Morphometric abnormalities in the spleen of the progeny of mice fed epigallocatechin during gestation and nursing

It is very difficult to cure pregnant females suffering from infections, because of the risk which might occur during treatment by several, even herbal, medications. Many of these substances, among them extracts from plants, have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties owing to their polyphenols content, but also may reveal unwanted effects on the fetal development because of their anti-angiogenic properties. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether daily feeding pregnant and nursing mice 0.2 mg/kg epigallocatechin (EGC), previously recognized as angiogenesis inhibitor, may lead to abnormalities in morphology of spleen and in some parameters of immune function of their adult, 6-week old progeny. Morphometry of EGC offspring spleens revealed lower number of lymphatic nodules and their larger diameter than those found in the control offspring. Cellularity of spleens was lower in EGC offspring than in the controls. Cytometric analysis showed that this decline concerns lymphocytes with CD335 (p<0.001), CD19 (p<0.01) and CD4 (p<0.05) markers. No differences were observed in the humoral response to the immunization with SRBC, and in the proliferative response of splenocytes to mitogens PHA, ConA and LPS.

Morphometric abnormalities in spleen and kidney of the progeny of mice fed American cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) during pregnancy and lactation

Cranberries and cranberry-derived diet supplements are often recommended for the treatment of urinary tract infections, also during pregnancy. These products contain strongly anti-angiogenic chemical compounds which could not be indifferent to the developing fetus. In the present work we evaluated the effect of feeding pregnant and lactating mice American cranberry extract (daily dose 0.88 mg) on the morphology and some parameters of spleen and kidney function of their adult progeny. Six weeks after delivery the morphometry of spleen and kidney, cytometric analysis of spleen lymphocytes, evaluation of humoral response to SRBC (Sheep Red Blood Cells), and examination of serum creatinine/urea concentration, were performed in the offspring. Spleens of progeny from experimental (E) group differed from the spleens of progeny of control mice in the lower number of lymphatic nodules and their larger diameter. Cytometry of spleen cells from progeny of E mothers revealed more CD19+ and CD8+ lymphocytes than in the control group. No difference was seen in the response to immunization by red blood cells of sheep (SRBC) between control and E offspring. An increase in the diameter of glomeruli was observed in the kidneys of the experimental group in comparison with the control group. No abnormalities in creatinine and urea serum level were observed. A higher concentration of VEGF and bFGF in E offspring sera in comparison to the controls was seen.

CONCLUSION

Although the observed differences between the control and experimental group were not large, caution is recommended in using cranberries and their extracts during pregnancy until more research will be done on this topic.

Spleen content of selected polyphenols, splenocytes morphology and function in mice fed Rhodiola kirilowii extracts during pregnancy and lactation

The genus Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) consists of many species, growing mainly in Asia and traditionally used as adaptogens and anti-inflammatory drugs. In order to elaborate herbal immunostimulator which could be safely given to pregnant women, we performed a study on immunotropic effects of feeding pregnant and lactating mice Rhodiola kirilowii extracts. This paper presents the results of the first part of our study - spleen content of selected polyphenols, spleen cellularity, splenocytes phenotype and their response to mitogens. Experiments were performed on adult inbred females of Balb/c strain, mated with adult males. Females, since copulatory plug was noted, up to the 28-th day after delivery were fed daily with 20 mg/kg b.m. water (RKW) or hydro-alcoholic (RKW-A) extracts of Rhodiola kirilowii.

RESULTS

1. Significantly lower proportion of pregnant mice in experimental groups than in the control. 2. Cellularity of spleen and flavonol quercetin spleen concentration were significantly lower in experimental groups in comparison to the controls. 3. Flavanols ((+)-catechin and epicatechin) levels were significantly higher in the spleens of experimental mice than in the controls. 4. Positive correlation between spleen cellularity and quercetin, and negative correlation between spleen cellularity and epicatechin content were observed. 5. Spleen mass and spleen lymphocytes phenotype and proliferation in RKW and RKW-A fed mice did not differ from the control. These results, together with suspicion of some embryo-toxicity, are worrying and eliminate the possibility of use Rhodiola kirilowii extracts for long-term treatment in pregnant females.

Inhibitory effect of herbal remedy PERVIVO and anti-inflammatory drug sulindac on L-1 sarcoma tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis in Balb/c mice

Anticancer activity of many herbs was observed for hundreds of years. They act as modifiers of biologic response, and their effectiveness may be increased by combining multiple herbal extracts . PERVIVO, traditional digestive herbal remedy, contains some of them, and we previously described its antiangiogenic activity. Numerous studies documented anticancer effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We were the first to show that sulindac and its metabolites inhibit angiogenesis. In the present paper the combined in vivo effect of multicomponent herbal remedy PERVIVO and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sulindac on tumor growth, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor volume in Balb/c mice was studied. These effects were checked after grafting cells collected from syngeneic sarcoma L-1 tumors into mice skin. The strongest inhibitory effect was observed in experimental groups treated with PERVIVO and sulindac together. The results of our investigation showed that combined effect of examined drugs may be the best way to get the strongest antiangiogenic and antitumor effect.

In vitro angiomodulatory activity of sera from type 2 diabetic patients with background retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of adult vision loss and blindness. The most important contributors to the development of diabetic retinopathy are hyperglycemia and hypoxemia that lead to increased vasopermeability, endothelial cell proliferation, and pathological neovascularization. In our previous studies, close relationship between proangiogenic activity of sera from type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (DM2) with background retinopathy, assessed in the in vivo serum-induced mouse cutaneous test (SIA), and VEGF and IL-18 serum concentration were observed. Moreover, it was clearly shown that IGF-1 might play an important role in the negative regulation of neoangiogenesis induced by DM2 patients' sera by diminishing the VEGF stimulatory effect. To confirm the observed phenomenon we evaluated the effect of DM2 patients' sera on the in vitro proliferative activity of human endothelial cells, which is critical for the sprouting and generation of new blood capillaries. Endothelial proliferative activity was significantly higher in the presence of sera from DM2 patients than from healthy controls (P<0.001), as estimated by the MTT test. Moreover, the examined sera from DM2 patients were characterized by increased IL-18 (P<0.05), diminished IGF-1 (P<0.02), and unchanged VEGF levels compared with those in controls. In conclusion, the present study showed a strong stimulatory effect of DM2 patients' sera on the proliferation of endothelial cells, which, along with the findings of our previous studies, proves that the described phenomenon is universal and valid for both animal and human endothelium.

Multiple effects of theobromine on fetus development and postnatal status of the immune system

Caffeine and its active derivative, theobromine, are probably the most frequently ingested pharmacologically active substances. Considering their uninhibited transport via the placental barrier as well as immature enzymatic activities and metabolic pathways in embryos and infants resulting in the longer half-life of methyloxanthines and their accumulation, unrestrained uptake of these substances might result in noticeably more pronounced biological effects during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Our previous studies have shown that methyloxanthines are significant inhibitors of angiogenic growth factors production and angiogenesis itself. We have hypothesized that increased uptake of these substances might affect embryonal angiogenesis and, later in the postnatal period, maturation and functional activity of the offspring's immune system. The study was performed on 2-month-old Balb/c mice fed theobromine 2 or 6 mg/day during pregnancy and lactation. On day 18 of pregnancy the number and weight of embryos were assessed as was their tissue angiogenic activity, using the cutaneous angiogenesis assay. In the group of 4-week-old sucklings, body and spleen were weighed together with the trunk, and tail and limb length were measured. Six weeks after birth the splenocytes' mitogen-induced activity and their ability to induce graft-versus-host reaction as well as the humoral response to SRBC antigen were evaluated. Content of theobromine in the embryos' tissue was estimated by high liquid performance chromatography (HPLC). Theobromine feeding resulted in significant inhibition of embryo growth as assessed by their weight and decreased angiogenic activity of their tissue. The theobromine content in embryo tissue from treated groups was higher than in the controls, and the difference was close to significant. In the postnatal period the discrepancies in the treated 4-week-old group's development were also observed in the significantly shorter limbs in comparison to the controls. Moreover in the treated group of 6-week-old sucklings, considerable variations in the immune system's functional activity were registered as far as cellular and immune response were concerned. Respectively, the splenocytes' mitogen-induced proliferative activity was significantly suppressed while the graft-versus-host reaction was up-regulated, and the serum antibodies titer was elevated in correspondence to the observed spleen enlargement. We concluded that a theobromine-enriched diet affects progeny development in both prenatal and postnatal periods. Consequently, particular attention should be paid to the reduction of theobromine consumption, and most probably that of other methyloxanthines, during pregnancy and lactation.

Chocolate feeding of pregnant mice influences length of limbs of their progeny

We previously reported the inhibitory effect of various methyloxantines and phenolic compounds on tumor-induced angiogenesis and the production of angiogenic growth factors. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of chocolate (CH), food containing substantial amounts of methyloxantine theobromine and polyphenols (mainly catechins), given to mice during pregnancy and the lactation period, on weight of organs, length of limbs, and bone vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration (tested by ELISA), in 4-week old offspring. The study was performed on 2-month old Balb/c mice fed during pregnancy and lactation 400 mg of CH daily. Content of polyphenols (catechines) and theobromine in the chocolate was estimated by high liquid perforance chromatography (HPLC). Concentration of VEGF was tested by ELISA. Feeding pregnant mice chocolate produced the following effects: decrease of relative length of limbs and thigh bones in 4-week old progeny and decrease in VEGF content of offspring femoral bones.

CONCLUSION

attention should be paid to possible unwanted effects of catechine- and methyloxantine-rich food and beverages during pregnancy and lactation. 200 mg of chocolate per mouse corresponds to 100 g per person.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and angiomodulatory effects of sera in patients with diabetic retinopathy

Aberrant neovascularization plays a crucial role in ocular complications in diabetic patients. Sera from these patients contain high levels of angiostimulatory factors, the most important of which is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Many authors have described elevation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in the sera of diabetic patients. It is important to determine the possible relationship between these two phenomena. We studied ACE serum activity and VEGF concentrations in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and retinopathy We also investigated the effect of their sera on cutaneous angiogenesis induced in mice by grafting healthy human mononuclear blood leukocytes. We found a negative correlation between the angiostimulatory effect and ACE level in the sera of patients with type 1 diabetes and no correlation between these two parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. VEGF concentrations were lower and ACE activity was significantly higher in the sera of patients with type 1 diabetes than in the sera of those with type 2 diabetes.

Production of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by a rat corneal epithelial cell line

Production of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by rat corneal epithelial cells in response to lipopolysaccharide and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) was tested. Supernatants from rat corneal epithelial cells treated with lipopolysaccharide and PMA were collected after 6, 24 and 48 h and tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. The activity of TNF-alpha was additionally confirmed with bioassay on L929 cells. It was found that control groups did not produce significant levels of either cytokine. However, after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, cells produced mainly IL-6, whereas after PMA they produced mainly TNF-alpha. IL-6 levels 24 and 48 h after PMA stimulation were also elevated, which could have been caused by the presence of TNF-alpha. Production of IL-1 beta in all groups was very low and remained within the test sensitivity range. These results show that the rat corneal epithelial cell line produces inflammatory cytokines in response to proinflammatory mediators. For this reason, it could be used for measuring the effects of irritants on the cornea.

Characterisation of epithelial cell line from rat cornea

PURPOSE

Characterisation of RtCE-1 cells, newly established rat corneal epithelial cell line.

METHODS

Morphology of RtCE-1 cells was characterised by light and electron microscopy. Expression of cytokeratins was studied by polyacrylamide electrophoresis and Western blotting. Characterisation of RtCE-1 cells also included karyotype analysis and in vitro study of growth kinetics.

RESULTS

The line shows morphological similarities to normal corneal epithelium. The cells express cornea-specific cytokeratins. Karyotype analysis revealed that the cells are polyploid with modal number of chromosomes at passage 30 equalling 72 +/- 14. Growth of the line is partially dependent on EGF.

CONCLUSION

RtCE-1 cells may constitute a model for the evaluation of proliferation, function and differentiation of corneal epithelium in vitro.

[Studies on conditions for the culture of rabbit corneal epithelium]

PURPOSE

Research was aimed at comparison of isolation methods as well as determination of growth and differentiation dynamics of rabbit corneal epithelium (CE) in vitro. Adhesion, growth and differentiation of CE cells growing on collagen membranes were evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Research was performed on the cells of rabbit corneal epithelium isolated mechanically or enzymatically (Dispase II) from comeas excised at the edge of limbus. CE cells were cultured in media with high or low contents of calcium, with addition of FCS, insulin, cholera toxin and EGF.

RESULTS

In comparison with mechanical isolation, enzymatic isolation yielded 4-5 times more living undifferentiated (CE) cells. The highest dynamics of in vitro growth was observed in primary cultures in low-calcium medium supplemented with the above substances. After 20 population doublings cells were differentiated and died. Only few cells on collagen membranes adhered to the collagen but did not enter division.

CONCLUSIONS

Current research allowed for determination of methodology for CE excision and isolation. Optimal conditions for in vitro growth have been established. Growth dynamics and proliferation of CE in vitro have been evaluated. Growth of CE on standard collagen membrane has not been observed.

[Morphological characteristics of epithelial cell line from rat cornea]

PURPOSE

Morphological characteristics of established cell line (RtCE) derived from rat anterior corneal epithelium.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Morphology of cultured RtCE cells was evaluated by light and electron microscopy. Anterior corneal epithelium of rat served as control.

RESULTS

Both in light and electron microscope we observed morphological similarity with anterior corneal epithelium (several layers of cells, numerous desmosomal connections). Moreover, similar morphological changes were observed in relation to the control material, i.e. degeneration and flattening of cells in superficial layers.

CONCLUSIONS

The morphological analysis of RtCE cell line proves its usefulness for further cytomorphological, cytogenetical and functional analyses, as well as for evaluation of influence of different physico-chemical and biological factors on growth and regeneration of corneal epithelium in vitro.

[Fluorophotometric study of juvenile insulin-dependent diabetic patients]

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to find a correlation between fluorophotometric data, diabetes duration and patient's age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A group of 19 patients (38 eyes) aged 11-23 years with juvenile-onset, insulin-dependent diabetes, treated for 2-17 years were examined using ocular fluorophotometry. Visual acuity, anterior segment and fundus as well as IOP, fluoroangiography and opacimetry were also examined.

RESULTS

Anterior Chamber (AC) and Posterior Vitreous (PV) fluorescein concentration was higher in the group with mild background retinopathy (10 eyes) than in group with normal fundi (28 eyes).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes duration over 15 years increases the risk of the development of diabetic retinopathy and increases fluorescein leakage through the blood-retinal barrier in juvenile insulin-dependent diabetes patients.

Morphometric analysis of satellite cells in rat skeletal muscles: soleus and extensor digitorum longus

Satellite cells (SC) are present in all types of skeletal muscles. They can exhibit DNA replication and mitotic divisions throughout their life. Depending on the kind of muscle, a different number of SC is present. The aim of this study was to establish whether the differences in muscle metabolism are reflected in the quantitative ultrastructural evaluation of their SC. Two skeletal muscles of rats, soleus (SOL) with predominant slow fibers and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) with predominant fast ones, were studied. Morphometric analysis was performed according to the modified method of Weibel [Stereological Methods, vol 1: Practical Methods for Biological Morphometry. London, Academic Press, 1979]. In the SC of EDL mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus were less frequent as compared with the SOL. The volume fractions of these organelles were much higher in SC of SOL than in EDL. The ribosomes and polyribosomes were more densely packed in SC of SOL than in EDL. Ultrastructural morphometric evaluation demonstrated significant differences between the SC components of two different muscles: a slow (SOL) and a fast (EDL) one.

The effect of salbutamol treatment on the cellular immunity of the offspring of pregnant mice: spleen cell activity

Preterm delivery is one of the greatest problems in obstetric care. One of the most commonly used treatments for high risk cases is salbutamol, a beta-2-adrenoceptor agonist. The aim of the present study was to determine if such treatment causes any changes in the neonatal immune system which should therefore be a concern in the care of the newborn. The experiments were performed on 4 to 5 or 6 to 7-week old female and male offspring of salbutamol-treated C3H/W inbred mice. In the first part of the study, the number of spleen cells, phenotypes and activity (phytohemagglutinin-induced proliferation, ability to induce local graft versus host reaction) were determined. We observed lowering of cell number and lowered proportions of cluster of differentiation (CD)3, CD4 and CD8 positive lymphocytes in spleens of progeny of salbutamol-treated mice. However, CD4+ to CD8+ ration was higher in the progeny of salbutamol-treated mothers than in the corresponding controls. In addition, reactivity to phytohemagglutinin and ability to induce local graft vs. host reaction were higher (popliteal lymph node test) or undisturbed (lymphocyte-induced angiogenesis test) in this group of mice.

Quantitative ultrastructural evaluation of satellite cells in soleus muscle from rats kept in hypokinesia

The aim of the present study is a morphometric, ultrastructural evaluation of satellite cells (SC) derived from the soleus muscle (SOL) of rats exposed to conditions of hypokinesia for a period of 7 or 21 days. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of 320 electron micrographs of SC from each group was carried out. After 7 and 21 days of immobilization, profiles of the SC, in contrast to the control group, had a lower mean surface area, had a cylindrical shape, and exhibited more folded membrane. Analysis of electron micrographs of SC showed that after immobilization, a lower number of SC contained profiles of mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and Golgi. Volume fractions of RER were twofold lower after 7 days of hypokinesia and fivefold lower after 21 days compared with the control group. The SC of SOL of rats subjected to hypokinesia differed from the control group by a markedly decreased number of ribosomes and RER profiles. After 21 days of immobilization the ultrastructural characteristics of SC were typical for cells in an inactive state showing various degrees of degeneration. The results of our study presented here permit the conclusion that 21 days of hypokinesia induce a depression of SC activity, whereas subtle changes in SC appear only after 7 days of immobilization.

[Microscopic examination of conjunctival specimens from patients with cicatricial pemphigoid]

The conjunctiva's materials from patients with cicatricial pemphigoid were examined histopathologically and ultrastructurally. Non specific changes were shown at the cellular level: leukocytes infiltrations and increase in the amount of connective tissue which cause the scars. Ultrastructurally increase in the number of collagen fibres and disorders in the structure of basal membrane of epithelium were shown. Pathological changes were located mostly in lamina propria of tunica mucosae.

Morphometrical evaluation of myocardium from rats flown on biosatellite Cosmos-1887

The myocardium of rats kept on the biosatellite Cosmos-1887 for 13 days was morphometrically examined at the cellular and subcellular levels. It was found that weightlessness causes in the heart muscle cells atrophy of the muscle fibers, thinning of the sarcomeres a decrease in the relative volume and number, a change in the shape of mitochondria and an increased accumulation of glykogen. These changes may be attributed to the muscle fibers atrophy and metabolic disturbances. The presented results indicate that weightlessness produces changes in the continuously working myocardium.