Cellular differentiation in ovarian sex-cord-stromal and germ-cell tumors studied with antibodies to intermediate-filament proteins

Seventy ovarian sex-cord-stromal and germ-cell tumors were immunohistochemically studied for the presence of intermediate-filament proteins of different types used as markers for cellular differentiation. Cells of ovarian granulosa-cell tumors constantly expressed vimentin and appeared to lack cytokeratin. Two tumors previously classified as granulosa-cell tumors were reclassified as poorly differentiated "common" epithelial tumors based on their cytokeratin positivity, vimentin negativity, and morphologic features. Dysgerminomas and Leydig-cell tumors showed only vimentin positivity. Tubular structures in androblastomas, which are considered to represent Sertoli-cell differentiation, were cytokeratin positive, and thus differed from the majority of normal Sertoli cells that are known to express vimentin and not cytokeratin. Embryonal carcinomas, choriocarcinomas, and endodermal sinus tumors showed cytokeratin positivity in the neoplastic cells whereas vimentin was observed in the stromal cells. In immature teratomas, epithelial differentiation was demonstrated with cytokeratin antibodies, and neural and glial differentiation was also frequently demonstrated by immunostaining with antibodies to neurofilaments and glial fibrillary acidic protein. The results show that antibodies to intermediate filaments can be used in the differential diagnosis between ovarian epithelial and nonepithelial tumors, and they provide a very accurate additional method to characterize the cellular differentiation of ovarian neoplasms.

[Vascular cellular elements as the source of development of desmoid fibroma]

Electron microscopic radioautography was used to investigate DNA and RNA syntheses in desmoid fibroma pieces ablated at operation. The DNA precursor 3H-thymidine was discovered to be incorporated only into vascular wall cells. RNA synthesis was the most overt in endotheliocytes, pericytes and fibroblasts adjacent to the vessels. At a distance from the vessels the majority of the cells were in a state of destruction. Based on the data obtained the authors arrive at the conclusion that the proliferation of vascular wall cells gives rise to the development of desmoid fibroma providing for the replenishment of tumorous cells. The latter ones, while making the cycle of differentiation and specific function, move away from the vascular lumen and then get destroyed.

Histological and immunohistological identification of collagens in basement membranes of Schwann cells of neurofibromas

The application of immunohistological techniques that use antibodies highly specific for collagen allows new comparative studies in the distribution and deposition of genetically distinct types of collagens in neurofibromas. The identification of collagen type IV in basement membranes is unique and marks particularly the sheaths or cytoplasma of proliferating Schwann cells. Cells with greater degrees of atypia show increased amounts of intracellular collagen in basement membranes by immunohistologic examination, which provides an additional diagnostic tool in dermatopathology.

Non-ossifying fibroma or benign lipoblastoma of bone--an electron-microscopic and histochemical study

An ultrastructural and histochemical analysis was made of a lesion identified by light microscopy as a non-ossifying fibroma of bone. A histogenetic sequence was traced from spindle-shaped fibroblast-like cells to multivacuolated lipoblasts with abundant glycogen. These lipid-laden cells showed remarkable similarity to some cells of a well differentiated liposarcoma. Others have interpreted the lipid-containing cells of non-ossifying fibroma as representing fibroblasts which have imbibed or synthesized lipid or lipid-laden macrophages. Our studies demonstrate that this tumour consists of primitive mesenchymal cells with partial maturation to early lipoblasts, suggesting its classification as a benign lipoblastoma of bone.

The desmoid tumor. III. A biochemical and genetic analysis

We have carefully examined four patients with desmoid tumor (DT) and their 31 relatives. In three of four cases, biopsies of the DT demonstrated low yet significant amounts of estrogen but not progesterone receptors in the tumor cytosol. In the fourth case, where the receptors were not demonstrable, the affected patient was a menopausal woman and the receptors may have been blocked by endogenous estrogen. Fourteen of their 31 relatives demonstrated multiple minor bone malformations in x-ray screening of the skeleton. The inheritance of these malformations was compatible with an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance. These findings are compatible with our suggestion that the basic underlying cause for DT is an inherited defect in growth regulation of the connective tissue. When a trauma is superimposed on such an individual, a DT may result. The growth of the tumor is, however, controlled primarily by sex hormones, estrogen predominance over progesterone being inducive to tumor growth.

Elastofibroma. A correlated light and electron microscopic study

Four cases of elastofibroma located in the subscapular region of 3 men aged 66, 74, and 83 years, and a woman 70 years old are reported. A correlated light and electron microscopic study including ultrastructural examination of Verhoeff's iron-hematoxylin (VIH)-stained sections was performed. Light microscopically, the elastofibromas were characterized by connective tissue built up by collagen fibers and sclerotic masses mingled with numerous fibers and globules of elastin material. In one micron thick Epon sections these elastin fibers often revealed a central axis surrounded by a mantle composed of periodic segments giving them a necklace-like appearance. The ultrastructural findings of these elastin structures, stained with VIH, and the appearance of the stroma cells and their relation to the elastin indicate that elastofibroma is a non-neoplastic reactive lesion in which elastin material is synthesized by the stromal cells and predominantly laid down around preexisting elastic fibers.

Ultrastructure of gastric myxofibroma with intracytoplasmic collagen

Electron microscopy of a small mass removed from the stomach of a 65-year-old women demonstrated a myxofibroma composed of a pure population of fibroblasts, many of which contained intracytoplasmic, membrane-bound collagen fibers similar to those found in a few other human tumors and in certain experimental conditions. This ultrastructural documentation supports the hypothesis that pure fibrous neoplasms of the stomach do occur. Electron microscopy of gastric mesenchymal tumors almost always allows for confident differentiation among fibrous, neural, and smooth muscle neoplasms.

Biochemical and ultrastructural demonstration of elastin accumulation in the skin lesions of the Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome

The Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome is an association of cutaneous lesions, dermatofibrosis lenticularis disseminata, with osteopoikilosis. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. In order to clarify the biochemical nature of the skin lesions, we have examined 12 patients with the Buschke-Ollendorf syndrome, representing 2 unrelated kindreds. Histologically, the lesions were characterized by excessive amounts of unusually broad, interlacing elastic fibers in the dermis. Digestion of skin secretions with pancreatic elastase completely removed these fibers. Electron microscopy of the dermis further revealed markedly branched elastic fibers without fragmentation. The accumulation of elastin in the skin was also demonstrated by measurements of desmosine employing a radioimmunoassay. The desmosine content of the skin lesions increased 3- to 7-fold when compared to the skin either from healthy controls or from uninvolved skin adjacent to a lesion. The results indicate that the skin lesions of the Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome are connective tissue nevi of the elastin type. Cell cultures from these patients may provide a convenient model to study the control mechanisms involved in elastin metabolism.

Multiple cutaneous fibromyxomas: a light and electron microscopic study

A 27-year-old woman developed many nodular lesions, ranging in diameter from 3 mm to 15 mm and clinically indistinguishable from dermatofibromas. Light microscopic examination showed large amounts of mucin, fibroblasts and histiocytes throughout the dermis. Electron microscopic study revealed wide electron lucent areas and long branching winding electron dense threads occupying the ground substance. While dilated cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum containing a finely granular material characterized the fibroblasts, banded structures, intracellular collagen and myelinoid figures were prominent in the histiocytes. The term fibromyxoma is introduced to designate this tumor.

Systemic hyalinosis or juvenile hyaline fibromatosis. Ultrastructural and biochemical study of cultured skin fibroblasts

Biochemical examinations of a hyalinized skin tumor of systemic hyalinosis (juvenile hyaline fibromatosis) revealed an increase in chrondroitin sulfate synthesis by skin fibroblasts with an enlarged, rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum as well as an increase in chondroitin sulfate content. Thse results indicate that systemic hyalinosis is a connective tissue disorder characterized by abnormal GAG synthesis of fibroblasts.

Scanning electron microscopy of dermatofibromas

The three-dimensional morphology of six dermatofibromas was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Hypertrophic epidermal ridges covered with large keratinized cells overlay each dermal lesion. Small collagenous fibers in the tumors contrasted with the bundles of much larger collagenous fibers in the normal dermis peripheral to the lesions.

Localization of bone-seeking agent within a desmoid tumor

This is a case report of a patient who had a desmoid tumor which localized 99mTc-diphosphonate. The mechanism for this localization was felt to be the affinity of the bone agent for the immature proliferating collagen in this tumor.

Gliofibroma. A peculiar neoplasia of collagen forming glia-like cells

A tumor of highly unusual composition was found in the lower medulla oblongata of a 3 year, 9 months old girl. Light microscopy of the lesion showed an intimate intermingling of astroglial processes with collagen fibers, both projecting congruent to the pattern of preexisting fiber tracts. Electronmicroscopy disclosed a mosaic formed by the intimate apposition of collagen bundles, of glial processes filled with glial fibrils, and of scattered myelinated fibers, all abutting upon each other, often without intervening basement membranes. This well differentiated mass within the medulla adjoined a dedifferentiated endophytic extension of the tumor into the fourth ventricle which had seeded into the cerebellar cortex and the cauda equina. The dedifferentiated portion of the neoplasm also displayed intimate apposition of collagenous and glial elements. The tumor was tentatively identified as a gliofibroma or a desmo-plastic glioma.

Nuclear Glycogenosis and Virus-Like Particles in Human Laryngeal Papilloma Cells

Ultrastructural investigation of human laryngeal papilloma cells revealed the presence of glycogen infiltration in the nuclei of the intermediate layer; virus-like particles were also observed in the nuclei of the superficial layer.

[Investigations on the accumulation of radio-bleomycin in gynaecological tumors (author's transl)]

The indication for treatment with Bleomycin in gynaecological tumors is as yet not well defined. At present Bleomycin is primarily used for advanced gynaecological malignancies. Results of our investigations show that the individual affinity of gynaecological tumors to Bleomycin is very variable. In subsequent investigations it should therefore be determined whether the accumulation of radio-Bleomycin and the sensitivity of a gynaecological malignant tumor to Bleomycin therapy show a positive correlation. The probable chances of success of a course of chemotherapy with Bleomycin could then be predicted.