SVIBOR - Project code: 3-01-069

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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Project code: 3-01-069


FORMATION OF THE HEAD, AXIAL AND UROGENITAL STRUCTURES IN HUMAN


Main researcher: SARAGA-BABIĆ, MIRNA (111141)


Assistants
Type of research: applied
Duration from: 04/30/91. to 04/30/94.
Papers on project (total): 34
Papers on project quoted in Current Contents: 20
Institution name: Medicinski fakultet, Zagreb (108)
Department/Institute: Histology and Embryology - Split Branch
Address: PAK, KB "Firule", Spinčićeva 1
City: 21000 - Split, Croatia
Communication
Phone: 385 (0)21 515 055 / 522
Fax: 385 (0)21 365 738
E-mail: sapunard¦mamef.mef.hr
Summary: Normal and abnormal formation of axial (notochord, vertebral column, spinal cord) and cephalic structures was investigated morphologically and immunohistochemically on human conceptuses between the 4th and 22nd developmental week. Histological analysis indicated the importance of mesodermal structures (notochord, vertebral column) in the formation of the central nervous system. In the head area the differentiating notochord was associated with the development of the skull base and bursa pharyngea. The early differentiation of the human hypohysis and its relationship to the surrounding cephalic organs was investigated as well. Differences between primary and secondary neurulation were followed at the caudal end of normal and malformed human conceptuese. During regression of the transitory human tail, a change occurred in the morphological relationship and immunohistochemical reactivity of all axial organs. Investigation on malformed fetuses disclose the possible time and mechanism of teratogenic action during development. Experimental work on animals indicated that hyperbaric oxygen is not potent in inducing malformations. The largest embryotoxic effects were upon fetal body and placental weight. Histological investigation on placentas revealed alterations in labyrinthine blood vessels and thickening of the placental barrier. Clinical investigations of patients with congenital diseases of urogenital system enabled establishment of the new ultrasonographic diagnostic criteria.

Keywords: human notochord, anencephaly, human conceptuses, craniorachischisis, notochord, axial development, axial structures, cephalic structures rat, placenta, hyperbaric oxygen

Research goals: The aim of the project was to investigate normal and abnormal formation of important organ systems during human development: a)axial structures (nothocord, vertebral column, spinal cord), b)cephalic region (skull base, bursa pharyngea, brain, hypophysis)and c) urogenital system. The change in morphological relationship and immunohistochemical reactivity of inter acting cells and tissues in the above mentioned regions was analyzed on large number of human conceptuses of different developmental stages. The experimental animal model was used to investigate possible teratogenic effect of high oxygen partial pressure. Part of the project carried out on patients was provided to determine the ultrasound characteristic of different congenital syndromes. The expected results of the project were to find out the developmental mechanisms and factors involved in normal and abnormal formation of several organ systems in humans (central nervous system, hypophysis). The results have improved the level of knowledge about cell and tissue interactions that appear during subsequent stages of human development. Investigations ofearly embryos provided new data on early differentiation of the central nervou system and hypophysis. Initial results on expresion of genes which operate during development of the central nervous system were also disclosed. Analyzes of anomalous human development of these organs have clarified the possible time and place of action of teratogenic agents. Results on animals were compared with human samples, allowing conclusions on developmental mechanisms that are common for different mammals. Imagining analyzes of children with congenital diseases of urinary system have improved the establishment of diagnosis and treatment.

COOPERATION - PROJECTS


  1. Name of project: ALIS - Academic Links and Interchange Scheme
    Name of institution: The British Council
    City: London, Engleska

COOPERATION - INSTITUTIONS


  1. Name of institution: Department of Electron Microscopy, University of Helsinki
    Type of institution: University/Faculty
    Type of cooperation: Joint publishing of scientific papers
    City: 00300 - Helsinki, Finska

  2. Name of institution: Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki
    Type of institution: University/Faculty
    Type of cooperation: Joint publishing of scientific papers
    City: 00300 - Helsinki, Finska

  3. Name of institution: Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry
    Type of institution: University/Faculty
    Type of cooperation: Occasional exchange of experts
    City: 37018 - Gottingen, Germany

  4. Name of institution: Department of Preclinical Sciences, Medical Faculty, University of Leicester
    Type of institution: University/Faculty
    Type of cooperation: Joint project
    City: Leicester, England
Other information about the project.
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