Deficient differentiation of mast cells in the skin of mi/mi mice. Usefulness of in situ hybridization for evaluation of mast cell phenotype

The staining property of skin mast cells changed from Alcian blue+/berberine sulfate- to Alcian blue+/berberine sulfate+ in the skin of normal (+/+) and Wv/Wv mice. In contrast, this change did not occur in the skin of mi/mi mice. Heparin content and histamine content per a mi/mi skin mast cell were estimated to be 34% and 18% those of a +/+ skin mast cell, respectively. The low heparin content of mi/mi skin mast cells seemed to be consistent with the Alcian blue+/berberine sulfate- staining property. Expression of genes encoding mast cell-specific proteolytic enzymes was examined by Northern blotting and in situ hybridization. Messenger RNA of mast cell carboxypeptidase A was expressed most of all by +/+, Wv/Wv, and mi/mi skin mast cells, but mRNA of mouse mast cell protease (MMCP)-6 was expressed by approximately a half of +/+ and Wv/Wv skin mast cells and by only 3% of mi/mi skin mast cells. A significant amount of MMCP-2 mRNA was not expressed in the skin of all +/+, Wv/Wv and mi/mi mice. This shows the presence of at least three phenotypes in skin mast cells of mice: berberine sulfate+/MMCP-6+, berberine sulfate+/MMCP-6-, and berberine sulfate-/MMCP-6-. The in situ hybridization of mRNA of mast cell-specific proteolytic enzymes seemed to be useful to describe abnormalities of mast cell differentiation in the skin of mi/mi mice.

Identification of mutations in the coding sequence of the proto-oncogene c-kit in a human mast cell leukemia cell line causing ligand-independent activation of c-kit product

The c-kit proto-oncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase. Binding of c-kit ligand, stem cell factor (SCF) to c-kit receptor (c-kitR) is known to activate c-kitR tyrosine kinase, thereby leading to autophosphorylation of c-kitR on tyrosine and to association of c-kitR with substrates such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). In a human mast cell leukemia cell line HMC-1, c-kitR was found to be constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine, activated, and associated with PI3K without the addition of SCF. The expression of SCF mRNA transcript in HMC-1 cells was not detectable by means of PCR after reverse transcription (RT-PCR) analysis, suggesting that the constitutive activation of c-kitR was ligand independent. Sequencing of whole coding region of c-kit cDNA revealed that c-kit genes of HMC-1 cells were composed of a normal, wild-type allele and a mutant allele with two point mutations resulting in intracellular amino acid substitutions of Gly-560 for Val and Val-816 for Asp. Amino acid sequences in the regions of the two mutations are completely conserved in all of mouse, rat, and human c-kit. In order to determine the causal role of these mutations in the constitutive activation, murine c-kit mutants encoding Gly-559 and/or Val-814, corresponding to human Gly-560 and/or Val-816, were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in a human embryonic kidney cell line, 293T cells. In the transfected cells, both c-kitR (Gly-559, Val-814) and c-kitR (Val-814) were abundantly phosphorylated on tyrosine and activated in immune complex kinase reaction in the absence of SCF, whereas tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of c-kitR (Gly-559) or wild-type c-kitR was modest or little, respectively. These results suggest that conversion of Asp-816 to Val in human c-kitR may be an activating mutation and responsible for the constitutive activation of c-kitR in HMC-1 cells.

[Study of the localization and the concentration of superoxide dismutase in various thyroid disorders]

The localization of Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD), which catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals (O2-) to O2 and H2O2, in various thyroid disorders was studied by an immunohistochemical technique in 20% formalin fixed paraffin embedded thin sections using anti-human Cu/Zn and Mn-SOD antibodies. The concentrations of both SODs in those tissues were also measured by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Cu/Zn SOD was immunocytochemically stained in most of papillary carcinoma, and some of other disorders. In the normal follicular cells it localized in the perinuclear cytoplasm, whereas in the tumor or hyperplastic cells it was in the cytoplasm homogeneously. Mn SOD was strongly stained in papillary carcinoma and papillary growing cells in adenoma and Graves' disease. The concentrations of Cu/Zn and Mn SOD in every thyroid disorder were higher than those in normal thyroid, and it was much higher in the malignant tumors. The ratio of the concentration of Mn SOD against Cu/Zn SOD in the tissues was higher only in papillary carcinoma compared with that in normal thyroid. In conclusion, SOD seems to be relating to the cell proliferation and differentiation in the thyroid since both SODs increased in tumors and hyperplastic disorders, and Cu/Zn SOD changed its localization and Mn SOD existed predominantly in papillary carcinoma or papillary growing cells.

Stem cell factor induces outgrowth of c-kit-positive neurites and supports the survival of c-kit-positive neurons in dorsal root ganglia of mouse embryos

The c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase is highly expressed by about 10% of the neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of mouse embryos. We investigated the in vitro effect of stem cell factor (SCF), the ligand for c-kit receptor, on DRGs. Recombinant murine SCF (rmSCF) induced the outgrowth of c-kit-positive neurites from DRGs of normal (+/+) embryos. The effect of SCF was dose dependent and completely abolished by anti-c-kit ACK2 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Some neurites whose outgrowth was induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) were c-kit-positive, but anti-NGF mAb did not inhibit the rmSCF-induced neurite outgrowth. rmSCF did not induce neurite outgrowth from DRGs of W/W embryos that did not express c-kit receptors on the cell surface and of W42/W42 mutant embryos that expressed c-kit receptors without tyrosine kinase activity. rmSCF also had a trophic effect on c-kit-positive neurons in the culture of dissociated DRG cells. Most c-kit-positive neurons appeared to respond to NGF as well, and the SCF-responsive subpopulation represented about 10% of NGF-responsive neurons. rmSCF did not support the survival of DRG neurons from embryos of W/W and W42/W42 genotypes. These results suggest that the stimulus through the c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase has an important role in development of the peripheral nervous system.

Fatal septic complication of transcatheter chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

A patient with hepatocellular carcinoma, associated segmental portal vein thrombosis, and accompanying pneumobilia, developed a liver abscess and sepsis following transcatheter chemoembolization (TCE). It was believed that the combination of bile duct necrosis after arterial occlusion and pneumobilia led to ascending enteric infection and seeding of the necrotic tumor, which ultimately led to fatal outcome. We conclude that TCE is contraindicated in such cases.

Enhancement of DNA polymerase beta activity in the pituitary gland by hormonal feedback

The activity of DNA polymerase beta (beta-enzyme) in bovine and rat pituitary glands was remarkably higher in the anterior than in the posterior lobe. In sucrose gradient centrifugation, the activity in the anterior lobe of the bovine pituitary gland appeared at the sedimentation constant, 3.3 S, while that of rat pituitary gland appeared at 3.3 S, 7.3 S and 12 S, respectively. The activity in each fraction increased in the anterior lobes of rat pituitaries that were stimulated to release TSH by decreased thyroid hormone levels induced by an antithyroid drug. These results suggest that the activity of the beta-enzyme is high in the cells of the anterior lobe which are hyperfunctioned to produce pituitary thyreotrophic hormone and may be controlled by hormonal feedback regulation.

[Surgical stress induces the secretion of alpha human atrial natriuretic peptide]

The changes in plasma alpha-hANP level and the factors affecting its secretion were studied in 35 patients treated by surgery for gastrointestinal disease (laparotomy group, 17) and (non-laparotomy group, 18). They did not have any particular complication during the study period. alpha-hANP, catecholamine (CA), antidiuretic hormone (ADH), aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA) were determined serially before and after the surgery. Plasma alpha-hANP level elevated on the post-operative day 1 and dropped to the upper limit of the normal range by the day 3, then gradually recovered to the level of before surgery. This early elevation of alpha-hANP was more marked in the laparotomy group than in the non-laparotomy group. These change in alpha-hANP level correlated well to those of CA, but not to those of ADH, aldosterone, and PRA. Age, sex, duration of surgery, bleeding and infusion volume during surgery did not affect the difference in alpha-hANP secretion between the two groups. In conclusion, the early elevation of plasma alpha-hANP level was correlated well to the surgical stress, and that this alpha-hANP secretion might be induced by CA secretion.

Mast cell number in the skin of heterozygotes reflects the molecular nature of c-kit mutation

The W locus of mice encodes the c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase. Heterozygous WJic/+ and Wn/+ mice and homozygous Wf/Wf mice were similar in appearance; all of them have large depigmented areas lacking any well-defined pattern. The WJic, Wn, and Wf mutant alleles were characterized and their molecular nature was correlated with the mast cell differentiation in the skin and the biologic features of cultured mast cell (CMC). All WJic, Wn, and Wf were point mutations at the tyrosine kinase domain, and c-kit mRNA was normally transcribed from all of them. The mature 145-Kd form of the c-kit protein was produced from the WJic and Wf alleles, but not from the Wn allele. c-kit proteins produced by the WJic or Wf allele were expressed on the surface of CMCs, but those of the Wn allele were not. When double heterozygous mice were produced between W and WJic and between W and Wn, both W/WJic and W/Wn mice lacked skin mast cells. W/WJic CMCs and W/Wn CMCs did not survive in the coculture with fibroblasts. W/WJic CMCs normally attached to fibroblasts, but W/Wn CMCs did not. The defect of W/Wn CMCs in the attachment was attributed to the deficient extracellular expression of the c-kit protein. The number of skin mast cells was compared among WJic/+, Wn/+, Wf/+, and Wf/Wf mice. Mast cells decreased in WJic/+ and Wf/Wf mice, but not in Wn/+ and Wf/+ mice. Although the Wn was a point mutation at the kinase domain, the biologic effect of the Wn was comparable with that of the W mutant allele, which produces truncated c-kit protein without the transmembrane domain. The weak phenotype of Wn/+ mice may be explained by the deficient extracellular expression of c-kit proteins produced by the Wn allele. When WJic/WJic, Wn/Wn, and Wf/Wf CMCs were stimulated by the recombinant c-kit ligand, autophosphorylation activity was observed only in Wf/Wf CMCs. This result was consistent with the weak biologic effect of the Wf mutant allele.

[Treatment of advanced gastric and colorectal cancer with 5-FU, leucovorin and interferon-alpha]

Twenty-four patients with advanced or relapsed gastric or colorectal cancer were treated with a combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin (LV) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha). 5-FU was administered by rapid intravenous infusion at 350 mg/m2 for 5 consecutive days. Intravenous bolus administration of LV 20 mg/m2 was given before each 5-FU administration. This combination was repeated every 3 to 4 weeks. IFN-alpha (HLBI), 6MU, was administered subcutaneously daily. Of 13 patients with gastric cancer, there were 2 PR, 4 NC and 7 PD, and among 11 patients with colorectal cancer, there were 1 CR, 8 NC and 2 PD. All 16 previously treated patients had no clinical response. Responses were seen in patients with no prior chemotherapy and with good performance status. Most common toxicities observed were leucopenia, fever, stomatitis and diarrhea, which were all tolerable and reversible.

Placental involvement by maternal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

We report a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with placental metastasis. A 42-year-old pregnant women was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at 26 weeks' gestation by needle-aspiration biopsy of the lung. She later delivered a boy at 28 weeks' gestation; however, despite resuscitation he died soon after birth. Histopathologically, we found malignant lymphoma cells invading the intervillous space of the placenta, but an autopsy on the neonate was not authorized. The patient died 10 months later of widespread malignant lymphoma, confirmed by autopsy. This case is interesting, since malignancy during pregnancy is rare, and even more infrequent are cases of maternal malignant lymphoma with placental metastasis.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma coexistent with mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas

A patient with malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) coexistent with mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas is reported. Primary MFH of the pancreas is rare, with only six patients reported in the world medical literature. A patient with MFH coexistent with a pancreatic mucinous epithelial tumor has not been reported previously, although two patients with pseudosarcomatous tumor associated with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas have been reported. Mural nodules of similar histologic appearance have been reported in ovarian mucinous tumors. The authors believe this to be the first report of the occurrence of MFH in mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas.

Low c-kit expression of cultured mast cells of mi/mi genotype may be involved in their defective responses to fibroblasts that express the ligand for c-kit

Mutant mice of mi/mi genotype are osteopetrotic and deficient in tissue mast cells due to a defect in osteoclasts and mast cells. In an effort to further understand the mechanisms behind why mi/mi mouse-derived cultured mast cells (mi/mi-CMC) responded to interleukin-3 (IL-3), but not to the proliferative stimuli presented by fibroblasts, mi/mi-CMC and congenic normal (+/+) mouse-derived CMC (+/+-CMC), both of which expressed the phenotypic characteristics of immature mast cells, were cocultured with Swiss albino/3T3 fibroblasts in a medium containing IL-3. In the in vitro CMC/fibroblast coculture, mi/mi-CMC did not acquire the phenotypes of connective tissue-type mast cells (CTMC), while +/+-CMC did. In addition, attachment of mi/mi-CMC to the fibroblasts was found to be significantly lower than that of +/+-CMC. Because the interaction of c-kit product with its ligand (stem cell factor [SCF]) is known to play an important role not only in proliferation and differentiation of mast cells but also in attachment of CMC to fibroblasts, the expression and function of c-kit were investigated in mi/mi-CMC and +/+-CMC. Recombinant rat SCF (rrSCF164) induced a dose-dependent proliferation of +/+-CMC. Also, rrSCF164 induced +/+-CMC to acquire the phenotypes of CTMC in the medium containing IL-3. By contrast, rrSCF164 did not stimulate the proliferation of mi/mi-CMC nor induce a phenotypic change of the cells from immature mast cells to mature, CTMC-like mast cells. Immunoblotting with antiphosphotyrosine antibody showed that rrSCF164 induced considerable tyrosine phosphorylation of 145- to 165-Kd protein, the product of c-kit, in +/+-CMC, whereas tyrosine phosphorylation of the protein was barely detectable in mi/mi-CMC. Northern blot and flow cytometry analyses showed that mi/mi-CMC expressed much less c-kit at both protein and message levels than +/+-CMC. Further, mi/mi-CMC were found to differ from +/+-CMC in the expression of mouse mast cell protease-6 (MMCP-6) and MMCP-2 messenger RNA transcripts. These results suggest that the gene product of the mi locus may be important in regulating the expression of gene products such as c-kit, and that mast cell deficiency of mi/mi mice appears to be due, at least in part, to impaired signaling through the c-kit receptor because of the low c-kit expression.

c-kit Gene was not transcribed in cultured mast cells of mast cell-deficient Wsh/Wsh mice that have a normal number of erythrocytes and a normal c-kit coding region

The Wsh is a mutant allele at the W (c-kit) locus of mice. Mice of Wsh/Wsh genotype have white hairs and black eyes. Although adult C57BL/6-Wsh/Wsh mice were not anemic, they showed a remarkable depletion of mast cells. Most homozygous or double heterozygous mutant mice at the W (c-kit) locus, of which mast-cell depletion was comparable to that of Wsh/Wsh mice, are deficient in germ cells. However, male and female Wsh/Wsh mice have an appreciable number of germ cells in their gonads. We investigated the mechanism of specific depletion of mast cells in Wsh/Wsh mice. Cultured mast cells (CMC) derived from the spleen of Wsh/Wsh mice neither attached to normal (+/+) fibroblasts nor survived in the coculture with +/+ fibroblasts. The c-kit messenger RNA (mRNA) was strongly expressed in +/+ CMC, but not detectable in Wsh/Wsh CMC. Despite the lack of c-kit mRNA in Wsh/Wsh CMC, the c-kit mRNA was normally detectable in the cerebellum and weakly detectable in the testis and spleen of Wsh/Wsh mice. No significant changes were found in the nucleotide sequence of the c-kit transcripts obtained from the cerebellum of Wsh/Wsh mice. Development of mast cells, erythrocytes, and germ cells in Wsh/Wsh mice appeared to be parallel with the magnitude of the c-kit gene expression in each cell type.

Composition and turnover of phospholipids and neutral lipids in human breast cancer and reference tissues

The phospholipid (PL) content was 4-fold higher while the triacylglycerol (TG) content tended to be 65% lower in human breast cancer tissues as compared with non-cancerous reference parts from excised breast tissues. The variation in TG content among breast tissues was very large while that of PL was relatively small. The fatty acid compositions of PL were significantly different between the cancer and reference tissues; the proportions of octadecenoate (18:1), docosahexaenoate (22:6n-3), the total n-3 fatty acids and the n-3/n-6 ratio, but not the proportion of arachidonate (20:4n-6), were significantly higher in the major PL of cancer tissues as compared with those of the reference tissues. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of the major fatty acids of TG in these tissues. The turnover of lipids was faster in the cancer tissues than in the reference tissues. The turnover of TG was faster than that of PL in the cancer tissues, whereas the opposite was true in the reference tissues, indicating significant differences in lipid metabolism between these tissues. A striking difference in the n-3 and n-6 fatty acids of the reference tissues noted for Japanese and Finnish women is discussed in relation to the roles of eicosanoids and eicosanoid precursors in mammary carcinogenesis.

Bilateral primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the adrenal glands with adrenal insufficiency: a case report

A 72-year-old woman with bilateral non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the adrenal glands causing adrenal insufficiency is reported. The left-side lymphoma (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) was removed surgically but the right-side lymphoma could not be removed. Complete response was obtained with subsequent combined chemotherapy and was maintained for 6 months with repeated chemotherapies. However, the patient died of liver recurrence 1 year after admission. In cases of malignant lymphoma forming a bulky mass, surgery with subsequent chemotherapy appears to reduce the cancer volume and improve the therapeutic outcome.

Cushing's syndrome induced by hypersecretion of cortisol from only one of bilateral adrenocortical tumors

A case of Cushing's syndrome induced by the unilateral (right side) dominance of cortisol secretion in the face of bilateral adrenal tumors is reported. The adrenal tumor resected on the right side was a so-called black adenoma and histologically without any findings of nodular hyperplasia. After resection of the adrenal adenoma, no findings of cortisol hypersecretion from the remaining adrenal tumor on the left side were observed until the present, suggesting that the tumor of the left adrenal gland is a nonfunctioning adenoma. These data imply that the adrenal adenomas have primarily developed from the adrenal gland itself, rather than from micronodular hyperplasia by corticotropin stimulation, and that one of these tumors produces excess hormones initially by corticotropin stimulation, but the other remains in cell proliferation.

Distribution of histologic subtypes and sex ratio in various primary sites of lymphocytic lymphoma

To examine the distribution of histologic subtypes and sex ratio in each primary site of lymphoma, 1,169 histologically proven cases of lymphocytic lymphoma were analyzed. The location of tumor was nodal in 615(53%) and extranodal in 517(44%), patients with the gastrointestinal tract being the most common. The incidence was predominantly in males for all histologic types and in nodal and extranodal sites, except for a predominance of females in extranodal lymphoplasmacytic(Lp-cytic), lymphoplasmacytoid(Lp-cytoid) tumors. Frequency of the Lp-cytic/Lp-cytoid type among all types of lymphoma in females was about 2.7 times more frequent in extranodal than in nodal sites. The most striking example was thyroid lymphoma in which the frequency of Lp-cytic/Lp-cytoid type was 36% in female and 0% in male patients. Including this type of lymphoma, frequency of low grade lymphoma in females was higher in extranodal sites than in nodal sites.

Infrequent mutation of the ras genes in skin tumors of xeroderma pigmentosum patients in Japan

By using PCR amplification and oligonucleotide mismatch hybridization, base-substitution mutations of the ras genes in 26 skin tumors of Japanese xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients were studied. Thin sections of tumor tissues which were fixed and embedded in paraffin blocks were used in this study. After analyzing codons 12, 13 and 61 of the H-, K- and N-ras genes by using 66 oligomer probes, we detected only one mutation of the K-ras gene at codon 61 in one tumor sample. All the other tumors were therefore considered not to have a mutation in the ras genes. These results suggest that mutations of the ras genes are not particularly associated with skin tumors of Japanese XP patients.

Rhabdomyosarcoma coexistent with ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma: a case report

This report describes a case of ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma associated with rhabdomyosarcoma. Several cases of sarcoma-like mural nodules in ovarian mucinous tumor have been described previously, but only three well-documented cases of true sarcoma have been reported. The first case was a fibrosarcoma associated with a mucinous cystadenoma; the second was an undifferentiated sarcoma in a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma; and the third was a fibrosarcoma occurring in a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. The occurrence of rhabdomyosarcoma in mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, as reported here, is to our knowledge the first case reported of this unusual combination of tumors.

Characterization of Ws mutant allele of rats: a 12-base deletion in tyrosine kinase domain of c-kit gene

Homozygous mutant rats at the newly found white spotting (Ws) locus were anemic and deficient in mast cells and melanocytes. Because the phenotype of Ws/Ws rats resembled the phenotype of mice possessing a double-gene dose of mutant alleles at the W locus and because the c-kit gene was mapped at the W locus of mice, we characterized the c-kit gene of Ws/Ws rats. The authentic sequence of the rat c-kit cDNA was determined by using a cDNA library prepared from the hippocampus of Sprague-Dawley rats. The c-kit cDNA of Ws/Ws and normal (+/+) control rats was obtained by reverse transcriptase modification of the polymerase chain reaction. When compared with the authentic sequence, a deletion of 12 bases was found in the c-kit cDNA of Ws/Ws rats. This change was shown to be a result of the deletion of the genomic DNA. Four amino acids encoded by the deleted 12 bases (ie, Val-Lys-Gly-Asn) were located at two amino acids downstream from the tyrosine autophosphorylation site in the c-kit kinase and were conserved not only in mouse and human c-kit kinases but also in mouse and human c-fms kinases (ie, receptors of colony-stimulating factor-1). Taken together, the Ws/Ws rat is the first characterized mutant of the c-kit gene in an animal species other than the mouse.

Two cases of peritoneal serous papillary adenocarcinoma

Two cases of peritoneal papillary carcinoma are reported. The patient in the first case was a 71-year-old woman with symptoms of obstructive ileus. Laparotomy revealed a tumor in the omentum involving the transverse colon, and several small tumors in the peritoneum and pelvic wall. However, no primary site of the tumor was seen in the ovary, pancreas, or gastrointestinal tract. The patient in the second case was a 44-year-old woman with carcinomatous peritonitis. Postmortem examination revealed multiple tumors in the peritoneum, omentum, and pelvic wall. Tumors were also found in the cortex with mild invasion of the underlying parenchyma of the bilateral ovaries, although these lesions were thought to be metastatic. The histologic features of the tumor in both cases were those of tubulopapillary adenocarcinoma containing scattered psammoma bodies. The cells were positive with the PAS-D technique, but negative with alcian blue staining. In both cases, the serum levels of CA-125 were considerably elevated, and the tumor cells showed positivity for CA-125, S-100 protein, cytokeratin and EMA by immunohistochemistry. The present cases were most likely peritoneal serous papillary adenocarcinoma derived from extraovarian peritoneal mesothelium with müllerian potential, being different from the usual type of diffuse malignant mesothelioma.

Immunodetection of sialyl-Tn antigen in normal, hyperplastic and cancerous tissues of the uterine endometrium

The expression of sialyl-Tn antigen (STn) in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic tissues of the uterine endometrium was examined by immunoperoxidase staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples using the monoclonal antibody TKH-2, directed toward the STn structure (NeuAc 2-6GalNac 1-O-serine or threonine). STn was expressed in 13 of 18 normal postovulatory endometria with an increasing staining intensity and incidence in the late secretory phase. It was consistently absent in 10 proliferative endometria. None of 5 cystic, 4 adenomatous or 12 atypical hyperplasias expressed STn, but areas of severe cytological atypia in 3 atypical hyperplasias showed faint expression. STn expression was detected in 36 of 43 adenocarcinomas. Although the extent of staining varied from a few to most of the cancer cells, general staining was observed throughout the cytoplasm of cancer cells with increased staining of the luminal surface and frequent positive staining of intraluminal mucin. Thus, it is clear that STn is selectively expressed in cancer cells and shows restricted expression in normal and hyperplastic endometrial tissues. STn may be an early marker of malignant transformation and has potential for use as a diagnostic aid in the surgical pathology of the uterine endometrium.

CA125-positive papillary tumor of the peritoneum

A 71-year-old female visited our outpatient unit with chief complaints of anorexia and a sense of abdominal distension. The abnormalities found after admission were conspicious increases in CA125 levels in serum and ascites as well as anemia, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation and increased serum LDH. The patient underwent an emergency operation for ileus. The histological diagnosis was serous papillomatous cancer. Immunohistologic staining of the cancer tissue demonstrated the production of CA125. In this very rare the remnant of the Müllerian duct in the peritoneum is thought to have been cancerous.

Alkylation damage, DNA repair and mutagenesis in human cells

17 human cell lines that differ significantly in level of O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) activity were identified by comparing their sensitivity to the cytotoxic effect of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and determining the level of AGT activity in cell extracts from the various lines by measuring the decrease in radiolabeled O6-methylguanine from DNA, using high-performance liquid chromatography. 9 lines exhibited high levels of AGT activity, 2 showed an intermediate level (25-50% of the mean of those with the higher levels), and 6 exhibited very low or virtually undetectable levels of AGT. Included were several lines that are very deficient in capacity for nucleotide excision repair. When representatives from the 3 categories of cell lines defined by the level of AGT activity were compared for sensitivity to the cytotoxic and mutagenic effect of MNNG, they showed an inverse correlation between the degree of cell killing and frequency of mutants induced and the level of AGT activity. The cells' capacity for nucleotide excision repair did not affect these results. Exposure of cells with a high level of AGT activity to O6-methylguanine in the medium reduced the AGT activity 60-80%. These pre-treated cells exhibited a significantly higher frequency of MNNG-induced mutants than did cells that were not pre-treated, suggesting that the O6-methylguanine lesion in DNA is responsible for a significant proportion of the mutations induced. Cell strains containing substrates for assaying intrachromosomal homologous recombination were constructed using parental cell lines from each of the 3 categories of AGT activity. These strains showed an inverse correlation between the level of AGT activity and the frequency of MNNG-induced recombination. When various cell lines representing the 3 categories of AGT activity were compared for sensitivity to ethylnitrosourea, the results were consistent with AGT and nucleotide excision repair playing a role in preventing cell killing and mutation induction by this agent.

[Tissue UFT distribution and histological changes following UFT administration in metastatic liver cancer cases]

For the purpose of assessing the anti-tumor effect of UFT in metastatic liver cancer, blood futraful (FT), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and uracil levels and their distribution in tissue (cancer lesion, etc.) following oral UFT administration were examined in 10 surgically treated cases of metastatic liver cancer secondary to cancer of the large intestine and 4 cases of metastatic liver cancer secondary to stomach cancer. Liver tissue 5-FU distribution following UFT treatment was excellent. 5-FU concentration in liver cancer lesion was 0.164 +/- 0.128 micrograms/g, which was markedly higher than the minimal effective tissue concentration for 5-FU (0.050 micrograms/g). 5-FU level in normal tissue of the organ with primary cancer was significantly lower than that in the tumor-affected tissue of the same organ, while no difference in 5-FU level was noted between cancer-affected and normal tissues of the liver. Tissue 5-FU level in both primary and metastatic cancer lesions was significantly higher than the simultaneously determined blood 5-FU level. Histological findings of cancer-affected liver did not differ between different UFT dose levels, but degeneration of cancer cells was severe in some cases given high doses of UFT.

Frequency of intrachromosomal homologous recombination induced by UV radiation in normally repairing and excision repair-deficient human cells

To investigate the role of DNA damage and nucleotide excision repair in intrachromosomal homologous recombination, a plasmid containing duplicated copies of the gene coding for hygromycin resistance was introduced into the genome of a repair-proficient human cell line, KMST-6, and two repair-deficient lines, XP2OS(SV) from xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A and XP2YO(SV) from complementation group F. Neither hygromycin-resistance gene codes for a functional enzyme because each contains an insertion/deletion mutation at a unique site, but recombination between the two defective genes can yield hygromycin-resistant cells. The rates of spontaneous recombination in normal and xeroderma pigmentosum cell strains containing the recombination substrate were found to be similar. The frequency of UV-induced recombination was determined for three of these cell strains. At low doses, the group A cell strain and the group F cell strain showed a significant increase in frequency of recombinants. The repair-proficient cell strain required 10- to 20-fold higher doses of UV to exhibit comparable increases in frequency of recombinants. These results suggest that unexcised DNA damage, rather than the excision repair process per se, stimulates such recombination.

Epidermoid of the quadrigeminal cistern--case report

The authors report a case of an epidermoid in the quadrigeminal cistern in a 40-year-old female who presented with headache and nausea. According to the literature, epidermoids are rarely found in the quadrigeminal cistern. Additional unusual features in this case were the absence of a capsule and T1-weighted magnetic resonance images suggestive of both solid (less intense) and fluid (more intense) components.

Autoimmune thyroiditis induced in mice depleted of particular T cell subsets. III. Analysis of regulatory cells suppressing the induction of thyroiditis

It has previously been demonstrated that T cell clones with potentials to induce autoimmune thyroiditis exist in lymphoid organs from normal healthy individuals. The present study investigates the nature of regulatory cells co-existing in a normal lymphoid cell population to prevent the activation of these thyroiditis-inducing T cells. T cell-depleted (C57BL/6 x C3H/He) F1 mice (B cell mice) were prepared by adult thymectomy and injection of anti-thymocyte serum, followed by lethal X-irradiation and bone marrow reconstitution. Typical thyroiditis was induced in these B cell mice by i.v. administration of Lyt-1dull T cells but not of whole T cells from normal syngeneic mice. Additional injection of normal thymocytes into B cell mice which had been transferred with the Lyt-1 dull T cells resulted in complete prevention of thyroiditis induction. Mature thymocytes were responsible for this regulatory function and such regulatory cell activity was also found in peripheral lymphoid cells such as spleen cells. These regulatory cells exerted their capacity to prevent thyroiditis in cell dose-dependent and injection timing-dependent manners; thyroiditis was prevented when they were injected in cell doses of greater than 1.5 x 10(7)/mouse and before the initiation of the thyroiditis lesion. Most interestingly, the phenotypes of regulatory cells were Thy-1+ and L3T4+. Since the thyroiditis-inducing Lyt-1 dull T cells has previously been shown to be of L3T4+, these results indicate that there exist functionally heterogeneous subsets in an L3T4+ T cell population and that some L3T4+ T cells function as regulatory cells to prevent the activation of thyroiditis-inducing L3T4+ T cells co-existing in the normal lymphoid cell population.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of follicular center cell type in Osaka, Japan

Five hundred and nineteen patients with follicular center cell (FCC) tumors in Osaka, Japan were selected for study from 1000 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). They were admitted to hospital during 1964-1987, which was divided into three periods 1964-1972 (I), 1973-1979 (II), and 1980-1987 (III) to examine the time trend of FCC tumors. The median age of patients rose from 51 to 55 years of age with an increase in female and extranodal disease patients. The frequency of nodal FCC tumors among all nodal NHL increased from 37.5 to 51.5% (P less than 0.05), but that of extranodal types decreased from 82.9 to 56.8% (P less than 0.01), although the total number showed little change. When the cases were categorized as diffuse type and follicular type, the diffuse type predominated through the period in both nodal and extranodal sites. The frequencies of follicular type among all NHL were 10.2, 6.3, and 8.4% during the periods I, II and III, respectively. These results showed that follicular lymphoma was a minor constituent of NHL in Japan compared to Western countries, and the frequency did not increase from 1964 to 1987. The frequency of FCC tumors in the present series was rather higher than that in Western countries, therefore it is concluded that FCC tumors in Japanese have much less potential for forming a follicular structure than those in patients from Western countries.

Autoimmune thyroiditis induced in mice depleted of particular T cell subsets. II. Immunohistochemical studies on the thyroiditis lesion

The intravenous (i.v.) administration of Lyt-1dull T cells into syngeneic (C57BL/6 x C3H/He)F1 T cell-depleted B cell mice resulted in the induction of typical thyroiditis exhibiting massive cellular infiltration. The present study investigated which types of lymphoid cells infiltrate in the thyroiditis lesion and whether immunohistologic change takes place on epithelial cells of thyroid follicles. Both L3T4+ and Lyt-2+ T cells were found in the lesion, although the frequency of infiltration was higher in the former than in the latter. Thyroiditis was also induced by injection of Lyt-1dull L3T4+ but not of Lyt-1dull Lyt2+ T cells, indicating the critical role of a part of L3T4+ T cell subset (Lyt-1dull L3T4+ T cell subpopulation) in inducing thyroiditis. Only rare Lyt-2+ T cells were seen in such a thyroiditis lesion. Infiltrating T cells were predominantly of L3T4+, and these L3T4+ T cells formed cellular infiltrating lesion together with moderate number of B cells and relatively small number of macrophages. Importantly, class II MHC antigens were detected on epithelial cells of thyroid follicles. Such class II MHC expression was observed in coincidence with the area of cellular infiltration in the thyroid. These results demonstrate that: (1) a part of L3T4+ T cells which is required for the induction of thyroiditis by adoptive cell transfer infiltrates into the inflammatory lesion, (2) the induction of the thyroiditis lesion is formed by these L3T4+ T cells as well as B cells and macrophages, but does not necessarily depend on the participation of Lyt-2+ T cell subset, and (3) the aberrant expression of class II MHC antigens on thyroid epithelial cells coincides with cellular infiltration.

A case of malignant rhabdoid tumor arising from soft parts in the prepubic region

An extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumor arising from soft parts in the prepubic region of a 37-year-old man is described. This case appears to be unusual with regard to its location and age at onset. To our knowledge, the patient is the oldest recorded in whom such a lesion has arisen. Histologically, the tumor consisted of an admixture of polygonal and elongated cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm frequently containing hyaline-like globules. Ultrastructurally, these cytoplasmic inclusions were compatible with intermediate filaments. Immunohistochemical staining disclosed keratin (non-squamous epithelial type) and epithelial membrane antigen positivity. These characteristic features were identical to malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney seen in infants and young children. This extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumor showed an aggressive clinical course, although its exact histogenesis was unclear.

Low testosterone levels in diabetic men and animals: a possible role in testicular impotence

Poorly controlled NOD spontaneously diabetic mice were proven to have significantly less plasma and testicular testosterone than well-controlled diabetic mice (489 +/- 15 ng/dl and 3.89 +/- 0.79 micrograms/100 g tissue, vs. 176 +/- 24 and 9.00 +/- 1.24, respectively), and these in turn had significantly less than NOD non-diabetic control mice. These data were consistent with our previous observation of a decrease in total plasma and testicular testosterone levels in streptozotocin diabetic rats. A greater difference between total plasma testosterone levels and free testosterone levels was found in streptozotocin diabetic rats (17 +/- 4 ng/dl vs. 91 +/- 7 ng/dl) than in control rats (660 +/- 141 vs. 352 +/- 77). Fat droplets, depicting blocked testosterone synthesis, were found in the testicular Leydig cells of streptozotocin diabetic rats and disappeared with insulin treatment. No difference was found among plasma total testosterone concentrations in people in different stages of diabetes, as had been previously reported. However, human diabetic males, free of complications but poorly controlled, had less free testosterone than those without complications but well controlled (18.0 +/- 2.0 pg/ml vs. 22.8 +/- 1.3), who in turn had significantly less than age-matched controls (25.3 +/- 1.1 pg/ml). These data suggest gonadal dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.

Hypersensitivity of human tumor xenografts lacking O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase to the anti-tumor agent 1-(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitros ourea

Human tumor cell strains having different activities of O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (ATR) were transplanted into nude mice and chemotherapeutic responses of tumor xenografts were compared after intraperitoneal injection of the anti-tumor drug 1-(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosourea (ACNU). The tumor strains used were four Mer+ strains possessing high ATR activity and three Mer- strains lacking this activity. Included in these Mer+ strains was a clone 5'dD which expresses the Escherichia coli ATR in Mer- HeLa cells and thus shows the Mer+ phenotype. All the Mer- tumor xenografts were much more sensitive than tumors of Mer+ strains, including the clone 5'dD; after the highest ACNU dose (three injections of 50 mg/kg), some Mer- tumors disappeared completely and the growth of other tumors was severely retarded, whereas all Mer+ tumors continued to grow. These results demonstrate that ATR activity in tumor cells is a major determinant of tumor response to ACNU, and further suggest that measurement of ATR activity in biopsy specimens may provide a useful guide to predict the response to chemotherapy.

[A case of signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder]

A case of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is reported. A 52-year-old man was admitted with the complaint of gross hematuria. Cystoscopy showed non-papillary tumor on the right lateral wall. Abdominal CT, Ga scintigraphy, upper gastrointestinal series and barium enema, revealed no signs of a tumor other than the bladder carcinoma. The routine hematologic and chemistry profiles showed no abnormalities except for the serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen elevated to 210 ng/ml. Total cystectomy and right nephroureterectomy with left cutaneous ureterostomy was performed and the surgical specimen showed adenocarcinoma of the bladder. The patient died 5 months after the operation, and autopsy was performed. No tumors were found on the mucosa of the whole digestive tracts or pancreas. This case might be of primary adenocarcinoma originated from the bladder. The literature on the differential diagnosis of the cases reported as bladder adenocarcinoma are reviewed briefly.

[Placental-site trophoblastic tumor of the uterus--a case report]

A case of placental-site trophoblastic tumor arising in the uterus is reported. The patient, a 34-year-old female, complained of irregular menstruation. Under the diagnosis of a tumor in the uterus or the ovary, a simple total hysterectomy and right adnexectomy were performed. Histologically, the tumor cells, which were large, polygonal or rounded in shape, had infiltrated into the myometrium in clusters or singly. Immunohistochemically, most of the tumor cells were positive to hPL. Further, hCG also was present in some tumor cells, though only weakly. Because of these findings, this case was diagnosed as a placental-site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT).

Plasma cell dyscrasia with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes: the POEMS syndrome, associated with preceding polycythemia vera. A case report and review of the literature

A case of plasma cell dyscrasia with polyneuropathy and endocrine disorder is reported. Clinically, polycythemia vera, gynecomastia, pigmentation of the skin, hepatosplenomegaly, renal enlargement and severe polyneuropathy in the lower extremities were recognized. The peculiarity of this case was polycythemia vera that had been present for several years before manifestation of the clinical symptoms. Microscopically, retroperitoneal lymph nodes showed angio-follicular lymphoid hyperplasia and plasma cell infiltration in the interfollicular region. By means of the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method, plasma cells were positive for lambda light chain, IgA and IgG. Severe segmental demyelination and slight axonal atrophy were found in a sural nerve biopsy.

Autoimmune thyroiditis induced in mice depleted of particular T cell subsets. I. Requirement of Lyt-1 dull L3T4 bright normal T cells for the induction of thyroiditis

T cell-depleted C3H/He or (C57BL/6xC3H/He)F1 (B6C3F1) mice were prepared by adult thymectomy and injection of antithymocyte serum, followed 3 wk later by lethal x-irradiation and bone marrow reconstitution. When these T cell-depleted mice were not injected or injected i.v. with normal spleen and lymph node cells treated with either anti-Thy-1, -L3T4 or -Lyt-2 antibody plus C or C alone, none of the groups of mice developed thyroiditis. In contrast, the adoptive transfer of normal cells treated with anti-Lyt-1 plus C resulted in high incidence of the production of antithyroglobulin antibody and the induction of typical thyroiditis lesion. The thyroid was the sole organ involved, because neither typical inflammatory lesion in other organs nor autoantibody such as anti-DNA antibody was detected in mice that exhibited thyroiditis. Analyses of surface phenotypes of cells required for inducing thyroiditis by the adoptive transfer revealed that an appreciable percentage of Lyt-1 dull T cells remained after the treatment of normal lymphoid cells with anti-Lyt-1 plus C. Almost all of these Lyt-1 dull T cells expressed magnitudes of L3T4 or Lyt-2 Ag comparable to those detected on Lyt-1 bright T cells. More important, the induction of thyroiditis was almost completely prevented by either in vitro or in vivo elimination of Lyt-1 dull L3T4+(bright) but not of Lyt-1 dull Lyt-2+(bright) T cells. These results indicate that Lyt-1 dull L3T4+ T cells existing in normal healthy individuals have potential to induce typical thyroiditis which is associated with the production of antithyroglobulin autoantibody, and that the activation and/or function of this T cell subset is regulated by the Lyt-1 bright T cell population coexisting in normal lymphoid cell population.

Autoimmune thyroiditis induced in mice depleted of particular T cell subsets. I. Requirement of Lyt-1 dull L3T4 bright normal T cells for the induction of thyroiditis

T cell-depleted C3H/He or (C57BL/6xC3H/He)F1 (B6C3F1) mice were prepared by adult thymectomy and injection of antithymocyte serum, followed 3 wk later by lethal x-irradiation and bone marrow reconstitution. When these T cell-depleted mice were not injected or injected i.v. with normal spleen and lymph node cells treated with either anti-Thy-1, -L3T4 or -Lyt-2 antibody plus C or C alone, none of the groups of mice developed thyroiditis. In contrast, the adoptive transfer of normal cells treated with anti-Lyt-1 plus C resulted in high incidence of the production of antithyroglobulin antibody and the induction of typical thyroiditis lesion. The thyroid was the sole organ involved, because neither typical inflammatory lesion in other organs nor autoantibody such as anti-DNA antibody was detected in mice that exhibited thyroiditis. Analyses of surface phenotypes of cells required for inducing thyroiditis by the adoptive transfer revealed that an appreciable percentage of Lyt-1 dull T cells remained after the treatment of normal lymphoid cells with anti-Lyt-1 plus C. Almost all of these Lyt-1 dull T cells expressed magnitudes of L3T4 or Lyt-2 Ag comparable to those detected on Lyt-1 bright T cells. More important, the induction of thyroiditis was almost completely prevented by either in vitro or in vivo elimination of Lyt-1 dull L3T4+(bright) but not of Lyt-1 dull Lyt-2+(bright) T cells. These results indicate that Lyt-1 dull L3T4+ T cells existing in normal healthy individuals have potential to induce typical thyroiditis which is associated with the production of antithyroglobulin autoantibody, and that the activation and/or function of this T cell subset is regulated by the Lyt-1 bright T cell population coexisting in normal lymphoid cell population.

Histological changes in recurrent soft tissue sarcomas: analysis of 56 patients

Histological changes in 56 patients with recurrent soft tissue sarcomas (STS) were analysed. The original tumors included 23 malignant fibrous histiocytomas, five liposarcomas, four leiomyosarcomas, four synovial sarcomas, four neurogenic sarcomas, four dermatofibrosarcomas and 12 other assorted tumor types. The histological features of the recurrent tumors which underwent changes included increased cellularity, an increased number of mitotic figures, extension of sclerotic areas and the appearance of a storiform pattern; these were found in 30%, 43%, 41% and 29% of cases, respectively. No case showed a histological change from one subtype to another. A follow-up study revealed increased cellularity and mitotic counts in the recurrent tumors to be signs of an unfavorable prognosis.

Malignant lymphomas and related conditions involving nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: a clinicopathologic study of forty-two cases with emphasis on prognostic factors

Lymphoproliferative diseases involving the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are uncommon and show complex histology, which make our understanding of the disease inadequate. In the present study, clinicopathologic findings, especially prognostic factors, in 42 patients with such diseases were reviewed. Histologically these cases were divided into ordinary lymphoma (23 cases) and a disease pattern that frequently showed a polymorphous picture containing large atypical cells with a non-lymphoid appearance (19 cases). The latter was termed midline malignant reticulosis (MMR) according to Kassel's classification. Clinically 'MMR' showed greater incidence of early onset of disease and higher male preponderance than ordinary lymphoma. The most common presenting symptom was nasal obstruction in both diseases. Favourable prognostic factors assessed by Cox's multivariate analysis were ordinary lymphoma (vs MMR), stage I disease, absence of ulceration in the lesions, and a tendency for local tumor formation.

Prognostic value of histologic and clinical factors in 56 patients with gastrointestinal lymphomas

To investigate the prognostic value of histologic and clinical factors in lymphomas of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the clinicopathologic findings in 56 Japanese patients with GI lymphomas were reviewed. They included 37 patients with gastric and 19 with intestinal lymphomas. The male to female ratio was 2.7:1 in gastric and 11:1 in small intestinal lymphomas. Histologically, all but one of intestinal lymphomas were high-grade lymphomas. Gastric lymphomas comprised 47% of low-grade and 53% of high-grade tumors. Significant factors for favorable prognosis identified by Cox's multivariate analysis were female sex, the presence of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) in the primary site, early stage of disease, gastric lymphomas, and low-grade histologic type. The important role of chronic lymphocytic infiltration for development of gastric lymphoma was suggested by the high incidence of RLH and the intermediate lymphocytic type of lymphoma.

[Cholangiocarcinoma associated with Caroli's disease]

We report on an autopsy case of cholangiocarcinoma associated with Caroli's disease. A 38-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital suffering from epigastralgia. A diagnosis of Caroli's disease was made after CT, US, and ERCP testing. Because of diffuse intrahepatic bile duct dilatation, the patient was treated with antibioticus. In August 1985, her CA 19-9 level was 3,800 U/ml. This data suggested the development of a carcinoma secondary to Caroli's disease, but no tumor in the liver had been detected in the US and CT examinations. The patient died on February 1, 1986, of hepatorenal failure, approximately seven years after her first admission. An autopsy revealed diffuse dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct (Caroli's disease) with a cholangiocarcinoma.

Immunohistochemical localization by monoclonal antibodies of S-100 alpha and beta proteins in mixed tumours and adenomas of the skin

A study using monoclonal antibodies was made to evaluate the immunohistochemical localization of S-100 protein subunits alpha and beta in a total of 41 mixed tumours and adenomas of sweat gland origin. Normal eccrine glands showed positive staining for S-100 alpha in the secretory portion and in epithelial cells located in the transitional area from the coiled duct to the intraepidermal duct, as well as granular deposition of S-100 beta at the luminal surface of the secretory coil and duct. The myoepithelial cells were negative for S-100 alpha and beta. In mixed tumours, the tumour cells were round or oval in shape and displayed markedly positive staining for S-100 alpha and slightly positive or negative staining for S-100 beta. S-100 alpha staining in clear cell tumours was typically more intense than in any other sweat gland tumour. It is possible that clear cell tumours may arise from the transitional area of sweat glands. Spindle cell tumours displayed on abundance of S-100 alpha subunits but little S-100 beta. Occasional spindle cells located in the outer layer of tubular structures within tumours gave positive S-100 alpha staining. This result was different from that seen in pleomorphic salivary adenomas. Cells having undergone chondroidal changes revealed a positive S-100 reaction.

Immunohistochemical identification of epithelial membrane antigen in sweat gland tumors by the use of a monoclonal antibody

A total of 78 cases of adnexal tumors of the skin were examined with the use of monoclonal antibody against epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). The EMA reaction was confined to luminal surfaces and lateral borders of sweat glands, both eccrine and apocrine, being usually absent in ductal segments. Neoplastic lesions of all the adenomatous tumours and mixed tumours of sweat glands showed specifically positive EMA staining of luminal surfaces and lateral borders of tubular, duct-like, and cystic structures. However, solid foci of those tumours were negative for EMA. Tumours of ductal origin, e.g. syringomas and poromas, exhibited positive EMA staining in their plasma membrane, although normal intact keratinocytes did not stain for EMA. Immunohistochemical distribution of EMA in skin adnexal tumours was classified into two types: one in which the luminal surfaces and lateral outer borders were positive, similar to that of the normal secretory coil, and the other in which the plasma membrane of neoplastic cells of ductal origin was positive.

Immunohistochemical determination of immunosuppressive acidic protein in reactive and neoplastic diseases of macrophage

Immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP), a substance purified from cancer ascitic fluid, is released into the culture medium of macrophages and neutrophils, and is supposed to suppress an immune function of the host. Elevation of serum IAP in cancer patients has been reported. In the current study, presence of IAP in proliferating diseases of macrophage was examined. Macrophages in reactive proliferation, histiocytosis X, and neoplastic proliferation gave positive reaction for IAP. Diffuse cytoplasmic staining was usual, but dot-like or globular and surface staining also were observed. Proliferating cells in malignant fibrous histiocytoma were more sensitively stained by IAP than by other ordinary used markers for macrophage. These findings provide useful information to understand the mechanism of elevation of serum IAP in cancer patients.