Immunohistochemical localization of S100-like protein in non-mammalian kidney.

The immunolocalization of S100-like protein was investigated in the kidney of saltwater fishes (Dicentrarchus labrax; Coris julis; Serranus cabrilla; Scorpaena porcus), amphibia (Rana aesculenta), reptiles (Lacerta viridis), and aves (Gallus domesticus; Strutio camelus). S100-like immunoreactivity was detected in the juxtaglomerular cells of all saltwater fishes studied. No immunoreactivity was observed in other tracts of the nephron or in the interstitial tissue. In frog kidney, S100-like immunoreactive cells were localized in the proximal tubule, singly distributed or placed side by side in clusters of two or three cells. S100-like immunoreactive cells were distributed in the distal and in the collecting tubules in lizard, chicken, and ostrich kidney. In the distal tubule of lizard kidney, S100-like immunoreactive cells were numerous and uniformly distributed. In lizard collecting tubules, S100-like immunoreactive cells showed less intense immunoreactivity than in the distal tubule, except for a cluster of cells at the junction with the initial collecting duct. In chicken and ostrich kidney, S100-like immunoreactive cells of the distal tubules were closely packed together. In the collecting tubules, S100-like immunoreactive cells were alternate to negative cells. These results indicate the high conservation degree of S100 proteins through phylogenesis and suggest a functional role for these proteins in the vertebrate kidney.

Microvasculature of the buffalo epididymis.

The microvasculature of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) epididymis was investigated using light (LM), scanning electron (SEM), and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy techniques. SEM analysis of the buffalo epididymis showed fenestrations that occupied ovoid inside the endothelium of the postcapillary venules located in the caput, corpus, and cauda. They varied in shape and dimension, but more importantly, they connected the venules of the blood vascular system to the capillaries of the peripheral lymphatic vascular system. Morphofunctional analysis of these connections suggests that the microvasculature of the buffalo epididymis plays a role in facilitating the circulation of biologically active substances, and the absorption and secretion processes necessary for the survival and maturation of spermatozoa. The lymphatic capillaries at the connection points formed a network of variously sized polygonal links. These capillaries then converged to form the precollector lymphatic vessels, which in turn converged with the larger vessels originating from the testis. It was further noted that in the capillary endothelium there were no fenestrations, and in the large veins there were many diverticula. These diverticula appear to play a role in the regulation of the seasonal variations of the blood reflux. In general, the microvascular architecture of the buffalo epididymis, particularly its connection to the lymphatic vascular system, appears to play an important role in the absorption and secretion processes of the epididymal epithelium.