Biomaterial Database

Cell junctions in squamous epithelium during wound healing in palatal mucosa of guinea pigs. 1980

L Andersen

The nature and distribution of cell junctions of the epithelium of wounded guinea pig palate were studied. Biopsies, 32 in total, were taken 18, 48, 96, and 120 h after wounding. Desmosomes were present in the wound epithelium throughout the observation period. Primitive desmosomes, indicating de novo formation of desmosomes, were observed at the front of advanced migratory lips (48 h) and in the central region and the wound epithelium after bridging (96 and 120 h). Similarly, de novo formed hemidesmosomes were seen. They occurred along epithelial cell membranes exposed to the fibrinous wound exudate during the migratory lip stages (18 and 48 h) and after epithelial bridging. The observations suggest that wounding induced changes in the mechanical properties of the tissue. Gap junctions were present in migrating epithelium preferably at the stem of the lips and in the epithelium after bridging, which suggests their participation in regulation of the epithelial cell differentiation. Tight junctions, capable of acting as seals, were absent or fragmentary at best. A relative decrease in the volume density of intercellular spaces in migrating epithelium as compared to intact epithelium, suggests an in vivo tissue reaction.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007365	Intercellular Junctions	Direct contact of a cell with a neighboring cell. Most such junctions are too small to be resolved by light microscopy, but they can be visualized by conventional or freeze-fracture electron microscopy, both of which show that the interacting CELL MEMBRANE and often the underlying CYTOPLASM and the intervening EXTRACELLULAR SPACE are highly specialized in these regions. (From Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 2d ed, p792)	Cell Junctions,Cell Junction,Intercellular Junction,Junction, Cell,Junction, Intercellular,Junctions, Cell,Junctions, Intercellular
D007811	Lanthanum	The prototypical element in the rare earth family of metals. It has the atomic symbol La, atomic number 57, and atomic weight 138.91. Lanthanide ion is used in experimental biology as a calcium antagonist; lanthanum oxide improves the optical properties of glass.
D008297	Male		Males
D009061	Mouth Mucosa	Lining of the ORAL CAVITY, including mucosa on the GUMS; the PALATE; the LIP; the CHEEK; floor of the mouth; and other structures. The mucosa is generally a nonkeratinized stratified squamous EPITHELIUM covering muscle, bone, or glands but can show varying degree of keratinization at specific locations.	Buccal Mucosa,Oral Mucosa,Mucosa, Mouth,Mucosa, Oral
D010159	Palate	The structure that forms the roof of the mouth. It consists of the anterior hard palate (PALATE, HARD) and the posterior soft palate (PALATE, SOFT).	Incisive Papilla,Incisive Papillas,Palates,Papilla, Incisive,Papillas, Incisive
D002454	Cell Differentiation	Progressive restriction of the developmental potential and increasing specialization of function that leads to the formation of specialized cells, tissues, and organs.	Differentiation, Cell,Cell Differentiations,Differentiations, Cell
D002462	Cell Membrane	The lipid- and protein-containing, selectively permeable membrane that surrounds the cytoplasm in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.	Plasma Membrane,Cytoplasmic Membrane,Cell Membranes,Cytoplasmic Membranes,Membrane, Cell,Membrane, Cytoplasmic,Membrane, Plasma,Membranes, Cell,Membranes, Cytoplasmic,Membranes, Plasma,Plasma Membranes
D003896	Desmosomes	A type of junction that attaches one cell to its neighbor. One of a number of differentiated regions which occur, for example, where the cytoplasmic membranes of adjacent epithelial cells are closely apposed. It consists of a circular region of each membrane together with associated intracellular microfilaments and an intercellular material which may include, for example, mucopolysaccharides. (From Glick, Glossary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1990; Singleton & Sainsbury, Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 2d ed)	Desmosome
D004848	Epithelium	The layers of EPITHELIAL CELLS which cover the inner and outer surfaces of the cutaneous, mucus, and serous tissues and glands of the body.	Mesothelium,Epithelial Tissue,Mesothelial Tissue,Epithelial Tissues,Mesothelial Tissues,Tissue, Epithelial,Tissue, Mesothelial,Tissues, Epithelial,Tissues, Mesothelial
D006168	Guinea Pigs	A common name used for the genus Cavia. The most common species is Cavia porcellus which is the domesticated guinea pig used for pets and biomedical research.	Cavia,Cavia porcellus,Guinea Pig,Pig, Guinea,Pigs, Guinea