Mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis propria and peritoneum in Fischer rats

Malignant Mesothelioma in the Thoracic Cavity of a Crj:CD(SD) Rat Characterized by Round Hyalinous Stroma

Spontaneous malignant mesothelioma was found in a 104-week-old male Crj:CD(SD) rat. The tumor was scattered on the surface of the lung, heart, mediastinal pleura and thoracic wall and metastasized to the alveolar septa. Histopathologically, small flattened or cuboidal tumor cells proliferated with stroma, formed almost normal papillary structures and reacted positively to colloidal iron stain and immunohistochemical staining for mesothelin. Round hyalinous stromata were pronounced, which is a characteristic feature, and the possible reason for this is as follows; at first, a small amount of collagen fibers was formed in the center of the clusters of several tumor cells, and then the cell clusters expanded like balloons with an increase in the collagen fibers.

Acrylamide: review of toxicity data and dose-response analyses for cancer and noncancer effects

Acrylamide (ACR) is used in the manufacture of polyacrylamides and has recently been shown to form when foods, typically containing certain nutrients, are cooked at normal cooking temperatures (e.g., frying, grilling or baking). The toxicity of ACR has been extensively investigated. The major findings of these studies indicate that ACR is neurotoxic in animals and humans, and it has been shown to be a reproductive toxicant in animal models and a rodent carcinogen. Several reviews of ACR toxicity have been conducted and ACR has been categorized as to its potential to be a human carcinogen in these reviews. Allowable levels based on the toxicity data concurrently available had been developed by the U.S. EPA. New data have been published since the U.S. EPA review in 1991. The purpose of this investigation was to review the toxicity data, identify any new relevant data, and select those data to be used in dose-response modeling. Proposed revised cancer and noncancer toxicity values were estimated using the newest U.S. EPA guidelines for cancer risk assessment and noncancer hazard assessment. Assessment of noncancer endpoints using benchmark models resulted in a reference dose (RfD) of 0.83 microg/kg/day based on reproductive effects, and 1.2 microg/kg/day based on neurotoxicity. Thyroid tumors in male and female rats were the only endpoint relevant to human health and were selected to estimate the point of departure (POD) using the multistage model. Because the mode of action of acrylamide in thyroid tumor formation is not known with certainty, both linear and nonlinear low-dose extrapolations were conducted under the assumption that glycidamide or ACR, respectively, were the active agent. Under the U.S. EPA guidelines (2005), when a chemical produces rodent tumors by a nonlinear or threshold mode of action, an RfD is calculated using the most relevant POD and application of uncertainty factors. The RfD was estimated to be 1.5 microg/kg/day based on the use of the area under the curve (AUC) for ACR hemoglobin adducts under the assumption that the parent, ACR, is the proximate carcinogen in rodents by a nonlinear mode of action. When the mode of action in assumed to be linear in the low-dose region, a risk-specific dose corresponding to a specified level of risk (e.g., 1 x 10-5) is estimated, and, in the case of ACR, was 9.5 x 10-2 microg ACR/kg/day based on the use of the AUC for glycidamide adduct data. However, it should be noted that although this review was intended to be comprehensive, it is not exhaustive, as new data are being published continuously.

Origin and distribution of potassium bromate-induced testicular and peritoneal mesotheliomas in rats

Tissue sections were examined from a 2-year bioassay of male Fischer 344 rats treated with potassium bromate administered in drinking water. All animals exhibiting peritoneal mesotheliomas also had mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis testis mesorchium (the reverse was not true), and the correlation of these 2 types of mesotheliomas was highly significant (r2 = 0.98). Mapping of the tunica vaginalis tumors at all time points and at all bromate concentrations revealed a pattern of increasing incidence of tumor formation on the mesothelium of the tunica vaginalis testis as a function of proximity to the mesorchial ligament. Thus, the mesorchium appears to be the major mesothelial target site for potassium bromate-mediated carcinogenesis. The frequency of occurrence of mesotheliomas by location was tunica vaginalis testis (25%), mesosplenium (20%), mesentery (10%), mesojejunum/mesocolon (8%), bladder (6.5%), mesogastrium (13%), liver serosa (5%), and kidney, small intestine, and rectum (1% each). A complete cross-section of the rat testis was prepared and used to construct a complete map of the mesothelium. Any attempt to determine the role of local dose and tissue susceptibility for the purpose of interspecies risk extrapolation must take into account the complex anatomy and physiology of this region of the visceral and testicular suspensory apparatus. Improved histologic approaches are needed for adequate assessment of this delicate suspensory system.

Relationship of hydroquinone-associated rat renal tumors with spontaneous chronic progressive nephropathy

Hydroquinone exposure has been reported by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) to produce renal tubule adenomas and to exacerbate spontaneous chronic progressive nephropathy (CPN) in male F344 rats. A mechanism for hydroquinone-related tumorigenesis has not been established, but CPN is known to involve, and hydroquinone produces, enhanced renal tubule cell proliferation. Through an independent review of the renal histopathology from the NTP study, the grade of CPN and the presence of atypical tubule hyperplasia and adenomas was evaluated. Hydroquinone exposure in males at 50 mg/kg, produced a statistically significant increase in the grade of CPN. At 0, 25, and 50 mg/kg, 0/44, 4/49, and 15/51 male rats had either atypical tubule hyperplasias or adenomas; all were within areas of severe or end-stage CPN and were statistically significantly associated with CPN grade. Additionally, there was a dose-related increase in profiles believed to represent new tubule proliferation within areas of advanced CPN, as well as an apparent expansion of these into unusual complex tubule profiles in end-stage kidneys of the high-dose male group. In summary, this histopathological review suggest a mechanism for hydroquinone-related adenoma formation that includes enhancement of the severity of CPN coupled with stimulation of tubule proliferation.

Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma in a Fischer-344 rat

A spontaneous multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma was detected in a 108-wk-old male Fischer-344/DuCrj rat. Grossly, a tumor containing numerous, semi-transparent, variously sized, thin-walled cysts was found on the splenic serosal surface. Microscopically, each cyst was surrounded by variable amounts of loose connective tissue. The luminal and free surfaces of the cysts were covered by a single layer of flattened or cuboidal mesothelial cells. No metastases were detected in any of the other organs. Diagnosis was supported by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural features.

Spontaneous neoplasms in aged Sprague-Dawley rats

Incidence of neoplastic lesions in untreated Sprague-Dawley rats (1340 males and 1329 females) used as controls in 17 carcinogenicity studies are tabulated and evaluated. In male rats, the most common neoplasms were benign pheochromocytomas and keratoacanthomas (4.0% in each case) followed by pancreatic islet cell adenomas (3.7%), thyroid parafollicular cell adenomas (3.6%), fibromas and squamous cell papillomas of the skin and hepatocellular adenomas (2.0% in each), malignant lymphoma lymphocytic (1.9%), histiocytic sarcomas (1.4%), and adrenal cortical adenomas (1.2%). In female rats, the most common neoplasms were of mammary gland origin (31.3%: fibroadenoma 19.0%, adenocarcinomas 8.8%, and adenomas 3.5%) followed by thyroid parafollicular cell adenomas (2.9%), uterine endometrial stromal polyps (2.6%), adrenal cortical adenomas (1.9%), malignant lymphoma lymphocytic (1.6%), fibromas in the skin (1.3%), and pancreatic islet cell adenoma (1.1%). Metastases were observed from pheochromocytomas, hepatocellular carcinomas, nephroblastomas, renal pelvis transitional cell carcinoma, interstitial cell tumor and seminoma of the testes, Zymbal's gland adenocarcinomas, and mammary adenocarcinomas.

Background incidence of mesothelioma: animal and human evidence

Evidence is presented showing that mesotheliomas can have causes other than exposure to asbestos dust, in both experimental animals and humans. In experimental animals, for example, results from two major experimental laboratories suggest that at least 10% may be taken for background incidence, whereas a third laboratory suggests that the experimental group must have a rate exceeding 30% "Background" also includes mesotheliomas found in association with nonfibrous and fibrous nonasbestiform agents. Mesotheliomas in humans can be broadly classified in a manner similar to those of experimental animals: (1) spontaneously occurring, (2) those with a latent period less than 10 years, (3) childhood mesotheliomas, (4) familial cases, (5) cases before the 20th century, (6) mineralogically negative mesotheliomas, and (7) mesotheliomas caused by nonasbestiform agents. The importance of the acceptance of these "background" cases lies in the fact that a basis is provided for the study of the incidence of disease associated with various types of asbestos.

Mesothelioma in the tunica vaginalis of a bull

Bilateral mesothelioma in the tunica vaginalis of an 18-month-old bull is described. Differentiation from adenocarcinoma was based on ultrastructural features, particularly on the morphology of the microvilli and the presence of microfilaments. The aetiology of this neoplasm in the tunica vaginalis is not known.

Induction of lung tumors and peritoneal mesotheliomas in F344 rats given intragastric N-propyl-N-nitrosourea and histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural characteristics of induced mesotheliomas

N-Propyl-N-nitrosourea is a strong leukemogen that induces myelogenic leukemia in Donryu rats and thymic lymphoma in F344 rats when administered in drinking water. In the present study, a single or multiple doses of PNU (total 500 mg/kg body weight) was given to young male and female F344 rats via a stomach tube. The results demonstrated that the percentage of tumor-bearing rats was 100% in all PNU-treated male groups, while that of the control group was 46%. Predominant tumors induced by PNU in male rats were lung adenoma/adenocarcinoma followed by peritoneal mesothelioma, and forestomach papilloma. In females, the tumor incidence of PNU-treated groups varied between 58% and 92% while that of the control group was 42%. Although pituitary tumor was the most frequent tumor in PNU-treated female rats, it was thought to be spontaneous since its incidence in each experimental group was not statistically different from that of the control group. Lung tumors and forestomach papillomas were also induced by PNU in female rats. No thymic lymphoma, however, was found in any of the PNU-treated groups of either sex. Lung tumors developed in almost all PNU-treated male rats and in about one-third of PNU-treated female rats. Mesothelioma was induced only in male rats, and its incidence depended on the treatment schedule. Induced mesotheliomas were extensively examined histologically, histochemically, immunohistochemically, and electron microscopically.

Morphology and classification of 96 primary cardiac neoplasms in Fischer 344 rats

Ninety-six primary cardiac neoplasms were identified from 79,971 Fischer 344 (F344) rats used in chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), for an overall incidence of 0.1%. Neoplasms were classified as: 60 endocardial schwannomas, 23 intramural schwannomas, eight atriocaval mesotheliomas, three paragangliomas, one pericardial mesothelioma, and one hemangioma. Metastases occurred in four rats with endocardial schwannoma. Histological appearance of the endocardial and intramural schwannomas was consistent with origin from nerve sheath. Two of six endocardial schwannomas available for immunohistochemical staining were weakly positive for S-100 antigen. The atriocaval mesotheliomas, while morphologically resembling adenocarcinoma, were positive for vimentin and keratin, indicating mesothelial origin. Seventy of the 96 cardiac neoplasms occurred in rats 2 years of age or older at time of death. There were no sex or treatment-related differences in the incidence of these neoplasms, with the exception of atriocaval mesothelioma, which was more common in males.

Spontaneous mesotheliomas in Fischer rats--a histological and electron microscopic study

Seventeen mesotheliomas from 395 untreated male Fischer 344/DuCrj rats were studied by light and electron microscopy to define the morphological characteristics of the tumors. In 16 out of 17 rats, mesotheliomas were observed in the abdominal and/or scrotal sac, and the other one was localized on the pleura. Grossly, tumors were yellow-brown with various-sized multiple modules growing irregularly over the surface of the serosa. Microscopically, they varied from complex papillary to sessile nodular growths. Tumor cells were cuboidal to polygonal with round to oval nuclei, and were sometimes arranged in tubule-like structures. Occasionally, the cells contained Mowry's colloidal iron positive materials, which were negative following prior incubation with hyaluronidase. Furthermore, intracellular keratins were detected using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Ultrastructural features of tumor cells included numerous microvilli, a basement membrane, junctional complexes, abundant cytofilaments, dilated rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. The morphological characteristics of these tumors in Fischer 344 rats were consistent with those in humans and with experimentally induced counterparts in rats. The histogenesis of these tumors and the variability in their incidence following oral administration of chemical carcinogens is discussed.

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis in a dog

A 12-year-old Scottish terrier had a scrotal mass which was diagnosed as a malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis. The tumour resulted in a rapidly fatal clinical course with direct extension into the peritoneal cavity via the inguinal canal; there were no haematogenous or lymphatic metastases. This is the first case report of such a tumour in the dog. The histology and differential diagnoses of these tumours and a review of similar tumours in other species and possible causative agents are given.

Paratesticular mesotheliomas

Paratesticular mesotheliomas are uncommon tumors. We report 2 such cases and discuss their clinical and pathological findings.

The mesothelium and its reactions: a review

The origins, nature, and reactions of the mesothelium have intrigued investigators for over 100 years. Recently, the use of sophisticated techniques has clarified earlier impressions of its development, structure, and function. The structure of mesothelium reflects its functional properties, its long slender microvilli entrapping a layer of glycosoaminoglycans, providing a frictionless free surface between the parietal and visceral serosa. Transport requirements are met by various surface modifications and both inter- and intra-cellular mechanisms occur. The presence of stomatal openings in the mesothelial membrane has been established, and they may have a major role to play in the movement of cells to and from the serosal cavities. In addition, mesothelial cells can respond to situations of increased functional demand and during the course of inflammation, the mesothelium's fibrinolytic properties are of major importance in preventing the formation of adhesions and the enhancement of healing. Of all the unanswered questions the most significant is the nature, localization, and potentialities of mesothelial precursors. A mesodermal origin is readily acknowledged, but the healing process of damaged mesothelium is less clear. It seems probable that "mature" mesothelium is one source of cell renewal, but mesenchymal cells located in the submesothelial serosa are also strong contenders. Neoplastic mesothelium can adopt a spectrum of histological appearances, reflecting its mesodermal origins. In fact, overacceptance of this concept has erroneously led to the classification of other neoplasms arising in the serosal area as mesotheliomas. Although the ocogenic sequence is still obscure, asbestos is recognized as the major etiologic agent in malignant mesotheliomas. In 1955, Hartwell described differing impressions of the peritoneum as seen through the eyes of an anatomist, an histologist, and a surgeon. In this review on the mesothelium we have attempted to unravel some of its complexities as viewed by embryologists, electronmicroscopists, cell biologists, pathologists, and oncologists.

Mesotheliomas and proliferative lesions of the testicular mesothelium produced in Fischer, Sprague-Dawley and Buffalo rats by methyl(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamine (DMN-OAc)

A single intraperitoneal dose of methyl(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamine (13 mg/kg body weight) given to 78 5-week-old male rats induced 25 mesotheliomas; two mesotheliomas were found in 67 control rats. All mesotheliomas arose from the peritesticular mesothelium and had a typical microscopic appearance of branching papillary fronds with a collagenous core covered by one or many layers of plump tumor cells. Cytoplasm of tumor cells contained material that reacted positively to a colloidal iron stain and was labile to hyaluronidase. In addition to frank mesotheliomas, 16 lesions, which we called atypical mesothelial proliferations, were found. These consisted of a single focus of plump mesothelial cells overlying an area of thick stroma. Often these foci included short, non-branched papillary projections above the surface of adjacent normal mesothelium. Twelve of the 16 lesions occurred in methyl(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamine-treated rats.