Biomedical subjects

F J Sampaio

Publications and source records attributed to F J Sampaio.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Effects of undernutrition on serum and testicular testosterone levels and sexual function in adult rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate testosterone concentrations, sexual behavior, and androgen receptor protein level in the testes of rats submitted to protein- and energy-restricted diets during 30 days. Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to one of the following groups: (C) control, diet with 23% of protein; (PR) protein-restricted, diet with 8% of protein; (ER) energy-restricted, diet with 23% of protein in restricted quantities. Mount number, ejaculation latencies and copulatory efficiency were evaluated to determine sexual behavior. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed to determine serum and testicular testosterone concentrations as well as testicular androgen receptor protein level. Compared to the C group, the ER group presented a significant decrease in body (36%), testis (20%) and epididymis (14%) weights in serum (78%) and testicular (68%) testosterone concentrations as well as in copulatory efficiency (26%). On the other hand, the ER group presented a significant increase in mount number (114%) and ejaculatory latency (62%). The androgen receptor protein levels were significantly reduced in both PR and ER groups (41% and 74%, respectively). This is the first paper to demonstrate that the effect of undernutrition on reproduction is not related to reduced protein intake but caloric restriction. Also, in caloric restriction, there is a relationship between sex behavior, androgen receptors, and testosterone concentration.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Increased and localized accumulation of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans in the hyperplastic human prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse by immunohistochemistry the expression of chondroitin sulphate (CS) (detected in the hyperplastic prostate and possibly affecting the proliferation of prostate cells) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to determine its distribution and location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of BPH were obtained from 11 patients (aged 58-83 years) and controls consisting of the transitional zone of five prostates from young men aged 19-27 years. Tissue sections were labelled with antibodies against CS, perlecan, type IV collagen, laminin, and smooth muscle cell (SMC) alpha-actin. The amount of CS immunostaining was estimated by semi-quantitative scoring and correlated with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and prostate size. RESULTS: The anti-CS antibody faintly stained the stroma of normal prostates, but in BPH samples the staining was intense and concentrated around acini, including the periphery of adjacent SMCs. This staining pattern was totally absent in the normal samples. Type IV collagen, perlecan and laminin were homogeneously distributed in the whole stroma of both normal and BPH samples. There was no significant correlation between intensity of CS staining and either PSA or prostate size. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of CS proteoglycans is increased in BPH, where they co-locate with basement membranes of the acinar epithelium and of peri-acinar SMCs. This enhanced expression is specific for these proteoglycans, as other basement membrane components are unaffected, and this may result from the regulatory effects of local factors that are active in BPH.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Prostatic epithelial and luminal area in the transition zone acini: morphometric analysis in normal and hyperplastic human prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse quantitatively the acini and changes in the acinar epithelium and lumen in the transitional zone of normal and hyperplastic human prostates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tissue samples of the transitional zone were taken from prostates with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) obtained from 20 patients with clinical symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction who underwent open prostatectomy. The control tissue comprised 20 transitional zones of prostates obtained during autopsy of adults aged < 30 years (killed in accidents). The following variables were measured; the number of acini, total acinar area, area of the lumen, epithelial area, and the median (range) epithelial height, using computerized histomorphometric techniques. RESULTS: The total area of the acini and the luminal area was statistically significantly greater in BPH. In normal and hyperplastic prostates, respectively, the total mean (sd) area (mm2) of the acini was 0.041 (0.007) and 0.056 (0.016), of the lumen was 0.016 (0.003) and 0.036 (0.013), and of the epithelium was 0.025 (0.004) and 0.019 (0.003) (all P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of acini between controls and BPH. The area and the height of the acinar epithelium was statistically significantly greater in BPH; for epithelial height ( micro m) in normal and BPH tissue, respectively the minimum height was 9.92 (1.67) and 6.45 (1.14), the maximum 54.38 (4.09) and 41.52 (4.51) and the median 27.89 (2.48) and 19.96 (2.20) (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the number of acini between control and BPH tissue, but the area and the height of the acinar epithelium was significantly lower in BPH.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Renal collecting system anatomy: its possible role in the effectiveness of renal stone treatment.

The anatomy of the kidney collecting system may play a role in the selection of the best method of kidney stone treatment for a specific patient. Also, an analysis of the collecting-system anatomy would indicate the likely effectiveness of each method of treatment. For stones located in the lower pole, the clearance rate after shockwave lithotripsy has been uniformly low relative to that of calculi elsewhere. Some special anatomical findings suggest that retention of what are considered to be 'passable stone fragments' (4 mm in diameter or less) in the inferior pole might be a consequence not only of the gravity-dependent position of lower calices but also of particular anatomical features of the inferior pole collecting system. The aspects reviewed and discussed are the angle formed between the main lower infundibulum and the renal pelvis (the infundibulopelvic angle), the lower infundibula diameters, the lower infundibulum length and height, and the lower calices spatial distribution. Also, the presence of minor calices perpendicular to the surface of the collecting system and drainage of superior and inferior poles are reviewed and discussed in the context of their importance to the effectiveness of renal stone treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

Renal anatomy. Endourologic considerations.

The general anatomy of the kidney as applied to minimally invasive surgery is described. The kidney morphometry, the spatial planes, and the perirenal coverings are presented. The kidney's relationship with the diaphragm, ribs, pleura, liver, spleen, and colon is described in importance of intrarenal access. The intrarenal anatomy is also described, based on a large series of three-dimensional endocasts. The anatomic relationships of the intrarenal vessels (arteries and veins) with the kidney collecting system are presented and discussed with respect to intrarenal access by puncture, for endopyelotomy and for nephron-sparing operations.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

Proximal insertion of gubernaculum testis in normal human fetuses and in boys with cryptorchidism.

PURPOSE: We determine how the proximal gubernaculum testis is attached to the testis and epididymis in human fetuses, and compare these data with findings in boys who had undergone surgery for cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 280 testes and epididymides with the gubernacula of 140 well preserved, fresh human fetuses ranging from 10 to 35 weeks after conception with no detectable congenital malformations and 36 undescended testes of 28 boys 2 to 15 years old (mean age 6.8) who had undergone surgery for cryptorchidism. In both groups the different conformations of the relationship among the proximal gubernaculum, testis and epididymis were classified according to a system used for patients with cryptorchidism. In group A the gubernaculum is attached to the testis and epididymis, in group B the gubernaculum is attached only to the testis with a tail disjunction epididymal anomaly, in group C the gubernaculum is attached only to the testis with total disjunction of the epididymis, in group D the gubernaculum is attached only to the epididymal tail and in group E there are no attachments among gubernaculum, testis and epididymis. RESULTS: Of the 280 fetal testes studied 194 (69.2%) were in the abdomen, 38 (13. 57%) in the inguinal canal and 48 (17.14%) in the scrotum. There were 277 cases (98.9%) in group A and 3 (1.1%) in group B. Of the 36 undescended testes analyzed 2 (5.6%) were abdominal and 34 (94.4%) were inguinal. There were 26 cases (72.2%) in group A, 8 (22.2%) in group B and 2 in group D. CONCLUSIONS: In fetuses without congenital malformations or epididymal alterations, such as tail disjunction or elongated epididymis, the proximal portion of the gubernaculum was attached to the testis and epididymis in all cases. In undescended testes there was an increased incidence of paratesticular structure malformations accompanied by gubernacular attachment anomalies compared to the testes in normal fetuses.

Abdomen↗

PubMed2000

Organization and relative content of smooth muscle cells, collagen and elastic fibers in the corpus cavernosum of rat penis.

PURPOSE: The corpus cavernosum smooth muscle and extracellular matrix are essential for normal penile erection and are implicated in erectile dysfunction. Although investigations of these issues have used the rat corpus cavernosum, organization of its components is to date not well known. We characterized and quantified the smooth muscle cells and the main extracellular matrix components of the rat corpus cavernosum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Collagen, elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells were stained on paraffin sections of rat penises using sirius red and Gomori's reticulin, Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin and an anti-smooth muscle cells alpha-actin antibody, respectively. Stained components were then quantified by computer aided morphometry. RESULTS: Smooth muscle cells were restricted to the subendothelial space of corpus cavernosum and had a volumetric density of 9.1%. Collagen was thick, usually in transversely oriented bundles and was the most abundant component of the trabeculae with a volumetric density of 62.7%. Gomori's reticulin disclosed a meshwork of fibrils also in the subendothelial space but did not stain the thicker bundles. Volumetric density of elastic fibers was 4.9%, and at the periphery of the corpus cavernosum the fibers were parallel to the long axis of the penis, while in deeper regions most of them were transversely oriented and at different directions from those of collagen. CONCLUSIONS: Rat corpus cavernosum differs from that of humans by lesser amounts of smooth muscle cells, greater amounts of collagen and the presence of fibrillar collagen and smooth muscle cell subendothelial layers. Therefore, these differences should be considered when using the rat penis for studies on erection.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Collagen and elastic fibers in the penis of human fetuses at 28 weeks postconception.

OBJECTIVES: The extracellular matrix is a key element in penile function and pathology, yet little is known of its development. Herein we investigated the morphological organization of collagen and elastin in the corpora cavernosa and tunica albuginea of human fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The penises from 5 fresh human fetuses at 28 weeks postconception (WPC) were routinely fixed and embedded, and all staining procedures were carried out on paraffin sections. Collagen was evidenced by staining with: (1) Gomori's trichrome; (2) sirius red, followed by observation under polarized light, and (3) an antihuman collagen type-III antibody. Elastin and the whole elastic system were revealed using an antihuman elastin antibody and Weigert's resorcin fucsin, respectively. RESULTS: At this stage of fetal development, the albuginea is formed predominantly by dense bundles of collagen. Near the corpora cavernosa, the presence of type-III collagen was also observed. Weigert staining showed numerous fibers of the elastic system in the albuginea. Type-III collagen was found to be strongly positive in the cavernous trabeculae and in the connective sheath surrounding the central artery. Using Weigert staining and an immunolabeling method with primary antibody against human elastin, we found an important quantity of elastic system fibers in the trabeculae of the corpora cavernosa. CONCLUSION: In fetuses at 28 WPC the albuginea is formed predominantly by dense bundles of collagen. The trabecular structures of the corpora cavernosa present a significant quantity of type-III collagen and elastic system fibers.

Collagen↗

PubMed1999

Arterial supply of the human fetal testis during its migration.

PURPOSE: Irrespective of the surgical technique chosen to treat high undescended testis, preservation of an adequate arterial supply for the testis is crucial for successful orchiopexy with maintenance of normal testicular size and texture. To provide an anatomical background for such a procedure, we performed a systematic study on the number and origin of arteries supplying the fetal testis during its migration from the abdomen to the scrotum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied bilaterally 64 testes from 32 fresh human fetuses 13 to 33 weeks after conception. The fetuses were injected through the thoracic aorta with a microvascular silicone rubber red resin to fill in the arterial tree, thereby enabling identification and dissection of all arteries supplying the testes. RESULTS: Of the 64 testes 3 arteries (testicular, deferential and cremasteric) were found in 46 (71.9%), 2 (testicular and deferential) in 15 (23.4%) and 4 in 3 (4.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The fetal testis is always supplied by at least 2 arteries (testicular and deferential arteries) and by 3 or 4 arteries in nearly 80% of the cases.

Arteries↗

PubMed1998

Quantitative analysis of smooth muscle fibers in corpus cavernosum of human fetuses.

PURPOSE: Quantify objectively the normative distribution and the percentage of smooth muscle fibers in the corpus cavernosum of human fetuses with 24 weeks post-conception (WPC) of gestational age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 7 penises taken from 7 fresh human fetuses. We analyzed 5 randomized sections from each penis and in every section we analyzed 3 fields, totaling 15 fields per penis and 105 fields for the final results. Immunohistological staining for the smooth muscle fibers was used to accentuate the differences between the intracavernous structures (smooth muscle fibers and collagen fibers). The fields studied were digitized with a final magnification of 450X and a computerized analysis of the smooth muscle fibers was performed with image analyzer software. The percentage of smooth muscle fibers per standard square area was estimated and the mean value was used for each penis. RESULTS: The distribution of smooth muscle fibers in the corpus cavernosum of human fetuses with 24 WPC of gestational age ranged from 17.52% to 27.76% of the total area. The mean value was 22.72% and the standard deviation was 3.56. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the percentage of smooth muscle cells in corpus cavernosum of human fetuses with 24 WPC of gestational age is significantly smaller when compared with the data available for adult cadavers.

Fetus↗

PubMed1998

Analysis of testicular migration during the fetal period in humans.

PURPOSE: We present an analysis concerning the testicular migration and its position correlated to body weight, crown-rump length and gestational age during the fetal period in humans without congenital abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied bilaterally 142 testes taken from 71 fresh human fetuses between 10 and 35 weeks after conception. The fetuses were also evaluated in regard to crown-rump length and body weight. The position of the testes was correlated to the fetal parameters. RESULTS: In 37 fetuses (74 testes) at 10 to 23 weeks after conception only 7 testes (9.45%) had migrated from the abdomen and were situated in the inguinal canal, in 19 fetuses (38 testes) at 24 to 26 weeks after conception 22 testes (57.9%) had migrated from the abdomen and in 9 fetuses (18 testes) at 27 to 29 weeks after conception only 3 testes (16.7%) had not descended to the scrotum. The testes had not descended into the scrotum in any fetus weighing 990 gm. or less and with a crown-rump length of 24.5 cm. or less. On the other hand, in all fetuses weighing more than 1,220 gm. and with a crown-rump length of more than 27.5 cm. the testis was in the scrotum. CONCLUSIONS: Until 23 weeks after conception the majority of testes remain in the abdomen. The more intense migration of the testes through the inguinal canal occurred between 21 and 25 weeks after conception. After 30 weeks after conception all testes were descended to the scrotum in all fetuses.

Embryonic and Fetal Development↗

PubMed1998

Vascular anatomy at the ureteropelvic junction.

In 65% of the cases regarding the ventral surface of the UPJ, there was a prominent artery, vein, or both in close relation to the ventral surface of the UPJ. In only 6.8% there was an inferior polar artery crossing anteriorly to the UPJ. Therefore, many of the vessels visualized close to the UPJ and described as anomalous and etiologic in obstruction are normal segmental arteries that do not cause UPJ obstruction. In 26.7% of cases regarding the dorsal surface of the UPJ, there was a vessel crossing at or lower than 1.5 cm above the posterior surface of the UPJ. On the basis of our anatomic findings, we advise that in endopyelotomy, the incision along the stenotic UPJ be created only at its lateral aspect.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

The pig kidney as an endourologic model: anatomic contribution.

We present detailed anatomic findings on collecting system anatomy and renal morphometry in the pig and compare these findings with previous findings in humans. We studied three-dimensional polyester resin corrosion endocasts of the pelviocaliceal system obtained from 100 kidneys (50 pigs). Eighty kidneys were evaluated morphometrically, considering length, cranial pole width, caudal pole width, thickness, and weight. The pig collecting system was classified into two major groups (A and B). Group A (40%) was composed of kidneys in which the mid-zone is drained by calices dependent on the cranial or the caudal caliceal group or both. Group B (60%) kidneys have the mid-zone drained by calices independent of the polar groups. Group B includes two subtypes (B-I and B-II). The pig collecting system showed only angles smaller than 90 degrees between the caudal (lower) infundibulum and the renal pelvis. Renal morphometric measurements revealed the following means: length 11.8 cm, cranial pole width 5.64 cm, caudal pole width 5.35 cm, thickness 2.76 cm, and weight 98 g. As in human kidneys, one may group the pig collecting system into two groups. Nevertheless, in pigs, we did not find a subdivision of Group A. The incidence of collecting systems in Groups A and B and the subtypes of Group B in pigs are different from those in humans. Also different from humans, in pigs, we found only angles smaller than 90 degrees between the caudal (lower) infundibulum and the renal pelvis. Except for the length, the means of the other morphometric measurements of the pig kidney are smaller than those of humans. From an anatomic standpoint, despite the differences pointed out, we conclude that the pig kidney is a good animal model for endourologic research and training.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Anatomical relationships between testis and epididymis during the fetal period in humans (10-36 weeks postconception).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the anatomy of the epididymis and its relationship with the testis during the fetal period in normal individuals. METHODS: We studied bilaterally 146 testes and epididymides taken from 73 normal fresh human fetuses ranging in age from 10 to 36 weeks postconception. The epididymal anatomy was classified in six types: type I: the epididymis is connected to the testis by its head and tail and the epididymal body is separated from the testis; type II: the epididymis is completely attached to the testis; type III: the epididymis is attached to the testis only by its head; type IV: the epididymis is attached to the testis only by its tail; type V: the epididymis is completely detached from the testis; type VI: segmental atresia of the epididymis. RESULTS: Normal epididymal anatomy, considered type I and type II, was found in 89.72% and in 7.53% of the cases, respectively. Type III and type IV epididymal anatomy was found in only 2.05% and 0.68% of the cases, respectively. We did not find types V and VI epididymal abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that irrespective of testicular position during the fetal period, the incidence of epididymal abnormalities in normal fetuses is very low (2.75%) when compared with previous reports in patients with cryptorchidism and/or with a patent processus vaginalis (36-79%).

Embryonic and Fetal Development↗

PubMed1998

[Analysis of prostate growth during human fetal period].

The objective of this study was to present quantitative data concerning prostatic growth during the foetal period (gestational age: 13 to 36 weeks) and to provide normal curves of the growth of the prostatic volume correlated with foetal age and weight, using the allometric method. This study was performed on 45 non-fixed human male foetuses, in a good state of preservation and not presenting any congenital malformations. The gestational age of the foetuses ranged from 13 to 36 weeks. Analysis of correlations showed that growth curves presented an angle less than 45 degrees, indicating that growth of the foetal prostate is slower than that of the individual as a whole. The authors also found a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001) between prostatic volume and foetal weight during the foetal period.

Body Weight↗

PubMed1997

Comparative follow-up of patients with acute and obtuse infundibulum-pelvic angle submitted to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for lower caliceal stones: preliminary report and proposed study design.

Nowadays, there is a consensus that the poor success rate of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is in the treatment of lower caliceal stones. The gravity-dependent position of the lower-pole calices is postulated to be the main factor hindering the spontaneous passage of stone debris that results from SWL. Nevertheless, we proposed that there are some particular features of the inferior-pole collecting system anatomy that could contribute to fragment retention. We studied the influence of the lower infundibulum-pelvic angle on fragment retention, considering 74 patients submitted to SWL for the treatment of lower-pole nephrolithiasis in a Lithostar Plus machine. At a mean follow-up of 9 months, 75% of the patients presenting an angle of greater than 90 degrees between the lower infundibulum where the stone was located and the renal pelvis became stone-free within 3 months. On the other hand, only 23% of the patients presenting an angle smaller than 90 degrees between the lower infundibulum where the stone was located and the renal pelvis became stone-free during the follow-up. Determination of the angle between the renal pelvis and the infundibulum of the inferior pole calix where the stone is located is very important, because the angle will differ in the same kidney, depending on stone location. Although preliminary and based on a small series of patients, our data suggest that an acute pelvic-lower pole infundibular angle hinders the spontaneous discharge of fragments after SWL. Also, use of the proposed technique of pelvic-lower pole infundibular angle measurement will be important for unifying angle evaluation by other investigators.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1997

[The renal arterial pedicle in the human fetus].

To analyze the incidence of renal arteries variations during the fetal period and compare these findings with previous findings in adults, we studied the renal arterial pedicle in 70 human fetuses ranging in age from 13 to 36 weeks postconception. The fetuses were injected through the right common carotid artery with a red polyester resin to fill in the arterial tree enabling the identification and dissection of the small fetal arteries. The renal arteries were analyzed considering their number, origin, direction and site of penetration. Among the 70 fetuses studied, 30 (42.8%) presented at least one kidney with renal artery variations. In 6 fetuses the variation was bilateral. Among the total of 140 renal pedicles studied, 36 presented arterial variations (25.7%). We did not find statistically significant difference between right and left kidneys and between male and female fetuses. In the present study we did find kidneys with more than 2 arteries, probably because we did not study kidneys with any kind of development anomaly. Even kidneys with malrotations of the vertical axis were removed from the study.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

The dilemma of the crossing vessel at the ureteropelvic junction: precise anatomic study.

To maximize the success rate of endopyelotomy with minimal risk of complications, some debate still persists on the technique of incising the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), patient selection, and prognostic factors. Also, some controversy exists concerning the vascular complications associated with the procedure. In order to give anatomic background to better clarifying the issue of a crossing vessel at the UPJ, we analyzed its vascular anatomic relations in 546 kidneys divided as following: 82 three-dimensional polyester resin corrosion endocasts of the collecting system together with the intrarenal arteries, 52 endocasts of the collecting system together with the intrarenal veins, 146 endocasts of the collecting system together with the intrarenal arteries and veins simultaneously, and 266 in situ dissected kidneys. In 65% of the endocasts, we found a prominent artery, vein, or both in close relation to the ventral surface of the UPJ. Among these cases, in 45%, the relation was with the inferior segmental artery. With respect to the presence of multiple renal arteries, in only 6.8% of the cases did an inferior polar artery cross anteriorly to the UPJ. In 6.2% of the endocasts, there was a direct relation between a large vessel and the dorsal surface of the UPJ. In additional 20.5% of the cases, there was a vessel crossing lower than 1.5 cm above the posterior surface of the UPJ. Considering these anatomic findings, it is conceivable that many of the vessels seen during angiography in a close relation to the UPJ and described as anomalous and etiologic in obstruction would be normal segmental arteries that do not cause UPJ obstruction. Also, on the basis of the anatomic findings, we advise that in endopyelotomy, the incision along the stenotic UPJ wall be created only at its lateral aspect.

Adult↗