Loose Fibrous Connective Tissue Research Articles

МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ПОЧЕК И БЕЛКОВОГО ОТДЕЛА ЯЙЦЕВОДА У ГУСЕОБРАЗНЫХ ПТИЦ

The purpose of research is to study the features of the macro- and microscopic structure of the kidneys and the protein section in Peking duck and Italian goose. The object of the study is the carcasses of adult poultry. In the studied species of birds, the presence of paired dark brown kidneys located in the renal fossae of the pelvic bone retroperitoneally is noted. The kidneys consist of cranial, middle and caudal lobes, with microscopy of which the cortical and cerebral zones are noted. The relative weight of the kidneys to body weight is 0.36 % (Peking duck) and 0.29 % (Italian goose). In the studied species of birds, the protein section represents the longest part of the oviduct, forming 5–6 bends along its entire length, making up the cranial, middle, and caudal parts. The folds have different shapes and linear indicators. The mucous membrane of the protein section is covered with multi-row ciliated epithelium with the presence of goblet, ciliated and argyrophilic cells. A well-developed muscular coat is represented by longitudinal and circular layers of smooth muscle fibers. The serous membrane is covered on the outside with a layer of mesothelial cells that lie in loose fibrous connective tissue. In relation to the wall thickness of the protein section, the mucous membrane occupies from 65.1 to 68.1 %, the muscular one – from 21.5 to 25.3 % and the outer one – from 9.6 to 10.4 %. In the folds of the mucous membrane at the base of the lamina propria there are dense collagen and thin loose elastic fibers resembling a grid structure with the presence of epithelial and glandular cells that are part of the tubular glands.

MICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE OF THE GIZZARD OF THE BUDGERIGAR (MELOPSITTACUS UNDULATUS) OF DIFFERENT AGES

The features of the histological structure and morphometric indicators of the microstructures of the gizzard (ventriculus gastris s. pars muscularis) of budgerigars of 9 age groups were determined: 1-, 3-, 7-, 14-, 21-day-old, 1-, 2-, 6-month-old and 1-year-old. It was confirmed that the wall of the gizzard consists of four membranes: mucous, submucosa, muscular and serous. The mucous membrane is formed by two layers: the lamina propria and the epithelial layer, the surface of which is covered with cuticle. The lamina propria, formed by loose fibrous connective tissue, contains densely located simple tubular weakly branched glands throughout its depth that produce keratin. The lamina propria is composed of a deep layer containing secretory departments of glands with an expanded base and a superficial layer containing villi that function as excretory ducts, along which liquid secretion moves from the depths of the secretory departments to the surface of the mucous membrane and which has the form of columns that are oxyphilically stained. The epithelial layer of the mucous membrane is represented by a single-layered single-row prismatic epithelium, the cells of which have a weakly oxyphilic cytoplasm and a basally located oval-shaped nucleus. The muscularis mucosae is not found in the composition of the mucous membrane. The submucosa formed by densely arranged bundles of mainly collagen fibers, connects the mucous and muscular membranes. The muscular membrane consists of a single layer, which is built of contractile elements of unstriated muscle tissue and thin fibers of connective tissue. Age-related features of morphometric indicators of microstructures of the budgerigar gizzard were an increase in the thickness of the cuticle, mucous and muscular membranes with age and a decrease in the depth of the glandular portions of the tubular glands. The greatest thickness of the cuticle was in parrots 6 months to 1 year old, and the greatest depth of the glands that produce it was in chicks 1-21 days old.

Morphological changes in purulent wound defect of the oral mucosa when using a non-woven polymer membrane with vancomycin (experimental study)

Currently, the problem of effective treatment of purulent wounds of the oral mucosa is relevant, scientists are improving dressing materials, creating new coatings. The study tested for the first time a non-woven polymer membrane from a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride with tetrafluoroethylene with Vancomycin, presumably which will meet the requirements of an ideal dressing material. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of a non-woven polymer membrane with Vancomycin on the regeneration of a purulent wound defect of the oral mucosa in experiment. 35 white Wistar rats were divided into three groups: first group (n = 15), in which the wound defect was left open according to the standard procedure of the wound process in the oral cavity; second group (n = 15), in which the wound defect was covered with a non-woven polymer membrane with Vancomycin; third group (served as control group), in which the rats had intact oral mucosa (n = 5). Tissue samples were collected from the area of the purulent wound on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days of the study and histological sections were prepared using a standard procedure. The indicators were calculated using the AxioVision SE64 Rel program. 4.9.1: area of loose fibrous connective tissue (%), cellular infiltration (%), granulation tissue (%).The statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests in Statistica 8.0 (StatSoft, USA) software. Differences were considered statistically significant at p 0.05. It has been established that the non-woven polymer membrane from a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride with tetrafluoroethylene with Vancomycin has a beneficial effect on the regeneration of the oral mucosa in the postoperative period and reduces scar changes in the later stages of healing.

The regulatory effect of electroacupuncture on endometrial M1-type macrophages in rats with intrauterine adhesions.

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on endometrial fibrosis and M1-type macrophages in rats with intrauterine adhesions(IUA), so as to explore the possible mechanism of EA in the treatment of IUA. Fifteen female SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group and EA group, with 5 rats in each group. The IUA rat model was established by double damage method using mechanical scraping combined with lipopolysaccharide infection. Rats in the EA group were treated with acupuncture at "Guanyuan"(CV4), and EA at bilateral "Zusanli"(ST36) and "Sanyinjiao"(SP6)for 20 minutes each time, once a day, for 3 consecutive cycles of estrus. Five rats in each group were sampled during the estrous period, and the endometrial morphology, endometrial thickness and the number of blood vessels and glands were observed after HE staining. The fibrotic area of the uterus was observed after Masson staining. The positive expressions of Runt-related transcription factor(RUNX1), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor(CTGF), α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), collagen type I(Col-Ⅰ), cluster of differentiation 86(CD86), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in endometrial tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was used to detect relative protein expressions of RUNX1, TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD86, and TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2), and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect mRNA expressions of RUNX1, TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD86, and TNF-α in the endometrium. During the estrous phase, the endometrial layer in the model group was damaged, with reduced folds, disordered arrangement of epithelial cells, loose fibrous connective tissue, significant narrowing and adhesions in the uterine cavity, interstitial congestion, edema, and a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells with sparse glands. While uterine tissue structure of the EA group was basically intact, resembling a normal uterus, with more newly formed glands and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. In comparison with the blank group, the endometrial thickness, the number of blood vessels, and the number of glands were significantly decreased(P<0.001) in the model group, while the ratio of uterine fibrosis area, the positive expressions of RUNX1, TGF-β1, CTGF, α-SMA, Col-Ⅰ, CD86, IL-1β, and TNF-α, the protein relative expressions of RUNX1, TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD86 and TNFR2, and the mRNA relative expression levels of RUNX1, TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD86 and TNF-α in the endometrium were significantly increased (P<0.001, P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the endometrial thickness, the number of blood vessels, and the number of glands were significantly increased(P<0.01, P<0.05) in the EA group, while the ratio of uterine fibrosis area, the positive expressions of RUNX1, TGF-β1, CTGF, α-SMA, Col-Ⅰ, CD86, IL-1β and TNF-α in the endometrial tissue, the protein expressions of RUNX1, TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD86 and TNFR2, and the mRNA relative expressions of RUNX1, TGF-β1, α-SMA, CD86 and TNF-α in the endometrium were significantly decreased (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). EA can improve endometrial fibrosis in IUA rats, which may be related to its function in decreasing the level of endometrial M1-type macrophages and the secretion of related inflammatory factors.

Solitary primary intraosseous xanthoma of the mandible in a 15-year-old boy: a case report

BackgroundA xanthoma is a rare bone condition consisting of a predominant collection of lipid-rich, foamy histiocytes. The central xanthoma of the jaws is a unique benign tumor.Case reportA 15-year-old Caucasian male has been presented to our department. He had radiological changes in the area of the left mandibular angle, with an area of diffuse osteolysis of 3.0 cm by 2.0 cm. Computed tomography reveals an area of diffuse osteolysis that starts from the distal root of the lower second molar and reaches the ascending process. A bone biopsy was performed, which revealed a benign proliferative process composed of histiocytic cells involving and infiltrating trabecular bone in a background of loose fibrous connective tissue devoid of any other significant inflammatory infiltrate. The size of the formation was 2.9 cm by 2.0 cm. Immunohistochemical staining for CD68 was strongly positive and negative for S-100 and CD1a. From routine blood tests, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar are within normal values, which excludes systemic metabolic disease. Subsequent to the surgical intervention, the patient underwent postoperative assessments at intervals of 14, 30, 60 days, and a year later, revealing the absence of any discernible complications during the aforementioned observation periods.ConclusionThe diagnosis of primary xanthoma of the mandible is rare and can often be confused with other histiocytic lesions. A differential diagnosis should be made with nonossifying fibroma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, as in our case. In these cases, immunohistochemistry with CD 68, S-100, and CD1a, as well as blood parameters, are crucial for the diagnosis.

Sterile inflammation, cross-presentation, autophagy and adaptive immunity in immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases

Proinflammatory extracellular and intracellular DAMPs are the dominant etiological factors of sterile inflammation in immuno-inflammatory rheumatic diseases. They are generated by systemic progressive disorganization of loose fibrous unformed connective tissue, programmed cell death and cell necrosis. Sterile inflammation is a multi-stage process which is induced by a sequence of reactions mediated by leukocytes and resident cells of the macrophage-monocyte series, aimed at cleansing the focus of inflammation from cellular and tissue detritus, followed by restoration of homeostasis of damaged tissue. An important role in this process belongs to the transendothelial migration of leukocytes to the focus of sterile inflammation and formation of cellular inflammatory infiltrate. The key feature of these events is the reactivity of PRR receptors followed by a cascade of PRR-DAMPs interactions with subsequent launch of molecular and cellular processes causing the local and/or systemic manifestations of sterile inflammation. Activation of innate immunity is the result of PRR-DAMPs interactions which launches the molecular and cellular reactions. Hence, it is possible to attribute the immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases to the category of systemic sterile autoinflammatory processes. Generalization of the pathophysiological effects of pro-inflammatory DAMPs and, accordingly, the systemic and multi-organ nature of tissue and internal organ damage in immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases is due to the wide occurrence of receptors for “danger signals”. The most important place in the development of DAMP-mediated sterile inflammation is occupied by the phenomenon of cross-presentation and autophagy. The cross-presentation causes exposition of extracellular DAMPs from internalized proteins with MHC class I molecules to autoreactive CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Autophagy provides processsing of intracellular peptide DAMPs, their loading onto MHC class II molecules with subsequent induction of adaptive immune response in CD4+T cell populations. The innate lymphoid cells (ILC) make an important contribution to these processes. The model of functional coupling and complementarity between ILCs and Th-CD4+T cells has expanded our understanding of immune regulation by extending the activity of innate and adaptive immunity to the level of maintaining tissue homeostasis, morphogenesis, repair, regeneration and inflammation. Progression of systemic sterile inflammation may be a result of PRR-DAMP interactions of tissue ILCs followed by switching of ILC/Th-CD4+T cell partners. The data presented in this review define the promising molecular and cellular targets aiming for regulation and/or inhibition of sterile inflammation in immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Morphological changes in the small intestine mesentery of cats with infectious peritonitis

The research relevance is determined by an insufficient study of morphological changes in the mesentery of cats with infectious peritonitis, even though their understanding is necessary to explain the mechanism of development of the main symptom of the disease – the effusion of fluid into the abdominal cavity. The research aims to establish gross and microscopic changes in the mesentery of the small intestine of cats with infectious peritonitis. The research employs gross and histological examination of the mesentery of the small intestine of cats at the infectious peritonitis. Slides of the mesentery were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. At dry and mixed forms of infectious peritonitis, gross and microscopic changes in the mesentery of the small intestine of cats are similar. In the mesentery grossly, small white spots were found, which protruded above the general surface and had a homogeneous appearance on the section. Microscopic changes in the mesentery of the small intestine of cats with dry and mixed forms of infectious peritonitis were also similar. When conducting histological studies, it was established that the mesothelium on the surface of the mesentery was necrotized or absent. The submesothelial layer of collagen fibres was necrotized or contained partially lysed and fragmented fibres. The loose fibrous connective tissue of the mesentery was swollen, necrotized in places, and infiltrated by lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were detected in the cytoplasm of some monocytes and macrophages. Foci of adipose tissue in the mesentery of the small intestine were infiltrated by lymphocytes and monocytes. Necrosis and destruction of their walls were found in blood vessels and destruction of endothelial cells in lymphatic vessels. Perivascular lymphoid nodules were markedly enlarged due to their swelling and an increase in the number of cells in them. In perivascular lymphoid nodules, expansion of lymphatic vessels and destruction of part of their endothelium cells were also established. Some of the lymphatic vessels of the mesentery were expanded and filled with lymph, which contained a significant number of lymphocytes, monocytes, and single neutrophils. The materials presented in the article are of practical value for anatomists, histologists and pathomorphologists, as well as for scientists who study the pathogenesis of infectious peritonitis in cats

Hepatic arteriovenous malformation in a calf

A case of hepatic arteriovenous malformation is described in a calf that presented with a marked increase in abdominal volume and died 12 h after birth. At necropsy, the calf had marked abdominal distension and haemoperitoneum. The left hepatic lobe was reduced in size and covered by slightly whitish and intensely vascularized membranous tissue. At the edge of the left lobe there were cystic structures filled with translucent fluid. On cut surface, there were multiple cavitations well delimited by whitish walls and multiple dilated blood vessels that communicated with the cavitations. Histopathology revealed an increase in the number of vascular structures of variable calibre within loose fibrous connective tissue. The diagnosis of hepatic arteriovenous malformation was based on the lesions and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Hepatic arteriovenous malformations are rare in all species, have not been described in cattle and should be included as a cause of mortality in neonates with post-partum haemoperitoneum.

Adaptation peculiarities of the liver structure in some representatives of the order Lagoriform

The work is devoted to the study of the adaptive features of the histological structure of the liver of some representatives of the hare order. The material for the study was organocomplexes from clinically healthy productive rabbits, decorative rabbits and white hare. Research work was carried out at the Department of Anatomy and Physiology of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education of the State Agrarian University of the Northern Trans-Urals. Conducted morphometric studies and selected material for morphological and histological studies. The liver of the studied species of the order Lagomorphs has a convex parietal and slightly concave visceral surface. The right and left lobes of the liver are divided into lateral and medial parts. In a productive rabbit and a decorative rabbit, the lateral right lobe is shorter than the lateral left lobe, and in the white hare, both of these are short. The square share of all is an elongated quadrangular shape. Caudate and mastoid processes are small. The gallbladder lies between the right lateral and right medial lobes and does not extend beyond the ventral edge of the liver. Histological studies were carried out according to generally accepted methods. In all species of the order of lagomorphs, formed triads were observed located on the border between the lobules. Hepatocytes form hepatic laminae. Trabeculae and loose fibrous connective tissue are not expressed. Analyzing the obtained histological data, we can say that the adaptive features will include: in rabbits bred under industrial conditions - an increased area of hepatocytes (376.29±22.95 µm2) and nuclei (52.44±4.51 µm2), a decrease in NCR 0.16±0.007; in ornamental rabbits - a decrease in the area of hepatocytes (38.32±1.77 µm2) and nuclei (7.06±0.59 µm2), but the average value of the Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Ratio is 0.42±0.01; in the hare - the average values of the area of hepatocytes (260.79±15.88 µm2) and nuclei (41.58±1.32 µm2), NCR 0.4±0.01. These features indicate significant differences in the nutrition and maintenance of these animals, as well as various adaptation processes.

Морфологические особенности регенерации слизистой оболочки полости рта при применении полимерных пьезоэлектрических мембран

Wound defects of the oral mucosa are a common pathology the treatment of which often involves synthetic membranes. Development of varieties of such membranes is an ongoing process. This study aimed to register morphological features of the oral mucosa regeneration process in the presence of one of the varieties, the polymer piezoelectric membranes. The study involved 45 Wistar rats divided into 3 groups: 1) animals with an open wound defect; 2) animals with a wound defect covered with a copper-coated polymer membrane; 3) intact animals. The samples for morphometric study were collected on the 3rd, 7th and 12th days. On the 3rd day, rats of group 1 had the specific area of granulation tissue 1.4 times greater than that in group 2 (p = 0.033). In group 1 rats, endotheliocytes expressed more VEGF than in the animals of group 2. In group 2, the defect was ultimately completely covered with the epithelial layer, which was not the case in group 1. On the 7th day, the epithelium in rats of group 2 was twice as thick as the layer registered in group 1 (p = 0.019). Granulation tissue was replaced by loose fibrous connective tissue. In group 1, the specific area of inflammatory infiltration was greater than that of loose fibrous connective tissue, and the VEGF expression level was lower than in group 2. On the 12th day, the predominant tissue in group 2 was the loose fibrous connective tissue, the VEGF expression level equaled that of group 3, and peripheral nerves began to grow. In group 1, the specific area of dense fibrous tissue was 3.9 times greater than that in group 2 (p = 0.012), the epithelium had pathological changes and the VEGF expression was below control values. Thus, a polymer piezoelectric membrane had a positive effect on the post-wound restoration of the oral mucosa tissues.

METHODS AND RESULTS OF STUDYING THE STRUCTURE AND TINCTORIAL PROPERTIES OF CATGUT THREAD

Suture material used in abdominal surgery must have more or less antigenic properties so that during wound healing it could be destroyed by an immune response to rejection, which is known to involve cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and macrophages. This, in turn, can lead to the development of aseptic peritonitis. Therefore, while planning an experimental simulation of aseptic peritonitis, we decided to use catgut thread as an antigenic stimulation of the local immune system. The aim of our research was to study the morphological criteria of the microscopic structure and tinctorial properties of catgut thread. The material of the research was the sterile catgut thread sized 2/0, 0.3 mm thick, of equal lengths, which we twisted arbitrarily into flat compact globules occupying an area of approximately 1 cm2. In order to carry out a histological examination, some catgut globules were subjected to total staining with a hematoxylineosin solution and subsequent embedding of these globules in a paraffin block and making appropriate sections from it. The other half of the catgut globules were studied using the method of epoxy plastination with the production of grinds with staining by a 1% solution of methylene blue on a 1% borax and without any staining. After the total staining of the catgut globules with a hematoxylin-eosin solution, a clear acidophilic reaction was revealed, which was manifested in the intense pink color. Catgut thread has a non-uniform fibrous structure, in which dark streaks stand out, dividing it into a series of longitudinal, lighter, layered fascicles, which consist of a dense collection of thin fibrillar elements. These fibrillar elements are orderly fascicles of collagen fibers, while the dark streaks are layers of loose fibrous connective tissue. These structures can objectively be indicative of morphological criteria in the microscopic analysis of destructive changes of a catgut implant in the peritoneal cavity in an experimental animal.

MICRO- AND ULTRAMICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE OF THE LEFT ATRIA-VENTRICULAR VALVULAR APPARATUS IN HUMAN AT THE MATURE AGE IN NORM

This article presents the morphological characteristics of the mitral valve of a normal heart of an adult at a mature age.The purpose of our investigation is to find out the peculiarities of the morphology of the structural components of the mitral valve apparatus of the heart of a person of mature age in the norm.Material and methods. The study was performed on 32 preparations of mitral valves of adult human hearts. A complex of morphological research methods was used: methods of light and electron microscopy, histochemical method.Results. With the use of a complex of morphological research methods, a study of the structural components of the mitral valve apparatus of a normal mature person was carried out and their histoarchitectonics was established at the micro- and sub-microscopic levels.Conclusions. The leaflets of the mitral valve are connective tissue plates covered with a single-layer flat epithelium - endothelium. The leaflets are formed by fibrous connective tissue of different density, as a result of which three layers are identified: spongy, fibrous and ventricular. Typical chordae tendineae in the form of connective tissue threads extend from the papillary muscles to the leaflets of the mitral valve and attach to their ventricular surface. The skeleton of chordae tendinea is formed by dense fibrous connective tissue. Striated cardiac muscle tissue is found in some chordae tendinea in the areas on the side of the papillary muscles. The papillary muscles are formed by the working fibers of cardiomyocytes, which form a kind of network due to branches and anastomoses. The working fibers of cardiomyocytes are accompanied by layers of loose fibrous connective tissue, which includes a large number of blood vessels.

Microstructural analysis of frozen and salted fish and seafood meat

To evaluate the quality and safety of fish and seafood meat, along with generally accepted methods, new histological research methods are used, which allow establishing microscopic changes in fresh, spoiled, and canned foods. The purpose of this study is to examine the microscopic structure of salted fish meat (Herring, Pollock) and seafood (squid, mussels) by freezing. It was confirmed that fish meat is composed of skeletal muscle, fibrous connective (endo- , perimysium) tissues with blood, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Muscle tissue fibres have the appearance of cylindrical formations, with well-defined transverse striation and numerous nuclei. The basis of seafood meat is smooth muscle tissue with layers of loose fibrous connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve fibres. Smooth muscle cells are fusiform in shape, without transverse striation and with a single nucleus. During freezing of fish meat at a temperature of -18ºС, ice crystals are small and well-defined in the endo- and perimysium, and at a temperature of -23ºС – in muscle fibres. When fish is re-frozen, large ice crystals form in both the muscle fibres and the endomysium and perimysium of the muscles, the muscle fibres are fragmented and have cracks. In frozen seafood meat, there is a deformation of bundles of smooth muscle cells and their fragmentation. During the salting of fish meat, in the dehydration phase, a decrease in the diameter of muscle fibres and the width of the endo- and perimysium is noted, the transverse striation and nuclei of muscle fibres are well expressed, and in the dehydration phase, the reverse processes occur. Meanwhile, the fibres become straight with cracks and crevices, and graininess is noticeable in the endomysium and perimysium. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to evaluate the microstructure of frozen and salted fish and seafood meat, which is important when monitoring the suitability of food products for consumers

DAMP-mediated inflammation and regulated cell death in immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases

The state of autoreactivity of innate immunity dominates in the pathogenesis of immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases, inducing non-infectious “sterile” inflammation. The distinctive properties of this inflammation include multiorgan affection and recurrent clinical course. The extracellular and intracellular “danger signals” called DAMPs, seem to be a key factor in progression of the inflammatory events. These factors are released by the loose fibrous connective tissue in the course of main substance disorganization, as well as regulated and accidental local cell death. In immune/inflammatory rheumatic diseases, the DAMP-induced patterns of regulated cell death include autophagy, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis and netosis. Membrane and cytosolic PRR receptors, interacting with DAMPs, promote these DAMP-induced forms of regulated cell death. At the same time, the DAMP-induced modes of regulated cell death are often combined with simultaneous reaction of PRR receptors to the pathogens that preexist in dead cells. TLR-DAMP interaction activates similar signaling pathways, adaptive molecules, transcription factors, forming the same pro-inflammatory inflammasomes as with TLR-PAMP interaction. In these processes, the antigen-presenting function of dendritic cells is expressed to the maximal extent. Given the important role of infections as etiological factors in immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases, these processes may be the key factor inducing the phenomenon of antigenic cross-presentation. Interactions of DAMPs with PRR receptors of innate immunity cells cause the formation of a DAMP-mediated vicious circle. At the same time, increased levels of proinflammatory DAMPs, both in situ and in systemic circulation, leads, via the PRR-DAMP interactions, to incresing number of cells prone to regulated cell death and to even more pronounced tissue damage. In turn, these processes significantly increase the levels of pro-inflammatory DAMPs in tissues, thus causing progression of “sterile” inflammation to immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases. The signaling pathways, adaptive molecules, transcription factors, and pro-inflammatory inflammasomes have been identified in all types of regulated cell death induced by PRR-DAMP interaction. The available research results allow us to determine appropriate targets which may be subjected to pharmacological correction. In this respect, significant progress has been made in search for medicinal tools of regulating inflammation in SLE, RA, Sjogren’s syndrome, SSD, etc. Of sufficient importance are both evaluation of serum DAMP levels as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, along with their determination for assessing treatment efficiency in immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Autophagy, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis and netosis in pathogenesis of immune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases

There are organized forms of cellular infiltrate observed in immune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases, i.e., ectopic follicle-like lymphoid structures and delayed-type response granulomas, whereas diffuse cellular inflammatory infiltrates represent non-organized forms. In these types of cellular infiltration, an integral pathogenetic link includes programmable cell death variants, with autophagy, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis and netosis being the most significant. There is a close relationship between these forms of cell death. This relationship occured in the process of biological evolution, being characterized by pronounced conservatism, and it follows general biological laws of molecular cellular processes. The “danger signals” (DAMPs) released during cell death induce a state of autoreactivity caused, e.g., by modulation of cell death processes using cellular PRR receptors of the innate immune system. When analyzing the processes of endocytosis, signaling pathways, adaptive molecules, transcription factors involved into these modes of cell death, we discuss pathogenetic role of changing membrane structures and molecular pathways of programmed cell death in immune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases. In this regard, there are fundamental membrane-associated cellular processes, genesis of various types of intracellular inflammasomes, cross-presentation of MHC-restricted products of disorganized loose fibrous connective tissue, and induction of innate and adaptive immune autoreactivity. Causal relationships of the molecular pathways for initiation of these forms of cell death, thus enabling identification of the molecular targets, in order to modulate productive inflammation.

Pathogenetic value of cell infiltrate in immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases

Cell infiltrate is a morphological substrate of immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases. The systemic wide progressive disorganization of loose fibrous connective tissue is accompanied by the loss of tolerance with its own autoantigenes, activation of macrophagal-monocyte cells and autoreactive clones of T and B lymphocytes. Hyperproduction of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, local adhesive ligandreceptor interactions, endothelial reaction and angiogenesis contribute to the formation of cell infiltrate, ectopic lymphoid structures and GZT-granulomas in situ. The autoimmune response is the result of successive systemic and local molecular cellular events in which the mechanisms of congenital and adaptive immunity are involved. When interpreting immunopathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, all models and schemes adopted in the field of fundamental immunology are used. This is a model of MHC-restrictions, a model of molecular mimicry, or cross of the antigen presentation, a model of disrupting central or peripheral tolerance to auto-antigens, a model of candidate “triggers” of autoimmune and autoinflammatory processes, a model of associations of alleles MHC I and II classes with specific, nosologically unique, rheumatic diseases.

Features of the microscopic structure of the adrenal gland of geese

The study of the morphology of the adrenal gland of birds is one of the most critical issues of modern biology and veterinary medicine cause its solution contributes to the scientific justification of technologies for rearing, using, and treating birds. The work aims to clarify the features of the microscopic structure of the adrenal gland of geese. As a peripheral organ of the endocrine system, the adrenal gland affects the growth and differentiation of tissues, regulates water, protein, carbohydrate, fat, and mineral metabolism, the body's resistance to infections, intoxication, stress, and other factors. During research were used histological indagation methods. It was found that blood vessels, clusters of nerve cells are registered in the capsule of the adrenal gland of geese. Nodes of the sympathetic nervous system are registered outside it. Connective tissue septa with hemocapillaries extend from the capsule to the adrenal parenchyma, which is represented by intertwined cell strands of interrenal and suprarenal tissues. The narrow spaces between these cell strands are filled with layers of loose fibrous connective tissue with sinusoidal hemocapillaries and venous sinuses. The subcapsular layer, peripheral and central zones are recorded on the incision of the adrenal gland. The adrenal vein is localized in the central zone. The subcapsular zone is mainly represented by cells of suprarenal tissue, the peripheral and central zone – by cells of interrenal tissue. Suprarenal tissue cells have a polygonal shape, basophilic cytoplasm, and a rounded, centrally located nucleus. Cells of interrenal tissue are columnar or cubic, have eosinophilic colored cytoplasm, a round or oval nucleus placed eccentrically. Venous sinuses are localized in the central and peripheral zones of the adrenal gland. Their wall is thin, formed by flat endotheliocytes, bounded by groups of cells of interrenal and suprarenal tissues. As a result, established microscopic structural features of the adrenal gland of geese can be used to formulate the base of its typical morphological characteristics, which give a possibility to assess the Morpho-functional essential state of the bird adrenal gland of this species by the influence of various factors and pathologies, in perspective of following researches – the exploration of morphometric parameters of the structural components of the adrenal gland of geese.

Seminal Vesicles and Bulbourethral Glands of Mammals: Morphology, Physiology, Ecology, Action of Extreme Destabilizing Factors

In mammals, the adnexal sex glands are represented by seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, urethral and bulbourethral glands, as well as glands that coagulate sperm and ampullary glands. The secret of the accessory genital glands increases the volume of the ejaculate (the share of secretions of these glands accounts for about 95% of the volume of ejaculate) promotes sperm, causes increased contraction of smooth muscle cells in the walls of the female genital tract.The purpose of this review is to analyze the morphofunctional organization of seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands of mammalian animals and humans.The presence or absence of seminal vesicles is a species-specific feature. Among mammals, seminal vesicles are well developed in some rodents, insectivores, a number of domestic animals (cattle, pigs), and primates. These glands are absent in cloacae, marsupials, some carnivores, a number of insectivores, artiodactyls. Bulbourethral glands are well developed in rodents, bats, primates, and some ungulates.In the wall of the seminal vesicles, the mucous, muscular and outer membranes are isolated. The epithelium of the secretory parts is pseudomultitial, the interstitium is represented by loose fibrous connective tissue and a significant number of smooth muscle cells. In the wall of the bulbourethral glands, the mucosa and adventitial membrane are isolated. The secretory end sections of the bulbourethral glands are lined with a single-layer single-row epithelium, glandular cells produce a mucosal or mixed secret. The seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands are androgen-dependent glands. In species with a seasonal pattern of reproduction, their morphofunctional characteristics undergo significant changes during the circannual rhythm of reproduction.The epithelium of seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands is very sensitive to the action of various adverse factors (heavy metal compounds, organic xenobiotics, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, etc.). When exposed to various negative factors in the adnexal glands, a complex of changes occurs (edema of connective tissue and epithelium, decreased secretory activity of epithelial cells, desynchronization of the secretory cycle, desquamation of glandular epithelial cells, proliferation of interstitial connective tissue).There is a lack of information on many aspects of the characteristics of the adnexal glands of the male reproductive system, primarily on the morphology and physiology of the adnexal glands of animals in natural ecosystems, on the ultrastructural and immunohistochemical characteristics of these glands, as well as on the mechanisms of regulation of morphofunctional rearrangements of the adnexal glands during seasonal reproduction rhythms, in the conditions of adaptation to various negative influences.

Microscopic and ultramicroscopic structure of typical chordae tendineae of the human’s left ventricle bicuspid valve

Objective – to determine the features of the micro- and submicroscopic structure of typical chordae tendineae of the mitral valve of the human heart.Materials and methods. This study was made on preparations of 35 human hearts, in particular the chordae tendineae of the bicuspid valves of the left ventricles of children and people of early and middle adulthood using the methods of light and electron microscopy.Results. The study of typical chordae tendineae of the mitral valve leaflets was made using the microscopic method and the method of electron microscopy. The areas where the chordae tendineae diverge from the papillary muscles, the middle third of the chordae tendineae, and the place of attachment of the chordae tendineae to the mitral valve leaflets were studied. Chordae tendineae are covered with endothelium from all sides. A peripheral collagen-elastic layer of loose fibrous connective tissue is localized under the endothelium, along the entire perimeter of the chordae tendineae and it differs in structure in different parts of the chordae at the submicroscopic level. Bundles of densely packed collagen fibers, which are oriented rectilinearly along the chordae, form the core of the chordae tendineae. Bundles of striated cardiac typical muscle cells are localized in areas where the chordae tendineae origin from the papillary muscles. It was found that in the composition of the chordae tendineae of children the cellular component in the fibrous connective tissue predominates during comparing the typical chordae tendineae of different aged people.Conclusions. This morphological study made it possible to obtain new information and to clarify the data that are already known to morphologists on the micro- and submicroscopic structure of typical chordae tendineae of the mitral valve of the human heart. We found that differences in the histological structure are more typical for the areas of origin of typical chordae tendineae from the papillary muscles and areas of their attachment to the leaflets of the mitral valve. The diameter of the core of the chordae tendineae increases and the thickness of the loose peripheral collagen-elastic layer decreases with age. The received data can serve as a theoretical basis for the further comparative morphological and clinical studies of the mitral valve of the human heart. That, in turn, will facilitate to an increasing the level of diagnostic, to improve methods of prevention and treatment of minor heart anomalies, congenital and acquired defects of the valvular apparatus of the heart.

Morphological aspects of orbital defect reconstruction in rats with elastin-based biomaterial

The objective of the study was to identify morphological aspects of replacement of xenogeneic decellularized elastin matrix (ХDEM) transplanted into a bone defect of the upper orbital wall in rats. Materials and methods. The experiment was performed on 60 Wistar rats with artificially created 7×4 mm defect in the upper edge of their orbit. In the experimental group (n=30), DХEM was placed in the defect area. Its size matched the size of the defect, and it was attached with a suture material (50 μm silk). Soft tissues were sutured layer by layer in the control group (n=30). Tissue excision was performed after 1, 3 and 12 months. Histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic methods were employed. Results. We were gradually replacing DХEM with bone tissue against the background of a pronounced reaction of CD68+/MMP-9+ macrophages, which implied its resorption and lysis. Osteogenesis occurred via intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification, which was preceded by centripetal migration of endothelial kidneys with subsequent differentiation into capillaries and overgrowth of loose fibrous connective tissue containing progenitor cells. The microenvironment, represented by reticulin fibers, TGF-β1, and sulfated glycosaminoglycans, could contribute to the differentiation of progenitor cells in the osteogenic direction and to osteogenesis per se. In the control group, the defect remained open throughout the experiment. Conclusion. Decellularized biomaterial, based on elastin matrix, has osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties and can serve an adequate biomimetic for reconstruction of the bone defects.