Intense Positive Reaction Research Articles

Histochemical Evaluation of Mucin-Secreting Cell Activity in the Stomach of the Wistar Rat

Mucin plays a very important role in the physiological function of the stomach in all species, but the representation of mucin-secreting cells differs from species to species. The aim of this study was to highlight these cells in the stomach of the Wistar rat. For histological investigations, fragments of the stomach from the three main regions (cardiac, fundic and pyloric) were harvested from four Wistar rats and further stained with PAS and Alcian blue methods. The histochemical results showed the presence of mucin-secreting cells in the examined tissues. An intense PAS positive reaction was found in the surface epithelium cells of the gastric mucosa and in the cells lining the gastric crypts in all the three segments. In the deep glandular structures, the cells of the cardiac and fundic glands are PAS negative, while those of the pyloric glands are all PAS positive. For Alcian blue reaction, the cells lining the gastric mucosa and the crypts in the three regions of the stomach were negative. In the glands, the cells of the cardiac and fundic glands were Alcian negative while in the pyloric glands, a limited number of cells arranged in the deep third of the glands showed a weak positive Alcian reaction. In conclusion, the vast majority of glandular cells in the rat's stomach do not synthesize acidic mucins, except for cells in the deep part of the pyloric glands, which synthesize small amounts of such mucins.

Tuberculosis in free-ranging and captive wild animals: Pathological and molecular diagnosis with histomorphological differentiation of granulomatous lesions

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious zoonotic threat, impacting the human-livestock-wildlife interface globally. Here, we evaluated the status and histomorphological differentiation of TB lesions in 89 morbid cases of wild animals (bovids, cervids, carnivores, non-human primates, and pachyderms) in India. Histomorphological and molecular studies were done using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas cultural isolation was performed on selected samples. A total of 32 (35.95%) cases were confirmed as TB, comprising of 12 carnivores, 09 bovids, 06 cervids, 04 non-human primates, and a pachyderm. The TB lesions in the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes varied from the large-sized caseous nodules filled with dry cheesy material in bovids and cervids to variable-sized cavitations containing liquefied caseum in carnivores' lungs. The lungs, livers, and spleens of non-human primates exhibited small to medium-sized nodules. Histologically, lesions were divided into four categories (Types I, II, III, and IV) based on the extent of necrosis, the presence of mineralization, giant cells, and fibrous encapsulation. Extensive caseous necrosis with calcification, abundant giant cells, and thick fibroblastic encapsulation were consistent findings in the lungs, livers, and lymph nodes of bovids and cervids, whereas airway impaction with cellular exudate containing a teeming number of acid-fast bacilli and, at times, alveolar rupture leading to cavity formation was present in the lungs of carnivores. Absence of calcification and fibrous encapsulation was recorded in lungs of non-human primates. Immunohistochemical labelling with anti-early secretory antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10) antibodies showed mild, moderate, and intense positive reactions in type II and III, type I, and type IV granulomatous lesions, respectively. Molecular detection by PCR revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (12 carnivores, 02 non-human primates and 01 pachyderm), M. bovis (02 cervids and 01 bovid) and M. orygis (02 cervids and 01 bovid). Cultural isolation confirmed M. tuberculosis in 03 carnivores and M. orygis in 02 cervids and 01 bovid. Our findings imply that TB is quite prevalent in the wildlife of India and there are considerable differences in the histomorphological lesions induced by distinct Mycobacterium species in different wild animals. The circulation of TB organisms in wild animals warrants a strict surveillance programme to identify the carrier status of these animals so that effective TB control strategies can be formulated to prevent spillover and spillback incidences at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.

Morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics of the liver of swine naturally infected with hepatitis E virus.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the zoonotic agent of infectious hepatitis, is present in swine farms in different geographical areas. Little is known about the mechanism of liver damage and type of local immune response by HEV in swine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics of hepatic lesions caused by hepatitis E virus in naturally infected swine. In this study, liver samples of 12 slaughtered 10 weeks old pigs which were RT-PCR positive for HEV RNA in rectal swab samples have been used. Livers were macroscopically examined and samples were taken for histopathological, immunohistochemical (CD3, CD79α and TGF-β1), semiquantitative, morphometric analysis, RT-nested-PCR, PCR and bacteriological analysis. Microscopically, mild and moderate multifocal lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis was observed. Apoptotic bodies were observed as areas of focal eosinophilic condensation in the cytoplasm of 33.33% liver samples, while in 16.67% liver samples portal fibrosis was detected. Immunohistochemically, portal and lobular lymphocytes in the mononuclear liver infiltrate were predominantly CD3+ T cells (234.80 ± 79.98). An intense TGF-β1 positive reaction was observed within the mononuclear cell infiltrate as well as polymorphonuclear cells in liver samples with apoptosis of hepatocytes. In all 12 tested liver samples HEV RNA was detected by RT-nested-PCR. HEV is noncytopathic, and this finding provides further evidence for an immune mediated pathogenesis in hepatitis E virus infection in swine. Also, the role of CD3+ cells in hepatocyte damage is clearly demonstrated.

Globalisation, Welfare Models and Social Expenditure in OECD Countries

What difference do welfare models make for how globalisation in its different manifestations influences the composition of social expenditure? Using data for 36 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries over the period 1990–2018 we examine whether and how different welfare state models influence the impact of the economic, social and political dimensions of globalisation on ten different social expenditure programs. The results indicate that the influence of globalisation (overall and each separate dimension) on different components of social spending varies across welfare models in intensity but in most cases presents a positive sign. We find a more intense positive reaction in the Nordic model for e.g. active labour market policies and housing expenditures, while the reactions of health and education spending are not context specific. Survivors pensions, incapacity related and unemployment benefits and other social policy areas respond to factors other than globalisation. These findings may have important consequences for cross-country convergence in standards of living between different welfare state regimes, as each dimension of globalisation proceeds at different paces. Previous literature also shows that changes in the composition of social expenditure result in different short and long run economic outcomes.

The possible protective role of Vitamin C versus Mesna against effect of Cyclophosphamide on the Urinary Bladder of Adult Male Albino Rats (A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Abstract Background Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is considered one of the most successful chemotherapeutic drugs involved in anticancer regimens. However, it has multiple side effects. Mesna has an antiinflammatory effect and usually used in the treatment of cystitis. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which has a potent anti –oxidant effect that might protect cells against the oxidative damage caused by cyclophosphamide. Aim of the study The aim of the present study was comparing between the possible protective effect of vitamin C versus mesna and their combined therapy against the histological and immunohistochemical changes induced by cyclophosphamide on the urinary bladder of adult male albino rats. Material and methods Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into 5 groups, 6 rats each; (control(?), CYP-treated group (Пa), recovery group(Пb), mesna-treated group(???), vitamin C- treated group(?V) and the combined group (V). Histological examination of the H&Eand toluidine blue stained sections was done by light microscopy to assess the changes in the architecture of the urinary bladder. Avidin Biotin staining was performed for demonstration of iNOS immunoreactivity and histomorphometric analysis was done. Results Examination of H&E stained sections of cyclophosphamide- treated group (Пa) showed variable degrees of urothelial affection. Wide areas of urothelial cell degeneration with evident basal cytoplasmic vacoulatins, surface erosions and sloughed urothelial debris. Other Areas showed surface ulceration, completely denuded urothelium or the presence of multiple cysts replacing the urothelium and resting on the basement membrane. Semithin sections showed that the cytoplasmic microvesicles of umbrella cells were hardly detected. The Avidin Bioton stained sections showed intense positive immune reaction to iNOS in all layers of the urothelium. Scanning electron microscopy showed loss of the normal polygonal shape of the superficial epithelial cells, erosions, or deep ulcerations. Moreover, examination of the lamina propria by light microscopy showed multiple mononuclear inflammatory cells were detected, mast cells were seen in the lamina propria and some of them were invading the basement membrane of the urothelium. Dilated blood vessels and wide areas of extravasted blood (hemorrhage) were also observed. In addition, multiple epithelial cell nests of irregular shapes and sizes were deeply located in the lamina propria and exhibited pale esinophilic colloid discharge in their lumen. Scanning electron microscopy showed dense deposition of collagen fibers in both superficial and deep fibers of the lamina propria. Minimal improvement was observed in the recovery group (subgroup Пb). Mild to moderate improvement of the previous findings of CYP treated group was observed with each of mesna and vitamin C. Combined treatment of CYP with both of mesna and vitamin C induced apparent restoration of almost of the normal architecture of the urinary bladder. Conclusion CYP consumption developed morphologic and morphometric changes in the urinary bladder. The recovery group showed minimal improvement of the bladder architecture and increasing the period of recovery might produce better results. Each of vitamin C and mesna- treated groups induced mild to moderate improvement on the bladder architecture but treatment with combination of both of them offered remarkable improvement. Combined mesna and vitamin C induced significant protection via their combined anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant proprieties.

Clinico-Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study of Ruminant's Cutaneous Papillomavirus in Iraq.

The papilloma viruses are constituted of double-stranded DNA and are a more common lesion in ruminant's skin in Iraq. The p53 tumor suppressor protein reveals an essential role in cell cycle control. This study intends to investigate the clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features of cutaneous papilloma in ruminants in Iraq. Samples had been collected from a total of 10 animals (three cattle, three goats, and four sheep) with multiple papillomatosis lesions. The samples were processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques. Clinically, the lesions appeared as multiple various sizes (0.5–11 cm), cauliflower exophytic masses on different parts of the animal's body. The histopathological features of the epidermis granular layer revealed perinuclear vacuolation (koilocytosis) accompanied by various degrees of hypergranulosis, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, orthokeratosis, and parakeratosis. Strong positive reaction for papillomavirus antigen was seen in both epidermal basal and granular layers in the immunohistochemical investigation (IHC). Moreover, all papilloma lesions revealed an intense positive p53 reaction in cytoplasmic and perinuclear of the basal and parabasal layers. In conclusion, this study described the papillomavirus lesions in bovine, ovine, and caprine animals, which were found in different parts areas of the affected animals. All lesions show similar histopathological features with minor variations. PV antigen and p53 protein expression showed positive results in immunohistochemistry that can be used as diagnostic markers for ruminant's papilloma.

The Tumoral Etiology of the Superior Cava Vein Syndrome Presenting as Exsudative Pericarditis in a Young Patient

Abstract We present the case of a 36-year-old patient admitted with dyspnea, subjective sensation of edema of the cervical region, and precordial pain with sudden onset. Pathological antecedents revealed a respiratory intercourse three weeks ago. Laboratory findings indicated an inflammatory syndrome accompanied by hypoproteinemia. We performed an echocardiographic examination which revealed important pericardial effusion and swinging heart aspect with diastolic collapse of the right atrium and ventricle. According to the existing guidelines pericardiocentesis was immediately required. The hemorrhagic pericardial effusion had an intense positive Rivalta reaction with frequent macrophages and malignant atypical cells. The next step was a full-body computer tomography scan, which revealed an expansive mediastinal mass, invading the upper cava vein and pericardium, with mediastinal adenopathy. A biopsy was performed and the pathology examination concluded there was a classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma nodular sclerosis type. Finally the patient was directed to oncology department.

The Effect of Zinc-Deficient Pregnant Albino Rats on the Retinal Development of their Embryos and Offspring: Light Microscopic and Immunohistochemical Study

AbstractBackground: Zinc is involved in many biochemical func-tions. Over 300 enzymes require zinc for their activation and nearly 2000 transcription factors require zinc for gene expres-sion. Zinc is also an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Nutritional deficiency of zinc may affect nearly 2 billion subjects in the developing world.Aim of Study: Because of the prevalence of malnutrition throughout the world this study was carried out to detect the possible effects of zinc-deficient pregnant albino rats on the retinal development of their embryos and offspring.Material and Methods: Female rats after mating were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: One control group received single intraperitoneal injection of distilled water on day 9 of gestation and one experimental group received intraperitoneal injections of 1.10 phenanthroline (zinc chelator purchased from Sigma Company), in a single dose of 30 mg/kg on day 9 of gestation. From the embryos and offspring of both control and treated mothers (at the following prenatal gestational days: 13, 15, 17, 19 and the following postnatal days: (newborn, 7 days, 15 days and 21 days), retinal specimens were processed for Haematoxylin & Eosin staining technique and immunohistochemical study using caspase-3 antibody was used to detect apoptosis in the postnatal age groups.Results: The light microscopic study of the 13 days zinc deficient embryo retina showed apparent shrinkage of the lens vesicle and the optic cup was well formed but it appeared to be shrunken. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of 15th, 17th and 19th day old zinc-deficient embryos consistently contained apoptotic cells with vacuolated cytoplasm and rarified nuclei. The neuroblastic layer showed apparent de-crease in thickness and less mitotic features. The ganglion cell layer revealed numerous deeply stained pyknotic nuclei in the 19th gestational day. Retinae of the newborn, 7 days, 15 days, 21 days-old zinc deficient albino rats showed that the (RPE) contained some vacuolated cells with pyknotic nuclei. The organization of the retina was altered in zinc deficient rats. In addition, apparent reduction in the total retinal thickness and degenerative changes in some layers were observed. By the immunohistochemical study, there was intense positive caspase-3 reaction in all layers of the treated rat retina.Conclusion: This study revealed that zinc has a role in the developing rat retina and its deficiency causes cytoarchi-tectural and maturational changes in the retina of the albino rats. These histological changes may impair the visual functions of the retina; so it is recommended that further investigations should be carried out to determine the relevancy of deprivation of zinc as an etiologic factor in the development of retinal degeneration.

Immunohistochemical Study of the Goat Ductus deferens

Abstract Ductus deferens plays an important role in sperm transport and participates in the preservation of structure, maturation, and viability of sperm. In this study, we have immunohistochemically examined the ductus deferens in the goat. For immunohistochemical study the following monoclonal antibodies were used: cytokeratin 18, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin and elastin. Morphologically, three distinct layers were identified in the goat ductus deferens — tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica adventitia. The epithelium of the mucosa was intensely stained with cytokeratin 18 (CK 18). The fibroblasts in the lamina propria and blood capillaries in the muscle layer showed positive reaction for vimentin. A positive reaction for α-SMA was observed in the smooth muscle cells of the tunica muscularis in the internal, middle and outer sublayers. An intense positive reaction for α-SMA was observed in the wall of the blood vessels. Elastic fibers in the form of a loose meshwork were present in all three layers. The high density of elastic fibers were found in the tunica adventitia.

Adverse effects of monosodium glutamate on the reproductive organs of adult Female albino rats and the possible ameliorated role of carob (Ceratonia Siliqua).

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a sodium salt of glutamic acid that enhances the flavor of certain foods. It plays an important role in the pathogenesis of anovulatory infertility. This study was carried out to evaluate the histological, histochemical as well as immunohistochemical effects of MSG on the ovaries, uterus and vagina of adult female Wistar rats and the possible ameliorative role of carob (Ceratonia Siliqua). In the present work, twenty- four Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=6): Control group received 0.5ml saline solution, carob-group, feeding on diet containing 5% carob powder, MSG- treated group received 400 mg/kg b.wt and ameliorative group received MSG 400mg/kg b.wt simultaneously with feeding on diet containing 5% carob powder. In MSG treated rats, the serum estrogen level was significantly decreased. The histopathological results showed ovarian atretic follicles, fragmented oocyte, vascular congestion, and vacuolated stroma. The uterus exhibited a comparative reduction in the endometrial thickness and loss of endometrial glands associated with cellular hyperplasia and reduced vacuolated cells. In MSG treated group, the vaginal epithelium appeared relatively thin, folded and hypertrophied with sign of cornification. Histochemically, a weak reaction for PAS stain was remarked in investigated sections of MSG- treated rats. On the other side, an intense positive reaction for silver stain was recorded in the ovarian stroma and peripheral layers of atretic follicles as well as spreading in endometrium of uterus and lumina sheath of vagina. Immunohistochemically, MSG-treated group exhibited intense positive reaction for CD31and CD68 and activated caspase3 compared to carob-ameliorated MSG and the control. The authors concluded that, feeding of MSG-treated group on diet containing 5% carob powder led to marked amelioration of histopathological lesions induced in ovaries, uterus and vagina by MSG attributed to the biological benefits of its phytochemical components.

A rare type of renal tumor – mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) of the kidney, a rare renal cell carcinoma, is a low grade malignant tumor with histogenesis still under debate. We report the case of a 60-years-old female, asymptomatic, with no significant personal or family history, diagnosed on routine ultrasound examination with a unilateral non-homogenous mass in the right kidney. On gross examination the tumor was solid, well circumscribed, and limited to the kidney parenchyma. Microscopically, the tumor was composed from eosinophilic small cuboidal cell arranged in small, tightly packed, parallel tubular structures, myxoid stroma and mucinous areas (PAS and Alcian Blue positive). Therefore, the differential diagnosis between MTSCC and papillary renal cell carcinoma was compulsory. The immunohistochemistry assays confirmed MTSCC as the final diagnosis, based on the intense positive reaction for CK7 and negative reaction for CD10. The present report aimed to highlight the pathological characteristics of this rare subtype of renal cell tumors and to point out the differential diagnosis – particularly with the papillary renal cell carcinoma, given the different prognosis and therapeutic approach of these two entities.

Detection of atypical Chlamydiaceae in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Investigations on fecal samples, vaginal swabs and sera from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in south-western France led to the detection of a non-classified Chlamydiaceae strain. A total of 85 vaginal swabs were sampled from roe deer that had been captured in 2012 (n=42) and 2013 (n=43). Using a Chlamydiaceae family-specific real-time PCR, only one vaginal swab out of the 42 samples done in 2012 tested positive and was subsequently identified as Chlamydia (C.) psittaci. In contrast, 6/43 vaginal swab samples were positive in 2013. Four of these positive samples came from a single group of roe deer, captured in the Fabas plain. Fecal samples from this group of 9 females were subsequently analyzed, with 6 of them testing positive with the Chlamydiaceae-specific PCR. All positive samples collected in 2013 were negative when re-tested with C. abortus-, C. pecorum- and C. suis-specific real-time PCR assays. Sera from this group of 9 females were analyzed with two immunoassays (recomLine and ELISA). Whereas intense positive reactions with C. pneumoniae antigens were observed for all sera when tested with the recomLine test, none was positive with the C. abortus specific ELISA test. Comparative sequence analysis of the 16S, 23S rRNA and ompA gene sequences from 3 animals, as well as the MLST analysis from 2 animals, showed that this roe deer group likely harbored the same bacterium related to members of the family Chlamydiaceae. Notably, the roe deer strain formed a separate entity different from the currently recognized chlamydial species, with C. trachomatis, C. suis and C. muridarum appearing as its closest relatives.

Slipping through the Cracks: Linking Low Immune Function and Intestinal Bacterial Imbalance to the Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are considered to be caused by the host immune system which attacks and destroys its own tissue by mistake. A widely accepted hypothesis to explain the pathogenic mechanism of ADs is “molecular mimicry,” which states that antibodies against an infectious agent cross-react with a self-antigen sharing an identical or similar antigenic epitope. However, this hypothesis was most likely established based on misleading antibody assay data largely influenced by intense false positive reactions involved in immunoassay systems. Thus reinvestigation of this hypothesis using an appropriate blocking agent capable of eliminating all types of nonspecific reactions and proper assay design is strongly encouraged. In this review, we discuss the possibility that low immune function may be the fundamental, common defect in ADs, which increases the susceptibility to potential disease causative pathogens located in the gastrointestinal tract (GI), such as bacteria and their components or dietary components. In addition to these exogenous agents, aberrations in the host's physical condition may disrupt the host defense system, which is tightly orchestrated by “immune function,” “mucosal barrier function,” and “intestinal bacterial balance.” These disturbances may initiate a downward spiral, which can lead to chronic health problems that will evolve to an autoimmune disorder.

Preventing intense false positive and negative reactions attributed to the principle of ELISA to re-investigate antibody studies in autoimmune diseases

To study the possible involvement of potential environmental pathogens in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, it is essential to investigate antibody responses to a variety of environmental agents and autologous components. However, none of the conventional ELISA buffers can prevent the false positive and negative reactions attributed to its principal, which utilizes the high binding affinity of proteins to plastic surfaces. The aims of this study are to reveal all types of non-specific reactions associated with conventional buffer systems, and to re-investigate antibody responses to potential environmental pathogenic and autologous antigens in patients with autoimmune diseases using a newly developed buffer system “ChonBlock™” by ELISA.Compared to conventional buffers, the new buffer was highly effective in reducing the most intense false positive reaction caused by hydrophobic binding of immunoglobulin in sample specimens to plastic surfaces, “background (BG) noise reaction”, and other non-specific reactions without interfering with antigen–antibody reactions. Applying this buffer, we found that IgG antibody responses to Escherichia coli O111:B4, E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan polysaccharide (PG-PS) were significantly lower or tended to be lower in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whereas IgA antibody responses to these antigens were equal or tended to be higher compared to normal controls. As a consequence, the IgA/IgG antibody ratios against these agents were significantly higher in patients with RA and SLE, except for Crohn's disease, which showed significantly higher IgG responses to these antigens.To assay antibodies in human sera, it is indispensable to eliminate false positive and negative reactions by using an appropriate buffer system, and to include antigen non-coated blank wells to determine BG noise reactions of invidual samples. Finally, based on our preliminary analysis in this study, we propose that low IgG antibody responses to potential pathogenic environmental factors may be the fundamental disorder in autoimmune diseases.

Effect of Triclosan on the Renal Cortex of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Ellagic Acid: Histological and Biochemical Study

Background: Triclosan (TCS) is widely used broad spectrum bactericide. Ellagic acid (EA) has radical scavenging properties. Aim of the work: to assess the structure of the renal cortex after TCS administration and to determine the possible protective role of EA. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups; control group, TCS treated group: TCS was administered 200 mg/kg, once daily for six week, by oral gavages. TCS-EA treated group: received in the same doses of TCS and EA (30 mg/kg) for six weeks. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Sc) and uric acids (UA) were measured. Renal cortex samples were processed for light and electron microscope examination. Results: Examination of TCS treated group revealed increased glomerular cellularity in some corpuscles. Podocytes showed effacement of the foot processes and focal thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. Some tubules showed marked cellular disorganization. Disoriented basal mitochondria, areas of rarified cytoplasm and electron-dense bodies were noticed. Intense positive caspase-3 reaction was expressed in the tubular cells. TCS-EA showed improvement of morphological organization of renal cortex glomeruli, proximal and distal tubules with moderately expressed caspase-3 in renal tubules Statistical analysis showed significant increase of BUN, SC and BUN in TCS treated group in comparison with the control group.Their levels in TCS-EA treated group showed a significant decrease in comparison with TCS treated group Conclusion: In conclusion, TCS leads to alterations in the histological structure and functions of renal cortex of albino rats and EA supplementation could protect from these changes.

Anatomical studies on shell gland in adult indigenous chicken (Gallus domestics) of Assam

This study was conducted to reveal the gross and histomorphological structures of shell gland in indigenous chicken of Assam. The mucosa of shell gland showed many leaf shaped folds which were mainly primary and secondary types and was lined by pseudo stratified ciliated columnar epithelium. The lamina propria-submucosaconsisted of branched tubular glands with pyramidal shaped cells with diffusely granular and vacuolated cytoplasm. It contained large amount of reticularfibers mainly towards the centre of the folds and somewhat less amount of collagen and elastic fibres. The lining epithelium showed intense PAS positive reaction while strongly in lamina-propria and at tunica muscularis.

Histopathological and histochemical studies on naturally occurring coccidial infections in caprines of Marathwada region

The histopathological and histochemical studies of intestines of goats affected with various species of Eimeria were conducted. Goats revealed acute to chronic enteritis evidenced by minimal to mild desquamation, disruption and exfoliation of glandular epithelial cells with bluntness of villi, exudation at the tip of villus, mild to moderate infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells, plasma cells, eosinophills and macrophages. In addition, there was hypertrophy and hyperplasia of epithelium of villi with goblet cell hyperplasia. The mature macrogamete contained a large number of eosinophilic granules, whereas, the microgametes showed presence of whorls formed by granules within them. The tissue sections stained with PAS revealed moderate positivity for presence of glycogen specially within the epithelial cells of villi wherein the schizont lodgement was marked. The tissue sections exposed to PAS Alcian blue staining revealed mild to intense positive reaction for mucin specially at the places in villus having the lodgment of gametocytes, whereas, the reaction at other portion of small intestines without invasion of endogenous stages, appeared to be comparatively less positive.

Biological Significance of the Overexpression of HSP70 and Alpha B-Crystallin in Rat Substantia Nigra Exposed to Different Doses of Permethrin

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of the Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) and Alpha B-crystallin (αBC) in the substantia nigra of rats exposed to permethrin at different doses on the apoptotic cell status. The orogastric gavage method was used to administer the different doses of permethrin (75 mg kg-1 in Group I, 150 mg kg-1 in group II, 300 mg kg-1 in group III) to the rats. Using the Western blot test, all the permethrin-treated groups showed a dose-dependent increase in the expression of HSP70 and αBC when compared to the control group. TUNEL positive apoptotic cells were not detected in the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra after treatment with permethrin; however, upon immunofluorescent staining, intense positive reactions for HSP70 and αBC were observed in all of the treated groups. No immunopositive cells were detected in the tissue sections of the control group. These results suggest that the different administered doses of permethrin did not cause apoptotic cell death in the substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons; however, they did induce an increase in HSP70 and αBC expression. Thus, it appears that HSP70 and αBC could play a neuroprotective role in permethrin-induced neurotoxicity.

Cloning and characterization of a cathepsin L-like cysteine protease from Taenia pisiformis

Rabbit cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of Taenia pisiformis, is a serious parasitic disease of rabbits. It was reported that some cysteine peptidases have potential roles in the pathogenesis of various parasitic infections. To investigate the biochemical characteristics and roles in the pathogenesis/host-invasion of cysteine peptidases, a cDNA sequence encoding for a cathepsin L-like cysteine protease (TpCP) was cloned and identified from the T. pisiformis metacestodes. This sequence was 1220bp in its length, which included a 1017bp open reading frame encoding a 339 amino acid peptide. Multiple sequence alignments revealed a 28.9–88.5% similarity with cathepsin L-like cysteine proteases from other helminth parasites and mammals. The recombinant TpCP expressed in Escherichia coli did not show the proteolytic activity by zymography gel assay. However, the TpCP expressed in Pichia pastoris had typical biochemical activities that could hydrolyze rabbit immunoglobulin G, bovine serum albumin and fibronectin. Substrate studies indicated pronounced cleavage of Z-Phe-Arg-AMC. This activity was sensitive to cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 and immunohistochemistry results also indicated that TpCP was distributed as an intense positive reaction in the bladder wall. Our results gave us insights into future studies of TpCP's roles in the infection.

Sudden Infant Death in an 8-Month-Old Baby With Dengue Virus Infection

Sudden infant death due to dengue virus infection is very rare. An 8-month-old male infant was found unresponsive during a nap in his nursery school. We emphasize the usefulness of dengue viral antigens as a postmortem diagnostic technique to demonstrate the presence of virus in human tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.