Surface Of Internal Organs Research Articles

Cholinergic sensory inputs to command neurons in edible snail

We studied cholinergic component of visceral sensory input to defensive behavior command neurons in edible snail. Nicotinic receptor antagonist tubocurarine and muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine reversibly decreased the amplitude of the total excitatory postsynaptic potential induced by electrostimulation of the peripheral region in the mechanosensory receptor field of command neurons on the surface of internal organs. Our results indicate that acetylcholine is involved in sensory signal transduction from the visceral sac to command neurons of snail parietal ganglia. The subsynaptic membrane of visceral synaptic input contains nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.

Characterization of DNA-containing Granules Flowing Through the Meridian-like System on the Internal Organs of Rabbits

It is an essential question for acupuncture whether the acupuncture meridians form an anatomically distinctive system of threadlike ducts that spread throughout an animal body. We observed the threadlike structures on the surface of internal organs of animals. This threadlike structure may be the physical basis of the meridian-like network of internal organs as detected by the Bi-Digital O-Ring test imaging method. One of the characteristics of the threadlike structures is the presence of DNA containing granules or Bonghan granules that flow through the ducts. The aim of this study was to separate and characterize their morphology and ultrastructural features. Using confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we found that Bonghan granules were round and measure 1.7-2.5 microm in diameter. They had a small nucleus surrounded by a layer of cytoplasm and a trilaminar plasma membrane. TEM also showed that they had cytoplasmic protrusions like pseudopodia. They contained fragmented DNA with a significant amount of 3'-OH ends. We compared their properties with the cell structure and general morphology of apoptotic bodies, bacteria, and the microcells. The motion of these granules was influenced by light, which may be related to the photo-therapy on the acupuncture points.

Feulgen reaction study of novel threadlike structures (Bonghan ducts) on the surfaces of mammalian organs

Threadlike structures on the surfaces of internal organs, which are thought to be part of the Bonghan duct system, were first reported about 40 years ago, but have been largely ignored since then. Recently, they were rediscovered, and in this study we discuss the Feulgen reaction that specifically stains DNA in order to identify these structures on the surface of rabbit livers as part of the Bonghan system. The distribution, shapes, and sizes of their nuclei are found to be similar to those of intravascular threadlike structures. The endothelial nuclei are rod-shaped, 10-20 mum long, and aligned in a broken-line striped fashion. The threadlike structure consists of a bundle of several subducts, which is a characteristic feature of Bonghan ducts and distinguishes them morphologically from lymphatic vessels. In addition, the Feulgen reaction clearly demonstrates that the subducts pass through a corpuscle, which is usually irregular or oval-shaped and is connected to two or several threadlike structures that form a web on the surfaces of organs. Furthermore, spherical granules of about 1 mum in diameter are detected in the subducts. These granules were well stained by using the Feulgen reaction, which implies that they contain DNA. According to previous reports, a granule is a type of microcell and plays an essential role in the physiology and therapeutic effect of the Bonghan system and acupuncture. This role has yet to be elucidated.

Requirements to signal processing for visualizing surfaces from three-dimensional ultrasound data sets

Three-dimensional ultrasound can be regarded as the generalization of the traditional 2-D technique with the aim to provide a ‘‘tomographic’’ acquisition of the body interior, and moreover, to visualize surfaces of internal organs and pathology, such as fetuses, bone, liver, vessels, skin, brain, but also cysts, tumors, etc. The first requirement for visualizing a surface is obviously the ability of a system to provide mostly clear, sharply defined, high contrast surfaces of internal interfaces between tissue types. The presence of speckle (e.g., parenchyma within liver, amniotic fluid, etc.) greatly reduces the ability of presenting surfaces. ‘‘Ideal’’ surfaces from the visualization point of view have a small width (i.e., narrow transition zone between different tissues), are smooth, high contrast, continuous, gapless, and show the same gradient and average intensity. Although these requirements can hardly be fulfilled all at once, one wishes/expects that selective image processing can help overcome several of these difficulties. Numerous examples of this group’s previous works demonstrating all 3-D surface visualization drawbacks listed above, together with some image-processing-based improvement techniques proposed so far, will be presented.

Intravascular, tissue and ex-vivo sensors for anaesthesia and critical care

Frequent measurement of key physiological variables now forms an integral part of management during anaesthesia and critical care. In many circumstances the key physiological variables may be subject to rapid change and this demands the use of techniques for continuous monitoring. The concept of in viva biochemical monitoring is becoming more of a reality through advances in sensors and instrumentation.’ In fact, chemical sensing techniques for in vivo measurement of certain gases, ions and catabolites have been available in research laboratories for more than a quarter of a century, but only very few of these have successfully moved into routine clinical practice. A variety of anatomical sites is available for measurement,2 some of which are shown in Figure 1. The decision as to the acceptability of any invasive sensors will largely depend upon clinical circumstances. Obviously the precise form of each sensor must be designed carefully to match the specific application. Needle-type sensors may be used for intra-cellular and tissue measurement. Catheter and cannulae sensors are ideally suited to intra-vascular measurement, but they may also be used for insertion into tissue such as transplanted flaps, as well as being applicable to measurements within the gastro-intestinal tract. Flat disc-shaped sensors may be used on the surface of the skin or on the surface of internal organs.

Endoscopy in basic research.

Gastroenterological endoscopy has stimulated research in a number of ways. New optical developments culminating in the glass fibre and the video endoscope, were necessary stages in the construction of highly sophisticated instruments. These advanced instruments made research possible and also stimulated it. Quite a few methods were made applicable to the gastrointestinal tract only with the aid of endoscopes. For this purpose, they first had to be carefully studied and then modified. Here, mention might be made of the taking of biopsies for histological work-up, X-ray procedures, diagnostic ultrasound, Doppler ultrasonography, operative endoscopy and laser beams. Developments have ensured that endoscopy did not remain restricted merely to its role as an optical diagnostic procedure capable only of visualizing the surfaces of internal organs. In numerous areas, operative endoscopy has now replaced the classical surgical procedure, and further developments may be expected in this field.