Age-related changes in apoptosis and expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 in the wall of varicose veins.

Aim: Dysregulated apoptosis in the venous wall is believed to play important role in the onset and progression of human primary varicose veins. The aim of our study was to in situ investigate the apoptosis of endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) together with the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGF R2) in the varicose veins of women of different age groups.

Methods: Women (n=34) undergoing surgery for varicosities were divided into three groups: Group I (younger than 35 year); Group II (36-50 years); Group III (older than 50 years).

Altered renal morphology in transgenic mice with cholecystokinin overexpression.

Although cholecystokinin is a regulatory peptide with a predominant role in the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, there is an increasing evidence for its role in the kidney. The aim of this study was to reveal morphological changes in the structure of kidney of mice with cholecystokinin overexpression by means of light, transmission and scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy. Using immunohistochemistry the expression of important basement membrane proteins collagen IV, laminin and fibronectin, as well the distribution of cholecystokinin-8 in the renal structures was evaluated.

[Cytological study of the kidney ischemic lesions in rats].

The course of reparative regeneration after 5/6 nephrectomy and use of low-dose radiation has been studied by means of light and electron microscopy. The experiments were performed on 30 male Wistar rats. All animal procedures were conducted after approval of the protocol by the animal Studies Ethics Committee of the University of Tartu.

Helicobacter pylori substantially increases oxidative stress in indomethacin-exposed rat gastric mucosa.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) often play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and probably also gastric cancer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by this bacterium may be one of the crucial factors whereby oxidative stress can play a role in the pathogenesis of ulcer disease.

[Morphological and ultrastructural changes in the rat kidney after experimental sepsis].

Unlabelled: Experimental sepsis was investigated in 42 male white Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 7 equal groups. Suspended E.