• Applied Microscopy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.39-52
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• 1995

Pinealocytes in the lower vertebrate are known to have photoreceptive function. These photoreceptor cells have been characterized morphologically in various species of lower vertebrates. No such ultrastructural studies, however, were reported in fresh water turtle. The purpose of this study is to characterize the pinealocytes and the phylogenetic evoluton of these cells is discussed in terms of functional analogy. I. Light microscopy: The pineal body was divided into incomplete lobules by connective tissue septa containing blood vessels, and parenchymal cells were arranged as irregular cords or follicular pattern. In the lobules, glandular lumina were present and contained often densely stained materials. II. Electron microscopy: The pineal parenchyma had three categories of cells: photoreceptor cells, supportive cells and nerve cells. The photoreceptor cells had darker cytoplasm compared to the supportive cells, and the enlarged apical cytoplasm(inner segment) containing abundant mitochondria and dense cored vescles protruded into the glandular lumen in which lamellar membrane stacks(outer segment), dense membranous materials, and cilia were present. Some of these lamellated membrane stacks appeared to be dege-nerating while others were apparently newly formed. Constricted neck portion of the photoreceptor cells contained longitudinally arranged abundant microtubules. centrioles and cross-striated rootlets. Cell body had well developed Golgi apparatus, abundant mitochondria, dense granules($0.5{\sim}1{\mu}m$), dense cored vesicles($70{\sim}100nm$), and rough endoplasmic reticulum occasionally with dense material within its cisterna. Basal portion of the photoreceptor cells had basal processes often with synaptic ribbons, which terminate in the complicated zone of cellular and neuronal processes. Synatpic ribbons often made contact with the nerve processes and the cell processes of neighboring cells. In some instances, these ribbons were noted free within the basal process and were also present at the basal cell mem-brane facing the basal lamina. Obvious nerve endings with clear and dense cored vesicles were observed among the parenchymal cells. Photoreceptor cells of the snapping turtle pineal body were generally similar in fine structure to those of other lower verterbrates reported previously, and suggested to have both photoreceptive and secretory functions which were modulated by pinealofugal and pinealopedal nerves. The supportive cells were characterized by having large dense granules($0.3{\sim}1{\mu}m$), abundant ribosomes, well developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. These cells were furnished with microvilli on the luminal cell surfaces, and often had centrioles, striated rootlets, abundant filaments especially around the nucleus, and scattered microtubules. Some supportive cells had cell body close to the lumen and extended a long process reaching to basal lamina, which appeared to be a glial cell. Nerve cells within the parenchyma were difficult to identify, but some large cells located basally were suspected to be nerve cells, since they had synaptic ribbon contact with photoreceptor cells.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.89-99
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• 2009

To investigate the morphological characteristics of spermatozoa of the grey red-blacked vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus) belongings to the subfamily Cricetinae, subgenus Clethrionomys were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The sperm head of C. rufocanus was an ax or hatchet in shape with a curved single dorsal hook. The total length of C. regulus sperm was 95.8 ${\mu}m$. The length of sperm head was 7.8 ${\mu}m$, and the tail (88.0 ${\mu}m$) consisted of four major segments: the neck (1.0 ${\mu}m$), middle piece (22.0 ${\mu}m$), and principal piece plus end piece (65.0 ${\mu}m$), respectively. The segmented columns were about 10~12 in number. The number of gyres of mitochondria ranged from about 170 to 178. The post-nuclear cap occupied about a half of nucleus. The equatorial segment is located between the post-nuclear cap segment and acrosomal cap on the nuclear surface. Nos. 1, 5 and 6 of the outer dense fibers were larger than the others. A fibrous sheath and longitudinal column of the principal piece were in evidence, but the fibrous sheath was not seen at the end piece. In conclusion, the morphological structures of sperm head and tail may be useful information to patterning of sperm evolution and classifying of species.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.17-30
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• 2002

The retinae of Todarodes pacificus and Octopus minor are divided into four layers that are an outer segment, a rod base region, an inner segment, and a plexiform layer, respectively. The retina of Octopus minor is about $20{\mu}m$ thicker ($400{\sim}420{\mu}m$) than that of Todarodes pacificus ($385{\sim}400{\mu}m$). A retina is composed of visual cells and supporting cells. The microvilli of length $0.6{\sim}0.7{\mu}m$ are packed densely on top of the supporting cells of Octopus minor while they are not found in Todarodes pacificus. The visual cells and supporting cells have pigment granules that exclude light. In case of Todarodes pacificus, the pigment granules of the visual cell are larger ($2.0{\times}0.5{\mu}m$) than those of the supporting cell ($1.0{\times}0.3{\mu}m$). But, the sizes of both cells are similar in Octopus minor. In the upper portion of a visual cell, microvilli shaped like a comb are forming a rhabdome (diameter, 60 nm) of a hexagonal structure. The rhabdome consists of 4 rhabdomere and the total area of a rhabdom of Octopus minor is larger than that of Todarodes pacificus. The synaptosome constructing a plexiform layer in Todarodes pacificus are divided into two types, each of which possess electron dense-core vesicles and electron lucent vesicles, respectively. Octopus minor also has two types of synaptosomes but each type comprises a mixture of electron dense vesicles and electron lucent vesicles, and electron lucent vesicles only, respectively, which is different from the case of Todarodes pacificus.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 2001

To characterize the difference in glycoconjugates of mouse epididymis, lectin labeling of the tissue section was conducted using Ulex europaeus agglutinin I(UEA I), succinylated wheat germ agglutinin(sWGA), and Griffonia simplicifolia lectin-I(GSL-I). UEA I which binds to outer $\alpha$-L-fucose residue that is a terminal sugar of the side chain branched from oligosaccharide chain gave the labeling in the proximal caput epithelia exclusively. Lumen was commonly labeled in all of the organ. It suggested that the glycoconjugates bearing outer $\alpha$ -L-fucose residue were largely expressed in the initial segments ot epididymis and subjected to secretion. GSL-I which binds to terminal $\alpha$ -D-galactosyl residue of glycoconjugates gave the labeling in the cytoplasm of clear cells and basal cells, and cilia in corpus and cauda regions but not in the caput region. There was no vast difference in labeling pattern by sWGA which binds to N-acetyl-glucosamine residue among the epididymal regions. Clear cells in corpus and cauda epithelia showed more intense labeling by sWGA compared to principal cells, suggesting the functional specialization of this type of cells. The labeling intensities of luminal content by UEA I and sWGA decreased in cauda region compared to corpus region suggesting the presence of enzymatic activities responsible for processing the $\alpha$-L-fucose and N-acetyl-glucosamine residues from secreted glycoconjugates. In summary, the difference in glycoconjugates bearing the $\alpha$-L-fucose, $\alpha$-D-galactose, and N-acetyl-glucosamine residues according to the type of epithelial cells and epididymal segments suggests functional specialization and different roles of each segment in the processing of sperm surface antigens during the epididymal transit.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.77-82
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• 1998

Aerenchyma development in rice (Oryza sativa L.) roots is quite important for adaptation to waterlogged or reduced soil conditions. Anatomical observations were carried out to clarify the development of schizogenous and lysigenous aerenchyma in elongating crown roots of rice. The crown roots of 3rd and 4th phytomer were taken from rice plants of the 8th leaf stage grown by hydroponic culture. The schizogenous intercellular spaces in the cortex of crown root tip were observed using a light microscope with semi ultra-thin sections and the lysigenous aerenchyma in mature tissue of crown root were observed using a cryo scanning electron microscope (cryo-SEM) with freezing fracture method. The schizogenous intercellular spaces in the root tip exist obviously in the middle portion of cortical cell layers close to the root-root cap junction, but not in root cap, stele and outer cell layers of cortex. The air spaces were formed at the junction of four neighbouring cells of inner cortex in the transverse sections, and between longitudinal cell layer connected along the root axis. Although many of those spaces were filled with liquid, some spaces seem to exist as air spaces. The lysigenous aerenchyma in the cortex, which hardly filled with liquid, emerged at 3-4 cm segment from the root tip and increased toward the basal region of root axis. The developing process of lysigenous aerenchyma was primarily separation of a radial row of cells caused by the shrinking and collapsing of cortical cells and then formation of septa along the radial cell rows by the fusion of cell wall with each other. These results suggest that the schizogenous and lysigenous aerenchyma playa role as a passage for the movement of oxygen into the root tip region where oxygen is required for respiration.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.269-276
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• 2012

The purpose of This study's aim is to examine the difference in the changes of body segment movement, variables for ball quality, and carry at golf driver swing according to the ball quality using comparative analysis. Regarding the impact variables according to the ball quality using the track man and carry, club speed was the fastest at draw shot, ball speed was the fastest at straight shot, and smash factor was the lowest at draw shot. About the vertical launch angle, the fade shot showed the highest launch angle while the max height of the ground and ball was the highest at fade shot. And carry was the longest at draw shot. For the flight time, it was the longest at draw shot. The landing angle was the largest at fade shot. About the club head position change and trajectory, at the overall event point, the fade shot drew a more outer trajectory at the point of the follow through(E6) than the straight or draw shot. Regarding the angular speed of shoulder rotation, at the overall event point, the fade shot showed the greatest angular speed change in the follow through(E6). Also, about the angular speed of pelvic rotation, at the overall event point, the draw shot showed the greatest angular speed change at the point of down swing(E4). Concerning the stance angle change, both straight and fade shots were open as the concept of open stance whereas the draw shot was close as that of close stance. Regarding the previous study, the most important factor of deciding Ball Quality is the club face angle's open and close state at Impact. In short, the Ball Quality and carry were decided by this factor.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.369-376
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• 2013

The purposes of this study were to assess dynamic stability toward pelvis-spine column distortion during running and to compare the typical three-dimensional angular kinematics of the trunk motion; cervical, thoracic, lumbar segment spine and the pelvis from the multi-segmental spine model between exercise group and non-exercise group. Subjects were recruited as exercise healthy women on regular basis (group A, n=10) and non-exercise idiopathic scoliosis women (group B, n=10). Data was collected by using a vicon motion capture system (MX-T40, UK). The pelvis, spine segments column and lower limbs analysiaed through the 3D kinematic angular ROM pattern. There were significant differences in the time-space variables, the rotation motion of knee joint in lower limbs and the pelvis variables; obliquity in side bending, inter/outer rotation in twisting during running leg movement. There were significant differences in the spinal column that is lower-lumbar, upper-lumbar, upper-thoracic, mid-upper thoracic, mid-lower thoracic, lower thoracic and cervical spine at inclination, lateral bending and twist rotation between group A and group B (<.05, <.01 and <.001). As a results, group B had more restrictive motion than group A in the spinal column and leg movement behaved like a 'shock absorber". And the number of asymmetry index (AI) showed that group B was much lager unbalance than group A. In conclusion, non-exercise group was known to much more influence the dynamic stability of equilibrium for bilateral balance. These finding suggested that dynamic stability aimed at increasing balance of the trunk ROM must involve methods and strategies intended to reduce left/right asymmetry and the exercise injury.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.12-25
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• 1994

This research was undertaken to determine the effects of the anticancer and immunosuppressive drug cyclophosphamide (CP) on the epididymis of the male rat in terms of ultrastructural alteration and protein analysis by SDS-PAGE at different groups; control group, 1 week group, 3 weeks group, 5 weeks group were treated with saline (control group) or CP at doses of 20mg/Kg/week, 1 time a week, respectively. In the cytoplasm of the principal cells on the epididymis, the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes were significantly swollen or disrupted. The cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) were also swollen, and a number of Golgi vesicles were increased, respectively. It is suggested that treatment with CP alters the specific cell organelles in all segments of the epididymis. CP caused changes in protein concentrations in cauda of epididymis after CP treatment. Total proteins of 30 to 39 species such as lactate dehydrogenase, carnitine acetyltransferase and acid phosphatase were expressed in the cauda fluid. Then the more CP was increased, the more concentration of proteins caused to decrease, synthesize or increase in epididymal cauda. In contrast to the control group, in particular 29KD and the other 10 proteins in the cauda fluid were decreased or disappeared, respectively, whereas 89KD and the other 6 proteins in the cauda, were increased or synthesized, respectively. The other proteins are not showed distinctive difference. Therefore, it is possible that CP at a high dose accumulation alters epididymal function with dose-related increase or decrease in specific activity of marked proteins for all regions of the epididymis (particularly, specific segment of cauda). These alterations could be mediated by direct, toxic effects of the drug on the epithelium or be secondary to changes in the spermatozoa as a result of the CP treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2000

The present study was conducted to investigate the possible role of the sympathetic nervous system in two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension. 2K1C and DOCA- salt hypertension were made in Sprague-Dawley rats. Four weeks after induction of hypertension, systolic blood pressure measured in conscious state was significantly higher in 2K1C $(216{\pm}18\;mmHg)$ and DOCA-salt $(205{\pm}29\;mmHg)$ groups than that in control $(128{\pm}4\;mmHg).$ The third branches (＜300 ${\mu}m$ in outer diameter) of the mesenteric artery were isolated and cut into ring segments of $2{\sim}3$ mm in length. Each ring segment was mounted in tissue bath and connected to a force displacement transducer for measurement of isometric tension. The arterial rings were contracted by application of norepinephrine (NE) in a dose-dependent manner. The amplitude of the NE-induced contraction of the vessels was significantly larger in hypertension than in control. The NE-induced contraction was significantly enhanced by neuropeptide Y (NPY) in hypertension. Reciprocally, NPY-elicited vasocontraction was increased by NE in hypertension. These results suggest that the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the development of 2K1C and DOCA-salt hypertension.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.44 no.2 s.138
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• pp.151-156
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• 2006

A case of breast sparganosis was confirmed by surgical excision of a worm (fragmented into 5 pieces) in a 59-year-old Korean woman suffering from a palpable mass in the left breast. Mammography and ultrasonography characteristically revealed the presence of several well-defined, isodense and hypoechoic tubular masses, in the upper quadrant of the left breast, each mass consisting of a continuous cord- or worm-like structure. During surgery, a long segment of an actively moving sparganum of Spirometra sp. and 4 small fragments of the same worm, giving a total length of 20.3 cm, were extracted from the upper outer quadrant of the left breast and the axillary region. The infection source remains unclear, because the patient denied ingesting any snake or frog meat or drinking untreated water.