Migration of intravascular trophoblast cells in uterine arteries of the golden hamster: a scanning electron microscopic study.

Intravascular trophoblast (IVT) cells, derived from the trophoblast of the developing hamster embryo, are known to migrate in retrograde fashion into the uterine arteries. There they migrate to a certain point, destroy and replace the endothelial lining, and modify the smooth muscle of the arteries. The dilated vessels that result presumably enhance the flow of blood to the placental exchange area.

Ultrastructure of the crayfish antennal gland revealed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy combined with ultrasonic microdissection.

The antennal gland of the crayfish Pacifasticus leniusculus was studied using standard techniques for scanning electron microscopy as well as newer procedures for ultrasonic microdissection. To clarify relationships in the nephron tubule, transmission electron microscopy was employed. The coelomosac contains elongated cells (podocytes) displaying microvilli and extensive apical blebbing.

Scanning electron microscopy of epithelial surfaces of the sea anemone Acontiophorum niveum (Phylum Cnidaria): Class anthozoa.

Epithelium of the sea anemone Acontiophorum niveum is modified into four general arrangements of microappendages: (1) uniform microvilli covering pedal disc and column, (2) an interspersion of microvilli, ciliary cones, and kinocilia on tentacles, (3) flagella among an understory of microvilli from the oral disc, actinopharynx, filaments, and acontia, and (4) sparse flagella among irregular microvilli from endoderm. These arrangements are similar to those described previously in the epithelia of other anthozoans.

Strain variation in phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans: dissociation of susceptibility to phagocytosis from activation and binding of opsonic fragments of C3.

Phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans is markedly influenced by the presence of a polysaccharide capsule. We examined activation and binding of C3 fragments to eight isolates of C. neoformans.

Role of the capsule in phagocytosis of Cryptococcus neoformans.

The capsule is closely associated with the virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans. The capsule inhibits phagocytosis by macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils. Studies in our laboratory have shown that incubation of encapsulated cryptococci in normal human serum leads to deposition of large amounts of C3 fragments at the surface of the yeast and lesser amounts of IgG within the capsule.