Fine structure of the rat carotid body transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye

Summary Rat carotid bodies transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye were studied by electron microscopy. Chief and sustentacular cells and a few ganglion cells survived for 3 months and maintained cytological characteristics similar to those in the intact carotid body. The transplant contained many fenestrated capillaries. Chief cells at the periphery of the cell cluster had long cytoplasmic processes which projected into the stroma of the iris. The cell processes became incorporated into bundles containing nerve fibres, which were enveloped by a perineurial sheath. Three types of nerve fibres were identified in the explant. Type I and type II nerve fibres (presumptive cholinergic and adrenergic, respectively) were enclosed by sustentacular and satellite cells. Most of the nerve fibres were completely separated from chief cells and ganglion cells by sustentacular and satellite cells. A few nerve fibres made direct apposition to chief cells and ganglion cells, where some nerves were presynaptic to them. Type III nerve fibres derived from myelinated nerve fibres were also enclosed by sustentacular and satellite cells.     

Ultrastructural histometric evidence for expansion of the sustentacular cell envelope in response to hypersecretion of adrenal chromaffin cells in mice

In our previous immuno-light microscopic study with an antibody for fatty acid binding protein of type 7 or brain type (FABP-7, B-FABP), the adrenomedullary sustentacular cells were revealed to have secondary processes that present faint immunostaining and an ill-defined sheet-like appearance, in addition to the well-recognized primary processes that present distinct immunostaining and a fibrous appearance. The secondary processes were regarded as corresponding to known ultrastructural profiles of sustentacular cells with a thickness of less than 0.2 µm (the resolution limit of light microscopy), and the processes were considered to be largely responsible for enveloping chromaffin cells. Due to those findings, the present immuno-electron microscopic study was performed to determine whether the secondary processes change the extent of their envelope for chromaffin cells under the intense secretion induced by water immersion–restraint stress. To achieve this, we focused on immunopositive ultrastructural profiles with a thickness of less than 0.2 µm. The measured lengths of the immunopositive profiles in the specimens from stressed mice were found to be significantly larger than those in specimens from normal mice, indicating an increase in the extent of the envelope of the sheet-like processes for the chromaffin cells. Thus, confining our measurements to the secondary process profiles, not the entire cell profiles, proved to be a key factor in the detection—for the first time—of the change in size of the sustentacular cell envelope upon changes in the secretory activity of enveloped chromaffin cells. The possible functional significance of this change in size is discussed here.     

Histogenesis of the human adrenal medulla. An evaluation of the ontogeny of chromaffin and nonchromaffin lineages.

The authors previously evaluated the expression of a panel of chromaffin-related genes during histogenesis of the human adrenal medulla. In these studies, chromaffin and nonchromaffin adrenal neuroblasts were identified. To better characterize these nonchromaffin neuroblasts, the authors evaluated two additional markers: HNK-1, an antibody recognizing the migratory neural crest cell; and S-100, a protein expressed by sustentacular cells of the adrenal medulla. HNK-1 immunoreactivity was found in both chromaffin and nonchromaffin cell types at different times during development, marking the nonchromaffin lineage during the second trimester of gestation as well as the chromaffin lineage in the neonatal period. In addition, S-100 expression was noted in some nonchromaffin neuroblasts, and sustentacular cells were first identified at approximately 28 weeks of gestational age. These data suggest a model of human adrenal medullary histogenesis that incorporates the chromaffin, ganglionic, and sustentacular lineages known to constitute the adult adrenal medulla.     

Growth factors and cytokines in paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas,with special reference to sustentacular cells

The aim of this study was to localize various growth factors and cytokines in paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas in order to understand their possible autocrine or paracrine functions, and to compare sustentacular cells of the adrenal medulla with pituitary stellate cells. Thirteen resected tumors, 11 paragangliomas and 2 pheochromocytomas of the adrenal medulla, were studied. In addition, five surgically removed nontumorous adrenals and five nontumorous pituitaries were studied. Varying numbers of sustentacular cells were immunopositive for S-100 protein and in most instances for glial fibrillary acidic protein. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 were localized to both cell types in all cases, whereas epidermal growth factor (EGF) immunopositivity was noted in only three. In all tumors, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) was restricted to chief cells and EGF receptor to sustentacular cells. Nontumorous chief cells and sustentacular cells of adrenal medulla exhibited immunoreactivities similar to those of paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas. Secretory adenohypophysial cells displayed various immunoreactivities for all growth factors, receptors, and cytokines studied. Pituitary stellate cells were immunopositive for EGF, EGF receptor, IGF-1, LIF, and TNF-α. In conclusion, paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas are immunoreactive for a wide spectrum of growth factors and cytokines. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated similarities between sustentacular cells and stellate cells of the pituitary in addition to their similar morphology. The significance of these observations regarding paracrine activities of chief and sustentacular cells remains to be determined.     

Demonstration of S-100 protein in sustentacular cells of phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas

Eighteen phaeochromocytomas, including both sporadic and familial cases, four cervical paragangliomas, two jugular paragangliomas, and one abdominal paraganglioma were examined immunohistochemically for the presence of S-100 protein. Positive staining in cells morphologically similar to the sustentacular cells of normal paraganglia and adrenal medulla were found in all paragangliomas and in the benign and aggressively growing phaeochromocytomas. In the two malignant tumours no positive reaction was demonstrated. In one tumour the sustentacular cells were shown to contain glial fibrillary acidic protein further supporting their Schwann cell relationship. The number of S-100 positive cells varied considerably. They demonstrated a spindle celled or elongated configuration with long slender processes. The nature of the sustentacular cell proliferation, neoplastic versus reactive, is discussed.     

Immunohistochemical localization of neurotensin in hamster adrenal medulla

Neurotensin-like immunoreactivity was localized in nerve fibers and terminals of hamster adrenal medulla at light and electron microscopy using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Numerous varicose neurotensin-immunoreactive nerves and terminals were found among nonlabeled cell groups situated peripherally in the adrenal medulla. Combined formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde (Faglu) fluorescence and immunohistochemistry of the same vibratome section showed that only norepinephrine cells were innervated by neurotensin-immunoreactive nerves. All norepinephrine cells seemed to be innervated by neurotensin-immunoreactive nerves. Neurotensin-immunoreactive nerves disappeared after extrinsic denervation of the adrenal gland. By electron microscopy numerous neurotensin-immunoreactive terminals were seen to make synaptic contacts with norepinephrine cells and with autonomic ganglion cells present in small numbers among norepinephrine cells. In the terminals neurotensin-like immunoreactivity was localized mainly in large dense-cored vesicles, but some precipitates were also associated with small vesicles, diffusely scattered in the axoplasm. The present findings suggest that in the hamster adrenal medulla part of the nerve terminals arising from splanchnic nerves contain neurotensin-like peptide. The functional significance of these nerves in the hamster adrenal medulla remains to be elucidated.     

自发性高血压大鼠交感神经节与肾上腺髓质内NPY的表达及超微结构的变化

目的:通过对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)颈上神经节、肾上腺髓质内神经肽酪氨酸(NPY)表达及超微结构变化的研究,探讨NPY在高血压发生和发展中的作用。方法:随机选取成年大鼠60只,分成SHR组和正常对照组,每组各30只,采用Real-Time PCR技术和免疫组织化学法,检测两组大鼠颈上神经节、肾上腺髓质内NPYmRNA和蛋白的表达;应用透射电镜技术观察上述两种组织内超微结构的改变。结果:与同周龄的正常组大鼠相比,SHR大鼠的血压明显增高(P<0.05),RT-PCR和免疫组织化学方法检测到颈上神经节、肾上腺髓质内NPYmRNA和蛋白质的表达均增高(P<0.05),NPY免疫阳性神经元的数量和阳性细胞的光密度亦增加(P<0.05)。电镜结果示SHR大鼠两种组织内异染色质、线粒体、粗面内质网等数量均明显增加(P<0.05)。结论:SHR颈上神经节、肾上腺髓质内的NPY通过复杂的机制可能参与了高血压的形成。     

Immunomorphometric variations of sustentacular cells of the male viscacha adrenal medulla during the annual reproductive cycle. Effects of androgens and melatonin

The adrenal medulla is crucial for the survival of species facing significant environmental changes. The parenchyma is composed mainly of chromaffin cells, ganglion cells and sustentacular cells (SC). The male viscacha exhibits seasonal variations of gonadal activity and other metabolic functions. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the reproductive conditions on the morphology of SC of this rodent. In addition, the effects of testosterone and melatonin on these cells were studied. Immunoexpression of S100 protein, GFAP and vimentin were analyzed. Furthermore, the distribution of adrenergic and noradrenergic chromaffin cells subpopulations was studied for the first time in this species. SC present long cytoplasmic processes in contact with chromaffin cells, probably generating an intraglandular communication network. Significant differences (p?<?0.05) in the %IA (percentage of immunopositive area) for the S100 protein were observed according to winter (4.21?±?0.34) and summer (3.51?±?0.15) values. In castrated animals, the %IA (6.05?±?0.35) was significantly higher in relation to intact animals (3.95?±?0.40). In melatonin-treated animals the %IA (3.62?±?0.23) was significantly higher compared to control animals (2.65?±?0.26). GFAP immunoexpression was negative and no noradrenergic chromaffin cells were detected suggesting an adrenergic phenotype predominance. Vimentin was observed in SC, endothelial cells and connective tissue. Results indicate that SC exhibit variations along the annual reproductive cycle, along with castration and the melatonin administration. Our results suggest that in this rodent SC are not only support elements, but also participate in the modulation of the activity of the adrenal medulla; probably through paracrine effects.     

Expression and distribution of GABA and GABAB‐receptor in the rat adrenal gland

The inhibitory effects of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central and peripheral nervous systems and the endocrine system are mediated by two different GABA receptors: GABA_A‐receptor (GABA_A‐R) and GABA_B‐receptor (GABA_B‐R). GABA_A‐R, but not GABA_B‐R, has been observed in the rat adrenal gland, where GABA is known to be released. This study sought to determine whether both GABA and GABA_B‐R are present in the endocrine and neuronal elements of the rat adrenal gland, and to investigate whether GABA_B‐R may play a role in mediating the effects of GABA in secretory activity of these cells. GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in the superficial cortex. Some GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were found to be associated with blood vessels. Double‐immunostaining revealed GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers in the cortex were choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)‐immunonegative. Some GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers ran through the cortex toward the medulla. In the medulla, GABA‐immunoreactivity was seen in some large ganglion cells, but not in the chromaffin cells. Double‐immunostaining also showed GABA‐immunoreactive ganglion cells were nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐immunopositive. However, neither immunohistochemistry combined with fluorescent microscopy nor double‐immunostaining revealed GABA‐immunoreactivity in the noradrenaline cells with blue‐white fluorescence or in the adrenaline cells with phenylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase (PNMT)‐immunoreactivity. Furthermore, GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in close contact with ganglion cells, but not chromaffin cells. Double‐immunostaining also showed that the GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were in close contact with NOS‐ or neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY)‐immunoreactive ganglion cells. A few of the GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were ChAT‐immunopositive, while most of the GABA‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were ChAT‐immunonegative. Numerous ChAT‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in close contact with the ganglion cells and chromaffin cells in the medulla. The GABA_B‐R‐immunoreactivity was found only in ganglion cells in the medulla and not at all in the cortex. Immunohistochemistry combined with fluorescent microscopy and double‐immunostaining showed no GABA_B‐R‐immunoreactivity in noradrenaline cells with blue‐white fluorescence or in adrenaline cells with PNMT‐immunoreactivity. These immunoreactive ganglion cells were NOS‐ or NPY‐immunopositive on double‐immunostaining. These findings suggest that GABA from the intra‐adrenal nerve fibers may have an inhibitory effect on the secretory activity of ganglion cells and cortical cells, and on the motility of blood vessels in the rat adrenal gland, mediated by GABA‐Rs.     

寒冷应激对大鼠肾上腺髓质亨廷顿蛋白相关蛋白1表达的影响

目的 探讨亨廷顿蛋白相关蛋白1(HAP1)在大鼠肾上腺髓质的超微结构定位,以及寒冷应激对大鼠肾上腺髓质HAP1表达的影响. 方法 成年雄性Wistar大鼠14只,2只用于免疫电镜研究,12只用于寒冷实验研究.寒冷实验中,将动物随机分为对照组和寒冷组,每组6只,寒冷组动物放置4℃环境下,12h后用免疫组织化学和Western blotting方法 检测大鼠肾上腺髓质HAP1表达的变化. 结果 免疫电镜结果 显示,HAP1免疫反应产物分布在肾上腺髓质细胞分泌颗粒外膜及分泌颗粒间的膜性细胞器上.寒冷组大鼠肾上腺髓质HAP1的表达明显减少,和对照组比较有显著性差异( P <0.01). 结论 HAP1可能与肾上腺髓质细胞内分泌颗粒及位于分泌颗粒内的肾上腺素/去甲肾上腺素的运输和释放有关.     

Divergent differentiation in neuroendocrine tumors of the adrenal gland

Composite tumors of the adrenal medulla usually consist of pheochromocytoma admixed with ganglioneuroma or ganglioneuroblastoma. These neoplasms reflect phenotypic plasticity shown by primitive sympathetic cells and mature chromaffin cells in vitro. They may give rise to metastatic neuroblastoma in adults and may cause signs and symptoms attributable to both catecholamine and neuropeptide production. Schwann cells and sustentacular cells are typically numerous in these tumors but it is not known whether they are neoplastic. Immunohistochemical staining for catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes, secretory vesicle proteins and S-100 protein tends to recapitulate staining of the normal adrenal medulla or sympathetic ganglia. Sparsity of chromogranin A in the cell bodies of immature and mature neurons is a diagnostically useful characteristic.     

Criteria for Predicting the Outcome of Pheochromocytoma by the Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Findings

Morphological examination of 22 functionally active adrenal pheochromocytomas was carried out. The content of catecholamine granules in tumor cells and in the number of sustentacular cells tended to decrease in metastasizing tumors. Electron microscopy showed two types of sustentacular cells and the possibility of their apoptotic death.     

An ultrastructural study of two cases of adrenal ganglioneuroma

Tissue samples of adrenal ganglioneuromas were obtained from two patients: 35- and 47-year-old males. Light microscopic studies showed that these tumors contained Schwann cells and ganglion cells. Electron microscopic examinations revealed numerous unmyelinated and myelinated axons surrounded by Schwann cells. The ganglion cells in the tumors had abundant organelles, such as well-developed cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, many profiles of the Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes, microtubules and neurofilaments. Electron dense cored granules resembling catecholamine granules were present in the ganglion cell bodies and neural processes. These features resmebled those of normal sympathetic ganglion cells. It is concluded that adrenal ganglioneuroma originates from sympathetic ganglion tissue. This study was presented in part at the 26th Annual Meeting of the Clinical Electron Microscopy Society of Japan, Kochi, October 5–7, 1994.     

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the organogenesis and development of the mammalian carotid body

Despite significant advancements in understanding physiological properties of the carotid body, little attention has been paid to its organogenesis. This review addresses the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying organogenesis of the carotid body in mammals. The carotid body consists of two types of cells, that is, glomus cells and sustentacular cells, that are derived from different origins. Glomus cells are derivatives of neural crest cells which form sympathetic ganglia. Sustentacular cells are derivatives of mesenchymal neural crest cells which colonize the third pharyngeal arch and form the wall of the third arch artery. Gene-targeting studies indicate that three elements are required for carotid body organogenesis: the carotid sinus nerve (CSN), third arch artery, and superior cervical sympathetic ganglion (SCG). The CSN sends sensory fibers and Schwann cells to the wall of the third arch artery. The third arch artery provides mesenchymal cells, which give rise to sustentacular cells. The nerve process from the SCG sends glomus cell progenitors into the carotid body primordium. The presence of stem cells in the adult carotid body was recently highlighted. The origin of stem cells, however, remains controversial. Based on embryonic development of the carotid body, this review proposes the origin of stem cells.     

大鼠肾上腺的NADPH,NPY,CGRP,SP,c—fos细胞化学特性

目的 探讨肾上腺内分泌组织和神经组织的双重组织学特性。方法 组织化学和免疫组织化学技术,在光学显微下观察ＮＡＤＰＨ、ＮＰＹ、ＣＧＲＰ、ＳＰ、ｃ－ｆｏｓ在大鼠肾上腺的分布。结果 肾上腺皮质分布有ＮＰＹ阳性神经细胞和神经纤维、ＣＧＲＰ阳性神经纤维;肾上腺髓质分布有ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ阳性神经细胞和神经纤维、ＣＧＲＰ阳性神经纤维、ＳＰ阳性神经纤维、ｃ－ｆｏｓ阳性神经细胞和神经纤维。肾上腺皮质球状带、网状带、束状带细胞均ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ阳性,髓质部分嗜铬细胞ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ阳性,部分嗜铬细胞ＮＰＹ阳性,部分嗜铬细胞ＣＧＲＰ阳性,部分嗜铬细胞ＳＰ阳性。结论 大鼠肾上腺接受广泛的非经典递质的神经支配,特别是肽能神经支配的肾上腺实质细胞及髓质嗜铬细胞,能分泌多种神经肽物质。提示肾上腺的内分泌活动不仅受到复杂的神经调节而且也受到自身的活     

混合性嗜铬细胞瘤临床病理学特征分析

目的探讨混合性嗜铬细胞瘤(composite pheochromocytoma,CP)临床病理特征、免疫表型、诊断及鉴别诊断。方法收集2011年1月至2019年1月浙江省人民医院收治的5例CP,对5例CP的临床、影像学、组织学、免疫组织化学特征及预后进行观察,探讨其临床病理特征及鉴别诊断。结果CP患者中男性4例,女性1例,男女发病比例为4∶1,发病年龄52~68岁(平均年龄59岁,中位年龄54岁),肿瘤最大径3~4 cm(平均最大径3.6 cm,中位最大径3.5 cm);临床表现多为无明显症状的肾上腺肿块;典型的形态为两种成分组成,一种为瘤细胞呈不规则巢状排列,瘤细胞胞质细颗粒状、嗜碱性或双嗜性,核分裂象罕见;另一种为由不规则交叉束状排列的施万细胞及散在分布的神经节细胞组成;免疫组织化学示嗜铬细胞瘤弥漫表达PHOX2B(5/5)、突触素(5/5)、嗜铬粒素A(CgA,5/5),支持细胞S-100蛋白阳性(5/5),节细胞神经瘤弥漫表达S-100蛋白(5/5)、神经丝蛋白(5/5),其内神经节细胞PHOX2B、突触素、CgA弱阳性;5例均接受手术切除,预后良好,随访均无复发。结论CP较少见,临床表现不具有特异性,其具有独特的组织学特征,仔细的观察肿瘤的完整组织结构及免疫组织化学检测PHOX2B、CgA、突触素、S-100蛋白有助于其诊断和鉴别诊断。     

单胺氧化酶和硫胺素焦磷酸酶在豚鼠交感——肾上腺髓质系统细胞超微结构内的定位

分别采用Shannon和Novikoff法显示单胺氧化酶(MAO)和硫胺素焦磷酸酶(TPPase)活性在豚鼠腹腔神经节和肾上腺髓质内的分布。在细胞水平发现,MAO活性定位在腹腔神经节小强荧光(SIF)细胞的局部核膜、细胞膜以及少数线粒体膜上,但是很少见到TPPase反应产物。在同一神经节的主神经元中,局部核膜、大量线粒体膜和内质网膜上,都显示出MAO活性反应。此外,TPPase广泛分布在它的高尔基体的靠近成熟面的扁囊上。在肾上腺髓质嗜铬细胞内,MAO和TPPase的定位特点与SIF细胞相似。以上结果提示,在生理状态下,SIF细胞内的儿茶酚胺代谢以及细胞活动方式,可能与主神经元不同,而与肾上腺髓质嗜铬细胞有相似的特点。     

Paraganglia of the gallbladder: a report of two cases with an immunohistochemical study

Paraganglionic tissues incidentally observed in the gallbladder are presented. The patients, a 51- and a 55-year-old woman, underwent gallbladder resection for chronic cholecystitis with gallstones. Two and one paraganglionic tissues were observed in the subserosal connective tissue of the two gallbladders, respectively. Immunohistochemically, the chief cells were positive for chromogranin A, and the sustentacular cells were positive for S100 protein. Tyrosine hydroxylase (in two of three), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (in one of three), methionine-enkephalin (in two of three), and leucine-enkephalin (in two of three) were also positive in a small amount of the chief cells. These structures, which slightly resembled adrenal medulla or retroperitoneal paraganglia, might be misunderstood as an infiltration of primary or metastatic carcinoma into the subserosal connective tissue.