Periodic acid-Schiff Positive Cells Research Articles

Novel pendrin inhibitor attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness and mucin expression in experimental murine asthma

Novel pendrin inhibitor attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness and mucin expression in experimental murine asthma

Requirement of Gαq/Gα11 Signaling in the Preservation of Mouse Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis.

Background & AimsProliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis of the intestinal epithelium are tightly regulated by a number of molecular pathways. Coordinated action of intestine is achieved by gastrointestinal hormones, most of which exert these actions through G-protein–coupled receptors. We herein investigated the role of Gαq/11-mediated signaling in intestinal homeostasis.MethodsIntestinal tissues from control (Gnaqflox/floxGna11+/+), Int-Gq knock-out (KO) (VilCre+/-Gnaqflox/floxGna11+/+), G11 KO (Gnaqflox/floxGna11-/-), and Int-Gq/G11 double knock-out (DKO) (VilCre+/-Gnaqflox/floxGna11-/-) mice were examined by microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. The effect of Gαq/11-mediated signaling was studied in the cell lineage, proliferation, and apoptosis. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis was induced to study the role of Gαq/11 in colon.ResultsPaneth cells were enlarged, increased in number, and mislocalized in Int-Gq/G11 DKO small intestine. Paneth cells also reacted with PAS and Muc2 antibody, indicating an intermediate character of Paneth and goblet cells. The nuclear β-catenin, T-cell factor 1, and Sox9 expression were reduced severely in the crypt base of Int-Gq/G11 DKO intestine. Proliferation was activated in the crypt base and apoptosis was enhanced along the crypt. Int-Gq/G11 DKO mice were susceptible to DSS colitis. Proliferation was inhibited in the crypt of unaffected and regenerative areas. Cystic crypts, periodic acid–Schiff–positive cells, and Muc2-positive cells were unusually observed in the ulcerative region.ConclusionsThe Gαq/11-mediated pathway plays a pivotal role in the preservation of intestinal homeostasis, especially in Paneth cell maturation and positioning. Wnt/β-catenin signaling was reduced significantly in the crypt base in Gαq/G11-deficient mice, resulting in the defective maturation of Paneth cells, induction of differentiation toward goblet cells, and susceptibility to DSS colitis.

HISTOLOGICAL FEATURES AND MUC1 DISTRIBUTION IN THE PALPEBRAL CONJUNCTIVA OF THE DROMEDARY CAMEL (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS)

The conjunctiva is important adnexa of the eye that maintains the stability of the tear film. The objective of current study is to describe the histological features of palpebral conjunctiva of the dromedary, emphasizing the distribution of Muc1 using indirect tissue immunofluorescence technique. Conjunctival samples of ten adult, apparently healthy dromedary camels of both sexes were collected, fixed, embedded in paraffin and stained with H&E for general histological structure, Masson´s trichrome for fibrous tissue, Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) for goblet cells and immunofluorescence for the distribution of Muc1. The palpebral conjunctiva of the dromedary camel is lined with stratified squamous to stratified columnar epithelium. Large numbers of goblet cells were identified associated with conjunctival epithelial cells. The lamina propria consisted of loose superficial cell layer and a deeper tarsal plate. Within the lamina propria, there were lymphoid follicles, numerous tarsal glands and palpebral seromucoid glands. The palpebral conjunctiva and associated palpebral glands were stained positive for PAS and Muc1. In conclusions, the eye of the dromedary camel is protected with a palpebral conjunctival tissue that is richly populated with PAS positive cells and numerous Muc1-producing cells.

PAS staining of bronchoalveolar lavage cells for differential diagnosis of interstital lung disease

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a useful diagnostic tool in interstitial lunge diseases (ILD). However, differential cell counts are often non specific and immunocytochemistry is time consuming. Staining of glyoproteins by periodic acid Schiff (PAS) reaction may help in discriminating different forms of ILD. In addition, PAS staining is easy to perform. BAL cells from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n = 8), sarcoidosis (n = 9), and extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) (n = 2) were investigated. Cytospins from BAL cells were made and cells were stained using Hemacolor quick stain and PAS staining. Lymphocytic alveolitis was found in sarcoidosis and EAA whereas in IPF both lymphocytes and neutrophils were increased. PAS positive cells were significantly decreased in EAA compared to IPF and sarcoidosis (25.5% ± 0.7% vs 59.8% ± 25.1% and 64.0% ± 19.7%, respectively) (P < 0.05). No significant correlation between PAS positive cells and inflammatory cells was observed. These results suggest that PAS staining of BAL cells may provide additional information in the differential diagnosis of ILD. Further studies ware warranted to evaluate PAS staining in larger numbers of BAL from patients with ILD.

Temporal profile of forced expiratory lung function in allergen-challenged Brown–Norway rats

The Brown–Norway rat is often used to study the allergic pulmonary response. However, relatively little is known about the delayed phase reactions after allergen challenge in this species. To evaluate the temporal changes in lung function and elucidate the mechanisms involved in the delayed phase response, Brown–Norway rats were sensitized and challenged to aerosolized ovalbumin and lung functions were measured by forced expiratory maneuvers and forced oscillation for up to 10 days after a single antigen challenge. Statistically significant ( P < 0.05) reductions in inspiratory capacity, forced vital capacity, functional residual capacity, peak expiratory flow and maximum mid-expiratory flow and increases in respiratory system resistance and elastance were seen by 1 to 3 days after ovalbumin challenge that returned to baseline by 10 days. The reductions in lung function after ovalbumin challenge were blocked by the corticosteroid, betamethasone (1 mg/kg, p.o.). Histological evaluation of lung tissue of sensitized rats demonstrated evidence of interstitial pulmonary edema, an increase in tissue eosinophils and an increase in Periodic Acid Schiff-positive cells in the airway epithelium. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples showed large numbers of eosinophils and increased mucin content up to 6 days after antigen challenge. There was also an increase in wet-to-dry lung weight ratio in the lungs of sensitized rats after antigen. These results demonstrate that prolonged reductions in lung function occur after a single antigen challenge in Brown–Norway rats that is probably due to inflammatory processes producing interstitial pulmonary edema, mucus secretion and cellular influx into the lungs.

Anatomicohistological characteristics of the tubular genital organs of the female collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) from North-eastern Amazon.

The present study examines anatomical and histological characteristics of tubular genital organs and its relationships with the reproductive state of 24 wild adult collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) females. The tunica mucosa of the uterine tube presents a pseudostratified, intermittently ciliated columnar epithelium. The epithelial secretory cells of pregnant females and females in the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle became taller than the ciliated cells and showed abundant apical secretory blebs, whereas secretory cells of females in the follicular phase showed abundant mucous secretory activity (periodic acid-Schiff positive cells). The uterus is composed of two narrow and convoluted uterine horns, separated by the velum uteri, a small uterine body and a long and muscular cervix. The endometrial lining of both uterine horns and body is a monostratified, columnar ciliated epithelium. Pregnant females and females in luteal phase showed a more developed hyperplasia of the endometrial simple tubular glands than females in the follicular phase. The cervix presents interdigitated rows of mucosal prominences that project into the lumen, structures similar to pulvini cervicali, occluding the cervical canal. In pregnant females, the endocervical canal was filled by a viscous cervical secretion. Females in follicular phase presented a thicker vaginal epithelium than pregnant females and females in luteal phase. The present study suggests that the collared peccary female showed different histological features of the uterine tubes, uterus and vagina in accordance with the reproductive state of the females.

The comparison of efficacies of topical corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops on dry eye patients: a clinical and immunocytochemical study

Purpose To investigate whether conjunctival inflammation represents a primary event in the pathogenesis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca or whether it is a secondary inflammatory reaction caused by enhanced mechanical irritation as a result of surface dryness and whether anti-inflammatory drops (corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) have therapeutic effects and are similar. Design Single-masked, randomized, prospective clinical trial. Methods Thirty-two keratoconjuctivitis patients with or without Sjögren syndrome were included in the study. The patients were randomized to three groups. Group 1 patients received a topical artificial tear substitute (ATS); group 2 received ATS plus nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops (NSAID); and group 3 received ATS plus topical corticosteroidal drops. The eye symptom severity scores, Schirmer test values, rose bengal and fluorescein staining scores were evaluated before treatment and 15 and 30 days after start of treatment. Impression cytology specimens were stained using immunohistochemical methods to detect the percentages of human leukocyte antigen II (HLA-DR) positive, Apo 2.7 positive, and periodic acid–Schiff positive cells. Statistical analyses were performed within and between groups. Results Group 3 patients had significantly lower symptom severity scores, fluorescein and rose bengal staining, and HLA-DR positive cells on days 15 and 30 compared with patients in other groups. They also had a significantly higher number of periodic acid–Schiff positive (goblet) cells in their impression cytology specimens on days 15 and 30 compared with the other patients. On day 30, group 3 patients had significant differences compared with their baseline measurements in terms of above-mentioned parameters. However, we did not detect a significant effect of any treatment schedule on the Shirmer test value and the numbers of Apo 2.7 cells in impression cytology specimens. Conclusions Topical corticosteroids had a clearly beneficial effect both on the subjective and objective clinical parameters of moderate-to-severe dry eye patients. These effects were associated with the reduction of inflammation markers of conjunctival epithelial cells.

The corpuscles of Stannius in arawana ( Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), an ancient teleost

The corpuscles of Stannius of arawana ( Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), an ancient teleost, were examined by routine light and electron microscopy and following their immunoreactivity to salmon and trout stanniocalcin antisera. Periodic acid-Schiff positive cells of the corpuscles of Stannius had a follicular arrangement and demonstrated a strong immunohistochemical reaction with both stanniocalcin antisera. Fine structural analysis of the paired, posteriorly located, and perirenal ovoid glands revealed two morphologically distinct cell types the basal laminae of which were ramified by nerve terminals. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that osmiophilic secretory granules in both cell types were immunoreactive to the stanniocalcin antisera. When extracts of arawana corpuscles of Stannius were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate electrophoresis and Western blot analysis a diffuse molecular weight band was evident (∼68 kDa) in the non-reduced condition. In all cases, immunoreactivity was abolished by preabsorption of the antisera with salmon stanniocalcin or with a crude extract of arawana corpuscles of Stannius. The corpuscles of Stannius of arawana are similar to those in more recent teleosts with respect to cell structure and their anatomical distribution but their stanniocalcin is more similar in molecular weight to that present in at least one other non-teleost actinopterygian (the gar) which has an ancient lineage.

Periodic acid Schiff reaction in childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia. The Medical Research Council Working Party on Childhood Leukaemia.

To assess the prevalence and degree of periodic acid Schiff (PAS) positivity in blast cells from children with lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL); its association with other disease characteristics; and its clinical importance in predicting the outcome of treatment. Marrow slides from entrants to a large United Kingdom multicentre ALL trial (UKALL X) were batch processed and assessed blind for PAS positivity by one morphologist. Patients were classified into groups A, B, and C, corresponding to less than 1% PAS positive cells, 1-10%, and over 10%, respectively. Their PAS pattern was then compared with other clinical and pathological features of ALL and with treatment outcome. Slides from 921 children were examined of which 371 (40%) were categorised as group A, 324 (35%) as group B, and 226 (25%) as group C. There was a clear association between the presence of blast cell vacuoles on Romanowsky staining and PAS positivity. Group A (PAS negative) patients included a disproportionate excess of those with L2 morphology, those under 2 or over 6 years of age, those with an initial white cell count over 50 x 10(9)/l, those with a T or null cell immunophenotype, and those with chromosomal abnormalities other than "high hyperdiploidy". Four years from diagnosis, group C patients had an 8% disease free survival advantage over those in group A (2p = 0.01). This was irrespective of initial white cell count, but not of immunophenotype or the presence of vacuoles. Strong PAS positivity is a feature of "common" ALL and is particularly associated with blast cell vacuoles. It does occasionally occur in other disease subtypes with or without vacuoles. It predicts a better response to current treatment, but not independently of other cell characteristics.

Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Colloid Cysts of the Third Ventricle

Colloid cyst of the third ventricle is a well known neuropathological entity with consistent anatomic locations and a characteristic epithelial appearance. The authors describe 14 cases of histologically verified colloid cysts and discuss the histological differences between these and other epithelium-lined cysts in the central nervous system. The study population comprised eight males and six females ranging in age from 28 to 82 years. Eight were autopsy cases (mean age, 67 years) in which the colloid cysts were found incidentally. None of these cysts obstructed the foramen of Monro. Their mean size was 9×8×8 mm and, without exception, they were located in the anterior roof of the third ventricle. Six of the patients were surgical cases and their mean age was 37 years. The reasons for hospitalization were paroxysmal headaches in three patients, two of whom exhibited deterioration of consciousness; sudden, severe headache and unconsciousness with no history of headache in two; and longstanding, mild dementia and gait disturbance mimicking normal pressure hydrocephalus in one. The cysts were lined by cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells. Among the operated cysts, cilia were found in four and goblet cells in two. Periodic acid-Schiffpositive cells were observed in all of the stained specimens. No histological differences were noted between symptomatic (operated) and asymptomatic (found at autopsy) cysts. The ciliated epithelium lining colloid cysts of the third ventricle is similar to that observed in Rathke's cleft cyst and some epithelial cysts found elsewhere in the central nervous system.

Histological observations on some of the endocrine glands in the ironfish, with special regard to the hypophysis.

Endocrine glands of the ironfish were studied light microscopically to elucidate the relationship between the races of the genus Carassius. The rostral pars distalis of the adenohypophysis consists mainly of acidophils corresponding to prolactin cells and lead-hematoxylin positive cells corresponding to corticotrophs (ACTH cells). The prolactin cells are obviously arranged in the form of follicles. The proximal pars distalis contains orangenophils (STH cells) and two types of basophils (TSH and GTH cells). In the pars intermedia, three types of cells are identified: periodic acid Schiff positive cells, lead-hematoxylin stainable cells and orangenophils containing PAS positive coarse granules. In addition, small agranular cells are seldom demonstrated in the entire adenohypophysis. A considerable amount of aldehyde fuchsin positive neurosecretory material is laden in the cells of the nucleus preopticus and in the pars nervosa. The nucleus lateralis tuberis is composed of three portions: pars anterior, pars posterior, and pars lateralis. The thyroid follicles found in the pharyngeal region and head kidney show a mild state of activity. The interrenal cells intermingled with the chromaffin cells have a considerable amount of eosinophil cytoplasm. Judging from the gonadal condition, the breeding season of the ironfish may extend to the end of July.

Demonstration of alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase in the human pituitary gland with special reference to the cells of the pars tuberalis.

The demonstration of α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (α-GPD) in epithelial cells of the pars tuberalis in man is reported. This method provides a clear means of staining these usually poorly displayed cells. The proximal, or cranial, terminus of these cells appears to be at the median eminence. Caudally, within the pituitary gland proper, the cells seem to blend with the basophilic (periodic acid-Schiff positive) cells of the pars distalis, many of which are also α-GPD positive. Staining is limited to the cytoplasm of the positive cells; there is no nuclear staining and there is no staining of connective tissue, colloid and other epithelial cells. The widespread distribution of the α-GPD positive cells in the human pituitary weakens our earlier hypothesis, based on results in the rat, that this enzyme might be a histochemical hallmark of TSH production or release. Its limitation to periodic acid-Schiff positive cells suggests its association with the cellular sites of TSH, FSH, LH or ACTH synthesis. (End...