Morphofunctional changes of the astrocyte in rat hippocampus under different corticosteroid conditions.

In the present study, we examined the changes in the morphofunction of astrocytes in rat hippocampus under different circulating corticosteroid conditions by immunohistochemistry analysis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ultra-high-voltage electron microscopy. Each GFAP-immunoreactive cell showed a hypertrophic appearance with well-developed thicker fibrous processes, and the number and the density of GFAP-immunoreactive cells were increased 4 weeks after adrenalectomy, whereas the changes were restored to the sham-control level with corticosterone replacement. The morphometric changes were observed in particular around the pyramidal neurons of CA1 and in the subgranular layer of dentate gyrus. The quantitative analysis clearly showed a significant increase in the number and the density of GFAP-immunoreactive cells in the adrenalectomy group; following corticosterone replacement, these increases were returned to the sham-control level. These changes were also specifically revealed by stereo-observation with ultra-high-voltage electron microscopy. The astrocyte showed more complicated fine three-dimensional branching after adrenalectomy. These results suggested that both the structure and function of astrocytes were modulated by corticosteroids via glucocorticoid receptor.

Immunohistochemical Localization of the Water Channels AQP4 and AQP5 in the Rat Pituitary Gland.

The pituitary gland is composed of the adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis. The adenohypophysis contains endocrine cells, folliculo-stellate (FS) cells, and marginal layer cells, whereas the neurohypophysis mainly comprises axons and pituicytes. To understand the molecular nature of water transfer in the pituitary gland, we examined the immunohistochemical localization of the membrane water channels aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and AQP5 in rat tissue. Double immunofluorescence analysis of AQP4 and S100 protein, a known marker for FS cells, marginal layer cells, and pituicytes, clearly revealed that FS cells and marginal layer cells in the adenohypophysis and the pituicytes in pars nervosa are positive for AQP4. AQP5 was found to be localized at the apical membrane in some marginal layer cells surrounding the Rathke's residual pouch, in which AQP4 was observed to be localized on the basolateral membranes. These results suggest the following possibilities: 1) FS cells especially require water for their functions and 2) transepithelial water transfer could occur between the lumen of Rathke's residual pouch and the interstitial fluid in the adenohypophysis through the AQP4 and AQP5 channels in the marginal layer cells.

Analyzing the Association HbA1c control by Depression, social participation and Utilizing Self-management Questionnaire.

AIMS: In Taiwan, 24.7% of the population aged ≥65 years has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Only 23% of diabetes patients effectively conduct self-management. This study focused on the effects of self-management among type 2 diabetes patients aged ≥65 years on the effectiveness of their HbA1c control. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled patients aged ≥65 years with type 2 diabetes who were admitted to a metabolic clinic at a medical center and treated over six months. 192 patients were recruited, and data were recorded using structured questionnaires. The HbA1c level of the recruited subjects was measured for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Older age, education, living alone, and an above-average level of self-management were associated with increased HbA1c control effectiveness; patients who used insulin had worse HbA1c control effectiveness. CONCLUSION: That cohabitants living with diabetes patients affected the effectiveness of HbA1c control, suggesting that family members should also participate in self-management education programs. Given the advances in information networks, a lively and interactive mode of health education animation for uneducated diabetes patients should be developed, and medical teams should be encouraged to establish a two-way communication channel with patients improve the effectiveness of HbA1c control in diabetes patients aged >65 years.

Fiber connections of the corpus glomerulosum pars rotunda, with special reference to efferent projection pattern to the inferior lobe in a percomorph teleost, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Fiber connections of the corpus glomerulosum pars rotunda (GR) in a teleost, tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, were studied by biotinylated dextran amine injections into the GR and inferior lobe. After tracer injections into the GR, major groups of labeled somata were found bilaterally in the cortical nucleus and ipsilaterally in the nucleus intermedius. Numerous labeled terminals were found ipsilaterally in the central nucleus, nucleus of lateral recess, and diffuse nucleus (NDLI) of the inferior lobe. Some other connections were also elucidated in the present study, although these were less abundant. Notably, efferent projections to the inferior lobe were not evenly distributed within each lobar nucleus. Labeled terminals were confined to the cell body zone of central nucleus and the outer cell-sparse layer of the nucleus of lateral recess. The rostrolateral portion of NDLI and ventrolateral portion of middle to caudal NDLI received few GR fibers, the rostromedial portion of NDLI a moderate density of fibers, and the rest of the nucleus numerous fibers. These different portions of the NDLI, to some extent, also differed in other afferent and efferent connections, suggesting regional specialization of the nucleus. Furthermore, restricted injections to the lobar nuclei suggest different efferent projections of the component cells of the GR: large and small cells. The large cells project only to the central nucleus, whereas the small cells project to the NDLI and nucleus of lateral recess. Therefore, the two types of GR cells appear to constitute parallel pathways from the pretectum to the inferior lobe.

Fiber connections of the periventricular pretectal nucleus in a teleost, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Fiber connections of the periventricular pretectal nucleus were studied by a tract-tracing method in a teleost, tilapia. After tracer injections into the periventricular pretectal nucleus, labeled neurons were observed ipsilaterally in the area pretectalis pars ventralis, area pretectalis pars dorsalis, optic tectum and ventrolateral nucleus of semicircular torus, bilaterally in the ventromedial thalamic nucleus, principal sensory trigeminal nucleus and descending trigeminal nucleus, and contralaterally in the periventricular pretectal nucleus and corpus cerebelli. Two types of tectal neurons were labeled in the stratum album centrale and the stratum periventriculare. The somata in the stratum album centrale were large and oval or multipolar. The somata in the stratum periventriculare were pyriform with an apical dendrite that ramified at the boundary zone between the stratum griseum centrale and stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale. Anterogradely labeled terminals were present in the ipsilateral area pretectalis pars dorsalis, optic tectum and corpus cerebelli, the bilateral ventromedial thalamic nucleus, lateral valvular nucleus, oculomotor nucleus and inferior olive, and the contralateral periventricular pretectal nucleus. The present study suggests that the periventricular pretectal nucleus conveys somatosensory and mechanosensory lateral line inputs in addition to the visual information to the cerebellum.

Duplication of the inferior vena cava associated with other variations.

Multiple vascular variations, including duplication of the inferior vena cava, double renal arteries and anomalies of the testicular blood vessels, were observed during dissection of the retroperitoneal region of a cadaver of an 87-year-old Japanese man. The right inferior vena cava arose from the union of right common iliac veins and a thinner interiliac vein. This interiliac vein ascended obliquely from right to left and joined the left common iliac veins to form the left inferior vena cava. The right and left inferior venae cavae were of approximately equal width. The right testicular vein consisted of medial and lateral venous trunks. The two venous trunks coalesced to form a single vein, which drained into the confluence of the right inferior vena cava and right renal vein. The left testicular vein was composed of the medial and lateral testicular veins, which drained into the left renal vein. Double renal arteries were seen bilaterally, which originated from the lateral aspects of the abdominal aorta. The right testicular artery arose from the right inferior renal artery and accompanied the lateral trunk of the right testicular vein running downwards. The left testicular artery arose from the ipsilateral inferior renal artery and ran downwards accompanied by the left lateral testicular vein. In addition, the bilateral kidneys showed multicystic changes.

A new interpretation on the homology of the teleostean telencephalon based on hodology and a new eversion model.

Various hypotheses regarding the homology of the teleostean telencephalon with that of other vertebrates have been proposed to date. However, a firm conclusion on this issue has yet to be drawn. We propose here a new hypothesis with a new eversion model. Our hodological data and the analysis of dorsal telencephalic organization in adult cyprinids suggest that: (1) the area dorsalis pars posterior corresponds to the lateral pallium; (2) ventral region of area dorsalis pars lateralis to the medial pallium; (3) pars medialis, dorsal region of pars lateralis, pars dorsalis, and pars centralis of the area dorsalis to the dorsal pallium, and (4) nucleus taenia to the ventral pallium. We propose in a three dimensional model that the eversion process occurs not only dorsolaterally but also caudolaterally. We consider that the caudally directed component dominates for ventral zones of the pallium, or the lateral and ventral pallia; and the periventricular surface of these zones shift caudally, laterally, and then rostrally in teleosts with pronounced telencephalic eversion. This new model fits well with the putative homology based on hodology and the organization of telencephalic divisions in the adult brain.

Primary and secondary sensory trigeminal projections in a cyprinid teleost, carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Primary and secondary sensory trigeminal projections were studied by means of tract-tracing methods in a cyprinid teleost, the carp. Tracer injections into the trigeminal nerve root labeled terminals in the ipsilateral principal sensory trigeminal nucleus, descending trigeminal nucleus, medial funicular nucleus, facial lobe, and medial part of posterior lateral valvular nucleus. The principal sensory trigeminal nucleus is considered a major origin of the secondary sensory trigeminal projections in teleosts. To investigate the secondary sensory trigeminal projections, tracer injections were performed into the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus. The present study suggests that the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus projects to the bilateral ventromedial thalamic nucleus, periventricular pretectal nucleus, stratum album centrale of the optic tectum, caudomedial region of lateral preglomerular nucleus, ventrolateral nucleus of semicircular torus, medial part of rostral and posterior lateral valvular nucleus, oculomotor nucleus, trochlear nucleus, trigeminal motor nucleus, facial motor nucleus, superior and inferior reticular formation, descending trigeminal nucleus, medial funicular nucleus, inferior olive, and to the contralateral sensory trigeminal nucleus. These observations indicate that the primary and secondary trigeminal sensory projections of a cyprinid teleost, the carp, are similar to those in percomorph teleosts.

Projections of the sensory trigeminal nucleus in a percomorph teleost, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The sensory trigeminal nucleus of teleosts is the rostralmost nucleus among the trigeminal sensory nuclear group in the rhombencephalon. The sensory trigeminal nucleus is known to receive the somatosensory afferents of the ophthalmic, maxillar, and mandibular nerves. However, the central connections of the sensory trigeminal nucleus remain unclear. Efferents of the sensory trigeminal nucleus were examined by means of tract-tracing methods, in a percomorph teleost, tilapia. After tracer injections to the sensory trigeminal nucleus, labeled terminals were seen bilaterally in the ventromedial thalamic nucleus, periventricular pretectal nucleus, medial part of preglomerular nucleus, stratum album centrale of the optic tectum, ventrolateral nucleus of the semicircular torus, lateral valvular nucleus, prethalamic nucleus, tegmentoterminal nucleus, and superior and inferior reticular formation, with preference for the contralateral side. Labeled terminals were also found bilaterally in the oculomotor nucleus, trochlear nucleus, trigeminal motor nucleus, facial motor nucleus, facial lobe, descending trigeminal nucleus, medial funicular nucleus, and contralateral sensory trigeminal nucleus and inferior olive. Labeled terminals in the oculomotor nucleus and trochlear nucleus showed similar densities on both sides of the brain. However, labelings in the trigeminal motor nucleus, facial motor nucleus, facial lobe, descending trigeminal nucleus, and medial funicular nucleus showed a clear ipsilateral dominance. Reciprocal tracer injection experiments to the ventromedial thalamic nucleus, optic tectum, and semicircular torus resulted in labeled cell bodies in the sensory trigeminal nucleus, with a few also in the descending trigeminal nucleus.

An indirect trigeminocerebellar pathway through the nucleus lateralis valvulae in a perciform teleost, Oreochromis niloticus.

The trigeminocerebellar pathways were investigated in a perciform teleost, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), by tract-tracing methods. Iontophoretic injections of 1% biotinylated dextran amine were conducted on the nucleus lateralis valvulae, cerebellum and sensory trigeminal nucleus for 30 min each injection. Injections of the nucleus lateralis valvulae were made restrictedly into the rostromedial part of the nucleus. Then, labeled neurons were seen in the bilateral sensory trigeminal nucleus, and descending trigeminal nucleus, mostly in the contralateral side. Labeled terminals were mainly observed in the ipsilateral corpus cerebelli and valvula cerebelli. Injections into either the corpus or valvula cerebelli labeled numerous neurons in the ipsilateral nucleus lateralis valvulae and fewer in the contralateral nucleus, while no neurons were labeled in the sensory trigeminal nucleus and descending trigeminal nucleus. Injections into the sensory trigeminal nucleus labeled terminals in the bilateral rostromedial part of the nucleus lateralis valvulae, with preference for the contralateral side. No labeled terminals were seen in the corpus and valvula cerebelli. The present results revealed an indirect trigeminocerebellar pathway through the nucleus lateralis valvulae, while a direct trigeminocerebellar pathway was not identified in the tilapia.

Duplicate testicular veins accompanied by anomalies of the testicular arteries.

Duplicate testicular veins associated with other anomalies of the testicular arteries were observed during dissection of the posterior abdominal wall in a 90-year-old Japanese male cadaver. The right testicular vein was composed of the medial and lateral testicular veins. The medial testicular vein drained into the inferior vena cava, whereas the lateral testicular vein drained into the confluence of the inferior vena cava and right renal vein. Several anastomosing branches were seen between the medial and lateral testicular veins. The left testicular vein was formed after the medial and lateral venous trunks joined and drained into the ipsilateral renal vein. The right testicular artery originated from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta at the level of the left renal artery, passed posterior to the inferior vena cava, and accompanied the right lateral testicular vein running downwards. The left testicular artery arose from the abdominal aorta at a level of 5 cm below the origin of the right testicular artery, and then ran downwards accompanied by the medial trunk of the left testicular vein.

Fiber connections of the torus longitudinalis in a teleost: Cyprinus carpio re-examined.

Fiber connections of the carp torus longitudinalis were re-examined by means of tract-tracing methods. The torus longitudinalis projected mainly to the stratum marginale of the optic tectum, area pretectalis, and corpus cerebelli. The stratum marginale was anterogradely labeled only by biocytin, but not by horseradish peroxidase. Because the stratum is composed of extremely fine axons of the small toral neurons, this may be ascribed to different molecular weights of the tracers. The main afferent sources to the torus longitudinalis were the nucleus subvalvularis, which was located beneath the nucleus lateralis valvulae, the nucleus subeminentialis pars magnocellularis, and neurons along the posterior mesencephalo-cerebellar tract. Some labeled cells also appeared in the area pretectalis, nucleus paracommissuralis, optic tectum, and torus semicircularis. In a previous paper, it was incorrectly reported that the valvula cerebelli was the main source of afferents to the torus longitudinalis. Here we report the reason for the previous mistake in relation to the techniques employed.

Fiber connections of the torus longitudinalis and optic tectum in holocentrid teleosts.

Fiber connections of the torus longitudinalis (TL) and target(s) of toral recipient tectal neurons (pyramidal cells) in the optic tectum were examined by tract-tracing methods in holocentrids. Injections into the stratum marginale (SM) labeled neurons in the stratum opticum and stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale (SFGS). They had superficial spiny dendrites, with a fan-shaped branching pattern in SM and a thick basal dendrite that gave rise to bushy horizontal branches at the boundary between the SFGS and the stratum griseum centrale (SGC), where an axon and a thin dendrite arose. The axon terminated in a middle cellular layer of the SGC, and the thin dendrite ramified slightly deeper to this cellular layer. The SM injections also labeled cells in the ipsilateral TL. Injections into either the lateral or the medial part of TL labeled terminals in the ipsilateral SM and neurons in the bilateral nucleus paracommissuralis (NPC) and nucleus subvalvularis and ipsilateral nucleus subeminentialis. Only medial TL injections labeled cells in the ipsilateral SGC. These neurons had a basal dendrite that branched in the middle cellular layer of SGC, suggesting that they receive inputs from the pyramidal cells and project back to the TL to form a closed circuit. Only lateral TL injections labeled terminals in the corpus cerebelli. A visual telencephalic portion projects to the NPC and sublayers of SGC, where dendrites of the pyramidal cells and SGC neurons ramify. The present results therefore suggest that the TL and SM are components of an intricate circuitry that exerts telencephalic descending visual influence on the optic tectum and corpus cerebelli.

Fiber connections of the lateral valvular nucleus in a percomorph teleost, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Fiber connections of the lateral valvular nucleus were investigated in a percomorph teleost, the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), by tract-tracing methods. Following tracer injections into the lateral valvular nucleus, neurons were labeled in the ipsilateral dorsal part of dorsal telencephalic area, corpus glomerulosum pars anterior, dorsomedial thalamic nucleus, central nucleus of the inferior lobe, mammillary body, semicircular torus, valvular and cerebellar corpus, in the bilateral rostral regions of the central part of dorsal telencephalic area, dorsal region of the medial part of dorsal telencephalic area, habenula, anterior tuberal nucleus, posterior tuberal nucleus, and spinal cord, and in the contralateral lateral funicular nucleus. Labeled fibers and terminals were found in the ipsilateral cerebellar corpus and bilateral valvula of the cerebellum. Tracers were injected into portions of the telencephalon, pretectum, inferior lobe, and cerebellum to confirm reciprocally connections with the lateral valvular nucleus and to determine afferent terminal morphology in the lateral valvular nucleus. Telencephalic fibers terminated mainly in a dorsolateral portion of the lateral valvular nucleus. Terminals from the corpus glomerulosum pars anterior, central nucleus of the inferior lobe, and mammillary body showed more diffuse distributions and were not confined to particular portions of the lateral valvular nucleus. Labeled terminals in the lateral valvular nucleus were cup-shaped or of beaded morphology. These results indicate that the lateral valvular nucleus receives projections from various sources including the telencephalon, pretectum, and inferior lobe to relay information to the valvular and cerebellar corpus. In addition, the corpus glomerulosum pars anterior in tilapia is considered to be homologous to the magnocellular part of superficial pretectal nucleus in cyprinids.

Topographical projections to the nucleus prethalamicus from the cerebellum, optic tectum, and telencephalon in holocentrid teleosts.

Fiber connections of the nucleus prethalamicus (PTh) were investigated by biocytin injections into the corpus cerebelli, optic tectum, and telencephalon in holocentrids. The present study revealed the corpus cerebelli projections to the plexiform layer of the contralateral PTh, optic tectum to the marginal and large cell layers of the ipsilateral PTh, and telencephalon to the small cell layer of the ipsilateral PTh. Large cells of the PTh project fibers back to the telencephalon. These observations suggest that projections of the corpus cerebelli, optic tectum, and telencephalon to the PTh are topographically organized.

The anterograde and retrograde axonal transport of biotinylated dextran amine and biocytin in the nervous system of teleosts.

Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) and biocytin are well transported both retrogradely and anterogradely. Both tracers have stable molecular structure for long-term storage and examination, and their visualizations can be realized by simple histochemical reactions. Therefore, the BDA and biocytin are widely used in neuroanatomical studies as the tract-tracing markers. The results obtained by BDA and biocytin applications to various areas of the nervous system in teleosts were qualitatively identical, and the retrogradely and anterogradely labeled structures could be clearly identified with reference to the counter-staining. Iontophoretic injections or crystal insertions resulted in filling of cell bodies, dendrites and terminals in the core of injection side, revealing morphological details of the local and distant somata, dendritic arborizations and axonal terminals. However, biocytin exhibited superior to BDA in anterograde transport, and could label very thin axons, axonal collaterals and terminal ramifications. In contrast, retrograde transport of BDA was superior to that of biocytin, and resulted in more complete dendritic filling of retrograde labeled neurons including dendritic arborizations and spines.

[Acupoint catgut embedding for perimenopausal syndrome: a clinical controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy differences between acupoint catgut embedding and Kuntai capsule for perimenopausal syndrome, so as to provide an effective treatment method for perimenopausal syndrome. METHODS: Thirty-three cases in the embedding group were treated with acupoint catgut embedding at back-shu points and front-mu points of liver, spleen and kidney combined with syndrome differentiation and disease differentiation, ten days per times; the Kuntai group was treated with oral administration of Kuntai capsule, 4 capsules each time, three times per day. The Kupperman index (KI) was observed in the two groups before treatment after 10 days, 30 days and 60 days of treatment, respectively; the efficacy was evaluated according to the ratio of KI. RESULTS: After the treatment, as treatment proceeded, the score of KI and ratio of KI were gradually reduced in two groups; the score of KI and ratio of KI in the embedding group after 10 days of treatment was lower than those in the Kuntai group (both P<0.05); after 10 days of treatment, the total effective rate was 36.4% (12/33) in the embedding group, which was superior to 3.0% (1/33) in the Kuntai group (P<0.05); however, after 30 days and 60 days of treatment, the differences of each index between two groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Both the acupoint catgut embedding and Kuntai capsule could reduce the score of KI and improve clinical symptoms, and the acupoint catgut embedding has certain advantage on the early stage of treatment.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity in seed coats of 60 Chinese black soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) varieties.

Phenolics in black soybean seed coat (BSSC) are considered to be responsible for the health benefits of black soybean. BSSCs of 60 Chinese varieties were examined for phenolic contents, anthocyanin profiles, and antioxidant activity. Total phenolic and condensed tannin contents ranged from 512.2 to 6057.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g and from 137.2 to 1741.1 mg (+)-catechin equivalents/100 g, respectively. Six anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and malvidin-3-glucoside) were detected by HPLC. Total anthocyanin contents (TAC) were from 98.8 to 2132.5 mg/100 g, and cyanidin-3-glucoside was the most abundant anthocyanin in all varieties, with a distribution of 48.8-94.1% of TAC. Antioxidant properties detected by DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC methods all showed wide variations ranging from 4.8 to 65.3 µg/100 mL (expressed as EC(50)), from 17.5 to 105.8 units/g, and from 42.5 to 1834.6 µmol Trolox equivalent/g, respectively. Sixty varieties were classified into four groups by hierarchical clustering analysis, and group 4 consisting of nine varieties had the highest phytochemicals content and antioxidant activity.

Afferent sources to the inferior olive and distribution of the olivocerebellar climbing fibers in cyprinids.

The inferior olive in teleosts is a major afferent origin to the cerebellum. However, inputs to the inferior olive remain largely unknown. The present study examined fiber connections of the inferior olive by tract-tracing methods in cyprinids. After tracer injections into the inferior olive, labeled somata were observed bilaterally in the pretectum, nucleus ruber, principal sensory trigeminal nucleus, descending trigeminal nucleus, inferior reticular formation, and cerebellar valvula. Principal sensory trigeminal and valvular afferents exhibited a clear contralateral preponderance, while afferents from the nucleus ruber were predominantly ipsilateral. Labeled somata were also seen ipsilaterally in the descending octaval nucleus, and contralaterally in the optic tectum, lateral funicular nucleus, cerebellar corpus, and inferior olive. A few somata were labeled in the inferior raphe. Climbing fibers terminated contralaterally in the ganglionic and molecular layers of the cerebellum, showing peculiar glomerular appearances. Labeled climbing fiber terminals were mainly distributed in the ventral region of cerebellar corpus, the medioventral region of lateral lobe of rostral cerebellar valvula, and the lateroventral region of medial lobe of cerebellar valvula in the present injection materials. Fiber connections of the inferior olive in teleosts thus appear quite similar to those in mammals.

Variations of the bilateral testicular veins: embryological and clinical considerations.

Variations of the bilateral testicular veins were observed during routine dissection of the posterior abdominal wall in a 77-year-old male Japanese cadaver. The right testicular vein consisted of the lateral and medial testicular veins. The right lateral testicular vein drained into the right renal vein. The right medial testicular vein accompanied the right testicular artery to ascend obliquely and drained into the left aspect of the inferior vena cava. The left testicular vein was composed of the lateral, middle and medial testicular veins. Three left testicular veins accompanied the left testicular artery to course cranially and then finally drained into the left renal vein.