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Etcharren V, Mouguelar H, Aguilar Valenciano JJ. Identification of telocytes in the oviduct of the mare. Theriogenology 2023; 205:18-26. [PMID: 37084500 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a recently discovered special type of stromal cells, have been identified in many organs of many species, including the female and male reproductive system, with proposed multiple potential bio-functions such as homeostasis, immunomodulation, tissue remodeling and regeneration, embryogenesis, angiogenesis and even tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the existence, and characteristics of telocytes in normal equine oviduct. To identify them, we used routine light microscopy, non-conventional light microscopy (NCLM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunohistochemistry. We found that telocytes of the equine oviduct can be recognized in fixed specimens by light microscopy (methylene blue staining), with more details on Epon semi-thin sections (toluidine blue staining) by NCLM, and that they showed positive immunostaining for CD34. The telocytes, with their typical long and moniliform prolongations, formed networks in the stromal space of the submucosa, muscular and serosa layers, particularly in the lamina propia where they were observed in greater quantity. By TEM we have also confirmed the presence of cells ultrastructurally identifiable as telocytes (cells with telopodes alternating podomers and podoms) in the aforementioned locations. Direct intercellular contacts between epithelial cells and neighboring telocytes were evidenced. EIn conclusion, we demonstrated that telocytes are present in the equine oviduct as previously reported in other species. The potential implication of telocytes in multiple potential functions of physiological and pathological processes deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Etcharren
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto, Argentina
| | - H Mouguelar
- Departamento de Anatomía, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, National University of Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - J J Aguilar Valenciano
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto, Argentina.
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Varga I, Csöbönyeiová M, Visnyaiová K, Záhumenský J, Pavlíková L, Feitscherová C, Klein M. Functional Morphology of the Human Uterine Tubes in the 21st Century: Anatomical Novelties and Their Possible Clinical Applications. Physiol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterine tube (UT) pathologies account for 25-35 % of female factor infertility. Although these peculiar organs were first studied several hundred years ago, they have become overlooked and neglected mainly due to the successes of reproductive medicine. Nevertheless, reproductive medicine still faces many challenges regarding the fertility outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Many obstacles and problems can be resolved by a more detailed understanding of the UT morphology and function during normal reproduction. Over the course of the 21st century, many new insights have been obtained: the presence of a population of telocytes in the tubal wall responsible for normal motility and hormone sensory function, the demonstration of lymphatic lacunae of the mucosal folds necessary for oocyte capture and tubal fluid recirculation, or a thorough profiling of the immune makeup of the UT epithelial lining with the discovery of regulatory T cells presumably important for maternal tolerance towards the semi-allogenic embryo. New discoveries also include the notion that the UT epithelium is male sex hormone-sensitive, and that the UT is not sterile, but harbors a complex microbiome. The UT epithelial cells were also shown to be the cells-of-origin of high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas. Finally, yet importantly, several modern morphological directions have been emerging recently, including cell culture, the development of tubal organoids, in silico modelling, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. All these novel insights and new approaches can contribute to better clinical practice and successful pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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Functional Morphology of the Human Uterine Tubes in the 21st Century: Anatomical Novelties and Their Possible Clinical Applications. Physiol Res 2022; 71:S151-S159. [PMID: 36592451 PMCID: PMC9854007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterine tube (UT) pathologies account for 25-35% of female factor infertility. Although these peculiar organs were first studied several hundred years ago, they have become overlooked and neglected mainly due to the successes of reproductive medicine. Nevertheless, the reproductive medicine still faces many challenges regarding the fertility outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Many obstacles and problems can be resolved by a more detailed understanding of the UT morphology and function during normal reproduction. Over the course of the 21st century, many new insights have been obtained: the presence of a population of telocytes in the tubal wall responsible for normal motility and hormone sensory function, the demonstration of lymphatic lacunae of the mucosal folds necessary for oocyte capture and tubal fluid recirculation, or a thorough profiling of the immune makeup of the UT epithelial lining with the discovery of regulatory T cells presumably important for maternal tolerance towards the semi-allogenic embryo. New discoveries also include the notion that the UT epithelium is male sex hormone-sensitive, and that the UT is not sterile, but harbors a complex microbiome. The UT epithelial cells were also shown to be the cells-of-origin of high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas. Finally, yet importantly, several modern morphological directions have been emerging recently, including cell culture, development of tubal organoids, in silico modelling, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. All these novel insights and new approaches can contribute to better clinical practice and successful pregnancy outcomes.
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4
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Telocytes in the Female Reproductive System: Up-to-Date Knowledge, Challenges and Possible Clinical Applications. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020267. [PMID: 35207554 PMCID: PMC8874826 DOI: 10.3390/life12020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
From their initial description in 2005 to this day, telocytes (TCs) have been described in the ovary, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary gland, and placenta. Their morphological features, immunophenotype, physiological functions, and roles in disease have been thoroughly documented in both animal models and human subjects. TCs, with their extremely long cytoplasmic processes called telopodes, play a pivotal role in the morphological and functional interconnection of all the components of the interstitial compartment, but also with constituents of the parenchyma. Although there is no specific immunohistochemical marker for their identification, the most cited are CD 117, CD 34, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), vimentin, and specific markers typical for the female reproductive system (FRS)—estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR). This immunophenotype provides important clues to their physiological roles. Their main functions include the regulation of hormone-dependent processes, intercellular signaling, immune surveillance, microenvironmental maintenance, and the nursing of stem cells. In a situation where TCs are functionally or morphologically decimated, many disease entities may develop, including premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, preeclampsia, or even breast cancer. The common denominator of many of these conditions is that their etiopathogenesis is either partially known or completely obscure. Even though the exact role of TCs in these conditions is yet to be revealed, multiple lines of research indicate that their future clinical application may enrich diagnostic-therapeutic strategies of countless conditions. TCs are also heavily debated in terms of their possible use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Some of the concepts related to TC research are strongly substantiated by experimental data, while others are highly speculative. Only future research endeavors will clearly distinguish dead-end lines of research from genuine contributions to the field.
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Lin Y, Wei Y, Jiang M, Tang X, Huang F, Yang X. Organoid culture of mouse fallopian tube epithelial stem cells with a thermo-reversible gelation polymer. Tissue Cell 2021; 73:101622. [PMID: 34454367 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) thermo-reversible gelation polymer (TGP) culture system was established for organoid culture of mouse fallopian tube (FT) epithelial stem cells (FTESCs) without cell isolation. FT tissues from 6- to 8-week-old ICR mice were digested with collagenase, and whole FT cells (FTCs) were inoculated into the TGP. After 6 days of culture, many spheres in the TGP formed. Some cells in the spheres were positive for 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), a marker of cell proliferation. Furthermore, all the spheres that formed in the TGP were also labelled for EpCAM and LGR5. Some cells in the spheres were stained for PAX8, a secretory cell marker, and fewer cells were labelled with TUBB4, a ciliated cell marker. These results indicate that the 3D TGP culture system is a useful tool for organoid culture of FTESCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- YunXiu Lin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Fujian Medical University, PR China.
| | - YuZhen Wei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Fujian Medical University, PR China.
| | - MingZhu Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, PR China.
| | - Xuan Tang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, PR China.
| | - Feng Huang
- Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Fujian Medical University, PR China.
| | - XinZhi Yang
- Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Fujian Medical University, PR China.
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Aleksandrovych V, Wrona A, Bereza T, Pityński K, Gil K. Oviductal Telocytes in Patients with Uterine Myoma. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081060. [PMID: 34440264 PMCID: PMC8391874 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubal factor infertility occurs in 30–35% of infertile pairs and may be caused by impaired muscular contractility and ciliary beating as well as immunological imbalance and chronic inflammation. Newly discovered telocytes (TCs) have a wide palette of features, which play a role in oviduct physiology. We have observed tissue samples from human fallopian tubes in patients with and without uterine myoma by immunolabelling. According to the immunohistochemical co-expression of markers, it has been determined that TCs are engaged in a wide range of physiological processes, including local innervation, sensitivity to hypoxia, regulation of calcium, and sex steroid hormones balances. Due to the proximity of NOS- and ChAT-positive nerve fibers and the expression of ion channels markers, tubal TCs might be considered conductor cells. Additionally, their integration in contractions and cilia physiology in the context of fertility has been revealed. We have observed the difference in telocytes expression in the human oviduct between groups of patients and attempted to describe this population of cells specifically in the case of infertility development, a clinically relevant avenue for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Aleksandrovych
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Anna Wrona
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Ward with Gynecologic Oncology Subdivision, J.Śniadecki’s Specialistic Hospital, 33-300 Nowy Sącz, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Bereza
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Kazimierz Pityński
- Department of Gynecology and Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Gil
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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Liu Y, Fan Y, Wu S. Developments in research on interstitial Cajal-like cells in the biliary tract. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:159-164. [PMID: 32933347 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1823214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are a special type of interstitial cells located in the gastrointestinal tract muscles. They are closely related to smooth muscle cells and neurons, participate in gastrointestinal motility and nerve signal transmission, and are pacemaker cells for gastrointestinal electrical activity. Research interest in ICCs has continuously grown since they were first discovered in 1893. Later, researchers discovered that they are also present in other organs, including the biliary tract, urethra, bladder, etc.; these cells were named interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLCs), and attempts have been made to explain their relationships with certain diseases. AREAS COVERED This review paper summarizes the morphology, identification, classification, function, and distribution of ICLCs in the biliary tract and their relationship to biliary tract diseases. EXPERT OPINION Based on the function and distribution of ICLCs in the biliary tract system, ICLCs will provide a more reliable theoretical basis for the mechanisms of pathogenesis of and treatments for biliary tract diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, China
| | - Shuodong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, China
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Anwar SM, Abd-Elhafeez HH, Abdel-Maksoud FM, Abdalla KEH. Morph-anatomic and histochemical study of ileum of goose (Alopochen egyptiacus) with special references to immune cells, mucous and serous goblet cells, telocytes, and dark and light smooth muscle fibers. Microsc Res Tech 2021; 84:1328-1347. [PMID: 33405349 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The morphological characteristics of the ileum of 20 adult male Egyptian geese were determined using LM, SEM, and TEM. The mean length of the ileum in the male goose was approximately 158.71 mm, representing nearly 10.19% of the total length of the small intestine. The ileum is composed of four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, and serosa. The mucosal layer comprises the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa. The mucosa forms finger-like villi and is invaginated at the bases, forming the crypts of Lieberkühn. The ileum is lined by simple columnar epithelium that contains absorptive dark and light enterocytes with two types of goblet cells (mucous and serous varieties) microfold like cells, dendritic reticulum cells, Paneth cells, and a closed type of enteroendocrine cells. The lamina propria has diffuse lymphoid tissue containing lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, plasma cells, and heterophils as well as telocytes. The muscularis mucosa comprises circular smooth muscle fibers extending into the core of the villi. The submucosa is a thin layer of elastic-rich connective tissue. The muscular level consists of four layers, with light and dark smooth muscle fibers. We described in detail the structure of all cellular components and histomorphometric measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa M Anwar
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt
| | - Hanan H Abd-Elhafeez
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Fatma M Abdel-Maksoud
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Kamal E H Abdalla
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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9
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Hussein MT, Abdel-Maksoud FM. Structural Investigation of Epididymal Microvasculature and Its Relation to Telocytes and Immune Cells in Camel. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:1024-1034. [PMID: 32665042 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620001786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The vascular and perivascular cells, including telocytes (TCs) and immune cells, play an important role in male fertility. The current study intended to describe in detail the microvascular structures harboring special regulatory devices in addition to the interstitial cellular components of the one-humped camel epididymis. The samples were collected from 10 clinically healthy mature camels (Camelus dromedarius). The distribution and characteristics of TCs, peripheral blood vessels of the epididymis, and immune cells were investigated using the light, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Frequent occlusive or throttle arterioles were demonstrated in the epididymal interstitium and their tunica media consisted of glomus cells. In addition, some vein walls consisted of one or two layers of glomus cells. TCs, fibroblasts, muscle cells, and tunica media of the blood vessels, that present in the loose connective tissue surrounding the intertubular interstitium of camel epididymis, showed a positive reaction with vimentin. The endothelium of blood vessels and veins showed positive immunoreactivity for CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, VEGF, CD34, and S100 proteins were expressed in dendritic cells (DCs) as well as TCs. The current data suggest the involvement of DCs and TCs in angiogenesis and a possible role for the interstitial components in creating an appropriate milieu for the full maturation of sperms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal T Hussein
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut71526, Egypt
| | - Fatma M Abdel-Maksoud
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut71526, Egypt
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Mustafa FEZA, Elhanbaly R. Distribution of estrogen receptor in the rabbit cervix during pregnancy with special reference to stromal elements: an immunohistochemical study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13655. [PMID: 32788713 PMCID: PMC7423906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The estrogen plays a critical role during pregnancy through their receptors. Although the rabbit is one of the most important lab animal estrogen receptor alpha (ERA) localization on basic cells, newly discovered cells including telocyte and neuroendocrine cells, vascular compartments and interstitium during pregnancy not been described. At 0 day pregnancy, the most prominent immunoreactivity was moderate to ERA and observed on the ciliated cells, secretory cells, blood plasma, and interstitium. The smooth muscles and the endothelial cells showed mild immunoreactivity to ERA. Lymphocytes only exhibited strong immunoreactivity to ERA. At 7 days pregnancy moderate immunoreactivity to ERA observed on ciliated cells, secretory cells, smooth muscles, interstitium, and lymphocytes. Strong immunoreactivity to ERA detected on endothelial cells and blood plasma. At 14 days of pregnancy, the most prominent immunoreactivity was strong and detected on ciliated cells, smooth muscles, lymphocytes, and interstitium. Moderate immunoreactivity detected on endothelial cells and blood plasma. Secretory cells only exhibited mild immunoreactivity to ERA. At 21 days of pregnancy, the immunoreactivity to ERA ranged between mild on ciliated cells, smooth muscles, blood plasma and interstitium and negative on secretory cells, endothelial cells and lymphocytes. Our results indicated that the frequency and intensity of ERA immunostaining in the rabbit cervix varied on different structural compartments of the cervix during different pregnancy stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma El-Zahraa A Mustafa
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt.
| | - Ruwaida Elhanbaly
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
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Identification of Telocytes in the Pancreas of Turtles-A role in Cellular Communication. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062057. [PMID: 32192184 PMCID: PMC7139993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of telocytes (TCs) has not yet been established in the pancreases of aquatic reptiles. Here, we report TCs in the exocrine pancreas of Pelodiscus sinensis using transmission electron microscope (TEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques. TCs surrounded the acini and ducts of the connective tissue of the exocrine pancreas and between lobules and gland cells. The cells were located preferably close to the blood vessels, interlobular ducts, and nerve fibers. Ultrastructurally, TCs exhibited small and large bodies with thick and thin portions, podoms, and podomers, and prolongations that form dichotomous branching with hetero-cellular and homo-cellular junctions. The podom (thick) portions showed caveolae, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and vesicles. The nucleus carries heterochromatin and is irregular in shape. The shape of TCs depends on the number of telopodes (Tps) bearing long, short, spindle, triangular, and "beads on a string" shapes with twisted, tortuous prolongations and ramifications. Shed extracellular vesicles and exosomes were found frequently released from projections and Tps within connective tissue in the vicinity of the acini and collagen fibers. IHC and IF results showed CD34+, α-SMA+, and vimentin+, long and triangle-shaped TCs, consistent with the TEM findings. The presence of shaded vesicles from TCs might implicate their possible role in immune surveillance, tissue regeneration as well as regulatory functions in the reptilian pancreas.
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Mokhtar DM, Hussien MM. Cellular elements organization in the trachea of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) with a special reference to its local immunological role. PROTOPLASMA 2020; 257:407-420. [PMID: 31724070 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-019-01444-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have been carried out to investigate the histological structure of the trachea in many species of birds. However, the cellular organization of the trachea in the mallard duck is still unclear. This study was performed on 12 sexually mature male Mallard duck to demonstrate the cellular organization of the trachea using light and electron microscopy. The tracheal epithelium is considered the first line of defense against airborne pathogens. The mallard trachea was lined by a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium that contained many morphologically distinct cell types: ciliated, non-ciliated, basal cells that encircled by a population of sub-epithelial immune cells, fibroblasts, and telocytes (TCs). Telocytes were first recorded in duck trachea in this study and showed a wide variety of staining affinity. They presented two long telopodes that made up frequent close contacts with epithelium, tracheal cartilages, and other neighboring TCs, immune cells, blood capillaries, and nerve fibers. TCs express VEGF and S-100 protein. The immune cells include mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and dendritic reticular cells. The ciliated tracheal epithelium was interrupted by numerous intraepithelial mucous glands and solitary goblet cells. This mucociliary apparatus constitutes the major defense mechanism against inhaled foreign materials. The cellular organization of the duck trachea and its relation to the immunity was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa M Mokhtar
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, 71526, Egypt.
| | - Marwa M Hussien
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Vet. Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, 71526, Egypt
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13
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Qian J, Zhang Y, Qu Y, Zhang L, Shi J, Zhang X, Liu S, Kim BH, Hwang SJ, Zhou T, Chen Q, Ward SM, Duan E, Zhang Y. Caffeine consumption during early pregnancy impairs oviductal embryo transport, embryonic development and uterine receptivity in mice. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:1266-1275. [PMID: 29982366 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine consumption has been widely used as a central nervous system stimulant. Epidemiological studies, however, have suggested that maternal caffeine exposure during pregnancy is associated with increased abnormalities, including decreased fertility, delayed conception, early spontaneous abortions, and low birth weight. The mechanisms underlying the negative outcomes of caffeine consumption, particularly during early pregnancy, remain unclear. In present study, we found that pregnant mice treated with moderate (5 mg/kg) or high (30 mg/kg) dosage of caffeine (intraperitoneally or orally) during preimplantation resulted in retention of early embryos in the oviduct, defective embryonic development, and impaired embryo implantation. Transferring normal blastocysts into the uteri of caffeine-treated pseudopregnant females also showed abnormal embryo implantation, thus indicating impaired uterine receptivity by caffeine administration. The remaining embryos that managed to implant after caffeine treatment also showed increased embryo resorption rate and abnormal development at mid-term stage, and decreased weight at birth. In addition to a dose-dependent effect, significant variations between individual mice under the same caffeine dosage were also observed, suggesting different sensitivities to caffeine, similar to that observed in human populations. Collectively, our data revealed that caffeine exposure during early pregnancy impaired oviductal embryo transport, embryonic development, and uterine receptivity, which are responsible for abnormal implantation and pregnancy loss. The study raises the concern of caffeine consumption during early stages of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongcun Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junchao Shi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Shichao Liu
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Bo Hyun Kim
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Sung Jin Hwang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Sean M Ward
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Enkui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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14
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Rusu MC, Hostiuc S, Fildan AP, Tofolean DE. Critical Review: What Cell Types Are the Lung Telocytes? Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:1280-1292. [PMID: 31443120 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are stromal cells defined by peculiar long, thin, moniliform prolongations known as telopodes. When isolated, their morphology often lacks the specificity for the proper definition of a particular cell type. Recent studies have linked TCs with different functions and different cell lineages. Although some authors have studied pulmonary TCs, their research has important limitations that we will attempt to summarize in this article. We will focus our analysis on the following: the culture methods used to study them, the lack of proper discrimination of TCs from lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), whose ultrastructures are very similar, and the immune phenotype of TCs, which may appear in other cell types such as those related to the endothelial lineage or stem/progenitor cells. In conclusion, the cellular diagnosis of lung TCs should be considered with caution until properly designed studies can positively identify these cells and differentiate them from other cell types such as LECs and stem/progenitor cells. Anat Rec, 303:1280-1292, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugurel C Rusu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorin Hostiuc
- Department of Legal Medicine and Bioethics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ariadna P Fildan
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanţa, Constatnţa, Romania
| | - Doina E Tofolean
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanţa, Constatnţa, Romania
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Myosalpinx Contractions Are Essential for Egg Transport Along the Oviduct and Are Disrupted in Reproductive Tract Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1124:265-294. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-5895-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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16
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Liang Y, Wang S, An T, Tarique I, Vistro WA, Liu Y, Wang Z, Zhang H, Shi Y, Haseeb A, Gandahi NS, Iqba A, Yang H, Chen Q, Yang P. Telocytes as a Novel Structural Component in the Muscle Layers of the Goat Rumen. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:955-966. [PMID: 31023066 PMCID: PMC6719488 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719842514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) have been identified as a distinct type of interstitial cells, but have not yet been reported in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of ruminants. In this study, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and double-labelling immunofluorescence (IF) (antibodies: CD34, vimentin and PGP9.5) to seek TCs and investigate their potential functions in the muscle layers of the goat rumen. TCs were distributed widely in the myenteric plexus (TC-MYs) between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers, within circular muscle layers (TC-CMs) as well as in longitudinal muscle layers (TC-LMs). Ultrastructurally, TCs displayed small cell bodies with several long prolongations—telopodes—harboring alternate thin segments (podomers) and dilated segments (podoms). The podoms contained mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and caveolae. Telopodes frequently established close physical interactions with near telopodes, collagen fibers (CFs), nerve fibers (NFs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), nerve tracts, and smooth muscle bundles, as well as with blood vessels (BVs). Furthermore, both homo- and heterotypic connections were observed. In addition, telopodes were capable of releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs). IF analyses proved that TCs were reliably labeled as CD34+/vimentin+ cells, displaying spindle- or triangle-shaped bodies with long prolongations, consistent with TEM results. Specifically, podoms were visible as obvious bright spots. These positive cells covered entire muscular layers, surrounding ganglions, intermuscular BVs as well as entire smooth muscle bundles, forming a network. TC-MYs were distributed as clusters in the external ganglion, encompassing the entire ganglion and spreading to the muscle layers where TC-CMs and TC-LMs seemingly surround whole smooth muscle bundles. TC-MYs were also scattered within the interior of the ganglion, surrounding each ganglionic neuron, following the glial cells layer. We speculate that TCs support the muscle layer structure of the goat rumen and facilitate intercellular signaling directly or indirectly via the TC network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liang
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Siyi Wang
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianci An
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Imran Tarique
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Waseem Ail Vistro
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifei Liu
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- 2 College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- 3 School of Biological Engineering, Wuhu Institute of Technology, Anhui, China
| | - YongHong Shi
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China.,4 Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | - Abdul Haseeb
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Noor Samad Gandahi
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Adeela Iqba
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huan Yang
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Yang
- 1 MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China.,2 College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
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Morphological changes of telocytes in camel efferent ductules in response to seasonal variations during the reproductive cycle. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4507. [PMID: 30872789 PMCID: PMC6418092 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41143-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are a distinct stromal cell type described in many organs. The present study investigated the existence of TCs within the efferent ductules in camel and the changes that occur in their morphology and activity during active and inactive reproductive seasons. TCs in the camel had a cell body and multiple telopodes (TPs), and most TCs had indented nuclei that exhibited prominent intranucleolar chromatin. TCs exhibited seasonal differences which were evaluated by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), Transimition electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of TCs in camel efferent ductules has been confirmed by CD34 positive immunostaing. In addition to the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which was stronger in the summer season. TCs exhibited stronger immunoreactivity for progesterone and oestrogen alpha receptors (ESR1) in the spring than in the summer. In addition, TCs showed strong positive immunostaining for both vimentin and androgen receptor (AR). Several ultrastructural changes were observed in TCs during the two seasons. TPs in the summer season had delicate ramifications whereas, in the spring, TPs displayed fine arborization and became more corrugated. TCs acquired signs of exaggerated secretory activities in the spring; TPs became expanded and packed with secretory vesicles. Thus, we conclude that, hormonal alterations during the reproductive cycle impact the morphology and secretory behavior of TCs.
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Pawlicki P, Hejmej A, Milon A, Lustofin K, Płachno BJ, Tworzydlo W, Gorowska-Wojtowicz E, Pawlicka B, Kotula-Balak M, Bilinska B. Telocytes in the mouse testicular interstitium: implications of G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and estrogen-related receptor (ERR) in the regulation of mouse testicular interstitial cells. PROTOPLASMA 2019; 256:393-408. [PMID: 30187340 PMCID: PMC6510843 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-018-1305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, are involved in tissue homeostasis maintenance. This study aimed to investigate TC presence in the interstitium of mouse testis. Additionally, inactivation of the G-coupled membrane estrogen receptor (GPER) in the testis was performed to obtain insight into TC function, regulation, and interaction with other interstitial cells. Mice were injected with a GPER antagonist (G-15; 50 μg/kg bw), and the GPER-signaling effect on TC distribution, ultrastructure, and function, as well as the interstitial tissue interaction of GPER with estrogen-related receptors (ERRs), was examined. Microscopic observations of TC morphology were performed with the use of scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Telocyte functional markers (CD34; c-kit; platelet-derived growth factor receptors α and β, PDGFRα and β; vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF; and vimentin) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and Western blot. mRNA expression of CD34 as well as ERR α, β, and γ was measured by qRT-PCR. Relaxin and Ca2+ concentrations were analyzed by immunoenzymatic and colorimetric assays, respectively. For the first time, we reveal the presence of TCs in the interstitium together with the peritubular area of mouse testis. Telocytes were characterized by specific features such as a small cell body and extremely long prolongations, constituting a three-dimensional network mainly around the interstitial cells. Expression of all TC protein markers was confirmed. Based on scanning electron microscopic observation in GPER-blocked testis, groups of TCs were frequently seen. No changes were found in TC ultrastructure in GPER-blocked testis when compared to the control. However, tendency to TC number change (increase) after the blockage was observed. Concomitantly, no changes in mRNA CD34 expression and increase in ERR expression were detected in GPER-blocked testes. In addition, Ca2+ was unchanged; however, an increase in relaxin concentration was observed. Telocytes are an important component of the mouse testicular interstitium, possibly taking part in maintaining its microenvironment as well as contractile and secretory functions (via themselves or via controlling of other interstitial cells). These cells should be considered a unique and useful target cell type for the prevention and treatment of testicular interstitial tissue disorders based on estrogen-signaling disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Pawlicki
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Hejmej
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Milon
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Lustofin
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bartosz J Płachno
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Waclaw Tworzydlo
- Department of Developmental Biology and Invertebrate Morphology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Gorowska-Wojtowicz
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bernadetta Pawlicka
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kotula-Balak
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Barbara Bilinska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
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Abstract
KIT is a receptor tyrosine kinase that after binding to its ligand stem cell factor activates signaling cascades linked to biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration and cell survival. Based on studies performed on SCF and/or KIT mutant animals that presented anemia, sterility, and/or pigmentation disorders, KIT signaling was mainly considered to be involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis, gametogenesis, and melanogenesis. More recently, novel animal models and ameliorated cellular and molecular techniques have led to the discovery of a widen repertoire of tissue compartments and functions that are being modulated by KIT. This is the case for the lung, heart, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, kidney, liver, and bone. For this reason, the tyrosine kinase inhibitors that were originally developed for the treatment of hemato-oncological diseases are being currently investigated for the treatment of non-oncological disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and alzheimer's disease, among others. The beneficial effects of some of these tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been proven to depend on KIT inhibition. This review will focus on KIT expression and regulation in healthy and pathologic conditions other than cancer. Moreover, advances in the development of anti-KIT therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and their application will be discussed.
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20
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Hussein MM, Mokhtar DM. The roles of telocytes in lung development and angiogenesis: An immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, scanning electron microscopy and morphometrical study. Dev Biol 2018; 443:137-152. [PMID: 30227119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have been carried out to investigate the occurrence and distribution of telocytes (TCs) in many organs. However, their morphological development is still unclear. This study was performed to demonstrate the morphological development of TCs in rabbits' lung from fetal to postnatal life using light-, electron- microscopy, immunohistochemistry, morphometrical and statistical analysis. During the fetal life, these cells formed an extensive network of telopodes (Tps) which were in close contact with developing alveoli, bronchioles, stem cells and many other interstitial components. In addition, the TCs' number was significantly increased around the neocapillaries in fetal lung. In the fetal life, TCs were stellate in shape and characterized by large cell bodies and many short Tps that contained abundant rER, mitochondria, and ribosomes. By gradual increasing of ages, TCs were spindle in shape with two Tps contained a massive amount of secretory structures (exosomes, ectosomes, and multivesicular bodies). Moreover, TCs in postnatal lung showed a significant decrease in number and diameter of their cell bodies and a significant increase in the length of Tps compared with those in fetal life. The TCs contributed with pneumocytes and endothelium in the formation of air-blood barrier. The TCs' immunohistochemical profiles for CD34, vimentin, c-kit, connexin 43, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and neuron- specific enolase (NSE) differed between ages during the lung development. This study provided an evidence that TCs contributed to angiogenesis, the formation of the air-blood barrier, lung organization, and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Hussein
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Doaa M Mokhtar
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
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21
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Ricci R, Giustiniani MC, Gessi M, Lanza P, Castri F, Biondi A, Persiani R, Vecchio FM, Risio M. Telocytes are the physiological counterpart of inflammatory fibroid polyps and PDGFRA-mutant GISTs. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:4856-4862. [PMID: 30117724 PMCID: PMC6156396 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PDGFRA mutations in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can cause GI stromal tumour (GIST) and inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP). Hitherto no cell type has been identified as a physiological counterpart of the latter, while interstitial Cajal cells (ICC) are considered the precursor of the former. However, ICC hyperplasia (ICCH), which strongly supports the ICC role in GIST pathogenesis, has been identified in germline KIT-mutant settings but not in PDGFRA-mutant ones, challenging the precursor role of ICC for PDGFRA-driven GISTs. Telocytes are a recently described interstitial cell type, CD34+/PDGFRA+. Formerly considered fibroblasts, they are found in many organs, including the GI tract where they are thought to be involved in neurotransmission. Alongside IFPs and gastric GISTs, GI wall "fibrosis" has been reported in germline PDGFRA-mutants. Taking the opportunity offered by its presence in a germline PDGFRA-mutant individual, we demonstrate that this lesion is sustained by hyperplastic telocytes, constituting the PDGFRA-mutant counterpart of germline KIT mutation-associated ICCH. Moreover, our findings support a pathogenetic relationship between telocyte hyperplasia and both IFPs and PDGFRA-mutant GISTs. We propose the term "telocytoma" for defining IFP, as it conveys both the pathogenetic (neoplastic) and histotypic ("telocytary") essence of this tumour, unlike IFP, which rather evokes an inflammatory-hyperplastic lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Ricci
- Department of Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Giustiniani
- Department of Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Gessi
- Department of Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Lanza
- Department of Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Castri
- Department of Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Biondi
- Department of Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Persiani
- Department of Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio M Vecchio
- Department of Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Risio
- Department of Pathology, Emeritus, IRCC, Candiolo, Italy
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Domino M, Pawlinski B, Gajewska M, Jasinski T, Sady M, Gajewski Z. Uterine EMG activity in the non-pregnant sow during estrous cycle. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:176. [PMID: 29866204 PMCID: PMC5987628 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine myoactivity is crucial for successful reproductive performance of the sow. Spontaneous contractions of the uterus are strictly controlled and coordinated. Uterine electromyographic (EMG) activity undergoes hormonal regulation with rapid and long-term effects. What is more, interstitial Cajal-like Cells (ICLC) appear essential for smooth muscle contractility in the reproductive tract where they are suspected to be playing a major role in generating, coordinating, modulating and synchronizing slow triggering waves. The aim of this study was to investigate the myoelectrical activity of sow's uterus during estrus cycle. RESULTS Study was conducted on 10 Polish Landrace sows. Propagation mechanisms and their connection with the uterine EMG activity were considered in correlation with expression of c-kit, progesterone and oxytocin receptors of the non-pregnant sow. ICLC were labeled with antibody directed against c-kit receptor and visualized by confocal microscopy and scanning cytometer for positive cells percentage assessment. EMG signal was recorded directly from the myometrium with telemetry transmitters and electrodes located in different topographic regions of reproductive tracts. The stages of estrus cycle were determined by monitoring levels of luteinizing hormone, progesterone and estrogen with radioimmunoassays. Significant differences of the EMG signal parameters between diestrus and estrus and the correlations with density of labelled receptors were demonstrated. Moreover, the electrophysiological studies indicated that ICLC in the myometrium in the tip of uterine horn may participate in the regulation of slow waves duration and frequency. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of EMG signal propagation in the wall of the non-pregnant porcine uterus occurs in an orderly, bidirectional fashion and at distinctive speed, with no differences between diestrus and estrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS – SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Pawlinski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS – SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Gajewska
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS – SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jasinski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS – SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Sady
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS – SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zdzislaw Gajewski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS – SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
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Chen L, Yu B. Telocytes and interstitial cells of Cajal in the biliary system. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:3323-3329. [PMID: 29700981 PMCID: PMC6010895 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel type of interstitial tissue cells in the biliary tree termed telocytes (TCs), formerly known as interstitial Cajal‐like cells (ICLCs), exhibits very particular features which unequivocally distinguish these cells from interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and other interstitial cell types. Current research substantiates the existence of TCs and ICCs in the biliary system (gallbladder, extrahepatic bile duct, cystic duct, common bile duct and sphincter of Oddi). Here, we review the distribution, morphology and ultrastructure of TCs and ICCs in the biliary tree, with emphasis on their presumptive roles in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Baoping Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
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Hostiuc S, Negoi I, Dogaroiu C, Drima E, Iancu CB. Cardiac telocytes. From basic science to cardiac diseases. I. Atrial fibrillation. Ann Anat 2018; 218:83-87. [PMID: 29655845 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is nowadays considered to be one of the most important causes of heart failure, stroke, cognitive decline, vascular dementia, sudden death and overall cardiovascular morbidity. Recently were published a few articles suggesting a possible involvement of telocytes in the development of atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this article is to analyze the results obtained in the field systematically, and to see if there is enough data to support a possible involvement of telocytes in arrhythmogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS To this end, we performed a systematic review of the relevant scientific literature, indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Our systematic review of the published data identified five articles containing original data, based on which the association between telocytes and atrial fibrillation was inferred in later studies. We analyzed the usefulness of the information contained in the original articles to support this association, showing a lack of definite proofs correlating telocytes with atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS Even if a few articles implied a potential association between AF and telocytes, the current data is not enough to support it. Moreover, even an association between the morphology, characteristics, or density of the telocytes in the atrium/pulmonary veins and AF is potentially speculative, and more studies should be performed before implying it with a reasonable degree of certainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorin Hostiuc
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Ionuț Negoi
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Dogaroiu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eduard Drima
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Galaţi, Romania
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Gerisch M, Smettan J, Ebert S, Athelogou M, Brand-Saberi B, Spindler N, Mueller WC, Giri S, Bader A. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Cardiac Progenitor Cells in Cases of Myocarditis and Cardiomyopathy. Front Genet 2018; 9:72. [PMID: 29559994 PMCID: PMC5845648 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to identify and quantify CD117+ and CD90+ endogenous cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) in human healthy and diseased hearts. We hypothesize that these cells perform a locally acting, contributing function in overcoming medical conditions of the heart by endogenous means. Human myocardium biopsies were obtained from 23 patients with the following diagnoses: Dilatative cardiomyopathy (DCM), ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), myocarditis, and controls from healthy cardiac patients. High-resolution scanning microscopy of the whole slide enabled a computer-based immunohistochemical quantification of CD117 and CD90. Those signals were evaluated by Definiens Tissue Phenomics® Technology. Co-localization of CD117 and CD90 was determined by analyzing comparable serial sections. CD117+/CD90+ cardiac cells were detected in all biopsies. The highest expression of CD90 was revealed in the myocarditis group. CD117 was significantly higher in all patient groups, compared to healthy specimens (*p < 0.05). The highest co-expression was found in the myocarditis group (6.75 ± 3.25 CD90+CD117+ cells/mm2) followed by ICM (4 ± 1.89 cells/mm2), DCM (1.67 ± 0.58 cells/mm2), and healthy specimens (1 ± 0.43 cells/mm2). We conclude that the human heart comprises a fraction of local CD117+ and CD90+ cells. We hypothesize that these cells are part of local endogenous progenitor cells due to the co-expression of CD90 and CD117. With novel digital image analysis technologies, a quantification of the CD117 and CD90 signals is available. Our experiments reveal an increase of CD117 and CD90 in patients with myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gerisch
- Applied Stem Cell Biology and Cell Technology, Biomedical and Biotechnological Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Smettan
- Division of Cardiology and Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabine Ebert
- Applied Stem Cell Biology and Cell Technology, Biomedical and Biotechnological Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Beate Brand-Saberi
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nick Spindler
- Department of Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wolf C Mueller
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Shibashish Giri
- Applied Stem Cell Biology and Cell Technology, Biomedical and Biotechnological Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Munich Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Augustinus Bader
- Applied Stem Cell Biology and Cell Technology, Biomedical and Biotechnological Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Wagener MG, Leonhard-Marek S, Häger JD, Pfarrer C. CD117- and vimentin-positive telocytes in the bovine teat sphincter. Anat Histol Embryol 2018; 47:268-270. [DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. G. Wagener
- Institute for Anatomy; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation; Hannover Germany
| | - S. Leonhard-Marek
- Institute for Physiology; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation; Hannover Germany
| | - J.-D. Häger
- Institute for Anatomy; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation; Hannover Germany
| | - C. Pfarrer
- Institute for Anatomy; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation; Hannover Germany
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Tay H, Vandecasteele T, Van den Broeck W. Identification of telocytes in the porcine heart. Anat Histol Embryol 2017; 46:519-527. [PMID: 28884484 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a new interstitial cell type called telocyte has been identified. Telocytes are found in many organs including the heart, where they are especially well described. However, their presence in the porcine heart has not yet been proven. The pig is a valuable animal model in research because of its resemblance with man, making it interesting to determine whether telocytes can be found in pigs as well. The focus of this study is the identification and ultrastructural description of telocytes in the heart tissue of pig. Using transmission electron microscopy, telocytes were found in both left and right atrium and ventricle, usually close to cardiomyocytes and/or blood vessels. Their most important characteristic is the long cytoplasmic processes called telopodes, which have a moniliform aspect, measure tens of μm and usually have a thickness below 0.2 μm. This unique morphological feature enables telocytes to be recognized from other interstitial cells such as fibroblasts. Additional observations include the ability to release extracellular vesicles and to make contacts with other structures such as endothelial cells, suggesting a role in intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tay
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Morphology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - T Vandecasteele
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Morphology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - W Van den Broeck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Morphology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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C-kit receptor immunopositive interstitial cells (Cajal-type) in the porcine reproductive tract. Acta Vet Scand 2017; 59:32. [PMID: 28526042 PMCID: PMC5438557 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-017-0300-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interstitial Cajal cells have been suspected as being the pacemaker cells of smooth muscle motor activity and discharging slow triggering waves in the gut as well as in other organs containing smooth muscles where they are known as interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC). The present study describes ICLC localization and density in the porcine oviduct and uterus. Differences in ICLC density were examined using histological, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent methods and c-kit expression was determined. Results interstitial Cajal-like cells with characteristic morphological and immunological phenotypes were found. Star-like or spindle-shaped cells with very long, moniliform processes were localized in the muscle layers of the oviduct and uterine walls at variable densities that decreased progressively from high in the oviduct to low in the uterus. Conclusions The detailed description of ICLC in the porcine reproductive tract may lead to a better understanding of reproductive tract motility. Our approach is inexpensive and effective for ICLC evaluation and may in the future be applied to clinical diagnosis.
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Radu BM, Banciu A, Banciu DD, Radu M, Cretoiu D, Cretoiu SM. Calcium Signaling in Interstitial Cells: Focus on Telocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020397. [PMID: 28208829 PMCID: PMC5343932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we describe the current knowledge on calcium signaling pathways in interstitial cells with a special focus on interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLCs), and telocytes. In detail, we present the generation of Ca2+ oscillations, the inositol triphosphate (IP3)/Ca2+ signaling pathway and modulation exerted by cytokines and vasoactive agents on calcium signaling in interstitial cells. We discuss the physiology and alterations of calcium signaling in interstitial cells, and in particular in telocytes. We describe the physiological contribution of calcium signaling in interstitial cells to the pacemaking activity (e.g., intestinal, urinary, uterine or vascular pacemaking activity) and to the reproductive function. We also present the pathological contribution of calcium signaling in interstitial cells to the aortic valve calcification or intestinal inflammation. Moreover, we summarize the current knowledge of the role played by calcium signaling in telocytes in the uterine, cardiac and urinary physiology, and also in various pathologies, including immune response, uterine and cardiac pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, Verona 37134, Italy.
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
| | - Adela Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
- Research Beyond Limits, Dimitrie Cantemir 15, Bucharest 040234, Romania.
- Engineering Faculty, Constantin Brancusi University, Calea Eroilor 30, Targu Jiu 210135, Romania.
| | - Daniel Dumitru Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
- Research Beyond Limits, Dimitrie Cantemir 15, Bucharest 040234, Romania.
| | - Mihai Radu
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, Verona 37134, Italy.
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, P.O. Box MG-6, Magurele 077125, Romania.
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania.
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania.
| | - Sanda Maria Cretoiu
- Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania.
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania.
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Abstract
Telocyte (TC) is a new identified interstitial cell type with a small nuclear and one or several long and thin prolongations with enlargements on them. They were found in many mammals including humans, mouse, rats, dogs, and monkeys and play vital roles in many physiological and pathological conditions. The ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed in TCs, and the alterations were found in TCs from inflammatory ureter tissue. MtDNA is associated with mitochondria normal functions and involved in physiological and pathological processes. However, mitochondria and mtDNA in TCs were not investigated deeply. This review will introduce the origin, distribution, morphology, and functions of TCs and the distribution and functions of TC mitochondria in order to improve a better understanding of the potential functions of mtDNA in TCs.
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Yang P, Ahmad N, Hunag Y, Ullah S, Zhang Q, Waqas Y, Liu Y, Li Q, Hu L, Chen Q. Telocytes: novel interstitial cells present in the testis parenchyma of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 19:2888-99. [PMID: 26769239 PMCID: PMC4687711 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are novel interstitial cells that have been found in various organs, but the existence of TCs in the testes has not yet been reported. The present ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study revealed the existence of TCs and differentiate these cells from the peritubular cells (Pc) in contact with the surrounding structures in the testes. Firstly, our results confirmed the existence of two cell types surrounding seminiferous tubules; these were Pc (smooth muscle like characteristics) and TCs (as an outer layer around Pc). Telocytes and their long thin prolongations called telopodes (Tps) were detected as alternations of thin segments (podomers) and thick bead-like portions (podoms), the latter of which accommodate the mitochondria and vesicles. The spindle and irregularly shaped cell bodies were observed with small amounts of cytoplasm around them. In contrast, the processes of Pc contained abundant actin filaments with focal densities, irregular spine-like outgrowths and nuclei that exhibited irregularities similar to those of smooth muscle cells. The TCs connected with each other via homocellular and heterocellular junctions with Pc, Leydig cells and blood vessels. The Tps of the vascular TCs had bands and shed more vesicles than the other TCs. Immunohistochemistry (CD34) revealed strong positive expression within the TC cell bodies and Tps. Our data confirmed the existence and the contact of TCs with their surroundings in the testes of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, which may offer new insights for understanding the function of the testes and preventing and treating testicular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nisar Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yufei Hunag
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shakeeb Ullah
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yasir Waqas
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Quanfu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lisi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Yang P, Zhu X, Wang L, Ahmed N, Huang Y, Chen H, Zhang Q, Ullah S, Liu T, Guo D, Brohi SA, Chen Q. Cellular Evidence of Telocytes as Novel Interstitial Cells Within the Magnum of Chicken Oviduct. Cell Transplant 2016; 26:135-143. [PMID: 27590447 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x692942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes are a novel type of interstitial cell that has been identified in many organs of mammals, but there is little information available on these cells in avian species. This study shows the latest findings associated with telocytes in the muscular layer and lamina propria of the magnum of chicken oviduct analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Telocytes are characterized by telopodes, which are thin and long prolongations, and a small amount of cytoplasm rich with mitochondria. Spindle- or triangular-shaped telocytes were detected at various locations in the magnum. In the muscular layer, telocytes have direct connection with smooth muscle cells. The cell body of telocytes along with their long telopodes mainly exists in the interstitial space between the smooth muscle bundles, whereas large numbers of short telopodes are scattered in between the smooth muscle cells. In the lamina propria, extremely long telopodes are twisting around each other and are usually collagen embedded. Both in the lamina propria and muscular layer, telocytes have a close relationship with other cell types, such as immune cells and blood vessels. Telopodes appear with dichotomous branching alternating between the podom and podomer, forming a 3D network structure with complex homo- and heterocellular junctions. In addition, a distinctive size of the vesicles is visible around the telopodes and may be released from telopodes because of the close relation between the vesicle and telopode. All characteristics of telocytes in the magnum indicate that telocytes may play a potential, but important, role in the pathogenesis of oviduct diseases.
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34
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Cretoiu D, Radu BM, Banciu A, Banciu DD, Cretoiu SM. Telocytes heterogeneity: From cellular morphology to functional evidence. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 64:26-39. [PMID: 27569187 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), located ubiquitously in the internal organs of vertebrates, are a heterogeneous, recently described, cell population of the stromal space. Characterized by lengthy cytoplasmic extensions that can reach tens of microns and are called telopodes (Tps), TCs are difficult to see using conventional microscopes. It was the electron microscopy which led to their first identification and Popescu's team the first responsible for the reconstructions indicating TCs 'organization' in a three-dimensional (3D) network that is believed to be accountable for the complex roles of TCs. Gradually, it became increasingly evident that TCs are difficult to characterize in terms of immunophenotype and that their phenotype is different depending on the location and needs of the tissue at one time. This review discusses the growing body of evidence accumulated since TCs were discovered and highlights how the complex interplay between TCs and stem cells might be of importance for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Cretoiu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania; 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania
| | - Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy; Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Adela Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Daniel Dumitru Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Sanda Maria Cretoiu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania; 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest 050096, Romania.
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35
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Kostin S. Cardiac telocytes in normal and diseased hearts. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:22-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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36
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Varga I, Urban L, Kajanová M, Polák Š. Functional histology and possible clinical significance of recently discovered telocytes inside the female reproductive system. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2016; 294:417-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-016-4106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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37
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Aleksandrovych V, Walocha JA, Gil K. Telocytes in female reproductive system (human and animal). J Cell Mol Med 2016; 20:994-1000. [PMID: 27060783 PMCID: PMC4882995 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are a newly discovered type of cell with numerous functions. They have been found in a large variety of organs: heart (endo‐, myo‐, epi‐ and pericardium, myocardial sleeves, heart valves); digestive tract and annex glands (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, liver, gallbladder, salivary gland, exocrine pancreas); respiratory system (trachea and lungs); urinary system (kidney, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, urethra); female reproductive system (uterus, Fallopian tube, placenta, mammary gland); vasculature (blood vessels, thoracic duct); serous membranes (mesentery and pleura); and other organs (skeletal muscle, meninges and choroid plexus, neuromuscular spindles, fascia lata, skin, eye, prostate, bone marrow). Likewise, TCs are widely distributed in vertebrates (fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, including human). This review summarizes particular features of TCs in the female reproductive system, emphasizing their involvement in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerzy A Walocha
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gil
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Boos AM, Weigand A, Brodbeck R, Beier JP, Arkudas A, Horch RE. The potential role of telocytes in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:70-8. [PMID: 26805441 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Research and ideas for potential applications in the field of Tissue Engineering (TE) and Regenerative Medicine (RM) have been constantly increasing over recent years, basically driven by the fundamental human dream of repairing and regenerating lost tissue and organ functions. The basic idea of TE is to combine cells with putative stem cell properties with extracellular matrix components, growth factors and supporting matrices to achieve independently growing tissue. As a side effect, in the past years, more insights have been gained into cell-cell interaction and how to manipulate cell behavior. However, to date the ideal cell source has still to be found. Apart from commonly known various stem cell sources, telocytes (TC) have recently attracted increasing attention because they might play a potential role for TE and RM. It becomes increasingly evident that TC provide a regenerative potential and act in cellular communication through their network-forming telopodes. While TE in vitro experiments can be the first step, the key for elucidating their regenerative role will be the investigation of the interaction of TC with the surrounding tissue. For later clinical applications further steps have to include an upscaling process of vascularization of engineered tissue. Arteriovenous loop models to vascularize such constructs provide an ideal platform for preclinical testing of future therapeutic concepts in RM. The following review article should give an overview of what is known so far about the potential role of TC in TE and RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja M Boos
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Annika Weigand
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Brodbeck
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Justus P Beier
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raymund E Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), Krankenhausstr. 12, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
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39
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Immunohistochemistry of Telocytes in the Uterus and Fallopian Tubes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:335-357. [PMID: 27796898 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The seminal work of Popescu and colleagues first demonstrated the existence of a new cell type - the telocytes. We were among the first who reported the presence of such cells in the female genital tract and performed TEM examinations, as well as immunohistochemical staining in the attempt to find a specific marker. Telocytes from rat and from the human uterus and from human fallopian tube were extensively investigated initially by comparison with interstitial cells of Cajal. Progress in telocyte research led to the identification of different subtypes suggestive for a heterogeneous telocyte population which can even coexist in the same location. As a consequence, the functions of TCs are still elusive and can be considered a versatile phenomenon that depends on a variety of conditions, including signal reception and transmission of information via extracellular vesicles or by direct intercellular contact.
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Banciu DD, Banciu A, Radu BM. Electrophysiological Features of Telocytes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:287-302. [PMID: 27796895 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are interstitial cells described in multiple structures, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract, uterus, and heart. Several studies have indicated the possibility that TCs are involved in the pacemaker potential in these organs. It is supposed that TCs are interacting with the neighboring muscular cells and their network contributes to the initiation and propagation of the electrical potentials. In order to understand the contribution of TCs to various excitability mechanisms, it is necessary to analyze the plasma membrane proteins (e.g., ion channels) functionally expressed in these cells. So far, potassium, calcium, and chloride currents, but not sodium currents, have been described in TCs in primary cell culture from different tissues. Moreover, TCs have been described as sensors for mechanical stimuli (e.g., contraction, extension, etc.). In conclusion, TCs might play an essential role in gastrointestinal peristalsis, in respiration, in pregnant uterus contraction, or in miction, but further highlighting studies are necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms and the cell-cell interactions by which TCs contribute to the tissue excitability and pacemaker potentials initiation/propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dumitru Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest, 050095, Romania
| | - Adela Banciu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest, 050095, Romania
| | - Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, Bucharest, 050095, Romania. .,Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, Verona, 37134, Italy.
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Wang J, Jin M, Ma WH, Zhu Z, Wang X. The History of Telocyte Discovery and Understanding. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:1-21. [PMID: 27796877 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are identified as a peculiar cell type of interstitial cells in various organs. The typical features of TCs from the other cells are the extending cellular process as telopodes with alternation of podomeres and podoms. Before the year of 2010, TCs were considered as interstitial Cajal-like cells because of the similar morphology and immunohistochemical features with interstitial cells of Cajal which were found more than 100 years ago and considered to be pacemakers for gut motility. Subsequently, it demonstrated that TCs were not Cajal-like cells, and thus the new name "telocyte" was proposed in 2010. With the help of different techniques, e.g., transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, or omics science, TCs have been detected in various tissues and organs from different species. The pathological role of TCs in different diseases was also studied. According to observation in situ or in vitro, TCs played a vital role in mechanical support, signaling transduction, tissue renewal or repair, immune surveillance, and mechanical sensor via establishing homo- or heterogenous junctions with neighboring cells to form 3D network or release extracellular vesicles to form juxtacrine and paracrine. This review will introduce the origin, distribution, morphology, functions, omics science, methods, and interaction of TCs with other cells and provide a better understanding of the new cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Clinical Science Institute of Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiling Jin
- Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Clinical Science Institute of Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Huan Ma
- Zhabei District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yanchang Middle Road No. 288, Jingan District, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhitu Zhu
- Jinzhou Hospital of Liaoning Medical College, Jinzhou, China.
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Clinical Science Institute of Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a novel peculiar interstitial cell found in many tissues and organs, play pivotal roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis and regulating tissue and organ development and immune surveillance. In recent years, the existence of TCs in liver has been confirmed. In this chapter, we evaluate the role of TCs on promoting liver regeneration and the therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xin Cun Road, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xin Cun Road, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xin Cun Road, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Changqing Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xin Cun Road, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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Bosco C, Díaz E. Presence of Telocytes in a Non-innervated Organ: The Placenta. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:149-161. [PMID: 27796886 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This chapter discusses the relationship between failure in placentation and the subsequent alterations in the normal structure of the placenta. Interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC) were observed for the first time in the human placenta in 2007 and later were named telocytes. Strong evidence confirms that in the placental chorionic villi, TC are located strategically between the smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the fetal blood vessel wall and the stromal myofibroblasts. As the placenta is a non-innervated organ and considering the strategic position of telocytes in chorionic villi, it has been postulated that their function would be related to signal transduction mechanisms involved in the regulation of the blood flow in the fetal vessels, as well as in the shortening/lengthening of the chorionic villi providing the necessary rhythmicity to the process of maternal/fetal metabolic exchange. In this context, telocytes represent part of a functional triad: "SMC of fetal blood vessel-telocyte-myofibroblast." This triad takes part in the regulation of fetal growth and development via transport of nutrients and gases. This chapter also discusses the alterations in the metabolic maternal-fetal exchange, leading to intrauterine growth retardation and preeclampsia. Additionally, the apoptosis undergoing in the preeclamptic hypoxic placenta affects all the chorionic villi cells, including telocytes and myofibroblast, and not only trophoblast, as it has been so far considered. In consequence, we proposed that apoptosis affects the triad structure and alters the placental function, subsequently affecting the normal fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleofina Bosco
- Laboratorio de Placenta y Desarrollo Fetal, Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia 1027, Casilla, Santiago 7, 70079, Chile.
| | - Eugenia Díaz
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Yang XJ. Telocytes in Inflammatory Gynaecologic Diseases and Infertility. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:263-285. [PMID: 27796894 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Women suffered with inflammatory gynecologic diseases, such as endometriosis (EMs) and acute salpingitis (AS) often complained of sub- or infertility, even in those women without obvious macroscopic anatomical pelvic abnormalities also have unexplained infertility. Generally, besides the well-known impairment of classically described oviduct cells caused by inflammatory diseases, such as the ciliated cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, the involvement of the newly identified telocytes (TCs) in disease-affected oviduct tissues and potential pathophysiological roles in fertility problems remain unknown. In this chapter, TCs was investigated in rat model of EMs- and AS-affected oviduct tissues. Results showed inflammation and ischaemia-induced extensive ultrastructural damages of TCs both in cellular body and prolongations, with obvious TCs loss and interstitial fibrotic remodelling. Such in vivo pathological alterations might contribute to structural and functional abnormalities of oviduct tissue and potentially engaged in sub- or infertility. And especially, TCs connected to various activated immunocytes in both normal and diseased tissues, thus might participate in local immunoregulation (either repression or activation) and serve a possible explanation for immune-mediated pregnancy failure. Then, in vitro cell co-culture study showed that uterine TC conditioned media (TCM) can activate mouse peritoneal macrophages and subsequently trigger its cytokine secretion, thus providepreliminary evidence that, TCs are not simply innocent bystanders, but are instead potential functional players in local immunoregulatory and immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Road, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 215006, People's Republic of China.
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Chi C, Jiang XJ, Su L, Shen ZJ, Yang XJ. In vitro morphology, viability and cytokine secretion of uterine telocyte-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:2741-50. [PMID: 26471943 PMCID: PMC4687714 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a distinct interstitial cell population, have been identified in the uterus, oviduct and placenta, with multiple proposed potential biological functions. Their unique structure allows them to form intercellular junctions with various immunocytes, both in normal and diseased tissues, suggesting a potential functional relationship with the local immune response. It has been hypothesized that through direct heterocellular junctions or indirect paracrine effects, TCs influence the activity of local immunocytes that are involved in the inflammatory process and in immune-mediated reproductive abnormalities. However, no reliable cytological evidence for this hypothesis is currently available. In this study, we cultured primary murine uterine TCs and collected TC conditioned media (TCM). Mouse peritoneal macrophages (pMACs) were co-cultured for 48 hrs with TCM or with DMEM/F12 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as negative and positive controls, respectively. Normal uterine TCs with a typical structure and a CD-34-positive/vimentin-positive/c-kit-negative immunophenotype were observed during culture. Morphologically, TCM-treated pMACs displayed an obvious activation/immunoresponse, in contrast to over-stimulation and cell death after LPS treatment and no sign of activation in the presence of DMEM/F12. Accordingly, a cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay indicated significant activation of pMACs by TCM and LPS compared to DMEM/F12, thus supporting the marked morphological differences among these groups of cells. Furthermore, within a panel of macrophage-derived cytokines/enzymes, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase were significantly elevated in TCM-treated pMACs; tumour necrosis factor α, IL1-R1, and IL-10 were slightly, but significantly, up-regulated; and no changes were observed for transforming growth factor-β1, IL-1β, IL-23α and IL-18. Our results indicate that TCs are not simply innocent bystanders but are rather functional players in the activation of pMACs; they trigger and maintain the immune response, likely through indirect paracrine effects. Thus, we provide preliminary in vitro evidence of immunoregulatory and immunosurveillance roles for TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Lei Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Zong-Ji Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China
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Wang J, Zhao Y, Wu X, Yin S, Chuai Y, Wang A. The utility of human fallopian tube mucosa as a novel source of multipotent stem cells for the treatment of autologous reproductive tract injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:98. [PMID: 25994820 PMCID: PMC4474566 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fallopian tube, which is normally discarded in surgical procedures, has proven to be a source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with increasing evidence. However, fallopian tube mucosa, which can be acquired via non-invasive procedures, is a previously unknown source of MSCs. In the present study, we explored the existence of MSCs in the human fallopian tube mucosa and also compared multipotent stem cells derived from fallopian tubes and fallopian tube mucosa according to their biological characteristics and therapeutic potential for treatment of autologous reproductive tract injury. METHODS Cells isolated from human fallopian tubes and fallopian tube mucosa were expanded and characterised by flow cytometry. The proliferative capacity of both cell types was measured by performing colony-forming unit-fibroblast and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays. Both cell types underwent in vitro adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation. The expression of osteocyte-, adipocyte-, and chondrocyte-related genes in the differentiated cell lineages was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The secretion of growth factors and immunomodulatory cytokines by both cell types were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS We found that MSCs existed in the fallopian tube mucosa. The comparison between human fallopian tube MSCs (hFTMSCs) and human fallopian tube mucosa MSCs (hFMMSCs) showed that hFTMSCs had a stronger proliferative capacity and shorter duplication time than hFMMSCs. Both cell types could be differentiated into adipocytes, osteoblasts, or chondrocytes in vitro. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that hFTMSCs displayed increased expression of osteogenic-specific genes compared with hFMMSCs, but the two types of cells showed no significant increase in the mRNA expression of adipogenic-specific or chondrogenic-specific genes. hFMMSCs and hFTMSCs robustly produced a variety of growth factors and immunomodulatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS Human fallopian tube mucosa is a novel source of multipotent cells. hFMMSCs demonstrated stronger proliferative capacity and superior secretion of growth factors and immunomodulatory cytokines than hFTMSCs, making the former a better source of stem cells for the treatment of autologous reproductive tract injury. Compared with fallopian tube, fallopian tube mucosa has more wide-ranging applications and can be used to carry out autologous transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Wang
- Department for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Navy General Hospital, PLA, Fuchengmen Road, No.6, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- Department for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Navy General Hospital, PLA, Fuchengmen Road, No.6, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Jing-Meng Stem Cell Technology CO., Ltd, Shangdi East Road,No.5-2, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Shande Yin
- Department for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Navy General Hospital, PLA, Fuchengmen Road, No.6, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Yunhai Chuai
- Department for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Navy General Hospital, PLA, Fuchengmen Road, No.6, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Aiming Wang
- Department for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Navy General Hospital, PLA, Fuchengmen Road, No.6, Beijing, 100048, China.
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The role of cellular coupling in the spontaneous generation of electrical activity in uterine tissue. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118443. [PMID: 25793276 PMCID: PMC4368634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The spontaneous emergence of contraction-inducing electrical activity in the uterus at the beginning of labor remains poorly understood, partly due to the seemingly contradictory observation that isolated uterine cells are not spontaneously active. It is known, however, that the expression of gap junctions increases dramatically in the approach to parturition, by more than one order of magnitude, which results in a significant increase in inter-cellular electrical coupling. In this paper, we build upon previous studies of the activity of electrically excitable smooth muscle cells (myocytes) and investigate the mechanism through which the coupling of these cells to electrically passive cells results in the generation of spontaneous activity in the uterus. Using a recently developed, realistic model of uterine muscle cell dynamics, we investigate a system consisting of a myocyte coupled to passive cells. We then extend our analysis to a simple two-dimensional lattice model of the tissue, with each myocyte being coupled to its neighbors, as well as to a random number of passive cells. We observe that different dynamical regimes can be observed over a range of gap junction conductances: at low coupling strength, corresponding to values measured long before delivery, the activity is confined to cell clusters, while the activity for high coupling, compatible with values measured shortly before delivery, may spread across the entire tissue. Additionally, we find that the system supports the spontaneous generation of spiral wave activity. Our results are both qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with observations from in vitro experiments. In particular, we demonstrate that the increase in inter-cellular electrical coupling observed experimentally strongly facilitates the appearance of spontaneous action potentials that may eventually lead to parturition.
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Yang J, Chi C, Liu Z, Yang G, Shen ZJ, Yang XJ. Ultrastructure damage of oviduct telocytes in rat model of acute salpingitis. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:1720-8. [PMID: 25753567 PMCID: PMC4511368 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute salpingitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease which causes severe damage to a subset of classically described cells lining in oviduct wall and contributes to interstitial fibrosis and fertility problems. Telocytes (TCs), a newly discovered peculiar type of stromal cells, have been identified in many organs, including oviduct, with proposed multiple potential bio-functions. However, with recent increasing reports regarding TCs alterations in disease-affected tissues, there is still lack of evidence about TCs involvement in AS-affected oviduct tissues and potential pathophysiological roles. We presently identified normal TCs by their characteristic ultrastructural features and immunophenotype. However, in AS-affected oviduct tissues, TCs displayed multiple ultrastructural damage both in cellular body and prolongations, with obvious loss of TCs and development of tissue fibrosis. Furthermore, TCs lose their interstitial 3-D network connected by homocellular or heterocellular junctions between TCs and adjacent cells. And especially, TCs connected to the activated immunocytes (mononuclear cells, eosinophils) and affected local immune state (repression or activation). Meanwhile, massive neutrophils infiltration and overproduced Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), COX-2, suggested mechanism of inflammatory-induced TCs damage. Consequently, TCs damage might contribute to AS-induced structural and reproductive functional abnormalities of oviduct, probably via: (i) substances, energy and functional insufficiency, presumably, e.g. TC-specific genetic material profiles, ion channels, cytoskeletal elements, Tps dynamics, etc., (ii) impaired TCs-mediated multicellular signalling, such as homeostasis/angiogenesis, tissue repair/regeneration, neurotransmission, (iii) derangement of 3-D network and impaired mechanical support for TCs-mediated multicellular signals within the stromal compartment, consequently induced interstitial fibrosis, (iv) involvement in local inflammatory process/ immunoregulation and possibly immune-mediated early pregnancy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chi Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Lab Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zong-Ji Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Roatesi I, Radu BM, Cretoiu D, Cretoiu SM. Uterine Telocytes: A Review of Current Knowledge. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:10. [PMID: 25695721 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.125906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a novel cell type, are briefly defined as interstitial cells with telopodes (Tps). However, a specific immunocytochemical marker has not yet been found; therefore, electron microscopy is currently the only accurate method for identifying TCs. TCs are considered to have a mesenchymal origin. Recently proteomic analysis, microarray-based gene expression analysis, and the micro-RNA signature clearly showed that TCs are different from fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and endothelial cells. The dynamics of Tps were also revealed, and some electrophysiological properties of TCs were described (such as membrane capacitance, input resistance, membrane resting potential, and absence of action potentials correlated with different ionic currents characteristics), which can be used to distinguish uterine TCs from smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Here, we briefly present the most recent findings on the characteristics of TCs and their functions in human pregnant and nonpregnant uteri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iurie Roatesi
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sanda Maria Cretoiu
- Victor Babeş National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania Division of Cell Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Sidney LE, Branch MJ, Dunphy SE, Dua HS, Hopkinson A. Concise review: evidence for CD34 as a common marker for diverse progenitors. Stem Cells 2015; 32:1380-9. [PMID: 24497003 PMCID: PMC4260088 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 570] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CD34 is a transmembrane phosphoglycoprotein, first identified on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Clinically, it is associated with the selection and enrichment of hematopoietic stem cells for bone marrow transplants. Due to these historical and clinical associations, CD34 expression is almost ubiquitously related to hematopoietic cells, and it is a common misconception that CD34-positive (CD34+) cells in nonhematopoietic samples represent hematopoietic contamination. The prevailing school of thought states that multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) do not express CD34. However, strong evidence demonstrates CD34 is expressed not only by MSC but by a multitude of other nonhematopoietic cell types including muscle satellite cells, corneal keratocytes, interstitial cells, epithelial progenitors, and vascular endothelial progenitors. In many cases, the CD34+ cells represent a small proportion of the total cell population and also indicate a distinct subset of cells with enhanced progenitor activity. Herein, we explore common traits between cells that express CD34, including associated markers, morphology and differentiation potential. We endeavor to highlight key similarities between CD34+ cells, with a focus on progenitor activity. A common function of CD34 has yet to be elucidated, but by analyzing and understanding links between CD34+ cells, we hope to be able to offer an insight into the overlapping properties of cells that express CD34. Stem Cells2014;32:1380–1389
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Sidney
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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