Volume Density Of Blood Vessels Research Articles

Evaluation of the vascular and cardiac effects of treatment with copaiba oil and white pitch: a perspective for reducing oxidative stress and improving cardiac microstructure

Autism is a neuropsychiatric disorder that develops in childhood and may have associated comorbidities, such as heart disease. As a treatment, alternative therapy means are being sought to conventional methods. For study purposes, autism has been induced through gestational exposure to valproic acid. With the aim of evaluating the vascular and cardiac effects of treatment with copaiba essential oil and white pitch caused by gestational exposure to valproic acid, on the 13th day of pregnancy, the rats in the negative control group received water and those in the experimental groups received valproic acid (600 mg/kg), intraperitoneally, once. The male puppies were divided into six groups: negative and positive controls; vehicle; treated with copaiba oil; with white pitch oil and copaiba oil associated with white pitch. TERRA® oils were administered via gavage for 30 consecutive days. As a result, a reduction in superoxide dismutase, catalase and creatine kinase and an increase in total antioxidant activity and malondialdehyde were verified. Presence of myocarditis, vacuolation and necrosis of cardiomyocytes. There was no significant change in area and diameter, but there was an increase in the volume density and length of cardiomyocytes and a decrease in the volume density of blood vessels and interstices and the length density of blood vessels. Thus, exposure to valproic acid during the intrauterine period caused changes in the cardiac microstructure. However, the use of copaíba and white pitch essential oils led to oxidative and nitrosative stress, and the combination of the two oils has promising results in reversing this condition.

The structure of human retinal vasculature and interstitium in the terminal stage of primary openangle glaucoma

Purpose: to study the structural organization of the vascular bed of human retina in the terminal stage of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Material and methods. We performed a comparative immunohistochemical analysis of the content of vessels in the retina of 13 eyes of patients in the terminal stage of POAG, enucleated for medical reasons, and 17 eyes with uveal melanoma, using the markers of blood vessels endothelium CD34. The ultrastructural organization of the interstitium and endothelial cells of retinal microvessels was studied by electron microscopy and morphometry.Results. A significant increase in the volume density of the interstitium and a decrease in the volume density of CD34+-blood vessels in the retina of patients in the terminal stage of POAG, as compared with uveal melanoma, were revealed. An increased volume density of luminal and basal caveolae and the formation of transendothelial channels in the cytoplasm of endotheliocytes of retinal blood capillaries in the terminal stage of POAG were noted.Conclusion. In the terminal stage of POAG, the interstitial spaces of the retina are increased and the volume density of blood vessels is dropping. The increased volume density of luminal and basal caveolae and the formation of transendothelial channels in the cytoplasm of blood capillary endotheliocytes indicate the growth of transcytosis and the permeability of the blood-retinal barrier.

Клеточное и стромальное микроокружение при метастазирующей меланоме хориоидеи

Introduction. Choroidal melanoma is a malignant neoplasm of the eye’s vascular membrane. Prognosing and preventing metastasis are the main objectives of ocular oncology, aimed at maximizing the relapse-free survival of patients. Our goal was to determine the features of the cellular and stromal microenvironment of metastatic choroidal melanoma based on the immunohistochemical characteristics of surgical specimens. Materials and methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of surgical specimens of cases of choroidal melanoma obtained from 2013 to 2017 and divided them into 2 study groups: group 1 included cases of choroidal melanoma without distant metastases (n=25) and group 2 involved cases of choroidal melanoma with distant liver metastases (n=18). The study was conducted using medical records analysis, histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric, and statistical research methods. Results. In group 2, the level of cells expressing CD4 markers – 138.5 (99.8;153.3), CD68 – 137 (99,5;173,8) and CD56 [5 (3;6)] prevailed significantly. The indicators of CD4 lymphocytes >95 and CD68 macro-phages >104 were found to allow the prediction of the appearance of distant choroidal melanoma metastases with the sensitivity of 83.3% and 72.2% and specificity of 76% and 76%, respectively. The indicators of the volume density of blood vessels in the tumor <3.9 (with a sensitivity of 77.8% and specificity of 64%) were of the same prognostic value. Conclusion. Metastatic choroidal melanoma is characterized by features of the cellular and stromal microen-vironment. Quantitative indicators of CD4 lymphocytes and CD68-macrophages and the volume density of blood vessels in the tumor have prognostic value with high sensitivity and specificity for predicting distant tumor metastasis. Keywords: choroidal melanoma, lymphocytes, macrophages, metastases, tumor blood vessels

Morphometric analysis of the epineurial and endoneurial blood vessels of the human sciatic nerve in relation to aging

The aim of this research is to perform an analysis of the epineurial and endoneurial blood vessels in relation to aging. The research is conducted on samples of the human sciatic nerve of 12 case (age from 27 to 89). The histological sections are stained by streptavidin-biotin method of detecting the presence of Type IV collagen. After morphometric analysis the following stereological parameters have been calculated: the number of blood vessels per unit of area, the volume density of the blood vessels and the surface density of the blood vessels of the epineurium and endoneurium. An additional diameter measurement is performed for the endoneural blood vessels. In order to perform a more detailed analysis, the cases were classified into three age groups, the first (27–48 years), the second (49–70 years) and, the third (over 70 years). The bivariate correlation analysis showed that the number of blood vessels of the endoneurium, their volume and surface densities in relation to age produced a statistically significant positive correlation. One Way ANOVA test demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the number of endoneurial blood vessels in the age group III when compared the age group I and, in addition, it showed a significant decrease in the diameter of the age group II when compared to the age group I. Paired t – test shows a statistically significant higher number of endoneurial blood vessels in relation to the epineurial, namely, in the age group III. The volume and surface density of the epineurial blood vessels is significantly higher than the endoneurial in both the I and II age group. Age brings about significant changes of the endoneurial vascular network of the sciatic nerve due to the increase in density of the endoneurial blood vessels, their volume and surface densities. Consequently, in the cases older than 70 years, the number of endoneurial blood vessels significantly exceeds the number of epineurial blood vessels.

Effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on stereological parameters and extravillous trophoblast cells of placenta compared to the control group

The quantitative changes of extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) in placenta of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients were investigated compared to healthy controls using stereological methods. The volumetric parameters of the placenta and EVTs were estimated using Cavalieri’s principle and Physical Disector stereological methods. The placental volume and weight in the GDM group increased compared to the control group (p < .05). The difference in the total volume of intervillous space and blood vessels of the placenta between GDM and control groups was statistically significant (p < .05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the volume density of blood vessels and syncytiotrophoblast between the GDM group and the control group (p < .05). The total volume of the EVTs, nucleus and cytoplasm diameter, volume of the nucleus and cytoplasm, nucleus to cytoplasm ratio (N/C) of EVTs and the total number of EVTs per unit volume of the placenta in the GDM group showed a significant increase compared to the controls (p < .05).Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? It is reported that extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) played an important role in pregnancy complications. There are limited studies on the quantitative changes of EVTs in the placental bed of GDM patients.What do the results of this study add? The results showed that volumetric parameters and number of EVTs were significantly altered in GDM placentas. These changes can be associated with disturbances in trophoblastic invasion in GDM pregnancies and may affect the development and survival of the embryo.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In the present study, there is a new insight to placenta structure that probably could be useful to understanding possible mechanisms of pregnancy complications and the achievement of new therapeutic strategies. Further investigation on the molecular biology of these cells in pregnancy complications will be needed to clarify this hypothesis.

Effects of aging and resistance training in rat tendon remodeling.

In elderly persons, weak tendons contribute to functional limitations, injuries, and disability, but resistance training can attenuate this age-related decline. We evaluated the effects of resistance training on the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the calcaneal tendon (CT) in young and old rats and its effect on tendon remodeling. Wistar rats aged 3 mo (young, n = 30) and 20 mo (old, n = 30) were divided into 4 groups: young sedentary, young trained, old sedentary (OS), and old trained (OT). The training sessions were conducted over a 12-wk period. Aging in sedentary rats showed down-regulation in key genes that regulated ECM remodeling. Moreover, the OS group showed a calcification focus in the distal region of the CT, with reduced blood vessel volume density. In contrast, resistance training was effective in up-regulating connective tissue growth factor, VEGF, and decorin gene expression in old rats. Resistance training also increased proteoglycan content in young and old rats in special small leucine-rich proteoglycans and blood vessels and prevented calcification in OT rats. These findings confirm that resistance training is a potential mechanism in the prevention of aging-related loss in ECM and that it attenuates the detrimental effects of aging in tendons, such as ruptures and tendinopathies.-Marqueti, R. C., Durigan, J. L. Q., Oliveira, A. J. S., Mekaro, M. S., Guzzoni, V., Aro, A. A., Pimentel, E. R., Selistre-de-Araujo, H. S. Effects of aging and resistance training in rat tendon remodeling.

Psammoma bodies as signs of choroid plexus ageing: A morphometric analysis

Background/Aim. Psammoma bodies (PB) are regarded as benign consequences of ageing in choroid plexus stroma. The aim of this study was to assess the morphometric characteristics of psammoma bodies of all four choroid plexuses during the ageing process. Our intention was to find the possible relations between psammoma bodies and choroid plexus and blood vessels parameters. Methods. This study was conducted on the material taken from 15 cadavers during routine autopsies. Tissue samples were collected from both lateral, third and forth ventricles? choroid plexus. Slices were stained with Mallory trichrome stains. In each image, we analyzed morphometrically the epithelium, blood vessels present and all the psammoma bodies. Results. With age, right choroid plexus surface density decreases (p &lt; 0.05), while the psammoma bodies volume density increases (p &lt; 0.05). A decrease in the blood vessels volume density was observed in the third ventricle?s choroid plexus (p &lt; 0.05), as well as an age-related decrease in the psammoma bodies perimeter (p &lt; 0.01). Not associated with ageing, the increase in psammoma bodies perimeter and volume density predicts a decrease in choroid plexus surface density (p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). There was a decrease in the volume density of blood vessels with age and with the increase in Feret?s diameter of psammoma bodies, (p &lt; 0.001 and p &lt; 0.05, respectively). Conclusion. We want to point out that there is an association between ageing and increased size and volume density of psammoma bodies. More important is the fact that psammoma bodies? presence and their morphometric characteristics are good predictors of changes occurring on the level of choroid plexus structure and vascularization, which may have crucial effects on the choroid plexus physiology.

A87: Proliferative activity, lymphatic and blood vessel density in different clinical stages of melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive human neoplasms that can quickly metastasize to regional lymph nodes. Currently, prognosis is determined by measuring tumor thickness but more reliable markers for metastatic spread are urgently needed. It is well known that tumors require a microvasculature development in order to grow and metastasize. Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis play an important role not only in the tumor growth, but also in the tumor metastasis. As malignancy is a disorder of cellular growth control, the assessment of cell proliferation rates in tumors has intuitive appeal as a prognostic marker. One such biomarker is Ki-67, a cell cycle dependent protein. Recent reports related to its role as a prognostic factor have been contradictory. The purpose of this study was to investigate lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis and tumor tissue proliferative activity depending on the clinical stages of melanoma. The objects of the study were the samples of tumor tissue obtained during surgical treatment of cutaneous malignant melanoma. To analyze tumor angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and proliferation, we performed immunostains of the primary melanomas for the vascular marker CD34, for the lymphatic-specific markers LYVE-1, D2 -40 (Podoplanin) and marker of proliferation – Ki-67. Samples of tumor tissue from 40 patients with IA, IB, IIA, IIB, IIIC melanoma stages were fixed in 10% neutral formalin, processed by standard histological techniques and embedded in paraffin. All steps of the immunohistochemical reaction were performed by using BENCHMARK/XT slide stainer (Ventana). Determination of blood vessel volume density revealed its growth an average of 2 times in peritumoral areas. Similar data were obtained about the location lymphatic vessels. Greater content peritumoral blood and lymphatic vessels, then intratumoral could be detected in all stages of melanoma. In addition more significantly greater volume density both intratumoral and peritumoral blood vessels, than lymphatic vessels was found. A greater degree expression of endothelium lymphatic vessels markers Podoplanin, compared with the LYVE-1 was shown. It was noted an increasing volume density of the peritumoral blood and lymphatic vessels in primary tumors with expansion clinical stage melanoma. Three levels of proliferative activity of tumor tissue were determined (low, an average degree and high Ki-67 expression). Results of the analysis have shown, that the high proliferative activity corresponded to significant content of blood and lymphatic vessels. High level of these markers was observed in patients with regional lymph nodes metastases. In recent years there have been appeared publications suggesting that lymphatic vessel density (particularly in a peritumoral location) and lymphatic vessel invasion are predictors of sentinel node metastasis and poorer survival. It was noted, that “larger, carefully conducted and well-reported studies that confirm these preliminary findings are required before it would be appropriate to recommend the routine application of costly and time-consuming immunohistochemistry for lymphatic markers in the routine clinical assessment of primary cutaneous melanomas”. In our opinion, one must consider not only the lymphatic vessels density, but also blood vessels, and the tumor tissue proliferative activity. Conclusion This study has shown that the complex markers of lymphangiogenesis (Podoplanin), angiogenesis (CD34) and proliferation (Ki-67) may be predictors of high risk early melanoma metastasis.

Neurovascular quantitative study of the uterosacral ligament related to nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy

ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution of autonomic nerves and blood and lymphatic vessels in the uterosacral ligament, elucidate detailed anatomy at a surgical level and provide pathobiological evidence for improvement of nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. Study design: Surgical samples were collected from 15 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer (FIGO Ib1-IIa). Twenty-nine fresh specimens were divided into cervical, intermediate and sacral sections, and then subdivided into superficial and deep portions from the middle: the medial surface and lateral surface were also subdivided in order to analyze lymphatic vessels. The numbers of nerve branches in each section or portion of the section were analyzed. The lengths of the uterosacral ligaments were measured and immunohistochemistry staining was studied. Autonomic nerves, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels were quantitatively analyzed using image analysis software and biological stereology. ResultsThe volume density of sympathetic nerves in the deep portion was significantly higher than in the superficial portion (p<0.05), and the number of nerves was greatest in the cervical section (p<0.05). The volume density of blood vessels was not significantly different between the two portions (p>0.05) or among the three sections (p>0.05), and the volume density of the lymphatic vessels was greater in the medial surface (p<0.05), with most of them in the cervical section (p<0.05). ConclusionsOur study provides systematic mapping of the location and distribution of autonomic nerve branches, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the uterosacral ligament.

1605 USE OF ANDROGEN STIMULATION PRIOR TO HYPOSPADIAS SURGERY - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

You have accessJournal of UrologyPediatrics: Congenital Anomalies - Lower Urinary Tract & Genitalia II1 Apr 20121605 USE OF ANDROGEN STIMULATION PRIOR TO HYPOSPADIAS SURGERY - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Jose M.B. Netto, Carlos E.P.F. Ferrarez, Anucha A.S. Leal, and Ubirajara O. Barroso Jose M.B. NettoJose M.B. Netto Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil More articles by this author , Carlos E.P.F. FerrarezCarlos E.P.F. Ferrarez Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil More articles by this author , Anucha A.S. LealAnucha A.S. Leal Salvador - BA, Brazil More articles by this author , and Ubirajara O. BarrosoUbirajara O. Barroso Salvador - BA, Brazil More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.1400AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Androgens have been proposed prior to hypospadias surgery to increase the size of the penis and improve surgical results. Different approaches and hormones are described for this purpose. A systematic review was performed to clarify this matter. METHODS After a Medline Database search through Pubmed, forteen clinical trials published after 1980 evaluating the results in children with hypospadias were identified. Studies were evaluated according to type of androgen, dose, length of treatment, effects on the penis, effects on vascularization, serial levels of testosterone, adverse effects and surgical results. RESULTS Three studies were randomized with control groups, comparing use of topical testosterone vs. control, dihydrotestosterone vs. control and topical testosterone topical vs. intramuscular. Nine studies measured the length of the penis, and all showed increase in size but only 5 had statistical analysis of the data and all these 5 had p<0.05. Only one study evaluated the vascularization and showed absolute increase in the number and volume density of blood vessels(p <0.001). Only one retrospective study evaluated surgical results in proximal hypospadias after hormone therapy questioned its beneficial effects. Serial levels of testosterone increase after androgen use. Adverse effects are not well described and no long-term follow-up was identified. CONCLUSIONS Although the use of androgens prior to hypospadias surgery is largely spread among pediatric urologists its real benefits are still not clear. The paucity of randomized controlled trials on the subject prevents it from being established as a stationary approach. More controlled trials are necessary to elucidate this issue. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e649 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jose M.B. Netto Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil More articles by this author Carlos E.P.F. Ferrarez Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil More articles by this author Anucha A.S. Leal Salvador - BA, Brazil More articles by this author Ubirajara O. Barroso Salvador - BA, Brazil More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Effect of Transplantation of Bone Marrow Monomuclears on Angiogenesis in Rats

We studied the effect of non-selective intracoronary transplantation of bone marrow mononuclears on day 30 after acute coronary infarction on angiogenesis in rats. On days 14 and 30 after transplantation of mononuclear cells, stable formation of new vessels was observed. The number of venules considerably increased after transplantation of mononuclear cells, which was seen from increased volume density of blood vessels and their caliber. Stable vascularization after transplantation of mononuclear cells improves blood supply, which is essential for reparation of the myocardium.

Structural Study of Prepuce in Hypospadias—Does Topical Treatment With Testosterone Produce Alterations in Prepuce Vascularization?

Androgen stimulation before hypospadias surgery has resulted in increased penile size, fewer complications and improved cosmesis, and suggests increased neovascularization. To our knowledge the real effect on neovascularization remains to be proved. We studied the histological effects of testosterone on neovascularization. A total of 26 boys with hypospadias were randomly allocated to 2 groups before surgical correction. Group 1 did not receive any treatment and group 2 received 1% testosterone propionate ointment twice daily for 30 days before surgery. During the surgical procedure a fragment of prepuce was excised and prepared for histological evaluation. The number and volume density of blood vessels were determined by labeling for von Willebrand's factor. Blood vessel quantification as volume density was done using a video microscopy system with a superimposed cycloid arch test system. The groups were similar in age and hypospadias classification. Testosterone treated prepuces (group 2) had an increased absolute number of blood vessels (mean ± SD 8.5 ± 1.3 vs 4.8 ± 1.8 vessels per field) and increased blood vessel volume density (mean 50.5% ± 7.8% vs 24.8% ± 8.6% vessels per point) (each p <0.001) compared to those in untreated patients (group 1). The use of 1% testosterone propionate ointment before hypospadias surgery produces neovascularization in absolute numbers and in volume density.

Angiogenesis after Transplantation of Auto- and Allogenic Cells

Neoangiogenesis after transplantation of auto- and allogenic mononuclears and multipotent stromal cells from the bone marrow was studied on the model of inflammatory angiogenesis. Transplanted auto- and allogenic cells stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in the granulation tissue, this manifesting in an increase in the quantity and volume density of blood vessels. The most pronounced angiogenesis was observed after transplantation of allogenic mononuclears and multipotent stromal cells. It was associated with intense inflammatory infiltration, with less numerous and mature collagen fibers in the granulation tissue. Injection of allogenic cells led to stimulation and chronization of inflammation, infiltration with inflammatory and poorly differentiated cells, and more pronounced and lasting angiogenesis. However, neither auto-, nor allogenic transplanted labeled cells were detected in the walls of new blood vessels. Hence, it seems that bone marrow mononuclears and multipotent stromal cells stimulated angiogenesis mainly at the expense of production of angiogenic factors, and after transplantation of allogenic cells also by stimulating the inflammation.

Morphological Characteristics of Abdominal Adipose Tissue in Normal-Weight and Obese Women of Different Metabolic Profiles

Morphological changes in adipose tissue reflect functional disorders that correlate with cardiometabolic complications of obesity. The metabolic risks vary among the obese individuals. Furthermore, normal-weight individuals are not necessarily metabolically healthy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze morphological characteristics of the abdominal adipose tissue in normal-weight and obese individuals in regards to metabolic risks. The study group consisted of 30 overweight or obese and 20 normal-weight women undergoing elective surgery. Women of each group were divided into metabolically healthy and metabolically obese, based on the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride, total-, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol levels. The size and numerical density of adipocytes, as well as volume density of blood vessels in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue were compared among subgroups. The results showed hypertrophy of adipocytes of visceral adipose tissue in metabolically obese normal-weight women. At the same time, metabolically healthy obese women had smaller adipocytes in both depots in comparison with "at risk" obese women. The lowest volume density of blood vessels correlated with the largest diameter of adipocytes in "at risk" obese women indicating hypoxic changes in visceral adipose tissue. The observed differences of the adipose tissue morphology did not correlate with considerable phenotypic differences within either the normal-weight or obese women group. Changes in adipocyte size, cellular and vascular density of adipose tissue in relation with metabolic disorders, regardless of nutritional level, suggest limited capacity of fat deposition and adipose tissue response to hypoxia.

Postnatal testis development, Sertoli cell proliferation and number of different spermatogonial types in C57BL/6J mice made transiently hypo- and hyperthyroidic during the neonatal period.

The role of thyroid hormones in testis structure and function has been fairly well studied in laboratory rodents. However, there are no comprehensive data in the literature for mice regarding the effects of transiently induced neonatal hypo- and hyperthyroidism on testis and spermatogonial cell development from birth to adulthood. Our goals were to evaluate the effects of propylthiouracil (PTU) and triidothyronine (T3) on Sertoli cell proliferation/differentiation and to correlate these events with the evolution of the spermatogenic process, tubular lumen formation, blood vessel volume density, and size and number of different spermatogonial types. Although Sertoli cell maturation was accelerated or delayed, respectively, in T3- and PTU-treated mice, the pace of the germ cell maturation was only slightly altered before puberty and the period of Sertoli cell proliferation was apparently not affected by the treatments. However, compared with controls, the total number of Sertoli cells per testis from 10 days of age to adulthood was significantly increased and decreased in PTU- and T3-treated mice, respectively. In comparison to all other spermatogonia, type A(2) was the largest cell in all ages and groups investigated. The PTU-treated mice had a significantly increased total number of undifferentiated spermatogonia as well as volume and percentage of vessels/capillaries, probably due to the higher number of Sertoli cells, particularly at 10 days of age. Taken together, our results suggest that neonatal hypothyroidism may be a valuable tool for studying spermatogonial biology as well as a means for providing more spermatogonial stem cells that could potentially be used for spermatogonial transplantation, thereby optimizing the efficiency of this technique when young mice are used as donors.

β‐1 and β‐2, but not α‐1 and α‐2, adrenoceptor blockade delays rat cutaneous wound healing

The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in wound healing, but its mechanism of action is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of beta- and alpha-adrenoceptor blockade on cutaneous wound healing. Male rats were treated with propranolol (beta1- and beta2-antagonist), atenolol (beta1-antagonist), or phentolamine (alpha1- and alpha2-antagonist) dissolved in drinking water. A full-thickness excisional lesion was created and the wound area was measured. Fourteen days after wounding, lesions and adjacent skin were removed, formalin-fixed, and paraffin-embedded. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue, and immunostained for alpha-smooth muscle actin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Wound contraction was delayed in propranolol- and atenolol-treated animals but not in phentolamine-treated animals. Reepithelialization was decreased only in propranolol-treated animals. beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptor blockade delayed leukocyte migration, epidermal and connective tissue cell proliferation, myofibroblastic differentiation, and mast cell migration. The volume density of blood vessels was increased in the propranolol- and atenolol-treated animals compared with controls. The levels of matrix metalloproteases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) decreased in the propranolol- and atenolol-treated animals. alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptor blockade only affected leukocyte migration, epithelial and connective tissue cell proliferation, and pro-MMP-9 levels. In conclusion, beta-1 and beta-2, but not alpha-1 and alpha-2, adrenoceptor blockade delays cutaneous wound healing.

Diet and Dental Pulp Vascularization–Experimental Study

Dental pulp blood vessels are known to change in response to noxious stimuli, during growth and repair. With this work, we pretend to study which changes takes place, during the exposure to a very rich sucrose diet. Two groups of twenty Wistar male rats, 4 weeks old, were used. Group I, the control, wasn’t manipulated. Group II, the test, was submitted to the administration of a very rich sucrose and poor in proteins and lipids rodent chow during 4 weeks. After this time the animals were sacrificed and the infra-coronal pulp of the first molar was observed under light microscopy. The volume density of blood vessels (VVve) of the infracoronal pulp tissue in the experimental group was calculated and compared with the control one, using a morphometry software. According to the median VVve and the SD, in the control group, were considered the following classes: high VVve, median VVve, low VVve, very low VVve and very high VVve. In the control group VVve is 0.1477±0.0577 and varies between 0.1323 and 0.1631 for a 95% confidence interval. The distribution of the VVve in the group I was: 0% very low; 10.52% low; 73.68% median; 10.52% high and 05.25% very high. The percentage of each VVve class in the group II was: 0% very low; 0.46% low; 65.12% median; 11.63 high and 16.63% very high. These results suggest an important role of the diet on dental pulp’s health. It is important to make further studies to evaluate the relationship between those findings and the inflammatory process.

Distraction Osteogenesis Promotes Angiogenesis in the Surrounding Muscles

Distraction osteogenesis is used to treat atrophic nonunion and focal osteomyelitis. It enhances blood vessel formation in the distracted callus and in the surrounding soft tissues. Long-term angiogenesis, however, is not well described. We hypothesized newly formed blood vessels persist in the surrounding muscles until the late consolidation period. We performed unilateral tibial lengthening in eight adult Beagles. Seven days after tibial osteotomy, we began lengthening for 30 days, following which consolidation was allowed to proceed for another 60 days. We took bilateral microangiograms of the bilateral tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and gastrocnemius muscles. We determined the blood vessel volume density and the longitudinal and transverse microangiographic scores. The number of blood vessels in specified diameter ranges was determined histologically. The blood vessel volume density of the distracted limb was higher in all three muscles. The longitudinal microangiographic score was higher for the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus muscles on the distracted side, whereas the transverse microangiographic score was not higher. Histologically, the number of blood vessels less than 100 mum in diameter on the distracted side was higher in the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus muscles. Our data suggest distraction osteogenesis activates angiogenesis and maintains increased vascularity until the late consolidation period.

Formation of new bone during vertical distraction osteogenesis of the human mandible is related to the presence of blood vessels

We examined the effect of distraction rate on blood vessel growth in intramembraneous ossification after vertical distraction osteogenesis in the human mandible. Six edentulous patients (aged 60+/-9 years) with a severely atrophic mandible underwent bone augmentation with distraction osteogenesis. Two distraction rates (0.5 and 1 mm/day) were compared and for each group three patients were analyzed. Vascular histomorphometry was carried out in two different areas in the distraction gap: (1) in the first and (2) in the second 1 mm area from the osteotomy line, representing the oldest and younger new-bone area, respectively. Correlation analysis was performed between blood vessel parameters and the amount of new bone formed during distraction. Histological analysis demonstrated the presence of blood vessels throughout the soft connective tissue in the distraction gap. The volume density of blood vessels between the two investigated areas was significantly lower in the 1 mm/day groups, suggesting a delay in angiogenesis in this group of patients. A positive correlation between blood vessel volume and bone volume density was found in the younger new-bone area but not in the oldest new-bone area. This correlation was due to a higher number of blood vessels rather than to a larger size of the blood vessels. Our data suggest that the lower blood vessel density found in the patients with 1 mm/day distraction rate may be related to disruption of angiogenesis in the soft connective tissue of the gap or to a less optimal mechanical stimulation of cells involved in angiogenesis. This probably results in the slower rate of osteogenesis seen at the 1 mm/day distraction rate compared with the 0.5 mm/day distraction rate. The data support the concept that a positive relationship exists between the density of blood vessels and the formation of bone. For distraction of the human mandible in elderly patients, a distraction rate of 0.5 mm/day seems beneficial.

BLOCKADE OF β1‐ AND β2‐ADRENOCEPTORS DELAYS WOUND CONTRACTION AND RE‐EPITHELIALIZATION IN RATS

1. The participation of sympathetic efferent fibres in wound healing is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptor blockade on rat excisional cutaneous wound healing. 2. Male rats were treated orally with propranolol dissolved in drinking water (50 mg/kg per day), whereas the control group received drinking water without propranolol. Propranolol was administered daily until rats were killed. A full-thickness excisional lesion was performed. The lesion area was measured to evaluate wound contraction. After rats had been killed, lesion and adjacent normal skin were formol fixed and paraffin embedded. Sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, Sirius red or Toluidine blue and immunostained for a-smooth muscle actin or proliferating cell nuclear antigen. 3. Propranolol-treated rats presented delayed wound contraction and epidermal healing and decreased hydroxyproline levels, collagen density and neo-epidermis thickness. Blockade of beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptors increased epidermal and connective tissue cell proliferation, polymorphonuclear leucocyte migration, myofibroblast density and mast cell migration. The volume density of blood vessels was increased and vessels were more dilated in propranolol-treated animals. 4. Thus, we conclude that beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptor blockade impairs cutaneous wound healing. This information should be considered by physicians during the treatment of patients who present with hypertension and problems in the healing process (such as venous ulcers).