Atrial natriuretic peptide attenuates endoplasmic reticulum stress in experimental acute pancreatitis.

Increasing evidence shows that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is an early event that injures pancreatic acinar cells and contributes to the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. In the present work we sought to establish whether atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) alleviated ER stress in rats with cerulein-induced pancreatitis. The major components of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and their downstream effectors were assessed by immunoblotting or fluorimetry and the ultrastructure of ER evaluated by electron transmission microscopy. Cross-talk with autophagy was evaluated by beclin-1 expression. ANP reduced binding immunoglobulin protein (Bip) expression (UPR major controller) which under non-stress conditions keeps inactive the stress sensor proteins: protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). Although ANP did not change PERK expression it decreased p-eIF2α and enhanced downstream effector CHOP, suggesting that ANP stimulates ER-dependent apoptosis. In accordance, ANP also decreased Bcl2 expression and enhanced proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak. The atrial peptide enhanced ATF6 expression and although it did not affect IRE1/sXBP1 signaling, it increased caspase-2 activity, also involved in ER-dependent apoptosis. Furthermore, ANP decreased beclin-1 expression. The ultrastructure of the RE revealed decreased swelling and conserved ribosomes in the presence of ANP. Present findings support that ANP alleviates ER stress in acute pancreatitis by modulating the three branches of the UPR and stimulates ER-dependent apoptosis. Gaining insights into the modulation of ER stress may help to develop specific therapeutic strategies for acute pancreatitis and/or medical interventions at risk of its developing like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Trend Toward Individualization of the Endocrine and Exocrine Portions of the Giant Anteater Pancreas (Myrmecophaga Tridactyla, Xenarthra).

Considering the physiological importance of the pancreas as an endocrine and exocrine organ, this study described the characteristics of the gross and microscopic morphology of this organ using 16 Myrmecophaga tridactyla individuals. The pancreas was located in the left antimere of the body, was pale in colour and exhibited an elongated shape with a central body and lobulated surface. It was positioned in the abdomen, following the curvatura ventriculi major of the stomach, and was attached to the initial portion of the duodenum. The corpus pancreatis was elongated and showed a caudal curvature of 45°. The pancreas exhibited a facies dorsalis (related to the spleen and stomach) and a facies ventralis (related to the renal capsule and intestine). Macroscopically, a craniodorsal, medial, and caudoventral regions were identified, in addition to the left lobe. Structurally, the organ exhibited two distinct parts: the first had exocrine characteristics, consisting of acini and ducts; the second, which was the endocrine portion, consisted of the pancreatic islets, which were located in the medial, caudoventral and left lobe regions. Ultrastructural analysis identified secretory vesicles containing zymogen granules, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum in pancreatic centroacinar cells. Morphological data on the anatomy of members of the Xenarthra have revealed important peculiarities of several organs and systems, adding great biological value to the representatives of this group. In addition, these studies significantly contribute not only to knowledge of the biology, taxonomy and, consequently, preservation of these animals but also to the discovery of new experimental models. Anat Rec, 300:1104-1113, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Iron overload induces changes of pancreatic and duodenal divalent metal transporter 1 and prohepcidin expression in mice.

It is well known that the iron content of the body is tightly regulated. Iron excess induces adaptive changes that are differentially regulated in each tissue. The pancreas is particularly susceptible to iron-related disorders. We studied the expression and regulation of key iron proteins in the pancreas, duodenum and liver, using an animal model of iron overload (female CF1 mice injected i.p. with iron saccharate, colloidal iron form). Divalent metal transporter 1, prohepcidin and ferritin (pancreas, duodenum, liver) were assessed by immunohistochemistry; divalent metal transporter 1 (pancreas, duodenum) by Western blot. In the iron overloaded mice, prohepcidin expression increased in islets of Langerhans and hepatocytes, and divalent metal transporter 1 expression decreased in cells of islets and in enterocytes. In the iron overloaded mice, ferritin expression decreased in islets of Langerhans and increased in acinar cells; hemosiderin was localized in connective tissue cells. The inverse relationship between divalent metal transporter 1 and prohepcidin may indicate a negative regulation by hepcidin, and hence reduction of iron stores in islets of Langerhans. Our data showed that in iron overloaded mice model, induced by colloidal iron form, a coordinated expression of key iron proteins in the pancreas, duodenum and liver may occur. Further research will be necessary to determine the adaptive responses induced by iron in the pancreas.

Pancreatic ultrastructural enhancement due to telmisartan plus sitagliptin treatment in diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the effects of telmisartan, sitagliptin, or their combination on pancreatic ultrastructural alterations in high-fat-fed C57BL/6 mice. METHODS: Three-month-old C57BL/6 mice were fed with standard chow (SC, 10% lipids) or high-fat diet (HF, 60% lipids) during 10 weeks to induce obesity and its comorbidities. After this period, treatment began (lasted 6 weeks), and the HF group was divided into 4 subgroups: untreated HF, HF plus telmisartan (5 mg/kg per day), HF plus sitagliptin (1.1 g/kg per day), and HF plus telmisartan plus sitagliptin. Drugs were mixed with diet. Biochemical analyses, radioimmunoassay, immunofluorescence, stereology, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to assess pancreatic remodeling. RESULTS: Overweight, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia were found in the HF group, but these outcomes were controlled by the different treatments. Untreated HF animals also showed alterations concerning distribution of α/ß cell followed by large and numerous lipid droplets within pancreas. Telmisartan and sitagliptin as monotherapy alleviated these findings, and a complete reversal of pancreatic steatosis was observed after treating with the combination of the 2 drugs. CONCLUSIONS: AT1 receptor blockade, partial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activation, and extended incretin action emerge as feasible strategies to control pancreatic steatosis and avoid progression of pancreatic diseases due to lipotoxicity.

Adipose tissue, liver and pancreas structural alterations in C57BL/6 mice fed high-fat-high-sucrose diet supplemented with fish oil (n-3 fatty acid rich oil).

Fish oil treatment was used in reversing the morphological and metabolic changes of C57BL/6 mice fed high-fat-high-sucrose (HFHS) diet. Two-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed HFHS chow or standard chow (SC). At 3 months of age, HFHS mice were separated into an untreated group (HFHS) and a group treated with fish oil (HFHS-Fo, 1.5g/kg/day). At 4 months of age, HFHS fed mice had an increase in body mass (BM) and total body fat, when the animals were sacrificed. Both parameters were lower in HFHS-Fo than in HFHS mice. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were not affected among the groups, but HFHS and HFHS-Fo animals had higher homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance HOMA-IR ratio. HFHS and HFHS-FO mice had increased plasma total cholesterol and LDL-C, HFHS-Fo increased plasma HDL-C and decreased triglycerides levels. The liver mass (LM) and the adipocytes' size were larger in HFHS mice, while HFHS-Fo mice had a lower LM and smaller adipocytes. The liver steatosis and hepatocyte binucleation were increased in HFHS mice, while HFHS-Fo mice had reduced liver steatosis and hepatocyte binucleation. HFHS-Fo mice had a lower pancreas mass, while HFHS animals had higher islet pancreatic diameter. The SC group showed strong expression for insulin, glucagon and a glucose transporter type 2 GLUT-2 in all pancreatic islets, while in HFHS mice there was less expression for GLUT-2. However, HFHS-Fo mice showed an increase of GLUT-2 expression. In conclusion, dietary fish oil treatment reduces body mass and fat pad adiposity, and also by reducing plasma TG and pancreatic islet hypertrophy in mice fed high-fat-high-sucrose diet. Furthermore, fish oil improves glucagon and GLUT-2 expressions when it is decreased in insulin, but in hepatocyte binucleation and hepatic steatosis where the effect is reduced.

Nifurtimox nitroreductase activity in different cellular fractions from male rat pancreas. Biochemical and ultrastructural alterations.

Nifurtimox (Nfx) is a nitroheterocyclic drug used in the treatment of Chagas' disease. It has serious side effects which frequently force to interrupt the treatment. Nfx toxicity has been linked to its nitroreduction to a nitroanion radical with a subsequent redox cycling which generate reactive oxygen species. We analyzed the ability of Sprague Dawley male rat pancreas to nitroreduce Nfx and whether this drug may cause deleterious effects in this organ. The microsomal fraction exhibited Nfx nitroreductase activity in the presence of NADPH under anaerobic atmosphere, which was fully inhibited under air but not altered when N2 was replaced by pure CO. The cytosol nitroreduced Nfx in the presence of hypoxanthine under N2; it was inhibited by allopurinol and negligible in aerobiosis. Nfx reached pancreatic tissue at 1, 3 or 6 h after intragastric administration (100 mg/kg). Six hours after drug administration, a significant increase in t-buthylhydroperoxide promoted chemiluminiscence was detected. Pancreatic protein sulfhydryl content significantly decreased at either 1, 3 or 6 h after Nfx administration. No changes in either protein carbonyl or in lipid hydroperoxides were observable. Ultrastructural alterations were observed in the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclei from acinar cells and in the insulin-containing granules from the pancreas. However, the seric amylase levels were not changed, but the blood glucose levels were slightly but significantly increased 24 h after Nfx administration. These studies might suggest that Nfx treatment could impose an increased risk to patients exposed to other insults provoking oxidative stress or having preexisting pathologies in the pancreas.

Fine structural analysis of the epithelial cells in the hepatopancreas of Palaemonetes argentinus (Crustacea, Decapoda, Caridea) in intermoult.

The aim of this study is to describe the ultrastructure of the hepatopancreas of P. argentinus in intermoult. P. argentinus hepatopancreas was studied using standard TEM techniques. Each tubule consists of four cellular types: E (embryonic), F (fibrillar), R (resorptive) and B (blister like). E-cells have embryonic features and some of them were found in mitosis. F, R and B cells possess an apical brush border. F-cells have a central or basal nucleus, a conspicuous RER, and dilated Golgi cisternae. R cells show a polar organization of organelles in three areas: apical, with numerous mitochondria and sER tubules, a central area with the nucleus and RER, and a basal area containing a sER-like tubule system and mitochondria. B-cells were observed at different stages of their life cycle. In an early differentiation stage they comprise an apical endocytotic complex and Golgi vesicles. The fusion of endocytotic and Golgi vesicles originates subapical vacuoles. During maturation, a big central vacuole is formed by coalescence of subapical vacuoles. The central vacuole is eliminated by holocrine secretion. The ultrastructure suggests that F-cells synthesize proteins, R-cells storage nutrients and B-cells have a secretory or excretory function, and confirms the independent origin of F, B and R cells from the embryonic cells.

Paul Langerhans: aspectos relacionados con su vida y obra / Paul Langerhans: aspects related to his life and work

Se describen los aspectos relacionados con la vida y obra de Paul Langerhans, con especial atención a las células de Langerhans de la piel y mucosas, y a los islotes de Langerhans del páncreas (AU)

Post-natal maturation of acinar cells of the guinea pig pancreas: an ultrastructural morphometric study.

The morphological maturation of the acinar cells of the guinea pig pancreas during post-natal development was characterized morphometrically by determining the intracytoplasmic accumulation of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and zymogen granules. The following results were obtained for the period analysed, i.e., from 2 to 70 days of post-natal life: (a) the acinar cell volume increased by 210% (P < 0.01); (b) the mostly cisternal RER occupied more than 30% of the cytoplasm at any age studied and their total volume and surface in the cell were increased by 300 and 534% (P < 0.01), respectively; (c) maturation in the morphological pattern of the RER was observed; (d) the mean number of zymogen granules per cell increased from 261 at 2 days to 422 at 70 days (P < 0.01), while their mean diameter increased from 0.52 to 0.94 micron (P < 0.01) during the same period; (e) these increases in granule number and size were responsible for a 500% (P < 0.01) increase in total volume from 2 to 70 days and for a 304% increase (P < 0.01) in total surface from 2 to 35 days; (f) the RER and the zymogen granules together occupied 44, 54, 55 and 57% of the cytoplasm at 2, 14, 35 and 70 days of age, respectively. We conclude that although the pancreatic acinar cells of the guinea pig are morphologically well differentiated at 2 days of age, with the cytoplasm already showing a large amount of RER and zymogen granules, they are still immature. Morphological maturation of the acinar cell occurs during the first months of post-natal life and is characterized by a substantial gain in cell volume and intracytoplasmic accumulation of RER and zymogen granules, which significantly increase of both their absolute volume and total surface, with a higher growth rate being observed during the period from 2 to 14 days of post-natal life.

Ultrastructural study of the pancreas in AIDS.

INTRODUCTION: Frequent histologic changes (90%) in the pancreas suggesting protein-energy malnutrition were found in a previous necropsy study of pancreas morphology in patients with AIDS. However, additional studies were required to clarify subcellular changes. AIM: To ultrastructurally analyze pancreas changes in AIDS patients through transmission electron microscopy. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: Pancreas specimens for necropsy were obtained from nine consecutive AIDS patients and four normal controls. A semiquantitative histologic and ultrastructural analysis of exocrine pancreas was carried out with the following findings: preserved pancreas structure with little autolysis, marked decrease in zymogen granules (100%), increased lipofuscin pigment (80%), augmented and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum (100%), and increased number and size of mitochondria. The Golgi complex could be identified only in two cases. In all cases, acinar nuclei were decreased in size, with peripherally condensed chromatin and undulated membrane suggesting early apoptosis. In addition, immunohistochemical evaluation of the pancreas was carried out to detect opportunistic agents. CONCLUSION: Decreased zymogen granules, acinar atrophy, increased lipofuscin pigment, and rarefying Golgi complex represent the morphologic substrate of protein-energy malnutrition in AIDS patients. The combination of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria changes could be due to the need for supplying vital plasma proteins rather than exportation protein synthesis associated, or not, with the deleterious effects of inflammatory cytokines and/or therapy for disease.

Enzymatic, analytical and structural aspects of electron-dense granules in cells of Ucides cordatus (Crustacea, Decapoda) hepatopancreas.

Electron-dense granules (EDGs) are singular structures found in the tissues of several vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. Two types of EDGs were observed in hepatopancreatic cells of the crab Ucides cordatus: (1) a non-mineralized EDG, found mainly inside vacuoles, which reacted positively to acid phosphatase and D-amino acid oxidase, possibly formed by degradation of lipid membranes, and (2) a mineralized EDG surrounded by endoplasmic reticulum membranes that gave a positive reaction for glucose-6-phosphatase. In this study we show the fine structure and composition of the mineralized EDGs using cytochemistry, analytical transmission electron microscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. They are formed of microvesicle-like structures that are arranged in concentric spherical layers in the most mineralized portions of the granule. Analytical microscopy of mineralized EDGs indicated that they are composed of amorphous calcium-magnesium phosphate. Isolated EDGs treated with NaOCl lose several elements, including P, when compared with EDGs treated with deionized water. Removal of the organic matrix by NaOCl induced marked changes in the mineralized EDGs, showing that the organic matrix plays an important role in its elemental composition and structure.

Pancreatitis experimental en el opossum. Rol de la esplacnicectomía previa en la respuesta inflamatoria / Experimental pancreatitis in opossum. Rol of the previus splanicectomy in inflamatory response

BACKGROUND: The role of the Autonomous Nervous System in the immunologic and inflammatory response is still an issue of discussion. Furthermore, the physiopathologic mechanisms involved are still unknown. Acute pancreatitis (AP) does not escape this disconcert. In fact, like in every severe acute inflammatory process, its discontrol could be responsible of the high morbidity and mortality rates. OBJECTIVE: To assess to which degree bilateral splanchnicectomy changes the course of acute inflammatory response in AP. METHOD: Prospective research. RESULTS: The following parameters were evaluated: red blood cell count, white blood cell count, calcium, glucemia, urea, aminase, lypase and liver enzymes. Macroscopy and microscopy views of the pancreas were also obtained. The leucocitary response was abolished, and the calcium levels dropped to a lesser degree. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral splanchnicectomy prior to unchaining AP had a beneficial effect, Its mechanism of action could have been through the disconnection of the respective reflex arches (AU)

Cytoarchitectural features of Ucides cordatus (Crustacea Decapoda) hepatopancreas: structure and elemental composition of electron-dense granules.

Hepatopancreal tissue of the crab Ucides cordatus was investigated by light and electron microscopy. The observed epithelial cells were: E-cells (embryonic), located in the distal portion of the hepatopancreal tubules, R-cells (resorptive) F-cells (fibrillar) and B-cells (blister or secretory), found in its intermediate and proximal regions. Two types of electron-dense granules (EDGs) were found frequently in the cells of the proximal portion of the hepatopancreal tubule. Both types of EDGs presented alternating concentric electron-dense and electron-lucent layers. In order to better characterize these granules, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) cytochemistry were performed. One type of spherical granule was seen inside vacuoles surrounded by an association of myelin-like membranes as well as some small membrane-bound vesicles. This type of granule neither presented detectable Ca and P on EDXA spectra nor G6Pase cytochemical reaction products. The second type of granule had O, P and Ca characteristic peaks. G6Pase cytochemical products were observed inside these structures and showed that this mineralized type was surrounded by endoplasmic reticulum membranes. This result suggests that in U. cordatus the endoplasmic reticulum is associated with the genesis of mineralized EDGs. While amorphous mineral granules may be associated with a storage of Ca and P for the new carapace synthesis, EDGs covered by the non-mineralized spherical multi-layered membranes may be associated with late endosomes. No specific secretory pathway however was determined for the EDGs at the epithelial proximal portion.

Pancreatic hepatocytes in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.

Hepatocytic metaplasia may be induced in hamsters by carcinogens, and associated with aging, diabetes or chronic pancreatitis. By means of histopathologic and immunohistochemic studies, we observed pancreatic hepatocytes in hamsters infected and reinfected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The change was seen in 18 (19%) out of 94 infected animals, and was not found among 53 controls, Normal islet cells were immunoreactive for neuron-specific enolase and not reactive for NCL-HAS. Metaplastic cells were immunoreactive for NCL-HAS and not reactive for islet hormones and enolase. No relationship was observed between number of inoculations and metaplasia; however, the intensity of the inflammatory process and sequels seems to favor the development of metaplastic cells. Hamsters infected with T. cruzi may be useful to study hepatocytic metaplasia, and contribute to clarify aspects of Chagas' disease and pancreatic changes. Our data indicate that aging, in addition to inflammation and atrophy, plays a role in this change.

[Acute experimental pancreatitis in the opossum. The role of early splenectomy in the inflammatory response]]. / Pancreatitis experimental en el opossum. Rol de la esplacnicectomìa previa en la respuesta inflamatoria.

BACKGROUND: The role of the Autonomous Nervous System in the immunologic and inflammatory response is still an issue of discussion. Furthermore, the physiopathologic mechanisms involved are still unknown. Acute pancreatitis (AP) does not escape this disconcert. In fact, like in every severe acute inflammatory process, its discontrol could be responsible of the high morbidity and mortality rates. OBJECTIVE: To assess to which degree bilateral splanchnicectomy changes the course of acute inflammatory response in AP. METHOD: Prospective research. RESULTS: The following parameters were evaluated: red blood cell count, white blood cell count, calcium, glucemia, urea, aminase, lypase and liver enzymes. Macroscopy and microscopy views of the pancreas were also obtained. The leucocitary response was abolished, and the calcium levels dropped to a lesser degree. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral splanchnicectomy prior to unchaining AP had a beneficial effect, Its mechanism of action could have been through the disconnection of the respective reflex arches.

In vitro cytochemical studies of the golgi apparatus of pancreatic acinar cells exposed to drugs that inhibit the transport of membranes and proteins.

In a preceding article, we described alterations occurring in rat pancreas acinar cells at successive post-mortem (PM) intervals. In ultra-thin sections from samples obtained from 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 h, we observed in the Golgi apparatus the appearance of an anomalous membrane bound structure. Such structures are formed by tubules and vesicles that we have called tubular vesicular structure (TVS), and they are frequently located in the position corresponding to the 4th cisterna of the Golgian cisternal pile. Lobules of rat pancreas, incubated in vitro with metabolic inhibitors (such as antimycin A, sodium fluoride, sodium azide and potassium cyanide), were processed in order to be compared with the PM samples of the rat acinar cells. In sliced pieces of lobules, acid phosphatase (AcPase) and tiaminopirophosphatase (TPPase) activity were evaluated. Except for the potassium cyanide treatment, we frequently observed the TVS located at the position corresponding to the 4th cisternae (similar to those observed in the PM acinar cells). These TVS's are predominantly TPPase positive. Based on this result and the fact that the TVS's are surrounded by a membrane (as confirmed by the freeze-fracture replica results) with no structural elements inside, they seem not to correspond to autophagosomes. The TVS's, observed either at PM consecutive times or incubated with metabolic inhibitors, seem to be structures formed in response to ATP deprivation. In 0,5 h PM cells and in cells incubated for 30 and 60 min with metabolic inhibitors, the subcellular structures reacted for AcPase in the rigid lamellae, CV and lysosomes.

Pancreatic involvement in co-infection visceral leishmaniasis and HIV: histological and ultrastructural aspects

The involvement of the gastrointestinal tract in the co-infection of HIV and Leishmania is rarely reported. We report the case of an HIV-infected adult man co-infected with a disseminated form of leishmaniasis involving the liver, lymph nodes, spleen and, as a feature reported for the first time in the English literature, the pancreas. Light microscopy showed amastigote forms of Leishmania in pancreatic macrophages and immunohistochemical staining revealed antigens for Leishmania and also for HIV p24. Microscopic and ultrastructural analysis revealed severe acinar atrophy, decreased zymogen granules in the acinar cytoplasm and also nuclear abnormalities such as pyknosis, hyperchromatism and thickened chromatin. These findings might correspond to the histologic pattern of protein-energy malnutrition in the pancreas as shown in our previous study in pancreas with AIDS and no Leishmania. In this particular case, the protein-energy malnutrition may be due to cirrhosis, or, Leishmania or HIV infection or all mixed. We believe that this case represents the morphologic substratum of the protein energy malnutrition in pancreas induced by the HIV infection. Further studies are needed to elucidate these issues

Morphological and morphometric studies in pancreatic acinar cells of the rat at successive post-mortem intervals. The early appearance of a previously undescribed Golgi complex associated tubular vesicular structure.

Structural alterations in rat pancreatic acinar cells were studied in thin section at 0.5, 1, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h post-mortem (PM). Morphometric analyses were performed both by light and electron microscopy, at 0.5 and 1 h PM. The parameters evaluated were: a) nuclear, cytoplasmic and cellular volumes; b) volume density and absolute volume of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), mitochondria, zymogen granules (ZG), Golgi complex and its subcompartments [cisternae, condensing vacuole (CV) and 56-nm diameter vesicles], dense bodies (lysosome-like structures, electron-dense vacuoles and unidentifiable granules) and cytoplasmic matrix; c) surface density, surface/volume ratio and total surface area of the RER, mitochondria, ZG, Golgi cisternae, 56-nm diameter vesicles lying at the rough ER-Golgi interface, CV, and apical and basolateral membranes. Between 0.5 and 48 h, the mitochondria were dilated, junctional complexes were preserved and autophagic vacuoles were rare or absent. Flocculent densities were present in the mitochondria and chromatin condensation was observed at 4 h PM. In thin sections from samples obtained between 0.5 and 12 h, we consistently observed a membrane bounded structure formed by tubules and vesicles, designated as a tubular vesicular structure (TVS). These TVS's were observed at positions corresponding to the 4th Golgi cisterna. Fibrillar aggregates and a reduction in the number of 56-nm vesicles on the cis side of the Golgi were seen. Morphometry revealed a 60-70% reduction in the numerical density of the 56-nm vesicles between zero (control) and 0.5 h PM. These analyses also showed a 70% increase in the total volume and 57% increase in the total membrane surface of the Golgi cisternae in the PM period. The current results suggest that during the early PM (0.5 h) there is transport between Golgi compartments, and the 56-nm diameter vesicles fuse with the cisternae.

O pâncreas na desnutriçäo protéico-calórica na infância / Pancreatic dysfunction in protein-energy malnutrition in children

A disfunçäo pancreática tem sido frequentemente associada à desnutriçäo protéico-calórica e aparece mais frequentemente quando há uma ingesta relativamente alta de alimentos ricos em amido, com deficiência na ingesta de proteínas. As alteraçöes pancreáticas säo globais. Há diminuiçäo do número e tamanho de algumas organelas intracelulares, com marcada depressäo nos níveis e na atividade das enzimas lipase, amilase ,tripsina, quimotripsina e ribonuclease, além de atrofia, fibrose e calcificaçöes do órgäo. Hipoalbuminemia, hiperglobulinemia e esteatorréia säo achados também frequentes em pacientes com desnutriçäo. A dosagem de tripsinogênio catiönico sérico é um método bastante acurado para o diagnóstico de insuficiência pancreática. Atualmente, tem-se dado destaque para o esteatócrito como método de triagem. Com o aporte dietético adequado, a deficiência enzimática desaparece progressivamente, na maioria das vezes näo sendo necessária a utilizaçäo de enzimas pancreáticas exógenas

Estudo morfológico e estereológico do desenvolvimento pós-natal do pâncreas da cobaia (Cavia porcellus) / Morphological and stereological study of the posnatal development of guinea pig pancreas (Cavia porcellus)

O desenvolvimento pós-natal do pâncreas da cobaia (Cavia porcellus) foi estudado por métodos estereológicos ao microscópio de luz, no período de 2 a 140 dias de idade. As modificaçöes morfométricas detectadas no estudo dos dados numéricos foram acompanhadas por uma análise morfológica qualitativa. A massa pancreática exibiu um aumento acentuado de 805 por cento, no período de 2 a 140 dias de vida pós-natal. Este crescimento pode ser expresso pela equaçäo linear Y = 519,2 + 14,2x (coeficiente de correlaçäo r= 0,95) e o tempo de duplicaçäo calculado por essa equaçäo foi de 38,6 dias. Este crescimento de massa pancreática ocorreu devido ao aumento de volume em todos os compartimentos morfológicos, notadamente o dos ácinos e o das outras estruturas (estroma). A relativa estabilidade da densidade de volume dos vários compartimentos mostrou que durante este crescimento as relaçöes volumétricas säo mantidas. O volume do compartimento dos ácinos aumentou 756 por cento, no período total analisado. Este crescimento pode ser representado pela equaçäo Y = 204,1 + 4,7x (r= 0,92) e o tempo de duplicaçäo calculado para o período de 2 a 140 dias foi de 45,6 dias. Este aumento de volume do compartimento dos ácinos ocorreu por dois mecanismos de crescimento: a atividade proliferativa e o aumento de volume celular. O estudo da evoluçäo do número absoluto de células acinosas mostrou um aumento de 361 por cento, no período de 2 a 140 dias. A equaçäo obtida pela análise de regressäo para exprimir esse aumento foi Y = 110,1 + 1,6x (r=0,94) e o tempo de duplicaçäo calculado foi de 70,8 dias. Por outro lado, o volume celular médio das células acinosas aumentou 210 por cento, no mesmo período. A equaçäo linear obtida foi Y = 755,3 + 6,4x (r=0,86) e o tempo de duplicaçäo foi de 120,0 dias. Os dados mostraram que no período total de 2 a 140 dias, o aumento de volume do compartimento dos ácinos ocorreu com um predomínio de atividade proliferativa sobre aumento de volume celular