Chicken RNA-binding protein T-cell internal antigen-1 contributes to stress granule formation in chicken cells and tissues

T-cell internal antigen-1 (TIA-1) has roles in regulating alternative pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA translation, and stress granule (SG) formation in human cells. As an evolutionarily conserved response to environmental stress, SGs have been reported in various species. However, SG formation in chicken cells and the role of chicken TIA-1 (cTIA-1) in SG assembly has not been elucidated. In the present study, we cloned cTIA-1 and showed that it facilitates the assembly of canonical SGs in both human and chicken cells. Overexpression of the chicken prion-related domain (cPRD) of cTIA-1 that bore an N-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag (pntGFP-cPRD) or Flag tag (pFlag-cPRD) induced the production of typical SGs. However, C-terminal GFP-tagged cPRD induced notably large cytoplasmic granules that were devoid of endogenous G3BP1 and remained stable when exposed to cycloheximide, indicating that these were not typical SGs, and that the pntGFP tag influences cPRD localization. Finally, endogenous cTIA-1 was recruited to SGs in chicken cells and tissues under environmental stress. Taken together, our study provide evidence that cTIA-1 has a role in canonical SG formation in chicken cells and tissues. Our results also indicate that cPRD is necessary for SG aggregation.

Melissa officinalis acidic fraction protects cultured cerebellar granule neurons against beta amyloid-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress

Objective: Extracellular deposition of the beta-amyloid [A beta] peptide, which is the main finding in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease [AD], leads to oxidative damage and apoptosis in neurons. Melissa officinalis [M. officinalis] is a medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family that has neuroprotective activity. In the present study we have investigated the protective effect of the acidic fraction of M. officinalis on A beta-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in cultured cerebellar granule neurons [CGN]. Additionally, we investigated a possible role of the nicotinic receptor

Materials and Methods: This study was an in vitro experimental study performed on mice cultured CGNs. CGNs were pre-incubated with different concentrations of the acidic fraction of M. officinalis for 24 hours, followed by incubation with A beta for an additional 48 hours. CGNs were also pre-incubated with the acidic fraction of M. officinalis and mecamylamin, followed by incubation with A beta. We used the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide [MTT] assay to measure cell viability. Acetylcholinesterase [AChE] activity, reactive oxygen species [ROS] production, lipidperoxidation, and caspase-3 activity were measured after incubation. Hochst/annexin V- fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC]/propidium iodide [PI] staining was performed to detect apoptotic cells

Results: The acidic fraction could protect CGNs from A beta-induced cytotoxicity. Mecamylamine did not abolish the protective effect of the acidic fraction. AChE activity, ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and caspase-3 activity increased after A beta incubation. Pre-incubation with the acidic fraction of M. officinalis ameliorated these factors and decreased the number of apoptotic cells

Conclusion: Our results indicated that the protective effect of the acidic fraction of M. officinalis was not mediated through nicotinic receptors. This fraction could protect CGNs through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities

Morfologia e grânulos citoplasmáticos do corpo lúteo de vacas aneloradas (Bos taurus indicus) gestantes e não gestantes / Morphology and cytoplasmic granules of the corpus luteum in pregnant and non-pregnant Nelore cows

Avaliaram-se a proporção volumétrica dos constituintes do corpo lúteo e a distribuição de células lúteas com grânulos citoplasmáticos no corpo lúteo de animais Nelore ao longo da gestação e em animais não gestantes. Foram coletados ovários com corpos lúteos de 24 animais abatidos em frigorífico. Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos: gestantes e não gestantes. A idade gestacional foi determinada pela medição do comprimento apicocaudal do feto. Os ovários foram distribuídos segundo o trimestre gestacional: primeiro - gestação de até 90 dias; segundo - de 91 a 180 dias; e terceiro - de 181 a 270 dias. Os corpos lúteos, processados para inclusão em paraplast, foram avaliados em microscópio de luz. Na proporção volumétrica do corpo lúteo, os constituintes avaliados foram citoplasma e núcleo de células lúteas, tecido conjuntivo e fibroblastos, células endoteliais e pericitos e vasos sanguíneos. A proporção volumétrica de citoplasma de células lúteas reduziu de 46,1±2,8% para 37,9±3,5% e a de núcleo de células lúteas reduziu de 9,2±1,0% para 6,2±1,0%, do primeiro para o segundo trimestre. A proporção de tecido conjuntivo e fibroblastos aumentou de 20,9±5,4%, no primeiro trimestre, para 34,0±4,2%, no segundo trimestre. Grânulos citoplasmáticos foram evidenciados pelas técnicas histoquímicas xylidine ponceau e azul de bromofenol, que indicam sua provável composição proteica. A quantidade de células maiores com grânulos aumentou significativamente de 2,3±1,9%, no primeiro trimestre, para 25,5±20,3%, no segundo. A proporção volumétrica de citoplasma e núcleo de células lúteas diminuiu ao longo da gestação, e a de tecido conjuntivo aumentou. A quantidade de células lúteas maiores contendo grânulos também aumentou ao longo da gestação.(AU)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in cycling and pregnant Nelore cows, the volumetric proportion of the corpus luteum and the distribution of lutein cells with cytoplasmic granules. Twenty four ovaries with corpus luteum were collected in a slaughterhouse. The ovaries were distributed into two groups: pregnant and non-pregnant cows. The group of pregnant cows was divided according to the stage of pregnancy, by the crown-rump fetus length: 1st third - until 90 days, 2nd third - between 91 and 180 days and 3rd third - between 181 and 270 days. The corpus luteum were processed for inclusion in paraplast, and slides were stained for analysis in light microscopy. The constituents quantified in the volumetric proportion were: lutein cells cytoplasm and nucleus, connective tissue and fibroblasts, endothelial cells and pericyte and blood vessels. The volumetric proportion of lutein cells cytoplasm decreased significantly from 46.1±2.8% to 37.9±3.5%, and also decreased significantly in the nucleus from 9.2±1.0% to 6.2±1.0% between the first and the second trimester of pregnancy. The amount of connective tissue and fibroblasts increased significantly throughout gestation, with 20.9±5.4% on the first trimester and 34.0±4.2% on the second. Granules were evidenced by the histochemical technique of Xylidine Ponceau and Bromophenol blue, indicating their probable protein composition. The amount of lutein cells with granules increased throughout gestation, but significant difference was observed only between the first (2.3±1.9%) and second trimester (25.5±20.3%). The cytoplasmic and nucleus volumetric proportion decreased during pregnancy and the volumetric proportion of connective tissue increased. The amount of lutein cells with granules increased throughout pregnancy.(AU)

A Case of Solitary Bullous Mastocytoma Occurring at a Site of Spinal Tap / 대한피부과학회지

Mastocytosis is characterized by an accumulation of mast cells in various organs, most frequently in the skin. A solitary mastocytoma is a clinical variant of cutaneous mastocytosis. It is defined as a localized collection of mast cells in the skin without evidence of extracutaneous organ involvement. Here we report on a 2-year-old female patient presenting with Solitary erythematous bulla on her lower back. The patient had a history of spinal tap on the lower back for evaluation of meningitis at 5 months of age, which resulted in trauma at the site. Histopathology showed mast cells infiltrating the papillary and reticular dermis and metachromatic purple cytoplasmic granules seen with Giemsa staining. As a result, the patient was diagnosed with a solitary bullous mastocytoma and administered antihistamine. The patient showed complete remission at 3 months. Herein, we report a rare case of solitary bullous mastocytoma occurring at a trauma site.

O programa de assistência pré-natal nos Cuidados de Saúde Primários em Portugal: uma reflexão / The prenatal care program in Primary Care in Portugal: a reflection / El programa de vigilancia prenatal en la Atención Primaria en Portugal: una reflexión

A melhoria da qualidade dos cuidados prestados à grávida e ao recém-nascido é uma das áreas de intervenção prioritária do Plano Nacional de Saúde. Embora se reconheça que as medidas introduzidas nos últimos anos têm contribuído para diminuir os valores da mortalidade materna e perinatal, é necessário referir, também, que continuam a ocorrer gravidezes não planeadas que, não raras vezes, resultam do início tardio, ou mesmo da ausência, da assistência pré-natal. Neste artigo, procuramos refletir sobre a assistência pré-natal no contexto de saúde reprodutiva, de forma a constituir um contributo para os enfermeiros que prestam uma assistência integral e humanizada às grávidas e às suas famílias. Concluímos que a assistência pré-natal engloba um conjunto de cuidados específicos dirigidos a um grupo vulnerável, constituindo uma área muito importante na avaliação dos cuidados de saúde primários.

The quality improvement of care provided to the pregnant women and newborn is one of the priority areas for intervention of the National Health Plan. While acknowledging that the measures introduced in recent years have contributed to lower the values of maternal and perinatal mortality, it should also be mentioned that unplanned pregnancies continue to occur, and that they often result in a delayed or absent prenatal surveillance. In this paper, we seek to reflect on the prenatal surveillance program under Primary Health Care relating to quality of health care provided in the context of reproductive health. We concluded that prenatal surveillance includes a set of specific care services targeted at a vulnerable group, constituting an important and susceptible area of evaluation in primary care.

Mejorar la calidad de la atención a embarazada y recién nacido es una de las áreas prioritarias de intervención del plan nacional de salud. Aunque se reconoce que las medidas adoptadas en los últimos años han contribuido a reducir los valores de la mortalidad materna y perinatal, es necesario mencionar, también, que embarazos no planificados siguen produciéndose a menudo resultado de la aparición, o incluso ausencia, de vigilancia prenatal. En este artículo, reflexionamos sobre el programa de vigilancia prenatal en el marco de la atención primaria de salud, vinculándola con la calidad de la atención de la salud en el contexto de la salud reproductiva. Concluimos que la vigilancia prenatal comprende un conjunto de cuidados específicos dirigidos a un grupo vulnerable, lo que constituye un área sensible y evaluación importante en atención primaria.

Distinct subcellular localization of tRNA-derived fragments in the infective metacyclic forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

Small non-coding RNAs derived from transfer RNAs have been identified as a broadly conserved prokaryotic and eukaryotic response to stress. Their presence coincides with changes in developmental state associated with gene expression regulation. In the epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi, tRNA fragments localize to posterior cytoplasmic granules. In the infective metacyclic form of the parasite, we found tRNA-derived fragments to be abundant and evenly distributed within the cytoplasm. The fragments were not associated with polysomes, suggesting that the tRNA-derived fragments may not be directly involved in translation control in metacyclics.

Protective effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on apoptosis of rat cerebellar granule neurons induced by acrylamide / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the protective effect of epigallocatechin-3 -gallate (EGCG) on apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) induced by acrylamide (ACR).@*METHODS@#CGNs were cultured with the addition of 5 mmol/L ACR for 24 hours to set up a cell injury model. Prior to ACR treatment, CGNs were treated with different concentrations of EGCG (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 μmol/L) for 48 hours. Neuronal viability was measured with metylthiazdyltetrazolium (MTT). The activity of SOD and the content of MDA were assayed. Hoechst33342 staining was employed to observe morphological changes of the cell nucleus. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure expression of bcl- 2 mRNA and bax mRNA.@*RESULTS@#At the concentrations of 10, 25 or 50 μmol/L, EGCG played a protective role against ACRinduced CGN injury. Compared with ACR injured group (no EGCG), EGCG improved the cell viability, enhanced SOD activity, decreased the level of MDA as well as the cell apoptosis ratio (P<0.05). Bcl-2 mRNA expression was increased and bax mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05). 25 μmol/L EGCG had the largest effect. However, 100 μmol/L EGCG did not have a significantly protective effect.@*CONCLUSION@#EGCG at appropriate concentration has protective effect against the CGNs on apoptosis induced by ACR.

Bulk-like endocytosis plays an important role in the recycling of insulin granules in pancreatic beta cells

Although bulk endocytosis has been found in a number of neuronal and endocrine cells, the molecular mechanism and physiological function of bulk endocytosis remain elusive. In pancreatic beta cells, we have observed bulk-like endocytosis evoked both by flash photolysis and trains of depolarization. Bulk-like endocytosis is a clathrin-independent process that is facilitated by enhanced extracellular Ca(2+) entry and suppressed by the inhibition of dynamin function. Moreover, defects in bulk-like endocytosis are accompanied by hyperinsulinemia in primary beta cells dissociated from diabetic KKAy mice, which suggests that bulk-like endocytosis plays an important role in maintaining the exo-endocytosis balance and beta cell secretory capability.

Mini-review: Eosinophils, a Useful Diagnostic Clue in Surgical Neuropathology / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Eosinophils are one of the polymorphonuclear granulocytes derived from bone marrow stem cells, and they contain many small cytoplasmic granules that stain bright red with eosin or brick-red with Romanowsky staining. Eosinophilic infiltration is also present in various human central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as parasitic infection, transverse myelitis, vasculitis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, glioblastoma and etc... Due to the morphologic and functional characteristics, the presence of eosinophils in certain lesions may provide useful diagnostic clues in the right clinical setting. Consideration of this finding may facilitate the diagnosis of CNS pathologic lesions, especially in a small specimen such as a stereotactic biopsy.

Multiple Jejunal Myeloid Sarcomas Presenting with Intestinal Obstruction in a Non-leukemic Patient: A Case Report with Ultrastructural Observations

Myeloid sarcoma is a rare extramedullary myeloid tumor, which is frequently misdiagnosed when no evidence of leukemia is initially observed. Here, we report on a peculiar case of a 49-year-old man afflicted with multiple masses in the jejunum, the superior mesentery, and the serosa of the transverse colon, without leukemic manifestation. The tumor was composed of undifferentiated small round cells containing eosinophilic cytoplasm, which were negative for myeloperoxidase, nonspecific esterase, lysozyme, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, leukocyte common antigen, CD3, CD4, CD15, CD20, CD30, CD43, CD56, CD68/PG-M1, CD79a, human melanoma black-45, c-kit, and CD34 with positivity only for CD68/KP1, CD99, and vimentin. Under electron microscopy, those cells had abundant membrane-bound cytoplasmic granules that measured 200 to 300 nm in diameter, which were consistent with granulocytic azurophilic granules. The tumor was finally diagnosed as a myeloid sarcoma. The presence of non-leukemic myeloid sarcomas showing immunonegativity for conventional myeloid-leukemic markers necessitated a diagnosis by ultrastructural observation.

Clinico-hematological profile of Chediak-Higashi syndrome: Experience from a tertiary care center in south India.

Introduction: Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by partial ocular and cutaneous albinism, increased susceptibility to pyogenic infections, the presence of large lysosomal-like organelles in most granule-containing cells and a bleeding tendency. The abnormal granules are most readily seen in blood and marrow leukocytes, especially granulocytes; and in melanocytes. Other clinical features include silvery hair, photophobia, horizontal and rotatory nystagmus and hepatosplenomegaly. Materials and Methods: The clinico-hematological profile of a series of 5 cases of CHS encountered at JIPMER Hospital with diagnostic work-up done in the Department of Pathology over the last 6 years is presented. The diagnostic work-up included complete hemogram with peripheral smear, bone marrow examination, skin and liver biopsies. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 5 months to 3 years. All patients had silvery hair and partial albinism and presented with fever and recurrent chest infection. Two patients were stable. Three patients were in accelerated phase; of them, 1 patient with associated hemophagocytic syndrome had a rapidly fulminant course. Peripheral blood smear showed anomalously large granules in the leukocytes. Skin biopsy showed sparse, coarse melanin pigment in the epidermis, and liver biopsy done in 2 patients with accelerated phase showed portal lymphohistiocytic aggregates. Conclusions: The diagnostic hallmark of CHS is the occurrence of giant inclusion bodies (granules) in the peripheral leukocyte and their bone marrow precursors. The case series is being presented because of the rarity of CHS and varied spectrum of clinical and hematological presentation.

Eumycetoma in groin and perineum due to madurella mycetomatis.

A case of eumycetoma of groin and perineum region in a 35 yrs old male was reported to Dermatology department of our institute. Patient presented with nodules and multiple discharging sinuses in the groin and perineum region, some of which containing black granules. Granules were collected and processed for bacteriological, mycologieal and histopathological examination. Clinically diagnosed mycetoma case was microbiologically confirmed as eumyeetoma. The case is being reported for its unusual clinical presentation and common etiological agent, Madurella mycetomatis.

Large Dermal Non Neural Granular Cell Tumor on the Surgical Wound Site

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) can be divided into neural type with S-100 reactivity and non-neural type without that. The latter has not been widely recognized and there are only fewer reports available when compared to conventional GCT. A 65-year-old man was presented with the presence of a painless mass on his back. The mass had developed into a small nodule on the scar developed because of previous surgery carried out 2 years ago. The tumor consisted of large, polygonal cells comprising of an enormous number of faintly eosinophilic small granules in the cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic granules were stained positively for periodic acid-Schiff stain. Immunohistochemical stains for S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase were found to be negative. Herein, we report the appearance of a very rare case of non neural GCT developed on the surgical scar in support with relevant literature reviews.

Electron microscopic evaluation of the secretory mechanisms of renin from juxtaglomerular cells / Evaluación con microscopía electrónica de los mecanismos secretorios de renina desde las células juxtaglomerulares

Although the structure and the functions of juxtaglomerular cells (JG) have been well defined, there is still a controversy about the secretory mechanisms of renin from these cells. It has been assumed that exocytosis is the main secretory mechanism in these cells in many studies, while others suggest that secretion occurs in a quite different way in these cells. There are several studies suggesting that diacrine secretion, which is very difficult to visualize, might be the other mechanism for secretion of renin. This study is an attempt to find the answers of these questions by identifying the fine structural features of the secretory granules in juxtaglomerular cells. Cyclosporin A (CyA) has been used in the current experimental study since it has already been reported that this drug increases the number of JG cells and stimulates secretion of Renin. Twelve female Sprague-Dawley rats had daily intraperitoneal injections of CyA for ten weeks. Tissue specimens from the kidneys of these animals were examined by electron microscopy. Fine structural characteristics of the secretory granules of juxtaglomerular cells have been examined. Considerable amount of granules, which goes to the exocytotic process, have been observed. Additionally, several cells, which their granules had been secreting their contents in a different way, were found. This was interpreted as the secretion type of diacrine secretion. In conclusion, this in vivo study presents morphologic evidences demonstrating that both exocytosis and diacrine secretion might occur in JG cells. We also had a chance to observe secretory granule probably exhibiting "diacrine secretion", which is very difficult to visualize, at electron microscope level for the first time. This report also provides morphologic proof which shows that these two distinct secretory mechanisms might occur simultaneously in the same juxtaglomerular cell.

Aunque la estructura y las funciones de las células yuxtaglomerulares (JG) han sido bien definidas, todavía existe controversia acerca de los mecanismos de secreción de renina en estas células. Se ha supuesto, en muchos estudios, que la exocitosis es el principal mecanismo de secreción de estas células, mientras que otros autores sugieren que la secreción se produce de una manera muy diferente en estas células. Hay varios estudios que plantean que la secreción diacrina, que es muy difícil de visualizar, podría ser otro mecanismo para la secreción de renina. Este estudio tiene como objetivo encontrar las respuestas a estas interrogantes mediante la identificación de las características estructurales de la secreción de gránulos en las células yuxtaglomerulares. Ciclosporina A (CyA) se ha utilizado en el estudio experimental actual, debido a que se ha informado que este medicamento aumenta el número de células JG y estimula la secreción de renina. Doce ratas hembras Sprague-Dawley fueron diariamente inyectadas por vía intraperitoneal, con CyA durante diez semanas. Las muestras de tejido renal de estos animales fueron examinadas a través de microscopía electrónica. Detalladas características estructurales han sido examinadas en los gránulos secretores de las células yuxtaglomerulares. Se ha observado una cantidad considerable de gránulos, que va con el proceso de exocitosis. Además, se encontaron células que habían secretado el contenido de sus gránulos de manera diferente. Esto fue interpretado como secreción de tipo diacrina. En conclusión, este estudio in vivo presenta evidencias morfológicas que demuestran que tanto la exocitosis y la secreción diacrina podría ocurrir en células JG. También tuvimos la oportunidad de observar probables gránulos secretores, que mostrarían "la secreción diacrina", que es muy difícil de visualizar, a nivel de microscopía electrónica. Este informe también proporciona la prueba morfológica que demuestra que estos dos mecanismos...

Ultrastructural characterization of the pars distalis of the Indian female Sheath-tailed bat, Taphozous longimanus (Hardwicke) / Caracterización ultraestructural de la pars distalis del murciélago cola de vaina hembra indio, Taphozous longimanus (Hardwicke)

The present ultrastructural observations demonstrate the presence of six cell types in the pars distalis of non-pregnant and pregnant bats of Taphozous longimanus. In the pars distalis of T. longimanus, STH cells are round to oval with eccentrically placed nucleus, numerous secretory granules and well developed Golgi indicate a cell under vigorous synthetic activity while those filled with secretory granules with reduced Golgi complex suggest reserve or storage state of cells. LTH cell is characterized by the large secretory granules, dilated endoplasmic reticulum and numerous mitochondria in the cytoplasm which indicate that these cells are hypertrophied and synthetically very active during pregnancy. ACTH cells are found either singly or in groups and are elongated or angular with long cytoplasmic processes. The size and peripheral arrangement of secretory granules are characteristic of ACTH cell. TSH cells are distributed mostly towards the periphery of the pars distalis of T. longimanus. They are elongated, polygonal or triangular in shape. The secretory granules are small, electron dense, 150-200 nm in diameter. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is very well developed. In FSH, the secretory granules are small (200 to 400 nm) and less in number and are distributed towards the periphery of the cell. FSH cells show well developed mitochondria, Golgi and rough endoplasmic reticulum indicating active state of FSH during estrus and pregnancy. The hypertrophy of FSH and LH cells during pregnancy is associated with filigreed cytoplasmic pattern giving a bizarre appearance. At late pregnancy, FSH and LH cells are highly active and synthesize large quantities of hormone as indicated by the development of cell organelles.

Las observaciones ultraestructurales actuales demuestran la presencia de seis tipos de células en la pars distalis de murciélagos Taphozous longimanus preñadas y no preñadas. En la pars distalis del T. longimanus, las células STH son redondas u ovaladas con un núcleo excéntrico, numerosos gránulos de secreción y un Golgi bien desarrollado que indican una célula en actividad de síntesis vigorosa, mientras que las llenas de gránulos de secreción con un complejo de Golgi reducido sugieren un estado celular de reserva o almacenamiento. Las células LTH se caracterizan por grandes gránulos de secreción, el retículo endoplásmico dilatado y numerosas mitocondrias en el citoplasma, indicando que estas células están hipertrofiadas y con una actividad sintética muy activa durante el embarazo. Células de ACTH se encuentran de forma individual o en grupos, son alargadas o angulares, con largos procesos citoplásmicos. El tamaño y la disposición periférica de los gránulos de secreción de ACTH son característicos de la célula. Células de TSH se distribuyen principalmente hacia la periferia de la pars distalis del T. longimanus. Ellos son alargadas, poligonales o de forma triangular. Los gránulos de secreción son pequeños, electrodensos, de 150-200 nm de diámetro. El retículo endoplasmático rugoso está muy bien desarrollado. En células FSH, los gránulos de secreción son pequeños (200 a 400 nm), menores en número y se distribuyen hacia la periferia de la célula. Células FSH muestran mitocondrias bien desarrolladas, Golgi y retículo endoplasmático rugoso que indica el estado activo de la FSH durante el estro y la preñez. La hipertrofia de las células de FSH y LH durante la preñez se asocia con un patrón citoplasmático filigrana dando una extraña apariencia. Al final de la preñez, las células de FSH y LH son muy activas y sintetizan grandes cantidades de hormonas, como producto del desarrollo de las organelos celulares.

Effects of IL-3 and SCF on Histamine Production Kinetics and Cell Phenotype in Rat Bone Marrow-derived Mast Cells

BACKGROUND: Rat mast cells were regarded as a good model for mast cell function in immune response. METHODS: Rat bone marrow mast cells (BMMC) were prepared both by recombinant rat IL-3 (rrIL-3) and by recombinant mouse stem cell factor (rmSCF), and investigated for both proliferation and differentiation in time course. Rat BMMC was induced by culture of rat bone marrow cells (BMCs) in the presence of both rrIL-3 (5 ng/ml) and rmSCF (5 ng/ml). Culture media were changed 2 times per week with the cell number condition of 5x10(4)/ml in 6 well plate. Proliferation was analyzed by cell number and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and differentiation was by rat mast cell protease (RMCP) II and histamine. RESULTS: Cell proliferation rates reached a maximum at 8 or 11 days of culture and decreased thereafter. However, both RMCP II production and histamine synthesis peaked after 11 days of culture. By real time RT-PCR, the level of histidine decarboxylase mRNA was more than 500 times higher on culture day 11 than on culture day 5. By transmission electron microscopy, the cells were heterogeneous in size and contained cytoplasmic granules. Using gated flow cytometry, we showed that cultured BMCs expressed high levels of FcepsilonRI and the mast cell antigen, ganglioside, on culture day 11. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that rat BMMCs were generated by culturing BMCs in the presence of rrIL-3 and rmSCF and that the BMMCs have the characteristics of mucosal mast cells.

GRA Proteins of Toxoplasma gondii: Maintenance of Host-Parasite Interactions across the Parasitophorous Vacuolar Membrane

The dense granule of Toxoplasma gondii is a secretory vesicular organelle of which the proteins participate in the modification of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) and PV membrane for the maintenance of intracellular parasitism in almost all nucleated host cells. In this review, the archives on the research of GRA proteins are reviewed on the foci of finding GRA proteins, characterizing molecular aspects, usefulness in diagnostic antigen, and vaccine trials in addition to some functions in host-parasite interactions.

Granular acute lymphoblastic leukemia in an adult patient.

Granular acute lymphoblastic leukemia (G-ALL) may mimic the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia due to the presence of cytoplasmic granules found in the lymphoblasts. This rare variant is commonly seen in children but may occur in adults also. We report a case of G-ALL in an adult female patient.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Parathyroid Neoplasms: A Review of Three Cases / 대한세포병리학회지

Parathyroid tumors may be difficult to distinguish from thyroid follicular lesions, especially when a tumor is nonfunctioning. We report here two cases of asymptomatic parathyroid carcinoma preoperatively misdiagnosed as thyroid follicular lesions, and one case of parathyroid adenoma showing hyperparathyroidism, and review the cytologic features favoring the diagnosis of parathyroid neoplasm. The cytologic findings that are characterized by clean background, monomorphic small cells, cohesive three-dimensional papillary clusters, small tight clusters with scattered naked nuclei, and well-defined clear cytoplasm favor a diagnosis for the parathyroid lesions. Cytologic findings such as macrofollicular structure, presence of colloid and macrophages, and presence of perivacuolar cytoplasmic granules on May-Grunwald-Giemsa stain support a diagnosis of a thyroid follicular lesion. The cytomorphology of parathyroid tumors is so variable that the distinction from a thyroid lesion cannot be based on the presence or absence of a single feature only but on the cytologic features as a whole.

Relation of human zygote morphology and implantation of the transferred embryo / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between human embryo implantation rates and the zygote morphology and establish zygote morphologic indices that indicate the embryo implantation potential after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-two patients with IVF-ET were enrolled in this study, who were below 35 years of age with endometrium thickness no greater than 8 mm on the day of HCG injection. Embryo transfer was performed on day 3 after oocyte retrieval, and 30 patients with successful implantation of all the embryos transferred (implantation rate of 100%) were allocated into the implantation group, and the other 32 patients with implantation failure (implantation rate of 0) served as the control group. The zygote morphologic characteristics were analyzed for the pronuclei, nucleolar precursor bodies (NPB), polar body, cytoplasmic halo, color and granulation of the cytoplasm, and the results were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The implantation rate was significantly higher for embryos with the two pronuclei in close vicinity, central position of the pronuclei in the cytoplasm and comparable size of the two pronuclei. Embryos developed from zygotes with linear arrangement of 3 to 7 NPB in moderate sizes tented to have a higher implantation rate (P<0.05). The implantation rate could be obviously lowered when the cytoplasm contained excessive cytoplasmic granularity (P<0.05). The other morphologic characteristics of the embryos such as the polar bodies, color of the cytoplasm, cytoplasm halo, or vacuoles in the cytoplasm did not significantly impact on the implantation rate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The morphology of the two pronuclei reflects the quality of the zygote and may help predict the developmental potential of the embryo chosen for transfer on day 3 in IVF.</p>