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Parathyroid tumors represent an elusive endocrine neoplasia, which lead to primary hyperparathyroidism, pHPT, a common endocrine calcium disorder characterized by hypercalcemia and normal-high parathormone secretion. Parathyroid tumours are benign adenomas or multiple glands hyperplasia in the vast majority (>99% of cases), while malignant neoplasms are rare (less than 1%). Despite pHPT is a common disorder, our knowledge about the genetic predisposition and molecular pathophysiology is limited to the familial syndromic forms of parathyroid tumour, that, however, represent not more than the 10% of all the cases; instead, the pathophysiology of sporadic forms remains an open field, although data about epigenetic mechanisms or private genes have been supposed. Here we present an overview of more recent acquisitions about the genetic causes along with their molecular mechanisms of benign, but also, malignant parathyroid tumours either in sporadic and familial presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare disease with an indolent behavior due to the low malignant potential. The etiology is unknown. Somatic mutations of CDC73 gene, the same gene involved in the hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, can be identified in up to 70% of patients with PC and in one-third of cases the mutations are germline. Therefore, in patients who carry germline CDC73 gene mutations, its finding permits to identify the carriers among relatives and sometimes to early detect a parathyroid lesion in such subjects. The diagnosis of PC is commonly made after surgery, however there are some clinical/biochemical features that should raise the suspicion of PC, namely markedly elevated serum calcium and PTH levels, a large parathyroid lesion with suspected ultrasonographic features of malignancy, the damages of kidney and bones. The best chance of cure is the complete surgical resection with the en-bloc excision at the first operation, however several recurrences are often observed during the follow-up. Since PC is an indolent tumor with long-lasting survival and the death is due to complications of untreatable hypercalcemia, multiple surgical interventions with debulking of tumoral tissues along with medical treatment for reducing hypercalcemia are often needed. Patients with PC should be followed up along their lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The secretion of the goblet cells in the intestine of Trachemys scripta elegans was studied in situ by histochemical methods to analyze the diversity of sugar chains, with particular regard to the acidic glycans. Conventional histochemical stains (Periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian Blue pH 2.5, High Iron Diamine) and binding with ten FITC-labelled lectins combined with chemical and enzymatic pre-treatments were used to characterize the oligosaccharidic chains. The intestine can be divided into three regions, i.e. a duodenum, a small intestine and a large intestine. Goblet cells were observed in all the three tracts and presented an acidic secretion. WGA, LFA, PNA and SBA binding was observed only after desulfation. Glycans secreted by the three tracts consist mainly of sulfosialomucins with 1,2-linked fucose, mannosylated, glucosaminylated and subterminal galactosyl/galactosaminylated residuals. Differences among tracts are quantitative rather than qualitative, with sulfated, galactosaminylated and glycosaminylated residuals increasing from duodenum to large intestine, and galactosylated and fucosylated residuals showing an opposite trend. Variation is observed also between apices and bases of villi in both duodenum and small intestine, where sulphation decreases from the base to the apex and glycosylation shows an opposite trend. Functional implication of these findings is discussed in a comparative context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mucins secreted by the Brunner's glands and the duodenal goblet cells of the Guinea-pig and the house mouse were compared by conventional and FITC-conjugated lectin histochemistry. Methylation/saponification and sialidase digestion were performed prior to lectin binding to detect the residues subterminal to sulfated groups and sialic acid, respectively. In the Guinea-pig the Brunner's glands produce class-III stable sulfosialomucins. Sialic acid is mostly 2,6-linked to galactose or to N-acetylgalactosamine and is in part O-acetylated in C 7 , C 8 , and C 9 . Sulfated groups are probably linked to sialic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine. Terminal residuals of N-acetylglucosamine, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose linked in α1,2, α1,3, and α1,4 are also present. Duodenal goblet cells of the Guinea-pig present a lower number of residuals in respect to the Brunner's glandular ones, with sialic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine subterminal to sulfated groups. In the house mouse the Brunner's glands produce class-III stable neutral mucins, binding to same lectins as in the Guinea-pig except for those specific to sialic acid. A diversity of fucosylated residuals higher than in the Guinea-pig is observed. The mouse duodenal goblet cells lack stable class-III mucins, have little sialic acid and present a lower number of residuals in respect to the correspondent Brunner's glands. Regulation of the acidic intestinal microenvironment, prevention of pathologies and hosting of microflora can explain the observed results and the differences observed between the two rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urothelium is a multilayer epithelium covering the inner surface of the urinary bladder that acts as a blood–urine barrier and is involved in maintaining the wellbeing of the whole organism. Glycans serve in the maturation and differentiation of cells and thus play a key role in the morphology and function of the multilayered epithelium. The aim of the present study was to examine the glycoprotein pattern of the horse urinary bladder urothelium by lectin histochemistry. The study involved urinary bladders from four horse stallions. Tissue sections were stained with a panel of eleven lectins, in combination with saponification and sialidase digestion (Ks). Basal cells displayed high-mannose N-glycans (Con A), α2,6-linked sialic acid (SNA), and O-linked sialoglycans with sialic acids linked to Galβl,3GalNAc (T antigen) (KsPNA) and terminal N-acetylgalactosamine (Tn antigen) (KsSBA). The young intermediate cells expressed terminal N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) (GSA II), galactose (GSA I-B 4), T- and Tn antigens (PNA, SBA). The mature intermediate cells showed additional high-mannose N-glycans, O-linked sialoglycans (sialyl-T antigen, sialyl-Tn antigen), α2,6- and α2,3-linked sialic acid (MAL II), α1,2-linked fucose (UEA I), and GlcNAc (KsWGA). The latter residue marked the boundary with the overlying surface layer. Few Con A positive intermediate cells were seen to cross the entire urothelium thickness. The surface cells showed additional glycans such as T antigen and sialic acids linked to GalNAc binding DBA (KsDBA). Few surface cells contained α1,3-linked fucose (LTA), whereas some other cells displayed intraluminal secretion of mucin-type glycans terminating with GalNAcα1,3(LFucα1,2)Galβ1,3/4GlcNAcβ1 (DBA). The luminal surface expressed the most complex glycan pattern in the urothelium because only α1,3-linked fucose lacked among the demonstrated glycans. This study showed that the glycan pattern becomes more complex from the basal to surface layer of the urothelium and that surface cells could modify the composition of urine via the secretion of glycoproteins. • Urothelium is a multilayer epithelium that acts as a blood–urine barrier and maintains the wellbeing of the organism. • Glycans serve in the maturation and differentiation of cells. • Glycan pattern becomes more complex from the basal to surface layer in the horse urothelium. • Urinary bladder secretion could modify the composition of urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Characterization of mucins in the alimentary tract of the grass snake, Natrix natrix was performed by histochemical (PAS, Alcian Blue, pH 2.5 and pH 1.0, sialidase-Alcian Blue, pH 2.5, HID-AB pH 2.5) and lectin-histochemical (WGA, SWGA, PNA, sialidase-PNA, SBA, sialidase-SBA, DBA, sialidase-DBA, ConA, BSI-B4, AAA, UEA-1, LTA) techniques. Oesophageal lining epithelium consisted of ciliated and goblet cells, with no pluricellular glands. Mannosylated sialosulfomucins were observed. Fundic mucosa of stomach presented surface cells producing sialomucins with terminal sialic acid linked to galactose. In gastric glands neck and oxynticopeptic cells were found. Neck cells had sialomucins with mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose-α-(1,2)-linked residues. Cytoplasm of oxynticopeptic cells showed N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose residues. Secretion of surface cells in pyloric mucosa was similar to that of fundic ones, differing in having fucose. Goblet cells in the small intestine of N. natrix produced sulfo- and sialomucins, with sialic acid linked to galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine residues. Mucins also presented residues of mannose. Goblet cells in the large intestine presented sulfomucins only, with terminal N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose and N-acetylglucosamine. The glycosylation patterns found are probably related to protection against injuries, gastric juice and microorganisms, both pathogenic and decomposers, as well as to dietary adaptations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters extracted from the analysis of the ultrasound (US) signal and the geometric properties of the bones. One hundred and one subjects in the age range of 20–74yr (mean: 52±12yr) have been measured by QUS at the phalanges for the evaluation of amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS), bone transmission time (BTT), US peak amplitude (UPA), signal dynamic (SDY), slope, energy, and fast wave amplitude (FWA). Hand radiograph, lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and femoral neck DXA forearm peripheral QCT were performed on all patients. BTT is related to cortical thickness (CTh) (r =0.62, p <0.0001), and FWA is related to medullary canal thickness (r =−0.64, p <0.0001). Other parameters are related to both medullary canal thickness (AD-SoS: r =−0.21; UPA: r =−0.53; SDY: r =−0.56; slope: r =−0.64; energy: r =−0.44, p <0.05) and CTh (AD-SoS: r =0.54, p <0.0001; UPA: r =0.51; SDY: r =0.38; slope: r =0.32; energy: r =0.56, p <0.001). Linear multivariate models indicate that BTT, UPA, and energy measured at the phalanges carry independent information on CTh of the bone, whereas FWA, SDY, and slope are related only to medullary canal thickness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Mucins in the gastrointestinal tract of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum were investigated by histochemistry and lectin histochemistry to evaluate morphofunctional variations of different regions and their possible physiological and evolutionary implications. Histochemical methods included periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Alcian blue (AB) at pH 2.5 and 1.0 and high-iron-diamine AB pH 2.5. Binding of lectins Con A, DBA, WGA, LTA, LFA, PNA and SBA; LFA, PNA and SBA with prior sialidase treatment; and paradoxical Con A were evaluated. The oesophagus lacked glands. The stomach was divided into a short cardias, a wide fundus and a brief pylorus. The surface muciparous cells secreted sulpho- and sialomucins with N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues, N-acetyllactosamine and (β1,4 N-acetylglucosamine) n chains. Towards the pylorus, N-acetylgalactosamine residues disappeared and acidity decreased. Cardiac glands, neck cells in the fundic glands, pyloric and duodenal Brunner''s glands all shared neutral, stable class-III mucins, mainly with N-acetylgalactosamine sequences. The intestine was divided into a duodenum, a jejuno-ileum and a short rectum. The goblet cells produced sulpho- and sialomucins with sialylated N-acetylgalactosamine sequences, (β1,4 N-acetylglucosamine) n and N-acetyllactosamine, whose sialylation increased towards the rectum. The main features of the mucins are probably associated with the requirements of fast absorption and food passage and in protection against mechanical and pathogenic injuries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Symptomatic diabetic neuropathy has been found to be associated with hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperfunction, but no data are available about HPA activity in diabetic patients with asymptomatic autonomic imbalance. To evaluate HPA axis activity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in relation to the presence or the absence of subclinical parasympathetic or sympathetic neuronal dysfunction, we performed an observational study on 59 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients without chronic complications and/or symptoms of neuropathy or hypercortisolism. The following were measured: serum cortisol at 08:00 am and at midnight (F8 and F24, respectively), post-dexamethasone suppression cortisol, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC), and morning corticotropin (ACTH). Deep-breathing (DB) and LS (LS) autonomic tests were performed to assess the parasympathetic function; postural hypotension test was performed to evaluate sympathetic activity. Patients were subdivided into 4 groups: subjects with parasympathetic failure (group A), sympathetic failure (group B), both para- and sympathetic failure (group C), and without autonomic failure (group D). Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal activity was increased in group A compared with group D (UFC, 48.6 ± 21.4 vs 21.6 ± 9.8 μg/24 h, P < .0001; ACTH, 27.0 ± 8.6 vs 15.7 ± 5.7 pg/dL, P < .01; F8, 20.4 ± 4.5 vs 13.6 ± 3.8 μg/dL, P < .05; post-dexamethasone suppression cortisol, 1.2 ± 0.4 vs 0.8 ± 0.6 μg/dL, P < .05, respectively) and group B (UFC, 26.3 ± 11.0 μg/24 h, P < .0001; ACTH, 19.9 ± 8.0 pg/dL, P < .05). Regression analysis showed that UFC levels were significantly associated with the deep-breathing test (β = −0.40, P = .004) and tended to be associated with the lying-to-standing test (β = −0.26, P = .065), whereas body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, and duration of disease were not. Type 2 diabetic patients with asymptomatic parasympathetic derangement have increased activity of HPA axis, related to the degree of the neuronal dysfunction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) may be associated with a mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) in up to one third of cases. There is growing evidence that MACS patients actually present increased risk of cardiovascular disease and higher mortality rate, driven by increased prevalence of known cardiovascular risk factors, as well as accelerated cardiovascular remodelling. Adrenalectomy seems to have cardiometabolic beneficial effects in MACS patients but their management is still a debated topic due to the lack of high-quality studies. Several studies suggested that so called "non-functioning" AI may be actually "functioning" with an associated increased cardiovascular risk. Although the individual cortisol sensitivity and peripheral activation have been recently suggested to play a role in influencing the cardiovascular risk even in apparently eucortisolemic patients, to date the degree of cortisol secretion, as mirrored by the cortisol levels after dexamethasone suppression test remains the best predictor of an increased cardiovascular risk in AI patients. However, whether or not the currently used cut-off set at 50 nmol/L for cortisol levels after dexamethasone suppression could be considered completely reliable in ruling out hypercortisolism remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the inverse relationship between serum ionized calcium (Ca2+) and PTH is well-established, the relationship between 25(OH)D and PTH showed conflicting results. The study aimed to evaluate the relative contributions of age, sex, serum Ca2+, ionized magnesium (Mg2+), 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH) 2 D in regulating PTH secretion in healthy subjects. This is a secondary analysis of an observational study performed from March 2014 to July 2015 carried out in 2259 blood donors (1652 men and 607 women, age range 18–68 years). Subjects with parathyroid disorders and taking drugs that affect mineral metabolism were excluded. Significant correlations [between Ca2+ and PTH (r = −0.223, p < 0.001), 25(OH)D and PTH (r = −0.178, p < 0.001) and between PTH and age (r = 0.322, p < 0.001)] were found. As a preliminary step to multivariate analysis, a regression tree analysis was performed using PTH as response variable and age, Ca2+, Mg2+, 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH) 2 D and sex as explanatory variables to determine the effect of each covariate on the response variable. For subjects <38 years, 25(OH)D was the most important parameter in regulating PTH. For subjects ≥38 both 25(OH)D and Ca2+ levels regulated PTH secretion. Subjects with 25(OH)D < 13 ng/mL had average higher PTH; in this group only, subjects with Ca2+ ≥ 1.30 mmol/L had average lower PTH compared to subjects with Ca2+ < 1.30. The multivariate analysis showed that all variables had a significant effect (p < 0.001) on PTH. Anova Type III errors c indicated that 25(OH)D accounted for 32.1% of the total variance in PTH, Ca2+ accounted for 18% of the total variance, BMI for 14.3%, and 1,25(OH) 2 D for 11.1%. The remaining percentage was attributable to age and sex. This was confirmed by the regression tree approach, where 25(OH)D and Ca2+ accounted for the largest variation in the average levels of PTH. Under stable conditions 25(OH)D plays a significant role in regulating PTH secretion. Under conditions of relative vitamin D sufficiency, Ca2+ also plays an important role. • Under clinically stable conditions, vitamin D plays a significant role in regulating parathyroid hormone secretion. • There is a divergent behavior of PTH with aging between males and females. • The direct correlation between PTH and BMI is most probably mediated by 25(OH)D levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Sarcopenia is a common geriatric syndrome, whose diagnosis implies the assessment of muscle mass. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the reference method for clinical practice, but it is not universally available. We compared DXA with 2 anthropometry-based methods to assess muscle mass in older adults. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Ambulatory patients. Participants 148 (87 female and 61 male) white older adults. Measurements Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), whole skeletal muscle mass estimated by the Lee's formula (eTSMM), and relative skeletal muscle index (RSMI). Results Men and women did not differ for MAMC and RSMI, whereas eTSMM was higher ( P < .001) in men. MAMC and eTSMM correlated with RSMI, in the whole sample as in men and women separately ( P < .001). According to the McNemar test, the frequencies of older men and women with low muscle mass identified by eTSMM did not differ from those detected by RSMI ( P = .066) at variance with MAMC. Using EWGSOP (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People) criteria for RSMI as standard reference, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves provided redefined cut-offs of reduced muscle mass: 18.6 cm in women and 22.3 cm in men for MAMC, and 17.7 kg in women and 28.3 kg in men for eTSMM. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) for MAMC were 0.882 in women (sensitivity 89%, specificity 84%) and 0.826 in men (sensitivity 94%, specificity 67%). The AUCs for eTSMM were 0.8913 in women (sensitivity 95%, specificity 81%) and 0.878 in men (sensitivity 97%, specificity 67%). No significant difference was found between the ROC curves of MAMC and eTSMM in both sexes. Conclusion Two simple anthropometric methods, possibly used in every clinical setting, could be valuable screening tools for low muscle mass in older subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glycoconjugates secreted by the pedal system of the rayed limpet, Patella caerulea, were characterised in situ by histochemical and lectin-histochemical methods in individuals collected around the annual cycle, in November, March, and June. Stainings with periodic acid–Schiff (PAS), Alcian blue pH 2.5 (AB pH 2.5), Alcian blue pH 1.0 (AB pH 1.0), high-iron diamine–Alcian blue pH 2.5 and lectin binding assays with 9 lectins (Con A, WGA, succinylated-WGA, PNA, DBA, SBA, AAA, UEA-I, LTA) were performed. Four secreting cell types were observed in the sole, one in the peripheric region, and two in the sidewall. Glycoconjugate composition varied among cell types and also in one and the same cell type throughout the year. β-Elimination followed by PAS and AB pH 2.5 stainings indicated that most saccharidic chains were O-linked to the protein backbone. Secretion by sole and peripheric region was acidic, carboxylated and/or sulfated, whereas that of the sidewall was neutral. Glucosaminylated and 1,4-fucosylated residuals were predominant in the cell types along the year, 1,2-fucosylated residuals being observed only in the sidewall cells in June. Mannosylated and/or glycosylated residuals were observed in all cells mostly in November. Galactosylated/galactosaminylated residuals were present mostly in the sidewall cells and in the sole subepidermal mucocytes in June. Mannosylated and/or glycosylated residuals in November are probably linked to gonad maturation or to higher locomotion and foraging activity, whereas galactosaminylation in the sole cells and 1,2-fucosylation and glucosaminylation in the sidewall cells in June are linked to a prolonged stationary state, increasing water adsorption to counteract dehydration and/or to modulate microbial interactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Previous papers investigating vitamin D status have often outlined the significant relationships between serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), but the influence of ionized calcium levels has not been concomitantly considered. Design: Cross-sectional. Materials and methods: In 1050 healthy men (547) and women (503), serum ionized calcium (iCa), creatinine (Cr), albumin, 25OHD, and PTH were measured. After conventional analysis, a regression tree was fitted on the data set. Results: 25OHD and PTH values showed significant opposite seasonal changes. 25OHD levels negatively correlated with PTH, which in turn negatively correlated with iCa. A regression tree was fitted to the whole data set using PTH as the response variable and 25OHD and iCa as covariates. PTH concentration depended on that of iCa only in subjects with 25OHD levels>16.35ng/mL, while for 25OHD<16.35ng/mL it depended on 25OHD values. Conclusions: Our results indicated that PTH levels were highly conditioned by those of 25OHD in subjects with 25OHD values lower than 16.35ng/mL and by those of iCa only for higher 25OHD concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Recent sun exposure should correlate with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] due to ultraviolet B (UVB)-catalyzed cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. Methods: A Sun Exposure Score was calculated for healthy adults using a recall questionnaire assessing daily Time in Sun (<5min, 5–30min, >30min) and Skin Exposure (face/hands; face/hands and arms; face/hands and legs; and “bathing suit”) for 1 week in each of the winter and summer (n =47 and 23, respectively; n =18 participated in both). Concentrations of 25(OH)D were measured by DiaSorin RIA on end-of-week sera. Results: Mean serum 25(OH)D was higher in summer than winter (58.6±16.5nmol/L vs. 38.8±29.0nmol/L, respectively, P =0.003 unpaired). The calculated Sun Exposure Score correlated strongly with serum 25(OH)D during summer (Spearman''s rho=0.59, P =0.003); based on the Pearson coefficient of determination, summer Sun Exposure Score explained 38% of the variability in summer serum 25(OH)D. The Sun Exposure Score did not correlate with 25(OH)D in the winter (rho=0.19, P =0.210). The summer correlation was largely explained by the Time in Sun (rho=0.58, P =0.004) rather than area of Skin Exposed (rho=0.10, P =0.660). Although there was a correlation between winter and summer Sun Exposure Scores (rho=0.63, P =0.005), there was no summer vs. winter correlation in serum 25(OH)D (rho=0.08, P =0.76). Conclusion: This simple 1-week sun exposure recall questionnaire predicted summer serum 25(OH)D concentrations, accounting for 38% of the variability in 25(OH)D among healthy Italian adults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study was conducted to test the ability of quantitative ultrasound technique (QUS) at the phalanges to discriminate between uremic and osteoporotic patients. Three groups of subjects (38 dialytic women, 16 osteoporotic women with vertebral fractures, 19 non-dialytic and non-fractured women) were recruited at the Department of Radiology at “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. The groups were matched for age and body mass index (BMI). On all subjects the following measurements were performed: spinal BMD by QCT and by DXA, Femoral BMD by DXA, phalangeal QUS. For QUS measurements, the DBM Sonic (IGEA, Carpi, Italy) was applied to the metaphysis of the proximal phalanges of the last four fingers of the hand. Osteoporotic women with vertebral fractures showed significantly lower values of spinal BMD by QCT and DXA and Ward''s Triangle BMD with respect to hemodialytic patients (p <0.005). All QUS values, except for BTT and SoS, showed lower values in osteoporotic women with respect to hemodialytic patients (p <0.05). Control group showed higher values of AD-SoS, BTT and SoS than hemodialytic patients (p <0.005) while the two groups did not differ for BMD values measured with both QCT and DXA. UBPI and FWA data showed a similar behaviour to DXA and QCT results, whereas BTT and SoS showed a completely different behaviour. AD-SoS was the only parameter that could effectively discriminate among the three groups (ANOVA, p <0.0001). We conclude that phalangeal QUS can discriminate between hemodialysed patients and controls with similar bone mineral density, and can also discriminate between hemodialysed and osteoporotic subjects with vertebral fractures. Different characteristics of ultrasound signal can be ascribed to each bone tissue condition, enabling a clear differentiation of bone tissue changes occurring in menopause, osteoporosis and renal osteodystrophy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The gastric glands of Triturus carnifex (Amphibia, Caudata) have been examined by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods with particular regard to hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen secretion. Fundic glands consist of mucous neck cells, endocrine cells and oxynticopeptic cells producing both pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid. The neck cells showed an unexpected distribution pattern which was only observed in the oral fundus, and produced neutral mucins with glycosidic residues of GalNAc and Gal ,3GalNAc, and in this respect they differ from the neck cells of anuran amphibians. The secretion of pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid as demonstrated by immunolabelling with anti-H,K-ATPase and with anti-pepsinogen, respectively, seems not to vary significantly along the longitudinal axis of the stomach. The mechanism of gastric acid secretion seems to be mediated by an ATPase, having similar features to the mammalian gastric H,K-ATPase, and is localised in the luminal membrane and in the subapical cytoplasm of the oxynticopeptic cells. Unusually, the same cytoplasmic areas revealed binding specificity for the winged pea lectin (WPA) from Lotus tetragonolobus, even after elimination, indicating the presence of fucosyl residues in N-linked oligosaccharidic chains in glycoproteins of -H,K-ATPase subunits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Caveolin-1, an integral membrane protein, is the principal component of caveolae, which are specialised vesicular microdomains of the plasma membrane. Caveolae are found in most cell types, but they are most abundant in adipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and muscle cells. Functionally, they have been implicated in endothelial transcytosis, potocytosis, and signal transduction. Recently, caveolin-1 has been found unexpectedly in the cytoplasm, mitochondria and elements of the secretory pathways of exocrine secretory cells. We have co-localised caveolin-1 and pepsinogen immunohistochemically in serous cells of oesophageal glands of the red-legged frog, Rana aurora aurora. Thus, according to its intracellular localisation pattern, caveolin-1 may be either a soluble protein, located in secretory droplets, or a protein that is inserted in caveolar membranes. Soluble caveolin-1, which is probably embedded in a lipid particle surrounded by a phospholipid shell, may be involved in intracellular and extracellular lipid transport. In the gut, caveolin-1-rich lipid particles can act as donor particles to facilitate (protein-mediated) intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phospholipids. Our findings strengthen the hypothesis that caveolin-1 has a physiological autocrine/paracrine function and demonstrate that secretion of this protein also occurs in vertebrates other than mammals, such as amphibians, which may be a useful alternative animal model to study caveolin-1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To evaluate lymphocyte subset distribution in the secretory endometrium from infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the expression of the cytokines known to play a role in determining the endometrial lymphocyte pattern. Design: Experimental clinical study. Setting: Outpatient clinic in a university hospital. Patient(s): Twenty-eight patients with PCOS (PCOS group) and 6 fertile patients (control group). Intervention(s): On days 22–26 of a spontaneous cycle, subjects underwent endometrial biopsies. Main Outcomes Measure(s): In 19 of 28 patients with PCOS and 6 controls with a late secretory endometrium, the percentage and phenotype of lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. In the late secretory endometrium of 11 patients with PCOS and 3 controls, the expression of interleukins 15 and 18 and of chemokine ligand 10 was also analysed by polymerase chain reaction. Result(s): In patients with PCOS the percentage of CD56+/CD16− and of CD56bright/CD16− cells was significantly lower (median [confidence interval]: 38% [31%–52.7%] vs. 63.7% [57.7%–69%] and 17.4% [8%–41.6%] vs. 52% [43%–60%], respectively), whereas the percentage of CD3+ was significantly higher (45% [33.3%–64%] vs. 26.1% [21%–32%]) as compared with controls. Accordingly, polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a significantly lower expression of interleukins 15 and 18 and of chemokine ligand 10 in patients with PCOS than in controls. Conclusion(s): Results demonstrated an abnormal percentage of endometrial lymphocyte subsets, associated with an impaired cytokine network in patients with PCOS. This could explain the poor reproductive potential in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]