Morphological and functional characteristics of satellite glial cells in the peripheral nervous system.

Satellite glial cells are specialised cells that form a functional perineuronal sheath around sensory ganglion neurons. There are a large number of studies that reveal the morphological and functional characteristics of these cells. Satellite glial cells have been studied both in intact ganglions and in tissue cultures, using light and transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemical and other methods. Satellite glial cells have polygonal form; they are mononuclear and have developed synthetic organelles, numerous receptors, adhesion molecules and ion channels, which enable them to interact with adjacent neurons, as well as transmit signals in the ganglions of the peripheral nervous system. Based on the literature data, satellite glial cells thanks to their characteristics can receive signals from other cells and react to changes in their surroundings. Previous studies have investigated the potential role of satellite glial cells in the formation of the blood-nervous tissue barrier of the peripheral nervous system, as well as in the neuropathic pain genesis. Some recent discoveries support the fact that satellite glial cells can participate in controlling of local viral infections and protecting pseudounipolar neurons from mentioned infections.

Croatian rugby project. Part II: injuries.

BACKGROUND: Studies of rugby injuries in countries where rugby is not popular are rare. The aim of the study was to analyze the epidemiology and other characteristics of injuries in the first Croatian-Slovenian rugby league (CSRL) and the influence of anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution on the epidemiology of injuries. METHODS: Eleven anthropometric measures for the assessment of anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution were obtained in a sample of 111 voluntarily participating rugby players from the CSRL in the middle of the season 1996/97. After the season a questionnaire about injuries sustained in the past season was retrospectively filled up by 106 players who finished the first part of the study. Injuries were classified according to Garraway and Macleod and the 9th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. RESULTS: The incidence of injuries was 1.24 per 1000 hours of rugby training and 28.22 per 1000 hours of playing in matches. Low club position in rugby division (statistically significant, p<0.05), age from 25 to 34 years, forwards position in a team, being tackled, and beginning of autumn or spring season were identified as risk factors for injuries. The most frequent sites of injury were legs. The most frequent injuries were dislocations, strains and sprains of ankle and foot. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of injuries in matches was more than two times higher than in more developed Scottish rugby, statistically positively correlating with the team position in division. There are no statistically significant differences in anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution of injured and uninjured players.

Croatian rugby project-Part I. Anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution.

BACKGROUND: There are no data in important literature about the anthropometric characteristics of rugby players in countries where rugby is not a popular sport. The goals of this study were to analyze morphological anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution of players in the first Croatian-Slovenian rugby league (CSRL) with regard to player's position in the team, team position in the division, and to compare results with the results of rugby players from the more popular rugby leagues. METHODS: The study was carried out in a sample of voluntarily included 111 male rugby players from six clubs members of the CSRL, in the season 1996/97. Eleven anthropometric measures required for the calculations of body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and somatotype components were obtained in the clubs according to the recommendations by Jackson and Pollock and Heath and Carter. RESULTS: Forwards in the CSRL are on the average 93.5 kg heavy, 182.4 cm tall, with BMI 28.3 kg/m2, BF% 20.8% and somatotype 6.7-5.9-1.4. Backs are on average 82.2 kg heavy, 178.3 cm tall, with BMI 26.1 kg/m2, BF% 16.9% and somatotype 5.3-5.3-1.5. Backs from upper half of the division are on the average heavier than those from lower half, BF% in forwards from upper half of the division is higher than in forwards from lower half. Both differences were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the rugby players from more developed rugby leagues, forwards from the CSRL are lighter, backs are heavier and both have higher body fat percentage. Backs and forwards are more endomorphic and forwards are less mesomorphic compared with the rugby players from more developed rugby leagues.