Glandular System Research Articles

First Bioprospecting Study of Skin Host-Defense Peptides in Odontophrynus americanus.

The adaptation of amphibians to diverse environments is closely related to the characteristics of their skin. The complex glandular system of frog skin plays a pivotal role in enabling these animals to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats and consists of crucial functions such as respiration and water balance as well as serving as a defensive barrier due to the secretion of bioactive compounds. We herein report the first investigation on the skin secretion of Odontophrynus americanus, as a potential source of bioactive peptides and also as an indicator of its evolutionary adaptations to changing environments. Americanin-1 was isolated and identified as a neutral peptide exhibiting moderate antibacterial activity against E. coli. Its amphipathic sequence including 19 amino acids and showing a propensity for α-helix structure is discussed. Comparisons of the histomorphology of the skin of O. americanus with other previously documented species within the same genus revealed distinctive features in the Patagonian specimen, differing from conspecifics from other Argentine provinces. The presence of the Eberth-Katschenko layer, a prevalence of iridophores, and the existence of glycoconjugates in its serous glands suggest that the integument is adapted to retain skin moisture. This adaptation is consistent with the prevailing aridity of its native habitat.

In search of the glow—Three‐dimensional reconstruction of Latia neritoides with specific focus on the mantel cavity (Mollusca; Gastropoda; Hygrophila)

AbstractThe freshwater snail Latia neritoides occurs in certain streams and lakes of New Zealand's North Island. It defends itself against predators with a unique mechanism – the release of sticky, glowing mucus. Two possible origins of this defence mucus had earlier been suggested: the foot and the pneumostome area. After examining the glandular system of the foot in a previous study, in the present study we examined the general morphology of L. neritoides, focusing on the mantle cavity. With the first complete 3D model of L. neritoides now available, it is possible to evaluate previous morphological studies and to give non‐specialists a better understanding of the soft part anatomy of this fascinating gastropod. As a by‐product of this, we also compared the capabilities of μ‐CT and HREM on a methodological level. We characterized the two most common gland types in the mantel cavity (Lmcg1/Lmcg2) on the basis of their ultrastructure. They are present in large numbers and, therefore, regarded as likely candidates for being the producers of one or more components of the defence mucus. This notion was confirmed by histochemical analyses of Lmcg1 and Lmcg2 and other gland types in L. neritoides.

Fine structure of the retrocerebral organ in the rotifer Trichocerca similis (Monogononta)

AbstractThe retrocerebral organ (RCO) is a complex glandular system that is widely distributed across species of phylum Rotifera (sensu stricto). This system is hypothesized to secrete mucus that aids in benthic locomotion, adhesion, and/or reproduction. Unfortunately, the ultrastructure of the RCO is mostly unknown, having only been partially examined in one species. We used transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy to describe the RCO in the planktonic freshwater rotifer Trichocerca similis. Results reveal the RCO to be a singular syncytial organ composed of a posterior glandular region, an expansive reservoir, and an anterior duct. The glandular portion has an active synthetic cytoplasm with paired nuclei, abundant rER, ribosomes, Golgi, and mitochondria. Electron‐dense secretion granules accumulate at the anterior end of the gland and undergo homotypic fusion to create larger, more electron‐lucent granules with numerous mesh‐like contents that gradually fuse into tubular secretions that accumulate in the reservoir. Ultrastructure of these secretions suggests they may be hydrated glycoproteins. Cross‐striated longitudinal muscles form a partial sleeve around the reservoir and may function to squeeze the secretions through the single cytoplasmic duct that penetrates the cerebral ganglion. A review of the RCOs from other rotifers suggests that further ultrastructural analyses are required before attempting to discern their functions and homologies.

Production of CFTR Mutant Gene Model by Homologous Recombination System.

The most common mutation in cystic fibrosis (CF), (ΔF508-CFTR), results in impaired protein maturation, folding and transportation to the surface of the cell. As a consequence of impaired protein maturation and/or transport from the extracellular matrix to the cell, different systems are influenced, including gastrointestinal system and glandular system, reproductive system and respiratory systems. CF models are essential tools to provide further knowledge of CF pathophysiology. With this aim, we designed a transgenic CF model based on the homologous recombination (HR) system. In this experimental study, a specifically designed construct containing the CFTR gene with F508del was cloned into a PTZ57R cloning vector and then the construct was transformed into the male pronucleus by microinjection after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Then the rates of blastocyst formation and embryonic development at 72 hours after IVF, were evaluated using the inverted microscope and the insertion of the construct was approved by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The CFTR gene was successfully cloned into the PTZ57R cloning vector and overall, from 22 injected cells, 5 blastocysts were observed after pronuclear injection of the CFTR gene construct. PCR verification of the blastocyst with CFTR-specific primers represented complete recombination of CFTR into the mouse genome. For the first time we designed a unique genome construction that can be detected using a simple PCR method. The pronuclear injection was performed for the transformation of the genome construct into the male pronuclei using microinjection and the development of zygote to the blastocyst stage has been observed following transgenesis.

Evaluation of radiation side effects on thyroid function

The thyroid gland is a crucial component of the body’s glandular system and metabolism, which is exposed to unnecessary radiation as an organ at risk in radiation therapy to the head, neck, and chest. Radiation can lead to thyroid dysfunction such as hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer.

Assessment of agreement using the equine glandular gastric disease grading system in 92 cases

Assessment of agreement using the equine glandular gastric disease grading system in 92 cases

G. Markelov. To the pathogenesis and therapy of myasthenia. - Therapeutic Review, December 1910.

The author points out that a great service to the clinic in the study of the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis was rendered by the acquaintance with the glandular system, with internal secretion, which has significantly advanced in recent years.

TONSILOGENIC AMYLOIDOSIS

In connection with the report that amyloid is a functional antimicrobial substance, possibly a part of innate immunity, we suggested that amyloid may form in the palatine tonsils in chronic tonsillitis. Thirty-two patients aged 19 to 52 years underwent surgical treatment for clinically proven chronic tonsillitis. The aim of the study was to detect the fact of amyloid tonsillar lesions formation in chronic tonsillitis. We performed histological examination of tonsillo-ectomized material fixed in 10% formalin solution and filled in paraffin on 4-micron histological sections: 1) according to the conventional technique, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, 2) Congo red staining and 3) using our own original trichromatic method (two-hour incubation of paraffin sections in acidin-pepsin, sequential staining with picro-fuchsin according to Van Gieson, Сaracсi hematoxylin, Congo red according to H. H. Benhold, picro-indigocarmine). All 32 patients showed a clinical presentation of chronic tonsillitis without exacerbation with stroma sclerosis and atrophy of the lymphatic glandular system. Local amyloidosis of the tonsils was detected in 10 out of 32 cases. As a result of trichromatic staining, unchanged connective tissue fibers stained green, changed tissues (hyalinosis or amyloidosis) stained in various shades from yellow, yellow-orange to red, in addition, lymphocytes, neutrophils and mast cells were clearly detected in the tissues of the amygdala. For comparison, a section of the palatine tonsil was taken from a 49-year-old man who committed suicide by hanging, who had no chronic tonsillitis. Forensic diagnosis: mechanical asphyxia by hanging. Macroscopically: the tonsils are not enlarged, folded, the size of one of them together with the soft tissues was 2.5×1.5×1 cm. Nevertheless, a Congo-positive substance was found in the sections of the suicider's tonsils. It is concluded that a significant number of amyloidosis cases that did not lead to severe damage to the vital organs remain unaccounted for due to the lack of specialists' awareness and, as a result, recommendations for screening for the presence of amyloidosis. At least 30% of patients with chronic tonsillitis are observed to have at least local tonsillar amyloidosis. Amyloid damage to the tonsils can be seen even in clinically unchanged tonsils.

The human body's hydraulics

This paper presents some aspects related to the human body's hydraulics in the desire to make readers aware of how to maintain all the blood vessels of the human body in order to maintain the entire healthy, functional, young, vigorous circulatory system for a while the longest possible. The problem is complex because it has to be viewed from all points of view and not only as an isolated system in the body, having aspects of fitback on the whole physiopathology belonging to the human body. The highly circulating system needs permanent maintenance. Self-maintenance is done through various physiological mechanisms tightly linked to each other, including the lymphatic, digestive, renal, lung, nervous, glandular system ... It is not possible to completely separate the physiology of a system from the other adjacent systems because they all work synergistically, being permanently controlled by the central and peripheral nervous system.

Complex insight on microanatomy of larval \u201chuman broad tapeworm\u201d Dibothriocephalus latus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea)

BackgroundIn Europe, the tapeworm Dibothriocephalus latus (syn. Diphyllobothrium latum) is a well-known etiological agent of human diphyllobothriosis, which spreads by the consumption of raw fish flesh infected by plerocercoids (tapeworm’s larval stage). However, the process of parasite establishment in both intermediate and definitive hosts is poorly understood. This study was targeted mainly on the scolex (anterior part) of the plerocercoid of this species, which facilitates penetration of the parasite in intermediate paratenic fish hosts, and subsequently its attachment to the intestine of the definitive host.MethodsPlerocercoids were isolated from the musculature of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) caught in Italian alpine lakes. Parasites were examined using confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immunofluorescence tagging was held on whole mount larvae.ResultsThe organisation of the central and peripheral nervous system was captured in D. latus plerocercoids, including the ultrastructure of the nerve cells possessing large dense neurosecretory granules. Two types of nerve fibres run from the body surface toward the nerve plexus located in the parenchyma on each side of bothria. One type of these fibres was found to be serotoninergic and possessed large subtegumental nerve cell bodies. A well-developed gland apparatus, found throughout the plerocercoid parenchyma, produced heterogeneous granules with lucent core packed in a dense layer. Three different types of microtriches occurred on the scolex and body surface of plerocercoids of D. latus: (i) uncinate spinitriches; (ii) coniform spinitriches; and (iii) capilliform filitriches. Non-ciliated sensory receptors were observed between the distal cytoplasm of the tegument and the underlying musculature.ConclusionsConfocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) showed the detailed microanatomy of the nervous system in the scolex of plerocercoids, and also several differences in the larval stages compared with adult D. latus. These features, i.e. well-developed glandular system and massive hook-shaped uncinate spinitriches, are thus probably required for plerocercoids inhabiting fish hosts and also for their post-infection attachment in the human intestine.

Some Aspects of the Human Body’s Hydraulics

This paper presents some aspects related to the human body’s hydraulics in the desire to make readers aware of how to maintain all the blood vessels of the human body in order to maintain the entire healthy, functional, young, vigorous circulatory system for a while the longest possible. The problem is complex because it has to be viewed from all points of view and not only as an isolated system in the body, having aspects of feedback on the whole physiopathology belonging to the human body. The highly circulating system needs permanent maintenance. Self-maintenance is done through various physiological mechanisms tightly linked to each other, including the lymphatic, digestive, renal, lung, nervous, glandular system ... It is not possible to completely separate the physiology of a system from the other adjacent systems because they all work synergistically, being permanently controlled by the central and peripheral nervous system.

Molecular Insights Into the Relationship Between Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases and Breast Cancer: A Critical Perspective on Autoimmunity and ER Stress.

The etiopathologies behind autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) unravel misbehavior of immune components leading to the corruption of immune homeostasis where thyroid autoantigens turn foe to the self. In AITDs lymphocytic infiltration in the thyroid shows up a deranged immune system charging the follicular cells of the thyroid gland (thyrocytes) leading to the condition of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The inflammation in AITDs consistently associate with ER function due to which disturbances in the ER protein homeostasis leads to unfolded protein response (UPR) that promotes pathogenesis of autoimmunity. The roles of ER stress in the instantaneous downregulation of MHC class I molecules on thyrocytes and the relevance of IFN γ in the pathogenesis of AITD has been well-documented. Thyroglobulin being the major target of autoantibodies in most of the AITDs is because of its unusual processing in the ER. Autoimmune disorders display a conglomeration of ER stress-induced UPR activated molecules. Several epidemiological data highlight the preponderance of AITDs in women as well as its concurrence with breast cancer. Both being an active glandular system displaying endocrine activity, thyroid as well as breast tissue show various commonalities in the expression pattern of heterogenous molecules that not only participate in the normal functioning but at the same time share the blame during disease establishment. Studies on the development and progression of breast carcinoma display a deranged and uncontrolled immune response, which is meticulously exploited during tumor metastasis. The molecular crosstalks between AITDs and breast tumor microenvironment rely on active participation of immune cells. The induction of ER stress by Tunicamycin advocates to provide a model for cancer therapy by intervening glycosylation. Therefore, this review attempts to showcase the molecules that are involved in feeding up the relationship between breast carcinoma and AITDs.

Bruxism-induced parotitis: A retrospective case series analysis

ABSTRACTObjective: A group of patients with recurrent parotitis had clinical symptoms suggesting an obstruction of the glandular duct system, though without any signs of sialoliths or other ductal pathologies.Methods: Clinical and radiological data of five patients with recurrent obstructive parotitis and long-standing definite bruxism were reviewed retrospectively. Ultrasonography, MRI, and sialendoscopy were performed for evaluation of ductal pathologies as the cause of glandular obstruction. Electromyography was used to evaluate the activity of masticatory muscles in all patients. The parotitis was treated with injection of botulinum toxin into the buccinator muscle.Results: Dilatation of the Stensen’s duct proximal to the area of the buccinator muscle was shown in radiological examination with no evidence of ductal strictures. Electromyography revealed an abnormal activity of the ipsilateral buccinator muscle. All patients were free of disease after treatment of the buccinator muscle.Discussion: Bruxism should be considered as a possible cause of recurrent parotitis.

Evaluation of systemic activity of pediatric primary Sjögren’s syndrome by EULAR Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI)

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate systemic disease activity of pediatric Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) using European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with SS who have been diagnosed according to 1999 Japanese diagnostic criteria for SS before 16 years old at KKR Sapporo Medical Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, and affiliated hospitals. We analyzed clinical and laboratory data and calculated ESSDAI at both diagnosis and peak activity.Results: Twenty-five patients (2 boys and 23 girls) were enrolled. Only 4 patients had sicca symptoms at diagnosis. Mean ESSDAI scores at diagnosis and peak activity were 12.68 (2–31) and 15.08 (2–38), respectively. Only 3 patients were inactive (ESSDAI score <5) at diagnosis. Frequently involved domains at diagnosis were the biological (96%) followed by the constitutional (68%), glandular (44%), articular (44%), cutaneous domains (28%), renal (16%), and central nervous system (12%). At peak activity, biological domain (96%) was followed by the constitutional (72%), glandular (60%), articular (44%), cutaneous (28%), central nervous system (20%), and renal domains (16%).Conclusion: Pediatric SS is suspected from active systemic manifestations. The items of ESSDAI are useful clues to the diagnosis of pediatric SS.

Is high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) a reliable precursor for prostate carcinoma? Implications for clonal evolution and early detection strategies.

High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) is a documented putative precursor lesion for invasive prostate adenocarcinoma. However, the precise mechanisms of the carcinoma's development from HGPIN are unclear. Many studies have attempted a comparative molecular genetic characterisation of HGPIN and its corresponding carcinoma to study this transformation. However, to date, some HGPIN mimickers, such as intraductal carcinoma, which can engage in retrograde colonisation of the prostatic acini in an HGPIN-like manner, have been described. In this work, we hypothesise that the lesion formerly known as HGPIN adjacent to invasive carcinoma does not necessarily represent its respective precursor lesion. This hypothesis stems from recent morphological, experimental, and theoretical evidence on the development of tumour clonality, as well as recent studies outlining the three-dimensional architecture of prostate adenocarcinomas (most importantly, their interconnection with the tumoural glandular system). Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An ultrastructural study of the surface and attachment structures of Paradiplozoon homoion (Bychowsky & Nagibina, 1959) (Monogenea: Diplozoidae)

BackgroundSpecies of Diplozoon Palombi, 1949 (Monogenea: Diplozoidae) are blood-feeding ectoparasites mainly parasitising the gills of cyprinid fishes. Although these parasites have been the subject of numerous taxonomic, phylogenetic and ecological studies, the ultrastructure of the surface and haptor attachment structures remains almost unknown. In this study, we used transmission electron microscopy to examine the ultrastructure of attachment clamps and neodermal surface of Paradiplozoon homoion (Bychowsky & Nagibina, 1959), family Diplozoidae Palombi, 1949, thereby broadening our knowledge of platyhelminth biology.ResultsThe hindbody surface of P. homoion is distinctly ridged, each ridge being supported by several muscle fibers and equipped with scales on the surface plasma membrane. Such structures have not been recorded previously in species of the family Diplozoidae. Comparisons of the surface structure of different body parts revealed slight differences in the thickness and number of organelles. Each of the clamps has a flattened bowl-like structure composed of sclerites, movable skeletal-like structures that are anchored by robust, radially oriented muscle bundles. The base of the posterior median plate sclerites is equipped with glandular cells possessing secretory vesicles.ConclusionThis study brings detailed ultrastructural data for the surface and haptoral attachment clamps of P. homoion and provides new insights into the ultrastructure of Diplozoidae. Glandular cells at the base of the attachment clamps responsible for sclerite development in diplozoid species were observed for the first time. Our findings support the hypothesis that the structure of particular neodermal compartments is similar within the Platyhelminthes. On the other hand, the diplozoid glandular system and the mechanism of sclerite development clearly merits further attention.

Detailed reconstruction of the nervous and muscular system of Lobatocerebridae with an evaluation of its annelid affinity.

BackgroundThe microscopic worm group Lobatocerebridae has been regarded a ‘problematicum’, with the systematic relationship being highly debated until a recent phylogenomic study placed them within annelids (Curr Biol 25: 2000-2006, 2015). To date, a morphological comparison with other spiralian taxa lacks detailed information on the nervous and muscular system, which is here presented for Lobatocerebrum riegeri n. sp. based on immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy, supported by TEM and live observations.ResultsThe musculature is organized as a grid of longitudinal muscles and transverse muscular ring complexes in the trunk. The rostrum is supplied by longitudinal muscles and only a few transverse muscles. The intraepidermal central nervous system consists of a big, multi-lobed brain, nine major nerve bundles extending anteriorly into the rostrum and two lateral and one median cord extending posteriorly to the anus, connected by five commissures. The glandular epidermis has at least three types of mucus secreting glands and one type of adhesive unicellular glands.ConclusionsNo exclusive “annelid characters” could be found in the neuromuscular system of Lobatocerebridae, except for perhaps the mid-ventral nerve. However, none of the observed structures disputes its position within this group. The neuromuscular and glandular system of L. riegeri n. sp. shows similarities to those of meiofaunal annelids such as Dinophilidae and Protodrilidae, yet likewise to Gnathostomulida and catenulid Platyhelminthes, all living in the restrictive interstitial environment among sand grains. It therefore suggests an extreme evolutionary plasticity of annelid nervous and muscular architecture, previously regarded as highly conservative organ systems throughout metazoan evolution.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0531-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Capítulo IX. Sistema glandular endocrino

Among the major amendments set out in table 2.A.1, medical Scale, classification and valuation of sequels, we find that for the clearly extended endocrine glandular system, Chapter IX, which, among other beneficial considerations regarding their structure, is used to record the criteria for their application.

Immunohistochemical changes and atrophy after chronic ethanol intoxication in rat salivary glands.

Alcoholism in humans is a chronic and progressive disease, characterized by loss of ethanol consumption control. Previous studies have reported that prolonged exposure to ethanol was responsible for alterations in glandular tissues of human and rodents. However, the interrelationship between ethanol and the glandular system is still the subject of numerous investigations, including the possible resistance of the submandibular gland (SG). In the present study, we investigated whether chronic ethanol exposure during adolescence may affect the parotid gland (PG) and SG in female rats. Female rats (n=16) were treated with distilled water or ethanol (dose of 6.5 g/kg/day, 22.5% w/v) through gavage for 55 days. Glands were collected, weighed and submitted to histological processing. Morphometric analysis was assessed by parenchymal and stromal area measurements. Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), cytokeratin-19 (CK19) and apoptotic caspase-3 (CAS) were measured using ImageJ® software. Chronic ethanol administration did not alter the body weight of rats after treatment, although it increased glandular weight (p<0.001), reduced the parenchyma area (p<0.001) and decreased CK19 and α-SMA immunostainning in the PG. Besides, ethanol induced CK19 and CAS overexpression, and the occurrence of duct-like structures in SG. These results suggest that ethanol induces histological and morphometric changes in salivary glands of female rats intoxicated with ethanol during adolescence. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying these alterations needs to be investigated but may be not related to the inflammatory process.

Morphological and immunohistochemical especially of stilled pregnancy the first trimester

Results of histological examination showed that stilled pregnancy occurs not only when the incomplete transformation of endometrial stroma, but also in terms of its full maturation regardless of hormonal support to maintain pregnancy. With increasing gestational age, regardless of hormonal support of pregnancy complete transformation of the endometrium occurs significantly more frequently. Furthermore, role hormonal drugs is not critical for the formation of endometrial glandular system. Increased expression of estrogen receptor in the glands and stroma of endometrium during pregnancy indicate the pathology of the first phase of the menstrual cycle. The reduction of the expression of KISS1 in endometrium during pregnancy was observed by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy due to the fading of the first stage of trophoblast invasion.