The effects of tear gas, o -chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) on the cytoplasmic organelles were studied in the ciliated cell of rat tracheal epithelium. Albino rats (Sprague -Dawley strain), weighing about 150gm, were used as experimental animals. The experimental animals were exposed to 2.0 g/m 3 of CS gas for 20 minutes per day for the succesive 3 days. The experimental animals were sacrified at 1, 3, 6, 12 hours and 1, 3 and 5 days after final exposure to CS gas. Specimens obtained from the trachea were pre -fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde -2.5% paraformaldehyde and post -fixed in the 1% osmium tetroxide for electron microscopic study. The results obtained were as follows: 1. In 1 hour CS gas exposed group, rough endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae, and mitochondria with disrupted double membrane in the ciliated cells are found. 2. In 3 hours and 6 hours CS gas exposed groups, dilated, segmented and sacculated cisterane of rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria with dissolved cristae and disrupted double membrane, and Golgi complex with atrophied cisternae are observed in the ciliated cell. 3. In 12 hours CS gas exposed group, some mitochondria with swollen cristae is found in the ciliated cell. 4. In 1 day CS gas exposed group, mitochondria with dissolved cristae, Golgi complex with hypertrophied cisternae, and autophagic vacuole are found. 5. In 3 day and 5 day CS gas exposed groups, numerous mitochondria, well -developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, and supranuclear Golgi complex are found in ciliated cell. The results of the present study suggest that the o -chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) gas is cytotoxic to the ciliated cells in tracheal epithelium inducing some degenerative changes, which are recovered with the lapse of time.
Animals ; Cytoplasm* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Epithelium* ; Glutaral ; Golgi Apparatus ; Membranes ; Mitochondria ; Organelles* ; Osmium Tetroxide ; Rats* ; Tear Gases ; Trachea ; Vacuoles

The intervertebral discs of the dog from the newborn, the 1 year old, and the 5 years old were examined about the cell morphologies and their structural changes according to the advancement of age by histomorphometry and electron microscopy. The three regions of the disc - the nucleus pulposus, the inner and outer annulus fibrosus were considered. Each region was divided into the three zones - the peripheral, intermediate, and central zones. The cell morphology of the three regions were as follows : A. The nucleus pulposus 1. At the newborn, the cells of the nucleus pulposus had long cytoplasmic processes forming large extracellular vacuoles. In the peripheral and intermediate zones, the cells with euchromatic nucleus had fine cytoplasmic granule-like fibers and some of free ribosomes. In the central zone, the cells with heterochromatic nucleus had many cytoplasmic vacuoles filled with free ribosomes. 2. At the 1 years old, the cell-group composed of 4 to 8 cells contacted each other with their cytoplasmic processes. In the peripheral zone, the elliptical chondroblast-like cells with euchromatic nucleus had well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. In the intermediate zone, the foam-like large round cells with euchromaic nucleus had multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles filled with granular contents. In the central zone, the cells with heterochromatic nucleus had large cytoplasmic vacuoles, and seemed to be degenerated type of the outer zone-cells. 3. At the 5 years old, the cells in the periphery were rhomboid or polygonal with euchromatic nucleus, and had broad cytoplasmic contact surface with adjacent cells. They had small cytoplasmic vacuoles, well-developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The cells in the intermediate zone had heterochromatic nucleus and a lot of variable size of cytoplasmic vacuoles, and seemed to be degenerated form of the cells of the periphery. In the central zone, the star-like cells with heterochromatic nucleus had multiple sharp cytoplasmic processes and vacant cytoplasm because of large cytoplasmic vacuoles. B. The cartilaginous part and the inner annulus fibrosus 1. At the newborn, the outer zone of the cartilaginous part of the intervertebral disc showed the isogenous group with 2 to 3 chondrocytes within the cell nest. The cells were distributed mainly around the blood vessels, and had euchromatic nucleus. They had small cytoplasmic vacuoles, well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and abundant ribosomes. The cells of the inner zone showed heterochromatic nucleus, well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and expanding terminal cisternae. 2. At the 1 year old, the inner annulus fibrosus was divided into the fibrocartilaginous part and the hyaline cartilaginous part. The former, the outer zone showed the cell nest with 2 to 4 of elliptical chondrocytes which had euchromatic nucleus, small cytoplasmic vacuoles and scattered fine granules. The latter, the inner zone showed the chondrocytes within the dissociated cell nest with heterochromatic nucleus. They had disperse rough endoplasmic reticulum and microvilli-like cytoplasmic processes. 3. At the 5 years old, the annulus fibrosus was composed mainly of fibrocartilage. The chondrocyte showed heterochromatic nucleus, long cytoplasmic processes, large cytoplasmic vacuoles and densely packed abundant granules. C. The outer annulus fibrosus 1. At the 1 year old, the outer annulus fibrosus was composed of the palisading collagenous bundles. The chondrocytes with heterochromatic nucleus located in the cartilage cell nest. The cells had well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus, and 4 to 5 processes of interterritorial matrix surrounded the collagenous bundles. 2. At the 5 years old, the collagenous bundles were invaded by the processes of interterritorial matrix, and made them incomplete ones. The cell had heterochromatic nucleus and scanty cytoplasm containing small mitochondria and poorly developed organelles. The Summary of The Above Mentioned Findings Are : 1. The cells of the nucleus pulposus were degenerated gradually from the periphery toward the center. 2. The cells of the nucleus pulposus were degenerated gradually according to the aging process. 3. With age, the cells of the annulus fibrosus were degenerated, the hyaline cartilage was replaced gradually by fibrocartilages, and fragmentation of the collagenous bundles appeared. 4. The older the age, the smaller the nucleus of the nucleus pulposus cells, and the larger the nucleus of the annulus fibrosus cells were encountered in the histomorphometric measurement.
Aging ; Animals ; Blood Vessels ; Cartilage* ; Child, Preschool ; Chondrocytes ; Collagen ; Cytoplasm ; Dogs* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Fibrocartilage ; Golgi Apparatus ; Humans ; Hyalin ; Hyaline Cartilage ; Infant, Newborn ; Intervertebral Disc* ; Microscopy, Electron ; Mitochondria ; Organelles ; Ribosomes ; Vacuoles

The development of the cardiac ganglion was studied by electron microscopy in human fetuses ranging from 30mm to 270mm crown rump length. At 40mm fetus, the cardiac ganglia were observed in the adventitia of both the aorta and pulmonary artery, superior aspect of the left and right atrium, and interatrial septum. The cardiac ganglia were comprised of clusters of undifferentiated cells, neuroblasts, and unmyelinated nerve fibers. The ganglia were small and uncapsulated until 70mm fetus. At 70mm fetus, the cardic ganglia consisted of neuroblasts, satellite cells, and unmyelinated nerve fibers. Each ganglion was ensheathed in a connective tissue capsule. The cytoplasm of neuroblast contained Nissl bodies, mitochondria, coated vesicles, extensive Golgicomplex, and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Synaptic contacts between the cholinergic preganglionic axon and dendrites of postganglionic neuron were first observed. At 100mm fetus, the cardiac ganglia consisted of small clusters of ganglion cells and dendrites, together with supporting elements and blood vessels. During next prenatal stage from 170mm fetus, the ganglion cells were large and each contained a large nucleus with one or more nucleoli. The cytoplasm of ganglion cells contained much rough endoplasmic reticulum and extensive Golgi complex. Cholinergic preganglionic axons were numerous and interposed between the satellite cells. Adrenergic axons were rarely observed. A great number of synaptic junctions between the cholinergic preganglionic axon terminals and the dendrites of postganglinic neuron were found, and a few axosomatic synapses were also observed. Adrenergic nerve terminals did not seem to be involved in the synaptic transmission. The cardiac ganglion cells of the human fetal heart were innervated only by cholinergic nerve.
Adventitia ; Aorta ; Axons ; Blood Vessels ; Coated Vesicles ; Connective Tissue ; Crown-Rump Length ; Cytoplasm ; Dendrites ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Fetal Heart ; Fetus* ; Ganglia ; Ganglion Cysts* ; Golgi Apparatus ; Heart Atria ; Humans* ; Microscopy, Electron ; Mitochondria ; Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated ; Neurons ; Nissl Bodies ; Presynaptic Terminals ; Pulmonary Artery ; Synapses ; Synaptic Transmission

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the shape and ultrastructure of the articular disc of the rat mandibular joint with aging. Mechanical stress applied to the articular disc changes during neonatal, suckling, juvenile, adult and senile stages. Mandibular joints of 6 groups of rats(l-, 7-, 17-, 27-, 55-day and over-1-year groups) were removed en bloc and processed for light and electro microscopic study. The changes in the shape of articular disc were examined by light microscope in each group. Structural and ultrastructural changes in the articular disc were examined by light and electron microscope in each group. The results were as follows : In the 1-day and 7-day groups, the articular disc was long and slender in shape and the articular disc was not fitted with the shape of the mandibular fossa and condyle. However, after that time, the anterior and posterior portions of the articular disc were more bulged and the middle portion was shorter and biconcave. Thus the articular disc was well fitted with the shape of the mandibular fossa and condyle. The cell density decreased with aging. In the 1-day and 7-day groups, the Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosome, which are involved in the synthesis of intracellular and extracellular matrix, were developed. In the 17-day, 27-day and 55-day groups, not only the cell organelles involved in the synthesis of the intracellular and extracellular matrix but also the cell organelles involved in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix(i.e., finger-like cell process, lysosome and mitochondria)were well developed. With advancing age, intracytoplasmic microfilaments were more accumulated and condroid cells increased. In the over-1-year group, the majority of cells of the articular disc were chondroid cells. The majority of cytoplasmic compartment were filled with intracytoplasmic microfilaments and cell organelles were not developed. Therefore, metabolic activities of the cell was markedly reduced and cells contained structures enduring mechanical stress, and cells which were in the process of degeneration were observed occasionally.
Actin Cytoskeleton ; Adult ; Aging* ; Animals ; Cell Count ; Cytoplasm ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Extracellular Matrix ; Golgi Apparatus ; Humans ; Joints* ; Lysosomes ; Organelles ; Rats* ; Ribosomes ; Stress, Mechanical

Histochemical and electron microscopic studies were made on the canal epithelium of the body segment of the rabbit epididymis and following results were obtained. 1) Acid phosphatase activity was marked in the canal epithelium. especially of the proximal body segment of the epididymis. Granules reactive to the acid phosphatase were present in both the above and below the nucleus 2) Electron microscopic finding: Canal epithelium of the body segment of the rabbit epididymis consisted of largely principal cells. Very few light and few basal cells. Principal cells were characterized by having slender microvilli (stereocilia). Luminal vesicles and vacuoles, extensive Golgi areas and many dense bodies in the supranuclear region, remarkable endoplasmic reticulum of mainly agranular type throughout the cytoplasm. Infranuclear cytoplasm contained often abundant mitochodria, many dense bodies and significant amount of granular endoplasmic reticulum. Light cells were characterized by having light cytoplasm, numerous vesicles, many vacuoles and dense bodies. Basal cells were present characterized by haying small nucleus, small number of cell organelles and rather clear cytoplasm From these results, it is suggested that the principal cell may have dual function of secretion and absorption and the light cell may engage mainly in absorptive function.
Absorption ; Acid Phosphatase ; Cytoplasm ; Endoplasmic Reticulum ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Epididymis* ; Epithelium* ; Male ; Microvilli ; Organelles ; Phenobarbital ; Vacuoles

Melatonin could be used as an anticancer agent to suppress the proliferation of tumor cells and induce the differentiation of cancer cells. HeLa, HepG2, A549, L929, and NIH/3T3 cell lines were cultivated in alpha-MEM with 0.2 mM/2 mM melatonin. The influences of melatonin on quantitative changes of glycoprotein, fibronectin, laminin and actin related to the metastasis of tumor cells investigated with PAS or PAP at light microscopic level. To elucidate the possibility of antitumor actions of melatonin, the changes of cell organelles were observed under transmission electron microscope. Cell proliferation was suppressed after treatment with 2 mM melatonin for 2 or 3 days. Compared with control groups, the amounts of glycoprotein, fibronectin, laminin and actin in all cell lines at 1st, 2nd and 3rd day after treatment with 0.2 mM and 2 mM melatonin were generally increased. Heterochromatin in the nucleus formed clumps in all cell lines at 2nd and 3rd day after treatment with 0.2 mM and 2 mM melatonin. The numerical increase of rough endoplasmic reticulum and golgi complex observed in HeLa and L929 cells treated with 0.2 mM and 2 mM melatonin at 1st, 2nd and 3rd day. The number of lysosomes increased in HeLa, A549, and L929 cells treated with 0.2 mM and 2 mM melatonin at 3rd day. The number of vesicles increased in all cell lines treated with 0.2 mM and 2 mM melatonin at 1st, 2nd and 3rd day. Taken together, antimitotic effect of melatonin can be expected at least 2day after treatment with 2 mM melatonin. The production of fibronectin and laminin in all cell lines treated with 0.2 mM or 2 mM melatonin increased. Therefore, the increase of amounts of extracellular matrix proteins in the extracellular space can be expected. And the increase of amounts of actin connected to the extracellular matrix proteins through the integrin of plasma membrane seemed to strengthen cell attachment. In order to metastasize of cancer cells, it is important for them to secrete various enzymes to pass through the extracellular matrix proteins. Hence, it will be more difficult for the cells to metastasize into other regions due to the increase of the extracellular matrix proteins. It was postulated that the clumps of heterochromatin and the numerical increase of vesicles induced by treatment with 0.2 mM and 2 mM melatonin could be represented for the actions of melatonin as morpholgical criteria.
Actins ; Cell Line* ; Cell Membrane ; Cell Proliferation ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins* ; Extracellular Matrix* ; Extracellular Space ; Fibronectins ; Glycoproteins ; Golgi Apparatus ; Heterochromatin ; Laminin ; Lysosomes ; Melatonin* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Organelles

Nocodazole is an anticancer agent that acts on microtubules or filaments. HeLa, Hep G2, A549, L929 and NIH/3T3 cell lines were cultivated in alpha-MEM with 3micrometer or 30micrometer nocodazole. To elucidate the associations between nocodazole`s antitumor actions and these effects, the influences of nocodazole on the cellular morphology and the organelles involving synthesis, secretion and destruction of proteins were investigated under light and electron microscopes. The changes of intermediate filaments such as pancytokeratins and vimentins that maybe suggest antimetastatic action of nocodazole were observed using immunocytochemical technique, PAP at light microscopic level. Rounded or micronucleate cells were induced by treatment with 3micrometer and 30micrometer nocodazole for 2 hours to 4 days. Multimicronucleate cells appeared in experimental groups of all cell lines. Nuclear foldings occurred in cells of experimental groups treated with nocodazole for 2-3 days. The numerical increases of rough endoplasmic reticulum were observed in HeLa cells treated with nocodazole for 3 days and the dilatation or numerical increases in L929 cells treated with nofodazole for 1-3 days. The fragmentations or dispersion of Golgi complex were observed in cells treated with nocodazole for 1-3 days. The amount of filaments increased in cells treated with nocodazole for 1-3 days. The number of lysosomes increased in cells treated with nocodazole for 1-3 days. The number of liposomes also increased in Hep G2 cells treated with 30micrometer nocodazole for 3 days and in 3micrometer & 30micrometer, 3 days group of 3T3 cells. The amount of pancytokeratins and vimentins increased in cells treated with nocodazole for 1-3 days. Taken together, depolymerization of microlubules was induced by nocodazole, and then the organization of cells was disintegrated. As a result, the rounded cells, the cells having multimicronuclei, and the changes of golgi complexes occurred. But there were relatively no great changes of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The amount of intermediate filaments that maintain the differentiated states of cells increased by nocodazole treatment. It was suggested that morphological changes of cells could be used in evaluation of actions of nocodazole. Especially, the increase of amount of intermediate filaments by nocodazole changed cells of each cell line from undifferentiated state to differentiated, and therefore the author hope that the changes in amount of intermediate filaments provide an important clue in anticancer and antimetastatic actions of nocodazole.
3T3 Cells ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Dilatation ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Golgi Apparatus ; HeLa Cells ; Hep G2 Cells ; Hope ; Humans ; Intermediate Filaments ; Liposomes ; Lysosomes ; Mice ; Microtubules ; Nocodazole* ; Organelles ; Vimentin

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of Kupffer cells in the mechanism of endotoxin-induced liver injury. The study on fine structure of Kupffer cells was performed after the injection of endotoxin. The endotoxin(Escherichia soli lipopolysaccharide 026: B6, 1.5mg/100 g of body weight) was intraperitoneally injected in Sprague-Dewley rats. Animals were sacrificed at 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 72 and 120 hours after the injection of endotoxin. Livers were extirpated and processed to be examined by light and electron microscopy. The results obtained were summerized as follows: Early changes observed in liver after endotoxin injection included the increased number and hypertrophy of Kupffer cells, infiltration of neutrophils and presence of fibrin thrombi within the sinusoids. The coritinuous increase of the Kupffer cells in number with hypertrophy, congestion and infiltration of inflammatory cells within the sinusoids were observed. Hepatocytes showed* fatty change and occasional necrosis. At 72 hours the congestion decreased. At 120 hours the number of Kupffer cells was increased, but the morphology of Kupffer cells became similar to that of the control group. The numbers and sizes of primary and secondary lysosomes and amount of euchromatin of Kupffer cells increased. Swellings and increase in number of mitochondria, Golgi complex, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rough endoplasmic reticulum were evident. Microthrombi were present within the sinusoids. The swelling of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, decrease of glycogen particles, fatty change, hypoxic vacuoles, pyknotic nuclei and occasional necrosis were observed in hepatocytes. At 72 hours the number of secondary lysosomes in Kupffer cells decreased. At 120 hours the morphology of Kupffer cells became similar to that of the control group. According to these results, it was postulated that the endotoxin was initially taken up by pinocytosis into Kupffer cells and degraded in secondary lysosomes of activated Kupffer cells. Kupffer cells may play an important role in the defense mechanism of liver during endotoxemia. The dysfunction of Kupffer cells and ischemia by sinusoidal microthrombi may cause liver injury.
Animals ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Smooth ; Endotoxemia ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) ; Euchromatin ; Fibrin ; Glycogen ; Golgi Apparatus ; Hepatocytes ; Hypertrophy ; Ischemia ; Kinetics* ; Kupffer Cells* ; Liver ; Lysosomes ; Microscopy, Electron ; Mitochondria ; Necrosis ; Neutrophils ; Pinocytosis ; Rats* ; Vacuoles

Hyperosmotic agents such as mannitol are widely used in ophthalmology to lower intraocular pressure as a short-term or emergency method. The mechanism of action of these agents is not fully understood, but probably relates primarily to a reduction in vitreous volume. There are other theories of hypotensive meechanism such as hypothalamic-neural theory and altered epithelium theory. The author performed this animal experiment for the eletronmicroscopic study of ciliary epithelium after the intravenous mannitol injection. Five healthy adult male albino rabbits weighing 2.5 kg were used in this experiment. Four rabbits were administered 25 ml(2 gm/kg) of 20% mannitol and the other one was given 25 ml of normal saline as a control through ear vein within 5 minutes each. The mannitol group was enucleated 10, 20, 40 and 80 minutes after injection and the control one was enucleated 20 minutes after injection. The enucleated eyes were opened and fixed in mixed solution of 2% paraformaldehyde, 3% glutaraldehyde and 0.2M Milonig's buffer. Small pieces consisting of ciliary body were excised, postfixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in ethylalcohol and embedded in Epon 812. Thin section were stained with toluidine blue for general histologic study and ultrathin sections stained with 4% uranyl acetate and 0.4% lead citrate were examined with a Hitachi H-600 transmission electronmicroscopy. The results were as follow: 1. The ciliary epithelium showed normal appearence 20 minutes after injection of normal saline and was composed of double layered epithelial cells. The tight juctions(zonulae occludens) were present between nonpigmented epithelial cells. The active Golgi apparatus, numerous mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth endoplasmic reticulum were visible in the nonpigmented epithelial cells. The intercellular spaces were not dilated. 2. In mannitol group, no cellular necrosis was observed and cells were invariably present and apparently unaltered. 3. The intercellular spaces of ciliary epithelium began to dilate 10 minutes after intravenous mannitol injection, maximally dilated after 40 minutes and recovered after 80 minutes. 4. In view of the morphological changes of cytoplasmic organelles such as Goigi apparatus, the secretory function of nonpigmented epithelial cells after intravenous mannitol seemed to be inhibited maximally at 20 minutes and then recovered after 80 minutes. 5. In conclusion, the hypotensive mechanism of the mannitol on the ciliary epithelium was considered of secretory inhibition of nonpigmented epithelial cells besides diffusion by the osmotic gradient.
Adult ; Animal Experimentation ; Ciliary Body ; Citric Acid ; Cytoplasm ; Diffusion ; Ear ; Emergencies ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Smooth ; Epithelial Cells ; Epithelium* ; Extracellular Space ; Glutaral ; Golgi Apparatus ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Male ; Mannitol* ; Mitochondria ; Necrosis ; Ophthalmology ; Organelles ; Osmium Tetroxide ; Rabbits ; Tolonium Chloride ; Veins

The development and differentiation of cells in the spinal ganglion were studied by electron microscopy in human fetuses ranging from 12 mm to 260 mm crown rump length. At 12 mm embryo the primitive neuroblasts which had a single process, contained a large numbers of free ribosome and mitochondria but very little rough endoplasmic reticulum. At 30 mm fetus, the primitive spinal ganglion consisted of bipolar neuroblasts, satellite cells and undifferentiated cells. Spindle-shaped bipolar neuroblasts formed spinal ganglion of loosely grouped cells at 50 mm fetus. Two neuroblast cell types, a small cell contained large clumps of rough endoplasmic reticulum at periphery, could be distinguished. At 80 mm fetus, the spinal ganglion constituted of bipolar neuroblast with apparently random distribution of small and large neurons with processes, together with satellite cells and blood vessels. The presences of a large numbers of neurotubules in the Golgi-central region were one of the first sign of further maturation of the neuroblast. During next prenatal stage from 120 mm on fetus, the ganglion cells were large and contained much rough endoplasmic reticulum, neurotubules and extensive Golgi complex. A large number of neuroblasts became transformed into unipolar cells from 180 mm to 260 mm feuts. Nissl bodies appeared during this stage. The ganglion-satellite cell boundary became complicated with increasing age, then enlarging in parallel with the increase in volume of the nerve cell. During next prenatal stage up to 180 mm fetus, the unipolar ganglion cell increased in number and size, and the cytoplsm contained all intracytoplasmic structures which were also found in mature spinal ganglion except for large pigment granules.
Blood Vessels ; Crown-Rump Length ; Embryonic Structures ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Fetus* ; Ganglia, Spinal* ; Ganglion Cysts ; Golgi Apparatus ; Humans* ; Microscopy, Electron ; Mitochondria ; Neurons ; Nissl Bodies ; Ribosomes