A morphometric study of the carotid body in chronically hypoxic rats

1984 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 1430-1438 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. H. McGregor ◽  
J. Gil ◽  
S. Lahiri

We performed morphometric studies of carotid body in acutely and chronically hypoxic rats (inspired PO2 = 70 Torr, at sea level). Acute exposure was for the duration of about 10 min, and chronic exposure lasted for 28 days. We confirmed that the total volume of the organ increased by severalfold. At the light-microscopy level we found an enlargement of the volume density of the blood sinuses from 14 to 31% due to chronic hypoxia. The morphometric hematocrit increased from 39 to 70% paralleling changes in the conventionally measured venous hematocrit. These data do not show any specific plasma skimming in the carotid body blood vessels. With the electron microscope we found that the mean average volume of type I cells increased from 320 micron3 in controls to 1,120 micron3 in the chronically hypoxic rats without hyperplasia, whereas type II cells had increased in number without alteration in size. Qualitative observations revealed that the normal appearance of clusters of ovoid type I cells interspersed by capillaries had been transformed into a pattern of individual cells forming plates between expanded blood vessels with a large increase of contact area between the cells and vessels. Type II cells appeared to have proliferated without changes in individual size to cover the enlarged periphery of type I cells. The observed structural changes in the carotid body parenchyma and vasculature appear to be physiologically adaptive and provide further support for the idea that various elements in the organ are particularly sensitive to hypoxia.

1966 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. Biscoe ◽  
W. E. Stehbens

An electron microscope investigation was made of the carotid body in the cat and the rabbit. In thin-walled blood vessels the endothelium was fenestrated. Larger vessels were surrounded by a layer of smooth muscle fibers. Among the numerous blood vessels lay groups of cells of two types covered by basement membranes. Aggregates of Type I cells were invested by Type II cells, though occasionally cytoplasmic extensions were covered by basement membrane only. Type I cells contained many electron-opaque cored vesicles (350 to 1900 A in diameter) resembling those in endocrine secretory cells. Type II cells covered nerve endings terminating on Type I cells and enclosed nerve fibers in much the same manner as Schwann cells. The nerve endings contained numerous microvesicles (∼500 A in diameter), mitochondria, glycogen granules, and a few electron-opaque cored vesicles. Junctions between nerve endings and Type I cells were associated with regions of increased density in both intercellular spaces and the adjoining cytoplasm. Cilia of the 9 + 0 fibril pattern were observed in Type I and Type II cells and pericytes. Nonmyelinated nerve fibers, often containing microvesicles, mitochondria, and a few electron-opaque cored vesicles (650 to 1000 A in diameter) were present in Schwann cells, many of which were situated close to blood vessels Ganglion cells near the periphery of the gland, fibrocytes, and segments of unidentified cells were also seen. It was concluded that, according to present concepts of the structure of nerve endings, those endings related to Type I cells could be efferent or afferent.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin M. Leonard ◽  
Colin A. Nurse

Dopamine (DA) is a well-studied neurochemical in the mammalian carotid body (CB), a chemosensory organ involved in O2 and CO2/H+ homeostasis. DA released from receptor (type I) cells during chemostimulation is predominantly inhibitory, acting via pre- and post-synaptic dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) on type I cells and afferent (petrosal) terminals respectively. By contrast, co-released ATP is excitatory at postsynaptic P2X2/3R, though paracrine P2Y2R activation of neighboring glial-like type II cells may boost further ATP release. Here, we tested the hypothesis that DA may also inhibit type II cell function. When applied alone, DA (10 μM) had negligible effects on basal [Ca2+]i in isolated rat type II cells. However, DA strongly inhibited [Ca2+]i elevations (Δ[Ca2+]i) evoked by the P2Y2R agonist UTP (100 μM), an effect opposed by the D2/3R antagonist, sulpiride (1–10 μM). As expected, acute hypercapnia (10% CO2; pH 7.4), or high K+ (30 mM) caused Δ[Ca2+]i in type I cells. However, these stimuli sometimes triggered a secondary, delayed Δ[Ca2+]i in nearby type II cells, attributable to crosstalk involving ATP-P2Y2R interactions. Interestingly sulpiride, or DA store-depletion using reserpine, potentiated both the frequency and magnitude of the secondary Δ[Ca2+]i in type II cells. In functional CB-petrosal neuron cocultures, sulpiride potentiated hypercapnia-induced Δ[Ca2+]i in type I cells, type II cells, and petrosal neurons. Moreover, stimulation of type II cells with UTP could directly evoke Δ[Ca2+]i in nearby petrosal neurons. Thus, dopaminergic inhibition of purinergic signalling in type II cells may help control the integrated sensory output of the CB during hypercapnia.


2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (3) ◽  
pp. L431-L439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Kitterman ◽  
Cheryl J. Chapin ◽  
Jeff N. Vanderbilt ◽  
Nicolas F. M. Porta ◽  
Louis M. Scavo ◽  
...  

Oligohydramnios (OH) retards fetal lung growth by producing less lung distension than normal. To examine effects of decreased distension on fetal lung development, we produced OH in rats by puncture of uterus and fetal membranes at 16 days of gestation; fetuses were delivered at 21 or 22 days of gestation. Controls were position-matched littermates in the opposite uterine horn. OH lungs had lower weights and less DNA, protein, and water, but no differences in saturated phosphatidylcholine, surfactant proteins (SP)-A and -B, and mRNA for SP-A, -B, -C, and -D. To evaluate effects on epithelial differentiation, we used RTI40 and RTII70, proteins specific in lung to luminal surfaces of alveolar type I and II cells, respectively. At 22 days of gestation, OH lungs had less RTI40 mRNA ( P < 0.05) and protein ( P < 0.001), but RTII70 did not differ from controls. With OH, type I cells (in proportion to type II cells) covered less distal air space perimeter ( P < 0.01). We conclude that OH, which retards lung growth, has little effect on surfactant and impedes formation of type I cells relative to type II cells.


1951 ◽  
Vol s3-92 (17) ◽  
pp. 55-77
Author(s):  
MARGARET GUNN

1. The extrinsic nerve-supply to the gut in the frog (Rana temporaria) is contained in the vagus and splanchnic nerves--both of which appear to contain parasympathetic and sympathetic fibres. 2. The vagus supplies the gut from the proximal part of the oesophagus to the most proximal part of the intestine. The splanchnic nerves supply the gut from the oesophagus to the rectum. 3. No vagal fibres accompany the splanchnic nerves. 4. A possible explanation is given for the variable effects produced on stimulation of the extrinsic nerves supplying the gut. 5. A plexus of nerve-fibres is present i n the submucosa which probably corresponds to Meissner's plexus of mammals, but no nerve-cells are present. 6. In the myenteric plexus the nerve-cells are commonly grouped int o ganglia in the oesophagus and stomach, but in theintestine the nerve-cells are fairly evenly distributed, distinct ganglia not being present. 7. Cells of three types have been found corresponding to Dogiel's three types. Type I cells are of two varieties: (a) large, strongly argyrophi l cells which are multi-polar possessing numerous short dendrites and a very prominent axon; (b)smaller cells having a prominent axon and often unipolar. Type I cells are enclosed in capsules. Type II cells are small multipolar cells with long dendrites. Type III cells are small multipolar cells with shorter dendrites and an axon bearing no collaterals. 8. Cells in the oesophagus and stomach are entirely of Type I. In the intestine these cells are present in fairly large numbers at the most proximal end, but throughout the rest of the intestine they only occur commonly close to the attachment of the mesentery, where they are found singly and fairly evenly spaced. 9. Cells of Types II and III occur only in the myenteric plexus of the intestine, where they are distributed fairly evenly, not forming distinct ganglia. 10. It is suggested that the Type II and III cells formed the original autonomic nerve plexus of the gut, the Type II cells being motor and the Type III sensory. The Type I cells are the post-ganglionic cells of the parasympathetic system and are an additional motor contribution to the plexus. 11. The endings of th e pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibres on the ganglion cells may take any of three forms: (a) pericellular varicose endings which occur on the large variety of Typ e I cell; (b) pericapsular varicose endings which are borne by the smaller variety of Type I cell; and(c) club-shaped endings occurring on the larger Type I cells. 12. The type of synapse formed by the processes of cells of Types II and III consists of the simple endings of their processes on the cell bodies or dendrites of other cells, or the passing contact of their processes with the bodies of other cells. 13. Fine varicose fibrils have been observed on the surface of muscle-cells. These are presumably the distal ends of the cell processes and sympathetic fibres which form the motor endings. 14. The types of sensory endings which have been found are: (a) typical sensory varicose endings spread out in the submucosa of the oesophagus and rectum; those in the oesophagus originating from vagal fibres; and (b) Pacinian corpuscle in the sub-mucosa of the intestine. 15. The ‘interstitial cells of Cajal’ form an apparently anastomosing network in the gut-wall which appears to be distinct from the anastomosing Schwann plasmodium which covers the nerve-fibres.


2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (3) ◽  
pp. L439-L454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuanxiu Yang ◽  
Lijing Su ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
Lin Liu

UTP is known to regulate alveolar fluid clearance. However, the relative contribution of alveolar type I cells and type II cells to this process is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of UTP on ion transport in type I-like cell (AEC I) and type II-like cell (AEC II) monolayers. Luminal treatment of cell monolayers with UTP increased short-circuit current ( Isc) of AEC II but decreased Isc of AEC I. The Cl− channel blockers NPPB and DIDS inhibited the UTP-induced changes in Isc (Δ Isc) in both types of cells. Amiloride, an inhibitor of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC), abolished the UTP-induced Δ Isc in AEC I, but not in AEC II. The general blocker of K+ channels, BaCl2, eliminated the UTP-induced Δ Isc in AEC II, but not in AEC I. The intermediate conductance (IKCa) blocker, clofilium, also blocked the UTP effect in AEC II. The signal transduction pathways mediated by UTP were the same in AEC I and AEC II. Furthermore, UTP increased Cl− secretion in AEC II and Cl− absorption in AEC I. Our results suggest that UTP induces opposite changes in Isc in AEC I and AEC II, likely due to the reversed Cl− flux and different contributions of ENaC and IKCa. Our results further imply a new concept that type II cells contribute to UTP-induced fluid secretion and type I cells contribute to UTP-induced fluid absorption in alveoli.


1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (1) ◽  
pp. F67-F75 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Lavelle ◽  
H. O. Negrete ◽  
P. A. Poland ◽  
C. L. Kinlough ◽  
S. D. Meyers ◽  
...  

Barrier epithelia such as the renal collecting duct (in the absence of antidiuretic hormone) and thick ascending limb, as well as the stomach and mammalian bladder, exhibit extremely low permeabilities to water and small nonelectrolytes. A cell culture model of such epithelia is needed to determine how the structure of barrier apical membranes reduce permeability and how such membranes may be generated and maintained. In the present studies, the transepithelial electrical resistance and isotopic water and urea fluxes were measured for Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) type I and type II cells, as well as type I cells expressing the mucin protein, MUC1, in their apical membranes. Although earlier studies had found the unstirred layer effects too great to permit measurement of transepithelial permeabilities, use of ultrathin semipermeable supports in this study overcame this difficulty. Apical membrane diffusive water permeabilities were 1.8 +/- 0.4 x 10(-4) cm/s and 3.5 +/- 0.5 x 10(-4) cm/s in MDCK type I and type II cells, respectively, at 20 degrees C. Urea permeability in type I cells at the same temperature was 6.0 +/- 0.9 x 10(-6) cm/s. These values resemble those of other barrier epithelial apical membranes, either isolated or in intact epithelia, and the water permeability values are far below those of other epithelial cells in culture. Transfection of MDCK type I cells with the major human urinary epithelial mucin, MUC1, led to abundant expression of the fully glycosylated form of the protein on immunoblots, and flow cytometry revealed that virtually all the cells expressed the protein. However, MUC1 had no effect on water or urea permeabilities. In conclusion, MDCK cells grown on semipermeable supports form a model barrier epithelium. Abundant expression of mucins does not alter the permeability properties of these cells.


2017 ◽  
Vol 313 (1) ◽  
pp. L41-L51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Chen ◽  
Varsha Suresh Kumar ◽  
Johanna Finn ◽  
Dianhua Jiang ◽  
Jiurong Liang ◽  
...  

The alveolar epithelium is composed of type I cells covering most of the gas-blood exchange surface and type II cells secreting surfactant that lowers surface tension of alveoli to prevent alveolar collapse. Here, we have identified a subgroup of type II cells expressing a higher level of cell surface molecule CD44 (CD44high type II cells) that composed ~3% of total type II cells in 5–10-wk-old mice. These cells were preferentially apposed to lung capillaries. They displayed a higher proliferation rate and augmented differentiation capacity into type I cells and the ability to form alveolar organoids compared with CD44low type II cells. Moreover, in aged mice, 18–24 mo old, the percentage of CD44high type II cells among all type II cells was increased, but these cells showed decreased progenitor properties. Thus CD44high type II cells likely represent a type II cell subpopulation important for constitutive regulation of alveolar homeostasis.


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