Proliferation Of Collagen Fibers Research Articles

Pathogenesis of Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum

Introduction Ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a rare disorder. The present study aims at histopathological analysis of OLF with special emphasis on the alterations in the elastin fibers, collagen, matrix, cellularity, chodrocyte proliferation, and osteoid metaplasia. Materials and Methods The study involves histopathologic examination of surgically harvested ligamentum flavum (LF) specimens from 10 OLF, 5 with degenerative spinal stenosis and 5 normal LF as controls. The specimens were studied with hematoxylin and eosin, Verhoff van Gieson, toluidine blue, Masons trichrome, and Alcian blue. All specimens were analyzed qualitatively for (1) elastic fiber orientation, integrity, and loss, (2) collagen bundles,(3) fibrosis,(4) chondroid metaplasia,(5) chondrocyte proliferation, and (6) Osteoid metaplasia. The quantitative analysis was done using SCION image analysis software. Results All the 10 OLF specimens showed extensive loss of elastic fibers associated with cartilage matrix formation. There were many areas of irregularly oriented elastic fibers, areas of ossification and in between there was a transitional area of cartilage matrix with chondrocytes progressing toward ossification. Elastic fiber occupying ratio was 60.96, 40.25, and 22.66%; number of chondrocytes per mm2 was 37.56, 93.35, and 117.68; area of chondroid matrix (%) was 11.34, 32.37, and 73.56, respectively, and the area of osteoid matrix (%) was 0, 9.37, and 33.43 respectively for normal controls, degenerative group, and OLF group. The areas of cartilage matrix were more on the dorsal side compared with the dural side of LF. In contrast, cartilage matrix osteogenesis was more in dural than dorsal surface of LF. Conclusion In OLF, loss of elastic fibers was associated with proliferation of collagen fibers, fibrosis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. The pathological process initiates in the dorsal surface with chondroid metaplasia gradually elevating the mature cartilage matrix toward the dural surface, where the initial ossification occurs. Disclosure of Interest None declared References Jolly SS. Fluoride balance studies in endemic fluorosis. Fluoride 1976;8:138–147 Jolly SS, Singh BM, Mathur OC, Malhotra KC. Epidemiological, clinical, and biochemical study of endemic dental and skeletal fluorosis in punjab. BMJ 1968;4(5628):427–429 Jolly SS, Singh ID, Prasad S, Sharma R, Singh BM, Mathur OC. An epidemiological study of endemic fluorosis in Punjab. Indian J Med Res 1969;57(7):1333–1346 Jolly SS, Prasad S, Sharma R, Rai B. Human fluoride intoxication in the Punjab. Fluoride 1971;4:64–79 Jolly SS, Prasad S, Sharma R, Chander R. Endemic fluorosis in Punjab-skeletal aspects. Fluoride 1973;6:4–18 Naidu MRC, Reddy DR, Reddy PK, Sastry Kolluri VR. [Fluorotic cervical spinal cord disease]. Rev Chir Orthop Repar Appar Mot 1989;75(4):228–231 Siddiqui AH. Fluorosis in Nalgonda District, Hyderabad-Deccan. BMJ 1955;2(4953):1408–1413

Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis: An Uncommon Cause of Chronic Renal Failure

Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis (CHF) is a rare disease that affects both the liver and kidneys. Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is an autosomal recessive inherited malformation defined pathologically by a variable degree of periportal fibrosis and irregularly shaped proliferating bile ducts. Affected individuals also have impaired renal function, usually caused, in children and teenagers, by an autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Impaired renal function associated with CHF in adults is caused by an autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Case presentation: We report the case of a 8-year-old Iranian girlwas admitted to our hospital for evaluation ofrenal failure. In patient hepatomegaly was noted incidentally on a routine physical examination and then kidney biopsy showed global sclerosis and A liver biopsy revealed proliferation of collagen fibres surrounding the portal area, a finding that was compatible with congenital hepatic fibrosisand our patient was scheduled for kidney and liver transplantation. Conclusion: The relationship of ARPKD to CHF is the subject of substantial controversy. Some clinicians suggest that the two conditions represent one disorder with a range of clinical/pathological presentations Key word: Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis Polycystic Kidney Disease, CRF.

Pathological changes of immunized mice with Trichophyton mentagrophyte lyophilized antigen

The study was carried to investigate the pathological effect of lyophilized antigen of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in mice. Fifty mice were divided into three groups. The first group 20 mice were immunized subcutaneous (s/c) with 0.5 ml of T.mentagrophyte antigen 20 µgm/ml, by two doses, 14 day intervals, between them. The second group 20 mice and third group 10 mice considered as positive and negative control groups respectively. After 30 days post immunization first and second groups were challenged intradermal I/d. with 0.1 ml of fungal suspension contain (1×107 ml) of viable virulence T.mentagrophyte while the third group injected intraperitoneally I/P. with 0.5 ml of sterile phosphate buffer saline. All mice of the first and second groups were sacrificed at (5, 14, 30 and 60) days post challenge for gross and histopathological examination. Histopathologically the second group showed epidermal hyperkeratosis with appearance of crust lesions seen with abscess formation especially in early stage of lesion, while the main feature of advance cases were characterized by folliculitis with fungal hyphae invasion in all epidermal and dermal layers together with eosinophilic infiltration. Mild pathological changes were seen in the 1st immunized group characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells mainly macrophages in dermal connective tissue with dense proliferation of collagenous fibers , appearance of young fibroblasts together with cellular hypodermal infiltration of eosinophil no evidence of clear follicular lesions were seen. Lyophilized antigen of T.mentagrophyte can be considered as an effective immunogen for protecting mice against T.mentagrophyte infection and it is synchronized with its dose.

Applying chemical bile duct embolization to achieve chemical hepatectomy in hepatolithiasis: a further experimental study

BackgroundHepatolithiasis is the presence of calculi within the bile ducts of the liver. It represents a significant problem for hepatobiliary surgery because of its high recurrence rate and the associated risk for partial hepatectomy. This study was designed to explore the long-term efficacy of chemical biliary duct embolization (CBDE) to treat recurrent hepatolithiasis. Materials and methodsA rabbit model of hepatolithiasis was established, and CBDE was achieved using oxybenzene and N-butyl-cyanoacrylate. The short-term (6 wk) and long-term (12 wk) efficacy of CBDE treatment was compared by observing the degree of atrophy, fibrosis, proliferation of collagen fibers, and apoptosis of hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells in the embolized hepatic lobe. Biochemical measurement of β-glucuronidase was also evaluated to determine the effect of CBDE on stone formation. ResultsSix weeks after CBDE, there was liver cell destruction, collagen accumulation, and bile duct proliferation only in the peripheral part of the target lobe. Twelve weeks after CBDE, “self-cut” chemical hepatectomy was achieved, as manifested by the destruction of almost all the hepatocytes in the target lobe, bile duct proliferation, and collagen fiber accumulation. The β-glucuronidase activity was markedly lower in the embolized lobe than in the nonembolized lobe. In contrast, bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and α-smooth muscle actin expression was substantially higher in the embolized lobe than in the sham-operation group at 6 wk, but was lower at 12 wk. ConclusionsCBDE is a potentially effective therapeutic approach for treating and preventing the recurrence of hepatolithiasis.

WS2-1. A case of slowly progressive muscular atrophy in post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Electrophysiological and pathological findings in musculoskeletal chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD)

A 38-year-old man who received bone marrow transplantation four years ago for acute lymphocytic leukemia. He felt muscle cramps and became a bed-bound state because of progressing polyarthralgia in the following year. Marked muscle atrophies, mild weakness, joint contractures, and sclerotic skin changes were noted. Motor conduction studies revealed reduction in the amplitude (2.4 mV), in the conduction velocity (41 m/s), and in the duration (11 ms) of compound muscle action potentials in the right median nerve. In concentric needle electromyography, low amplitude polyphasic motor unit potentials discharged with rapid frequency without spontaneous discharges. Mean muscle fiber CV elicited by monopolar needle electrodes were slow compared with normal control. The electrodiagnosis was myopathic change which consists of cluster of atrophic fibers, discriminated from myositis and motor neuron disease. Muscle specimen from autopsy revealed marked atrophied muscle fibers less than 10 μm in diameter. There were no necrotic and inflammatory processes. In the fascia, small numbers of infiltrating CD8 positive T lymphocytes with proliferation of collagen fibers were seen, compatible with fasciitis. There were few reports about electrophysiological and pathological findings of fasciitis in cGVHD, which must be focused on the future as distinct from the myositis.

A highly flexible paclitaxel-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) electrospun fibrous-membrane-covered stent for benign cardia stricture

In benign esophageal strictures, inflammation reaction and tissue hyperplasia after stent placement greatly limit the stent retention time and affect subsequent scar formation, which is one of the main influences on long-term recurrence rate. A newly developed biodegradable electrospun drug-fiber-coated stent (DFCS) was fabricated to inhibit inflammation and scar formation. The electrospun paclitaxel/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers integrally covered the bare stent using the rotating collection method. The paclitaxel entrapment did not significantly affect the physical properties of electrospun PCL fibrous membranes. The mechanical results demonstrated that electrospun fibers containing paclitaxel covering the stent maintained the original mechanical characteristics of the stent, and no membrane tearing or ablation was observed after hundreds of repeated compressions. Paclitaxel release profiles were controlled mainly via diffusion of drug through the drug content, and stable release of paclitaxel continued up to 32days at pH 4.0. Higher inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation rates was observed on fibrous membranes with higher paclitaxel content. DFCS showed a significant decrease in tissue inflammation and collagen fiber proliferation, and was easily removed from the esophageal part, which had almost no damage to the tissues in the dog model. Therefore, DFCSs may have great potential to markedly attenuate stent-induced inflammation and scar formation in esophageal stenosis therapy.

The effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory peptide LAP on the left common carotid artery remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats

To investigate the protective effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptide LAP on the left common carotid artery remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). A cohort of male SHRs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 for each group): pseudo-experimental group, enalapril-treated group as a positive control group, ACE-inhibitory peptide LAP-treated group. After the experiment, the left common carotid artery from each rat was removed for morphological evaluation. It was observed that the vascular medial thickness, media thickness/lumen diameter, medial cross-sectional area and mean nuclear area of smooth muscle cells of the left common carotid artery in the LAP group or enalapril group were significantly lower than those in the pseudo-experimental group, while there was no significant difference in these parameters observed between the LAP group and enalapril group. Additionally, the vascular area percentage of collagen fibers of the left common carotid artery in the LAP group and enalapril group was significantly lower than that of the pseudo-experimental group. The protective vessel remodeling effect in SHRs was observed with ACE-inhibitory peptide LAP in SHRs by decreasing blood pressure, inhibiting smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and reducing the proliferation of collagen fibers.

Ultrastructural assessment of cellulite morphology: clues to a therapeutic strategy?

Cellulite is a problematic condition affecting mostly women, characterized by a bumpy or nodular skin surface. Recent approaches with laser treatment have offered some promise. The present study sought to identify possible targets for laser treatment or light therapy through an ultrastructural investigation of the condition. Study subjects comprised 7 healthy Japanese female volunteers (Age range 37-46 yr, average 38.4) with cellulite, graded on the 4-point Nurnberger-Muller cellulite severity scale. Four patients were at grade 2 and 3 at grade 3. Three millimeter punch biopsies were obtained and routinely processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. Microphotography of specimens from cellulite patients demonstrated the presence of fibrotic septa which divided up larger clusters of adipose tissue into smaller packets, with the septa acting as a tethering system, thus producing the typical dimpling pattern. Ultrastructural findings showed proliferation of collagen and elastic fibers down into the cellulite tissue with compression of capillaries and congestion of arterioles, resulting in poor blood flow. The histological and ultrastructural findings of cellulite clearly distinguish the condition from simple fat deposition. The remodeling of the fat layer into lobulated packets of lipocytes sequestered by fibrotic septa with a high proportion of elastic fibers would suggest the use of a fiber-based interstitial laser-assisted lipolysis system at an appropriate wavelength which might offer benefits through disruption of the septae through a photomechanical effect and lipolysis of the sequestered lipocytes. This could be followed by a course of near-infrared phototherapy to accelerate clearance of freed lipid and debris and reestablish the vascular system.

PC-FACS

PC-FACS

Ultrastructural observation on pulmonary fibrosis in E9 rats treated with compound Carapax trionycis formula

ObjectiveTo investigate ultrastructural changes in pulmonary tissue of a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis following treatment with compound Carapax trionycis (C. trionycis; Biejia in Chinese) formula. MethodsSixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=15): compound C. trionycis formula high-, middle-, and low-dose groups as well as model group. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin. Five rats from each group were sacrificed on day 7, 14 and 28 of the drug treatment, respectively. The pulmonary tissue was harvested followed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and subsequent transmission electron microscopy. The Szapiel's method was used to assess the degree of alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis. ResultsCompared with the model group, the compound C. trionycis formula groups had slighter pulmonary alveolitis after the 7-day treatment and also had alleviated alveolar inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis after the 14-day treatment. After the 28-day treatment, the compound C. trionycis formula groups showed deposition of a small amount of fibrous tissue and lesions occupying less than 21% of the whole lung area, while the model group showed focal or diffuse fibrous deposition, narrow alveolar cavity, disordered lung structure, and lesions in larger than 51% of the whole lung area. ConclusionsThe compound C. trionycis formula can inhibit the proliferation of collagen fibers and resist pulmonary fibrosis.

Ultrastructural assessment of cellulite morphology: clues to a therapeutic strategy ?

Cellulite is a problematic condition affecting mostly women, characterized by a bumpy or nodular skin surface. Recent approaches with laser treatment have offered some promise. The present study sought to identify possible targets for laser treatment or light therapy through an ultrastructural investigation of the condition.Study subjects comprised 7 healthy Japanese female volunteers (Age range 37-46 yr, average 38.4) with cellulite, graded on the 4-point Nurnberger-Muller cellulite severity scale. Four patients were at grade 2 and 3 at grade 3. Three millimeter punch biopsies were obtained and routinely processed for light and transmission electron microscopy.Microphotography of specimens from cellulite patients demonstrated the presence of fibrotic septa which divided up larger clusters of adipose tissue into smaller packets, with the septa acting as a tethering system, thus producing the typical dimpling pattern. Ultrastructural findings showed proliferation of collagen and elastic fibers down into the cellulite tissue with compression of capillaries and congestion of arterioles, resulting in poor blood flow.The histological and ultrastructural findings of cellulite clearly distinguish the condition from simple fat deposition. The remodeling of the fat layer into lobulated packets of lipocytes sequestered by fibrotic septa with a high proportion of elastic fibers would suggest the use of a fiber-based interstitial laser-assisted lipolysis system at an appropriate wavelength which might offer benefits through disruption of the septae through a photomechanical effect and lipolysis of the sequestered lipocytes. This could be followed by a course of near-infrared phototherapy to accelerate clearance of freed lipid and debris and reestablish the vascular system.

Histological and Immunohistochemical Evaluations of Lobular Dissecting Hepatitis in American Cocker Spaniel Dogs

Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations of lobular dissecting hepatitis (LDH) were performed in nine American cocker spaniel dogs. Histological examination showed diffuse fibrosis with weak inflammatory reaction of extensive neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the myofibroblastic cells positive for anti-α-smooth muscle actin and anti-vimentin antibodies produced reticular and collagen fibers and brought about the dissection of hepatic cords and diffuse disappearance of hepatocytes. Reticular fibers invading between hepatocytes and the surrounding small group of hepatocytes were strongly positive for anti-collagen type III and anti-collagen type IV antibodies. The positivity to anti-fibronectin and anti-laminin antibodies was frequently continuous on the basement membrane of the sinusoids of the remaining hepatic cords and between the hepatocytes. Positive findings for anti-E-cadherin antibody were not observed between the hepatocytes showing positive findings for anti-collagen type III and anti-collagen type IV antibodies. These results may explain the expression of fibronectin and laminin that occurs prior to the invasion of reticular fibers between hepatocytes. The present study further suggests that expression of an extracellular matrix mainly containing fibronectin and laminin between the hepatocytes and proliferation of collagen fibers and reticular fibers have a major role in the rupture of the hepatic cords and disappearance of hepatocytes.

Automicroneedle therapy system combined with topical tretinoin shows better regenerative effects compared with each individual treatment

Regenerative therapy is a relatively new dermatological field. However, the currently available topical agents are unsuitable for transdermal drug delivery because of their high molecular weight and low liposolubility. Therefore, a more effective transdermal drug delivery system is needed in order to achieve better therapeutic effects with these agents. A recently introduced microneedle therapy system (MTS), which is a mechanical method for making minute holes in the skin, improves transdermal delivery. A recently developed refinement of this technique, the automicroneedle therapy system (AMTS), has several advantages over the traditional MTS, as it can achieve consistent results because of its automatic punching method. To evaluate the cutaneous effects of an AMTS in combination with topical tretinoin. Twelve hairless mice were divided into two groups, and the dorsal skin of each mouse was marked down the centre. The first group was treated with the AMTS plus 0.025% tretinoin on one side of the back, and with 0.025% tretinoin only on the other side. The other group was treated with the AMTS and vehicle on one side, while the other side was left untreated. The effects on cutaneous regeneration and the treatment side-effects were evaluated by functional assessment including transepidermal water loss and skin hydration, and by histopathology including epidermal and dermal thickness, and density of collagen fibres. Western blotting and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR were also performed to determine protein and mRNA expression of procollagen type 1 and matrix metalloproteinase-13. Compared with the individual treatments (the AMTS alone or tretinoin alone) the combination of tretinoin plus the AMTS produced greater dermal regeneration as a result of increased proliferation of collagen fibres. This combination therapy did not result in treatment-related adverse effects. An AMTS combined with topical tretinoin is a safe and effective method for skin regeneration, which works by increasing collagen production, and might be a new therapeutic option for regenerative therapy.

ORAL PRESENTATION

ORAL PRESENTATION

Enhanced Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Containing a New Carrier on Hair Growth

Treatments for alopecia are in high demand, but not all are safe and reliable. Dalteparin and protamine microparticles (D/P MPs) can effectively carry growth factors (GFs) in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). To identify the effects of PRP-containing D/P MPs (PRP&D/P MPs) on hair growth. Participants were 26 volunteers with thin hair who received five local treatments of 3 mL of PRP&D/P MPs (13 participants) or PRP and saline (control, 13 participants) at 2- to 3-week intervals and were evaluated for 12 weeks. Injected areas comprised frontal or parietal sites with lanugo-like hair. Experimental and control areas were photographed. Consenting participants underwent biopsies for histologic examination. D/P MPs bind to various GFs contained in PRP. Significant differences were seen in hair cross-section but not in hair numbers in PRP and PRP&D/P MP injections. The addition of D/P MPs to PRP resulted in significant stimulation in hair cross-section. Microscopic findings showed thickened epithelium, proliferation of collagen fibers and fibroblasts, and increased vessels around follicles. PRP&D/P MPs and PRP facilitated hair growth but D/P MPs provided additional hair growth. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

The Effect of Intra-Articular Autogenous Bone Marrow Injection on Healing of an Acute Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Rabbits

The purpose was to identify the effect of intra-articular autogenous bone marrow injection on the healing of an acute posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture in a rabbit model. The effect of autogenous bone marrow on the healing process was assessed serially by gross inspection, histologic examination, and immunohistochemical study of growth factors. In both knee joints, the PCL was completely transected surgically near the femoral attachment site in 24 rabbits. Autogenous bone marrow was obtained from both tibias and delivered only to the right knee joint by direct intra-articular injection. Gross inspection, histologic examination, and immunohistochemical study of growth factors were performed at 8, 12, and 16 weeks after severing of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) among 8 randomly chosen specimens. The degree of healing in both marrow-stimulated and untreated control ligaments was evaluated by gross inspection using an ordinal scale consisting of 5 grades. The degree of fibroblast and vessel proliferation and alignment of collagen fibers were evaluated by histologic examination. The degree of expression of transforming growth factor β1, epidermal growth factor receptor, and vascular endothelial growth factor was evaluated by immunohistochemical study. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney U test. In the group with marrow-stimulated ligaments, the degree of healing was higher at 8 and 12 weeks by gross examination, whereas there was no significant difference at 16 weeks between the 2 groups. According to histologic examination, the healing process was faster in the bone marrow injection group than in the control group at 8 and 12 weeks because the degree of fibroblast and vessel proliferation significantly declined and collagen fibers were arranged more regularly compared with the control group. Similar to the results of histologic examination, the results of immunohistochemical studies showed that the healing process was faster in the bone marrow injection group. However, the recovery of the PCL was completed at 16 weeks after PCL resection in both the bone marrow injection group and the control group. Intra-articular autogenous bone marrow injection appeared to promote the initiation of healing response in acutely injured PCLs in rabbits. Intra-articular autogenous bone marrow injection can be a viable option for treating acutely injured PCLs.

Establishment of animal model Of acute suprachoroidal haemorrhage and its pathology

Background Expulsive choroidal haemorrhage is a severe complication during the intraocular operation.To create a feasible animal model of expulsive choroidal haemorrhage is very important for the study of its nature disease course and therefore prevention and treatment.Objecfive Present study was to modify the method of establishing acute choroidal haemorrhage animal model and explore the risk factor and pathogenesis mechanism.Methods The suprachoroidal explusive haemorrhage animal models were created by modifying the Zauberman method to ligate 2-4 vortex veins and rapidly intravenous injection of 250 ml normal solution to elevate the intraocular pressure(IOP),and then low the IOP by opening the anterior chamber via limbal incision.The bleeding of choroid and detachment of retina were examined by B-type ultrasound immediately,1,2 and 4 weeks after operation to assess the disease alteration with lapse of time.The samples of eyeballs were prepared in mentioned above time points for the histopathologieal evaluation of retina tissue.Results The animal models of suprachoroidal explusive haemorrhage were established bv this modified method with the successful rate 100％,and the manifestation resembled a clinical disease course.The shape,range and location of choroidal bleeding and retinal detachment were determined,and the diagnosis and change of suprachoroidal explusive haemorrhage with time were clarified using B-uhrasonography.The histopathological change revealed the breaking of Brueh's membrane and retinal pigmentary layer.It was verified that the dominant pathological change of retina was retinal destroy in 1 week after operation,and in 4 weeks after operation,the main pathological mechanism was proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen fiber. Conclusion The consequence procedure of modified Zauberman method,quickly intravenous injection of normal solution and puncture of the anterior chamber can create an ideal animal model of suprachoroidal explusive haemorrhage.The rapid IOP descent is a main risk factor of supraehoroidal explusive haemorrhage.The results of supraehoroidal explusive haemorrhage is severe destroy of retina and ehoroid.This study implies that supraehoroidal explusive haemorrhage is likely to be prevented and treated in the early stage. Key words: Suprachoroidal explusive haemorrhage; Risk factor; Choroid; Retina; B-ultrasonography; Animal model; Histopathology

Multidetector CT findings of neurogenic appendicopathy

Neurogenic appendicopathy is a condition in which abnormalities within the appendix produce symptoms that mimic acute appendicitis. It is usually difficult to differentiate between neurogenic appendicopathy and acute appendicitis from their clinical history, symptoms, laboratory findings and physical examination. We experienced two cases of neurogenic appendicopathy diagnosed from histopathologic findings, in which patients had presented with right lower abdominal pain. On Multidetector Computed Tomography, dilated appendix was depicted with uniform enhancement, associated with calcifications (or appendicolith). Inflammatory change was not so remarkable in both cases. We suspected appendiceal tumor from imaging findings in both cases and elective surgeries were performed. Pathologically, neuroma-like proliferation of nerve fibers was found, which were stained with S-100 protein in submucosal layer. The imaging features of neurogenic appendicopathy, including Computed Tomography, have not been reported in English literatures. In this article, we reported the imaging characteristics on Multidetector Computed Tomography in these two cases of neurogenic appendicopathy, correlated them with pathologic features. It is supposed to reflect its pathological change including edematous change, proliferation of collagen and nerve fibers. There has been no definitive criterion for imaging diagnosis of neurogenic appendicopathy, and further investigation is needed to evaluate for the imaging characteristics and its significance in clinical situation.

Application of paclitaxel during trabeculectomy and its anti-proliferative effects

Background The filtering surgery is the main method of treating glaucoma.Fibrosis of filtering bleb is a key cause of failure of operation.The study about application of anti-scaring drug in filtering surgery is a hotspot.Objective Present study was to investigate the anti-scaring effect of paclitaxel aher trabeculectomy.Methods Thirty-two adult clean domestic rabbits underwent standardized trabeculectomy and randomly divided into 4 groups.Normal saline solution was used beneath the scleral flap during trabeculectomy for 3 minutes in 16 eyes of 8 rabbits as controls.0.3 g/L mitomycin C,0.2 g/L paclitaxel or 0.3 g/L paclitaxel was administered at the same way respectively in other 3 groups.Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured,and eye numbers with function blebs were compared among 4 groups at the 4th,7th,14th and 28th day after surgery.The opening of filtration tunnel and the number of inflammatory cells were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining,and proliferation of new collagen fibers was evaluated by Masson trichrome method.This study complied with the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission(version 1988). Results No significant differences were found in the change of lOP among 4 groups before operation(F=0.54,P=0.83)and the 4th day aher operation(F=0.57,P=0.87).The IOP value was statistically lower in 0.3 g/L mitomycin C group,0.2 g/L paclitaxel group and 0.3 s/L paelitaxel group than the normal saline solution group(P＜0.05)with the lowest value in 0.3 s/L paclitaxel group in 7,14,28 days after operation(P＜0.05).Functional filtering bleb was seen in all the rabbit eyes in the 4th day after operation.In 7,14,28 days after operation,the number of eyes with functional bleb wag evidently more in 0.3 g/L mitomycin C group,0.2 g/L paclitaxel group and 0.3 g/L paclitaxel group compared with normal saline group(P＜0.05).The histological examination showed that the infiltration of inflammatory cells in filtering tunnel was much more obvious in normal saline solution group than the other groups with the most mild response in 0.3 g/L paclitaxel group.Masson trichrome revealed that proliferation of new collagen fibers in 0.3 g/L paclitaxel group was significantly decreased in comparison with those in other three groups at the 4th,7th,14th and 28th day after surgery(all P＜0.05). Conclusion Paclitaxel can inhibit the inflammatory response and collagen fibrosis and therefore open the filtering tunnel after it be used topically during the glaucoma trabeculectomy. Key words: Paclitaxei; Trabeculectomy; Intraocular pressure; Glaucoma; Proliferation; Filtering bleb

Bilateral Cataract in a Cynomolgus Monkey

Severe bilateral cataract was found in a 7 year-old naïve female cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) 3 months before necropsy. During macroscopic examination, severe opacity and thinning of the lens were observed in both eyes. Histopathology revealed that the lens nuclei and majority of cortex lens fibers had disappeared and become excavated, while the lens fibers in the subcapsular area were swollen and distorted. Other observations included atrophy and vacuolation in the lens epithelial cells and proliferation of spindle cells and collagen fiber beneath the anterior capsule of the right eye. Immunohistochemical staining of these spindle cells revealed the presence of vimentin, cytokeratin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), which were considered to be derived from lens epithelial cells. This is a rare case of spontaneous, bilateral, hypermature cataract in a cynomolgus monkey.