Ventricular Mucosa Research Articles

Pathological and Parasitological Findings in Serbian Great Cormorants Infected by Contracoecum rudolphii Sensu Lato

Abstract The carcasses of ten great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) found in one colony in the province of Vojvodina were necropsied and examined for parasites. The study aimed to identify helminths and histopathologically evaluate the associated tissue damage. Numerous nematodes were observed, either free in the the lumen of the ventriculus or deeply embedded in the ventricular mucosa of all the cormorants examined. The collected parasite samples were morphologically identified as Contracaecum rudolphii sensu lato. The main pathological findings included a thickening of the ventricular wall, while histopathology revealed a mild inflammatory infiltrate in the adjacent tissue and a connective tissue capsule around the parasite. Given that the parasites in this bird species still need to be thoroughly studied in our country, particularly the pathomorphological changes they cause, this study represents the first attempt to obtain a comprehensive understanding picture of the nematode infection and the pathological changes resulting from the presence of this parasite.

Morphological description of the alimentary canal and adnexal glands in Amazilia tzacatl, Amazilia saucerottei, Amazilia amabilis and Anthrachotorax nigricollis species.

The hummingbird family (Trochilidae) includes the smallest and most metabolically active vertebrates. They have a high energy demand because of their extraordinarily high metabolic rates during hovering while looking for food. The morphology of the digestive apparatus is related to the feeding habits of the species. The anatomy and histology of the digestive apparatus in these birds have not been thoroughly described except for their tongue. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the gross anatomy and histology of the alimentary canal and adnexal glands in four species from the hummingbird family: Amazilia tzacatl (n = 2), Amazilia saucerottei (n = 1), Amazilia amabilis (n = 1) and Anthracothorax nigricollis (n = 1). The alimentary canal was found to be very short. The epithelium of the oesophagus and crop showed variable degrees of keratinization and parakeratotic areas as normal conditions. A dorsal crop was observed as a differential characteristic of these birds. Like other birds, the ventricular mucosa in hummingbirds was covered and protected by the cuticle and showed a tunica muscularis constituted by three muscle layers. There was no isthmus between the proventriculus and ventriculus. The intestine presents a well-differentiated duodenum and jejunum. However, no ileum nor caeca were identified. The intestinal villi length, base width, crypt depth and area showed differences among the specimens studied among the small and large intestines. In addition, variations in thickness were observed in the smooth muscle tunica along the intestine. In all the studied species, the liver was composed of two lobes (right and left), and no gall bladder was observed during gross inspection or in histological sections. Finally, the pancreas was observed as a diffused organ forming islets related to all the small intestines. Some anatomical differences were observed among the studied species, mainly concerning Anthracothorax nigricollis. Hummingbirds showed very interesting and distinctive morphological characteristics. Hummingbirds possess unique and intriguing morphological characteristics. Future comparative studies related to the anatomy, histology and function of the digestive apparatus of hummingbirds are required. Expanding our understanding of the digestive morphophysiology in these bird species is crucial. However, it is necessary to conduct more comprehensive studies encompassing a wider range of hummingbird species and including a larger number of individuals to obtain more conclusive findings.

Dispharynx nasuta (Nematoda: Acuarioidea: Acuariidae) infestation in exotic red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) in captivity in the State of Michoacan, Mexico

Dispharynx nasuta is a widespread nematode parasite located in the proventriculus. This parasite may cause mortality in free-living birds or in captivity. However, reports of this parasite in psittacines are scarce. In a private aviary, in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico six red-rumped parrots (Psephotus haematonotus) died in one month, from mid-August to mid-September 2016, and one more specimen died during the examination. Prior to death, the birds presented depression, ruffled feathers, crop atony, and regurgitation. Upon necropsy, ulcers in the proventriculus, and hemorrhagic content associated with the presence of round worms was observed. At histopathology examination, the parasites were identified as Spirurida nematodes, located in the proventricular and ventricular mucosa. Specimens were submitted to the parasitology laboratory of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where the parasites were identified as D. nasuta. This is the first report of D. nasuta in P. haematonotus and the first report of D. nasuta in Mexico.

Characteristics of changes in the structural components of the mucosa and rat laryngeal cartilage at the end of the third week of experimental opioid exposure

In our work we aimed to study the pathomorphological manifestations among the structural components of the laryngeal mucosa and cartilage in the early stages of the experimental opioid effect. This goal was achieved through the use of histological techniques to visualize the structural components of the laryngeal mucosa and cartilage. Histological sections with a thickness of 5 - 7 mm were made. Histological specimens were prepared according to conventional methods using the dye hematoxylin, eosin, azan according to the method of Heidenhain, PAS-reaction according to Mc-Manus and Alcian blue according to Steedman. Microscopic examinations and photographing of the preparations were performed using an MBI-1 microscope and a Nicon D 3100 digital camera.At the microstructural level after 21 days in rats there was an increase in dyscirculatory changes, which were most pronounced in the vessels of the lamina propria of the laryngeal mucosa. The epithelial layer of the epiglottis was inhomogeneously thickened, especially on the pharyngeal surface. Small polymorphonuclear infiltrates were found in the laryngeal mucosa of the epiglottis. The vessels of the laryngeal ventricular mucosa of the larynx were dilated and filled with erythrocytes. The development of perivascular edema was registered. In the areas of transudate accumulation, the main substance of the laryngeal mucosa of the larynx was enlightened. Necrotic changes developed in the epitheliocytes of the laryngeal ventricle. Eosinophilic mass accumulated on the surface of the ventricular mucosa.The results of the study in the future will form a pathomorphological base that can be used for comparative characterization of the dynamics of growth of pathomorphological changes in the structural components of the laryngeal mucosa and cartilage in the early stages and compare these changes with pathomorphological manifestations in the late stages of experimental opioid exposure.

Bipedicled Vocal Fold Mucosal Flap: An Experimental Study

To determine the dimensions of mucosal defects that can be covered by a bipedicled vocal fold mucosal flap. We used 20 adults human larynges (10 of each gender) excised from cadavers, divided into 2 groups of 10 larynges (5 of each gender) each. In one group (the normal flap group), we created the largest possible bipedicled vocal fold mucosal flap and then quantified the dimensions of the largest defect that could be covered by displacing the flap medially. In the other group (the augmented flap group), the flap was augmented laterally with mucosa from the laryngeal ventricle and we determined whether the larger flap would effectively cover larger defects. The mean width of mucosal defect capable of being covered was 1.51 mm when the normal bipedicled flap was employed and was 1.67 mm when the augmented flap was applied. However, the difference was not statistically significant. We found that defect size correlated with vocal fold length, width and flap size in the normal flap group, whereas it correlated only with vocal fold length in the augmented flap group. The bipedicled flap is capable of covering larger defects in males. Enlargement of a bipedicled vocal fold mucosal flap with laryngeal ventricular mucosa does not necessarily translate to an increase in the size of defect that can be covered. On average, the flap should be 30% larger than the width of the defect. The statistical model for predicting the defect size based on the vocal fold length, vocal fold width, and flap size has excellent predictive quality when a normal flap is employed.

Third-stage nematode larvae of Contracaecum osculatum from Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) elicit eosinophilic granulomatous reactions when penetrating the stomach mucosa of pigs.

Third-stage larvae of the anisakid nematode Contracaecum osculatum were recovered from livers of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) caught in the Baltic Sea (June 2014) and used for experimental infection of two pigs (one male and one female). Each pig received 215 larvae by oral infection (feeding with minced cod liver containing live nematode larvae). Pigs were euthanized after 5 days, necropsied, and subjected to parasitological investigation. A total of 12 larvae were found penetrating the mucosa of the ventricle (7 in the female pig and 5 in the male pig) eliciting a granulomatous reaction at the penetration site. Four non-attached larvae were found in the female pig stomach and one in the male pig. Petechial bleeding was observed at several locations in the ventricular mucosa where larvae were located. Histological examination of the stomach mucosa revealed a massive cellular infiltration (giant cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, and fibroblast like cells) around the penetrating larva. Mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells containing eosinophilic granulae were particularly prominent in the granulomas. Reactions correspond to reactions in pigs following experimental infection with the human pathogenic anisakid larvae Anisakis sp. and Pseudoterranova sp. which suggests that C. osculatum might have a zoonotic potential as well.

Mucin gene expression in reflux laryngeal mucosa: histological and in situ hybridization observations.

Objectives/Hypothesis. To determine if laryngopharyngeal reflux alters mucin gene expression in laryngeal mucosa. Methods. In situ hybridization was employed to study the expression of the 8 well-characterised mucin genes MUC1-4, 5AC, 5B, 6, and 7 in reflux laryngeal mucosa from laryngeal ventricles, posterior commissures, and vocal folds compared to control/normal laryngeal mucosa. Results. MUC1-5 genes are expressed in normal and reflux laryngeal mucosa. MUC1, 3 and 4 are expressed in respiratory and squamous mucosa whereas MUC2 and 5AC are expressed in respiratory mucosa only. MUC3, 4 and 5AC are downregulated in reflux mucosa. MUC5AC expression is significantly reduced in the 3 mucosal sites and when mucosal type was taken into account, this remains significant in combined laryngeal and ventricular mucosa only. Conclusions. MUC3, 4 and 5AC expression is downregulated in laryngopharyngeal reflux. This may be due to laryngeal mucosal metaplasia and/or alteration of mucin gene expression in the preexisting mucosa. Altered mucin gene expression might predispose laryngeal mucosa to the damaging effect of reflux.

Gastric Sarcoidosis—A Case Report

Gastrointestinal sarcoidosis is very rare manifestation of the illness. This article presents patient who had been diagnosed for several months because of abdominal pain, vomiting and significant weight loss. Numerous gastric endoscopy examinations showed the difficult healing ulcers in the stomach, progressive thickening of the mucosal folds with narrowing of the lumen, lack of peristalsis and the rigidity of the walls. Histological examination of the specimen of the ventricular mucosa revealed chronic inflammation, as well as suspicion of tumor infiltration. Finally gastric sarcoidosis has been diagnosed on the basis of CT with double contrast, and histopathological examination of biopsis of stomach collected during laparotomy.

Properties and levels of deoxynucleoside kinases in normal and tumor cells; implications for chemotherapy

Deoxynucleoside kinases are key enzymes in deoxyribonucleoside salvage, activating several clinically important chemotherapeutic drugs. The four known kinases, cytosolic thymidine kinase (TK1) and deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) and the mitochondrial thymidine kinase (TK2) and deoxyguanosine kinase (dGK), have been purified and characterized as to the subunit structure as well as specificity with a large number of analogs. These results are summarized and used to establish selective assays for the four enzymes in crude extracts of normal and malignant human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, gastrointestinal tissues and sarcomas. TK2 and dGK activities were found at low levels in all tissues, possibly correlated to the content of mitochondria. TK1 activity was detected only in samples containing a significant number of S phase cells. We have measured dCK activity as well as dCK polypeptide level by immuno blotting in these extracts. High levels of dCK were found in normal mononuclear leukocytes (91–145 ng dCK/mg protein) and in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (80 ± 30 ng/mg, n = 23). Hairy cell leukemia contained lower levels (28 ± 23 ng/mg, n = 7), as did unexpectedly three samples of T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (18 ± 14 ng/mg). Phytohemaglutinine stimulation of normal lymphocytes did not lead to any substantial increase in either dCK activity or expression (less than 2.5-fold). In colon adenocarcinomas, the dCK content was significantly higher (21 ± 9.3 ng/mg, n = 20) than in normal colon mucosa (8.2 ± 3.7 ng/mg, n = 19, p < 0.05). A similar pattern of dCK expression was found in gastric adenocarcinomas (21 ± 13 ng/mg, n = 5) and normal ventricular mucosa (6.2 ± 5.4 ng/mg, n = 5, p < 0.15). One leiomyosarcoma and one extra-skeletal osteosarcoma showed a dCK levels comparable to those found in normal lymphocytes (84 ± 6 and 109 ± 4 ng/mg), while other sarcoma samples contained levels comparable to the gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas (20 ± 7 ng/mg, n = 12). We confirm that dCK is expressed constitutively and predominantly in lymphoid cells, but conclude that a significant expression may be found in non-lymphoid tissues as well, with increased levels in the corresponding tumor tissue. 2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine (CdA), an antileukemic agent used in treatment of hairy cell leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemias (B-CLL), is phosphorylated by dCK which was used as the selective substrate for this enzyme. A study was performed to investigate if there was a correlation between the dCK levels and the response to CdA treatment. In case of B-CLL, 21 patients that responded (complete and partial response) to CdA treatment, showed a significantly higher CdA phosphorylation than 13 patients not responding to CdA treatment (456 ± 170 pmole/mg/min versus 309 ± 97 pmole/mg/min, p < 0.01). We conclude that the level of CdA phosphorylation is correlated to the response of leukemias to CdA treatment

喉頭室粘膜のへん平上皮化生について とくに発癌母地に関する臨床病理学的研究

Primary carcinomas are rarely encountered in the laryngeal ventricle of Morgagni. They are classified into the subgroup of supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma in the TNM classification system of malignant tumors. However, detailed investigations have not hitherto been made on the possible occurrence of carcinomas in this region of the larynx. To find out whether the laryngeal ventricle could be the site of carcinogenesis, the author examined squamous metaplasia in the mucosal epithelium of 60 human laryngeal ventricles which were taken from 38 larynges removed operatively from patients with laryngeal carcinoma (14 cases), hypopharyngeal carcinoma (20 cases), carcinoma of the upper esophagus (two cases), tracheal carcinoma (one case) or thyroid carcinoma (one case). The patients consisted of 31 males and 7 females, with an age distribution of 44 to 80, average 62.7. The laryngeal ventricles were selected for investigation only when they did not show any carcinomatous invasion macroscopically. Macroscopic observations were performed after gross staining with pyronin Y, which permits differentiation of squamous metaplasia from respiratory epithelia. Tissues were embedded in paraffin, sectioned serially and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The clinical records of the patients were also made. The results are summarized as follows: 1. Squamous metaplasia of the stratified ciliated epithelium was found in 38 out of 60 specimens (63%) of the laryngeal ventricles examined. 2. The metaplasia seemed to be precipitated by smoking or exposure to radiation, along with aging. 3. The incidence and extent of metaplasia of the ventricular mucosa depended on the disease entity which had necessitated total laryngectomy, and the metaplasia was most prominent in cases with the supraglottic type of laryngeal carcinoma. 4. The metaplastic epithelium was occasionally associated with hyperplasia or dysplasia of the epithelium. 5. Microinvasive carcinoma was found in one laryngeal ventricle with severe metaplasia. These findings suggested a possible de novo carcinogenic process in the laryngeal ventricle through squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium. From this observation, the author proposes to call carcinoma of this region of the larynx the ventricular type of laryngeal carcinoma.

Endoscopic fluorescein flowmetry in the evaluation of gastric and duodenal mucosal blood flow.

Fluorescein flowmetry (FF) implies the measurement of a relative capillary blood flow, expressed as an index--that is, the ratio between the maximum fluorescence, obtained during the first circulatory passage of sodium fluorescein (Na-F), and the rise time, defined as the time interval between 10% and 90% of the maximum fluorescence. The aim of this study was to develop FF to be used during endoscopy for the evaluation of ventricular and duodenal mucosal blood flow. FF was applied during gastroduodenoscopy in 38 patients with normal mucosa, as verified by histopathologic examination. The blood flow index did not differ significantly for the mucosa of the fundus, corpus, and antrum. However, when compared with the duodenal mucosa, the blood flow index of the ventricular mucosa was almost twice as high (P less than 0.01). This, in turn, was due to a significantly higher maximum fluorescence in the ventricular mucosa (P less than 0.01), indicating a denser capillary network than in the duodenal mucosa. Since FF is a reliable method, easy to perform and without complications, it is suitable whenever mucosal blood flow warrants measurement during endoscopy.

Eversion of the laryngeal ventricle.

Eversion of the laryngeal ventricle is a rare lesion that presents with cough and/or voice changes. Laryngoscopy reveals a polypoid mass arising from the ventricle. Microscopically a polyp covered with ventricular mucosa and containing normal laryngeal mucous glands is seen. Chronic inflammation is usually present. Treatment in symptomatic cases consists of surgical removal endoscopically or by laryngofissure. The management of one patient is reported with a discussion of the cause, symptoms, and treatment of this condition.

Protection of the gastric mucosa against the lesions caused by reserpine through degranulation of mucosal mast cells.

AbstractThe ulcerating effects of reserpinisation in the gastric mucosa of rats were studied by special observation of the function of the gastric mucosal mast cells and the changes in mitotic activity of the epithelial cells. The significance of degranulation of the mucosal mast cells for the ulcerating effect of reserpine was also studied after the pretreatment of rats with dexamethasone. Immediately after the dexamethasone treatment there was a pronounced decrease in mitotic count of the gastric mucosal epithelium which 2—3 days later when the mast cells of the gastric mocusa were almost completely degranulated was followed by a 2—3 fold increase in mitotic activity as compared with controls. 10 and 20 days later the mitotic count in the gastric mucosal epithelium decreased below the controls values, the mucosal mast cells being re‐granulated over the control values. The changes in mitotic count in the epithelium of duodenum. ileum and colon under the same conditions were scanty. The degranulation of the mast cells was markedly slighter in the intestinal than in the gastric mucosa. In the reserpinized rats the number of mitoses in the gastric epithelium decreased simultaneously with the degranulation of the mast cells. The degranulation of the mast cells in the duodenal mucosa was slighter and no changes in mitotic activity occurred in the duodenal epithelium. Lesions appeared during reserpinisation in the ventricular mucosa. Reserpinisation after the dexamethasone treatment did not cause ulcer formation in the gastric mucosa, nor did it in this phase cause inhibition in the mitotic activity, typical of which was an overshooting 2—3 days after dexamethasone treatment. The mechanism of gastric mucosal ulceration is discussed.

TUBERCULOMA OF THE LARYNGEAL VENTRICLE RESEMBLING PROLAPSE OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE: REPORT OF A CASE

The ventricles of the larynx are two horizontal elliptic spaces situated on the inner aspect of the ala of the thyroid cartilage. They lie between the true vocal cord below and the so-called false vocal cord or ventricular band above (fig. 1). Ventricular per se is a rare condition. It was first described by Lefferts in 1876. Since that time it has been a matter of controversy in the realm of laryngology. The great difference of opinion seems to be concerning the terminology and the etiology. By prolapse of the ventricle, the term in general use, is to be understood the protrusion of a portion of the ventricular mucosa as a result of inflammatory edema or hyperplasia, so that the parts of the ventricle normally out of sight are carried inwards along with the swelling, and come to be brought in view of the laryngoscope. By the term eversion