Catecholaminergic System of Invertebrates: Comparative and Evolutionary Aspects in Comparison With the Octopaminergic System.

In this review we examined the catecholaminergic system of invertebrates, starting from protists and getting to chordates. Different techniques used by numerous researchers revealed, in most examined phyla, the presence of catecholamines dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline or of the enzymes involved in their synthesis. The catecholamines are generally linked to the nervous system and they can act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and hormones; moreover they play a very important role as regards the response to a large number of stress situations.

Differentiation of steroidogenic cells in the developing adrenal gland of Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789 (chelonian reptiles).

The aim of this study was to investigate the development and differentiation of steroidogenic cells in the embryonic adrenal gland of Testudo hermanni using histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural methods. The 26 developmental stages were divided into three periods: early (stages 1-18, up to 20 days of incubation), intermediate (stages 19-22, incubation days 21-35) and advanced (stages 23-26, from incubation day 36 to hatching). A small presumptive bud of steroidogenic cells was visible at the end of the early period, protruding into the coelom from the lateral wall of intermediate mesoderm.

Morphology and ultrastructure of the pronephros of Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789 (chelonian reptiles).

The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology and ultrastructure of the pronephros of Testudo hermanni as observed in the earlier part of its development. This paired structure appears during renal ontogenesis and originates from the first somites localised in the cephalic part of the embryo. The first pronephric evidence is noted at stage 12.

Differentiation of chromaffin cells in the developing adrenal gland of Testudo hermanni.

The aim of this study was to investigate the development and differentiation of chromaffin cells in the adrenal gland of the turtle Testudo hermanni during ontogenesis using histological, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural methods. The 26 developmental stages were divided into three periods: in the early period (stages 1-18, up to 20 days of incubation at 37 degrees Celsius and 85% humidity), the chromaffin cells were observed from stage 12. They followed a ventro-lateral migration pathway with respect to the notochord and dorsal aorta, forming groups embedded in undifferentiated mesenchymal tissue.

[Isolated pancreatic metastasis from kidney carcinoma: report of 2 clinical cases].

Isolated metastases to the pancreas are rare. Renal cell carcinoma is one of the few tumours that metastasis to the pancreas. Since 2001 we have observed two cases of isolated metastases to the pancreas from renal cell carcinomas, both of which were surgically resected with a diagnostic and therapeutic intent.