Presence and distribution of carcinoembryonic antigen and lectin-binding sites in benign apocrine sweat gland tumours

The presence and distribution of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and lectin-binding sites in benign apocrine sweat gland tumours was investigated using immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent techniques respectively. CEA was present in apocrine hidrocystoma, hidradenoma papilliferum, and syringocystadenoma papilliferum. The distribution pattern of CEA was indistinguishable in each of the three types of tumour. The distribution of lectin-binding sites was similar in all cases of a given type of neoplasm, and the staining patterns were similar but not identical in hidradenoma papilliferum and syringocystadenoma papilliferum. However, the distribution of lectin-binding sites in apocrine hidrocystoma was different. These results could be useful in elucidating the nature of the cells of origin of benign apocrine sweat gland tumours and providing a basis for their classification.

Lectin-binding sites in Paget's disease

The presence and distribution of lectin-binding sites on neoplastic cells of Paget's disease was studied using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated peanut agglutinin (PNA), and FITC-conjugated wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA), and compared with such lectin-binding sites on keratinocytes, and cells of eccrine glands, apocrine glands, and mammary glands. Neoplastic cells of both mammary and extramammary Paget's disease showed cytoplasmic staining with both lectins. There were however fewer stained cells in mammary Paget's disease than in extramammary Paget's disease. The cytoplasmic staining of lectin-binding sites in cells of apocrine glands was in sharp contrast to the cell-surface staining seen on keratinocytes, or cells of eccrine glands or mammary glands. These results indicate that the lectin-binding sites of neoplastic cells of Paget's disease more closely resemble those of cells of apocrine glands than of keratinocytes, cells of eccrine glands or cells of mammary glands.

Regional cerebral blood volume and hematocrit measured in normal human volunteers by single-photon emission computed tomography

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used for the measurement of regional cerebral blood volume (CBV) and hematocrit (Hct) in normal healthy human volunteers (mean age 30 +/- 8 years). Regional cerebral red blood cell (RBC) volume and plasma volume were determined separately and their responses to carbon dioxide were investigated. Ten right-handed healthy volunteers were the subjects studied. SPECT scans were performed following intravenous injection of the RBC tracer (99mTc-labeled RBC) and plasma tracer (99mTc-labeled human serum albumin) with an interval of 48 h. Regional cerebral Hct was calculated as the regional ratio between RBC and plasma volumes and then was used for calculating CBV. Mean regional CBV in the resting state was 4.81 +/- 0.37 ml/100 g brain, significantly greater in the left hemisphere compared with the right by 3.8% (p less than 0.01). Mean regional RBC volumes (1.50 +/- 0.09 ml/100 g brain) were less than mean regional plasma volumes (3.34 +/- 0.28 ml/100 g brain), and mean regional cerebral Hcts were 31.3 +/- 1.8%, which was 75.9 +/- 2.1% of the large-vessel Hct. During 5% CO2 inhalation, increases in plasma volume (2.48 +/- 0.82%/mmHg PaCO2) were significantly greater than for RBC volume (1.46 +/- 0.48%/mmHg PaCO2). Consequently, the cerebral-to-large-vessel Hct ratio was reduced to 72.4 +/- 2.2%. Results emphasize the importance of cerebral Hct for the measurement of CBV and indicate that regional cerebral Hcts are not constant when shifted from one physiological state to another.

Ultrastructure of skin and hair of an Egyptian mummy. Transmission and scanning electron microscopic observations

The skin of a female Egyptian mummy, embalmed 100-300 A.D., was studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. After rehydration with cacodylate buffer containing sucrose, the ordinary technique for transmission electron microscopy was performed on skin of the right shoulder. In epidermal cells, mitochondria and their cristae were identified. Between epidermal cells, desmosomes, half the normal size, were found. In the dermis, collagen bundles and elastic fibres were observed. The collagen fibres had a diameter of 67-91 nm, and the band pattern showed 10-12 sub-bands per one period of 55-61 nm length. The elastic fibres had less amorphous substance than normal and a fibrillar beaded pattern. The dermal components of the skin were well preserved in spite of the mummification. Throughout the dermis and the subcutaneous fatty tissue, a number of bacterial spores were found showing a characteristic appearance. Scanning electron microscopy of hairs showed a layer of the preserving material surrounding hairs, and under it a normal cuticle was seen.

The ultrastructure of bacterial spores in skin of an Egyptian mummy

The ultrastructure of bacterial spores found in the skin of an Egyptian mummy was studied. The mummy was embalmed during year 100 to 300 of our era. The bacterial spores showed a characteristic appearance with a core, cortex, coat and exosporium. Their survival and species could not be established.

Size of desmosomes and hemidesmosomes in normal human epidermis

The dimensions of desmosomes and hemidesmosomes in normal human epidermis, i.e. their length and thickness, were studied in ordinary ultrathin sections. The length of desmosomes in the inner and middle squamous cell layer was 310 nm and 300 nm, while the thickness was 31 nm and 30 nm, respectively. In the outer squamous cell layer the values increased to 340 nm and 35 nm, respectively. The percentage total desmosomal length in relation to the perimeter of a cell showed the same tendency.