The aim of investigation is to obtain data about the macro- and microscopic structure, as well as the cellular composition of the human large intestine glands from people who long adhere to the predominant vegetarian type of food.

Material and methods. We conducted a comparative study of structural and quantitative indicators of the glandular apparatus of the large intestine of the corpses of four people 60–89 years of age, who had long adhered to a predominantly vegetarian diet. Microscopic observation was carried out on histological preparations stained with methylene blue, hematoxylin-eosin, van Gieson, Grimalius, alcyan blue. For statistical data processing methods of parametric statistics based on the program Statistica 6.0 were used. Statistical data processing included calculation of arithmetic averages and their errors.

Results. The analysis of the qualitative assessment of the cellular composition of the epithelium and morphometric measurements of the size parameters of the intestinal glands in a long vegetarian diet revealed a significant increase in both the number and area of the intestinal glands: with a maximum for the caecum and sigmoid intestine in 126% and 179%, respectively. There was a statistically significant 5% increase in the proportion of goblet cells in glandular tissue and a corresponding increase in the volume of mucus in the consumption of plant foods. The proportion of undifferentiated (cambial) cells decreased slightly (about 3.5%). Indicators of the glands of the proximal 2/3 of length of the large intestine showed a significant proximo-distal gradient: there was a smooth decrease in both the number of epithelial cells and their morphometric characteristics.

The aim of study was to analyze the morphofunctional state of Leydig cells of the testes in sexually mature offspring of female rats with experimental type 1 diabetes mellitus exposed to immobilization stress.

Material and methods. The study included sexually mature (70-day) offspring of female rats with experimental type 1 diabetes. To achieve the aim, type 1 diabetes was simulated in experimental animals using streptozotocin. All animals were subjected to immobilization stress using Kogan chambers in order to assess their antistress resistance. The object of the study was the testes of sexually mature offspring from female rats with experimental type 1 diabetes. Serial histological sections were used to determine the area of interstitial tissue and testis parenchyma. The number of Leydig cells, including the fractions of active and inactive endocrinocytes, was calculated; the activity index, a coefficient reflecting the ratio of the total number of Leydig cells to that of Sertoli cells per 1 convoluted tubule, and a coefficient representing the ratio of the number of endocrinocytes to the total number of spermatogenic cells were calculated based on one convoluted seminiferous tubule.

Results. Leydig cells in the offspring of female rats with experimental type 1 diabetes mellitus have a reduced antistress resistance; that is supported by a more pronounced decrease in the number of endocrinocytes and a change in their subpopulation composition: a decrease in the number of active Leydig cells and, conversely, an increase in the number of inactive cells, which, in turn, results in a decrease in the index endocrinocyte activity, and a decrease in blood testosterone levels. As a result, immobilization stress causes inhibition of spermatogenesis in experimental animals.

Conclusion. Simulated type 1 diabetes mellitus in female rats results in the birth of offspring characterized by impaired spermatogenesis; this may be due to violation of the morphofunctional state of Leydig cells, and a decrease in the antistress resistance of testicular endocrinocytes.

The aim of study was to investigate characteristics of neurodystrophic changes in neurons and glia of the motor cortex in rats with different levels of cognitive functions under bilateral ligation of the common carotid arteries.

Material and methods. The study included 136 Wistar rats. All animals were divided into two subgroups based on the results of the Morris water maze test: with high and low level of ability to spatial learning. Animals of the experimental group were removed from the experiment on the 1st, 6th, 14th, 21st, 35th, 60th and 90th days after bilateral ligation of both carotid arteries. Histological sections of the motor cortex were studied using Nissl and hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Results. In 1, 6 and 8 days after ischemia, the number of neurons with irreversible changes and dead cells reached their maximum for the entire time of observation. On the 8th day of study, compact groups of glial cells appeared near the vessels. Heterochrony was noted: in animals with high level of cognitive ability, an increase in the number of neurons with irreversible changes followed the peak of cell death; in animals with low level, on the contrary, the maximum number of dead cells was observed on the 6th day, and the maximum number of neurons with irreversible changes – on the 1st. On the 14th, 21st, and 28th days there was observed a gradual stabilization of indicators characterizing damage to the cerebral cortex. Average values of the perikarya area and neurons nuclei increased, the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio decreased, and intracellular swelling was noted. After 35 days, areas of the cortex depleted in bodies of neurons and glia appeared; the number of neurons with irreversible changes increased, to a greater extent, in animals with high level of cognitive abilities. Typical trends of the first month of study are as follows: a decrease in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and a number of neurons without irreversible changes, and an increase in the neuroglial index continued to progress on the 60th and 90th days of study. The apical dendrites of the pyramidal neurons obtained a corkscrew course. Compact groups of glial cells disappeared.

Conclusion. During the first week of cerebral hypoperfusion, irreversible changes in neurons predominated, in the second and third weeks, the morphological  criteria of their functional activity decreased. In the fourth and fifth weeks incomplete adaptation developed in the form of an increased number of neurons near the vessels of the hemocirculatory bed and an increased number of satellite gliocytes by immersing them in the cytoplasm of neurons. In 2-3 months after cerebral hypoperfusion, signs of acute hypoxia reappeared. Animals with high level of cognitive ability were characterized by large damage to the structures of the neuroglial ensemble.

Aim: to study activity and migration patterns of primordial germ cells (PGC) in a human embryo in the development of female gonads anlagen.

Material and methods. The objects of research (human embryos) were obtained as a result of medical abortions in healthy women at the medical institutions of Tyumen. Each of the pregnant women gave their informed consent allowing the use of abortion material in scientific research. The volume of the material was 127 human embryos from the 12th to 23d Carnegie stage (CS). The number of embryos at each stage was from 4 till 20 embryos. Material was formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded. Section staining was performed with Mayer’s hematoxylin and with eosin. Schiff-positive substrates according to McManus method were revealed histochemically. Light microscopy equipment such as microscope, digital camera Canon EOS 5 D and computer were used to reveal migration patterns of primordial germ cells (PGC). Statistical analysis was carried out with the help of computer programmes «StatSoft Statistica 12» and «IBM SPSS Statistics Standart» using Student’s test.

Results. Observations on migration flow of primordial germ cells revealed two significant parameters: periodicity in migration activity and local fixation on the way of movement in the embryo. The most important indices of primordial germ cells migration chronovector correspond to the 12th, the 16th and the 21st Carnegie stage (CS). The patterns of primordial germ cells fixation - discrete and cluster - were revealed.

Conclusion. In fetal period in human embryo multiple loci of female gonads anlagen develop. The most favorable areas are mesonephric-gonadal complexes and adrenal glands.

The aim of the present research is to study the cyclic changes in secretory, destructive and proliferative processes in the adrenal gland cortex of minks.

Material and methods. The material is collected between December and April at a monthly interval. The fragments of adrenal glands were fixed in Shtiva, Buen, Zenker fluids and in 10% neutral formalin solutions. PAS-reaction, trichrome-PAS and tetrachrome-PAS staining were applied. RNA was revealed by Brachet’s reaction and by gallocyanine according to Einarson. The material fixed in 10% neutral formalin solution was used to study lipids.

Results. Cyclic changes of morphofunctional indices of minks’ adrenal cortex have been studied. In December, zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculate and zona reticularis were clearly manifested. In zona glomerulosa polygonal cells with moderately vacuolated cytoplasm are present. In zona fasciculate there are cells which do not differ from the cells of zona glomerulosa. In January, a decrease in the functional activity of the cortical parenchyma and the development of extensive destructive changes of glandular cells in all zones of the cortical substance of the adrenal cortex were found. In February, extensive proliferative processes and increased secretory activity of the adrenal cortex were observed. Small cells of proliferation centers migrate to zona fasciculate and begin function actively. In March, the recovery processes in the adrenal cortex are finished.

Objective – the study of age-related changes in neural groups of the cerebral cortex and cerebellar cortex in the process of upward ontogenesis.

Material and methods. The work was done on post-mortal  material  (75 left cerebral  hemispheres, 62 cerebellum) obtained from children from birth to 12 years old who died as a result of injuries without damage to the brain. Using computer morphometry on the Nissl stained frontal histological sections of the cerebral cortex taken in layer III of fields 8, 6oр and 37ac, as well as in the granular layer of the paramedian lobule of the cerebellar cortex (H VII B), the area of the neural group on the section and the total area of neurons were measured as part of a grouping. Quantitative data analysis was carried out using variation statistics in annual intervals.

Results. In children from birth to 12 years, in the dynamics of developmental changes in the microstructure of the cerebral and cerebellar cortical zones associated with visual-spatial perception, 4 stages of quantitative changes in the cluster (ensemble) organization of the cortex are distinguished: I - from birth to the end of 1 year of life, II – from 1 to the end of 2 years, III – from 3 to 5–6 years, IV – from 5–6 to 8–9 years. In the cerebellum cortex, significant changes in the structure of neural clusters are observed by the end of 1 year of life, by 3 and by 5–6 years. Structural changes in neural groups differ in terms and intensity in each of the studied fields.

Conclusion. The sizes of neural clusters in the microstructure of the cerebral and cerebellar cortex are informative indicators for identifying the stages of significant age-related transformations in different zones of the human cortical formations in postnatal ontogenesis, and can be recommended for use in comparative anatomical and clinical studies.

The aim was to study the features of typical and variant anatomy of the arcuate line of the rectus sheath (arcuate line by J. Douglas) in individuals with different body types.

Material and methods. In a topographic and anatomical study, we studied 54 corpses of both sexes without signs of pathology of the anterior abdominal wall, who died at the age of 44.9±7.9 years. Among them were 29 (53.8%) men and 25 (46.2%) women. At autopsy, we investigated the features of the arcuate line location relative to the umbilical ring, depending on the body type. The differences were considered significant at a confidence level of p≤0.05.

Results. Most often, the arcuate line of the rectus sheath was below the umbilical ring (n = 47; 87%). In some cases, the arcuate line of the of the rectus sheath was at the level of the umbilical ring (n=4; 7.4%). In other cases, and only in individuals with brachymorphic type, the arcuate line of the rectus sheath was not detected (n=3; 5.6%). The location of the arcuate line of the rectus sheath in the upper third in the midline from the umbilical ring to the upper edge of the pubic symphysis was significantly more often observed in individuals with dolichomorphic body type (83.3%), in the lower third – in individuals with brachymorphic body type (46.2%) [p=0.005].

Conclusion. New data can predict the arcuate line location and correctly prepare the aponeurotic structures of the rectus abdominis muscle to fix the mesh by posterior separation hernioplasty (“sublay”, TAPP).

The aim of study was to determine the regenerative effect of oxytocin on the expression of PAX6, MKI67, TAB3 genes, respectively, during experimental corneal erosion.

Material and methods. The study involved experimental animals divided into three groups (6 rabbits total). Groups 1 and 2 were simulated erosion of the cornea 8mm in diameter. Animals of group 3 – control – were without damage to the cornea. Group 1 consisting of 2 rabbits was instilled antibiotic cypromed 0.3% in the conjunctival sac; group 2 consisting of 2 rabbits was instilled oxytocin 5ME and cypromed 0.3%. Samples of the anterior epithelium and stroma were taken in all animals on the 4th and 8th day of the experiment, histological preparations were made. mRNA, the relative content of which was evaluated by electrophoresis, was isolated from the samples. cDNA was obtained using reverse transcription. The expression of the studied genes was evaluated based on the real-time PCR.

Results. The expression of the target genes PAX6, MKI67, TAB3 was normalized relative to the “house-hold” genes HPRT and RPL5 using REST program. Oxytocin stimulated increased expression of the MKI67 gene in the stroma (2.3 times on the 4th day), followed by normalization on the 8th day. PAX6 and TAB3 genes, in contrast, decreased their expression under the effect of oxytocin. PAX6 gene expression increased in the epithelium under the effect of oxytocin (2.1 times) on the 8th day, while MKI67 and TAB3 genes expression remained virtually unchanged compared to the control (0.72 and 1.1 times, respectively).

Conclusion. The authors have elucidated a new mechanism of action of oxytocin on the corneal restoration process during the damage of cornea. This mechanism represents differential stimulation of expression of MKI67 and PAX6 genes involved in the regeneration of stroma and corneal epithelium, respectively.

The aim of study was to identify structural features and age-related changes in the frontal sinus in working-age men with various skull shapes.

Material and methods. Eighty computed tomograms of men aged 30–49 without pathology of the skull and paranasal sinuses were analyzed in the study. All findings were divided into two groups depending on the age of patients: group 1 consisted of 44 patients aged 30–39, and group 2 consisted of 36 patients aged 40–49. Linear measurements of the frontal sinus and its ramifications were performed in three planes (frontal, sagittal and axial); a craniotype was also determined.

Results. The results demonstrated that the mesocranial form of the skull prevailed in both age groups. When studying the septum that separated the frontal sinus, it was detected that in both studied groups there were differences in the rate of formation of the metopic suture and branches of the frontal sinus of the right and left parts of the bone. In the group of mesocranes aged 30–39 with the septum having the same direction as the sagittal suture, right half of the sinus was shorter and lower than the left one. In the group of mesocranes aged 40–49, the  above  described  features  were  absent.  The  width  of  the  right  and  left  halves  of  the  frontal  sinus  was significantly greater in the group of brachycranes aged 40–49 than in the group of brachicranes aged 30–39. However, in the frontal plane, the height of the left half of the frontal sinus was significantly higher in the group of brachycranes aged 30–39. Mesocranes aged 30–39 with sagittal position of the septum in the frontal sinus had asymmetrical ramifications of the sinus. The authors found out the tendency to the decreased number of branches of the frontal sinus and to their increased size in the mesocranes with ageing. There was observed more symmetrical position of the frontal sinus branches in the brachycranes aged 30–39. There was also found the tendency to the increased width and depth of the frontal sinus and to its decreased height on the right and on the left in the brachycranes with ageing.

Conclusion.  The  frontal  sinus  becomes  larger  but  the  number  of  its  ramifications  decreases  in mesocranes with ageing. Both halves of the frontal sinus increase in width and decrease in height, mainly on the left side in brachycranes with ageing. Regardless of the somatotype of the skull and age, there was observed a larger number of the frontal sinus ramifications on the right side; this fact may be considered a predisposing factor to the chronic frontitis and may indicate to the absence of the drainage of the frontal sinus in case of the inflammatory processes of any ethiology. The frontal bone thickens unevenly, mainly on the left side.

The problem of restoration of motor innervation is considered to be challenging due to a significant proportion of the peripheral nerve damage in the general structure of peacetime and wartime injuries, as well as a high risk of permanent function loss of the affected limb. Injuries of the peripheral nerves result in a complex of pathophysiological processes from both – the side of damaged nerve stems and the side of denervated target tissues. Moreover, the morphological picture of tissue changes is both degenerative and regenerative simultaneously. The process of secondary degeneration of the distal segments of crossed axons is similar to aseptic inflammation and is a prerequisite for the subsequent regeneration of nerve fibers. The process of reinnervation of the distal segment of the crossed nerve stem has a certain similarity with the development of peripheral nerves in the embryonic period, but the branches of regenerating axons move in the distal direction along the preserved neuriluminal tubes. A prolonged absence of motor innervation causes pronounced dystrophic changes in muscle fibers and intercellular spaces filling with the fibrous connective tissue; this, in turns, may result in a lack of functional limb restoration even if the terminal branches of the damaged nerve are adequately reinnervated. The restoration of contractile activity of reinnervated muscles is morphologically determined by the functional hypertrophy of the preserved muscle fibers, since the complete restoration of the innervation of all muscle fibers is practically not achievable due to the peculiarities of the peripheral nerve suture technique and the patterns of nerve fiber regeneration. Thus, an understanding of the patterns and morphological manifestations of degenerative-regenerative processes in tissues with injuries of peripheral nerves will allow substantiating the need for reconstructive plastic interventions on nerve stems from morphological points of view, based on the possibilities of achieving significant functional results.

This study deals with the problem of the macrophage cell population as one of the most significant structures for monitoring and controlling the endometrial tissue homeostasis, where these cells coordinate the work of cell  populations  composing  the  communication  system.  Due  to the possibility  of polarizing  their  phenotype, macrophages are able to perform many functions by regulating the structural transformations of the endometrium depending on the phase of the cycle or occurrence of a pathology. A high concentration of estrogen in the follicular phase is a signal for endometrial macrophages to trigger a series of events that affect all other cell populations, including endometrial mesenchymal stem cells. These interactions result in the activation of the proliferation of fibroblast-like cells with their subsequent maturation, as well as angiogenesis and neurogenesis, being the stromal component of the endometrium functional layer. Of particular interest is the impact of macrophages on the replenishment of the glandular component of the endometrium functional layer within the glandular remodeling process, which is based on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In the phase of secretion, endometrial macrophages coordinate the creation of a cellular microenvironment to ensure the tolerance of maternal immune cells to antigens of the fetus, as well as maintaining homeostasis and placental growth. In the absence of fertilization, macrophages actively contribute to the destruction of the main substance of the endometrial tissue; this ensures menstrual decay in the desquamation phase. This study considers the role of the macrophages functional imbalance as a pathogenetic link of certain pathologies of the endometrium and pregnancy. Thus, it is demonstrated the central role of the macrophage population in controlling the communication system of the endometrial tissue. Insight of these aspects opens up new opportunities for managing the menstrual cycle, planning and maintaining pregnancy.

The aim of study is to analyze applicability and features of eponymous terms in modern human anatomy.

Material and methods. Anatomical terms of the International anatomical terminology are compared with the available eponyms used in anatomy and morphology in general. Several tables of correspondence were developed based on the results of this comparison.

Results. Eponymous terms are shown to be extremely unsystematic; this fact does not allow us to determine the possible meaning of the term if its exact interpretation is not known. In addition, such terms are vague failing to establish logical connections between the terms of one authorship (except for the very fact of one authorship). The eponymous terminology is overabundant, i.e. one and the same structure or formation may have several names, or individual names may belong to minor parts of the same unit. Despite the abundancy, eponyms are limited, since several structures completely different from the point of view of the anatomical nomenclature can be hidden under the same author’s name, which does not allow to accurately identifying one or another formation outside the context of the use of the term. The use of eponymous terms very often has a pronounced national specificity and is associated with the origins of such names, the fact significantly limiting the use of this terminology in the international arena. On the other hand, they give a certain national flavor to the subject, guide us into the history of medicine, and also, in some cases, facilitate digestion of knowledge in a subject.

The aim of the research: the study of structural morphologic features of levator ani muscle in white laboratory rats.

Materials and methods. Five male and five female laboratory rats 300–420 g of weight were observed as an object of investigation. The experimental animals were kept in standard conditions in vivarium with the free access to water and food. The methods of preparation, histochemistry, optical and electronic microscopy were used during the investigation.

Results. It was stated that in male rats, levator ani muscle is represented by a single complex without a clear differentiation into compartments. In females, the iliocaudal and pubocaudal portions of levator ani muscle are clearly differentiated. The iliocaudal muscle is initially attached to the internal part of iliac bone, pubocaudal muscle is initially attached to the posterior part of pubic bone below pubic symphysis. The other ends of the muscles are attached through their tendons to the anterior surface of caudal vertebrae bodies Ca_III–Ca_VI. Meanwhile, iliocaudal muscle is attached more proximally to Ca_III–Ca_VI, and pubocaudal muscle is attached more distally to Ca_V–Ca_VI. The transverse sections of levator ani muscle in males and its pubocaudal portion in females are represented by polygonal muscle fibers, and the iliocaudal portion of levator ani muscle in females is represented by orbicular muscle fibers. Ultrastructural manifestations of sexual dimorphism among muscle fibers are not observed, they have got typical structure representative for transversal striated skeletal muscular tissue. On histochemical investigation the presence of I and II type of muscle fibers was determined, but glycolytic fibers (of the II type) prevailed.

Conclusion. The obtained data indicate the presence of sexual dimorphism in levator ani muscle structure in white laboratory rats. This muscle is supposed to contribute more to provide tail movements than to strengthen small pelvis wall and protect organs.