Bruno Cozzi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Bruno Cozzi
In the present study we examined the brain of fetal, newborn, and adult pigs raised for meat prod... more In the present study we examined the brain of fetal, newborn, and adult pigs raised for meat production. The fresh and formalin-fixed weights of the brain have been recorded and used, together with body weight, to calculate the Encephalization Quotient (EQ). The weight of the cerebellum has been used to calculate the Cerebellar Quotient (CQ). The results have been discussed together with analogue data obtained in other terrestrial Cetartiodactyla (including the domestic bovine, sheep, goat, and camel), domesticated Carnivora, Probos-cidata, and Primates. Our study, based on a relatively large experimental series, corrects former observations present in the literature based on smaller samples, and emphasizes that the domestic pig has a small brain relative to its body size (EQ = 0.38 for adults), possibly due to factors linked to the necessity of meat production and improved body weight. Comparison with other terrestrial Cetartiodactyla indicates a similar trend for all domesticated species.
ABSTRACT The leather industries are interested in avoiding post-mortem alterations of the skin co... more ABSTRACT The leather industries are interested in avoiding post-mortem alterations of the skin components, since degeneration of the dermal structures composing raw hides decreases the quality of leather. The goal of the present study is to realize a histological study of skin samples to assess the tissue alterations at different periods and under methods of conservation (salting and refrigeration) after the skinning of the animals at the slaughterhouse. The papillary region and the reticular dermis were both analyzed. The dermal components considered were the number of cell nuclei, the structure of the collagen and elastic fibers, and finally the presence of acidic polysaccharides. Results showed a progressive reduction of cellular nuclei and acid polysaccharides of the dermal layer during the passage of time in all the conditions considered. A moderate decay of collagen bundles was noted in salted hides whereas the elastic fiber networks maintained their organization over the time. No sign of accumulation of nonfunctional elements or other morphological alterations were observed in the dermis. These findings can be useful for the leather industry for choosing the desired curing and timing conditions to employ during refrigeration or salt-based treatment of the skins.
Journal of Anatomy, 2007
The determination of age is an important step in defining the life history traits of individuals ... more The determination of age is an important step in defining the life history traits of individuals and populations. Age determination of odontocetes is mainly based on counting annual growth layer groups in the teeth. However, this useful method is always invasive, requiring the cutting of at least one tooth, and sometimes the results are difficult to interpret. Based on the concept that bone matrix is constantly deposited throughout life, we analysed the bone mineral density of the arm and forearm of a series of bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus , Montagu 1821) stranded along the Italian coast of the Adriatic Sea or maintained in confined waters. The bone mineral density values we obtained were evaluated as possible age predictors of the Mediterranean population of this species, considering age as determined by counting growth layer groups in sections of the teeth and the total body length of the animal as references. Comparisons between left and right flipper showed no difference. Our results show that bone mineral density values of the thoracic limb are indeed reliable age predictors in Tursiops truncatus . Further investigations in additional odontocete species are necessary to provide strong evidence of the reliability of bone mineral density as an indicator of growth and chronological wear and tear in toothed-whales.
General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2011
The enzyme aromatase (P450(AROM)) converts testosterone (T) into 17-β estradiol (E(2)) and is cru... more The enzyme aromatase (P450(AROM)) converts testosterone (T) into 17-β estradiol (E(2)) and is crucial for the control of development of the central nervous system during ontogenesis. The effects of E(2) in various brain areas are mediated by the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and the estrogen receptor beta (ER-β). During fetal development, steroids are responsible for the sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus. Estrogens are also able to exert effects in other brain areas of the fetus including the frontal cortex, where they act through estrogen receptors (ERs) modulating cognitive function and affective behaviors. In this study we have determined the expression profiles of P450(AROM) and ERs in the fetal bovine frontal cortex by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) throughout the prenatal development. The data show that the patterns of expression of both ERs are strongly correlated during pregnancy and increase in the last stage of gestation. On the contrary, the expression of P450(AROM) has no correlation with ERs expression and is not developmentally regulated. Moreover, we performed immunochemical studies showing that fetal neurons express P450(AROM) and the ERs. P450(AROM) is localized in the cytoplasm and only seldom present in the fine extensions of the cells; ER-α is detected predominantly in the soma whereas ER-β is only present in the nucleus of a few cells. This study provides new data on the development of the frontal cortex in a long gestation mammal with a large convoluted brain.
Cell and Tissue Research, 2012
Estrogens diversely affect various physiological processes by genomic or non-genomic mechanisms, ... more Estrogens diversely affect various physiological processes by genomic or non-genomic mechanisms, in both excitable and non-excitable cells. Additional to the trophic effects of estrogens promoting cell growth and differentiation, recent experimental evidence highlights their involvement in the regulation of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis. The effects of estrogens on excitable cells are well documented. However, these steroids also influence numerous physiological events in non-excitable cells, such as fibroblasts or vascular endothelial cells. We have focused our attention on an immortalized endothelial-like cell line derived from fetal bovine cerebellum. Estradiol (E 2 ) effects on intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis were tested by varying the exposure time to the hormone (8, 24, 48 h). Calcium measurements were performed with genetically encoded Ca 2+ probes (Cameleons) targeted to the main subcellular compartments involved in intracellular Ca 2 + homeostasis (cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria). Mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake significantly decreased after 48-h exposure to E 2 , whereas cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum responses were unaffected. The effect of E 2 on mitochondrial Ca 2+ handling was blocked by ICI 182,780, a pure estrogen receptor antagonist, suggesting that the effect was estrogen-receptor-mediated. To evaluate whether the decrease of Ca 2+ uptake affected mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cells were monitored in the presence of tetra-methyl-rhodamine-methylester; no significant changes were seen between cells treated with E 2 and controls. To investigate a mechanism of action, we assessed the possibile involvement of the permeability transition pore (PTP), an inner mitochondrial membrane channel influencing energy metabolism and cell viability. We treated cells with CyclosporinA (CsA), which binds to the matrix chaperone cyclophilin-D and regulates PTP opening. CsA reversed the effects of a 48-h treatment with E 2 , suggesting a possible transcriptional modulation of proteins involved in the mitochondrial permeability transition process.
Cell and tissue research, Jan 1, 1996
The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology, 2010
This paper reports on the activities of the Mediterranean Tissue Bank for Marine Mammals, establi... more This paper reports on the activities of the Mediterranean Tissue Bank for Marine Mammals, established in January 2002. The bank collects fragments of tissues sampled from marine mammals stranded along the Mediterranean coastline and distributes them to scientists working in the field. Tissues are a critical resource for biomedical and innovative research in anatomy, histo-pathology, genetics and toxicology, and the bank exploits the potentials of stranded animals to serve the scientific community of dolphin and whale investigators.
of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions ... more of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions that, with ATIt and ANMS Luigi actively fostered, sharing aims, purposes and approaches, and with whom a yearly event will be organised, to adequately celebrate Luigi's memory.
Natural History Sciences, 2014
of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions ... more of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions that, with ATIt and ANMS Luigi actively fostered, sharing aims, purposes and approaches, and with whom a yearly event will be organised, to adequately celebrate Luigi's memory.
Hystrix
of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions ... more of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions that, with ATIt and ANMS Luigi actively fostered, sharing aims, purposes and approaches, and with whom a yearly event will be organised, to adequately celebrate Luigi's memory.
The Anatomical Record, 1986
A combined ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study was performed on the pineal gland of the ... more A combined ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study was performed on the pineal gland of the horse in order to identify the cell types present and describe their characteristics. Comparisons have been made with other mammals. Two main cell types are present: pinealocytes and glial cells. Pinealocytes display different degrees of electron density in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, yet no ultrastructural feature supports the idea of separate populations. Putative secretory materials are stored in vesides related to the Golgi apparatus. A variety of electron-dense bodies are present in the cytoplasm. Interstitial cells responding to anti-GFAP (glial fibrillary acid protein) and anti-vimentin antibodies, but not to anti-neuronal200-kD protein antibodies, are located close to the perivascular spaces and connective septa. Morphological and immunocytochemical features support classifying them as astrocytes, probably protoplasmic. The presence of a cavity lined with pericytes, putatively a remnant of the embryonic lumen of the organ, is a consistent finding and may relate to the third ventricle.
In the present study we examined the brain of fetal, newborn, and adult pigs raised for meat prod... more In the present study we examined the brain of fetal, newborn, and adult pigs raised for meat production. The fresh and formalin-fixed weights of the brain have been recorded and used, together with body weight, to calculate the Encephalization Quotient (EQ). The weight of the cerebellum has been used to calculate the Cerebellar Quotient (CQ). The results have been discussed together with analogue data obtained in other terrestrial Cetartiodactyla (including the domestic bovine, sheep, goat, and camel), domesticated Carnivora, Probos-cidata, and Primates. Our study, based on a relatively large experimental series, corrects former observations present in the literature based on smaller samples, and emphasizes that the domestic pig has a small brain relative to its body size (EQ = 0.38 for adults), possibly due to factors linked to the necessity of meat production and improved body weight. Comparison with other terrestrial Cetartiodactyla indicates a similar trend for all domesticated species.
ABSTRACT The leather industries are interested in avoiding post-mortem alterations of the skin co... more ABSTRACT The leather industries are interested in avoiding post-mortem alterations of the skin components, since degeneration of the dermal structures composing raw hides decreases the quality of leather. The goal of the present study is to realize a histological study of skin samples to assess the tissue alterations at different periods and under methods of conservation (salting and refrigeration) after the skinning of the animals at the slaughterhouse. The papillary region and the reticular dermis were both analyzed. The dermal components considered were the number of cell nuclei, the structure of the collagen and elastic fibers, and finally the presence of acidic polysaccharides. Results showed a progressive reduction of cellular nuclei and acid polysaccharides of the dermal layer during the passage of time in all the conditions considered. A moderate decay of collagen bundles was noted in salted hides whereas the elastic fiber networks maintained their organization over the time. No sign of accumulation of nonfunctional elements or other morphological alterations were observed in the dermis. These findings can be useful for the leather industry for choosing the desired curing and timing conditions to employ during refrigeration or salt-based treatment of the skins.
Journal of Anatomy, 2007
The determination of age is an important step in defining the life history traits of individuals ... more The determination of age is an important step in defining the life history traits of individuals and populations. Age determination of odontocetes is mainly based on counting annual growth layer groups in the teeth. However, this useful method is always invasive, requiring the cutting of at least one tooth, and sometimes the results are difficult to interpret. Based on the concept that bone matrix is constantly deposited throughout life, we analysed the bone mineral density of the arm and forearm of a series of bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus , Montagu 1821) stranded along the Italian coast of the Adriatic Sea or maintained in confined waters. The bone mineral density values we obtained were evaluated as possible age predictors of the Mediterranean population of this species, considering age as determined by counting growth layer groups in sections of the teeth and the total body length of the animal as references. Comparisons between left and right flipper showed no difference. Our results show that bone mineral density values of the thoracic limb are indeed reliable age predictors in Tursiops truncatus . Further investigations in additional odontocete species are necessary to provide strong evidence of the reliability of bone mineral density as an indicator of growth and chronological wear and tear in toothed-whales.
General and Comparative Endocrinology, 2011
The enzyme aromatase (P450(AROM)) converts testosterone (T) into 17-β estradiol (E(2)) and is cru... more The enzyme aromatase (P450(AROM)) converts testosterone (T) into 17-β estradiol (E(2)) and is crucial for the control of development of the central nervous system during ontogenesis. The effects of E(2) in various brain areas are mediated by the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and the estrogen receptor beta (ER-β). During fetal development, steroids are responsible for the sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus. Estrogens are also able to exert effects in other brain areas of the fetus including the frontal cortex, where they act through estrogen receptors (ERs) modulating cognitive function and affective behaviors. In this study we have determined the expression profiles of P450(AROM) and ERs in the fetal bovine frontal cortex by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) throughout the prenatal development. The data show that the patterns of expression of both ERs are strongly correlated during pregnancy and increase in the last stage of gestation. On the contrary, the expression of P450(AROM) has no correlation with ERs expression and is not developmentally regulated. Moreover, we performed immunochemical studies showing that fetal neurons express P450(AROM) and the ERs. P450(AROM) is localized in the cytoplasm and only seldom present in the fine extensions of the cells; ER-α is detected predominantly in the soma whereas ER-β is only present in the nucleus of a few cells. This study provides new data on the development of the frontal cortex in a long gestation mammal with a large convoluted brain.
Cell and Tissue Research, 2012
Estrogens diversely affect various physiological processes by genomic or non-genomic mechanisms, ... more Estrogens diversely affect various physiological processes by genomic or non-genomic mechanisms, in both excitable and non-excitable cells. Additional to the trophic effects of estrogens promoting cell growth and differentiation, recent experimental evidence highlights their involvement in the regulation of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis. The effects of estrogens on excitable cells are well documented. However, these steroids also influence numerous physiological events in non-excitable cells, such as fibroblasts or vascular endothelial cells. We have focused our attention on an immortalized endothelial-like cell line derived from fetal bovine cerebellum. Estradiol (E 2 ) effects on intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis were tested by varying the exposure time to the hormone (8, 24, 48 h). Calcium measurements were performed with genetically encoded Ca 2+ probes (Cameleons) targeted to the main subcellular compartments involved in intracellular Ca 2 + homeostasis (cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria). Mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake significantly decreased after 48-h exposure to E 2 , whereas cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum responses were unaffected. The effect of E 2 on mitochondrial Ca 2+ handling was blocked by ICI 182,780, a pure estrogen receptor antagonist, suggesting that the effect was estrogen-receptor-mediated. To evaluate whether the decrease of Ca 2+ uptake affected mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cells were monitored in the presence of tetra-methyl-rhodamine-methylester; no significant changes were seen between cells treated with E 2 and controls. To investigate a mechanism of action, we assessed the possibile involvement of the permeability transition pore (PTP), an inner mitochondrial membrane channel influencing energy metabolism and cell viability. We treated cells with CyclosporinA (CsA), which binds to the matrix chaperone cyclophilin-D and regulates PTP opening. CsA reversed the effects of a 48-h treatment with E 2 , suggesting a possible transcriptional modulation of proteins involved in the mitochondrial permeability transition process.
Cell and tissue research, Jan 1, 1996
The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology, 2010
This paper reports on the activities of the Mediterranean Tissue Bank for Marine Mammals, establi... more This paper reports on the activities of the Mediterranean Tissue Bank for Marine Mammals, established in January 2002. The bank collects fragments of tissues sampled from marine mammals stranded along the Mediterranean coastline and distributes them to scientists working in the field. Tissues are a critical resource for biomedical and innovative research in anatomy, histo-pathology, genetics and toxicology, and the bank exploits the potentials of stranded animals to serve the scientific community of dolphin and whale investigators.
of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions ... more of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions that, with ATIt and ANMS Luigi actively fostered, sharing aims, purposes and approaches, and with whom a yearly event will be organised, to adequately celebrate Luigi's memory.
Natural History Sciences, 2014
of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions ... more of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions that, with ATIt and ANMS Luigi actively fostered, sharing aims, purposes and approaches, and with whom a yearly event will be organised, to adequately celebrate Luigi's memory.
Hystrix
of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions ... more of Milan Museum of Natural History and the Italian Society of Natural Sciences, two institutions that, with ATIt and ANMS Luigi actively fostered, sharing aims, purposes and approaches, and with whom a yearly event will be organised, to adequately celebrate Luigi's memory.
The Anatomical Record, 1986
A combined ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study was performed on the pineal gland of the ... more A combined ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study was performed on the pineal gland of the horse in order to identify the cell types present and describe their characteristics. Comparisons have been made with other mammals. Two main cell types are present: pinealocytes and glial cells. Pinealocytes display different degrees of electron density in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, yet no ultrastructural feature supports the idea of separate populations. Putative secretory materials are stored in vesides related to the Golgi apparatus. A variety of electron-dense bodies are present in the cytoplasm. Interstitial cells responding to anti-GFAP (glial fibrillary acid protein) and anti-vimentin antibodies, but not to anti-neuronal200-kD protein antibodies, are located close to the perivascular spaces and connective septa. Morphological and immunocytochemical features support classifying them as astrocytes, probably protoplasmic. The presence of a cavity lined with pericytes, putatively a remnant of the embryonic lumen of the organ, is a consistent finding and may relate to the third ventricle.