Ultrastructural Localization of Endogenous Exchange Factor for ARF6 in Adrenocortical Cells In Situ of Mice.

EFA6 (exchange factor for ARF6) activates Arf6 (ADP ribosylation factor 6) by exchanging ADP to ATP, and the resulting activated form of Arf6 is involved in the membrane dynamics and actin re-organization of cells. The present study was attempted to localize EFA6 type D (EFA6D) in mouse adrenocortical cells in situ whose steroid hormone secretion is generally considered not to depend on the vesicle-involved regulatory mechanism. In immunoblotting, an immunoreactive band with the same size as brain EFA6D was detected in homogenates of adrenal cortical tissues almost free of adrenal capsules and medulla.

Selective immunostaining of Mehlis' gland of Opisthorchis viverrini by antibody against rat diacylglycerol kinase.

The Mehlis' gland of Opisthorchis viverrini was selectively and intensely immunopositive with an antibody against rat diacylglycerol kinase gamma, and its entire structure with associated radiating processes was clearly demonstrated by immuno-light microscopy. In immuno-electron microscopy, the immunopositive processes were revealed to contain many vesicles and vacuoles and the immunoreactive materials were deposited diffusely in the cytoplasm except for the vesicular interior. The present findings suggest that diacylglycerol kinase is present and plays roles in PKC (protein kinase C)-related signaling in the Mehlis' gland of O.

The sensitivity of male rat reproductive organs to monosodium glutamate.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and sperm acrosome reaction (AR) to monosodium L- glutamate (MSG) in rats.

Materials And Methods: Rats were divided into four groups and fed with non-acidic MSG at 0.25, 3 or 6 g/kg body weight for 30 days or without MSG.

Ultrastructural effects of albendazole on the body wall of Gnathostoma spinigerum third stage larvae.

This study investigated the effects of albendazole (ABZ) on the ultrastructure of Gnathostoma spinigerum advanced third-stage larvae. Two groups of experimentally infected mice received 60 or 90 mg/kg ABZ orally once a day for 21 consecutive days. Both groups had damage to the body walls of the worms, especially to the non-contractile part of the muscular layer.

Virulence of Burkholderia pseudomallei does not correlate with biofilm formation.

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis but currently the pathogenesis of the disease is still poorly understood. One of the virulent factors of gram-negative bacteria is the ability to produce biofilm to evade host defense. As B.

Opisthorchiasis-associated biliary stones: light and scanning electron microscopic study.

Aim: Biliary stones are frequently encountered in areas endemic for opisthorchiasis in Thailand. The present study was to describe the prevalence and pathogenesis of these stones.

Methods: Gallstones and/or common bile duct stones and bile specimens from 113 consecutive cholecystectomies were included.