Distribution and Ultrastructural Features of Telocytes in the Pars Distalis of the Rat Pituitary Gland.

Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, are characterized by their smaller cellular body and extremely long, thin processes which are called telopodes (Tps). They have been described in multiple organs from diverse animals. Currently, the existence of TCs in rat pars distalis (PD) has remained unexplored. This investigation was undertaken to visualize the distribution and structural features of TCs in the PD using immunofluorescence (IF) and further validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HE staining revealed the presence of interstitial cells in the peri-sinusoidal vessels spaces of the PD. Using IF, CD34/vimentin double-positive interstitial cells were identified as TCs in accordance with identification standards. TEM further verified the presence of TCs based on their unique ultrastructural features. TCs exhibited communication structures including cell connections and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Interestingly, TCs were in close proximity to the nerves. Most importantly, Tps extended toward the nerves, blood vessels, and glandular cells. TCs could be the structural foundation of a third regulatory system in rat PD according to the tight connections of TCs with sinusoid vessels, glandular cells, EVs and most crucially the nerves. Taken together, these morphological and structural findings demonstrate that TCs are vital components of the rat PD.

Effects of fluvastatin on serum E2,TNF-α,IGF-1 and BGP in experimental osteoporosis rats / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the effects of fluvastatin (Flu) on the levels of estradiol(E2 ) ,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) ,insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and bone glaprotein(BGP) in experimental osteoporosis rats .Methods The model of osteo-porosis was established ,all rats were ovariectomized .The rats were given Flu(20 ,10 ,5 mg/kg) through intragastric administration (ig) .After treating for 12 weeks ,weighed all rats ,then sacrificed all rats ,removed the uterus and weighed its wet weight ,and calcu-lated uterus index ;the levels of E2 ,TNF-α,IGF-1 and BGP in serum were detected .Results Flu did not affect the uterus weight in experimental osteoporosis rats ;20 mg/kg Flu could increased the osteoporosis rat′s serum levels of E2 and IGF-1(P<0 .05) ,de-creased the levels of TNF-αand BGP(P<0 .01);10 mg/kg Flu could decreased the osteoporosis rat′s serum levels of BGP .Conclu-sion Flu could increased the levels of E2 ,IGF-1 ,and decreased the levels of TNF-α,BGP in experimental osteoporosis rats .