Ultrastructure of the parietal region of the brain after selective damage of the serotoninergic system

The selective lesion of the afferent serotoninergic system by means of intracisternal administration of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine produces certain structural rearrangements in a part of cellular elements and in various parts of the neuropil of the neocortical parietal area. The deficiency of serotoninergic innervation influences the metabolic processes. This is evident from the change in the structure of protein synthesizing apparatus in a number of postsynaptic neurons. It is possible that the structural rearrangements observed in the serotoninergic and in the conjugated to it mediatory systems make the base of functional disorders in the neocortex and are accompanied with certain changes in the integrative activity of the brain.     

Effect of gamma-radiation of an extremely high dose on the cerebral cortex of the rat (ultrastructural aspects)

For 24 h after total gamma-radiation of mature Wistar male rats (180-210 g) in the dose of 150 Gy, ultrastructural rearrangements of the cerebral sensomotor cortex are presented as small destructive changes in neurons, neuroglia and vascular endothelium. Total combination of the changes in ultrastructure of the blood capillaries and perivascular astrocytes makes it possible to suppose that permeability of the microvascular bed wall is increased. At this period, together with the destructive changes there are evidently certain compensatory-restorative processes, developing in the cerebral tissue. It is possible to suppose that already during the first hours after the radiation the ultrastructural changes of neurons are resulted not only from the direct effect of radiation, but from certain influences of the radiation damage of neuroglia and microvessels.     

The structure of the reticulum of Mauthner's neurons in tadpoles of the clawed toad grown under increased gravitational force]

The ultrastructure of the Mauthner cells (M-cells) and the behaviour of Xenopus laevis tadpoles, reared from eggs under increased gravity (2.9 g) which changes the activity of an afferent vestibular input, were investigated. Besides, a study was made of tadpoles after the hindbrain ablation at earlier embryonal stages which significantly altered the microenvironment of M-cells. It is shown that experimental treatments enhance the proliferation of endoplasmic reticulum and its derivatives, so called subsurface cisterns, in the subsynaptic areas. Some structural changes of the synaptic active zones and the cytoskeleton of M-cells were also noticed. It is assumed that the development of the endoplasmic reticulum promotes an intense removal of calcium ions from subsynaptic areas. The plasticity of the endoplasmic reticulum together with other ultrastructural changes apparently stipulate the adaptation of neurons to changed conditions of functioning.     

Ultrastructure of the serotoninergic system of the motor area of the cerebral cortex

Owing to the microscopical investigation, using selective neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, it has been possible to reveal the serotoninergic system and targets of its innervation in the rat cerebral cortex motor area. The serotoninergic axonal varicosities and synaptic boutons are present in all layers of the neocortex. Their large amount is revealed in the I and II layers. The terminals form contacts with dendrites of small size, sometimes they terminate on the head of the spines, as well as on bodies of neurons in different layers. According to their position and ultrastructural organization these neurons are, perhaps, pyramidal, that is glutamatergic, and those less in their size--refer to interneurons and can be GABAergic ones. Basing on own data and those of the literature, concerning the existence of nonsynaptic link for transmission of serotoninergic effects, a conclusion is made that a coordinating functioning of the synaptic and non-synaptic intercellular integrative mechanisms ensure a wide range of functions of the serotoninergic system in the cerebral cortex.     

Ultrastructural Modifi cations in Neurons of the Rat Frontal Cortex Induced by Intoxication by tert-Butyl Methyl Ether

We examined ultrastructural modifications in cortical neurons of the frontal part of the cerebral hemispheres of rats under conditions of chronic intoxication of the animals by tert-butyl methyl ether (TBME). Everyday doses of intrastomachic introductions of TBME in the experimental groups were 0.5, 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg. Within 60 days of the experiment, the animals preserved their viability even in the case of the highest TBME doses, but significant negative structural changes were observed in neocortical neurons under these conditions. A significant part of the mitochondria demonstrated swelling, decreases in the number of the cristae, destruction of the external membrane, and, finally, transformation into vacuoles. The endoplasmic reticulum underwent comparable modifications (dilation and destruction of the cisterns and intense vacuolization). The osmiophilia of the neuronal nuclei increased, and the latter were also deformed; the integrity of the nuclear envelope was disturbed. Other cellular organelles also underwent spatial redistribution and destruction. All these processes led to death of a considerable part of cortical neurons because of intense apoptosis followed by phagocytation of the apoptotic bodies by microgliocytes. The above-described modifications progradiently increased throughout the experiment (up to the 60th day). Their pattern was most dramatic at the highest TBME dose used (500 mg/kg), but the corresponding manifestations were quite obvious (although mild) even at the lowest doses (0.5 and 5 mg/kg). High polymorphism and variability were characteristic features of TBME-induced ultrastructural modifications in the rat frontal cortex. Therefore, TBME, an agent extensively used in industry and transport, which is believed to demonstrate relatively low integral toxicity, exerts powerful negative neurotropic effects on neuronal systems in the cerebral cortex and dramatically intensifies apoptosis in these structures.     

The relationship between the folliculo-stellate network and the thyrotropic cells of the avian adenohypophysis

Summary The folliculo-stellate network of the avian adenohypophysis consists of stellate cells surrounding colloid-containing follicular cavities into which cilia and microvilli project. Other identifying criteria are agranularity, junctional complexes at the apical pole, presence of cytoplasmic processes ramifying between adjacent secretory cells, and close appositions of plasma membranes linking folliculo-stellate cells and presumptive thyrotropic cells.Transmission electron microscopy reveals that TRH and L-DOPA induce simultaneous ultrastructural changes in the folliculo-stellate network and in the thyrotropic cells. TRH transforms at cell of the cephalic lobe into a highly hypertrophic cell in which enlargement of cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum containing secretory granules, development of a large Golgi complex, presence of newly synthesized secretory granules, and granulation of the cytoplasm are the main features. In the meantime, the follicular cavities become dilated by large amounts of homogeneous colloid. The administration of L-DOPA also leads to the development of dilated cisterns in presumptive thyrotropic cells of the cephalic lobe. Intracisternal granules, immature secretory granules, and large Golgi complexes, however, are not observed. Degranulation of the cytoplasm is obvious. The follicular cavities of both cephalic and caudal lobes are enlarged and filled with colloid in which granular elements are noted.The ultrastructural changes observed in thyrotropic cells and in the folliculo-stellate network reflect functional changes induced by the experimental manipulation. These changes may be related, directly or indirectly, or completely independent.     

Role of lipids in the assembly of endoplasmic reticulum and dictyosomes in neuronal cells from the cerebral cortex of Yakutian ground squirrel (Citellus undulatus) during hibernation

Phospholipids and cholesterol were assayed in homogenates and microsomal fractions from the cerebral cortex of summer-active, winter-torpid, and winter-active Yakutian ground squirrels (Citellus undulatus). Ultrastructural analysis of both microsomal fraction and intact neurons was performed by serial ultramicrotomy. The levels of sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PEA) were decreased in homogenates from the cerebral cortex of winter ground squirrels compared with the summer-active animals, while the levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cardiolipin (CL) were increased. The level of cholesterol was decreased in the cerebral cortex of winter-torpid animals compared with both winter-active and summer-active animals, and the level of total phospholipids was decreased in comparison to the summer-active animals. Three-dimensional reconstruction of serial membrane profiles displayed the microsomal fraction to be an interconnected system of cisterns and vesicles, which corresponds to endoplasmic reticulum and dictyosomes (Golgi stacks) of intact neurons. In winter the content of PC was increased in the microsomal fraction, while the contents of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), PS, phosphatidylinositol (PI), and SM were decreased. In winter-torpid animals compared with the winter-active ones the contents of total phospholipids, PEA, LPC, and cholesterol were decreased. As for the winter-active ground squirrels, their lipid contents did not differ from those in the summer-active animals, but LPC content was decreased. The changes in microsomal lipid contents in intact pyramidal neurons throughout the hibernation were accompanied by disassembly of dictyosomes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), including the decomposition of polyribosomes to monosomes. The ultrastructural analysis of nucleoli, ER, and dictyosomes of both winter-active and torpid ground squirrels showed a direct correlation between the increasing contents of both cholesterol and total phospholipids (mainly PEA and LPC) in microsomes and the structural recovery of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi stacks, and nucleoli in intact pyramidal neurons. A role of seasonal variations in lipid contents of brain cells in their adaptation to low temperature is discussed. We also propose an involvement of cholesterol in the activation of protein-synthesizing function of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi stacks in intact neurons.     

Ultrastructural restructurings in the rat cerebral cortex after ascorbic acid administration into the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid

A short increase of the ascorbic acid concentration in the rat cerebral cortex after intraventricular bilateral injection of 20 mcl of 0.1% or 1% solution of ascorbic acid, as well as intracisternal injection of 20 mcl of 0.5% solution results in a prolonged (no less than 21 days) ultrastructural reorganization in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cortical neurons: amount of lysosomes, polysomes, vesicles of the Golgi complex, subsurface cisterns increases; this demonstrates an increasing RNA and protein synthesis, catabolic processes and neuronal-glial interaction. Changes of ultrastructure of the synaptic terminals--decaying mitochondria in them, formation of myelin-like bodies and after interstitial injection, in addition, protrusions into the adjusting dendrite--demonstrate that synapses are also one of the points, where excess of ascorbic acid affects the CNS. In a long time 3 and 6 months after injection, the changes mentioned are not observed, but in the glial processes there are vacuoles, containing degenerating elements.     

Annulate lamellae and whorl bodies in the diffuse supraoptic nucleus of the hamster

The ultrastructure of neurons of the diffuse supraoptic nucleus of the hamster has been studied. These neurons show two specializations of the endoplasmic reticulum: annulate lamellae and whorl bodies. From one to three whorl bodies are found in the same neuron. The annulate lamellae and the whorl body cisterns are continuous with the cisterns of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. These neurons present an extraordinarily developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, small mitochondria, neurosecretory vesicles and a Golgi complex filled with electron-dense material. Astrocytic processes of different thickness surround the neurosecretory cells.     

Subsurface cisterns in the Cynomolgus retina

Summary Subsurface cisterns were found in retinal neurons of the Cynomolgus monkey. They were located in amacrine, bipolar and ganglion cells and were associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Subsurface cisterns were not found in Müller cells. The possible functional significance of the subsurface cisterns is discussed.     

An analysis of the ultrastructure of epithelial cells of the rat proximal tubule at early stages of penicillin elimination

A study was made of the ultrastructure of epithelial cells of the rat proximal tubules nephrons 25-30 seconds, and 15 and 30 minutes following penicillin injection. The morphological changes in the transporting cells that were observed involved the dilation of the inner cavities of canals and cisterns of the endoplasmic reticulum. The number of elements of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum concentrated on the periphery of the cell, near the basolateral border, was seen to increase. Microbodies appeared enlarged with the appearance of the nucleolus; the electron density of the cytoplasmic ground substance fell down. The space between cells augmented, and the interstitial space between infoldings of the basal plasmalemma was much broadened. Similar morphological changes but different in the intensity were found at either stage examined. The maximum changes were established 25-30 seconds following penicillin injection.     

Localization of calcium in the secretory cells of the mammary glands in response to oxytocin

Distribution of Ca2+ ions, precipitated by means of pyroantimonate potassium, has been investigated electron microscopically in secretory cells of the mammary gland of lactating white mice. In the glandular cells, that are at the state of inhibition of secretory activity, the cytochemical reaction product is localized on the internal side of the basal, lateral and apical parts of the plasmolemma, in mitochondrial matrix, in cisterns and in the Golgi complex vesicles, in the nuclear areas, occupied by euchromatin. Oxytocin effect produces a certain complex of ultrastructural changes in the cell accompanied by redistribution of Ca2+ ions. Amount of precipitate in mitochondria decreases. It is revealed in the lumen of dilated canals of the granular endoplasmic reticulum, in the zone of decondensated nuclear chromatin, in the Golgi complex vesicles. The vesicles become larger and fuse with each other. The changes mentioned demonstrate increased synthetic and transport processes, occurring in the glandular epithelium of the mammary gland after oxytocin effect.     

实验性运动病大鼠神经细胞钙离子超微结构定位变化

本研究采用正负交变加速度旋转刺激法制备大鼠运动病模型,并用钙离子（Ｃａ２＋）超微结构定位法观察了运动病大鼠大脑皮质、小脑皮质和脑干前庭区神经细胞中的Ｃａ２＋变化。结果表明,运动病大鼠大脑皮质、小脑皮质和脑干前庭区神经细胞胞质基质、线粒体和内质网中Ｃａ２＋反应产物增多。提示运动病的发生与中枢神经细胞Ｃａ２＋内流有关。     

The neurocytes of the caudal part of the tuberomamillary nucleus in Ovis aries L. (light microscopy and electron microscopy studies)

The neurons of the pars caudalis nuclei tuberomammillaris (pc-NTM) were studed light-microscopically and electron-microscopically in sheep and rams of Merino breed. In our study we observed: In the regarded neural nucleus, there is the majority of the great neurons (up to 60 microns in diameter) rich in the NISSL's bodies. When stained with the cresyl violet, the NISSL's substance is apparently stored mainly in peripheral area of the cell body and in the distant parts of numerous protoplasmic processes, what evokes an impression of the "jagged" surface of these cells. After staining with paraldehyde fuchsin, we found purple coloured lumps of irregular shape stored outside the cell bodies, in the neuropil. The less extended cells, usually with lower content of NISSL bodies, are in pc-NTM less frequent. In the electron-microscopic study we identified 3 types of neurons: Cells rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum; "light" cells, "dark" cells. The cells of the 1st type were the most frequent ones. Cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the 1st type of cells are often dilated. The protoplasmic processes of these cells are frequently stepped over by flat tubuli of endoplasmic reticulum. The 2nd type of cells is characterized by the light cytoplasmic matrix, low quantity of endoplasmic reticulum and frequent occurrence of lipofuscin bodies. The 3rd type of cells are characterized by the high density of cytoplasmic matrix, well developed GOLGI complex, and very broad cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum, forming a labyrinth, and it is bound to a broad perinuclear space.     

Ultrastructural organization of the septum pellucidum in dogs subjected to long-term partial intraspecific isolation

The dogs have been kept under conditions of a partial intraspecific isolation for a long time, beginning from early stages of the postnatal ontogenesis. The reactive changes in neurons, interneuronal contacts are shown to produce proliferation of neuroglial cells and a number of their ultrastructural reorganizations. Phagocytic cells--astrocytes and microgliocytes--activate. However, enhancement of trophic processes is noted, manifesting itself as hyperplasia of lamellar processes of astrocytes in the neuropil, as an increased number of neurons with subsurface cisterns, in their area an astrocyte process is constantly revealed.     

Post-coital ultrastructural changes in neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rabbit

Summary The effects of coitus on the ultrastructure of neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rabbit were studied. Changes first became apparent 1/2 h after coitum in neurons located near capillaries. More pronounced ultrastructural changes were observed in large neurons removed at 1 h post-coitus. These changes, characterized by well developed Golgi systems and rough endoplasmic reticulum, the presence of large dense-core vesicles and a significant increase in both neuronal and nuclear size, were also evident in neurons observed at 2 to 10 h post coitum. Similar ultrastructural features were not observed in the neurons of the control animals. The post-coital ultrastructural changes observed within these neurons suggest high synthetic activity which may concern the production sites of the neurohormone LH-RF. Two populations of dense-core vesicles were observed: a) those with a mean diameter of 849 Å, and b) those with a mean diameter of 1542 Å. The small dense-core vesicle is probably monoamine in nature; the larger vesicle may contain the neurohormone LH-RF. A third vesicle type with a mean diameter of 1836 Å and characterized by a granular content of low electron density was also observed. That this vesicle represents the immature form of the large (1542 Å) dense-core vesicle is suggested; however, morphological evidence supporting this hypothesis is inconclusive. There is also no evidence for the storage of secreted materials within the soma of these neurons. Immediate transport toward the median eminence is suggested.This investigation was supported by grants to the two senior authors from the Medical Research Council of Canada.     

Effect of actinomycin D on the ultrastructure of the hippocampal cortex

Ultrastructure of the CA1 zone in the rat dorsal hippocampus has been investigated after injection of actinomycin D into the cerebral lateral ventricles. Actinomycin D possesses a wider spectrum of action as it was previously thought. The data obtained make it possible to suppose that certain cerebral disturbances (in particular, memory), produced with actinomycin D, can be dependent on or stipulated by: decreased DNA synthesis in the neuronal nuclei, disorder of RNA synthesis in neurons and astrocytes, damage of the protein synthesis apparatus only in neurons with a dense granular endoplasmic reticulum, decreasing contents of functionally active neurons, possessing a loose granular endoplasmic reticulum, decreasing production of energy by mitochondria of synapses, neurons and astrocytes.     

Morphologic characteristics of locus coeruleus neurons after selective chemical damage to the catecholaminergic system of the brain

The initial part of the noradrenergic cerebral system--the locus caeruleus neurons--has been studied light and electron microscopically at various time after injection of 6- hydrodopamine (6-OHDA), a substance possessing a selective neurotoxic effect on the catecholaminergic mediatory system. Intracisternal injection of 6-OHDA (300 mcg) produces a number of reactive rearrangements in the neurons and large dendrites. Nevertheless, the death of the neural cells is not observed even by the 36th day.     

Similarity of junctions between plasma membranes and endoplasmic reticulum in muscle and neurons

The structure of membranes at junctions between the plasma membrane and underlying cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum in amphioxus muscle and mouse cerebellar neurons was studied using the freeze-fracture technique. In amphioxus muscle, subsurface cisterns of sarcoplasmic reticulum form junctions with the surface membrane at the level of the sarcomere I bands. On the protoplasmic leaflet of the sarcolemma overlying these junctions were aggregates of large particles. On the protoplasmic leaflet of the membranes of cerebellar basket, stellate and Purkinie cells there were similar aggregates of large particles. In both tissues, the corresponding external membrane halves had arrays of pits apparently complementary to the aggregates of large particles. Cross fractures through junctions showed that the particle aggregates in neuronal and muscle membranes were consistently located over intracellular cisterns closely applied to the plasma membrane. Thus, a similar plasma membrane specialization is found at subsurface cisterns in mammalian neurons and amphioxus muscle. This similarity supports the hypothesis that subsurface cisterns in neurons, like those in muscle, couple some intracellular activity to the electrical activity of the plasma membrane.     

The arrangement of endoplasmic reticulum and proteosynthesis in spinal ganglia neurons of dog after ischemia

The authors studied ultrastructural and biochemical changes in spinal ganglia neurons of dogs after ischemia. Partial spinal cord ischemia was induced by occlusion of the abdominal aorta just below the renal arteries and the arterial blood pressure was registered above and below the occlusion. - In the course of 2-4 hours' ischemia the amount of free ribosomes increased. In some cases the formation of filamentous material or tubular structures inside the cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum was apparent. The proteosynthesis declined. Incorporation of 14C - leucine into the spinal ganglion was 50% as compared to the control animals. The morphological and biochemical changes were more pronounced after 4 h ischemia.