Microvascular architecture of human epicolic and paracolic lymph nodes located in the vicinity of colon cancer: a SEM study of corrosion casts.

The vascular systems of epicolic and paracolic lymph nodes located in the vicinity of colon tumors resected from three patients were investigated by corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy. Large vessels entered the nodes either at one site, not always corresponding with the anatomical hilus, or at 2-4 sites located along their perimeters. In the cortical zone of most examined nodes, the location of lymphoid nodules was marked by rosette-like capillary arrays drained by peripheral arcuate venules. The paracortex and medulla showed a dense capillary network with areas of tortuous capillaries, sometimes forming glomerular arrays suggesting nonsprouting angiogenesis by capillary elongation. Venules were abundant, especially in the paracortex and medulla, but high endothelial venules showing characteristic imprints of bulging endothelial cells in the casts were very rarely observed. Focal angiogenesis, abundance of venules and scarcity of high endothelial venules could result from remodeling of blood vessels induced by the tumor.

Vascular architecture of human uterine cervix visualized by corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to the uterine corpus, the vascular architecture of the human cervix has been the subject of only a few studies, mostly dealing with the ectocervical mucosal vessels. This study presents the vascular system of the cervical wall surrounding the endocervical canal visualized by the best currently available technique, corrosion casting combined with scanning electron microscopy. METHODS: Uteri collected at autopsy (n= 20) were perfused via afferent vessels with fixative followed by Mercox resin and corroded after polymerization of the resin. The obtained vascular casts of the cervix visualizing all vessels including capillaries were examined in the scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The vascular system of the cervix was nearly completely replicated in only two (10%) of the samples. In the wall of the cervix, four distinct vascular zones surrounding the endocervical canal were observed: (i) the outer zone containing larger vessels, arteries and veins of 0.3-1 mm diameter; (ii) the zone containing arterioles and venules; (iii) the zone of endocervical mucosal capillaries showing a very high density, parallel arrangement and relatively few interconnections and (iv) the innermost, subepithelial zone containing small veins running along the endocervical canal. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the loss of the delicate ectocervical mucosal vessels from the cast during the corrosion step, we have successfully visualized the majority of the cervical vasculature. The vascular pattern of the human cervix, especially that of the endocervical mucosa, may facilitate the adaptation of the cervical vasculature to the extensive remodeling of the cervix during parturition.

[Reoperations in patients with chronic otitis media cholesteatomatosa]. / Reoperacje w przebiegu otitis media chronica cholesteatomatosa.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic cholesteatoma otitis media, apart from destruction of bones and possibility of otogenous complications, is characterized by possibility of recurrence of the disease after non radical treatment or presence of risk factors. AIM: This paper intends to analyze changes typical for cholesteatoma, observed during otosurgery including the results of bacteriological investigations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nearly 450 otosurgeries were performed in Department of Otolaryngology at Jagiellonian University 2004-2007. Analysis refers to patients reoperated on chronic cholesteatoma otitis media. RESULTS: 47 reoperations in the course of chronic choleateatoma otitis media were performed. Bacteriological analysis was provided in 21 cases. The most common bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilms were not observed in specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence of the process should be expected in patients with cholesteatoma. They require regular, periodical follow-up examination.

Vascular system of human fetal pancreas demonstrated by corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy.

Vascular architecture of the human pancreas was investigated by corrosion casting combined with scanning electron microscopy in fetuses aged 20 and 25 gestational weeks. The general pattern of the microvascular system was similar to that of the postnatal pancreas, with an evident insulo-acinar portal system and with three types of capillary networks: capillaries of exocrine lobules, islet capillaries and periductal capillaries around large ducts located in the interlobular septa. All these capillary networks were supplied by arteriolar branches of the interlobular arteries. As compared with the postnatal pancreas, capillaries of exocrine lobules formed denser meshworks, had a more sinusoidal character and revealed morphological features indicative of angiogenesis (blind capillary sprouts). The number of efferent (portal) capillaries per islet was lower and the predominant pattern of islet vasculature was top to bottom rather than inner to outer, as observed in adults. These results show that in the second trimester the human pancreatic vascular architecture is almost completely developed and requires only minor remodeling to be fully functional in the postnatal period.

[Biofilm from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Morphological SEM studies]. / Biofilm w przebiegu przewleklego zapalenia zatok przynosowych. Badania morfologiczne w SEM.

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial biofilm is a three-dimensional structure made of aggregates of bacterial cells (microcolonies) and the extra cellular matrix released by them, adhering to organic and inorganic surfaces. It is estimated that 99% of all bacteria exist in biofilms, and only 1% live in a free-floating or planktonic state at any given time. The aim of the study was to demonstrate biofilms in mucosal specimens of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis and co-occurrence of such illnesses as nasal polyps, bronchial asthma, NSAIDs allergy, and aspirin-induced asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study of 25 patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis. All patients underwent completed a otolaryngological examination and paranasal sinus CT scans. Endoscopic surgery of nasal sinuses (ESS) was performed in all patients. The mucous membrane samples were taken from the inside of the sinus and concha bullosa. They were prepared and examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The images were then compared with the available database of the biofilm images. RESULTS: Using SEM morphologic criteria, the biofilms were identified in the studied material in nineteen patients (83%). In four patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, no biofilms were found on the samples taken. A bacteriological examination of smears from inside of the sinus, revealed the presence of various types of bacteria. In two patients no bacteria was found in the smears. CONCLUSIONS: It is supposed that bacterial biofilms perform an essential role in the pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis. One may speculate that, the presence of biofilms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis could induce the co-occurrence of such illnesses as nasal polyps, bronchial asthma, aspirin-induced asthma or a NSAIDs allergy. In order to evaluate better the role of biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis, it seems justified to extend the research to a larger group of patients and a control group.

Morphological aspects of the traumatic chronic subdural hematoma capsule: SEM studies.

The morphology of the outer and inner membranes of traumatic chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) surgically removed from eight patients was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hematomas were divided into three groups based on time that had passed from the initiation of trauma to surgery. Structure of the CSDHs showed gradual morphological changes of the developing hematoma capsule. They initially included angiogenic and aseptic inflammatory reactions followed by progressive involvement of fibroblasts-proliferating and producing collagen fibrils. Numerous capillaries suggesting formation of new blood vessels were observed mainly in young hematomas removed between 15 and 21 days after trauma. In "older" hematomas (40 days after trauma), more numerous capillaries and thin-walled sinusoids were accompanied by patent, larger diameter blood vessels. Within the fibrotic outer membrane of the "oldest" hematoma capsules (60 or more days after trauma), especially in the area over the hematoma cavity, blood vessels were frequently occluded by clots. The results suggest dynamic changes in cellular and vascular organization of traumatic CSDH capsules paralleling the progression in hematoma age.

[New vessels formation within intramural leiomyomata]. / Tworzenie nowych naczyn na terenie miesniaków macicy zlokalizowanych w blonie miesniowej narzadu.

OBJECTIVES: The vessels of uterine leiomyomata seem to control the growth of the tumour. The aim of the study was to analyze the angioarchitecture of intramural leiomyomata and to observe vascular sprouting of the growing vessels in these tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 28 myomatous uteri collected upon autopsy were injected via afferent vessels with Mercox resin and corroded after polymerisation of the resin. RESULTS: Two types of tumour vascularization were distinguished: tumors with few vessels invading the leiomyoma with few side branches and tumours with dense vascular "capsule" which was a source of small vessels supplying the tumour. Vascular sprouts were observed in majority of studied tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existing vessels undergo regression and new vessels grow from the periphery, as well as new vessels arise in the process of angiogenesis within the tumors.

Two types of vascularisation of intramural uterine leiomyomata revealed by corrosion casting and immunohistochemical study.

The blood supply of myomatous uteri collected upon autopsy was examined. The uterine vascular beds were perfused via afferent vessels with fixative followed by Mercox resin and corroded after polymerisation of the resin. The vascular casts thus obtained were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The vascular system of the uterine fibroids was also examined using immunohistochemical analysis (FVIII, factor VIII-related antigen).

[Angioarchitecture of the endometrial venous system of human myomatous uteri--scanning electron microscopy study]. / Angioarchitektonika naczyn zylnych endometrium miesniakowatej macicy ludzkiej--badania w mikroskopii skaningowej.

OBJECTIVES: The venous system of endometrium of myomatous uteri was examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studies were carried out on 20 uteri obtained from autopsies. Corrosion casts were studied using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The specimens revealed a chaotic network of tortuous and distended veins, venules and venous capillaries. The so-called venous lakes were observable in the whole length of the functional layer of the endometrium. CONCLUSIONS: Veins of the endometrium do not go in a company with arteries. No arterio-venous anastomoses were found.

Application of acrylic emulsion Liquitex R (Binney and Smith) for the preparation of injection specimens and immunohistochemical studies--an observation.

Application of acrylic emulsion Liquitex R for injection studies of the vascular system of human myomatous uteri was analysed. It was found that this injection mass does not penetrate the capillary bed of human organs, but it is useful in studies carried out on the blood supply of the human organs removed from cadavers. The results were compared with the studies performed with the help of immunohistochemical tests for von Willebrandt's factor.

Vascular system of intramural leiomyomata revealed by corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy.

BACKGROUND: The vascular system of leiomyomata, the most common benign tumours in women, is an important factor controlling development and growth of the tumour. It has not been, however, investigated morphologically using the best currently available technique, corrosion casting combined with scanning electron microscopy. METHODS: Myomatous uteri collected upon autopsy were perfused via afferent vessels with fixative followed by Mercox resin and corroded after polymerization of the resin. The obtained vascular casts visualizing all vessels including capillaries were examined using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The smallest (1-3 mm) fibroids were avascular, in larger ones (<1 cm) a few small vessels invaded the lesion from the periphery. The largest tumours (>1 cm) contained irregular networks of blood vessels with density similar to or lower than that of normal myometrium. Such tumours were surrounded by an extremely dense vascular layer ('vascular capsule') which was the source of larger vessels supplying and draining the tumour. CONCLUSIONS: During development of leiomyoma, the pre-existing blood vessels undergo regression and new vessels invade the tumour from the periphery, where intense angiogenesis, probably promoted by growth factors secreted by the tumour, leads to the formation of a 'vascular capsule' responsible for supply of blood to the growing tumour.

Application of a mixture of glycol polyethylenes for the preparation of microcorrosion casts--an observation.

Preparation of microcorrosion casts that can be used for observation in SEM is a laborious, time-consuming procedure. The authors paid particular attention to the process of dissection of the microcorrosion casts. This prompted the authors to reconstruct the plastic mass, produced by the firm Gurr (Great Britain) in the 1970s, which was used by them in previous research to immerse the cast in order to minimise the damage. By using easily obtainable polyethylene glycols, characterised by different physical and chemical features, in order to obtain smooth surface of the section, a low-toxic mixture was composed, which protected the microcorrosion casts sufficiently and did not interfere with the physical and chemical properties of the cast.