Insights on Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α-Positive Interstitial Cells in the Male Reproductive Tract.

Male infertility is a significant factor in approximately half of all infertility cases and is marked by a decreased sperm count and motility. A decreased sperm count is caused by not only a decreased production of sperm but also decreased numbers successfully passing through the male reproductive tract. Smooth muscle movement may play an important role in sperm transport in the male reproductive tract; thus, understanding the mechanism of this movement is necessary to elucidate the cause of sperm transport disorder. Recent studies have highlighted the presence of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)-positive interstitial cells (PICs) in various smooth muscle organs. Although research is ongoing, PICs in the male reproductive tract may be involved in the regulation of smooth muscle movement, as they are in other smooth muscle organs. This review summarizes the findings to date on PICs in male reproductive organs. Further exploration of the structural, functional, and molecular characteristics of PICs could provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of male infertility and potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches.

Three-dimensional ultrastructural and anatomical analysis of prostatic neuroendocrine cells in mice.

BACKGROUND: A few studies have examined the ultrastructure of prostatic neuroendocrine cells (NECs), and no study has focused on their ultrastructure in three dimensions. In this study, three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of mouse prostatic NECs was performed to clarify their anatomical characteristics. METHODS: Three 13-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were deeply anesthetized, perfused with physiological saline and 2% paraformaldehyde, and then placed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate (pH 7.3) buffer for electron microscopy. After perfusion, the lower urinary tract, which included the bladder, prostate, coagulation gland, seminal vesicle, upper vas deferens, and urethra, was removed, and the specimen was cut into small cubes and subjected to postfixation and en bloc staining. Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis was performed on NECs, the surrounding cells, tissues, and nerves using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography. RESULTS: Twenty-seven serial sections were used in the present study, and 32 mouse prostatic NECs were analyzed. Morphologically, the NECs could be classified into three types: flask, flat, and closed. Closed-shaped NECs were always adjacent to flask-shaped cells. The flask-shaped and flat NECs were in direct contact with the ductal lumen and always had microvilli at their contact points. Many of the NECs had accompanying nerves, some of which terminated on the surface in contact with the NEC. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of mouse prostatic NECs was performed. These cells can be classified into three types based on shape. Novel findings include the presence of microvilli at their points of contact with the ductal lumen and the presence of accompanying nerves.

Sheet-like interstitial cells connect epithelial and smooth muscle cells in the mouse prostate.

Epithelial-stromal relationship in the prostate gland is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, including functional differentiation, proliferation, and quiescence. Pathological stromal changes are believed to cause benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate stromal tissue is known to have several subtypes of interstitial cells that connect the epithelium and smooth muscle. However, the characteristics of their morphology and connection patterns are not fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigated the three-dimensional morphology and intercellular interactions of interstitial cells in the prostate ventral lobe of mature wild-type mice using immunohistochemistry and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy tomography (FIB-SEM tomography). The prostate interstitial cells exhibited immunohistochemical subtypes, including PDGFRα single-positive, CD34 single-positive, and CD34 and PDGFRα double-positive. PDGFRα single-positive cells were observed as elongated cells just below the epithelium, CD34 single-positive cells were observed as polygonal cells in the area away from the epithelium, and double-positive cells were observed as elongated cells situated slightly deeper than PDGFRα single-positive cells. Furthermore, connexin43-immunoreactive puncta were observed on interstitial cells just beneath the epithelium, suggestive of possible electrical connections among the PDGFRα single-positive interstitial cells. Three-dimensional structural analysis using FIB-SEM tomography revealed sheet-like multilayered interstitial cells that appear to separate the glandular terminal from the deeper interstitial tissue, which includes smooth muscle and capillaries. Further, epithelial cells might be indirectly connected to the smooth muscle and nerve fibers via these sheet-like multilayered interstitial cellular networks. These findings suggest that the cellular network that separates the glandular terminals from the deep interstitial tissue functionally bridges the epithelium and smooth muscle, possibly playing a pivotal role in prostate tissue homeostasis through the epithelial-smooth muscle or epithelial-stromal relationships.

Two tumor types in a unilateral testis in a patient with severe oligozoospermia and a history of cryptorchidism surgery: A case report.

Testicular cancer, the most common cancer among young male adults, is associated with infertility. A 38-year-old male patient was admitted to Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Japan, with infertility associated with severe oligozoospermia. Scrotal ultrasonography revealed two distinct tumors in the left testis: A mass with abundant blood flow on the cranial side and a mass with poor blood flow on the caudal side. Additional analysis revealed mild elevation of intact human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels (tumor marker level assessment), high testosterone and low luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels (hormonal level assessment) and severe oligoasthenozoospermia (semen assessment). The preoperative diagnosis was left-sided testicular cancer and severe oligoasthenozoospermia and the patient underwent left high orchiectomy and oncological testicular sperm extraction. Based on the pathological assessment, the cranial tumor was diagnosed as a seminoma with syncytiotrophoblastic cells, whereas the caudal tumor had only scar tissue with germ cell neoplasia in situ in the adjacent parenchyma. Following surgery, intact hCG and hormone levels of the patient were normalized, and the semen parameters (semen volume, sperm density, and motility) improved dramatically. To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the first report of two types of testicular tumor in a unilateral testis in a patient with a history of cryptorchidism surgery. The present case demonstrated that scrotal ultrasonography should be performed in patients with abnormal semen results to rule out testicular tumors.

Three-Dimensional Ultrastructural and Volume Analysis of the Redundant Nuclear Envelope of Developing and Matured Sperm in Mice.

The ultrastructure of the nuclear envelope (NE) and redundant NE (RNE) of the spermatozoon cannot be observed in detail using conventional electron microscopy. Thus, this study aimed to employ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography to fill this research gap. Male mice aged 13 weeks were deeply anesthetized, and the testes and vas deferens were extracted and processed for electron microscopy. In round spermatids, the acrosomal vesicle compressed the nucleus, and the acrosomal center was depressed. The nucleoli concentrated on the contralateral side of the acrosome formation site. In mature spermatozoa, the RNE accumulated in the neck with the residual bodies. The NE pores exhibited a hexagonal pattern. The body surface area and volume of the nuclei of spermatids and spermatozoa in each maturation phase were analyzed using FIB/SEM tomography. The body surface area and volume of the nuclei decreased during spermatid maturation into spermatozoa. The RNE converged at the sperm neck and possessed a honeycomb structure. The method used revealed that the nuclei of spermatids gradually condense as they mature into spermatozoa. This method may be used to analyze small tissues, such as RNE, and detect morphological abnormalities in microtissues, such as spermatozoa.

Three-Dimensional Ultrastructural Analysis of the Head-Most Mitochondrial Roots of Mice Spermatozoa Using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB/SEM) Tomography.

This study aimed to clarify the three-dimensional ultrastructure of head-side mice spermatozoa mitochondria. Six 13-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were deeply anesthetized, perfused with 2% paraformaldehyde, and placed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer (pH 7.3) for electron microscopy. After perfusion, the vas deferens was removed, and the specimens were cut into small cubes and subjected to postfixation and en bloc staining. Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis was performed on five mitochondria on the spermatozoa head using conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography. Conventional TEM analysis showed that head-side mitochondria were not spiral in morphology but clearly horizontal to the sperm axis. However, this was difficult to evaluate further using conventional TEM. In the FIB/SEM analysis, the first and second head-most mitochondria were flat and straight, with no helix, and shaped as an attachment plug with two electrodes, and their tail side contacted the third mitochondrion. The third mitochondrion was shorter than the fourth and fifth and had a semicircular arching structure. The fourth and fifth mitochondria were spiral-shaped and intertwined. The redundant nuclear envelope encircled the head-most mitochondria. This ultrastructural analysis clarified that the head-most mitochondria have a unique morphology.

Real-world treatment outcomes of patients with penile cancer in the Kyushu-Okinawa area of Japan in the pre-guideline era.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the real-world outcomes for patients with penile cancer in the Kyushu-Okinawa area before the introduction of practice guidelines in Japan. METHODS: We retrospectively collected medical information on patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma and penile intraepithelial neoplasia at 12 university hospitals and their affiliated hospitals in the Kyushu-Okinawa area from January 2009 to December 2020. Patients with unknown clinical stage were excluded. Patient background characteristics and survival, as well as pretreatment factors involved in survival, were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 196 patients were included. Patients with clinical stage 0, I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB and IV comprised 9.7, 26.0, 22.4, 2.6, 10.7, 14.3 and 14.3%, respectively. The median follow-up was 26 months, and the mean 5-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival rates were 74.3 and 79.8%, respectively. On univariate analysis, tumor diameter ≥ 30 mm, penile shaft tumor, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 1, cT ≥ 3, cN ≥ 2 and cM1 were associated with significantly poorer cancer-specific survival. On multivariate analysis, pretreatment factors of cN ≥ 2 (hazard ratio, 32.5; 95% confidence interval, 5.08-208; P = 0.0002), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 1 (4.42; 1.79-10.9; P = 0.0012) and cT ≥ 3 (3.34; 1.11-10.1; P = 0.0319) were identified as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed basic data for future penile cancer treatment and research, including survival rates according to clinical stages, and identified cN ≥ 2, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 1 and cT ≥ 3 at initial diagnosis as independent prognostic factors. Evidence for penile cancer in Japan is particularly scarce, and future large-scale prospective studies are warranted.

Sarcopenia and the Therapeutic Effects of Androgen Receptor-axis-targeted Therapies in Patients With Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by the progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and has been reported to be a poor prognostic factor for taxane-treated castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, whether sarcopenia affects androgen receptor axis-targeted therapies (ARATs) remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the association between sarcopenia in CRPC and treatment outcomes of ARATs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2015 to September 2022, 127 patients who received ARATs as 1st-line treatment for CRPC at our two hospitals were included in the study. We retrospectively evaluated sarcopenia using computed tomography images and investigated whether sarcopenia affects the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with CRPC treated with ARATs. RESULTS: Out of 127 patients, 99 were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The PFS of the sarcopenic group administered ARATs was significantly better than that of the non-sarcopenic group. Furthermore, in the multivariate analysis of PFS, sarcopenia was an independent favourable prognostic factor. However, there was no significant difference in the OS between the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenia groups. CONCLUSION: ARATs could more effectively treat patients with CRPC and sarcopenia than patients with CRPC without sarcopenia. Sarcopenia may positively influence the therapeutic effects of ARATs.

Preoperative testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone levels are important predictors for sperm retrieval by microdissection testicular sperm extraction in non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome.

This study aimed to assess outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (MD-TESE) and identify predictors for sperm retrieval (SR) in patients with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (NM-KFS). We retrospectively evaluated 37 patients with NM-KFS who underwent MD-TESE. Data of age at operation, body mass index (BMI), testicular volume, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), preoperative and postoperative testosterone levels with reduction ratio between the two values, and FSH/preoperative testosterone ratio were analysed. These patients were divided into two groups according to success or failure of SR: the successful and failure groups. Factors related to SR were evaluated by statistical analyses using the Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression modelling. Regarding these factors, the cut-off level was specified using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Moreover, the percentage of SR at that level was assessed. A simple scoring model was developed based on the multivariate analysis. Fourteen patients underwent successful SR, whereas 23 experienced failure SR. Statistical analysis found preoperative testosterone and FSH levels to be significant factors associated with SR. On the ROC curve, the cut-off levels for preoperative testosterone and FSH were 2.34 ng/ml and 33.2 mIU/ml respectively. A new scoring model was developed, consisting of preoperative testosterone (≥2.34 ng/ml) and FSH (≤33.2 mIU/ml). The sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) were clearly discriminated by stratification according to the scoring model. The SRR of the cases of scores of 2, 1 and 0 were 87.5%, 31.6% and 10% respectively. At our hospital, the SRR of MD-TESE in patients with NM-KFS was 37.8%. The patients with high testosterone and low FSH levels tended to demonstrate successful SR.

Three-dimensional analysis of interstitial cells in the lamina propria of the murine vas deferens by confocal laser scanning microscopy and FIB/SEM.

The present study aimed to explore the three-dimensional (3D) ultrastructure of interstitial cells (ICs) within the lamina propria of the murine vas deferens and the spatial relationships between epithelial cells and surrounding cells. Focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed. ICs within the lamina propria had a flat, sheet-like structure of cytoplasm with multiple cellular processes. In addition, two types of 3D structures that comprised cell processes of flat, sheet-like ICs were observed: one was an accordion fold-like structure and the other was a rod-shaped structure. ICs were located parallel to the epithelium and were connected to each other via gap junctions or adherens junctions. Moreover, multiple sphere-shaped extracellular vesicle-like structures were frequently observed around the ICs. The ICs formed a complex 3D network comprising sheet-like cytoplasm and multiple cell processes with different 3D structures. From this morphological study, we noted that ICs within the lamina propria of murine vas deferens may be involved in signal transmission between the epithelium and smooth muscle cells by physical interaction and by exchanging extracellular vesicles.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Interstitial Cells in the Smooth Muscle Layer of Murine Vas Deferens Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and FIB/SEM.

The smooth muscle contraction of the vas deferens has the important function of transporting sperm. Interstitial cells (ICs) play a critical role in the pacing and modulation of various smooth muscle organs by interactions with nerves and smooth muscle. Elucidating the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of ICs is important for understanding their spatial relationship on the mesoscale between ICs, smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and nerves. In this study, the 3D ultrastructure of ICs in the smooth muscle layer of murine vas deferens and the spatial relationships between ICs, nerves, and smooth muscles were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy. ICs have sheet-like structures as demonstrated by 3D observation using modern analytical techniques. Sheet-like ICs have two types of 3D structures, one flattened and the other curled. Multiple extracellular vesicle (EV)-like structures were frequently observed in ICs. Various spatial relations were observed in areas between ICs, nerves, and SMCs, which formed a complex 3D network with each other. These results suggest that ICs in the smooth muscle layer of murine vas deferens may have two subtypes with different sheet-like structures and may be involved in neuromuscular signal transmission via physical interaction and EVs.

Distribution, shape, and immunohistochemical characteristics of serotonin-immunoreactive neuroendocrine cells in the urethra and periurethral genital organs in mice.

The aim of this study is to clarify the disibution, shape, and immunohistochemical characteristics of serotonin-immunoreactive neuroendocrine cells (SIR-NECs) in mouse prostate and in the surrounding genital organs by histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the light microscopic serial sections of urethra. We collected lower urinary tracts from 13-week-old mice and observed the distribution pattern and shape of the SIR-NECs by serial light microscopy. The organs on the sections were divided into three anatomical zones to clarify the distribution pattern of SIR-NECs: (1) zone A, the ducts near the prostatic urethra; (2) zone B, the ducts outside the urethral sphincter; and (3) zone C, the acinus areas. Sections were double immune-stained with antibodies against serotonin and one of neuroendocrine-related factors (NRFs), including 10 neural cell markers and eight neurotransmitters, and also 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). In addition, SIR-NECs were double immune-stained with antibodies against cytokeratin 5 (CK5) and p63, together with DAPI. SIR-NECs were mostly localized in zone A, and no SIR-NECs were observed in zone C. The proportion of flask-shaped SIR-NECs was approximately 15% in zones A and B. No flask-shaped SIR-NECs were observed in urethral epithelia. The NRFs co-localized with SIR-NEC were calcitonin gene-related peptide, CD56, chromogranin A, neuron-specific enolase, neuron cytoplastic protein 9.5, and synaptophysin (72.3%, 73.2%, 88.9%, 92.3%, 91.7%, and 81.9%, respectively). CK5 and p63 were not co-localized with SIR-NECs.　In this study, SIR-NEC of the urethra and the surrounding genital organs was ubiquitous in the urethra and the ducts near the urethra and co-expressed specific nerve-related NRFs.

Morphological analysis of interstitial cells in murine epididymis using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

Smooth muscle contraction of the epididymis plays an important role in sperm transport. Although PDGFRα-positive interstitial cells (PDGFRα (+) ICs) are thought to be involved in controlling smooth muscle movement via intercellular signaling, they have not yet been reported to date in the epididymis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of PDGFRα (+) ICs in the interstitial space of the murine epididymis. Immunohistochemistry showed that PDGFRα (+) ICs co-labeled with CD34 (PDGFRα (+) CD34 (+) ICs were distributed in the interstitial space of the murine epididymis from the initial segment (IS) to the cauda of the epididymis. PDGFRα (+) ICs that were not co-labeled with CD34 (PDGFRα (+) CD34 (-) ICs) were observed just beneath the epithelium from the corpus to the cauda but not in the IS. Both types of PDGFRα (+) ICs were in close proximity to each other as well as the surrounding nerves and macrophages. In addition, PDGFRα (+) CD34 (-) ICs beneath the epithelium were also in close proximity to the basal cells. Using transmission electron microscopy, we identified ICs that possessed elongated and woven cellular processes and were in close proximity to each other, surrounding the cells in the interstitial space. In the murine epididymis, it is suggested that there are two subtypes of ICs that show different distribution patterns depending on the segment, which may reflect segmental differences in mechanisms of sperm transport, forming a cellular network by physical interactions in the murine epididymis.

Identification of PDGFRα-positive interstitial cells in the distal segment of the murine vas deferens.

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα)-positive interstitial cells (ICs) are widely distributed in various organs and may be involved in the motility of various tubular organs. We, for the first time, aimed to investigate the distribution, immunohistochemical characteristics, and ultrastructure of PDGFRα-positive ICs in murine vas deferens, using confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immuno-electron microscopy (immuno-EM). For immunofluorescence, we used antibodies against PDGFRα and other markers of ICs. PDGFRα-positive ICs were distributed widely in the lamina propria, smooth muscles, and serosal layers. Although most PDGFRα-positive ICs labeled CD34, they did not label CD34 in the subepithelial layers. Additionally, PDGFRα-positive ICs were in close proximity to each other, as also to the surrounding cells. TEM and immuno-EM findings revealed that PDGFRα-positive ICs established close physical interactions with adjacent ICs. Extracellular vesicles were also detected around the PDGFRα-positive ICs. Our morphological findings suggest that PDGFRα-positive ICs may have several subpopulations, which can play an important role in intercellular signaling via direct contact with the IC network and the extracellular vesicles in the murine vas deferens. Further investigation on PDGFRα-positive ICs in the vas deferens may lead to understanding the vas deferens mortility.

Ectopic subcutaneous transplantation of fetal rat urogenital sinus and seminal vesicle promotes the organ growth and formation.

PURPOSE: The fate of subcutaneously transplanted urogenital sinus (UGS) and seminal vesicle (SV) was investigated in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fetal UGS and SV extracted from 20-embryonic-day-old male normal and GFP transgenic rats were subcutaneously transplanted into 7-week-old male immunologically inhibited rats. The transplants were then examined at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks after transplantation. We analyzed the survival ratio, weight, and histopathology as well as the immunohistochemical characteristics of the transplanted tissues. For control experiments, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-week-old normal male rats were used. RESULTS: Almost all of the transplanted tissues survived under the skin, and the tissue weights increased over time after transplantation. The histopathological characteristics and immunohistochemical staining pattern with certain antibodies of the transplanted tissues were similar to those of normal adult rat prostate and seminal vesicle. The transplanted GFP transgenic tissues demonstrated spontaneous growth and organ formation under the skin, showing distribution and movement of transplanted cells and tissues. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneously transplanted fetal UGS and SV were able to develop into mature adult organs.

Properties of SK3 channel-expressing PDGFRα (+) cells in the rodent urinary bladder.

Localisation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα) (+) cells expressing small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK3) channels in the urinary bladder was investigated, while putative roles of SK3 (+) PDGFRα (+) cells in suppressing detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) spontaneous activity were explored. In guinea-pig bladder, immunohistochemistry for SK3 channels, PDGFRα or vimentin was examined, as were the effects of purinergic agonists on spontaneous phasic contractions (SPCs). In bladder of PDGFRα-GFP mice, the effects of purinergic agonists on intracellular Ca2+ signaling in PDGFRα (+) cells or DSM cells in situ and SPCs were investigated. SK3 (+) cells co-expressing PDGFRα or vimentin were distributed in DSM bundles but not inter-bundle spaces or lamina propria. SK3 (+) cells had a stellate- or spindle-shape cell body extending processes. MRS2365 (100 nM or 1 µM), a P2Y1 agonist, caused a transient contraction without inhibiting SPCs in both DSM and lamina propria. In PDGFRα-GFP mice bladder, MRS2365, (100 nM), ADP (100 µM) or ATP (100 µM) increased the Ca2+ level of PDGFRα (+) cells without suppressing spontaneous Ca2+ transients in neighboring DSM cells, and also failed to suppress SPCs. Preferential localisation of SK3 positive PDGFRα (+) cells in DSM bundles appears to indicate their functional interaction with DSM cells. However, increases in Ca2+ level of PDGFRα (+) cells upon purinergic stimulation are not associated with the inhibition of Ca2+ or contractile activity in DSM cells. Thus, it is unlikely that the SK3-dependent hyperpolarisation generated in SK3 expressing PDGFRα (+) cells is transmitted to DSMs to suppress their excitability.

Three-dimensional ultrastructural analyses of anterior pituitary gland expose spatial relationships between endocrine cell secretory granule localization and capillary distribution.

Endocrine and endothelial cells of the anterior pituitary gland frequently make close appositions or contacts, and the secretory granules of each endocrine cell tend to accumulate at the perivascular regions, which is generally considered to facilitate secretory functions of these cells. However, three-dimensional relationships between the localization pattern of secretory granules and blood vessels are not fully understood. To define and characterize these spatial relationships, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) three-dimensional reconstruction method based on focused ion-beam slicing and scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM). Full three-dimensional cellular architectures of the anterior pituitary tissue at ultrastructural resolution revealed that about 70% of endocrine cells were in apposition to the endothelial cells, while almost 30% of endocrine cells were entirely isolated from perivascular space in the tissue. Our three-dimensional analyses also visualized the distribution pattern of secretory granules in individual endocrine cells, showing an accumulation of secretory granules in regions in close apposition to the blood vessels in many cases. However, secretory granules in cells isolated from the perivascular region tended to distribute uniformly in the cytoplasm of these cells. These data suggest that the cellular interactions between the endocrine and endothelial cells promote an uneven cytoplasmic distribution of the secretory granules.

Anchoring structure of the calvarial periosteum revealed by focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography.

An important consideration in regeneration therapy is the fact that the tissue surrounding an organ supports its function. Understanding the structure of the periosteum can contribute to more effective bone regeneration therapy. As a cellular source, the periosteum also assists bone growth and fracture healing; this further necessitates its direct contact with the bone. However, its anchoring strength appears to be inexplicably stronger than expected. In this study, we used focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography to investigate ultrathin serial sections as well as the three dimensional ultrastructure of the periosteum to clarify the architecture of its anchoring strength, as such assessments are challenging using conventional methods. We discovered perforating fibres that arise from the bone surface at 30 degree angles. Additionally, the fibres across the osteoblast layer were frequently interconnected to form a net-like structure. Fibroblast processes were observed extending into the perforating fibres; their morphologies were distinct from those of typical fibroblasts. Thus, our study revealed novel ultrastructures of the periosteum that support anchorage and serve as a cellular source as well as a mechanical stress transmitter.

Subcutaneous transplantation promotes organ formation of the fetal rat urogenital sinus.

The aim of this study is to develop a novel experimental model of the subcutaneous transplantation of fetal urogenital sinus (UGS) into normal and castrated adult male rats for the pathophysiological investigation of the normal and developing prostate. Fetal UGS obtained from 20-day-old male rat embryos was subcutaneously transplanted into 7-week-old normal and castrated male rats. We observed the growth pattern, histopathological characteristics and immunohistochemical localization of cytokeratin 5 (CK 5), cytokeratin 8 (CK 8) and androgen receptor (AR) in the transplanted tissues. Almost all of the transplanted UGS organs gradually increased in weight over time in the non-castrated recipient animals, and the histopathological observations and immunohistochemical analysis of CK 5 and CK 8 revealed that the morphological changes in the tissues were in accordance with the features of normal prostate development. The histological characteristics included glandular epithelial dominant and stromal dominant area, with an increase in the glandular epithelial dominant areas over time and resemblance among a portion of the transplanted tissues within a certain period during the developmental course to the histopathology of human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The effects of androgens and resemblance in the immunohistochemical localization pattern changes in AR to that observed in the normal differentiating rat prostate were also noted. We conclude that the subcutaneous space provides an adequate microenvironment for UGS growth.

A useful treatment for patients with advanced mixed-type small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate: A case report.

Treating extended prostatic small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (PSCNC) is extremely difficult and no standard treatment has yet been established. We experienced a case of advanced mixed-type PSCNC in which the patient achieved long-term survival and local control following combined therapy. Locally advanced PSCNC causing lower urinary obstruction was detected during androgen-ablation therapy for stage D2 mixed adenocarcinoma PSCNC. The patient was treated with intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy using a reservoir system and external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to the whole pelvis and local tumor. After chemoradiotherapy, the patient's lower urinary obstruction was reduced and did not return during the remaining 40 months of the patient's life. The patient survived for 70 months following the start of the androgen-ablation therapy. The present study reports a useful treatment for advanced mixed-type PSCNC, androgen-ablation therapy and chemoradiotherapy. The present results also suggest that the prognostic factors for advanced mixed-type PSCNC are the sensitivity of the conventional adenocarcinoma to androgen-ablation therapy, degree of metastasis and extent of the small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma component.