J Ruberte

École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees, France

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Publications (32)68.54 Total impact

  • Article: Dilated cardiomyopathy and mitochondrial dysfunction in Sirt1-deficient mice: a role for Sirt1-Mef2 in adult heart.
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    ABSTRACT: The deacetylase Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) is involved in the cardiac hypertrophic responses and cardiac embryo morphogenesis. However, the physiological function of Sirt1 deficiency in the postnatal development of the heart remains to be characterized. The aim of the study was to investigate the relevance of Sirt1 in the development and function of the myocardium. Hearts from Sirt1-deficient mice partially or totally lacking Sirt1 protein activity were analyzed. Loss of Sirt1 activity led to dilated cardiomyopathy in adult hearts, a phenotype accompanied by reduced cardiomyocyte size and the absence of fibrosis. Morphological and functional mitochondrial abnormalities were observed in the adult hearts lacking Sirt1, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the progression of the observed cardiomyopathy. Moreover, gene expression analyses revealed that mitochondrial genes were the most affected in Sirt1-deficient mice, showing a reduction in their expression. No overt cardiac dilatation was observed in neonates lacking Sirt1 activity, but first signs of mitochondrial alterations were already present. Immunoblot analyses revealed that Sirt1 is highly expressed in the heart after birth, indicating the importance of Sirt1 in the neonatal period. Finally, Sirt1 deficiency affected the acetylation pattern of the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (Mef2) transcription factors, which are critical for normal heart development and mitochondrial integrity. Collectively, our findings indicate that Sirt1 is essential for the maintenance of cardiac mitochondrial integrity and normal postnatal myocardium development.
    Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology 08/2012; 53(4):521-31. · 5.17 Impact Factor
  • Article: Chronically increased glucose uptake by adipose tissue leads to lactate production and improved insulin sensitivity rather than obesity in the mouse.
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    ABSTRACT: In adipocytes, triacylglycerol synthesis depends on the formation of glycerol 3-phosphate, which originates either from glucose, through glycolysis, or from lactate, through glyceroneogenesis. However, glucose is traditionally viewed as the main precursor of the glycerol backbone and thus, enhanced glucose uptake would be expected to result in increased triacylglycerol synthesis and contribute to obesity. To further explore this issue, we generated a mouse model with chronically increased glucose uptake in adipose tissue by expressing Gck, which encodes the glucokinase enzyme. Here we show that the production of high levels of glucokinase led to increased adipose tissue glucose uptake and lactate production, improved glucose tolerance and higher whole-body and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. There was no parallel increase in glycerol 3-phosphate synthesis in vivo, fat accumulation or obesity. Moreover, at high glucose concentrations, in cultured fat cells overproducing glucokinase, glycerol 3-phosphate synthesis from pyruvate decreased, while glyceroneogenesis increased in fat cells overproducing hexokinase II. These findings indicate that the absence of glucokinase inhibition by glucose 6-phosphate probably led to increased glycolysis and blocked glyceroneogenesis in the mouse model. Furthermore, this study suggests that under physiological conditions, when blood glucose increases, glyceroneogenesis may prevail over glycolysis for triacylglycerol formation because of the inhibition of hexokinase II by glucose 6-phosphate. Together these results point to the indirect pathway (glucose to lactate to glycerol 3-phosphate) being key for fat deposition in adipose tissue.
    Diabetologia 11/2010; 53(11):2417-30. · 6.81 Impact Factor
  • Article: The suppressor of cytokine signalling 2 (SOCS2) is a key repressor of insulin secretion.
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    ABSTRACT: Suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins are powerful inhibitors of pathways involved in survival and function of pancreatic beta cells. Whereas SOCS1 and SOCS3 have been involved in immune and inflammatory processes, respectively, in beta cells, nothing is known about SOCS2 implication in the pancreas. Transgenic (tg) mice were generated that constitutively produced SOCS2 in beta cells (betaSOCS2) to define whether this protein is implicated in beta cell functioning and/or survival. Constitutive production of SOCS2 in beta cells leads to hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance. This phenotype is not a consequence of decreased beta cell mass or inhibition of insulin synthesis. However, insulin secretion to various secretagogues is profoundly altered in intact animals and isolated islets. Interestingly, constitutive SOCS2 production dampens the rise in cytosolic free calcium concentration induced by glucose, while glucose metabolism is unchanged. Moreover, tg islets have a depletion in endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) stores, suggesting that SOCS2 interferes with calcium fluxes. Finally, in betaSOCS2 mice proinsulin maturation is impaired, leading to an altered structure of insulin secretory granules and augmented levels of proinsulin. The latter is likely to be due to decreased production of prohormone convertase 1 (PC1/3), which plays a key role in proinsulin cleavage. SOCS2 was shown to be a potent regulator of proinsulin processing and insulin secretion in beta cells. While its constitutive production is insufficient to induce overt diabetes in this mouse model, it causes glucose intolerance. Thus, increased SOCS2 production could be an important event predisposing to beta cell failure.
    Diabetologia 05/2010; 53(9):1935-46. · 6.81 Impact Factor
  • Article: Constitutive expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling-3 in skeletal muscle leads to reduced mobility and overweight in mice.
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    ABSTRACT: Due to their ability to regulate various signalling pathways (cytokines, hormones, growth factors), the suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins are thought to be promising therapeutic targets for metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Hence, their role in vivo has to be precisely determined. We generated transgenic mice constitutively producing SOCS-3 in skeletal muscle to define whether the sole abundance of SOCS-3 is sufficient to induce metabolic disorders and whether SOCS-3 is implicated in physiological roles distinct from metabolism. We demonstrate here that chronic expression of SOCS-3 in skeletal muscle leads to overweight in mice and worsening of high-fat diet-induced systemic insulin resistance. Counter-intuitively, insulin sensitivity in muscle of transgenic mice appears to be unaltered. However, following constitutive SOCS-3 production, several genes had deregulated expression, among them other members of the SOCS family. This could maintain the insulin signal into skeletal muscle. Interestingly, we found that SOCS-3 interacts with calcineurin, which has been implicated in muscle contractility. In Socs-3 transgenic muscle, this leads to delocalisation of calcineurin to the fibre periphery. Relevant to this finding, Socs-3 transgenic animals had dilatation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum associated with swollen mitochondria and decreased voluntary activity. Our results show that constitutive SOCS-3 production in skeletal muscle is not in itself sufficient to induce the establishment of metabolic disorders such as diabetes. In contrast, we reveal a novel role of SOCS-3, which appears to be important for muscle integrity and locomotor activity.
    Diabetologia 09/2009; 52(10):2201-12. · 6.81 Impact Factor
  • Article: IGF-I mediates regeneration of endocrine pancreas by increasing beta cell replication through cell cycle protein modulation in mice.
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    ABSTRACT: Recovery from diabetes requires restoration of beta cell mass. Igf1 expression in beta cells of transgenic mice regenerates the endocrine pancreas during type 1 diabetes. However, the IGF-I-mediated mechanism(s) restoring beta cell mass are not fully understood. Here, we examined the contribution of pre-existing beta cell proliferation and transdifferentiation of progenitor cells from bone marrow in IGF-I-induced islet regeneration. Streptozotocin (STZ)-treated Igf1-expressing transgenic mice transplanted with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing bone marrow cells were used. Bone marrow cell transdifferentiation and beta cell replication were measured by GFP/insulin and by the antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki67/insulin immunostaining of pancreatic sections respectively. Key cell cycle proteins were measured by western blot, quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Despite elevated IGF-I production, recruitment and differentiation of bone marrow cells to beta cells was not increased either in healthy or STZ-treated transgenic mice. In contrast, after STZ treatment, IGF-I overproduction decreased beta cell apoptosis and increased beta cell replication by modulating key cell cycle proteins. Decreased nuclear levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27) and increased nuclear localisation of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-4 were consistent with increased beta cell proliferation. However, islet expression of cyclin D1 increased only after STZ treatment. In contrast, higher levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21) were detected in islets from non-STZ-treated transgenic mice. These findings indicate that IGF-I modulates cell cycle proteins and increases replication of pre-existing beta cells after damage. Therefore, our study suggests that local production of IGF-I may be a safe approach to regenerate endocrine pancreas to reverse diabetes.
    Diabetologia 11/2008; 51(10):1862-72. · 6.81 Impact Factor
  • Article: Overexpression of Il6 leads to hyperinsulinaemia, liver inflammation and reduced body weight in mice.
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    ABSTRACT: IL-6 is released by the adipose tissue and increased circulating levels in obesity are associated with hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Short-term experiments suggest that increased IL-6 release by the skeletal muscle following exercise may improve insulin sensitivity. In order to examine the effect of chronically elevated IL-6 levels, we overexpressed Il6 in skeletal muscle in mice using an electro-transfer procedure. Circulating IL-6 levels were increased and the animals rapidly lost both weight and body fat, but food intake was unchanged, which is consistent with the finding that IL-6 increased energy expenditure. Insulin levels were inappropriately elevated and combined with hypoglycaemia in spite of reduced 2-deoxy-D: -glucose uptake by skeletal muscle. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscles ex vivo was reduced, probably due to the decreased amounts of glucose transporter (GLUT)-4. Beta cell insulin content was increased, while apparent beta cell mass was unchanged. Circulating serum amyloid A cluster levels were increased tenfold due to a pronounced proinflammatory state in the liver with infiltration of inflammatory cells. However, no liver steatosis was found, which may be accounted for by concomitant AMP kinase activation. Chronically elevated IL-6 levels lead to inappropriate hyperinsulinaemia, reduced body weight, impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by the skeletal muscles and marked inflammation in the liver. Thus, the pleiotrophic effects of chronically elevated IL-6 levels preclude any obvious usefulness in treating obesity or its associated metabolic complications in man, despite the fact that weight reduction may be expected.
    Diabetologia 08/2008; 51(7):1306-16. · 6.81 Impact Factor
  • Article: Topographie des Collecteurs Lymphatiques Mammaires de la Chienne
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    ABSTRACT: On the topography of the lymph drainage from the mammary glands of the bitchThe topography of the lymph drainage was examined by in vivo injections of india ink into the mammary parenchyma of 73 female dogs. Only one gland was injected at a time on each side. Only the cranial abdominal mammary gland had direct drainage to the axillary as well as to the superficial inguinal nodes. The principal routes of drainage differ for each gland. The glands on each side are completely independent as regards their lymph drainage. The cranial thoracic mammary glands on each side had their own collecting duct which led to the sternal lymph nodes. The results of this study suggest to develop a new model for the surgical extirpation of mammary tumors in the bitch.
    Anantomia Histologia Embryologia 07/2007; 19(4):347 - 358. · 0.90 Impact Factor
  • Article: Mophometric study of the aortic arch and its major branches in rat fetuses on the 21st day of gestation.
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    ABSTRACT: The anatomy and embryology of the aortic arch and its branching tributaries (brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery) in man and animals are well substantiated. However, the anatomical variations and morphometry of the aortic arch and its branching tributaries in rat fetus at the 21st gestation day have not been studied. Pregnant rats were hysterectomized and the arterial systems of 114 fetuses were injected with a polymerisable resin through the umbilical artery. After maceration, the vascular casts were dissected out and prepared for observations under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The resulting SEM pictures were studied with a picture analyser and different vessel parameters (diameters, lengths and angles) were measured. The success rate of the microvascular cast injection was 46.5%. Out of the 53 observed aortic arch casts, 98.1% showed the classical branching pattern and one (1.9%) had no brachiocephalic trunk. Morphological analysis showed many differences, which were not linked to the litter. The statistical processing of the measurements enabled us to determine that the aorta diameter after the branching of the left subclavian artery was the most replicable parameter. Moreover, the results revealed some strong correlations between different parameters. There are probably no discrete categories among the various observed parameters as diameters and angles. Some parameters show very little variability and can thus be used as reference points for further studies such as the comparison of a control population with a population treated with a relevant xenobiotic.
    Anatomy and Embryology 07/2005; 209(5):357-69. · 1.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: Albendazole sulphoxide enantiomers in pregnant rats' embryo concentrations and developmental toxicity.
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    ABSTRACT: Three single oral doses (8.5, 10, and 14 mg/kg) of a racemic formulation of albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) were administered to pregnant rats on day 10 of gestation. Mother plasma and embryo concentrations of ABZSO enantiomers and albendazole sulphone (ABZSO(2)) were determined 9 h after administration. The (-)-ABZSO enantiomer showed higher peak concentrations in both maternal plasma and embryo than the (+) enantiomer. An increase in embryo concentrations of ABZSO enantiomers and ABZSO(2) was only observed when dose rose to 14 mg/kg. There was an increase in resorption when the dose increased, but significant differences were only found in the higher dose group when compared with the other groups. The incidence of external and skeletal malformations (mostly of the tail, vertebrae and ribs) rose significantly in the 10 mg/kg group, producing almost 20% and 90% of malformed fetuses, respectively, and gross external and skeletal abnormalities in the thoracic region and limbs were also found.
    The Veterinary Journal 06/2003; 165(3):266-75. · 2.24 Impact Factor
  • Article: Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in the subcardinal venous plexus of quail mesonephros: spatial and temporal morphological analysis.
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    ABSTRACT: Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are involved in a coordinated program for the development of the mesonephric subcardinal venous plexus of quail embryo. Vasculogenesis occurs between days 3 and 4 of incubation, while angiogenesis takes place from day 5 to day 7. Examination of vascular corrosion casts and whole mounts, and tissue sections labelled with specific markers to hemangioblast lineage (QH1, LEP100 and AcPase activity), allowed us to distinguish six phases in the formation of subcardinal plexus. (1) Appearance of isolated angioblast-like cells where the subcardinal plexus will form. (2) Alignment of angioblast-like cells into cellular strands. (3) Formation of compact vascular cords by association of angioblast-like strands. (4) Polygonal interconnection of vascular cords to constitute the primary subcardinal plexus. In this stage, isolated angioblast-like cells were present inside inter-vascular spaces. (5) The splitting of primary inter-vascular spaces by angiogenic sprouts to form secondary subcardinal plexus (outward angiogenesis). Isolated angioblast-like cells were not present in this stage. (6) Expansion of the secondary subcardinal plexus by insertion of slender transcapillary tissue pillars (inward angiogenesis) and angiogenic sprouts. We also describe three morphogenetic gradients during the development of the subcardinal plexus: ventral-to-dorsal, cranial-to-caudal and lateral-to-medial.
    Anatomy and Embryology 02/2002; 205(1):19-28. · 1.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: The lack of genital ridge vascularization in the early chick embryo: implications in the migration of the primordial germ cells.
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    ABSTRACT: It is known that chick primordial germ cells (PGCs) in early embryonic development migrate via the blood vascular system to colonize the gonadal anlagen. Classically, two factors have been involved in the extravasation of PGCs from the blood stream: chemotactic and mechanical factors. An accurate knowledge of the vascular system of the genital ridge is therefore necessary. However, development of gonadal vascularization in bird embryos has been scarcely studied. Our previous studies have shown that the gonadal arteries develop from the mesonephric arteries. The purpose of this work was to study the implications of the development of the vascular system of the chick genital ridge on PGCs colonization. We selected the Hamburger and Hamilton (H-H) stage 18, since the genital ridge is well developed and PGCs actively extravasate. Forty chick embryos of this stage were processed for scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts and of critical point-dried specimens as well as light microscopy. Our results are conclusive. We could not find any vessel or capillary network supplying the genital ridge; the dorsal aorta and the primordia of the mesonephric arteries were the closest vessels. However, numerous interendothelial spaces were found in the dorsal aorta at the level of the genital ridge. It is suggested that the interendothelial gaps may be very important in the exchange of substances between the avascular genital ridge and the aortic endothelium at this developmental stage. Two different routes are thought to be involved in PGC migration to the gonadal anlage at this stage: the aortic endothelium and the mesonephric arteries. Whereas mechanical factors may be important for extravasation of PGCs in the mesonephric arteries, no reasons have been found from the morphological point of view to support a slowness of the blood flow in the dorsal aorta at the level of the genital ridge facilitating the extravasation.
    The Anatomical Record 08/1998; 251(3):398-405.
  • Article: Anthelmintic induced congenital malformations in sheep embryos using netobimin.
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    ABSTRACT: Benzimidazole compounds have teratogenic effects in domestic and experimental animals. In this study, 14 Manchega ewes were treated orally, under controlled conditions, with 20 mg netobimin (a prodrug of a benzimidazole compound) per/kg bodyweight on the 17th day of pregnancy. Congenital malformations and abortions affected 60 per cent of the lambs. The main malformations were skeletal and renal, but vascular malformations were observed for the first time. The abnormalities were investigated using radiological, dissection and vascular injection techniques, and associations among them were recorded. The anomalies are discussed in terms of embryological considerations.
    The Veterinary record 02/1998; 142(4):86-90. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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    Article: Injection technique and scanning electron microscopic study of the arterial pattern of the 20 gestation days (G20) rat fetus.
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    ABSTRACT: A technique to obtain microvascular corrosion casts of the G20 rat fetus and the normal pattern of the main arteries of the G20 rat fetus are described. The casts were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The arterial pattern is similar to that described in the adult; however, several variations have been found. It is concluded that the use of vascular corrosion casts studied by SEM may be particularly helpful to observe the extremely small arteries of rat fetuses. Moreover, we suggest that this technique may be useful in practical teratological studies.
    Laboratory Animals 02/1998; 32(1):95-105. · 1.21 Impact Factor
  • Article: Study of the distribution of albendazole-sulphoxide (ABZ-SO) in fertilized egg compartments.
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    ABSTRACT: In order to use the chicken embryo in teratogenic studies, it is necessary to know the internal volume in which a xenobiotic distributes. The inoculation of a xenobiotic in one of the compartments of the fertilized egg is the usual technique used in these studies. Neither the concentration nor the moment in which the xenobiotic comes into contact with the chicken embryo have been considered. Predicting the internal volume of distribution in the egg from some of the external parameters that do not interfere with the normal development is necessary. A simple method to calibrate these external parameters and their correlation with the different compartments of the fertilized eggs as well as the different distribution of the xenobiotic in these compartments has been successfully demonstrated. After injection of ABZ-SO, the maximum concentration in the embryo is reached by 36 h. The mean AUC for the albumen (sharp and obtuse end), yolk, and embryo were 78.4, 40.7, 79.2, and 10.8 micrograms.h/ml respectively. The results obtained about the kinetics of the diffusion of ABZ-SO indicate that this compound does not have a homogeneous distribution in all the compartments of the fertilized egg. These results highlight that whenever fertilized eggs are used as a screening for the possible toxicity of a drug or other substances, the dose of the xenobiotic to be injected has to be precisely determined in accordance with the total volume and the stage of embryonic development selected to be affected, starting from the previous knowledge of when and how much substance accedes to the embryo.
    Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods 07/1997; 37(4):191-6. · 2.32 Impact Factor
  • Article: Disposition of netobimin, albendazole, and its metabolites in the pregnant rat: developmental toxicity.
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    ABSTRACT: Netobimin (NTB), a benzimidazole prodrug with a good anthelmintic spectrum, was administered orally to female rats at a dose of 59.5 mg NTB/kg, to study its pharmacokinetic behavior and the disposition of its most important metabolites, albendazole (ABZ), albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO), and albendazole sulfone (ABZSO2). ABZ was found in plasma after 6 hr. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) and areas under curves (AUC) of ABZSO were eight- and fourfold higher, respectively, than those of ABZSO2. To study NTB disposition in pregnant rats, three different drug doses (50, 59.5, and 70.7 mg/kg) were given. No significant differences were found between plasma concentrations for each metabolite at the three doses studied. Only ABZ concentrations rose slightly as dose increased. ABZ, ABZSO, and ABZSO2 were found in amniotic sacs and embryos at concentrations that were higher than plasma at the same times. The fetuses obtained after administration of each of the doses of NTB were studied to detect developmental toxicity. A significant correlation was found between rate of developmental toxicity and metabolite concentration. ABZSO embryo concentrations could be the main factor accounting for toxicity.
    Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 06/1997; 144(1):56-61. · 4.45 Impact Factor
  • Article: Afferent portal venous system in the mesonephros and metanephros of chick embryos: development and degeneration.
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    ABSTRACT: In the chick embryo, both mesonephros and metanephros have a renal portal system. The classical literature gives uncertain answers about the development and degeneration of the meso- and metanephric portal venous system. Some mesonephric vessels present angiogenic processes to colonize the metanephros, while others show signs of degeneration and disappear together with the mesonephros. The adult avian kidney has a conspicuously placed valve, the renal portal valve. The development of this functionally important renal portal valve has not yet been studied in detail. Scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts has been used in this study. Strong mesonephric degeneration as well as metanephric growth and maturation occur in the developmental stages selected for this investigation (7.5, 9, 11, 14, and 21 days of incubation). The mesonephric afferent venous system in the chick embryo is supplied by two vessels, the posterior and the anterior mesonephric portal veins. The posterior mesonephric portal veins show a similar pattern to the anuran (amphibian) kidney. The anterior mesonephric portal vein has not previously been described. Constrictions were found in this vessel, a probable sign of subsequent degeneration. The metanephric afferent venous system is also supplied by two vessels: the caudal and cranial metanephric portal veins. The caudal metanephric portal vein is derived from the postcardinal vein. The cranial metanephric portal vein grows independently throughout the development of the mesonephric vascular system. It is connected to the vertebral venous sinus already at the beginning of its development. The renal portal valve first appears as a capillary network that communicates with the developing afferent and efferent metanephric venous systems. This capillary network later develops to a venous valve. The metanephric afferent venous system shows typical angiogenic signs in corrosion cast, such as nodular protrusions, holes, and enlarged vessels. The postcardinal vein first supplies only the mesonephric tissue as a portal vessel. Then it becomes a common source for both kidney generations. Finally it supplies only the metanephric tissue with venous blood. However, two independent vessels were found to supply the cranial renal regions: the anterior mesonephric portal vein and the cranial metanephric portal vein.
    The Anatomical Record 02/1997; 247(1):63-70.
  • Article: The morphometric study of the 19-day chicken embryo skeleton (gallus domesticus).
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    ABSTRACT: A series of 40 chicken embryos were processed after 19 d of incubation by dissection, diaphanisation, skeleton stained with alizarin red and examined by image analysis. Six bones (femur, tibiotarsus, tarsometatarsus, humerus, ulna and carpometacarpus) and 4 parameters (perimeter, area, the largest and the smallest Feret diameter) were evaluated. The smallest Feret diameter proved unusable. The coefficients of variation for the other 3 parameters were comparable for the 6 bones. All the bones were valuable for comparing morphometric values between a control population and a population treated with a xenobiotic in order to quantify the chemical's influence on ossification.
    Veterinary and human toxicology 09/1996; 38(4):299-301.
  • Article: Effect of the acidosis on the degenerating mesonephric vascular system of the chick embryos.
    The International Journal of Developmental Biology 02/1996; Suppl 1:287S-288S. · 2.82 Impact Factor
  • Article: Angiogenesis in the gonadal capillary network of the chick embryo.
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    ABSTRACT: Seventy-one chick embryos of both sexes at the 35 Hamburger and Hamilton (H-H) developmental stage were processed for scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts and of critical point dried specimens, as well as transmission electron- and light microscopy, in order to study the angiogenic structures. The gonadal subepithelial capillary network was located at the level of the tunica albuginea under the covering epithelium. The casts showed a densely-meshed capillary network and numerous sprouting (nodular protrusions or capillary sprouts) and non-sprouting (enlarged vessels and angiogenic holes) angiogenic structures that were randomly distributed and mixed. Four types of angiogenic holes were encountered in the casts: primary (diameter < 2.5 microns), secondary (diameter > 2.5 microns), tertiary (variable diameter and circular narrowings on one side), and open angiogenic holes. We suggest that the different morphologies reflect evolution of these holes. Furthermore, the open angiogenic hole would probably either form nodular protrusions at its open ends, which tend to join with other nodular protrusions and neighboring capillaries and form new vessels; or there would be fusion with two or more neighboring open holes. Correlative critical point dried sections showed fenestrations in the capillary walls and transcapillary pillars that corresponded to the angiogenic holes found in the casts. Ultrathin sections of the vessels presented typical characteristics of growing endothelium: large nuclei with loosely textured chromatin, abundant cytoplasm rich in cell organelles and intraluminal endothelial processes.
    Scanning microscopy 02/1996; 10(3):859-71; discussion 871-4.
  • Article: Malformations of the vertebral bodies and the ribs associated to spinal dysraphism without spina bifida in a Pekingese dog.
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    ABSTRACT: A Pekingese dog with hemivertebrae, rib malformations and spinal cord dysraphism without spina bifida was presented. Two types of hemivertebrae were seen: bilateral and unilateral. Thoracic hemivertebrae were associated with fused ribs and rudimentary ribs. Spinal dysraphism consisted of polycavitary syringomyelia in the dorsal and lateral funiculi, hydromyelia and anomalies of the dorsal median septum and median fissure, associated to lumbar and sacral hemivertebrae. Cauda equina agenesia was also present. To conclude, the dog showed two malformations from different embryonic origins. Vertebral and rib malformations are of mesodermic origin and spinal dysraphism is of ectodermic origin. A possible common mechanism responsible for both anomalies is discussed.
    Zentralblatt für Veterinärmedizin. Reihe A 08/1995; 42(5):307-13.