Septoclasts expressing epidermal fatty acid-binding protein (E-FABP,FABP5) in endochondral ossification

BackgroundLong-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) and retinoic acid (RA) are abundant in the growth plates (GPs) of long bones; however, their roles have not been elucidated. We observed that epidermal fatty acid-binding protein (E-FABP/FABP5) with a high affinity for both LCFAs and RA is exclusively expressed in the septoclasts located at the chondro-osseous junction (COJ) of the GP.HighlightsE-FABP expressed in septoclasts is involved in both LCFA metabolism and RA signaling as an intracellular transporter of both LCFAs and RA. Septoclasts with shortened cytoplasmic processes are associated with cartilage resorptive activity downregulation because of E-FABP deficiency or excess or deficiency of RA. In ontogeny, the septoclasts are differentiated from the pericytes and involved in the resorption of the uncalcified matrix of the cartilage templates in endochondral ossification.ConclusionSeptoclasts originate from pericytes and express E-FABP to play crucial roles in uncalcified matrix resorption by LCFA metabolism and RA signaling during endochondral ossification.     

Microvasculature of the rabbit urinary bladder

Background: The urinary bladder requires a rich blood supply to maintain its functions, the storage and release of urine. Specialized properties of the bladder vasculature might be anticipated to ensure the integrity of this blood supply, because it is known that blood flow is reduced by distension during bladder filling. However, the bladder vasculature has been described in detail only at the gross level. A comprehensive, threedimensional view of the blood supply to the bladder wall is presented here. Methods: The microvasculature of the bladder of male New Zealand white rabbits was described using the combination of vascular corrosion casting, alkali digestion, light microscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Following administration of an anticoagulant and an overdose of anesthetic, the abdominal aorta was cannulated just above the inferior mesenteric artery to permit flushing of the distal vasculature. The bladder vasculature was cleared of blood with buffered saline and then either perfuse-fixed with buffered 2% glutaraldehyde and sectioned, or filled with “Mercox” resin to prepare vascular corrosion casts. Casts were cleaned with NaOH, formic acid, and water. In some cases fixed bladders were partially digested with NaOH to expose the mucosal capillary plexus. Results: The bladder is supplied with blood by single, left and right vesicular branches of the internal or external iliac arteries. The serpentine vesicular arteries extend along the lateral borders of the bladder from base to apex just deep to the serosal surface and send dorsal and ventral branches to supply the dorsal and ventral bladder walls. Veins accompany the arteries and exhibit numerous valves. A very dense complex of vessels at the apex of the bladder apparently serves to accommodate bladder distension. The muscularis and submucosa contains few vessels, but the mucosa is well vascularized. An especially dense capillary plexus is present in the lamina propria at its junction with the transitional epithelium. In the relaxed bladder these capillaries lie in grooves formed by the basal layers of the epithelium. The endothelial cells of these capillaries display few cytoplasmic vesicles and are continuous or fenestrated. These capillaries are often invested with pericytes. The mucosal capillary plexus may be associated with an epithelial transport function or may be necessary for urothelial metabolism or maintenance of the barrier function of the urothelium. Unusual capillary tufts, possibly associated with vascular lymphatic tissue, are found associated with the main vessels on the lateral walls in the basal half of the bladder. Conclusions: These methods present a clear, comprehensive, three-dimensional view of the microvasculature of the bladder wall. They also identify several unique features of this vasculature and provide a basis for studies of the response of this vasculature to pathologic states and experimental manipulation. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Anti-angiogenesis in cancer therapy: Hercules and hydra

Solid tumours initiate angiogenesis to support their growth by producing growth factors such as VEGF. Depriving the tumour of the excessive vessels that support its growth became the target for developing anti-angiogenic agents that could provide, in combination with chemotherapy, improved anti-cancer treatment. Naturally most agents targeted VEGF and its signalling cascades. Almost 10 years have lapsed since the first anti-angiogenic drug approved by the FDA in 2004 (a humanized antibody inhibiting VEGF-A) and several other agents followed afterwards. There is sufficient accumulated experience to conclude that the clinical results of anti-angiogenic therapy are very modest resulting in moderate improvement in overall survival. Moreover, the clinical outcome is associated with the development of resistance to the anti-angiogenic agent and the increased risk of invasion and metastasis. The initial expectations are, as yet, unfilled, and the entire concept and strategy of the anti-angiogenic intervention in cancer requires re-evaluation. In the present Mini Review we discuss these issues emphasising the underlying molecular mechanisms.     

Endoglin haploinsufficiency attenuates radiation-induced deterioration of kidney function in mice

Background and Purpose

Endoglin is a transforming growth receptor beta (TGF-β) co-receptor, which plays a crucial role in the development of late normal tissue damage. Mice with halved endoglin levels (Eng^+/- mice) develop less inflammation, vascular damage and fibrosis after kidney irradiation compared to their wild type littermates (Eng^+/+ mice). This study was aimed at investigating whether reduced tissue damage in Eng^+/- mice also results in superior kidney function.

Material and Methods

Kidneys of Eng^+/+ and Eng^+/- mice were irradiated with a single dose of 14 Gy. Functional kidney parameters and kidney histology were analysed at 20, 30 and 40 weeks after irradiation.

Results

Eng^+/- mice displayed improved kidney parameters (haematocrit, BUN) compared to Eng^+/+ mice at 40 weeks after irradiation. Irradiation of Eng^+/+ kidneys damaged the vascular network and led to an increase in PDGFR-β positive cells, indicative of fibrosis-promoting myofibroblasts. Compared to Eng^+/+ kidneys, vascular perfusion and number of PDGFR-β positive cells were reduced in Eng^+/- control mice; however, this did not further deteriorate after irradiation.

Conclusions

Taken together, we show that not only kidney morphology, but also kidney function is improved after irradiation in Eng^+/- compared to Eng^+/+ mice.     

糖基化终产物对牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞内抗氧化能力的影响

目的 通过测量糖基化终产物对培养的牛视网膜毛细血管周细胞抗氧化物酶和脂质过氧化物含量的影响, 以探讨氧化应激在糖尿病视网膜病变进程中的作用。 方法 不同浓度的糖基化终产物（0，8，32，125，500，2 000 μg/ml）与周细胞作用4 d后，以分光光度法测量细胞内过氧化氢酶的活性及过氧化脂质丙二醛的含量。 结果 糖基化终产物能以剂量依赖的方式降低周细胞内过氧化氢酶的活性(r=-0.714, P＜0.01)，增加丙二醛的含量(r=0.748, P＜0.01)，与对照组相比，当糖基化终产物浓度达到32 μg/ml时，两者比较差异有显著性的意义（P＜0.01）。 结论 氧化应激的增加可能是早期糖尿病视网膜病变中周细胞丧失的原因之一。 (中华眼底病杂志, 2002, 18: 143-145)     

周细胞在脊髓损伤中的作用

脊髓损伤(SCI)会导致患者自主神经功能、运动和感觉功能丧失,对患者的生活质量产生极大影响[1].SCI的病理变化包括损伤部位缺血、缺氧、神经元受损、瘢痕组织形成和炎性反应等[2].近年来, SCI的病理变化机制研究日趋深入,周细胞作为脊髓微环境的重要组成部位,在SCI的病理过程中发挥着重要作用.SCI发生后神经元轴突遭到破坏,这一过程伴随着血-脊髓屏障的破坏,神经胶质细胞和神经元细胞活化,并分泌多种副产物(包括基质金属蛋白酶、游离氧自由基、趋化因子和细胞因子)[3].各种免疫细胞渗入损伤部位[4],受损区域周围还会产生星形胶质细胞,小胶质细胞同样会被激活[5-6].     

Methylglyoxal induces apoptosis mediated by reactive oxygen species in bovine retinal pericytes

One of the histopathologic hallmarks of early diabetic retinopathy is the loss of pericytes. Evidences suggest that the pericyte loss in vivo is mediated by apoptosis. However, the underlying cause of pericyte apoptosis is not fully understood. This study investigated the influence of methylglyoxal (MGO), a reactive alpha-dicarbonyl compound of glucose metabolism, on apoptotic cell death in bovine retinal pericytes. Analysis of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation by ELISA showed that MGO (200 to 800 microM) induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Intracellular reactive oxygen species were generated earlier and the antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine, inhibited the MGO-induced apoptosis. NF-kappaB activation and increased caspase-3 activity were detected. Apoptosis was also inhibited by the caspase-3 inhibitor, Z-DEVD-fmk, or the NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. These data suggest that elevated MGO levels observed in diabetes may cause apoptosis in bovine retinal pericytes through an oxidative stress mechanism and suggests that the nuclear activation of NF-kappaB are involved in the apoptotic process.     

Differential Contractile Response of Cultured Microvascular Pericytes to Vasoactive Agents

Objective: Microvascular pericytes may contract in two different ways: In the first, a circumferential or radial mechanical force applied at right angles to the long axis of the vessel may constrict the underlying vessel affecting blood flow and transmural pressure. Retraction and elongation of pericyte processes may also occur tangentially and at right angles to the vessel axis and alter microvessel permeability by changing the amount of ablumenal surface covered or the openness of interendothelial junctions. In this study, cultured pericytes were utilized as a model experimental system to determine if vasoactive stimulation changes their shape in a manner consistent with this hypothesis. Methods: Pericytes cultured from isolated rate capillaries were subjected to angiotensin II and histamine. Their response was monitored by measuring the area of nonyielding substrate covered by the pericytes and the manner in which their shape changed. Shape changes were quantified by calculating the surface area: perimeter perimeter ratios. Results: Histamine significantly reduced surface area covered and the surface area: perimeter ratio. The pericyte processes retracted, resulting in elongated, spindle-shaped cells. These effects were nullified by the H₁ blocker diphenhydramine suggesting a receptor-specific response. Angiotensin II also elicited contraction and reduced surface area, but the cells contracted laterally and longitudinally. The surface area: perimeter ratios also decreased. Conclusions: These results indicate that pericytes are capable of two types of contractile responses in culture, depending on the specific vasoactive stimulus.     

Pericyte endothelial gap junctions in human cerebral capillaries

Summary Human cerebral tissue has been ultrastructurally studied and gap junctions have been visualized between endothelial cells and pericytes that permit ion exchange. We propose that the functional interrelationship between endothelium and pericytes may play a role in the alteration of capillary diameter for the control of local cerebral blood flow.