Intracellular Edema Research Articles

Dynamic features of brain edema in rat models of traumatic brain injury.

We explored the dynamic features of brain edema after traumatic brain injury (TBI) using healthy adult male Wistar rats. After inducing moderate brain injuries in the rats, we divided them randomly among seven groups on the basis of the time elapsed between TBI and examination: 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h. All rats were scanned using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to observe tissue changes in the contusion penumbra (CP) after TBI. Immunoglobulin G expression was also detected. At 1 h after TBI, there was an annular light-colored region in the CP where the intercellular space was enlarged, suggesting vasogenic edema. At 6 h, the cells expanded, their nuclei shrank, and the cytoplasm was replaced by vacuoles, indicating intracellular edema. Vasogenic edema and intracellular edema increased 12 h after TBI, but decreased 24 h after TBI, with vasogenic edema increasing 48 h after TBI. By 72 h after TBI, intracellular edema dominated until resolution of all edema by 168 h after TBI. DWI indicated that the relative apparent diffusion coefficient increased markedly at 1 h after TBI, but was reduced at 6 and 12 h after TBI. At 48 h, relative apparent diffusion coefficient increased gradually and then declined at 72 h. In rats, TBI-related changes include dynamic variations in intracellular and vasogenic edema severity. Routine MRI and DWI examinations do not distinguish between the center of trauma and CP; however, the apparent diffusion coefficient diagram can portray variations in CP edema type and degree at different time-points following TBI.

Optical coherence tomography findings in a case of cilioretinal artery occlusion reversal, treated with mannitol and carbogen administration

To present spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings during treatment in a case of acute isolated cilioretinal artery occlusion (CLRAO) reversed with intravenous systemic administration of mannitol and carbogen inhalation. Close monitoring with OCT thickness topographic map and cross section scans, every 12 hours, during treatment and till complete reversal of retinal nerve fiber layer edema. Fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (FFA) were used to illustrate occlusion and recanalization. After 72 hours of therapy, visual acuity improved from counting fingers (CF) to 7/10, Snellen’s chart. Consecutively OCT scans showed that the initial macular edema was gradually restored to typical 72 hours of treatment initiation. FFA performed after treatment confirmed recanalization of the cilioretinal artery. Early intervention with the combined intravenous administration of mannitol and carbogen inhalation can reverse acute onset loss of vision due to CLRAO. The reflectivity of retinal layers differs significantly regarding stages of acute CLRAO. In our case report increased reflectivity of the innermost layers of the retina was illustrated and a corresponding reduction in the outer retina and the retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris layers. Macular thickness follow-up data recorded the course of intracellular edema to normal.

Choline Alphoscerat (Gliatilin) in the pathogenetic therapy of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s type dementia) (BA) is a primary progressive neurodegenerative disease of the brain with characteristic clinical and pathological features, individual characteristics of the course and severity of symptoms, as well as multiple converging etiopathogenetic mechanisms. Te most successfully developed at the present time are compensatory (replacement) therapy aimed at overcoming the neurotransmitter defciency in various neuronal systems, which are more or less affected by the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Choline alfoscerat (Gliatilin) is a cholinomimetic of central action with a predominant effect on the central nervous system. In the process of metabolism, the molecule of Gliatilin (choline alphoscerate) undergoes cleavage into choline (40.5%) and glycerophosphate. Te resulting choline stimulates the synthesis of acetylcholine, which improves the transmission of nerve impulses in cholinergic neurons, and glycerophosphate stimulates the appearance of phosphatidylcholine, which restores the phospholipid composition of neuronal membranes, improving their plasticity. Glitatylin (choline alfoscerate) has a stimulating effect on cognitive functions and improves memory and attention, leads to the correction of psycho-emotional disorders. Glitatilin (choline alphosceratus) positively increases in cerebral blood flow, accelerates metabolism and activates structure brain reticular formation. Te effect on glia is expressed in suppressing the activation of inflammation, reducing intracellular edema and reducing microvascular permeability. Choline alfostserat (Gliatilin) can be recommended for use in patients with asthma as monotherapy, and about complex treatment.

Hypoglycemic encephalopathy mimicking acute ischemic stroke in clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging: a case report

BackgroundThe imaging findings of hypoglycemic encephalopathy can be considerably similar to those of ischemic infarction or toxic leukoencephalopathy. We demonstrated unusual magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of hypoglycemic encephalopathy which can be confused with other pathology both on imaging and acute clinical presentation. The diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) map findings in our case further supports the hypothesis of hypoglycemia-induced “excitotoxic injury” of glial cells and myelin sheath that might protect neuron axons from intracellular edema and irreversible damage.Case presentationA 72-year-old woman presented with poor appetite and was initially drowsy at home; the symptoms progressed to loss of consciousness accompanied by mild incontinence. The initial glucose level was 44 mg/dL, but no nausea, vomiting, fever, or cold sweating was reported. Physical examination after intravenous glucose supplementation revealed the absence of focal neurological signs, facial palsy, and tongue or eye deviations. The images obtained 24 h after symptoms onset revealed symmetrical hyperintensities on DWI (b-value: 1000) associated with hypointensities on ADC map along the corticospinal tract, from the levels of the cerebral peduncle and the posterior limbs of the internal capsule to the level of the corona radiata, which may mimic the imaging findings of acute ischemic infarction or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The patient received sliding-scale insulin therapy and rehabilitation, and she recovered consciousness without motor function deficits after 1 month. Moreover, repeat DWI and ADC map showed the complete disappearance of the lesions.ConclusionsIn the phenomenon of excitotoxic injury, axons could be protected from intracellular edema and irreversible damage, which may explain the reversible clinical symptoms and imaging abnormality after controlling for blood glucose because of the preserved motor axon. The diagnosis of acute symptomatic hypoglycemic encephalopathy through clinical and imaging features can be challenging. It is crucial to differentiate it from ischemic encephalopathy since the management and clinical outcome are different.

Pineal gland calcification under hypoxic conditions

The pineal gland (glandula pinealis) is neuroendocrine gland located at the epithalamus of the brain secreting melatonin. The aim of this study was to explore effects of prenatal hypoxia in rats at the age of 33 weeks on the occurrence of pineal gland calcification. Distribution and chemical composition of calcerous material by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy was investigated. Melatonin concentrations in blood plasma by direct radioimmunoassay were measured. Rats were exposed to prenatal hypoxia for 12 h at day 20 of development and second group to prenatal hypoxia for 2x8 h at days 19 and 20 of development. Vacuoles of intracellular edema in the pineal samples after 12 h hypoxia were found. Their size ranges up to 30 µm. Some of them were filled with the flocculent and fibrous material. Samples of pineal glands after 2 x 8 h hypoxia revealed the pericellular edema of pinealocytes. The amount of calcium rich particles in 2 x 8 h hypoxia group was lower than in 12 h hypoxia group. Plasma melatonin levels did not differ between control and both hypoxia groups. We concluded that calcification is a process induced by osteoblasts and osteocytes with melatonin as a promotor and it is favored under hypoxic conditions.

Characterization of Initial Stages of Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose: This study is aimed at characterizing the type of retinal edema in the initial stages of retinopathy in type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) layer by layer analysis of the retina in association with OCT-Leakage, an algorithm to detect sites of low optical reflectivity, were used to examine eyes with minimal, mild, and moderate diabetic retinopathy (DR). Results: A total of 142 eyes from 142 patients (28% women) aged 52–88 years were imaged. Macular edema, either subclinical (SCME) or central-involved macular edema (CIME), was present in 43% of eyes in group 10–20, 41% of eyes in group 35, and 38% of eyes in group 43–47. The inner nuclear layer (INL) was the layer showing higher and most frequent increases in retinal thickness (79%). The edema was predominantly intracellular in group 10–20 (65%) and extracellular in groups 35 (77%) and 43–47 (69%). Conclusions: Eyes from diabetic patients in the initial stages of DR with different Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study gradings show similar prevalence of SCME and CIME, independent of the severity of the retinopathy. Retinal edema is located mainly in the INL and appears to be mostly extracellular except in the earliest stages of diabetic retinal disease where intracellular edema predominates.

ИНСТРУМЕНТАЛЬНЫЕ И МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ КРИТЕРИИ ДИАГНОСТИКИ ОПОЯСЫВАЮЩЕГО ГЕРПЕСА

Objective: To assess the instrumental and morphological diagnosis of herpes zoster (HZ). Methods: Instrumental and morphological diagnostics of HZ carried out in 40 patients. The spectra recorded on a standard two-beam IR spectrometer in the frequency range 4000-400 cm-1. Evaluate the results of pathomorphological studies, a computer-aided analysis system for microscopic images, consisting of a light-optical microscope used. Microscopic samples studied under the microscope Olympus CX21 at different magnifications with the Digital Microscope Camera MC-DO 48U (E). Results: Analysis of infrared spectra of blood plasma in HZ patients showed that when IR spectroscopic examination of blood of patients with different forms of HZ observed. A more significant shift of Vmax to the low-frequency region of the band 665 cm-1 observed a significant change in the IR absorption bands lying in the region frequencies of 1800-1200 cm-1, and very weak IR bands with Vmax 1450, 1300 and 1225 cm-1 completely smoothed out. Morphological examination of patients with different forms of HZ in the germ layer of the epidermis determines the phenomena of spongiosis and ballooning (vacuolar) dystrophy, caused by a sharp intracellular oedema and changes in the nuclei. Conclusion: The results of the research showed that both instrumental and morphological diagnostic methods for HZ are technically simple in execution, informative, economic and allow diagnosing all clinical forms of dermatosis in a short time. Keywords: Herpes zoster, instrumental and morphological diagnostics, IR spectrometry.

PATHOGENETIC MECHANISMS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE SKIN OF RATS IN THE MODELLING OF A THERMAL BURN

Aim. The study was designed to perform a complex examination of the dynamics of the activity of protease inhibitor system along with the morphological study of cell and tissue components of the skin regeneration in the modelling of the 2nd degree thermal burn in rats.Materials and methods. The studies were conducted on 40 mature male Wistar rats. We determined the trypsin-like, elastase-like, antitrypsin activity and acid-stable inhibitors of proteinases in supernatants of homogenates of the skin of rats after the modelling of a burn injury by the enzymatic methods. The wound healing process was evaluated based on the macroscopic, histological examination with the general staining by hematoxylin and eosin, van Gieson’s picrofuchsin, and transmission electron microscopy.Results. The complex analysis of the skin regeneration revealed the role of the enzymatic reactions and the inflammatory microenvironment in the development of pathogenetic and morphological tissue changes in the dynamics of wound healing. The homeostasis of proteinase-inhibitory system was accompanied by both local and systemic disorders. The nonspecific proteinases occupied the key positions among the mediators of the biochemical alteration. The dynamics of changes was characterized by a powerful proteolysis with a progressive depletion of the inhibitory potential, which caused the development of a secondary-alterative process. The launch of the cascade of the inflammatory responses led to the disruption of the microcirculation and the damage of the blood-tissue barriers, the proteolytic destruction of the connective fibers, the formation of an edema and the disruption of the regenerative capacity of a damaged tissue. Morphological destructive changes in the skin remained up to 7-14 days, a decreased regenerative ability of the skin was manifested by a violation of the proliferation and differentiation of the epidermis. According to the electron microscopy, the phenomenon of tissue and intracellular edema, lesions of the microcirculatory bed, leukocyte-macrophage infiltration persisted up to 14 days of the experiment. The disruptions of the structure of the intercellular contacts between epidermocytes, macrophages in the dermis and many newly formed collagen fibers were still noticeable by the 14th day. Conclusion. The results of the study showed the progressive development of the destructive reactions after the modelling of 2nd degree thermal burn. There was an increase in the level of proteolytic activity on the background of depletion of the inhibitory potential. There was the persistence of the alterative changes in the skin up to 7-14 days and the complication of the reparative processes with suppuration, impaired proliferation and differentiation of the epidermis. The performed investigation is important for the determination of further ways of pathogenetic correction.

A swine model of intracellular cerebral edema – Cerebral physiology and intracranial compliance

Cerebral edema leading to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a fundamental concern after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and severe acute hyponatremia. We describe a swine model of water intoxication and its cerebral histological and physiological sequela. We studied female swine weighing 35–45 kg. Four serum sodium intervals were designated: baseline, mild, moderate, and severe hyponatremia attained by infusing hypotonic saline. Intracranial fluid injections were performed to assess intracranial compliance. At baseline and following water intoxication wedge biopsy was obtained for pathological examination and electron microscopy. We studied 8 swine and found an increase in ICP that was strongly related to the decrease in serum sodium level. Mean ICP rose from a baseline of 6 ± 2 to 28 ± 6 mm Hg during severe hyponatremia, while cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) decreased from 72 ± 10 to 46 ± 11 mm Hg. Brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2) decreased from 18.4 ± 8.9 to 5.3 ± 3.0 mm Hg. Electron microscopy demonstrated intracellular edema and astrocytic foot process swelling following water intoxication. With severe hyponatremia, 2 cc intracranial fluid injection resulted in progressively greater ICP dose, indicating a worsening intracranial compliance. Our model leads to graded and sustained elevation of ICP, lower CPP, and decreased PbtO2, all of which cross clinically relevant thresholds. Intracranial compliance worsens with increased cerebral swelling. This model may serve as a platform to study which therapeutic interventions best improve the cerebral physiological profile in the face of severe brain edema.

Multiple Buccal Lesions Treated with Cryosurgery

Liquid nitrogen, obtained by the distillation of liquid air, is used in cryogenics since it condenses to −196°C at atmospheric pressure. Cryosurgery is based on the osmotic pressure difference, during the freezing and thawing cycles with liquid nitrogen, leading to intracellular edema, with the consequent rupture of the cell membrane, leading to apoptosis. The technique is simple, easy to perform, dispensing with the use of anesthetics, and with excellent aesthetic result. The technique involves the use of a cryotherapy probe, and several cycles of freezing and thawing are performed. The patients are re-evaluated after 15 days; if necessary, other sessions may be required. In these cases, the average was obtained from 3 sessions, with 4 to 5 cycles per consultation. Extensive lesions may require prolonged treatment for a few months. We will show some lesions treated with cryosurgery such as ranula, mucocele, hemangiomas, pyogenic granuloma, and varicosities, among others.

Modulatory Effect of Mushroom Extract on 7, 12-Dimethyle Anthracene (DMBA)-Induced Lip Cancer in Albino Rats

Background: Oral cancer constitutes approximately 25% of all cancer types. 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) has been widely used as an active chemical inducer for mammary carcinogenesis. COX-2 enzyme is frequently found in certain types of cancer, including colon, lung, breast, pancreas, head, and neck cancers and is usually associated with poor prognosis and short survival. Mushrooms contain polysaccharides that are thought to inhibit tumor growth and viral infection by stimulating immune cells. Objective: The present work aimed to investigate the effect of mushroom extract on DMBA-induced lip carcinogenesis in albino rats and correlate the results with COX-2 tissue expression.Materials and methods: Thirty-six adult female albino ratswere divided into three groups as follows (twelve rats each); Group 1: (–ve control group in which each rat was given 1 ml sesame oil via gastric gavage as a single weekly dose for 6 weeks). Group 2: DMBA (+ve control group in which each rat was given DMBA emulsion via gastric gavage as a single weekly dose for 6 weeks). Group 3: DMBA+M (Experimental group in which each rat was given DMBA emulsion for 3 weeks and was co-administered with mushroom extract (dissolved in distilled water) for the following 3 weeks via gastric gavage. Lip specimens were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemically prepared for COX-2 expression. The area fraction expressed by COX-2 was calculated histomorphometrically. The data was expressed statistically as mean ± standard deviation (S.D.).Results: Both mucous membrane and skin side of Group 2 specimens showed signs of basement membrane rupture as well as hyperchromatic, pleomorphic and dysplastic epithelial cells. Connective tissue showed invasionwith dysplastic epithelial cells, dilated and congested blood vessels with many inflammatory cells. However, the mucous membrane side Group 3 exhibited almost intact basement membrane and only few hyperchromatic epithelial cells. The connective tissue displayed less inflammatory cell infiltration with almost absent invasion while, skin side of Group 3 presented some epithelial areas with intracellular edema but apparently minimal invasion of epithelial cells in the dermal connective tissue.The immunoexpression pattern of COX-2 in both mucous membrane and skin side of Group 2 was clear and strongly positive in epithelial and connective tissue cells. However, Group 3 showed down regulated expression of COX-2.Statistical results presented a significantly reduced expression of COX-2 in Group 1 followed by Group 3, while the highest expression was shown in Group 2.Conclusion: Mushroom extract is a possible natural source that may limit the carcinogenic effect of a known carcinogenic agent by suppressingits inflammatory reaction and invasive power.

INHIBITORY EFFECTS ON TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA AND INTERLEUKIN 12 USING CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE LOADED TEA TREE OIL NANOEMULSION GEL ON ANIMAL MODEL

Objective: The main objective of our study is to explore anti-inflammatory activity at its molecular level like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 12 (IL-12) expression, and histopathological study.Methods: As per solubility/miscibility of clobetasol propionate (CP) with tea tree oil (TTO), surfactant and cosurfactant (Smix), and water in a ratio of oil:Smix:water (15:35:50) taken in milliliter for the preparation of nanoemulsion. Induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) with dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was used for the study. TNF-α and interleukin 12 (IL-12) were estimated with rabbit antimouse TNF-α and rat antimouse IL-12 antibodies in 1% of bovine serum albumin in phosphate buffer.Results: Topical application of CP loaded nanoemulsion gel inhibits ear inflammation and erythema in DNFB-induced ACD in mice and significantly reduces the intracellular edema and infiltration with inflammatory mediator cells involving of mononuclear cells and neutrophils. CP loaded nanoemulsion gel reduces expression of protein level of TNF-α and IL-12.Conclusion: CP loaded nanoemulsion gel confirmed that anti-inflammatory effects showed more rapidly than the placebo and marketed gel preparation. However, the animals treated with placebo nanoemulsion gel showed a somehow comparable reduction of their inflammation during treatment compared with the marketed gel. This effect may be due to anti-inflammatory effect of TTO. This result suggested that anti-inflammatory activity of placebo nanoemulsion gel may be due to TTO present in nanoemulsion as vehicle.

Region-specific ischemia, neovascularization and macular oedema in treatment-naïve proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Region-specific pathology in proliferative diabetic retinopathy enhances our understanding and management of this disease. To investigate non-perfusion, neovascularization and macular oedema. A cross-sectional, observational, non-randomized study. Consecutive 43 eyes of 27 treatment-naïve patients. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography for studying specific zones, that is, far-peripheral zone, mid-peripheral zone and central retina (cr), and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography for analysing thickness of macular layers. Non-perfusion index (NPI) and neovascularization index (NVI) in different zones, thickness of cr, retinal nerve fibre layer, ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner nuclear layer (INL) and outer plexiform layer in parafoveal regions. The NPI of far-periphery and NVI of mid-periphery were the highest by one-way analysis of variance testing. Ischemic retina defined as high NPI in far-periphery was significantly related to macular oedema via a binary classification approach (P < 0.05). The ischemic retina was correlated with a decreased thickness of both retinal nerve fibre and GCL (P < 0.05); macular oedema was correlated with increased INL thickness (P < 0.0001). The region-specific correlation of NPI of far-periphery and NVI of mid-periphery, but not with central retinal thickness, suggests different pathogeneses of neovascularization and macular oedema. Retinal nerve fibre layer and GCL, both biomarkers of diabetic retinal neuronopathy, are associated with retinal ischemia, but not with macular oedema, suggesting that diabetic microangiopathy and neuronopathy possess distinct pathogenic pathways. The strong correlation between macular oedema and INL indicates that intracellular oedema is a determining factor of diabetic macular oedema.

Subchronic methionine load induces oxidative stress and provokes biochemical and histological changes in the rat liver tissue.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of L-cysteine (Cys) (7mg/kg) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) (50mg/kg) in the rat liver caused by subchronic i.p. application of methionine (Met) (0.8mmol/kg) during 21days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, glutathione content (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activities were determined in the liver tissue and activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT) and concentrations of total proteins and albumin were determinated in plasma/serum. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, and acetylcholinesterase activities were increased by Cys and NAC. Met caused periportal mononuclear infiltration and rare focal necrosis of hepatocytes. In Cys- and NAC-supplemented groups, intracellular edema and microvesicular fatty changes without necrosis were noticed. We observed decrease of AST, ALT, and ALP activity in the methionine-treated group. Our results indicate that Cys and NAC application can increase activity of antioxidative enzymes and prevent intensive histological changes in liver in condition of subchronic methionine exposure.

Distinct magnetic resonance imaging features in a patient with novel RARS2 mutations: A case report and review of the literature

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 6 (PCH6) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that occurs due to mutations in the mitochondrial arginyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (RARS2) gene. To the best of our knowledge, 23 cases with relatively complete clinical data have been reported thus far. In the present study, a case with PCH6 caused by novel RARS2 mutations is described, in which distinct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features were identified. In addition, 23 PCH6 cases found in the literature were reviewed. Early onset hypotonia (43.48%), epileptic seizures (34.78%), encephalopathy (26.08%) and feeding difficulties (17.39%) were common initial symptoms of PCH6. During disease progression, the patients presented refractory epileptic seizures (94.12%), feeding problems (60.87%), severe developmental delay (100%), microcephaly (88.89%) and hyperlactacidemia (76.47%). The clinical features of the present patient were suggestive of PCH6, with early onset epilepsy, feeding difficulties, severe developmental delay, microcephaly, hearing loss and hyperlactacidemia. According to available MRI data from 20 reported cases with PCH6, the characteristic finding in MRI was pontocerebellar dysplasia or progressive cerebral/pontocerebellar atrophy in 16 cases, while 4 cases did not present pontocerebellar hypoplasia, and no basal ganglia involvement was observed in any of the cases. Distinctive MRI features were also identified in the present case, including pontocerebellar preservation after 1 year of age, as well as a high diffusion-weighted imaging signal suggesting intracellular edema in the cerebellar hemispheres, basal ganglia, thalamus and corpus callosum. Progressive loss of cerebral white matter and cortical volume were common features shared by all patients. In conclusion, in the present study, two novel heterozygous mutations were identified in RARS2, namely c.1718C>T(p.Thr573Ile) and c.991A>G (p.Ile331Val). Thus, the present case enriched the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of the RARS2 mutations.

Reflectance confocal microscopy characteristics of childhood hypopigmented lichen striatus

Objective To investigate reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) characteristics of childhood hypopigmented lichen striatus. Methods RCM was performed to image skin lesions and perilesional normal skin in 11 children with hypopigmented lichen striatus. Then, confocal microscopic findings of the skin lesions were compared with pathological findings. Results Histopathological examination of the skin lesions showed mild intercellular and intracellular edema, thickening of prickle cell layer to different extent, local liquefaction degeneration of basal cells, and perivascular infiltration of plenty of lymphocytes and a few melanophages in the superficial dermis. RCM horizontal images showed multifocal liquefaction degeneration of basal cells, which caused indistinct dermo-epidermal junction, incomplete or unclear dermal papillary rings, infiltration of many highly refractive melanophages and slightly to moderately refractive inflammatory cells in papillary and superficial dermis. Conclusion RCM characteristics can serve as strong evidences for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of childhood hypopigmented lichen striatus. Key words: Hypopigmentation; Microscopy, confocal; Pathologic processes; Lichen striatus albus

Влияние новых производных триазола на водно-электролитный баланс мозга бодрствующего кролика при моделировании действия общей широкополосной вибрации

В хронических экспериментах на бодрствующих кроликах с вживленными в кору больших полушарий, таламус и гипоталамус игольчатыми платиновыми электродами методом электроимпедансометрии установлено, что при моделировании общей широкополосной вибрации возникают нарушения водно-электролитного баланса в виде внеклеточного и, в меньшей мере, внутриклеточного отёка. Новые производные триазола АПК-38, ЮПК-2 и тиометризол, а также препарат сравнения тиотриазолин в дозе 25 мг/кг внутривенно однократно оказывают преимущественно цитопротекторный эффект и, следовательно, устраняют в большей степени внутриклеточный отёк. Их противоотёчная активность высокая, существенно не отличается от препарата сравнения тиотриазолина, и наиболее равномерная в коре больших полушарий, таламусе и гипоталамусе у тиометризола.

Role of Different Doses of Vitamin E in Protection Against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Damage in Adult Male Albino Rat: A Light and Electron Microscopic Study

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common diseases in the world. It is essential to find an efficient natural protective agent against the myocardial damage.Aim: To determine the protective role of different doses of vitamin E against isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage.Material and Methods: Fifty adult male albino rats were divided into four main groups: Control group (I), vitamin E-treated group (II) equally divided into 2 subgroups; subgroup (IIa) received Vit E (50mg/kg) and subgroup (IIb) received Vit E (100mg/kg) for one month, isoproterenol-treated group (III) received 3ml normal saline orally for one month and isoproterenol (150mg/kg) intraperitoneally (IP) in the last two days of that month. Vitamin E and isoproterenol-treated group (IV) equally divided into two subgroups; Subgroup (IVa) received vitamin E (50mg/kg) orally for one month and isoproterenol (150mg/kg) IP in the last two days of that month and subgroup (IVb) received vitamin E (100mg/kg) orally for one month and isoproterenol (150mg/kg) IP in the last two days of that month. Heart specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic studies.Results: Rats injected by isoproterenol developed structural changes in the myocardium in the form of fragmentation of the myofibrils, vacuolated destroyed mitochondria, dilated SER, intracellular and extracellular edema and interstitial mononuclear cellular infiltration. Animals pretreated with vitamin E at a dose of 50mg/kg before injection of isoproterenol revealed minimal protection as they showed myocardial damage similar to isoproterenol-treated group. While animals pretreated with vitamin E at a dose of 100 mg/kg before injection of isoproterenol showed minimal microscopic alterations of the myocardium with preservation of the normal structure of the cardiac myocytes.Conclusion: Vitamin E at a high dose (100mg/kg) has a protective role on myocardium against isoproterenol- induced myocardial damage.

Ultrastructural charachteristic of benign and anaplastic meningiomas

Taking into account high prevalence of meningiomas (35 %) among other intracranial tumors and variety of their histological structure, electron microscopy (EM) can provide important diagnostic information and be substantially complementary to light microscopy data and immunohistochemical studies.Objective: to study ultrastructural changes in benign and anaplastic meningiomas and to establish the main differential diagnostic ultrastructural features of meningiomas of different grades.Material and Methods: light microscopy and EM studies were conducted using 35 cases of meningioma.Results: Our EM data allow highlighting the characteristic ultrastructural changes in different subtypes of benign meningiomas. In particular, meningothelial subtype comprised of cells with homogeneous structure with light oval nuclei, with evenly arranged finely granular chromatin, well differentiated cell-cell contacts such as desmosomes. Cytoplasmic membranes of adjacent cells adhered to one another, forming small intussusceptions sometimes, which penetrated into the neighboring cells, which significantly increased the contact area of adjacent cells. Fibroblastic meningiomas were rich in modified fibroblasts, which contained bizarre nuclei of irregular shape with compact chromatin arrangement near the nuclear membrane. Also there were plenty bundles of collagen fibrils with the orderly assembled collagen fibers as well as with a chaotic arrangement. Transitional meningiomas were characterized by the combination of meningothelial like areas and areas of typical fibroblastic differentiation. EM changes were similar to meningothelial and fibrous meningiomas.Anaplastic meningiomas were characterized by increased in size or pyknotic nuclei, presence of nuclei with deep intussusceptions, a significant dilution of chromatin structure, focal disturbances of karyolemma integrity, vacuolization of intracellular membrane structures and extracellular edema, a significant reduction of cell-cell contacts.Conclusions: The ultrastructural features of benign meningiomas are reflected in the presence of desmosomes in meningothelial subtypes, a significant number of collagen fibrils in the fibroblastic subtypes, which confirms the double epithelial-mesenchymal histogenesis of these tumors. The cells of anaplastic meningiomas were characterized by marked signs of nuclear polymorphism, processes of alteration such as karyopyknosis and apoptosis, as well as a significant reduction of cell-cell contacts, which can promote recurrence and possible metastasizing.

Expression of aquaporin 4 in contused brain tissue and its relationship with brain edema

Objective To observe the expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP-4) in contused brain tissue and its relationship with brain edema following brain trauma. Methods A retrospective case control analysis was made on 42 patients with severe brain trauma admitted from January 2015 to March 2016. There were 23 males and 19 females, aged from 23 to 62 years [(35.5±5.6)years]. Glasgow coma score (GCS) was 3-5 points in 7 patients, 6-8 points in 23 and 9-10 points in 12. Brain tissue removed from the area 1 cm near the contusion during the cranial surgery were allocated to study group (n=42), while brain tissue removed far from the contusion after internal decompression were used as control (n=8). Ultrastructure of brain tissues was observed under electron microscope. Water content of brain tissue was measured by dry-wet weight method and expression of AQP-4 was measured by immunohistochemical method at postinjury hours 96. Results Morphology and structure of brain tissue in control group were normal. Whereas in study group, the intracellular and interstitial edema were obvious and morphological structure were damaged. Water content and AQP-4 expression in control group showed no obvious increase after operation(73.55±0.10, 0.193±0.016). Water content in study group increased significantly compared to control group and reached the peak value (81.28±0.56) at postinjury 24-72 hours (P<0.01). AQP-4 expression in study group increased at postinjury 6 hours (0.242±0.023) and reached a peak at postinjury 24-72 hours (0.338±0.013), with significant difference compared to control group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed change of brain water content was positively correlated with expression level of AQP-4 (r=0.931, P<0.01). Conclusion Expression of AQP-4 in the injured area of brain trauma is significantly increased along with the increase of water content, suggests that the upregulation of AQP-4 plays an important role in traumatic brain edema. Key words: Craniocerebral trauma; Brain edema; Aquaporin 4; Ultrastructure