Angiomyolipoma of the kidneys

59 angiomyolipomas were studied: immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used in 24 cases, electron microscopy (EM) in 6 cases. 57 tumors had a typical structure, 2 did not contain fat component. Premelanosomes were found by EM in one tumor. Smooth muscle actin was found in all tumor cells. Involvement of lymph nodes was observed in 2 patients. Histogenesis of this tumor is discussed.     

Detection of the circulation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in the piedmont steppes of the North Caucasus

The laboratory verified cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the piedmont steppes of the North Caucasus (Malgobeksky District, Republic of Ingushetia) are first described. The source of the first infection was Ixodidae ticks; three subsequent sources were contacts with the bloody discharges from patients. CCHF virus genome was detected in the blood of the cattle from an epidemic focus and in the pools of the Ixodes ticks Haemaphysalis parva Neum., 1897 and Boophilus annulatus Say, 1821, taken from cattle. The problem of including the piedmont steppes of the North Caucasus into the CCHF nosological area is discussed.     

Pancreatic hormone amylin and integrity of the gastric mucosa

The paper presents experimental findings of some possible mechanisms of protective antiulcerous action of amyline. Amyline is the second beta-cell pancreatic hormone, which has been just recently discovered. The authors have studied the effects of amyline on gastric secretion, mast cell functions, mesenteric lymphatic microvascular contractility, i.e. on individual aggressive and protective factors of the gastric mucosa. Amyline has been found to inhibit basal acid gastric secretion and the secretion stimulated by vagal irritation. The peptide reduces the secretory activities of mast cells. Amyline given to animals increases the heparin saturation index of mast cells and decreases the degranulation index. Amyline-induced stabilization of mast cells appears to followed by the decreased release of histamine and other damaging substances. The stimulating effect of amyline on the contractile activity of mesenteric lymphatic vessels was recorded in rats. Amyline increases both the frequency and amplitude of their contractions. The increased lymph flow that is closely associated with microcirculation promotes the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Therefore, the protective antiulcerous properties of amyline reduce the action of aggressive agents on the gastric mucosa and stimulate protective ones.     

Immunocytochemical demonstration of brain neurons using NeuN as a selective marker

The aim of the present study was to find optimal protocol of immunocytochemical reaction to NeuN nuclear protein for light and laser confocal microscopy, which would exclude the antigen heat unmasking procedure that results in deteriorating the state of the tissue and requires expensive adhesive-coated slides. Best preservation of the antigen was found to be provided by fixation in zinc-formalin and Bouin's fixative (for a period of less than 24 hrs). Two protocols allowing to avoid antigen heat unmasking procedure during demonstration of the NeuN neuronal label in paraffin sections by the light and confocal microscopy are presented.     

Morphological characteristics and immunophenotype of dendritic cells generated from monocytes of human peripheral blood

Morphological features and immunophenotype of mature dendritic cells (DC) generated from the monocytes of healthy donor blood after culture with GM-CSF and IL-4 with the addition of TNF, were studied using light and electron microscopy, as well as flow-cytometry. It was shown that DC were characterized by a number of morphological features such as: large size, eccentrically located nucleus, highly developed system of extensions, large vacuolated cytoplasm, prominent and activated Golgi complex and ribosomal apparatus. Mature DC are characterized by active surface expression of MHC and co-stimulatory molecules (MHC I, MHC II, CD40, CD80, CD86).     

Morphogenetic aspect of the influence of purified birch tar on skin

Changes of the histological structure of rat's skin were studied two weeks following the daily applications of native birch tar and of purified birch tar, devoid of the components that could be potentially dangerous for humans. The morphometric investigations were performed with the use of computer technologies on the apparatus-programme complex (DiaMorph, Russia). It has been established that the main morphological manifestations of specific dermatotropic activity of birch tar in the present experiment included: epidermal hypertrophy, hyperkeratosis, stimulation of the activity of all dermal cellular elements, intensification of blood supply, reduction of sebaceous glands. Analysis of morphological findings indicates the bioequivalence of the native and purified birch tar in terms of its specific dermatotropic activity.     

Structural basis for the regulation of the neuronal sensitivity

Using light and electron microscopy structural bases for intracellular, extracellular and integrative regulation of synaptic efficiency and neuron sensitivity were established in rat sensomotor cortex. Intracellular regulation is realized basically through modulation of postsynaptic components of the synapse, while extracellular one is provided by synaptic endings of "recurrent" axons on GABA-ergic relay and interneurons. Integrative regulation is realized by means of concentration of similar axonal terminals in restricted cortical area and arrangement of "neuromediatory" pool.     

Currently available blood saving methods in a patient at cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation

Different blood saving methods are analyzed in 2000 cardiac surgical patients undergoing coronary and vascular bypass surgery in 1993 to 2000. The basic blood saving methods are as follows: intraoperative autoreinfusion (normovolemic thermodilution), reinfusion of the patient's blood, preoperative autologous plasma donation in combination with aprotinine, aminocapronic acid, etc. An analysis revealed a decrease in homologous blood components intraoperatively. Red blood cell transfusion decreased from 100% in 1993 to 44% in 2000, fresh frozen plasma and platelet transfusions did from 98 to 39% and from 96 to 1%, respectively. Intraoperative homologous blood transfusion could be avoided in 70% of those undergone coronary bypass surgery.