Showing papers in "Cell and Tissue Research in 1984"

Substance P-immunoreactive sensory nerves in the lower respiratory tract of various mammals including man

Abstract: The occurrence and origin of substance P (SP)-immunoreactive (IR) nerves in the lower respiratory tract was studied by means of immunohistochemistry in the guinea-pig, rat, cat and man. In addition, biopsies from human material were also analysed by radioimmunoassay. SP-IR nerves were seen in four principal locations: 1) under or within the lining epithelium, 2) around blood vessels, 3) within the bronchial smooth muscle layer, and 4) around local tracheobronchial ganglion cells. Ligation experiments combined with capsaicin pretreatments indicated that all SP-IR nerves in the respiratory tract are sensory. The trachea seems to be mainly supplied by the vagal nerves, while intrapulmonary bronchi and blood vessels receive SP-IR nerves of both vagal and non-vagal (spinal) origin. SP-IR nerves were also found in the human bronchi with principally similar location as in the guinea-pig. The levels of SP-IR in the trachea and peripheral bronchi of man were about 3–4 pmol/g, which is in the same range as the content of corresponding tissues from the guinea-pig.

Elimination of phagocytic cells in the spleen after intravenous injection of liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate. An enzyme-histochemical study.

Abstract: Dichloromethylene diphosphonate can be used for temporary elimination of macrophages in the spleen when administered after entrapment in liposomes No comparable effect on the macrophages of the spleen was observed with free dichloromethylene diphosphonate or in the case of empty liposomes Marginal metallophils on the boundary between white pulp and marginal zone as well as macrophages in the marginal zone and red pulp disappeared from the spleen within one day and remained largely absent for about a week After this time cells reappeared slowly, and at approximately four weeks after injection their presence in the spleen did not differ from that in control animals Marginal metallophils and macrophages in the spleen were demonstrated by use of enzyme-histochemical methods and by their capacity to ingest carbon particles

Choline acetyltransferase- and peptide immunoreactivity of submucous neurons in the small intestine of the guinea-pig.

Abstract: The peptides cholecystokinin (CCK), neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SOM), substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and the synthesizing enzyme for acetylcholine, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were localized immunohistochemically in nerve cell bodies of the submucous ganglia in the small intestine of the guinea-pig. VIP-like immunoreactivity was found in 45% of submucous neurons. ChAT immunoreactivity was observed in a separate group of nerve cells, which made up 54% of the total population. There were three subsets of neurons immunoreactive for ChAT: (1) ChAT neurons that also contained immunoreactivity for each of the peptides CCK, SOM and NPY, representing 29% of all submucous neurons; (2) ChAT neurons that also contained SP-like immunoreactivity, representing 11% of all submucous neurons, and (3) ChAT cells that did not contain any detectable amount of the peptides that were localized in this study.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and pathways in the rat brain

Abstract: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and their pathways in the rat brain were localized by immunocytochemistry in 6- to 18-day-old female animals, by use of thick frozen or vibratome sections, and silver-gold intensification of the diaminobenzidine reaction product. GnRH-immunoreactive perikarya were observed in the following regions: olfactory bulb and tubercle, vertical and horizontal limbs of the diagonal band of Broca, medial septum, medial preoptic and suprachiasmatic areas, anterior and lateral hypothalamus, and different regions of the hippocampus (indusium griseum, Ammon's horn). In addition to the known GnRH-pathways (preoptico-terminal, preoptico-infundibular, periventricular), we also observed GnRH-immunopositive processes in several major tracts and areas of the brain, including the medial and cortical amygdaloid complex, stria terminalis, stria medullaris thalami, fasciculus retroflexus, medial forebrain bundle, indusium griseum, stria longitudinalis medialis and lateralis, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray of the mesencephalon, and extracerebral regions, such as the lamina cribrosa, nervus terminalis and its associated ganglia. By use of the silver-gold intensification method we present Golgi-like images of GnRH perikarya and their pathways. The possible distribution of efferents from each GnRH cell group is discussed.

Comparative immunocytochemical study of the subcommissural organ.

Abstract: The subcommissural organs (SCO) of 76 specimens belonging to 25 vertebrate species (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) were studied by use of the immunoperoxidase procedure. The primary antiserum was obtained by immunizing rabbits with bovine Reissner's fiber (RF) extracted in a medium containing EDTA, DTT and urea. Antiserum against an aqueous extract of RF was also produced. The presence of immunoreactive material in cell processes and endings was regarded as an indication of a possible route of passage. Special attention was paid to the relative development of the ventricular, leptomeningeal and vascular pathways established by immunoreactive structures.

Identical immunoreactivity of afferents to the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus with antisera against avian pancreatic polypeptide, molluscan cardioexcitatory peptide and neuropeptide Y.

Abstract: Avian pancreatic polypeptide (APP)-like, molluscan cardioexcitatory peptide (FMRF)-like and neuropeptide Y (NPY)-like immunoreactivities were studied in a secondary visual pathway in rat brain. The cell bodies of this pathway are located in the lateral geniculate nucleus and its terminal plexus is found in the suprachiasmatic hypothalamic nucleus (SCN). The neurons and terminal plexus demonstrated by antiserum to each peptide are identical, and immunoreactivity is blocked by preabsorption of each antiserum with a low concentration of the antigen against which it was raised. Immunoreactivity is also blocked by preabsorption of each antiserum with either NPY or APP. In contrast, APP- and NPY-like immunoreactivities are blocked only partially when these antisera are preabsorbed with concentrations of FMRF as high as 100 μM. Since NPY is the only one of these peptides that has been isolated from mammalian brain, we conclude that NPY is the endogenous CNS peptide produced by neurons of the lateral geniculate-SCN projection.

Heterogeneity of epithelial cells in the human thymus. An ultrastructural study.

Abstract: To evaluate interrelationships among epithelial cells, and between morphology and function in the microenvironment, we studied the ultrastructural morphology of epithelial cells in sections of human thymus from donors aged 2 months to 31 years. Six types of epithelial cells were observed: “subcapsular-perivascular” (type 1); “pale” (type 2); “intermediate” (type 3); “dark” (type 4); “undifferentiated” (type 5); and “large-medullary” (type 6). Cells of types 2, 3 and 4 were found throughout the organ. The type-2 to -4 epithelial cells may represent various stages in a differentiation process. In this, type-2 cells are very active and type-4 cells are possibly degenerating elements. Type-4 cells can also contribute to Hassall's corpuscles. Type-5 cells were located mainly in the cortico-medullary region and showed the morphological characteristics of undifferentiated elements. Type-6 cells were located exclusively in the medulla and displayed characteristics of cellular activity. Small Hassall's corpuscles consisted of type-6 epithelial cells; in larger corpuscles many nuclei of type-6 cells were found. Cells of types 2 and 6 contained tubular structures (diameter approximately 20 nm). Concerning the function of thymus epithelial cells, the features associated with protein synthesis observed in cellular types 2 and 6 make them likely candidates for humoral factor-producing and/or secreting elements. In addition, type-2 and -3 cells in the cortex appear to contribute to a special pattern of epithelium-lymphocyte interaction (“thymic nurse cells”), as demonstrated by the intracytoplasmic location of lymphocytes in the epithelial cells. The various steps in intrathymic T-cell maturation occur at locations in a microenvironment composed of morphologically distinct epithelial cells.

Immunocytochemical localization of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the human hypothalamus

Abstract: In order to study the distribution of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity in the human hypothalamus, an immunocytochemical localization of this peptide was performed. Using antibodies developed against synthetic porcine neuropeptide Y (NPY), we have been able to localize immunoreactivity in neuronal cell bodies located exclusively in the infundibular nucleus. Immunostained fibers were found in several regions in the hypothalamus with a high concentration in the periventricular areas. Fibers were also found in the neurovascular zone of the median eminence, the pituitary stalk and the posterior pituitary. These results suggest that immunoreactive material related to porcine NPY is present in the human hypothalamus, with a distribution similar to that observed in the rat.

Distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity in the mammalian heart. Interrelation with neurotensin- and substance P-like immunoreactive nerves.

Abstract: The distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactivity has been studied in the mammalian heart and compared with that of neurotensin and substance P by use of light-microscopic peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemistry. VIP-immunoreactive cell bodies are present in intracardiac ganglia in various locations. VIP-immunoreactive nerve fibers predominate in the atria and the conduction system but are rare in the ventricles and occur in cardiac ganglia, endocardium, and epicardium. VIP-ergic nerves supply the coronary vasculature having a preference for the microvasculature and the nodal cells of the sinuatrial node. The large vessels of the heart and periarterial cardiac glomera also receive a VIP-immunoreactive nerve supply. There is partial co-distribution with neurotensin- and substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers but no co-location in identical nerve fibers is detectable. The VIP-ergic cardiac innervation, which is probably predominantly intrinsic, may stem from postganglionic parasympathetic neurons and is less substantial than the more homogeneous neurotensin-ergic and substance P-ergic nervous supply which is probably extrinsic. The occurrence of an extrinsic VIP-ergic cardiac innervation cannot be excluded however. The differential histotopography of the multitarget cardiac nerves containing the cardiovascular active peptides VIP, neurotensin and substance P may suggest multiple and complex peptide-peptide and peptide-classical transmitter interactions. These may contribute to the regulation of various cardiac functions.

Connective tissue influences on patterns of epithelial architecture and keratinization in skin and oral mucosa of the adult mouse

Abstract: Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions play an important role during embryogenesis but it is uncertain whether such interactions influence the maintenance of epithelial structure in the adult To examine this problem, separated epithelial and connective tissue components of skin and mucosae from various regions of adult mice were homoor heterotypically recombined and transplanted to histocompatible hosts The patterns of tissue architecture and keratinization of the resultant epithelia were examined for changes indicative of mesenchymal influences on the epithelial phenotype Each type of epithelium, in some recombinations, fully conserved its normal pattern of phenotypic expression indicating that subepithelial connective tissue from all regions is permissive and that regionally-specific connective tissue influences are not necessary for conservation of epithelial specificity In other recombinations, however, the epithelium acquired features of tissue architecture or keratinization typical of the epithelium normally associated with the connective tissue component, indicating directive influ ences from the connective tissue The patterns of epithelial response observed suggest that there may be separate connective tissue influences on epithelial architecture and cytodifferentiation and that there is a regionally-related variation in the competence of epithelia to respond to these influences

Changes in human skeletal muscle induced by long term eccentric exercise

Abstract: The fine structure of muscle fibres from m. vastus lateralis of nine healthy males (mean age 26 years) was investigated. Four individuals constituted non-exercised controls while five subjects participated in a two-months eccentric muscular training program. Specimens from the controls showed a well-preserved, regular myofibrillar band pattern while changes in the myofibrillar architecture were constantly found in specimens taken after the training program. These changes consisted of Z-band alterations, Z-bands being out of register, extra sarcomeres, Z-band extensions and bisected Z-bands. Between the separated Z-band halves, thin and thick myofilaments as well as abundant glycogen particles and/or ribosomes, were observed. Type-2 (fast-twitch) fibres were predominantly affected. Contrary to the controls the trained individuals constantly showed a greater variation in sarcomere lengths in Type-2 fibres than in Type-1 fibres. It is concluded that muscular work of high tension can induce fine-structural alterations. When repeated over a long period of time, extreme tension demands seem to initiate reorganization in the muscle fibres, predominantly in the, ultrastructurally defined, Type-2 fibres. This adaptation probably results in a better stretchability of the muscle fibres, reduces the risk for mechanical damage and brings about an optimal overlap between actin and myosin filaments.

Morphometric analysis of loading-induced changes in collagen-fibril populations in young tendons.

Abstract: This study was designed to gain more detailed morphological information on skeletal tendons in the course of adaptation to physical loading. The effect on collagen fibrils was investigated in 6-week-old mice by means of electron microscopy. Physical loading was performed on a treadmill 5 days a week for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 weeks. Morphometric analysis of collagen fibrils revealed the mean diameter, the diameter distribution, the number and the cross-sectional area. The principal observations included: 1. After one week of physical loading an increase in mean fibril diameter (30%, p≦0.01), in number (15%, p≦ 0.05), and in cross-sectional area (15%, p≦0.05), as well as a change in mean fibril diameter distribution. 2. From the third to the seventh week a fall under the level of the controls in mean diameter (26%, p≦0.01), in number (26%, p≦0.01), and a reduced cross-sectional area (17%, p≦0.01), accompanied by signs of splitting of individual collagen fibrils. 3. In the long-term study an increase in fibril number (29%, p≦0.01), a fall in mean diameter from 189 nm in the controls to 179 nm (p≦0.05) but no statistically significant change in the relative cross-sectional area (32%) per unit in comparison to unloaded tendons.

Organization and morphogenesis of the human seminiferous epithelium

Abstract: The various types of human primary spermatocytes were classified by means of morphological and morphometrical studies Based on this classification, the topographic arrangement of the spermatocyte populations in the longitudinal course of seminiferous tubules was determined This analysis revealed human spermatogenesis be to subjected to a complex local plan of organization, which is based upon the geometry of spirals The centers of gravity of spermatocyte populations of subsequent degrees of differentiation are arranged on he lices that are contracted conically to the lumen of the seminiferous tubule On these helices the centers of gravity of the populations diverge continuously 1738°+/-324° Populations of the same degrees of development are arranged on helices with constant diameters On these helices the centers of gravity of the populations diverge continuously 1426°+/-142° The present results lead to new aspects of the kinetics and morphogenesis of the seminiferous epithelium, which can be integrated into a comprehensive biological concept

Immunocytochemical localization of neurons in the nervous system of the Colorado potato beetle with antisera against FMRFamide and bovine pancreatic polypeptide.

Abstract: Particular neurons in the nervous system of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, are recognized by antisera against bovine pancreatic polypeptide and FMRFamide. Both antisera react with the same neurons. Solid phase absorptions showed that antiserum against bovine pancreatic polypeptide cross-reacts with FMRFamide, whereas antiserum against FMRFamide cross-reacts with bovine pancreatic polypeptide. Some of the immunoreactive neurons have axons branching extensively within the neuropile, which suggests that the peptide is used as transmitter. In the corpus cardiacum, a neurohaemal organ in insects, numerous immunoreactive axon terminals are present. Here, the peptide material is presumably released as a hormone.

Are the funnel-canal organs the 'campaniform sensilla' of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas (Decapoda, Crustacea)? II. Ultrastructure.

Abstract: The funnel-canal organs on the dactyls of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas, are innervated by 3-24 sensory cells with unbranched dendrites, which attain a length of 500-1400 micron. The outer dendritic segments are enclosed in a dendritic sheath and pass through the cuticle within a canal. Two dendrite types can be distinguished according to ultrastructural criteria: Type I has a long ciliary segment, A-tubules with an osmiophilic core and arms, and a thick ciliary rootlet. Type II possesses only a short ciliary segment and a thin ciliary rootlet. Each funnel-canal organ contains two type-I dendrites. Their ciliary bases appear a few micron distal to those of the type-II dendrites (1 to 22 in number). Two inner and two to eight outer enveloping cells belong to a sensillum. The innermost enveloping cell contains a large scolopale. In the second enveloping cell single scolopale rods are present. Thus, the funnel-canal organs are characterized by structural features typical for mechanosensitive scolopidia, on the one hand, and for chemoreceptors, on the other. Therefore, the funnel-canal organs are very likely bimodal sensilla (contact chemoreceptors). A comparison with other arthropod sensilla shows that cuticular mechanoreceptors of aquatic crustaceans generally exhibit a 'scolopidial' organization.

Distribution and projections of neurons with immunoreactivity for both gastrin-releasing peptide and bombesin in the guinea-pig small intestine.

Abstract: Bombesin-like and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-like immunoreactivities were localized in nerves of the guinea-pig small intestine and celiac ganglion with the use of antibodies raised against the synthetic peptides. The anti-bombesin serum (preincubated to avoid cross reactivity with substance P) and the anti-GRP serum revealed the same population of neurons. Preincubation of the antibombesin serum with bombesin abolished the immunoreactivity in nerves while absorption of the anti-GRP serum with either bombesin or the 14–27 C-terminal of GRP only reduced the immunoreactivity. The immunoreactivity was abolished by incubation with GRP 1–27.

The auricular myocardiocytes of the heart constitute an endocrine organ. Characterization of a porcine cardiac peptide hormone, cardiodilatin-126.

Abstract: A peptide hormone was extracted from the porcine right atrium following a bioassay for differential vaso-relaxant effects on smooth muscle strips from aorta and renal and inferior mesenteric arteries. The isolation procedure included several steps of gel-permeation and ion-exchange chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography. During the isolation procedure, other peptides of smaller molecular weight were also found, which, in relation to cardiodilatin-126 (CDD-126), are shorter at their N-terminal. Among these, CDD-88 has also been isolated and characterizied, and has been established as a prominent member of the cardiac hormone family. The N-terminal and C-terminal segments of the 126 amino acid-containing molecule were synthesized and used to raise region-specific antibodies. The natural peptide was then localized within myoendocrine cells of the right atrium where specific atrial granules are located. Renal effects of cardiodilation were studied in conscious dogs and showed strong diuretic and natriuretic activities. According to our functional studies, cardiodilatin-126 and cardiodilatin-88 possess qualities of a significant hormone family regarding the regulation of extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure.

Pheromone receptors in Bombyx mori and Antheraea pernyi. I. Reconstruction of the cellular organization of the sensilla trichodea.

Abstract: The cellular organization of freeze-substituted antennal sensilla trichodea, which contain the sex pheromone receptors, was studied in male silkmoths of two species (Bombyx mori, Bombycidae; Antheraea pernyi, Saturniidae). The cellular architecture of these sensilla is complex, but very similar in both species. A three-dimensional reconstruction of a sensillum trichodeum of B. mori is presented. Two receptor cells (in A. pernyi 1–3) and three auxiliary cells are present. Of the latter, only the thecogen cell forms a true sheath around the receptor cells. A unique thecogen-receptor cell junction extends over the entire area of contact. Septate junctions occur between all sensillar cells apically, and in the region of the axonal origin basally. Gap junctions are also found between all cells except the receptor cells. The trichogen and tormogen cells show many structural indications of secretory activity and are thought to secrete the receptor lymph. Their apical membrane bordering the receptor-lymph space is enlarged by microvilli and microlamellae, but only those of the trichogen cell show regularly arranged membrane particles (portasomes), indicating secretory specialization among the auxiliary cells. Epidermal cells are found as slender pillars between sensilla, but extend apically along the non-sensillar cuticle and basally along the basal lamina.

Morphology and cross-linkage of stereocilia in the guinea-pig labyrinth examined without the use of osmium as a fixative.

Abstract: Hair cells of the guinea-pig cochlea and vestibular system were prepared for electron-microscopic examination by fixing in glutaraldehyde without the use of osmium. An extensive array of cross-links was seen between the apical ends of the stereocilia, by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Some cross-links ran laterally between stereocilia of the same row. Others ran laterally between the stereocilia of the different rows, holding the tips of the shorter stereocilia in towards the longer stereocilia of the next row. In addition, each tip on the shorter stereocilia gave rise to a single, upwards pointing link, which ran upwards to join the adjacent taller stereocilium of the next row. We suggest that distortion of this link might be involved in the mechanics or even the membrane biophysics of sensory transduction. With this method of preservation, all the apical surface membranes of the hair cells appeared rough, and contained dense granules. The roughness was greatest in the parts of the stereocilia to which the cross-links were attached. The mitochondrial and synaptic membranes of the hair cells appeared normal.

Restoration of fast muscle characteristics following cessation of chronic stimulation. The ultrastructure of slow-to-fast transformation.

Abstract: When fast-twitch skeletal muscles of the adult rabbit are subjected to continuous low-frequency activity by electrical stimulation of the corresponding motor nerves, the fibers undergo an ultrastructural transformation, so that after 6 weeks they have acquired an appearance typical of slow-twitch fibers. In the present study, stimulation was discontinued at this stage in order to follow the reverse transformation, in which the fibers recovered their original morphological characteristics under conditions of normal endogenous activity. Stereological techniques were used to assess the time course of this process over a period of 20 weeks in terms of fiber cross-sectional area, extent of T-system, thickness of the Z-band, and volume fraction of mitochondria in the fiber core. Fibers of transformed muscles were smaller than those of control muscles, but the differences were no longer evident after 9 weeks of recovery. After 2 weeks the T-system was still of limited extent, as is characteristic of slow-twitch fibers; it increased toward the amount typical of fast-twitch fibers between 2 and 4 weeks, and had reached its full extent by 12 weeks. The wide Z-bands characteristic of slow-twitch fibers were retained for 4 weeks, but the thickness had begun to decrease by 8 weeks and recovery was complete by 12 weeks. The mitochondrial volume did not increase during recovery, in contrast to the large increases which had been observed to take place between 2 and 6 weeks during the fast-to-slow transformation. Overall, the recovery of fast-twitch ultrastructural characteristics was complete, but followed a more extended time course, and involved less myofibrillar disruption at an intermediate stage, than the original fast-to-slow transformation.

Myoendothelial contacts in glomerular arterioles and in renal interlobular arteries of rat, mouse and Tupaia belangeri.

Abstract: Cell contacts between elements of the tunica media and the intima in the afferent and efferent glomerular arteriole and in the interlobular artery were studied and evaluated semiquantitatively in thin sections of rat and mouse kidney.

Dopamine-β-hydroxylase-, neurotensin-, substance P-, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide- and enkephalin-immunohistochemistry of paravertebral and prevertebral ganglia in the cat

Abstract: Para and prevertebral ganglia of the cat were investigated for immunoreactivity (IR) against neurotensin (NT), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP) and enkephalin (ENK). Dopamine-β-hydroxylase- (DBH)-IR was studied in consecutive sections to correlate the distribution of noradrenergic/adrenergic neurons with that of peptidergic nerve fibres and cells.

Occurrence and distribution of neuropeptide-Y-immunoreactive nerves in the respiratory tract and middle ear.

Abstract: Nerve fibres displaying neuropeptide-Y (NPY) immunoreactivity are abundantly distributed in the respiratory tract of cats, guinea-pigs, rats and mice Fine beaded NPY fibres were seen in whole-mount spreads of the middle-ear mucosa In the nasal mucosa and in the wall of the Eustachian tube NPY fibres were numerous around arteries and arterioles but sparse in the vicinity of veins; single fibres were found close to the acini of seromucous glands In the tracheobronchial wall NPY fibres occurred in the proximity of blood vessels, in the subepithelial layer and in the smooth muscle Surgical and chemical (6-hydroxydopamine treatment) sympathectomy resulted in disappearance of adrenergic and NPY-containing nerve fibres in the nasal mucosa Sequential staining with antibodies against dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) and NPY revealed that DBH and NPY occur in the same perivascular nerve fibres in the nasal mucosa The distribution of NPY fibres in the respiratory tract suggests multiple functions of NPY, such as regulation of local blood flow, glandular secretion and smooth muscle activity

Immunocytochemical identification of CRF-like and SRIF-like peptides in the brain and the pituitary of cyprinid fish.

Abstract: Single and double immunocytochemical techniques were applied to the brain and pituitary of carps and goldfish. With the use of antiserum raised against synthetic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), immunoreactive perikarya were observed in the nucleus praeopticus and the nucleus praeopticus periventricularis. CRF-like-immunoreactive hypothalamic nerve fibers reach the pituitary. In cyprinids, some fine fibers enter the rostral neurohypophysis bordered by prolactin- and ACTH cells. Other thicker fibers extend ventrocaudally into the neurointermediate lobe. This CRF-like system appears to differ from the SRIF-like system, which is restricted to the proximal pars distalis of the pituitary containing somatotrophs.

Central connections of the olfactory bulb in the goldfish, Carassius auratus

Abstract: The central connections of the goldfish olfactory bulb were studied with the use of horseradish peroxidase methods. The olfactory bulb projects bilaterally to ventral and dorsolateral areas of the telencephalon; further targets include the nucleus praeopticus periventricularis and a caudal olfactory nucleus near the nucleus posterior tuberis in the diencephalon, bilaterally. The contralateral bulb and the anterior commissure also receive an input from the olfactory bulb. Contralateral projections cross in rostral and caudal portions of the anterior commissure and in the habenular commissure. Retrogradely labeled neurons are found in the contralateral bulb and in three nuclei in the telencephalon bilaterally; the neurons projecting to the olfactory bulb are far more numerous on the ipsilateral side than in the contralateral hemisphere. Afferents to the olfactory bulb are found to run almost entirely through the lateral part of the medial olfactory tract, while the bulb efferents are mediated by the medial part of the medial olfactory tract and the lateral olfactory tract. Selective tracing of olfactory sub-tracts reveals different pathways and targets of the three major tract components. Reciprocal connections between olfactory bulb and posterior terminal field suggest a laminated structure in the dorsolateral telencephalon.

Somatostatin in human enteric nerves Distribution and characterization

Abstract: Somatostatin-immunoreactive nerves and endocrine cells were localized by use of immunohistochemistry in human stomach, small and large intestine. The nature of the immunoreactivity in acid extracts of separated layers of intestine was determined with separation by high pressure liquid chromatography followed by detection with radioimmunoassay; authentic somatostatin-14 was found in the external musculature, which contains nerves, and in the submucosa and mucosa, which contain both nerve fibres and endocrine cells. The distribution of somatostatin nerves in the gastric antrum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ascending and sigmoid colon, and rectum is described. In the intestine many positive perikarya and fine varicose fibres were seen. Mucosal fibres formed a sub-epithelial plexus and a looser network in the lamina propria; this nerve supply was less dense in the large intestine. Submucous ganglia contained positive perikarya and terminals; many terminals formed pericellular baskets, mainly around non-reactive cells. A small number of nerve fibres were associated with submucosal blood vessels. The innervation of the circular and longitudinal muscle was sparse. Positive nerve terminals were seen in the myenteric plexus, although fewer than in the submucous ganglia; positive perikarya were scarce in myenteric ganglia. Somatostatin-immunoreactive nerves were found in the muscle layers and myenteric plexus of the gastric antrum, but were not detected in the antral mucosa and all layers of the gastric body. The distribution of human enteric somatostatin nerves is compared to that in small laboratory animals, and possible roles for these nerves are discussed.

Ciliated and microvillous structures of rat olfactory and nasal respiratory epithelia. A study using ultra-rapid cryo-fixation followed by freeze-substitution or freeze-etching.

Abstract: The olfactory epithelium of the Sprague-Dawley rat showed structures which indicate that freeze-substitution after ultra-rapid cryo-fixation is a better method for its preservation than conventional fixation techniques. A new feature is that matrices of the distal parts of olfactory cilia range in their staining intensity from very dense to electron-lucent. Outlines of structures are smooth and membrane features can be clearly seen.

The ventricular system in neuroendocrine mechanisms

Abstract: This investigation has dealt with a light and electron microscopic autoradiographic analysis of the median eminence of the rat following intraventricular infusion of 3H-dopamine. This study has demonstrated that 3H-dopamine, once infused into the mammalian cerebral ventricular system, is rapidly and selectively absorbed by tanycytes and transported to the contact zone within 5 minutes after ventricular infusion. Certain axon terminals in the ependymal, hypendymal, and palisade-contact zones selectively sequester 3H-dopamine as do subpopulations of arcuate neurons. This picture of intense labelling of neurons and axon terminals is discussed with respect to monoaminergic re-uptake mechanisms. Uptake and transport of 3H-DA by tanycytes is discussed.

Compartments and perivascular arrangement of the meninges covering the cerebral cortex of the rat.

Abstract: The intercellular clefts of the brain and the leptomeninges, and the perivascular spaces were studied with reference to the results obtained in a previous study (Krisch et al. 1983). The spatial relationships of these compartments were analyzed at the electron-microscopic level. Horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into the brain or into the contralateral ventricle. The pattern of distribution of HRP depends on the boundary situation in the individual compartments. The inner and outer pial layers accompany the vessels intruding into the brain. In the Virchow-Robin space the pial funnel obliterates within a short distance. The inner arachnoid layer is continuous with the outer arachnoid layer when it covers the vessels traversing the meningeal space. The perivascular compartment is not in communication with the arachnoid space; moreover, the pial funnel within the Virchow-Robin space is sealed off against the arachnoid space. Thus, blood vessels traversing the meningeal spaces and subsequently penetrating the brain surface are exposed to the common intercellular compartment represented by the intercellular clefts of the brain and the leptomeninges; this compartment does not communicate with the other compartments. The cerebrospinal fluid located in this intercellular compartment is preferentially drained into the upper cervical lymph nodes.

Morphological and morphometrical changes in chloride cells of the gills of Pimephales promelas after chronic exposure to acid water.

Abstract: Fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, were exposed for 129 days to Lake Superior water acidified with sulfuric acid by means of a flow-through toxicant injection system. The effects of chronic acid stress (pH 6.5, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0) on gill histology were examined. Most of the histological effects were seen at pH 5.5 and 5.0 and were confined primarily to changes in numbers, distribution, and morphology of chloride cells. At low pH levels there tend to be more chloride cells in the gill epithelium and an increased percentage of these cells in the secondary lamellae. In contrast to normal chloride cells, chloride cells from fish exposed to low pH frequently had apical pits while some had bulbous apical evaginations. The occurrence of structural changes in chloride cells during exposure to acid water suggests that chloride cells may be involved in acclimation to acid stress.