Temporal deposition and spatial distribution of cytoskeletal proteins in the sperm head of an Australian rodent

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 428 ◽  
Author(s):  
William G. Breed ◽  
Dina Idriss ◽  
Christopher M. Leigh ◽  
Richard J. Oko
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Concave Surface ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Protein Deposition ◽  
Murine Rodent ◽  
Two Phases

The Australian murine rodent, the plains mouse (Pseudomys australis), possesses a highly complex sperm head, in which there are, in addition to an apical hook, two ventral processes that extend from its upper concave surface. The present study set out to determine the temporal deposition and distribution of the proteins within these structures during late spermiogenesis by light and electron microscopy using various antibodies to bull and laboratory rat sperm-head cytoskeletal proteins. The findings show that there are two phases of protein deposition. In the first phase, perinuclear theca proteins are deposited at the base of the ventral processes around the acrosomal extensions of the developing spermatids. In the second phase, as the ventral processes expand, actin and then perforatorial proteins are laid down during which time the processes become progressively more bilaterally flattened. These various proteins are moulded together to give rise to the two very large cytoskeletal structures that extend from the upper concave surface of the sperm head. They may be involved in binding the spermatozoon to the outer surface of the zona pellucida and/or in aiding the spermatozoon in zona penetration at the time of fertilisation.

XVIII.—The Spermatozoon of the Spider BeetlePtinus tectusBoieldieu as seen by Light and Electron Microscopy

1951 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jozef Dlugosz ◽  
John W. Harrold
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Light Microscope ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Central Axis

SynopsisThe mature Ptinid sperm examined under the light microscope is found to be specialised in that the chromatin is not contained within a sperm head but is distributed along a central axis. The migration of chromatin resembles that found in Coccids by Hughes-Schrader (1948). Surrounding the axis is a more flexible helical membrane extending the whole length of the sperm.Under the electron microscope the membrane appears to consist of eighteen or twenty thin fibres and two thick fibres with striated sheaths. Near the posterior end of the membrane the fibres are surrounded by a ring. The structure is simpler than that of mammalian and avian sperms examined by other workers with similar techniques. Under the electron microscope, stages in the migration of chromatin in the immature sperm show a number of discrete opaque bodies which may be chromosomes. The approximate dimensions of the various structures are given.

Morphological adaptations of Aglaophenia harpago (Hydrozoa: Plumulariidae) to enhance feeding efficiency

1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Hughes ◽  
D. H. J. Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Concave Surface ◽  
Convex Side ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Feeding Efficiency ◽  
Morphological Adaptations ◽  
Longitudinal Support ◽  
Lateral Branches

The pinnate (feather-shaped) hydrocauli (stems) of Aglaophenia harpago are dish-shaped with the food catching hydranths borne on the convex side of the lateral branches, a morphology recognised as an adaptation to feeding from unidirectional currents. A. harpago experience unidirectional currents because the hydrocauli are able to rotate close to their bases on an articulation in the perisarc (the tubular exoskeleton) so that the concave surface always faces into the current and the hydranths face leeward. The structure of this articulation, revealed by light and electron microscopy, is described and its mechanism interpreted. The articulation consists of two oblique grooves of thin flexible perisarc which traverse around the hydrocaulus at an angle of 62–65°. The grooves terminate in areas of perisarc divided into longitudinal lamellae (probably of structural protein). The grooves and lamellae confer the flexibility which allows the hydrocaulus to ‘fold’ up to 90° clockwise or anticlockwise across each groove. The lamellae maintain the longitudinal support necessary to prevent the hydrocaulus collapsing.

scholarly journals CYTOPLASMIC FILAMENTS OF AMOEBA PROTEUS

1970 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas D. Pollard ◽  
Susumu Ito
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Normal Structure ◽  
Amoeba Proteus ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Polarization Microscopy ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Thin Filaments ◽  
Cytoplasmic Filaments ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Birefringent Fibrils

The role of filaments in consistency changes and movement in a motile cytoplasmic extract of Amoeba proteus was investigated by correlating light and electron microscopic observations with viscosity measurements. The extract is prepared by the method of Thompson and Wolpert (1963). At 0°C, this extract is nonmotile and similar in structure to ameba cytoplasm, consisting of groundplasm, vesicles, mitochondria, and a few 160 A filaments. The extract undergoes striking ATP-stimulated streaming when warmed to 22°C. Two phases of movement are distinguished. During the first phase, the apparent viscosity usually increases and numerous 50–70 A filaments appear in samples of the extract prepared for electron microscopy, suggesting that the increase in viscosity in caused, at least in part, by the formation of these thin filaments. During this initial phase of ATP-stimulated movement, these thin filaments are not detectable by phase-contrast or polarization microscopy, but later, in the second phase of movement, 70 A filaments aggregate to form birefringent microscopic fibrils. A preparation of pure groundplasm with no 160 A filaments or membranous organelles exhibits little or no ATP-stimulated movement, but 50–70 A filaments form and aggregate into birefringent fibrils. This observation and the structural relationship of the 70 A and the 160 A filaments in the motile extract suggest that both types of filaments may be required for movement. These two types of filaments, 50–70 A and 160 A, are also present in the cytoplasm of intact amebas. Fixed cells could not be used to study the distribution of these filaments during natural ameboid movement because of difficulties in preserving the normal structure of the ameba during preparation for electron microscopy.

The Structure and Properties of MoSi2-Mo5Si3 Composites

1992 ◽  
Vol 273 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Kung ◽  
D. P. Mason ◽  
A. Basu ◽  
H. Chang ◽  
D. C. Van Aken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Structure And Properties ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Interfacial Structures ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Hardness Values

ABSTRACTThe addition of Mo5Si3 as a reinforcing second phase in a MoSi2 matrix has been investigated for possible high temperature strengthening effects. MoSi2 with up to 45 vol % Mo5Si3 was fabricated using powder metallurgy (PM) and arc-casting (AC) techniques. Effects of processing routes, which result in different microstructures, on their mechanical properties are given. PM composites, which have an equiaxed microstructure, exhibit a limited increase in hardness. Higher hardnesses are observed in script-structured AC eutectics and Er-modifiedeutectics throughout the temperatures studied (25–1300°C). Crack propagation paths induced by indentation show long transphase cracks in the AC materials vs short intergranular and interphase cracks in the PM composites at high temperatures.Transmission electron microscopy discloses that the interface in the AC composites has a low-index orientation relationship between the two phases and shows regularly faceted interfacial structures, while planar interfaces are found in the PM composites. These observations suggest the interface is stronger and lower in energy in the AC composites, which is consistent with the higher hardness values and long transphase cracks observed.Dislocation analysis shows the presence of ordinary dislocations (<100>, <110> and 1/2<111>) in MoSi2 in the as-fabricated composites. These types of dislocation are also responsible for the high temperature plastic deformation in compression in both the monolithic MoSi2 and the composites. <331> types of dislocation are only found in MoSi2 either near the interface of the AC composites or in materials deformed below 1000°C.

scholarly journals Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis in Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii)

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
P R S Santos ◽  
M F Oliveira ◽  
M A M Arroyo ◽  
A R Silva ◽  
R E G Rici ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Nuclear Chromatin ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Central Shaft

This was a pioneer study of the spermatogenic process from the onset of puberty in Spix's yellow-toothed cavies (SYC,Galea spixii) bred in captivity. The study aimed to characterize fine structure of spermatogenesis. Twelve testes from pubertal and post-pubertal SYC males were studied using transmission electron microscopy. Spermatogenesis can be divided into three phases: proliferation, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. In proliferation phase, three types of spermatogonia were identified and characterized as Adark, Apale, and B. In the second phase, spermatocytes (2n) undergo meiotic divisions that generate spermatids (n); the process begins in spermatocytes in the preleptotene stage when they increase their nuclear size, differentiating into spermatocytes in the leptotene stage when cell division is initiated. In addition, we found chromatin condensation, and formation of a structure composed of proteins that formed a central shaft and two lateral bars associated with pairing of homologous chromosomes. During spermiogenesis, the following main events occurred: condensation of nuclear chromatin, formation of acrosome with perfuratorium, elimination of residual cytoplasm, and development of the flagellum. The sperm head is different from that of other rodents. The endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex are the two main organelles demonstrated during this process. These organelles collaborate through synthesis of proteins and hormones for the development of germ cells during spermatogenesis in SYC.

The Morphology of Vacuolated Cells in the Liver Following Administration of Vitamin A.

1973 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 408-409
Author(s):  
Odell T. Minick ◽  
Hidejiro Yokoo ◽  
Fawzia Batti
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Liver Cells ◽  
Prominent Feature ◽  
Vascular Space ◽  
Vacuolated Cell ◽  
Vacuolated Cells ◽  
Vacuolated Cytoplasm

Vacuolated cells in the liver of young rats were studied by light and electron microscopy following the administration of vitamin A (200 units per gram of body weight). Their characteristics were compared with similar cells found in untreated animals.In rats given vitamin A, cells with vacuolated cytoplasm were a prominent feature. These cells were found mostly in a perisinusoidal location, although some appeared to be in between liver cells (Fig. 1). Electron microscopy confirmed their location in Disse's space adjacent to the sinusoid and in recesses between liver cells. Some appeared to be bordering the lumen of the sinusoid, but careful observation usually revealed a tenuous endothelial process separating the vacuolated cell from the vascular space. In appropriate sections, fenestrations in the thin endothelial processes were noted (Fig. 2, arrow).

Grain Refinement in Titanium-Erbium Alloys

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 522-523
Author(s):  
B. B. Rath ◽  
J. E. O'Neal ◽  
R. J. Lederich
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Grain Refinement ◽  
Grain Growth ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Pure Titanium ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Titanium Matrix ◽  
Average Size

Addition of small amounts of erbium has a profound effect on recrystallization and grain growth in titanium. Erbium, because of its negligible solubility in titanium, precipitates in the titanium matrix as a finely dispersed second phase. The presence of this phase, depending on its average size, distribution, and volume fraction in titanium, strongly inhibits the migration of grain boundaries during recrystallization and grain growth, and thus produces ultimate grains of sub-micrometer dimensions. A systematic investigation has been conducted to study the isothermal grain growth in electrolytically pure titanium and titanium-erbium alloys (Er concentration ranging from 0-0.3 at.%) over the temperature range of 450 to 850°C by electron microscopy.

Control of Autogenous Vein Grafts Prior to Reimplantation, By Electron Microscopy

1972 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 106-107
Author(s):  
John H. L. Watson ◽  
John L. Swedo ◽  
M. Vrandecic
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Physiological Saline ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Vein Grafts ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Saphenous Veins ◽  
Autogenous Vein ◽  
Control Of Parameters ◽  
Post Implantation

The ambient temperature and the nature of the storage fluids may well have significant effects upon the post-implantation behavior of venus autografts. A first step in the investigation of such effects is reported here. Experimental conditions have been set which approximate actual operating room procedures. Saphenous veins from dogs have been used as models in the experiments. After removal from the dogs the veins were kept for two hours under four different experimental conditions, viz at either 4°C or 23°C in either physiological saline or whole canine arterial blood. At the end of the two hours they were prepared for light and electron microscopy. Since no obvious changes or damage could be seen in the veins by light microscopy, even with the advantage of tissue specific stains, it was essential that the control of parameters for successful grafts be set by electron microscopy.

Ultrastructure of two neoplasms in culture compared with original biopsies

1984 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 50-51
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Harb ◽  
James T. Casper ◽  
Vlcki Piaskowski
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Tissue Culture ◽  
Biopsy Specimen ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Human Tumor ◽  
Soft Agar ◽  
Human Tumor Cells ◽  
Morphological Distinction ◽  
Tumor Types

The application of tissue culture and the newer methodologies of direct cloning and colony formation of human tumor cells in soft agar hold promise as valuable modalities for a variety of diagnostic studies, which include morphological distinction between tumor types by electron microscopy (EM). We present here two cases in which cells in culture expressed distinct morphological features not apparent in the original biopsy specimen. Evaluation of the original biopsies by light and electron microscopy indicated both neoplasms to be undifferentiated sarcomas. Colonies of cells propagated in soft agar displayed features of rhabdomyoblasts in one case, and cultured cells of the second biopsy expressed features of Ewing's sarcoma.

The Effect of Vitamin A on the Intermittent Nitrogen Dioxide Gas Exposure in Hamsters

1976 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 176-177
Author(s):  
J.C.S. Kim ◽  
M.G. Jourden ◽  
E.S. Carlisle
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Nitrogen Dioxide ◽  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
Intermittent Exposure ◽  
Hypovitaminosis A ◽  
Gas Exposure

Chronic exposure to nitrogen dioxide in rodents has shown that injury reaches a maximum after 24 hours, and a reparative adaptive phase follows (1). Damage occurring in the terminal bronchioles and proximal portions of the alveolar ducts in rats has been extensively studied by both light and electron microscopy (1).The present study was undertaken to compare the response of lung tissue to intermittent exposure to 10 ppm of nitrogen dioxide gas for 4 hours per week, while the hamsters were on a vitamin A deficient diet. Ultrastructural observations made from lung tissues obtained from non-gas exposed, hypovitaminosis A animals and gas exposed animals fed a regular commercially prepared diet have been compared to elucidate the specific effect of vitamin A on nitrogen dioxide gas exposure. The interaction occurring between vitamin A and nitrogen dioxide gas has not previously been investigated.

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