The aim of research was to study the effect of clinical death and reperfusion on astrocytes of the human cerebral cortex.

Material and methods. Structural types, quantity, shape, size and distribution of cortical layers I–VI astrocytes (fields 4, 10, 17 and 21) were studied in 7 days after 3-minute clinical death (n=3, males) using a confocal microscope, fluorescence immunohistochemistry (GFAP), classical morphometry and fractal analysis. The control group (n=4, males) included patients died from severe traumatic brain injury.

Results. A complex integrated system of GFAP-positive cells consisting of translaminar and intralaminar astrocytes of the fibrous, protoplasmic and mixed types, was revealed in the human cerebral cortex. The bodies of translaminar astrocytes were localized in layers I (had smooth long thin processes) and layers V–VI (had processes with varicose thickening). The processes of translaminar astrocytes penetrated towards each other and intertwined at the level of layer I and II. Qualitative and quantitative changes of all types of intralaminar and translaminar astrocytes were revealed in the human cerebral cortex in 7 days after clinical death. The percentage of the GFAP-positive area increased in all layers of the studied cerebral cortex departments. An increase in GFAP expression in cortical astrocytes was accompanied by changes in the fractal distribution and lacunarity of their processes distribution, the fact supporting a spatial reorganization of the astroglial network in response to acute ischemia and reperfusion of the brain. To a greater extent this related to the processes of fibrous perivascular astrocytes. All these manifestations of reactive astrogliosis might be associated with the activation of adaptivereparative processes in astrocytes. No statistically significant differences between the cerebral cortex fields were revealed.

Conclusion. The results obtained showed that clinical death and reperfusion resulted in a structuralfunctional reorganization of the neuroglial network of the cerebral cortex accompanied by an increase in the GFAF expression and complication of the spatial distribution of the processes in all types of astrocytes.

The aim of the study was to elucidate the role and significance of oxytocin in reparative histogenesis of tissues of various genesis using the example of periodontal tissues and extrapulmonary airways.

Material and methods. Periodontitis and tracheobronchitis were simulated on sexually mature white outbred male rats. Periodontitis was simulated by traumatic injury to the periodontium, followed by the wound infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Introduction of oxytocin as an additional tool was used in the treatment of periodontitis. Experimental tracheobronchitis was simulated in rats by intratracheal infection with S. aureus (strains with and without antilactoferrin activity). Paraventricular large-cell nuclei of the hypothalamus were additionally destroyed in the simulated experimental tracheobronchitis (in order to reduce the production of endogenous oxytocin). The resulting material (the periodontium, alveolar processes, trachea and extrapulmonary bronchi) was examined using histological methods of investigation.

Results. Analysis of histological sections demonstrated that when oxytocin was used in the complex therapy of experimental periodontitis, the proliferation and cyto-differentiation of fibroblasts, osteoblasts and cementoblasts was intensified, followed by their activation; this resulted in the optimization of reparative histogenesis in the structures of the periodontium and alveolar ridge. In animals with destruction of the paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus (against the background of an oxytocin deficiency in the body), a decrease in the reparative potential of the tracheal and bronchial mucosa was observed. Moreover, the severity of the inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi with the introduction of staphylococci with antilactoferrin activity was significantly higher than that of animals that were administered staphylococci without antilactoferrin activity.

Conclusion. The results obtained indicate the optimizing and correcting effect of the hypothalamic nonapeptide oxytocin on the reparative regeneration of the studied periodontal and the trachea and bronchi structures.

The aim of research was to study radiation-induced changes in nucleic acids of cerebellar cortex neurons after exposure to small doses of ionizing radiation.

Material and methods. The study included 150 male rats aged 4 months at the beginning of the experiment that were subjected to a single exposure of 60Co γ-rays dosage 0.1–1.0 Gy. Neuromorphological methods evaluated morphometric and tinctorial parameters of cerebellar neurons, as well as the dynamics of nucleic acids in neurons of the ganglion and granular layers of the cortex over the entire life span of animals. The results were statistically processed using Statistika 6.1 software, parametric criteria, mathematical modeling, and defining the potential for their development.

Results. The animals of the control and experimental groups manifested wave-like changes in the content of nucleic acids in the cerebellar neurons throughout their life with a gradual decrease in parameters by the end of the post-radiation period. Moreover, DNA changes in the nuclei and RNA changes in the nucleoli were typically associated with changes in their size; however, changes in the cytoplasmic RNA were apparently associated with different physiological conditions of neurons (rest, excitation, inhibition). Regression analysis showed that irradiation in the studied doses had a nonlinear stochastic effect on neuro-morphological parameters, revealed no dose-time dependence and did not cause significant organic changes in cerebellar neurons. At the end of the postradiation period, with the death of animals in both – experimental and control groups, the content of nucleic acids in neurons statistically significantly decreased in all groups, and this process was more pronounced in the group of irradiated animals.

Conclusion. No significant radiation-induced changes were detected in the content and topochemistry of the products of histochemical reactions with the detection of nucleic acids in the structures of neurons of the cerebellar cortex. However, at the end of the experiment, the content of nucleic acids in neurons in irradiated animals decreased more significantly than in animals of age control (p <0.05).

The aim of study was to evaluate the immunophenotype of resident macrophages of the liver, Kupffer cells, in rats in the norm.

Material and methods. The study included male Wistar rats’ samples (n=6) that presented fragments of the middle lobe of the liver taken under ether anesthesia. The obtained samples were fixed in liquid nitrogen, after that cryosections 5–7 μm thick were prepared. Histological slides were used to detect the expression of a number of macrophage markers with an antibody kit: CD68, CD206, CD 163, CD86. After the first antibodies, sections were stained with antibodies conjugated to FITC, cell nuclei were detected using DAPI, the obtained preparations were studied using a fluorescence microscope.

Results. When analyzing the expression of CD68 in the rat liver, it was found that normally about 20% of the cells in the field of vision appeared to be CD68+ cells, which was consistent with the earlier study results of the authors. The number of CD163+ and CD206+ cells coincided with the number of CD68+ macrophages, while CD86+ macrophages were significantly less.

Conclusions. Under normal conditions, the population of resident macrophages of the rat liver is represented by cells with pronounced expression of CD68, CD163 and CD206. A large number of CD163+ and CD206+ macrophages allows concluding that Kupffer cells are close to the M2 pro-regenerative phenotype. However, the detection of CD86+ resident macrophages indicates the presence of M1 macrophages, or the presence of normal macrophages with an intermediate M1 and M2 phenotype, in the rat liver. The revealed high content of macrophages expressing CD163 and CD206 in the liver evidences not only pro-regenerative properties of Kupffer cells, but also the close connection of macrophages with liver functions, since these receptors are involved in the utilization of hemoglobin and a number of hormones.

The aim of the research is to study quantitative representation and features of adipose component distribution in girls of 16–20 years of age having different constitutional properties.

Material and methods. In the investigated Slavic ethnos groups of 250 girls of 16–17 years of age and 250 girls of 18–20 years of age having no signs of pathological processes disturbing physical development dynamics absolute content of body’s adipose component and topographical features of subcutaneous fat distribution in different body areas are evaluated by the methods of caliperometry and bioimpedancometry. As provided by typing according to a constitutional group leptosomic, mesosomic, megalosomic and indefinite constitutional groups have been singled out. Statistical analysis was based on the method of confidence intervals and determination of arithmetical mean index and its error.

Results. It has been determined that subcutaneous fat thickness regardless of age and constitutional group is maximal in the abdominal region and minimal in the area of medial forearm region, chest and posterior shoulder region. Constitutional conditionality of this sign is determined by the fact that in the majority of body’s areas subcutaneous fat thickness in mesosomic constitution is 1.8–3.4 times more (р<0.05) in comparison with leptosomic constitution, 1.1–1.6 times more (р<0.05) in comparison with megalosomic constitution, 1.1–1.5 times more (р<0.05) in comparison with the girls of indefinite constitution. Absolute content of body’s adipose component in girls of leptosomic constitution is 2.2–2.3 times (р<0.05) less than in girls of mesosomic constitution. In girls of megalosomic constitution absolute content of body’s adipose component is 1.5 times (р<0.05) less than in girls with mesosomic constitution. In girls of indefinite constitution absolute content of body’s adipose component is 2.2 times (р<0.05) less than in girls of mesosomic constitution. At the age from 16–17 to 18–20 years subcutaneous fat thickness in mesosomic, megalosomic and indefinite constitutions is increasing insignificantly while in the girls of leptosomic group subcutaneous fat thickness is practically invariable. The indices of minimal and maximal subcutaneous fat thickness regardless of constitution and age demonstrate significant individual variability.

Conclusion. The carried out morphological analysis has revealed a wide range of individual variation in body’s adipose component content and its dependence on the constitutional type.

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of surgical intervention on the status of the ovarian follicular apparatus in patients with benign ovarian cystic tumors (BCOTs) based on the results of morphometric studies.

Material and methods. The authors have studied surgical material of 60 patients aged 18-47 years with BCOTs: serous cystadenoma (20 cases), serous papillary cystadenoma (7 cases), mucinous cystadenoma (12 cases), mature teratoma (23 cases). Microscopic slides of ovarian tissue stained with hematoxylin and eosin were obtained and morphological structure of BCOTs, presence of the intact ovarian tissue surrounding neoplasm and the density of follicles there were studied based on their qualitative characteristics (maturity, signs of degeneration).

Results. It was found out that development of fibrosis in the wall of BCOTs significantly depends on the tumor histogenesis: the greatest thickness of fibrosis was detected in serous papillary cystadenomas, the smallest in the group of mature teratomas, the average values were determined in mucinous and serous cystadenomas of the ovaries. The influence of BCOTs on the ovarian reserve does not depend on its morphological structure, localization and diameter. The intact ovarian tissue is removed along with BCOTs during adnexectomy, ovarian resection and in 48.8% of cases – during cystectomy. During cystectomy, probability of the perifocal intact ovarian tissue presence is reduced due to the growth of fibrous tissue in this area. However, the negative impact of BCOTs on the ovarian reserve occurs not only due to surgical removal of the ovarian tissue, but also as a result of inhibition of folliculogenesis at the preoperative stage.

Conclusion. BCOTs of the presented morphological groups negatively affect the follicular apparatus due to both – inhibition of folliculogenesis at the preoperative stage and loss of ovarian tissue during surgery. More pronounced perifocal proliferation of fibrous tissue was noted with serous papillary cystadenomas.

The aim of research was to study somatic features of highly qualified women-wrestlers of different weight classes.

Material and methods. The study included results of somatic examinations of the strongest female wrestlers, members of the national teams of Russia and the immediate reserve (n=162). Anthropometric studies were carried out in accordance with the accepted standard at the Research Institute of Anthropology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University. Total body sizes and proportions, body composition (based on anthropometry and bio-impedancemetry) and estimated body sizes were determined in athletes. 68 different parameters defining somatotypes of women-wrestlers were studied.

Results. Standards for body composition of women-wrestlers have been developed considering the new approved weight classes (50, 53, 57, 62, 68 and 76 kg) in wrestling for the Olympic Games 2020. Skin-fat fold, adipose, muscular and bone mass parameters were studied. The body proportions of women-wrestlers were calculated. Significant differences in body composition parameters were determined using methods of anthropometry and bio-impedancemetry; this was especially pronounced for adipose and muscular body masses.

Conclusion. Parameters of the proportion and body composition in women-wrestlers of different Olympic weight classes were presented for the first time. Significant differences in body composition were revealed depending on the weight class. Different methods (anthropometry and bioimpedancemetry) were used to determine body composition. Analysis of the types of body proportions in women-wrestlers of the Olympic weight classes demonstrated that it is advisable to consider certain anthropometric markers, such as a significant size of shoulder width, relatively short lower limbs, when selecting athletes for female freestyle wrestling

The aim of the research was to study the expression of marker genes for the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Material and methods. Surgical material from 44 patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas was subjected to morphological analysis with molecular genetic research. Total RNA was detected in the detected sections of the anaplastic component using the RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany). 5 marker genes were used for molecular genetic studies of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT): ZEB1, ZEB2, CDH1, VIM, SNAIL1 (SLUG). Gene expression was measured in triplicate using an EvaGreen intercalating dye. On serial paraffin sections using tissue microarrays technology, immunohistochemical detection of p63, smooth muscle actin, total cytokeratin, cytokeratin 7, vimentin, E-cadherin (Ventana) was performed.

Results. As a result of the study, a positive reaction with mesenchymal markers (vimentin, p63, smooth muscle actin) was detected in the cells of the anaplastic component, in contrast to the glandular component. In a molecular study of the anaplastic component, changes in gene expression were characterized as EMT-positive.

Conclusion. The heterogeneity of ductal cancer is manifested in the appearance of an anaplastic (sarcomalike) component, in which the ability of epithelial tumor cells to acquire the property of mesenchymal cells that do not require stroma and have aggressive malignant potential that affects the survival of patients is traced.

The aim of the study was to evaluate regularities of morphological and functional reorganization of the rabbit retina in the experimental simulation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the use of melatonin.

Material and methods. The study included 21 sexually mature male rabbits (42 eyes) weighed 2800– 3300 g, chinchilla breed. All the animals included in the study were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (experimental) (n=9), group 2 (control) included animals that were simulated AMD (n=9), and group 3 (intact) (n=3). Surgical interventions were performed in sterile conditions using an Opton operating microscope (Germany). Massage of the retina was performed under visual control through fixed caliber ports with a 25 G silicone-tip cannula at 10 and 2 hours in 4 mm from the limb, retreating from the optic nerve disk at a distance equal its one diameter, until the pigment epithelium was destroyed (dispersion). The size of the injury was 3 mm (RF Patent for the invention No. 2480844, 2011). Group 1 (experimental) was orally administered a suspended solution of the drug “Melaxen” (the active substance is melatonin), dosage 10 ml/kg daily once a day from 21.00 to 22.00 h for 3 months. Animals of group 2 did not receive treatment. Experimental animals were removed from the experiment on the 30th, 60th and 90th days. A histological and immunocytochemical study of the retina of experimental, control, and intact (without AMD simulation) animals was performed, including two-stage reactions to identify proteins p-53 and bcl-2.

Results. Experimental histological studies allowed us to obtain a model of AMD, which corresponded to the morphological manifestations of the exudative form of chorioretinal dystrophy and destruction with a primary lesion of the choriocapillaris layer of the uveal tract. The use of melatonin for therapeutic purposes resulted in the resistant adaptation of pigment epithelium and retina gliocytes, reduction of pigment dystrophy and hemorrhage, destruction, reduction of apoptotic dominant and plexiform layers of the retina.

 The aim of research was to study morphological characteristics of the osteogenic properties of the natural white Acropora coral skeleton granules when implanted under the skin.

Material and methods. The study included 60 sexually mature male Wistar rats. The object of the morphological study was subcutaneous implants isolated for different periods of the experiment. The experimental animals were divided into three groups, 20 animals each. In the 1st and 2nd groups the granules were placed in a gelatin capsule, in the 3rd group – the granules were implanted directly under the skin of the animals. When preparing implants for the 1st group, the granules were treated with the blood of an animal taken from the tail vein during surgery. Implants for the 2nd group of animals were not treated with blood. Histological research methods (hematoxylin and eosin staining according to Mallory, Weigert–Van Gieson, and Masson–Goldner; staining to determine the age of fibrin (BioVitrum)) were used in the study; the results were statistically processed.

Results. The results obtained demonstrated that heterotopic bone formation based on granules from the skeleton of natural coral was only possible when they were in wide contact with blood on the first day of the experiment. The results of the study also evidenced that blood clot elements, fibrocytes, and osteoblasts were the source for the development of newly formed bone tissues. The gelatin capsule allowed temporarily restricting coral granules from the surrounding tissues with peripheral venous blood cells inside; the fact contributing to the formation and accumulation of cellular elements and subsequently leading to the formation of young bone tissues.

Conclusions. As demonstrated, subcutaneous implantation of coral granules in a gelatin capsule without blood did not result in osteogenesis. Due to the apparent osteoinductive potential, natural coral skeleton granules applied according to the proposed method are considered to be an alternative to other osteoplastic materials for the stimulation of de novo bone formation.

The aim of research was to study participation of skin mast cells of C57BL/6J mice in the mechanisms of fibrillogenesis under zero gravity conditions.

Material and methods. A histochemical study of the skin from the lateral thigh of the C57BL/6J mice exposed aboard the International Space Station for 21–24 days, as well as animals of the control groups – vivarium, baseline and ground, – was performed. Mast cells were detected with an assessment of the secretome participation in collagen fibrillogenesis after protocols of separate and combined histochemical staining with Giemsa’s solution and silver impregnation. Microsections were analyzed using a hardware-software complex based on a ZEISS Axio Imager. A2 research microscope (Carl Zeiss, Germany).

Results. Zero-gravity conditions led to a change in the activity of mast cells degranulation and histotopographic localization, a decrease in the content of large granules, a decrease in the cooperation with fibroblast/ fibrocyte and the intensity of fibrillogenesis, a decrease in co-localization with the reticular fibers of the extracellular matrix of the skin tissue, as well as a modification of the intrapopulation interaction. The article discusses possible molecular-cellular causes of changes in the activity of fibrillogenesis and polymerization of tropocollagen molecules into supramolecular fibrous structures in the skin connective tissue aboard the International Space Station.

Conclusion. Zero gravity conditions caused an increase in the secretory activity of mast cells in the skin, simulated the processes of intercellular signaling with other representatives of the specific tissue microenvironment, and resulted in the weakening of collagen fibrillogenesis.

The aim of study was to evaluate the informative value of computer-based image analysis programs for determining the shape of lumens of biological objects investigating age-related changes in the human prostate glands in various structural lobules of the organ as an example.

Material and methods. The study included 37 men aged 17-75, whose prostates were examined using the open-access program “ImageFiji”. Histological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin, fuchselin with Hart’s modification and azocarmine according to Heidenhain were used to determine the shape of lumens of adenomeres in the anteromedial, upper medial, inferior, lower lateral lobes of the right and left halves of the prostate. The Feret diameter and “shape characteristics” were used to describe the shape of the lumens of prostate adenomeres; this including the following shape factors: roundness, roundness index, and compactness index. The obtained data were statistically processed using “Microsoft Excel’2007” and “Statistica 10” programs.

Results. The results obtained demonstrated that the shape of the lumens of adenomeres in each of the structural lobes of the prostate does not vary in the same manner with age.

Conclusion. The proposed method for the quantitative determination of changes in the shape of lumens of biological objects based on the potentials of “ImageFiji”, a computer program for analyzing images, is considered to have an informative value when evaluating these changes. The obtained results contribute to the expansion of the current scientific understanding of age-related transformations of the prostate glands and can be used both in the study of age, sex, individual structural features of human and animal structures, and at the stage of preliminary assessment of the presence of pathological changes.

The article presents a brief review of current ideas about the evolutionary development and structure of the new cortex (neocortex) of the endbrain in mammalian animals and humans. It discusses various principles of structural and functional organization of the cerebral cortical formations, the main directions and features of their development in ontogenesis and phylogenesis. The authors analyze the problem of a differentiated approach to the interpretation of data on specific and individual characteristics of the morphofunctional organization of the neocortex in mammals.

The structural and functional organization of the accessory nerve remains a subject of discussion in view of its structural features. The data presented in the educational literature require revision and clarification. Currently, a large number of publications have accumulated reflecting various manifestations of the individual variability of the branches of the accessory nerve. This review summarizes modern data that will allow us to form a more complete picture of the functional anatomy and morphological variability of the accessory nerve.

The article is dedicated to the prominent Russian scientist, doctor of medical sciences, professor, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation Ilya Iosifovich Kagan. On the eve of the 90th anniversary of their teacher, colleagues talk about the life path and scientific achievements of Ilya Iosifovich.