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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with rising incidences worldwide. Gastric symptoms of DM have been reported, including nausea, vomiting, bloating, and epigastric pain. Moreover, acute to chronic gastritis and atrophic gastritis occur in DM can affect the chief cells of the gastric gland. Chief cells are vital because of their ability to digest and separate vitamin B12 from protein. Lack of vitamin B12 leads to impaired DNA synthesis and abnormal metabolism in red blood cells, and eventually leading to pernicious anemia. Furthermore, decreased vibratory and positional senses, numbness, ataxia with subacute combined degeneration, and dementia are present in pernicious anemic patients. Twenty-four male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into control (n = 12) and diabetic (n = 12) groups. The rats were further separated into two categories: short-term (4 weeks) and long-term (24 weeks) groups. DM model was induced by manually injecting intraperitoneally with streptozotocin in citrate buffer at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight. The same amount of buffer was injected into the control group. After sacrifice, three regions of the stomach (the cardia, body, and pylorus) were dissected. Histopathology was performed by staining with toluidine blue. Image analysis was used to quantify the zymogen granule accumulation in chief cells. The data were compared between the control and DM rats in each period using Student's t-test. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was also used to examine the ultrastructures. There was a significant decrease in the percentage of zymogen granules in DM rats. Under TEM, the destructions of mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus in the DM rat were observed in the chief cells. In rats with uncontrolled diabetes, there is damage to the chief cells all over the area of the stomach, affecting digestion and malabsorption of vitamin B12. Therefore, this result helps clinicians recognize that diabetic patients with gastric symptoms may have hidden pernicious anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wnt pathway is essential for the initiation of lizard tail regeneration. The regenerated lizard tails exhibit obvious morphological differences compared to the original ones. The expression of Wnt1 and Wnt2b proteins in the regenerating tail of Scincella tsinlingensis was detected by immunohistochemistry and then comparatively analyzed for ultrastructural changes in the original and regenerated spinal cord. The ependymal layer of the original spinal cord was pseudostratified with multiciliated cells and primary monociliated cells, while the cells of the ependymal layer of the regenerated spinal cord were organized in a monolayer with a few biciliated cells. Immunolocalization indicated that Wnt1 and Wnt2b were mainly distributed in the dermis near the original tail stump, spinal cord, and clot-positive migratory cells during Stage I, 0-1 days post-amputation (dpa). Wnt1 and Wnt2b were predominantly detected in the epaxial and hypaxial musculature near the original tail stump, wound epithelium, and spinal cord in the original tail during Stage II, 1-7 dpa. Mesenchymal cells and wound epithelium showed immunostaining during Stage III and IV, 7-15 dpa. The ependymal tubes contained these signaling proteins during Stage V and VI, 20-30 dpa. Labeling was mainly observed in nearby regenerative blood vessels, ependymal cells, epaxial and hypaxial musculature in the apical epithelial layer (AEC) after 45-160 dpa. These findings indicated that Wnt1 and Wnt2b proteins presented primarily in regenerating epidermis and nerve tissues were a critical signal for tail regeneration in S. tsinlingensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The scleractinian coral life cycle includes planktonic larvae that settle on the benthos, allowing the primary polyp to clone and build a sexually reproducing adult colony. The larval physiology and ecology of Eastern Tropical Pacific scleractinians needs the exploration of basic aspects such as the internal morphology of planulae. Objective: To describe histological and cytological characteristics of Porites panamensis larvae. Methods: During August-July 2019, at Islas Marias Biosphere Reserve, Central Mexican Pacific, we made 14 collections of coral larvae and identified the species with cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. We used a scanning electron microscope and other techniques. Results: The ectoderm was composed by heterogeneous, mono-ciliated, columnar epithelial cells. Nematocysts were clustered at the oral pole of the ectoderm, and cells were evident in the aboral pole of the ectoderm gland. The endoderm had secretory cells, lipids and symbionts. Conclusions: The abundance of secretory cells and nematocysts in the aboral pole suggests their importance in substrate exploration and larval settlement. Our results support previous descriptions of larval ultrastructure in other coral species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the microstructure and ultrastructure of the Bursa cloacalis (Bursa of Fabricius) (BC) in young Leiothrix lutea at various days of age (a few days after hatching) using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The bird BC was sampled at 1, 5, 7, and 9 days of age. Immediately after dissection, the structure and integrity of the BC (not degenerative) were retained and the specific temporal features could be visualized precisely. After hematoxylin-eosin staining and uranyl acetate/lead citrate staining, the microstructure and ultrastructure of the BC, respectively, could be observed clearly. The microscopic observations revealed the following: in addition to change in the size of BC or lymphoid follicles, many cavities were found in the BC; the distribution of the lymphoid follicles in Leiothrix lutea was different from that in other birds; and the segregating line between the bursal cortex and medulla became increasingly clear as the age increased. In conclusion, the structural data obtained in this study provides a better understanding of the specific immunological function of the BC in Leiothrix lutea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción: Se reconoce la importancia ecológica de los anfibios y reptiles, vitales en el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas y con patrones de reproducción diversos. No existen muchos estudios en biología de la reproducción en especies cubanas. El objetivo es mostrar el impacto de los estudios histológicos y ultraestructurales de las gónadas de anfibios y reptiles cubanos en la determinación del estado reproductivo del ejemplar y las etapas de la gametogénesis. Métodos: Se recolectaron once ranas del género Eleutherodactylus, un hílido y ocho sapos del género Peltophryne, además de tres especies de lagartijas; dos lagartos, un geckónido y cinco serpientes. Se procesaron las gónadas de ambos sexos con histología clásica, inmunofluorescencia, microscopía electrónica de transmisión y microscopía de fuerza atómica. Resultados: En anfibios y reptiles los ovocitos se clasifican en previtelogénicos, vitelogénicos y postvitelogénicos, acorde al proceso de síntesis y deposición del vitelo. Se aprecia una mayor cantidad de ovocitos vitelogénicos en etapa reproductiva. Los testículos contienen lóbulos seminíferos en anfibios donde tiene lugar la espermatogénesis cística y túbulos en reptiles, con espermatogénesis radial. Se identificó el órgano de Bidder en los sapos machos y en una hembra. La morfología de los espermatozoides en anfibios es similar incluso a nivel ultraestructural, y diferente entre los lagartos y las serpientes. Conclusiones: la histología clásica establece diferencias a nivel celular en ovarios y testículos, aspecto esencial para describir los ciclos gonadales que se suceden en anfibios y reptiles. Los caracteres histológicos y ultraestructurales permitieron describir los tipos celulares de la gametogénesis.

Introduction: Studies on microsporogenesis, micromorphology and structure of pollen grains in Malvaceae are scarce. Objectives: To describe the process of microsporogenesis and micromorphological aspects of pollen grains in A. rosea. Methods: Androphores were processed according to standard protocols for sectioning in paraffin. The obtained sections were stained with Safranin-Alcian blue, Aniline blue was used for immature and unfixed anthers and for resin sections of the androphores, Toluidine blue. Ultrathin sections were observed with transmission electron microscopy. For observation with scanning electron microscopy the material was fixed and dehydrated in 2.2 dimethoxypropane, dried to a critical point and coated with gold. Results: Anthers differentiate from a cell mass at the distal ends of the stamen filaments. The wall of the mature anther presents an outer layer of epidermal cells and an inner layer, the endothecium. Microspore mother cells divide by mitosis and then undergo meiosis to form tetrads. The tapetum is initially cellular and forms a single layer of cells and then loses cellular integrity by invading the microsporangium locule, forming a periplasmodia, by the time the pollen grains are released it degenerated. During sporodermis formation, exine is first deposited and then intine. Pollen grains are pantoporate, apolar, with radial symmetry, spheroidal, with spines, bacula, granules and microgranules. Tectum is perforated with foveolae arranged homogeneously over the whole surface and pollenkit is present. Exine is broad and consists of a thick 3.5 to 4 µm endexine and a thin ektexine (0.6-0.7 µm). The ultrastructure shows columellae forming the infratectum. Capitate glandular unicellular nectariferous trichomes covers the whole surface of the stamen filaments. Conclusions: The structure and development of the anthers follows the known patterns for angiosperms. Simultaneous microsporogenesis and centripetal deposit of the sporodermis have been previously described for Malvaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amiodarone (AMD), an orally powerful antidysrhythmic medication that has caused hepatotoxicity on long-term administration, is commonly used across the world. Silymarin ameliorative effects (SLM); this research elucidated the magnitude of the damage to the liver tissue in AMD. We divided 24 albino rats evenly into four groups given daily doses by gastric tube for eight weeks as follows; the 1st group acted as a control group; the 2nd group received SLM; the 3rd group received AMD; and the 4th group received AMD parallel to SLM. Liver tissues prepared for light, electron microscopic and serum samples screened for biomarkers (I)liver injury enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST); (II) oxidative and antioxidant stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and (III) inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The findings showed that AMD caused hepatic histological changes that included congestion of the blood vessels, leucocytic infiltration and cytoplasmic vacuolation. Ultrastructural degeneration of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum swelling, nuclear pyknosis and increased fat droplets and lysosomes were observed. The biochemical findings showed an increase in the AMD group's ALT and AST activities. The group of rats treated with AMD and SLM, increased the improvements in histology and ultrastructure, while the ALT and AST levels were reduced. Our findings collectively agreed that SLM has a protective impact on AMD hepatotoxicity which can be due to its antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical widely used to make polycarbonate plastics for packaging and epoxy resins. This study sought to examine how selenium (Se) affects BPA toxicity in terms of albino rats’ histological structure, antioxidant enzymes and reproductive organs (seminiferous tubules). Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into four experimental groups: Group 1: Control; Group 2: Orally administered BPA; Group 3: Orally administered sodium selenite; Group 4: Treated daily with BPA followed by selenium (Se). All experiment done for 4 weeks. BPA exposure caused changes in the testicular histological structure, which consists apoptosis, and led to changes in several biochemical markers: Malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. However, these BPA side effects may be ameliorated in rats treated with BPA-plus-Se. These protective effects of Se may attributable to its ability to remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in living organisms. The results may confirm that Se countered the oxidant effects and increased the BPA-induced stress response in rats. So, Se promotes the healthy growth and development of mammals by protecting them from oxidative stress. As human are greatly exposed to BPA and it can accumulate in tissues, there is concern about human reproductive functions particularly for occupational workers exposed usually to greater levels of BPA. Thus, the use of BPA in multiple industries must be restricted and the inaccurate usage of plastic containers should be avoided to decrease the health hazards. Administration of Se may protect against the adverse effects of BPA on reproductive functions and structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Research about the ontogeny of sori, sporangia, receptacular paraphyses and sporogenesis of leptosporangiate ferns are scarce in the scientific literature. Objectives: To describe and analyze the ontogeny of sori, sporangia, receptacular paraphyses and sporogenesis of Phymatosorus scolopendria. Methods: Fertile fronds of P. scolopendria were collected in the campus of the Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia, during the months March and May (annual rain season) of 2017. The fertile fronds of the samples at different developmental stages were fixed and processed according to the standard protocols for embedding and sectioning in paraffin and resin. Sections of 0.5 μm obtained in resin were stained with Toluidine blue, which differentially stains primary and secondary walls, highlights the cell nucleus and sporopolenin and secondarily stains polyphenols. For detailed descriptions, additional sections were processed with Safranin-Alcian blue, allowing the distinction of components of primary and secondary walls, nuclei, cuticle and polyphenols; Hematoxylin-Alcian blue to enhance nuclei and primary walls and Phloroglucinol-HCl for lignin. Observations and photographic records were done with a photonic microscope. For the observations and descriptions with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the sori were dehydrated with 2,2-dimethoxypropane, critical point dried and coated with gold. Results: The sori are exindusiate, superficial, vascularized and have mixed development; they are associated with uniseriate and multicellular receptacle paraphyses. During the development of the sori, the epidermal cells of the receptacle that will form the sporangia are the first differentiated followed by those forming the receptacle paraphyses. The sporangium is leptosporangiate, with long stalks formed by one or two cell rows. The annulus of the sporangia displays secondary walls with U-shaped thickenings rich in lignin. The meiosis is simultaneous and the spore tetrads are arranged in a decussate or tetragonal shape. The cellular tapetum is initially unistratified but becomes bistratified after a periclinal division. The cells of the internal strata of the cellular tapetum loose structural integrity giving rise to a plasmodial tapetum that invades the meiotic sporocytes. During the sporoderm development, the sporopollenin-composed exospore is the first formed followed by the endospore, composed by cellulose, pectin and carboxylated polysaccharides; the process ends with the perispore. Polyphenols were mainly detected on vacuoles in cells of the sporangium, paraphysis and receptacle. When the time comes for the spore maturation, the remnants of cellular and the plasmodial tapeta have fully degenerated. Abundant orbicles are seen near the spores in the sporangial cavity. Conclusions: The ontogeny of the sporangia and sporogenesis of P. scolopendria are similar to the previously described for leptosporangiate ferns. Furthermore, in P. scolopendria, the receptacle paraphyses of the sori have a role protecting the sporangium during the early development stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercado, María I.; María V. Coll Araoz; Ana I. Ruiz; Alfredo Grau; Graciela I. Ponessa. 2012. “Análisis estructural, ultraestructural y desarrollo ontogenético de los tricomas glandulares de Smallanthus sonchifolius (Asteraceae), «yacón»”. Lilloa 49 (1). Se describe el desarrollo ontogenético, anatómico y ultraestructural de tricomas glandulares (TG) durante el desarrollo foliar y el ciclo anual vegetativo de Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. & Endl.) H. Rob. «yacón», un cultivo andino. Para ello se utilizó una combinación de técnicas de microscopía óptica y electrónica. Los TG de las hojas de «yacón» se hallan completamente desarrollados y concluyen su actividad secretora en etapas tempranas del desarrollo foliar. La secreción de los TG constituida mayormente por lactonas sesquiterpénicas, en parte responsables de la actividad antidiabética de las hojas, es acumulada bajo la cutícula y liberada solo por acción mecánica. Este trabajo contribuye a la comprensión de las defensas químicas foliares del «yacón» y permite diseñar técnicas de cosecha apuntando a la elaboración de infusiones con fines medicinales.

Introduction: The ontogeny of sporangia and furthermore the structure and function of the receptacle scales showed by the sori of some fern species are topics scarcely represented in the scientific literature. Objectives: To describe and analyze the ontogeny of sporangia and receptacle scales of Pleopeltis macrocarpa. Methods: During March and April of 2017, fertile fronds of P. macrocarpa were collected from tree stems located in the plant nursery “El Edén de las flores", municipality of Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia. The samples were fixed and processed according to the standard protocols for embedding and sectioning in paraffin and resin. Sections obtained in resin (0.5 μm) were stained with Toluidine blue. The additional descriptions of the anatomy and histochemistry required specific reagents, applied for the determination of primary walls, secondary walls, nuclei, lignin, polyphenols, polysaccharides, pectic substances and cellulose. The observations and photographic records were performed by photonic and epifluorescence microscopy. For the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique, the sori were dehydrated with 2,2- Dimethoxypropane, dried to critical point and coated with gold. Results: The sori are superficial, vascularized and have mixed development, covered by receptacle scales that detach as the sporangia reaches maturity. The leptosporangiate type sporangium have long stalks of primary walls, the annulus of the sporangia shows secondary walls with “U" shaped thickenings rich in lignin. The epidermal cells of the receptacle originate the sporangia and receptacle scales. The mitotic division events of these two structures are initially similar, but then diverge for the reproductive and vegetative differentiation of these two organs. Meiosis is simultaneous and the spore tetrads are arranged in a decussate or tetragonal shape. The cellular tapetum is initially unstratified but becomes bistratified by mitotic division. The inner layer of the tapetum cells break originating a plasmodial tapetum. During the sporoderm development, the first structure formed is the exospore, composed of sporopolenin, followed by the endospore composed of cellulose, pectin and carboxilated polysaccharides, and finally the perispore. The histochemistry and epifluorescence results indicate that both the sporangia and immature receptacle scales have cell walls of cellulosic. These structures as well as those of the sporangium wall cells maintain its composition during maturation. Whereas, the epidermal wall cells of the shields from the mature receptacle scales are characterized by thickened cuticle. The polyphenols are present during all the development stages of the sporangia and receptacle scales. Starch is abundant in the early stages of development of the receptacle cells and sporangial primordia. Conclusions: The ontogeny of the sporangia of P. macrocarpa is similar to the described for leptosporangiate ferns. The receptacle scales are mainly protective structures, its morphology and cell wall composition prevent desiccation or humidity loss of the sporangia during the labile stages of development. These results agree with the protective function attributed to the peltated pluricellular scales present in the vegetative structures of drought tolerant species of ferns and angiosperms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Morphological and physiological responses of gills exposed to environmental contaminants are widely described in the literature. Among the primary findings are the lamellar fusion, hyperplasia, aneurysms, proliferation of mitochondria-rich cells and mucous cells. This work has as main objectives, to show the main changes caused by a polluted lake in gills, and understand how each gill's cell type responds to pollutants' exposure. To those individuals of the species, Astyanax altiparanae were exposed to water from an urban lake, which receives such contaminants from various sources. The gills were analyzed under a TEM. Our results showed that prior to these changes, commonly found, only the mucous cells did not show structural changes. Among the main results, we observed the emergence of Rodlet cells in the group exposed to contaminants, as well as severe damage to the mitochondria-rich cells. The latter result was extremely relevant for demonstrating that the proliferation of this cell type, widely described as an alternative ionic regulation, may in some cases be completely inefficient because structurally these cells are no longer able to perform their basic metabolic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are one of the risk factors for male reproductive health and melatonin can be an ideal candidate for therapeutic development against RF-induced male fertility problems due to its antioxidant properties. The possible therapeutic role of melatonin in the destructive effects of 2100MHz RF radiation on rat sperm characteristics is investigated in the present study., Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups and the experiment continued for ninety consecutive days; Control, Melatonin (10mg/kg, subcutaneously), RF (2100MHz, thirty minutes per day, whole-body), and RF+Melatonin groups. Left caudal epididymis and ductus deferens tissues were placed in sperm wash solution (at 37°C) and dissected. The sperms were counted and stained. Measurements of the perinuclear ring of the manchette and posterior portion of the nucleus (ARC) were performed and the sperms were examined at an ultrastructural level. All of the parameters were evaluated statistically., Results: The percentages of abnormal sperm morphology were significantly increased with RF exposure, while the total sperm count was significantly decreased. RF exposure also showed harmful effects on acrosome, axoneme, mitochondrial sheath, and outer dense fibers at the ultrastructural level. The number of total sperms, sperms with normal morphology increased, and ultrastructural appearance returned to normal by melatonin administration., Discussion: The data showed that melatonin may be a beneficial therapeutic agent for long-term exposure of 2100MHz RF radiation-related reproductive impairments., (Copyright © 2023 Asociación Española de Andrología, Medicina Sexual y Reproductiva. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The morphology of the hypophysis in Bactrian camel has not been described in the literature, despite it being the master of endocrine organs in vertebrates. In the present study, we examined the morphological features of the hypophysis in Bactrian camel by means of gross anatomy, light and electron microscope. Our findings showed that the gland was a protrusion of the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain with about 1.54 g in weight and 2 cm3 in volume. The hypophysis consists of two major parts: fully developed adenohypophysis and underdeveloped neurohypophysis, the adenohypophysis consists of pars distalis and pars intermedia. Seven type cells of the pars distalis could be distinguished with immunohistochemical techniques and electron micrographs: somatotroph, mammotroph, thyrotroph, corticotroph, gonadotroph, chromophobe and stellate cells which is in accordance with most mammals. Notably, the stellate cells could be obviously distinguished from chromophobe cells in histological oberservation. Moreover, the corpusculum neurosecretorium (Herring bodies) were rare in the external neurohypophysis, and mainly distributed in the internal neurohypophysis, this was different from most mammals. Results from this study would provide a necessary theoretical basis for ongoing investigations for Bactrian camels and their good adaptability in arid and semi-arid circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to normobaric hyperoxia (NH) is known to increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by mitochondria. The present study was designed to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure morphological changes in the cortical brainin relation to glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and free radicals (FR) productions in brain tissue during hyperoxia exposure. The experimental groups were exposed to NH for 24 and 48 h continuously. Following the exposure periods, animals were sacrificed and cortical tissues were divided randomly into two parts; the first part was processed for the ultrastructural examination and the second was homogenized for GPX and FR determinations. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the main effects of O2 exposure periods were significant (p<0.05) for GPX and FR. Pair-wise means comparisons showed that NH elevated the average (+SE) GPX activity significantly (p<0.05) from the baseline control value of 5670.99+556.34 to13748.42+283.04 and 15134.19+1529.26 U/L with increasing length of NH exposure period from 24 to 48 h, respectively. Similarly, FR production was increased significantly (p<0.05) to 169.73+10.31 and 185.33+21.87, above baseline control of 105.27+5.25 Unit. Ultrastructure examination showed that O2 breathing for 48 h resulted in giant and swelled mitochondria associated with diluted inner membrane and damaged cristae. These mitochondria pathological alterations were associated with damages of myelin, axonal and cellular organelles. Normobaric-hyperoxia inducts mitochondria oxidative stress (MOS) and the subsequent rise of ROS causes variety of ultrastructure morphological pathological alterations in the organelles of cortical brain cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabry disease (EF) is an inborn error of catabolism of glycosphingolipids, X-linked due to the deficiency in the activity of a - galactosidase A lysosomal1, leading to accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL3) in plasma and in the lysosomes of vascular endothelial2, resulting in an endotheliopathy with a significant systemic manifestations. Patients with Classical Fabry disease have multifactorial physical hypoactivity that can lead to a decrease in skeletal muscle development. Objective: To know what is the effect of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with agalsidase B on the biochemical, histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of skeletal muscle in patients with classic Fabry disease. Methods: A self-controlled clinical trial of two patients with classic Fabry disease, who were took sample of skeletal muscle for electron microscopy and histochemical and biochemical study, before and after 6 months of ERT with agalsidase B. Results: Muscle fibers were observed type IIA, prior to the start of ERT, with conservation of the structure of the sarcomere, with thick Z lines and straight folds of the sarcolemma, slightly extended intermyofibrillar spaces with dense electron mitochondria, extracted lipid droplets and triads with terminal cisternae edematous. In both patients, we observed abundant glycogen. After 6 months of ERT, the observed changes showed little variations; however the patient with a better clinical condition, showed higher percentage of type I and IIA fibers and a decrease on type IIx fibers; the patient receiving dialysis shows highest number of IIx fibers. Conclusions: The FD can generate skeletal muscle hypotrophy, probably as a consequence of mitochondrial commitment and a probably condition of chronic muscle hypoxia, unmodified by the therapy with agalsidase B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Electron microscopy allows establishing constitutive characteristics of cells between different cell populations. CD44 high / CD24 low mammary cancer stem cells are a population of intratumoral cells associated with chemoresistance and metastasis, whose ultrastructure has not yet been well studied. The objective of this work was to know the ultrastructural characteristics of cells with cancer stem cell phenotype, of the triple negative mammary tumor cell line MDAMB- 436 436 using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and to contrast them with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Previously, by immunomagnetic purification using anti CD44 and anti CD24 antibodies bound to magnetic beads, cells populations was obtained from 10x106 cells of the MDA-MB-436 line, which, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem whereas cultivated on coverslips for scanning electron microscopy; while for transmission electron microscopy a cell pellet was obtained, then fixed with 2.5 % glutaraldehyde and post fixed with OsO4 1 %. For high resolution optical microscopy, toluidine blue was used as staining. After obtaining the phenotype of cancer stem cells, their pluripotency was corroborated by detecting the expression of the Oct4 and nanog genes by RT-PCR. Our results show that the cells of this phenotype are small, rounded, covered by abundant but short microvilli; the cytoplasm has organelles of cellular secretion and abundant elongated mitochondria; the nucleus is eccentric occupying half of the cellular volume, the nucleolus is bulky and the heterochromatin is attached to the inner nuclear membrane. It is concluded that the cellular immunophenotype studied is a sub-cellular population within the line studied that differs in size and ultrastructure of the adipose stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitrification is a physical process in which the concentrated cryoprotectant solution after exposure to extreme cold without ice crystal formation in living cells to be converted glassing state. In this study, maturation rate and ultrastructure of mouse oocytes followed by vitrification before or after in-virto maturation (IVM) were evaluated. A total of 373 germinal vesicle oocytes were obtained from ovaries and divided into three fresh IVM, IVM vitrified, vitrified IVM groups. Ten metaphase II oocytes were obtained from uterine tubes and considered as the control group. Oocytes in vitrified groups were vitrified by Cryotop using vitrification medium and kept in liquid nitrogen. The maturation media was a-MEM supplemented with rFSH + hCG. After 24-48 h of incubation, the oocytes were investigated for nuclear maturation and ultrastructural changes using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The oocyte maturation rate in vIVM group was significantly lower than IVMv group, when the two groups were compared with vIVM had the highest maturity. The evaluation ultrastructure of the four groups showed that the number of cortical granules, microvilli and mitochondria-SER aggregates in vIVM group were lowest and the highest amongst the number of vacuoles. Zona pellucida was darker than the control group in two freeze groups vIVM and IVMv. Most similar groups to the control group were group vIVM, Group IVMv and ultimately vIVM group, respectively. According to the results, IVM procedure is more efficient when it is performed before oocyte vitrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estudios sobre aspectos reproductivos, morfología y ultraestructura de las esporas de Lycopodiaceae no son abundantes en la literatura científica y constituyen información esencial para apoyar las relaciones taxonómicas y sistemáticas en el grupo. Con el fin de completar la información existente, añadiendo contribuciones nuevas y más amplias sobre estos temas, se realizó un análisis comparado de la ultraestructura de la esporogénesis, con énfasis en aspectos citológicos que tienen que ver con la formación de la cubierta de los esporocitos, el tapete, las meiosis monoplastidial y poliplastidial, la ontogenia del esporodermo y la ornamentación de las esporas maduras en 43 táxones de ocho géneros de Lycopodiaceae: Austrolycopodium, Diphasium, Diphasiastrum, Huperzia (incluyendo Phlegmariurus), Lycopodium, Lycopodiella, Palhinhaea y Pseudolycopodiella que crecen en los Andes de Colombia y el Neotrópico. Para estudios con microscopía electrónica de trasmisión (MET) las muestras se recolectaron en los departamentos de Cauca y Valle del Cauca, mientras que la mayoría de las muestras para microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB) provienen de material herborizado de colecciones. Para la observación de las muestras con MET y MEB se utilizaron protocolos estándar para el procesamiento de esporas. La cubierta de los esporocitos está formada por pared primaria; los esporocitos invierten gran parte de su actividad metabólica en la producción de esa cubierta, que es mantenida hasta la liberación de las esporas y tiene funciones de protección de las células que harán meiosis. La abundancia de dictiosomas en los esporocitos se relacionó con la formación y desarrollo de la cubierta. Además de la actividad de los microtúbulos, la presencia de sinuosidades y plegamientos asociados con material electro denso en la membrana de los esporocitos determinarían tempranamente los patrones de ornamentación de las esporas. La condición monoplastidial es común en Lycopodium s.l.y la poliplastidial se observó en Huperzia y Lycopodiella s. l. En especies monoplastidiales el tapete presenta abundantes cuerpos plurivesiculares, en las poliplastidiales la actividad secretora del tapete es menos intensa. El desarrollo del esporodermo es centrípeto, el exosporio se forma primero, seguido del endosporio y el perisporio, si está presente, se deposita de último. En las esporas adultas de Lycopodiaceae se encontraron dos patrones de ornamentación: negativo o caviforme (esporas foveoladas) y positivo o muriforme (esporas rugadas y reticuladas). Las esporas foveoladas son características de Huperzia; las rugadas de unas pocas especies de Huperzia y las especies de Lycopodiella s. l., mientras que las reticulada son típicas de Lycopodium s. l.. Numerosos caracteres de la ornamentación resultan diagnósticos en el nivel específico. Los tipos principales no apoyan la extrema fragmentación reciente de la familia en varios géneros, aunque podría coincidir, a priori, con la idea de tres subfamilias. Los hallazgos de la esporogénesis, extremadamente similar en todos los táxones estudiados, apuntan más a la unificación de los géneros en la familia que a su segregación.

Se investigó el desarrollo anatómico de esporofitos jóvenes de Macrocystis pyrifera obtenidos a partir de cigotos en cultivos de laboratorio. Los talos eran monostromáticos luego de dos semanas de crecimiento y las células eran similares entre sí, fotosintéticas y conectadas por campos de puntuación primarios. A las cinco semanas, los talos eran poliestromáticos y estaban diferenciados internamente en meristodermo, corteza y médula. Filamentos cribosos longitudinales aparecieron en la médula, desarrollándose de la corteza interna y rodeados por una matriz intercelular. Cada elemento criboso presentaba un núcleo, cloroplastos y varios plasmodesmos, los cuales estaban distribuidos más o menos al azar en paredes transversales o agrupados en campos de puntuación primarios en paredes longitudinales. Luego de nueve semanas, los talos eran más gruesos y estaban diferenciados morfológicamente en una lámina, estípite y grampón rizoidal. Además de los filamentos cribosos, aparecieron filamentos menores o «hifas» en la médula. Se discute el desarrollo del esporofito joven y la relación de nuestras observaciones con estudios en otras algas pardas.

In Charophyceae, the oosporangia and antheridia are the respective female and male structures of sexual reproduction. These organs are characterized by their morphological complexity and usefulness in taxonomy and systematics. Here we described the structural and ultraestructural details of Chara hydropitys gametogenesis. The fertile material from the algae was collected in a tributary stream of the Río Meléndez in Cali, Colombia (3°21'23'N - 76°32'5.2''W) in March 2011. The specimens were fixed and processed following the standard protocols for inclusion in resin. Thin sections (0.3-0.5 μm) were stained with toluidine O and were observed by photonic microscopy and additional ultrathin sections (60-90 nm) were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); other samples were processed and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We found that the oosporangia are covered with spiral cells, forming 10-12 convolutions and ends in five coronula cells. The immature oosporangia wall is formed by two layers that correspond to the wall of the spiral cells and to the oosphere. In mature stages, the oosporangia wall is composed by six additional layers, three of them are provided by the oosphere and the other three are provided by the spiral cells. Oosphere size increases progressively while the spiral cells grow and divide. The cytoplasm of the immature oosphere does not exhibit conspicuous cytoplasmic inclusions, nevertheless, with the maturation, the number of starch granules increases, occupying most of the cell volume. In the spiral cells of the mature oosporangia we observed large number of chloroplast with starch accumulations, between thylakoid lamellae and a vacuole that occupies almost the entire cell. By using SEM it was possible to appreciate, that the external wall of the oospore, more accurately, on the fossa area, shows verrucose micro-ornamentations with verrucae elevations. In mature antheridia, shield cells are strongly pigmented orange due to the presence of a large number of plastoglobules between thylakoid lamellae. The spermatogenous filaments are developed from cells of the secondary capitulum; those, by unidirectional and sincronic mitotic divisions develop the spermatocytes. The biflagellate antherozoids are developed from the haploid cells by spermiogenesis. The subcellular events related with these division and differentiation processes, include first, chromatin condensation, loss of nucleoli and more activity in dictyosomes. Subsequently, retracts the cytoplasm and the organelles are aligned along the condensed nucleus and flagellar apparatus. Mature antherozoids emerge through a side wall pore of the spermatocytes. All the described events showed that the gametogenesis processes and the gametes structural details in general, are widely conserved in this algae group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida albicans is a most common cause of fungal infections in animals and birds. Understanding the increasing resistance of C. albicans to various antifungal therapeutic agents is important to discover new anti-candidal alternatives. The present study investigated the anti-candidal potential of five endophytic fungi extracts, isolated from the tropical ethnoveterinary plant, Calotropis gigantea. We firstly evaluated the in vitro antifungal activities of endophytic fungi extracts by the well diffusion method. Secondly, the cells of C. albicans were treated with the potent extract to observe significant ultrastructural changes. To further investigate the in vivo antifungal activity of the extract, some laboratory experiments with mice were undertaken and posteriourly, the different organs were studied under the electron microscope for any deformities. Phomopsis asparagi showed the best anti-candidal activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 46.9 μg/mL. The fungal test pathogen (C. albicans) exhibited various cell deformities when treated with the extract of P. asparagi. Histopathological studies of the vital organs of mice treated with the potent fungal extract did not show any significant pathological conditions when viewed under scanning electron microscope. Thus, P. asparagi can be a potential candidate for anti-candidal agents against C. albicans. Future studies will focus on the isolation of the bioactive components of the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Venezuela, chimó is a blackish goo derived from tobacco leaf. Its consumption has been associated with systemic and oral diseases. Purpose: To identify in vitro dental erosion associated to chimó exposure. Methods: The sample consisted of 30 teeth that were assigned 10 to the negative control group, another 10 to the positive control group, and 10 to the experimental group, which were exposed respectively to artificial saliva, Coca-Cola® light, and chimó for 20 weeks. Tooth surfaces were analyzed clinically and structurally, the latter through scanning electron microscope. Results: Clinical observations showed surface color change in the negative control group; color change and surface gloss loss in the positive control group; color and surface changes in the experimental group (p=0.000). Ultrastructural analysis showed no enamel surface alterations in the negative control group. Acid etching scale values were 4 for the positive control group and 3-4 for the experimental group. The latter had signs of enamel erosion. In terms of severity of damage, the experimental group was type 1, that is, enamel loss without involving dentin. Conclusion: Under these experimental conditions, chimó caused clinical and ultrastructural enamel surface loss with type 3-4 erosion patterns, and type 1 severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of sexual reproductive behavior supported by ultrastructural evidence is important in rotifers to describe differences among potential cryptic species. In this research, the morphology of the rotifer Brachionus bidentatus is described at the ultrastructural level, using electronic microscopy, together with a brief description and discussion of its sexual reproductive behavior. The characteristics of the (a) male,(b) the female, (c) the sexual egg or cyst, (d) the partenogenic egg, (e) the no-fecundated sexual egg (male egg), and (f) the trophi, were described. Another part of this research is dedicated to the ultrastructure of the sex cells of the male rotifer B. bidentatus. Samples were obtained from La Punta pond in Cosio, Aguascalientes, Mexico (22°08’ N - 102°24’ W), and a culture was maintained in the laboratory. Fifty organisms, from different stages of the rotifer Brachionus bidentatus, were fixed in Formol at 4% and then prepared; besides, for the trophi, 25 female rotifer Brachionus bidentatus were prepared for observation in a JEOL 5900 LV scanning electronic microscope. In addition, for the observation of male sex cells, 500 males of Brachionus bidentatus were isolated, fixed and observed in a JEOL 1010 transmission microscope. Females of B. bidentatus in laboratory cultures had a lifespan of five days (mean±one SD=4.69±0.48; N=13), and produced 4.5+3.67 (N=6) parthenogenetic eggs during such lifespan. In the case of non-fertilized sexual eggs, they produced up to 18 eggs (mean±one SD=13±4.93; N=7). Sexual females produced a single cyst on average (mean±one SD=1±0; N=20). For the sexual cycle, the time of copulation between male and female ranged from 10 to 40 seconds (mean±one SD=17.33±10.55, N=7). The spermatozoa are composed of a celular body and a flagellum, the size of the body is of 300nm while the flagellum measures 1 700nm. The rods have a double membrane. Their mean length is almost 2.45µm±0.74, N=6; and their mean wide is 0.773µm±0.241, N=11. The evidence on the specific ultrastructural characteristics of the rotifer B. bidentatus is notorious, even more in the male and in the cyst cell. Regarding the ultrastructure of the spermatozoa and the rods, compared to other species they only differ in size, despite their structural resemblance. Our study of the ultraestructure of this species adds useful information that along with molecular data will help clarify the taxonomy of brachionid rotifers. Rev. Biol. Trop. 61 (4): 1737-1745. Epub 2013 December 01.

Anteras de diez especies de Poaceae de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina) fueron investigadas con microscopio electrónico de barrido y de transmisión. Las orbículas pueden ser definidas como corpúsculos de tamaño variable que muestran la misma electrodensidad, reacción a los colorantes, autofluorescencia y resistencia a la acetólisis que la exina del grano de polen. Las orbículas se encuentran revistiendo el interior del lóculo de la antera, a menudo adheridas a una membrana tapetal. En este estudio se identificaron cuatro tipos y cuatro subtipos diferentes de orbículas. Se concluye que los distintos tipos morfológicos de orbículas descriptos en este trabajo son representativos de cada una de las tribus estudiadas, por lo que se sugiere que la morfología de estos corpúsculos podría ser un carácter utilizado en estudios sistemáticos.Orbicules diversity in Poaceae. Anthers of ten species of Poaceae from the province of Buenos Aires (Argentina) were investigated with scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The orbicules can be defined as corpuscles of variable size that show the same electron-density, reaction to the dyes, autofluorescence and resistance to acetolysis as pollen exine does. The orbicules are randomly dispersed on the inner anther locule and they are often attached to a tapetal membrane. In this study, four different types and four subtypes of orbicules were identified. We conclude that the different orbicules types described in this work are representative of the studied tribes, and we suggest that the orbicules morphology may be a useful character in systematic studies.

La familia Davalliaceae se encuentra representada en el Noroeste argentino por el género Nephrolepis, con una única especie N. cordifolia. El estudio se realizó en base a material de herbario y fresco. La observación se realizó con microscopios óptico y electrónicos de barrido y transmisión. Las esporas son monoletes, de forma elipsoidal, superficie rugada, miden en promedio 20 µm de diámetro polar y 35 µm de diámetro ecuatorial mayor. La esporodermis está constituida por dos paredes: exosporio y perisporio. El exosporio, 1,3-2,6 µm de espesor, presenta procesos verrucosos, y consta de 2 capas. El perisporio, 920 nm-2,75 µm de espesor, con procesos verrucosos y tuberculados, con dos capas. Las esporas de las Davalliaceae muestran cierta similitud con las esporas de Microgramma, Pecluma y Polypodium (Polypodiaceae), en cuanto al tipo de esporas aunque se diferencian de las mismas por el tamaño, y por la estructura de la esporodermis. La ornamentación en las Polypodiaceae está dada por el exosporio, mientras que en Nephrolepis es el perisporio quien la determina.Spore morphology and wall ultrastructure in Nephrolepis cordifolia (Davalliaceae) from North-West Argentina. The family Davalliaceae is represented in the study area by the genus Nephrolepis, with only one species N. cordifolia. The study was based on herbarium and fresh material and the spores were studied under light microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The spores are monolete, the shape in polar view is ellipsoidal, and have a rugate surface, 20 µm in polar diameter (mean), 35 µm in mayor equatorial diameter (mean). Mature spores have a sporoderm composed of exospores and perispore. The exospore is two-layered, 1,3 to 2,6 µm thick, verrucate. The perispore is two layered, 920 nm to 2,75 µm thick, with verrucae and tubercles. The spores of Davalliaceae show some similarities with the spores of Microgramma, Pecluma y Polypodium (Polypodiaceae), referred to spore type, but differ from the last ones in size and sporoderm structure. The ornamentation of the spores of the Polypodiaceae is determined by the exospore, while in Nephrolepis the ornamentation is determined by the perispore.

El género Zeugites incluye once especies de pastos con distribución neotropical, en México, el Caribe, Centro y Sudamérica. En este trabajo se describe la epidermis foliar de las once especies, se utilizaron técnicas de microscopía electrónica de barrido y revisaron al menos tres especímenes de cada especie, algunas muestras proceden de ejemplares de herbario y otras fueron recolectadas por la primera autora. Se presenta una clave y descripciones para las especies del género, en las cuales se resaltan las características epidérmicas distintivas. Los caracteres que resultaron informativos, desde el punto de vista taxonómico fueron: la presencia o ausencia de aguijones y macropelos, la forma de las células cortas intercostales y la forma de los cuerpos de sílice. Con base en estas características, las especies de Zeugites se pueden separar en tres grupos: (1) especies que no presentan aguijones (Z. americana, Z. mexicana, Z. pringlei, Z. munroana y Z. sagittata) y que con excepción de Z. pringlei tampoco presentan macropelos; (2) especies que presentan sólo aguijones (Z. latifolia y Z. smilacifolia); y (3) especies que presentan aguijones y macropelos (Z. capillaris, Z. hackelii, Z pittieri y Z. sylvatica). Las características morfológicas de la epidermis foliar, sustentan la relación de las tribus Centotheceae y Paniceae.

Resumen. En este trabajo se estudiaron estructural y cuantitativamente las celdas exocoriales de huevos eclosionados de Triatoma infestans (Klug), Triatoma lenti Sherlock & Serafim, Triatoma maculata (Erichson), Triatoma sordida (Stal), Meccus picturatus (Usinger), Meccus longipennis (Usinger), Meccus pallidipennis (Stal) and Nesotriatoma flavida (Neiva). Los huevos se analizaron por regiones: caudal, media y cefálica. Se encontró que el hexágono fue el polígono más abundante en todas las regiones del huevo y en todas las especies, seguido del pentágono y del heptágono; se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el número tanto de hexágonos y pentágonos entre regiones de una misma especie y entre la misma región de las diferentes especies, sin embargo, el número promedio de heptágonos no varió al comparar la región media entre las diferentes especies y al comparar las diferentes regiones en una misma especie. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el promedio de polígonos, segmentos totales, heptágonos, hexágonos y pentágonos, al comparar las especies examinadas del género Meccus. Se propone un protocolo de identificación y análisis de teselaciones, con el cual se encontró que en 108 campos examinados de 385.000 µm2 cada uno, se identificaron teselaciones compartidas en los 108 campos observados con determinadas combinaciones de heptágonos, hexágonos y pentágonos, y se observaron teselaciones no compartidas en la totalidad de los campos, con combinaciones de polígonos de cuatro a nueve lados, y cada teselación se representó por un grafo. Se discuten las implicaciones taxonómicas, funcionales, filogenéticas y construccionales de los arreglos poligonales descritos.Arragement of exochorial polygons of hatched eggs in several species of the genera Triatoma Laporte, Meccus Stal y Nesotriatoma Usinger (Heteroptera: Reduviidae). Abstract. In this study a structural and quantitative analysis of the exochorial polygonal cells of hatched eggs of Triatoma infestans (Klug), Triatoma lenti Sherlock & Serafim, Triatoma maculata (Erichson), Triatoma sordida (Stal), Meccus picturatus (Usinger), Meccus longipennis (Usinger), Meccus pallidipennis (Stal) and Nesotriatoma flavida (Neiva) was performed; cephalic, median and caudal egg regions were compared. It was found that cells with hexagonal shape were more abundant among all egg regions and studied species, followed by pentagonal and heptagonal polygons respectively. The average number of hexagonal and pentagonal polygons was significantly different among the three egg regions for each species, and when comparing the median, cephalic and caudal egg regions among different species. However, the average number of heptagons did not differ among the three egg regions for each species. The average number of heptagons did not differ when comparing the median egg region, but differed when comparing the cephalic and caudal egg regions, among different species. The average number of hexagons, pentagons, heptagons, total polygons, and total segments did not differ among the different species eggs of Meccus genus. A group of 108 micrographies (380,000 μm2 each one) were studied using tessellation methods. Shared tilings and unshared tilings were found in all the micrographies observed. Shared tilings were conformed by combinations of heptagons, hexagons and pentagons, and unshared tilings by combinations of polygons from four to nine sides. Finally, each tiling arrangement was represented as a graph. Taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic implications of the polygonal cell arrangement described here are discussed.

Las agallas son reconocidas generalmente como crecimientos anormales de los tejidos afectados por insectos cuando estos realizan la deposición de los huevecillos o se alimentan de los tejidos de la planta. En Ficus benjamina la acción del thrips Gynaikothrips garitacambroneroi al alimentarse de los tejidos de la hoja, provoca una agalla que consiste en el doblamiento de la hoja. En este trabajo se analizó la ultraestructura de secciones de hojas sanas y hojas con agallas de F. benjamina mediante el uso de la microscopia electrónica de barrido. Se analizó la cantidad de estomas por área y no se determinó alteración significativa, aunque se observa menor cantidad de cera cuticular en la superficie del área afectada por la agalla. En la zona de la hoja afectada por G. garitacambroneroi se observó bacilos y hongos y huevecillos de otros organismos, aparentemente invasores. Además, en los tejidos internos de las hojas con agallas se pudo determinar problemas de diferenciación de los mesófilos de empalizada y esponjoso, observándose sólo tejido parenquimático.Anatomy of the gall in Ficus benjamina (Moraceae) associated with thrips (Tubulifera: Phlaeothripidae). The galls are generally recognized as abnormal growths of tissues affected by insects when lay the eggs or feed on plant tissues. In, Ficus benjamina the insect Gynaikothrips garitacambroneroi, when feeding on leaf tissues, causes a gall which consists on the bending of the leaves. In this paper we analyzed the ultrastructure of sections of healthy leaves, and leaves with galls of F. benjamina using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We analyzed the number of stomata per area and found no significant changes, although there is less cuticular wax on the surface of the affected area by the barb. In the leaf area affected by G. garitacambroneroi, bacilli and fungi were observed and eggs of other organisms as possible invaders. Moreover, the inner tissues of leaves with galls had some problems in the differentiation of palisade and spongy mesophylls, and only parenchymatous tissue was observed. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (Suppl. 1): 179-186. Epub 2009 November 30.

Shoot tips of maize (Zea mays L.) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2 mg/l BA +1 mg/l 2,4-D +40 mg/l, to investigate phases of ontogenetic development. The study used light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electronic microscopy techniques. Shoot tips of maize are composed of small cells with a dense cytoplasm and a prominent nucleus. The process of organogenesis began with swelling of the shoot tip, as the first evidence of organogenic calli formation observed three weeks after culture get started. There were two morphologically different types of cells within the organogenic calli. The layer consisted of large cells with small nucleus, free-organelle cytosol, irregular plasmatic membrane, trichome-like structures, and thick cell walls. In the inner cell layer, small and isodiametric cells with a prominent nucleus, small vacuoles, endoplasmatic reticulum, Golgi, mitochondrias and chloroplasts were observed. The presence of trichomes in the more active morphogenic zones could indicate an organogenic potential. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (Suppl. 1): 129-139. Epub 2009 November 30.

the structural and ultrastructural features of gonads from endemic Mexican fish have received scarce attention. This study describes the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of the oocyte in Chirostoma humboldtianum. The ovary is asynchronic, and as such, most phases of oocyte development are found in the same ovary. The complete process of oogenesis was divided in five stages: oogonium and folliculogenesis, primary growth, cortical alveoli and lipid inclusions, vitellogenesis and maturation. The presence of big filaments, which appear at the end of primary growth, induces some common follicular adaptation. During primary growth, abundant ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria are grouped in the cytoplasm. At the end of this stage, the Z1 layer of the chorion is developed, while microvilli start to be evident as well. In the cortical alveoli and lipid droplets phase, intense PAS positive vesicles, some of them containing nucleoid material, are observed in the peripheral cytoplasm and the lipid droplets take a more central position. In vitellogenesis, the proteic yolk accumulates in a centripetal way while the chorion is completely formed. In maturation, the germinal vesicle migrates to the animal pole, meiosis is restored, and there is nuclear breakdown. The oocyte increases its size and holds some oil droplets and a big fluid mass of yolk. On the outside, filaments surround the oocyte completely. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (4): 1825-1835. Epub 2008 December 12.Los aspectos estructurales y ultraestructrurales de las gónadas de peces mexicanos endémicos han sido poco estudiados. En el presente trabajo reportamos las características histológicas y ultraestructurales del ovocito de Chirostoma hulmboldtianum. El ovario es de tipo asincrónico, por ende, la mayoría de las fases del desarrollo del ovocito pueden ser encontradas en el mismo ovario. El desarrollo del ovocito fue dividido en cinco etapas: ovo-gonia y foliculogénesis, crecimiento primario del ovocito, inclusiones lipídicas y gránulos corticales, vitelogénesis y maduración. La presencia de grandes filamentos que aparecen al final de la etapa de crecimiento primario, inducen adaptaciones foliculares. Durante el crecimiento primario, en el citoplasma se encuentran abundantes ribosomas, retículo endoplásmico rugoso y agrupamientos de mitocondrias. Al final de esta etapa, inicia el desarrollo de la capa Z1 del corion, comenzando a ser evidentes las microvellosidades del ovocito. Durante la etapa de inclusiones lipídicas y gránulos corticales, vesículas PAS positivas, algunas de ellas con material nucleoide, se ubican en la periferia del ovocito, mientras que las que contienen material graso toman una posición más central en la célula. Durante la vitelogénesis se presenta una acumulación de vitelo protéico en un sentido centrípeto; durante esta etapa, el corion está completamente formado. En la maduración, la vesicular germinal migra hacia el polo animal, se reinicia la meiosis y se rompe la envoltura nuclear. El ovocito incrementa su tamaño y en el citoplasma se pueden observar algunas gotas de grasa y el vitelo se presenta como una gran masa acuosa. En el exterior, los filamentos rodean completamente al ovocito.

Las raíces de Morella pubescens H. & B. ex Willdenow, se encuentran en simbiosis con el actinomiceto del género Frankia, conocido como actinorriza. La simbiosis le permite a la planta fijar dinitrógeno y al actinomiceto adquirir fuentes de carbono. Se conocen aproximadamente 270 especies de plantas que presentan este mismo tipo de simbiosis. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo caracterizar las estructuras y proceso infectivo en la asociación simbiótica de Frankia sp en las raíces de Morella pubescens. Los nódulos se colectaron se describieron en su morfología externa y se procesaron para Microscopia óptica de alta resolución, Electrónica de Transmisión y tinciones de histoquímica. Los resultados mostraron un patrón de infección muy organizado y las estructuras típicas de la invasión por parte de Frankia sp en el tejido radicular de la planta observándose claramente la ultraestructura de las hifas y vesículas fijadoras de nitrógenoMorella pubescens H. y B. ex Willdenow is a plant that carries out a symbiosis with an actinomicet of the species Frankia over the radical tissue of certain plants, which makes it known as actinorrize, of which 270 species are found and by which dinitrogen, contained in an unavailable form in the atmosphere can be fixed symbiotically to organic nitrogen: nitrates and ammonia. The work has as its objective to characterize the structures and infective process in the symbiotic association of Frankia sp in the roots of Morella pubescens. The nodes were collected, their external morphology was described and they were processed for high resolution optic Microscopy, Electronic Transmission and tinctures of histo-chemistry. The results showed a very organized infection pattern and structures typical of invasion by Frankia sp in the radical tissue of the plant, clearly observed in the ultra structure of the hiphas and fixed vesiculars of nitrogen

The taxonomic location of the Onychophora has been controversial because of their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, related to both annelids and arthropods. We analyzed the ultrastructure of the neurons and their synapses in the cephalic ganglion of a poorly known invertebrate, the velvet worm Peripatus sedgwicki, from the mountainous region of El Valle, Mérida, Venezuela. Cephalic ganglia were dissected, fixed and processed for transmission electron microscopy. The animal has a high degree of neurobiological development, as evidenced by the presence of asymmetric (excitatory) and symmetric (inhibitory) synapses, as well as the existence of glial cell processes in a wide neuropile zone. The postsynaptic terminals were seen to contain subsynaptic cisterns formed by membranes of smooth endoplasmic reticulum beneath the postsynaptic density, whereas the presynaptic terminal showed numerous electron transparent synaptic vesicles. From the neurophylogenetic perspectives, the ultrastructural characteristics of the central nervous tissue of the Onychophora show important evolutionary acquirements, such as the presence of both excitatory and inhibitory synapses, indicating functional synaptic transmission, and the appearance of mature glial cells. Rev. Biol . Trop. 55 (1): 261-267. Epub 2007 March. 31.Estudiamos la ultraestructura de las neuronas y sus sinapsis del ganglio cefálico de un invertebrado poco conocido del phylum Onychophora: Peripatus sedgwicki de los Andes Venezolanos, utilizando para ello la microscopía electrónica de transmisión. La localización taxonómica de los onicóforos ha sido controversial debido a sus características fenotípicas y genotípicas que los relacionan tanto con los anélidos como con los artrópodos. Para este trabajo se estudió el ganglio cefálico de P. sedgwicki de la zona montañosa de El Valle, Mérida, Venezuela. El ganglio cefálico se localiza en la región anterior del animal y fue diseccionado, fijado y luego procesado para microscopía electrónica de transmisión. El estudio ultraestructural permitió observar el alto grado de desarrollo neurobiológico de este grupo. En el ganglio cefálico se observó una amplia zona neuropílica donde se constató la existencia de sinapsis químicas asimétricas y simétricas, las cuales corresponden con sinapsis excitatorias e inhibitorias respectivamente. Se pudo observar en los terminales sinápticos una formación cisternal subsináptica formada por membranas de retículo endoplásmico liso situada por debajo de la densidad postsináptica; también se constató la existencia de prolongaciones gliales en la región de neuropila. Todas las características descritas demuestran, desde la perspectiva de la neurofilogénesis, que el estudio del tejido nervioso central de los onicóforos presenta importantes adquisiciones evolutivas, como la presencia de terminales axónicos con una significativa densidad de vesículas sinápticas electrón-transparentes, sinapsis excitatorias e inhibitorias y la presencia de cisternas subsinápticas, además de una importante maduración de elementos gliales.

Se describe la estructura y ultraestructura de los huevos de las especies Ormiscodes socialis (Feisthamel) y Polythysana cinerascens (Philippi), considerando la forma, tamaño, color, tipo de ovipostura, y aeropilas (cantidad, distribución y proporción) en el área micropilar, entre otros. La ultraestructura es mostrada a través de las celdas primarias, celdas secundarias, aeropilas y micropilas; además se incluye a la especie ya descrita Adetomeris microphthalma (Philippi) y se confecciona un cuadro comparativo para los huevos de estas especies. Se registra como nuevo hospedero de P. Cinerascens a Myoschilos oblonga Ruiz y Pavón (Santalaceae).Egg ultrastructure in two Chilean moths: Ormiscodes socialis y Polythysana cinerascens (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). The structure and ultra-structure of the eggs from Ormiscodes socialis (Feisthamel) and Polythysana cinerascens (Philippi) are described, considering shape, size, coloring when recently laid, oviposition type nd aeropiles (quantity, distribution and proportion) in the micropilar area, among others. The ultra-structure is shown for primary cells, secondary cells, aeropiles and icropiles. A comparative table of the eggs of these species is presented and includes the previously described eggs of Adetomeris microphthalma (Philippi). Myoschilos oblonga Ruiz y Pavón (Santalaceae) is recorded as a new host for P. cinerascens. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (4): 1085-1091. Epub 2006 Dec. 15.

The genus Hymenaea is characterized by a great diversity of secretory structures, but there are no reports of colleters yet. The objectives of this study are to report the occurrence and describe the origin and structure of colleters in Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne. Shoot apex samples were collected, fixed, and processed for light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy as per usual methods. Colleters occur predominantly on the stipule’s adaxial side. These structures are found at the base on a narrow strip, corresponding to the median vein up to half the length of the stipule. When present on the abaxial side, they are concentrated at the base and restricted to the margins. Colleters develop from the protoderm; they are elongate and club-shaped. Their body has no stratification; their surface cells differ from the inner cells only in position and presence of cuticle. Colleter cells have thin walls, dense cytoplasm, large nuclei, many mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and abundant dictyosomes. Histochemical tests with Ruthenium red showed pectic compounds in the cytosol. In H. stigonocarpa, colleter arrangement is compatible with the hypothesis that they protect shoot apex. In this species, protection is reinforced by the sheath formed by the stipule pairs. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (3): 943-950. Epub 2006 Sept. 29.El género Hymenaea se caracteriza por una gran diversidad de estructuras secretoras, pero no hay informes de coléteres. El objetivo de este estudio es informar de su existencia en el género, y describir el origen y estructura de los coléteres en Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne. Procesamos muestras del ápice de brotes según los métodos generales para microscopio óptico, microscopio electrónico de barrido y microscopio electrónico de transmisión. Los coléteres están predominantemente en la parte adaxial de las estípulas, ocupando la base en una estrecha franja desde la vena media hasta mitad de la longitud de la estípula. En la parte abaxial, se concentran en la base y se restringen a los márgenes. Los coléteres surgen del protoderma; son alargados y en forma de bastoncillo. Sus cuerpos no poseen estratificación; sus células superficiales difieren de las internas solamente por la posición y la presencia de cutícula. Las células de los coléteres poseen paredes delgadas, citoplasma denso, núcleos grandes, muchas mitocondrias, retículo endoplasmático rugoso, y abundantes dictiosomas. Las pruebas histoquímicas con rojo ruteno mostraron compuestos pécticos en el citosol. En H. stigonocarpa, la distribución de los coléteres es compatible con la hipótesis de que protegen el ápice del brote. En esta especie, la protección es reforzada por la envoltura formada por los pares de la estípula.

The liver is one of the major organs that is indirectly affected by cigarette smoke. The aim of this project is to define the histologic and ultrastructural changes in normal liver cells after exposing animals to cigarette smoke. Thirty albino rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for 90 days, followed by morphologic examination of their livers under light microscope and electron microscope. The liver cells of cigarette smoke exposed rats showed mild swelling with increased eosinophilia. Ultrastructural examination of these cells demonstrated cytoplasm with highly proliferated and crowded mitochondria. There were many electron dense mitochondria. These mitochondria were pleomorphic in shape compared to mitochondrias of control rats. Also, loss of mitochondrial cristae and widening of the intermembranous space was noticed. It is concluded that smoking exerts cellular damage and oxidative stress on normal liver cells resulting in ultrastructural changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micromorphology of pejibaye leaflets Bactris gasipaes (Arecaceae) var. diamonds-10. Bactris gasipaes is widely cultivated for the consumption of palm hearts and fruits. The present work describes the micro morphological characteristics of leaflets from adult plants of B. gasipaes, thornless variety Diamantes-10, collected in the Diamantes Experimental Station in Guápiles, Costa Rica. We collected 25 leaflets and analyses were performed with a combination of microscopy techniques: light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to study their structure. Our results showed that leaflets have abundant epicuticular wax on adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Analyses from the epidermis indicated that it is composed of isodiametric cells, and it is also evident that hypodermis cells have rectangular shape and are larger than the other epidermal cells. We observed stomata on both surfaces, but they were more abundant in the abaxial surface. On the other hand, the epidermis showed the presence of trichomes with three different morphologies. In the parenchyma, cells are large and not well defined, and we observed the presence of astroesclereids, and compact groups of fiber bundles between parenchyma cells. The central vein has several vascular bundles, arranged in a continuous manner, and they are surrounded by sclerotic tissue; some of these fibers presented live protoplasts. All minor veins showed the same anatomy as the central vein. In these veins, the vessel elements of protoxylem and metaxylem showed scalariform ornaments on their walls. Phloem is located towards the adaxial surface of the vein and we observed sieve and companion cells surrounded by fibers and parenchyma cells. The companion cells presented branched plasmodesmata attached to a sieve element, and in these elements we found protein bodies called P-protein. The main anatomical difference in the leaflets of the var. Diamantes-10, compared to the other varieties of B. gasipaes K, is the lack of thorns; the other morphological features seem to be conserved. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (3): 1273-1285. Epub 2016 September 01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se evaluaron características ultraestructurales de la lámina y la bráctea de la hoja, así como de las ramas, de plantas adultas de Guadua paniculata recolectadas en Costa Rica. Sus características ultraestructurales diagnósticas incluyen el patrón celular de la zona adaxial de la lámina foliar, los largos tricomas unicelulares de la superficie abaxial, los más numerosos tricomas auriculares, agrupados en número de 17, el patrón de cera cuticular y las bandas de estomas rodeadas de papilas céricas.Sections of leaf lamina, leaf sheath and branches of adult Guadua paniculata collected in Costa Rica, were studied ultrastructurally. Diagnostic ultrastructural characteristics include the cellular pattern of the adaxial zone in the leaf blade; the large unicellular trichomes of the abaxial area, the more numerous auricular trichomes, grouped in number of 17, the pattern of cuticular wax and the bands of stomata surrounded by ceric papillae. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(Suppl. 2): 29-34. Epub 2006 Dec. 01.

Oryza grandiglumis is a wild species of rice endemic to tropical America. This species was first found in 1998 in the wetlands of Caño Negro, located in the northern part of Costa Rica. Twenty five plants of O. grandiglumis were processed for scanning electron microscope. An ultrastructural description of the leaf blade, ligule, auricles, spikelet and caryopsis, with an emphasis on structures of taxonomic value. The leaf blade has a characteristic cuticular wax pattern, composed of dense rod-like structures, and is surrounded by papillae, zipper- like silica cells, abundant bulky prickle trichomes, and hooked trichomes. The blade’s edge has three rows of hooked prickle trichomes of various sizes. The auricles wrapped the culm, with long attenuated trichomes at the edges; the base was surrounded by oblong cells. The ligule is a blunt membrane covered by short prickle trichomes. Spikelet morphology is characteristic of the Poaceae family, but the sterile lemmas were nearly as long as the fertile lemmas, and they have an unique crown-like structure of lignified spines between the rachilla and the fertile lemmas. Comparison with Brazilian specimens of O. grandiglumis revealed little differences in the ultrastructural characteristics. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(2): 377-385. Epub 2006 Jun 01.El arroz silvestre Oryza grandiglumis es endémico de América. Se localiza en la zona norte de Costa Rica, principalmente en el humedal de Caño Negro y del Río Medio Queso. Es una planta vigorosa y grande. Su nombre deriva del gran tamaño de las lemas estériles (glumas). Presentamos una descripción ultraestructural de la lámina foliar, lígula, aurículas, espiguilla y cariópside, con énfasis en las estructuras de valor taxonómico, usando el microscopio electrónico de barrido. La lámina foliar se caracteriza por presentar un patrón de cera cuticular en forma de densos bastoncillos. Presenta estomas rodeados de papilas, células de sílice en forma crenada, varias formas de papilas de cera, distribuidas en forma muy regular, y tricomas espinosos abultados en la base y tricomas ganchudos. En el borde de la lámina hay tres hileras de tricomas espinosos ganchudos de diferente tamaño. Las aurículas son envolventes y los bordes presentan tricomas atenuados largos cubiertos en la base por células alargadas. La lígula es truncada y cubierta de tricomas espinosos pequeños. La morfología de la espiguilla es algo similar a las de las otras especies de la familia Poaceae, pero las lemas estériles son casi del mismo tamaño que las fértiles. Además se observó entre la raquilla y las lemas fértiles una corona de espinas lignificadas. Ultraestructuralmente, esta población es similar a las brasileñas.

Se estudió la ultraestructura anatómica de la lámina y la vaina de la hoja, así como de la bráctea del culmo, de Guadua angustifolia var. bicolor, por medio del microscopio electrónico de barrido. Se encontraron similitudes con otras guaduas: estomas de alto domo, células largas con paredes sinuosas y células de sílice. Son propios de la var. bicolor el patrón estomático en la zona abaxial de la hoja cerca de la vaina, con la presencia de gran cantidad de tricomas ganchudos y sin papilas; las brácteas de color café dorado que cubren los culmos y tienen tricomas papilares que cubren el haz; y el abundante número de tricomas auriculares, en grupos de 12.The anatomy of several parts of Guadua angustifolia var. bicolor was analyzed and characterized under a scanning electron icroscope. any similarities ere observed with other Guadua species, particularly the presence of high dome stomata, of large cells with sinuous walls and of silica cells. Specific bicolor characteristics include (1) a different stomatal pattern in the adaxial zone of the leaf base (close to the sheath); (2) the abundance of hook-sshaped trichomes without papilla; (3) the distinctive golden brown color of the bract that covers the culm (caused by papillar trichomes that cover the adaxial sheath); and (4) the size of the groups of auricular trichomes (formed by 12 trichomes). Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(Suppl. 2): 13-19. Epub 2006 Dec. 01.

Se evaluaron ultraestructuralmente secciones de la lámina de la hoja, vaina de la hoja y rama, de una planta adulta de Guadua macclurei. Las brácteas del culmo carecen de setas orales. En la superficie adaxial de la lámina foliar se observó un patrón celular diferente al de otras especies de este género. Además, hay tricomas tricelulares y bandas de estomas de alto domo muy ordenadas y evidentes, característica que la podría diferenciar de otras especies en el género. Esta es la primera descripción microscópica de esta especie.We studied the ultrastructure of sections of leaf lamina, leaf sheath and branches of an adult plant of Guadua macclurei. Culm sheaths lack fimbriae (oral setae). The adaxial section of the leaf lamina has a particular cellular pattern, previously unreported in this genus. The tricellular trichomes, and the evident and ordered bands of high dome stomata may be useful for taxonomic purposes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first microscopic description of this species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(Suppl. 2): 35-42. Epub 2006 Dec. 01.

Mediante el microscopio electrónico de barrido se analizaron muestras de lámina foliar, culmo y rama, así como las brácteas del culmo y yemas de las ramas de Dendrocalamus latiflorus var. latiflorus. Se determinó la presencia en la epidermis abaxial de la lámina foliar de dos tipos de papilas céricas, esféricas y alargadas; éstas últimas rodeando los estomas de bajo domo. Sólo en la superficie adaxial de la nervadura central de la lámina foliar aparecen grandes tricomas en forma de gancho. En la zona abaxial de las brácteas del culmo, hay tricomas alargados y delgados similares a los de las brácteas de D. giganteus y las yemas de las ramas están cubiertas por tricomas bicelulares.We used a scanning electron microscope to observe leaf laminae, culms, branches, culm bracts and branch buds of Dendrocalamus latiflorus var. latiflorus grown in Costa Rica. In the abaxial epidermis of the leaf lamina we found two types of ceric papillae, rounded and elongated, the latter surrounding the low dome stomata. Only the adaxial surface of the central nervature (leaf lamina) has big hook-sshaped trichomes. In the abaxial zone of the culm bract there are thin elongated trichomes, similar to those from the bract of Dendrocalamus giganteus. The branch buds are covered by bicelular trichomes. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(Suppl. 2): 51-57. Epub 2006 Dec. 01.

El análisis ultraestructural de los clones taiwanés y tailandés de Dendrocalamus asper, realizado al microscopio electrónico de barrido, mostró que el clon de Taiwán tiene estomas de bajo domo en la lámina foliar, mientras que el de Tailandia tiene estomas de alto domo; las acumulaciones de cera cuticular en el clon de Taiwán son de dos formas (cuatro en el de Tailandia). La distribución de los tejidos vasculares es igual en ambos, así como los tejidos que los rodean. Sería difícil identificar estos clones por la observación macroscópica o microscópica de las brácteas del culmo, pues no presentan diferencias significativas: una identificación fiable requiere considerar la ultraestructura de los estomas y las acumulaciones de cera cuticular.An ultraestructural analysis of the Taiwan and Thailand clones of Dendrocalamus asper made with the scanning electron microscope showed that the Taiwan clone had low dome stomata while the Thailand clone has high dome stomata in the leaf lamina. Cuticular wax accumulations in the Taiwan clone has two shapes, against four in the Thailand clone. Both have the same distribution of vascular and surrounding tissues. Macroscopic or microscopic observation of culm bracts are not recommended to differentiate these clones: a reliable identification requires observation of the ultrastructure of stomata and cuticular wax accumulations. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(Suppl. 2): 65-75. Epub 2006 Dec. 01.

Se realizó un análisis de las alteraciones fenotípicas, estructurales y ultraestructurales inducidas por Cd+2 en hepatocitos de ratón albino suizo. El metal fue suministrado vía oral en solución acuosa de CdCl2 durante 100 días a concentraciones de 50 ppm, 100 ppm y 150 ppm, en los controles la solución de cadmio fue sustituida por agua destilada. Las muestras fueron procesadas utilizando la técnica de inclusión en parafina y teñidas con hematoxilina- eosina para microscopía óptica y por la técnica convencional para microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Identificamos cambios fenotípicos (diferencias entre talla y peso) y fisiológicos (debilidad muscular e intranquilidad); a nivel histológico, pérdida de la disposición trabecular y de la arquitectura lobulillar, focos de aglomerados linfocíticos, vacuolización, dilatación de sinosoides y de la vena central. El estudio ultraestructural señala diversas alteraciones tales como: nucléolo con un elevado número de centros fibrilares (50 ppm); voluminosas gotas de lípidos en el citoplasma, retículo endoplasmático rugoso distendido, vacuolización citoplasmática, lisosomas y peroxisomas alterados (100 ppm); núcleos contraídos con cromatina condensada, dilatación en el espacio intracelular y áreas de pérdida mitocondrial y fibrilar (150 ppm). Sugerimos que el cadmio ejerce un efecto tóxico en las células hepáticas el cual se hace más severo con el aumento de la concentración, llevando a la necrosis celular.Cadmium citotoxicity in mice hepatocytes and impications on tropical environments. We analyzed phenotypic, structural and ultrastructural alterations induced by Cd+2 in hepatocytes extracted from Swiss Albino mice. Cadmium was given orally in watery solution of CdCl2 during 100 days at concentrations of 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 150 ppm. In controls, distilled water alone was used. The samples were processed with the paraffin inclusion and hematoxilin-eosin coloration techniques for light microscopy. For transmission electron microscopy we used the conventional technique. We found phenotypic (size and weight differences) and physiologic changes (muscular weakness, unrest); at the structural level we noticed loss of trabecular disposition and of lobulillar architecture, lymphocyte agglomeration, vacuolization, dilatation of sinusoid and central vein, among others. The ultrastructural study evidenced alterations coincident with those seen with light microscopy, which were accentuated with the increase of metal concentration: nucleolus with a high number of fibrillar centers (50 ppm); voluminous lipidic drops in the cytoplasm, loose endoplasmic rough reticulum, citoplasmatic vacuolization, altered lisosomes and peroxisomes (100 ppm); contracted nuclei with condensed cromatine, dilatation of intracellular space and mitochondria, and loss of fibrillar areas (150 ppm). Cadmium produces a toxic effect in the hepatic cells; the effect is more severe at higher concentration, leading to cellular necrosis. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(2): 257-263. Epub 2006 Jun 01.

Dendrocalamus giganteus es una de las especies de bambú más grandes y fuertes, y es ampliamente utilizada con propósitos varios. Se llevó a cabo un análisis ultraestructural de una población costarricense, determinando tres formas de acumulación de la cera cuticular en forma de papilas céricas. En la zona abaxial de la lámina foliar se aprecian estructuras cuadradas, constituidas por dos células de sílice en los extremos y en las partes laterales papilas céricas dobles, en el centro hay papilas céricas esféricas. Estas estructuras son únicas para este especie, por lo que tienen alto valor taxonómico.Dendrocalamus giganteus is one of the biggest, strongest and most used bamboos. An ultrastructural analysis of samples from a Costa Rican population showed that there are three forms of cuticular wax accumulations, shaped like ceric papillae. In the abaxial zone of the leaf lamina there are square structures composed by two silica cells in the boundaries and double ceric papillae in the lateral parts; in the center there are spherical papillae. These structures are unique for this species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(Suppl. 2): 59-63. Epub 2006 Dec. 01.