Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0432222 (SEM)
 47,337 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

This paper provides the first description of the Haswell cells at the ultrastructural level, as well as giving an insight into their function. Two species of Temnocephalidae were studied, Temnocephala iheringi and T. haswelli. Haswell cells are identical in both species, and their structure indicates that they have a secretory function. They are highly interdigitated with parenchymal cells and are usually joined to them by cup-like desmosomes. Nuclei are irregular, with a honeycomb structure and perichromatin granules. The most prominent organelle is granular endoplasmic reticulum, which is typically arranged in concentric rings that usually encircle a conspicuous Golgi complex. Secretion bodies are secreted via projections of the Haswell cells that reach the surface in the anterior portion of the body and in the tentacles. Distinct pores with a size and distribution consistent with the TEM observations were seen under SEM in these regions.
 ...
PMID:The first ultrastructural description of the Haswell cells in Temnocephalidae (Platyhelminthes, Temnocephalida), with insights into their function. 1473 57

Cryo field emission scanning electron microscopy (cryo-FE-SEM) is a versatile technique that allows the investigation of the three-dimensional organization of cells at the ultrastructural level over a wide range of magnifications. Unfortunately, cryopreparation of the specimens for this technique remains cumbersome, in particular because ice crystal formation must be prevented during freezing. Here we report that a light prefixation with glutaraldehyde and incubation in glycerol as cryoprotectant or a high-pressure freezing approach are both excellent procedures for cryopreparation of animal cells to be used in combination with cryo-FE-SEM. Using the proopiomelanocortin-producing intermediate pituitary melanotrope cells of Xenopus laevis as a physiologically inducible neuroendocrine system, we compared the ultrastructural characteristics of inactive and hyperactive neuroendocrine cells. The overall quality of the ultrastructural images was comparable for the two cryopreparation procedures, although some fine structures were better conserved using high-pressure freezing. Melanotrope cells in a secretory inactive state contained numerous storage granules and a poorly developed endoplasmic reticulum (ER), while large amounts of rough ER were present in hyperactive cells. Thus, the cryo-FE-SEM approach described here allows a fast ultrastructural study on the secretory activity of neuroendocrine cells.
 ...
PMID:A fast method to study the secretory activity of neuroendocrine cells at the ultrastructural level. 1581 66

Methotrexate is an antifolate that is widely used in the treatment of malignant tumours and other diseases. The present study was undertaken to examine the short-term effects of high doses of methotrexate (HD-MTX) on the ultrastructure and metabolic activity of isolated rat livers. The authenticity of the drug-induced changes was substantiated by the concomitant use of in vivo experiments. Isolated rat livers were infused with HD-MTX via the portal vein for 3 hours (total dose for each liver 2000 mg). For in vivo experiments, each rat received a single intravenous injection of a maximum tolerated dose of MTX (100 mg/kg body weight) that allowed the animals to survive for 3 days. At the end of each experimental period, MTX-treated and control livers were processed for light microscopy (LM), scanning (SEM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy. Oxygen consumption and thyroxine metabolism were measured in treated and control isolated livers. With the exception of a few minor differences, the structural changes in the hepatocytes after MTX treatment in vitro and vivo were similar. There were focal changes consisting of disruption of normal hepatic plates and swelling and vacuolation of the hepatocytes, with no clear evidence of restriction to a specific hepatic zone. SEM revealed striking changes in the plasma membrane, the microvillar system, intercellular junctions and the sinusoidal endothelium. TEM revealed disorganized endoplasmic reticulum, dispersion of the polyribosomes, a variety of mitochondrial changes, and glycogen redistribution. In MTX-treated isolated rat livers, the uptake of tetraiodothyronine (T4) was not affected, but triiodothyronine (T3) release was impaired. Oxygen consumption was increased in livers treated with MTX. Employing an organotypic liver perfusion model in conjunction with the in vivo experiment and the use of SEM, TEM and hepatic thyroxine measurements, this investigation revealed that infusion of HD-MTX induced early ultrastructual changes in cell membrane, intercellular junctions and cell organelles and disturbance in the functional integrity of the hepatocytes in isolated rat liver.
 ...
PMID:Ultrastructural changes in rat livers perfused in vitro and in vivo with a high dose of methotrexate. 1613 96

The funnel-web spider, Agelena labyrinthica, is widely distributed throughout Turkey. The objective of the present study was to describe the histological and functional fine structure of A. labyrinthica's venom gland by using light microscope, scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). We have also preliminarily analyzed venom components by SDS-PAGE. Each venom gland has surrounded by a thin adventitia and gross striated muscular bundles. Basal lamina underlies between muscular bundles and the inner glandular epithelium, and ties up them each other. The striated muscular bundles spirally covered venom gland has been observed by SEM. Intricate relations formed between motor neuron axons and the muscle fibers have been revealed by TEM. The secretory epithelium, which made up of simple columnar cells, formed the secretory region of the venom gland. The secretory surface of the gland was increased by a sort of fringes extended from basal membrane into the gland lumen. The epithelial cells have many rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and different size and shape of secretory granules. These granules have been accumulated in apical portion of the secretory cells. After the gland is emptied, the apical portions of secretory cells deteriorate and the basal epithelial cells regenerate the columnar cells. The analysis of A. labyrinthica venom, which was achieved by SDS-PAGE showed that there have been at least seven components ranging from 10 to 40 kDa molecular weight.
 ...
PMID:Functional structure of Agelena labyrinthica's (Araneae:Agelenidae) venom gland and electrophoresis of venom. 1631 Aug 18

We have previously shown that cells isolated from the outer ears of adult mice are a source of mesenchymal stem cells that can be induced to differentiate into adipo-, osteo-, and chondrocytes. In this study, we demonstrate that ear mesenchymal stem cells (EMSC) express stromal cell-associated markers (CD44, CD73) and stem cell marker Sca-1 and can be differentiated into spontaneously contracting muscle cells. Treatment of cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) change their morphology from fibroblast shapes into stick-like structures that show repeated spontaneous contractions. Under conditions that promote myogenic differentiation, EMSC expressed mRNA for myoD and ventricular specific myosin light chain (MLC-2v) and protein for connexin 43, sarcomeric alpha-actinin, myocyte enhancer factor 2c (MEF2c), myosin heavy chain (MyHC), myogenin, and sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)ATPase (SERCA) 1. However, the cells were negative for Nkx2.5, GATA4, and ANP. Intracellular Ca(2+) transients in spontaneously beating EMSC, visualized by Fluo-3AM, showed a frequency of Ca(2+) oscillations ranging over 28-59/min (mean 41.17 +/- SEM 1.54). We also demonstrated that small pieces of ear tissues (ear punches) collected from live mice provide sufficient numbers of EMSC to isolate, culture and differentiate them into myocytes. Due to the ease of acquiring an expanding repertoire of differentiated EMSC cell types by a noninvasive surgical procedure, we conclude that the ear may prove to be a potential source of autologous cells for regenerative medicine, as supported by the fact that ears are one of the best sources of cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
 ...
PMID:Ear mesenchymal stem cells (EMSC) can differentiate into spontaneously contracting muscle cells. 1737 Mar 16

Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and Cirrhinus mrigala are important alimentary fish in India. Their reproduction (breeding) depends on season. The fish perceive external factors-stimuli and chemical signals through the olfactory system that plays the key role in the central regulation of reproduction. However, in the available literature, any electron microscopy data on organization of olfactory elements in these fish are absent. We have studied ultrastructure of the olfactory organ in male L. rohita by using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The olfactory organ consists of olfactory epithelium, a short nerve, and olfactory bulb. The organ has oval shape and consists of approximately 47-52 lamellae in adult fish and of 14-20 lamellae in fish at the stage of fingerling. These lamellae originate from the midline raphe. By using SEM, the presence of microvillar sensory and ciliated non-sensory cells in these lamellae is shown. By using TEM, a microvillar receptor cell is revealed, which has rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus towards the apical end. Basal cells are found at the base of the receptor cell; supporting cells are located adjacent to olfactory receptor neurons, while epithelial cells--in the non-sensory part of olfactory epithelium. Mast, blastema and macrophages cells are also found in the basal lamina. This work is the first publication on structural organization of olfactory system of the Indian major carp, which provides information about morphological and ultrastructural organization of olfactory system and opens new opportunities for study of chemical neuroanatomy, sensory signal processing, and nervous regulation of reproduction of the Indian major carp.
 ...
PMID:[Organization of olfactory system of the Indian major carp Labeo rohita (Ham.): a study using scanning and transmission microscopy]. 1772 34

TEM and SEM analysis of the tibio-tarsal antennal cleaner in Messor rufitarsis reveals a pore region on the surface of the basitarsus. These pores are originating from a cluster of highly prismatic epidermal cells that fill the anterior hemolymph space of the leg almost completely. Within the cytoplasma of the cells, basal labyrinth, nucleus/rough endoplasmic reticulum, 'secondary lysosomes', a lot of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and distal microvilli regions can be distinguished indicating that the cells are 'class I' gland cells. Their secretion appears to be transported to the antennal cleaner apparatus via a subcuticular space and pores. It is suggested that the secretion might be used for cleaning of the antenna and/or chemical communication. SEM examination of six additional species indicates that an antennal cleaner gland might be present throughout the ants.
 ...
PMID:The antenna cleaner gland in Messor rufitarsis (hymenoptera, formicidae). 1862 24

Understanding the hierarchical organization of molecules and organelles within the interior of large eukaryotic cells is a challenge of fundamental interest in cell biology. We are using ion-abrasion scanning electron microscopy (IA-SEM) to visualize this hierarchical organization in an approach that combines focused ion-beam milling with scanning electron microscopy. Here, we extend our previous studies on imaging yeast cells to image subcellular architecture in human melanoma cells and melanocytes at resolutions as high as approximately 6 and approximately 20 nm in the directions parallel and perpendicular, respectively, to the direction of ion-beam milling. The 3D images demonstrate the striking spatial relationships between specific organelles such as mitochondria and membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, and the distribution of unique cellular components such as melanosomes. We also show that 10nm-sized gold particles and quantum dot particles with 7 nm-sized cores can be detected in single cross-sectional images. IA-SEM is thus a useful tool for imaging large mammalian cells in their entirety at resolutions in the nanometer range.
 ...
PMID:3D imaging of mammalian cells with ion-abrasion scanning electron microscopy. 1911 71

Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM) were used to study the ultrastructure of superficial neuromasts in 15 six-month old blind cavefish juveniles, Phreatichthys andruzzii (Cyprinidae). In five specimens examined with SEM, the number of superficial neuromasts over the fish body (480-538) was recorded. They were localized mainly on the head (362-410), including the dorsal surface, the mentomandibular region, and laterally from the mouth to the posterior edge of the operculum. Neuromasts were also present laterally on the trunk and near the caudal fin (116-140). A significantly higher number of neuromasts were present on the head compared to the trunk (t-test, P < 0.05). Superficial neuromasts of the head and those along the trunk were similar in ultrastructure. Each neuromast comprised sensory hair cells surrounded by nonsensory support cells (mantle cells and supporting basal cells) with the whole covered by a cupula. Each hair cell was pear-shaped, 15-21 microm high and 4-6 microm in diameter, with a single long kinocilium and several short stereocilia. Most support cells were elongated, with nuclei occupying a large portion of the cytoplasm. In the margin of the neuromast, mantle cells were particularly narrow. Both types of support cells had well-developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The number of hair cells and nonsensory support cells of the anterior lateral line (head) did not differ significantly from those of the posterior lateral line (trunk) (t-test, P > 0.05).
 ...
PMID:Ultrastructure and distribution of superficial neuromasts of blind cavefish, Phreatichthys andruzzii, juveniles. 1934 89

1. In the present study, we investigated the series of events involved in the contraction of tracheal smooth muscle induced by the re-addition of Ca(2+) in an in vitro experimental model in which Ca(2+) stores had been depleted and their refilling had been blocked by thapsigargin. 2. Mean (+/-SEM) contraction was diminished by: (i) inhibitors of store-operated calcium channels (SOCC), namely 100 micromol/L SKF-96365 and 100 micromol/L 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole (to 66.3 +/- 4.4 and 41.3 +/- 5.2% of control, respectively); (ii) inhibitors of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels Ca(V)1.2 channels, namely 1 micromol/L nifedipine and 10 micromol/L verapamil (to 86.2 +/- 3.4 and 76.9 +/- 5.9% of control, respectively); and (iii) 20 micromol/L niflumic acid, a non-selective inhibitor of Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels (to 41.1 +/- 9.8% of control). In contrast, contraction was increased 2.3-fold by 100 nmol/L iberiotoxin, a blocker of the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channels. 3. Furthermore, contraction was significantly inhibited when Na(+) in the bathing solution was replaced by N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG(+)) to 39.9 +/- 7.2% of control, but not when it was replaced by Li(+) (114.5 +/- 24.4% of control). In addition, when Na(+) had been replaced by NMDG(+), contractions were further inhibited by both nifedipine and niflumic acid (to 3.0 +/- 1.8 and 24.4 +/- 8.1% of control, respectively). Nifedipine also reduced contractions when Na(+) had been replaced by Li(+) (to 10.7 +/- 3.4% to control), the niflumic acid had no effect (116.0 +/- 4.5% of control). 4. In conclusion, the data of the present study demonstrate the roles of SOCC, BK channels and Ca(V)1.2 channels in the contractions induced by the re-addition of Ca(2+) to the solution bathing guinea-pig tracheal rings under conditions of Ca(2+)-depleted sarcoplasmic reticulum and inhibition of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase. The contractions were highly dependent on extracellular Na(+), suggesting a role for SOCC in mediating the Na(+) influx.
 ...
PMID:Role of extracellular Na+, Ca2+-activated Cl- channels and BK channels in the contraction of Ca2+ store-depleted tracheal smooth muscle. 1959 51


<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next >>