1
|
Surchev L, Tomov N. Canalis cruropopliteus - the overlooked canal of Wenzel Gruber. Ann Anat 2023; 250:152134. [PMID: 37460046 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
It is widely known that the popliteal fossa and the lower leg are connected by a canal, containing the neuro-vascular bundle to the posterior leg region, containing the tibial nerve and the posterior tibial artery and veins. The existence of this canal has not been duly recognized in literature, even though it has been named by Wenzel Gruber in 1871, and its contents, walls, entrance, and exits have been extensively described by him in 1878. In the present paper, we would like to pay a homage to the work of this prominent anatomist, which retains its significance for contemporary surgical practice. The cruropopliteal canal, canalis cruropopliteus, as named by him, and having been assigned a multitude of terms in practice, deserves to regain its eponymous name - Gruber's canal. The history, and the anatomy with its clinical implications are discussed herein. We hereby recommend that the original name of this canal be included in anatomical textbooks and specialized literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lachezar Surchev
- Institute of Anatomy and Embryology, University Medical Center, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Nikola Tomov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Baronti D, Tomov N, Hupp S, Mitchell TJ, Iliev AI. Dendritic spine loss deep in the neocortex and dendrite distortion with diffusion disturbances occur early in experimental pneumococcal meningitis. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:912445. [PMID: 36704002 PMCID: PMC9871924 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.912445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) meningitis is a serious disease with substantial lethality and long-term disability in survivors. Loss of synaptic staining in the superficial layers of the neocortex in rodent models and in humans, and pneumolysin (a major pneumococcal toxin)-dependent dendritic spine collapse in brain slices have been described. It remains unclear how deep in the neocortex more discrete changes are present, how soon after disease onset these changes occur, and whether other properties of dendrites are also affected. Methods Using a mouse model of pneumococcal meningitis, we studied changes in the neocortex shortly (3-6 h) after the onset of clinical symptoms via modified Golgi-Cox silver staining. Results Dendritic changes were present in areas with otherwise unchanged cell numbers and no signs of necrosis or other apparent neuronal pathology. Mature dendritic spines were reduced in the pyramidal neurons running through layers 1-5. Additionally, spine morphology changes (swelling, spine neck distortion), were also observed in the deeper layers 4 and 5 of the neocortex. Immature spines (filopodia) remained unchanged between groups, as well as the dendritic arborization of the analyzed neurons. In a third of the animals with meningitis, massive mechanical distortion of the primary dendrites of most of the pyramidal neurons through layers 1-5 was observed. This distortion was reproduced in acute brain slices after exposure to pneumolysin-containing bacterial lysates (S. pneumoniae D39 strain), but not to lysates of pneumolysin-deficient bacteria, which we explain by the tissue remodeling effect of the toxin. Experimental mechanical dendrite distortion in primary neural cultures demonstrated diminished FRAP diffusion of neuronally-expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), indicative of disturbed dendritic diffusion. Discussion Our work extends earlier knowledge of synaptic loss in the superficial cortical layers during meningitis to deeper layers. These changes occurred surprisingly early in the course of the disease, substantially limiting the effective therapeutic window. Methodologically, we demonstrate that the dendritic spine collapse readout is a highly reliable and early marker of neural damage in pneumococcal meningitis models, allowing for reduction of the total number of animals used per a group due to much lower variation among animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Baronti
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Tomov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Hupp
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Timothy J. Mitchell
- School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Asparouh I. Iliev
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Asparouh I. Iliev,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dimitrov N, Tomov N, Atanasova D, Iliev S, Tomova T, Sivrev D, Goranova Z. Visible Meridian Phenomena after Acupuncture: A Series of Case Reports. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2021; 14:50-57. [DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2021.14.2.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Dimitrov
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Nikola Tomov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrinka Atanasova
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stiliyan Iliev
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Tatyana Tomova
- Department Theory and Methodology of Kinesitherapy, National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Sivrev
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Zoya Goranova
- Department Theory and Methodology of Kinesitherapy, National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
In the last few decades, intracerebral transplantation has grown from a dubious neuroscientific topic to a plausible modality for treatment of neurological disorders. The possibility for cell replacement opens a new field of perspectives in the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders, ischemia, and neurotrauma, with the most lessons learned from intracerebral transplantation in Parkinson's disease. Multiple animal studies and a few small-scale clinical trials have proven the concept of intracerebral grafting, but still have to provide a uniform and highly efficient approach to the procedure, suitable for clinical application. The success of intracerebral transplantation is highly dependent on the integration of the grafted cells with the host brain. In this process, glial cells are clearly more than passive bystanders. They provide transplanted cells with mechanical support, trophics, mediate synapse formation, and participate in graft vascularization. At the same time, glial cells mediate scarring, graft rejection, and neuroinflammation, which can be detrimental. We can use this information to try to understand the mechanisms behind the glial reaction to intracerebral transplantation. Recognizing and utilizing glial reactivity can move translational research forward and provide an insight not only to post-transplantation events but also to mechanisms of neuronal death and degeneration. Knowledge about glial reactivity to transplanted cells could also be a key for optimization of transplantation protocols, which ultimately should contribute to greater patient benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Tomov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tomov N. Impregnation is an essential part of mummification. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2020; 304:518-519. [PMID: 32445508 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Tomov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Affiliation(s)
- Anatoli Dimitrov
- Department of Neurosurgery Städtisches Klinikum Dresden Academic Hospital of Technical University Dresden Dresden, Germany
| | - Luis Rafael Moscote-Salazar
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIB) Cartagena Neurotrauma Research Group Faculty of Medicine University of Cartagena Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
| | - Nikola Tomov
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Plasmin is generally known as a promotor of inflammation. Recent advancement suggests that it has a complex role as immunity modulator. Pharmacological inhibition of plasmin production and activity has been proven to improve neurological outcomes in traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage, most probably by preventing re-bleeding. The immune-modulatory properties of antifibrinolytics, however, suggest that they probably have effects unrelated to fibrinolysis inhibition, which are currently not adequately harnessed. The present work aims to give an account of the existing data regarding antifibrinolytics as agents influencing neuroinflammation. Preclinical and clinical studies on the possible influence of antifibrinolytics on neuroinflammation are scarce. However, the emerging evidence suggests that inhibition of plasmin(ogen) activity can ameliorate neuroinflammation to some extent. This data demonstrate that plasmin(ogen) is not exclusively involved in fibrinolysis, but also has other substrates and can precipitate in inflammatory processes. Investigation on the role of plasmin as the factor for the development of neuroinflammation shows the significant potential of antifibrinolytics as pharmacotherapy of neuroinflammationm, which is worthy of further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanimir Atsev
- Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Nikola Tomov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tomov N, Surchev L, Wiedenmann C, Döbrössy M, Nikkhah G. Roscovitine, an experimental CDK5 inhibitor, causes delayed suppression of microglial, but not astroglial recruitment around intracerebral dopaminergic grafts. Exp Neurol 2019; 318:135-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
9
|
Tomov N, Atanasova D, Dimitrov N. Is the Newly Described Interstitial Network the Anatomical Basis of Acupuncture Meridians? A Commentary. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:2169-2170. [PMID: 30874366 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A network passing through interstitial tissues of the human body has been recently described. Despite its functional importance is yet unknown, we try to briefly summarize the known data and to interpret it from the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese medicine. We consider the peculiarities of the interstitium to be the morphological basis of at least some of the known phenomena along acupuncture meridians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Tomov
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitrinka Atanasova
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.,Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Dimitrov
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tomov N, Surchev L, Wiedenmann C, Döbrössy MD, Nikkhah G. Astrogliosis has Different Dynamics after Cell Transplantation and Mechanical Impact in the Rodent Model of Parkinson's Disease. Balkan Med J 2017; 35:141-147. [PMID: 29039346 PMCID: PMC5863251 DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.2016.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Transplantation of fetal mesencephalic tissue is a well-established concept for functional reinnervation of the dopamine-depleted rat striatum. However, there is no extensive description of the glial response of the host brain following this procedure. Aims: The present study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively analyse astrogliosis surrounding intrastriatal grafts and compare it to the reaction to mechanical injury with the transplantation instrument only. Study Design: Animal experimentation. Methods: The standard 6-hydroxydopamine-induced unilateral model of Parkinson’s disease was used. The experimental animals received transplantation of a single-cell suspension of E14 ventral mesencephalic tissue. Control animals (sham-transplanted) were subjected to injury by the transplantation cannula, without injection of a cell suspension. Histological analyses were carried out 7 and 28 days following the procedure by immunohistochemistry assays for tyrosine hydroxylase and glial fibrillary acidic protein. To evaluate astrogliosis, the cell density and immunopositive area were measured in distinct zones within and surrounding the grafts or the cannula tract. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that astrogliosis in the grafted striatum increased from day 7 to day 28, as shown by a significant change in both cell density and the immunopositive area. The cell density increased from 816.7±370.6 to 1403±272.1 cells/mm2 (p<0.0001) аnd from 523±245.9 to 1164±304.8 cells/mm2 (p<0.0001) in the two zones in the graft core, and from 1151±218.6 to 1485±210.6 cells/mm2 (p<0.05) for the zone in the striatum immediately adjacent to the graft. The glial fibrillary acidic protein-expressing area increased from 0.3109±0.1843 to 0.7949±0.1910 (p<0.0001) and from 0.1449±0.1240 to 0.702±0.2558 (p<0.0001) for the same zones in the graft core, and from 0.5277±0.1502 to 0.6969±0.1223 (p<0.0001) for the same area adjacent to the graft zone. However, astrogliosis caused by mechanical impact only (control) did not display such dynamics. This finding suggests an influence of the grafted cells on the host’s glia, possibly through cross-talk between astrocytes and transplanted neurons. Conclusion: This bidirectional relationship is affected by multiple factors beyond the mechanical trauma. Elucidation of these factors might help achieve better functional outcomes after intracerebral transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Tomov
- Department of Anatomy, Trakia University Faculty of Medicine, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Lachezar Surchev
- Department of Anatomy, Trakia University Faculty of Medicine, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | | | - Guido Nikkhah
- Department of Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dimitrov N, Atanasova D, Tomov N, Sivrev D, Lazarov N. Acupuncture causes serotonin release by mast cells. Rom J Morphol Embryol 2017; 58:961-968. [PMID: 29250675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are important object in experimental acupuncture due to their putative involvement in local reactions to needling. In the rat, they are shown to contain in their granules, among other tissue mediators, serotonin, also called 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The aim of this study is to examine the normal distribution of 5-HT-containing MCs in soft tissues of Zusanli (ST36) acupuncture point (acupoint) and their morphological changes caused by experimental acupuncture. We observed 5-HT-immunopositive MCs in the tissues and in the vicinity of the needle tract formed after acupuncture. As a result of acupuncture needling, the tissue integrity is disrupted and certain folds are formed in the direction of the needle tract. Connective tissue in the vicinity of the needle tract gets compressed and displaced, together with the 5-HT-immunoreactive MCs seen there. Some of those 5-HT-immunopositive MCs showed signs of degranulation with numerous discharged granules, some of them found at a considerable distance form the cell. Furthermore, 5-HT-immunopositive MCs are unevenly distributed in soft tissues of ST36 acupoint. Larger numbers of 5-HT-containing MCs were visualized in subcutis and dermis, compared to the observed in striated muscles. Placing the acupuncture needle into the rat skin caused a formation of an apparent needle tract, tissue displacement and degranulation of 5-HT-immunopositive MCs. The demonstrated serotonin release by means of MC degranulation might be involved in the local tissue response to acupuncture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Dimitrov
- Laboratory of Functional Neuroanatomy, Department of Synaptic Signaling and Communication, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; ; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; ; Department of Genes and Behavior, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany;
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yordanov G, Gorchev S, Tomov N. [Sentinel lymph node biopsy in endometrial cancer - methods]. Akush Ginekol (Sofiia) 2014; 53:55-59. [PMID: 25509648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial canceris the most common gynaecological malignancy after brest cancer. The lymph node status is with great prognostic value and it is important for postoperative treatment and survival. That is why it is looking for methods giving information for the lymph node status and not increasing postoperative complications.
Collapse
|
13
|
Vassilev ZP, Hagan H, Lyubenova A, Tomov N, Vasilev G, Krasteva D, Des Jarlais DC. Needle exchange use, sexual risk behaviour, and the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus infections among Bulgarian injection drug users. Int J STD AIDS 2006; 17:621-6. [PMID: 16942654 DOI: 10.1258/095646206778113041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
At a time when the rates of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections have risen among injection drug users (IDUs) in other countries in the region, little is known about the prevalence of these infections among Bulgarian injectors and about their sexual risk behaviours. IDUs (n = 773) in a community-based needle exchange programme (NEP) and two major drug treatment facilities in Sofia completed a structured interview and were tested for HIV, HBV, and HCV antibodies. While HCV prevalence in the sample was 73.9%, HBV and HIV prevalence was low -6% and 0.5%, respectively. Having more than 10 sexual partners, having sex with someone with hepatitis C or another IDU, and never using a condom with another IDU were common among those who were recruited through NEP. As 40% of the IDUs reported using NEP, it appears that needle exchange provides an opportunity to reach high-risk populations and prevent sexual transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z P Vassilev
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|