Matilde Lombardero - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Matilde Lombardero
Animals
The cat mandible is relatively small, and its manipulation implies the use of fixing methods and ... more The cat mandible is relatively small, and its manipulation implies the use of fixing methods and different repair techniques according to its small size to keep its biomechanical functionality intact. Attempts to fix dislocations of the temporomandibular joint should be primarily performed by non-invasive techniques (repositioning the bones and immobilisation), although when this is not possible, a surgical method should be used. Regarding mandibular fractures, these are usually concurrent with other traumatic injuries that, if serious, should be treated first. A non-invasive approach should also first be considered to fix mandibular fractures. When this is impractical, internal rigid fixation methods, such as osteosynthesis plates, should be used. However, it should be taken into account that in the cat mandible, dental roots and the mandibular canal structures occupy most of the volume of the mandibular body, a fact that makes it challenging to apply a plate with fixed screw posit...
Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, 2020
INTRODUCTION Growth hormone and prolactin secretion is affected by thyroid hormones. To see if th... more INTRODUCTION Growth hormone and prolactin secretion is affected by thyroid hormones. To see if this influence is subsidiary to the hyptothalamus, we investigated the effects of thyroxin (T4) on hormone secretion and histology of sellar pituitaries and pituitary grafts detached from the hypothalamus (autografted or allografted under the kidney capsule). MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: control, thyroidectomised, pituitary autografted, pituitary allografted, and four additional groups that were injected with T4 for two weeks, starting four weeks after surgery. At sacrifice, adenohypophysial hormone blood levels were assessed, and tissue from sellar and grafted pituitaries were investigated by histology and electron microscopy. RESULTS Growth hormone and prolactin blood levels, as well as the number of growth hormone immunopositive cells increased in T4- treated groups. Both pituitary auto- and allo-grafts showed lactotroph hyperplasia and displayed spongiform areas containing cells with vesicles in their cytoplasm resembling thyroidectomy cells. This phenomenon was minimized in their respective T4-treated group. Thyroidectomy cells were identified in pituitary grafts, indicating that hypothalamic control was not essential to induce them. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION It is intriguing that the pituitary allografted group, even maintaining normal T4 blood levels, developed thyroidectomy cells in their grafts, suggesting that a long- term deficit of vascularization (>4 weeks) prevented T4 from reaching the graft. After 6 weeks, post T4 treatment of two weeks seemed to be the determining factor to minimize thyroidectomy cells in both pituitary autografted + T4 and pituitary allografted + T4 grafts compared to the untreated groups, although more time and/or higher T4 doses may be required to fully restore the euthyroid morphology.
Animals, 2019
Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most influencing personalities of his time, the perfect represen... more Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most influencing personalities of his time, the perfect representation of the ideal Renaissance man, an expert painter, engineer and anatomist. Regarding Leonardo’s anatomical drawings, apart from human anatomy, he also depicted some animal species. This comparative study focused only on two species: Bears and horses. He produced some anatomical drawings to illustrate the dissection of “a bear’s foot” (Royal Collection Trust), previously described as “the left leg and foot of a bear”, but considering some anatomical details, we concluded that they depict the bear’s right pelvic limb. This misconception was due to the assumption that the bear’s digit I (1st toe) was the largest one, as in humans. We also analyzed a rough sketch (not previously reported), on the same page, and we concluded that it depicts the left antebrachium (forearm) and manus (hand) of a dog/wolf. Regarding Leonardo’s drawing representing the horse anatomy “The viscera of a horse”,...
General and Comparative Endocrinology, Sep 30, 1997
Journal of Anatomy, 2003
The morphology of the soft tissue and supporting cartilage of the vomeronasal organ of the fetal ... more The morphology of the soft tissue and supporting cartilage of the vomeronasal organ of the fetal pig was studied from early stages to term. Specimens obtained from an abattoir were aged by crown-to-rump distance. Series of transverse sections show that some time before birth all structures-cartilage, connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, glands and epithelia-are well developed and very similar in appearance to those of the adult. Furthermore, in transmission electron microscopy photomicrographs obtained at this stage the vomeronasal glands exhibit secretory activity.
Chemical Senses, 2001
Lectin binding patterns in the olfactory bulb of the mouse were investigated using 12 biotinylate... more Lectin binding patterns in the olfactory bulb of the mouse were investigated using 12 biotinylated lectins. Three, with specificities for galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine and L-fucose, stained only the nervous and glomerular layers of the accessory olfactory bulb; four, with specificities for galactose or N-acetylglucosamine, stained these layers in both the accessory and the main olfactory bulbs; three, with specificities for N-acetylgalactosamine or L-fucose, effected general staining with little contrast between the background and the accessory olfactory bulb or other structures; the remaining two, both of them specific for mannose, stained no part of the tissue studied. In the nervous and glomerular layers of the accessory olfactory bulb six lectins stained the anterior and posterior halves with different intensities and two of these six similarly differentiated between rostral and caudal regions of the posterior half. We conclude that: (i) three lectins binding to different monosaccharides are specific stains for the vomeronasal system when used in this area of the mouse brain; (ii) it may be appropriate to distinguish three parts in the mouse accessory olfactory bulb, instead of the hitherto generally accepted two.
Animals, 2021
Cats are one of our favourite pets in the home. They differ considerably from dogs but are usuall... more Cats are one of our favourite pets in the home. They differ considerably from dogs but are usually treated clinically as small dogs, despite some anatomical and physiological dissimilarities. Their mandible is small and has some peculiarities relative to the dentition (only three incisors, a prominent canine, two premolars and one molar); a conical and horizontally oriented condyle, and a protudent angular process in its ventrocaudal part. Most of the body of the mandible is occupied by the mandibular dental roots and the mandibular canal that protects the neurovascular supply: the inferior alveolar artery and vein, and the inferior alveolar nerve that exits the mandible rostrally as the mental nerves. They irrigate and innervate all the teeth and associated structures such as the lips and gingiva. Tooth roots and the mandibular canal account for up to 70% of the volume of the mandibular body. Consequently, when fractured it is difficult to repair without invading the dental roots o...
General and Comparative Endocrinology
Histology and histopathology, 2008
Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a novel peptide originally identified in extracts of human pheochromocyto... more Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a novel peptide originally identified in extracts of human pheochromocytoma. It is produced by several tissues, including the pituitary gland. The presence of ADM has been immunohistochemically demonstrated in pathologic pituitary glands, but no systematic study of ADM expression in human pituitary adenomas has been reported. Thus, we investigated ADM immunoexpression in 88 various hormone-secreting and clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma types as well as 30 nontumoral adenohypophyses. Furthermore, ADM immunoreactivity was assessed on a 0 to +3 scale in all samples. We found strong immunoreativity for ADM in normal gonadotrophs also expressing FSH and LH whereas in the other adenohypophysial cell types expression of ADM was mild. Results showed that normal adenohypophyses were strongly immunopositive for ADM (2.18+/-0.11). Our findings demonstrate that ADM expression in the anterior pituitary is diminished in tumors as compared to the normal gland. Th...
Human pathology, 2009
Pituitary carcinomas are exceedingly rare. At present, the sole diagnostic criterion is metastati... more Pituitary carcinomas are exceedingly rare. At present, the sole diagnostic criterion is metastatic spread, either craniospinal or systemic. There is no agreement on a histologic, immunohistochemical, and/or ultrastructural definition. We report a clinically and morphologically well-documented example of pituitary thyrotropin cell carcinoma in a man with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. The tumor produced thyrotropin, alpha-subunit, and prolactin and, through electron microscopy, was found to consist solely of Thyrotroph cells. Over a protracted course, craniospinal and systemic metastases were noted. The primary and metastatic deposits of this aggressive tumor were studied. To our knowledge, this tumor is the first reported case of thyrotropin cell carcinoma occurring in association with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. The literature regarding thyrotropin carcinomas is reviewed. Based on the study of several biopsies during disease progression, we beli...
Organogenesis, 2014
Congenital defects are those abnormalities present at birth. During embryogenesis, many anomalies... more Congenital defects are those abnormalities present at birth. During embryogenesis, many anomalies can occur. The primitive gut tube lengthens quickly and rotates, allowing the gastrointestinal tract acquire its final position and orientation. Because the colon of large animals is complex, most changes occur in this segment. Thus, in ruminants, colon atresia is the most frequent malformation, affecting mainly ascending colon, at the level of the spiral loop. There are no previous references about a very atypical colon atresia at the junction of distal loop and transverse colon, such we have described in a 5-day-old calf, after a history of abdominal distention and absence of feces at birth, even with a patent anal opening. Atresia coli was detected at distal position of the typical colon atresia, at the junction of distal loop and transverse colon. In addition, the distal blind end was bent into a U-shape supported by the mesocolon. Besides the anatomical findings of this worthwhile atresia coli we discuss its possible etiology, in which local factors, such as a compromised blood supply during embryogenesis, are more consistent than genetic factors. Finding out the causes of atresia coli would help to reduce its incidence, lessen animal suffering and economic loss.
The Anatomical Record, 1997
The main goal of this work was to investigate the general distribution of arterial blood around a... more The main goal of this work was to investigate the general distribution of arterial blood around and inside the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the cat. Macro- and microdissection methods together with light and scanning electron microscopy were used. Heads were injected with an India ink/agar mixture (the VNO subsequently being cut in transverse, sagittal and horizontal sections), with clear latex (the VNO subsequently being cut in transverse sections), or with an epoxy resin to obtain casts for examination by scanning electron microscopy. Dissection and microdissection show that the infraorbital, minor palatine, and descending palatine arteries have a common origin, rostral to the Rete mirabile arteria maxillaris. In transverse series and in the rostral half of the VNO, an arteriole is consistently observed between the vomeronasal duct and the lateral sheet of the vomeronasal cartilage. In this same segment, arterial branches with different orientations (perpendicular, horizontal, or transverse with respect to the main axis of the organ) are observed. Scanning electron microscopy of arterial casts shows that arterial vessels of the mucosa of the nasal septum have a direct relationship with the VNO. Branches of the sphenopalatine artery are the chief route of blood supply to the VNO. The vomeronasal parenchyma has few arterial vessels, and these are usually situated in the same position. Differences observed between the arteries inside and outside the VNO and the dilation of both by isoproterenol support the idea that the VNO is similar to erectile tissue organs and that it may act as a physiological pump.
Pituitary, 2006
Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor Flk-1 are expressed in normal pit... more Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor Flk-1 are expressed in normal pituitary cells and in the prolactin-and growth hormone-producing GH3 cell line of the rat, thus suggesting autocrine/paracrine function. Regulation of the Flk-1 receptor system in pituitary cells is poorly understood, but evidence suggests that upregulated growth factors play a role in its expression and activation. To study the role of growth factors in this process, we examined changes in VEGF and Flk-1 expression in GH3 cells following varied exposure to βFGF, EGF, and TGFβ1. Immunofluorescence labelling and laser scanning cytometry were used to measure changes in VEGF and Flk-1 expression. Results showed that βFGF, EGF and TGFβ up-regulated the VEGF/FLK-1 receptor system. Distinct patterns of activation were detected. At 2 hours, EGF and TGFβ caused no significant changes in VEGF and Flk-1 expression; however, βFGF up-regulated VEGF expression in 99% of cells but only induced modest changes in Flk-1 overexpression. A similar percentage of cells overexpressed VEGF after 24-hour incubation with βFGF, but more prominent Flk-1 overexpression was detected. At 24 hours, EGF and TGFβ1 induced a significant increase in both VEGF and Flk-1 expression. In summary, our findings show that
Pathobiology, 2011
Biology of EPO EPO is a 30.4-kDa glycoprotein. Its gene, in humans, is located on chromosome 7 an... more Biology of EPO EPO is a 30.4-kDa glycoprotein. Its gene, in humans, is located on chromosome 7 and occupies a 5.4-kb region of genomic DNA. It encodes a 193-amino acid polypeptide chain [2, 3]. The mature circulating protein consists of 165 amino acids resulting from cleavage of the 27 Nterminal amino acid leader sequence and loss of the Cterminal arginine during posttranslational modification. The EPO molecule encloses 2 disulfide bonds between amino acids 7 and 161 and between amino acids 29 and 33 that stabilize and preserve the molecular structure of
Microscopy Research and Technique, 2003
The morphological development of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) o... more The morphological development of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) of the sheep from anlage to birth were studied by classical and histochemical methods using embryos and fetuses obtained from an abattoir with ages estimated from crown-to-rump length. Both VNO and AOB developed in a biologically logical sequence and completed their morphological development around day 98, at entry into the last third of the gestation period. A lectin with specificity for oligomeric N-acetylglucosamine labeled the sensory epithelium of the VNO, the vomeronasal nerves, and the nervous and glomerular layers of the AOB before birth. These results suggest that the vomeronasal system, which is well developed and functional in adult sheep, may be able to function at or even before birth in these animals (whereas in rodents, for example, this is precluded by the AOB not completing its development until after birth).
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2009
BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have compared ecologically produced foods with conventionally produc... more BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have compared ecologically produced foods with conventionally produced competitors, with contradictory results. In this work we investigated the physicochemical, microscopic and sensory properties of two tomato cultivars (Lladó and Antillas), which were grown both ecologically and conventionally. RESULTS: The physicochemical variables size, weight, firmness, total acidity, pH, total solids content, lycopene content and CIELab a * , b * , a * /b * , C * and h * were all significantly influenced by cultivar, as were the sensory variables external colour, internal colour, external aroma intensity and flavour persistence. Compared with conventionally grown tomatoes, ecologically grown tomatoes had larger total solids contents and larger values of the CIELab colour parameters b * , C * and h * , but smaller sizes and weights and smaller values of the CIELab parameter ratio a * /b * ; however, these physicochemical differences were insufficient for growing method to have a significant influence on any of the sensory attributes that were evaluated. Microscopy showed the influence of cultivar on lycopene content, but no other structural differences were observed between the two cultivars or between tomatoes grown by different methods. CONCLUSIONS: The statistically significant differences found in this study were mainly between cultivars rather than between tomatoes grown using different management practices.
Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, 2007
Journal of Food Science, 2002
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 2009
Giant adenomas comprise a clinical/therapeutic subset of pituitary adenomas that pose a surgical ... more Giant adenomas comprise a clinical/therapeutic subset of pituitary adenomas that pose a surgical challenge. The study population consisted of 28 patients who had giant pituitary adenomas, which are defined as tumors with a diameter greater than 5 cm. Clinically, five tumors (18%) were endocrinologically functional and 23 (82%) were not. During surgery, one tumor was radically excised, four were subtotally excised, 12 were partially excised, and 11 were biopsied. All of the tumors showed typical histological features of pituitary adenoma. Of the 23 clinically non-functional adenomas, 18 were gonadotrophic tumors, four were null cell adenomas and one was a silent corticotroph adenoma. The MIB-1 labeling indices ranged from 0.1% to 2.0%. The mean topoisomerase labeling index was 0.75%. Microvessel density ranged from 0.42% to 5.55%, and there was moderately intense immunostaining for vascular endothelial growth factor. The present study found giant adenomas to be invasive but slow growing, histologically benign and often gonadotrophic in subtype.
Animals
The cat mandible is relatively small, and its manipulation implies the use of fixing methods and ... more The cat mandible is relatively small, and its manipulation implies the use of fixing methods and different repair techniques according to its small size to keep its biomechanical functionality intact. Attempts to fix dislocations of the temporomandibular joint should be primarily performed by non-invasive techniques (repositioning the bones and immobilisation), although when this is not possible, a surgical method should be used. Regarding mandibular fractures, these are usually concurrent with other traumatic injuries that, if serious, should be treated first. A non-invasive approach should also first be considered to fix mandibular fractures. When this is impractical, internal rigid fixation methods, such as osteosynthesis plates, should be used. However, it should be taken into account that in the cat mandible, dental roots and the mandibular canal structures occupy most of the volume of the mandibular body, a fact that makes it challenging to apply a plate with fixed screw posit...
Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, 2020
INTRODUCTION Growth hormone and prolactin secretion is affected by thyroid hormones. To see if th... more INTRODUCTION Growth hormone and prolactin secretion is affected by thyroid hormones. To see if this influence is subsidiary to the hyptothalamus, we investigated the effects of thyroxin (T4) on hormone secretion and histology of sellar pituitaries and pituitary grafts detached from the hypothalamus (autografted or allografted under the kidney capsule). MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: control, thyroidectomised, pituitary autografted, pituitary allografted, and four additional groups that were injected with T4 for two weeks, starting four weeks after surgery. At sacrifice, adenohypophysial hormone blood levels were assessed, and tissue from sellar and grafted pituitaries were investigated by histology and electron microscopy. RESULTS Growth hormone and prolactin blood levels, as well as the number of growth hormone immunopositive cells increased in T4- treated groups. Both pituitary auto- and allo-grafts showed lactotroph hyperplasia and displayed spongiform areas containing cells with vesicles in their cytoplasm resembling thyroidectomy cells. This phenomenon was minimized in their respective T4-treated group. Thyroidectomy cells were identified in pituitary grafts, indicating that hypothalamic control was not essential to induce them. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION It is intriguing that the pituitary allografted group, even maintaining normal T4 blood levels, developed thyroidectomy cells in their grafts, suggesting that a long- term deficit of vascularization (>4 weeks) prevented T4 from reaching the graft. After 6 weeks, post T4 treatment of two weeks seemed to be the determining factor to minimize thyroidectomy cells in both pituitary autografted + T4 and pituitary allografted + T4 grafts compared to the untreated groups, although more time and/or higher T4 doses may be required to fully restore the euthyroid morphology.
Animals, 2019
Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most influencing personalities of his time, the perfect represen... more Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most influencing personalities of his time, the perfect representation of the ideal Renaissance man, an expert painter, engineer and anatomist. Regarding Leonardo’s anatomical drawings, apart from human anatomy, he also depicted some animal species. This comparative study focused only on two species: Bears and horses. He produced some anatomical drawings to illustrate the dissection of “a bear’s foot” (Royal Collection Trust), previously described as “the left leg and foot of a bear”, but considering some anatomical details, we concluded that they depict the bear’s right pelvic limb. This misconception was due to the assumption that the bear’s digit I (1st toe) was the largest one, as in humans. We also analyzed a rough sketch (not previously reported), on the same page, and we concluded that it depicts the left antebrachium (forearm) and manus (hand) of a dog/wolf. Regarding Leonardo’s drawing representing the horse anatomy “The viscera of a horse”,...
General and Comparative Endocrinology, Sep 30, 1997
Journal of Anatomy, 2003
The morphology of the soft tissue and supporting cartilage of the vomeronasal organ of the fetal ... more The morphology of the soft tissue and supporting cartilage of the vomeronasal organ of the fetal pig was studied from early stages to term. Specimens obtained from an abattoir were aged by crown-to-rump distance. Series of transverse sections show that some time before birth all structures-cartilage, connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, glands and epithelia-are well developed and very similar in appearance to those of the adult. Furthermore, in transmission electron microscopy photomicrographs obtained at this stage the vomeronasal glands exhibit secretory activity.
Chemical Senses, 2001
Lectin binding patterns in the olfactory bulb of the mouse were investigated using 12 biotinylate... more Lectin binding patterns in the olfactory bulb of the mouse were investigated using 12 biotinylated lectins. Three, with specificities for galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine and L-fucose, stained only the nervous and glomerular layers of the accessory olfactory bulb; four, with specificities for galactose or N-acetylglucosamine, stained these layers in both the accessory and the main olfactory bulbs; three, with specificities for N-acetylgalactosamine or L-fucose, effected general staining with little contrast between the background and the accessory olfactory bulb or other structures; the remaining two, both of them specific for mannose, stained no part of the tissue studied. In the nervous and glomerular layers of the accessory olfactory bulb six lectins stained the anterior and posterior halves with different intensities and two of these six similarly differentiated between rostral and caudal regions of the posterior half. We conclude that: (i) three lectins binding to different monosaccharides are specific stains for the vomeronasal system when used in this area of the mouse brain; (ii) it may be appropriate to distinguish three parts in the mouse accessory olfactory bulb, instead of the hitherto generally accepted two.
Animals, 2021
Cats are one of our favourite pets in the home. They differ considerably from dogs but are usuall... more Cats are one of our favourite pets in the home. They differ considerably from dogs but are usually treated clinically as small dogs, despite some anatomical and physiological dissimilarities. Their mandible is small and has some peculiarities relative to the dentition (only three incisors, a prominent canine, two premolars and one molar); a conical and horizontally oriented condyle, and a protudent angular process in its ventrocaudal part. Most of the body of the mandible is occupied by the mandibular dental roots and the mandibular canal that protects the neurovascular supply: the inferior alveolar artery and vein, and the inferior alveolar nerve that exits the mandible rostrally as the mental nerves. They irrigate and innervate all the teeth and associated structures such as the lips and gingiva. Tooth roots and the mandibular canal account for up to 70% of the volume of the mandibular body. Consequently, when fractured it is difficult to repair without invading the dental roots o...
General and Comparative Endocrinology
Histology and histopathology, 2008
Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a novel peptide originally identified in extracts of human pheochromocyto... more Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a novel peptide originally identified in extracts of human pheochromocytoma. It is produced by several tissues, including the pituitary gland. The presence of ADM has been immunohistochemically demonstrated in pathologic pituitary glands, but no systematic study of ADM expression in human pituitary adenomas has been reported. Thus, we investigated ADM immunoexpression in 88 various hormone-secreting and clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma types as well as 30 nontumoral adenohypophyses. Furthermore, ADM immunoreactivity was assessed on a 0 to +3 scale in all samples. We found strong immunoreativity for ADM in normal gonadotrophs also expressing FSH and LH whereas in the other adenohypophysial cell types expression of ADM was mild. Results showed that normal adenohypophyses were strongly immunopositive for ADM (2.18+/-0.11). Our findings demonstrate that ADM expression in the anterior pituitary is diminished in tumors as compared to the normal gland. Th...
Human pathology, 2009
Pituitary carcinomas are exceedingly rare. At present, the sole diagnostic criterion is metastati... more Pituitary carcinomas are exceedingly rare. At present, the sole diagnostic criterion is metastatic spread, either craniospinal or systemic. There is no agreement on a histologic, immunohistochemical, and/or ultrastructural definition. We report a clinically and morphologically well-documented example of pituitary thyrotropin cell carcinoma in a man with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. The tumor produced thyrotropin, alpha-subunit, and prolactin and, through electron microscopy, was found to consist solely of Thyrotroph cells. Over a protracted course, craniospinal and systemic metastases were noted. The primary and metastatic deposits of this aggressive tumor were studied. To our knowledge, this tumor is the first reported case of thyrotropin cell carcinoma occurring in association with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. The literature regarding thyrotropin carcinomas is reviewed. Based on the study of several biopsies during disease progression, we beli...
Organogenesis, 2014
Congenital defects are those abnormalities present at birth. During embryogenesis, many anomalies... more Congenital defects are those abnormalities present at birth. During embryogenesis, many anomalies can occur. The primitive gut tube lengthens quickly and rotates, allowing the gastrointestinal tract acquire its final position and orientation. Because the colon of large animals is complex, most changes occur in this segment. Thus, in ruminants, colon atresia is the most frequent malformation, affecting mainly ascending colon, at the level of the spiral loop. There are no previous references about a very atypical colon atresia at the junction of distal loop and transverse colon, such we have described in a 5-day-old calf, after a history of abdominal distention and absence of feces at birth, even with a patent anal opening. Atresia coli was detected at distal position of the typical colon atresia, at the junction of distal loop and transverse colon. In addition, the distal blind end was bent into a U-shape supported by the mesocolon. Besides the anatomical findings of this worthwhile atresia coli we discuss its possible etiology, in which local factors, such as a compromised blood supply during embryogenesis, are more consistent than genetic factors. Finding out the causes of atresia coli would help to reduce its incidence, lessen animal suffering and economic loss.
The Anatomical Record, 1997
The main goal of this work was to investigate the general distribution of arterial blood around a... more The main goal of this work was to investigate the general distribution of arterial blood around and inside the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of the cat. Macro- and microdissection methods together with light and scanning electron microscopy were used. Heads were injected with an India ink/agar mixture (the VNO subsequently being cut in transverse, sagittal and horizontal sections), with clear latex (the VNO subsequently being cut in transverse sections), or with an epoxy resin to obtain casts for examination by scanning electron microscopy. Dissection and microdissection show that the infraorbital, minor palatine, and descending palatine arteries have a common origin, rostral to the Rete mirabile arteria maxillaris. In transverse series and in the rostral half of the VNO, an arteriole is consistently observed between the vomeronasal duct and the lateral sheet of the vomeronasal cartilage. In this same segment, arterial branches with different orientations (perpendicular, horizontal, or transverse with respect to the main axis of the organ) are observed. Scanning electron microscopy of arterial casts shows that arterial vessels of the mucosa of the nasal septum have a direct relationship with the VNO. Branches of the sphenopalatine artery are the chief route of blood supply to the VNO. The vomeronasal parenchyma has few arterial vessels, and these are usually situated in the same position. Differences observed between the arteries inside and outside the VNO and the dilation of both by isoproterenol support the idea that the VNO is similar to erectile tissue organs and that it may act as a physiological pump.
Pituitary, 2006
Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor Flk-1 are expressed in normal pit... more Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor Flk-1 are expressed in normal pituitary cells and in the prolactin-and growth hormone-producing GH3 cell line of the rat, thus suggesting autocrine/paracrine function. Regulation of the Flk-1 receptor system in pituitary cells is poorly understood, but evidence suggests that upregulated growth factors play a role in its expression and activation. To study the role of growth factors in this process, we examined changes in VEGF and Flk-1 expression in GH3 cells following varied exposure to βFGF, EGF, and TGFβ1. Immunofluorescence labelling and laser scanning cytometry were used to measure changes in VEGF and Flk-1 expression. Results showed that βFGF, EGF and TGFβ up-regulated the VEGF/FLK-1 receptor system. Distinct patterns of activation were detected. At 2 hours, EGF and TGFβ caused no significant changes in VEGF and Flk-1 expression; however, βFGF up-regulated VEGF expression in 99% of cells but only induced modest changes in Flk-1 overexpression. A similar percentage of cells overexpressed VEGF after 24-hour incubation with βFGF, but more prominent Flk-1 overexpression was detected. At 24 hours, EGF and TGFβ1 induced a significant increase in both VEGF and Flk-1 expression. In summary, our findings show that
Pathobiology, 2011
Biology of EPO EPO is a 30.4-kDa glycoprotein. Its gene, in humans, is located on chromosome 7 an... more Biology of EPO EPO is a 30.4-kDa glycoprotein. Its gene, in humans, is located on chromosome 7 and occupies a 5.4-kb region of genomic DNA. It encodes a 193-amino acid polypeptide chain [2, 3]. The mature circulating protein consists of 165 amino acids resulting from cleavage of the 27 Nterminal amino acid leader sequence and loss of the Cterminal arginine during posttranslational modification. The EPO molecule encloses 2 disulfide bonds between amino acids 7 and 161 and between amino acids 29 and 33 that stabilize and preserve the molecular structure of
Microscopy Research and Technique, 2003
The morphological development of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) o... more The morphological development of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) of the sheep from anlage to birth were studied by classical and histochemical methods using embryos and fetuses obtained from an abattoir with ages estimated from crown-to-rump length. Both VNO and AOB developed in a biologically logical sequence and completed their morphological development around day 98, at entry into the last third of the gestation period. A lectin with specificity for oligomeric N-acetylglucosamine labeled the sensory epithelium of the VNO, the vomeronasal nerves, and the nervous and glomerular layers of the AOB before birth. These results suggest that the vomeronasal system, which is well developed and functional in adult sheep, may be able to function at or even before birth in these animals (whereas in rodents, for example, this is precluded by the AOB not completing its development until after birth).
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2009
BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have compared ecologically produced foods with conventionally produc... more BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have compared ecologically produced foods with conventionally produced competitors, with contradictory results. In this work we investigated the physicochemical, microscopic and sensory properties of two tomato cultivars (Lladó and Antillas), which were grown both ecologically and conventionally. RESULTS: The physicochemical variables size, weight, firmness, total acidity, pH, total solids content, lycopene content and CIELab a * , b * , a * /b * , C * and h * were all significantly influenced by cultivar, as were the sensory variables external colour, internal colour, external aroma intensity and flavour persistence. Compared with conventionally grown tomatoes, ecologically grown tomatoes had larger total solids contents and larger values of the CIELab colour parameters b * , C * and h * , but smaller sizes and weights and smaller values of the CIELab parameter ratio a * /b * ; however, these physicochemical differences were insufficient for growing method to have a significant influence on any of the sensory attributes that were evaluated. Microscopy showed the influence of cultivar on lycopene content, but no other structural differences were observed between the two cultivars or between tomatoes grown by different methods. CONCLUSIONS: The statistically significant differences found in this study were mainly between cultivars rather than between tomatoes grown using different management practices.
Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, 2007
Journal of Food Science, 2002
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 2009
Giant adenomas comprise a clinical/therapeutic subset of pituitary adenomas that pose a surgical ... more Giant adenomas comprise a clinical/therapeutic subset of pituitary adenomas that pose a surgical challenge. The study population consisted of 28 patients who had giant pituitary adenomas, which are defined as tumors with a diameter greater than 5 cm. Clinically, five tumors (18%) were endocrinologically functional and 23 (82%) were not. During surgery, one tumor was radically excised, four were subtotally excised, 12 were partially excised, and 11 were biopsied. All of the tumors showed typical histological features of pituitary adenoma. Of the 23 clinically non-functional adenomas, 18 were gonadotrophic tumors, four were null cell adenomas and one was a silent corticotroph adenoma. The MIB-1 labeling indices ranged from 0.1% to 2.0%. The mean topoisomerase labeling index was 0.75%. Microvessel density ranged from 0.42% to 5.55%, and there was moderately intense immunostaining for vascular endothelial growth factor. The present study found giant adenomas to be invasive but slow growing, histologically benign and often gonadotrophic in subtype.