Glandular Systems Research Articles

Histological indicators of sheep skin of different directions of productivity

The purpose of the research was to study the histological indicators of sheep skin of different directions of productivity and to identify the effectiveness of using sheep of foreign breeds on the breeding stock of domestic fine-wooled sheep of the meat-wool direction of productivity. An analysis of histological indicators of sheep skin in diff erent areas of productivity, including the histostructure of the skin of sheep breeds of foreign selection such as Poll Dorset, Charolais and Ile de France, sheep breeds of domestic selection Stavropol, Manych merino and Dzhalginsky merino has been presented in the article. The study of the mechanism of growth and development of wool fi bers is one of the main tasks of increasing the quantity and improving the quality of wool. In studying the morphology of the skin, it is important to establish the breed and age features of the structure of the root, glandular systems, collagen structures that ensure the quality of sheep skin and wool fi bers. Thus, in sheep of Poll Dorset breed the total skin thickness was 10,3 and 3,6 % higher than in Charolais and Ile-de-France animals, respectively. At the same time, the thickness of the epidermis was almost 1,0 % of the total thickness of the skin, while the pilar layer averaged 61,8 %, the reticular layer 37,23 %, which is consistent with the breed parameters. The biggest density of follicles was observed in sheep of Ile-de-France and Charolais breeds. The superiority over animals of Poll Dorset breed was 17,5 and 10,0 %, respectively. By the ratio of secondary follicles/primary follicles animals of Poll Dorset and Ile-de-France breeds had superiority over Charolais breed by an average of 12,4 and 11,2 %. Sheep of domestic selection had an advantage in skin thickness in animals of Manych merino breed. They surpassed their herdmates of Stavropol breed by 5,2 % and Dzhalginsky merino breed by 11,2 %. In terms of the total density of follicles, animals of Stavropol breed had a slight advantage. The animals of Manych merino breed were 3,2 % inferior to them and Dzhalginsky merino by 1,4 %. There was no diff erence between the breeds by the ratio of secondary follicles/primary follicles.

Computed Tomography Scan Images of Sphenoidal Sinus Septa and Their Relations to the Internal Carotid Artery

The trigeminal nerve and optic nerve, cavernous sinus optic chiasm, pituitary gland, and internal carotid artery are all encircled by the sphenoid sinus, which is located in the sphenoid. More than one asymmetrical vertical septa separate the sphenoidal sinus. Because of its position and linkages with important neurovascular and glandular systems, the sphenoid sinus poses a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Objective: To look at the relationship between sphenoid sinus septation and the number and position of the internal carotid artery in people from Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods: The prospective study was conducted from November 2019 to April 2020 at the Radiology Department of a Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, the CT image was performed on 150 patients (100 males, 50 females) of the paranasal sinuses. From the originating axial slices, secondary coronal scans were obtained. Only individuals with no sphenoid sinus problems were included in the research to examine anatomical changes in the septation of the sphenoid sinus. Results: According to CT scans of the participants, 34% of males and 23% of females had more than one sphenoid septum, with 24 men accounting for 20.8 % and 16 female cases (16.8%) having the septum attached to the posterolateral wall of the sinus of the carotid canal. Conclusions: Prior to surgery, a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses is essential to rule out any potential complications caused by anatomical differences.

BANDHA (Inner Lock)-MUDRA (Hand Gesture): Essences of Optimizing Health

Background: Bandha and Mudras are found in ancient Indian literature to stimulate internal energy. The simplest know a few things approximately our subtle body, our soul. The act of bandhas stimulates the prana and chakras. Madra is a technique to stimulate the nervous system and glands to minimize the dysfunction of the mind and the mysterious powers of man; kundalini (the inner core energy) can rise to carry our consciousness to the cosmic sense. Purpose of the Study: To know our internal environment and the possible ways to control the internal vital energy. Through bandhas and practicing mudras one can able to get disease-free optimal health. The present article critically discussed the various aspects of bandhas and mudras and their benefit on human health and disease. Findings: Yogic practices help to better the functioning of the thyroid, pancreas, and comparable different important glandular systems to your body. Jalandhara bandha, for example, balances the thyroid gland and thereby benefitting digestion, increase, and weight management issues. Focusing and mental integration allows many hidden and unused cycles of the brain to reach our consciousness. Various psychological problems as for example, unconscious neurosis and complex repetitive actions lose their ability to affect our lives. Madras is a practical and simultaneous way to change your life. Conclusion: Traditionally, bandhas are classified as a part of the mudras, and are given orally from guru to student. Hatha Yoga Pradipika works with bandhas and mudras together. Bandha is heavily embedded in the mudra techniques and pranayama.

Structural and bio-functional assessment of the postaxillary gland in Nidirana pleuraden (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae)

BackgroundOwing to their incomplete adaptation to the terrestrial environment, amphibians possess complex cutaneous glandular systems. The skin glands not only regulate water loss and respiratory gas and salt exchange, but are also involved in defense against predators and microorganisms, social communication, and reproduction. These glands are distributed throughout the integument, but can accumulate in specific regions, forming visible outgrowths known as macroglands. Some macroglands are sexually dimorphic and mediate intersexual communication and reproductive success. The postaxillary gland is a sexually dimorphic macrogland in Nidirana pleuraden. Its biological function and its morphological and histochemical characteristics are unclear. In the present study, we describe the structure and ultrastructure of the postaxillary gland, and explore its main function.ResultsThe postaxillary gland has a thinner epidermis than the dorsal region of N. pleuraden. In addition to ordinary serous glands (OSG), type I and II mucous gland (I MG & II MG), a type of specialized mucous gland (SMG) is also found to constitute the postaxillary gland. The SMG is larger than other gland types, and consists of high columnar mucocytes with basal nuclei arranged radially toward a lumen. SMGs are positive to periodic acid-Schiff stain and stained blue in Masson’s trichrome stain. A discontinuous myoepithelial sheath lacking innervation encircles SMG mucocytes, and the outlets of such glands are X- or Y-shaped. Transmission electron microscopy reveals abundant secretory granules in SMG, which are biphasic, composed of an electron-opaque outer ring and a less electron-dense core. Lipid droplets, and organelles, such as rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi stacks, are located in the supranuclear cytoplasm of the mucocytes in SMG. Female N. pleuraden exhibits chemotaxis toward homogenate of the postaxillary gland, but male does not. On treatment with trypsin, this sexual attraction disappears.ConclusionsThe postaxillary gland of N. pleuraden is a male-specific macrogland that consists primarily of SMGs, together with OSGs, I MGs and II MGs. Other than their extremely large size, SMGs structurally and histochemically resemble many reported specialized gland types in amphibian sexually dimorphic skin glands. Secretions of the postaxillary gland are proteinaceous sexual pheromones, which are believed to attract females at male calling intermissions.

The ultimate legs of Chilopoda (Myriapoda): a review on their morphological disparity and functional variability.

The arthropodium is the key innovation of arthropods. Its various modifications are the outcome of multiple evolutionary transformations, and the foundation of nearly endless functional possibilities. In contrast to hexapods, crustaceans, and even chelicerates, the spectrum of evolutionary transformations of myriapod arthropodia is insufficiently documented and rarely scrutinized. Among Myriapoda, Chilopoda (centipedes) are characterized by their venomous forcipules—evolutionarily transformed walking legs of the first trunk segment. In addition, the posterior end of the centipedes’ body, in particular the ultimate legs, exhibits a remarkable morphological heterogeneity. Not participating in locomotion, they hold a vast functional diversity. In many centipede species, elongation and annulation in combination with an augmentation of sensory structures indicates a functional shift towards a sensory appendage. In other species, thickening, widening and reinforcement with a multitude of cuticular protuberances and glandular systems suggests a role in both attack and defense. Moreover, sexual dimorphic characteristics indicate that centipede ultimate legs play a pivotal role in intraspecific communication, mate finding and courtship behavior. We address ambiguous identifications and designations of podomeres in order to point out controversial aspects of homology and homonymy. We provide a broad summary of descriptions, illustrations, ideas and observations published in past 160 years, and propose that studying centipede ultimate legs is not only essential in itself for filling gaps of knowledge in descriptive morphology, but also provides an opportunity to explore diverse pathways of leg transformations within Myriapoda.

The structure of the cutaneous pedal glands in the banded snail Cepaea hortensis (Müller, 1774).

Although gastropods have been crawling through the ocean and on the land for 60 million years, we still know very little about the sticky mucus produced in their foot. Most research has been focused on marine species in particular and, to a lesser extent, on the well-known terrestrial species Arion vulgaris and Cornu aspersum. Within this study, we aim to characterize the foot anatomy of a smaller representative of the family Helicidae, the banded snail Cepaea hortensis. We are particularly interested in the microanatomy of the foot glands, their position, and the histochemical nature of their secretory content. Characterization of the dorsal foot region of Cepaea hortensis reveals four glands, differing in their size and in the granules produced. Histochemically, three of them react positively for sugars (PAS staining and lectin affinity tests for mannose, glucose and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) and acidic proteins (positive Alcian blue and Toluidine blue staining), indicating the presence of acidic glycosaminoglycans. The fourth gland type does not react to any of these dyes. The ventral pedal region includes two different gland types, which are positive for the presence of acidic glycoproteins, with a lectin affinity for mannose only. A comparison with Helix pomatia indicates differences regarding the number of glands and their contents. In Helix, only three gland types are described in the dorsal region of the foot, which show a similar granular appearance but nevertheless differ in their chemical composition. Congruently, there are two gland types in the ventral region in both species, whereas in Helix an additional sugar moiety is found. This raises the question whether these differences between the pedal glandular systems of both helicid species are the result of protection or size-related adaptations, as they occur in the same habitat.

Diverse pereopodal secretory systems implicated in thread production in an apseudomorph tanaidacean crustacean.

Among arthropods, various insects, spiders, and crustaceans produce thread. The crustacean Tanaidacea include species that use thread mainly to construct dwelling tubes. While thread production was previously known only in Tanaoidea and Paratanaoidea, it was recently discovered in two species in Kalliapseudidae (Apseudoidea), although information on the morphology of the thread-producing system was lacking. Using histology, light and scanning electron microscopy, we found that the kalliapseudid Phoxokalliapseudes tomiokaensis comb. nov. lacks the sort of glandular structures associated with thread production in the pereonites, but has these structures in pereopods 1-6. We observed four types of glandular systems defined by the types and distribution of glands they contain: Type A (pereopod 1), Type B (pereopods 2 and 3), Type C (pereopods 4 and 5), and Type D (pereopod 6). All types have small rosette glands and lobed glands; Type A additionally has large rosette glands. The inferred thread-producing apparatus in P. tomiokaensis is very different from that in Tanaoidea and Paratanaoidea, suggesting that kalliapseudids evolved thread production independently from the latter two groups.

Modulation of extracellular conditions prevents the multilayering of the simple epithelium

Simple epitheliums in normal glandular systems are regulated not to stratify even though the constituent cells proliferate and will rise from the epithelium. Since epithelial cells have the potential to establish cell-cell adhesions, the avoidance of stratification must be related to the intracellular signal cascades and the extracellular conditions. The contributions of the former are becoming clarified, but the influence of the latter is poorly understood. In the present study, we examined whether the frequency of cell-on-cell adhesion, which mimics the early stage of multilayering, is dependent on the type of the extracellular scaffold protein. Wild-type epithelial cells were cultured on E-cadherin-Fc (a cell-cell adhesion protein) or collagen (an extracellular matrix protein), and then, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive cells were seeded onto these wild-type cells. We observed that the cell-on-cell adhesion (adhesion of the GFP-positive cell to the wild-type cells) was more frequent in the E-cadherin-Fc treatment than the collagen treatment. The cell-on-cell adhesions that were observed in the E-cadherin treatment were transient and decreased in frequency to that of the collagen treatment after the 12 h of cell culture. We observed the disappearance of E-cadherin-Fc but not collagen during cell culture. These results suggest that transient multilayering in simple epithelium is possible, depending on the types of extracellular scaffold protein, and they imply that cells can modify the extracellular conditions to meet normal cellular conditions.

Morphology of the proboscis ofHubrechtella Juliae(nemertea, pilidiophora): Implications for pilidiophoran monophyly

The proboscis of Hubrechtella juliae was examined using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy to reveal more features of basal pilidiophoran nemerteans for morphological and phylogenetic analysis. The proboscis glandular epithelium consists of sensory cells and four types of gland cells (granular, bacillary, mucoid, and pseudocnidae-containing cells) that are not associated with any glandular systems; rod-shaped pseudocnidae are 15-25 μm in length; the central cilium of the sensory cells is enclosed by two rings of microvilli. The nervous plexus lies in the basal part of glandular epithelium and includes 26-33 (11-12 in juvenile) irregularly anastomosing nerve trunks. The proboscis musculature includes four layers: endothelial circular, inner diagonal, longitudinal, and outer diagonal; inner and outer diagonal muscles consist of noncrossing fibers; in juvenile specimen, the proboscis longitudinal musculature is divided into 7-8 bands. The endothelium consists of apically situated support cells with rudimentary cilia and subapical myocytes. Unique features of Hubrechtella's proboscis include: acentric filaments of the pseudocnidae; absence of tonofilament-containing support cells; two rings of microvilli around the central cilium of sensory cells; the occurrence of subendothelial diagonal muscles and the lack of an outer diagonal musculature (both states were known only in Baseodiscus species). The significance of these characters for nemertean taxonomy and phylogeny is discussed. The proboscis musculature in H. juliae and most heteronemerteans is bilaterally arranged, which can be considered a possible synapomorphy of Hubrechtellidae + Heteronemertea (= Pilidiophora).

Hatching glands in cephalopods – A comparative study

Hatching of embryos from their eggs involves either mechanical and/or chemical support. In particular enzymes are widely used in the animal kingdom to weaken the egg layers and facilitate the embryo's escape. Although numerous morphological and biochemical studies exist on the hatching glands of invertebrates (such as sea urchins, ascidians, insects) and vertebrates (teleosts, amphibians, and mammals), little is known about the morphology of the hatching glands (Hoyle organs) in cephalopod hatchlings.In this study, the internal gland structure and the external appearance of the Hoyle organ are compared among several cephalopod species (Idiosepius pygmaeus; Euprymna scolopes; Sepia officinalis; Loligo gahi; Sepioteuthis lessoniana; Architeuthis sp.; Octopus vulgaris; Tremoctopus gracilis; Argonauta hians). In almost all cases the glandular system is restricted to the posterior part of the dorsal mantle surface. Only Octopus and Argonauta lack a specific glandular structure in this body region and the animals apparently use other mechanisms to penetrate the egg layers.In all decapod species (Idiosepius; Euprymna; Sepia; Loligo; Sepioteuthis; Architeuthis) as well as in Tremoctopus only one specific cell type is present in the Hoyle organ, which synthesizes granular material. The secretory droplets are more or less uniform in electron density in Idiosepius, Euprymna and Tremoctopus but exhibit translucent inclusions in the other decapods. The time of gland development, first synthesis of secretory products and later degeneration after hatching vary between the species.The present study contributes to our knowledge of glandular systems in cephalopods and allows comparison with hatching structures in other invertebrates and vertebrates.

Development of the integument of Dasypus hybridus and Chaetophractus vellerosus, and asynchronous events with respect to the postcranium

The integument of extant armadillos (Xenarthra, Cingulata) is a unique organ in which complex glandular systems are associated with pilose follicles, dermal ossifications, and cornified scales. Up to date, papers have focused on neither comparative morphology of the skin (dorsal and ventral) nor chronology of the development of interspecific homolog structures. In order to clarify the way in which events occur during development of the integument structures, maturity of other tissues (e.g. skeletal tissues) should be considered. Therefore, we will be able to identify events that have been pre- or post-displaced during ontogenetic development. The aim of this paper is to describe in a developmental and comparative framework the integumentary system of neonates of Dasypus hybridus and Chaetophractus vellerosus. In order to understand the morphology of the different integumentary structures serial histological sections were prepared. Staining techniques included H–E, Masson Trichrome, PAS, orcein and reticulin. To study ossification of postcranial elements, the specimens were cleared and double-stained with alcian blue and alizarin red. Determinations of ossification centers and their progress were recorded through the early uptake of alizarin. The dorsal dermis of neonates from D. hybridus is clearly differentiated into a superficial and deep layer, as in fetuses of Dasypus novemcinctus. In C. vellerosus, however, these layers could not be identified. This suggests a less connective tissue differentiation in the latter species at this stage. Osteoderms in D. hybridus are well differentiated unlike C. vellerosus where no condensations of osteoprogenitory cells are observed. Conversely, pilose follicles and glandular tissues are less developed in D. hybridus. Regarding postcranial elements, ossification centers are less advanced in C. vellerosus than D. hybridus, this is particularly notorious for the vertebral column, sternal, and pelvic girdle elements. Asynchronies between neonates of both species observed on integumentary and postcranial skeletal tissues could match with specific adaptive strategies related to distribution in different environments, and/or different postnatal care.

Morphological alterations in the prostate stroma of rats submitted to chronic nicotine treatment

The stroma plays a fundamental role in the function of different glandular systems. In the prostate, the stroma is responsible for the development and maintenance of the differentiated state of the epithelium. Nicotine induces tobacco dependence and promotes morphological alterations in the epithelial compartment. However, its effects on the prostate stroma are unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphology of the stromal microenvironment in the ventral prostate lobe of rats submitted to chronic nicotine administration. Twenty rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into two groups: 10 animals received subcutaneous nicotine and 10 animals received physiological saline by the same route. After treatment, samples were collected from the ventral prostate lobe, processed and submitted to histology, histochemistry, and ultrastructural analysis by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The level of circulating testosterone was also analyzed. The results showed a significant increase in the density of type I collagen (56.3% to 85.9%, P < 0.01) and a decrease in the density of type III collagen (43.7% to 14.1%, P < 0.01). In addition, there was a qualitative increase in elastic fibers and in the number of smooth muscle cells with a secretory phenotype. Circulating testosterone levels were significantly reduced (898.3 to 363.1 ng/mL, P < 0.01). The results showed that nicotine modifies different components of the prostate stroma, suggesting that this drug is a risk factor for morphofunctional alterations in the prostate gland.

Identification of exocytotic membrane proteins in three rotifer species

We confirmed the presence and expression of exocytotic membrane proteins: Syntaxin-1, Syntaxin-4, SNAP-23, and SNAP-25 in the rotifers Brachionus calyciflorus, Lecane quadridentata, and Philodina roseola. These proteins were identified by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis using antibodies against Syntaxin-1, Syntaxin-4, SNAP-23, and SNAP-25. The presence of these proteins were observed mainly in regions of the nervous, reproductive, and glandular systems of these rotifer species, which underlines the fundamental role of exocytotic docking and fusion membrane proteins in the vesicular release of secretory proteins. The immunoblot analysis confirmed the expression of Syntaxin-1, Syntaxin-4, and SNAP-23 in the three rotifer studied, but not of SNAP-25. This study contributes to rotifer biology by revealing the presence of conservative exocytotic machinery such as SNAREs proteins in the phylum Rotifera, including members of the Class Bdelloidea the highest taxa of metazoans where sexual reproduction does not exist.

Effect of childhood malnutrition on salivary flow and pH

Introduction While protein-energy malnutrition may have multiple effects on oral tissues and subsequent disease development, reports of the effect of malnutrition on the human salivary glands are sparse. Methods A retrospective cohort study of the effect of early childhood protein-energy malnutrition (EC-PEM) and adolescent nutritional status on salivary flow and pH was conducted with rural Haitian children, ages 11–19 years ( n = 1017). Malnutrition strata exposure cohorts were based on 1988–1996 weight-for-age records which covered the birth through 5-year-old period for all subjects. Then, data on current anthropometrical defined nutritional status categories, stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates, and salivary pH were collected for the same subjects of 11–19 years old during field examinations in the summer of 2005. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used for the analyses. Results Stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates were reduced at statistically significant levels in subjects who had experienced severe malnutrition in their early childhood or who had continuing nutrition stress which resulted in delayed growth, as measured at ages 11–19 years. Salivary pH demonstrated little clinically meaningful variability between malnourished and nonmalnourished groups. Conclusion This study is the first to report of a continuing effect on diminished salivary gland function into adolescence as a result of early childhood malnutrition (EC-PEM) and suggests that exocrine glandular systems may be compromised for extended periods following EC-PEM, which may have important implications for the body's systemic antimicrobial defences.

The Ocular Surface: The Challenge to Enable and Protect Vision

The surface of the eye is an extraordinary and vital component of vision. The smooth, wet surface of the cornea is the major refractive surface of the visual system, which, along with corneal transparency, enables light to proceed through the lens and onto the retina for photoreceptor activation. The presence of the smooth, wet refractive ocular surface required for vision comes, however, at a cost. Unlike all other wetsurfaced epithelia of the body, the ocular surface is directly exposed to the outside world where it is especially subject to desiccation, injury, and pathogens. As a consequence, numerous protective mechanisms are provided by the Ocular Surface System, to ensure vision. The Ocular Surface System Maintenance and protection of the smooth refractive surface of the cornea is the function of the Ocular Surface System (Fig. 1). 1 It is defined as the ocular surface, which includes the surface and glandular epithelia of the cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, accessory lacrimal glands, and meibomian gland, and their apical (tears) and basal (connective tissue) matrices; the eyelashes with their associated glands of Moll and Zeis; those components of the eyelids responsible for the blink; and the nasolacrimal duct. All components of the system are linked functionally by continuity of the epithelia, by innervation, and by the endocrine, vascular, and immune systems. The rationale for the use of the term “Ocular Surface System” is several-fold. First, the primary, synergistic function of the system components is to provide, protect, and maintain a smooth refractive surface on the cornea. Thus, the term Ocular Surface System is linked to its primary function at the ocular surface. Second, all the epithelia at the ocular surface are continuous, with no breaks between regions, and all are derived from the surface ectoderm. The corneal and conjunctival epithelia are continuous, through the ductal epithelium, to the lacrimal glandular epithelium, as is the case with the accessory lacrimal glands, the meibomian gland, and the nasolacrimal system. The glandular systems are essentially involutions from and specializations of the surface epithelium. Communication along these epithelia occurs through gap junctions and cytokines. 2‐4 Third, all regions of the ocular surface epithelia produce components of the refractive tear film; the corneal and conjunctival epithelia produce hydrophilic mucins that hold tears onto the surface of the eye; the lacrimal and accessory lacrimal glands secrete water and a host of protective proteins; the meibomian gland provides the superficial tear lipid layer that prevents tear evaporation. The nasolacrimal epithelial system adsorbs tear components and is believed to, through its cavernous vascular system, control and regulate tear outflow, helping to maintain the appropriate tear level—a fine balance between secretion and outflow. 5 The functions of the various

Opisthobranchia (Mollusca, Gastropoda) – more than just slimy slugs. Shell reduction and its implications on defence and foraging

BackgroundIn general shell-less slugs are considered to be slimy animals with a rather dull appearance and a pest to garden plants. But marine slugs usually are beautifully coloured animals belonging to the less-known Opisthobranchia. They are characterized by a large array of interesting biological phenomena, usually related to foraging and/or defence. In this paper our knowledge of shell reduction, correlated with the evolution of different defensive and foraging strategies is reviewed, and new results on histology of different glandular systems are included.ResultsBased on a phylogeny obtained by morphological and histological data, the parallel reduction of the shell within the different groups is outlined. Major food sources are given and glandular structures are described as possible defensive structures in the external epithelia, and as internal glands.ConclusionAccording to phylogenetic analyses, the reduction of the shell correlates with the evolution of defensive strategies. Many different kinds of defence structures, like cleptocnides, mantle dermal formations (MDFs), and acid glands, are only present in shell-less slugs. In several cases, it is not clear whether the defensive devices were a prerequisite for the reduction of the shell, or reduction occurred before. Reduction of the shell and acquisition of different defensive structures had an implication on exploration of new food sources and therefore likely enhanced adaptive radiation of several groups.

The subepithelial gland in ants: a novel exocrine gland closely associated with the cuticle surface

AbstractTwo glandular systems were discovered that secrete their products onto the cuticular surface in ants. The first, the subepithelial gland, was previously undescribed in ants, and is found throughout the body just beneath the epithelium. This gland consists of independent secretory units, each made up of a single gland cell and an associated duct cell that penetrates the cuticle. Its ultrastructural appearance is consistent with possible hydrocarbon production. Examining 84 ant species, the subepithelial gland was found in eight subfamilies (out of 13), although not necessarily in all species. In a single ant species, Harpegnathos saltator, it was the epithelium itself that was enlarged and functioned as a gland. The enlarged epithelial cells secrete their products directly onto the cuticle through distinct cuticular crevasses.

Bcl-2 Exerts a pRb-Mediated Cell Cycle Inhibitory Function in HEC1B Endometrial Carcinoma Cells

Objective. In various human tumors the expression of Bcl-2 appears to vary significantly during the transformation process. Indeed, in several glandular systems, Bcl-2 levels appear to be sustained in premalignant lesions and rather low after the malignant change. Since we recently reported that transformed human endometrial cells display constitutively low levels of Bcl-2, we set out to investigate the biological meaning of this down-regulation. To this end we analyzed the effects of Bcl-2 forced overexpression in a moderately differentiated endometrial cell line of human origin.Methods. Bcl-2 overexpression was obtained by transfecting HEC1B human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells with a suitable bcl-2 vector. The effects of Bcl-2 overepression were evaluated in several transfectants (cell clones and mixed populations) by FACS, growth rates, cloning efficiencies, and modification of the phosphorylation status of the pRb protein. Accompanying changes in the expression of the CDK inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 were evaluated as well.Results. Bcl-2 overexpression resulted in a reduced cell proliferation rate, decreased cloning efficiency, appreciable cell morphology changes, G2/M cell cycle arrest, remarkable accumulation of the dephosphorylated form of retinoblastoma protein, and a significant rise in p21WAF1/CIP1.Conclusions. From these observation it may be deduced that the observed loss and down-regulation of the antiapoptotic protein in endometrial glandular human tumors is not random but possibly related to the cellular transformation process. It may be also inferred that the coincidence of a progressive fading of both Bcl-2 and cyclin inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 expressions, together with accumulation of the hyperphosphorylated form of the retinoblastoma protein, may be seen as a potential indicator of ongoing malignant changes.

Ultrastructural study of two glandular systems in the proboscidial glandular epithelium of Riseriellus occultus (Nemertea, Heteronemertea)

Two different types of glandular system in the proboscidial epithelium of Riseriellus occultus have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy. As expected, most of the epithelial cells are glandular in nature. With regard to differences in the ultrastructure of these gland cells and in the formation and morphology of their secretory granules, we have categorized and described four types of gland cell, indicated as G1, G2, G3, and G4. Each gland cell has a completely intraepithelial body characterized by a prominent nucleus, developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, and numerous secretory granules at different stages of maturation. These four types of gland cell appear associated in pairs forming numerous glandular systems of two types (A, B). These glandular systems are restricted to the ventral surface of the proboscis and are scattered irregularly throughout its length. Each glandular system consists of two gland cells of different types. The gland cell necks in each glandular system extend together to the epithelial surface; they protrude onto this and form a papilla where they open in a common area. The epithelial supportive cells adjacent to the glandular systems have long, stout microvilli which have a core of tonofilaments. These tonofilaments gather into dense bundles which pass vertically through the supportive cells and attach to the extracellular matrix underlaying the cells by hemidesmosomes. Moreover, a single sensory process stands close to each papilla. The ultrastructural morphology of the type A glandular systems suggests that they have an adhesive function operating in a similar way to that of the duo-gland adhesive systems in other invertebrate groups, although they are not homologous with these. The spatial arrangement of the secreted products of the type B glandular systems suggests that these may contribute to increasing the grip of the proboscis on the prey. The secretory granules (=pseudocnids) of the type G3 gland cells are very likely an autapomorphy of the Anopla, providing a character by which the relationships within the Nemertea can be evaluated.

GCDFP-15 blood levels for stratification of risk of breast cancer development in women with active breast gross cystic disease

The risk of developing breast cancer has been shown to be elevated in women with breast gross cystic disease (GCD) confirmed by aspiration of breast cyst fluid. The GCDFP-15 protein is a major component protein of breast GCD fluid. The protein is secreted by apocrine metaplastic cells lining micro and gross cysts of the breast. It is also a constituent protein secreted by normal apocrine glandular systems, and it is present in approximately 50% of breast carcinomas. Blood levels of GCDFP-15 are measurable in the low ng/ml range in normal individuals. A proportion of patients with metastatic breast cancer have high circulating blood levels up to 70 000 ng/ml. This study evaluated the relationship between blood levels of GCDFP-15 in women with active breast gross cystic disease, demonstrated by breast cyst aspiration, and the risk of breast cancer development. A group of 135 patients who had active breast gross cystic disease demonstrated by cyst aspiration, also had a concomitant blood level of GCDFP-15 determined. The patients have been subsequently followed for an average of 10.1 years and assessed for risk of breast cancer development. Twelve of these women have developed breast carcinoma and two have died of unrelated causes. For the 72 women who clinically developed fewer than 10 aspirated cysts, the relative risk of breast cancer was 1.8 if their highest GCDFP-15 plasma level was in a normal range (less than 40 ng/ml) versus a relative risk of 4.2 if the GCDFP-15 plasma level was elevated. This difference was more pronounced for the 63 women in this study with 10 or more total aspirated cysts, where the relative risk for breast cancer development was 2.0 for women with normal range GCDFP-15 plasma levels versus 7.1 for those with elevated plasma levels. Our data indicate that GCDFP-15 blood levels may be useful in identifying groups of women with active breast gross cystic disease who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.