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  • 1
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Mycorrhiza 10 (2000), S. 15-21 
    ISSN: 1432-1890
    Keywords: Anthoceros punctatus ; Arbuscular mycorrhiza ; Bryophytes ; Glomus ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Glomus claroideum (Schenck & Smith emend. Walker & Vestberg) were investigated for ability to form arbuscular mycorrhiza-like symbioses with the hornwort Anthoceros punctatus (L.). Spores were transferred to a cellulose acetate filter on water agar and a small portion of an Anthoceros thallus was placed directly upon the spores. Light-microscope observations 20 days after inoculation revealed branched hyphae growing within the thallus. After 45 days, arbuscules and vesicles were studied by light- and electron-microscopy. After 60 days in water agar culture, the colonised Anthoceros thalli were transferred to a low-nutrient medium agar. Hyphae spread in the agar and newly formed spores were observed 5 weeks after the transfer. After 4 months, about 1000 spores were formed in each Petri dish. This is the first report of an experimentally established arbuscular mycorrhiza-like symbiosis between an identified fungus belonging to the Glomales and a bryophyte.
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  • 2
    ISSN: 1432-1211
    Keywords: Key words Vβ13 ; CD4/CD8 ratio ; Rat ; Tcrb ; Polymorphism
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract. Three rat BV13S1 alleles (T-cell receptor β-chain variable gene 13) were characterized by new BV13S1-allele specific monoclonal antibodies (18B1 and 17D5) and sequence analysis of expressed and genomic BV13S1. Two alleles were functional and designated BV13S1A1 present in strains LEW, BUF, PVG, and BV13S1A2 present in BN and WF. Their products differed by six amino acids, two of them in complementarity-determing region (CDR)1 and one in CDR2. A third nonfunctional allele, BV13S1A3P, was found in strains F344 and DA. Apart from a single nucleotide insertion, it was identical to BV13S1A2. All 12 rat strains tested showed association of TCRBC1 with BV8S2/4 alleles but not with the BV13S1 alleles, which may reflect a different gene order of the rat BV compared to mouse. BV13S1A1-encoded T-cell receptors (TCRs) which bind both monoclonal antibody (mAb) 18B1 and mAb 17D5 are over-represented in the CD4 lymphocyte subset. BV13S1A2-encoded TCRs which are stained by mAb 18B1 but not by mAb 17D5 show a slight CD8-biased expression. Preferential usage of BV13S1A1-positive TCRs by CD4 but not by CD8 cells in (LEW×WF)F1 hybrids and cosegregation of BV13SA1 and increased frequency of BV13S1 TCR-positive CD4 cells in a (LEW×BN)×BN backcross suggest structural differences of the two allelic products as the reason for their contrasting CD4/CD8 subset bias.
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  • 3
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    Springer
    Journal of comparative physiology 186 (2000), S. 347-357 
    ISSN: 1432-1351
    Keywords: Key words Crustacean ; Sensorimotor ; Ultrastructure ; Multilamellar sheath ; Myelinated axons
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Speed of nerve impulse conduction is greatly increased by myelin, a multi-layered membranous sheath surrounding axons. Myelinated axons are ubiquitous among the vertebrates, but relatively rare among invertebrates. Electron microscopy of calanoid copepods using rapid cryofixation techniques revealed the widespread presence of myelinated axons. Myelin sheaths of up to 60 layers were found around both sensory and motor axons of the first antenna and interneurons of the ventral nerve cord. Except at nodes, individual lamellae appeared to be continuous and circular, without seams, as opposed to the spiral structure of vertebrate and annelid myelin. The highly organized myelin was characterized by the complete exclusion of cytoplasm from the intracellular spaces of the cell generating it. In regions of compaction, extracytoplasmic space was also eliminated. Focal or fenestration nodes, rather than circumferential ones, were locally common. Myelin lamellae terminated in stepwise fashion at these nodes, appearing to fuse with the axolemma or adjacent myelin lamellae. As with vertebrate myelin, copepod sheaths are designed to minimize both resistive and capacitive current flow through the internodal membrane, greatly speeding nerve impulse conduction. Copepod myelin differs from that of any other group described, while sharing features of every group.
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  • 4
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    Springer
    Protoplasma 211 (2000), S. 94-102 
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Androgenesis ; Embryogenesis ; Microspore culture ; Pollen ; Ultrastructure ; Wheat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary We have made a detailed cytological examination of the development of wheat embryoids, monitoring their initial divisions from two to ten cells by both light and electron microscopy. According to our observations the first embryogenic division is symmetrical. After the androgenesis induction treatment, there is a decrease in ribosome population with cells that have inactive nucleoli made up almost exclusively of a dense fibrillar component. This population is restored after initial embryogenic divisions. During the initial divisions the embryogenic pollen grains do not appear to change in size and the pollen wall remains intact. The exine undergoes no modification but the intine thickens, and we have observed that the thickness of the intine can be used as a cytological marker of androgenesis. The walls separating the cells obtained after embryogenic division contained numerous plasmodesmata. The beginnings of embryo polarization and cell differentiation could be made out in the very early pollen embryoids.
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  • 5
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Glutathione ; Root ; Chromosomal aberration ; Ultrastructure ; Picea abies
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary Young spruce seedlings (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) grown in hydroponic culture were exposed to three different concentrations (50,100, and 500 μM) of reduced glutathione for 24 h. These physiologically relevant concentrations of glutathione had a multiple effect on the investigated tissue. Feeding of glutathione to roots increased the concentrations of thiols (glutathione, cysteine, and γ-glutamyl-cysteine) in roots, decreased the rate of cell divisions, induced mitotic abnormalities, and affected the cell ultrastructure. Electron micrographs showed effects such as advanced vacuolation, dilated rough-endoplasmic-reticulum cisternae, and separations of the plasma membrane from the cell wall.
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  • 6
    ISSN: 1432-119X
    Keywords: Endothelin-A receptor ; Endothelin-B receptor ; Rat ; Pulmonary fibrosis ; Immunohistochemistry ; Quantitative PCR
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: AbstractPulmonary fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition with concomitant loss of gas exchange units, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Increased levels of ET-1 from tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage have been reported in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and in animal models after intratracheal bleomycin. We characterized the cellular distribution of alveolar ET receptors by immunohistochemistry in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in the rat and determined the regulation by bleomycin of ET receptor mRNA expression in isolated alveolar macrophages and rat lung fibroblasts. We found significant increases in the numbers of fibroblasts and macrophages at day 7 compared to day 28 and control animals. ETB receptor immunoreactivity was observed on fibroblasts and invading monocytes. Isolated fibroblasts expressed both ETA and ETB receptor mRNA, and ETA receptor mRNA was upregulated by bleomycin. Isolated resident alveolar macrophages expressed neither ETA nor ETB receptor mRNA which were also not induced by bleomycin. We conclude that, while ETB receptor stimulation of fibroblasts and monocytes recruited during bleomycin-induced lung injury exerts antagonistic effects on fibroblast collagen synthesis, the observed increase in the number of fibroblasts in vivo and upregulation of fibroblast ETA receptor mRNA by bleomycin in vitro point to a predominance of the profibrotic effects of ET receptor engagement.
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  • 7
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    Medical & biological engineering & computing 38 (2000), S. 42-48 
    ISSN: 1741-0444
    Keywords: Bowel sounds ; Rat ; Motility ; Body acoustics ; Signal detection ; Signal characterisation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This study is aimed at detecting gastrointestinal sounds (GIS) and correlating their characteristics with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. The central hypotheses are that GIS generation depends on the motility patterns and the mechanical properties of the gut, and that changes in those result in measurable differences in GIS. An animal model which included both healthy rats and those with small bowel obstruction (SBO) was developed. The acoustic bursts, of GIS were detected by amplitude thresholding the signal envelope. Three methods of envelope estimation were proposed and evaluated. Envelope estimation using a Hilbert transform was found to produce the best results in the current application. The duration and dominant frequency of each detected GIS event was estimated and clear differences between healthy and diseased rats were discovered. In the control state, GIS events were found to consistently be of relatively short duration (3–65ms). Although the majority of events in the SBO state had similar short duration, infrequent longer events were also detected and appeared to be pathognomonic. Long duration events (〉100 ms) occurred in each of seven obstructed, but in none of 14 non-obstructed, cases (p〈0.001). It is concluded that GIS analysis may prove useful in the non-invasive, rapid, and accurate diagnosis of SBO.
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  • 8
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    Springer
    Annals of biomedical engineering 28 (2000), S. 128-134 
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Hippocampus ; Vigilance states ; Paired-pulse ; Dentate gyrus ; Dentate granule cells ; Evoked response ; Rat ; In vivo studies ; Perforant path ; Maturation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract This study examined the effect of normal development and vigilance state on the modulation of dentate granule cell activity in the freely moving rat at 15, 30, and 90 days of age across three vigilance states: quiet waking, slow-wave sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep. Using paired-pulse stimulation, the paired-pulse index (PPI) was obtained for the dentate evoked field potentials elicited by the stimulation of the medial perforant path. Although significant differences in PPI values were observed during development, no significant vigilance state related changes were obtained. Preweaning infant rats, i.e., 15-day old, exhibited significantly less early (interpulse intervals, IPI= 20–50 ms) and late (IPI = 300–1000 ms) inhibition, and less facilitation (IPI = 50–150 ms) when compared to the 90-day old adult rats during all three vigilance states. PPI values obtained from the 30-day old group fell intermediate between the 15- and 90-day old animals. These changes in PPI values provide a quantitative measure of changes in the modulation of dentate granule cell excitability during normal maturation. They can now can be used to evaluate the impact of various insults, such as prenatal protein malnutrition or neonatal stress, on hippocampal development. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 8717Nn, 8719La, 8719Nn
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  • 9
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Heart ; Left ventricle ; LV contractility ; ESPVR ; Pig ; Rat ; Magnetic resonance imaging
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract The end systolic pressure–volume relation (ESPVR) has been shown to be a relatively load independent measure of left ventricular (LV) contractility. Recently, several single-beat ESPVR computation methods have been developed, enabling the quantification of LV contractility without the need to alter vascular loading conditions on the heart. Using a single-beat ESPVR method, which has been validated previously in humans and assumes that normalized elastance is constant between individuals of a species, we studied the effects of myocardial infarction on LV contractility in two species, the rat and the pig. In our studies, LV pressure was acquired invasively and LV volume determined noninvasively with magnetic resonance imaging, at one week postinfarction in pigs and at 12 weeks postinfarction in rats. Normalized systolic elastance curves in both animal species were not statistically different from that of humans. Also, the slope of the ESPVR $$\left( {E_{es} } \right)$$ decreased significantly following infarction in both species, while the volume-axis intercept $$\left( {V_0 } \right)$$ was unaffected. These results indicate that a single-beat ESPVR method can be used to measure the inotropic response of the heart to myocardial infarction, and that the basis for this method (i.e., constant normalized elastance) is applicable to a variety of mammalian species. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 8719Uv, 8761Lh, 8719Hh, 8719Rr, 8719Ff
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  • 10
    ISSN: 0219-1032
    Keywords: c-Fos ; Dopamine ; D1 ; Hippocampus ; Rat ; Synaptic Plasticity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract While dopamine is likely to modulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity, there has been little information about how dopamine affects synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. The expression of IEGs including c-fos has been associated with late phase LTP in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. The induction of c-fos by dopaminergic receptor activation in the rat hippocampus was investigated by using semiquantitative RT-PCR and immuno-cytochemistry. The hippocampal slices which were not treated with dopamine showed little expression of c-fos mRNA. However, the induction of c-fos mRNA was detected as early as 5 min after dopamine treatment, peaked at 60 min, and remained elevated 5 h after treatment. Temporal profiles of increases in c-fos mRNA by R(+)-SKF-38393 (50 μM) and forskolin (50 μM) were similar to that of dopamine. An increase in [cAMP] was observed in dopamine-, SKF-, or forskolin-treated hippocampal slices. By immunocytochemical studies, control hippocampal cells showed little expression of c-Fos immunoreactivity. However, when cells were treated with dopamine, an increase in the expression of c-Fos immunoreactivity was observed after treatment for 2 h. The treatment of hippocampal neurons with R(+)-SKF38393 (50 μM) or forskolin (50 μM) also induced a significant increase in c-Fos expression. These results indicate that the dopamine D1 receptor-mediated cAMP dependant pathway is associated with the expression of c-Fos in the hippocampal neurons. These data are consistent with the possible role of endogenous dopamine on synaptic plasticity via the regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, these results imply that dopamine might control the process of memory storage in the hippocampus through gene expression.
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  • 11
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    Annals of biomedical engineering 28 (2000), S. 1101-1115 
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Time–frequency analysis ; Coherence ; Cross correlation ; Nonstationary persistent signals ; Central pattern generator ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract We present a novel time-varying phase spectrum (TVPS) method to quantify the dynamics of coevolution of two persistent nonstationary coupled signals. Based on the TVPS, an instantaneous intersignal phase shift is defined within the primary frequency range in which the two signals are highly correlated. The TVPS is estimated using a fixed-window method or an adaptive-window method. In the latter method, the window length changes dynamically and automatically as a function of change in frequency of the signals. The effects of altering window types and lengths on the accuracy of the estimation of the primary phase shift is assessed by analyzing synthesized linear chirp signals with decaying amplitude and constant relative phase shift or decaying amplitude and changing relative phase shifts. The methods developed are also used for determining the evolution of the primary phase shift among ventral root activities during fictive locomotion in an in vitro rat spinal cord preparation. The analyses indicate that the TVPS method in conjunction with the determination of the primary frequency range, allows determination of both the evolution of the coupling strength and the evolution of the phase shift between two persistent nonstationary rhythmic signals in the joint time–frequency domain. An adaptive window reduces the estimation bias and the estimation variability. © 2000 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC00: 0230-f, 8780Tq
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  • 12
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Beta vulgaris ; Cyst nematodes ; Histology ; Resistance mechanism ; Syncytium ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary Using susceptible and resistant sugar beet lines, comparative analyses of root histology and ultrastructure were made during invasion by nematodes and the induction and formation of specific feeding structures (syncytia).The resistant line carried the resistance geneHs1pro−1.Nematodes were able to invade and induce functional syncytia in roots of resistant and susceptible lines. However, syncytia in resistant roots were smaller and less hypertrophied. The vacuolar system of syncytia in susceptible plants contained many small vacuoles. In resistant plants vacuoles were larger but less numerous. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum prevailed in syncytial protoplasts of susceptible plants, whereas almost only rough endoplasmic reticulum occurred in syncytia in resistant plants. The most conspicuous and hitherto undescribed trait of syncytia in resistant roots was the initial appearance of loose, and later compact, aggregations of the endomembrane system which composed most of the endoplasmicreticulum system of syncytia at later stages. Syncytia in resistant plants usually degraded before the nematodes reached their adult stage. The appearance of membrane aggregations and the other resistance-specific features are discussed in relation to their possible effects on syncytium function and role in nematode resistance.
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  • 13
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana ; Cryopreservation ; Dehydration ; Thermal analysis ; Sucrose ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells were preserved in liquid nitrogen for over three years, using embedding of cells in calcium-alginate prior to subculture in sucrose-enriched medium, air-drying, and direct quenching in liquid nitrogen. Survival of cells reached 34%, yielding regrowth at the surface of all cryopreserved beads in less than 7 days. Following pretreatment and dehydration, the water content dropped from 2300% to 34% with respect to dry weight. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that glass transition occurred on cooling, followed by a slight crystallization event on rewarming. The survival of cells was independent of the cooling rate. The tolerance of the acute dehydration step increased progressively with sucrose pretreatment duration, indicating the requirement for adaptative cellular alterations. Ultrastructural studies revealed several changes in cells after sucrose pretreatment prolonged from 1 to 7 days: reversal of the initially plasmolyzed state, microvacuolation, numerous autophagic structures, scarcity of ribosomes, increase in number and size of starch grains. No cell division seemed to occur during this period. After air-drying and after a freeze-thaw cycle, followed by 24 h rehydration, regenerating cells had recovered a high level of ultrastructural organization and contained numerous polysomes suggesting an intense metabolic activity. Trehalose, a cryoprotective disaccharide not considered to be a metabolic substrate, yielded only 70% regrowth after freezing. Biochemical analysis showed that soluble sugars accumulated during the pretreatment, essentially sucrose or trehalose; the monosaccharide content also increased. In the light of these results, the action of sucrose in inducing freezing tolerance is discussed.
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  • 14
    ISSN: 1432-041X
    Keywords: Key words Imaginal disc ; Axonal trajectories ; Ultrastructure ; Chaoborus (Insecta ; Diptera)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  In one of his classical studies on insect metamorphosis, Weismann compared the imaginal anlagen of the ancestral phantom midge, Chaoborus, with those of advanced brachycerans. We have expanded his findings on the relationships between larval and imaginal organs using electron microscopy and cobalt backfilling of the antenna and leg anlagen and the axonal trajectories of corresponding larval sensilla. We show that both primordia are confluent with the larval antennae and ”leg” sensilla (an ancestral Keilin organ), respectively. These fully developed larval organs represent the distal tips of the imaginal anlagen rather than separate cell clusters. The axons of the larval antenna and leg sensilla project across the corresponding anlagen to their target neuromeres within the central nervous system (CNS). Within the discs, nerves composed of these larval axons, developing afferent fibres and efferences ascending from the CNS are found. Both the structure of the primordia and the axonal trajectories thus relate the situation found in advanced brachycerans with that seen in more ancestral insects. In addition, the larval antennae, legs, wings and even the eyes possess very similar afferent pioneer trajectories supporting the idea that the described pattern is generally used in the ontogeny of sensory systems.
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  • 15
    ISSN: 1432-1211
    Keywords: Key words Class II MHC sequence ; Rat ; Cloning ; RT-PCR ; Polymorphism
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
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  • 16
    ISSN: 1432-072X
    Keywords: Key wordsClostridium xylanolyticum ; Cinnamic acid ; Esterase ; Lignocellulose ; Sporogenesis ; Ultrastructure ; Cell envelope
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Microorganisms that hydrolyse the ester linkages between phenolic acids and polysaccharides in plant cell walls are potential sources of enzymes for the degradation of lignocellulosic waste. An anaerobic, mesophilic, spore-forming, xylanolytic bacterium with high hydroxy cinnamic acid esterase activity was isolated from the gut of the grass-eating termite Tumilitermes pastinator. The bacterium was motile and rod-shaped, stained gram-positive, had an eight-layered cell envelope, and formed endospores. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA indicated that the bacterium is closely related to Clostridium xylanolyticum and is grouped with polysaccharolytic strains of clostridia. A wide range of carbohydrates were fermented, and growth was stimulated by either xylan or cellobiose as substrates. The bacterium hydrolysed and then hydrogenated the hydroxy cinnamic acids (ferulic and p-coumaric acids), which are esterified to arabinoxylan in plant cell walls. Three cytoplasmic enzymes with hydroxy cinnamic acid esterase activity were identified using non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. This bacterium possesses an unusual multilayered cell envelope in which both leaflets of the cytoplasmic membrane, the peptidoglycan layer and the S layer are clearly discernible. The fate of all these components was easily followed throughout the endospore formation process. The peptidoglycan component persisted during the entire morphogenesis. It was seen to enter the septum and to pass with the engulfing membranes to surround the prespore. It eventually expanded to form the cortex, verification for the peptidoglycan origin of the cortex. Sporogenic vesicles, which are derived from the cell wall peptidoglycan, were associated with the engulfment process. Spore coat fragments appeared early, in stage II, though spore coat formation was not complete until after cortex formation.
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  • 17
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    Sexual plant reproduction 12 (1999), S. 99-109 
    ISSN: 1432-2145
    Keywords: Key words Arabidopsis thaliana ; Megasporogenesis ; Meiosis ; Ultrastructure ; Cellular polarity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  In this study, megasporogenesis of the plant model Arabidopsis thaliana was investigated by electron microscopy for the first time. The data described here could constitute a reference for future investigations of Arabidopsis mutants. During the beginning of meiosis the megaspore mother cell shows a polarity created by unequal distribution of organelles in the cytoplasm. Plastids accumulate in the chalazal region and long parallel saccules of endoplasmic reticulum, small vacuoles and some dictyosomes are found in the micropylar region. Plasmodesmata are abundant in the chalazal cell wall. The nucleus is almost centrally localized and contains a prominent excentric nucleolus and numerous typical synaptonemal complexes. After the second division of meiosis the four megaspores are separated by thin cell walls crossed by numerous plasmodesmata and do not show significant cellular organization. The young functional megaspore is characterized by a large nucleus and a large granular nucleolus. The cytoplasm is very electron dense due to the abundance of free ribosomes and contains the following randomly distributed organelles: mitochondria, a few short saccules of endoplasmic reticulum, dictyosomes and undifferentiated plastids. However, there is no apparent polarity, except for the distribution of some small vacuoles which are more abundant in the micropylar region of the cell. The degenerating megaspores are extremely electron dense and do not show any substructure.
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  • 18
    ISSN: 1573-0603
    Keywords: Dichloromethylene diphosphate ; Hepatic stellate cell isolation ; Liposome ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Hepatic perisinusoidal cell population consists of hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells, endothelial cells, and Pit cells. These cells are isolated by enzymic digestion and purified by density gradient centrifugation. With isolation of stellate cells, conventional method is unable to eliminate the contamination of Kupffer cells because the densities of these two cells are similar. We report here an improved method for isolation of highly purified hepatic stellate cells, using dichloromethylene diphosphate (CL2MDP), which has selective cytotoxicity of Kupffer cells. Three days after the single intravenous administration of liposome-encapsulated CL2MDP, the Kupffer cells disappeared almost completely from the liver. Following Percoll density gradient centrifugation, the purity of the hepatic stellate cells exceeded 98% without any contamination of the Kupffer cells. Kupffer cells are reported to affect the physiological functions of stellate cells. The availability of highly purified stellate cells will facilitate the investigation of their functions in primary culture.
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  • 19
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words ECL cells ; Gastrin ; Reserpine ; Organelles ; Ultrastructure ; Rat (Sprague-Dawley)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The histamine-storing ECL cells in the stomach play a key role in the control of acid secretion. They contain granules, secretory vesicles and microvesicles, and sustained gastrin stimulation results in the additional formation of vacuoles and lipofuscin bodies. The cells are rich in the vesicle monoamine transporter type-2 (VMAT-2), which can be inhibited by reserpine. The present study examines the effect of reserpine on ECL-cell ultrastructure and histamine compartmentalization. Rats received reserpine and/or gastrin. Reserpine was given twice by the intraperitoneal route (25 mg/kg once daily). Gastrin-17 was given by subcutaneous infusion (5 nmol/kg/h), starting at the time of the first reserpine injection and continuing for 4 days when the rats were killed. At this stage, histamine in the oxyntic mucosa was unaffected by reserpine but elevated by gastrin. Immunocytochemical analysis (confocal microscopy) showed ECL-cell histamine in control and gastrin-treated rats to be localized in cytoplasmic organelles (e.g., secretory vesicles). After treatment with reserpine alone or reserpine+gastrin, ECL-cell histamine occurred mainly in the cytosol. Planimetric analysis (electron microscopy) of ECL cells showed reserpine to increase the number, size and volume density of the granules and to reduce the size and volume density of the secretory vesicles. Gastrin reduced the number and volume density of granules and secretory vesicles, increased the number and volume density of microvesicles and caused vacuoles and lipofuscin bodies to appear. Reserpine+gastrin increased the number, volume density and size of the granules. Reserpine prevented the effects of gastrin on secretory vesicles, vacuoles and microvesicles, but did not prevent the development of lipofuscin. Our findings are in line with the views: (1) that preformed cytosolic histamine is taken up by granules/secretory vesicles via VMAT-2, that histamine is instrumental in the transformation of granules into secretory vesicles and in their consequent enlargement and (2) that vacuoles are formed by the fusion of large secretory vesicles.
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  • 20
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Neurofilament ; Basket cell ; Pinceau ; Golgi apparatus ; Calcium binding protein ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract NCS-1 (neuronal calcium sensor) is a recently characterized member of a highly conserved neuron-specific family of calcium-binding proteins, which also includes frequenin and recoverin. The cellular and subcellular distributions of NCS-1 in the rat nervous system were investigated using light- and electron-microscopic immunohistochemistry. NCS-1 immunoreactivity was localized to neuronal cell bodies and axons throughout the brain and spinal cord but not to glial cells. The most intense labeling was observed in myelinated axons, the axonal ramifications of the basket cell in the cerebellar cortex, and large neurons in the brainstem and pons. These same structures were also characterized by heavy labeling for neurofilament protein, as determined by double-labeling experiments. Most axon terminals were unlabeled or only lightly labeled. The most remarkable subcellular staining occurred in the perikarya where intense labeling was associated with the membranes of the trans saccules of the Golgi apparatus. The widespread distribution of NCS-1 indicates that it may be active in a variety of calcium-dependent neuronal functions, whereas the specific subcellular localization to the Golgi apparatus and neurofilament-rich structures suggests a specialized role in calcium regulated protein trafficking and cytoskeletal interactions.
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  • 21
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor ; GDNF ; Ret ; GDNFR-α ; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor ; BDNF ; NT-3 ; NT-4 ; trk receptors ; Thyroid tissue ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Levels of mRNA for neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF; neurotrophin 3, NT-3; neurotrophin 4, NT-4) and their receptors (trkA, trkB, trkC) and for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptors (ret, GDNFR-α) were measured in rat thyroid tissue by ribonuclease protection assays. In thyroid tissue the NT-3 mRNA level was threefold lower and the NT-4 mRNA level sixfold higher than those detected in adult rat hippocampus, while BDNF mRNA was undetectable. Very low levels of mRNA for truncated trkB and trkC receptors and no catalytic trkA, trkB or trkC were found. In conclusion NT-3 and NT-4, but not the corresponding functional receptors, are expressed in the thyroid tissue. Therefore, it is unlikely that these factors serve a direct local autocrine or paracrine function in thyroid cell types, and a target-derived mode of action on neurons innervating the thyroid tissue is suggested. An opposite result has been found for the neurotrophic factor GDNF: thyroid tissue showed a high level of transcripts for the GDNF receptor subunits (GDNFR-α and Ret), while GDNF mRNA was undetectable. The in situ hybridization analysis of GDNFR-α and ret mRNA revealed an interesting difference in the cell distribution of these transcripts: ret mRNA is selectively expressed in a subpopulation of cells scattered in the follicular epithelium and in the interfollicular spaces, while GDNFR-α expression is more homogeneous and widespread, including the more abundant cell type of the thyroid gland: the follicular cell. Double-labeling in situ hybridization/immunocytochemistry experiments, with a specific marker (calcitonin), showed that parafollicular cells express ret but not GDNFR-α. This differential distribution of the GDNF receptor components (GDNFR-α and ret) may reflect a peculiar biological role in intercellular communication in the thyroid gland.
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  • 22
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Water channel protein ; Aquaporin ; AQP5 ; Rat ; Salivary glands ; Immunolocalization ; Secretory stimulation ; Rat (Wistar)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) is a water channel protein and is considered to play an important role in water movement across the plasma membrane. We raised anti-AQP5 antibody and examined the localization of AQP5 protein in rat salivary and lacrimal glands by immunofluorescence microscopy. AQP5 was found in secretory acinar cells of submandibular, parotid, and sublingual glands, where it was restricted to apical membranes including intercellular secretory canaliculi. In the submandibular gland, abundant AQP5 was also found additionally at the apical membrane of intercalated duct cells. Upon stimulation by isoproterenol, apical staining for AQP5 in parotid acinar cells tended to appear as clusters of dots. These results suggest that AQP5 is one of the candidate molecules responsible for the water movement in the salivary glands.
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  • 23
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Mechanoreceptors ; Synaptic proteins ; Histochemistry ; Ultrastructure ; Slit sensilla ; Hair sensilla ; Cupiennius salei (Chelicerata)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Indirect immunocytochemical tests were used at the light- and electron-microscopic levels to investigate peripheral chemical synapses in identified sensory neurons of two types of cuticular mechanosensors in the spider Cupiennius salei Keys.: (1) in the lyriform slit-sense organ VS-3 (comprising 7–8 cuticular slits, each innervated by 2 bipolar sensory neurons) and (2) in tactile hair sensilla (each supplied with 3 bipolar sensory cells). All these neurons are mechanosensitive. Application of a monoclonal antibody against Drosophila synapsin revealed clear punctate immunofluorescence in whole-mount preparations of both mechanoreceptor types. The size and overall distribution of immunoreactive puncta suggested that these were labeled presynaptic sites. Immunofluorescent puncta were 0.5–6.8 μm long and located 0.5–6.6 μm apart from each other. They were concentrated at the initial axon segments of the sensory neurons, while the somata and the dendritic regions showed fewer puncta. Western blot analysis with the same synapsin antibody against samples of spider sensory hypodermis and against samples from the central nervous system revealed a characteristic doublet band at 72 kDa and 75 kDa, corresponding to the apparent molecular mass of synapsin in Drosophila and in mammals. Conventional transmissionelectron-microscopic staining demonstrated that numerous chemical synapses (with at least 2 vesicle types) were present at these mechanosensory neurons and their surrounding glial sheath. The distribution of these synapses corresponded to our immunofluorescence results.Ultrastructural examination of anti-synapsin-stained neurons confirmed that reaction product was associated with synaptic vesicles. We assume that the peripheral synaptic contacts originate from efferents that could exert a complex modulatory influence on mechanosensory activity.
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  • 24
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Melanin-concentrating hormone neurons ; Lateral hypothalamic slice culture ; Immunocytochemistry ; Ultrastructure ; In situ hybridization ; Competitive RT-PCR ; Leptin assay ; Rat (Sprague Dawley)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Hypothalamic slices containing the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) were prepared from 6- to 8-day-old rats and maintained in stationary culture for up to 35 days in order to analyse how well the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons survived. As previously reported for other brain areas, this method yielded a long-term well-preserved organotypic organization. Light- and electron-microscopic investigations showed that differentiation continued and that synaptic contacts developed in vitro. After a period of elimination of damaged cells and fibres, most of the remaining neurons and glial cells retained a normal morphology throughout the culture period. MCH neurons, in particular, survived well as attested by the strong immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization signals still observed after several weeks. In a comparison with the day of explantation, competitive reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction demonstrated the remarkable stability of the level of MCH mRNA at least until the 20th day in culture; after 30 days, the clear decrease in this level seemed to be correlated with a loss of MCH neurons, rather than with a decrease in MCH expression. After 10 days of culture, the incubation of slices in the presence of the hormone leptin (50 ng/ml) resulted in a strong decrease of MCH gene expression, suggesting that MCH neurons retained their physiological properties. Thus, the LHA slice stationary culture, especially between one and three weeks (i.e. after tissue stabilization and before extensive cell loss), appears to be a suitable method for physiological and pharmacological studies of these neurons.
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  • 25
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Chloride cells (mitochondria-rich cells) ; Teleost larvae ; Osmoregulation ; Immunohistochemistry ; Quantification ; Ultrastructure ; Oreochromis mossambicus (Teleostei)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Integumental and branchial chloride cells of tilapia larvae (Oreochromis mossambicus) were studied at the light-microscopical and ultrastructural level. Total numbers and distribution of chloride cells were quantified after immunostaining of cross sections of the entire larvae with an antibody against the α-subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase. The majority (66%) of Na+/K+-ATPase-immunoreactive (ir) cells, i.e. chloride cells, of freshwater tilapia larvae were located extrabranchially up to 48 h after hatching. Five days after hatching, the majority (80%) of chloride cells were found in the buccal cavity. Transfer of 24-h-old larvae to 20% sea water speeded up this process; 24 h after transfer (i.e. 48 h after hatching), the majority (59%) of chloride cells were located in the buccal cavity. The branchial chloride cell population of 24-h- and 120-h-old larvae consisted of immature, mature, apoptotic and necrotic chloride cells. However, relatively more immature chloride cells were observed in freshwater larvae (42–63%) than in (previously studied) freshwater adults (21%), illustrating the developmental state of the gills. After transfer to sea water, the incidence of degenerative chloride cells did not change. Furthermore, the incidence of immature cells had decreased and a new subtype of chloride cells, the ”mitochondria-poor” cells, appeared more frequently. These mitochondria-poor chloride cells were characterised by an abundant tubular system and relatively few mitochondria, which were aligned at the border or concentrated in one part of the cytoplasm. Most of these cells did not contact the water. The function of their enhanced appearance after seawater transfer is unknown.
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  • 26
    ISSN: 1573-9104
    Keywords: Bioavailability ; Magnesium ; Hijiki ; Sodium alginate ; Rat ; Wakame
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract The bioavailability of magnesium from Wakame and Hijiki, and the effects of alginic acid on absorption of dietary magnesium were examined in five groups of rats fed either control, Wakame, Hijiki, AW (containing the same amount of alginate as in the Wakame) and AH (containing the same amount of alginate as in the Hijiki) diets, and animals fed a low magnesium diet (LMg) (twentieth amount of magnesium in the original mineral mixtures as the control). Food intake and body weight gain were decreased by adding sodium alginate to the diets. A large amount of calcium accumulated only in the kidneys of the rats fed the LMg diet. Serum magnesium concentration decreased only in the LMg group. The magnesium content in the defatted left femurs did not differ between the control and Wakame fed animals and also among the animals eating Wakame, Hijiki and AW diets. The breaking force of the right femurs did not differ among all the groups except the LMg group. The ratio of apparent magnesium absorption (%) of the control, LMg, Wakame, Hijiki, AW and AH groups was 82.2, 72.7, 66.9, 50.8, 69.3 and 54.2 in the first experimental period, and was 75.3, 52.1, 57.7, 46.9, 62.6 and 60.5 in the second experimental period, respectively. It was clear that the bioavailability of magnesium in the Wakame fed rats was higher than in those eating the Hijiki. Large amounts of sodium alginate lowered magnesium absorption from the diet.
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  • 27
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Cumulus oophorus ; Ovarian follicle ; Fertilization ; Ultrastructure ; Immunocytochemistry ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The fine structure of the human cumulus oophorus has been reviewed on the basis of scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations as well as of immunofluorescence data. Tissues sampled from preovulatory ovarian follicles and cumulus-enclosed oocytes and fertilized eggs (collected from the oviduct or obtained during in vitro fertilization procedures) have been evaluated from a microtopographic and morphodynamic point of view in order to better clarify the possible role of this population of cells. In particular, the following aspects have been studied and discussed: the presence of multiple close contacts (modulated by the interposition of the zona pellucida) between the oocyte surface and the long microvillous evaginations projecting from the inner aspect of corona cells surface (through these structures the intraovarian cumulus oophorus may control oocyte growth and metabolism up until the time of ovulation); the occurrence of different subpopulations of cells (steroid-synthetic cells, cells producing adhesive proteins, leukocytes, macrophages) in the postovulatory, extraovarian cumulus oophorus surrounding oocytes, zygotes and early developing embryos. All these elements found in the cumulus mass may positively act, through their paracrine activities, on the chemical composition of the microenvironment in which fertilization occurs.
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  • 28
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Anatomy ; Floral nectary ; Modified stomata ; Phloem ; Pisum sativum ; Stereology ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The floral nectary ofPisum sativum L. is situated on the receptacle at the base of the gynoecium. The gland receives phloem alone which departed the vascular bundles supplying the staminal column. Throughout the nectary, only the companion cells of the phloem exhibited wall ingrowths typical of transfer cells. Modified stomata on the nectary surface served as exits for nectar, but stomatal pores developed well before the commencement of secretion. Furthermore, stomatal pores on the nectary usually closed by occlusion, not by guard-cell movements. Pore occlusion was detected most frequently in post-secretory and secretory glands, and less commonly in pre-secretory nectaries. A quantitative stereological study revealed few changes in nectary fine structure between buds, flowers secreting nectar, and post-secretory flowers. Dissolution of abundant starch grains in plastids of subepidermal secretory cells when secretion commenced suggests that starch is a precursor of nectar carbohydrate production. Throughout nectary development, mitochondria were consistently the most plentiful organelle in both epidermal and subepidermal cells, and in addition to the relative paucity of dictyosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and their associated vesicles, the evidence suggests that floral nectar secretion inP. sativum is an energy-requiring (eccrine) process, rather that granulocrine.
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  • 29
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Plasmalemmic cord ; Pollen grain ; Ultrastructure ; Magnolia ×soulangeana
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary InMagnolia ×soulangeana pollen grains the generative cell (GC) does not become totally free within the vegetative cell (VC), at least until the pollen tube emergence. Due to a deviation in its detachment process from the sporoderm, the opposing ends of the VC plasmalemma do not fuse themselves when the GC moves away from the intine. Consequently, the interplasmalemmic space surrounding the GC does not become isolated but rather maintains continuity with the sporoderm through a complex formation that we have called plasmalemmic cord. The real existence of this formation was confirmed through serial sectioning showing the plasmalemmic cord to consist of the VC plasmalemma. In its initial portion it is occupied by a reasonably accentuated wall ingrowth of the inner layer of the intine (intine 3). In the remainder portion, neither of the cytochemical tests used in this work have revealed the presence of a significant amount of wall material. However, ultrathin sections of samples processed either chemically or by cryofixation showed the existence of an intricate system of tubules and vesicles, some of which are evaginations of the VC plasmalemma. The hypothesis that the plasmalemmic cord may have a role in the complex interactions between the two pollen cells is discussed.
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  • 30
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Endosymbiont ; Mycetocyte ; Mycetome ; Oocyte ; Transovarial transmission ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary All anoplurans live symbiotically with prokaryotic microorganisms hosted in specialized cells, termed mycetocytes. In nymphs and males mycetocytes are distributed between midgut epithelial cells. In females, besides the midgut, mycetocytes are found in the reproductive organs where they are located at the base of ovarioles in contact with lateral oviducts. The mycetocyte-associated symbionts are transmitted from one generation to the next transovarially. Here, the results of histological and ultrastructural studies on the distribution and transmission of symbiotic microorganisms within the ovaries of the anopluranHaematopinus suis are presented. Interestingly, during advanced oogenesis (i.e., choriogenesis) of this species all symbionts are localized extracellularly and form a tight mass located at the posterior pole of the oocyte just below the hydropyle. In insects studied so far, such localization of transovarially transmitted microorganisms has been reported only in the closely related speciesHaematopinus eurysternus.
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  • 31
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Neuromelanin ; Neuron ; Peroxidase ; Oxygen metabolism ; High-definition light microscopy ; Electron microscopy ; Ultrastructure ; Cytochemistry ; Substantia nigra ; Lumbricusterrestris (Annelida)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Histochemical examination of 1-μm tissue sections from the dorsal nerve plexus of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, reveals multiple brown intraneuronal granules. These granules contain material morphologically and histochemically consistent with neuromelanin. When viewed with transmission electron microscopy, these were seen as single membrane-enclosed biphasic granules with diameters of 370–730 nm. Exposure of L. terrestris to high-level environmental oxygen resulted in an increase in the number of neuromelanin-like pigment granules within the neurons of the circular muscle layer. As measured by ortho-phenylenediamine hydrochloride, the endogenous peroxidase activity of extracts from worms incubated in high-level environmental oxygen was 51% more than controls. The endogenous peroxidase activity was localized in situ with 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and was found to increase in and around the neuromelanin-like pigment-containing neurons within the circular muscle layer. These studies suggest that the nerve net of L. terrestris may serve as a model to study the role of neuromelanin production in oxidative stress and its relationship to endogenous peroxidases.
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  • 32
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Axonal transport ; Purkinje cell ; Organotypic culture ; Microinjection ; Antimitotic drugs ; Cytoskeleton ; Dendritic transport ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Axonal and dendritic transport in single Purkinje neurons of cerebellar slice cultures was quantified as single transport distances. Examination of the cells within a vital tissue was regarded as being an approach to the in situ condition. The Purkinje cells were organotypically integrated in the in vitro tissues and extended long axonal projections connecting synapses to the target neurons. The tracer horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was applied via microinjection to the somata of the Purkinje cells and the injected neurons were incubated thereafter for defined time-intervals. The tracer was transported anterogradely into the neuron processes. The measurements on both the axonal and the dendritic transport of microinjected HRP revealed continuous transportation with increasing times of postincubation. This transport was reduced by the use of microtubule-depolymerizing drugs. The axonal transport of the tracer was either retarded in colchicine-treated cells or continuously reduced for up to 50% in vinblastine-treated neurons. Thus, a correlation of axonal transport to the microtubules was demonstrated. The dendrites were filled with the tracer after 60 min of postincubation. Dendritic transport was reduced by the use of vinblastine, and not significantly by colchicine. The results strongly support the dependence of neuronal transport on microtubules as a component of the cytoskeleton.
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  • 33
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    Cell & tissue research 295 (1999), S. 151-158 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Class II MHC-positive cells ; Human leukocyte antigen-DR ; Dental pulp ; Dendritic cells ; Macrophages ; Ultrastructure ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The distribution and ultrastructure of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-positive cells were investigated in human dental pulp, employing immunohistochemistry using an anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR-monoclonal antibody. HLA-DR-immunopositive cells, appearing spindle-like or dendritic in profile, were densely distributed throughout the dental pulp. Under the electron microscope, these cells exhibited various sizes of vesicles containing clear or opaque contents, multivesicular bodies and characteristic fine tubulovesicular structures in their cytoplasm. Some reactive cells possessed coated pits and vesicles including electron-dense materials, indicating an active endocytosis. At the periphery of the pulp tissue, the HLA-DR-immunopositive cells were predominantly situated in the subodontoblastic layer, with some located in the odontoblast layer and/or predentin and extending their cytoplasmic processes into the dentinal tubules. Cell processes of these cells occasionally made contact with several odontoblast processes in the same way as the nerve fibers in the predentin. These cells never contained the typical phagosomes frequently observed in the HLA-DR-immunoreactive macrophages in the subodontoblastic layer and the pulp core. The results suggest that the HLA-DR-immunopositive cells in the odontoblast layer and/or predentin have some regulatory function on the odontoblasts under physiological conditions, in addition to their involvement in the initial defense reaction after tooth injury.
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  • 34
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Teleost fish ; Puberty ; Testes ; Sex steroids ; Ultrastructure ; Steroidogenesis ; Clarias gariepinus (Teleostei)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The present report focuses on the mechanism(s) involved in the steroid-induced decrease of androgen production in immature African catfish testes that was observed in previous studies. Juvenile animals were implanted with Silastic pellets containing different 11-oxygenated androgens (11-ketotestosterone, KT; 11β- hydroxyandrostenedione, OHA; 11-ketoandrostenedione, KA), testosterone (T) or estradiol-17β (E2). Control groups received steroid-free pellets. Two weeks later, testis tissue fragments were either incubated with increasing concentrations of catfish luteinizing hormone (LH), or incubated with [3H]-pregnenolone ([3H]-P5) or [3H]-androstenedione ([3H]-A). Tissue fragments were also prepared for the quantitative assessment of Leydig cell morphology. Most of the parameters studied were not affected significantly by implantation of E2. Implantation of all androgens inhibited both the basal and the LH-stimulated androgen secretory capacity in vitro. This was associated with a reduced size of the Leydig cells and loss of half of their mitochondria. The studies on the metabolism of tritiated steroid hormones indicated that steroidogenic steps prior to 11β-hydroxylation, probably C17–20 lyase activity, were affected by all androgens. Although the effects of 11-oxygenated androgens and T on Leydig cells were mostly similar, previous work showed that only the 11-oxygenated androgens stimulated spermatogenesis, suggesting that distinct mechanisms of action are used by 11-oxygenated androgens and T. These mechanisms, however, seem to merge on the same target(s) to impair Leydig cell androgen production. Such a negative feedback mechanism may be of relevance in the context of the decline in androgen secretion per milligram testis tissue that accompanies the first wave of spermatogenesis in pubertal African catfish.
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  • 35
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    Parasitology research 85 (1999), S. 999-1006 
    ISSN: 1432-1955
    Keywords: Key wordsEchinococcus granulosus ; Praziquantel ; Metacestode ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The efficacy of praziquantel against the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus was studied by means of in vitro incubations or in vivo experiments. The results of in vitro incubations indicated that the effectiveness of praziquantel was higher when the parasite material comprised cysts from cyst masses than in the case of intact cysts that retained their adventitial layer. Ultrastructural alterations in the germinal layer of collapsed cysts incubated in vitro were detected. The results obtained in mice after 4 months of treatment demonstrated no significant difference between the control and treated groups with regard to the number and wet weight of developed cysts. However, ultrastructural alterations were detected in the cyst tissue that were similar to those described in the in vitro experiment. In contrast, the effect of chemoprophylaxis on the number and the wet weight of developed cysts was extremely significant as compared with the control value, the efficacy being 99.41% and 98.32%, respectively. Moreover, ultrastructural observations of the cyst tissue revealed loss of its integrity, and no intact cyton was observed in the germinal layer of the developed cyst.
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  • 36
    ISSN: 1432-1955
    Keywords: Key words Monogenea ; Capsalidae ; Benedenia rohdei ; B. lutjani ; Ectoparasites ; Lutjanus carponotatus ; Glands ; Ultrastructure ; Adhesion ; Attachment
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The anterior adhesive areas of Benedenia rohdei from the gills and B. lutjani from the pelvic fins of Lutjanuscarponotatus at Heron Island, Australia, were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. All specimens were fixed when detached from host tissue. Both monogenean species have two disc-like anteroventral attachment organs, each of which has an anterolateral adhesive area divided into three adjacent zones by tegument from the ventral surface of the attachment organ. A rod-shaped secretion and a smaller, roughly spherical secretion are associated with the anterior adhesive areas in both species; a third type of secretion occurs anteriorly but outside these adhesive areas. The electron-dense spherical secretory bodies released onto the anterior adhesive zones in these Benedenia spp. are of a single type and differ ultrastructurally from those previously reported in monogeneans living on teleost hosts. A correlation, therefore, between secretion morphology and host type is not supported. No relationship was found between parasite microhabitat and secretion morphology.
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  • 37
    ISSN: 1432-136X
    Keywords: Key words Freeze tolerance ; Sciatic nerve ; Cryoinjury ; Dehydration ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We investigated function and ultrastructure of sciatic nerves isolated from wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) endemic to the Northwest Territories, Canada, following freezing at −2.5 °C, −5.0 °C, or −7.5 °C. All frogs frozen at −2.5 °C, and most frogs (71%) frozen at −5.0 °C, recovered within 14 h after thawing began; however, frogs did not survive exposure to −7.5 °C. Sciatic nerves isolated from frogs frozen at −7.5 °C were refractory to electrical stimulation, whereas those obtained from frogs surviving exposure to −2.5 °C or −5.0 °C generally exhibited normal characteristics of compound action potentials. Frogs responded to freezing by mobilizing hepatic glycogen reserves to synthesize the cryoprotectant glucose, which increased 20-fold in the liver and 40-fold in the blood. Ultrastructural analyses of nerves harvested from frogs in each treatment group revealed that freezing at −2.5 °C or −5.0 °C had little or no effect on tissue and cellular organization, but that (lethal) exposure to −7.5 °C resulted in marked shrinkage of the axon, degeneration of mitochondria within the axoplasm, and extensive delamination of myelin sheaths of the surrounding Schwann cells.
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  • 38
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    Cell & tissue research 296 (1999), S. 235-246 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Transplantation ; Parkinson’s disease ; CNS fetal development ; CNS differentiation ; Neurotrophic factors ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have previously shown that a combination of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) can convert rat fetal (E14.5) mesencephalic progenitor cells into tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (ir) neurons in vitro. The experiments described here characterize the mesencephalic progenitor cells and their cytokine-induced conversion into dopamine (DA) neurons. For all experiments, we used bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-ir cultures of (E14.5) mesencephalic progenitor cells that had been expanded at least 21 days. We first demonstrated that IL-1 induced DA neuron conversion in mesencephalic progenitors, but not in striatal progenitors (P〈0.001). Thus, these cells should be classified as lineage-restricted progenitors, and not omnipotent stem cells. To further characterize cell populations in these cultures, we used monoclonal antibodies against Hu (an early marker for neurons), growth-associated protein (GAP)-43 (a marker for neuronal process extension), TH (a marker for DA neurons), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a marker for astrocytes). We assessed (E14.5) mesencephalic progenitor cell cultures (plated at 125,000 cells/cm2) incubated in the cytokine mixture (described above) or in complete media (CM, negative control). Following 7 days incubation, GFAP-positive cells formed a nearly confluent carpet in both types of cultures. However, numbers of Hu-ir and GAP-43-ir cells in the cytokine-incubated cultures far exceeded those in CM-incubated controls (P=0.0003, P=0.0001, respectively), while numbers of TH-ir cells were 58-fold greater in the cytokine-incubated cultures versus CM-incubated controls. The TH phenotype persisted for 7 days following withdrawal of the differentiation media. Numerous double-labeled cells that were BrdU-ir and also TH-ir, or Hu-ir and also TH-ir, were observed in the cytokine-incubated cultures. These data suggest that cytokines ”drive” the conversion of progenitor cells into DA neurons.
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  • 39
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Subcommissural organ ; Isograft ; Xenograft ; Reissner’s fiber ; Cerebrospinal fluid ; Rat ; Bovine
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The subcommissural organ (SCO) secretes glycoproteins into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that aggregate and form Reissner’s fiber (RF). The factors involved in this aggregation are not known. One factor may be the hydrodynamics of the CSF when flowing through the aqueduct. This hypothesis was tested by isografting rat SCO and xenografting bovine SCO into the lateral ventricle of rats. Xenografts were either fresh bovine SCO or explants cultured for 30 days before transplantation. The grafts were investigated by electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry using antibodies against RF glycoproteins, serotonin and the glucose transporter I. Maximal time of transplantation was 43 days for isografts and 14 days for xenografts. The isografts were not reinnervated but were revascularized; they secreted into the ventricle RF glycoproteins that became progressively packed into pre-RF and RF structures identical to those formed by the SCO in situ. RF was confined to the host ventricle and at its distal end the constituent proteins disassembled. Xenografts were neither reinnervated nor revascularized and secreted into the host ventricle a material that never formed an RF. These findings indicate that the CSF factor responsible for the formation of RF is species specific, and that this process does not depend on the hydrodynamics of the CSF. The blood vessels revascularizing the isografted SCO acquired the characteristics of the vessels irrigating the SCO in situ, namely, a tight endothelium displaying glucose transporter I, and a perivascular space containing long-spacing collagen, thus indicating that basal release of glycoproteins may also occur in the grafted SCO.
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  • 40
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Chondrocyte ; Synoviocyte ; Co-culture ; Proliferation ; Lipid peroxidation ; Cytotoxicity ; Ultrastructure ; Rat (Wistar)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Objective: A new co-culture system of rat articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes (HIG-82; cell line) was incubated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), H2O2 or a combination of Fe2+ and ascorbic acid to simulate inflammation-like radical attacks in articular joints. Methods: Chondrocytes were characterized by immunocytochemistry against collagen type II, transmission electron (TEM) and light microscopy. Lipid peroxidation was investigated by measuring thiobarbituric-acid-reactive material in the supernatants, cytotoxicity by determining release of lactate dehydrogenase and proliferation by measuring [3H]thymidine incorporation, culture protein and DNA. Results: PMA or Fe2+ and ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation in chondrocytes and synoviocytes that was decreased significantly in co-cultures. PMA and H2O2 dose dependently induced release of lactate dehydrogenase in chondrocytes, which was lowered in co-cultures or in previously co-cultured chondrocytes to a nearly basal level. In contrast, conditioned media of synoviocyte cultures showed no lowering effect on the radical-induced toxicity. Protection against H2O2-induced damage of cellular membranes by co-culturing was also shown by TEM. Synoviocytes released chondrocyte-stimulating growth factors spontaneously without previous interaction. Conclusion: Chondrocytes establish protective mechanisms against reactive oxygen species via an interaction with synoviocytes. Our co-culture model presents a possible way to study mechanisms of inflammation in articular joints under defined conditions.
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  • 41
    ISSN: 1432-1211
    Keywords: Key words CD1 ; Rat ; Gene ; Organization ; Polymorphism
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    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded CD1 family has recently emerged as a new antigen-presenting system that is distinct from either MHC class I or class II molecules. In the present study, we determined the genomic structure of the rat CD1 locus. It was extremely similar to mouse CD1 genes, especially to CD1D1. The 5′ flanking region of the CD1 gene contained the binding motifs for two cytokine-inducible transcription factors, NF-IL2-A and NF-IL6. Some regulatory elements found in MHC class I genes (enhancer A, enhancer B, and the IFN response element) were absent. It is of interest that a tyrosine-based motif for endosomal localization found in the human CD1b cytoplasmic tail was encoded by a single short exon which was conserved in all CD1 molecules except for CD1a. Southern blot and direct sequencing analyses of inbred rat strains suggested very limited polymorphism in the 5′ region where a hydrophobic ligand-binding groove is encoded; a single base substitution resulted in amino acid alteration of alanine (GCT) to valine (GTT) at codon 119. Comparison of the overall exon-intron organization of CD1 genes revealed that the length of the intron was also characteristic to each of the two classes of CD1 genes, classic CD1 and CD1D; such categorization has hitherto been made according to the sequence similarity of the coding region. This finding provides further support for the hypothesis that the two classes have different evolutionary histories. In contrast to the complete absence of the classic CD1 in rats and mice, the entire region of nonpolymorphic CD1D has been conserved through mammalian evolution. Similar functional properties of rodent CD1 and human CD1d are implied.
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  • 42
    ISSN: 1432-1211
    Keywords: Key words RT1.S3 ; Grc ; MHC ; Class I ; Rat
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  • 43
    ISSN: 1432-072X
    Keywords: Key words Magnetic bacteria ; Biomineralization ; Magnetite ; 16S rRNA ; In situ hybridization ; Ultrastructure ; Electron microscopy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Natural enrichments of magnetic bacteria from the Itaipu lagoon near Rio de Janeiro were dominated by coccoid-to-ovoid morphotypes that produced unusually large magnetosomes. To determine the phylogenetic position of these unusual microorganisms, 16S rRNA genes were retrieved from bacteria magnetically separated from sediment of the Itaipu lagoon by in vitro amplification and cloning of PCR products into a plasmid vector. Partial sequencing of the obtained clones revealed two clusters of closely related sequences affiliated to a distinct lineage consisting exclusively of magnetic bacteria within the α-subclass of Proteobacteria. For a detailed phylogenetic analysis, several almost complete sequences of the 16S rRNA genes were determined. One representative clone of each cluster provided a PCR template for the in vitro transcription of group-specific polynucleotide probes complementary to a variable region of the 16S rRNA molecule. At least three different morphotypes of magnetic bacteria were reliably identified by post-embedding hybridization of ultra-thin sections. Electron microscopic analyses of hybridized cells enabled for the first time a detailed description of the morphological variety and ultrastructure of phylogenetically identified, uncultured magnetic bacteria. Two distinct coccoid bacteria were identified by the transcript probe complementary to the 16S rRNA sequence mabrj12, whereas the probe complementary to the sequence mabrj58 allowed the identification of an ovoid morphotype that displayed magnetosomes with the largest volumes observed to date.
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  • 44
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    International journal of biometeorology 41 (1998), S. 101-104 
    ISSN: 1432-1254
    Keywords: Key words Space flight ; Rat ; Plantaris muscle ; GLUT-4 ; Citrate synthase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Geography , Physics
    Notes: Abstract  The effects of 14 days of space flight on the glucose transporter protein (GLUT-4) were studied in the plantaris muscle of growing 9-week-old, male Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were randomly separated into five groups: pre-flight vivarium ground controls (PF-VC) sacrificed approximately 2 h after launch; flight groups sacrificed either approximately 5 h (F-R0) or 9 days (F-R9) after the return from space; and synchronous ground controls (SC-R0 and SC-R9) sacrificed at the same time as the respective flight groups. The flight groups F-R0 and F-R9 were exposed to micro-gravity for 14 days in the Spacelab module located in the cargo bay of the shuttle transport system – 58 of the manned Space Shuttle for the NASA mission named ”Spacelab Life Sciences 2”. Body weight and plantaris weight of SC-R0 and F-R0 were significantly higher than those of PF-VC. Neither body weight nor plantaris muscle weight in either group had changed 9 days after the return from space. As a result, body weight and plantaris muscle weight did not differ between the flight and synchronous control groups at any of the time points investigated. The GLUT-4 content (cpm/µg membrane protein) in the plantaris muscle did not show any significant change in response to 14 days of space flight or 9 days after return. Similarly, citrate synthase activity did not change during the course of the space flight or the recovery period. These results suggest that 14 days of space flight does not affect muscle mass or GLUT-4 content of the fast-twitch plantaris muscle in the rat.
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  • 45
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    Sexual plant reproduction 11 (1998), S. 121-130 
    ISSN: 1432-2145
    Keywords: Key words Egg cell ; Parthenogenesis ; Synergid ; Ultrastructure ; Wheat ; Zygote
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  The ultrastructure of the egg apparatus of the sexual (aestivum)-Salmon line (aS) and the isogenic but alloplasmic (kotschyi)-Salmon line (kS) of the Salmon system of wheat was studied by transmission electron microscopy 3 days before and during anthesis. Additionally, the zygotic stage of aS, 17 h after pollination, was included. Metabolic activity of egg cells from the sexual line aS was low 3 days before anthesis and increased dramatically after pollination and fertilization. This timing of increased activity was evident because of changes occurring in the egg cell nucleus and nucleolus, polysomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and the completion of the cell wall around the zygote. In contrast to the sexual line, the egg cell of the parthenogenetic line showed high activity 3 days before anthesis. The metabolic and ultrastructural characters observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the kS line 3 days before and during anthesis corresponded with those of the isogenic sexual line aS during anthesis and 17 h after pollination, respectively. High metabolic activity observed in the persistent synergid of kS may be connected with the occurrence of additional embryos in seeds (twins) of this line.
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  • 46
    ISSN: 1432-2145
    Keywords: Key words Abies ; Egg cell ; Plastid inheritance ; RFLP ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  The ultrastructure of egg cells in Abies alba was examined to elucidate the lack of maternal inheritance of plastids. Before fertilization, maternal plastids are absent in the perinuclar zone containing mainly mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. During egg cell development the maternal plastids are transformed into large inclusions which are situated mostly towards the periphery of the egg cell, and finally disintegrate. As a consequence, they do not participate in zygote formation. RFLP analysis of cpDNA of parental trees and their F1 interspecific hybrids (A. alba×A. numidica, A. alba×A. nordmanniana, A. nordmanniana×A. Alba) using HindIII and BamHI showed a paternal mode of cpDNA inheritance. Paternal inheritance has also been found with PCR/RFLP analysis of cpDNA from parental trees and their hybrids (A. alba×A. pinsapo, A. pinsapo×A. alba, A. pinsapo×A. numidica) using ApaI and HaeIII digests, as well as in the crosses of A. cephalonica×A. nordmanniana, A. nordmanniana×A. cephalonica, A. cephalonica×A. numidica using TagI digests.
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  • 47
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    Methods in cell science 20 (1998), S. 203-207 
    ISSN: 1573-0603
    Keywords: Endocarditis ; Rat ; Streptococci
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The rat model of endocarditis is a well established experimental protocol which closely approximates human native valve endocarditis. The rat model of endocarditis has been used to examine the role of particular streptococcal virulence factors, to assess immunoprotective strategies, and to evaluate the efficacy of selected antibiotic treatment regimens for streptococcal endocarditis. Like humans, rats are generally susceptible to endocarditis only if the cardiac valves have been damaged. In the rat model of endocarditis, damage to the aortic valve and sterile vegetation formation is accomplished by insertion of a polyethylene catheter through the carotid artery into the left ventricle. Following catheter insertion, an inoculum of streptococci are injected intravenously. Vegetations removed from the heart valves during thoracotomy of euthanized animals are qualitatively cultured for streptococcal infection. The method, including investigator safety considerations, is described in detail.
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  • 48
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Osteoclasts ; Osteoblasts ; Osteocytes ; Bone ; Substance P (SP) ; Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R) ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide that is released from axons of sensory neurons and causes signal transduction through the activation of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R). The present study demonstrates the distribution of SP-like-immunoreactive (SP-LI) axons and the localization of NK1-Rs in rat bone tissue using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Axons with SP-LI were commonly found near the trabecular bone in the temporal bone marrow, but they were only sparsely distributed in the mandible, femur, and tibia. Immunoreactivity for NK1-Rs was found on the plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm of the osteoclasts. In the osteoblasts and osteocytes, a small number of weak, punctate immunoreactive products of NK1-Rs were distributed close to the plasma membrane. At the electron-microscopic level, immunoreactivity for NK1-R was distributed mainly in the whole cytoplasm, except for the clear zone of the osteoclasts, and in pit-like structures along the plasma membrane. The NK1-R-immunoreactive structures in the cytoplasm were divided into two types of organelles, consisting of vesicular and vacuolar structures (probably transport vesicles and early endosomes). In the osteoblasts and osteocytes, the number of NK1-R-positive vesicular structures was fewer than in the osteoclasts. These results thus suggest that SP secreted by the sensory axons could directly modulate bone metabolism via NK1-Rs.
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  • 49
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    Cell & tissue research 293 (1998), S. 165-171 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Muscle injury ; Cytoskeleton ; Sarcomere organisation ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ultrastructure ; Rabbit (New Zealand White)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic techniques were used to analyze the extensor digitorum longus muscles of New Zealand White rabbits 1 h, 1 day, 3, 7, and 28 days after repetitive eccentric contractions. Loss of the cytoskeletal protein desmin was the earliest manifestation of injury. Apart from 1 h post-exercise, all desmin-negative fibers stained positively with antibody to plasma fibronectin, indicating loss of cellular integrity accompanying cytoskeletal disruption. Fiber sizes were significantly increased from 1–7 days after exercise. The large (hyaline) fibers found in histological sections after repetitive eccentric contractions resulted from segmental hypercontraction of the fiber. This phenomenon occurred proximally and distally to plasma membrane lesions of the muscle fiber and necrosis and manifested itself as very short sarcomere lengths. Thus, in serial sections, staining characteristics, sizes and shapes of one and the same fiber often varied dramatically. We conclude that the following sequence of events occurs: cytoskeletal disruptions, loss of myofibrillar registry, i.e., Z-disk streaming and A-band disorganization, and loss of cell integrity as manifested by intracellular plasma fibronectin stain, hypercontracted regions, and invasion of cells. When a fiber is disrupted, the remaining intact fibers apparently take up the tension put on the muscle and later fewer fibers are subjected to eccentric contractions.
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  • 50
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    Cell & tissue research 294 (1998), S. 253-260 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words P2X1 receptor ; Ultrastructure ; Cerebellum ; Rat (Wistar)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The distribution of the P2X1 subtype of purinoceptors associated with the extracellular activities of ATP was studied in the rat cerebellum at the electron-microscope level. Receptors were labelled with peroxidase-antiperoxidase and the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex for immunocytochemistry. Immunoreactivity to P2X1 receptors was localized in subpopulations of synapses between varicosities of parallel fibres of granule cells and dendritic spines of Purkinje cells. Unlabelled varicosities of parallel fibres formed asymmetric synapses with labelled dendritic spines, whereas labelled varicosities of parallel fibres formed asymmetric synapses with unlabelled dendritic spines. P2X1 immunoreactivity was also localized in some astrocyte processes. The functional significance of these findings is discussed.
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  • 51
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Elastin ; TGF-β1 ; Arteries ; In situ hybridization ; Immunohistochemistry ; Northern blot ; Ageing ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Several in vitro studies have previously demonstrated that the addition of TGF-β to aortic smooth muscle cells or skin fibroblasts stimulates elastin synthesis. It is not clear however whether, in vivo, TGF-β participates in the regulation of elastin synthesis, especially in physiological conditions. The aim of our study was to explore the localization of elastin mRNA and TGF-β1 in the rat thoracic aorta (an elastic artery) and caudal artery (a muscular artery). Elastin mRNA was localized by in situ hybridization and quantified using Northern blot analysis. TGF-β1 was detected using immunohistochemistry. The study was carried out as a function of age (rats of 3, 10, 20, and 30 months). We observed that TGF-β1 immunoreactivity is present predominantly, but not exclusively, at the sites of elastin synthesis as determined by elastin mRNA detection: in smooth muscle cells in the aorta and in endothelial cells in the caudal artery. The ability of exogenously added TGF-β1 (0.001–10 ng/ml) to modulate the steady-state levels of elastin mRNA in primary cultures of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts isolated from the thoracic aorta was also studied. At the highest concentration used, elastin mRNA levels increased 5-fold in endothelial cells and 11-fold in smooth muscle cells. The demonstration that TGF-β1 immunoreactivity is present at the sites of elastin synthesis in the thoracic aorta and in the caudal artery and the observation that TGF-β1 induces an increase in elastin mRNA levels in cultured endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells suggest that TGF-β1 may be implicated, at least in part, in the physiological regulation of elastin gene expression.
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  • 52
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    Cell & tissue research 291 (1998), S. 445-454 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Serum-free medium ; Survival ; Chondroitin sulfate ; Culture substratum ; Brain neuron ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  When cells dissociated from the neonatal rat brains are plated on a poly-lysine-coated surface in a serum-free medium, they display a strange morphology: a dark and extended cell body. Preincubation of the surface with fetal bovine serum was found to inhibit the appearance of this strange contraction of the basal cell sheets in a dose-dependent manner. This finding indicated the presence of a factor(s) in the serum, which might be an appropriate substratum for prolonged survival of brain neurons. In the current study, this factor was highly purified through DEAE ion-exchange chromatography followed by gel filtration. The factor was eluted from a Superose column at fractions corresponding to a molecular weight greater than 1000 kDa. By SDS-PAGE analysis, these fractions were found to contain a major band (≥1000 kDa) positive for alcian blue and few minor bands faintly stainable with Coomassie blue. The activity of the purified sample, inducing the morphological change in cells, was diminished by incubation with chondroitinase ABC. Neither heparitinase II, hyaluronidase, nor trypsin modified the activity. An authentic chondroitin sulfate (type B) mimicked the serum action on the morphology of brain cells in early stages of culture. Taking these findings together, it is suggested that the factor in serum beneficial for the attachment of brain cells is composed of a chondroitin sulfate with a Mr greater than 1000 kDa. Cortical cells dissociated from the neonatal rat brain attached well to the purified factor-coated surface and displayed a healthy morphology: an optically-reflective cell body with thick neurites for at least 3 days in the absence of serum.
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  • 53
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Pancreas ; Stomach ; Duodenum ; Ribonuclease protection assay ; Immunocytochemistry ; Protease ; Rat ; (Sprague Dawley)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Prior studies have revealed the presence of chymotrypsinlike protease in peripheral organs, although no definitive evidence for the synthesis of this enzyme in tissue other than the pancreas is available. In an attempt to detect chymotrypsinogen mRNA in peripheral organs, a fragment of the pancreatic chymotrypsin mRNA from rat was amplified using PCR. The sequence was identified as a portion of the rat chymotrypsin B gene overlapping exon 5 through exon 7. It was subcloned into the pGEM-4Z vector and used as a template for the vitro transcription of an antisense riboprobe. Using ribonuclease protection and Northern blot analyses, chymotrypsin mRNA was detected in the rat pancreas, stomach, duodenum, ovary, and spleen. Monoclonal and polyclonal antisera against chymotrypsin detected chymotrypsinlike immunoreactivity in rat and human pancreas, rat stomach, duodenum and jejunum. Electrophoresis and immunoblotting revealed chymotrypsin-chymotrypsinogen bands (25–29 kDa) in the stomach and duodenum. Synthesis of a potent protease such as chymotrypsin in tissue other than pancreas is significant, suggesting a potential physiological and/or pathological role in these tissues.
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  • 54
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    Cell & tissue research 292 (1998), S. 367-375 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Larynx ; Edema ; Mast cells ; Compound 48/80 ; Substance P ; Capsaicin ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  In the rat larynx, plasma exudation and edema formation were studied by light and electron microscopy after i.v. injections of the mast cell activator compound 48/80, substance P, and capsaicin. The morphological effects of substance P and capsaicin on connective tissue mast cells in vivo were also examined. Of the drugs tested, only compound 48/80 degranulated the connective tissue mast cells. All drugs induced a subepithelial plasma exudation in the subglottic region, with edema in the lamina propria and widened intraepithelial intercellular spaces, though the tight junction regions seemed intact. In the epiglottis, 10 min after compound 48/80 injection, there was edema in the lamina propria on the lingual side, with an intact and tight epithelial lining. No morphological sign of edema was found in the epiglottis after injection of substance P or capsaicin. The pronounced effect found in the epiglottic region after compound 48/80 injection was due to the release of mediators such as histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine from the connective tissue mast cells. This study supports the belief that substance P in vivo mediates an increased vascular permeability by a direct effect on the blood vessels – a mechanism distinct from mast cell degranulation.
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  • 55
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Cutaneous scent glands ; Apocrine glands ; Myoepithelial cells ; Holocrine glands ; Ultrastructure ; Lectins ; Cytokeratins ; Impala ; Aepyceros melampus (Artiodactyla)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The cutaneous glands of the forehead and the metatarsus were studied by histological and histochemical methods and electron microscopy in adult male and female impalas in various seasons of the year. All glandular areas consist of apocrine and holocrine glands, which, however, occur in different proportions. Our findings in the apocrine gland cells suggest (1) the synthesis and exocytosis of a glycoproteinaceous secretory product stored in secretory granules, (2) typical apocrine secretion of the transformed apical cytoplasm, and (3) transepithelial fluid transport. The Golgi apparatus and apical membrane have binding sites for several lectins (PNA, HPA, RCA I, WGA). Cytokeratins 7, 14 and 19 are expressed at various intracellular localizations, suggesting an active role in the secretory mechanisms. The glands of the male forehead show marked seasonal changes in activity that are correlated with the main phases of the reproductive cycle, with the highest cellular activity occurring during the rut in April/May. The female forehead glands are only moderately developed and do not undergo seasonal changes. The metatarsal glands are of equal size in males and females and show no seasonal changes in activity. This study supports the hypothesis that (1) forehead glands in the male have a signaling role in the rut and (2) the metatarsal glands have a more general, probably social role maintaining and restoring contact between herd members.
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  • 56
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    Cell & tissue research 292 (1998), S. 613-617 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Sensory nerve endings ; Calretinin ; Laryngeal mucosa ; Immunohistochemistry ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The distribution of laminar nerve endings that contained immunoreactive calretinin was examined in the laryngeal mucosa of the adult rat. In whole-mount preparations, the immunoreactive laminar endings were distributed in the supraglottic region but not in the subglottic region. The laminar endings that arose from thick nerve fibers with or without swellings were identified as corpuscles with many variform terminal arborizations. They appeared to be located at the interface between the epithelium and the subepithelial connective tissue. The terminals were scattered under the basal lamina of the epithelium, and some of them were located within the epithelial layer. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that both sub- and intraepithelial immunoreactive terminals that were filled with mitochondria were partly or totally ensheathed by Schwann cell processes. The denervation experiments, in which the superior laryngeal nerve was cut unilaterally or bilaterally, suggested that the laminar endings originate from the superior laryngeal nerve with strict ipsilateral innervation. The laminar endings might be associated with detection of changes in pressure in the laryngeal cavity or chemical stimuli.
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  • 57
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    Cell & tissue research 293 (1998), S. 253-269 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Septate junctions ; Ultrastructure ; Permeability ; Ions ; Epithelium ; Photoreceptor ; Hirudo medicinalis (Hirudinea)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The leech photoreceptor forms a unicellular epithelium: every cell surrounds an extracellular “vacuole” that is connected to the remaining extracellular space via narrow clefts containing pleated septate junctions. We analyzed the complete structural layout of all septa within the junctional complex in elastic brightfield stereo electron micrographs of semithin serial sections from photoreceptors infiltrated with colloidal lanthanum. The septa form tortuous interseptal corridors that are spatially continuous, and open ended basally and apically. Individual septa seem to be impermeable to lanthanum; interseptal corridors form the only diffusional pathway for this ion. The junctions form no diffusion barrier for the electron-dense tracer Ba2+, but they hinder the diffusion of various hydrophilic fluorescent dyes as demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of live cells. Even those dyes that penetrate gap junctions do not diffuse beyond the septate junctions. The aqueous diffusion pathway within the septal corridors is, therefore, less permeable than the gap-junctional pore. Our morphological results combined with published electrophysiological data suggest that the septa themselves are not completely tight for small physiologically relevant ions. We also examined, by CLSM, whether the septate junctions create a permeability barrier for the lateral diffusion of fluorescent lipophilic dyes incorporated into the peripheral membrane domain. AFC16, claimed to remain in the outer membrane leaflet, does not diffuse beyond the junctional region, whereas DiIC16, claimed to flip-flop, does. Thus, pleated septate junctions, like vertebrate tight junctions, contribute to the maintenance of cell polarity.
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  • 58
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Angiogenesis ; Capillary growth ; Prazosin ; Shear stress ; Skeletal muscle ; Ultrastructure ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Chronic vasodilatation represents a stimulus for capillary growth associated with increased luminal shear stress. We have examined the ultrastructure of more than 2000 capillaries to establish whether the sequence of angiogenesis in response to this stimulus is similar to that described during development and under pathological circumstances. Administration of the α1-blocker prazosin to rats for 2 weeks led to a greater capillary length density in extensor hallucis proprius muscles without any change in capillary tortuosity: J v(c,f)=262±54 compared with 350±17 mm–2, control compared with prazosin (P〈0.002). There were obvious signs of endothelial cell (EC) activation after prazosin treatment, including an increased proportion of capillaries with rough endoplasmic reticulum, large cytoplasmic vacuoles, thickened endothelium and an irregular luminal surface. Capillaries from control muscles had a maximum of three ECs in cross section, whereas four ECs were noted in 0.8+0.5% of capillaries after 1 week (n.s.) and 2.5±0.9% after 2 weeks (P〈0.01) of treatment. This could be due to elongation and/or migration of ECs, as cell proliferation has not been described at these time points. There was also an increase in the proportion of capillaries having a narrow, slit-like lumen (1.7±0.8% of controls; 7.1±1.9% at 1 week; 8.8±2.5% at 2 weeks; P〈0.02), some of which were smaller in size (less than 2 μm diameter) than in controls (3–5 μm) and/or “seamless”, i.e. lacking EC junctions. These may represent newly formed vessels. Focal discontinuity of the basement membrane and abluminal EC processes were rarely seen, and capillary growth by abluminal sprouting appeared to be very infrequent (less than 0.001% of profiles). Of more importance was growth starting from the luminal side. Significantly more thin cytoplasmic processes were observed protruding into the lumen of capillaries after 1 week (47.5±6.2%, P〈0.001) and 2 weeks of prazosin (34.2±5.5%, P〈0.05) than in control vessels (16.7±3.9%). Some of these traversed the entire lumen and connected with endothelium of the opposite side, probably involving membrane fusion, resulting in the appearance of a double lumen. Individual capillaries with a complete double lumen were observed after 2 weeks’ prazosin but comparatively rarely, in only four out of six muscles. These findings indicate a pattern of luminal growth which is completely different from intussusceptive growth previously described during development, and from the abluminal capillary sprouting seen under pathological circumstances.
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  • 59
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    Cell & tissue research 291 (1998), S. 575-579 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Chromatoid body ; Polysomes ; RNA ; Spermatid ; Spermatogenesis ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  A procedure for isolating the chromatoid body from the testis of 40-day-old rats was developed. Electron-microscopical analysis indicated that about 70% of the isolated organelles were chromatoid bodies, while the remaining structures corresponded to dense bodies and probably to satellites. Negative staining of the isolated organelles revealed the presence of polysome-like structures in about 20% of the chromatoid bodies suggesting that the polysomes were not due to contamination with cytoplasmic polysomes. Moreover, the presence of RNA in the stroma of the chromatoid body was confirmed by RNAse-gold staining. Preliminary electrophoretic analysis of the RNA extracted from the organelles revealed the presence of a complex population of RNAs including 5.8 and 5 S ribosomal RNAs but no tRNA.
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  • 60
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words PC12 ; hNT2 ; Neuroblastoma cell lines ; NGF ; Retinoic acid ; Rat ; Human cell lines
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Neuroendocrine-specific protein (NSP) reticulons are expressed in neural and neuroendocrine tissues and cell cultures derived therefrom, while most other cell types lack NSP-reticulons. Three major subtypes have been identified so far, designated NSP-A, NSP-B, and NSP-C. We have investigated the correlation between the degree of neuronal differentiation, determined by morphological and biochemical criteria, and NSP-reticulon subtype expression. For this purpose, several human neuroblastoma cell lines, exhibiting different degrees of neuronal differentiation, were examined immuno(cyto) chemically. It became obvious that the expression of NSP-C, as detected by immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blotting, is most prominent in cell lines with a high degree of neuronal differentiation, such as LA-N-5. Such highly differentiated cells also express other neural and neuroendocrine markers, such as neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), neurofilament proteins, synaptophysin, and chromogranin. NSP-A was observed in all cell lines to a different extent. However, no clear correlation was observed with the degree of neuronal differentiation as defined by other neuronal and neuroendocrine markers or morphology. NSP-B could not be detected. The induction of neuronal differentiation with nerve growth factor, dbcAMP, and retinoic acid in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 and the human teratocarcinoma cell line hNT2, respectively, induced the expression of NSP-A and NSP-C in these cell lines parallel to the induction of neurofilament protein expression. It is concluded that NSP-C expression, in particular, is strongly correlated with neuronal differentiation.
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  • 61
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    Cell & tissue research 292 (1998), S. 275-282 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Interstitial cells (Cajal) ; Large intestine ; Fluorescent dyes ; Vital staining ; Ultrastructure ; Mouse (BALB/c)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are believed to be a major element in generating the spontaneous rhythm of the gastrointestinal tract. A prominent problem in the study of these cells has been the difficulty in observing them in intact tissues. We used the lipophilic dye DiI to stain ICCs in the submucosal-circular muscle border of freshly dissected mouse colon. The placement of small DiI crystals in this area resulted in the labeling of ICC-like cells. Two main morphological cell types, viz., bipolar and multipolar, were noted. Bipolar cells had two primary processes emerging from the poles of an elongated soma. The mean length of these processes was 78.7 μm. These cells constituted 42.3% of the sample (n=105). Multipolar cells (54.3% of total) had a less elongated soma and extended 3–6 main processes whose mean length was 56.3 μm. These processes showed no preferred direction. The length of the primary processes of bipolar cells was 40% greater than that of multipolar cells (P〈0.02). Three cells (2.9%) had only one primary process. The DiI stain could be converted into a stable electron-opaque product. Electron-microscopic observations showed that these cells had the typical appearance of ICCs reported in previous studies. This staining method should be useful for physiological investigations of ICCs in gastrointestinal tissues.
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  • 62
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Adhering junctions ; Desmosomes ; Endothelial junctions ; Plaque proteins ; Desmoplakin ; Cadherins ; Protein ZO-1 ; Rat ; cell culture
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Two major types of plaque-bearing adhering junctions are commonly distinguished: the actin microfilament-anchoring adhaerens junctions (AJs) and the desmosomes anchoring intermediate-sized filaments (IFs). Both types of junction usually possess the common plaque protein, plakoglobin, whereas the other plaque proteins and the transmembrane cadherins are mutually exclusive. For example, AJs contain E-, N-, or P-cadherin in combination with α- and β-catenin, vinculin and α-actinin, whereas in desmosomes, desmogleins and desmocollins are associated with desmoplakin and one or several of the plakophilins (PP1–3). Here we describe a novel type of adhering junction comprising proteins of both AJs and desmosomes and the tight junction (TJ) plaque protein, ZO-1, in a newly established, liver-derived tumorigenic rat cell line (RMEC-1). By immunofluorescence microscopy, cell-cell contacts are characterized by mostly continuous-appearing lines which are usually resolved by electron microscopy as extended arrays of closely spaced small plaque subunits. These plaque-covered regions are positive for plakoglobin, α- and β-catenin, the arm-repeat protein p120, vinculin, desmoplakin and protein ZO-1. They are positive for E-cadherin in cultures early on in passaging, but tend to turn negative for all known cadherins in densely grown cultures. On immunoblotting SDS-PAGE-separated proteins from dense-grown cell monolayers, “pan-cadherin” antibodies have reacted with a band at ∼140 kDa, identified as N-cadherin by peptide fingerprinting of the immunoprecipitated protein, which for reasons not yet clear is modified or masked in immunolocalization experiments. The exact histological derivation of RMEC-1 cells is not known. However, the observations of several endothelial markers and the fact that all cells are rich in IFs containing vimentin and/or desmin, while only subpopulations also reveal IFs containing CKs 8 and 18, is suggestive of a mesenchymal, probably endothelial origin. We discuss the molecular relationship of this novel type of extended junction with other types of adhering junctions.
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  • 63
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    Annals of biomedical engineering 26 (1998), S. 28-36 
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Mathematical model ; Tissue factor ; Wall shear rate ; FXa generation ; TF:FVIIa ; Rat ; Vascular ; Smooth muscle ; Factor X ; Coagulation ; Clot
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract A computational model was developed to investigate the contribution of classical mass transport and flow parameters to factor X (FX) activation by the tissue factor–factor VIIa complex (TF:VIIa) on one wall of a parallel-plate flow chamber. The computational results were compared to previously obtained experimental data for the generation of factor Xa (FXa) by TF:VIIa on the surface of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells. In this study, the complete steady-state convection–diffusion equation was solved using the commercial software package, FLUENT (Fluent Inc., Lebanon, New Hampshire). A user-defined subroutine interfaced with FLUENT implemented the surface reaction which was modeled using classical Michaelis–Menten reaction kinetics. The numerical solutions were obtained for 12 cases which used combinations of three wall shear rates and four reaction rates. The numerically obtained fluxes for a given reaction rate displayed a wall shear rate dependence which ranged from classical kinetic reaction control (no dependence) to pure diffusional control (maximum dependence). The experimental data, however, were not represented by numerical data generated using a single reaction rate. The three numerically obtained fluxes which corresponded most closely to the experimental fluxes were determined using three different V max values. This finding supports the hypothesis that there may be a direct effect of flow on the TF:VIIa complex or the cell membrane. © 1998 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC98: 8722-q, 8710+e
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  • 64
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    Annals of biomedical engineering 26 (1998), S. 526-533 
    ISSN: 1573-9686
    Keywords: Rat ; Artery: femoral ; Arterial diameter ; Vasomotion ; Shear stress ; Flow-dependent constriction ; Step flow ; Oscillating flow
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Technology
    Notes: Abstract The effects of flow and flow changes on arterial diameter were investigated in vitro on isolated rat femoral arteries. Segments of femoral arteries were excised, mounted on microcannulas, and perfused with Tyrode's solution (37°C). Perfusion pressure was kept constant at 90 mm Hg. The mean external diameter after equilibration at a transmural pressure of 90 mm Hg was 720 ± 50 μ m (n=12). Vessels were then constricted with norepinephrine (1 μM in the superfusion solution) to 77% ± 13% of the resting diameter; acetylcholine was used to check endothelial function. The external diameter was measured continuously using video microscopy. The arteries were subjected to two different types of flow variations: (a) step changes in flow (increase and decrease, n=6) and (b) low-frequency sinusoidal flow variations (frequencies ranging from 0.002 to 0.1 Hz, n=11). Flow ranged from 0 to 800 μ l/min (shear stress ranging from 0 to 15 dyn/cm2). All measured vessels constricted as flow increased. Flow steps induced exponential-like contractions (flow increase) or relaxations (flow decrease) with mean characteristic time constants 31 ± 4 and 22 ± 2 s, respectively. Sinusoidal flow oscillations induced sinusoidal diameter oscillations with a time delay. An increase in the frequency of the flow led to a decrease of both the amplitude of the flow-induced diameter oscillations and the phase shift between flow and diameter. The dynamic diameter response to flow changes could be characterized by a first-order low-pass filter with a time constant of 22 s. © 1998 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC98: 8745Hw
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  • 65
    ISSN: 1573-9104
    Keywords: Hypertriglyceridemia ; Protein ; Rat ; Retinoid ; Soy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Previous research carried out in an animal model of retinoid-induced hypertriglyceridemia – rats fet a 13-cis retinoic acid (13cRA)-containing diet having casein as the protein source – has demonstrated that the complete replacement of dietary casein with soy protein isolate (SPI) can decrease the severity of this condition. In this study, the effect of partially replacing dietary casein with SPI was investigated. Five groups of male Fischer 344 rats were used in a 14-day study, with two groups being fed diets having casein as the protein source, without or with 13cRA (groups A and B, respectively), and three groups being fed 13cRA-containing diets in which SPI was used to bring about the isonitrogenous replacement of 25, 50, or 100% of the casein in the formula for the diet used for group B (groups C-E, respectively). Serum triglyceride concentration for group B was significantly different ( p 〈 0.05) from that of groups A, D, and E (5.41 vs 2.62, 4.04, and 2.66 mmol/l, respectively). Serum cholesterol concentrations for groups D and E were significantly lower ( p 〈 0.05) than for groups A and B (1.63 and 1.60 vs 2.00 and 2.14 mmol/l, respectively). Thus, the isonitrogenous replacement of 50% of dietary casein with SPI can reduce the severity of retinoid-induced hypertriglyceridemia while decreasing the serum concentration of cholesterol.
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  • 66
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    Protoplasma 201 (1998), S. 30-37 
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Cell-to-cell communication ; Plasmodesmata ; Ultrastructure ; Wounding ; 2-Deoxy-D-glucose
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The transport of ions and metabolites through plasmodesmata has been thought to be controlled at the neck region where the cytoplasmic annulus is constricted and where callose has also been localised. In order to determine the possible structural and functional effects of callose, its deposition was inhibited through incubation of the plant tissue with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (DDG) for 1 h prior to fixation in 2.5% glutaraldehyde. The inhibition of callose formation was monitored through aniline blue-induced fluorescence of callose. The neck region of the plasmodesmata fromAllium cepa L. roots treated with DDG exhibited a funnel-shaped configuration. This is in contrast to the plasmodesmata from tissue not incubated with DDG, which exhibited constricted necks similar to those previously reported. Both initial dissection and glutaraldehyde fixation induced neck constriction in plasmodesmata, however, dissection of tissue increased the frequency of constrictions. The inhibition of callose formation by chemical means showed that the neck constrictions and raised collars in this area are artefacts due to physical wounding and glutaraldehyde fixation. The external electron-dense material observed when tannic acid is included in the primary fixative appears to be unrelated to the deposition of callose at the neck region.
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  • 67
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    Protoplasma 201 (1998), S. 101-109 
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Kinetochore ; Kinetoplastida ; Intranuclear microtubules ; Mitosis ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The three-dimensional ultrastructural organization of the mitotic apparatus ofDimastigella mimosa was studied by computer-aided, serial-section reconstruction. The nuclear envelope remains intact during nuclear division. During mitosis, chromosomes do not condense, whereas intranuclear microtubules are found in close association with six pairs of kinetochores. No discrete microtubule-organizing centers, except kinetochore pairs, could be found within the nucleus. The intranuclear microtubules form six separate bundles oriented at different angles to each other. Each bundle contains up to 8 tightly packed microtubules which push the daughter kinetochores apart. At late anaphase only, midzones of these bundles align along an extended interzonal spindle within the narrow isthmus between segregating progeny nuclei. The nuclear division inD. mimosa can be described as closed intranuclear mitosis with acentric and separate microtubular bundles and weakly condensed chromosomes.
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  • 68
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Chloroplast development ; Cotton ; Fluorescence induction kinetics ; Ultrastructure ; Immunocytochemistry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary Many of the studies of chloroplast ontogeny in higher plants have utilized suboptimal conditions of light and growth to assess development. In this study, we utilized structural, immunological, and physiological techniques to examine the development of the chloroplast in fieldgrown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum cv. “MD 51 ne”). Our youngest leaf sample developmentally was completely folded upon itself and about 0.5 cm in length; leaves of this same plastochron were followed for three weeks to the fully expanded leaf. The chloroplasts at the earliest stage monitored had almost all of the lamellae in small, relatively electron-opaque grana, with relatively few thylakoids which were not appressed on at least one surface. During the development of the thylakoids, the membranes increase in complexity, with considerable stroma lamellae development and an increase in the number of thylakoids per granum. Besides the increase in complexity, both the size and numbers of the chloroplast increase during the development of the leaf. Developmental changes in six thylakoid proteins, five stromal proteins, and one peroxisomal protein were monitored by quantitative immunocytochemistry. Even at the earliest stages of development, the plastids are equipped with the proteins required to carry out both light and dark reactions of photosynthesis. Several of the proteins follow three phases of accumulation: a relatively high density at early stages, a linear increase to keep step with chloroplast growth, and a final accumulation in the mature chloroplast. Photosystem-II(PS II)-related proteins are present at their highest densities early in development, with an accumulation of other parts of the photosynthetic apparatus at a latter stage. The early accumulation of PS-II-related proteins correlates with the much lower ratio of chlorophylla tob in the younger leaves and with the changes in fluorescence transients. These data indicate that some of the conclusions on chloroplast development based upon studies of intercalary meristems of monocots or the greening of etiolated plants may not be adequate to explain development of chloroplasts in leaves from apical meristems grown under natural conditions.
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  • 69
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Spores ; Ultrastructure ; Microbotryum ; Tilletia ; Tolyposporium ; Ustilago
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The walls of mature teliospores and the development of ornamentation, as seen by transmission electron microscopy, are described for 37 genera of smut fungi, based on observations of ca. 120 species and on literature. Structural diversity of mature teliospore walls is due to differences in spore wall layers forming the spore wall (endosporium, middle layer, exosporium, ornamentation) and to different elements forming the ornamentation (exosporium, ornaments, sheath, hyphal wall, adjacent fungal cells, material of the host). During teliosporogenesis the outer layers are usually deposited first. At the beginning of the formation of the ornamentation the plasma membrane may be smooth or undulated carrying the developing ornaments on its tips or in its depressions. The ornamentation of some genera appears similar when seen by scanning electron microscopy, but can be the product of different developmental patterns (e.g., warts of species ofFarysia, Tilletia, andUstilago), however, warty and reticulate ornamentation can both be produced by similar developmental processes (shown, e.g., for species ofCintractia andTilletia). Typical structures of the mature teliospore wall and developmental patterns based on homologous similarities are described for the following groups of genera or species:Macalpinomyces, Melanopsichium, Sporisorium, andUstilago infecting members of the family Poaceae;Kuntzeomyces, Testicularia, andTrichocintractia; Anthracoidea, Cintractia, Heterotolyposporium piluliforme, andTolyposporium junci; Glomosporium, Sorosporium, andThecaphora; Conidiosporomyces, Erratomyces, Ingoldiomyces, Neovossia, Oberwinkleria, andTilletia; Entyloma, and genera of the Doassansia group;Liroa, Microbotryum, Sphacelotheca, Ustilago infecting dicotyledons, andZundeliomyces; Aurantiosporium, Fulvisporium, andUstilentyloma. Special characteristics of the teliospore wall were observed for the generaDermatosorus, Doassinga, Entorrhha, Farysia, Mycosyrinx, Rhamphospora, and some species ofTolyposporium.
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  • 70
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Spore balls ; Germ areas ; Ultrastructure ; Phylogeny
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary Special features of teliospores in smut fungi are described, including teliospore connections, appendages, and germ pores. Balls of teliospores in species of many different genera cohere by remnants of hyphal walls, sheaths, and sometimes interlocking ornamentation. Teliospores are connected in pairs in species ofMycosyrinx andGeminago by special local structures. Appendages can be formed locally by persistent material from the sheath (Cintractia, Anthracoidea, Sphacelotheca), thickened parts of the spore wall (e.g.,Georgefischeria, Jamesdicksonia, Rhamphospora, Tolyposporella), or persistent walls of sporogenous hyphae (Rhamphospora, genera of the Tilletia relationship). Species ofGeorgefischeria, Jamesdicksonia, andTolyposporella have teliospore walls composed of more than three layers of different electron density. “Germ areas” corresponding to thinner parts of the spore wall are known, e.g., for species ofAnthracoidea, Cintractia, andUstilago infecting members of the family Poaceae, while distinct germ pores, one per teliospore, are found in some species ofThecaphora, “Tolyposporium”, andSporisorium. Teliospores ofMycosyrinx cissi have a germination ring. Characteristics of teliospores are used to discuss the phylogeny of smut fungi. A phylogenetic tree in accordance with teliospore characteristics is compared to those obtained from ultrastructural characteristics of host-parasite interaction, of septal pores, and from sequence data. Aspects of teliospore development help to define taxa at a high systematic level (Entorrhizales, Ustilaginales, Tilletiales/Entylomatales, Microbotryaceae), while details of ornamentation ontogeny delimit groups of genera (e.g., genera related toUstilago on members of the Poaceae andSporisorium, Cintractia andAnthracoidea, Tilletia) or single genera (e.g.,Melanopsichium, Dermatosorus, Mycosyrinx, Doassinga, Rhamphospora). Types of ornamentation (warty, reticulate), middle layers, teliospore balls, and germ pores evolved repeatedly by convergence. The smut teliospore itself probably evolved independently at least twice, or perhaps three (or more) times, in the Microbotryales, in the Entorrhizales, and in a common ancestor of the remainder of the Ustilaginomycetes.
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  • 71
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Neck cell proliferation ; Binucleate ; Douglas fir ; Conifers ; Genetic instability ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary To study the effect of culturing on megagametophytes of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and hybrid larch (Larix × eurolepis), cones were collected at the time of fertilization and the megagametophytes were removed, then placed on medium. We used a modified Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 5% lactose and 10% polyethylene glycol 4000. A variety of cell types proliferated including prothallial, neck, and jacket cells. Some of these multiplying cells showed a binucleate condition. The prothallial cells of the apex divided and expanded. The neck cells formed clusters composed of more cells than normally found in situ; though otherwise they showed ultrastructural similarity to neck cells in situ. These neck cells had large numbers of active Golgi complexes, numerous large and small vacuoles, coated vesicles, smooth vesicles, a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, and thickened cell walls. These are the first reports of neck cell multiplication and induction of a binucleate state for gymnosperm megagametophyte cells in vitro.
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  • 72
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    Protoplasma 204 (1998), S. 155-169 
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Spores ; Ultrastructure ; Entorrhiza ; Microbotryum ; Tilletia ; Ustilago
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary The concept and nomenclature for the elements of teliospore walls in smut fungi are presented and a survey of teliosporogenesis is given, as seen by light and transmission electron microscopy. Four developmental types are distinguished: the Ustilago, Microbotryum, Tilletia, and Entorrhiza type. In the Ustilago type, sporogenous hyphae are completely segmented into teliospore initials which are embedded in a hyaline matrix formed by gelatinised hyphal walls (found in species ofAnthracoidea, Cintractia, Heterotolyposporium, Kuntzeomyces, Macalpinomyces, Melanopsichium, Sporisorium, Testicularia, Tolyposporium junci, Trichocintractia, and species ofUstilago infecting members of the family Poaceae). In the Microbotryum type, septate sporogenous hyphae are also completely segmented into teliospore initials, however, they are not surrounded by a hyaline matrix (Microbotryum, Sphacelotheca, Ustilago spp. infecting dicotyledons). A yeast-like budding of teliosporogenic cells is observed for some species ofMicrobotryum, Sphacelotheca, andUstilago infecting dicotyledons. In the Tilletia type, teliospores differentiate locally in the sporogenous hyphae, in an apical or intercalary position, without a hyaline matrix (Conidiosporomyces, Doassinga, Entyloma, Erratomyces, Ingoldiomyces, Neovossia, Oberwinkleria, Rhamphospora, Tilletia). In all these types, the teliospore initials first develop a hyaline sheath under which the ornamentation, the exosporium, sometimes a middle layer, and the endosporium are successively deposited by the fungal cell. In the Entorrhiza type, the teliospores develop inside vital host cells with the wall of the sporogenous hypha included into the teliospore wall. The fungus develops a middle layer and an electron-transparent endosporium inside the hyphal wall while a layer forming the ornamentation is deposited onto the hyphal wall, probably by vesicles of dictyosomes of the host cell.
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  • 73
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    Plant systematics and evolution 210 (1998), S. 25-39 
    ISSN: 1615-6110
    Keywords: Cyanophyta ; Cyanobacteria ; Cyanothece ; Synechococcus ; Cyanobium ; Ultrastructure ; nucleoids ; taxonomy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The fine structure of the type species of the genusCyanothece Komárek 1976,C. aeruginosa, is described and compared with the main cytological characteristics of morphologically related members of the generaCyanobium, Cyanobacterium andSynechococcus. Several morphological features, such as cell walls with thick outer layers containing a special type of vesicles, position of thylakoids, “keritomy” (net-like appearance of protoplast caused by arrangement of thylakoids, net-like nucleoids and/or by tendency to form intrathylakoidal spaces) and a special structure of mucilaginous envelopes were found to be characteristic of this genus, supporting its separate position among coccal cyanoprokaryotes (cyanobacteria, cyanophytes). The taxonomic significance of ultrastructural features in all mentioned genera is discussed.
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  • 74
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words N18-RE-105 cells ; Glutamate ; p53 ; Adriamycin ; Etoposide ; Differentiation ; SV40 large T antigen ; Mouse ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Process extension was induced in cells of the N18-RE-105 neuroblastoma-retinal hybrid line by toxic agents, including glutamate and the p53-inducing anticancer agents adriamycin and etoposide. Both adriamycin and glutamate activated p53 as measured by a plasmid transfection assay. It was therefore hypothesized that SV40 large T antigen, which binds p53, would interfere with cellular differentiation. To test this hypothesis, the temperature-sensitive form of SV40 large T was transduced into N18-RE-105 cells by retroviral infection. SV40 large T-infected cells became de-differentiated, grew in tightly-packed colonies, lost expression of neurofilament, and lost the ability to differentiate in response to glutamate and adriamycin. The de-differentiating effect of SV40 large T antigen may be due to binding and inactivation of cellular proteins, such as p53, p107, p130, p300, and retinoblastoma protein, which are important in cellular growth and differentiation. It is suggested that p53 may play a role in cellular differentiation, perhaps under unusual circumstances involving stress or cytotoxicity.
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  • 75
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Endothelial cells ; Alkaline phophatase ; Primary cultures ; Proliferation ; Gene expression ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Primary cultures of rat myocardial capillary endothelial cells were established and characterized. A range of typical endothelial cell-specific markers were retained in vitro. Cell kinetic studies in confluent endothelial-cell cultures in vitro revealed a roughly 50-fold increase in the proportion of cells in s-phase, indicating a very considerable shortening of cell turnover time, compared to in vivo conditions. Alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity and encoding mRNA are strongly expressed in myocardial capillary endothelial cells in vivo, but were not detectable in vitro. This was true in cell cultures from two strains of rat, which revealed significantly different enzyme expression levels in vivo. In co-cultures of pericytes and endothelial cells, positive ALP enzyme reaction was detected in pericytes, which in vivo show only very weak enzyme reactivity. Treatment of cell cultures with ≤10 M retinoic acid had no effect in pure endothelial cell cultures, but did increase ALP expression of pericytes in co-cultures. The observation of a loss of endothelial ALP expression in vitro supports other in vitro as well as our own in vivo observations, indicating a negative correlation of ALP expression and proliferative activity of endothelial cells.
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  • 76
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    Cell & tissue research 291 (1998), S. 549-559 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Endolymphatic sac ; Ultrastructure ; Fluid transport ; Otoconia ; Newt ; Cynops pyrrhogaster (Urodela)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The ultrastructure of the endolymphatic sac (ES) of the late stage larva of the Japanese red-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster (stage 57), was examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. The two endolymphatic sacs are located at the dorsal-medial side of the otic vesicle on the dorsal-lateral side of the midbrain in the cranial cavity. The wall of the sac is composed of a layer of cubical epithelial cells with loose, interposed intercellular spaces. The sac contains a large luminal cavity, in which endolymph and numerous otoconia are present. The epithelial cells of different portions of the sac have a similar structure. These cells contain an abundance of cytoplasmic organelles, including ribosomes, Golgi complexes, and numerous vesicles. Two types of vesicles are found in the epithelial cells: the “floccular” vesicle and the “granular” vesicle. The floccular vesicles are located in the supra- and lateral-nuclear cytoplasm and contain flocccular material. The granular vesicles have a fine granular substance and are usually situated apposed to the apical cell membrane. The granular vesicles are suggested to be secreted into the lumen, while the floccular vesicles are thought to be absorbed from the lumen and conveyed to the intercellular spaces by the epithelial cells. The apical surfaces of the epithelial cells bear numerous microvilli. Apparently floating cells, which bear long microvilli on the free surfaces, are observed in the lumen of the ES. Based on the fine structure, the function of the endolymphatic sac of the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster is discussed.
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  • 77
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Retina ; Rod bipolar cells ; Amacrine cells ; Protein kinase C ; Glutamic acid decarboxylase ; GABA ; Synaptic circuitry ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The synaptic connectivity between rod bipolar cells and GABAergic neurons in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the rat retina was studied using two immunocytochemical markers. Rod bipolar cells were stained with an antibody specific for protein kinase C (PKC, α isoenzyme), and GABAergic neurons were stained with an antiserum specific for glutamic-acid decarboxylase (GAD). Some amacrine cells were also labeled with the anti-PKC antiserum. All PKC-labeled amacrine cells examined showed GABA immunoreactivity, indicating that PKC-labeled amacrine cells constitute a subpopulation of GABAergic amacrine cells in the rat retina. A total of 150 ribbon synapses established by rod bipolar cells were observed in the IPL. One member of the postsynaptic dyads was always an unlabeled AII amacrine cell process, and the other belonged to an amacrine-cell process showing GAD immunoreactivity. The majority (n=92) (61.3%) of these processes made reciprocal synapses back to the axon terminals of rod bipolar cells. In addition, 78 conventional synapses onto rod bipolar axons were observed, and among them 52 (66.7%) were GAD-immunoreactive. Thus GABA provides the major inhibitory input to rod bipolar cells.
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  • 78
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Connexin ; Gap junctions ; Smooth muscle ; Intestinal pacemaker ; Confocal laser scanning microscope ; Dog ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Cellular networks of pacemaker activity in intestinal movements are still a matter of debate. Because gap-junctional intercellular communication in the intestinal wall may provide important clues for understanding regulatory mechanisms of intestinal movements, we have attempted to clarify the distribution patterns of three types of gap junction proteins. Using antibodies for connexin40, connexin43, connexin45, smooth muscle actin, and vimentin, immunocytochemical observations were made with the confocal laser scanning microscope on cryosections of fresh-frozen small intestine and colon of the dog and rat. Connexin 45 was localized along the deep muscular plexus of the small intestine in both dog and rat. Double labeling studies revealed that connexin45 overlapped with vimentin –, but not actin-positive areas, indicating the fibroblast-like nature of the cells, rather than their being smooth muscle-like. Connexin43 immunoreactivity appeared along the smooth muscle cell surface in the outer circular layer of the small intestine of both animals. Connexin 40 immunoreactivity was not observed in the muscle layer other than in the wall of large blood vessels. It is suggested that connexin45-expressing cells along the deep muscular plexus of dog and rat small intestine are likely to act as a constituent of a pacemaker system, which may include a conductive system, by forming a cellular network operating via specific types of gap junctions.
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  • 79
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    Cell & tissue research 294 (1998), S. 367-375 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Neurons ; Glia ; Tracheae ; Wing ; Ultrastructure ; Moth ; Manduca sp.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  This ultrastructural examination of sensory nerves of the Manduca wing has revealed that extensive remodeling occurs among insect sensory neurons and their associated glial cells between pupation and adult emergence. Systematic counts of axons in particular wing nerves throughout adult development have shown that a decrease in axon number per nerve occurs after day 6. The neurons and glial cells that die are believed to be cells present at pupation that have no apparent sensory function but that probably function as guidance scaffolding for neurons and glia that are born after pupation. Despite the loss of several axons from each wing nerve, these nerves continue to grow in diameter during the latter half of adult development as some of the surviving axons increase severalfold in diameter. Each growing wing nerve in turn apparently functions as a scaffold for the proximal to distal growth of adult tracheae. A correspondence exists between adult nerve pathways and adult tracheal pathways, with each trachea maintaining intimate contact with a wing nerve along its entire length.
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  • 80
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Nerve growth factor ; Hypertension ; Contact inhibition ; Proliferation ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Elevated target-derived smooth muscle nerve growth factor (NGF) and resultant neurogenic plasticity are associated with both hypertension and hyperactive voiding in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs: hypertensive, behaviorally hyperactive). In culture, vascular (VSMCs) and bladder (BSMCs) smooth muscle cells derived from SHRs secrete higher levels of NGF, proliferate more rapidly, and achieve higher density at confluence than do control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) cells. To elucidate growth-related contributions to the elevated tissue NGF observed in SHRs, we examined vascular VSMC and BSMC NGF secretion in two inbred cell lines (WKHTs, hypertensive; WKHAs, hyperactive) derived from SHRs and WKYs to assess the phenotypic association of altered NGF metabolism with either hypertension or behavioral hyperactivity. Cell density, rather than growth rates, was the most important factor with respect to NGF secretion. VSMC density varied such that WKHT=SHR〉WKY= WKHA, higher VSMC density being associated with higher NGF output. However, in BSMC cultures, NGF output was the lowest in high density cell lines, with WKHT〉SHR〉WKY〉WKHA. SHR BSMCs had the second highest cell density and NGF secretion level. Elevated packing density, presumably because of a lack of contact inhibition, co-segregated with the hypertensive phenotype in both VSMCs and BSMCs. Thus, dysfunctional smooth muscle growth characteristics may contribute to the augmented vascular and bladder NGF content associated with high blood pressure and hyperactive voiding in SHRs.
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  • 81
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words Vinculin ; Talin ; Integrin ; Dystrophin ; Spectrin ; T-tubule ; Costamere ; Basal membrane ; Cardiac muscle cell ; Dilated cardiomyopathy ; Human ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The transverse tubule system of the cardiomyocyte remains undeformed despite the extreme forces it undergoes during the contraction-relaxation cycle, but the morphological basis for its stability remains unclear. Therefore, we have investigated the architecture and subcellular protein scaffold of the cardiac T-tubules and compared it with that of the costameres and of the free sarcolemma. Tissue samples from normal rat and monkey hearts, and left ventricular tissue from normal and cardiomyopathic human hearts obtained at transplantation surgery were investigated using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy and by electron microscopy. In addition, we used a re-differentiation model of isolated, cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes. The cell membrane of the cardiac T-tubules was found to contain the cell-matrix focal adhesion molecules (FAMs) vinculin, talin, the α5β1 integrin and the membrane-associated proteins (MAPs) dystrophin and spectrin. FAMs and MAPs were localized in the T-tubular membrane in a similar pattern: in longitudinally oriented myocytes as transverse punctate lines at the Z-level; in transversally cut myocytes a radial tubular network was found to extend throughout the interior of the cell. Immunolabeling for basement membrane components including collagen IV, fibronectin and laminin showed a colocalization with FAMs and MAPs parallel to the transverse T-tubules. The costameres of the sarcolemma showed a protein composition resembling that of the T-tubules but the intervening segments of free sarcolemma showed absence of FAMs and presence of MAPs. For the first time, we demonstrate the existence and protein composition of the T-tubular scaffold in the human heart. Furthermore, we show that cardiomyocytes from human failing hearts have less abundant but more dilated T-tubules than do experimental animals. These results indicate that the cardiac T-tubular system contains a subcellular scaffold closely resembling that of the costameres. It consists of FAMs, MAPs and basal lamina proteins that confer structural integrity to the cardiac T-tubular membrane during contraction/relaxation cycles.
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  • 82
    ISSN: 1432-1211
    Keywords: Key words Eotaxin ; Chemokine ; Eosinophil ; Lung ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
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  • 83
    ISSN: 1432-1211
    Keywords: Key words CD4 ; Rat ; LEC ; thid ; Chromosomal mapping
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  • 84
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    Sexual plant reproduction 10 (1997), S. 368-373 
    ISSN: 1432-2145
    Keywords: Key words Egg-cell isolation (angiosperm) ; Micromanipulation ; Plumbagozeylanica ; Viable egg ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  A protocol for isolating viable eggs in Plumbago zeylanica by mechanical dissection is reported. The optimum solution for isolation was 0.8 M mannitol + 10 mM MOPS + 10 mM CaCl2, (pH 4.5–5.0) with an osmolality of 860–940 mmol/kg. Eggs retain their viability for at least 24 h. Isolated eggs were true protoplasts without cell walls and could tolerate osmolality of 437 mmol/kg to 965 mmol/kg. Observation of the isolated eggs using transmission electron microscopy indicated that they were well preserved and reflected the ultrastructure of physiologically active cells, displaying features similar to those of in vivo egg cells. Notable differences include the absence of a filiform apparatus and the accumulation of dense particles in the plastids, which was most conspicuous in egg cells that were damaged during isolation.
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  • 85
    ISSN: 1432-2145
    Keywords: Key words Asplenium trichomanes L. subsp. trichomanes ; Ferns ; Spermatozoids ; Flagella ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  Asplenium trichomanes L. subsp. trichomanes spermatozoids are spirals of about five turns. Keels link the elements of the microtubular ribbon with the plates of the lamellar layer (LL) which are uninterrupted, parallel and curved with an inner angle of about 150°. Electron-opaque filaments connect the microtubules of the multilayered structure (MLS) and the osmiophilic crest, the LL and the MLS-associated mitochondrion and the latter and the plasmalemma. The nucleus occupies the 2.5–3 posterior turns and has an inner honeycomb-shaped chromatin mass and an outer highly condensed chromatin mass with randomly scattered electron-transparent areas. The basal bodies of the ca. 50 flagella are bounded by a reticulum of granular material which forms a plug inside their proximal region; the proximal region of the flagellum has a 9 + 0 pattern. The axoneme has a 9 + 2 pattern.
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  • 86
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: Riseriellus occultus ; Heteronemertea ; Proboscis ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract We have examined with transmission electron microscopythe epithelial layer exposed to the rhynchocoel fluidof the proboscis in the heteronemertine Riseriellus occultus. This epithelium is organized asa monociliated, pseudostratified myoepitheliumconsisting of two cell types: apically situatedmonociliated supportive cells and subapical myocyteslacking cilia. The low supportive cells form acontinuous adluminal sheet and reach with numerouscytoplasmic processes into the extracellular matrix;these cells are characterized by numerous, irregularlyshaped, apical folds projecting into the rhynchocoelfluid, delimiting broad extracellular spaces. Theauthors suppose that both apical and basal folds couldaccommodate stretching of the endothelium when theproboscis is everted. The apical folds of thesupportive cells increase the interface of these withthe rhynchocoel fluid; this feature, together with thepresence of pinocytotic vesicles in such cells,suggest that they could be involved in the exchange ofsubstances between the rhynchocoel fluid and theproboscis. The myocytes are scattered singly withinthe monociliated pseudostratified myoepithelium. Theyare situated between the supportive cells and thesubjacent extracellular matrix. Basement membraneseparating both cells types is lacking. Myofibrillarparts protrude basally from the myocyte somata. Themyofibrillar parts lie in direct apposition to theextracellular matrix, and are oriented circular to thelongitudinal axis of the proboscis. We consider themyocytes to be intra-epithelial, myoepithelial cells.
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  • 87
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    Cell & tissue research 290 (1997), S. 71-78 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words: Development ; Mucosal surface area ; Ultrastructure ; Villus ; Microvillus ; Morphometric analysis ; Chicken
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract. The mucosal surface area of the chicken duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was determined during development (from 1-day to 12-week-old animals). The morphometric analysis was performed at three magnification levels. The nominal (serosal) surface area was determined at the macroscopic level, from intestinal length and perimeter. Villus and microvillus amplification factors were estimated at light-microscopic and transmission electron-microscopic levels, respectively. The results show, during the period considered: (1) a similar increase in nominal surface area for the three segments (6.5 to 7.2-fold), (2) a rise followed by a slight decrease in the villus amplification factor in the third week of age in the duodenum, a two-fold increase of this variable in the jejunum and no significant developmental variations in the ileum, (3) an increase in the microvillus amplification factor of 1.5-fold in the duodenum and jejunum and of 1.2-fold in the ileum, although a pronounced decrease in the first week of age was observed in the three segments. In conclusion, total mucosal surface area increased, from 1 day to 12 week, 12- to 13-fold in the duodenum and ileum and 20-fold in the jejunum.
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  • 88
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    Cell & tissue research 290 (1997), S. 655-664 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words: Peroxisomes ; Ultrastructure ; Digestive gland ; Acanthochiton crinita ; Lepidochitona cinerea (Mollusca ; Polyplacophora)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract . This paper presents the first description of peroxisomes in polyplacophorans. As in other molluscs, the hepatopancreas of chitons is composed of basophilic and digestive cells. In the basophilic cells, the endoplasmic reticulum is abundant and several Golgi stacks can be observed. These cells also possess secretion granules and vacuoles with spherites. The digestive cells are mainly characterized by the presence of many food vacuoles. Several peroxisomes were observed in the basophilic cells of Acanthochiton crinita, most of them almost spherical. The matrix is filled with tubular structures and a crystalline nucleoid is also present in these organelles. In the digestive cells of A. crinita, peroxisomes are also almost spherical and possess two kinds of nucleoids. One of them presents a diamond shape and a bundle of tubular structures forms a second kind of nucleoid, which shows an elongated form. In Lepidochitona cinerea, the peroxisomes of basophilic cells are spherical or oval. Within the matrix, a cluster of dense rods and a prismatic nucleoid were observed. In the digestive cells of this species, almost spherical or oval peroxisomes are common, but they are smaller than the peroxisomes of the preceding cells. Nucleoids were not detected, but a few dense rods could be observed in the matrix. In both cell types of the two species, catalase activity was detected in the peroxisomal matrix. In addition, the elongated nucleoid of A. crinita digestive-cell peroxisomes and the nucleoid of L. cinerea basophilic-cell peroxisomes also present catalase activity.
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  • 89
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    Cell & tissue research 291 (1997), S. 91-95 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words ECL cells ; Omeprazole ; Granules/vesicles ; Ultrastructure ; Stomach ; Rat (Sprague Dawley)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The ECL cells are histamine- and peptide hormone-producing endocrine cells in the rat oxyntic mucosa. They are rich in secretory vesicles and also contain microvesicles and electron-dense granules. They operate under the control of circulating gastrin. In the present study, we examined the ECL-cell ultrastructure after long term treatment with omeprazole, which is known to induce hypergastrinemia, and after withdrawal of the drug. Rats received omeprazole (400 µmol/kg per day, orally) for 16 days and were killed 1, 5, 20, or 40 days after the last dose of the drug. Oxyntic mucosal specimens were processed for electron microscopy. Electron micrographs of ECL-cell profiles were analyzed planimetrically. The ECL-cell profile area increased promptly in response to omeprazole, the secretory vesicles and granules were reduced in number and volume density, the microvesicles were unchanged in number but reduced in volume density, and vacuoles appeared. Within a week after stopping the omeprazole treatment, the numbers and volume densities of secretory vesicles and microvesicles returned to pre-stimulation values. Also, the vacuoles disappeared promptly. The ECL-cell profile area decreased below the pre-stimulation level within five days after stopping treatment, while, in contrast, the granules increased in number and volume density. Somewhat surprisingly, the cell size and the granule compartment did not return to normal until 40 days after stopping treatment.
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  • 90
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    Cell & tissue research 290 (1997), S. 39-42 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words: Ciliogenesis ; Striated rootlets ; Oviduct ; Ciliated cells ; Ultrastructure ; Human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract. Striated rootlets in ciliated cells are conical banded structures composed of longitudinally aligned filaments. The formation of striated rootlets during ciliognesis in the human oviduct epithelium was studied by electron microscopy. Primitive rootlets appeared at the proximal side of basal bodies before or at the same time as ciliary budding. After the formation of several striations, the tip of the rootlets extended deeply toward the interior of the cell and became differentiated into two distinct parts, viz., the proximal conical part connected to the basal body and the distal fibrillar part. The periodicity of the striations in the fibrillar part was 68.5±2.95 nm, about 5 nm longer than that of the conical part (63.9±2.25 nm). The dark band in the striation was thicker in the fibrillar part than in the conical part. Since the fibrillar part was not observed in the mature cilium, this part was considered as being either degraded or changed into the conical part during ciliogenesis.
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  • 91
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words: Oxytocin ; Immunocytochemistry ; Paraventricular nucleus ; Superior cervical ganglion ; Spinal cord ; Sympathetic nervous system ; Retrograde tracing ; Rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus is a major integrative nucleus for relaying information from the suprachiasmatic nucleus to the autonomic system. The precise pathway by which this information can influence autonomic functions, such as melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland, is not clear. In the present study, we used a retrograde tracer injected in the superior cervical ganglion to identify spinal preganglionic neurons. One of the main neurotransmitters present in descending projections of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, oxytocin, was detected with immunocytochemistry to visualise possible contacts with the neurons located in the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord and projecting to the superior cervical ganglion. Although many appositions could be seen at the light-microscopic level, this abundance could not be confirmed at the electron-microscopic level. The implications of these observations for the overall timing message received by the spinal preganglionic neurons are discussed.
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  • 92
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    Plant foods for human nutrition 51 (1997), S. 159-166 
    ISSN: 1573-9104
    Keywords: Thermoxidized palm oil ; Rat ; Kwashiorkor ; Fertility ; Fetotoxicity ; Reproduction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Repeatedly thermoxidized palm oil (TPO), simulating local culinary practice, was fed for eight weeks at 15% of a balanced basal diet to two sets of male and female weanling albino rats of Wistar strain. The first set of animals were normal and healthy while the second set were kwashiorkoric. Primary controls (PC) of all rats were fed a balanced basal diet of commercial rat pellets while secondary controls (SC) were fed the balanced basal diet supplemented with 15% untreated palm oil. The findings indicate that fertility, as expressed by the pregnancy rate of healthy test rats, was 78% when compared with 80% in PC (p 〈 0.05). Fetotoxicity was additionally observed in that neonatal birth weights and litter size in test rats (4.92 g and 6.70, respectively) were inferior (p 〈 0.05) to both SC and PC (4.96 g and 8.40; 5.38 g and 9.25, respectively). Protein energy malnutrition worsened the observed TPO-induced reproductive toxicities in that reproductive capacities of the rehabilitated animals were inferior to that of the healthy animals. Pregnancy rates in test animals were reduced by as much as 55% (p 〈 0.01) while fetotoxicities were also more pronounced (p 〈 0.05).
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  • 93
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    Protoplasma 200 (1997), S. 31-34 
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Blastocystis hominis ; Central vacuole ; Accumulation ; Basic proteins ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary Basic proteins ofBlastocystis hominis were detected by the ammoniacal silver and ethanolic phosphotungstic acid techniques using electron microscopy. The central vacuole showed many silver grains when treated with ammoniacal silver and an increased electron density when treated with phosphotungstic acid. The intensity of positive reactions correlated with the electron density of the central vacuole, because cells having an electron-lucent central vacuole showed no silver grain deposits. Since it is known that the concentration of electron-dense materials in the central vacuole increases during log phase of growth, and then decreases in stationary phase, this organelle must accumulate basic proteins during cell growth.
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  • 94
    ISSN: 1615-6102
    Keywords: Cell differentiation ; Immunolocalisation ; Nitrogenase ; Non-heterocystous cyanobacteria ; Trichodesmium ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Summary Trichodesmium is the first described example of a filamentous cyanobacterium without heterocysts that contains cells specialised for nitrogen fixation. The ultrastructure of cells with and without nitrogenase were compared using primarilyTrichodesmium tenue Wille, but alsoT. thiebautii Gomont andT. erythraeum Ehrenberg et Gomont. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the cytoplasm of certain cells was densely labelled with antibodies against Fe-protein (dinitrogenase reductase). Comparative TEM-image analysis revealed that these cells were also distinguished by a denser thylakoid network, dividing the vacuole-like space into smaller units. The nitrogenase-containing cells also exhibited less extensive gas vacuoles as well as fewer and smaller cyanophycin granules compared to cells which lacked nitrogenase. Carboxysomes were present in both cell types in equal proportion. Longitudinal sections showed that cells with nitrogenase were arranged adjacent to each other, and that groups of cells with and without nitrogenase may coexist in the same trichome. The correlation between modifications in ultrastructure and the presence of nitrogenase suggests a new type of cyanobacterial cell specialisation related to nitrogen fixation. The results obtained also question the systematic affiliation of the genusTrichodesmium.
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  • 95
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words: Kidney (proximal tubule) ; Apical tubule ; Endosome ; Ultrastructure ; Endocytosis ; Membrane recycling ; Rat (Wistar)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract. The apical cytoplasm of several absorbing epithelia contains well-developed apical tubules (AT) which contribute to membrane recycling from endocytic vacuoles to the apical cell membrane. In this study, we examined three-dimensional structures of the AT in rat kidney proximal tubule cells by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. In thin sections, the AT appeared as straight tubules with a rather constant diameter (70–90 nm), but others were curved and, occasionally, branching. No AT were labeled with the marker for the external cell surface (ruthenium red) or exhibited histochemical enzyme activity for lysosomal hydrolase (acid phosphatase). After intravenous injection of horseradish peroxidase, it was absorbed in the kidney proximal tubule cells and the AT were labeled with HRP reaction products. Stereo-viewing of the labeled AT in thick sections revealed that they formed an interconnected tubular network. Scanning electron microscopy allowed a three-dimensional view of the AT, in which a network of branching and anastomosing tubules was revealed. These observations indicate that the AT are intracellular endosomal compartments which form an extensive tubular network in the apical cytoplasm. The possibility that this apical tubular network serves as a large membrane store for membrane recycling is discussed.
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  • 96
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words: Exocytosis ; Endocytosis ; Gastrin cells ; Carbamylcholine ; Ultrastructure ; Pyloric antrum ; Guinea pig (Hartley) ; Mouse (ICR) ; Rat (Sprague Dawley)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract. In order to capture the exocytotic figures of gastrin cells in the pyloric antrum of the stomach, we examined antral cells of the mouse, rat, and guinea pig by electron microscopy following stimulation with the cholinergic secretagogue carbamylcholine. Increased numbers of omega profiles indicative of exocytosis were seen in the basal or lateral cell membrane after stimulation with carbamylcholine. The number of exocytotic figures in stimulated gastrin cells was higher in the guinea pig than in the mouse and rat. Coated and non-coated omega profiles and coated pits in the plasma membrane were smaller than the secretory granules. Omega profiles with or without electron-dense contents were seen. Coated and non-coated vesicles were often visible near the plasma membrane of stimulated gastrin cells in all three species, large cytoplasmic vacuoles also being found in the guinea pig. In the mouse pretreated with horseradish peroxidase, reaction deposits were observed in the omega profiles and in microvesicles near the plasma membrane. These results suggest that, after exocytosis, membrane retrieval and endocytosis occur in the gastrin cells.
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  • 97
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    Cell & tissue research 290 (1997), S. 623-631 
    ISSN: 1432-0878
    Keywords: Key words: PECAM-1 (platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1) ; Endothelium ; HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) ; Myocardium ; Ultrastructure ; Human ; Rabbit
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract. The subcellular localization of PECAM-1 in endothelial cells was examined by using advanced morphological techniques, such as confocal scanning microscopy and immunolabeling procedures for electron microscopy. The localization of PECAM-1 was studied immunohistochemically with five specific monoclonal antibodies and one polyclonal antibody (all anti-human) in human and rabbit myocardium and in isolated endothelial cells. In vivo, PECAM-1 was localized uniformly on the plasma membrane of all vascular endothelial cells, predominantly on the luminal side of vessels. No specific increase in labeling was found at sites of cell-to-cell contact. In vitro, primary isolated cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) showed continuous labeling of the entire cell membrane. Cells of higher passages were labeled in a manner similar to freshly isolated cells. Our findings refute the commonly accepted hypothesis that PECAM-1 is localized only at cell-to-cell contacts. Further, we have not been able to confirm the hypothesis regarding the important mechanical role of PECAM-1 in stabilizing the endothelial monolayer. Since PECAM-1 is also expressed on platelets and is known to bind to itself, the way in which PECAM-1-positive endothelial cells are protected against binding of PECAM-1-positive platelets remains unclear. In view of these findings, the role of PECAM-1 in the leukocyte migration cascade needs to be re-evaluated.
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  • 98
    ISSN: 1573-5052
    Keywords: Algae ; Chloroplast ; Micrasterias ; Photosynthesis ; Ultrastructure ; UV-B
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Exposure of postmitotic growing and non-growing cells of the unicellular green alga Micrasterias denticulata to different UV-B cut-off wavelengths together with simulated sunlight in a sun simulator has revealed a marked resistence of the algae against strong irradiation. While down to a cut-off wavelength of 284 nm irradiated during the most sensitive stage of cell development chloroplast ultrastructure remains unaffected, severe changes in arrangement and structure of stroma and grana thylakoids occur only at the lowest cut-off wavelengths of 280 and 275 nm. The structural alterations end up in a more or less complete desintegration of grana and stroma thylakoids with the remaining membraneous structures appearing in negative staining thus indicating drastic changes in membrane composition. Photosynthetic activity determined by chlorophyll fluorescence (ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence) and oxygen evolution responded more sensitively to UV-B irradiation. With decreasing UV cut-off wavelengths and prolonged incubation a decrease of photochemistry of PS II occured reaching its lowest values after 60 min at 275 and 280 nm. Oxygen production was even maintained under strong UV irradiation with a cut-off wavelenght of 275 nm up to 15 min. With prolonged UV-B treatment any activity was lost. HPLC separations of pigments exhibited the appearance of break-down products (mainly derivatives of chl b and chl a) with decreasing cut-off wavelength and increasing exposure time. The xanthophyll cycle pigments seemed to be unaffected at least for an irradiation period of 60 to 90 min at low UV cut-offs. Possible mechanisms of UV stress avoidance or protection are discussed with regard to the varying altitudes of the natural habitats of the algae.
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  • 99
    ISSN: 0931-1890
    Keywords: Key words Conifer ; Fluoride ; Nitrogen ; Sulphur dioxide ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract  Effects of SO2, aqueous fluoride (NaF) and a solution of nitrogen compounds (NH4NO3) on the visible symptoms, pollutant accumulation and ultrastructure of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] seedlings were studied in an open-air experiment lasting for 3 consecutive years. Visible injury symptoms were most pronounced in combination exposures and whenever F was applied. Visible symptoms correlated well with needle pollutant concentrations. Exposure to NaF increased needle F contents particularly when F was applied with SO2 or NH4NO3. This suggests that a reduction in N or SO2 emissions, in F polluted areas, could improve the condition of conifers via decreased accumulation of phytotoxic F in the needles. Norway spruce needles accumulated 2 – 10 times as much S and F as those of Scots pine. Microscopic observations showed various changes in the needle mesophyll cell ultrastructure. In both species, exposure to SO2 increased significantly the amount of cytoplasmic vacuoles, suggesting detoxification of excess sulphate or low pH. F treatments resulted in a significant enlargement of plastoglobuli in Scots pine and a darkening of plastoglobuli in Norway spruce. All exposures enhanced the accumulation of lipid bodies. An increased portion of translucent plastoglobuli was most pronounced in N treatments. Many of the ultrastructural changes and visible symptoms appeared only as number of years exposed increased, indicating that long-term experiments are needed. Both visible symptoms and ultrastructural changes pointed to the more pronounced sensitivity of Norway spruce compared to Scots pine. Ultrastructural results mostly supported earlier qualitative observations of F, N and SO2 effects on needle mesophyll cell ultrastructure. However, no reduction of thylakoids in SO2 containing exposure or curling of thylakoids in F exposure could be detected in the present study.
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  • 100
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Calcified tissue international 59 (1996), S. 474-479 
    ISSN: 1432-0827
    Keywords: Bone ; Apatite ; Collagen ; Demineralization ; Ultrastructure
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Physics
    Notes: Abstract A technique to correlate the ultrastructural distribution of mineral with its organic material in identical sections of mineralized turkey leg tendon (MTLT) and human bone was developed. Osmium or ethanol fixed tissues were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mineralized tissues were photographed at high, intermediate, and low magnifications, making note of section features such as fibril geometry, colloidal gold distribution, or section artifacts for subsequent specimen realignment after demineralization. The specimen holder was removed from the microscope, the tissue section demineralized in situ with a drop of 1 N HCl, then stained with 2% aqueous vanadyl sulfate. The specimen holder was reinserted into the microscope, realigned with the aid of the section features previously noted, and rephotographed at identical magnification used for the mineralized sections. A one to one correspondence was apparent between the mineral and its demineralized crystal “ghost” in both MTLT and bone. The fine structural periodic banding seen in unmineralized collagen was not observed in areas that were fully mineralized before demineralization, indicating that the axial arrangement of the collagen molecules is altered significantly during mineralization. Regions that had contained extrafibrillar crystallites stained more intensely than the intrafibrillar regions, indicating that the noncollagenous material surrounded the collagen fibrils. The methodology described here may have utility in determining the spatial distribution of the noncollagenous proteins in bone.
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