Vol 151, No 2 (2017)

The paper contains the concise review of the structure of the various parts of lymphatic bed, together with the new data on the structure, molecular organization and function of the endothelial cells lining the lymphatic bed vessels. The role of caveolae and intramural lymphatic valves in the trans-endothelial transport is evaluated. On the example of the inter-endotheliocyte junctions in the lymphatic capillaries of the intestinal villus, the structural details are described that provide a new insight of the processes of the interstitial fluid and macromolecules during lymph formation. An active mechanism of the interstitial fluid resorption and lymph formation is validated. The hypothesis is proposed that the organization of lymphatic capillaries described is dictated by the necessity of antigen presentation to the immunocompetent cells in the lymph node.

Spatial organization of projections of the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTN) on functionally different segments of the basal ganglia structures was studied in dogs (n=25) by the method of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase. The connections detected between the RMTN limbic segments and the limbic segments of the zona incerta and the pallidum indicate the possibility of segregated conduction of limbic information. In addition, it was found that the projections of the limbic medial and motor lateral RMTN segments overlap in pedunculopontine and entopeduncular nuclei with the incoming fibers from functionally different neuronal nuclei. The presence of marked sparse-branching, long-axonal “reticular” RMTN neurons projecting to the studied structures also indicates the integrative function of this nucleus. In fact, the morphological substrate of information processing in the basal ganglia morpho-functional system that underlies their functioning, was analyzed.

The stellate ganglion was studied in bovine fetuses (n=2) and cows of different ages (6 months-13 years; n=30) using Gomori’s histochemical method of acid phosphatase (AP) activity demonstration. Ganglion is a compact formation containing large, medium and small neurons with different AP activity and complicated interrelations of cell processes. With postnatal age until 13 years, there was an increase in the size of neurons, followed by a decrease after 13 years. The cells and their processes had different enzyme activity. In the fetus, the activity of the enzyme was low. In adult mature animals, the highest AP activity was demonstrated in large neurons. Processes of some neurons formed dense plexuses with high AP activity. The stellate ganglion often contained highly active growth conesand synaptic endings. Different AP activity reflects the differencies in the metabolic level of neurons and may be related to the variations in their functional activity.

Basement membranes (BM) of the cornea of the human eye and their interactions with corneal stroma were studied using light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The existence of three acellular collagen-containing structures limiting was confirmed in the cornea of the human eye. BM is located under the anterior corneal epithelium and it is bound via non-fibrous extracellular matrix to the anterior limiting membrane (ALM) or the Bowman’s membrane, which is an outer part of the corneal stroma. ALM is 7-8 μm thick, and it is formed by the individual collagen fibrils with diameter of 20-40 nm, located without preferential spatial orientation. ALM collagen fibrils pass directly into flattened collagen fibers of the corneal stroma. The posterior limiting membrane (PLM) or the Descemet’s membrane, by its structure and composition, is a thickened BM (8-10 μm) of posterior corneal epithelium. Like the BM of the anterior corneal epithelium, it is associated with the collagen fibrils of the corneal stroma adjacent to it through the non-fibrous extracellular matrix and immersion of the fibrils of the corneal stroma into PLM peripheral part.

The microcirculatory disturbances on Day 4, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 after a femoral vein thrombosis and its ligation were examined in 155 and 153 Wag male rats respectively in sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin. It was found that after thrombosis, a large area of vein was affected together with collateral vessels, moreover, through these collaterals the thrombin spread retrogradely far into the tissues, blocking venous drainage even through small vessels. Simultaneously, lymphatic vessels were affected by thrombosis. Patency of the main vein after thrombosis was quickly restored, but microcirculatory disturbances within a significant tissue region persisted for a long time. After vein ligation, the obstruction of a vessel was local, and the stasis was quickly compensated by pre-existing collaterals. No significant changes of regional lymphatic system were detected, while some evidence of compensation of venous drainage insufficiency was found. Also, no considerable changes of vessels in muscular tissue were found. At the same time, extensive longstanding hemorrhages persisted in the paravasal tissues that were caused by the processes of reorganization of collateral vessels wall of and the phenomena of sclerosis were more pronounced.

Using histological and morphometric methods, the organs of the reproductive system were studied in 160 male and 71 female Bank vole inhabiting the forests of the Visim state biosphere reserve, in the years of low, growing and peak population size. In the animals studied, the interannual morphological variability of the gonads was detected, which was associated with the fluctuations in population size. At the peak of population size, the destruction of the spermatogenic layer was noted, together with the reduction in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the area of interstitial endocrinocytes and sustentocytes, indicating an inhibition of germ functions of the testis and a decrease of its endocrine function. In the ovaries from pregnant females in the peak phase of the population, a decrease in the follicle size was observed. Interannual variability of the size of the follicles in immature females may have prognostic value for assessing changes in population size.

Morphoscopic and morphometric characteristics of the intervertebral foramen (IF) of the lumbosacral spine were evaluated in 70 patients of both sexes aged 25-74 years using the data of multispiral computed tomography (CT) and special software programs. The comparative data analysis was performed according to lumbar level of IF and patient gender. Four IF forms were described: elliptic, reniform, pear-shaped, teardrop-shaped. The frequency of occurrence of various forms of IF was determined. The main morphometric parameters estimated included: the height of intervertebral space at IF level; IF height; the distance from the top edge of the underlying vertebral pedicle to the spinal nerve; IF upper and lower diameters; IF area; availability zone (reserve space) area for transforaminal endoscopic approach to the structures of vertebral canal. A reduction of all studied parameters from the upper lumbar segments to the lumbar-sacral transition was detected. The results obtained can be used as the indicators of the range of the norm in the diagnosis of foraminal stenosis, as well as in planning of endoscopic transforaminal approach to the structures of lumbar spine and the vertebral canal.

The article is devoted to the definition of the features of a proper heart rate (DCHSS) taking into account height - weight index in people «early childhood», belonging to the North Caucasus region of Russia. The absence of the persons «neutral childhood» of the North Caucasus region of Russia in terms of gender differences DCHSS and body surface area. The inverse relationship between body surface area and DCHSS. Deviations from TCHSS DCHSS 30% and more than half of the children surveyed.