[Expression of blood group antigens A, B, H, Lewis a, Lewis b, in malignant lesions of the uterine cervix]

The fetal, normal adult, and malignant squamous epitheliums of the cervix were immunohistochemically examined by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method with monoclonal antibodies for blood group antigens (BGAs) A, B, H, Lewis a, and Lewis b. The results were as follows. 1) ABH antigen compatible with ABO status was found in most normal squamous epithelium of fetal and adult cervix. 2) Compatible ABH and A antigen were abolished in small cell nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinomas (SNKCs) and large cell nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinomas (LNKCs), respectively. But no remarkable change in ABH antigen expression was observed in other types of cervical lesions. 3) Precursor H antigen was accumulated in all types of malignant lesions. 4) Incompatible expression of A or B antigen was observed in some cases of LNKCs and keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas. 5) Lewis antigens were abolished to various degrees in malignant lesions of the cervix. The present study showed the change in BGAs expression during carcinogenesis of the cervix, but further investigation is needed to elucidate the interaction between these changes in BGAs and the biological behavior of cancer cells.

Thromboxane synthetase inhibition and pulmonary response to hypoxia in conscious adult sheep

This study investigated the effects of a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (OKY-046) and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (ketoprofen) on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in conscious adult sheep in order to evaluate the physiological role of thromboxane and other cyclooxygenase products. In addition, we studied the effects of histamine H1 (chlorpheniramine) and H2 antagonists (cimetidine) on hypoxic pulmonary vascular tone. Hypoxia caused a 37% rise in pulmonary arterial pressure (p less than 0.05) and a 36% increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (p less than 0.05). Pretreatment with intravenous OKY-046 10 mg/kg or ketoprofen 2 mg/kg had no effect on normoxic pulmonary vascular tone and inhibited the increase in plasma TXB2 concentration during hypoxia without affecting the pulmonary pressor response to hypoxia. Cimetidine produced an increase in hypoxic pulmonary vascular tone when individual members of the group were compared, but there was no statistically significant difference when the group was compared to the control study. Chlorpheniramine had no effect on hypoxic pulmonary tone. These data suggest that hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is not mediated by release of TXA2, that hypoxic vascular tone is not modulated by cyclooxygenase products, and that the histamine H2 receptor may play a modulating role in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in conscious adult sheep.

Role of barometric pressure in pulmonary fluid balance and oxygen transport

To examine the role of barometric pressure in high-altitude pulmonary edema, we randomly exposed five unanesthetized chronically instrumented sheep with lung lymph fistulas in a decompression chamber to each of three separate conditions: hypobaric hypoxia, normobaric hypoxia, and normoxic hypobaria. A combination of slow decompression and/or simultaneous adjustment of inspired PO2 provided three successive stages of simulated altitudes of 2,600, 4,600, and 6,600 m during which hemodynamics and lymph flow were monitored. Under both hypoxic conditions we noted significant and equivalent elevations in pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa), cardiac output, and heart rate, with left atrial and systemic pressures remaining fairly constant. Normoxic hypobaria was also accompanied by a smaller but significant rise in Ppa. Lymph flow increased to a highly significant maximum of 73% above base line, accompanied by a slight but significant decrease in lung lymph-to-plasma protein ratio, only under conditions of combined hypobaric hypoxia but not under equivalent degrees of alveolar hypoxia or hypobaria alone. Arterial hypoxemia was noted under all three conditions, with arterial PO2 being uniformly lower under hypobaric conditions than when identical amounts of inspired PO2 were delivered at normal atmospheric pressure. We therefore hypothesize that alveolar pressure significantly alters the Starling forces governing transcapillary fluid flux in the lung and may affect the alveolar-arterial gradient for O2 as well.

Expression of blood group antigens A, B, H, Lewis-a, and Lewis-b in fetal, normal, and malignant tissues of the uterine endometrium

Fetal, normal adult, and malignant tissues of the uterine endometrium were examined by immunoperoxidase staining for the blood group antigens (BGA) A, B, H, Lewis-a, and Lewis-b. Antigens A, B, and H compatible with the ABO status of fetuses were detected in 20 of the 22 fetal tissues that were examined. Lewis-b immunoreactivity was also found in 21 fetuses, and Lewis-a was present in a third of the cases. In adult endometrium the expression of BGA H and Lewis-b was considerably lower than in fetal tissues. Malignant endometrial glands extensively reexpressed H and Lewis-b regardless of ABO status. BGA A and B were neither absent nor accumulated in cancer tissues. Thus, H and Lewis-b can be considered as oncofetal antigens since they were frequently expressed in fetal and cancer tissues, but not in normal adult tissues. The increased expression of Lewis-a antigen might be associated with malignant transformation as it was observed only in malignant tissues. However, the functional significance of alterations in BGA expression that may be associated with oncogenesis remains to be investigated.

New human papillomavirus sequences in female genital tumors from Japanese patients

Tissues from 52 cervical carcinomas, 15 cervical intraepithelial neoplasias III (CINs III), and 3 vulvar carcinomas were examined for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) sequences by Southern blot hybridization with HPV 16 or 18 DNA as the probe. HPV 16 or 18 DNA was detected in only 17 cervical carcinomas (33%), 5 CINs III (33%), and 1 vulvar carcinoma (33%). These frequencies are lower than those reported by others. However, new, as yet unidentified, HPVs were also detected at rather high frequency under less stringent conditions of hybridization using HPV 16 and 18 DNAs as probes. These HPVs did not hybridize with HPV 6, 11, 16, or 18 under stringent conditions, and were different from two other known types of genital tumor-associated HPVs, HPV 31 and HPV 33, judging from the patterns of their restriction enzyme digests. The total frequencies of HPV sequences were 48% (25/52) for cervical carcinomas, 53% (8/15) for CINs III, and 67% (2/3) for vulvar carcinomas.

Effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and calcium channel blocker on normoxic and hypoxic pulmonary vascular tone in unanesthetized sheep

We evaluated the effects of captopril and nifedipine on normoxic and hypoxic pulmonary vascular tone in unanesthetized sheep. Infusion of captopril (10 micrograms/kg/min) in normoxia revealed a tendency to increase the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa) and the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) following the systemic vasodilation. A statistically significant increase was reached by 20 minutes. Hypoxia of 10% oxygen in nitrogen produced a prominent pulmonary hypertensive response. Captopril significantly decreased the hypoxic values of Ppa and PVR from 20.3 +/- 1.3 to 17.1 +/- 1.1 mmHg (p less than 0.01) and from 4.31 +/- 0.45 to 3.49 +/- 0.45 mmHg/L/min (p less than 0.01), respectively. Infusion of nifedipine (10 micrograms/kg/min) in normoxia caused an increase in Ppa from 15.5 +/- 0.9 to 18.9 +/- 1.0 mmHg (p less than 0.01), but not in PVR. This elevation in Ppa was considered to be derived from the significant increase in the cardiac output. Nifedipine significantly decreased the hypoxic values of Ppa and PVR from 21.3 +/- 1.5 to 19.3 +/- 1.5 mmHg (p less than 0.05) and from 3.88 +/- 0.30 to 27.3 +/- 0.13 mmHg/L/min (p less than 0.01), respectively. Captopril and nifedipine produced systemic hypotensive responses during both normoxic and hypoxic ventilation. It is concluded that both captopril and nifedipine are potent pulmonary vasodilating drugs in animal subjects with a hypoxic condition and that they might be useful in the clinical vasodilator therapy of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in man.

Detection of chromogranin in argyrophil cells of endometrial carcinoma

Normal and neoplastic endometrial tissues were examined immunohistochemically for chromogranin which was shown to be a specific marker for neuroendocrine cells. All 20 normal endometriums and 20 endometrial carcinomas without argyrophilia were chromogranin negative. Endometrial carcinomas with argyrophilia tested were composed of three groups; 10 with type I argyrophil cells, 20 with type II argyrophil cells, and 10 with both type I and II argyrophil cells. Type I argyrophil cells of 20 endometrial carcinomas were all chromogranin positive. Chromogranin immunoreactivity was also intimately correlated with the Grimelius reactivity in type II argyrophil cells of 19 endometrial carcinomas, 13 with only type II argyrophil cells and 6 with mixed type of argyrophil cells. Chromogranin was absent in type II argyrophil cells of 11 endometrial carcinomas, 7 with type II argyrophil cells and 4 with mixed type of argyrophil cells. Chromogranin negativity was related to the disappearance of argyrophilia after diastase digestion in 5 of these 11 tumors, and also partly to mucinous substances in the remaining 6 tumors. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that some of type II argyrophil cells are neuroendocrine in nature as well as type I argyrophil cells.

Class-specific regulation of anti-DNA antibody synthesis and the age-associated changes in (NZB x NZW)F1 hybrid mice

Investigations of regulatory helper and suppressor T cells in the in vitro anti-DNA antibody synthesis in NZB x NZW (B/W) F1 hybrid mice were initiated by the development of an in vitro system in which G10-passed B cells from B/W F1 mice were cocultured with mitomycin C-treated T cells in the presence of Con A and either in the presence or in the absence of LPS. It was revealed that each IgG and IgM anti-DNA antibody synthesis was under the regulation of separate L3T4+ helper and Ly-2+ suppressor T cells. The function of these class-specific regulatory T cells was age-dependent. Although the helper effect of L3T4+ T cells on IgG antibody synthesis increased, the effect of L3T4+ T cells on IgM antibody production decreased in B/W F1 mice with aging. The IgG anti-DNA antibody production in the cocultures of L3T4+ T cells and B cells was suppressed by addition of Ly-2+ T cells from young but not aged B/W F1 mice, whereas the production of IgM anti-DNA antibodies was suppressed by Ly-2+ T cells from aged but not young B/W F1 mice. We also found that although IgM anti-DNA antibody-producing B cells were already present in 2-mo-old mice, B cells producing IgG antibodies under the influence of L3T4+ T cells appeared in mice at 7 mo of age. These data clearly indicate that separate class-specific regulatory T cells are involved in the production of IgM and IgG anti-DNA antibodies and that the total serum level of the antibodies is reflected by both their age-associated changes and the generation of antibody-forming B cells in B/W F1 mice.

Class-specific regulation of anti-DNA antibody synthesis and the age-associated changes in (NZB x NZW)F1 hybrid mice

Investigations of regulatory helper and suppressor T cells in the in vitro anti-DNA antibody synthesis in NZB x NZW (B/W) F1 hybrid mice were initiated by the development of an in vitro system in which G10-passed B cells from B/W F1 mice were cocultured with mitomycin C-treated T cells in the presence of Con A and either in the presence or in the absence of LPS. It was revealed that each IgG and IgM anti-DNA antibody synthesis was under the regulation of separate L3T4+ helper and Ly-2+ suppressor T cells. The function of these class-specific regulatory T cells was age-dependent. Although the helper effect of L3T4+ T cells on IgG antibody synthesis increased, the effect of L3T4+ T cells on IgM antibody production decreased in B/W F1 mice with aging. The IgG anti-DNA antibody production in the cocultures of L3T4+ T cells and B cells was suppressed by addition of Ly-2+ T cells from young but not aged B/W F1 mice, whereas the production of IgM anti-DNA antibodies was suppressed by Ly-2+ T cells from aged but not young B/W F1 mice. We also found that although IgM anti-DNA antibody-producing B cells were already present in 2-mo-old mice, B cells producing IgG antibodies under the influence of L3T4+ T cells appeared in mice at 7 mo of age. These data clearly indicate that separate class-specific regulatory T cells are involved in the production of IgM and IgG anti-DNA antibodies and that the total serum level of the antibodies is reflected by both their age-associated changes and the generation of antibody-forming B cells in B/W F1 mice.

Unique cell surface phenotypes of proliferating lymphocytes in mice homozygous for lpr and gld mutations, defined by monoclonal antibodies to MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr T cells

In mice bearing the autosomal recessive gene of either lpr or gld, generalized T-cell proliferation and autoimmunity occurs. The surface antigen profiles of these proliferating cells were analyzed using two-color flow cytometry analysis with two newly established rat monoclonal antibodies (ALP-1, ALP-2) directed to lpr cells. The Lp-1 antigen, defined by ALP-1, is expressed exclusively on approximately one-half of proliferating lpr and gld lymph node cells. The Lp-2 antigen, like B 220, is expressed on 80-90% of lpr and gld lymph node cells, the cells in B-cell lineage and a small population of Ly-2+ T cells from normal mice. Thus, the lpr and gld lymph node cells were classified into three subsets, Lp-1+/Lp-2+, Lp-1-/Lp-2+ and Lp-1-/Lp-2-. After stimulation with Con A or a combination of IL-2 and phorbol ester, a small population of T cells from normal mice became Lp-1+. The same treatment increased Lp-2+/Ly-2+ and induced Lp-2+/L3T4+ T-cell populations. Therefore, it seems likely that these phenotypically unique T cells are generated at some stage during the proliferation and differentiation of certain normal T-cell subpopulations. The aberrant T cells in mice with lpr and gld mutations may even be normal regulatory T cells, if they are not proliferating abnormally.

Requirement of H-2 heterozygosity for autoimmunity in (NZB X NZW)F1 hybrid mice

In the F1 hybrid of autoimmune New Zealand Black (NZB) and phenotypically normal New Zealand White (NZW) mice, there occurs a severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like autoimmune disease more fulminant than that found in the parental NZB mice. To determine the role of the H-2 complex in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease of the (NZB X NZW)F1 hybrid, we developed H-2-congenic NZB (NZB.H-2z) and NZW (NZW.H-2d) strains, and compared the degree of autoimmune features between congenic H-2d/H-2d and H-2z/H-2z homozygous F1 hybrids and the original H-2d/H-2z heterozygous (NZB X NZW)F1 hybrid. We found that autoimmune features such as productions of IgG class anti-DNA antibodies and retroviral gp70 immune complexes and the development of renal disease were to a great extent reduced in both H-2 homozygous F1 hybrids, as compared with the H-2 heterozygous (NZB X NZW)F1 hybrid. It would thus appear that the heterozygosity of H-2d haplotype derived from NZB and H-2z from NZW is essential for the autoimmune disease characteristic of the (NZB X NZW)F1 hybrid.

Hyperamylasemia associated with endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary: case report and immunohistochemical study

Hyperamylasemia was noted in a patient with a stage I well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary. Serum levels of amylase decreased rapidly after removal of the ovarian tumor. Immunohistochemical study revealed intracytoplasmic localization of amylase in many tumor cells. Although it was strongly suspected that the tumor cells had produced amylase in the present patient, further studies are required to be sure that amylase can be considered an important tumor marker for the endometrioid type of ovarian tumors.

Clinical significance of argyrophilia in endometrial carcinomas

The clinical significance of argyrophilia in endometrial carcinomas was studied in 187 patients with the endometrioid form of adenocarcinoma. Argyrophil cells were tentatively subgrouped into two types: type I cells resembling the enterochromaffin cells and type II cells loaded with argyrophil granules in the apical portion or throughout the cytoplasm. The patients with endometrial carcinoma containing argyrophil cells were associated more frequently with hypertension and diabetes mellitus than those with usual endometrial carcinoma. In grade 1 carcinomas, argyrophilia was parallel with the frequency of metastases to lymph nodes and with the degree of myometrial invasions. Also, a life table showed a worse survival rate in grade 1 carcinomas with argyrophilia, especially of type I, than in those without it. Although argyrophilia was considered to be at least one of the minor prognostic factors, further clinicopathologic studies are needed in relation to a more proper subtyping of argyrophil cells.

[Immunohistological demonstration of peptide hormones and serotonin in ovarian mucinous and endometrioid tumors with argyrophil cells]

The localization of peptide hormones and serotonin in ovarian mucinous and endometrioid tumors with argyrophil cells was examined by immunohistochemistry. All of the 15 mucinous tumors had argyrophil cells which resemble the enterochromaffin cells seen in the gastrointestinal tract, and peptide hormones such as gastrin and somatostatin were found in 3 of 5 benign, in 3 of 5 borderline, and in all of 5 malignant tumors. Serotonin was found in 4 benign, 3 borderline and 2 malignant tumors. Of 19 endometrioid adenocarcinomas, type I argyrophil cells which resemble enterochromaffin cells were found in 4 tumors, type II argyrophil cells which contain argyrophil granules mainly in the apical portion or throughout the whole cytoplasm were found in 14, and mixed type cells were found in one. Somatostatin-positive cells were found only in type I cells of a tumor with mixed type argyrophil cells. Serotonin-positive cells were found in 3 tumors containing type I cells. The results obtained were discussed in the comparison with those of cervical and endometrial adenocarcinomas of the uterus. In conclusion, the present study suggests that type I or similar argyrophil cells in ovarian tumors may have endocrine activity.

[The production and reactivity of the monoclonal antibody (MCA-97) to endometrial adenocarcinoma]

Spleen cells from BALB/c mouse immunized with the human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line (ISHIKAWA) were fused with mouse myeloma cell line (NS-1) in the presence of polyethylene glycol (Mr 1000). One monoclonal antibody, MCA-97 (IgM subclass), which showed reactivity with the ISHIKAWA-cell line, was obtained by a limiting dilution technique. In a cellular enzyme-linked immunospecific assay, the MCA-97 antibody reacted with all of 7 adenocarcinoma cell lines tested. In immunoperoxidase testing of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections, the MCA-97 antibody reacted with most endometrial adenocarcinomas and endometrioid adenocarcinomas of the ovary, but did not react with squamous cell carcinomas or ovarian serous adenocarcinomas. In addition, it reacted with the glandular epithelium of normal tissues, such as proliferative endometrium, fallopian tube, uterine cervix and gastrointestinal tract. The reversed passive hemagglutination method demonstrated the antigen defined by MCA-97 in the sera of 5 out of 11 patients with endometrial carcinomas, and 3 out of 4 of those with ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinomas. It was not demonstrable in sera of most normal female volunteers, or any patients with cervical squamous cell carcinomas or ovarian serous adenocarcinomas. Thus, MCA-97 is of potential clinical application in diagnostic serology and pathology.

[A case of amylase-producing ovarian tumor]

A 51-year-old woman with ovarian carcinoma with hyperamylasemia is reported. She was admitted to Osaka General (JNR) Hospital in July 1982. A cystic tumor was palpated in the pelvis. Serum amylase, mainly the salivary type, in electrophoresis, had increased to 1583 Smith-Roe units/dL, while the pancreas was normal on ultrasonography and CT. Chemotherapy (MFC) was performed, and laparotomy revealed bilateral ovarian tumors. Histologically, they were serous cystadenocarcinoma. Serum and urinary amylase values dropped to the normal range after chemotherapy and surgery, and varied directly with the clinical course. Immunohistochemically, amylase was demonstrated in the tumor tissue by the PAP method. In conclusion, amylase was a useful marker in the diagnosis and follow-up of the present patient.

Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary with Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor components (gynandroblastoma)

A rare granulosa cell tumor with Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor components (gynandroblastoma) arising in the left ovary was reported in a 63-year-old female. Microscopically, the tumor was composed predominantly of granulosa cells arranged mainly in a diffuse solid pattern, but in some areas there were a trabecular pattern and thecofibromatous stromal components. Also, well-differentiated Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor elements were present as a minor component. The tumor produced, endocrinologically, a large amount of estradiol, some androstenedione and a small amount of testosterone. The possibility that estradiol in the present tumor was produced predominantly from androstenedione via estrone was suggested by the results of an in vitro biosynthetic study.