Histochemical Characteristics and Ultrastructure of Mast Cells in Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) / 대한해부학회지

This study describes the histochemical characteristics and ultrastructure of mast cells from tongue, proventriculus, ileum and fabricius bursa, in pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) by light and electron microscopy. We compared the stainability of 4 different methods, toluidine blue, alcian blue, congo red and alkaline Giemsa, to stain mast cell granules from fixed pheasant organs in three different fixatives, 10% neutral buffered formalin, Carnoy's solution or half-strength Karnovsky's solution. Mast cells in all experimental organs were not stained with 4 different staining methods after fixation in 10% neutral buffered formalin but well stained in fixed organs with half-strength Karnovsky's solution. The mast cells had many metachromatic granules stained with toluidine blue or alkaline Giemsa and orthochromatic granules stained with alcian blue or congo red in tissues fixed in half-strength Karnovsky's solution. In electron microscopy, pheasant mast cells were oval, triangular, spindle-like or irregular and had a few finger-like cytoplasmic processes. There were the membrane-bounded secretory granules and the well-developed organelles in mast cells. Internal large granules were oval or irregular, and had variable shape; some higher or lower electron density with homogeneous appearance; some had a particular appearance, and a few showed reticular or spongy-like structure. This indicates that 10% neutral buffered formalin or Carnoy's fixation may be inadequate for detection of mast cells in pheasant, whereas the half-strength Karnovsky's fixation provides metachromatic or orthochromatic staining of mast cell granules.

Lens Characterization of Genus Zacco and Pseudogobio in Korean Fish / 체질인류학회지

There are many modifications of eye shape and structure among fish, the general plan is similar throughout. This study was performed to comparative investigation for the lens shape and the interlocking pattern of lens fiber in genus Zacco (Z. temmincki and Z. platypus) and Pseudogobio (P. esocinus). The equatorial and axis diameter of lens for the classification of lens shape were measured by micrometer. And the interlocking patterns of lens fibers were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The lens shapes of Z. platypus and Z. temmincki were spherical (axis /equqtorial diameter = 1), but the lens shape of P. esocinus was subspherical type (axis / equqtorial diameter = 0.87). The interlocking patterns of lens fibers showed that Z. temmincki have an "anchor and socket" connection, Z. platy-pus have a "ball and socket" connection, and P. esocinus have a "rod and socket" connection. The results of this study may be utilized in the taxonomic keys for the classification of fish.

Roles of TNF-alpha and IgE in the late phase of contact hypersensitivity induced by trimellitic anhydride

Trimellitic anhydride (TMA) is widely used industrially to make epoxy and alkyd resins, plasticizers and surfactants. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is induced by repeated TMA challenge and the role of TNF-a and IgE in the TMA-induced CHS. The repetition of the challenge enlarged the extent of an early and a late phase of CHS in TNF-alpha+/+ (B6129SF2/J) and Balb/c mice. In the late phase of TMA-induced CHS, the peak of ear swelling responses by single challenge showed at 24 h after challenge, but the peak was observed at 8 h after repeated challenge. In the TNF-a knockout TNF-alpha-/- (B6;129S-Tnf(tm1Gk1) mice, the repetition of the TMA challenges enlarged the extent of the late phase of CHS, but less than those in TNF-alpha+/+ mice. Injection of anti-TNF-alpha antibody into the peritoneal cavity of Balb/c mice significantly decreased the extent of the late phase of CHS. Subcutaneous injection of anti-IgE antibody into Balb/c mice also decreased the extent of the late phase of CHS in dose-dependent manner. Histologically, infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils was more pronounced in repeatedly TMA-challenged TNF-alpha+/+ and Balb/c mice than in the TNF-alpha-/- mice and anti-TNF-alpha or anti-IgE antibodies treated Balb/c mice. These results indicate that mice sensitized by TMA could possibly offer a useful model to study the mechanism of CHS, and TNF-a and IgE may act as potential modulators in the late phase of TMA-induced CHS. Neutralization of TNF-alpha and IgE by anti-TNF-a or anti-IgE antibodies may provide therapeutic tools for the treatment of TMA-induced CHS.

Comparative Study of Retinal Tissues of Genus Zacco and Genus Pseudogobio in Korean Fish: Possible Relationship with Prey and Habitat / 대한해부학회지

This study was performed to investigate whether the kinds and arrangement patterns of the cone cells were related to the kinds of behavior, prey and habitat in the species of genus Zacco and genus Pseudogobio The retinas were observed by a light microscopy using H-E staining method. The cone cells of Z. platypus and Z. temmincki showed compact mosaic patterns of row type. Keep apart from the center, the diameters of the double and single cone cells were gradually increased. Z. temmincki developed the identical double cone cells, and Z. platypus developed the non-identical double and single cone cells. But, Pseudogobio esocinus constituted loose mosaic patterns of row and irregular types and developed the identical double cones and single cone cells. The above results suggest that the kinds and mosaic pattern of cone cells of Z. temmincki feeding on a moving aquatic insects in relative limpid water and swift current, reflect the highest resolution among these three species. And the kinds and mosaic pattern of cone cells of P. esocinus keep watching around in the sand ground and feeding on a moving aquatic insects in relative limpid water and gentle current, suggest that if has better resolution than those of Z. platypus feeding on mainly adhesive algae and some aquatic insects in slightly turbid water.

Electron Microscopic Autoradiographic Study on the Secretion of Atrial Specific Granules from Atrial Cardiocytes in Dehydrated Rats / 대한해부학회지

This study was performed to investigate for the effect of dehydration on the synthesis, secretion and secreted pathway of atrial specific granules contained ANP by electron microscopic autoradiography. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, body weigh of about 50 g (range 47 to 53 g), were divided into control, 1 day dehydration and 3 days dehydration groups. Each group was divided into four groups according to sacrificed time on 20 min, 60 min and 240 min after the injection of L-leucine 3 H. Tissues of the right atrium obtained from animals were processed for typical electron microscopic procedure, and then embedded in Epon 812. Ultrathin sections were followed for electron microscopic autoradiographic method. Atrial specific granules were various in size, and some granules had a lower electron densities and indistinct granular membrane in the dehydration groups compared with the control group. In the electron microscopic autoradiographs of atrial wall, silver grains indicated by means of the positions of labelled L-leucine 3 H over the cell inclusion included atrial specific granules, cell organelles, intercellular spaces and blood vesseles. In the control group, high specific radioactivity was observed in the Golgi apparatus at 20 min, and in the rough endoplasmic reticulums and atrial specific granules at 60 min after the injection of L-leucine3H. And high level of radioactivities were observed in the cell membranes and blood vesseles at 240 min after the injection of L-leucine3H. In the 1 day and 3 days dehydration groups, radioactivities of Golgi apparatus, atrial specific granules, cell membranes and intercellular spaces were high level at 20 min, and radioactivities of rough endoplasmic reticulums and blood vesseles were high level at 60 min after isotope injection. Stored atrial specific granules were increased to 34.1% in the 1 day dehydration group, 27.4% in the 3 days dehydration group compared with the control group. In the 3 days dehydration group, newly formed granules increased 85.02% at 20 min, but those decreased rapidly to 36.87% at 60 min, 20.45% at 240 min after the injection of L-leucine3H in atrial cardiocytes. This results suggest that total ANP increased rapidly in the atrial cardiocytes, and newly formed ANP secreted rapidly into the intercellular space in the condition of dehydration, and ANP from atrial cardiocytes remain in intercellular space for dehydration period.

Hypoplasia of the Left Portal Vein Territory of the Human Liver: A Case Study

Although reports of hypoplasia or absence of the liver of left lobe are not few, descriptions of the intrahepatic vessels are rare but valuable for discussion of the pathogenesis. The present report demonstrates a case of the left surgical lobe hypoplasia that is characterized by 1) the scar-like lobe with few parenchymal tissue and dilated bile ducts, 2) no Spiegel's lobe with the portal vein stuck to the inferior vena cava, 3) unusual configurations of the right hepatic vein and the 8th segmental portal vein branch, 4) the hepatic groove on S8, and 5) the trifurcation pattern of the portal vein primary division. According to the macroscopic and histological observations, we hypothesized that the secondary abnormal peritoneal fusion occurred in utero and/or during the postnatal growth, and that it involved the left portal vein and other adjacent structures, resulting in severe atrophy of the left surgical lobe.

Hair Follicles of Anterior Parietal Region are More Vulnerable than Occipital Region in Classic Acute Telogen Effluvium

Background: The well known clinical feature of the classic acute telogen effluvium is diffuse hair loss from all over the scalp and the diagnosis is confirmed by a trichogram showing an increased telogen count. While the telogen hair shedding continues, newly cycled back young anagen hairs develop in the involved scalp. Objective: To see if there is a regional difference in the numbers of the involved hair follicles in that seemingly diffuse hair loss. Methods: In 7 cases of the telogen effluvium, the telogen count was done at two sites, anterior parietal and occipital. During the count, the short tapered anagen hairs(<1cm) which developed during the course of the telogen effluvium were counted together and compared according to the regions. Results: The sum of the short anagen hairs and the telogen hairs was 50.3% in anterior parietal area, whereas it was 31.6% in occipital area(p<0.0l). Conclusion: Hair follicles in anterior scalp appear to be more vulnerable than occipital scalp in the acute telogen effluvium.

Localization of Nerves Innervating the Auricle of the Rat in the Brain and Spinal Cord / 대한해부학회지

The nerves innervating the auricle of the rat were investigated using PRV (pseudorabies virus) as a neural tracer. The neural tracer was injected into rostral part of the right auricle of the rat. The PRV immunoreactive neurons were labeled bilaterally and more densely labeled in the brain than spinal cord. In the brain, PRV immunoreactive neuronal cell bodies and fibers were observed in thalamus, periaqueductal gray matter, reticular formation, spinal trigeminal nucleus, spinal tract of trigeminal nerve and facial nucleus. The more densely labeled PRV immunoreactive neurons were found in thalamus, reticular formation, spinal tract of trigeminal nerve and facial nucleus. In the spinal cord, PRV immunoreactive neurons were extended from T8 to L2 segments. The more densely labeled PRV immunoreactive neurons were found from T11 to L2 segments. Above results, the nerves innervating the auricle of the rat were widely distributed in brain and spinal cord and may have many connections with other nerves. These results may provide a neuroanatomical data on the nerves innervating the auricle of the rat in the central nervous system.

Morphological Observations on the Changes of Membrane Permeability by Immobilization Stress in the Rat Atrial Myocyte / 대한해부학회지

This study was performed to investigate the effect of immobilization stress on the ultrastructural changes and membrane permeability in rat atrial myocyte using immunohistochemical and lanthanum tracer techniques. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, body weight 160~200 g, were used for all immobilization stress group. Rats were immobilized in small round plastic tube for 6, 12 or 24 hours, except for the control group. Alterations of myocardial myoglobin and alpha-actinin as well as membrane permeability after immobilization stress were examined by immunohistochemistry, and lanthanum permeability of the rat atrial myocyte were observed by electron microscopy. In the control group, there was no loss of myoglobin or alpha-actinin from the atrial myocytes. After 6 and 12 hours immobilization stress, the loss of myoglobin and alpha-actinin could be identified the atrial myocytes. In the 24 hour immobilization groups, the content of the myoglobin and alpha-actinin recovered partially. Lanthanum was deposited only in the intercellular space of the atrial myocardium in the control group. In the 6 hour immobilization group, the atrial myocytes showed severe ultrastructural changes during immobilization stress. Lanthanum deposited in the sarcoplasm, myofibrils, adjacent of mitochondria, and mitochondrial matrix. In the 12 or 24 hour immobilization groups, the morphological alteration of atrial myocytes appeared weekly. In the 12 hour group, lanthanum deposited in myofibrils, adjacent of mitochondria and in the mitochondrial matrix. In the 24 hour group, lanthanum deposited mainly in intercellular space of atrial myocardium, and rarely in the sarcoplasm of myocytes. These results suggest that the immobilization stress may induce the alteration of cardiac cell membrane permeability and the ultrastructures of atrial myocardium.

The Effects of Immobilization Stress on the Ultrastructure of Rat Atrial Myocytes / 체질인류학회지

This study was performed to investigate the subcellular changes of rat atrial muscle cells by immobilization stress. Sprague -Dawley rats weighting 200 gm were immobilized in small round plastic tube for 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours respectively. The atrial tissue obtained from each animals were observed by transmission electron microscopes. In the heart of rat subjected 2 hours immobilization stress no significant morphological changes were found in electron microscopy, similarly as in control animal. After 6 and 12 hours immobilization stress, the following electron -microscopic changes of atrial myocytes were observed at the swelling of mitochondrial matrix with disturbance in cristea, focal loss of cytoplasmic matrix, vacuoles with myeline -like structure, apoptotic changes of myocytes, focal widening of intercalated disc interspace and lysis of myofibrils. After 24 hours immobilization stress, very small sized mitochondria, similarly as small sized secretory granules and various sized granules are observed in the perinuclear region of atrial myocytes. Atrial specific granules are moved centripetally toward the central region of the atrial myocytes after immobilization stress. Above results will be aid in understanding the structures of atrium with dual function of blood circulation and endocrine, and in research of modulation of secretory granules in atrial muscle cells.

A Murine Model of Toluene Diisocyanate-induced Contact Hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) can cause contact allergy and occupational asthma, but the mechanism underlying sensitization to this chemical compound remains controversal. Also the correlation of mast cell with contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and the role of mast cell in the TDI-induced CHS is unknown. This issue was investigated by administrating TDI on the skin of genetically mast cell-deficient WBB6F1/J-Kit(W)/ Kit(W-v) (W/W(V)) and congenic normal WBB6F1/J-Kit +/+ (+/+) mice. METHODS: To development of animal model of TDI-induced CHS and to investigate the correlation of mast cell with CHS and the role of mast cell in the TDI-induced CHS, W/W(V) and +/+ mice were sensitized with TDI on the back skin at day 1 and day 8, and then challenged with 1% TDI on the ear at day 15. At 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after 1% TDI challenge, the ear thicknesses were measured. It was investigated the histologic changes of dermis in the ear of W/W(V) and +/+ mice at 24 hours after 1% TDI challenge. RESULTS: TDI induced a significant ear swelling response in W/W(V) and +/+ mice. TDI induced the significant infiltrations of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils in W/W(V) and +/+ mice, but not of mast cells in normal mice. And TDI increased a characteristic extent of mast cell degranulation in normal mice. There were no significant differences in the ear swelling and the infiltrations of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils of normal versus W/W(V) mice, either at baseline or after TDI-induced CHS. CONCLUSION: From the above results, TDI can be used as a murine CHS model, and the mast cells may not be essential in TDI-induced CHS.

A Murine Model of Toluene Diisocyanate-induced Contact Hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) can cause contact allergy and occupational asthma, but the mechanism underlying sensitization to this chemical compound remains controversal. Also the correlation of mast cell with contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and the role of mast cell in the TDI-induced CHS is unknown. This issue was investigated by administrating TDI on the skin of genetically mast cell-deficient WBB6F1/J-Kit(W)/ Kit(W-v) (W/W(V)) and congenic normal WBB6F1/J-Kit +/+ (+/+) mice. METHODS: To development of animal model of TDI-induced CHS and to investigate the correlation of mast cell with CHS and the role of mast cell in the TDI-induced CHS, W/W(V) and +/+ mice were sensitized with TDI on the back skin at day 1 and day 8, and then challenged with 1% TDI on the ear at day 15. At 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after 1% TDI challenge, the ear thicknesses were measured. It was investigated the histologic changes of dermis in the ear of W/W(V) and +/+ mice at 24 hours after 1% TDI challenge. RESULTS: TDI induced a significant ear swelling response in W/W(V) and +/+ mice. TDI induced the significant infiltrations of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils in W/W(V) and +/+ mice, but not of mast cells in normal mice. And TDI increased a characteristic extent of mast cell degranulation in normal mice. There were no significant differences in the ear swelling and the infiltrations of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils of normal versus W/W(V) mice, either at baseline or after TDI-induced CHS. CONCLUSION: From the above results, TDI can be used as a murine CHS model, and the mast cells may not be essential in TDI-induced CHS.

Changes of Ultrastructure and Atrial Specific Granules of Atrial Myocytes in Dehydrated and Rehydrated Rats / 대한해부학회지

The ultrastructural changes of atrial myocytes were examined by transmission electron microscopy and ultrastructural morphometry by dehydrated and rehydrated rat. Sprague-Dawley rats weighting 210 to 240 gm were fed with dried diet and without water for 3, 7 and 9 days, and then with standard diet and tap water for 9 days. On day 7 of dehydration, morphological changes in atrial myocytes were mainly the alterations of mitochondria and myofibrils, and the appearance of vacuoles with myelin structures and vesicular typed granules. On day 9 of dehydration, cells containing the myelin structures were increased than those on day 7 of dehydration. On day 3 to 5 rehydration, many atrial myocytes were damaged. On day 9 rehydration, most atrial myocytes were similar to control groups. The numbers of atrial specific granules were increased in all dehydrated groups and decreased in 1 day and 3 day rehydrated groups then that of normal atria. The numbers of atrial specific granules were similar level to normal animals in 5 day and 9 day rehydrated groups.

Atrial natriuretic peptide induces rat peritoneal mast cell activation by cGMP-independent and calcium uptake-dependent mechanism

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a 28 amino acid basic polypeptide, is known to induce histamine release from human and rat mast cells in vitro and cause a wheel formation in rat skin. However, cellular events associated with histamine release are not clearly understood. In this study, we have examined the calcium flux and cGMP formation associated with histamine release in the ANP-treated mast cells. ANP, in vitro, induced mast cell degranulation and histamine release in a dose-dependent manner. ANP also induced an enhanced calcium uptake into cells and increased the cellular level of cGMP in mast cells. A high level of calcium in the media caused an inhibition of ANP-dependent histamine release but enhanced the level of intracellular cGMP of mast cells. ANP inducing a dose-dependent increase in vascular permeability of rat skin was confirmed by the extravasation of the circulating Evans blue. The results indicate ANP induced the histamine release and an increase in vascular permeability through mast cell degranulation in cGMP-independent and calcium uptake-dependent manner.

Ultrastructure and Development of Heart Wall of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) / 체질인류학회지

Light and electron microscopic obserbations of developing heart wall of zebrafish, which has been recently used for developmental studies of many organs, were performed. Heart tissue was obtained from adult and 24, 48 and 72 hour embryos of zebrafish. Heart wall of adult zebrafish was composed of 3 typical layers, endocardium, myocardium and epicardium, as ones of other vertebrates. Heart wall of 24 hour embryo was composed of primitive myocytes. Myofibrils in myocytes at this period was found as assembly of myofilaments, 500~1,000 nm sized and 5~10 layered. Heart of 48 hour embryo has ventricle and atrium. Ventricular wall of was composed of endocardium, myocardium and incomplete epicardium. Atrial wall at 48 hour embryo was composed of endocardium and myocardium. Development of myocytes in ventricle was earlier than those of atrium, and myofibrils with Z disc were found first at 48 hour embryo. Heart wall of 72 hour embryo was morphologically similar to that of 48 hour embryo, but development of myocytes was more progressed. Specific atrial granules of 100~200 nm size appeared very rarely at 24 hour embryo and its numbers increased gradually at 48 and 72 hour embryos in myocytes of atrium as well as the ventricle. Specific atrial granules were consider as ones containing atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).

Localization of sympathetic and sensory nerves innervating heart in the cat using HRP and WGA-HRP as neuronal tracers / 대한해부학회지

The origin of sympathetic and sensory nerves innervating heart in the cat was investigated using HRP (Horseradish peroxidase) and WGA-HRP (Wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase) as neuronal tracers. The neural tracers were injected into subepicardial layer and myocardium of the right atrium, left atrium, right ventricle and left ventricle, respectively. Labeled sympathetic neuronal cell bodies were found in superior cervical ganglia, middle cervical ganglia, stellate ganglia and 4th and 5th thoracic ganglia, mainly in middle cervical ganglia and stellate ganglia. Heavier labeled neuronal cell bodies were found in the middle cervical ganglia and stellate ganglia when the neural tracers were injected into left atrium, right ventricle and left ventricle. Labeled sensory neuronal cell bodies were found in nodose ganglia and T1-T6 spinal ganglia, mainly in T1-T5 spinal ganglia. Heavier labeled neuronal cell bodies were found in the nodose ganglia when the neural tracers were injected into left atrium and right ventricle. These results may provide a neuroanatomical data on origin of sensory nerves innervating the heart of the cat.

A Study on Monitoring of Pyramidal Motor Evoked Potential Excluding Extrapyramidal Systems in the Rat Spinal Cord / 대한해부학회지

The motor evoked potential (MEP) elicited by transcranial or transcortical stimulation has been advocated as a method of monitoring the integrity of spinal efferent pathways in the various animal models. It was also defined that MEPs were composed of a short latency, direct, synapse free D-wave and a later latency, indirect, synapse mediated I-wave. The authors designed to study pyramidal MEP in rat, because we would understand and use pyramidal MEPs as human efferent spinal pathway monitoring tools during the spinal cord operation in the future. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were involved in this study. A stainless steel electrode was placed in the hindlimb motor cortex. It was stimulated with 1~4 Hz mono-rectangular pulse waves and 0.1~5 mA in stimulation intensity during short duration. Teflon coated wire electrode was used to record MEP in the spinal cord. MEPs after internal capsule cutting and post-mortem MEPs were recorded finally to exclude the possibility of extrapyramidal MEPs. At the level of medulla oblongata and seventh cervical segment (C7), the recorded MEPs showed positive-negative-positive complex D-wave and a large I-wave activated by presynaptic fibers and monosynaptic depolarization of pyramidal cells. But, at eighth thoracic segment (T8), only large negative I wave, in which prolonged D wave would be included, was recorded. From cortex to seventh cervical spinal cord at 1 mA stimulation intensity, the estimated conduction velocity of D-wave was approximately 11.01+/-0.20 m/sec and that of I-wave was 2.53+/-0.02 m/sec in this study. After internal capsule cutting and postmortem state, both D and I waves were disappeared. Loss of waves indicated that not the extrapyramidal pathway potentials but the pyramidal pathway potentials were recorded selectively. This successful preferential activation of pyramidal MEP in rat demonstrated the possibility of clinical availability during the spinal, especially cervical motor tract monitoring and evaluation. If repeated study would be continued in human, MEP will be more available in clinical field.

Influence of Cortex mori on the Capsaicin-induced Neurogenic Inflammation / 대한해부학회지

The root bark of mulberry (Morus alba L. Cortex Mori and other plant of the genus Morus) has been used as an antiphlogistic, diuretic, and expectorant in herbal medicine, and the crude drug is known as "Sangbaikpi" in Korea. Capsaicin, a neurotoxin extracted from a red peppers, has selective effects on peptide-containing C-fiber and induces the release of neuropeptides from sensory nerve ending. But, any reports about the influences of Cortex mori (CM) on the capsaicin-induced neurogenic inflammation were not found, and the precise mechanism of capsaicin-induced neurogenic inflammation remains incompletely understood. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CM could inhibit the capsaicin-induced cutaneous reaction, and to find out its action mechanism. For this purpose, influences of CM on the capsaicin-induced cutaneous reaction (vascular permeability) in back skin of Sprague-Dawley rat, capsaicin-induced histamine release, calcium influx and the change of intracellular cAMP level in rat peritoneal mast cell were estimated. Results obtained were as follows; 1. Pretreatment of CM inhibited remarkably the capsaicin-induced cutaneous reaction. 2. The capsaicin-induced histamine release was inhibited by pretreatment with CM. 3. Capsaicin-induced calcium influx into mast cell was also inhibited by pretreatment with CM. 4. Capsaicin-induced decrease of cAMP level in the mast cell was inhibited significantly by pretreatment with CM. These results suggest that CM contains some substances with an anti-neurogenic inflammatory activity which inhibit the capsaicin-induced cutaneous reaction through the mechanism of mast cell stabilization.

Inhibitory Effect of Cortex mori on the Colchicine-induced Mast Cell Activation / 대한해부학회지

Cortex mori (Morus alba L. : Sangbaikpi), the root barks of mulberry tree, has been used as an antiphlogistic, diuretic, and expectorant in herbs. Previous studies have demonstrated that the phenolic extracts of Cortex mori have hypotensive, hypoglycemic, antifungal, antiviral, antiinflammatory, and anticancer effects, and the hot water extract from Cortex mori has the inhibitory effects on compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation and histamine release from rat mast cells (RMCs). Colchicine, an alkaloid found in the crocuslike plant, has been known as an inhibitor of mitosis and microtubule assembly by formation of tubulin-colchicine complex. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Cortex mori on the colchicine-induced mast cell degranulation, histamine release, and calcium uptake as a part of the study of the role of microtubules in the mast cell secretory process and the inhibitory mechanism of Cortex mori. The results were summarized as follows. Cortex mori sigificantly inhibited the colchicine-induced cytomorphologi-cal changes of RMCs such as displacement of the nucleus to the periphery, pronounced anisodiametry of the cytoplasm, stubby or broad cytoplasmic mass. Colchicine induced histamine release from RMCs and calcium uptake into RMCs, but it was not significantly , compared to those of negative control group. Cortex mori inhibited the colchicine-induced histamine release from RMCs and calcium uptake into RMCs. Above results, it is suggested that Cortex mori has an activity to inhibit the colchicine-induced cytomorphological changes by inhibition of calcium uptake into the mast cells.

Location of CNS Labeled Neurons Innervating the Rat Thymus Using the Pseudorabies Virus / 체질인류학회지

This experimental studies was to investigate the location of CNS labeled neurons following injection of pseudorabies virus (PRV), Bartha strain, into the rat thymus. After survival times of 96~120 hours following injection of PRV, the rats were perfused, and their spinal cord and brain were frozen sectioned(30micrometer). These sections were stained by PRV immunohistochemical staining method, and observed with light microscope The results were as follows: 1. The PRV labeled spinal cord segments projecting to the rat thymus were founded in cervical and thoracic segments. Densely labeled areas of each spinal cord segment were founded in lamina V, VII, X, intermediolateral nucleus and dorsal nucleus. 2. In the rhombencephalon, PRV labeled neurons projecting to the thymus were founded in the A1 noradrenalin cells/C1 adrenalin cells/caudoventrolateral reticular nucleus, rostroventro-lateral reticular nucleus, medullary reticular nucleus, area postrema, nucleus solitary tract, nucleus raphe obscurus, nucleus raphe pallidus, nucleus raphe magnus, gigantocellular reticular nucleus, lateral paragigantocellular nucleus and spinal trigeminal nucleus. 3. In the mesencephalon, PRV labeled neurons were founded in parabrachial nucleus, Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, central gray matter, substantia nigra, nucleus dorsal raphe, A8 dopamin cells of retrorubral field, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, locus coeruleus, subcoeruleus nucleus and A5 noradrenalin cells. 4. In the prosencephalon, PRV labeled neurons were founded in reuniens thalamic nucleus, paraventricular thalamic nucleus, precommissural nucleus, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, anterior hypothalamic nucleus, lateral hypothalamic nucleus, preoptic hypothalamic nucleus, retrochiasmatic area, arcuate nucleus, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. These results suggest that PRV labeled neurons of the spinal cord projecting to the rat thymus might be the neurons related to the viscero-somatic sensory and sympathetic preganglionic neurons, and PRV labeled neurons of the brain may be the neurons response to the movement of smooth muscle in blood vessels. These PRV labeled neurons may be central autonomic center related to the integration and modulation of reflex control linked to the sensory system monitoring the internal environment. These observations provide evidence for previously unknown projections from spinal cord and brain to the thymus which may be play an important role in the regulation of thymic function.