Correlation of adventitial Vasa Vasora density with intima-media thickness in aorta of cholesterol-fed rabbits

Background: Atherosclerosis has been considered as the disease of intima with the role of tunica adventitia so far neglected. Current evidence shows that adventitia, and particularly the vasa vasora [VV] reacts to the process of atherogenesis

Objective: The study was aimed to calculate the VV density in adventitia and to correlate it with intimamedia thickness in aorta of cholesterol-fed rabbits

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Army Medical College Rawalpindi. Samples of vessels were obtained from twenty adult NZW rabbits fed normal [group A] or 2% high-cholesterol [group B] diet for 6 weeks [n=10/group]. Aortic sections were taken from each part [ascending, arch, descending thoracic and abdominal] of every aorta. Light microscopic cross sectional analysis was performed in H andE stained slides. Intima-media thickness [IMT] and adventitial VV density were calculated and their correlation was investigated in each part of aorta

Results: A total of 80 cross sections were analyzed. Mean+/-SE IMT and adventitial VV density was significantly increased in ascending, arch, and descending thoracic parts of group B versus their equivalent aortic parts in group A. But, there was an insignificant difference of means regarding VV density of abdominal aorta between both groups, despite a significant increase of IMT in group B. A very strong positive correlation was observed between the adventitial VV density and IMT in each aortic part of cholesterol-fed rabbits

Conclusion: The present study showed that increased IMT is strongly associated with enhanced adventitial VV density in each aortic part of cholesterol-fed rabbits

comparative histological study of the surface epithelium and high endothelial venules in the subepithelial compartments of human nasopharyngeal and palatine tonsils

To compare the thickness and organization of surface epithelium, and high endothelial venules in subepithelial compartments of human nasopharyngeal and palatine tonsils, with reference to functional differences. Comparative cross-sectional. The Anatomy Department of CPSP Regional Centre, Islamabad, from January to December 2005. Thirty samples each of human nasopharyngeal, right palatine and left palatine tonsils were collected by convenience sampling technique. Haematoxylin and eosin stained paraffin sections were examined for surface epithelium. Thickness of stratified squamous and pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium was measured, while organization was observed in case of stratified squamous. The high endothelial venules in subepithelial lymphoid compartments were counted. The surface epithelium of nasopharyngeal tonsils [stratified squamous and pseudostratified columnar inclusive] was 63.21 +/- 1.93 micro m, and that of palatine [stratified squamous] was 143.99 +/- 5.94 micro m thick [p<0.001]. The mean count of high endothelial venules in subepithelial compartments of nasopharyngeal was 1.15 +/- 0.06 and that of palatine tonsil was 0.93 +/- 0.08 [p=0.042]. Organization of stratified squamous epithelium was poor in 26 out of 30 nasopharyngeal, and well in all palatine tonsils [p <0.001]. The surface epithelium of nasopharyngeal tonsil being thinner and poorly organized than that of palatine tonsil might act as a less effective barrier between the antigenic stimulus and subepithelial lymphoid compartments. This may contribute towards higher level of immune response by these compartments of the former, which is endorsed by higher number of high endothelial venules as compared to the latter

comparative study of student's performance in multiple choice questions of anatomy before and after a relevant guidance session

To study the effects of proper guidance on the performance of students in attempting multiple choice questions of Anatomy. Prospective. The Anatomy Department, Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt. Sixty five medical students of second year Wah Medical College were given MCQ tests prepared according to international guidelines of MCQ construction, before and after a teaching session guiding them about "How to attempt MCQs, " without a time lapse between two tests so they were unable to enhance their knowledge base. Both tests were exact counterparts of each other regarding the level of questions and area of syllabus they were covering. Results were recorded and one sample t test was applied to compare them. Forty four students showed an improved performance out of sixty five students. The average marks of all students in first and second tests were 14.77 +/- 0.398 and 16.02 +/- 0.400 respectively, with a highly significant statistical difference [P=0.000]. The findings suggest that there was an improved response of students in attempting MCQs of Anatomy after they were guided on the relevant methodology