Structure and histochemical characteristics of the mucosa of the Vater's ampulla in man (according to materials of aimed biopsies)]

Examination of 52 aimed duodenal biopsies has revealed that there are several variants of the structure of the Vater's papilla mucous membrane. In a number of cases it is identicalto the mucous membrane of the duodenum. In 20 cases the Vater's papilla was covered with mucoid epithelium which was histochemically similar to the epithelium lining the stomach, bile ducts and the gallbladder. The "intermedial" forms found in these cases appearedto be capable to change into mucoid or edging epithelium. The mucous cells occasionally found in the Vater's papilla epithelium might be a variation of goblet cells. It seems that they are secreting by holocrine type.     

Effects of growth and maturation on biliary structures of guinea pigs

The biliary system and major duodenal papilla of male guinea pigs were examined in vivo using intravital microscopy. Study of the photomicrographs and videotape recordings indicated that biliary organs changed with age and growth of the guinea pigs. Physiological data including the frequency of sphincteric contractions were recorded and efforts were made to correlate these data with changes in structure thought to be due to maturation. The volume of smooth muscle in the bile duct sphincter (measured using histological sections) increased with age as did surface area of the mucosa. The bile duct was separate from the pancreatic duct in each of 28 guinea pigs. Study of the guinea pig extrahepatic biliary system (EBS) allowed the isolated examination of effects of maturation on bile duct capacity. The anatomical reason for this is that the ampulla of the bile duct emptied into the duodenum (independently of the pancreatic duct) at the major duodenal papilla. The duct of the pancreas entered the duodenum distally (caudally) to the major duodenal papilla on the minor duodenal papilla. The separation of biliary and pancreatic ducts simplified the making of casts of the EBS. It is important to consider this feature in selection of a model for studies of bile duct function in living animals. Three anatomical techniques were selected to focus from differing perspectives on growth-related changes that occurred among the EBS of neonatal, juvenile and adult animals. These techniques were: The capacity (volume) of bile contained within the EBS was determined using plastic casts of the system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The nasopalatine ducts and associated structures in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta): topography, prenatal development, function, and phylogeny

Morphological and developmental characteristics of the rhesus monkey nasopalatine duct system and associated primary palatal structures are described along with functional and phylogenetic considerations. Examination of five adult palates and coronal sections of 13 fetal palates together with dissections of a sixth adult specimen and of a 119-day-old fetal palate reveal that the lateral lobes of the tripartate incisive papilla cover clefts leading into the ducts. The ducts pierce the bony palate to enter the nasal fossae in proximity to the incisive suture. The ontogenetic stability of the duct path reflects the retention of ancient duct and primitive choanae relationships and functionally maintains an optimal oral odorant-to-receptor channel. Sixteen timed pregnancy specimens (35-100 days) provided histological material for documenting rostral nasopalatal development. Duct primordia, identified at 35 days, had by 40 days formed the medial duct walls (conjoined septum-papilla from the primary medial palatal component), the lateral duct walls (maxillary processes), and the rostral walls (fused maxillary-intermaxillary components). The caudal walls derive from the fusion of palatal shelves with the papilla (45 days), thus distinguishing primary and secondary fusion modes. Duct epithelial maturation occurs between 70 and 100 days. The absence of a vomeronasal system is attributed to reduction of olfaction in reproductive behavior, while the presence of the coevolved nasopalatine ducts is linked to the persistence of epiglottal-velar valving. The ducts serve as oral food-odor conduits in otherwise functionally separated respiratory and digestive tracts.     

Immunolocalization of PTHrP in the sublingual glands of three mammals

The present study deals with immunohistochemical localization of PTHrP in sublingual glands of white mouse, bank vole, and common vole. PTHrP immunoreactivity was observed in epithelial cells of striated, interlobular and main excretory ducts of the salivary glands in all the three animal species tested. However, we found no positive reaction for PTHrP in epithelial cells of the intercalated ducts. In striated duct cells, the reaction intensity was species-dependent. In bank vole and common vole, the reaction was very strong, while in white mouse very weak. In the remaining segments of excretory ducts (interlobular and main excretory duct) we found no species-related differences in the reaction intensity or character. Myoepithelial cells surrounding ducts and mucous tubules with serous demilunes in sublingual glands were also PTHrP-negative in all the three animal species tested.     

Three-dimensional arrangement of dense connective tissue around the human major duodenal papilla. Including the ampullary region and the distal choledochal duct

Directionally arranged dense connective tissue fibres were investigated in 21 specimens of the major duodenal papilla. Specimens were examined using a stereoscope, polarization microscopy and serial histological sections at three different planes. Directionally arranged dense connective tissue fibres spread in a deltoid pattern from the orifice of the major duodenal papilla and its intraduodenal part to the circular duodenal musculature. Connective tissue fibres crossing at different angles form a texture from the orifice of the major duodenal papilla to the distal choledochal duct. The functional significance of the dense connective tissue fibres, e.g. for the muscular system in the investigated area, is discussed as well as possible reasons for gallstone impactions.     

The structure of the salivary glands of the human soft palate

The glandular layer constitutes the greatest bulk of the human soft palate and is composed of individual compound tubulo-acinar salivary glands. Connective tissue partitions of the submucosa divide the glandular layer into lobules of irregular shapes and sizes. The glands are interwoven and bound firmly together by a connective tissue stroma rich in elastic fibers. The secretory units consist of elongated, branched, and sometimes convoluted tubules lined by a single layer of pyramidal mucous cells. Mucous secretion by acini is supplemented to some degree by mucous acinar cells, which were found as epithelial components of all ducts except the main excretory ducts, suggesting a diffuse distribution of progenitor cells. Some mucous acini communicate with highly convoluted intercalated ducts which occupy partially isolated positions within inter- and intralobular connective tissue septa. These ducts follow the connective tissue septa and eventually join the main duct system. The significance of this system of intercalated ducts is not known. A supplemental functional role is hypothesized.     

Ultrastructure of the principal and accessory submandibular glands of the common vampire bat

The principal and accessory submandibular glands of the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, were examined by electron microscopy. The secretory endpieces of the principal gland consist of serous tubules capped at their blind ends by mucous acini. The substructure of the mucous droplets and of the serous granules varies according to the mode of specimen preparation. With ferrocyanide-reduced osmium postfixation, the mucous droplets are moderately dense and homogeneous; the serous granules often have a polygonal outline and their matrix shows clefts in which bundles of wavy filaments may be present. With conventional osmium postfixation, the mucous droplets have a finely fibrillogranular matrix; the serous granules are homogeneously dense. Mucous cells additionally contain many small, dense granules that may be small peroxisomes, as well as aggregates of 10-nm cytofilaments. Intercalated duct cells are relatively unspecialized. Striated ducts are characterized by highly folded basal membranes and vertically oriented mitochondria. Luminal surfaces of all of the secretory and duct cells have numerous microvilli, culminating in a brush borderlike affair in the striated ducts. The accessory gland has secretory endpieces consisting of mucous acini with small mucous demilunes. The acinar mucous droplets contain a large dense region; the lucent portion has punctate densities. Demilune mucous droplets lack a dense region and consist of a light matrix in which fine fibrillogranular material is suspended. A ring of junctional cells, identifiable by their complex secretory granules, separates the mucous acini from the intercalated ducts. The intercalated ducts lack specialized structure. Striated ducts resemble their counterparts in the principal gland. As in the principal gland, all luminal surfaces are covered by an array of microvilli. At least some of the features of the principal and accessory submandibular glands of the vampire bat may be structural adaptations to the exigencies posed by the exclusively sanguivorous diet of these animals and its attendant extremely high intake of sodium chloride.     

Morphology of gonoducts and male genital papilla, in the bluehead wrasse: implications and correlates on the control of gamete release

In the coral reef fish Thalassoma bifasciatum , males vary the number of sperm they release in successive spawnings with individual females in accordance with female body and clutch size. The morphology and histological structure of the male genital papilla, sperm duct, oviduct and surrounding musculature were examined in an effort to elucidate the mechanism permitting control of the number of gametes released during mating. In males, urinary and genital ducts pass separately through a common urogenital papilla and are associated with a striated sphincter muscle and a pair of thin, smooth ligament muscles arising from the first proximal anal fin radial and passing laterally around the sperm duct and oviduct. Within the papilla, the sperm duct resembles a narrow funnel whose inner walls contain longitudinal folds or septa protruding into the lumen of the duct. Dorsal to the papilla, the sperm duct enlarges and is divided into numerous, open chambers by irregular, longitudinal trabeculae. The wall of the duct and the trabeculae contain flat epithelium, smooth muscle and loose connective tissue. In females, the oviduct contains no trabeculae and is not divided into chambers. The ligament muscles are more thoroughly embedded in the sphincter muscle of the rectum than in males. Some ways in which these structures might control gamete release are suggested.     

Distribution of aquaporin 1 in the rat pancreatic duct system examined with light- and electron-microscopic immunohistochemistry

The pancreatic duct is the major site for the secretion of pancreatic fluid, but the pathway of water transport in this system is not known. Recently, intense signal for mRNA of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) water channels was detected in isolated rat interlobular ducts. Therefore, we performed light- and electron-microscopic (EM) immunohistochemistry for AQP1 in the rat pancreatic ducts. AQP1 immunoproducts were not observed in the acinar cells, centroacinar cells or intercalated ducts. In the smaller intralobular ducts less than 10 microm in diameter (the lumen plus duct cells), most cells were immunonegative. AQP1-positive cells appeared in intralobular ducts 10-15 microm in diameter. In small and medium-sized interlobular ducts 15-70 microm in diameter surrounded by periductal connective tissue 2-40 microm thick, most cells were AQP1 positive with various degrees of immunoreactivity. In the larger interlobular ducts, the expression of AQP1 was variable, ranging from immunopositive to negative. In the main pancreatic duct, most cells were negative for AQP1. EM immunohistochemistry of the intralobular and small interlobular ductal epithelial cells showed that the AQP1 immunoproducts were more abundant in the basolateral membrane than in the apical membrane, though they were present in both membranes. In the medium-sized interlobular ducts, AQP1 immunoproducts were distributed densely along the apical, lateral interdigitation and basal membrane of the epithelial cells. In the various sizes of interlobular ducts, immunoproducts were associated not only with the plasma membrane, but also with the caveolae and vesicle-like structures. Secretin did not induce any significant difference in AQP1 expression and cellular and subcellular localization. These results indicate that the expression and subcellular localization of AQP1 vary considerably depending on the duct size, which may reflect water transport characteristics in the different divisions of the pancreatic duct system.     

Male and female reproductive morphology in the inseminating genus Astroblepus (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes: Astroblepidae)

The structure of the reproductive organs of males and females of four species of Astroblepus were studied by light microscopy and TEM. In females, the gonadal and urinary orifices are separated. The urinary pore opens at the tip of a urinary papilla. In males, the testes conform to the anastomosing tubular type. Spermatogenesis is partially cystic, with most spermatid stages taking place within the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. The sperm ducts pass through seminal vesicles. The main sperm ducts fuse and join the urinary duct to form a urogenital duct that passes through to the tip of an long urogenital papilla. A circularly arranged skeletal muscle at the base of the urogenital papilla probably serves as a sphincter. The spermatozoon is an anacrosomal introsperm with an elongate, conical nucleus and an elongate midpiece. The midpiece contains numerous fused mitochondria that form rings within the cytoplasmic collar, but no vesicles were observed. The flagellum has a classic 9 + 2 axoneme with the A-tubules of the peripheral doublets being electron-dense. Two lateral fins on the posterior part of the flagellum have electron-dense termini. Nuclear chromatin is highly condensed, and the two centrioles are oriented perpendicularly to one another and are contained within a nuclear fossa.     

Age-related changes of elements and relationships among elements in the common bile and pancreatic ducts

To elucidate compositional changes of the common bile and main pancreatic ducts with aging, the authors investigated age-related changes of element contents in the common bile and pancreatic ducts by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. After ordinary dissection by medical students was finished, the common bile ducts and main pancreatic ducts (pancreatic ducts) were resected and the element contents were determined. The Mg content increased significantly only in the pancreatic duct with aging, but the other element contents did not change significantly in both the common bile and pancreatic ducts with aging. Regarding the relationship among the elements, significant direct correlations were found among the contents of Ca, P, S, and Mg in the common bile ducts, with some exceptions between P and either S or Mg contents. In the pancreatic ducts, significant direct correlations were found between S and Mg contents and between P and Na contents. The relationships in the elements between the common bile and pancreatic ducts were examined. It was found that there were significant direct correlations in the Ca, Mg, and Fe contents between the common bile and pancreatic ducts; that is, as Ca, Mg, and Fe increased in the common bile duct, they increased simultaneously in the pancreatic duct.     

Heterogeneity of the ABH antigenic determinants expressed in human pyloric and duodenal mucosae

We defined the chemical structure and the genetic control of the various A or B determinants expressed by pyloric and duodenal epithelial cells by indirect immunofluorescent staining using monoclonal anti-A or anti-B reagents that recognize only certain variants of A or B antigenic determinants.Some mucous cells in pyloric and Brünner's glands express AY or BY antigens whereas other mucous cells in the same glands express only the Y antigen. Absorptive and goblet cells of the duodenal villi and Lieberkühn glands express mono- and difucosylated A or B structures, mainly of type 1. The pyloric surface epithelium expresses mono- and difucosylated, type 1 and type 2, A or B structures. In addition, A or B antigens, with a so far undefined structure are found in the pyloric surface mucosae of non-secretor individuals.     

Membrane localization of H+ and HCO3- transporters in the rat pancreatic duct

The pancreatic duct secretes alkaline fluid that is rich in HCO3- and poor in Cl-. The molecular mechanisms that mediate ductal secretion and are responsible for the axial gradients of Cl- and HCO3- along the ductal tree are not well understood because H+ and HCO3- transport by duct cells have not been characterized or localized. To address these questions, we microdissected the intralobular, main, and common segments of the rat pancreatic duct. H+ and HCO3- transporters were characterized and localized by following intracellular pH while perfusing the bath and the lumen of the ducts. In intralobular ducts, Na(+)-dependent and amiloride-sensitive recovery from acid load in the absence of HCO3- was used to localize a Na+/H+ exchanger to the basolateral membrane (BLM). Modification of Cl- gradients across the luminal (LM) and BLM in the presence of HCO3- showed the presence of Cl- /HCO3- exchangers on both membranes of intralobular duct cells. Measurement of the effect of Cl- on one side of the membrane on the rate and extent of pHi changes caused by removal and addition of Cl- to the opposite side suggested that both exchangers are present in the same cell. In the presence of HCO3-, intralobular duct cells used three separate mechanisms to extrude H+: (a) BLM-located Na+/H+ exchange, (b) Na(+)-independent vacuolar-type H+ pump, and (c) BLM-located, Na(+)- dependent, amiloride-insensitive, and 4',4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene- 2,2'-disulfonic acid sensitive mechanism, possibly a Na(+)-dependent HCO3- transporter. The main and common segments of the duct displayed similar mechanisms and localization of H+ and HCO3- transporters to the extent studied in the present work. In addition to the transporters found in intralobular ducts, the main and common ducts showed Na+/H+ exchange activity in the LM. Three tests were used to exclude a significant luminal to basolateral Na+ leak as the cause for an apparent luminal Na+/H+ exchange in an HCO3- secreting cells: (a) addition of amiloride and removal of Na+ from the LM had a profound effect on Na+/H+ exchange activity on the BLM and vice versa; (b) inhibition of all transporters in the BLM by bathing the duct in the inert hydrocarbon Fluorinert FC-75 did not prevent cytosolic acidification caused by removal of luminal Na+; and (c) luminal Na+ did not activate the basolateral Na(+)-dependent HCO3- transporter. An Na(+)-independent, bafilomycin-sensitive H+ pumping activity was marginal in the absence of HCO3-.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

An ultrastructural study of the submandibular glands of the squirrel monkey, Saimiri sciureus

In squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) the position of submandibular glands in the neck, on either side of the trachea, more closely resembles that of rodents than that of other primates. The glands exhibit seromucous acini and mucous tubules with seromucous demilunes. Electron microscopy shows basal cytoplasmic folds and well-developed intercellular tissue spaces and canaliculi only in relation to seromucous cells. Greatly dilated cisternae of the granular endoplasmic reticulum and prominent Golgi membranes are characteristic of the mucous cells. The secretory granules of seromucous and mucous cells are morphologically distinct and indicate chemically different products for the two cell types. Histochemically, the seromucous cell shows the presence of acid mucosubstance as indicated by the PAS and Alcian blue techniques. Preliminary studies showed no appreciable quantity of amylase in submandibular glands. The intercalated duct cell is juxtaposed with the acinar cell or mucous tubule cell. Short luminal microvilli, prominent Golgi complexes and scant apical granules are notable features of intercalated duct cells. Four cell types compose the striated ducts, viz., granular light cells, agranular dark cells, vesiculated dark cells, and basal cells. Peripheral nerves are found in five different locations: in the connective tissue (interstitial), between adjacent myoepithelial and mucous-secreting cells, in the intercellular space between adjacent secretory cells, and between basal plications of striated ducts and between adjacent myoepithelial and intercalated duct cells.     

东方杯叶吸虫体被的超微结构

扫描电镜显示东方杯叶吸虫体被有许多族生棘,具纤毛乳突和无纤毛窝状乳突,附着器皮层特化为微毛。透射电镜观察表明,皮层是由合胞体、基膜和肌肉层组成,合胞体通过细胞通道与皮层细胞相连。文中详细描述了这些结构,揭示无纤毛窝状乳突为腺乳突,皮层细胞间存在线粒体细胞和附着器皮层形成微毛,探讨了这些结构的生理功能。体外培养成虫皮层结构的某些不正常变化,如皮层细胞的空虚松散,可作为评价吸虫体外培养的一种指标。     

Developmental sequence for the copulatory organs of Kontikia mexicana with remarks on taxonomic significance (Turbellaria: Tricladida: Geoplanidae)

Five specimens, presumably representing different developmental stages of the land planarian Kontikia mexicana (Hyman, 1939), were used to reconstruct the development of the copulatory apparatus in this species. The results support the notion that Kontikia differs from the closely related Caenoplana in its possession of a penis papilla. In the earliest stage available, a penis papilla was absent and other components were not differentiated. In a late-juvenile condition, the gonopore, seminal vesicle, and ejaculatory duct were present. The short penis papilla appeared to arise in this stage by elongation of the terminal tissue around the ejaculatory duct and its separation from the antral wall. The female canal was guarded by an epithelial fold and the glandular duct was present. In the mature condition, the penis papilla was more elongate, and the secretory (prostatic) region of the ejaculatory duct was functional. The female canal, guarded by an epithelial fold, was well-developed with enlarged glandular duct but lacking the posterior diverticulum and the sperm storage system associated with the ovovitelline ducts known in Kontikia orana Froehlich, 1955.     

Clinico-morphological and histological studies of the foveola palatina

The occurrence of foeveola palatina was studied in 264 patients. The distance of the foveola palatina from the papilla incisiva and palatinal raphe was measured. Light and electron microscopic examinations were carried out on specimens obtained from cadavers. It was found that ducts of functioning mucous glands open into the foveolar lumen lined by stratified epithelium.     

Basolateral glucose transport in distal segments of the dog nephron

The transport of glucose by canine thick ascending limbs (TAL) and inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCD) was studied using tubule suspensions and membrane vesicles. The uptake of D-[14C(U)]glucose by a suspension of intact TAL tubules was reduced largely by phloretin (Pt), moderately by phlorizin (Pz), and completely suppressed by a combination of both agents. A selective effect of Pz on the transport of [14C]alpha-methyl-D-glucoside, but not on 2-[3H]deoxyglucose, was also observed in TAL tubules. In contrast, glucose transport was unaffected by Pz but entirely suppressed by Pt alone in IMCD tubules. The metabolism of glucose was largely suppressed by Pt but unaffected by Pz in both types of tubules. Membrane vesicles were prepared from the red medulla and the white papilla or from TAL and IMCD tubules isolated from these tissues. Vesicle preparations from both tissues demonstrated a predominant carrier-mediated, sodium-independent, Pt- and cytochalasin B-sensitive glucose transport. Following purification of basolateral membrane on a Percoll gradient, the sodium-insensitive D-[14C(U)]glucose transport activity copurified with the activity of the basolateral marker Na(+)-K+ ATPase in both tissues. However, a small sodium-dependent and Pz-sensitive component of glucose transport was found in membrane vesicles prepared from the red medulla or from thick ascending limb tubules but not from the papilla nor collecting duct tubules. The kinetic analysis of the major sodium-independent processes showed that the affinity of the transporter for glucose was greater in collecting ducts (Km = 2.3 mM) than in thick ascending limbs (Km = 4.9 mM). We conclude that glucose gains access into the cells largely through a basolateral facilitated diffusion process in both segments. However a small sodium-glucose cotransport is also detected in membranes of TAL tubules. The transport of glucose presents an axial differentiation in the affinity of glucose transporters in the renal medulla, ensuring an adequate supply of glucose to the glycolytic inner medullary structures.     

Histology and mucosubstance histochemistry of ferret lingual glands.

The histology and mucosubstance histochemistry of the ferret lingual glands were studied. Both serous and mucous minor salivary glands were present in the posterior part of the tongue. In serous glands, acinar cells and a very few cells of the excretory ducts contained granules which gave reactions for neutral mucopolysaccharides only. The mucous glands, including the duct system, contained mainly weakly sulphated acidic mucin, some neutral mucin but no carboxylated mucin. Occasional goblet cells were present in the excretory ducts of both serous and mucous glands. They contained weakly sulphated mucin.