Yak (Bos grunniens) Tonsils: Morphological Description and Expression of IgA and IgG.

This study aimed to describe the morphology, expression of IgA and IgG in adult yak tonsils. The 12 clinically healthy yak tonsils [3- to 6-year old, n = 12] were examined for morphology using light, and transmission electron microscopes. Expression of IgA and IgG was measured by qRT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the palatine tonsil, the tonsil of the soft palate, and the lingual tonsil were oropharyngeal tonsils. The stratified squamous epithelia covering them had a thick underlying layer of connective tissue and their crypts were heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes. The pharyngeal tonsil and the tubal tonsil were nasopharyngeal tonsils. The epithelia of them was predominantly pseudostratified columnar ciliary epithelium, which were loosely arranged with a number of desmosomes or intermediate junctions variably connecting them. The expression levels of IgA and IgG mRNA and protein from high to low was in the pharyngeal tonsil, palatine tonsil, tonsil of the soft palate, lingual tonsil, and tubal tonsil, respectively. Interestingly, the expression of IgG was very significantly higher than that of IgA in yak tonsils (P < 0.01). Both the IgA and IgG ASCs were distributed in the subepithelial areas of the non-reticular crypt epithelium, especially areas of pseudostratified columnar ciliary epithelium, the reticular crypt epithelium, lymphoid follicles, interfollicular areas, and with some of the positive cells aggregating around the glands. The results indicated that the tonsils were not only typical secondary lymphoid organs but also lymphoepithelial structures. IgG could be a significant component of mucosal immune responses in yak tonsils. Anat Rec, 302:999-1009, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Histopathological and ultrastructural effects of cutting radiofrequency energy on palatal soft tissues: a prospective study.

Radiofrequency (RF) surgery has gained popularity as a safe and effective method for treating patients with snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Both interstitial and cutting radiofrequency energy may be used for multi-segmental management of the upper airway. Little is known about the effect of cutting radiofrequency energy on human soft palate. Excessive collateral injury may have an impact on tissue healing and functional outcomes. A histological analysis of specimens of human soft palate and uvula following resection with cutting RF energy was performed. In addition, ultrastructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy of excision margins was performed and compared with CO(2) LASER. Twelve patients were included. In ten patients, specimens of redundant uvula and faucial pillars were collected and underwent formal histological analysis. The maximum depth of tissue injury was 1 mm in two specimens and overall average depth of injury was 0.15 mm. Injury depth was independent of tissue subtype at the resection margin. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated accurate incision when compared to CO(2) LASER. Cutting RF energy causes minimal collateral injury to the soft palate during resection for the treatment of snoring and mild OSA. A detailed knowledge of local effects on resection specimens allows accurate inference of in vivo tissue injury at the resection margin and may enable more precise prediction of healing patterns and repair.

Histology, immunohistochemistry and ultrastructure of the tonsil of the soft palate of the horse.

The tonsil of the soft palate was an oval, flat structure located centro-rostrally on the oral surface of the soft palate. Its stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium was perforated by holes or small crypts the deeper parts of which were loosely spongiform inter-digitated with lymphoid tissue. These unusual features have not previously been reported in tonsils of any species. Crypts and reticulated epithelium as found in the lingual and palatine tonsils were not observed. Lectins showed varying affinities for specific layers of the epithelium. M cells were not observed. A few Langerhans cells were distributed among surface epithelial cells. Lymphoid tissue was arranged loosely and in isolated lymphoid follicles in the subepithelial lamina propria mucosae. Although IgA+ cells and macrophages were proportionately more numerous the amount of lymphoid tissue was much less than in the lingual and palatine tonsils. Most of the follicular germinal centres lacked a darkly stained corona. CD4 positive were more numerous than CD8+ lymphocytes and were distributed in the parafollicular and inter-follicular areas. Large clusters of mucus acini positive for glycogen, acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides separated lymphoid tissue from deeply placed striated muscle. Only a few high endothelial venules were observed in the parafollicular and inter-follicular areas. These had relatively few vesiculo vacuolar or other organelles in their high endothelial cells and few lymphocytes attaching to their walls.

[Histological and ultrastructural variations after radiofrequency for soft palate in porcines].

PURPOSE: To investigate the histological and ultrastructural variations after radiofrequency volumetric reduction of the soft palate in an animal model. METHODS: Thirteen porcines were used to evaluate the tissue response to radiofrequency for various time periods. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 was exposed to radiofrequency in the midline of the soft palate with a constant energy of 2.4 KJ. Group 2 served as a control group. The animals in group 1 were sacrificed after 1 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 9 weeks, respectively, and after 72 hours, 2 weeks and 4 weeks for the animals in group 2. Then the soft palates from both groups were examined for histological and ultrastructural variations. RESULTS: Interstitial edema, hemorrhage and infiltration with inflammatory cells were observed in the early acute stage after radiofrequency, and then the neovascularization of the forming scar was observed. In the end, the injured tissue was replaced by collagenous fibers. Intact vessels and nerves were observed around the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: After radiofrequency, lesion tissue is replaced by collagenous fibers, and it is focused on the lesion site. These findings may help provide a basis for technological suggestion in regard to clinical treatment.

Balloon cell nevus of the soft palate: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

An ultrastructural analysis of oral balloon cell nevus of intramucosal type complemented with an immunohistochemical study was performed for the first time. The lesion was composed of large balloon cells with an admixture of small nevus cells and melanophages at the periphery. Balloon cells showed cytoplasmic accumulation of vacuoles of varying sizes and the presence of microgranular and vacuolated melanosomes were found. Residual cytoplasm contained no identifiable organelles. A spectrum of transitional forms between balloon cells and conventional nevus cells with microvacuoles was readily observed. Both cells exhibited intense immunoreactivity to multiple melanocytic markers. Ballooning phenomenon was not evident in melanophages containing a large amount of melanosome complex. It can be inferred, from the present and previous observations, that progressive vacuolization of melanosomes in nevomelanocytes may be responsible for the formation of peculiar ballooning appearance, suggesting an aberrant melanogenesis.

[Structural and functional reorganization in epithelia of soft palate and bronchi cultured in vivo using F.M. Lazarenko method: the role of neuroendocrine factors]. / Strukturno-funktsional'naia reorganizatsiia épiteliev miagkogo neba i bronkhov v usloviiakh ikh kul'tivirovaniia v organizme po metodu F.M. Lazarenko: rol' neiroéndokrinnykh faktorov.

To define the range of histio- and organotypical capacities of rat soft palatine and bronchial epithelia, and to elucidate the nature of the effect of neuroendocrine factors of hypothalamic paraventricular factors upon them, the experiments were conducted by co-culturing mucosal fragments of oral and pharyngeal surfaces of soft palate and bronchi with the paraventricular nuclei-containing hypothalamic fragments using in vivo F.M. Lazarenko method. Soft palatine and bronchial epithelia were found to have similar histoblastic properties. The stimulating effect of hypothalamic factors, released paraventricular nuclei, on the processes of regeneration of epithelia and of connective tissue was noted.

The fetal cleft palate: III. Ultrastructural and functional analysis of palatal development following in utero repair of the congenital model.

The role of fetal surgery in the management of congenital anomalies and intrauterine abnormalities is appropriately restricted on the basis of feasibility and risk-to-benefit analyses of intrauterine intervention. Recently, the authors demonstrated that in utero cleft palate repair of the congenital caprine model is technically feasible and results in scarless healing of the mucoperiosteum and velum, with subsequent development of a potentially functional bilaminar palate with distinct oral and nasal mucosal layers, following single-layer repair of the fetal mucoperiosteal flaps. A slight indentation at the site of repair was the only remaining evidence of a cleft. At 6 months of age, normal palatal architecture, including that of mucosal, muscular, and glandular elements, was seen grossly and histologically. The present work investigated the ultrastructural and functional aspects of the palate following in utero cleft repair to determine what benefits might be derived from fetal intervention. Six goats pregnant with twins were gavaged twice daily for 10 days (gestational days 32 to 41; term, 145 days) with dry, ground Nicotiana glauca plant delivering between 2.4 and 14 mg/kg per day of anabasine, doses that were adjusted in response to mater-nal toxicity. At 85 days' gestation, six fetuses underwent in utero palatoplasty using a modified von Langenbeck technique with elevation of bilateral mucoperiosteal flaps and lateral relaxing incisions. A single-layer repair of the mucoperiosteal flaps was performed using interrupted 6-0 Vicryl sutures. Six fetuses remained as unrepaired clefted controls. Six months after in utero palatoplasty, each group of goats underwent nasoendoscopy to evaluate palatal function; two unclefted 6-month-old goats served as controls. Subsequently, soft palate muscle was harvested from each of the goats and was evaluated by light and electron microscopy. Velar muscle was also harvested from the unclefted control goats and was similarly studied. Nasoendoscopy demonstrated functional palates capable of dynamic velopharyngeal closure following in utero cleft repair; this motion was similar to that observed in unclefted animals. Unrepaired clefted goats did not demonstrate any evidence of velar motion or velopharyngeal closure. Soft palate muscle from this group demonstrated evidence of myofibril degeneration, atrophy, and loss compared with unclefted control velar muscle. Ultrastructural changes included sarcomere "scalloping, " partial Z-line degeneration and loss, and progressive I-band degeneration and loss. Repaired clefted soft palate muscle was remarkably similar to unclefted control muscle. Significantly less myofibril, Z-line, and I-band degeneration and loss were observed with minimal evidence of sarcomere scalloping. In utero cleft palate repair results in a functional soft palate with restoration of ultrastructural architecture of the velum. These findings were attributed to reconstitution of the velar muscular sling, which is disrupted during the clefting process and remains abnormally inserted into the posterior edge of the palatal bone and along the bony cleft. Although repaired velar muscle does demonstrate some evidence of ultrastructural change compared with control muscle, these findings are significantly less pronounced than those observed in the unrepaired clefted muscle.

Scanning electron-microscopic view of the oral and basal epithelial surfaces of the rat soft palate.

We studied corresponding structures on the oral and basal surfaces of the oral epithelial layer, focusing on the microanatomy of gustatory papillae. Specimens for scanning electron microscopy were obtained from the rat soft palates and fixed with a mixture of 2% paraformaldehyde and 1% glutaraldehyde. They were first prepared without postfixation and conductive-staining to study the oral surface. After examination, the epithelium was reinforced by additional sputter coating and treated with 6 N NaOH at 60 degrees C to exfoliate the basal epithelial surfaces without any significant artifacts. The papillae, showing circular, elliptical or fusiform protuberances on the oral surface, were classified into two types: types I and II. The type I and type II papillae contained one and two taste pores, respectively. On the basal epithelial surface, the basal portions of the taste buds were associated with concentrically arranged nerve fibers and Schwann cells. Another characteristic finding on the basal epithelial surface was the presence of excretory ducts of minor salivary glands in a close spatial relationship to taste buds. It is suggested that saliva coming out through the duct is mixed with food, thus enabling intimate contact with the taste pores of the papillae.

Plasmacytoid myoepithelioma of the soft palate. Report of a case with cytologic, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies.

BACKGROUND: The plasmacytoid variant is a rare and controversial subtype of myoepithelioma that lacks myogenic differentation and the cytologic findings of which have not been reported previously. CASE: A 46-year-old man presented with a painless tumor located in the soft palate. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed odd-shaped cellular aggregates and single cells with round nuclei and finely granular cytoplasm resembling plasma cells together with strands of metachromatic stroma. The light, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies performed on the surgical specimen confirmed the initial cytologic diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Recognition of the cytologic findings of plasmacytoid myoepithelioma on needle aspirates allows a reliable and quick diagnosis that prompts correct management.

A scanning and transmission electron microscope study of the human minor salivary glands.

All human minor salivary glands, apart from the posterior deep lingual (von Ebner's) glands which were serous, contained a minor population of seromucous cells that increased from palatine and posterior superficial lingual (Weber's) to labial, anterior lingual (Blandin and Nuhn's) and buccal glands, in that order. Unlike the predominant mucous cells, whose structure was uniform, serous and seromucous cells exhibited, in each gland, peculiar cytological and cytoarchitectural characters.

A field emission SEM and HVTEM study of collagen fiber bundles in the lamina propria of the palatine mucosa in the developing mouse.

The ultrastructural development of the surface belonging to the epithelium-connective tissue interface of the hard and soft palatine mucosa of mouse was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy and high voltage transmission electron microscopy methods. The tissues were analysed at 18 days of gestation, and, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 30 and 90 days after birth. The three-dimensional architecture of the connective tissue in the lamina propria showed different shapes. The papillae began to form on days 7 and 14 but continued to growth until the adult period. Different stages of primary and secondary connective tissue papillae were recognized in the hard palatine mucosa whereas the soft palate showed erect connective tissue papillae, small round formations containing taste buds and several openings of the salivary glands ducts.

The innervation of taste buds in the soft palate and circumvallate papilla of the rat as revealed by the zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide technique.

The taste buds in the soft palate and the circumvallate papillae of the rat were investigated by the zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide technique. In addition, electron micrographs of taste buds stained with this method were presented for the first time. Differences in taste bud structures were found between the examined regions. The taste buds of the soft palate showed a complicated plexus of intragemmal nerve fibers. Some fibers exhibited terminal polymorphic swellings. Single branches could be traced close to the space of the taste pore. In the soft palate, the taste bud cells remained unstained, whereas in the circumvallate papillae of the tongue, a subpopulation of taste bud cells could be selectively stained and the intragemmal nerve fibers were characterized by large varicosities. The morphological dissimilarities between the taste buds of the investigated regions might be explained by their functional characteristics, or possibly their varying affinities to the taste qualities. Electron microscopic investigation of the stained circumvallate papillae revealed that the electron-dense reaction product had primarily accumulated in a subpopulation of light cells. Dark cells exhibited only a slight labelling. In detail, the precipitate was found loosely distributed in the cytoplasm as well as the nuclei of the cells, and particularly concentrated at the membranes of light vacuoles, this probably being profiles of dilated endoplasmic reticulum. A few roundish accumulations of precipitate were seen in the cytoplasm of taste bud cells, which showed no intensive light microscopic staining. Labelled material was also found within the taste pores outside the apical processes of the cells. The present findings indicate that the zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide technique is applicable to neuroanatomical studies of taste buds.

Muscle fiber type distribution in the normal human levator veli palatini muscle.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the muscle fiber type distribution within the normal adult levator veli palatini muscle. METHODS: Levator veli palatini muscle tissue was harvested from the palates of 12 (seven female, five male) adult noncleft cadavers. Adjacent sections were stained for adenosine triphosphatase at pH 10.4 or 4.2. After mounting, magnifying, and photographing, Type I versus Type II fiber types were differentiated by the intensity of, or by the inhibition of, staining of matched fibers at each pH level. Type I fibers stained light at pH 10.4 and dark at pH 4.2, while Type II fibers stained light at pH 4.2 and dark at pH 10.4. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of fibers counted for each specimen ranged from 60 to 616. The numbers of Type I and Type II stained fibers appearing in each muscle tissue sample were determined and expressed as a percentage of the total number of fibers identified. A few identified fibers could not be labelled as either Type I or Type II. RESULTS: The overall proportion of Type I fibers, averaged across all specimens, was 59.8%. Male specimens had 67.4% Type I fibers and 31.8% Type II fibers, while female specimens had 54.4% Type I fibers and 44.4% Type II fibers. CONCLUSIONS: Observed fiber type distributions were similar to those reported for other articulatory muscles, but differed slightly from previously reported distributions for normal levator veli palatini. The distributions observed in this study provide a baseline against which to relate fiber type data from the levator veli palatini of cleft palates to the functional status of the velopharyngeal mechanism.

Light and scanning electron microscopic study of the palatine mucosa of nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus).

The three-dimensional structure of the lamina propria of the hard and soft palatine mucosa of the nine-banded armadillo was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Sodium hydroxide cell maceration method was applied to demonstrate the architecture of the connective tissue papillae. The palatine mucosa of the armadillo had a triangular shape and measured appr. 6.5 cm length. The hard palate showed 9 transverse palatine plicae while the soft palate was smooth. In the 10% NaOH treated specimens, the lamina propria of the hard palatine mucosa showed numerous connective tissue papillae with a general finger-like shape. These structures were composed by a meshwork of collagen fibers arranged in several directions. On the other hand, the connective tissue papillae of the soft palate mucosa were scattered and small. Numerous openings of glandular ducts with circular or elliptical shape were located in the interplicae area and in the soft palate.

Intercellular and lymphatic pathways associated with tonsils of the soft palate in young pigs.

Tonsils of the soft palate of pigs are the main oropharyngeal lymphoid tissues that protect the body against antigens entering through the mouth. The aim of this work was to elucidate the intercellular and lymphatic pathways by which lymph and cells are transported through these tonsils. Tonsillar tissue from freshly-killed pigs was examined using light microscopy and electron microscopy, or was injected with Mercox for scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts. Intercellular fluid passes between epithelial cells and is continuous with that of the subepithelium. Fluid from the subepithelium flows into sinuses that form a network around the apex of follicles. These sinuses are continuous with parafollicular sinuses that penetrate the parafollicular tissue between the follicles. Some parafollicular sinuses are traversed by a complex network of cell processes, whereas others appear to lack such processes. Some parafollicular sinuses are closely located (10 microm) to venules; others lie adjacent to the follicle capsule. No lymphatics enter or leave the follicles. All lymph from the tonsils must traverse parafollicular sinuses before entering septal vessels, and these are continuous with basal vessels. Basal vessels coalesce to form efferent vessels that transport lymph from the tonsil to the primary lymph nodes. Septal, basal and efferent lymphatic vessels contain prominent valves and many lymphocytes. Lymphatic sinuses appear to be a significant pathway for lymphocytes migrating from the tonsillar lymphoid tissue.

Epithelial-connective tissue boundary in the oral part of the human soft palate.

The papillary layer of the oral part of the human soft palate was studied in 31 subjects of different age by means of histological, immunohistochemical and scanning electron microscopical methods. For scanning electron microscopy a new maceration method was introduced. Results determine epithelial thickness, height and density of connective tissue papillae and their 3-dimensional architecture inside the lining epithelium as well as the collagenous arrangement of the openings of the glandular ducts. The individual connective tissue papillae of the soft palate are compared with the connective tissue boundary on the other side of the oral cavity. The connective tissue plateaux carrying a variable number of connective tissue papillae were found to be the basic structural units of the papillary body. The function of the epithelial-connective tissue interface and the extracellular matrix arrangement in the lamina propria are discussed in order to promote the comparability of normal with pathologically altered human soft palates.

Morphological differences among nerve fiber endings in the rat oral mucosa as revealed by methylene blue staining.

The nerve fiber distribution in the oral mucosa of the soft palate and palatoglossal arch of the rat was studied by means of methylene blue supravital staining. It was focused primarily on the dye uptake of intraepithelial nerve fibers. Differences in the morphology of nerve fiber terminations were found between these regions of the oral mucosa. In the soft palate, local accumulations of intraepithelial nerve fibers which branched and showed terminal enlargements were detected. Intra- and perigemmal nerve fibers of chemosensory corpuscles could be stained. In the palatoglossal arch, numerous elongated papillae were seen containing nerve fiber plexus showing a complicated arborization pattern. In part, the collaterals penetrated the epithelium. The soft palate contained only a small number of lower but broader papillae which were covered by a more expanded intraepithelial nerve fiber plexus. In both regions, anastomoses between the branches of single nerve fibers were sometimes seen. Solitary delicate nerve fiber endings were loosely distributed throughout the epithelia. In addition, intrapapillar nerve endings, which were enclosed by a slightly stained capsule, were intensely stained; they showed characteristic lateral protuberances. The Merkel's discs were visualized as the components of a terminal network of nerve fiber branches. The observed differences in the shape and locations of the nerve terminations suggest different functions of these nerve fibers. Due to the low costs of the staining procedure and its ease in handling, it is well-suited for a mapping of the innervation pattern of the whole oral mucosa.

Síndrome maligno-mediofacial: aspectos histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos de um caso / Facial midle mallignant síndrome: histophatological and immunohisthochemical aspects of a case

Relato de caso de síndrome maligno-mediofacial de natureza linfomatosa, localizado no palato, em paciente do sexo feminino, com 23 anos de idade. O diagnóstico foi feito por meio do estudo histopatológico e de marcadores imuno-histoquímicos para linfócitos T. Apesar do êxito terapêutico alcançado com a associaçäo de ciclosporina, vincristina, andriamicina e prednisona, após ter tido alta hospitalar, a paciente faleceu, em consequência de septicemia

[Morphologic and ultrastructural changes of soft palate in patients who underwent palatopharyngoplasty]. / Rilievi istopatologici ed ultrastrutturali del palato molle in pazienti sottoposti ad intervento di palatofaringoplastica (PPP).

In order to clarify pathogenesis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) in patients with anatomic abnormalities of upper airways, we studied soft palate and uvula of OSAS patients by means of histological and ultrastructural techniques. 38 OSAS patients, severe and moderately severe form, underwent modified Palatopharingoplasty. We evaluated only 16 OSAS patients' soft palate and uvula and observed histological changes in all of them: submucosal edema and minor salivary glandes ipertrophy and iperplasy are present. On the contrary, ultramicroscope showed normal muscle fibers. Strie Z alterations and sarcomeres disorganization, although present, have no statistical value. Very probably, ronflement and apneas determined the observed alterations through trauma on pharingeal wall. Therefore, they are not OSAS primary cause.

Scanning electron microscopic studies of the palatine mucosa and its microvascular architecture in the rat.

Detailed observations were made on the structure and microvasculature of the palatine mucosa of the rat by means of microvascular corrosion casts and epithelium-digested specimens using scanning electron microscopy. The rat palate was divided into four regions according to the characteristics of the palatine plicae. In the atrial region, no transverse palatine plicae were present, but there were longitudinal ridges and folds in the median area. These structures contribute to the transportation of rough and grainy foods with the assistance of the hairy buccal part. Capillary loops in the ridge and folds appeared as continuous, sagittally elongated loops. In the palatine fissure or antemolar region, only three typical transverse palatine plicae contribute to the regurgitation of food. Capillary loops appeared in variant forms on the top, and the anterior and posterior slopes of the plicae. Venous palatine plexus was observed only in the palatine fissure region. In the intermolar region, each of the five transverse plicae was composed of many wedges arranged sagittally. These plicae contribute to the transportation of food toward the larynx. Capillary loops in the plica were in the shape of complicated villi. Filiform protrusions or papillae were aggregated immediately posterior to the last plica. The capillary loops appeared as typical hairpins. They contribute to swallowing of food with active assistance from the epithelial eminence of the lingual dorsum. Palatine plicae showed considerable local differences, which may contribute to the prehension, transportation, and mashing of food.