Showing papers on "Apical cytoplasm published in 1986"

Time Course and Cellular Source of Pancreatic Regeneration Following Acute Pancreatitis in the Rat

Abstract: The regenerative capacity of the different cell types in the rat exocrine pancreas has been studied in a model of hormone-induced acute pancreatitis in which pancreatic edema, inflammation, and acinar cell destruction were induced within 12 h of infusion of supramaximal concentrations of cerulein (5 micrograms/kg/h). A sequential biochemical and structural analysis of the pancreas in daily intervals was combined with the autoradiographic quantitation of labeling indices of five cell populations following /sup 3/H-thymidine injection at days 1-7 after induction of pancreatitis. Desquamation of acinar cell apical cytoplasm and release of cytoplasmic segments into the acinar lumen on the first day following induction of pancreatitis led to formation of duct-like tubular complexes. Enzyme content in the pancreas decreased progressively following the formation of the edema to levels 15-20% of controls and remained reduced during the initial 5 days. Thymidine incorporation into total DNA showed a biphasic pattern with a distinct peak at day 1 and a second broader peak between days 4 and 7. Autoradiographic quantitation of labeling indices demonstrated the exclusive incorporation into intercalated duct cells and interstitial cells during the initial 24 h, while the second peak was predominantly due to labeling of acinar cells. Larger interlobular ductsmore » and islets did not show changes in labeling index. In vivo labeling with /sup 3/H-thymidine during the first day and analysis of labeling indices 14 days later showed the persistence of label in intercalated duct cells and interstitial cells and argued against the stem cell hypothesis and against transformation of duct cells into acinar cells.« less

Yolk sac differentiation in germ cell tumors. A morphologic study of 50 cases with emphasis on hepatic, enteric, and parietal yolk sac features.

Abstract: We assessed 50 germ cell tumors with areas of yolk sac tumor (YST) for a variety of features including histologic patterns; hyaline droplets; syncytiotrophoblastic elements; hepatic, enteric, and parietal yolk sac differentiation; and granulomatous reaction. Of prime interest was the fact that many YSTs formed hepatic-like foci (22%), enteric-like glands (34%), and parietal yolk sac structures (92%). Hepatoid areas were characterized by nests and cords of polygonal, acidophilic cells with prominent nucleoli and intense cytoplasmic staining for alpha-fetoprotein. Enteric differentiation occurred as well-defined glands with a sharp, striated border and relatively bland nuclear features. Ultrastructurally these glands had apical microvilli with associated glycocalyx and long anchoring rootlets. The apical cytoplasm and luminal contents stained for carcinoembryonic antigen. Parietal yolk sac differentiation was characterized by the intercellular accumulation of basement membrane substance as generally thick and longitudinally arranged bands of eosinophilic material. Such material, by electron microscopy, was both intra- and extracellular, and had irregular outlines and inhomogeneous electron density. It contrasted with the strictly intracellular, round, homogeneous, hyaline globules that, we believe, represent visceral yolk sac differentiation. This intercellular material stained positively for laminin, a basement membrane component. Assessment of 22 embryonal carcinomas and 24 germinomas failed to show hepatic, enteric, and parietal yolk sac features, with one possible exception. We believe these features, especially parietal yolk sac differentiation, are helpful in differentiating YSTs from embryonal carcinomas and germinomas.

The membrane composition of coated pits, microvilli, endosomes, and lysosomes is distinctive in the rat kidney proximal tubule cell.

Abstract: The distribution of a number of membrane proteins on plasmalemmal microdomains (microvilli, coated pits) and in endosomes and lysosomes of the proximal tubule epithelial cell was determined in normal rat kidneys by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. Two major brush border proteins, 130 and 94 kD, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were detected on the membranes of the microvilli but were not found on membranes of coated pits. Gp330, the Heymann nephritis antigen, and clathrin were localized in coated pits. The lysosomal membrane glycoprotein, lgp120 (Lewis, V., S. A. Green, M. Marsh, P. Vihko, A. Helenius, and I. Mellman, 1985, J. Cell Biol., 100: 1839-1847) was restricted to lysosomes where it co-localized with beta-glucuronidase. Endosomes, identified by preloading with HRP injected 5-15 min before rats were killed, did not contain detectable amounts of any antigen tested. The distribution of the same proteins was also determined in rats given sodium maleate, which is known to slow or reduce protein absorption by the proximal tubule and to cause vacuolation of the endocytic apparatus. After maleate treatment the distribution of microvillar and lysosomal markers was unchanged, but the coated pit markers were redistributed--gp330 was concentrated in newly formed apical vacuoles, and clathrin was diffusely distributed in the apical cytoplasm or on apical coated vesicles. These findings indicate that the membrane composition of microvilli, coated pits, endosomes, and lysosomes is distinctive in the proximal tubule cell; and that gp330, unlike other known coated pit membrane components, is not transferred to endosomes during endocytosis. After maleate treatment, the coated pits lose their clathrin coats, and the corresponding membrane is internalized.

The "coat" of kidney intercalated cell tubulovesicles does not contain clathrin

Abstract: Intercalated cells of kidney collecting ducts contain a population of tubulovesicles in their apical cytoplasm, whose limiting membranes are decorated by arrays of dense, club-shaped projections oriented toward the cytoplasm. These tubulovesicles have been implicated in endo-exocytotic events in these cells. To determine a possible relationship between this “coating” material and clathrin, the coat protein associated with endocytotic coated pits and coated vesicles in other cell types, we applied a monospecific, affinity-purified anti-clathrin antibody to thin sections of rat kidney embedded at low temperature in Lowicryl K4M. We found that no specific labeling was associated with the studlike material of intercalated cell tubulovesicles.

Helical structure in the apical tubules of several absorbing epithelia. Kidney proximal tubule, visceral yolk sac and ductuli efferentes.

Abstract: Unique and highly ordered structures were discovered in the so-called apical tubules of several absorbing epithelia (kidney proximal tubule, visceral yolk sac and ductuli efferentes) fixed in situ with a mixture of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide. The apical tubules were especially numerous in the apical cytoplasm, in addition to the invaginations of the apical plasma membrane, newly formed endocytic vesicles and large endocytic vacuoles. They showed a cylindrical structure (∼80 nm in diameter) limited by a smooth membrane. Helically wound parallel rows of particles (∼11 nm in diameter) were found in the apical tubules in close proximity to their limiting membrane. The structure of the helix was determined by following the rows through serial sections and semithin sections, and was found to be a left-handed quadruple helix. These particles surround an electron-lucent cylinder (∼35 nm in diameter), containing at its center a single row of particles (∼9 nm in diameter). The apical tubules with the luminal specializations were not seen in continuity with the apical plasma membrane, but were frequently connected with the large endocytic vacuoles, which were present in the deeper levels of the apical cytoplasm. From these observations, it is suggested that the apical tubules are not derivatives of the apical plasma membrane; rather, they represent an intracellular compartment, which is morphologically related to the large endocytic vacuoles.

A determinant of Mr 34,000 expressed by hamster epididymal epithelium binds specifically to spermatozoa in co-culture.

Abstract: A murine monoclonal antibody raised against hamster cauda epididymal spermatozoa was shown to recognize an Mr 34,000 component of epididymal epithelium. Antigen was localized by immunocytochemistry on the surface and in the apical cytoplasm of principal cells in the proximal corpus epididymidis but not in the caput or initial segment regions. Spermatozoa from the corpus epididymidis expressed antigen on their post-acrosomal plasma membrane and annulus. Epididymal principal cells from the proximal corpus region when cultured in vitro bound antibody on their apical surface for at least 5 days. Spermatozoa from the caput epididymidis co-cultured with epithelium expressed antigen after incubation for 8 and 24 h. These results suggest that a surface change to epididymal spermatozoa during maturation in vivo may also be elicited during in-vitro culture.

Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry of interstitial retinol-binding protein in vertebrate retinas

Abstract: Interstitial retinol binding protein (IRBP) is a soluble glycoprotein found in the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) and implicated in shuttling retinol between retina and pigment epithelium (PE) cells. The authors have studied the distribution of IRBP by EM immunocytochemistry. Thin sections of Lowicryl K4M embedded R. pipiens, X. laevis, bovine and human retinas were labeled sequentially with affinity purified rabbit antibovine IRBP, biotinyl-sheep antirabbit F(Ab')2, and avidin-ferritin, or with avidin and biotinyl-ferritin. Antigen was in the interphotoreceptor space and intercalated into the narrow spaces between PE cell microvilli. IRBP penetration between PE cells was delimited abruptly by the PE junctional complexes. IRBP was also observed in small vacuoles in the apical cytoplasm of PE cells and in PE cell phagosomes that contained IRBP surrounding ingested rod tips. IPM was heavily but inhomogeneously labeled. Antigen was usually deposited along the ROS and COS plasma membrane in a confluent layer, but sometimes it was distributed in large (ca. 0.2-micron thick) clumps. In bovine and human retinas, the connecting cilium was ensheathed by antigen at high density but an unlabeled halo surrounded its plasma membrane. The apical plasma membrane of the inner segment aligned along the connecting cilium was also densely coated by antigen. In both frog retinas, the ridges of the periciliary ridge complex (PRC) were coated with antigen. In none of the four species examined was Golgi labeling present. In bovine retinas, labeled vacuoles (granules) in the myoid region were found in very low numbers (15 vacuoles in 358 rod cells). Amphibian retinas also contained only small numbers of myoid vacuoles labeled by anti-IRBP. Absence of antibody binding to intracellular sites of synthesis in any of the cells that abut the interphotoreceptor matrix suggests that the antigen may be masked prior to its release from the synthetic cell(s) or that its level is below limits of detection.

Distribution of glycoconjugates in normal rat ventral prostate and their use as markers of androgen-controlled secretory function in culture.

Abstract: The distribution of glycoconjugates in uncultured and cultured rat ventral prostate was studied by using eight fluorescent lectins. The prostate pieces were cultured in defined medium with or without testosterone for 1–14 days. Each lectin revealed a characteristic binding pattern. Con A, LCA, WGA, and RCA I stained both epithelial and interstitial components. SBA and PNA were specific for the epithelium: SBA stained the region of the Golgi complex; PNA showed the brightest fluorescence in the apical part of the cells representing the region of secretory granules. In culture without testosterone the epithelial cells gradually lost their fluorescence, whereas the stromal fluorescence increased. The basement membrane was disorganized. With testosterone the integrity of the epithelium and stroma was maintained, and the staining pattern of the lectins was in the main similar as in vivo. However, at 14 days a change in the staining pattern of apical cytoplasm with PNA was noted, indicating that in long-term cultures, in addition to testosterone, other hormones and growth factors are necessary to complete especially the last stages of the secretory process in the epithelial cells.

Ultrastructure of pancreatic exocrine cells of the rat during starvation

Abstract: Ultrastructural changes of the pancreatic exocrine cells after 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of starvation were observed in male rats aged from 16 to 18 months weighing between 600 and 700 grams. The number of zymogen granules after starvation decreased to less than about 70 per cent of that of the control. Changes in the rough endoplasmic reticulum were hardly seen up to 14 days of starvation as compared with the control, but were observed in the apical and basal cytoplasm of the cell from 21 days after starvation. Particularly in 35- and 42-day starved rats, the rough endoplasmic reticulum was frequently shortened and dilated, and changed to disorganized membranous structures. The lysosomes in the apical cytoplasm of the cell gradually increased in number after starvation, and contact or fusion between the zymogen granules and lysosomes (viz, so-called crinophagy) was often seen at 35 and 42 days of starvation. Large autolysosomes especially those containing zymogen granules and rough endoplasmic reticulum were also marked in the basal cytoplasm of the cell after 35 and 42 days of starvation. Alterations in the basal cytoplasm of the cell appeared later than those in the apical cytoplasm. It was considered that, owing to its role in protein synthesis, the basal cytoplasm of the pancreatic exocrine cells in starved rats might be protected as far as possible during long-term starvation.

Evaluation of granule exocytosis in toad urinary bladder.

Abstract: Addition of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to the mucosal bathing solution induces exocytosis of the granules found in the apical cytoplasm of toad urinary bladder epithelial cells. Because mucosal application of PMA also increases epithelial water permeability in the complete absence of vasopressin, these observations have suggested that granules might have a role in mediating the permeability response to vasopressin. From electron microscopic immunolocalization studies we have identified a 70-kDa protein as a component of the apical surface glycocalyx that is stored in the granules. Using antibodies to this protein in a competitive immunoassay, we found that addition of PMA to the mucosal side results in more than a fourfold increase in antigen release into the mucosal bath. The amount of antigen detectable on the mucosal surface of the cells was doubled by mucosal PMA exposure. Serosal application of PMA or addition of the inactive analogue phorbol didecanoate to either surface failed to produce significant antigen release. These results are consistent with electron microscopic studies showing exocytosis of granules only with mucosal exposure to PMA. However, immunoassay of granule antigen after vasopressin stimulation of water permeability failed to show a detectable change in granule exocytosis. We conclude that granule exocytosis does not play an important role in mediating vasopressin-induced changes in permeability.

The endosome-lysosome system in the absorptive cells of goldfish hindgut

Abstract: The vacuolar system in the absorptive cells of the goldfish hindgut was studied by rapid freeze-substituted and cytochemical techniques. The apical cytoplasm of the absorptive cells contained two types of vacuoles: endosomes and lysosomes. The former were characterized by an absence of acid phosphatase activity, a dot-like distribution of material at the peripheral rim, the labelling of the inner surface with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and by frequent connections to cytoplasmic tubules (CT), which were also free of acid phosphatase activity. The latter vacuole was preferentially located in the deeper cytoplasm and was characterized by the presence of acid phosphatase activity, an electron-dense interior matrix, a peripheral electron-lucent region (a halo), and by the detachment of HRP from the inner surface. Connections between CTs and these latter vacuoles were rarely seen. In the deeper cytoplasm, fusion between endosomes and lysosomes was sometimes observed. These results suggest that the vacuoles which are associated with CTs are endosomes, but not lysosomes, and that internalized materials are transported through the endosome-lysosome system to a giant food vacuole in the cell.

Scar adenocarcinoma of the lung: a light and electron microscopic study.

Abstract: Five well differentiated peripheral adenocarcinomas of the lung were investigated, using light and electron microscopy Each tumour contained a central nidus of fibrous tissue and fulfilled the criteria for "scar cancer" One tumour also had a focus of lamellated collagenous tissue, suggestive of an old tuberculous granuloma Electron microscopy showed the features of Clara cells, with characteristic dense bodies in the apical cytoplasm and scattered microvilli on the luminal surface It was concluded that this variant of scar cancer was a carcinoma of Clara cells, which was sufficiently distinctive in appearance to be recognised on light microscopy alone It remains uncertain, however, whether the central fibrous area is a desmoplastic response to tumour growth or a pre-existing scar

Cryptosporidiosis and proliferative ileitis in a hamster.

Abstract: Cryptosporidiurn sp. are coccidian parasites of the family Cryptosporidiidae and were first recognized in the gastric glands of mice by Tyzzer in 1907.9 Since that time, cryptosporidiosis has been reported in a wide variety of vertebrates. Several reports have been published describing cryptosporidiosis in animals and humans with other concurrent disease processes including canine distemper in a dog,4 rotavirus and coronavirus infection in calves,6 generalized toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus infection in humans,*Jo and specific immunologic deficiencies of horses and human^.^,^ This communication describes cryptosporidiosis in a weanling male Golden hamster that had concurrent lesions of proliferative ileitis. The hamster died without clinical signs. Several hamsters from the same group had died previously with clinical signs and intestinal lesions compatible with proliferative ileitis. The animals were obtained from a commercial supplier and were housed in conventional stainless steel cages. They were maintained on a diet of commercial pelleted hamster ration and given water ad libitum. No experimental manipulations had been done. Grossly, the hamster was thin and markedly dehydrated. There was moderate to marked thickening and reddening of the distal ileum and proximal colon. Multiple yellow foci that often extended transmurally were visible from the serosa of the colon. Sections of ileum and colon were fixed in 10% formalin and processed routinely for light microscopy. Several formalin-fixed sections of colon were also post-fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and processed for transmission electron microscopy. Intestinal lesions similar to those described previously for proliferative ileitis] were seen by light microscopy both in the ileum and colon but were most severe in the colon. These changes included hyperplasia of crypt and villous epithelial cells and formation of false diverticula that extended transmurally. Bacteria in large numbers were seen within the apical cytoplasm of enterocytes in epon-embedded, toluidine blue-stained, 1 pm histosections. Many round basophilic organisms (1 to 3 pm in diameter), compatible with Cryptosporidiurn sp., were visible along the enterocyte microvillous borders (Fig. 1). It was not possible to clearly demonstrate lesions that may have resulted from Ctyptosporidiurn sp. infection because of the more prominent manifestations of proliferative ileitis. Ultrastructurally, Cryptosporidiurn sp. in various endogenous stages were present embedded in or lying above the microvillous surface of enterocytes (Fig. 2). Stages observed included trophozoites, first and second generation schizonts, macrogametes, microgametes, and oocysts. Numerous bacterial profiles were present within the apical cytoplasm of

Preparation methods for quantitative electron probe X-ray microanalysis of rat exocrine pancreas: a review.

Abstract: Pancreatic acinar cells are thought to secrete a fluid containing digestive enzymes and electrolytes and use e.g. calcium as a second messenger upon stimulation. Together with their pronounced morphological polarity, they provide a model system to study the effect of different preparation methods for quantitative biological electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPXMA) of ultrathin sections. Several preparation methods i.e., freeze-drying and plastic-embedding, freeze-substitution (2 days) and freeze-drying of ultrathin cryosections have been applied to examine the retention of sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, (chlorine), potassium and calcium in subcellular compartments (basal cytoplasm, apical cytoplasm, mitochondria and zymogen granules). In freeze-substituted samples the phosphorus, potassium and sulfur concentrations were 2-3 times lower in all compartments compared to freeze-dried, plastic-embedded samples. Intracellular potassium-to-sodium ratios obtained on frozen substituted and frozen-dried, plastic-embedded samples were considerably lower than for cryosections. Element gradients between adjacent organelles were large in frozen-dried cryosections, smaller in frozen-dried plastic- embedded samples and insignificant in frozen-substituted samples.

Ultrastructural observations on the terminal segment epithelium of the seminiferous tubule of West African dwarf goats.

Abstract: In the testes of West African dwarf goats, modified Sertoli cells comprise the major component of the terminal segment epithelium. They resemble Sertoli cells proper but differ in the paucity of agranular endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets. Cell attachment devices present include rudimentary desmosomes and occasional multiple contacts of opposing plasma membranes, interrupted by segments of slightly expanded intercellular space. A few generative cells are present in the proximal zone of the epithelium, but their development appears to terminate as early spermatids which hang loosely on the luminal surface. The middle zone epithelium comprises vacuolated cells lying among other cells containing abundant microtubules in their subapical cytoplasm. Globular expansions of the intercellular space are also apparent. The terminal plug contains two cell types. Type I are inclined, columnar cells which contain profuse arrays of agranular endoplasmic reticulum in their apical cytoplasm. Type II are smaller cells located at the apex of the plug. Each possesses cytoplasmic processes, which surround the apices of Type I cells. The modified Sertoli cells of all zones and the Type II plug cells contain remnants of spermatozoa at different stages of degradation. The general absence of developing generative cells in the terminal segment epithelium may be related to the paucity of agranular endoplasmic reticulum in the basal cytoplasm of modified Sertoli cells and the absence of typical Sertoli-Sertoli junctional specialisations. Structural modifications evident in the middle and distal zones facilitate distalward movement of materials, while the attenuation and modification of the lumen distally may facilitate phagocytosis of abnormal spermatozoa.

Selectivity to K+ and Na+ of protoplast fractions isolated from different regions of Aspergillus nidulans hyphae.

Abstract: Summary: The selectivity to K+ and Na+ of protoplast samples representing cytoplasm isolated from different regions of the hyphal filament of Aspergillus nidulans was investigated. Concentrations of both ions contained in successive protoplast fractions were measured. During lytic digestion, protoplasts were released first from apical regions and subsequently from progressively older regions of hyphae. A low K+/Na+ ratio was found in protoplasts containing primarily apical cytoplasm and a high K+/Na+ ratio was found in protoplasts originating from older regions of hyphae. The ratios were the same whether MgSO4 or mannitol was used as stabilizer. Absolute concentrations of both ions were higher in protoplasts of apical origin. Protoplasts stabilized in mannitol lost more ions than those stabilized in MgSO4 over an 8 h incubation period. Na+ losses were higher from apical protoplasts whereas K+ losses were higher from protoplasts liberated from older regions of hyphae. The addition of divalent metal cations (1·5 mm-Mn2+ or Mg2+) reduced losses of Na+ from protoplasts but did not affect loss of K+. Data obtained using protoplast samples were related to those obtained for intact mycelium. Absolute losses of both ions from mycelium were lower than for protoplasts but when compared on a protein basis the data suggested that protoplasts possess properties similar to those of intact mycelium in terms of K+ and Na+ selectivity.

Glycoproteins in rabbit uterus during implantation. Differential localization visualized using 3H-N-acetyl-glucosamine labelling and FITC-conjugated lectins.

Abstract: The synthesis of glycoproteins in rabbit uterine epithelium during the late preimplantation period was studied using tritiated N-acetylglucosamine. In vivo labelling was achieved by the intra-uterine implantation of agar gel columns containing the precursor. Autoradiography showed the radioactivity to be predominantly localized in the apical cell surfaces, with single cells exhibiting an accumulation of silver grains in their supranuclear cytoplasm. After gel electrophoresis of uterine flushings, activity was mainly found in the β-glycoprotein fraction. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated wheat-germ agglutinin reacted with the apical cytoplasm and surfaces of the endometrial cells. However, FITC-conjugated concanavalin A exhibited a different binding pattern, reacting first with the basal cytoplasm, and later with the apical cytoplasm. After concanavalin-A staining, single cells exhibited positive vesicles in their lateral and apical parts. These cells may be released into the uterine lumen until 210 h post coitum. Neither of the lectins reacted with ciliated cells. Concanavalin A showed an affinity for the β-glycoprotein fraction of the uterine secretion. The results indicate that, although all endometrial cells contain glycoproteins, only a few of these seem to be involved in the synthesis of secretory products.

Sorting and transepithelial transport of adsorbed protein tracers: effects of temperature.

Abstract: The epithelium of the guinea pig yolk sac is involved in the selective transport of macromolecules to the fetus. We studied the compartments involved in sorting and transepithelial transport of protein tracers and the effect of lowered temperature (18°C) on these events. Explants of yolk sac were incubated with a mixture of cationized ferritin (CF) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP, Sigma type VI). At 4°C, both tracers were bound to the cell surface and binding of an HRP-gold complex was shown to be inhibited by mannan. At 37°C and 18°C, both tracers were taken up into tubules and vesicles in the apical cytoplasm. Usually the tubules contained a mixure of tracers, but they often showed a polarized distribution with CF and HRP at opposite ends. The vesicles also contained mixtures of the tracers, but some contained only one. In addition, there were some irregularly shaped vacuoles composed of saccules that contained either a mixture, HRP alone, or CF alone. These results suggest that these adsorbed ligands are binding to unique microdomains of the endocytic complex. After 20 min at 37°C coated vesicles 100 nm in diameter were located in the apical cytoplasm and coated vesicles of the same size were located at the lateral cell membrane. Usually they contained only HRP or CF, although occasional mixtures were seen. At 18°C, HRP was transported across the cells in 100 nm vesicles. However, transport of CF was completely inhibited at the lower temperature. Although uptake at 18°C was slower than that at 37°C, experiments with 125I-CF allowed comparison of time points at which equal uptake had occurred. These experiments demonstrated that inhibition of CF transport was not due to decreased amounts of internalized CF. These differences in transport of HRP and CF suggest that multiple compartments are involved in the sorting and transepithelial transport of protein, and at least one is perturbed by lower temperature.

Development of the hamster submandibular gland. II. The ductal system.

Abstract: The major secretory duct is differentiated from the SMG anlage in early embryogenesis and undergoes minor morphologic changes from its inception until full maturation. Structurally, the ducts appear to be suited for a conduit function. At birth, the extralobular and intralobular ducts arise directly from the major duct or indirectly from the primary and secondary branches, respectively. They are distinguishable from each other by their topography only. However, developmentally, intralobular ducts give rise to 'terminal tubule' complexes but no such function is performed by the extralobular ducts. Both duct types first show distinct evidence of striation of their cells at one week after birth. Their lateral and basal infoldings, interdigitations and close association with mitochondria provide them with increased surface area and a source of energy for exchange of ions and fluids. The differentiation of convoluted granular ducts begins at 2 weeks of age with the appearance of membrane-bound and dense secretory granules in the apical cytoplasm of the luminal cells. The changes start in the proximal segment of the intralobular striated duct, and extend to occupy a large part of it in a mature 6-week old animal. These ducts comprise the bulk of the ductal system. The distribution of the granules is size-gradient dependent, the small granules being near the lumen and the large ones being close to the nucleus. The morphologic features of CGD are in keeping with absorptive and secretory functions.

Morphogenetic movement of the thyroid primordium in the rat: a scanning and transmission electron microscopic study.

Abstract: This study deals with the fine structural and three dimensional aspects of the early morphogenetic movements of the thyroid primordium in rat embryos. By scanning electron microscopy, the cells of the presumtive thyroid area show peculiar cauliflower-like structures at day 10 of gestation prior to the starting of its invagination. These structures increase in number as the invagination proceeds. Each cauliflower-like structure consists of a large apical cytoplasmic process with many microvilli and a few small bleb-like protrusions. This phenomenon is then followed by the decrease and ultimate disappearance of the microvilli and bleb-like protrusions, while many large spherical bodies, possibly derived from the bleb-like protrusions and cell debris, appear on the epithelium of the thyroid primordium, especially around the marginal zone of the primordial invagination which soon closes. These observations suggest that the gross morphogenetic movement of the thyroid primordium is due partly to the changes of cell shapes in this area. Transmission electron microscopy reveals conspicuous bundles of microfilaments about 6nm in diameter located in the apical cytoplasm and converging on well-developed junctional complexes during the invagination process. The appearance of the cytoplasmic processes and bleb-like protrusions appearing in the cells of this region is believed to indicate a role in the invagination of the thyroid primordium and the closure of the starting point of the invagination.

Ejaculatory duct of the migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes (fabr.) (Orthoptera : Acrididae): A histological and ultrastructural analysis

Abstract: The ejaculatory duct of the migratory grasshopper ( Melanoplus sanguinipes [Fabr.]) (Orthoptera : Acrididae) is divisible into 3 regions: upper ejaculatory duct (UED) into whose anterior end the accessory glands and vasa deferentia empty; the funnel characterized by its slit-like lumen; and the lower ejaculatory duct (LED). Anteriorly, the UED has a keyhole-shaped lumen surrounded by a thin intima and highly columnar epithelial cells whose most conspicuous feature is massive aggregations of microtubules. More posteriorly, the UED lumen differentiates into dorsal and ventral chambers, the former having a thick cuticular lining armed with spines. In the hindmost part of the UED, the ventral chamber expands to obliterate the dorsal chamber; its cuticular lining thickens, and conspicuous lateral evaginations develop. The thick cuticle includes 3 distinct layers and on its surface carries numerous spatulate processes. In this region, the epithelial cells develop numerous short microvilli beneath which are many mitochondria. As the funnel is reached, the intima becomes extremely thick, and the epithelial cells lack microvilli and most microtubules. Within the funnel, a new, very distinct form of cuticle appears, which is in “units”, each associated with an epithelial cell and having a rounded epicuticular cap. The new cuticle arises ventrally but rapidly spreads to encircle the entire lumen, at which point the LED is considered to begin. Beneath this new cuticle, the epithelial cells are columnar, have long microvilli, numerous mitochondria in the apical cytoplasm, and rough endoplasmic reticulum basally. Apically, adjacent cells are tightly apposed; however, prominent intercellular channels develop more basally. The ejaculatory duct's features are briefly discussed in terms of its role in spermatophore formation.

Ultrastructural differentiation of glandular stomach (proventriculus) in chick embryo.

Abstract: Cytochemical characterization of mucosubstances of chick glanular stomach (proventriculus) changes from 15 days of development to postnatal and adult stages was studied. To corroborate these data cytochemical, ultrastructural and ultracytochemical study of chick embryo proventriculus from 7 to 20 days of development was performed. At the 7th day several layers of undifferentiated cells formed an epithelium which covered the walls of the glandular stomach. Mocosubstances were not found. Between the 9th and 5th day a single layer of cylindrical cells was encountered forming invaginations which originated deep glands. Three types of cells were separated from the above mentioned layer, dark, clear and undifferentiated. The dark cells had organelles which are involved in protein synthesis and the clear ones were rich in mitochondria. Argentaffine cells appeared at 15th day instead mucosubstances formed a thin coat on the epithelium at 9th day which increased at the end of development in the apical cytoplasm and gland cells. These observations demonstrate that proventriculus of chick embryo has ultrastructurally differentiated cells involved with enzymatic and hydrochloric acid secretion after the 9th day. These progressive events are correlated with the digestion process of yolk during embryogenesis. At the end of development the proventriculus has completely organized the glandular layer.

The bronchial airways

Abstract: Knowledge of bronchial development is important to understanding many pathological processes of the adult organ. Development has been studied extensively in the human and the following brief summary highlights some of the key events.

[Comparative scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies of the ependyma of the central canal in the spinal cord of primates. I. Electron optical image of the ependyma in the central canal of the spinal cord of the callithrix monkey (Callithrix jacchus, Linné 1758)].

Abstract: The ependyma lining the central canal of the spinal cord of adult males and females monkey, Callithrix jacchus, was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The cross section of the lumen of the central canal are round, oval, or triangular. Light and dark ependymal cells, depending on the density of the cytoplasm, were found. The light ependymal cells are fewer than the dark cells. The ependyma cytoplasm contained numerous mitochondria, filamentous structures, one or more well-developed Golgi-complexes, vesicles of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, lysosomes, multivesicular bodies, profiles of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, large osmophilic bodies, and microtubules. The nuclei of the ependyma cells usually have a simple, regular round or oval shape. They occupy a relatively large portion of the cell volume and lie in the central or mediobasal position. Some of the nuclei show deep invaginations into the karyoplasm. Most of the mitochondria occupy mainly the supranuclear portion of the apical cytoplasm. There are of the crista-typ. Ribosomes occur free in the cytoplasm, but some attached to the profiles of the rough endoplasmic reticulum or being arranged as polysomes. The filamentous structures are generally prominent cytoplasmic components and are distributed at the apical, lateral, or basal region of the ependymocytes. They are grouped into bundles and arranged in parallel arrays. Some of these bundles reach the plasmamembrane at the free lumina of the central canal, others take contact to the filamentous structures of the zonulae adherentes of the junctional complex below the free surface. The granular endoplasmic reticulum shows specializations. There profiles surrounding granular substances and widely distributed granulations in connection with the nuclear envelope. The functional significance of the deposition of these granulations is still unknown. The luminal surface of the ependymocytes bears many microvilli and cilia. The cilia are regularly arranged in cranio-caudal direction. Each cilium has the typical (9 + 2)-subfibres. The intercellular space at the surface of the ependymal layer shows a single zonula adherens or zonulae adherentes in the row. Tight junctions and gap junctions were not found in the material examined. Cell processes of liquor contacting neurons between adjacent ependyma cells, protruding into the lumen of the central canal, could be observed. The termination of these neurons contains accumulations of mitochondria in the central part, large amounts of vesicles, and small dense bodies. They have short microvilli and some stereocilia at the free surface.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)