The distribution of extracellular matrix molecules, especially collagen types I, III, V, and VI, in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissue of human dental pulp of various ages was studied by polarization and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy by using a conventional fluorescence microscope and a confocal laser scanning microscope. Polarization and immunofluorescence microscopy of paraffin sections showed thick fibers of collagen type I, which represented the main component of the connective tissue matrix of the dental pulp. By indirect immunofluorescence, thin fibers and small bundles of collagen type III were determined to be one of the main fibrillar elements present in the dental pulp matrix. Collagen type IV was detected by a clear intense staining of the basement membrane of blood vessels at all ages examined. Collagens type V and VI formed a dense meshwork of thin microfibrils throughout the stroma of the connective tissue of the dental pulp. These fibers were localized around blood vessels and appeared to be enriched in the subodontoblastic layer. Investigations by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed fibers of collagen type VI spiralling between fully differentiated odontoblasts toward the predentin layer. With advancing age, the connective tissue matrix appeared to be condensed and aggregates of thick fiber bundles could be observed. Furthermore, the participation of various collagen types in the composition of pulp stones was shown. These calcifications and diffuse calcifications increased in frequency with advancing age in a statistically significant manner.
The purpose of this study was to localize, characterize, and quantify in situ the inflammatory cells in the gingival connective tissue prior and subsequent to the initial therapy of ten patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP) and five patients with adult periodontitis (AP). Using immunohistological techniques, the amount of T lymphocytes, alphabeta-T lymphocytes, gammadelta-T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and plasma cells was determined at the beginning of the periodontal therapy (baseline) and at the time of periodontal surgery. Furthermore, the distribution of collagen types I, III, V, and VI was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. At baseline, patients with RPP revealed much higher numbers of inflammatory cells than patients with AP. During initial therapy of patients with RPP, the amount of T cells, alphabeta-T cells, and gammadelta-T cells was reduced significantly (P<0.05). Biopsies of patients with AP revealed a statistically significant reduction of all cell types, except alphabeta-T cells and gammadelta-T cells in the deep connective tissue. The transmission electron microscopy of biopsies from patients with RPP and AP with severe inflammation taken at baseline revealed that collagen types I and III were destroyed nearly completely in areas with leukocyte infiltration, whereas collagen types V and VI revealed a more pronounced labeling reaction. The results revealed that, during initial therapy, the amount of inflammatory cells was reduced significantly more in biopsies of patients with AP than in patients with RPP. At baseline, the inflamed gingival tissue consists mainly of collagen types V and VI in areas with infiltrates of inflammatory cells.
As part of an ongoing species inventory for the Galapagos Archipelago, sterile leprose and leproid lichens have been revised. Differences between leprose vs. leproid growth forms are discussed in the light of significant recent advances in the taxonomy of Lepraria. Five species have a strictly leprose morphology: Lepraria achariana, L. aff. incana, L. finkii, and L. vouauxii (all new to Galapagos), and L. lendemeri sp. nov. A sixth species, L. tenella, forms minutely fruticose thalli, but its recent transfer from Leprocaulon into Lepraria confirms its close affinity to species with similar chemistry such as L. vouauxii. Even though L. vouauxii does not develop pseudopodetia, it forms thalli that closely resemble immature specimens of L. tenella. Fertile material of a seventh species, “Lepraria” usnica, also new to Galapagos, confirms that this species does indeed belong in the Pilocarpaceae as molecular studies previously indicated. Its apothecia are identical to those of a Septotrapelia. Consequently, the recently described genus Nelsenium is reduced to synonymy and the new combination Septotrapelia usnica proposed. Many other sterile lichens occur in Galapagos and several have a very similar, leproid or even leprose morphology. A key for all those taxa is presented, emphasizing their inconspicuous, though distinct morphological differences.
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