The levels of expression of galectin-3, but not of galectin-1 and galectin-8, correlate with apoptosis in human cholesteatomas

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether galectins 1, 3, and 8 are expressed in human cholesteatomas and whether any such expression does correlate with the level of apoptosis, which is, as we have previously shown, predictive of recurrence.7

STUDY DESIGN

The analysis of 52 cholesteatomas resected by the same surgeon by means of canal wall up and canal wall down procedures.

METHODS

The immunohistochemical levels of expression of galectins 1, 3, and 8 were quantitatively determined (using computer-assisted microscopy) on conventional histological slides by means of specific anti-galectin-1, anti-galectin-3, and anti-galectin-8 antibodies. The level of apoptosis in each cholesteatoma under study had already been determined 7 by means of the in situ labeling of nuclear DNA fragmentation (Tolt-mediated dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL] staining).

RESULTS

Galectin-1 was expressed markedly in both the epithelial and the connective tissue areas of all the cholesteatomas under study. The levels of expression of galectin-3 and galectin-8 were considerably lower than that of galectin-1. The level of expression of galectin-3 correlated both highly and positively with the level of apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

An upregulation of galectin-3 (known to have an antiapoptotic and antianoikis effect in certain model systems) expression, which is associated with pronounced apoptotic activity, could have a physiologically protective effect against the characteristically substantial apoptotic features occurring in recurrent cholesteatomas.

Evidence for stimulation of tumor proliferation in cell lines and histotypic cultures by clinically relevant low doses of the galactoside-binding mistletoe lectin, a component of proprietary extracts

The toxic galactoside-specific lectin from mistletoe, a component of proprietary extracts with unproven efficacy in oncology, exhibits capacity to trigger enhanced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines at low doses (ng/ml or ng/kg body weight) and reductions of cell viability with increasing concentrations. To infer any tumor selectivity of this activity, cytofluorimetric and cell growth assays with a variety of established human tumor cell lines were performed. Only quantitative changes were apparent, and the toxicity against tumor cells was within the range of that of the tested fibroblast preparations from 5 donors. No indication for any tumor selectivity was observed. In kinetic studies with 8 sarcoma and 4 melanoma lines, this evidence for quantitative variability of the response in interindividual comparison was further underscored. At 50 pg lectin/ml x 10(5) cells, even a growth-stimulatory impact was noted in 5 of 12 tested cases. To mimic in vivo conditions with presence of cytokine-secreting inflammatory and stromal cells, exposure to the lectin was extended to histotypic cultures established from 30 cases of surgically removed tumor. As salient result, 5 specimens from 4 of the 8 tested tumor classes responded with a significant increase of [3H]-thymidine incorporation relative to controls during the culture period of 72 hours, when the lectin was present at a concentration in the described immunomodulatory range (1 ng/ml). A relation of this activity to the extent of the actual proliferative status of the reactive samples could not be delineated. Therefore, a non-negligible percentage of the established tumor cell lines (e.g., 3 from 8 sarcoma lines) can be markedly stimulated by the lectin at a very low dose and with dependence on the cell type. Furthermore, the feasibility to elicit a significant growth enhancement is likewise documented for human tumor explants in 16.6% of the examined cases. In view of the uncontrolled application of lectin-containing extracts in alternative/complementary medicine, the presented results on unquestionably adverse lectin-dependent effects in two culture systems call for rigorous examination of the clinical safety of this unconventional, scientifically entirely experimental treatment modality.

Acute rejection in the absence of cognate recognition of allograft by T cells

We studied the effects of the indirect pathway of allograft recognition using T cells from TCR transgenic Marilyn mice, which recognize the male Ag H-Y in an I-A(b)-restricted fashion. The T cells are not alloreactive to the H-2(k) haplotype, because they are not activated when adoptively transferred into recombinase-activating gene-2(-/-) common gamma-chain(-/-) double-mutant H-2(k) male or female mice. However, skin from H-2(k) males, but not from H-2(k) females, is acutely rejected by recombinase-activating gene-2(-/-) transgenic female recipients. In vitro, Marylin spleen cells primed by H-2(k) skin grafting proliferated and secreted both IL-4 and IFN-gamma in response to H-2(k) male stimulators. However, the removal of H-2(b) APC from the responding population abolished the response. Taken together, these results show that the indirect recognition that triggers rejection in this model is due to the recognition of H-Y Ag shed from H-2(k) male allograft and presented by the recipient's own I-A(b) APC to transgenic T cells. This study demonstrates unequivocally the capacity of naive CD4(+) T cells to promote the rejection of allografts through mechanisms that involve indirect destruction of grafted tissues.

S100A2, a putative tumor suppressor gene, regulates in vitro squamous cell carcinoma migration

It has been previously shown that S100A2 is down-regulated in tumor cells and can be considered a tumor suppressor. We have recently shown that this down-regulation can be observed particularly in epithelial tissue, where S100A2 expression decreases remarkably in tumors as compared with normal specimens. In the present paper we investigate whether S100A2 could play a tumor-suppressor role in certain epithelial tissues by acting at the cell migration level. To this end, we made use of five in vitro human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma lines in which we characterized S100A2 expression at both RNA and protein level. To characterize the influence of S100A2 on cell kinetic and cell motility features, we used two complementary approaches involving specific antisense oligonucleotides and the addition of S100A2 to the culture media. The different expression analyses gave a coherent demonstration of the fact that the FADU and the RPMI-2650 cell lines exhibit high and low levels of S100A2 expression, respectively. Antisense oligonucleotides (in FADU) and extracellular treatments (in RPMI) showed that, for these two models, S100A2 had a clear inhibitory influence on cell motility while modifying the cell kinetic parameters only slightly. These effects seem to be related, at least in part, to a modification in the polymerization/depolymerization dynamics of the actin microfilamentary cytoskeleton. Furthermore, we found evidence of the presence of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in RPMI cells, which may act as a receptor for extracellular S100A2. The present study therefore presents experimentally based evidence showing that S100A2 could play a tumor-suppressor role in certain epithelial tissues by restraining cell migration features, at least in the case of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Galectin-1 is highly expressed in human gliomas with relevance for modulation of invasion of tumor astrocytes into the brain parenchyma

Protein (lectin)-carbohydrate interaction is supposed to be relevant for tumor cell behavior. The aims of the present work are to investigate whether galectin-1 modulates migration/invasion features in human gliomas in vitro, whether it can be detected in human gliomas immunohistochemically, and whether its expression is attributable to certain glioma subgroups with respect to invasion and prognosis. For this purpose, we quantitatively determined (by computer-assisted microscopy) the immunohistochemical expression of galectin-1 in 220 gliomas, including 151 astrocytic, 38 oligodendroglial, and 31 ependymal tumors obtained from surgical resection. We also xenografted three human glioblastoma cell lines (the H4, U87, and U373 models) into the brains of nude mice in order to characterize the in vivo galectin-1 expression pattern in relation to tumor invasion of the normal brain parenchyma. In addition, we characterized the role in vitro of galectin-1 in U373 tumor astrocyte migration and kinetics. Our data reveal expression of galectin-1 in all human glioma types with no striking differences between astrocytic, oligodendroglial, and ependymal tumors. The level of galectin-1 expression correlated with the grade in the group of astrocytic tumors only. Furthermore, immunopositivity of high-grade astrocytic tumors from patients with short-term survival periods was stronger than that of tumors from patients with long-term survivals. In human glioblastoma xenografts, galectin-1 was preferentially expressed in the more invasive parts of these xenografts. In vitro experiments revealed that galectin-1 stimulates migration of U373 astrocytes.

Immunolocalization of the calcium binding S100A1, S100A5 and S100A6 proteins in the dog cochlea during postnatal development

The immunolocalization of three members of the S100 calcium-binding protein family was investigated in the dog cochlea during normal postnatal development. Sections of decalcified and paraffin-embedded cochleae from 16 beagle puppies aged from birth to 3 months were treated with polyclonal antisera raised against the human recombinant S100A1, S100A5, and S100A6 proteins. At birth, in the dog cochlea, S100A1 was expressed in the immature Deiter's cells, and slightly in the pillar cells. From the second week, S100A1 was detected in the supporting structures of the organ of Corti, i.e. the Deiter's, the pillar, the border, and the Hensen's cells, and in the reticular membrane. From birth onwards, S100A5 remained a neuronal-specific protein, only located in a subpopulation of neurons in the spiral ganglion. S100A6 was not expressed at birth. From the second week of life, the Schwann cells and nerve sheaths in the modiolus, in the spiral ganglion, and running in the direction of the organ of Corti exhibited S100A6-labeling. From the 12th postnatal day, some scattered intermediate cells started to express S100A6 protein in the stria vascularis. The number of labeled intermediate cells increased during the third week. At adult stage, the intermediate cells were S100A6-stained with cytoplasmic labeling throughout the stria vascularis from the base to the apex of the cochlea. None of the other cochlear structures expressed the S100 proteins under study during the postnatal development of the dog cochlea. The S100A1, S100A5, S100A6 immunostaining was limited to specific cell types in dog cochlea. These S100 proteins were useful markers in the study of supporting cells, neurons, nerve fibers sheaths and stria vascularis (S100A6) during the normal postnatal development of the dog cochlea.

Abnormal distribution of aquaporin-5 water channel protein in salivary glands from Sjögren's syndrome patients

Patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) suffer from deficient secretion of saliva due to an autoimmune destruction of salivary glands, however, glandular dysfunction also occurs without destruction. Based upon its abnormal distribution in SS salivary glands, a potential role for the water channel protein aquaporin-5 (AQP5) is proposed in the pathogenesis of SS. The immunohistochemical distribution of AQP5 was compared in minor salivary gland biopsies obtained from women after informed consent: primary SS (53.2 +/- 14 years old, n = 10), healthy volunteers (46.2 +/- 17 years old, n = 10), patients with sarcoidosis (37 and 48 years old), and patients with non-specific sialoadenitis (54 and 61 years old). Biopsies from normal subjects revealed AQP5 primarily at the apical membrane of the salivary gland acinus. In contrast, biopsies from SS patients revealed AQP5 primarily at the basal membranes of the acinus. The AQP5 distribution in biopsies from patients with other dry mouth disorders, such as non-specific sialoadenitis or sarcoidosis, was similar to biopsies from control subjects. Computer-assisted microscopy was performed to quantitatively evaluate AQP5 distribution in the immunoreactive acini of both SS and control subjects. Biopsies from SS patients had higher labeling indices (percentage of acinus area immunoreactive for AQP5) at the basal membrane when compared with biopsies from control subjects. In contrast, biopsies of SS patients exhibited lower labeling indices at the apical membrane when compared with biopsies from control subjects. To verify the specificity of the AQP5 antibody, Western blot analysis was performed on membranes from Xenopus oocytes injected with AQP5 cRNA or on membranes from minor salivary glands of control subjects and SS patients. In each case, the immunoblots had a 27 kd band, corresponding to the expected molecular weight of AQP5. Abnormal distribution of AQP5 in salivary gland acini is likely to contribute to the deficiency of fluid secretion, which is a defining feature of Sjögren's syndrome.

Reduced epithelial expression of secretory component in small airways correlates with airflow obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The epithelial polymeric immunoglobulin receptor/transmembrane secretory component (pIgR/SC) transports into secretions polymeric immunoglobulin A (pIgA), which is considered the first line of defense of the respiratory tract. The present study, done with quantitative immunohistochemistry, evaluated epithelial expression of secretory component (SC) and Clara cell protein (CC16) and neutrophil infiltration into the airways of eight patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were undergoing lung transplantation, as compared with these processes in six nonsmoking patients with pulmonary hypertension who were used as controls and in lung specimens from five smokers without chronic bronchitis. Staining for SC was significantly decreased in the COPD patients as compared with the controls, both in large (mean optical density [MOD]: 23.4 [range: 21.1 to 27.8] versus 42.2 [range: 28.2 to 49.3], p = 0.003) and in small airways (MOD: 30.8 [range: 20.3 to 39.4] versus 41.5 [range: 39.2 to 46.2], p = 0.003). SC expression in small airways correlated strongly with functional parameters such as FEV1 (Kendall's tau (K) = 0.76, p = 0.008), FVC (K = 0.64, p = 0.03), and midexpiratory flow at 50% of VC (MEF50) (K = 0.74, p = 0.01). The reduced expression of SC in large airways correlated with neutrophil infiltration in submucosal glands (K = -0.47, p = 0.03). Expression of CC16 in the bronchial epithelium of COPD patients was also significantly decreased as compared with that of controls, especially in small airways (MOD: 28.3 [range: 26.8 to 32.4] versus 45.8 [range: 40.7 to 56.0], p = 0.002), but no correlation was observed with lung function tests. In conclusion, this study shows that reduced expression of SC in airway epithelium is associated with airflow obstruction and neutrophil infiltration in severe COPD.

Leptin inhibits cortisol and corticosterone secretion in pathologic human adrenocortical cells

Regulation of adrenal corticosteroid secretion by leptin may involve interactions at multiple levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. To investigate the possible direct effects of leptin on corticosteroid secretion of human adrenocortical adenomas, cells from adrenocortical adenomas causing primary aldosteronism (n = 1) and Cushing's syndrome (n = 1), as well as cells from nonhyperfunctioning adrenocortical adenomas (n = 5) were isolated and incubated for 2 h with human recombinant leptin (1-1000 ng/ml) in the presence and absence of adrenocorticotrop hormone (ACTH), then cortisol, corticosterone and aldosterone concentrations in incubating media were determined using radioimmunoassays. It was found that leptin effectively and dose-dependently inhibited basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol and corticosterone secretion in the three types of human adrenocortical adenoma cells. The inhibiting effect of basal corticosterone secretion was detectable in the presence of leptin concentration as low as 1 ng/ml, with decreases of corticosterone secretion to 34+/-4%, 57+/-11% and 79+/-9% in Cushing's syndrome, primary aldosteronism, and nonhyperfunctioning adrenocortical adenoma cells, respectively. The inhibition of basal cortisol secretion in the presence of low concentration of leptin was less prominent, but 10 ng/ml leptin significantly diminished basal cortisol secretion to 81+/-9% in adrenocortical adenoma cells from Cushing's syndrome, to 68+/-6% in adenoma cells from primary aldosteronism, and to 83+/-8% in cells from nonhyperfunctioning adenomas. The inhibition of ACTH-stimulated cortisol and corticosterone secretion by leptin was similar to those found in cells without ACTH stimulation. By contrast, leptin even at 1000 ng/ml concentration exerted no clear effect on basal and ACTH-stimulated aldosterone secretion in cells from primary aldosteronism and in those nonhyperfunctioning adenoma cells in which aldosterone secretion was detectable. These results indicate that leptin is a potent inhibitor of cortisol and corticosterone secretion in human adenomatous adrenocortical cells. The inhibition of these corticosteroids by leptin may represent a potentially important interaction that exists between leptin and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Distinct differences in binding capacity to saccharide epitopes in supratentorial pilocytic astrocytomas, astrocytomas, anaplastic astrocytomas, and glioblastomas

We monitored the expression of glycan-binding sites on a panel of 10 biotinylated neoglycoconjugates by means of quantitative computer-assisted microscopy to further study the molecular mechanisms in the extensive infiltration of the surrounding brain parenchyma by most astrocytic tumors. Three distinct histological compartments were analyzed for each of the 108 astrocytic tumors (15 pilocytic astrocytomas (WHO grade I), 25 astrocytomas (WHO grade II), 30 anaplastic astrocytomas (WHO grade III), and 38 glioblastomas (WHO grade IV) included in our series. These compartments were tumors (nonperivascular tumor astrocytes), perivascular tumor astrocytes, and blood vessel walls. Clear differences were observed between the pilocytic and the diffuse astrocytic tumors. Furthermore, malignant progression in the latter category was paralleled by a decrease in cells' ability to bind distinct sugar epitopes, especially the D-GalNAc(alpha1-3)-D-GalNAc-beta1-R determinant of the Forssman pentasaccharide in tumors, the alpha-L-fucose in perivascular tumor areas, and the beta-D-glucose in tumor vessel walls. Markedly, the level of binding site expression for alpha-D-mannose decreased in the tumors, the perivascular tumor areas, and the vessel walls. These glycohistochemical results imply the functional relevance of protein-carbohydrate interactions in this tumor system.

S100A6, a calcium- and zinc-binding protein, is overexpressed in SOD1 mutant mice, a model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by selective degeneration of motoneurones. Familial ALS is an age-dependent autosomal dominant disorder in which mutations in the homodimeric enzyme Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is linked to the disease. An animal model for this disease is a transgenic mouse expressing the mutated human SOD1(G93A) gene. Recent electrophysiological data emphasised that the striking selective vulnerability of motoneurones might be due to their differential calcium buffering capacities. Therefore we have investigated, using immunohistochemistry, the expression of different calcium binding proteins in brainstem and spinal cord from normal and SOD1 mutated mice. Among the 13 calcium-binding proteins screened, only one, S100A6, a homodimeric calcium-binding protein able to bind four Zn(2+), appeared to be highly expressed in the SOD1 mutated mice. In brainstem, reactive astrocytes, but not motoneurones, from several regions, including nerve 12 root, were highly S100A6-positive. Hypoglossal nucleus was negative for S100A6. In dorsal root, reactive astrocytes from both white matter and anterior horn were highly reactive. If overexpression of S100A6 is specific for ALS, it will be a valuable diagnostic marker for this disease.

Identification by quantitative chromatin pattern analysis of patients at risk for recurrence of superficial transitional bladder carcinoma

PURPOSE

Based on the actual clinical outcomes of 132 fully documented patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, we characterize the risk of recurrence and/or progression by computer assisted image microscopy applied to Feulgen stained nuclei.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Each tumor was characterized by the conventional grading and staging systems as well as by cytometry generated variables describing nuclear DNA content, nuclear morphometry and chromatin patterns. These data were submitted to discriminant analysis to establish a model distinguishing between 2 groups of patients. Group 1 included cases with remission for more than 60 months and group 2 cases presented with recurrence with or without progression within 12 months of transurethral bladder resection. This latter model was then validated by Kaplan-Meyer analysis of the full data set.

RESULTS

As evidenced by Kaplan-Meier analysis, the discriminant factor generated by discriminant analysis of cytometry generated variables provided a cutoff value for distinguishing between low and high risks of recurrence (p <0.00001). In contrast, conventional grading and staging systems were not able to make such efficient distinction.

CONCLUSIONS

These 2 groups can be used as references with which new cases can be compared to prognosticate disease behavior independently of histopathological grading and/or clinical staging.

Prolactin up-regulates cathepsin B and D expression in minor salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Various proteases are expressed in the minor salivary glands (MSG) of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and as we have already shown, prolactin is neosynthesized in the acinar cells of patients with SS. The present study aims to characterize the influence of PRL on the expression of cathepsin B and D in the MSG of patients with SS. Cathepsin B and D expression was investigated immunohistochemically in MSG of 30 patients with SS and 15 healthy volunteers. The presence of cathepsin B and D mRNAs was checked in three SS patients and three control subjects by means of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The specificity of the anti-cathepsin B and D antibodies used for the immunohistochemistry was checked by means of western blotting analysis. The influence of prolactin on the immunohistochemical expression of cathepsin B and D was quantitatively assayed by computer-assisted microscopy at three different doses (5, 50, and 500 ng/ml) on eight MSGs (four control subjects and four patients with SS) maintained ex vivo under organotypic cultures. This influence was also investigated at the mRNA level. Whereas cathepsin B immunopositivity was absent from glandular epithelial cells of healthy subjects and only slightly present in SS patients, cathepsin D immunoreactivity was considerably greater (p < 0.0001) in both the acini and the ducts of patients with SS as compared with control subjects. Cathepsin B, but not D, was also expressed in about 20% of infiltrating mononuclear cells of SS patients. Treatment of both healthy and SS minor salivary glands with PRL significantly (p < 0.05 top < 0.0001) enhanced cathepsin B and D expression in acinar and ductal cells at both protein and mRNA levels. PRL produced locally in MSGs of SS patients, but not those of healthy subjects, could play a role in the pathogenesis of Sjogren's syndrome, if only through the activation of proteolytic activity on the part of cathepsins B and D.

Applications of lectins and neoglycoconjugates in histology and pathology

The biological importance of oligosaccharide sequences in many different settings is undeniable. Glycan histochemistry has brought together the histological and biochemical approaches and provided insight into the mutual importance of both approaches. The aim of the authors is to take a look at a number of ways in which modern glycohistochemistry contributes to acquiring knowledge about the key role played by carbohydrates in the physiology of vertebrate tissues and human disease. The versatility of lectin and neoglycoconjugate histochemical procedures is emphasized.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterizations of the antitumor properties of two new olivacine derivatives, S16020-2 and S30972-1

S16020-2, a new olivacine derivative and a topoisomerase II inhibitor, has recently entered clinical trials. New analogues and derivatives have been synthesized from the S16020-2 compound. Preliminary data indicate that S30972-1, one of these S16020-2 derivatives, may exhibit a comparatively higher level of antitumor potency associated with an improved therapeutic index than does S16020-2. The antitumor activities of S16020-2 and S30972-1 were therefore characterized both in vitro and in vivo, with Adriamycin and etoposide chosen as reference compounds. The in vitro data show that S30972-1 is a topoisomerase II inhibitor, mediating its activity through an ATP-dependent mechanism such as S16020-2. The two olivacine derivatives exhibited similar activities in vitro at the levels of the global growth of six human cancer cell lines, of the induction of apoptosis, and of the G2 cell cycle phase arrest. The in vivo antitumor activity characterization included the use of two murine leukemia types (P388-LEU and L1210-LEU), two murine lymphoma-like models (P388-LYM and L1210-LYM), two mammary adenocarcinomas (MXT-HI and MXT-HS), and one melanoma (B16). The data show that S30972-1 is actually more efficient in vivo than S16020-2, a feature that may relate to the fact that S30972-1 is less toxic than S16020-2. The S30972-1 compound exhibited in vivo a level of antitumor activity that was also actually higher than that exhibited by Adriamycin and similar to that exhibited by etoposide.

Labeled neoglycoproteins and human lectins as diagnostic and potential functional markers in salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The profile of glycans and their recognition by endogenous receptors (lectins) are increasingly attributed to disease process. Monitoring this can provide information on the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Commonly, plant lectins are employed for phenomenological glycan mapping. To go beyond this approach restricted to binding of exogenous probes, new markers measure ligand properties of glycans to human (not plant) lectins and the presence of sugar receptors completing a protein-carbohydrate recognition system. Carrier-immobilized sugar epitopes (neoglycoproteins) and purified human lectins establish this innovative panel.

METHODS

The host defence molecules mannan binding lectin, serum amyloid P component, and the macrophage migration inhibitory factor-binding sarcolectin, selected for their involvement in cell destructive mechanisms, were purified and labeled. The plant lectins SNA and MAA were employed to monitor regulation of potential ligand sites for I-type lectins and galectins. Asialofetuin was tested as a "pan-galectin selective" probe. The specific binding characteristics were determined by quantitative morphometry and statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Diagnostic information emerged from this analysis. The percentage of stained tissue area was significantly different between SS and control specimens after processing with GlcNAc and Man-bearing neoglycoproteins and the 2 tested serum lectins. For separation of cases of primary and secondary SS, the staining intensity with the asialoglycoprotein, sarcolectin, and the exogenous alpha2,6-sialylated glycan-binding lectin SNA was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Saccharide-presenting probes to measure the cellular capacity to bind glycan epitopes and human lectins as sensors for endogenous binding sites have proven to be useful as diagnostic tools. We suggest the differences we observed reflect aberrations from the normal cellular homeostasis with relevance for the pathogenesis of SS and its manifestation as a primary or secondary syndrome.

S100 proteins in Corpora amylacea from normal human brain

Corpora amylacea (C.A.) also named polyglucosan bodies (P.B.) are one of the hallmarks of normal brain aging. Although their functions are not yet clear, C.A. increase in number in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. C.A. contain 88% of hexoses and 4% of proteins. Most of the proteins in C.A. are aging or stress proteins such as heat shock proteins, ubiquitinated proteins and advanced glycation end products which are also proinflammatory products. Stimulated by the potential role played by some S100 proteins in the inflammatory process which may be triggered in C.A., we investigated, by immunohistochemistry, the presence of different S100 proteins (S100A1, S100A2, S100A3, S100A4, S100A5, S100A6, S100A8, S100A9, S100A12 and S100B) in C.A. from normal human brain. Among the ten S100 proteins analyzed, nine (S100A) were detected in C.A. Three S100 proteins (S100A8, S100A9, S100A12) which are highly expressed in activated macrophages and used as inflammatory markers were detected in C.A. S100A8 was, in addition, found in thick neuronal processes from the pons. One (S100B) could not be found in C.A. although it was highly expressed in astrocytes. In C.A., the staining intensity was estimated by computer-assisted microscopy and gave the following order: S100A1 congruent withS100A8 congruent with S100A9>S100A5> or =S100A4>S100A12>S100A6> S100A2=S100A3. The potential inflammatory role played by S100 proteins in C.A. is discussed.

Correlation of galectin-3/galectin-3-binding sites with low differentiation status in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

The accurate determination of levels of differentiation is of prognostic value in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Because the deliberate selection of biochemical determinants accompanying certain stages of differentiation can refine the predictive power of histochemical assessments, the application of the quantitative evaluation of staining distribution and intensity by computer-assisted microscopy is one prerequisite to potential improvements. We used 2 innovative approaches with peanut agglutinin based on encouraging results with respect to common lectin-histochemistry. First, we used a custom-made neoglycoprotein to monitor the presence of Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigen-binding sites. Second, we measured the presence of 2 galectins immunohistochemically and, at the same time, measured lectin-histochemically the presence of accessible ligands for the endogenous lectins. We also monitored the presence of calcyclin, a protein with relevance to cell cycle progression or exocytosis. With 61 cases of HNSCC as their basis, including 31 oral, 20 laryngeal, and 10 hypopharyngeal lesions, the data show that the main modifications observed in connection with a loss of differentiation are related to a modification in the levels of both galectin-3/galectin-3-binding site and T-antigen/T-antigen-binding site expressions. The data obtained also suggest that galectin-3 could act as an acceptor site for the T antigen. Because the level of differentiation is known to be indicative of the recurrence rate in HNSCCs and our data clearly indicate that galectin-3 and the T antigen (and their respective binding sites) are involved in dedifferentiation processes, further investigation is warranted into the roles of galectins in HNSCC tumor progression and recurrence analysis.

Correlation of Galectin-3/Galectin-3-Binding Sites with low Differentiation Status in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

The accurate determination of levels of differentiation is of prognostic value in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Because the deliberate selection of biochemical determinants accompanying certain stages of differentiation can refine the predictive power of histochemical assessments, the application of the quantitative evaluation of staining distribution and intensity by computer-assisted microscopy is one prerequisite to potential improvements. We used 2 innovative approaches with peanut agglutinin based on encouraging results with respect to common lectin-histochemistry. First, we used a custom-made neoglycoprotein to monitor the presence of Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigen-binding sites. Second, we measured the presence of 2 galectins immunohistochemically and, at the same time, measured lectin-histochemically the presence of accessible ligands for the endogenous lectins. We also monitored the presence of calcyclin, a protein with relevance to cell cycle progression or exocytosis. With 61 cases of HNSCC as their basis, including 31 oral, 20 laryngeal, and 10 hypopharyngeal lesions, the data show that the main modifications observed in connection with a loss of differentiation are related to a modification in the levels of both galectin-3/galectin-3-binding site and T-antigen/T-antigen-binding site expressions. The data obtained also suggest that galectin-3 could act as an acceptor site for the T antigen. Because the level of differentiation is known to be indicative of the recurrence rate in HNSCCs and our data clearly indicate that galectin-3 and the T antigen (and their respective binding sites) are involved in dedifferentiation processes, further investigation is warranted into the roles of galectins in HNSCC tumor progression and recurrence analysis.

Glycohistochemical characteristics of nasal polyps from patients with and without cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether cystic fibrosis (CF)-related nasal polyps exhibit significantly distinct glycohistochemical characteristics when compared with single vs massive nasal polyps obtained from patients without CF.

DESIGN

Glycohistochemical characteristics were identified by means of 8 histochemical probes, including 5 plant lectins (peanut, gorse seed, wheat germ, Maackia amurensis, and Sambucus nigra agglutinins), 2 animal lectins (14- and 16-kd galectins), and 1 neoglycoprotein (exposing the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen). The binding of the 8 glycohistochemical markers was determined by means of computer-assisted microscopy. For each probe, 3 quantitative parameters were computed: the labeling index, which describes the percentage of tissue area specifically stained by a given marker; the mean optical density, which reflects the staining intensity; and the concentrational heterogeneity, which characterizes the level of heterogeneity of the staining intensity.

SUBJECTS

A series of 61 nasal mucosa specimens was analyzed, including 6 normal cases, 23 single and 18 massive polyposis cases without CF, and 14 nasal polyps associated with CF.

RESULTS

Normal and polyposal nasal mucosa differed in terms of the amounts and linkage types of sialic acids (revealed by the wheat germ, M amurensis, and S nigra agglutinins) rather than the characteristics of galactoside expression (monitored with the peanut agglutinin and 2 animal galectins). In contrast, nasal polyps markedly differed between patients with and without CF with respect to galactoside expression (revealed by the peanut agglutinin and the 14-kd galectin) and the display of binding site(s) for the neoglycoprotein.

CONCLUSION

Normal and polyposal nasal mucosa differ essentially in sialic acid presentation, while nasal polyps from patients with CF have a higher level of various lectin-reactive galactoside residues than nasal polyps from those without CF.

Characterization of steroid hormone sensitivity in human breast cancers maintained ex vivo under organotypical culture conditions

PURPOSE

The methodology we propose combines the immunohistochemical determination of the oestrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PgR) with the characterization of the oestradiol- and progesterone-induced influence on cell proliferation in breast cancers in order to characterize their steroid hormone sensitivity at both the "static" and "dynamic" level.

METHODS

ER and PgR have been immunohistochemically quantified by means of computer-assisted microscopy. Cell proliferation has been determined by means of tritiated thymidine autoradiography in tumour samples maintained in vitro as organotypic cultures. A series of 14 patients was investigated.

RESULTS

Of the 14 breast cancers under study, one with an unequivocally "very ER-rich"/"very PgR-rich" immunohistochemical phenotype totally failed to exhibit any modification in its cell proliferation level after both oestradiol and progesterone stimulation. Two cases definitively associated with an "ER-poor"/"PgR-poor" immunohistochemical phenotype nevertheless responded noticeably to the dynamic stimulation of their cell proliferation by oestradiol and progesterone. While our series of cases covers 14 patients only, it suffices to demonstrate the limits of ER and PgR determination in characterizing steroid hormone sensitivity in breast cancer.

DISCUSSION

The present work therefore presents an in vitro approach to test growth regulation of human breast cancer by steroid hormones. The clinical value of the present approach should be further determined by showing that steroid hormone-induced modifications in cell proliferation level are actually associated with clinical response.

Comparative analysis of plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol responses to ACTH in patients with various adrenal tumors before and after unilateral adrenalectomy

Patients with non-hyperfunctioning adrenal adenomas often have an increased plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone response to ACTH stimulation. The effects of adrenal surgery on this abnormality have rarely been investigated. One hundred and sixty-one patients with unilateral adrenal tumors (non-hyperfunctioning adenomas, 78; cortisol-producing adenomas, 8; aldosterone-producing adenomas, 37; adrenal cysts, 12; pheochromocytomas, 26) were studied. Patients before and after adrenal surgery as well as 60 healthy subjects underwent an ACTH stimulation test using 2 mg synthetic ACTH(1-24) (Cortrosyn Depot, Organon). Basal and ACTH-stimulated plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol concentrations are reported. Before adrenal surgery, the basal plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were normal in patients with all types of tumors. However, the ACTH-stimulated plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels were abnormally increased in 53% and 31% of patients with non-hyperfunctioning adenomas and aldosterone-producing adenomas, respectively. In addition, a few patients with adrenal cysts and pheochromocytomas also showed an increased ACTH-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone response. After unilateral adrenalectomy, this hormonal abnormality disappeared in most, although not all patients with adrenal tumors. In patients with non-hyperfunctioning adrenal tumors, ACTH-stimulated plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol concentrations significantly correlated with the size of the tumors. These results firmly indicate that the tumoral mass itself may be responsible for the increased plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol responses after ACTH stimulation in patients with non-hyperfunctioning and hyperfunctioning adrenal adenomas.

IL-5 and eosinophils mediate the rejection of fully histoincompatible vascularized cardiac allografts: regulatory role of alloreactive CD8(+) T lymphocytes and IFN-gamma

CD8(+) T lymphocytes are known to inhibit the development of eosinophilia and IL-5 synthesis in models of experimental lung disease. In transplantation, the rejection of fully mismatched cardiac allografts by recipients depleted of CD8(+) T cells is characterized by the recruitment of eosinophils in the rejected organs. We show here that this intragraft eosinophilia is dependent on the production of IL-5 since hearts transplanted into IL-5-deficient recipients depleted of CD8(+) cells did not contain eosinophils. More importantly, allograft survival was significantly extended in these animals. In mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC), the presence of CD8(+) T cells in the responding cell population inhibited the secretion of IL-5. This inhibition was IFN-gamma dependent since adding neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma antibodies induced the production of IL-5. Furthermore, spleen cells isolated from IFN-gamma receptor (IFN-gammaR)-deficient mice secreted IL-5 upon allogeneic stimulation in primary MLC. In vivo, eosinophilia was observed in allografts rejected by IFN-gammaR-deficient recipients. On the contrary, grafts rejected by IFN-gammaR-deficient mice treated with neutralizing anti-IL-5 antibodies did not exhibit eosinophilic infiltration. Our study reveals the capacity of IL-5-secreting CD4(+) T cells and eosinophils to promote the rejection of heart allograft and demonstrates the importance of CD8(+) T cells and IFN-gamma in regulating this pathway of rejection.

Discrimination between dysplastic and malignant epithelium of the ampulla of vater based on quantitative image cytometric data

OBJECTIVE

To assess the ability to associate histopathologic grading with objective criteria obtained by nuclear image cytometry in epithelium of the ampulla of Vater.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty-one resected ampullary specimens were studied, including 8 dysplastic ampullomas together with 22 well-differentiated and 11 poorly differentiated ampullary adenocarcinomas. The nuclei were Feulgen stained and analyzed using a computer-assisted microscope, which generated 38 quantitative variables describing chromatin texture and nuclear DNA content (DNA ploidy level). These variables were explored by discriminant analysis to determine the most stable and informative variables. Univariate analysis was performed on the four most informative ones. The whole set of variables was also subjected to principal component analysis in order to characterize intragroup and intergroup heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The univariate analysis defined two morphonuclear variables (related to nuclear chromatin distribution) discriminating between dysplasia and well-differentiated cancers. Aneuploidy occurrence was associated with discrimination between well-differentiated and poorly differentiated cancers.

CONCLUSION

While alterations in chromatin distribution may be an early event in the malignant degeneration of this epithelium, alterations in nuclear DNA content should correspond to a later phenomenon. Quantification of these features can be exploited to assist in diagnosis.