Correlation Between Cellular Functions and Morphological Changes of Human Trophoblast in Vitro

Author(s):  
John C. Garancis ◽  
Robert O. Hussa ◽  
Michael T. Story ◽  
Donald Yorde ◽  
Roland A. Pattillo

Human malignant trophoblast cells in continuous culture were incubated for 3 days in medium containing 1 mM N6-O2'-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (dibutyryl cyclic AMP) and 1 mM theophylline. The culture fluid was replenished daily. Stimulated cultures secreted many times more chorionic gonadotropin and estrogens than did control cultures in the absence of increased cellular proliferation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed remarkable surface changes of stimulated cells. Control cells (not stimulated) were smooth or provided with varying numbers of microvilli (Fig. 1). The latter, usually, were short and thin. The surface features of stimulated cells were considerably different. There was marked increase of microvilli which appeared elongated and thick. Many cells were covered with confluent polypoid projections (Fig. 2). Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated marked activity of cytoplasmic organelles. Mitochondria were increased in number and size; some giant forms with numerous cristae were observed.

Parasitology ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 513-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Laclette ◽  
Marie Therese Merchant ◽  
Kaethe Willms ◽  
L. Cañedo

SUMMARYThe effect of the anthelmintic Mebendazole on Cysticercus cellulosae maintained in culture medium was studied by transmission electron microscopy. In addition to the well-known morphological changes induced by Mebendazole in other cestode and nematode larvae, it also induced the cytoplasmic appearance of paracrystalline bundles in the secretory cells of the bladder wall. These bundles were formed by groups of large parallel tubules arranged in a hexagonal-like pattern. The tubules, which had an external diameter of about 50 nm and a length that might exceed 5 μm, were surrounded by a matrix and a distance between neighbouring tubules of 80–120 nm centre to centre was estimated. The tubules were stable to colchicine and low temperature. The temporary appearance of bundles is described and some alternative explanations on their origin are advanced.


Zygote ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Crocco ◽  
R.H. Alberio ◽  
L. Lauria ◽  
M.I. Mariano

SummaryCertain morphological changes at the subcellular level caused by the current techniques for in vitro embryo production seem to affect mitochondria. Many of these, including dysfunctional changes, have been associated with the presence of serum in the culture medium. Thus, the aim of the present work was to assess the mitochondrial dynamics occurring in embryos during the first 4 days of development, in order to analyze the most appropriate time for adding the serum. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs to calculate the embryo area occupied by the different morphological types of mitochondria, and analyzed them with Image Pro Plus analyzer. The results showed hooded mitochondria as the most representative type in 1- to 4-day-old embryos. Swollen, on-fusion, orthodox and vacuolated types were also present. When analyzed in embryos cultured without serum, the dynamics of the different mitochondrial types appeared to be similar, a fact that may provide evidence that the developmental changes control the mitochondrial dynamics, and that swollen mitochondria may not be completely inactive. In contrast, in culture medium supplemented with serum from estrous cows, we observed an increased area of hooded mitochondria by developmental day 4, a fact that may indicate an increased production of energy compared with previous days. According to these results, the bovine serum added to the culture medium seems not to be responsible for the functional changes in mitochondria.


2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 1895-1905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Miró-Canturri ◽  
Rafael Ayerbe-Algaba ◽  
Ángel Rodríguez Villodres ◽  
Jerónimo Pachón ◽  
Younes Smani

Abstract Objectives Repurposing drugs provides a new approach to the fight against MDR Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB). Rafoxanide, a veterinary antihelminthic drug, has shown antibacterial activity in vitro against Gram-positive bacteria. We aimed to analyse the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of rafoxanide in combination with colistin against colistin-susceptible (Col-S) and colistin-resistant (Col-R) GNB. Methods A collection of Col-S and Col-R Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were used. Chequerboard and time–kill curve analyses were performed to determine the synergy between rafoxanide and colistin. Changes in membrane structure and permeability were analysed using transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence assays. A murine peritoneal sepsis model using Col-R strains of these pathogens was performed to study the efficacy of rafoxanide (10 mg/kg/24 h, IV), colistimethate sodium (CMS) (20 mg/kg/8 h, intraperitoneally) and rafoxanide (10 mg/kg/24 h, IV) plus CMS (20 mg/kg/8 h, intraperitoneally) for 72 h. Results Rafoxanide showed MICs ≥256 mg/L for all Col-S and Col-R strains. Chequerboard and time–kill curve analyses showed that rafoxanide (1 mg/L) is more synergistic with colistin against Col-R than Col-S strains. Col-R, but not Col-S, strains treated with rafoxanide demonstrated higher membrane permeabilization. Transmission electron microscopy visualization confirmed that Col-R strains suffer morphological changes. In the murine peritoneal sepsis model with Col-R strains, rafoxanide plus CMS, compared with CMS alone, increased mouse survival to 53.8% and 73.3%, and reduced bacterial loads in tissues and blood between 2.34 and 4.99 log10 cfu/g or mL, respectively. Conclusions Rafoxanide repurposing, as monotherapy and in combination with CMS, may address the urgent need for new treatments for infections caused by MDR-GNB.


2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 1140-1147
Author(s):  
Rongji Ma ◽  
Wenjuan Qin ◽  
Yuanmao Xie ◽  
Ziwei Han ◽  
Shuojie Li ◽  
...  

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effect of dihydroartemisinin on Echinococcus protoscoleces and explored the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in this process. Echinococcus protoscoleces were collected and cultured in RPMI 1640 medium. Changes in the expressions of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP-78), caspase-12, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were assessed through confocal immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. Cell viability and morphological changes were observed under a light microscope. The ultrastructure of protoscoleces was observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Caspase-3 activity was detected using an enzyme assay kit. After dihydroartemisinin treatment, the protoscoleces showed loss of viability, and morphological changes including soma contraction, blebs formation, hooks loss, microtrichia destruction, and development of lipid droplets was observed. The levels of caspase-12 and CHOP were increased within 2 days of dihydroartemisinin treatment. However, the levels of GRP-78, caspase-12, and CHOP were decreased in 4 days. Furthermore, caspase-3 activity was increased after treatment with different concentrations of dihydroartemisinin. Dihydroartemisinin can induce apoptosis in protoscoleces via the ER stress-caspase-3 apoptotic pathway in vitro. These results indicate that dihydroartemisinin is a potentially valuable therapeutic agent against echinococcosis.


Author(s):  
Tai-Te Chao ◽  
John Sullivan ◽  
Awtar Krishan

Maytansine, a novel ansa macrolide (1), has potent anti-tumor and antimitotic activity (2, 3). It blocks cell cycle traverse in mitosis with resultant accumulation of metaphase cells (4). Inhibition of brain tubulin polymerization in vitro by maytansine has also been reported (3). The C-mitotic effect of this drug is similar to that of the well known Vinca- alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine. This study was carried out to examine the effects of maytansine on the cell cycle traverse and the fine struc- I ture of human lymphoblasts.Log-phase cultures of CCRF-CEM human lymphoblasts were exposed to maytansine concentrations from 10-6 M to 10-10 M for 18 hrs. Aliquots of cells were removed for cell cycle analysis by flow microfluorometry (FMF) (5) and also processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FMF analysis of cells treated with 10-8 M maytansine showed a reduction in the number of G1 cells and a corresponding build-up of cells with G2/M DNA content.


Author(s):  
Michael P. Goheen ◽  
Marilyn S. Bartlett ◽  
James W. Smith

Studies of the biology of Pneumocystis carinii (PC) are of increasing importance because this extracellular pathogen is a frequent source of severe pneumonia in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and is a leading cause of mortality in these patients. Immunoelectron microscopic localization of antigenic sites on the surface of PC would improve the understanding of these sites and their role in pathenogenisis of the disease and response to chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to develop a methodology for visualizing immunoreactive sites on PC with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using immunogold labeled probes.Trophozoites of PC were added to spinner flask cultures and allowed to grow for 7 days, then aliquots of tissue culture fluid were centrifuged at 12,000 RPM for 30 sec. Pellets of organisims were fixed in either 1% glutaraldehyde, 0.1% glutaraldehyde-4% paraformaldehyde, or 4% paraformaldehyde for 4h. All fixatives were buffered with 0.1M Na cacodylate and the pH adjusted to 7.1. After fixation the pellets were rinsed in 0.1M Na cacodylate (3X), dehydrated with ethanol, and immersed in a 1:1 mixture of 95% ethanol and LR White resin.


Author(s):  
F.G. Lightfoot ◽  
L.E. Grau ◽  
M.M. Cassidy ◽  
G.R. Tadvalkar ◽  
G.V. Vahouny

Psyllium hydrophillic mucilloid is a natural gelling fiber consumed by a large population of our society. It is used as a bulk-producing laxative and in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. The literature pertaining to the ultrastructural effects of this agent is sparse.This study documents morphological changes induced by psyllium. Animals fed a diet containing 2% psyllium for four weeks were subsequently sacrificed and processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The colon contained fecal material combined with psyllium which conformed to the contour of the luminal surface. This mixture formed surface replicas of the intestinal mucosa. These replicas and their related colonic sites were processed for morphologic analysis.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 768
Author(s):  
Maddalena Sguizzato ◽  
Francesca Ferrara ◽  
Supandeep Singh Hallan ◽  
Anna Baldisserotto ◽  
Markus Drechsler ◽  
...  

Mangiferin is a natural glucosyl xanthone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, making it suitable for protection against cutaneous diseases. In this study ethosomes and transethosomes were designed as topical delivery systems for mangiferin. A preformulation study was conducted using different surfactants in association with phosphatidylcholine. Vesicle dimensional distribution was monitored by photon correlation spectroscopy, while antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity were respectively assessed by free radical scavenging analysis and MTT on HaCaT keratinocytes. Selected nanosystems were further investigated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, while mangiferin entrapment capacity was evaluated by ultracentrifugation and HPLC. The diffusion kinetics of mangiferin from ethosomes and transethosomes evaluated by Franz cell was faster in the case of transethosomes. The suitability of mangiferin-containing nanovesicles in the treatment of skin disorders related to pollutants was investigated, evaluating, in vitro, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of ethosomes and transethosomes on human keratinocytes exposed to cigarette smoke as an oxidative and inflammatory challenger. The ability to induce an antioxidant response (HO-1) and anti-inflammatory status (IL-6 and NF-kB) was determined by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The data demonstrated the effectiveness of mangiferin loaded in nanosystems to protect cells from damage. Finally, to gain insight into the keratinocytes’ uptake of ethosome and transethosome, transmission electron microscopy analyses were conducted, showing that both nanosystems were able to pass intact within the cells.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2489
Author(s):  
Ami Yoo ◽  
Mengshi Lin ◽  
Azlin Mustapha

The application of nanoparticles (NPs) for food safety is increasingly being explored. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) NPs are inorganic chemicals with antimicrobial and bioactive characteristics and have been widely used in the food industry. However, not much is known about the behavior of these NPs upon ingestion and whether they inhibit natural gut microflora. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ZnO and Ag NPs on the intestinal bacteria, namely Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium animalis. Cells were inoculated into tryptic soy broth or Lactobacilli MRS broth containing 1% of NP-free solution, 0, 12, 16, 20 mM of ZnO NPs or 0, 1.8, 2.7, 4.6 mM Ag NPs, and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The presence and characterization of the NPs on bacterial cells were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Membrane leakage and cell viability were assessed using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and confocal electron microscope, respectively. Numbers of treated cells were within 1 log CFU/mL less than those of the controls for up to 12 h of incubation. Cellular morphological changes were observed, but many cells remained in normal shapes. Only a small amount of internal cellular contents was leaked due to the NP treatments, and more live than dead cells were observed after exposure to the NPs. Based on these results, we conclude that ZnO and Ag NPs have mild inhibitory effects on intestinal bacteria.


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