40 results on '"Osculati, F"'
Search Results
2. Neurochemistry of the Gustatory Subgemmal Plexus
- Author
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Crescimanno, C., Merigo, F., Bernardi, P., Osculati, F., and Sbarbati, A.
- Published
- 2004
3. Chapter 16: The solitary chemosensory cells the airways of mammals
- Author
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Sbarbati, Andrea, Cecchini, Maria Paola, Crescimanno, C., Merigo, Flavia, Benati, Donatella, Tizzano, M., and Osculati, F.
- Subjects
solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) ,large mammals ,α-gustducin ,defence ,drug discovery - Published
- 2009
4. The solitary chemosensory cells and the diffuse chemosensory system of the airway
- Author
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Osculati, F., Bentivoglio, M., Castellucci, M., Saverio CINTI, Zancanaro, C., and Sbarbati, A.
- Subjects
Respiratory System ,Animals ,Humans ,Taste Buds ,Chemoreceptor Cells - Abstract
Solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs), which resemble taste bud cells, are present in the epidermis and oropharynx of most primary aquatic vertebrates. Recent studies have led to the description of SCCs also in mammals too. In the airway and digestive apparatus, these elements form a diffuse chemosensory system. SCCs do not aggregate into groups and in SCCs, as in taste bud cells, immunoreactivity forthe G-protein subunit alpha-gustducin and for other molecules of the chemoreceptive cascade was found. Questions remain about the role of the diffuse chemosensory system in control of complex functions (e.g. airway surface liquid secretion) and about the involvement of chemoreceptors in respiratory diseases. Therapeutic actions targeting chemoreceptors could be tested in the treatment of respiratory diseases.
- Published
- 2007
5. Il capitalismo municipale e le esternalizzazioni fredde
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Gavana, Giovanna, Osculati, F., and Zatti, A.
- Published
- 2007
6. Tissutal imaging by nuclear magnetic resonance
- Author
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Sbarbati, A. and Osculati, F.
- Subjects
MR-microscopy ,6 - Ciencias aplicadas::61 - Medicina::611 - Anatomía [CDU] ,MR-microimaging - Abstract
The present work reviews the main applications of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)- technology and, in particular, of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to tissutal analysis. To date, MRI represents a precise and reliable tool to investigate morphology and functional modification of tissues in vivo, providing information consistent with histology. MRI has numerous advantages over conventional techniques: it is harmless to tissues; volume measurements in vivo could be useful for morphometric studies; the sarne tissue can be examined severa1 times (e.g. at different ages); several organs can be examined at the same time; serial sections of relevant structures can be obtained in al1 planes, thereby allowing detailed reconstruction of the three-dimensional configuration of organs; motion within a tissue can be detected; and subsequent histological and ultrastructural studies of the tissue are possible. The main drawback (besides the cost of the basic instrumentation) is that resolution is relatively low in comparison with light microscopy. Finally, the analysis of the results is difficult, needing interdisciplinary competence, and MRI methods of tissutal analysis are not yet well standardized. Therefore, in our opinion, MRI is an interesting tool, complementary to other histological techniques, and it cannot be ignored by microscopists. However, in vivo MRI data must be evaluated with caution and histological controls are always required.
- Published
- 1996
7. The frog taste disk: a prototype of the vertebrate gustatory organ
- Author
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Osculati, F and Sbarbati, Andrea
- Published
- 1995
8. Quantum Dots: Proteomics characterization of the impact on biological systems
- Author
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Pozzi-Mucelli, Stefano, primary, Boschi, F, additional, Calderan, L, additional, Sbarbati, A, additional, and Osculati, F, additional
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Magnetic resonance imaging of the saccular otolithic mass
- Author
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Sbarbati, A, Leclercq, F, Antonakis, K, and Osculati, F
- Subjects
Male ,Ear, Inner ,otorhinolaryngologic diseases ,Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ,Animals ,Rana esculenta ,Female ,sense organs ,equipment and supplies ,human activities ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Research Article - Abstract
The frog's inner ear was studied in vivo by high spatial resolution magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla. The vestibule, the internal acoustic meatus, and the auditory tube have been identified. The large otolithic mass contained in the vestibule showed a virtual absence of magnetic resonance signal probably due to its composition of closely packed otoconia.
- Published
- 1992
10. Immunohistochemical Localization of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator and Clara Cell Secretory Protein in Taste Receptor Cells of Rat Circumvallate Papillae
- Author
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Merigo, F., primary, Benati, D., additional, Galie, M., additional, Crescimanno, C., additional, Osculati, F., additional, and Sbarbati, A., additional
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Chemical shift imaging at 4.7 tesla of brown adipose tissue
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Sbarbati, A, primary, Guerrini, U, additional, Marzola, P, additional, Asperio, R, additional, and Osculati, F, additional
- Published
- 1997
- Full Text
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12. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy investigations of brown adipose tissue and isolated brown adipocytes.
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Zancanaro, C, primary, Nano, R, additional, Marchioro, C, additional, Sbarbati, A, additional, Boicelli, A, additional, and Osculati, F, additional
- Published
- 1994
- Full Text
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13. Biogenic amines in the vomeronasal organ.
- Author
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Zancanaro, C, Caretta, C M, Bolner, A, Sbarbati, A, Nordera, G P, and Osculati, F
- Abstract
The vomeronasal organ of frog and mouse was investigated for the presence and content of serotonin and catecholamines by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. Measurable amounts of serotonin, adrenaline and noradrenaline were found in the vomeronasal organ of adult individuals of both species. The amine content varied with sex of adult frogs and mice and sexual maturity of mice. In preliminary experiments, acute exposure to male urine containing pheromone affected the amine content in the vomeronasal organ of adult female mice. These data suggest that functional sex dimorphism is present in the vomeronasal organ, and biochemical changes therein take place according to stage of sexual maturity. The role of biogenic amines in the vomeronasal organ deserves further study.
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- 1997
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14. Morphological identification of brown adipose tissue by magnetic resonance imaging in the rat
- Author
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Osculati, F., Leclercq, F., Sbarbati, A., Zancanaro, C., Saverio CINTI, and Antonakis, K.
- Published
- 1989
15. The correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and ultrastructural patterns of brown adipose tissue
- Author
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Osculati, F., Sbarbati, A., Leclercq, F., Zancanaro, C., Accordini, C., Antonakis, K., Boicelli, A., and Saverio CINTI
16. Ghosts in the stomach: May dead cells protect living ones?
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Osculati, F., Sbarbati, Andrea, Bertini, M., Deganello, A., and Gaburro, D.
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- 1995
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17. Epithelial and mesenchymal tumor compartments exhibit in vivo complementary patterns of vascular perfusion and glucose metabolism
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Mirco Galiè, Pasquina Marzola, Valentina Ambrosini, Francesco Osculati, Federico Boschi, Stefano Fanti, Andrea Sbarbati, Paolo Magnani, Paolo Farace, Antonello E. Spinelli, Elena Nicolato, Silvia Trespidi, Flavia Merigo, C. Nanni, Galie M, Farace P, Nanni C, Spinelli A, Nicolato E, Boschi F, Magnani P, Trespidi S, Ambrosini V, Fanti S, Merigo F, Osculati F, Marzola P, and Sbarbati A.
- Subjects
Gadolinium DTPA ,Cancer Research ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,tumor ,Stromal cell ,vasculature ,FDG ,Metabolism ,PET ,MRI ,Biology ,lcsh:RC254-282 ,Mesoderm ,Mice ,In vivo ,Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ,medicine ,Animals ,EPITHELIAL AND MESENCHYMAL TUMOR ,Fluorodeoxyglucose ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Mesenchymal stem cell ,Carcinoma ,Glucose transporter ,Epithelial Cells ,lcsh:Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Desmoplasia ,Rats ,DYNAMIC CONTRAST-ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING ,Glucose ,Positron emission tomography ,Positron-Emission Tomography ,SMALL ANIMAL PET ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,Perfusion ,medicine.drug ,Research Article - Abstract
Glucose transport and consumption are increased in tumors, and this is considered a diagnostic index of malignancy. However, there is recent evidence that carcinoma-associated stromal cells are capable of aerobic metabolism with low glucose consumption, at least partly because of their efficient vascular supply. In the present study, using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), we mapped in vivo the vascular supply and glucose metabolism in syngeneic experimental models of carcinoma and mesenchymal tumor. We found that in both tumor histotypes, regions with high vascular perfusion exhibited a significantly lower FDG uptake. This reciprocity was more conspicuous in carcinomas than in mesenchymal tumors, and regions with a high-vascular/low-FDG uptake pattern roughly overlapped with a stromal capsule and intratumoral large connectival septa. Accordingly, mesenchymal tumors exhibited a higher vascular perfusion and a lower FDG uptake than carcinomas. Thus, we provide in vivo evidence of vascular/metabolic reciprocity between epithelial and mesenchymal histotypes in tumors, suggesting a new intriguing aspect of epithelial-stromal interaction. Our results suggests that FDG-PET-based clinical analysis can underestimate the malignity or tumor extension of carcinomas exhibiting any trait of “mesenchymalization” such as desmoplasia or epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
- Published
- 2007
18. Are they in or out? The elusive interaction between Qtracker ® 800 vascular labels and brain endothelial cells.
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Radu BM, Radu M, Tognoli C, Benati D, Merigo F, Assfalg M, Solani E, Stranieri C, Ceccon A, Fratta Pasini AM, Cominacini L, Bramanti P, Osculati F, Bertini G, and Fabene PF
- Subjects
- Animals, Calcium chemistry, Cell Tracking methods, Cytoplasm ultrastructure, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells, Humans, Mice, Microscopy, Electron, Transmission, Brain ultrastructure, Endothelial Cells ultrastructure, Endothelium, Vascular ultrastructure, Nanoparticles ultrastructure
- Abstract
Aim: Qtracker(®)800 Vascular labels (Qtracker(®)800) are promising biomedical tools for high-resolution vasculature imaging; their effects on mouse and human endothelia, however, are still unknown., Materials & Methods: Qtracker(®)800 were injected in Balb/c mice, and brain endothelium uptake was investigated by transmission electron microscopy 3-h post injection. We then investigated, in vitro, the effects of Qtracker(®)800 exposure on mouse and human endothelial cells by calcium imaging., Results: Transmission electron microscopy images showed nanoparticle accumulation in mouse brain endothelia. A subset of mouse and human endothelial cells generated intracellular calcium transients in response to Qtracker(®)800., Conclusion: Qtracker(®)800 nanoparticles elicit endothelial functional responses, which prompts biomedical safety evaluations and may bias the interpretation of experimental studies involving vascular imaging.
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- 2015
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19. Neurovascular unit in chronic pain.
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Radu BM, Bramanti P, Osculati F, Flonta ML, Radu M, Bertini G, and Fabene PF
- Subjects
- ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters metabolism, Animals, Blood-Brain Barrier metabolism, Blood-Brain Barrier pathology, Humans, Neuralgia metabolism, Neuralgia pathology, Neurodegenerative Diseases metabolism, Neurodegenerative Diseases pathology, Spinal Cord metabolism, Spinal Cord pathology, Chronic Pain metabolism
- Abstract
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition with major socioeconomic impact, whose neurobiological basis is still not clear. An involvement of the neurovascular unit (NVU) has been recently proposed. In particular, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), two NVU key players, may be affected during the development of chronic pain; in particular, transient permeabilization of the barrier is suggested by several inflammatory- and nerve-injury-based pain models, and we argue that the clarification of molecular BBB/BSCB permeabilization events will shed new light in understanding chronic pain mechanisms. Possible biases in experiments supporting this theory and its translational potentials are discussed. Moving beyond an exclusive focus on the role of the endothelium, we propose that our understanding of the mechanisms subserving chronic pain will benefit from the extension of research efforts to the NVU as a whole. In this view, the available evidence on the interaction between analgesic drugs and the NVU is here reviewed. Chronic pain comorbidities, such as neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, are also discussed in view of NVU changes, together with innovative pharmacological solutions targeting NVU components in chronic pain treatment.
- Published
- 2013
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20. Glucose transporter/T1R3-expressing cells in rat tracheal epithelium.
- Author
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Merigo F, Benati D, Cristofoletti M, Amarù F, Osculati F, and Sbarbati A
- Subjects
- Animals, Immunohistochemistry, Male, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Trachea cytology, Epithelium metabolism, Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative metabolism, Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled metabolism, Sodium-Glucose Transporter 1 metabolism, Trachea metabolism
- Abstract
Glucose transport plays an important role in maintaining low sugar concentration in airway surface liquid (ASL), which is critical for mucociliary clearance and bacterial colonization. Experimental evidence indicates that glucose/hexose uptake in lung/airway cells occurs by means of two structurally distinct glucose transporter pathways: the Na(+) -dependent glucose transporters (SGLT family) and the facilitative glucose transporters (GLUT family). In this study, we examined the expression of the major glucose transporters of the intestine, GLUT2, GLUT5, SGLT1 and T1R3 taste receptor subunit, in the trachea of rats using immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy, and compared them using double-labeled confocal microscopy. We found that GLUT2, GLUT5, SGLT1 and T1R3 are selectively expressed in different cell types. T1R3 and GLUT2 are predominantly expressed in subsets of solitary chemoreceptor cells (SCCs) and ciliated cells, GLUT5 is present in subsets of SCCs and in secretory cells, and SGLT1 is exclusively expressed in a unique cell type, SCCs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that T1R3 is colocalized with SGLT1 in SCCs and with GLUT2 transporter in ciliated cells. In conclusion, these findings reveal that different cell types are associated with the uptake of glucose in ASL and that, due to their T1R3 expression, SCCs and ciliated cells are most likely to participate in the chemosensory process in ASL., (© 2012 The Authors. Journal of Anatomy © 2012 Anatomical Society.)
- Published
- 2012
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21. Glucose transporters are expressed in taste receptor cells.
- Author
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Merigo F, Benati D, Cristofoletti M, Osculati F, and Sbarbati A
- Subjects
- Animals, Female, Glucose Transporter Type 2 metabolism, Glucose Transporter Type 5 metabolism, Immunohistochemistry, Male, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Sodium-Glucose Transporter 1 metabolism, Taste Buds ultrastructure, Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative metabolism, Taste Buds metabolism
- Abstract
In the intestine, changes of sugar concentration generated in the lumen during digestion induce adaptive responses of glucose transporters in the epithelium. A close matching between the intestinal expression of glucose transporters and the composition and amount of the diet has been provided by several experiments. Functional evidence has demonstrated that the regulation of glucose transporters into enterocytes is induced by the sensing of sugar of the enteroendocrine cells through activation of sweet taste receptors (T1R2 and T1R3) and their associated elements of G-protein-linked signaling pathways (e.g. α-gustducin, phospholipase C β type 2 and transient receptor potential channel M5), which are signaling molecules also involved in the perception of sweet substances in the taste receptor cells (TRCs) of the tongue. Considering this phenotypical similarity between the intestinal cells and TRCs, we evaluated whether the TRCs themselves possess proteins of the glucose transport mechanism. Therefore, we investigated the expression of the typical intestinal glucose transporters (i.e. GLUT2, GLUT5 and SGLT1) in rat circumvallate papillae, using immunohistochemistry, double-labeling immunofluorescence, immunoelectron microscopy and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results showed that GLUT2, GLUT5 and SGLT1 are expressed in TRCs; their immunoreactivity was also observed in cells that displayed staining for α-gustducin and T1R3 receptor. The immunoelectron microscopic results confirmed that GLUT2, GLUT5 and SGLT1 were predominantly expressed in cells with ultrastructural characteristics of chemoreceptor cells. The presence of glucose transporters in TRCs adds a further link between chemosensory information and cellular responses to sweet stimuli that may have important roles in glucose homeostasis, contributing to a better understanding of the pathways implicated in glucose metabolism., (© 2011 The Authors. Journal of Anatomy © 2011 Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland.)
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Hippocampal FGF-2 and BDNF overexpression attenuates epileptogenesis-associated neuroinflammation and reduces spontaneous recurrent seizures.
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Bovolenta R, Zucchini S, Paradiso B, Rodi D, Merigo F, Navarro Mora G, Osculati F, Berto E, Marconi P, Marzola A, Fabene PF, and Simonato M
- Subjects
- Animals, Electroencephalography, Interleukin-1beta metabolism, Random Allocation, Rats, Recurrence, Seizures metabolism, Seizures physiopathology, Status Epilepticus chemically induced, Status Epilepticus pathology, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor pharmacology, Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 pharmacology, Hippocampus drug effects, Hippocampus pathology, Hippocampus physiopathology, Inflammation pathology, Seizures pathology, Seizures prevention & control
- Abstract
Under certain experimental conditions, neurotrophic factors may reduce epileptogenesis. We have previously reported that local, intrahippocampal supplementation of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increases neurogenesis, reduces neuronal loss, and reduces the occurrence of spontaneous seizures in a model of damage-associated epilepsy. Here, we asked if these possibly anti-epileptogenic effects might involve anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, we used a Herpes-based vector to supplement FGF-2 and BDNF in rat hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus that established an epileptogenic lesion. This model causes intense neuroinflammation, especially in the phase that precedes the occurrence of spontaneous seizures. The supplementation of FGF-2 and BDNF attenuated various parameters of inflammation, including astrocytosis, microcytosis and IL-1β expression. The effect appeared to be most prominent on IL-1β, whose expression was almost completely prevented. Further studies will be needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) for these effects, and for that on IL-1β in particular. Nonetheless, the concept that neurotrophic factors affect neuroinflammation in vivo may be highly relevant for the understanding of the epileptogenic process.
- Published
- 2010
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23. Does pilocarpine-induced epilepsy in adult rats require status epilepticus?
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Navarro Mora G, Bramanti P, Osculati F, Chakir A, Nicolato E, Marzola P, Sbarbati A, and Fabene PF
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- Animals, Brain pathology, Disease Models, Animal, Electroencephalography methods, Inflammation, Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods, Male, Muscarinic Agonists pharmacology, Pilocarpine chemistry, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Seizures chemically induced, Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe chemically induced, Pilocarpine pharmacology, Status Epilepticus physiopathology
- Abstract
Pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats provide a widely animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Some evidences reported in the literature suggest that at least 1 h of status epilepticus (SE) is required to produce subsequent chronic phase, due to the SE-related acute neuronal damage. However, recent data seems to indicate that neuro-inflammation plays a crucial role in epileptogenesis, modulating secondarily a neuronal insult. For this reason, we decided to test the following hypotheses: a) whether pilocarpine-injected rats that did not develop SE can exhibit long-term chronic spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and b) whether acute neurodegeneration is mandatory to obtain chronic epilepsy. Therefore, we compared animals injected with the same dose of pilocarpine that developed or did not SE, and saline treated rats. We used telemetric acquisition of EEG as long-term monitoring system to evaluate the occurrence of seizures in non-SE pilocarpineinjected animals. Furthermore, histology and MRI analysis were applied in order to detect neuronal injury and neuropathological signs. Our observations indicate that non-SE rats exhibit SRS almost 8 (+/22) months after pilocarpine-injection, independently to the absence of initial acute neuronal injury. This is the first time reported that pilocarpine injected rats without developing SE, can experience SRS after a long latency period resembling human pathology. Thus, we strongly emphasize the important meaning of including these animals to model human epileptogenesis in pilocarpine induced epilepsy.
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
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24. Immunohistochemical localization of Clara cell secretory proteins (CC10-CC26) and Annexin-1 protein in rat major salivary glands.
- Author
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Cecchini MP, Merigo F, Cristofoletti M, Osculati F, and Sbarbati A
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- Animals, Female, Male, Rats, Salivary Glands cytology, Annexin A1 immunology, Enzyme Inhibitors immunology, Rats, Wistar immunology, Salivary Glands immunology, Uteroglobin immunology
- Abstract
The oral cavity is continuously bathed by saliva secreted by the major and minor salivary glands. Saliva is the first biological medium to confront external materials that are taken into the body as part of food or drink or inhaled volatile substances, and it contributes to the first line of oral defence. In humans, it has been shown that sputum and a variety of biological fluids contain Clara cell secretory proteins (CC10-CC26). Various studies of the respiratory apparatus have suggested their protective effect against inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Recently, CC10 deficiency has been related to the protein Annexin-1 (ANXA1), which has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Considering the defensive role of both Clara cell secretory proteins and ANXA1 in the respiratory apparatus, and the importance of salivary gland secretion in the first line of oral defence, we decided to evaluate the expression of CC10, CC26 and ANXA1 proteins in rat major salivary glands using immunohistochemistry. CC10 expression was found only in the ductal component of the sublingual gland. Parotid and submandibular glands consistently lacked CC10 immunoreactivity. In the parotid gland, both acinar and ductal cells were always CC26-negative, whereas in the submandibular gland, immunostaining was localized in the ductal component and in the periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-positive area. In the sublingual gland, ductal cells were always positive. Acinar cells were not immunostained at all. ANXA1 was expressed in ductal cells in all three major glands. In parotid and sublingual glands, acinar cells were negative. In submandibular glands, immunostaining was present in the mucous PAS-positive portion, whereas serous acinar cells were consistently negative. The existence of some CC10-CC26-ANXA1-positive cells in rat salivary glandular tissue is an interesting preliminary finding which could support the hypothesis, suggested for airway tissue, that these proteins have a defensive and protective role. Protein expression heterogeneity in the different portions of the glands could be an important clue in further investigations of their role.
- Published
- 2009
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25. A role for leukocyte-endothelial adhesion mechanisms in epilepsy.
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Fabene PF, Navarro Mora G, Martinello M, Rossi B, Merigo F, Ottoboni L, Bach S, Angiari S, Benati D, Chakir A, Zanetti L, Schio F, Osculati A, Marzola P, Nicolato E, Homeister JW, Xia L, Lowe JB, McEver RP, Osculati F, Sbarbati A, Butcher EC, and Constantin G
- Subjects
- Animals, Cell Adhesion, Cell Adhesion Molecules deficiency, Cell Adhesion Molecules genetics, Cell Adhesion Molecules metabolism, Electroencephalography, Endothelial Cells metabolism, Epilepsy genetics, Epilepsy metabolism, Leukocytes metabolism, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Knockout, Endothelial Cells cytology, Epilepsy pathology, Leukocytes cytology
- Abstract
The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder that affects approximately one percent of the world population, are not well understood. Using a mouse model of epilepsy, we show that seizures induce elevated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecules and enhanced leukocyte rolling and arrest in brain vessels mediated by the leukocyte mucin P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1, encoded by Selplg) and leukocyte integrins alpha(4)beta(1) and alpha(L)beta(2). Inhibition of leukocyte-vascular interactions, either with blocking antibodies or by genetically interfering with PSGL-1 function in mice, markedly reduced seizures. Treatment with blocking antibodies after acute seizures prevented the development of epilepsy. Neutrophil depletion also inhibited acute seizure induction and chronic spontaneous recurrent seizures. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, which is known to enhance neuronal excitability, was induced by acute seizure activity but was prevented by blockade of leukocyte-vascular adhesion, suggesting a pathogenetic link between leukocyte-vascular interactions, BBB damage and seizure generation. Consistent with the potential leukocyte involvement in epilepsy in humans, leukocytes were more abundant in brains of individuals with epilepsy than in controls. Our results suggest leukocyte-endothelial interaction as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of epilepsy.
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Immunohistochemical localization of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator and clara cell secretory protein in taste receptor cells of rat circumvallate papillae.
- Author
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Merigo F, Benati D, Galiè M, Crescimanno C, Osculati F, and Sbarbati A
- Subjects
- Animals, Cell Membrane metabolism, Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator genetics, Cytoplasm metabolism, Female, Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Gene Expression, Immunohistochemistry, Male, RNA, Messenger genetics, RNA, Messenger metabolism, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, Taste Buds cytology, Tongue metabolism, Transducin metabolism, Uteroglobin genetics, Chemoreceptor Cells metabolism, Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator metabolism, Taste Buds metabolism, Uteroglobin metabolism
- Abstract
Taste receptor cells (TRCs) are the sensory cells of taste transduction and are organized into taste buds embedded in the epithelium of the tongue, palate, pharynx, and larynx. Several studies have demonstrated that TRCs involved in sweet as well as bitter and umami responses express alpha-gustducin, an alpha-subunit of the G-protein complex. It has been further demonstrated that this typical taste protein is a potent marker of chemosensory cells located in several tissues, including gastric and pancreatic mucosa and the respiratory apparatus. We recently observed that alpha-gustducin and phospholipase C beta 2-immunoreactive cells were colocalized in the airways with cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) and Clara cell-specific secretory protein of 10 (CC10) and 26 kDa (CC26). This finding suggests that TRCs might themselves express secretory markers. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the expression of CFTR, CC10, and CC26 in rat circumvallate papillae using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunohistochemistry, and confocal laser microscopy. The results showed that secretory markers such as CFTR, CC10, and CC26 are present in taste cells of rat circumvallate papillae, and their immunoreactivity is expressed, to a different extent, in subsets of taste cells that express alpha-gustducin. The presence of CFTR, CC10, and CC26 in taste bud cells and their coexpression pattern with alpha-gustducin confirms and extends our previous findings in airway epithelium, lending further credence to the notion that chemoreception and secretion may be related processes.
- Published
- 2008
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27. Epithelial and mesenchymal tumor compartments exhibit in vivo complementary patterns of vascular perfusion and glucose metabolism.
- Author
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Galiè M, Farace P, Nanni C, Spinelli A, Nicolato E, Boschi F, Magnani P, Trespidi S, Ambrosini V, Fanti S, Merigo F, Osculati F, Marzola P, and Sbarbati A
- Subjects
- Animals, Carcinoma pathology, Female, Gadolinium DTPA, Mice, Positron-Emission Tomography, Rats, Carcinoma blood supply, Carcinoma metabolism, Epithelial Cells pathology, Fluorodeoxyglucose F18, Glucose metabolism, Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods, Mesoderm pathology
- Abstract
Glucose transport and consumption are increased in tumors, and this is considered a diagnostic index of malignancy. However, there is recent evidence that carcinoma-associated stromal cells are capable of aerobic metabolism with low glucose consumption, at least partly because of their efficient vascular supply. In the present study, using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), we mapped in vivo the vascular supply and glucose metabolism in syngeneic experimental models of carcinoma and mesenchymal tumor. We found that in both tumor histotypes, regions with high vascular perfusion exhibited a significantly lower FDG uptake. This reciprocity was more conspicuous in carcinomas than in mesenchymal tumors, and regions with a high-vascular/low-FDG uptake pattern roughly overlapped with a stromal capsule and intratumoral large connectival septa. Accordingly, mesenchymal tumors exhibited a higher vascular perfusion and a lower FDG uptake than carcinomas. Thus, we provide in vivo evidence of vascular/metabolic reciprocity between epithelial and mesenchymal histotypes in tumors, suggesting a new intriguing aspect of epithelial-stromal interaction. Our results suggests that FDG-PET-based clinical analysis can underestimate the malignity or tumor extension of carcinomas exhibiting any trait of "mesenchymalization" such as desmoplasia or epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Early antiangiogenic activity of SU11248 evaluated in vivo by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in an experimental model of colon carcinoma.
- Author
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Marzola P, Degrassi A, Calderan L, Farace P, Nicolato E, Crescimanno C, Sandri M, Giusti A, Pesenti E, Terron A, Sbarbati A, and Osculati F
- Subjects
- Animals, Colonic Neoplasms blood supply, Colonic Neoplasms diagnosis, Contrast Media, Gadolinium DTPA, HT29 Cells, Humans, Image Enhancement, Mice, Mice, Nude, Neovascularization, Pathologic pathology, Neovascularization, Pathologic prevention & control, Reproducibility of Results, Sensitivity and Specificity, Sunitinib, Treatment Outcome, Angiogenesis Inhibitors therapeutic use, Colonic Neoplasms drug therapy, Indoles therapeutic use, Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods, Pyrroles therapeutic use, Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays methods
- Abstract
Purpose: To compare two dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) techniques in terms of their ability in assessing the early antiangiogenic effect of SU11248, a novel selective multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, that exhibits direct antitumor and antiangiogenic activity via inhibition of the receptor tyrosine kinases platelet-derived growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, KIT, and FLT3., Experimental Design: A s.c. tumor model of HT29 human colon carcinoma in athymic mice was used. Two DCE-MRI techniques were used based, respectively, on macromolecular [Gd-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-albumin] and low molecular weight (Gd-DTPA) contrast agents. The first technique provided a quantitative measurement of transendothelial permeability and fractional plasma volume, accepted surrogate markers of tumor angiogenesis. With the second technique, we quantified the initial area under the concentration-time curve, which gives information related to tumor perfusion and vascular permeability. Experiments were done before and 24 hours after a single dose administration of SU11248., Results: The early antiangiogenic effect of SU11248 was detected by DCE-MRI with macromolecular contrast agent as a 42% decrease in vascular permeability measured in the tumor rim. The effect was also detected by DCE-MRI done with Gd-DTPA as a 31% decrease in the initial area under the concentration-time curve. Histologic slices showed a statistically significant difference in mean vessel density between the treated and control groups., Conclusions: The early antiangiogenic activity of SU11248 was detected in vivo by DCE-MRI techniques using either macromolecular or low molecular weight contrast agents. Because DCE-MRI techniques with low molecular weight contrast agents can be used in clinical studies, these results could be relevant for the design of clinical trials based on new paradigms.
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Laryngeal chemosensory clusters.
- Author
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Sbarbati A, Merigo F, Benati D, Tizzano M, Bernardi P, and Osculati F
- Subjects
- Animals, Female, Immunohistochemistry, Laryngeal Mucosa ultrastructure, Male, Microscopy, Electron, Transmission, Olfactory Receptor Neurons chemistry, Olfactory Receptor Neurons ultrastructure, Rats, Transducin analysis, Chemoreceptor Cells chemistry, Chemoreceptor Cells ultrastructure, Laryngeal Mucosa innervation, Taste Buds chemistry, Taste Buds ultrastructure
- Abstract
The expression of molecules involved in the transductory cascade of the sense of taste (TRs, alpha-gustducin, PLCbeta2, IP3R3) has been described in lingual taste buds or in solitary chemoreceptor cells located in different organs. At the laryngeal inlet, immunocytochemical staining at the light and electron microscope levels revealed that alpha-gustducin and PLCbeta2 are mainly localized in chemosensory clusters (CCs), which are multicellular organizations differing from taste buds, being generally composed of two or three chemoreceptor cells. Compared with lingual taste buds, CCs are lower in height and smaller in diameter. In laryngeal CCs, immunocytochemistry using the two antibodies identified a similar cell type which appears rather unlike the alpha-gustducin-immunoreactive (IR) and PLCbeta2-IR cells visible in lingual taste buds. The laryngeal IR cells are shorter than the lingual ones, with poorly developed basal processes and their apical process is shorter and thicker. Some cells show a flask-like shape due to the presence of a large body and the absence of basal processes. CCs lack pores and their delimitation from the surrounding epithelium is poorly evident. The demonstration of the existence of CCs strengthens the hypothesis of a phylogenetic link between gustatory and solitary chemosensory cells., (Copyright 2004 Oxford University Press)
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. p21(Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1) mediates shear stress-dependent antiapoptotic function.
- Author
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Mattiussi S, Turrini P, Testolin L, Martelli F, Zaccagnini G, Mangoni A, Barlucchi LM, Antonini A, Illi B, Cirielli C, Padron J, Nicolò C, Testi R, Osculati F, Biglioli P, Capogrossi MC, and Gaetano C
- Subjects
- Adenoviridae genetics, Animals, Apoptosis drug effects, Cells, Cultured, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21, Cyclins genetics, DNA, Antisense administration & dosage, Genetic Vectors administration & dosage, Hindlimb, Humans, Ischemia drug therapy, Ischemia metabolism, Ischemia pathology, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred Strains, Mice, Nude, Nitric Oxide Donors pharmacology, Nitroprusside pharmacology, Stress, Mechanical, Transduction, Genetic, Cyclins pharmacology, Endothelial Cells drug effects
- Abstract
Objective: The antiapoptotic effect of p21(Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1) (p21) was examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed to laminar shear stress (SS) or to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia., Methods: In vitro: Cells were cultured without serum and in the presence of cobalt chloride to simulate hypoxia for 12 h (T0). Shear stress was applied to endothelial cells for additional 12 h. In vivo: Hindlimb ischemia was realized in mice by femoral artery ligation. SNP was acutely administered by subcutaneous injection or by Alzet osmotic pumps for a longer treatment., Results: At T0, HUVEC were either exposed to SS (15 dyn/cm2/s(-1)), treated with SNP or kept in static condition (ST) for 1-12 h; after additional 12 h in ST, 30-35% of cells still alive at T0 had died. In this condition, both SS and SNP treatments markedly increased p21 levels and reduced apoptosis in HUVEC. Recombinant adenoviruses carrying p21 (AdCMV.p21) or antisense p21 (AdCMV.ASp21) cDNA revealed that AdCMV.p21-infected HUVEC were protected from death while AdCMV.ASp21 reduced SS- and SNP-dependent protection from apoptosis. In mice, apoptosis was detected in endothelial cells of ischemic hindlimbs as early as 8 h after femoral artery ligation. Treatment with SNP enhanced p21 expression and protected ischemic tissue from damage. Remarkably, direct in vivo injection of AdCMV.p21 significantly reduced the number of apoptotic nuclei in the presence of ischemia., Conclusions: The present study establishes that, under our experimental conditions, (a) p21 plays an important role in SS and nitric oxide antiapoptotic effect in vitro, and (b) p21 gene transfer prevents apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, following acute interruption of blood flow.
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. In vivo assessment of antiangiogenic activity of SU6668 in an experimental colon carcinoma model.
- Author
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Marzola P, Degrassi A, Calderan L, Farace P, Crescimanno C, Nicolato E, Giusti A, Pesenti E, Terron A, Sbarbati A, Abrams T, Murray L, and Osculati F
- Subjects
- Animals, Cell Line, Tumor, Colonic Neoplasms metabolism, Contrast Media pharmacology, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Mice, Mice, Nude, Models, Statistical, Neoplasm Transplantation, Neovascularization, Pathologic, Oxindoles, Permeability, Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 biosynthesis, Propionates, Protein-Tyrosine Kinases metabolism, Time Factors, Angiogenesis Inhibitors pharmacology, Colonic Neoplasms drug therapy, Indoles pharmacology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods, Pyrroles pharmacology
- Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to assess in vivo by dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) the antiangiogenic effect of SU6668, an oral, small molecule inhibitor of the angiogenic receptor tyrosine kinases vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (Flk-1/KDR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1., Experimental Design: A s.c. tumor model of HT29 human colon carcinoma in athymic mice was used. DCE-MRI with a macromolecular contrast agent was used to measure transendothelial permeability and fractional plasma volume, accepted surrogate markers of tumor angiogenesis. CD31 immunohistochemical staining was used for assessing microvessels density and vessels area. Experiments were performed after 24 h, and 3, 7, and 14 days of treatment., Results: DCE-MRI clearly detected the early effect (after 24 h of treatment) of SU6668 on tumor vasculature as a 51% and 26% decrease in the average vessel permeability measured in the tumor rim and core (respectively). A substantial decrease was also observed in average fractional plasma volume in the rim (59%) and core (35%) of the tumor. Histological results confirmed magnetic resonance imaging findings. After 3, 7, and 14 days of treatment, postcontrast magnetic resonant images presented a thin strip of strongly enhanced tissue at the tumor periphery; histology examination showed that this hyperenhanced ring corresponded to strongly vascularized tissue adjacent but external to the tumor. Histology also revealed a strong decrease in the thickness of peripheral viable tissue, with a greatly reduced vessel count. SU6668 greatly inhibited tumor growth, with 60% inhibition at 14 days of treatment., Conclusions: DCE-MRI detected in vivo the antiangiogenic efficacy of SU6668.
- Published
- 2004
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32. Magnetic resonance imaging of the rat Harderian gland.
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Sbarbati A, Calderan L, Nicolato E, Marzola P, Lunati E, Donatella B, Bernardi P, and Osculati F
- Subjects
- Animals, Feasibility Studies, Female, Harderian Gland chemistry, Harderian Gland ultrastructure, Lipids analysis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Porphyrins analysis, Rats, Rats, Sprague-Dawley metabolism, Harderian Gland anatomy & histology, Rats, Sprague-Dawley anatomy & histology
- Abstract
The intra-orbital lacrimal gland (Harderian gland, or HG) of the female rat was studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate whether MRI can be used to visualize the gland in vivo and localized-1H-spectroscopy detect its lipid content. The results were correlated with post-mortem anatomical sections, and with light and electron microscopy. On MRI, HG presented as a mass located between the ocular bulb and the orbit. In strongly T2W sequences the secretory structures had a reduced signal while intraparenchymal connective tissue was visible. T2-quantitative maps values of HG (60.12 +/- 8.15 ms, mean +/- SD) were different from other tissues (i.e. muscular tissue, T2 = 44.79 +/- 3.43 ms and olfactory bulb, T2 = 79.26 +/- 4.25 ms). In contrast-enhanced-MRI, HG had a signal-intensity-drop of 0.074 +/- 0.072 (mean +/- SD), after injection of AMI-25, significantly different from the muscle (0.17 +/- 0.10). Localized MRI spectra gave a large part of the signal originating from fat protons, but with a significant percentage from water protons. At light and electron microscopy the lipid deposition appeared to be composed of low-density material filling a large part of the cytoplasm, and the porphyrin aggregates were easily recognizable. The data demonstrate that an in vivo study of the HG was feasible and that high-field MRI allowed analysis of the gross anatomy detecting the lipid content of the gland.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the sarcopenic muscle.
- Author
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Nicolato E, Farace P, Asperio RM, Marzola P, Lunati E, Sbarbati A, and Osculati F
- Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies about capillarity of the aged muscle provided conflicting results and no data are currently available about the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo characteristics of the microvascular bed in aged rats. We have studied age-related modifications of the skeletal muscle by in vivo T2-relaxometry and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) at high field intensity (4.7 T). The aim of the work was to test the hypothesis that the ageing process involves microvessels in skeletal muscle. METHODS: The study was performed in 4-month-old (n = 6) and 20-month-old (n = 6) rats. RESULTS: At MRI examination, the relaxation time T2 of the gastrocnemius muscle showed no significant difference between these two groups. The kinetic of contrast penetration in the tissue showed that in 4-month-old rats the enhancement values of the signal intensity at different time-points were significantly higher than those found in senescent rats. CONCLUSION: The reported finding suggests that there is a modification of the microcirculatory function in skeletal muscle of aged rats. This work also demonstrates that CE-MRI allows for an in vivo quantification of the multiple biological processes involving the skeletal muscle during aging. Therefore, CE-MRI could represent a further tool for the follow up of tissue modification and therapeutic intervention both in patients with sarcopenia and in experimental models of this pathology.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Ganglion cells and topographically related nerves in the vallate papilla/von Ebner gland complex.
- Author
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Sbarbati A, Merigo F, Bernardi P, Crescimanno C, Benati D, and Osculati F
- Subjects
- Acetylcholinesterase metabolism, Animals, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide metabolism, Carrier Proteins metabolism, Ganglia ultrastructure, Immunohistochemistry, NADPH Dehydrogenase metabolism, Neurons metabolism, Neurons ultrastructure, Nitric Oxide Synthase metabolism, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Substance P metabolism, Tongue ultrastructure, Vesicular Acetylcholine Transport Proteins, Exocrine Glands metabolism, Ganglia metabolism, Membrane Transport Proteins, Tongue innervation, Tongue metabolism, Vesicular Transport Proteins
- Abstract
Ganglion cells and topographically related nerves in the vallate papilla/von Ebner gland complex were investigated in rat tongue by cytochemical, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural methods to evaluate the possible presence of different neuronal subpopulations. Immunostaining for neurofilaments and protein gene product 9.5 revealed ganglionic cell bodies and nerve fibers. A large part of the neurons were positive at immunostaining for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). A small subset of nerve fibers revealed immunoreactivity for cholecystokinin. Axons traveling under the lingual epithelium were evidenced by their content of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or substance P (SP). Cell bodies positive for SP or CGRP were not detected. Using methods of co-localization, three different neuronal classes were detected. The main population was composed of AChE/NADPH-diaphorase (NADPHd)-positive cells. Small groups of acetylcholine esterase (AChE)-positive/NADPHd-negative cells were visible. Isolated neurons were AChE-negative/NADPHd-positive. The results of co-localization experiments for VAChT/NOS were consistent with those obtained by cytochemical co-localization of AChE and NADPHd. Experiments of co-localization for peptidergic and nitrergic structures revealed CGRP- and SP-immunoreactive fibers in the vallate papilla/von Ebner gland ganglion. In conclusion, the results demonstrated in the VP/VEG complex peptidergic, cholinergic, and nitrergic neurons. The presence of different neuronal subclasses suggests that a certain degree of functional specialization may exist.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Comparison of results of scanning electron microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging before and after administration of a radiographic contrast agent in the tendon of the deep digital flexor muscle obtained from horse cadavers.
- Author
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Asperio RM, Marzola P, Sbarbati A, Osculati F, and Addis F
- Subjects
- Animals, Contrast Media chemistry, Female, Forelimb anatomy & histology, Forelimb ultrastructure, Gadolinium DTPA, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Male, Muscle, Skeletal anatomy & histology, Muscle, Skeletal ultrastructure, Tendons ultrastructure, Water physiology, Horses physiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging veterinary, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning veterinary, Tendons anatomy & histology
- Abstract
Objective: To analyze the tendon of the deep digital flexor (TDDF) muscle of the forelimb in horses by use of a contrast radiographic agent (gadopentate dimeglumine [Gd-DTPA/Dimeg]) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine the concentration of water protons in the tendons by use of MRI., Sample Population: 8 TDDF harvested from the forelimbs of 6 horse cadavers., Procedure: Examinations were performed on the same portion of each tendon. Tendons were examined by use of two techniques: MRI before and after treatment with Gd-DTPA/Dimeg as well as scanning electron microscopy., Results: Tendons did not have detectable signal intensity on MRI before treatment with Gd-DTPA/Dimeg; however, intravascular injection of Gd-DTPA/Dimeg allowed evaluation of the internal structure of the tendons Scanning electron microscopy images correlated well with images obtained by use of MRI before and after administration of Gd-DTPA/Dimeg. Localized spectra revealed the concentration of water protons in the TDDF., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The techniques used in this study provided information about internal organization of the TDDF in horses. Analysis of results revealed that the best technique involved vascular injection of contrast medium. Results of MRI correlated well with results for scanning electron microscopy. After administration of Gd-DTPA/Dimeg, MRI provided additional information about tendon morphologic characteristics. This technique may be of value for examination of tendons in lame horses.
- Published
- 2000
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Alpha-gustducin-immunoreactive solitary chemosensory cells in the developing chemoreceptorial epithelium of the rat vallate papilla.
- Author
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Sbarbati A, Crescimanno C, Bernardi P, and Osculati F
- Subjects
- Age Factors, Animals, Animals, Newborn, Epithelial Cells metabolism, Immunohistochemistry, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Tongue metabolism, Taste Buds metabolism, Tongue growth & development, Transducin analysis
- Abstract
The presence of solitary chemosensory cells was studied in rat vallate papillae during the first week of post-natal life by alpha-gustducin immunocytochemistry. In 1- to 3-day-old rats, isolated alpha-gustducin-immunoreactive cells were found within the epithelium of the vallate papilla. These cells, mainly located in the basal layer, were scattered among keratocytes and wrapped in alpha-gustducin-negative epithelial cells in a glia-like fashion. The alpha-gustducin-immunoreactive cells were usually round and some of them gave rise to short, large processes directed towards the lumen of the oral cavity or the basal lamina. Rarely, some cells showed an evident bipolar shape. Small taste buds containing either alpha-gustducin-immunoreactive or alpha-gustducin-negative cells appeared in the vallate papillae of 4-day-old rats in which isolated, bipolar-shaped alpha-gustducin-immunoreactive cells were also found. After the first week of post-natal life, the taste buds appeared basically similar to those of adult animals. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the presence of epithelial cells with characteristics of solitary chemosensory cells precedes the development of the taste buds.
- Published
- 1999
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Electrophysiological characterization of a putative supporting cell isolated from the frog taste disk.
- Author
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Bigiani A, Sbarbati A, Osculati F, and Pietra P
- Subjects
- Action Potentials physiology, Amiloride pharmacology, Animals, Calcium Channels physiology, Membrane Potentials physiology, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Potassium Channels physiology, Sodium Channels drug effects, Taste Buds cytology, Tetrodotoxin pharmacology, Rana esculenta physiology, Taste Buds physiology
- Abstract
Chemosensory cells in vertebrate taste organs have two obvious specializations: an apical membrane with access to the tastants occurring in food, and synapses with sensory axons. In many species, however, certain differentiated taste cells have access to the tastants but lack any synaptic contacts with axons, and a supportive rather than chemosensory function has been attributed to them. Until now, no functional data are available for these taste cells. To begin to understand their role in taste organ physiology, we have characterized with patch-clamp recording techniques the electrophysiological properties of a putative supporting cell-the so-called wing cell-isolated from frog taste disks. Wing cells were distinguished from chemosensory elements by the presence of a typical, sheet-like apical process. Their resting potential was approximately -52 mV, and the average input resistance was 4.8 GOmega. Wing cells possessed voltage-gated Na+ currents sensitive to TTX, and an inactivating, voltage-gated K+ current sensitive to TEA. Current injections elicited single action potentials but not repetitive firing. We found no evidence for voltage-gated Ca2+ currents under various experimental conditions. Amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels, thought to be involved in Na+ chemotransduction, were present in wing cells. Many of the membrane properties of wing cells have been also reported for chemosensory taste cells. The presence of ion channels in wing cells might be suggestive of a role in controlling the microenvironment inside the taste organs or the functioning of chemosensory cells or both. In addition, they might participate directly in the sensory transduction events by allowing loop currents to flow inside the taste organs during chemostimulation.
- Published
- 1998
38. Ultrastructural lesions in the small bowel of patients with cystic fibrosis.
- Author
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Sbarbati A, Bertini M, Catassi C, Gagliardini R, and Osculati F
- Subjects
- Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Humans, Infant, Intestinal Mucosa ultrastructure, Male, Microscopy, Electron, Cystic Fibrosis pathology, Intestine, Small ultrastructure
- Abstract
In the small bowel of patients with cystic fibrosis, primary defects involving both chloride transport and mucus secretion have been demonstrated, but there is no general consensus about the morphologic counterpart of functional and biochemical abnormalities. We have studied the intestinal mucosa in a group of patients with cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal symptoms with the aim of evaluating whether the intestinal mucosa is normal as previously described. The results showed that the small bowel involvement is characterized by a typical pattern of lesions with preservation of the mucosal architecture and abundant mucus at the surface. In the villi, the absorbing cells were generally well preserved, but unusual features were found in the apical portion of the goblet cells, which formed sacks containing mucus droplets. Similar sacks were also found detached from the goblet cells. Aspects of degeneration were present in the upper portion of the crypts where elements with an extensive vacuolization of the cytoplasm and swelling were detectable. This study demonstrates that in patients with cystic fibrosis the ultrastructure of the small bowel mucosa is not normal as previously described, but that an ultrastructurally detectable enteropathy exists. This enteropathy seems to be localized mainly in sites where molecular biology studies described the highest expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator.
- Published
- 1998
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Magnetic resonance imaging of the saccular otolithic mass.
- Author
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Sbarbati A, Leclercq F, Antonakis K, and Osculati F
- Subjects
- Animals, Ear, Inner ultrastructure, Female, Male, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning, Ear, Inner anatomy & histology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Rana esculenta anatomy & histology
- Abstract
The frog's inner ear was studied in vivo by high spatial resolution magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla. The vestibule, the internal acoustic meatus, and the auditory tube have been identified. The large otolithic mass contained in the vestibule showed a virtual absence of magnetic resonance signal probably due to its composition of closely packed otoconia.
- Published
- 1992
40. Enhanced activity of peritoneal cells after aclacinomycin injection: effect of pretreatment with superoxide dismutase on aclacinomycin-induced cytological alterations and antitumoral activity.
- Author
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Bravo-Cuellar A, Balercia G, Levesque JP, Liu XH, Osculati F, and Orbach-Arbouys S
- Subjects
- Aclarubicin pharmacology, Animals, Lipopolysaccharides pharmacology, Luminescent Measurements, Macrophages immunology, Macrophages ultrastructure, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Inbred DBA, Peritoneal Cavity cytology, Superoxide Dismutase metabolism, Talc pharmacology, Aclarubicin analogs & derivatives, Cytotoxicity, Immunologic drug effects, Macrophages drug effects, Neoplasms, Experimental immunology, Superoxide Dismutase pharmacology
- Abstract
Peritoneal macrophages from mice injected with aclacinomycin (ACM) (4 mg/kg, i.p.) showed increased functional activity, as assessed by increased antitumoral activity in vitro and in vivo and zymosan-triggered chemoluminescence. They also showed ultrastructural signs of activation (increased number of cytoplasmic organelles), and atypical alterations (giant vacuoles and giant lysosomes containing heterogenous myelinoid bodies, lipofuscine-like substance, cytoplasmic debris, and a fine granular material). As these atypical alterations could be due to the generation of superoxide following ACM injection, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was injected 1 h prior to ACM administration. Neither the morphological characteristics of activation, nor the enhanced metabolic and antitumoral activities induced by ACM were affected by SOD pretreatment, but the atypical alterations were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Heat-inactivated SOD did not prevent their appearance. The atypical alterations were not found in peritoneal macrophages from talc or lipopolysaccharide-injected mice, but they were present in Adriamycin-treated mice and were also prevented by SOD pretreatment, indicating that the alterations are due to anthracycline treatment. Finally, [125I]SOD was phagocytized by peritoneal macrophages in vitro and in vivo and not by L1210 tumoral cells, explaining why the atypical alterations induced by ACM were no longer seen after SOD pretreatment. The unchanged direct oncostatic activity of ACM following SOD pretreatment suggests that this combination may have some wider perhaps clinical, potential.
- Published
- 1989
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