In Vivo Piggybac-Based Gene Delivery towards Murine Pancreatic Parenchyma Confers Sustained Expression of Gene of Interest

The pancreas is a glandular organ that functions in the digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates. The most common disorders involving the pancreas are diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. In vivo gene delivery targeting the pancreas is important for preventing or curing such diseases and for exploring the biological function of genes involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Our previous experiments demonstrated that adult murine pancreatic cells can be efficiently transfected by exogenous plasmid DNA following intraparenchymal injection and subsequent in vivo electroporation using tweezer-type electrodes. Unfortunately, the induced gene expression was transient. Transposon-based gene delivery, such as that facilitated by piggyBac (PB), is known to confer stable integration of a gene of interest (GOI) into host chromosomes, resulting in sustained expression of the GOI. In this study, we investigated the use of the PB transposon system to achieve stable gene expression when transferred into murine pancreatic cells using the above-mentioned technique. Expression of the GOI (coding for fluorescent protein) continued for at least 1.5 months post-gene delivery. Splinkerette-PCR-based analysis revealed the presence of the consensus sequence TTAA at the junctional portion between host chromosomes and the transgenes; however, this was not observed in all samples. This plasmid-based PB transposon system enables constitutive expression of the GOI in pancreas for potential therapeutic and biological applications.

Morphological study of prostate in different age groups of Indian population

Introduction: The prostate is a pyramidal shaped, fibromuscular glandular organ which surrounds the prostatic urethra. Three pathologic processes affect the prostate gland: Inflammation, Benign prostatic (Nodular) hyperplasia, and tumours. Of these three, the benign nodular hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma are prevalent worldwide. Main treatment for both the above mentioned condition till date is surgical extraction of the prostate. A clear concept is required about the morphological features and measurements of prostate as it will play a major role in defining the disease and for the diagnosis. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy utilizing 50 samples of human prostate, age ranging from 10 to 80 years. The various morphological parameters studied were length, transverse diameter, antero-posterior diameter and weight of prostate. Results: The lowest and highest mean value were 1.76-2.79 cm; 3.35-4.04 cm; 1.65-2.30 cm and 16.8-26.6 gm for length, transverse diameter, antero-posterior diameter and weight respectively. Statistical measurements included mean, standard deviation, range and correlation coeficients of different parameters. Conclusions: Length and transverse diameter of prostate were maximum in the American population, Antero-Posterior diameter was maximum for Bangladeshi and weight was found maximum in Indian population.

Functional Morphology of Secretion by the Large Wax Glands (Sensilla Sagittiformia) Involved in Tick Defense

Ticks are protected against ants by release of an allomonal defense secretion from the large wax glands (or type 2 glands) that line their bodies. To explore how the large wax glands operate, before and after microscopic observations of these glands (nonsecreted versus secreted test groups), mass determinations were made forRhipicephalus sanguineusthat had been exhausted of secretion by repeated leg pinching to simulate attack by a predator. Prior to secretion, the glandular organ is fully intact histologically and matches thesensillum sagittiforme, a key taxonomic structure described in the 1940s. The large wax gland is innervated and responds to pressure stimulation as a proprioceptor that stimulates the secretory response. Histological observations after secretion has occurred show that the entire glandular contents and associated cells are jettisoned out of the gland like a syringe. The glandular cellular components are subsequently rebuilt by underlying hypodermal cells within a few days so that secretion can take place again. Presumably, the active allomonal ingredients (hydrocarbons) are released when these derived epidermal cells reach and burst onto the cuticular surface. Our conclusion is that the large wax glands are holocrine and feature intermittent regeneration.

New species of the genus Archimonocelis Meixner, 1938 (Proseriata, Archimonocelididae) from southern Apulia (Italy)

A survey of the composition of the genus Archimonocelis Meixner, 1938 in southern Apulia (Italy) revealed the presence of four species, three of which are new. Archimonocelis scopulicola n. sp. has a straight stylet, provided with a girdle of 18 copulatory spines, and a chromosome set with n=10. In both A. cygnicollis n. sp. and A. parastaresoi n. sp., an accessory glandular organ, provided with spines, is present. A. cygnicollis n. sp. is provided with a unique double-walled stylet. A. parastaresoi n. sp. is similar to the western Mediterranean A. staresoi Martens & Curini-Galletti, 1993; size and shape of accessory spines are the main discriminating features between the two species. In addition, numerous specimens of A. carmelitana Martens & Curini-Galletti, 1993 were found. A comprehensive discussion of the new species is given.