascular tissues but by external water conduction. Due to the specific binding of safranin to lignifying cell walls and its fast spread from the xylem to the sclerenchymatous bundle sheaths also confirm the potential role of sclerenchyma in the water movement of leaf tissues.

Ultrasound for breast condition monitoring in females using levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine systems for 5 years

Aim. To assess the breast condition in females using levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine system (20 μg) for 5-year period, by repeated ultrasound monitoring. Methods. Results of regular clinical examination and breast ultrasound repeated during 5 years of follow up in 118 women aged 30 to 55 years, continuously using levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine system (20 μg) for 5-year period, were analyzed. Results. According to the results of 5-year sonographic monitoring of breast condition in females using levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine system, breast cancer was diagnosed in 2 (1.7%) patients during the first 6 months of the research; no other cases were discovered during the subsequent follow-up. Fibroadenoma of the breast was diagnosed in 3 (2.5%) women, which was lower compared to statistical prevalence in general population (5%). By the end of the follow-up period, no mammary gland adenosis foci were found at ultrasound. The number of patients with breast cysts decreased, as well as the number of breast cysts in single patient, which were found in 41 (34.7%) female patients before the treatment and in 13 (11.0%) patients after a year of treatment with levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine system. No mammary gland dilatation was diagnosed before levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine system was administered, during the first year of treatment it was revealed in 16 (13.5%) patients. According to the results of ultrasonography, maximal size of fibrous glandular complex after 5 years of treatment was 16.2 mm, mean - 10.2 mm (before the treatment - 18.2 and 14.2 mm respectively, after 1 year of treatment - 17.4 and 13.3 mm respectively. Conclusion. The use of levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine system was associated with favorable effects on breast condition. No adenosis foci were further found, the number of patients with mammary gland cysts decreased as well as the number of the cysts, the fibrous glandular complex thickness has decreased, revealing the downward trend for breast focal masses formation.

3D Printing of Rat Salivary Glands: The Submandibular-Sublingual Complex

The morphology and the functionality of the murid glandular complex, composed of the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands (SSC), were the object of several studies conducted mainly using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using a 4.7 T scanner and a manganese-based contrast agent, we improved the signal-to-noise ratio of the SSC relating to the surrounding anatomical structures allowing to obtain high-contrast 3D images of the SSC. In the last few years, the large development in resin melting techniques opened the way for printing 3D objects starting from a 3D stack of images. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of the 3D printing technique of soft tissues such as the SSC in the rat with the aim to improve the visualization of the organs. This approach is useful to preserve the real in vivo morphology of the SCC in living animals avoiding the anatomical shape changes due to the lack of relationships with the surrounding organs in case of extraction. It is also harmless, repeatable and can be applied to explore volumetric changes occurring during body growth, excretory duct obstruction, tumorigenesis and regeneration processes. 3D printing allows to obtain a solid object with the same shape of the organ of interest, which can be observed, freely rotated and manipulated. To increase the visibility of the details, it is possible to print the organs with a selected zoom factor, useful as in case of tiny organs in small mammalia. An immediate application of this technique is represented by educational classes.