• Applied Microscopy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.15-29
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• 1992

The gallbladder is known to have the function of the storage and the concentration of the bile produced by the liver. This function is carried out by the removal of water and inorganic electrolytes. Extrahepatic cholestasis or the impairment of excretion of the bile leads to the distension and loss of the function of the gallbladder. The purpose of this study was to examine the ultrastructural characteristics of the normal gallbladder epithelial cells, and their structural changes induced by the ligation of common bile duct of the rabbit. Common bile duct ligation was performed under ether anesthesia. The rabbits were sacrificed on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 14th day, respectively after operations. The tissue blocks of the gallbladder were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde-1.5% paraformaldehyde prior to fixation in 1% osmium tetroxide, and embedded in the araldite mixture, and observed with JEM 100 CX-II electron microscope. The results were as follows: 1. The normal gallbladder epithelium of adult rabbit demonstrated two cell types, the ordinary epthelial cell and the dark cell. The dark cells have electron dense cytoplasm, and were found much infrequently, whereas ordinary epthelial cells were found quite numerous. 2. The ordinary epthelial cells of normal gallbladder were provided with the regular microvilli at the free surface and the images of pinocytotic activities in the apical cytoplasm, and exhibit highly convoluted lateral surfaces with elaborated microfolds. These figures of the cells suggest that they are resorptive in functional activity. 3. In the early stages (1st, 3rd, 5th day groups) following the ligation, the apical cytoplasm of some cells is protruding from the free surface and lost their microvilli. Numerous mucous granules filled in the apical and supranuclear cytoplasm compactly. 4. In the late stages (7th, 14th day groups) following the ligation, many light cells containing mumerous mucous granules are seen, between the ordinary epthelial cells. Mucous granules are fused each other, and are discharged into the lumen from the apical cytoplasm. The lateral membranes are straight or undulating without any interdigitations. From the above results, it was concluded that in the cholestasis induced by the common bile duct ligation, there is a tendency for the mucosal epithelium of the rabbit gallbladder to have secretory rather than an absorptive function.

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.362-369
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• 2004

The human folate receptor (hFR) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) linked plasma membrane protein that mediates delivery of folates into cells. We studied the sorting of the hFR using transfection of the hFR cDNA into MDCK cells. MDCK cells are polarized epithelial cells that preferentially sort GPI-linked proteins to their apical membrane. Unlike other GPI-tailed proteins, we found that in MDCK cells, hFR is functional on both the apical and basolateral surfaces. We verified that the same hFR cDNA that transfected into CHO cells produces the hFR protein that is GPI-linked. We also measured the hFR expression on the plasma membrane of type III paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) human erythrocytes. PNH is a disease that is characterized by the inability of cells to express membrane proteins requiring a GPI anchor. Despite this defect, and different from other GPI-tailed proteins, we found similar levels of hFR in normal and type III PNH human erythrocytes. The results suggest the hypothesis that there may be multiple mechanisms for targeting hFR to the plasma membrane.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.186-196
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• 2010

Introduction: The first aim of this study was to isolate the dental tissue-derived stem cells from the dental follicle (DF), dental pulp (DP), and root apical papilla (RAP) of the extracted wisdom teeth. Second was to evaluate their characterization with the expressions of transcription factors and cell surface markers. Finally, their ability of the in vitro multi-lineage differentiations into osteogenic and adipogenic cells were compared, respectively. Materials and Methods: Dental tissues, including dental follicle, dental pulp, and root apical papilla, were separated in the extracted wisdom teeth. These three dental tissues were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) with supplements, respectively. After passage 3, the homogeneous shaped dental tissue-derived cells were analyzed the expression of transcription factors (Oct-4, Nanog and Sox-2) and cell surface markers (CD44, CD90 and CD105) with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. In order to evaluate in vitro multi-lineage differentiations, the culture media were changed to the osteogenic and adipogenic induction mediums when the dental tissue-derived cells reached to passage 3. The characteristics of these three dental tissue-derived cells were compared with immunohistochemistry. Results: During primary culture, heterogenous and colony formatted dental tissue-derived cells were observed in the culture plates. After passage 2 or 3, homogenous spindle-like cells were observed in all culture plates. Transcription factors and mesenchymal stem cell markers were positively observed in all three types of dental tissue-derived cells. However, the quantity of expressed transcription factors was most large in RAP-derived cells. In all three types of dental tissue-derived cells, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiations were observed after treatment of specific induction media. In vitro adipogenic differentiation was similar among these three types of cells. In vitro osteogenic differentiation was most strongly and frequently observed in the RAP-derived cells, whereas rarely osteogenic differentiation was observed in the DP-derived cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest that three types of human dental tissue-derived cells from extracted wisdom teeth were multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, have the properties of multi-lineage differentiations. Especially, stem cells from root apical papilla (SCAP) have much advantage in osteogenic differentiation, whereas dental follicle cells (DFCs) have a characteristic of easy adipogenic differentiation.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.47-57
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• 1996

This study analysed the transport properties of bladder mucosa known as the typical system of 'tight epithelia' by using TEM observation with both rapid freeze-fracture electron microscopy and thin-section method and mainly analysed the cellular characteristics of turtle bladder epithelial cells. The bladder epithelium, like other tight epithelia, consists of a heterogenous population of cells. The majority of the mucosal cells are the granular cells and may function primarily in the process of active $Na^+$ reabsorption in turtle bladder. The remaining two types of cells are rich in mitochondria and is believed to be res-ponsible for a single major transport system, namely, $H^+$ transport by A-type of cell and urinary $HCO_{3}^-$ secretion by B-type of cell. As viewed in freeze-fracture electron micrograph, the tight junctions form a continuous tight seal around the epithelial cells, thus restricting diffusion in tight epithelia. In addition, the apical surface membranes have a population of rod-shaped intramembranous particles (IMPs). It is believed that these IMPs probably represent the components of the proton pump. However, it is likely that these characteristics of the apical transporter remain to be clarified in tight epithelial cells.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.223-230
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• 1999

The epithelium of the rectum in the mosquito larvae, Culex pipiens pallens: Culicidae, was observed with electron microscope. The rectum of posterior hindgut was composed of epithelial tissue which were covered with cuticular intima on the luminal side, connective tissue and muscular tissue. The rectal epithelial cells were squamous absorptive cells, and apical plasma membranes were highly folded to form apical infoldings with mitochondria inserted them. The lateral plasma membranes were irregularly infolded and well developed mitochondria were found closely associated with infoldings . And intercellular spaces (or channels) were formed between the epithelial cells, whereas speptate junction was found near the apical zone between them. Also basal plasma membrane were infolded which made basal infoldings ('basal labyrinth'), and were covered with thin basal lamina. Rcetal epithelium was surrounded by the connective tissue which was contained axon and tracheole cells. Connective tissue was covered with the bundles of circular and longitudinal muscles.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.59-69
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• 1989

Ultrastructure of the secretory portion of the small ampullate gland in the orb web spider, Nephila clavata, has been investigated using the electron microscope. The secretory portion of this gland comprise two different regions which are a S-shaped storage sac and a long, convoluted tail. By the internal textures of the secretory granules, the sac is subdivided into two regions ; the proximal region near the tail and the distal region near the duct. Commonly single layered connectives cover the basal portion of the sac epithelium, and apical portion of the epithelial cells is occupied by the thick cuticles. Within the epithelial cells of both the proximal and distal region, several types of the secretory granules surrounded by a limiting membrane and had characteristic crystalloid are scattered throughout the cytoplasm. The granular size and its electron densities are not coincide with each other according to the maturation level of the granules. The wall of the tail is composed of single layer of columnar epithelial cells, and their nuclei are found at the basal portion of the cells. Dissimilar to the epithelial cells of the sac, apical cuticles are not found at this portion. In the cytoplasm of these cells, numerous secretory granules, synthesized from the rough endoplasmic reticula commonly and had fine fibrous materials, are found. At the cell surface bordering the lumen, microvilli are seen, arid along the cellular boundaries specialized septate junctions and desmosomes appeared.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.191-202
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• 1995

The purpose of this study was to compare effects of insulin and IGFs on growth, apical membrane enzyme activities and membrane transport systems of primary cultured rabbit kidney proximal tubule cells. Results were as follows: 1. Insulin and IGF-I produced significant growth stimulatory effects at $5{\times}10^{-10}M.\;IGF-II(5×10^{-10}\;M)$ did not stimulate significant cell growth. 2. Insulin stimulated the phosphorylation of a 97 KD protein. It was difficult to determine whether this band represents insulin and/or the IGF-I receptor. 3. The activities of apical membrane enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, and ${\gamma}-glutamyl \;transpeptidase)$ were observed to be diminished after the cells were placed in the culture environment. 4. The uptake of ${\alpha}-MG,$ Pi and Na was significantly increased in cells incubated with insulin or IGF-I, IGF-II had no effect on the uptake of these substrates. 5. Na-pump activity, as assayed by Rb uptake, was significantly increased in cells treated with insulin or IGFs. In conclusion, insulin and IGF-I exert stimulatory effects on growth and membrane transporter(glucose, Na, Pi, and Na-pump) activities in primary cultured rabbit kidney proximal tubule cells. IGF-II had no effect on cell growth and membrane transporter(glucose, Na and Pi) activities.

• ALGAE
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.115-118
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• 2008

Cells of the dinoflagellate Peridinium were frequently observed in water samples of Togyo reservoir, and some species were responsible for dense blooms. Recently, we could identify them as P. bipes f. occultatum Lindem. and P. aciculiferum Lemm., considering morphology (Ki et al. 2005a; Ki and Han 2005b): However, some unidentified Peridinium cells with different shapes and body sizes were found among the samples collected during early spring. Here we describe their morphological characteristics such as thecal plate and body size to characterize its taxonomic identity by morphological characters. The formula of epithecal plates was recorded as 4 apical, 2 intercalary and 7 precingular plates (i.e. 4’', 2a, 7’'’') and the epicone in an apical view was symmetric. An apical pore was easy to make out under a light microscope. No cingular displacement was observed. The average body size was 33 $\mu$m in length with a range of 26-36 $\mu$m, and average 26 $\mu$m in width with a range of 21-31 $\mu$m, respectively; the cell was, therefore, shown slightly elongated. This way we identified Peridinium umbonatum Stein, 1883 for the first time from Korean freshwaters.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2014

The auditory system of the Korean greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum korai, RFK) is adapted to its own echolocation signal, which consist of constant frequency (CF) element and frequency modulated (FM) element. In contrast, the Japanese long-fingered bat (Miniopterus schreibersii fuliginosus, MSF) emits FM signals. In the present study, the characteristics of stereocilia in RFK (a CF/FM bat) and MSF (a FM bat) were studied in the apical turn of the cochlea where the lower frequencies are transduced. Stereocilia lengths and numbers were quantitatively measured in RFK by scanning electron microscopy and compared with those of MSF. Each inner hair cells (IHCs) of RFK possessed three rows of stereocilia, whereas MSF possessed five rows of stereocilia. Gradients in stereocilia lengths and numbers of stereocilia of the IHCs of RFK were found to be less pronounced and fewer, respectively, than those of MSF. Each outer hair cells (OHCs) possessed three rows of stereocilia in both species. OHCs stereocilia in RFK that distinguished it from MSF were a shorter length and a greater number of stereocilia. These features suggest that the apical cochleas of RFK are adapted for the processing of higher frequency echolocation calls rather than that of MSF.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.363-377
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• 1998

After the investigation on the eye of Incilaria fruhstorieri with light and electron microscopes, the following results were obtained. The eye of Incilaria fruhstorferi comprises cornea, lens, vitreous body, retina, and optic nerve inward from the outside. Cornea is composed of squamous, cuboid, columnar and irregular cells, which appear to be light due to their low electron density. In their cytoplasms, glycogen granules, multivesicular body, and nucleus were observed. Vitreous body, located behind non-cellular transparent lens, is filled with long and short microvilli protruding from the retinal epithelia. Retinal epithelium, the organ to perceive objects, is divided into four parts; microvillar layer pigment layer, nuclear layer, and neutrophils layer, from the apical portion. Microvillar layer consists of the type-I photoreceptor cells and pigmented granule cells. In the apical portion of their cytoplasms, long microvilli (length, $19{\mu}m$) , short microvilli (length, $8{\mu}m$), and rolled microvilli grow thick in the irregular and mixed forms. Photoreceptor cells are classified into type-I and type-II, according to their structures. The type-I cell has the apical portion rising roundly like a fan and the lower part which looks like the helve of a fan. In the cytoplasm of the apical portion, there are clear vesicles, cored vesicles, ovoid mitochondria, and microfilaments, and in the cytoplasm of the lower part, photic vesicles with their diameters about 60nm aggregate densely. The type-II photoreceptor cell, located at the lower end of the type-I cells, has a very large ovoid nucleus 3nd no microvilli. In the cytoplasm of the type-II cell, the photic vesicles with sizes 60nm aggregate more densely than in the cytoplasm of the type-I cell. Pigmented cells are classified into type-A and type-B, according to their structures. The type-A is identified to be a large cell containing round granules (diameter, $0.5{\mu}m$) of very high electron density, while the type-B is identified as a small cell where the irregular granules (diameter, $0.6{\mu}m$) of a little lower electron density amalgamate. Nuclear layer ranges from the bottom of pigment layer to the top of the capsule, and contains three kinds of nuclei (nuclei of the type-II photoreceptor cell, pigmented granule cell, and accessory neuron). The capsules covering the outmost part of the eyeball are composed of collagenous fiber and three longitudinal muscle layers (the thickness of each longitudinal muscle layer, $0.4{\mu}m$) and thick circular muscle layer (thickness, $0.3{\mu}m$). Around the capsules, there is a neurophile layer consisting of neurons and nerve fibers. Each neuron has a relatively large ovoid nucleus for its cytoplasm, and in the karyosome, large lumps of keterochromatin form a wheel nucleus.