Development of terminal filaments and ovariole envelopes in Thermobia domestica (Insecta, Zygentoma) larvae

The 3rd instar female larvae of Thermobia domestica have five pairs of gonad primordia, each enclosed within a basal lamina (tunica propria). At the end of the 3rd instar some somatic cells scattered on the outer surface of the lamina are seen. During the 4th larval instar the gonad primordia start to form the ovarioles. Each ovariole is elongated and polarized, having anterior and posterior ends. The anterior group of outer somatic cells proliferate to form the terminal filament. At the 6th larval stage the ovarioles are already formed. The terminal filament is separated from the germarium by a thick basal lamina (transverse septum). There are three types of cell building the terminal filament. 1/Basal cells with numerous fingerlike projections; 2/Cells with electron lucent cytoplasm and large nuclei, and 3/Cells with darker cytoplasm containing bundles of fibers and more compact nuclei. The outer surface of the filament is covered by a thick, fibrous basal lamina. The somatic cells that in the previous stages were scattered on the tunica propria as distinct cells, in the 6th larval stage form a cellular envelope (tunica externa). This envelope is formed by a layer of flat cells, and contains numerous tracheae.     

Histological and carbohydrate histochemical studies of the nasal mucosa of sheep in Saudi Arabia with special reference to its glandular tissue

The histology and carbohydrate histochemistry of the nasal mucosa with attention to glandular tissue had been studied in 7 heads of sheep. Tissues were taken from vestibular region, septum at level of the alar fold, rostral portion of nasal conchae, caudal portion of nasal conchae, middle portion of septum and ethmoidal conchae region. Stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium was observed covering the vestibular region. The propria-submucosa of the nasal vestibule was richly permeated with glands having affinity for PAS and non-alcianophilic. The post-vestibular portion of the nasal cavity was lined by transitional epithelium and caudal to it, stratified columnar nonciliated epithelium was noticed. The respiratory epithelium covered the caudal half of the nasal conchae and the major portion of the septum as well as the recesses of the ethmoidal conchae. The glands associated with the respiratory mucosa were thick, coiled and tubular, containing both nonalcianophilic PAS positive and alcianophilic PAS positive cells. The olfactory mucosa covered the ethmoidal conchae and showed predominant serous glands. The results were discussed with that given for other mammals and in regard to the respiratory functions of the nasal mucosa.     

Cranial anomaly of homozygous rSey rat is associated with a defect in the migration pathway of midbrain crest cells

Craniofacial development of vertebrates depends largely on neural crest contribution and each subdomain of the crest-derived ectomesenchyme follows its specific genetic control. The rat small eye ( rSey ) involves a mutation in the Pax-6 gene and the external feature of rSey homozygous embryos exhibits craniofacial defects in ocular and frontonasal regions. In order to identify the mechanism of craniofacial development, we examined the cranial morphology and migration of cephalic crest cells in rSey embryos. The chondrocranial defects of homozygous rSey embryos primarily consisted of spheno-orbital and ethmoidal anomalies. The former defects appeared to be brought about by the lack of the eye. In the ethmoid region, the nasal septum and the derivative of the medial nasal prominence were present, while the rest of the nasal capsule, as well as the nasal and lachrymal bones, were totally absent except for a pair of cartilaginous rods in place of the nasal capsule. This suggests that the primary cranial defect is restricted to the lateral nasal prominence derivatives. Dil labeling revealed the abnormal migration of crest cells specifically from the anterior midbrain to the lateral nasal prominence in homozygous rSey embryos. Pax-6 was not expressed in the crest cells but was strongly expressed in the frontonasal ectoderm. To determine whether or not this migratory defect actually resides in environmental cues, normal midbrain crest cells from wild-type embryos were labeled with Dil and were orthotopically injected into host rSey embryos. Migration of the donor crest cells into the lateral nasal prominence was abnormal in homozygous host embryos, while they migrated normally in wild-type or heterozygous embryos. Therefore, the cranial defects in rSey homozygous embryos are due to inappropriate substrate for crest cell migration towards the lateral nasal prominence, which consistently explains the cranial morphology of homozygous rSey embryos.     

Laser microbeam axotomy and conduction block show that electrical transmission at a central synapse is distributed at multiple contacts

Touch (T) sensory neurons in the leech innervate defined regions of skin and synapse on other neurons, including other T cells, within the ganglionic neuropil. The cells' receptive fields in the periphery are comprised of a central region, innervated by thick axons, and adjoining regions (minor fields) innervated by thinner axons. Secondary branches, known to be sites of synapses, emerge from the thinner and thicker axons. Pairs of T cells appear to make up to 200 separate contacts distributed within the neuropil. When the T cell is hyperpolarized, as occurs during natural stimulation of the cell, action potentials generated in the minor field and travelling into the ganglion along the thin axons may fail to conduct at central branch points. Evidence is presented, using axon conduction block and laser axotomy of cells filled with 6-carboxy-fluorescein, that synapses between separate groups of branches can function independently. Thus, selective activation of branches of the thin anterior axon produced a synaptic potential 36 +/- 6% of control amplitude, which was consistent with counts of 39 +/- 6% of contacts made by these branches. Laser axotomy of postsynaptic neurons showed that the anterior contacts indeed made the principal or only contacts activated during anterior conduction block. The results show that conduction block can modulate transmission within the ganglion, and it operates by silencing particular contacts between cells.     

Distribution of epithelia and glands of the nasal septum mucosa in the rat.

A histotopographic study of the nasal septum mucosa in rats was made using semi-serial sections stained with PAS-hematoxylin, reconstructed in form of maps representing the structure in a sagittal plane. The stratified squamous, respiratory and olfactory epithelia and Masera's organ cover 14.8, 43.6, 41.6 and 1.8%, respectively, of the septal surface (117.1 mm2). In the vestibular region, only ducts of PAS-negative glands of the respiratory region are found, and below the septum there is the infraseptal gland with PAS-negative acini. In the respiratory region, PAS-negative acinous glands form two groups: the superior and the inferior one occupying 10.5 and 1.5%, respectively, of the septal area. PAS-positive acinous glands are in the inferior half of the respiratory region and in a small anteroinferior portion of the olfactory region. Besides goblet cells broadly distributed, the respiratory epithelium presents scattered intraepithelial PAS-positive glands which are concentrated in the anterior portion and close to the nasopharyngeal duct. In the olfactory region prevail Bowman's PAS-positive glands which are also present in the mucosa of Masera's organ, but are not seen in the olfactory mucosa of Jacobson's organ. In the latter, PAS-positive glands are found in the respiratory mucosa. Globular leukocytes, cells of connective tissue origin, are constantly infiltrating the superior regions of the respiratory and olfactory epithelia, being more numerous in female rats.     

Formation of the blood-testis barrier in the rabbit

Summary The time of establishment of the blood-testis barrier in the rabbit was studied by electron microscopy using lanthanum nitrate. This electron-dense tracer was present in the intercellular spaces in all regions of the seminiferous cords in 7 to 9-week-old animals. In 10 and 11-week-old rabbits, the penetration of lanthanum nitrate was restricted to the basal region of the seminiferous cords. Closer examination revealed the presence of numerous tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells. The morphological appearance of these junctions was similar to those described previously in other mammals. Entry of the tracer substance was restricted at these junctions. Pachytene germ cells, which reside beyond the junctions, were never surrounded by the tracer. Based on our observations it was concluded that the blood-testis barrier in the rabbit is formed between the 9th and 10th postnatal week, and that it is functionally effective by the 10th week.     

A novel population of neuronal cells expressing the olfactory marker protein (OMP) in the anterior/dorsal region of the nasal cavity

The olfactory marker protein (OMP) is expressed in mature chemosensory neurons in the nasal neuroepithelium. Here, we report the identification of a novel population of OMP-expressing neurons located bilaterally in the anterior/dorsal region of each nasal cavity at the septum. These cells are clearly separated from the regio olfactoria, harboring the olfactory sensory neurons. During mouse development, the arrangement of the anterior OMP-cells undergoes considerable change. They appear at about stage E13 and are localized in the nasal epithelium during early stages; by epithelial budding, ganglion-shaped clusters are formed in the mesenchyme during the perinatal phase, and a filiform layer directly underneath the nasal epithelium is established in adults. The anterior OMP-cells extend long axonal processes which form bundles and project towards the brain. The data suggest that the newly discovered group of OMP-cells in the anterior region of the nasal cavity may serve a distinct sensory function.     

Carbonic anhydrase VI in the mouse nasal gland.

Western blotting analysis of mouse nasal tissue using a specific anti-mouse secreted carbonic anhydrase (CA VI) antibody has shown that CA VI is present in this tissue. A single immunoreactive band of 42 kD was observed, as has been found previously for salivary tissues. RT-PCR analysis has shown that nasal mucosa expressed CA VI mRNA. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), CA VI was observed in acinar cells, in duct contents of the anterior gland of the nasal septum, and in the lateral nasal gland. The Bowman's gland, the posterior gland of the nasal septum, and the maxillary sinus gland were negative. Immunoreactivity was also observed in the mucus covering the respiratory and olfactory mucosa and in the lumen of the nasolacrimal duct. In contrast, an anti-rat CA II antibody (that crossreacts with the mouse enzyme) stained only known CA II-positive cells and an occasional olfactory receptor neuron. These results indicate that CA VI is produced by the nasal gland and is secreted over the nasal mucosa. By reversible hydration of CO(2), CA VI is presumed to play a role in mucosal functions such as CO(2) sensation and acid-base balance. It may also play a role in olfactory function as a growth factor in maturation of the olfactory epithelial cells.     

Three-dimensional structure of endothelial cells in hepatic sinusoids of the rat as revealed by the Golgi method

Summary The three-dimensional structure of endothelial cells in the hepatic sinusoids of the rat was studied by application of light- and electron microscopy on Golgi-impregnated specimens. A number of endothelial cells could thus be individually delineated throughout the hepatic lobules. The cytoplasm, showing heavy silver deposits, consists of two distinct areas, a thick and thin portion. The thick portion, issuing from the region of the perikaryon, branches and tapers toward the cell periphery. The thin portion, occupying the remainder of the cytoplasm, consists largely of highly fenestrated sieve plates. Some intralobular variation can be noted; the thick portion of the endothelial cells is well developed in the periportal zone, while the cells in the centrilobular zone are relatively rich in thin portions. In addition, the area of distribution of an individual endothelial cell is larger in the centrilobular sinusoids than in the periportal zone. Some endothelial cells also possess unique cytoplasmic processes projecting into the intercellular space between hepatocytes and connecting the sinusoidal walls of neighboring sinusoids. These processes may anchor the endothelial cells to the hepatic plates.     

Thin (actin) and thick (myosinlike) filaments in cone contraction in the teleost retina

The long slender retinal cones of fishes shorten in the light and elongate in the dark. Light-induced cone shortening provides a useful model for stuying nonmuscle contraction because it is linear, slow, and repetitive. Cone cells contain both thin (actin) and thick (myosinlike) filaments oriented parallel to the axis of contraction. This study examines the polarities of the cone's thin filaments and the changes in filament distribution which accompany light-induced contraction, in an attempt to elucidate the structural basis for the cone's contractile process. The proximal half of the cone is fixed to its cellular neighbors in the outer nuclear layer while the distal half is free. Thus, all shortening takes place in a necklike region (the myoid) in the distal half of the cone which extends into the space between the neural retina and the pigmented retinal epithelium. Thin filaments are found throughout the length of the cone, whereas thick filaments occur predominantly in the proximal (axon) regions of both light- and dark-adapted cones. Thus, thick filaments are primarily localized outside the region where shortening takes place. Observations from myosin subfragment-1 binding studies suggest that the cone's thin filaments are organized into two opposing sets. In the distal half of the cone (including the myoid), virtually all filaments have proximally directed arrowheads. In the more proximal regions of the axon, many thin filaments have opposite polarity, their arrowheads being distally directed. Near the synaptic proximal end of the light-adapted (contracted) cone, filaments of opposite polarities occur in approximately equal numbers. Thus, in the cone axon there appear to be two overlapping sets of actin filaments whose opposite polarities correspond to the two actin halves of a muscle sarcomere. In elongated, dark-adapted cones, thick filaments are localized throughout the axon region of the cone. In light, thick filaments accumulate towards the proximal end of the cone. These observations are consistent with a "sliding hypothesis" for cone contraction, in which thick myosinlike filaments produce sliding interdigitation of the two sets of oppositely directed actin filaments in the proximal axon region. Thus, the myoid thin filaments would be essentially reeled into the axon region to produce shortening. The mechanism of re-elongation depends on microtubules, as discussed in the companion paper.     

The distribution and colocalization of neuropeptides in perivascular nerves innervating the large arteries and veins of the snake,Elaphe obsoleta

Summary Single- and dual-labelling immunohistochemistry were used to determine the distribution and coexistence of neuropeptides in perivascular nerves of the large arteries and veins of the snake, Elaphe obsoleta, using antibodies for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, galanin, somatostatin, and leu-enkephalin. Blood vessels were sampled from four regions along the body of the snake: region 1, arteries and veins anterior to the heart; region 2, central vasculature 5 cm anterior and 10 cm posterior to the heart; region 3, arteries and veins in a 30-cm region posterior to the liver; and region 4, dorsal aorta and renal arteries, renal and intestinal veins, 5–30 cm cephalad of the vent. A moderate to dense distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactive fibres was found in most arteries and veins of regions 1–3, but fibres were absent from the vessels of region 4. The majority of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactive fibres contained colocalized substance P-like immunoreactivity, and these fibres were unaffected by either capsaicin or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) pretreatment. In the anterior section of the snake, the vagal trunks contained many cell bodies with colocalized vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and substance P-like immunoreactivity. It is suggested that the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/substance P-like immunoreactive cell bodies and fibres are parasympathetic postganglionic nerves. Neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive fibres were observed in all arteries and veins, being most dense in regions 3 and 4. The majority of these fibres also contained colocalized galanin-like immunoreactivity, and were absent in tissues from 6-OHDA pretreated snakes, suggesting that neuropeptide Y and galanin are colocalized in adrenergic nerves. A small number of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactive fibres contained vasoactive intestinal polypeptide but not galanin, and were unaffected by 6-OHDA treatment. All calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive fibres contained colocalized substance P-like immunoreactivity, and these fibres were observed in all vessels, being particularly dense in the carotid artery and jugular veins. All calcitonin gene-related peptide/substance P-like immunoreactive fibres appeared damaged after capsaicin treatment suggesting they represent fibres from afferent sensory neurons. A sparse plexus of somatostatin-like immunoreactive fibres was observed in the vessels only from region 4. No enkephalin-like immunoreactive fibres were found in any blood vessels from any region. This study provides morphological evidence to suggest that there is considerable functional specialization within the components of the rat snake peripheral autonomic system controlling the circulation, in particular the regulation of venous capacitance.     

The N-terminal region of twitchin binds thick and thin contractile filaments: redundant mechanisms of catch force maintenance

Catch force maintenance in invertebrate smooth muscles is probably mediated by a force-bearing tether other than myosin cross-bridges between thick and thin filaments. The phosphorylation state of the mini-titin twitchin controls catch. The C-terminal phosphorylation site (D2) of twitchin with its flanking Ig domains forms a phosphorylation-sensitive complex with actin and myosin, suggesting that twitchin is the tether (Funabara, D., Osawa, R., Ueda, M., Kanoh, S., Hartshorne, D. J., and Watabe, S. (2009) J. Biol. Chem. 284, 18015-18020). Here we show that a region near the N terminus of twitchin also interacts with thick and thin filaments from Mytilus anterior byssus retractor muscles. Both a recombinant protein, including the D1 and DX phosphorylation sites with flanking 7th and 8th Ig domains, and a protein containing just the linker region bind to thin filaments with about a 1:1 mol ratio to actin and K(d) values of 1 and 15 μM, respectively. Both proteins show a decrease in binding when phosphorylated. The unphosphorylated proteins increase force in partially activated permeabilized muscles, suggesting that they are sufficient to tether thick and thin filaments. There are two sites of thin filament interaction in this region because both a 52-residue peptide surrounding the DX site and a 47-residue peptide surrounding the D1 site show phosphorylation-dependent binding to thin filaments. The peptides relax catch force, confirming the region's central role in the mechanism of catch. The multiple sites of thin filament interaction in the N terminus of twitchin in addition to those in the C terminus provide an especially secure and redundant mechanical link between thick and thin filaments in catch.     

两种类型栓皮栎软木细胞微观排列与形态特征

采用扫描电镜对秦岭北坡楼观台地区的厚皮、薄皮两种类型栓皮栎软木进行细胞微观构造观察分析,并与欧洲栓皮槠进行比较,以阐明厚皮、薄皮栓皮栎软木的相关特性,为中国栓皮栎软木的合理利用提供依据。结果表明:(1)两种类型栓皮栎软木细胞的排列结构较一致,均由内部中空的封闭型薄壁细胞紧密排列组成;在弦切面上呈蜂窝状排列,径切面和横切面上呈砖墙状排列;在径切面上,软木细胞侧高整齐地排列成行,且与树干轴向垂直;在横切面上,软木细胞侧高整齐地处于以树干轴为中心散发出来的射线上。(2)栓皮栎软木细胞大小、细胞壁和侧壁褶皱等受生长季节的影响;从软木细胞形态特征上看,厚皮类型软木细胞壁薄、细胞体积大,其软木质量优于薄皮类型。(3)与欧洲栓皮槠比较,发现厚皮类型栓皮栎早软木细胞棱柱高较小(20.6μm vs.(对比)30~40μm),软木细胞壁略厚(1.7μm vs.1~1.5μm),细胞实体积(细胞壁体积占细胞总体积比例)略大(18.75%vs.10%),厚皮类型栓皮栎软木比欧洲栓皮槠的软木质量差一些。(4)受树皮生长应力的影响,两种类型栓皮栎软木细胞侧高壁上多发生褶皱,早软木细胞褶皱严重,晚软木细胞没有褶皱,但在早晚软木交界或含有杂质处褶皱特别严重,表明厚皮类型软木细胞的侧壁褶皱程度高于薄皮类型。(5)对细胞形态特征及软木特性等的分析表明,薄皮类型栓皮栎软木质量比厚皮类型差,未来对软木资源的开发利用应更注重厚皮类型。     

Ultrastructure of the excretory duct in the silk gland of the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The excretory duct in the silk gland of the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis consists of two morphologically distinct regions, recognized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The thin posterior region, adjacent to the glandular region, presents a regular surface. Secretory vesicles containing either electron-dense or fibrillar cuticular-like materials are observed in their apical cytoplasm; the same cuticular materials were detected as extracellular deposits among the microvilli. The short anterior region, near the common duct, exhibits surface protrusions; there are no secretory vesicles in their apical cytoplasm. These results show that only the duct cells at the posterior region are involved in the secretion of the cuticular intima elements. Desmosome-like structures were visualized linking together adjacent microvillar membranes only in the cells of anterior duct region, with unknown function. The transition between the duct and the glandular region is abrupt; the cells of the glandular and posterior duct regions present large amounts of microtubules. Nerve fibers can be observed between the duct cells in their two regions, suggesting that control of silk secretion may occur in the excretory duct via neurotransmitter liberation.     

Subsarcomeric distribution of calcium in demembranated fibers of rabbit psoas muscle.

Direct measurements were made of the Ca distribution within sarcomeres of glycerinated rabbit psoas muscle fibers in rigor using electron probe x-ray microanalysis. Both analogue raster analysis and digital x-ray imaging were used to quantitate the Ca distribution along thick and thin filaments as a function of the concentration of free Ca2+. Even when corrected for the estimated contribution of Ca bound to thick filaments, the Ca measured in the region of overlap between thick and thin filaments significantly exceeded the Ca in the I-band at subsaturating concentrations of free Ca2+. At saturating levels of free Ca2+, the excess Ca in the overlap region was diminished but still statistically significant. The data thus suggest that the formation of rigor linkages exerts multiple effects on the binding of Ca2+ to thin filaments in the overlap region by increasing the affinity of troponin C for Ca2+ and possibly by unmasking additional Ca2+ binding sites. The data also show that the cooperativity invested in the thin filaments is insufficient to permit the effects of rigor cross-bridge formation on Ca2+ binding to propagate far along the thin filaments into the I-band.     

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

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

Microanatomy of the digestive system of Supachai's caecilian,Ichthyophis supachaii Taylor, 1960 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

The gross anatomy and microanatomy of the digestive system of Ichthyophis supachaii were investigated. The microscopic structures of the digestive system are similar to those in other caecilians. Functional and developing teeth are present in adults. The tongue contains the genioglossus muscle. The digestive tract is elongated and consists of the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and adventitia/serosa. The oesophagus contains longitudinal folds and lacks oesophageal glands. We report for the first time the caecilian gastric rugae and specific localization of oxynticopeptic cells in the anterior gastric region. The intestinal folds are exclusively present in the anterior intestinal region. The liver comprises 30–40 incomplete hepatic lobes, lying in an imbricate manner. Each lobe is enveloped by haematopoietic tissue that produces and delivers blood cells into sinusoids. Hepatic parenchyma is organized into anastomosing, two‐cell‐thick plates, having sinusoids at the basal domain and bile canaliculi at the apical domain of hepatocytes. Pigment cells are scattered inside sinusoids. The pancreas contains pancreatic acini interspersed with islets of Langerhans. The gallbladder proper is thin and continuous with the cystic duct wall. Neutral and carboxylated acid mucosubstances are secreted along the digestive tract, while sulphated mucosubstances are not produced by the stomach and anterior intestinal regions.     

Segmental analysis of nasal cavity compliance by acoustic rhinometry.

To explore the determinants of possible collapse of the nasal valve region, a common cause of nasal obstruction, we evaluated the mechanical properties of the nasal wall. In this study, we determined the nasal cross-sectional area-to-negative pressure ratio (nasal wall compliance) in the anterior part of the nose in six healthy subjects by measuring nasal area by acoustic rhinometry at pressures ranging from atmospheric pressure to a negative pressure of -10 cmH(2)O. Measurements were performed at baseline and after nasal mucosal decongestion (oxymetazoline). At baseline, nasal wall compliance increased progressively from the nasal valve (0.031 +/- 0.016 cm2/cmH(2)O, mean +/- SD) to the anterior and medial part of the inferior turbinate (0.045 +/- 0.024 cm2/cmH(2)O) and to the middle meatus region (0.056 +/- 0.029 cm2/cmH(2)O). After decongestant, compliances decreased and became similar in the three regions. On the basis of these results, we hypothesize that compliance of the nasal wall is partly related to mucosal blood volume and quantity of vascular tissue, which differ in the three regions, increasing from the nasal valve to the middle meatus.     

Traction, prenatal development, and the labioseptopremaxillary region

Twenty-nine human fetuses ranging in age from 8 to 22 weeks were coronally sectioned for gross light microscope analysis of the labioseptopremaxillary region. In "normal" fetuses from 8 to 15 weeks, the septopremaxillary ligament was present. The horizontal and oblique fibers of the orbicularis oris muscle were poorly developed initially and increased in density with age. The anterior nasal spine and the alveolar process of the maxillae were present and in the same coronal plane. From 15 to 22 weeks, the horizontal and oblique fibers were well developed and inserted into the perichondrium of both alar and nasal cartilages. The septopremaxillary ligament was thus obliterated or more difficult to define, and the anterior nasal spine was located anterior to the alveolar process. In the cleft fetuses from 8 to 15 weeks, the nasal septum was absent or horizontally rotated. No septopremaxillary ligament or orbicularis oris fibers were noted, and the anterior nasal spine was not distinguishable. From weeks 15 to 20, the fibers of the orbicularis oris muscle were poorly differentiated, inserting asymmetrically into the perichondrium of the lateral alar cartilage on the noncleft side, the septopremaxillary ligament was absent, and the anterior nasal spine and the premaxillae were in the same coronal plane. These results suggest that the midfacial deficiencies seen in some cleft patients might have an origin in prenatal dysmorphology.     

Metal selectivity of in situ microcolonies in biofilms of the Elbe river.

The ultrastructure of natural complex biofilm communities of the Elbe river grown in situ on microscopic glass coverslips was studied by using transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis. Characteristic microcolonies which measured between 3.3 and 9.3 microm in diameter were frequently observed. They had an outer envelope and harbored 6 to 30 cells. The cells formed short rods measuring 1.09 +/- 0.28 microm (n = 10) in length and 0.55 + 0.07 microm (n = 21) in width. They were surrounded by a thick layer of electron-transparent, nonosmicated matter, 120 to 300 nm thick. Individual cells exhibited a unique ultrastructural trait, namely, a concentric membrane stack which completely surrounded the cytoplasm. It consisted of three membrane doublets, which showed an overall thickness of 57 to 66 nm. The center-to-center spacing between two membrane doublets was 22.2 +/- 1.0 nm (n = 12). The bacterial cell wall seemed to be of the gram-negative type. The fact that upon shrinkage hexagonal clefts appeared proved the cells to be tightly packed, and septum formation by binary fissions was observed. All of these morphological details indicate that the cells within these microcolonies were actively growing and did not represent spore-like states. EDX analysis showed that only the electron-dense surface deposit of the microcolonies contained Mn and Fe in significant amounts, while these two elements were absent from the intercellular space and the cytoplasm of the microorganisms. In contrast, aluminum ions were able to penetrate the outer envelope of the microcolonies and were detected in the intercellular space. They were, however, completely absent from the microbial cytoplasm, indicating a filter cascade with respect to aluminum. From the ultrastructural data together with the deposition of iron and manganese on the microcolony surface, it appears that these organisms may belong to the genus Siderocapsa or Nitrosomonas. They do not precisely match any of the described species and may therefore represent a new species.