A new approach to the areolar structures in the pig placenta: histochemistry and development of mucous areolae.

The pig placenta contains specific structures such as regular and irregular areolae, vesicles and cysts. On the basis of histochemical reactions it can be stated, that irregular areolae, vesicles and cysts differ from the regular areolae. Trophoblast of all the former structures and the substance filling their cavities contain glycosoaminoglycans with sulphuric acid residues (acid mucopolysaccharides). The regular areolae contain PAS-positive glycoproteins and active acid phosphatase. The acid mucopolysaccharides were also observed in the small trophoblast areas with vacuolized cells (TAVC) in the early placenta (18-20 days post coitum). The histochemical features of the investigated structures allow to observe the differentiation and development of TAVC in irregular areolar structures, vesicles and cysts in placentas from the time of implantation until the last day of gestation. Some of these structures fuse with regular areolae forming large irregular areolae described in the literature. The uterine epithelium covering all these structures forms festoon-like folds covered with the brush border. All the structures containing acid mucopolysaccharides can be termed the mucous areolae.

Lack of inverse dose-rate effect on fission neutron induced transformation of C3H/10T1/2 cells.

Exponential and density-inhibited cultures of C3H/10T1/2 cells were exposed to a single dose of 0.3 Gy of fission neutrons delivered at rates ranging from 0.005 to 0.1 Gy/min. No discernible effect upon cell survival or transformation was observed by a lowering of the fission neutron dose rate in either exponential or plateau cultures. At the level of 2.3 x 10(-4) transformants per surviving cell, the RBE for neoplastic transformation was three at acute dose rates and ten at the lowest dose rate studied (0.005 Gy/min for neutrons and 0.01 Gy/min for X-rays).

The effect of tissue culture agar on chromosome breakage, sister-chromatid exchanges and clonogenicity in human cells.

To investigate the cytogenetic effects of electromagnetic fields, a system containing an agar gel was developed to support the growth of various human cell types (peripheral lymphocytes, lymphoblasts, and fibroblasts). When compared to alioquots of identical cells, grown in plastic culture vessels, statistically significant increases in the frequencies of chromosome breakage, sister-chromatid exchange and decreased cloning efficiency were observed in those cells cultured in the agar. These results suggest a possible clastogenic and/or cytotoxic component in the agar gel.

The effect of low-level 60-Hz electromagnetic fields on human lymphoid cells. II. Sister-chromatid exchanges in peripheral lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cell lines.

Dividing human peripheral lymphocytes from 10 normal adults (5 males and 5 females) as well as lymphoid cell lines from patients with the chromosomal instability syndromes were exposed to low-level 60-Hz sinusoidal electromagnetic fields (EMF). The current density of the electrical field was 30 microA/cm2 while the strength of the magnetic field was either 1 or 2 gauss. The cytological endpoints measured included the frequency of sister-chromatid exchanges per chromosome; the distribution of first-, second-, and third-division cells and chromosome breakage (lymphoblastoid cells only). No statistically significant differences, indicative of EMF effects were observed between the treated and control cells regarding SCE frequency, cell cycle progression or chromosome breakage.

Effect of low-level, 60-Hz electromagnetic fields on human lymphoid cells: I. Mitotic rate and chromosome breakage in human peripheral lymphocytes.

Dividing human peripheral lymphocytes from 10 normal adults (5 males and 5 females) were exposed in vitro to low level 60-Hz electromagnetic fields for 69 hours. The current density of the electrical field was 30 microA/cm2, while the magnetic field was either 1 or 2 gauss. The cytological endpoints measured were mitotic rate and chromosome breakage. No statistically significant differences, indicative of a field effect, were observed between treated and control cells whether exposed to an electric field, a magnetic field, or to various combinations of the two.

[Case of male pseudohermaphroditism in cattle. (Bos taurus L.) with a 60 XY karyotype]. / Przypadek pseudohermafrodytyzmu samczego u bydla. (Bos taurus) L.) z kariotypem 60,XY

The clinical, anatomical, histological and cytogenetical evaluation has been made of a case of pseudohermaphroditism in domestic cattle. A 1,5 year old bull of unknown origin with general male features and male sexual orientation has been studied. It showed an underdeveloped udder and external female reproductive organs. The internal male genital organs showed underdeveloped testes and epididymis, vasa deferentia, vesicular glands, small penis and the clitoris-like glans penis. There were also remnants of female genital organs: uterus with uteri horns situated along the vasa deferentia and the vagina. The testes lacked germinal cells. The 60,XY karyotype has been stated on the basis of the blood lymphocyte culture. No Barr bodies have been found in the tissues. The possibility of development of this anomaly as freemartinism syndrome has been discussed. The obtained cytogenetical results enabled us to put forward the hypothesis that the bull did not derive from a heterosexual twin pregnancy. The possibility of absence of the hypothetic "X" factor (according to Jost), as a cause of this male external and internal pseudohermaphroditism has also been reviewed.