Surface Of Internal Organs Research Articles

Genetic framework sequencing analysis of Candida tropicalis in dairy cow mastitis and study of pathogenicity and drug resistance

Candida tropicalis (C. tropicalis) is a zoonotic pathogen that is widespread in the environment and in recent years an increasing number of dairy cows have been infected with the fungus causing mastitis in cows.In this study, 37 milk samples from the udders of cows with clinical mastitis were collected from a dairy farm in Guangxi Province, China, from which C. tropicalis was isolated and identified, and then the isolated fungi were subjected to genome frame map sequencing, genome functional analysis as well as comparative genome analysis of the sequencing results, and combined with the virulence test of the fungi and drug sensitivity test of the fungi determined in infected mice, the resistance genes and pathogenicity of the fungi were Analysis of resistance genes and pathogenicity.Our study results revealed the isolation and characterisation of C. tropicalis from diseased cows, with a genome length of approximately 14.27 Mb. Functional annotation of the genome identified 4068 genes associated with C. tropicalis. The strain exhibited a chemoresistance mutation in the gene cyp51,a virulence-enhancing mutation in the gene VTC4, and mutations in genes linked to drug resistance. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that C. tropicalis could induce damage to the internal organs of mice, leading to different levels of cyanosis in the abdominal cavity, white necrotic foci on the surface of internal organs, lung hemorrhage, and enlargement of the spleen and thymus.Histological sections also revealed varying degrees of hemorrhage and degenerative changes in the cells of different organs in the mice. Drug sensitivity tests showed that the fungus was highly sensitive to nystatin and ketoconazole, moderately sensitive to amphotericin B, and insensitive to antibiotics such as itraconazole, gentamicin, and penicillin. In conclusion, C. tropicalis isolated from dairy cows in the Guangxi region in this study was pathogenic and resistant to azoles such as itraconazole and fluconazole, and this study provides a theoretical basis for the further screening of novel resistance genes in C. tropicalis, as well as providing a certain reference for the drugs used for the treatment of fungal cow mastitis in this region.

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma: A 17-year single institution experience with a series of 75 cases

We present our experience with 75 cases of well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM) that were diagnosed at our institution between 2000 and 2017. The patients included 58 females and 17 males with age ranging from 18 to 69 years (mean, 42 years). Clinically, the vast majority of WDPMs were incidental findings during laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery for a variety of benign or malignant disease. The lesion manifested as either a small solitary nodule or multiple miliary nodules on the peritoneum or serosal surfaces of internal organs. Histologically, 67 cases were consistent with a classical WDPM, of which 6 cases contained microinvasive foci and 1 case had malignant transformation. Eight cases were hybrid tumors with variable combined component of adenomatoid tumor (n = 4), multicystic mesothelioma (n = 2), and both (n = 2). By immunohistochemistry, besides calretinin, D2-40, CK5/6 and WT1, 94% (29/31) of cases also showed immunostaining for PAX8. In comparison, PAX8 staining was only present in 12% (6/50) of epithelioid malignant mesothelioma selected as control cases. Follow-up information available in 46 cases revealed no signs of tumor progression or local recurrence except for the case that showed transformation to a fully malignant mesothelioma after a period of 15 years. Our comprehensive study further expanded the clinical and histopathological spectrum of WDPM. Compared with epithelioid malignant mesothelioma, PAX8 staining is highly sensitive and specific for WDPM (P < 0.001).

Helminths of European smelt Osmerus eperlanus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Lake Hańcza and the Vistula Lagoon, with special regard to their zoonotic threats

Reports published in recent years on the increased risk in the Baltic Sea of fish infection with larvae of nematodes potentially pathogenic to humans have prompted a study of European smelt Osmerus eperlanus with respect to the presence of these parasites in the Vistula Lagoon. Additionally, samples of this fish from Lake Hańcza were comparatively considered. The body cavity, the surface of internal organs, the alimentary tract and the swimbladder of fish from two environmentally different water bodies were taken into account in the analysis. Only the tapeworm Proteocephalus longicollis was found in the alimentary tract of the fish from Lake Hańcza. Depending on the period of study, the prevalence ranged from 60% to 100%, and the mean intensity from 11.5 to 42.0. The helminth fauna of smelt from the Vistula Lagoon was more diverse: Cystidicola farionis occurred with a prevalence from 25.9 to 75.0% and a mean intensity of infection from 2.7 to 66.0%, Proteocephalus longicollis and cystacanths of Corynosoma with a prevalence ranging in different years from 12.0 to 44.0% and from 14.8 to 50.0%, respectively. Zoonotic parasites, such as nematode larvae of the Anisakidae family (Contracaecum sp., Anisakis simplex), occurred in the intestine with a prevalence of 31%, 72% and 22% in consecutive years of the study.

Sistema circulatorio de Bonghan como una extensión de los meridianos de acupuntura

The Bonghan system (BHS) is a newly-discovered circulatory system, which corresponds to classical acupuncture meridians and was discovered in the early 1960s by B.H. Kim. Despite its potential importance in biology and medicine, it has been ignored or forgotten for a long time. Only recently have most of its significant parts, such as the BHS inside blood or lymph vessels, on the surfaces of internal organs, and in brain ventricles, been confirmed. For this, novel methods using modern technology were necessary because B.H. Kim did not describe his methods. For example, among other methods, the discovery of a BHS-specific dye, trypan blue, was one of the most important original contributions that made BHS observation possible. With this technique, the BHS in adipose tissue became traceable, and the BHS was discovered on the fascia surrounding tumor tissues, a finding which may have great significance in relation to serious health problems in modern society, namely, obesity and cancer.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Challenge to Medical Profession

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is an extremely rare cancer of peritoneum. It is associated with very poor prognosis due to late presentation and non-specific symptoms. We present a case of primary peritoneal mesothelioma in a 54 year old Hispanic female. She presented with epigastric abdominal pain and bloating for 5 months in the background of chronic non-specific abdominal discomfort. She had no history of occupational asbestos exposure, family history of cancer, smoking or weight loss. Her hemoglobin and chemistry were normal. Initial abdominal CT showed non-specific changes including loculated intra-abdominal ascites and mild epiphrenic adenopathy. Patient was referred for diagnostic laparoscopy. However, surgeons did not proceed with a surgical intervention initially. Her upper endoscopy and cystoscopy were performed and were normal. Her prior colonoscopy was normal. Repeat abdominal CT scan 3 month later revealed moderate volume of abdominal and pelvic ascites, worsening epiphrenic adenopathy, and mildly thickened anterior urinary bladder wall. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Numerous implants were found on serosal surface of internal organs, peritoneum and omentum. Pathology specimen was consistent with malignant mesothelioma-Epithelioid type. Patient underwent debulking surgery, including resection and reconstructions of right hemi-diaphragm, cholecystectomy, right colectomy, partial gastrectomy, distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, transverse colectomy, with temporary loop ileostomy followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and cisplatin therapy for 6 months. Patient is disease free at 3 years postoperatively, and she is doing well with close follow-up. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific clinical presentation and clinical course. Diagnosis requires high level of clinical suspicion. Diagnosis is based on good quality imaging, pathology and immunohistochemistry. MPM can be treated with debulking surgery and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Ultrastructure of a Mobile Threadlike Tissue Floating in a Lymph Vessel.

Observations of the primo vascular system (PVS) floating in lymph ducts were reported by various groups. There have been, however, no studies on the ultrastructure of the entire cross section of a primo vessel (PV) inside a lymph vessel with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). In the current study we took the TEM images of a cross section of the PV inside a lymph vessel. We used the Alcian blue staining method for the finding of the target PV in a lymphatic vessel by injecting the dye into the inguinal lymph nodes. The stained PV was harvested together with the lymph vessel and some parts of the specimens were used for studying with optical microscopes. Some other parts were treated according to a standard protocol for TEM. As the results the TEM study revealed the loosely distributed collagen fibers with plenty of empty spaces and the lumens with the endothelial nuclei. It turned out to be very similar to the ultrastructure of the PVs observed on the surfaces of internal organs. It also showed how compactly the PV is surrounded with lymphocytes. In conclusion, the detailed morphological features like the distribution of fibers in the PV were revealed and shown to be similar to another kind of the PV on the surfaces of internal organs.

Number Density of Mast Cells in the Primo Nodes of Rats

Mast cells (MCs) play a major role in allergic reactions. Surprisingly, the acupuncture points have a higher density of MCs compared with nonacupoints in the skin, which is consistent with the augmentation of the immune function by acupuncture treatment. We hypothesized that the primo vascular system (PVS), which was proposed as the anatomical structure of the acupuncture points and meridians, should have a high density of MCs. In order to test that hypothesis, we investigated the primo nodes isolated from the surfaces of internal organs, such as the liver, the small and the large intestines, and the bladder. The harvested primo nodes were stained with toluidine blue, and the MCs were easily recognized by their red–purple stains and their characteristic granules. The results showed a high density of MCs in the primo nodes and confirmed the hypothesis. The MCs were uniformly distributed in the nodes. The relative concentration of the MCs with respect to other cells was ∼15%. We divided the sizes of the primo nodes into three classes: large, medium, and small. The number density and the relative concentration of MCs did not show a size-dependence. The current work suggests that the PVS may participate in the immune response to allergic inflammation, which closely involves MCs.

Characterization and modeling of Ca2 + oscillations in mouse primary mesothelial cells

Brief changes in the cytosolic and intra-organellar Ca2+ concentration serve as specific signals for various physiological processes. In mesothelial cells lining the surface of internal organs and the walls of body cavities, a re-entry in the cell cycle (G0–G1 transition) evoked by serum re-administration induces long-lasting Ca2+ oscillations with a slowly decreasing frequency. Individual mesothelial cells show a wide range of different oscillatory patterns within a single, supposedly homogenous cell population. Changes in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration (ccyt) show baseline oscillatory patterns i.e., discrete Ca2+ transients starting from a constant basal ccyt level. The ER Ca2+ concentration (cER) displays a sawtooth wave at a semi-depleted ER state; the minimum level is reached just briefly after the maximal value for ccyt. These oscillations depend on plasmalemmal Ca2+ influx and on the inositol trisphosphate concentration [InsP3]; the Ca2+ influx is a crucial determinant of the oscillation frequency. Partial blocking of SERCA pumps modifies the oscillation frequency in both directions, i.e. increasing it in some cells and lowering it in others. Current mathematical models for Ca2+ oscillations mostly fail to reproduce two experimentally observed phenomena: the broad range of interspike intervals and constant basal ccyt levels between two Ca2+ spikes. Here we developed a new model based on – and fitted to – Ca2+ recordings of ccyt and cER recorded in primary mouse mesothelial cells. The model allowed for explaining many features of experimentally observed Ca2+ oscillations. We consider this model to be suitable to simulate various types of InsP3 receptor-based baseline Ca2+ oscillations.

Flexible piezoelectric thin-film energy harvesters and nanosensors for biomedical applications.

The use of inorganic-based flexible piezoelectric thin films for biomedical applications has been actively reported due to their advantages of highly piezoelectric, pliable, slim, lightweight, and biocompatible properties. The piezoelectric thin films on plastic substrates can convert ambient mechanical energy into electric signals, even responding to tiny movements on corrugated surfaces of internal organs and nanoscale biomechanical vibrations caused by acoustic waves. These inherent properties of flexible piezoelectric thin films enable to develop not only self-powered energy harvesters for eliminating batteries of bio-implantable medical devices but also sensitive nanosensors for in vivo diagnosis/therapy systems. This paper provides recent progresses of flexible piezoelectric thin-film harvesters and nanosensors for use in biomedical fields. First, developments of flexible piezoelectric energy-harvesting devices by using high-quality perovskite thin film and innovative flexible fabrication processes are addressed. Second, their biomedical applications are investigated, including self-powered cardiac pacemaker, acoustic nanosensor for biomimetic artificial hair cells, in vivo energy harvester driven by organ movements, and mechanical sensor for detecting nanoscale cellular deflections. At the end, future perspective of a self-powered flexible biomedical system is also briefly discussed with relation to the latest advancements of flexible electronics.

Nonmarrow hematopoiesis occurs in a hyaluronic-acid-rich node and duct system in mice.

A hyaluronic-acid-rich node and duct system (HAR-NDS) was found on the surface of internal organs of mice, and inside their blood and lymph vessels. The nodes (HAR-Ns) were filled with immune cells of the innate system and were especially enriched with mast cells and histiocytes. They also contained hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), such as granulocyte-macrophage, erythroid, multipotential progenitors, and mast cell progenitors (MCPs). MCPs were the most abundant among the HPCs in HAR-Ns. Their frequency was fivefold higher than that of the MCPs in bone marrow. In addition, the system contained pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) capable of producing CD45(-)Flk1(+) hemangioblast-like cells, which subsequently generated various types of HPCs and differentiated blood cells. Although HAR-Ns did not appear to harbor enough number of cells capable of long-term reconstitution or short-term radioprotection of lethally irradiated recipients, bone marrow cells were able to engraft in the HAR-NDS and reconstitute hematopoietic potentials of the system. PSCs and HPCs were consistently found in intravenous, intralymphatic, and intestinal HAR-ND. We infer that PSCs and HPCs reside in the HAR-ND and that this novel system may serve as an alternative means to traffic immature and mature blood cells throughout the body.

Microscopic nodes and ducts inside lymphatics and on the surface of internal organs are rich in granulocytes and secretory granules

The blood and lymphatic systems are the two well-established circulatory systems. The existence of a third circulatory system representing acupuncture meridians was claimed in the 1960s. The very existence and function of the system, however, remained uncertain. We have found that microscopic nodes and ducts inside lymphatics, as well as on the surface of internal organs of the rat. The nodes and ducts are covered by a layer of EMP-3-positive spindle-shaped epithelium with, below, a layer of vWF-positive but CD31-negative endothelium. The nodes contain a variety of immune cells, usually enriched with mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils and histiocytes, as well as chromaffin cells, other granule-containing cells. Secretory granules originating from the mast cells in the nodes appear to pass along ductules, two or more of which make up a duct. Our results reveal a potential circulatory system whose anatomical structure and cellular content differ from the blood and lymph systems, and which may be involved in the transport of secretory granules.

Biodegradation of two new biomaterials

Introduction . As in the previous experiments the haemostatic swab Antema revealed the disadvantage of troublesome adhesion both to surgical instruments and to serous surfaces of internal organs, the addition of Matemo could speed up the haemostatic performances of both biomaterials reducing the adhesion. For that reason Antema pads were treated with Matemo obtaining new haemostatic swabs. A comparison between the Matemo and the Antema + Matemo pads was then performed to test the haemostatic power and the biodegradation of both biomaterials. Materials and methods . For the experimental protocol the dorsal skin of each anesthetized animal was shaved, incised and two pouches were performed inside the subcutaneous tissue of the back, to introduce a specimen (1 cm2 of size) of Matemo on the left side, and Matemo + Antema on the right side. The same operation was repeated in 3 animals, and 3 other rats were used as controls and treated only with the selected anesthetic without intervention. The treated animals were all killed after 90 days from the operation. All the animals were daily controlled and no accident happens during the post-operation time. After death the dorsal skin of each animal was inspected in the two sides of implant and the samples from the skin and the subcutaneous tissues were taken in both sides of the back, to submit to the histological studies. Results . The microscopic analysis of the histological sections showed that at the deadline of the experiment both biomaterials disappeared from the site of implant, but the two regions were very different. In the left side ( Matemo ) the subcutaneous tissue appeared quite normal and very poorly infiltrated by the inflammatory cells, without proliferation of new fibrous tissue, neither dermal adhesion to the musculature. In the right side ( Antema + Matemo ) indeed, a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells was jet detectable and many dense neo-proliferate connective tissue attached the dermal plane to the muscular layer. Then, this protocol confirmed the very interesting results obtained in these studies in which the new synthesized haemostatic biomaterial Matemo was compared with Tabotamp and Antema , both currently used surgical sponges. Also in this experiment Matemo revealed a significant decrease in bleeding time with an absorption rate of the blood very quick and fast and its biodegradation at the 90th day were almost perfect.

A cytological observation of the fluid in the primo-nodes and vessels on the surfaces of mammalian internal organs

We report on the preliminary cytological observation of fluid in the primo-nodes and vessels on the surfaces of the internal organs of mammals. With some microsurgical procedures, we observed many cells and microcells that spread out of the nodes on the organ surfaces of rats and rabbits. These cells generally showed the following morphologies: (1) round or oval cells, 10 µm in size, with predominantly little cytoplasm; (2) cells with nuclei that exhibited a collapsed shape; (3) binucleated cells, 20 µm in size; (4) spherical granules, ranging 0.5-2.0 µm in size (primo-microcells); and (5) aggregations of such granules. These findings on the existence of cells with diverse morphologies in the fluid of primo-nodes and vessels could be evidence supporting the hypothesis that the anatomical basis of acupuncture meridians (i.e., primo-vascular system) may be a migration channel for various kind of cells.

Voltage‐dependent potassium currents of novel threadlike structure on the surface of internal organs in rats

The electrophysiological properties of novel threadlike structure (NTS) on the surface of internal organs were investigated using whole cell patch clamp technique. NTS had well‐developed branches and were joined to a corpuscle (NTSC). Voltage clamp analysis revealed that the current‐voltage relationship (I–V) was highly non‐linear and can be divided into four types (Type I ~ IV) by slope conductance and their passive membrane properties in NTS cells. The outward current was inhibited, while residual currents were existed in outward and inward currents, by the voltage‐dependent potassium (Kv) channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA), in a concentration‐dependent manner (IC50: 4.30 ± 1.71 and 4.43 ± 1.92 mM at +60 mV and −60 mV, respectively). These results indicated that the current was mainly carried by K+ ions. In addition, the resting membrane potential was depolarized by administration of 30 mM TEA. A systematic screening using RT‐PCR technique showed that genes of Kv1.2, Kv1.3, Kv2.1, Kv3.2, Kv3.3, Kv3.4, Kv4.1, Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 were expressed in NTSC. Taken together, our results indicated that Kv channel has an important role in regulating the membrane potential of NTSC cells.

Bonghan circulatory system as an extension of acupuncture meridians

The Bonghan system is a newly-discovered circulatory system, which corresponds to classical acupuncture meridians and was discovered in the early 1960s by Bonghan Kim. Despite its potential importance in biology and medicine, it has been ignored or forgotten for a long time. Only recently have most of its significant parts, such as the Bonghan system (BHS) inside blood or lymph vessels, on the surfaces of internal organs, and in brain ventricles, been confirmed. For this, novel methods using modern technology were necessary because Bonghan Kim did not describe his methods. For example, Among other methods, the discovery of a BHS-specific dye, trypan blue, was one of the most important original contributions that made BHS observation possible. With this technique, the BHS in adipose tissue became traceable, and the BHS was discovered on the fascia surrounding tumor tissues, a finding which may have great significance in relation to serious health problems in modem society, namely, obesity and cancer. Key words: Acupuncture meridian; Bonghan corpuscle; Bonghan duct; cancer; Regeneration; Trypan blue

Visualization of Acupuncture Meridians in the Hypodermis of Rat Using Trypan Blue

Bonghan Kim claimed that the primo-vessel (Bonghan duct) and the primo-node (Bonghan corpuscle) are anatomical structures corresponding to acupuncture meridians and acupoints, respectively, but this claim has not been confirmed. Recently we found that Trypan blue preferentially stained primo-vessels and primo-nodes on the surfaces of internal organs, not staining other structures like blood or lymph vessels or nerves. In this work, we applied Trypan blue to visualize the putative acupuncture meridian along skin skeletal muscles in the hypodermal layer of a rat. The Trypan blue stained-structures are morphologically similar to the meridian primo-vessels, as claimed by Bonghan Kim. Further study is needed to investigate the network of these Trypan blue-stained structures in order to establish them as acupuncture meridians.

Development of a Laparoscopic System for In Vivo Observation of the Bonghan Structure

Bonghan structures composed of corpuscles and ducts have been observed in numerous animal experiments. The structure has been suggested to be the physical substrate for acupuncture points and meridians used in traditional Chinese medicine. The corpuscle-duct structure on the organ surface has been extensively studied. However, it was only observed after the abdomen of a rat was fully exposed. It may be desirable to observe these structures under minimally invasive conditions. Our laparoscope is specifically designed for in situ, in vivo observation of the Bonghan structure on the surface of internal organs in rats. We made a laparoscope consisting of a borescope combined with an illumination module and an imaging data acquisition part. The Bonghan structure is transparent and is hard to see, even with the borescope. Spraying a specific dye, trypan blue and washing with saline is a necessary process to visualize the structure. For this reason, we devised a staining and washing system attached in parallel with the borescope in the laparoscopic system. The system operated successfully to reveal a Bonghan structure without surgery. This tool opens a host of possible applications such as observation of flow of stained liquid or drug in the Bonghan duct flowing from the skin to internal organs, and long-term observation of the physiological changes in Bonghan corpuscles.

Nod1/RICK and TLR Signaling Regulate Chemokine and Antimicrobial Innate Immune Responses in Mesothelial Cells

Mesothelial cells that line the serous cavities and outer surface of internal organs are involved in inflammatory responses induced by microbial stimuli and bacterial infection. Upon exposure to bacterial products, mesothelial cells secrete chemokines, but the signaling pathways by which these cells recognize bacteria to mediate innate immune responses remain largely unknown. We report that stimulation of primary peritoneal mesothelial cells via nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)1, a member of the intracytoplasmic Nod-like receptor family, induced potent secretion of the chemokines CXCL1 and CCL2 as well as expression of inducible NO synthase and such responses required the kinase RICK. Mesothelial cells also produced chemokines in response to TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR5 agonists, but unlike that induced by Nod1 stimulation, the TLR-mediated responses were independent of RICK. Yet, Nod1 stimulation of mesothelial cells via RICK enhanced chemokine secretion induced by LPS or IFN-gamma and cooperated with IFN-gamma in the production of NO. The i.p. administration of KF1B, a synthetic Nod1 agonist, elicited chemokine production in the serum and peritoneal fluid as well as the recruitment of neutrophils into the peritoneal cavity of wild-type mice, but not RICK-deficient mice. Finally, infection of mesothelial cells with Listeria monocytogenes induced production of CXCL1 and this response was significantly reduced in Nod1- or RICK-deficient cells. These results define mesothelial cells as microbial sensors through TLRs and Nod-like receptors and identify Nod1 and RICK as important mediators of chemokine and antimicrobial responses in mesothelial cells.

Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Study of the Meridian-like System on the Surface of Internal Organs of Rats

Threadlike structures on the surfaces of mammalian internal organs were recently observed, and they can be the anatomical basis of the meridian-like network of internal organs as detected by the Bi-Digital O-Ring test imaging method. Morphological and histological studies were performed to reveal their novel features by using confocal and electron microscopy, and there is evidence that reveals that they have a ductal structure in which some liquid flows. They form a part of the network of acupuncture meridians that is thought to be a circulatory system distributed throughout an animal body. In order to confirm further the circulatory function it was necessary to provide evidences for the existence of endothelial cells at the inner boundaries of the microchannels that form the threadlike ducts. In this work we performed immunohistochemical studies for the identification of endothelial cells. In addition, we identified the extracellular matrices between the microchannels in the threadlike structure by using antifibronectin, elastin, laminin, and collagen type IV. Since immunohistochemical data are not sufficient for definite proof we supplemented the analysis with ultra structural information by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Yet TEM images show only ultrathin sections (50 nm) of a specimen, we needed to take 3-dimentional images to provide a visual demonstration of the microchannels in the threadlike ducts. We conducted high voltage electron microscopic studies for this purpose and obtained corroborating tomograms that exhibit the microchannels. In conclusion, the meridian-like tissues are ducts with microchannels, which implies the circulatory function of the acupuncture meridian network.

Electron microscopic study of novel threadlike structures on the surfaces of mammalian organs

The ultrastructures of novel threadlike structures (NTSs) and corpuscles on the surfaces of internal organs of rats were investigated using electron microscopy. The samples were studied in situ by using a stereomicroscope and were taken for further morphological analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed a bundle structure of threadlike tissue, which was composed of several 10-micro m-thick subducts. The surfaces of the corpuscles were rather coarse and fenestrated. The corpuscles had cucumber-like shapes with an average length of about 2 mm and a thickness of about 400 micro m. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images disclosed disordered collagen fibers, which formed the extracellular matrix of the threadlike tissue, and immune-function cells, like macrophages, mast cells, and eosinophils. Sinuses of various diameters, which were thought to be cross-sections of the lumens of the subducts, were observed in the TEM, cryo-SEM and focused-ion-beam SEM images. These SEM images were obtained for the first time to reveal the detailed structure of the NTSs that were only recently discovered.