Neurochemical plasticity of the carotid body in hypertension.

The carotid body (CB), a main peripheral arterial chemoreceptor, has lately been implicated in the pathophysiology of various cardiovascular disorders. Emerging experimental evidence supports a causal relationship between CB dysfunction and augmented sympathetic outflow which is the common hallmark of human sympathetic-related diseases, including essential hypertension. To gain insight into the neurotransmitter profile of chemosensory cells in the hypertensive CB, we examined the expression and cellular localization of some classical neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and gaseous signaling molecules as well as neurotrophic factors and their receptors in the CB of spontaneously hypertensive rats, a common animal model of hypertension.

Histochemical and immunohistochemical localization of nitrergic structures in the carotid body of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The carotid body (CB) is a multipurpose metabolic sensor that acts to initiate cardiorespiratory reflex adjustments to maintain homeostasis of blood-borne chemicals. Emerging evidence suggests that nitric oxide increases the CB chemosensory activity and this enhanced peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity contributes to sympathoexcitation and consequent pathology. The aim of this study was to examine by means of NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunohistochemistry the presence and distribution of nitrergic structures in the CB of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and to compare their expression patterns to that of age-matched normotensive Wistar rats (NWRs).

Sex estimation by size and shape of foramen magnum based on CT imaging.

Foramen magnum (FM) has a well-protected position, which makes it of particular interest in forensic research. The aim of the study is to assess the sex differences in size and shape of FM, develop discriminant functions and logistic regression models based on the FM measurements, compare the accuracy results of the measurements obtained through different measuring approaches, and establish the most reliable variables for sex estimation in Bulgarian adults. Head CT scans of 140 Bulgarian adults were used in the study.

Immunohistochemical localization of angiotensin AT receptors in the rat carotid body.

The carotid body (CB) is a major peripheral arterial chemoreceptor that initiates respiratory and cardiovascular adjustments to maintain homeostasis. Recent evidence suggests that circulating or locally produced hormones like angiotensin II acting via AT receptors modulate its activity in a paracrine-autocrine manner. The aim of this study was to examine the immunohistochemical localization of AT receptor in the CB of adult rats and to compare its expression in vehicle-treated animals, and after the long-term application of its selective blocker losartan.

Heterotopic gastrointestinal cyst mimicking chronic cholecystitis: a case report.

Introduction: Heterotopic gastric mucosa is described almost everywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from the oral cavity to the rectum. The occurrence of heterotopic gastric tissue in the gallbladder is rare. A choristoma can be defined as a new growth developing from a displaced anlage not normally present in the anatomical site where it developed.

Ultrastuctural immunocytochemistry of calcium-binding proteins in rapidly-adapting avian mechanoreceptors.

The localization of the calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) calbindin-D28K (CB) and parvalbumin (PV) in avian rapidly-adapting Herbst and Grandry sensory corpuscles was studied with the use of immunocytochemistry and monoclonal antibodies. Strongest immunostaining was detected in cells of the capsule in both receptor types. Staining was more pronounced in the vicinity of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in the perinuclear regions, whereas staining was distinct in pinocytotic vesicles in peripheral cytoplasmic lamellae.