Erythropoietin (EPO), the main hemopoietic hormone synthesized by the kidney as well as by the liver in fetal life, is implicated in mammalian erythropoiesis. Production and secretion of EPO and the expression of its receptor (EPO-R) are regulated by tissue oxygenation. EPO and EPO-R, expressed in several tissues, exert pleiotropic activities and have different effects on nonhemopoietic cells. EPO is a cytokine with antiapoptotic activity and plays a potential neuroprotective and cardioprotective role against ischemia. EPO is also involved in angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and the immune response. EPO can prevent metabolic alterations, neuronal and vascular degeneration, and inflammatory cell activation. Consequently, EPO may be of therapeutic use for a variety of disorders. Many tumors express EPO and/or EPO-R, but the action of EPO on tumor cells remains controversial. It has been suggested that EPO promotes the proliferation and survival of cancer cells expressing EPO-R. On the other hand, other reports have concluded that EPO-R plays no role in tumor progression. This review provides a detailed insight into the nonhemopoietic role of EPO and its mechanism(s) of action which may lead to a better understanding of its potential therapeutic value in diverse clinical settings.
The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is the primary target of the sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ (VNO), and thus constitutes a fundamental component of the accessory olfactory system, which is involved in responses to behaviour-related olfactory stimuli. In this study we investigated the characteristics of the AOB, VNO, vomeronasal nerves (VNNs) and caudal nasal nerve (CdNN) in pigs and sheep, species in which olfaction plays a key behavioural role both in the neonatal period and in adulthood. The patterns of staining of the AOB by the Bandeiraea simplicifolia and Lycopersicon esculentum lectins were the same in the 2 species, whereas the Ulex europeus and Dolichos biflorus lectins gave different patterns. In both species, lectin staining of the AOB was consistent with that of the VNNs, while the CdNN did not label any of the structures studied. The entire sensory epithelium of the pig was labelled by Ulex europeus and Lycopersicum esculentum lectins, and all 4 lectins used labelled the mucomicrovillar surface of the sensory epithelium in sheep.
In the field of veterinary anatomy, most of the specimens used in practical sessions are perfused with fixatives. Thus, they can be used for a longer time reducing the number of animals for educational purposes. Formalin is the most commonly used fixative, consisting of a 37% formaldehyde solution. However, formaldehyde is a powerful irritant of the eyes and airways and is considered carcinogenic, causing nasopharyngeal cancer in exposed workers and professionals. In the present study, we explored an alternative method to avoid the use of formaldehyde in specimens used for gross anatomy practical sessions. We propose an inexpensive, non-toxic fixative that is available worldwide, such as sea salt. This method consists of a continuous perfusion of saturated salt solution for a period of 6-8 h, enabling drainage of the solution to avoid a weight increase of the specimen, and allowing salt to be retained in the tissue. The method is based on recirculation of the saturated salt solution instead of maceration. Perfused specimens retained their natural consistency and joint mobility, with no blood, resembling a piece of meat from the slaughterhouse. They could be used immediately without a maceration period, or stored in the fridge until use and then kept in a bath of saturated salt solution for future conservation. In the case of the former, no refrigeration was needed. The specimens did not have an irritating or offensive smell, and could be used for long sessions (several hours per day) and stored for long periods. However, the blood vessels used for perfusion determine the results: a less invasive approach (through common carotid arteries) gave good preservation of the musculoskeletal system, whereas more invasive access to cannulate the abdominal aorta and vena cava caudalis was required to achieve better preservation of the viscera. In conclusion, we propose that perfusion followed by immersion in a saturated salt solution is a good alternative method for the preservation of specimens used in the practical teaching of gross veterinary anatomy. It is a very simple and inexpensive technique, and is much healthier for users than traditional formalin. Moreover, specimens can be preserved for prolonged periods, and maintain a similar appearance and consistency to fresh material.
The morphology of the soft tissue and supporting cartilage of the vomeronasal organ of the fetal pig was studied from early stages to term. Specimens obtained from an abattoir were aged by crown-to-rump distance. Series of transverse sections show that some time before birth all structures -cartilage, connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, glands and epithelia -are well developed and very similar in appearance to those of the adult. Furthermore, in transmission electron microscopy photomicrographs obtained at this stage the vomeronasal glands exhibit secretory activity.
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