El miocardio ventricular desde un enfoque cuantitativo. Su relación con la longitud del embrión humano / The ventricular myocardium from a quantitative approach. It ́s relation to the length of the human embryo

Introducción: Pese al incremento en conocimientos de la morfogénesis cardiaca humana, se conoce poco sobre los detalles cuantitativos en ello. Objetivo: Describir cuantitativamente el desarrollo del miocardio ventricular compacto y no compacto y su correlación con la longitud cráneo rabadilla. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal en 18 embriones humanos de los estadios 17 al 23 de Carnegie, pertenecientes a la Embrioteca de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara. Se midió la longitud del embrión, el grosor del miocardio compacto, trabecular y total en la pared lateral de ambos ventrículos y del vértice cardiaco. Resultados: El grosor de la pared lateral del miocardio compacto aumenta en ambos ventrículos desde los estadios 17 al 23 de Carnegie, de 0,06 mm hasta 0,17 mm en el derecho y de 0,09 mm hasta 0,23 mm en el izquierdo. El grosor de la pared lateral trabeculada disminuye con el avance de los estadios, de 0,43 mm a 0,34 mm en el derecho y de 0,45 mm a 0,37 mm en el izquierdo. El grosor de la pared lateral total aumenta de 0,48 mm a 0,51 mm en el ventrículo derecho y de 0,52 mm a 0,62 mm en el izquierdo. El grosor de la pared del vértice compacto aumenta de 0,19 mm a 0,25 mm. Conclusiones: La compactación de la pared ventricular aumenta con el desarrollo; la longitud cráneo raquis se relaciona con el grosor del miocardio ventricular(AU)

Introduction: Despite the increase in knowledge of human morphogenesis, especially cardiogenesis and the processes by which the morphology of the ventricular myocardium is defined, little is known about the quantitative details in it. Objectives: To quantitatively describe the development of compact and non-compact ventricular myocardium and its correlation with cranio-rump length. Methods: descriptive, cross-sectional study in 18 human embryos from Carnegie stages 17 to 23, belonging to the Embryoteca of the Villa Clara University of Medical Sciences. The length of the embryo, the thickness of the compact, trabecular and total myocardium were measured in the lateral wall of both ventricles and the cardiac apex. Results: The thickness of the lateral wall of the compact myocardium increases in both ventricles from Carnegie stages 17 to 23, from 0.06 mm to 0.17 mm in the right and from 0.09 to 0.23 mm in the left ventricles. The thickness of the trabeculated lateral wall decreases with the advancement of the stages, from 0.43 mm to 0.34 mm in the right and from 0.45 mm to 0.37 mm in the left. The total lateral wall thickness increases from 0.48 mm to 0.51 mm in the right ventricle and from 0.52 mm to 0.62 mm in the left. The wall thickness of the compact vertex increases from 0.19 mm to 0.25 mm. Conclusions: Ventricular wall compaction increases with development; the cranio-spinal length is related to the thickness of the ventricular myocardium(AU)

Morphogenesis of stockpiled Marandu, Piatã, Xaraés and Paiaguás brachiaria grass cultivars / [Morfogênese de cultivares de capins marandu piatã, xaraés e paiaguás diferidos]

The objective this study was to identify differences in the morphogenic patterns of four Urochloa brizantha cultivars (marandu, piatã, xaraés and paiaguás grasses) during the stockpiling period. A completely randomized design was used, with three replications, in experimental plots of 9m². The evaluations took place over 2 years. The grasses were stockpiled for 92 (Year 1) and 95 (Year 2) days. The leaf appearance rate of paiaguás grass was higher, compared to other grasses. In Year 1, the stem elongation rate of xaraés grass was higher than other grasses. At the end of stockpiling period of Year 1, the tiller population density (TPD) was higher in the paiaguás grass, intermediate in the xaraés and marandu grasses and lower in the piatã grass. At the end of the stockpiling period in Year 2, TPD was higher in the paiaguás grass canopy, intermediate in the marandu and piatã grasses canopies, and lower in the xaraés grass canopy. Paiaguás grass has greater leaf growth during the stockpiling period and is therefore suitable for use under stockpiled grazing. Xaraés grass has high stem elongation during the stockpiling period, which is why its use under stockpiled grazing must be accompanied by adjustments in pasture management.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar diferenças nos padrões morfogênicos de quatro cultivares de Urochloa brizantha (marandu, piatã, xaraés e paiaguás) durante o período de diferimento. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três repetições, em parcelas experimentais de 9m². As avaliações ocorreram por dois anos. Os capins foram diferidos por 92 (Ano 1) e 95 (Ano 2) dias. A taxa de aparecimento foliar do capim-paiaguás foi maior, em comparação aos demais capins. No Ano 1, a taxa de alongamento do colmo do capim-xaraés foi superior aos demais capins. No final do diferimento do Ano 1, a densidade populacional de perfilho (DPP) foi maior no capim-paiaguás, intermediária nos capins xaraés e marandu e inferior no capim-piatã. No fim do período de diferimento do Ano 2, a DPP foi superior no dossel de capim-paiaguás, intermediária nos dosséis dos capins marandu e piatã, e menor no dossel de capim-xaraés. O capim-paiaguás tem maior crescimento foliar durante o período de diferimento, sendo, portanto, apropriado para uso sob pastejo diferido. O capim-xaraés apresenta elevado alongamento de colmo durante o período de diferimento, razão pela qual seu uso sob pastejo diferido deve vir acompanhado de ajustes no manejo da pastagem.(AU)

Reseña actualizada de ingeniería tisular en disciplinas odontológicas / An updated review of tissue engineering in dental disciplines

La ingeniería tisular (IT) ha sido considerada un campo interdisciplinario, aplicando los principios de ciencias de ingeniería y biología para el desarrollo de sustitutos biológicos que restauran, mantienen o mejoran la función tisular. Se basa en el entendimiento de losprincipios del crecimiento tisular, y su aplicación, para producir reemplazo de tejidos para uso clínico. Se consideran determinantes para el éxito de la IT las Stem Cells (células madre), morfógenos y las “scaffolds” (constructos). Poner en práctica dicha disciplina requiere elempleo de estrategias terapéuticas biológicas que apuntan a reemplazar, reparar, mantener y/o mejorar la función tisular. El objetivo de este trabajo, ha sido realizar una actualización sobre nuevos conocimientos emergentes de las últimas publicaciones científicas realizadas en el ámbito de esta nueva disciplina. Para ello se realizó una exhaustiva búsqueda de información en la base de datos de Pubmed. Actualmente, la IT concentra sus esfuerzos en lograr la regeneración de tejidos dentarios y para dentarios, así como en lograr la obtención de una pieza dental completa. Su avance clínico ha sido notable. Se han reportado artículos publicados que ya evidencian su aplicación en periodoncia, cirugía, implantología, rehabilitación oral y endodoncia. Si bien, estrategias de la IT ya se utilizan clínicamente en odontología, su rápido desarrollo se convierte entonces en un gran desafío e incógnita tanto para quienes ejercen la profesión en la actualidad, como para aquellos que se encuentran en plena formación académica. Tomar conocimiento de logros y avances resulta entonces fundamental, ya que podría convertirse en un futuro próximo, en una herramienta de uso habitual.

Tissue engineering (TE) is considered an interdisciplinary field, and applies principles of engineering and biology to develop biologicalsubstitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function. It is based on the application of the principles of tissue growth to producetissue replacement for clinical use. Stem cells, morphogens, and scaffolds are determinant to the success of TE. Implementation of TErequires the use of biological therapeutic strategies aiming to replace, repair, maintain, and/or improve tissue function. The objective ofthe present work was to perform an update of new knowledge presented in recent scientific publications in this field. For this purpose, weconducted an extensive search for information on Pubmed. At present, TE focuses on achieving regeneration of dental and para-dentaltissues, as well as on obtaining a whole tooth. There have been outstanding clinical advances in this field. There are reports showingsuccessful application of TE in periodontics, surgery, implantology, oral rehabilitation and endodontics. Although TE strategies arealready used in dentistry, their rapid development poses a great challenge both to current practitioners and to those who are in the midst oftheir academic training. Gaining an awareness of the achievements and advances in TE is therefore essential, since it could become widelyapplied in the near future.

Is there a relationship between complaints of impaired balance and postural control disorder in community-dwelling elderly women? A cross-sectional study with the use of posturography

Background: Risk of falls increases as age advances. Complaints of impaired balance are very common in the elderly age group. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the subjective perception of impaired balance was associated with deficits in postural control (objective analysis) in elderly community-dwelling women. Method: Static posturography was used in two groups: elderly women with (WC group) and without (NC group) complaints of impaired balance. The area, mean sway amplitude and mean speed of the center of pressure (COP) in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions were analyzed in three stances: single-leg stance, double-leg stance and tandem stance, with eyes open or closed on two different surfaces: stable (firm) and unstable (foam). A digital chronometer was activated to measure the time limit (Tlimit) in the single-leg stance. Kruskal-Wallis tests followed by Mann-Whitney tests, Friedman analyses followed by post hoc Wilcoxon tests and Bonferroni corrections, and Spearman statistical tests were used in the data analysis. Differences of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results of posturography variables revealed no differences between groups. The timed single-leg stance test revealed a shorter Tlimit in the left single-leg stance (p=0.01) in WC group compared to NC group. A negative correlation between posturography variables and Tlimit was detected. Conclusions: Posturography did not show any differences between the groups; however, the timed single-leg stance allowed the authors to observe differences in postural control performance between elderly women with and those without complaints of impaired balance. .

Expression of ?-catenin and c-myc during human common bile duct development: a possible role in the morphogenesis of the common bile duct

β-catenin and c-myc play important roles in the development of tissues and organs. However, little is known about their expression patterns during the development of the human common bile duct. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect β-catenin and c-myc expression in common bile duct samples from postmortem tissues of 14 premature infants and 6 spontaneously aborted fetuses. The expression of β-catenin and c-myc was also analyzed by Western blot. The samples were divided into four groups based on the stage of human fetal development: 12, 13-27, 28-37, and >37 weeks. The Image-Pro Plus v. 6.0 image analysis software was used to calculate the mean qualifying score (MQS). At fetal stages 12, 13-27, 28-37, and >37 weeks, MQS of β-catenin were 612.52±262.13, 818.38±311.73, 706.33±157.19, and 350.69±110.19, respectively. There was a significant difference in MQS among the four groups (ANOVA, P=0.0155) and between the scores at >37 and 13-27 weeks (Student-Newman-Keuls, P<0.05). At fetal stages 12, 13-27, 28-37, and >37 weeks, the MQS of c-myc were 1376.64±330.04, 1224.18±171.66, 1270.24±320.75, and 741.04±219.19, respectively. There was a significant difference in MQS among the four groups (ANOVA, P=0.0087) and between the scores at >37 and 12 weeks, >37 and 13-27 weeks, and >37 and 28-37 weeks (all P<0.05, Student-Newman-Keuls). Western blots showed that β-catenin and c-myc expression were significantly higher in fetal than in postnatal control duct tissue (P<0.05). c-myc and β-catenin are involved in the normal development of the human common bile duct.

Expression of beta 2 integrin (CD18) in embryonic mouse and chicken heart

Integrins are heterodimeric receptors composed of á and â transmembrane subunits that mediate attachment of cells to the extracellular matrix and counter-ligands such as ICAM-1 on adjacent cells. â2 integrin (CD18) associates with four different á (CD11) subunits to form an integrin subfamily, which has been reported to be expressed exclusively on leukocytes. However, recent studies indicate that â2 integrin is also expressed by other types of cells. Since the gene for â2 integrin is located in the region of human chromosome 21 associated with congenital heart defects, we postulated that it may be expressed in the developing heart. Here, we show the results from several different techniques used to test this hypothesis. PCR analyses indicated that â2 integrin and the áL, áM, and áX subunits are expressed during heart development. Immunohistochemical studies in both embryonic mouse and chicken hearts, using antibodies directed against the N- or C-terminal of â2 integrin or against its á subunit partners, showed that â2 integrin, as well as the áL, áM, and áX subunits, are expressed by the endothelial and mesenchymal cells of the atrioventricular canal and in the epicardium and myocardium during cardiogenesis. In situ hybridization studies further confirmed the presence of â2 integrin in these various locations in the embryonic heart. These results indicate that the â2 integrin subfamily may have other activities in addition to leukocyte adhesion, such as modulating the migration and differentiation of cells during the morphogenesis of the cardiac valves and myocardial walls of the heart.

Rasgos morfológicos y métricos dentales coronales de premolares superiores e inferiores en escolares de tres instituciones educativas de Cali, Colombia / Morphologics and metric dental crown traits of upper and lower premolars in scholars of Cali, Colombia

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la frecuencia y variabilidad de doce rasgos morfológicos dentales coronales y de dos rasgos métricos dentales coronales en los primeros y segundos premolares superiores (UP1/UP2) e inferiores (LP1/LP2) de 112 modelos de yeso obtenidos de una muestra de jóvenes escolares del municipio de Santiago de Cali. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal cuantitativo que evaluó doce rasgos morfológicos dentales coronales mediante los sistemas ASUDAS (Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System): cresta accesoria mesial, cresta accesoria distal y premolar tricúspide; Higa et al.: tubérculos intersticiales mesial y distal; van Reenen et al.: hipostilo, surco vestibular, cresta central, surco meso-lingual y surco disto-lingual; Hillson: número de cúspides linguales y patrón cuspideo. Y dos rasgos métricos dentales coronales, los dißmetros mesio-distal mediante el método de Moorrees et al. y vestíbulo-palatino (lingual) mediante el de Kieser et al. La frecuencia de los rasgos morfológicos y las dimensiones dentales evidencia que los primeros premolares cuentan con una morfología mucho mas simplificada y dimensiones menores (caninización; mientras que los segundos son mucho mas caracterizados y de mayor tamaño (molarización). La frecuencia de los rasgos morfológicos es ambigua, no presentan dimorfismo sexual y cuentan con bilateralidad en su expresión, a excepción del surco meso-lingual. La correspondencia entre los primeros y segundos premolares superiores e inferiores varía en cada rasgo. Las dimensiones dentales presentan bilateralidad y dimorfismo sexual a excepción de los segundos premolares inferiores. El dendograma obtenido sugiere que la muestra consiste en mestizos con características caucasoides, de fuerte influencia negroide y conservación mongoloide.

The objective is determining the frequency and variability, sexual dimorph, bilateral asymmetry and correspondence between twelve non-metric dental traits and two metric dental traits on the first and second upper and lower premolars in dental casts from 110 subjects from a Colombian racially mixed population. In this descriptive and quantitative study, frequency and variability of twelve non-metric dental crown traits were observed, through the ASUDAS (mesial and distal accessory crest and tricuspid premolar), Higa et al. (mesial and distal interstitial tubercle), van Reenen et al. (hypostile, bucal furrow, transverse ridge, meso-lingual furrow and disto-lingual furrow; and Hillson (lingual cusp number and groove pattern). The frequency of the metric and non-metric dental traits demonstrates that the first premolars present a minor dimensions and simplified morphology (caninization); whereas the second premolars ones are many characterized and of major size (molarization). The frequency of the non-metric dental traits is ambiguous; they do not present sexual dimorphism and present bilateral symmetry, with the exception of the meso-lingual furrow. The correspondence between the first and second upper and lower premolars changes in every trait. The dental dimensions present bilateral symmetry and sexual dimorphism with the exception of the second lower premolars. The dendogram suggests that the sample consists in mixed population with Caucasoid characteristics, negroid influence and mongoloid conservation.

Asociación patomorfológica y morfométrica de la lesión aterosclerótica en siete diferentes sectores arteriales / Pathomorphological and morphometric association of the atherosclerotic lesion in seven different arterial sectors

Se investigaron 460 necropsias de pacientes procedentes del Hospital Docente Dr Carlos J Finlay, realizadas entre 1999 y 2003. Se analizaron 18 arterias procedentes de los siete sectores vasculares siguientes: el polígono de Willis, considerado como una sola arteria, las tres coronarias epicárdicas (derecha, descendente anterior y circunfleja izquierda), la aorta (torácica y abdominal), las renales, las ilíacas y las femorales. Para el estudio patomorfológico y morfométrico se utilizó el sistema aterométrico. Las arterias se disecaron, se fijaron, se colorearon y se les realizaron los análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo para el estudio estadístico mediante la correlación canónica. Entre los resultados más relevantes se observaron muy fuertes correlaciones entre la estría adiposa, la placa fibrosa y la placa grave en los análisis entre todas las arterias investigadas, con algunas excepciones. El conjunto de estos resultados sugiere que la aterosclerosis es un proceso de distribución sistémica.

Four hundred and sixty necropsies of patients from Carlos J Finlay Hospital performed between 1999 and 2003 were investigated. Eighteen arteries from the following seven vascular arteries were analyzed: Willis circle, considered as only one artery, the three epicardial coronaries (right, anterior descending and left circumflex), the aorta (thoracic and abdominal); the two renal, the iliac and the phemoral. An atherometric system was used for the pathomorphological and morphometric study. The arteries were dissected, fixed and coloured. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was made for the statistical study by canonical correlation. Among the most important results there were observed very strong correlations between the adipose stria, the fibrous plaque and the severe plaque in the analyses of all among all the investigated arteries, with a few exceptions. All these results strongly suggest that atherosclerosis is a process of systemic distribution.

Morfogênese do testículo de embriões e fetos de vacas da raça nelore (Bos taurus indicus) / Morfogenesis of Testis From Embryos and Fetuses of Nelore Breed Cows (Bos taurus Indicus)

Este estudo teve como objetivo acompanhar o processo de desenvolvimento testicular desde a fase indiferenciada até sua completa formação. Embriões e fetos de vacas da raça nelore (Bos taurus indicus) foram obtidos em frigoríficos próximos à cidade de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. As gônadas dos fetos e os embriões foram fixados em bouin e processados para microscópica óptica convencional. A gônada foi observada primeiramente em um embrião de 1,0 cm de comprimento. Em embriões com 2,5 cm a presença da albugínea permite a identificação do sexo. A espessura média da albugínea variou de 29,08 a 558,46 mm. Gradativamente, observou-se aumento da vascularização da albugínea e do parênquima. O mediastino encontrava-se localizado centralmente. Houve uma diminuição no espaço ocupado pelos cordões testiculares de 63,71 para 41,99% do volume total dos testículos. O seu diâmetro variou de 31,68 a 48,80 mm. O diâmetro das células germinativas (e dos seus núcleos) foi de 12,27(6,65) a 16,95 (14,21) mm, respectivamente. A quantidade de células germinativas por corte transversal de cordão diminuiu de um máximo de 2,80 para 0,76. O número total de células germinativas foi de 16 no princípio da colonização da gônada para 18,32 x 106 no final do estudo. O número de células de Sertoli por corte transversal de cordão variou de 10,00 a 16,25. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a origem e a formação dos testículos nos embriões e fetos de vacas da raça Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) ocorre de forma muito semelhante ao do que é descrito para Bos taurus taurus.

The aim of this study was to accompany the process of testicular development from the non-differentiable phase to its complete formation. Embryos and fetuses of Nelore breed cows (Bos Taurus indicus) were obtained in slaughterhouses near the Uberlandia city, Minas Gerais. The gonads and the embryos were fixed in Bouin’s fixative and afterwards processed for conventional optical microscopy. The gonadal was observed firstly in a 1.0 cm long embryo. In 2.5 cm long embryos the presence of the albuginea allows the sex identification. The mean thickness of the albuginea ranged from 29.08 to 558.45 mm. Gradually increase of vascularization of the albuginea and parenchyma is observed. The mediastinum is located centrally. There was a decrease in the space occupied by the testicular cords, from 63.71 to 41.99% of the total testes volume. Its diameter ranged from 31.68 to 48.80 mm. The diameter of germinal cells (and their nuclei) was from 12.27 (6.65) to 16.95 914.21) mm. The quantity of germinal cells by cross section of cord decreased from a maximum of 2.80 to 0.76. The total number of germinal cells was from 16 at the beginning of colonization of the gonad to 18.32 x 106 at the end of the study. The number of Sertoli’s cells by cross section of cord ranged from 10.00 to 16.25. The results obtained show that the origin and formation of testes in embryos and fetuses from Nelore breed cows (Bos taurus indicus) does occur in a very similar way to what is described for Bos taurus taurus.

Alteraciones en el número de dientes asociados a maloclusiones: (parte I) / Alterations in the of tooth associate a maloclusion: (part I)

La alteración en el número de los dientes, es una patología que ocurre en el período de iniciación de la morfogénesis dentaria, manifestaciones por una disminución o hipodoncia, o por un aumento (hiperodoncia) del número de dientes de la serie normal; pudiendo afectar en menor grado la dentición primaria, siendo más frecuente en la permanente. Los dientes más afectados por la agenesia dentaria, son por lo general los segundos premolares inferiores. El tratamiento en la mayoría de los casos, es de tipo multidisciplinario, donde la ortodoncia es de gran importancia para el logro de resultados estéticos y funcionales adecuados. Mientras más temprano se diagnóstique, mejor será el pronóstico de los resultados

Microcutting culture and morpho-physiological changes during acclimation in two Lycium chilense cytotypes

Lycium chilense, a deciduous perennial shrub, is one of the endangered native species of Patagonia due to sheep overgrazing. Chances of recolonization by seeds are scarce due to the limited density of propagules in the soil and very specific requirements for germination. The objective was to develop an in vitro propagation protocol that would help to perform reestablishment of this species in degraded areas of the Patagonian steppe. Seeds came from two provenances with different somatic number due to differences in ploidy level. Defoliated microcuttings were planted in test tubes with different growing media and taken to a growth chamber. Rooting percentage did not differ between origins, but higher values were encountered for medium without hormones. Subcultures increased significantly rooting percentage and reduced time to rooting. The leaves from micropropagated plants were thinner, did not exhibit hairs, and had poorly developed palisade parenchyma and less epicuticular waxes. In vitro leaves had lower stomatal density and their stomata were less functional when compared to acclimated leaves. A repopulation program of Lycium chilense based on microcutting culture, specialy using subcultures, is feasible.

The wings of Bombyx mori develop from larval discs exhibiting an early differentiated state: a preliminary report.

Lepidopteran insects present a complex organization of appendages which develop by various mechanisms. In the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori a pair of meso- and meta-thoracic discs located on either side in the larvae gives rise to the corresponding fore- and hind-wings of the adult. These discs do not experience massive cell rearrangements during metamorphosis and display the adult wing vein pattern. We have analysed wing development in B. mori by two approaches, viz., expression of patterning genes in larval wing discs, and regulatory capacities of larval discs following explantation or perturbation. Expression of Nubbin is seen all over the presumptive wing blade domains unlike in Drosophila, where it is confined to the hinge and the wing pouch. Excision of meso- and meta-thoracic discs during the larval stages resulted in emergence of adult moths lacking the corresponding wings without any loss of thoracic tissues suggesting independent origin of wing and thoracic primordia. The expression of wingless and distal-less along the dorsal/ventral margin in wing discs correlated well with their expression profile in adult Drosophila wings. Partially excised wing discs did not show in situ regeneration or duplication suggesting their early differentiation. The presence of adult wing vein patterns discernible in larval wing discs and the patterns of marker gene expression as well as the inability of these discs to regulate growth suggested that wing differentiation is achieved early in B. mori. The timings of morphogenetic events are different and the wing discs behave like presumptive wing buds opening out as wing blades in B. mori unlike evagination of only the pouch region as wing blades seen in Drosophila.

Diferenciación sexual embrio-fetal: de las móleculas a la anatomía / Fetal sex differentiation: from molecules to anatomy

El sexo del embrión queda determinado en el momento de la fecundación según que el espermatozoide contenga un cromosoma X o un cromosoma Y. Sin embargo, trascurren varias semanas durante la embriogénesis humana sin que existan diferencias evidentes-aún al microscopio- entre un feto de sexo femenino y uno de sexo masculino. A partir de la expresión del gen SRY en los fetos XY, las futuras gónadas inician una serie de eventos caracterizados por expresión de proteínas, que determinan cambios citológicos, histológicos y funcionales característicos de los testículos. Este evento relativamente temprano en el desarrollo del sexo se denomina determinación sexual, dada su importancia determinante en el resto de los eventos que se suceden luego. Los testículos secretan dos hormonas, hormona ani-Mülleriana y testorona, cuya acción provoca la masculinización de los esbozos de los órganos genitales internos y externos, que no mostraban hasta entonces diferencias entre los sexos. El proceso de diferenciación de los genitales se denominan diferenciación sexual fetal. Poco se conoce hasta hoy sobre los mecanismo que inducen a las gónadas a tomar caminos ováricos en el feto XX. Es sabido desde hace tiempo, en cambio, que la falta de las hormonas testiculares resulta en la feminización de los genitales internos y externos, independientemente de la existencia o ausencia de ovarios. El conocimiento de los mecanismos moleculares, celulares y endocrinos involucrados en el desarrollo sexual fetal permiten comprender mejor la patología resultante de sus respectivas alteraciones que generan cuadros clínicos conocidos como ambigüedades sexuales

Histoarchitecture of schistosomal granuloma development and involution: morphogenetic and biomechanical approaches

The authors present morphogenetic and biomechanical approaches on the concept of the Schistosoma mansoni granulomas, considering them as organoid structures that depend on cellular adhesion and sorting, forming rearrangement into hierarchical concentric layers, creating tension-dependent structures, aiming to acquire round form, since this is the minimal energy form, in which opposing forces pull in equally from all directions and are in balance. From the morphogenetic point of view, the granulomas function as little organs, presenting maturative and involutional stages in their development with final disappearance (pre-granulomatous stages, subdivided in: weaky and/or initial reactive and exudative; granulomatous stages: exudative-productive, productive and involutional). A model for the development of granulomas was suggested according to the following stages: encapsulating, focal hystolysis, fiber production, orientation and compacting and involution and desintegration. The autors concluded that schistosomal granuloma is not a tangled web of individual cells and fibers, but an organized structure composed by host and parasite components, which is not formed to attack the miracidia, but functions as an hybrid interface between two different phylogenetic beings.

Synchronized order of appearance of hyaluronic acid (or acidic galactan)-->chondroitin C6 sulfate-->chondroitin C-4/C-6 sulfate, heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate-->heparin during morphogenesis, differentiation and development

The synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and acidic polysaccharides during embryonic and fetal development in mammals and molluscs is briefly reviewed. A sequential order of appearance of each of the acidic polysaccharides was observed, coinciding with the major processes of the ontogeny. In mammals, hyaluronic acid is the first glycosaminoglycan synthesized at the beginning of morphogenesis. This glycosaminoglycan is then replaced by chondroitin 6-sulfate during the migration of the mesenchymal cells. Heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin 4-sulfate are synthesized only during cell differentiation. The synthesis of heparin, on the other hand, is confined to mast cells in a few tissues and is a late event in the differentiation process. The same general pattern is also observed in molluscs except that hyaluronic acid is replaced by an acidic galactan in the morphogenetic process. The activity of the degrading enzymes responsible for the disappearance of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate and the acidic galactan in each phase of embryonic development is also reviewed.

Consideraçöes sobre a morfologia e morfogênese das espermátides de mamíferos / Considerations on the spermatids morphology and morphogenesis

O objetivo da presente revisäo foi descrever algumas peculiaridades morfológicas sobre a morfogênese das espermátides, durante a espermiogênese de mamíferos. O processo elaborado de diferenciaçäo das espermátides da "velha geraçäo", ou espermátides em fase de maturaçäo, para consolidaçäo do "espermatozóide jovem" depois espermatozóide "maduro", compreende : (1) evoluçäo morfológica do complexo de Golgi para a formaçäo e consolidaçäo do acrossomo como organela secretória; (2) alteraçöes morfológicas e citofisilógicas na "manchete" eno ânulo, bem como no complexo de adjunçäo centriolar e na peça de conexäo do colo dos espermatozóides; (3) processos dinâmicos de formaçäo da bainha fibrosa e (4) implicaçöes morfogenéticas sobre a consolidaçäo das peças médias; principal e terminal dos espermatozóides