[Choroidal osteoma and choroidal neovascularization]. / Osteoma coroideo y neovascularización coroidea.

CLINICAL CASE: A 27-year-old woman with metamorphopsia was diagnosed with choroidal osteoma (CO); concurrently choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was also suspected. Neither fluorescein angiography (FA) nor indocyanine green angiography showed signs of CNV. A course of oral corticosteroids improved the symptoms, but when it was interrupted, both, the ophthalmoscopic and the FA findings showed a well defined CNV. Two years following green argon laser photocoagulation the CNV is still inactive. DISCUSSION: The clinical and angiographic heterogeneity of the CO can delay the diagnosis and treatment of an associated CNV.

Expression of nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity in the rat choroid plexus.

The presence and localization of nerve growth factor receptors (NGFr) in the choroid plexus of the adult rat has been investigated immunohistochemically using an anti-rat NGFr monoclonal antibody (192-IgG). A moderate to strong immunoreaction was observed in the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, whereas the choroidal blood vessels and connective tissue remained unlabelled. Moreover, no sex-differences were encountered in the NGFr immunoreaction intensity and Bouin fixative was more effective than 10% formaldehyde evidenciating the NGFr immunostain. Occasionally, ependymal cells displaying NGFr immunoreactivity were observed. Present data demonstrate that the choroid plexus of the rat contain NGFr, probably low-affinity NGFr, and suggest an involvement of NGF in the regulation of cerebrospinal fluid secretion, but the importance of these findings, if any, must be investigated in future studies.

The oxytocin positive elements in the hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei of rats treated with histamine.

The oxytocin positive elements of the hypothalamic supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei, were instigated in 160 male rats through immunohistochemical, morphometric and statistical methods. The rats subdivided into five groups: 20 control rats; 20 rats treated with physiological saline intraperitoneal via (ip); 20 rats treated with physiological saline intracerebroventricular via (icv); 20 histamine (HA) treated rats, ip; and 20 HA treated rats, icv. Some labeled nerve cells appear, mainly, in the lateral part of the SON and the PVN of the control animals. These neurons have central nucleus and oxytocin positive cytoplasmic granulations. After the treatment with physiological saline, ip or icv, no alterations were observed. In HA treated rats, icv, numerous neurons and pathways were observed strongly labeled. Large droplets appear in the SON and in the PVN of these animals. In HA treated rats, ip, the oxytocin positive material is similar to that observed in the control rats. The morphometric and statistical studies confirm these findings. The results are discussed in this paper.

Ultrastructural, immunocytochemical and morphometric studies of pituitary prolactin cells after chronic administration of met-enkephalin.

The effects of chronic administration of met-enkephalin (40 micrograms/day, for 20 days) on the pituitary prolactin cells of Wistar male rats were studied at the light (PAP-immunohistochemical for PRL demonstration technique) and electron microscopy levels. The D. CIRCLE (mean diameter), D. MAX (maximum diameter) and FORM PE (circular factor of form; irregularity degree) form secretory granules, as well as their percent distribution, were also evaluated. The cellular alterations were variable. Most prolactin cells showed an increase in immunohistochemical reaction. At the electron microscope level the prolactin cells showed an enlargement and swelling of the RER and Golgi apparatus. The secretory granules were bigger and more spherical in experimental than in untreated and control animals. A number of cells showed a variable number of cytoplasmic vacuoles or a large central vacuole formed from dilated RER-cisternae. The authors discuss the possible mechanism whereby met-enkephalin exerts a control on prolactin cells.

Proximal skeletal muscle alterations in streptozotocin-diabetic rats: a histochemical and morphometric analysis.

The response of rat quadriceps muscle fibers to chronic streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes was studied. Transverse sections of rectus femoris muscle from diabetic and weight-matched control rats were assayed for myofibrilar adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR). A quantitative analysis was carried out by an automatic interactive analysis system focused on the fiber type size and distribution. STZ-induced diabetes caused important effects in this muscle, with changes in the distribution of oxidative enzyme reactions, type I fiber hypertrophy, and type II fiber atrophy, which was greater in type IIB than in type IIA. It is concluded that hypoinsulinism produces morphological alterations in proximal skeletal muscle fibers that are similar to those of neurogenic myopathy. Thus the pathological changes in these mammalian muscle fibers could explain the clinical syndrome seen in diabetic patients called "diabetic symmetrical proximal motor neuropathy," perhaps the least understood of the major neuropathic complications of diabetes.

Study of the rat TSH-producing cells after met-enkephalin treatment: effects of dopamine antagonists.

The effects of single and repeated doses of met-enkephalin (Met-E) on the ultrastructure and TSH-like immunoreactivity (IR) of pituitary TSH-producing cells, and TSH plasma levels in male rats and the influence of pretreatment with a dopamine antagonist, haloperidol, on these, were evaluated. Both acute and repeated Met-E administration produced changes in TSH cells consisting of: an increase in TSH-like IR, enlargement and dilation of RER and Golgi apparatus, size-increase of secretory granules, and the presence of a variable number of cytoplasmic vacuoles. The ultrastructural changes were more evident in the chronically treated animals, whereas no differences were found in IR-intensity between both Met-E treated groups. Haloperidol alone modifies neither ultrastructure nor TSH-like IR of TSH producing cells, but it prevented the Met-E produced changes. On the other hand, Met-E treatment resulted in a decrease of TSH plasma levels, but being significant only in the acutely injected animals. No variations were produced by haloperidol alone, but it prevented the decrease of TSH plasma levels stimulated by Met-E. Our results suggest that Met-E plays a role in the release of TSH, and that dopamine is implicated in this process. The possible mechanisms through which Met-E influences TSH secretion are discussed.

Effects of morphine on the pituitary-thyroid axis: morphological and analytical studies.

The morphology of the TSH-producing pituitary cells and the thyroid gland, and plasma TSH, T3 and T4 hormone levels, were studied in normal rats, in rats treated with 10 micrograms morphine (M) and in M-treated animals pretreated with naloxone (Nx) (10 mg/kg). Morphological changes in the pituitary TSH cells and thyroid cells of M-treated animals were minimal and were not modified by Nx pretreatment. Plasma TSH levels in M-treated animals showed a significant decrease (P less than 0.05), which was not blocked by Nx pretreatment. No significant changes in plasma T3 or T4 levels were found in either experimental group.

Acetyl-cholinesterase and mono-amine-oxidase activities in the microganglia of the thyroid gland in the rat.

The nervous microganglia of the thyroid gland have been studied in forty adult male rats, their morphology being analyzed by the osmium-zinc iodide technique their acetyl-cholinesterase activity (AChE) by an histochemical specific technique and their mono-amine-oxidase activity (MAO) by a tetrazolium technique. Few but constant microganglia were observed in the thyroid glands. These microganglia are formed by some 4 to 8 nerve cells. Intense mono-amine-oxidase activity (MAO) was found in the nerve cells of these microganglia, being absent in the rest of the thyroid gland. Intense specific acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE) was observed in the nerve cells scattered along nerve branches located in the connective tissue (single nerve cells or small cellular groups). AChE activity was not observed in the microganglia of the thyroid gland.

[Demonstration of sensor nervous endings in the rat thyroid gland]. / Mise en évidence de terminaisons nerveuses sensorielles dans la thyroïde du rat.

The nerve sensitive endings or receptors of the thyroid gland have been studied in twenty adult male rats. Their morphology, their acetyl-cholinesterase specific activity, their mono-amino-oxidase activity and VIP were investigated. Few but constant nerve sensitive endings were observed in the thyroid gland. These receptors were subdivided by their morphology in the next groups: pear-shaped receptors with capsule; capsuled spherical receptors located near vascular walls; ovoidal receptors with capsule and glomerular structure; simple or complex mace-shaped receptors without capsule. The acetyl-cholinesterase technique could just show a unique type or receptor, which corresponds with last one described. The mono-amino-oxidase technique can not show any type of receptors. VIP was not localized immunohistochemically in the sensitive endings of the thyroid gland.

Immunohistochemical study of the sensory formations in the glabrous skin of the rat.

The presence of some cytoskeletal proteins related to the intermediate filaments glial fibrillary acidic protein -GFAP and vimentin) and S-100 protein has been investigated in sensory formations of the glabrous skin of the rat. A positive reaction both for S-100 protein and vimentin was found in the inner core and related cells of glomerular and simple sensory corpuscles; in contrast, no positive reaction was shown for GFAP. The authors discuss these results on the basis of the glial origin of the inner core and related cells in sensory formations.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity in intraprostatic neurons and major pelvic ganglia in the rat.

VIP-like immunoreactive neurons have been found within the prostate and major pelvic ganglia of the male rats; they are of two different sizes. Moreover many VIP-like nerve fibers were found around the perikarya. On the basis of present data it is suggested that VIP-like prostatic nerves arise from both pelvic ganglia and intraprostatic neurons.

Localization of met-enkephalin like immunoreactivity in the glabrous skin of the cat rhinarium.

The presence of met-enkephalin like immunoreactivity (MEL IR) was investigated immunohisto-chemically in the glabrous skin of the cat rhinarium using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase Sternberger's method. Neither sensory corpuscles nor nerve bundles show MEL IR. MEL IR was found in the epidermal Merkel cells, as well as in Langerhans cells and/or melanocytes. In dermal papillae the reaction results positive in a number of cells which could be identified as Schwann or pigmentary cells.

Immunohistochemical study of cat Pacinian corpuscles: co-localization of vimentin- and S-100 protein-like in the inner core.

The presence of vimentin and S-100 protein in cat Pacinian corpuscles of cat mesentery has been investigated immunohistochemically (streptavidin-biotin method) using monoclonal antibodies. A positive reaction for both vimentin- and S-100 protein-like was found only in the lamellae of the inner core. The presence of vimentin and the co-expression of vimentin/S-100 protein-like in sensory corpuscles is reported for the first time. The authors discuss the origin of the inner core and capsule of sensory corpuscles on the basis of their immunohistochemical characteristics.

[Effects of met-enkephalin on the testis. III. Histoenzymatic study]. / Efectos de la met-encefalina sobre el testículo. III. Estudio histoenzimológico.

We studied the testis of Wistar rats weighing 280-300 gms. following the administration of a single, acute intracardiac dose of methionine-enkephalin (100 microliters of 50% met-enkephalin solution), or a chronic intramuscular dose (50 microliters of 40% met-enkephalin solution). Rats were sacrificed at 15, 30 and 60 minutes following acute injection. Those on chronic treatment were injected once daily for 10 or 20 days. For the study, we utilized 105 male Wistar rats; 30 comprised the control group, and 75 comprised the study group. The following staining methods were used: 1) succinate dehydrogenase, 2) lactate dehydrogenase, 3) ATPase, 4) acid phosphatase, 5) alkaline phosphatase. We observed marked histoenzymological changes in the rat testis. Particularly noteworthy was a marked change in the energy pathways consisting of a decreased activity of aerobic pathways (decreased SDH activity), increased anaerobic activity (increased LDH activity), and consequently, decreased cellular energy stores (decreased ATPase activity). Similarly, changes were observed in other nonspecific enzymes that led to a fall in acid phosphatase activity and a rise in alkaline phosphatase activity.

[Effects of met-enkephalin on the testis. I. Structural study]. / Efectos de la met-encefalina sobre el testículo. I. Estudio estructural.

We performed a structural study on rat testis using the hematoxylin-eosin and azocarmine staining methods. For the study, we utilized 105 male Wistar rats weighing 280-300 gms. Thirty rats comprised the control group, and 75 comprised the study group. Rats in the study group received a single, acute intracardiac dose of met-enkephalin (100 microliters of 50% met-enkephalin solution) and were sacrificed at 15, 30 and 60 minutes following injection, or a chronic intramuscular dose (50 microliters of 40% met-enkephalin solution) for 10 or 20 days. We observed marked numeric and morphologic changes in Leydig cells, as well as a blockade of spermatogenesis that led to a fall in spermatozoids and secondary spermatocytes. These changes were observed in all rats that had been submitted either to acute or chronic treatment, and were more marked in those where the interval between commencement of treatment and sacrifice was longer. These findings demonstrate that enkephalins (endogenous opiates) can cause profound endocrine and seminal lesions in the rat testis.

[Effects of met-enkephalin on the testis. II. Histochemical study]. / Efectos de la met-encefalina sobre el testículo. II. Estudio histoquímico.

We performed a histochemical study using the Alcian blue-PAS staining method (for mucopolysaccharide), vitamin C, Sudan black (for lipids), and methyl green-pyronine (for nucleic acid). For the study, we utilized 105 male Wistar rats weighing 280-300 gms. Thirty rats comprised the control group, and 75 comprised the study group. Rats in the study group received a single, acute intracardiac dose of met-enkephalin (100 microliters of 50% met-enkephalin solution) and were sacrificed at 15, 30 and 60 minutes following injection, or a chronic intramuscular dose (50 microliters of 40% met-enkephalin solution). We observed that met-enkephalin caused histochemical changes in the rat testis, as evidenced by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharide (early in the study), cytoplasm lipid degeneration, changes in protein synthesis, and a fall in vitamin C stores (in seminal epithelium cell lines, as well as Leydig cells). These changes were more marked in the chronically than in the acutely-treated rats. The foregoing findings demonstrate that enkephalins (endogenous opiates) can cause profound metabolic changes in the rat testis that affect all its metabolic elements [proteins, lipids, polysaccharides and active substances (vitamins...)].

[Microscopic innervation of the spermatic ducts and the testis. III: Tubuli seminiferi recti, rete testis and ductuli efferentes testis]. / Inervación microscópica de las vías espermáticas y testículo. III: Tubuli seminiferi recti, rete testis y ductuli efferentes testis.

The cholinesterase activity and ultrastructural characteristics of the nerves in tubuli seminiferi recti, rete testis and ductuli efferentes testis have been studied in Wistar rats. The tubuli seminiferi recti and rete testis are innervated by a dense network which has varicosities containing different types of synaptic vesicles. The nerve fibres are located between the smooth muscle cells and the fibroblasts, and under the epithelial basement membrane. Inside the ductuli efferentes testis, the nerves form perivascular, subepithelial and muscle plexuses. According to the positive reaction for cholinesterase as well as the characteristics of the synaptic vesicles, these structure have at least a double adrenergic-cholinergic innervation. Our results demonstrate that the nervous fibres in ductuli efferentes testis are more abundant than in tubuli seminiferi recti and rete testis. The role of the vegetative nervous system in the initial segments of the spermatic pathways is discussed.

[The small intestine in the presence of endotoxins in the blood. Effects of splenectomy]. / El intestino delgado durante la endotoxemia. Efectos de la esplenectomía.

We have studied the small intestine by morphologic and histochemical methods of mice treated with Serratia marcescens endotoxin (LD50); the half of the control and endotoxemic animals were splenectomized. We have not observed changes in the only splenectomized animals. We have found important alterations during the endotoxemia in the structure of small intestine, specially in the cells of the mucous membrane, as the cytoplasm and the nucleus. There are an increase of hemorrhagic phenomenons and of mucus, hemodynamic disturbances and loss of continuity of the intestinal wall. These changes are more notable in the endotoxemic and splenectomized animals than in the only endotoxemic animals. These results have be ratified by cytometric and statistic studies. The importance of the intestine in the endotoxemia and the function of the spleen are discussed.

[Microscopic innervation of the spermatic ducts and testis. I. Vas deferens]. / Inervación microscópica de las vías espermáticas y testículo. I. Vas deferens.

The microscopic innervation of the vas deferens in the rat was studied both in light and electron microscope. The nerve fibres form perivascular, intramuscular and subepithelial plexuses. Inside the connective tissue surrounding the vas deferens both isolated nerve fibres and sensory corpuscles (glomerular and Ruffine-like types) were observed. The varicosities and endings of nerve fibres contain synaptic vesicles of different sizes and electron characteristics. These varicosities were closely related to the smooth muscle cells and some of them lacked of Schwannian sheath. The nervous fibres were not in direct contact with the epithelial cells.