Immunolocalization of androgen receptor, aromatase cytochrome P450, estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta proteins during the breeding season in scent glands of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus)

Aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgen to estrogen. Expression of P450arom in extra-gonadal sites and locally-synthesized estrogen play an important role in physiological conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cellular immunolocalization of androgen receptor (AR), P450arom, estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in muskrat scent glands during the breeding season. Histological observation and immunohistochemistry of AR, P450arom, ERa and ERβ were performed in the muskrat scent glands. In addition, total proteins were extracted from scent glandular tissues in the breeding season and were used for Western blotting analysis for AR, P450arom, ERα and ERβ. Histologically, glandular cells, interstitial cells, epithelial cells of the excretory duct and the excretory tubules were identified in the muskrat scent glands during the breeding season. AR was only observed in glandular cells of scent glands; P450arom was expressed in glandular cells and epithelial cells of the excretory duct; ERα was found in glandular cells, interstitial cells and epithelial cells of the excretory duct, whereas ERβ was present in glandular cells and epithelial cells of the excretory duct. Also, the positive signals of AR, P450arom, ERα and ERβ by Western blotting were all observed in scent glandular tissues. These results suggested that the scent gland is the target organ of androgens and estrogens, and that estrogens may play an important autocrine or paracrine role in glandular function of the muskrats.     

Comparative anatomy of excretory organs in vestimentiferan tube worms (Pogonophora, Obturata)

In the past, the excretory systems of only few vestimentiferan species have been examined in detail. This study presents comparative data on eight species on the basis of histological serial sections. Ridgeia piscesae was studied by transmission electron microscopy. All species examined possess a central excretory organ consisting of numerous small branching and intertwined excretory tubules. These are connected to voluminous glandular excretory ducts that lead to the exterior by single or paired excretory pores located at the anterior end of the vestimentum. A comparative analysis shows differences among the species with regard to several features, such as the number of excretory pores, presence/absence of excretory grooves and papillae, position of the excretory organ relative to the brain, and the shape of the excretory ducts. Neither podocytes nor coelomoducts could be detected; therefore, there is no indication of the presence of metanephridia. The vestimentiferan excretory system shows some similarities with the design in Athecanephria (Pogonophora, Perviata) and a general resemblance to the design in sabellid polychaetes, even though in the latter metanephridia are clearly present.     

The brain structure of selected trypanorhynch tapeworms

The brain architecture in four species of tapeworms from the order Trypanorhyncha has been studied. In all species, the brain consists of paired anterior and lateral lobes, and an unpaired central lobe. The anterior lobes connect by dorsal and ventral semicircular commissures; the central and lateral lobes connect by a median and an X-shaped crisscross commissure. In the center of the brain, five well-developed compact neuropils are present. The brain occupies a medial position in the scolex pars bothrialis. The ventral excretory vessels are situated outside the lateral lobes of the brain; the dorsal excretory vessels are located inside the brain and dorsal to the median commissure. The brain gives rize four anterior proboscis nerves and four posterior bulbar nerves with myelinated giant axons (GAs). The cell bodies of the GAs are located within the X-commissure and in the bulbar nerves. Highly developed serotonergic neuropils are present in the anterior and lateral lobes; numerous 5-HT neurons are found in the brain lobes including the central unpaired lobe. The X-cross commissure consists of the α-tub-immunoreactive and 5-HT-IR neurites. Eight ultrastructural types of neurons were found in the brain of the three species investigated. In addition, different types of synapses were present in the neuropils. Glial cells ensheath the brain lobes, the neuropils, the GAs, and the bulbar nerves. Glia cell processes form complex branching patterns of thin cytoplasmic sheets sandwiched between adjacent neural processes and filling the space between neurons. Multilayer myelin-like envelopes and a mesaxon-like structure have been found in Trypanorhyncha nervous system. We compared the brain architecture of Trypanorhyncha with that of an early basal cestode taxon, that is, Diphyllobothriidea, and present a hypothesis about the homology of the anterior brain lobes in order Trypanorhyncha; and the lateral lobes and median commissure are homologous brain structures within Eucestoda.     

Ultrastructure et cycle annuel des glandes annexes de l'appareil genital male de Campodea remyi Denis (Apterygota : Diplura : Campodeidea)

The accessory glands of the male reproductive system of Campodea remyi (Apterygota : Diplura : Campodeidea) consist of similar glandular units, each of which is made of a long secretory cell with a sieve at the tip of its extracellular cavity and a cell forming the excretory canalicule. During the annual cycle of sexual activity, they show morphological differences in terms of their size and the number of secretory granules. When ecdysis occurs, the cuticle of the ejaculatory duct and canalicules, the sieves, and the apical part of the glandular cells disappear. The gland's secretory products make up the spermatophore stalks.     

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.     

The labral glands in Centropages typicus (Copepoda,Calanoida). II. Sites of secretory release

Two groups of external excretory pores associated with glandular units (AU and LPU) were observed on the labrum, one pair laterally and three pairs posteriorly. Each external pore leads to an underlying conical, flask-shaped epidermal chamber. The wide base of this chamber is perforated by an internal pore that delivers secretions from the excretory duct of a glandular unit. The chambers serve to protect the internal pores from turbulence in the outside environment. Expulsion of secretions from the chambers is probably brought about by contraction of labral striated muscles, which synchronizes opening of the AU and LPU pores. A complex funnel-shaped structure forms the internal end of the excretory duct between each chamber and the corresponding pole of accumulation for the secretory product of a glandular unit. This structure, composed of an epidermal syncytium lined by a sleeve of several aligned auxiliary cells, probably ensures a tight connection between the epidermal chamber and the syncytium. The dorsalmost glandular units (LDU) have no pores in the vicinity of their poles of accumulation. Instead they secrete through cuticular ducts delimited by aligned auxiliary cells. External pores for these canals have not yet been located. The secretions of lateral pores may be mucopolysaccharides that play an essential role in agglutination of food particles soon after capture, while the secretions of posterior pores may contain glycoproteins that mix with food only after ingestion into the buccal cavity and probably start the process of digestion.     

Advanced squamous cell carcinoma involving both upper and lower lips and oral commissure with simultaneous reconstruction by local flap: a case report

Introduction

Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the skin and oral mucosa. However, squamous cell carcinoma involving near total upper and lower lip and oral commissure is rarely seen in the English literature. Simultaneous reconstruction of the upper and lower lips has been inconclusive and presents a challenge to the surgeon. We report such a case and outline our simultaneous reconstruction with local flaps. To the best of our knowledge this has never been reported.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old Thai woman presented with a large rapidly growing squamous cell carcinoma involving the upper lip, lower lip, left oral commissure and left cheek. En bloc resection of upper lip, lower lip, left oral commissure and buccal region was performed. Left radical neck dissection and right modified neck dissection were performed. Reconstruction of the upper lip with a left nasolabial-cheek cervicofacial rotational-advancement flap and right cheek advancement with perialar crescent flap was performed. The lower lip was reconstructed with bilateral labiomental advancement flaps.

Conclusions

Squamous cell carcinoma can grow rapidly and spread along the orbicularis oris muscle and across the oral commissure to the opposite lip. In advanced cancer, multimodal treatment is necessary. No gold standard in the reconstruction of both upper and lower lips has been established. We report the case of an advanced squamous cell carcinoma involving both the upper lip, lower lip, left oral commissure and buccal area and simultaneous reconstruction with local flap coverage that, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported.     

Some results of the study of trematode fauna of the freshwater mollusc Melanopsis praemorsa (L.) from Azerbaijan water bodies. Report 3. New species of stylet cercaria

The structure (illustrated by pictures) and differential diagnoses of 3 new closely related forms of stylet cercaria (Cercaria agstaphensis 8, Cercaria agstaphensis 21 and Cercaria agstaphensis 16) are given. Special attention was paid to the armament of the glandular apparatus, to the excretory and digestive systems, and to other taxonomically important structural peculiarities.     

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.     

Cytochemical demonstration of cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic nerve elements in Gorgoderina vitelliloba (Trematoda: Digenea)

Standard enzyme cytochemical and indirect immunocytochemical techniques have been used in conjunction with light and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) to visualize cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic nerve elements in whole-mount preparations of the amphibian urinary-bladder fluke, Gorgoderina vitelliloba. Cholinesterase (ChE) activity was localized in paired anterior ganglia, a connecting dorsal commissure and in the origins of the ventral nerve cords. Cholinergic ganglia were also evident in shelled embryos in the uterus. Serotonin-immunoreactivity (IR) was more extensive than ChE activity and was identified in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Serotoninergic nerve fibres were associated with the somatic musculature and female reproductive ducts. Antisera to nine mammalian peptides and one invertebrate (FMRFamide) peptide have been used to investigate the peptidergic nervous system in the parasite. Immunoreactivity was obtained to five peptides, namely pancreatic polypeptide (PP), peptide YY (PYY), neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP) and FMRFamide. Peptidergic nerve fibres were found to be more abundant than demonstrable cholinergic or serotoninergic nerve fibres. NPY-IR was identified only in the main components of the central nervous system. However, PP- and PYY-IR occurred in the anterior ganglia, dorsal commissure, main nerve cords and in numerous small varicose fibres that ramified throughout the worm. Additionally, PP-immunoreactive nerve fibres were found to innervate the musculature of the female reproductive tracts. Six sites of IR were found in the acetabulum, using antisera directed towards the C-terminal end of PP and PYY, and these matched with the distribution of six non-ciliated rosette-like papillae observed by scanning electron microscopy. SP- and FMRFamide-IR were identified in the CNS, and FMRFamide-immunopositive nerve fibres were also evident in association with the gonopore cirrus region and with the terminal excretory pore. Results are discussed with respect to possible roles for each of the neurochemical types.     

Postnatal growth of the rat palatine gland

To elucidate how the palatine glands grow postnatally, the palatine glands of rats from 0 to 8 weeks of age were investigated histologically and immunohistochemically. Under light microscope, three dimensions of the right part of the palatine glands were measured and the total number of excretory ducts of the glands was counted from the parasagittal serial sections. Immunohistochemistry with anti-5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) monoclonal antibody was also employed to detect the cellular proliferative activity. At birth (0 weeks), the palatine glands consisted of ducts and immature acini. The ducts in the glands were connected with excretory ducts. After 2 weeks, there was no duct in the glands. Most acinar cells became mature as mucous cells and took the form of tubulo-acini connected directly with excretory ducts. In the posterior region of the glands, serous acinar cells forming demilunes were occasionally seen. All three dimensions of the palatine glands became longer, and the number of excretory ducts tended to increase. Immunohistochemistry showed acinar and duct cells were highly proliferative in early stage of postnatal life and their proliferative activity decreased thereafter. This study demonstrated that immature rat palatine glands of newborn rats grow three-dimensionally during maturation, and that the parenchymal cell proliferation contributes to the growth of the rat palatine glands. In addition, it is suggested that the glandular tissue arises from the excretory ducts formed postnatally.     

扁玉螺中枢神经系统解剖及显微结构观察

对扁玉螺(Neverita didyma)中枢神经系统的大体解剖和显微结构进行了初步研究。结果表明,扁玉螺中枢神经系统包括一对口球神经节、一对脑神经节、一对侧神经节、一对足神经节及一个脏神经节。各神经节均由神经节被膜、胞体区及中央纤维网三部分组成。左右脑神经节之间和左右足神经节之间的联合以及脑-侧、脑-足和侧-足神经节之间的连索均较短。足神经节有明显的分区现象。     

Ultrastructure of the anterior alimentary tract of infective-stage Wuchereria bancrofti (Nematoda: Filarioidea).

The anterior alimentary tract of infective-stage Wuchereria bancrofti is divided into the following segments: stoma or buccal capsule, muscular esophagus, glandular esophagus, esophageal-intestinal valve, and intestine. Invaginated external cuticle lines only the anterior stoma. External cuticle and esophageal lining are not continuous and are ultrastructurally distinct; the latter is compared morphologically to the amorphous component of elastin. The glandular esophagus is a composite structure of a stellate contractile epithelial core, surrounded by a sleeve of secretory epithelium. The glandular cytoplasm shows evidence of formation and release of dense secretory granules. At least 2 nerve cell bodies lie within the esophagus approximately 15 micrometer anterior to the esophageal-intestinal valve and their associated processes pass forward and backward through the contractile epithelium. Materials interpreted as ingested flight muscle mitochondria of the mosquito vector appear in various stages of degeneration within the intestinal lumen. It is suggested that, although simple by comparison to some other nematodes, the anterior alimentary tract of infective-stage W. bancrofti functions in the ingestion and breakdown of nutrient materials. The ultrastructure of the excretory cell likewise suggests a functional capability.     

The Tail Gland of Canids

The tail gland of canids is a hepatoid glandular organ surrounded and penetrated by powerful hair erector muscles squeezing out its lipoprotein secretion onto the skin surface. The gland is most developed in solitary species (Arctic, red, and corsac foxes) where it is represented by powerful glandular layer with large secretion containers—cisterns. It is less developed in the jackal; there are cisterns but glandular lobes do not merge into a layer. In the raccoon dog, wolf, and domestic dog the gland is composed of small lobes without cisterns. Hepatoid glands of the tail gland are represented by two histological variants distinguished by the presence or absence of hydrophobic lipids in the secretory cells. The excretory ducts are formed by lipid transformation of the cellular bands.     

The effects of adrenalectomy on the harderian gland of the Wistar albino rats

Harderian glands of the Wistar albino rats normal and adrenalectomized were investigated by light microscopy. In normal, these glands have a tubuloalveolar structure. The gland is located in the medio posterior aspect of the orbit. It is lobulated and appears homogeneous in colour and texture. Harderian gland consist of tubules with wide lumina lined by a single layer of columnar epithelial cells surrounded by myoepithelial cells within their basal lamina. It contains porphyrin pigment which is stored as solid intraluminal deposits. The glandular epithelium possesses two cell types, termed A and B. Type A cells are more numerous. The single excretory duct of the gland is directly continuous with endpieces at the hilus and opens nasally and ventrally to the third eyelid. The excretory duct is accompanied by many acini of small serous glands around it. The tubuloalveoli of the gland is not divided into lobules. There is no branched duct system within the gland. The secretion seems to be associated with porphyrins, is essentially released by exocytosis, but holocrine secretion also occurs. The single excretory duct is lined by a stratified epithelium. The gland is surrounded by a collagenous capsule. The adrenalectomy, caused degenerative changes in the glands. Epithelial height was lower than in normal gland epithelium. Most of the acini were completely disorganised. The acinar lumina were filled with porphyrin debris. The results suggest that rat harderian glands are sensitive to adrenal androgen changes in both male and female rats.     

Histology of the esophagus of the adult frog Rana perezi (Anura: Ranidae).

Study of the esophageal microscopic morphology of adult Rana perezi by light and electron microscopy discloses some large folds throughout the esophagus that are in themselves ringed. Glandular ostia open in the furrows of the luminal surface. The esophageal wall is made up of a connective adventitia rich in melanocytes, a muscular tunica, a connective and glandular subepithelial layer, and a pseudostratified ciliated epithelium. This epithelium basically consists of ciliated, goblet, basal, microvillous-apex, and migratory cells. Two types of goblet cells are distinguished with regard to the granular ultrastructure. The microvillous-apex cell has not been found in other amphibians. It shows a very differentiated morphology with a high number of mitochondria. The basal cells give the epithelium a pseudostratified morphology, and they have a proliferative function. Glands are branched and drain through an excretory duct that has a monolayered mucosecreting epithelium. The glandular units are formed by two principal types of cells: mucosecretory and serous.     

The salt glands of Tamarix usneoides E. Mey. ex Bunge (South African Salt Cedar)

Tamarix usneoides is a halophyte tree endemic to south-western Africa. This species is known to excrete a range of ions from specialized glandular structures on its leaves. To understand the mechanisms involved in the transport, sequestration and excretion of ions by the glands, a study was performed on salt gland distribution and ultrastructure. The glands are vesiculated trichomes, comprised of eight cells viz. two basal collecting cells and six excretory cells, partially bounded by a secondary cell wall that could serve as an impermeable barrier, forcing excess ions to move from the apoplast of the surrounding tissue into the cytoplasm of the basal excretory cells. It was hypothesized that the ions are moved across the excretory cells in endocytotic vesicles that fuse with the plasmalemma or form junctional complexes, allowing ion movement from one excretory cell to the next. In the apical cell, the vesicles fuse with the plasmalemma, releasing the ions into the network of cell wall ingrowths which channel the ions to the outside surface of the cell. This study shows that there are distinct structural adaptations for the processing of ions for excretion, although the mechanism by which ions enter the cells still needs to be determined.     

Influence of plant ontogeny and abiotic factors on resistance of glandular-haired alfalfa to potato leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Laboratory experiments were conducted to characterize the trichome-based defense of glandular-haired alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., against the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris). Within-plant variability in leafhopper resistance was examined by caging adult leafhoppers to either basal or apical stem internodes of the leafhopper-resistant, glandular-haired M. sativa genotype G98A or the susceptible, nonglandular-haired M. sativa 'Ranger'. Young, actively secreting glandular trichomes are located on apical internodes of G98A, whereas senesced gland heads are found on older, basal internodes of G98A. After 96 h, the highest cumulative leafhopper mortality and lowest number of excretory droplets were associated with apical internodes of G98A. No difference was detected in mortality and feeding levels among insects caged to basal internodes of G98A and basal and apical internodes of Ranger. The influence of abiotic factors on leafhopper resistance was evaluated by caging adult leafhoppers to either G98A or Ranger under four combinations of low and high light (250 and 1,000 micromol s(-1) m(-2)) and temperature regimes (17 and 30 degrees C). After 96 h, the highest cumulative mortality was associated with leafhoppers confined to G98A under high light and high temperature conditions. Temperature level and plant type also had an effect on the production of excretory droplets, resulting in the highest number of excretory droplets being associated with Ranger under the high temperature regime. These results indicate that certain regions of M. sativa G98A are better protected against the potato leafhopper than others and that temperature influences resistance levels of glandular-haired alfalfa.