Study of the ureter structure in anencephalic fetuses

Purpose The objective of this paper is to analyze the structure of the ureter in normal and anencephalic human fetuses. Materials and Methods We studied 16 ureters from 8 human fetuses without congenital anomalies aged 16 to 27 weeks post-conception (WPC) and 14 ureters from 7 anencephalic fetuses aged 19 to 33 WPC. The ureters were dissected and embedded in paraffin, from which 5 µm thick sections were obtained and stained with Masson trichrome, to quantify smooth muscle cells (SMC) and to determine the ureteral lumen area, thickness and ureteral diameter. The samples were also stained with Weigert Resorcin Fucsin (to study elastic fibers) and Picro-Sirius Red with polarization and immunohistochemistry analysis of the collagen type III fibers to study collagen. Stereological analysis of collagen, elastic system fibers and SMC were performed on the sections. Data were expressed as volumetric density (Vv-%). The images were captured with an Olympus BX51 microscope and Olympus DP70 camera. The stereological analysis was done using the Image Pro and Image J programs. For biochemical analysis, samples were fixed in acetone, and collagen concentrations were expressed as micrograms of hydroxyproline per mg of dry tissue. Means were statistically compared using the unpaired t-test (p < 0.05). Results The ureteral epithelium was well preserved in the anencephalic and control groups. We did not observe differences in the transitional epithelium in the anencephalic and control groups. There was no difference in elastic fibers and total collagen distribution in normal and anencephalic fetuses. SMC concentration did not differ significantly (p = 0.1215) in the anencephalic and control group. The ureteral lumen area (p = 0.0047), diameter (p = 0.0024) and thickness (p = 0.0144) were significantly smaller in anencephalic fetuses. Conclusions Fetuses with anencephaly showed smaller diameter, area and thickness. These differences could indicate ...

Computerized morphometric analysis of muscular structure in pelviureteric junction obstruction [PUJO] based on aetiology and duration of obstruction

The pathophysiology of pelviureteric junction obstruction [PUJO] is unknown. Abnormalities of smooth muscle and/or collagen fibers in PUJ were reported by light and electron microscopes. Computerized image analysis was used to objectively quantify the percentage of smooth muscle fibers in surgical specimens of PUJ obtained from 45 patients [28 male and 17 female], aged 1- 53 years mean age 27.48 +/- 12.27, after surgical repair using dismembered technique of pyeloplasty. Control materials were obtained from 10 patients [aged 40-70 years] in whom nephrectomy was done for other pathology than PUJO. Twenty different fields were examined for each tissue section, which were stained by Masson trichrome stain for smooth muscle fibers. In patients with PUJO the percentage of smooth Muscle fibers [SMFs] ranged between 16 and 44% with a mean 26.08 +/- 5.68 while in control group, the Percentage of SMFs was ranging between 41 and 89%with amean 64.22 +/- 13.13 In 34 patients with intrinsic PUJO the percentage of SMFs ranged from 15 to 49% with a mean 24.71 +/- 4.74 while in 11 patients with extrinsic PUJO it ranged between 15 and 49% with a mean 30.31 +/- 6.47. Out of 34 patients with intrinsic PUJO, in patients below I6 years [n=10] the percentage of SMF ranged between 17 and 44% with a mean 27.83 +/- 4.3 and while in patients above 16 years [n=24] the percentage of SMF ranged between 15 and 49% with a mean 23.41 +/- 4.33. The significant difference between mean percentage of smooth muscle fibers in PUJO group 26.08% and control group 64.22% indicate the role of SMF in pathogenesis of PUJO. The difference between percentage of SMF in intrinsic PUJO 24.71% and those of extrinsic causes 30.3 1%, confirm this finding. The difference in percentage of SMFs in patients with intrinsic PUJO below 16 years 27.83% and those above 16 years 23.41% indicate that the duration of obstruction may affect the muscular structure