Recent studies have suggested a connection between disturbances of the apelin system and various cardiac pathologies, including hypertension, heart failure, and atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor is crucial for cardiac homeostasis as a critical molecule in cardiac angiogenesis. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase is an essential enzyme producing nitric oxide, a key regulator of vascular tone. The present study aims to shed light upon the complex interactions between these three vital signaling molecules and examine their changes with the progression of hypertensive heart disease. We used two groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats and age-matched Wistar rats as controls. The expression of the apelin receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase were assessed immunohistochemically. We used capillary density and cross-sectional area of the cardiomyocytes as quantitative parameters of cardiac hypertrophy. Immunoreactivity of the molecules was more potent in both ventricles of spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with age-matched controls. However, capillary density was lower in both ventricles of the two age groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with controls, and the difference was statistically significant. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the cardiomyocytes was higher in both ventricles of the two age groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with controls, and the difference was statistically significant. Our study suggests a potential link between the apelin receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cardiac homeostasis and the hypertensive myocardium. Nevertheless, further research is required to better comprehend these interactions and their potential therapeutic implications.
Accessory bones in the elbow region are rare anatomical variations with important clinical significance as they can be misdiagnosed as pathological lesions. Usually, they are asymptomatic and found incidentally during X-ray examination in the context of trauma. Although these bones have been previously described, their development is not fully understood. The present case provides complex macroscopic, X-ray and histological descriptions of a sesamoid bone in the posterior region of the elbow-patella cubiti and the related surrounding structures. Moreover, this report indicates the presence of a well-defined syndesmosis between patella cubiti and the proximal ulna.
Elbow Joint , Sesamoid Bones , Humans , Elbow , Patella/diagnostic imaging , Sesamoid Bones/diagnostic imaging , Ulna
SUMMARY: Changes in the microcirculation of multiple tissues and organs have been implicated as a possible mechanism in physiological aging. In particular, vascular endothelial growth factor is a secretory protein responsible for regulating angiogenesis via altering endothelial proliferation, survival, migration, extracellular matrix degradation and cell permeability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the progression of morphological alterations caused by physiological aging in the heart and kidney and to examine its relation to changes in capillary density. We used two age groups of healthy Wistar rats - 6- and 12-month- old. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was examined through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence and assessed semi-quantitatively. Changes in capillary density were evaluated statistically and correlated with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. We reported stronger immunoreactivity for vascular endothelial growth factor in the left compared to the right ventricle and also observed an increase in its expression in both ventricles in older animals. Contrasting results were reported for the renal cortex and medulla. Capillary density decreased statistically in all examined structures as aging progressed. The studied correlations were statistically significant in the two ventricles in 12-month-old animals and in the renal cortex of both age groups. Our results shed light on some changes in the microcirculation that take place as aging advances and likely contribute to impairment in the function of the examined organs.
Los cambios en la microcirculación de múltiples tejidos y órganos se han implicado como un posible mecanismo en el envejecimiento fisiológico. En particular, el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular es una proteína secretora responsable de regular la angiogénesis mediante la alteración de la proliferación endotelial, la supervivencia, la migración, la degradación de la matriz extracelular y la permeabilidad celular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el papel del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular en la progresión de las alteraciones morfológicas causadas por el envejecimiento fisiológico en el corazón y riñón y examinar su relación con los cambios en la densidad capilar. Utilizamos dos grupos de ratas Wistar sanas: 6 y 12 meses de edad. La expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular se examinó mediante inmunohistoquímica e inmunofluorescencia y se evaluó semicuantitativamente. Los cambios en la densidad capilar se evaluaron estadísticamente y se correlacionaron con la expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular. Informamos una inmunorreactividad más fuerte para el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular en el ventrículo izquierdo en comparación con el derecho y también observamos un aumento en su expresión en ambos ventrículos en animales mayores. Se informaron resultados contrastantes para la corteza renal y la médula. La densidad capilar disminuyó estadísticamente en todas las estructuras examinadas a medida que avanzaba el envejecimiento. Las correlaciones estudiadas fueron estadísticamente significativas en los dos ventrículos en animales de 12 meses y en la corteza renal de ambos grupos de edad. Nuestros resultados arrojan luz sobre algunos cambios en la microcirculación que tienen lugar a medida que avanza el envejecimiento y probablemente contribuyan a un deterioro en la función de los órganos examinados.
Animals , Rats , Aging , Coronary Vessels/anatomy & histology , Heart/anatomy & histology , Kidney/blood supply , Capillaries/anatomy & histology , Immunohistochemistry , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Rats, Wistar , Coronary Vessels/physiology , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors/metabolism , Heart/physiology , Kidney/anatomy & histology , Kidney/physiology , Microcirculation
BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signalling protein of critical importance for angiogenesis. In an effort to better understand its significance in hypertension-induced injury of the heart and kidney we aimed at studying the changes in its expression in an experimental model and correlated it with capillary density in the myocardium and the renal parenchyma. METHODS: We used two age groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats (6- and 12-month-old), indicative of early and advanced hypertension. VEGF expression was assessed and a semi-quantitative analysis of its immunoreactivity was conducted. Changes in capillary density in the myocardium and kidney were assessed for statistical significance and correlations with VEGF expression were established. RESULTS: We reported stronger VEGF expression in animals with early compared to advanced hypertension in all examined structures. Capillary density decreased significantly at age 12 months compared to 6 months and was significant in all examined structures. A positive correlation was established between capillary density and the expression of VEGF. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the key significance of VEGF for compensatory angiogenesis and suggest that a statistically significant depletion of these vascular adaptive mechanisms is a major aspect in the cascade of hypertension-induced injury of the heart and kidney (Tab. 3, Fig. 26, Ref. 47).
Hypertension , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , Rats , Animals , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism , Kidney/metabolism , Hypertension/metabolism , Heart , Myocardium/metabolism , Rats, Inbred SHR
Age-related morphological and physiological changes occur in cells, tissues and organs with high metabolic or mitotic activity; these changes decrease their regenerative capacity. One such change is interstitial fibrosis. Mast cells contain basic fibroblast growth factor and have been related to pro-fibrotic activity. We investigated the role of mast cells in physiological aging of the heart and kidney. We analyzed changes in mast cell number and compared the left and right heart ventricles and kidneys of 6- and 12-month-old Wistar rats. We also evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of basic fibroblast growth factor. Finally, we analyzed changes in the extent of interstitial fibrosis and in the glomerular sclerosis index as nonspecific markers of aging and correlated these parameters with of mast cells. Mast cells were visualized by toluidine blue staining and specific immunohistochemical expression of tryptase. The expression of basic fibroblast growth factor was assessed semiquantitatively. The extent of interstitial fibrosis was investigated using Mallory's trichrome staining. Glomerular sclerosis was evaluated using periodic acid-Schiff staining. We found that the number of mast cells increased significantly in the older rats. We also found that the number of mast cells was greatest in the left ventricle followed by the right ventricle, then the kidney. The immunoreactivity of basic fibroblast growth factor also increased in older animals. Correlations between the number of mast cells and immunoreactivity of basic fibroblast growth factor, extent of interstitial fibrosis and glomerular sclerosis index demonstrated the association between mast cells and age-related tissue remodeling of the heart and kidney.
Kidney Diseases , Mast Cells , Aging , Animals , Cell Count , Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism , Fibrosis , Kidney/pathology , Kidney Diseases/pathology , Mast Cells/pathology , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Sclerosis/metabolism , Sclerosis/pathology
SUMMARY: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the importance of the epiligament for the difference in the healing potential of the knee anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament. To do so, we compared the structure of the anterior cruciate and the medial collateral ligament and evaluated the differences in the expression of collagen types I, III and V in a rat knee. We have also conducted a comparative quantitative analysis of the number of cells per mm2 in the two ligaments. Tissue samples were obtained from the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament of 10 knee joints taken from five 8-month-old Wistar rats. We used standard hematoxylin and eosin staining, in addition to immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against collagen types I, III and V. A semi-quantitative analysis of the expression was made through ImageJ, while Student's T-test was used for the statistical analysis. Our results showed higher expression of all collagen types in the epiligament, compared to the ligament proper and difference in the expression between the medial collateral and the anterior cruciate ligament in favor of the first. We also reported a statistically significant difference in the number of cells per mm2 between the two ligaments and their epiligaments. Our findings show a higher number of cells and a stronger expression of certain collagen types in the epiligament of the medial collateral compared to the anterior cruciate ligament, which may be related to the difference in their healing potential.
RESUMEN: El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la importancia del epiligamento para la diferencia en el potencial de curación del ligamento cruzado anterior y colateral medial de la rodilla. Comparamos la estructura del ligamento cruzado anterior y el ligamento colateral medial y evaluamos las diferencias en la expresión de los tipos de colágeno I, III y V en una rodilla de rata. También se realizó un análisis cuantitativo comparativo del número de células por mm2 en los dos ligamentos. Se obtuvieron muestras de tejido del ligamento cruzado anterior y colateral medial de 10 articulaciones de rodilla tomadas de cinco ratas Wistar de 8 meses de edad. Utilizamos tinción estándar con hematoxilina y eosina, además de tinción inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpos monoclonales contra colágeno tipo I, III y V. Se realizó un análisis semicuantitativo de la expresión mediante ImageJ, mientras que para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba T de Student. Nuestros resultados mostraron una mayor expresión de todos los tipos de colágeno en el epiligamento, en comparación con el ligamento y una diferencia en la expresión entre el ligamento colateral medial y el ligamento cruzado anterior. También informamos una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el número de células por mm2 entre los dos ligamentos y sus epiligamentos. Nuestros hallazgos muestran un mayor número de células y una expresión mayor de ciertos tipos de colágeno en el epiligamento colateral medial en comparación con el ligamento cruzado anterior, lo que puede estar relacionado con la diferencia en su potencial de curación.
Animals , Male , Rats , Anterior Cruciate Ligament/anatomy & histology , Collagen/metabolism , Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee/anatomy & histology , Immunohistochemistry , Anterior Cruciate Ligament/metabolism , Rats, Wistar , Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee/metabolism
Hypertension-induced renal injury is a multifactorial process which plays a crucial role in the development of chronic kidney disease. Multiple studies have demonstrated that interstitial rather than glomerular changes correlate better with renal functional capacity. Recent evidence indicates that mast cells and cell signaling proteins such as fibroblast growth factor-2 may contribute to the progression of interstitial changes under hypertensive conditions. The aim of our study was to determine the localization of mast cells in the renal cortex and report on the changes in their number, to analyze the distribution of fibroblast growth factor-2, to assess the extent of renal fibrosis and to evaluate renal damage and correlate it with the changes in the number of mast cells in a model of hypertension-induced renal injury by comparing two age groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats. We used 6- and 12-month-old animals. A light microscopic study was conducted on sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff stain, Mallory's trichrome method and toluidine blue. For the immunohistochemical study we used monoclonal antibodies against mast cell tryptase and fibroblast growth factor-2 and a polyclonal antibody against c-kit. The expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 was assessed semi-quantitatively. The number of mast cells was evaluated on toluidine blue-, tryptase- and c-kit-stained sections, as well as double-stained sections and a comparative statistical analysis with the Mann-Whitney test was conducted between the two age groups. Our results showed that mast cells were located mainly in the peritubular and perivascular areas and were absent in the region of the renal corpuscles. Their number increased significantly in 12-month-old animals. Immunostaining for tryptase, c-kit and double staining for both molecules yielded identical results. The immunohistochemical expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 increased in the kidneys of older animals, as did the percentage of collagen fibers. In addition, we described more severe renal damage in 12-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats and noted a positive correlation in both age groups between the number of mast cells on the one hand and glomerular sclerosis index and tubulointerstitial damage index, on the other. The results obtained in the present study support the pivotal role of mast cells in the development of hypertension-induced kidney damage.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism , Hypertension/complications , Kidney/metabolism , Kidney/pathology , Mast Cells/metabolism , Animals , Blood Pressure/physiology , Collagen/metabolism , Hypertension/metabolism , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Rats , Rats, Inbred SHR
INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of studies have shed light on the role of cardiac mast cells in the pathogenesis of hypertension-induced myocardial remodeling. Mast cells promote fibroblast activation, myofibroblast differentiation and subsequent collagen accumulation through the action of tryptase, chymase, histamine and fibroblast growth factor-2. The aim of the present study was to report on the changes in the number of mast cells as evaluated through toluidine blue, tryptase and c-kit staining, to assess the extent of interstitial fibrosis and correlate it with the changes in the number of mast cells and to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 in two groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats indicative of established and advanced hypertensive heart disease. A novel aspect of our work was the analysis of all parameters in the right ventricle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the present study, we used 6- and 12-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats. A light microscopic study was conducted on sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue. For the immunohistochemical study we used monoclonal antibodies against mast cell tryptase and fibroblast growth factor-2 and a polyclonal antibody against c-kit. The expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 was assessed semi-quantitatively through ImageJ. The number of mast cells was evaluated on toluidine blue-, tryptase- and c-kit-stained sections and a comparative statistical analysis with the Mann-Whitney test was conducted between the two age groups. A separate statistical analysis between results obtained through immunostaining for tryptase and for c-kit was conducted in each age group with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The extent of fibrosis was assessed quantitatively on slides stained with Mallory's trichrome stain as a percentage of the whole tissue and compared between the two age groups. Spearman's correlation was used to test whether a correlation exists between the number of mast cells and the percentage of interstitial fibrosis. RESULTS: Mast cells with typical cytoplasmic granules were visualized in the interstitial tissue and in the perivascular zone in both age groups. In both ventricles, their number increased significantly in 12-month-old animals as evaluated through all three staining methods. Moreover, immunostaining for tryptase and for c-kit yielded comparable results. The immunoreactivity of fibroblast growth factor-2 increased in both ventricles in older animals. Expression of this protein was particularly intensive in the cytoplasm of connective tissue cells with the characteristic features of mast cells mainly found in the areas of fibrotic alterations in 12-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats. In both ventricles, interstitial fibrosis was more extensive throughout the myocardium of older animals and was positively correlated with the changes in the number of mast cells in both age groups. CONCLUSION: The present study reported for the first time that the increase in the number of mast cells, observed as hypertension-induced myocardial changes progress, is statistically significant and confirmed that this process takes place in both ventricles. This increase is accompanied by a higher expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 and is more strongly correlated with the more pronounced interstitial fibrosis in older animals, further supporting the role of mast cells in the structural changes taking place in the myocardium in response to systemic hypertension.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism , Heart Diseases/etiology , Hypertension/complications , Mast Cells/pathology , Myocardium/pathology , Age Factors , Animals , Azo Compounds , Coloring Agents , Eosine Yellowish-(YS) , Fibrosis , Fluorescent Dyes , Heart Diseases/pathology , Heart Ventricles/pathology , Hematoxylin , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Mast Cells/cytology , Methyl Green , Rats , Rats, Inbred SHR , Tolonium Chloride
Physical therapy involves a set of factors and methods that affect the biological processes in the body. It is widely used, relatively inexpensive, non-invasive, and easy to apply. Physiotherapy is also used in the treatment of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This syndrome represents the most common compressive mononeuropathy of the upper limb and leads to significant disability. Hence, its successful treatment leads to significant benefits for both the patient and society. There is no established algorithm for the use of physical therapy in these patients. In this publication, we present the physiotherapeutic methods used for the treatment of CTS both before and after surgical treatment.
The claustrum is a subcortical nucleus, found in the telencephalon of all placental mammals. Earlier Golgi studies have mostly focused on a qualitative description of the types of neurons. The aim of the present study was to describe the types of neurons found in the dorsal claustrum of the cat using the Golgi impregnation method and to perform a quantitative analysis of the following morphometric parameters: number of terminals (ends), total dendritic length, dendritic complexity, spine density (in spiny projection neurons), varicosity density (in aspiny interneurons). We used specimens from 5 healthy male cats stained according to the Golgi-Cox method. The dendritic trees of the studied neurons were then reconstructed through the Neurolucida software. Values of the studied quantitative parameters were obtained automatically and tested for statistically significant differences. Five types of spiny neurons were observed-large, medium-sized and small multipolar, bipolar and pyramidal-like. In addition, we described three types of aspiny neurons. The quantitative values and the statistical analysis were presented with tables and diagrams. In conclusion, we have presented a detailed analysis of the cytoarchitecture of the DC of the cat and have reported the first quantitative data on a number of morphometric parameters.
Claustrum/cytology , Neurons/cytology , Animals , Cats , Cell Shape , Cell Size , Data Interpretation, Statistical , Dendrites/ultrastructure , Male , Neurons/ultrastructure , Software
Coronary artery aneurysms are uncommon and are usually described as dilatations larger than 1.5 times the diameter of the adjacent coronary arteries. The aneurysms vary between 0.15% and 4.9% and usually affect the right coronary artery, followed by the circumflex and anterior descending artery. Left main coronary artery (LMCA) aneurysm is an extremely rare clinical entity. Herein, we present a case in a 69-year-old man with a prior history of chest pain and palpitations. Significant ischemic ST changes were registered on Holter electrocardiography during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND: Recent reports in rat models have shown that fibroblasts in the epiligament, an enveloping tissue of the ligament, are not static cells and play an important role during the early ligament healing of isolated grade III injury of the collateral ligaments of the knee. Fibroblasts produce collagen types I, III and V and infiltrate within the ligament body via the endoligament. In addition, similarities have been reported between the structure of the epiligament of the medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament of the knee in rat and in human. In line with the ascribed role of the epiligament tissue and the synthesis of these collagens and their role in ligament healing, the aim of this study was to determine their presence in the normal epiligament of the aforementioned ligaments in humans, to compare their differential expression and to present a novel hypothesis about the failure of healing of the anterior cruciate ligament in contrast to the medial collateral ligament. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used samples from the mid-substance of the medial collateral and the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint, acquired from 12 fresh knee joints. Routine histological analysis was performed through hematoxylin and eosin stain, Mallory's trichrome stain and Van Gieson's stain. The immunohistochemical analysis was conducted using monoclonal antibodies against collagen type I and V and procollagen type III. The number of cells in the epiligament, endoligament and the ligament tissue was assessed quantitatively through a computerized system for image analysis NIS-Elements Advanced Research and Statistica software. RESULTS: Our observations revealed certain differences in the morphology of the epiligament, as well as variations in the expression of the investigated molecules. Expression of collagen type I was mostly low-positive (1+) in the epiligament and positive (2+) in the ligament tissue of both ligaments. Expression of procollagen type III was mostly positive (2+) in the epiligament and ligament tissue of the medial collateral ligament, low-positive (1+) in the epiligament and negative (0) in ligament tissue of the anterior cruciate ligament. Expression of collagen type V was predominantly low-positive (1+) in the epiligament and negative (0) in the ligament tissue of both ligaments. The immunoreactivity for all three molecules was always higher in the epiligament of the medial collateral ligament than that of the anterior cruciate ligament. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study illustrate for the first time that fibroblasts in the human epiligament are indeed responsible for the synthesis of the main types of collagen participating in the early ligament healing, thus corresponding to previous data of the medial collateral ligament healing in animal models. The differences between the epiligament of the investigated ligaments could add a novel explanation for the failed anterior cruciate ligament healing.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament/anatomy & histology , Collagen Type III/analysis , Collagen Type I/analysis , Collagen Type V/analysis , Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee/anatomy & histology , Anterior Cruciate Ligament/chemistry , Cadaver , Coloring Agents/classification , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee/chemistry , Middle Aged , Staining and Labeling/methods
Introduction Recent studies stressed the importance of the epiligament in ligament nutrition and healing. While ligaments of the knee joint have been the subject of extensive research, the epiligament of the medial collateral ligament has received only limited attention. The aim of our study was to present the ultrastructural morphological features of the epiligament of the medial collateral ligament in a rat knee joint. Materials and methods For the present study, we used eight eight-month-old male Wistar rats. A transmission electron microscopic study of the epiligament was conducted according to standard protocol. Results In the epiligament, we described the presence of fibroblasts with the typical features of protein-synthesizing cells, as well as fibrocytes and adipocytes. We noted an abundance of blood vessels and nerve elements. Collagen fibers were organized in multidirectional bundles. Conclusions Our findings confirm that the cells and structures of the epiligament play an important role in the nutrition and healing of the medial collateral ligament.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3812.].
The claustrum is a bilateral subcortical nucleus situated between the insular cortex and the striatum in the brain of all mammals. It consists of two embryologically distinct subdivisions - dorsal and ventral claustrum. The claustrum has high connectivity with various areas of the cortex, subcortical and allocortical structures. It has long been suggested that the various claustral connections have different types of synaptic contacts at the claustral neurons. However, to the best of our knowledge, the literature data on the ultrastructural organization of the different types of synaptic contacts in the dorsal claustrum are very few. Therefore, the aim of our study was to observe and describe the synaptic organization of the dorsal claustrum in the cat. We used a total of 10 adult male cats and conducted an ultrastructural study under a transmission electron microscope as per established protocol. We described a multitude of dendritic spines, which were subdivided into two types - with and without foot processes. Based on the size and shape of the terminal boutons, the quantity and distribution of vesicles and the characteristic features of the active synaptic zone, we described six types of synaptic boutons, most of which formed asymmetrical synaptic contacts. Furthermore, we reported the presence of axo-dendritic, axo-somatic, dendro-dendritic and axo-axonal synapses. The former two likely represent the morphological substrate of the corticoclaustral pathway, while the remaining two types have the ultrastructural features of inhibitory synapses, likely forming a local inhibitory circuit in the claustrum. In conclusion, the present study shares new information about the neuropil of the claustrum and proposes a systematic classification of the types of synaptic boutons and contacts observed in the dorsal claustrum of the cat, thus supporting its key and complex role as a structure integrating various information within the brain.
Synapses/ultrastructure , Animals , Axons/metabolism , Axons/ultrastructure , Basal Ganglia/metabolism , Basal Ganglia/ultrastructure , Cats , Dendrites/metabolism , Dendrites/ultrastructure , Male , Neurons/metabolism , Neurons/ultrastructure , Synapses/metabolism
The hypertrophy of the cardiac muscle is one of the most significant maladaptive mechanisms activated in response to increased workload. It is associated with histological and ultrastructural alterations, changes in the quantitative parameters and the expression of different enzymes. While the structural and functional consequences of systemic hypertension on the left ventricle have been well evaluated, the right ventricle has received less attention. The aim of the present study was to analyse and compare the changes in the left and right ventricle during the development of cardiac hypertrophy initiated by systemic hypertension in different age groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Therefore, we studied the histology and ultrastructure of the cells of the myocardium, evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of the enzyme neuronal nitric oxide synthase and conducted a quantitative analysis of several morphometric parameters. We used three groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats. For the quantitative analysis we also used three age groups of age- and weight-matched control animals (normotensive Wistar rats). In both ventricles, we described cardiomyocytic hypertrophy, focal myocytolysis and increased collagen deposition in the interstitial space. Our observations on the ultrastructural level were associated with changes in the cardiomyocytic nuclei, the arrangement, maturity and organisation of the myofibrils, the localisation and ultrastructure of the mitochondria, the development and maturity of the intercalated discs, as well as changes in the components of the interstitium. The immunohistochemical expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the left ventricle was stronger than that in the right ventricle across all age groups. The comparative quantitative analysis revealed that changes in the studied morphometric parameters in the two ventricles occurred disproportionately. In conclusion, the present study characterised the development of cardiac hypertrophy in response to systemic hypertension in both ventricles and demonstrated the involvement of the right ventricle.
Cardiomegaly/physiopathology , Heart Ventricles , Hypertension , Myocardium/pathology , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Immunohistochemistry , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Reference Standards
BACKGROUND: The growth of the heart during the foetal and early postnatal development takes places mainly due to hyperplasia. The late postnatal development is characterised by cardiomyocytic hypertrophy in response to normal physiological mechanisms and increased load. To study the cell size most authors measure the diameter either directly or indirectly. AIM: The aim of the present study was to make a comparative quantitative analysis of the postnatal changes observed in the left and right ventricles in rat by evaluating the changes in three morphometric parameters - thickness of the free wall, transverse section of the cardiomyocytes and cardiomyocytic density in the left ventricle and right ventricle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we used histological material from the hearts of 15 male Wistar rats, distributed in five groups aged 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, respectively. RESULTS: In both ventricles, the wall thickness and the transverse section of the cardiomyocytes increased with age, while the cardiomyocytic density decreased. Changes were identical in both ventricles; however, they were more dynamic and pronounced in the left ventricle. CONCLUSIONS: The studied morphometric parameters reveal that age-related hypertrophy and the gradual loss of cardiac muscle cells take place in both ventricles but have a more dynamic pattern of progression in the left ventricle as compared with the right ventricle.
Heart Ventricles/growth & development , Heart/growth & development , Myocardium/cytology , Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology , Animals , Cell Count , Cell Enlargement , Hypertrophy , Male , Organ Size , Rats , Rats, Wistar
The claustrum is a subcortical nucleus found in the telencephalon of all placental mammals. It is a symmetrical, thin and irregular sheet of grey matter which lies between the inner surface of the insular cortex and the outer surface of the putamen. The claustrum has extensive connections with the visual, auditory, somatosensory and motor regions of the cortex, as well as with subcortical and allocortical regions. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed description of the morphology of different types of Golgi-impregnated and gold-toned neurons and fibers in the dorsal claustrum of the cat employing the combined Golgi-electron microscope Fairén method. We were able to distinguish two major types of neurons: those with dendritic spines (spiny) and those without dendritic spines (aspiny). In both groups we observed large (21-40 µm in diameter), medium-sized (16-21 µm in diameter) and small cells (10-16 µm in diameter), describing their ultrastructural organization and characteristic features, including the presence of terminal boutons. These ultrastructural findings allow us to conclude that large and medium-sized spiny claustral neurons are indeed efferent neurons, projecting to the cortex, while the small spiny and the different types of aspiny neurons are most likely inhibitory local circuit interneurons. The findings in the present study will hopefully contribute to a better understanding of the role of the claustrum.
Basal Ganglia/physiology , Golgi Apparatus , Microscopy, Electron/methods , Neurons/ultrastructure , Animals , Basal Ganglia/cytology , Cats , Cell Size , Dendritic Spines , Presynaptic Terminals
Coronary artery anomalies represent a rare phenomenon, which is observed in approximately 1% of the population. Although not a frequent anomaly, they may lead to complications during various procedures and can sometimes present with angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. Herein, we present a rare case of a patient with origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva combined with a superdominant right coronary artery due to a hypoplastic left circumflex artery. A 67-year-old male patient presented with symptoms of chest pain on exertion, which lasted for approximately 10 minutes and resolved after rest. Physical examination, auscultation, electrocardiogram, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed normal findings. Cardiac enzymes were within the reference ranges, while the levels of triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol were elevated. The patient was further evaluated through coronary angiography. It revealed the origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva, with a markedly hypoplastic left circumflex artery and the presence of a 'superdominant' right coronary artery. Atherosclerotic lesions were not observed, and the symptoms were discussed to have been caused by the anomalous pattern of the coronary arteries and the hypoplastic left circumflex artery in particular. The most common symptom of a hypoplastic or absent left circumflex artery is chest pain on exertion which is explained by the 'steal' phenomenon - due to increased demand in the area normally supplied by the left circumflex artery, a transitory ischemia occurs in the basins supplied by the left anterior descending artery and the right coronary artery. These findings were similar to our case. Such variations, although mostly asymptomatic, can sometimes lead to serious cardiovascular conditions and should be considered by clinicians during the assessment of cardiac symptoms.
The azygos lobe is a rare anatomical variant, most often encountered in the right lung. Its etiology is related to a defect of the migration of the azygos vein during the embryonic development. Here, we describe a rare case of an azygos lobe of the right lung, diagnosed incidentally on a computed tomography (CT) scan in a 40-year-old male patient who presented with chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever. The initial differential diagnosis included acute myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, and myocarditis. Chest CT with contrast matter demonstrated a peculiar finding in the right lung which was recognized as an azygos vein passing through the upper lobe and separating an azygos lobe with its mesoazygos. The azygos lobe may be rarely associated with neoplastic processes or spontaneous pneumothorax and its differential diagnosis on imaging studies includes various conditions. Knowledge of this variation is important to avoid misdiagnosis or complications during thoracic surgery.
