Effects of aging on the architecture of the ileocecal junction in rats.

Aim: To evaluate the structural organization of the elastic and collagen fibers in the region of the ileocecal transition in 30 young and old male Wistar rats.

Methods: Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed in this study. The results demonstrated that there was a demarcation of the ileocecal region between the ileum and the cecum in both groups.

Effect of ionizing radiation on rat parotid gland.

A common side effect of radiotherapy used in the treatment of oral cancer is the occurrence of structural and physiological alterations of the salivary glands due to exposure to ionizing radiation, as demonstrated by conditions such as decreased salivary flow. The present study evaluated ultrastructural alterations in the parotid glands of rats receiving a fractionated dose (1,500-cGy) of radiation emitted by a Cesium-137 source and rats that were not subjected to ionizing radiation. After sacrifice, the parotid glands were removed and examined by transmission electron microscopy.

A morphometric study of age-related changes in the elastic systems of the common carotid artery and internal carotid artery in humans.

The present study aims to quantify the distribution of the elastic fiber system in the walls of the common carotid artery and the internal carotid artery in humans. In order to identify specific fibers, segments of carotid arteries were stained using the Verhoeff (for elastic fibers), Weigert (for elastic and elauninic fibers) and Weigert-oxone (for elauninic and oxytalanic fibers) methods. A histomorphometric study was undertaken in order to estimate the linear density (LV) of the fibrous components present in the elastic system and determine the total length of these components in each segment.

Analysis of thyroid gland microvascularization in rats induced by ingestion of potassium bromide: a scanning electron microscopy study.

The microvascularization of the thyroid gland in rats was studied in animals following ingestion of potassium bromide in various concentrations in drinking water (15, 50 or 100 mg/l) over a period of either 16 or 66 days. Accordingly, animals were divided into six study groups and one control group. Microvascularization was compared among the groups.

Histomorphometric evaluation of new bone formation in diabetic rats submitted to insertion of temporary implants.

This study aimed to quantify new bone formation in the femurs of diabetic Wistar rats. Over an eight-week period, MTI-MP implants were evaluated in control rats and in diabetic rats. At several points during this period, various markers for bone deposit were introduced.

New bone formation in the female rabbit tibia.

The current study aims to evaluate the new bone formation in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) grafts inserted into the tibia of ten female rabbits. The animals were submitted to oophorectomy in order to induce an osteopenic condition and densitometrically analyzed at the beginning of the experiment, at three months and at seven months. During the 16 weeks of osseointegration, the animals were submitted to subcutaneous injections of three bone markers at one-week intervals, four weeks for each.

Structural and microvascular study of soleous muscle of Wistar rats after section of the sciatic nerve.

It is not well established yet the relationship between the activation of satellite cells and skeletal muscle microcirculation after surgical denervation. Trough scanning and transmission electron microscopy methods, we studied comparatively the alterations of the soleus muscle in Wistar rats after surgical denervation. Our results evidenced the activation, duplication and migration of satellite cells to the interior of muscle fibers coexisting with a raise in the capillary density characterized by a higher number of anastomosis and capillary sprouts.

Nutrition pathways to the symphysis pubis.

The blood supply of the symphysis pubis is still the subject of some debate. Classic anatomy books state that this joint is avascular, whereas some published works have shown blood vessels in young specimens. As several articular discs such as the knee menisci are known to have blood vessels in their peripheries, we decided to investigate the possible nutrition pathways to the interpubic disc and ligaments.

Tridimensional architecture of the collagen element in the arachnoid granulations in humans: a study on scanning electron microscopy.

The arachnoid granulations of adult individual of both sexes were studied through scanning electron microscopy. The dura mater and arachnoid meninges of individuals were collected at the Service of Death Verification of São Paulo - USP and fixed in Karnovsky solution. After this period the material was prepared for analysis in electron microscope.