Unusual fibrous band in the brachium - a probable remnant from the rare chondroepitrochlearis muscle

An unusual fibrous band in the medial brachial region was found during routine anatomical dissection of the left upper limb of a 67-y-old female cadaver. This interesting structure started from the posterior layer of the pectoral major fascia. The fibrous band emerged from the lower border of the pectoralis major close to its humeral attachment, it then crossed obliquely downwards and posteriorly the medial brachial region and finally it was attached to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Most probably, this fibrous structure represents a remnant from the chondroepitrochlearis - a variant muscle that is rarely observed in man. Because this fibrous band has very close relations to the brachial vessels and the median and ulnar nerves in the arm, in certain circumstances it may probably cause neurovascular compression

Immunohistochemistry of synaptic proteins for synaptic exocytosis

The synaptic proteins synaptobrevin/VAMP, SNAP-25, Syntaxin1, NSF and α-SNAP were revealed by means of immunocytochemistry. Materials from the cerebral cortex of adult, newborn and postnatal rats (P6 and P11) were used. Immunostaining for synaptobrevin/VAMP was mainly around the synaptic vesicles, whereas the immunolabeling for SNAP-25 and syntaxin1 was revealed in most cases on the cytoplasmic surface of the presynaptic membrane and to a lesser extend - on synaptic vesicles. Immunostaning for NSF and α-SNAP was found out not only on the axoplasm of axonal endings and varicosities, but also in perikarya and dendrites. In the cerebral cortex of newborn rats, a small number of immunopositive presynaptic parts could be observed. The number of these immunolabeled structures increases evidently with increasing age of rats.Scripta Scientifica Medica 2013; 45(1): 29-34

An abnormally enlarged frontal sinus - a case of pneumosinus dilatans

During routine autopsy of a 62-y-old female cadaver, an unusually enlarged frontal sinus was observed. The sinus was abnormally over-developed in both width and height, as the sinus cavity spreads deeply into the frontal tubera. Numerous septa divided the sinus cavity. Because of the obvious dilation of the frontal sinus and the lack of localized bone destruction and hyperostosis, a rare condition called `pneumosinus dilatans` probably occurs in this interesting case

CB1 receptors in the thalamic reticular nucleus during acute immobilization stress of the rat : an immunohistochemical study

Cannabinoids and opioids interact in a number of ways that could be therapeutically beneficial. The CB1 receptors are implicated with the endocannabinoid-mediated modulation of stress, pain, visceral sensation, synaptic plasticity in the thalamus via GABAergic signaling. Thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is a thin sheet of GABAergic neurons surrounding anterolateral surface of the thalamus. In our immunohistochemical study we demonstrated expression of CB1 immunoreactive neurons in a light microscope during a normal condition and after the acute stress in the rats. We found higher expression of CB 1 immunoreactivity in stressed animals compared with control group.Opioids and cannabinoids have been shown to have analgesic properties and they are considered as drug targets for the treatment of numerous neurological disorders, pain and stress

Immunohistochemical study on distribution of cannabinoid cb1 receptors in the rat`s prefrontal cortex after cold stress procedure

The prefrontal cortex (PFC), which mediates the emotional coping response to different stressful paradigms, is composed of distinct parts depends on stimulus involved physical or psychological stress. It also plays a role in a number of neurological conditions. It`s known that neuroendocrine control of homeostatic and reproductive functions including stress response and energy metabolism is fulfils by important signaling molecules as endogenous cannabinoids. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of cold stress on distribution of CB1- receptors in PFC of rats. Immunohistochemical procedure for CB1-receptors was performed in adult male Wistar rats. The data were entered in the computer program, recorded automatically, calculated and compared by Student`s t-test. We found CB1-immunoreaction in axons and dendrites as well as in cell bodies where they presented as puncta on somata. The cells bodies were comprised of several distinct shapes: pyramidal, oval, fusiform and multipolar. Numerous fine-beaded fibers and puncta were seen on a handful of pyramidal large-sized neurons and many puncta were observed around the oval-shaped small- and medium-sized neurons.The PFC in cold stress rats demonstrated around 18% higher density of CB1-receptors compared with controls. In conclusion our results showed that cold stress exposure increased distribution of CB1-receptors in PFC of rats. These experimental data suggest that endocannabinoid system in this brain area may play an important role in the continuity of homeostasis in cold stress

Light microscopic immunocytochemical identification of leucine enkephalin

Leucine-enkephalin is a potent and naturally-occurring opioid peptide which serves to inhibit other neurotransmitters involved with pain perception, thereby reducing its emotional and physical impact. Nevertheless, there is little data in the literature concerning leucine-enkephalin-immunoreactivity (Leu-enk-ir) in the human claustrum. The objectives of this study were to confirm the existence of leucine-enkephalin immunoreactive neurons and fibers in the human claustrum. Light microscopy was used to describe their morphology and distribution. Samples of claustrum were obtained from the brains of two females (39 and 48 years of age) and two males (27 and 42 years of age). The brains did not show any overt signs of pathology or trauma. Immunoreactivity to Leuenk was assessed via the Avidin-Biotin Complex Method. Light-microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of Leu-enk-ir neurons and fibres in all areas of the human claustrum. The cell bodies varied in shape and size, and were divided into three groups: small, medium and large. The density of immunostaining varied both within and between the cell types, with some neurons, staining more darkly or lightly than others. The large and medium sized cells most likely correspond to claustrocortical projection neurons while the small-sized cells appear to be inhibitory interneurons. It is our hope that these results will be contributed to a better understanding the functions of claustrum, in both health and disease, given its relationship with the development of autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease and Huntington disease