Morphofunctional Parameters of Mast Cell Population in Experimentally Induced Breast Cancer in Rats.

Structural and functional parameters of mast cells (MC) in rat mammary glands during experimentally provoked breast cancer were studied by the cytogram, index of cell saturation with secretory products, and degranulation index. The cytogram was calculated in histological sections stained with toluidine blue. The functional conditions of MC were determined by electron microscopy. The study revealed expansion of MC population and activation of their functional state evidenced by significant prevalence of cells with high degranulation degree and reduced saturation index. At the ultrastructural level, MC were characterized by deformation, polymorphism, paleness of secretory granules, and elevation of the number of lacunae in the cytoplasm. The study showed that MC are active players in tumor microenvironment. Remembering heteromorphism of MC, further study of their role in pathogenesis of various tumor diseases seems promising.

Comparative Characterization of Lymphoid Infiltration in Different Molecular-Biological Subtypes of Invasive Breast Cancer.

The morphometric study examined the cell profile of lymphoid structures and leukocytic infiltrates in mammary glands of women with different molecular-biological subtypes of invasive breast cancer (BC). A high degree of lymphoid infiltration with the formation of lymphoid nodules was typical of luminal B (LumB) subtype of BC characterized by high tumor proliferation index (Ki-67≥30%) and in triple negative BC with Ki-67 ranging 33-35%. In these BC subtypes, extensive necrotic foci and pronounced stromal fibrosis of the mammary glands were observed. Lymphoid clusters and nodules predominantly consisted of B cells (CD20+) and T helper cells (CD4+). Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+) were mostly observed in interstitial infiltrates. Macrophages and plasma cells were primarily located near the tumor cells. The presence of lymphoid clusters in the form of lymphoid nodules and dense lymphoid infiltrates can be viewed as unfavorable sign during diagnosis of BC and prediction of the course of the tumor process.

Structural and Functional Changes in the Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in Humans during Aging.

Morphometric analysis of structural and functional changes in the human mesenteric lymph nodes during aging revealed the development of fibrous connective tissue, fragmentation of the lymphoid parenchyma, the absence of follicles with germinal centers, and a decrease in the level of lymphocyte proliferation, which was confirmed by the absence of Ki-67+ cells. The paracortical zone lacked CD4+ T helpers that regulate both cellular and humoral immunity. High content of plasma cells and eosinophilic granulocytes in the medullary cords and sinuses reflects the development of autoimmune processes associated with a decrease in the number of regulatory T lymphocytes. The development of fibrous connective tissue in the sinus system complicates lymph flow through the lymph node and impairs lymph filtration.

Structural and Functional Parameters of the Thymus in Mice Exposed to γ-Irradiation after Restraint Stress.

In mice exposed to γ-irradiation in a dose of 2 Gy after 15-days restraint stress, the body weight decreased by 21% and thymus weight decreased by 33.3% in comparison with the control, and significant changes in the histological structure of the thymus were observed. The medullary substance prevailed over the cortical substance. The absolute number of cells per 1 mm2 of histological section was reduced in the subcapsular area and medullary substance. The analysis of cell composition in functional areas of the thymus showed the most pronounced changes in the cortical substance. The decrease in the number of proliferating cells and low-differentiated lymphocytes and the increase in the number of destructed cells reflected impairment of the lymphocytopoietic function of the thymus. A minor decrease in the number of small lymphocytes indicated impaired migration processes in the thymus of mice exposed to γ-irradiation after restraint stress. The observed complex of histological and physiological changes in the thymus can lead to dysfunction of the lymphatic (immune) system.

Changes in the Structure and Cell Composition of Human Carinal Lymph Nodes during Aging.

Changes in the structure and cell composition of carinal lymph nodes were studied in humans during aging. Replacement of node parenchyma with fibrous connective tissue progressing with age was demonstrated. The medullary matter significantly prevailed over the cortical substance. The lymph nodes in the cortical substance were small and had no light centers; the concentration of mature CD20+ B cells was high; the paracortical area was fragmented and thinned and contained no CD4+ T helpers. Ki-67+ cells were absent in all structural components of the lymph nodes reflecting exhaustion of lymphopoietic function, which was determined by the replacement of the reticular tissue of the microenvironment with the connective tissue and by the absence of CD4+ T cells regulating cellular and humoral immunity. The disintegration of the reticular stroma in the sinus system that acts as a biological filter impairs the function of lymph purification.

[STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF THE LYMPH TISSUE OF MICE LYMPHATIC NODES FOLLOWING THE 30-DAY FLIGHT ONBOARD SPACECRAFT BION-M1].

The article reports the results of studying the lymph tissue of mesenteric and cervical lymphatic nodes in C57BL/6N mice after the 30-day orbital flight onboard biosatellite Bion-M1. Histological and morphometric investigations revealed changes in the ratio of the nodes structural-functional zones and microstructure. Reductions in reticular cells, plasmocytes, macrophages and blasts in the nodes point to degradation of both humoral and cellular immunity.

[REARRANGEMENT OF THE LYMPH TISSUE IN THE MICE SPLEEN AND JEJUNUM WALL DURING THE GROUND-BASED REPRODUCTION OF THE CONDITIONS OF ANIMAL MAINTENANCE IN THE BIOSATTELITE BION-M1 MISSION].

Purpose of the investigation was microscopic examination of changes in cyto architectonics of the spleen and jejunum lymph (immune) tissue in 19-20-week C57BL/6N male mice exposed to some conditions their counterparts had lived in during the 30-d Bion-M1 mission (ground experiment). Local deviations in reactions of the morphofunctional zones of these organs were found. In the spleen, reaction in the centers of lymph nodules generation or the B-lymphocytes maturation zone grows strong. Changes in the cell composition of periarterial lymph sheaths that constitute the morphological site of T-lymphocytes accumulation suggest inhibition of its functional activity. Cell composition of the jejunum wall structure implies a decline of the jejunal immune activity. Our investigation of the organs taken from the ground control mice maintained in the flight BIOS-MLZh module evidences that unceasing noise, hypokinesia, isolation, and paste-like feed weaken general immunity of laboratory animals.

[Human placenta structure in II and III trimesters of physiological pregnancy].

The placenta of 20 women with normal pregnancy was studied during II and III trimesters to obtain the complex characteristic of the structures participating in the formation of syncytio-capillary membranes. Immunocytochemical endothelial cell marker CD34 and morphometry were used for the assessment of some villous parameters: villous area, villous stromal area, villous epithelial area and vascular endothelium area. The main attention was given to the remodeling of the villous epithelium and capillary network. The significant reduction of the epithelial area and that of the villous stroma was detected simultaneously with intensive their vascularization. Morpho-functionally, most of the terminal villi were specialized, containing sinusoid-type capillaries which were in close contact with attenuated, anuclea regions of syncytiotrophoblast. The proportion of terminal villous endothelium in respect to the stroma was significantly increased. Thus, in II and III trimesters of physiological pregnancy the structural changes take place in the placenta, in particular, the capillaries are transformed into thin-walled sinusoids, that approach and closely interact with syncytiotrophoblast resulting in the formation of the syncytio-capillary membranes necessary for an adequate diffusion and meeting the growing needs of the fetus.

[Morphogenesis of human placenta in the first trimester of gestation].

On the basis of morphometric and immunohistochemical study of placental villi obtained from 45 cases of medicinal and medical abortions in healthy women, the new data on placentation are presented with the discrimination of three stages of placental morphogenesis. The first stage (weeks 4 and 5 after fertilization) included a differentiation of villous chorion (chorion frondosum). It was characterized by high mitotic activity of villous cytotrophoblast and intensive vasculogenesis in the villous stroma. The second stage (weeks 6 and 7) included capillary development (angiogenesis) and formation of vascular communications within a "placenta-embryo" subsystem functioning in low-oxygen level environment. The third stage (weeks 8 and 9-10) was characterized by vascular bed formation in "mother-placenta" subsystem and by the beginning of more effective hemochorial embryo and fetal metabolism. As a result of placentation, hemodynamics formation in "mother-placenta-embryo" system was completed, which is a necessary condition for further fetal development.

[IL-1beta, IL-10, INF-gamma, TNF-alpha, S100beta, AMA-M2 and cell immune response in stroke].

Clinical data showed a role for stress, inflammatory, innate immune and adaptive immune mechanisms is stroke. Absolute and relative count of lymphocytes decrease, CD3 HLA DR+ and immunoregulatory balance (CD4+/CD8+) increase, concentration of IL-1beta, INF-gamma, TNF-alpha, S100beta, AMA-M2 increase, IL-10 decrease were detected in peripheral blood of 25 patients with stroke. It is explained that the products of brain cell stroke destruction (AMA-M2) play in autoimmune stroke progress mechanisms the same role as neurospecific proteins as S100beta. It is concluded that both stereotype and autoimmune mechanisms are involved in the development of stroke.

Cellular composition of the thymus in Wistar rats in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage.

The time course of changes in cellular composition of the thymus after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage was studied in rats with various prognostic resistance to emotional stress. Increased migration of T lymphocyte precursors to the subcapsular zone, activation of T lymphocyte differentiation in the thymus, reduced number of mitotic cells, destruction and intensive migration of thymocytes from the thymus were observed. The severity of changes in cell composition in all layers of the thymus after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage was different in rats resistant and predisposed to emotional stress. Predisposition to emotional stress and stress before surgical modeling of intracerebral hemorrhage affected the severity of changes in the thymus. It is shown that autoimmune and adaptation mechanisms, which are closely interrelated, play an important role in the pathogenesis of the intracerebral hemorrhage.

[Morphological characteristics of the Wistar rat thymus in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage].

The purpose of the present investigation was to study thymus structure in 108 Wistar rats possessing different prognostic resistance to an emotional stress under the conditions of experimentally modeled intracerebral hemorrhage. It was demonstrated that after the intracerebral hemorrhage, the thymus underwent changes that were associated with both the stereotyped response to stress and the development of an immune response against the damaged brain tissue: relative thymus mass and the cortico-medullary index were shown to decrease, while the volumetric fractions of the capsule and connective tissue septa were increased. The reaction of the vascular bed included stasis, diapedesis and perivascular edema. These changes were more expressed in the rats predisposed to an emotional stress.

[Immune mechanisms in the development of hemorrhagic stroke].

The role played by immune mechanisms in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was evaluated based on the studies of thymus structure and cell composition in rats showing different degree of tolerance to emotional stress. A new experimental ICH model is proposed. It is concluded that both stereotype and autoimmune mechanisms are involved in the development of ICH.

[The influence of the water with decreased content of heavy stable hydrogen and oxygen (18O) isotope on development of radiation injuries at gamma-radiation in low dose].

The investigations of the water with decreased content of heavy stable hydrogen and of oxygen (18O) isotope received by the method of rectification were conducted on development of radiation injuries in organisms of the experimental animals. The objects of the investigation were male mice of Balb/c line. The animals were irradiated at the unit PX-gamma-30 with the gamma-radiation source 60Co in the dose of 25 sGy. It was observed that the water with decreased content of heavy stable hydrogen and of oxygen (18O) isotope influences positively the processes of restoration. It was manifested in decrease of the degree of gravity of radiation injuries in immune system organs (thymus and spleen), peripheral blood and marrow cells.

[Inguinal lymph nodes of monkeys subjected to 8-days-long immersion in water].

The morphometric study of cytoarchitecture of the structural and functional components of lymph nodes of male monkeys (Macaca mulatta) aged 4-5 years was performed after 8-days-long immersion in water. Activation of lymphocyte mitotic activity in lymphoid nodules (B-dependent zones) was demonstrated in association with an accumulation of small lymphocytes in them and an increase of macrophage reaction. Accumulation of mature forms of plasma cells was detected in all the structures of lymph nodes. It was also found that 8-days-long immersion in water resulted in remodeling of the vessels of lymph node microcirculatory bed, which was accompanied by changes of the endothelium in blood vessel wall and by disturbances of lymph drainage, that lead to accumulation of lymphocytes in lymph node sinuses.

Changes in the rat thymus cytoarchitectonics during repeated exposure to hypergravitation.

Comparative study of the structural and functional changes in rat thymus after 5-day and repeated 5-day exposure to hypergravitation (2g) showed less pronounced changes after repeated exposure. Proliferative potential of thymic lymphocytes was higher and their loss (death) was lower after repeated exposure to hypergravitation, which attested to better adaptation of the thymus during repeated prolonged exposure to hypergravitation than after single exposure of the same intensity and duration. Our findings suggest the possibility of the formation of gravitation memory in thymic lymphocytes during repeated long-term exposure to hypergravitation.

[Comparative analysis of disorders in duodenal lymphoid tissue of mice treated with azathioprine and herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and their correction by plant and animal origin remedies]. / Sravnitel'nyi analiz narushenii v limfoidnoi tkani dvenadtsatiperstnoi kishki u myshei pri deistvii azatioprina i gerbitsida 2,4-dikhlorfenoksiuksusnoi kisloty i ikh korrektsiia sredstvami rastitel'nogo i zhivotnogo proiskhozhdeniia.

Comparative study of disturbances of intramural duodenal lymphoid tissue in mice, which were induced by the action of "classical" immunosuppressing drug azathioprine and by herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) showed similar immunosuppressing effect that was more potent after herbicide treatment. Significant reduction in the number of the cells of lymphoid series found in the duodenal wall was accompanied by inflammatory-destructive processes and adipose tissue outgrowth. Administration of hypolipidemic plant extract to animals immunosuppressed with either azathioprine or herbicide 2,4-D, promoted the restoration of intramural duodenal morphological structures and the restitution of lymphoid cell parameters in lamina propria practically to the level of control values. The results obtained indicate the immuno-correcting effect of the plant extract, which is determined by a rich complex of biologically active substances of its components. Active thymic fraction (AFT-2) was also found to possess an immuno-correcting effect, promoting the restoration of cellular composition of diffuse lymphoid tissue in duodenal lamina propria. Immuno-correcting effect of AFT-2 seems to result from the activity of its component thymic peptides.

Structure and function of the thymus during adaptation of rats to hypergravitation.

Five-day exposure to hypergravitation (2g) induced structural and functional changes in the thymus: intensification of cell destruction and inhibition of mitotic activity of lymphocytes in all functional components of the organ. This leads to a significant (2-fold) decrease in thymus weight, area of the thymus cortex on histological section, blurring of the corticomedullary interface because of lymphocyte depletion of the cortical matter. The size and number of thymic bodies decrease 3.4 times compared to the control. This indicates that by day 5 of continuous hypergravitation (2g) exposure the lymphoid tissue does not completely adapt to hypergravitation.

[Structure and cytoarchitecture of the human thymus in adolescents and young adults]. / Stroenie i tsitoarkhitektonika timusa cheloveka v podrostkovom i iunosheskom vosrastnykh periodakh.

The paper presents the quantitative parameters characterizing the cytoarchitecture of structural and functional components of thymus of practically healthy humans in adolescent and juvenile age periods. It was shown, that despite significant structural reorganization, in adolescence the lymphocytopoietic function of thymus was still high. In juvenile age, structural changes became more intensive. These were accompanied with the disturbances of organ function, manifested by a significant drop in mitotic index and reduction of blast cell content.