Diagnostic value of serum precipitins to mould antigens in active hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Serum precipitins have a controversial diagnostic value in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). The present authors' objective was to assess their diagnostic value by developing scores from a panel of specific antigens tested by two techniques (electrosyneresis and double diffusion) to discriminate active HP from other interstitial lung diseases. Consecutive patients presenting with a condition for which HP was considered in the differential diagnosis were included in the study. All patients underwent the same standardised diagnostic procedure, including precipitin tests performed in routine conditions. Clinical manifestations, bronchoalveolar lavage and high-resolution computed tomography defined the presence or absence of HP. Receiver-operating characteristic curves and logistic regression were used to develop the serological scores. A total of 122 patients (including 31 cases of HP) were included in the study. Five antigens from the panel were selected for the serological scores (Absidia corymbifera, Eurotium amstelodami, Wallemia sebi, Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula and mesophilic Streptomyces sp.). Electrosyneresis was more discriminative than the double-diffusion technique. Predictive negative values varied 81-88% and predictive positive values varied 71-75% for prevalence of HP 20-35%. In conclusion, serological scores using a panel of relevant antigens may guide both biological and clinical practice in areas of high prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

A new complication of AIDS: thoracic myelitis caused by herpes simplex virus

Progressive thoracic myelopathy occurred in a patient with AIDS. Concurrent opportunistic infections included disseminated systemic cytomegalovirus, aspergillosis, and cutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV). At autopsy, immune stains indicated that the myelopathy was caused by HSV type 2 infection of the spinal cord.

Detection and localization of human papillomavirus DNA in human genital condylomas by in situ hybridization with biotinylated probes

We have examined the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in paraffin sections of humans warts by in situ hybridization with biotin-labeled DNA probes. Recombinant plasmid DNAs (HPV-1, -6, -11, -16) were labeled by nick translation with biotinylated deoxyuridine triphosphate. Paraffin sections were hybridized with the probes for 18 h in stringent or non-stringent conditions, and DNA-DNA hybrids were detected by immunocytochemistry. Paraffin sections of warts were also examined for the presence of HPV capsid antigen with the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method for immunocytochemistry. HPV DNA was detected and localized in paraffin sections from a plantar wart, a laryngeal papilloma, and seven anogenital condylomas. The specific HPV type present in each lesion was determined by hybridization under stringent conditions with the homologous DNA probe. The papillomas were found to contain many more cells with replicating virus DNA, as demonstrated by in situ hybridization, than was apparent from the number of cells containing detectable virus antigen. In situ hybridization with biotin-labeled probes is an effective technique for the identification of HPV infection in routinely collected and processed tissue specimens.

Angiosarcomas arising in edematous extremities: immunostaining for factor VIII-related antigen and ultrastructural features

Immunostaining for Factor VIII-related antigen was seen in deparaffinized sections from 19 of 20 postmastectomy angiosarcomas and from four of four sarcomas that arose in chronically edematous tissue unrelated to breast carcinoma. Staining was also seen in sections from two malignant hemangioendotheliomas, four capillary hemangiomas, and one granulation tissue specimen. Sections from two lymphangiomas were immunonegative for Factor VIII-related antigen in the endothelium of lymphatic channels, whereas staining was observed in the surrounding normal blood vessels. Electron microscopic study of four postmastectomy angiosarcomas disclosed ultrastructural features (fenestrae, intense pinocytotic activity, cell junctions, and Weibel-Palade bodies) supporting the blood vascular endothelial nature of the neoplastic cells. It is concluded that a neoplastic blood vessel component is present in sarcomas that arise in chronically edematous tissues. It is questionable whether a lymphatic component is also present. These tumors, therefore, should be regarded as angiosarcomas rather than lymphangiosarcomas.

Analysis of dendritic cells in solitary angiofibromas for factor VIII

We studied dendritic cells in the dermis of six angiofibromas by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method in order to determine whether they are endothelial cells. The primary antiserum used was directed to factor VIII, an endothelial cell marker. The dendritic cells were not immunoreactive for factor VIII, suggesting that they are not endothelial cells.

Intramucosal carcinoma of the small intestine arising in regional enteritis (Crohn's disease). Report of a case studied for carcinoembryonic antigen and review of the literature

A case of carcinoma of the small intestine arising in a patient with regional enteritis (Crohn's disease) of the ileum is reported. The patient, a 54-year-old woman, had a 21-year history of regional enteritis which was treated intermittently with sulfasalazine and prednisone. Segmental resections of the ileum had been performed on two previous occasions. Because of recurrent low-grade intestinal obstruction, another segment of ileum was resected. The bowel demonstrated the typical gross and histologic appearance of regional enteritis. Histologic examination also disclosed a carcinoma that was confined to the ileal mucosa. This case is the first reported in which a small bowel carcinoma arising in regional enteritis has been found only in the mucosa. Adjacent to the carcinoma, the mucosa showed varying degrees of dysplasia consistent with the "precancerous" changes that have been described in inflammatory bowel disease. Using a peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunoperoxidase technique, carcinoembryonic antigen was identified in normal, hyperplastic, dysplastic, and carcinomatous mucosa, but the most intense staining was seen in hyperplastic and dysplastic cells. Carcinoembryonic staining, however, did not aid in differentiating between hyperplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma because of an overlap in staining frequency and intensity.

Are metaplasias in colorectal adenomas truly metaplasias?

Five thousand seven hundred seventy-eight adenomas or adenomas containing carcinoma from 3215 patients were examined by routine histologic methods for the presence of epithelial metaplasias. Three forms of epithelial metaplasia were encountered: squamous cell metaplasia (0.44%), Paneth cell metaplasia (0.20%), and melanocytic metaplasia (0.017%). In several instances multiple forms of metaplasia were encountered in the same polyp. In those cases in which the paraffin blocks were available, a Grimelius stain was performed. Grimelius-positive cells were present in 63% of the adenomas containing a metaplastic cell type. All cases with Paneth cell differentiation were immunoreactive for lysozyme; all lesions containing areas of squamous differentiation were immunoreactive for keratin except 2. The histopathologic features of these cases are discussed, and it is concluded that rather than representing a true metaplastic process, Paneth cell, squamous cell, and melanocyte differentiation represent the full range of cellular differentiation that endodermally derived tissues can exhibit, particularly when they undergo neoplastic alterations.

Breast carcinoma metastatic to a solitary adenomatous polyp in the colon

A 70-year-old woman with known metastatic breast cancer was found at autopsy to have widely disseminated, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. An incidental adenomatous polyp of the colon also contained metastatic breast carcinoma. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a metastasis to an adenomatous polyp of the colon.

The effect of age on the number of pituitary cells immunoreactive to growth hormone and prolactin

The results of a combined immunocytochemical, morphometric, and clinicopathologic analysis of growth-hormone-producing and prolactin-producing pituitary cells in 28 subjects ranging in age from 16 to 90 are reported. There was a significant age-related decline in the number and size of growth-hormone-producing cells, which was most marked in the transition from youth to middle age. There was also a significant age-related decline in the number of pituitary parenchymal cells but not in pituitary weight. Prolactin cells did not show a significant decline in number with age.

Histology, ultrastructure, and immunohistochemistry of strumal carcinoid: a case report

A case of ovarian strumal carcinoid was studied by histochemistry, electron microscopy, and immunocytochemistry. The thyroid component of the tumor was micro-macrofollicular, whereas the carcinoid areas had a trabecular growth pattern. Carcinoid cells contained argyrophilic, dense-core secretory granules and were immunopositive for serotonin but not for calcitonin, somatostatin, or thyroglobulin. Follicular thyroid cells were positive for thyroglobulin, and were negative for calcitonin and somatostatin. Thyroglobulin and serotonin-containing cells were present in microfollicles adjacent to areas of trabecular carcinoid and struma ovarii. The data suggest that strumal carcinoids develop in close association with struma ovarii and represent a subset of ovarian teratomas. Current hypotheses on the cell of origin of strumal carcinoids are reviewed.

Chronic endometritis: the role of immunohistochemistry in the detection of plasma cells

The diagnosis of chronic endometritis depends upon the detection of plasma cells within the inflammatory infiltrate in the endometrium. To determine whether an immunohistochemical stain for plasma cells would enhance the detection of them and the diagnosis of chronic endometritis, we investigated 65 cases, including normal, proliferative, and secretory endometria, late menstrual endometria, endometrial polyps, and cases suspected of being, or diagnostic for, chronic endometritis. Twenty cases were positive by immunoperoxidase staining, 14 of which were positive by morphologic evaluation. Scattered isolated plasma cells which had been missed by histologic examination were detected by immunoperoxidase in three cases of early proliferative endometrium, and one case each of cystic glandular hyperplasia, 16-day endometrium, and late menstrual endometrium. Hence, the immunoperoxidase technique was more sensitive for detecting isolated plasma cells which were missed by standard screening techniques. In addition, the immunoperoxidase stain was useful for defining the spectrum of plasma cell morphologic characteristics within endometrium and, in retrospect, confirmed the differences between plasma cell and endometrial stromal cell morphologic features on hematoxylin and eosin sections.

Dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease: standardized classification with provisional clinical applications

Assessment of epithelial dysplasia in ulcerative colitis has been hindered by inconsistencies in and disagreements about nomenclature and interpretation. To resolve these issues, pathologists from ten institutions participated in three exchanges of multiple slides and, following each exchange, in discussions of the results. A classification system for the epithelial changes that occur in ulcerative colitis was developed, which should be applicable to other forms of inflammatory bowel disease as well. The classification makes use of standardized terminology, addresses specific problem areas, and offers practical solutions. The reproducibility of the system was studied by means of examinations of both inter- and intra-observer variations. The clinical implications of the findings were incorporated into suggestions for patient management. The basis of the classification is that the term "dysplasia" is reserved for epithelial changes that are unequivocally neoplastic and may therefore give rise directly to invasive carcinoma. Specimens are categorized as negative, indefinite, or positive for dysplasia. The negative category includes all inflammatory and regenerative lesions and indicates that only continued regular surveillance is required. The indefinite category is applied to epithelial changes that appear to exceed the limits of ordinary regeneration but are insufficient for an unequivocal diagnosis of dysplasia or are associated with other features that prevent such unequivocal diagnosis. Clinically, it indicates that early repeat biopsy is often required to assess the changes more accurately. The positive category is divided into two subcategories: 1) high-grade dysplasia, for which colectomy should be strongly considered after confirmation of the diagnosis, and 2) low-grade dysplasia, which also requires confirmation and early repeat biopsy or colectomy, depending on other findings.

Atypical immature metaplasia (AIM). A subset of human papilloma virus infection of the cervix

Atypical immature squamous metaplasia (AIM) is a poorly understood lesion with uncertain biological and clinical significance. This report reviews 170 cases of cervical condylomata and 60 cases of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN II/III); AIM was found in association with 34% of condylomata and 16% of high-grade CIN. Thirty-seven cases of AIM alone were reviewed and nearly all presented with a cytologic diagnosis of CIN I or condyloma and a colposcopic appearance of white epithelium with or without punctation and mosaic structure. The mean ages of patients with condylomata, AIM, CIN II, and CIN III were 27, 27, 32, and 37 years, respectively. By immunoperoxidase techniques 75% of condylomata, 16% of AIM, and 0% of CIN lesions were positive. The histologic criteria for the diagnosis of AIM and it's morphologic distinction from CIN and relationship to condylomata, are outlined. AIM is a distinct histologic entity that shares similar epidemiologic, morphologic and biologic characteristics with condyloma. When AIM is found alone in biopsy material, careful correlation of cytology, and biopsy results should be performed and therapy should be based on the size and distribution of the lesion.

Human papilloma virus infection (condyloma) of the cervix and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a histopathologic and statistical analysis

Two hundred fifty consecutive cases previously diagnosed as advanced intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2 and CIN III) were reviewed and examined for the presence of coexisting condyloma. When the mean ages and age distributions were analyzed, there was a consistent shift of the age distribution to a younger age among women with CIN and condyloma as opposed to CIN alone. Furthermore, when the relationship between age and case accumulation was normalized from a curvilinear to a linear relationship, there were significant differences in the slope of the accumulation rate between cohorts of CIN III with and without condyloma. These differences suggest that the concordant observation of both lesions in a given patient is not a random process resulting from two independent events but rather indicates an underlying dependence between the two (i.e., condyloma and CIN). It cannot, however, be determined statistically whether the associated condyloma is directly responsible for the CIN lesion or hastens its transit time.

Colorectal adenomas and cancer: pathologic relationships

The relationship of adenomatous polyps and hyperplastic polyps to carcinomas of the colon and rectum are discussed. There is a continuum of neoplastic alterations from adenomas to invasive carcinomas, which is defined. Clinically relevant prognostic factors in adenomas containing cancer are evaluated. Degree of differentiation, depth of invasion, and the relative amount of carcinoma are important factors.

Kaposi's sarcoma following chemotherapy for testicular cancer in a homosexual man: demonstration of cytomegalovirus RNA in sarcoma cells

A 35-year-old white Jewish homosexual man who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy for an embryonal carcinoma of the testis subsequently developed Kaposi's sarcoma. The neoplasm involved the skin as well as visceral tissues. Tissue derived from a biopsy specimen of one of the skin lesions was used in the in situ hybridization technique for the detection of genetic material. Cytomegalovirus messenger RNA was identified in the neoplastic Kaposi cells in the skin. The significance of this finding is discussed.

Intraepithelial squamous lesions of the vulva: biologic and histologic criteria for the distinction of condylomas from vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia

We reviewed 65 intraepithelial lesions of the vulva and distal vagina and compared the presence of koilocytosis, abnormal mitoses, and parabasal or basal nuclear enlargement with DNA microspectrophotometric distribution patterns and the presence of human papillomavirus antigen as determined by immunoperoxidase. Abnormal mitoses and cytologically atypical nuclear enlargement were specific predictors of aneuploidy and were reliable for distinguishing vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) from condylomas. Koilocytosis was present in 100% of condylomas and 71% of aneuploid (VIN) lesions, but there were qualitative and quantitative differences in the distribution of koilocytic cells in the two classes of lesions. On the basis of these findings, criteria for distinguishing between VIN and condyloma are proposed.

Endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. Are ultrastructural, biochemical and immunocytochemical studies useful in distinguishing between them?

Endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma represent different points in a disease continuum which may be difficult to distinguish using standard histologic criteria. The role of ancillary biochemical, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical techniques in understanding the normal physiologic responses to hormonal stimuli is briefly considered in order to serve as a basis for an analysis of abnormal proliferative states. Not surprisingly, the ultrastructural and biochemical features of hyperplastic and carcinomatous endometria demonstrate a progressive continuum of abnormalities. The role of the immunohistologic detection of CEA, HCG, Casein, and other markers in distinguishing between the various endometrial diseases is discussed. The endometrium represents one of the more spectacular of endocrine target organs in which marked morphologic and ultrastructural changes occur throughout a women's lifetime. Such changes include those accompanying the menarche and the menopause as well as the extensive remodelling which occurs during the reproductive years. During the latter period, the endometrium cyclically proliferates, undergoes secretory differentiation, regresses, degenerates and regenerates. These regularly occurring changes are distinctive and have been described in histological detail, (Noyes et al., 1950, Noyes, 1973, Dallenbach-Hellweg, 1974), as well as ultrastructurally (Cavazos and Lucas, 1973, Ferenczy and Richart, 1974, Ferenczy, 1977). Morphological studies, coupled with advances in knowledge of steroid biochemistry, have confirmed that the cyclic morphological alterations are under the regulatory role of estrogens and progesterone.

Herpesvirus-specific RNA and protein in carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Cloned probes of herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA were used in cytological hybridization experiments to detect herpesvirus RNA transcripts in the neoplastic cells of tumors of the uterine cervix. Virus-specific RNA was shown to represent transcription of limited regions of the genome, of which one is known to code for a DNA-binding protein that can be found by immunoperoxidase staining in the neoplastic cells of these tumors and has also been detected in cells transformed in vitro by this virus.

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: correlation of nuclear DNA content and the presence of a human papilloma virus (HPV) structural antigen

Immunoperoxidase localization of a human papilloma virus structural antigen (HPV) was attempted in 68 intraepithelial lesions of the vulva, 39 of which were analyzed for nuclear DNA content by microspectrophotometry. Overall, 5.9% (4/68) stained positive for HPV. Ninety percent (35/39) of the cases tested were aneuploid, and, of these, 2.8% (1/35) stained positive for HPV. In contrast, 50% (2/4) of the polyploid lesions were positive. Hence DNA microspectrophotometry and immunoperoxidase localization of HPV are useful coparameters for distinguishing wart virus infection (condylomata) from vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. HPV is detected infrequently within aneuploid lesions, in keeping with the concept that epithelial maturation is required for virion assembly. Whether the HPV genome exists in a nonreplicative state within the aneuploid cell population is unknown.

Limited transcription of the herpes simplex virus genome when latent in human sensory ganglia

Human paravertebral ganglia were examined for the presence of specific sequences of viral RNA by in situ cytological hybridization, using as probes individual fragments of herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA. Ganglia were obtained at autopsy from 40 patients, and 14 were positive for herpes simplex virus RNA. Transcripts from the left-hand 30% of the viral genome were detected in all of the herpes simplex virus-positive cases. RNA homologous to other sequences from the L component were present less frequently, and no RNA from the S component was detected. These results argue that specific transcription of the herpes simplex virus genome occurs in latently infected human ganglion cells.

Diagnosis of primary breast carcinoma through immunohistochemical detection of antigen related to mouse mammary tumor virus in metastatic lesions: a report of two cases

Recent investigations have established that approximately half of human breast carcinomas contain an immunohistochemically detectable antigen which is cross-reactive with the 52000-dalton major glycoprotein (gp52) of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV). This antigen can be localized in paraffin-embedded sections of routinely fixed tissues using heterologous antibodies to gp52 or MMTV. This report describes two patients with metastatic carcinoma in axillary lymph nodes without any clinical evidence of a primary lesion in the breast or elsewhere. The localization of the gp52-related antigen in paraffin-embedded sections of both metastatic lesions suggested the presence of primary mammary carcinoma. In both instances, this suggestion was ultimately confirmed by the finding of primary lesions in which the gp52-related antigen was also found.

The expression of human chorionic gonadotropin in the female genital tract: localization by the immunoperoxidase technique

Four hundred eighty-eight lesions from 456 patients were surveyed for the production of hCG using the immunoperoxidase technique. HCG immunoreactivity was found in 9.1% of the total number of cases studied. The 10% of ovarian cancers expressing hCG included serous, endometrioid, and germ cell tumors. Eighteen point nine percent of neoplastic cervices were positive for hCG; the highest rate of expression was in invasive cancers. Eighteen point nine percent of endometrial cancers were hCG positive; poorly differentiated tumors had the highest percent of marker expression. The significance of "ectopic" hCG expression in nontrophoblastic gynecologic neoplasms is discussed.

Risks of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among DES-exposed women

The increased occurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women with in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) is described. Among 335 self-referred women exposed to DES, 14.9% (50) had a least 1 cytologic smear interpreted as CIN, and 16.2% (54) had at least 1 biopsy interpreted as CIN. Excluding those with grade 1 CIN, 8.7% (29) had at least grade 2 CIN on biopsy and 4.2% (14) had biopsies interpreted as grade 3 CIN. No invasive lesions were detected. Because the problem of differentiating true intraepithelial neoplasia from morphologically indistinguishable but benign lesions in DES-exposed women remains unresolved, the authors believe a conservative approach to treatment is still indicated. This study supports the recommendation that DES-exposed women merit continued thorough gynecologic evaluation, including regular cytologic evaluation and colposcopy, with biopsies as indicated.

Induction of lymphocyte differentiation by epidermal cultures

Human and murine lymphoid cell populations were induced to express terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, a marker of early lymphoid differentiation, by exposure to allogeneic or syngeneic epidermal cells. Control growth medium, fibroblasts, or a mammary epithelial cell line did not induce this marker. These findings suggest that epidermal cells can induce lymphoid cell differentiation in vitro.

Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: a clinicopathologic study with review of the literature

The pathologic and clinical aspects of 21 cases of pure, clear cell carcinoma of the ovary are discussed. The literature is reviewed with particular reference to histogenesis and to the problems related to defining this tumor as a separate clinicopathologic entity. It is suggested that clear cell carcinoma represents a histologic variant of endometrioid carcinoma rather than constituting a separate entity.

Carcinoembryonic antigen localization in benign and malignant transitional epithelium

Transitional epithelium from 30 cases, including transitional cell carcinoma of various grades and stages, carcinoma in situ, cystitis cystica, and glandularis, as well as normal bladder epithelium, was studied for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) content by the immunoperoxidase technique. The results indicate that CEA is present in normal transitional epithelium and that its level frequently decreases in transitional cell carcinoma. These results are related to the findings in studies of urinary CEA excretion.

Adenoacanthosis of endometrium: a clinicopathologic study in premenopausal women

Adenoacanthosis of the endometrium is a disorder characterized by glandular hyperplasia with squamous metaplasia. A clinicopathologic study was done of 10 cases, the majority of which were referred for consultation as atypical hyperplasia of adenoacanthoma. All of the patients were premenopausal and ranged in age from 19 to 45 years: they presented with abnormal bleeding or infertility. In four cases the adjacent endometrium was normal cycling endometrium; two were associated with chronic endometritis, and two were present within endometrial polyps. Three patients responded conservative therapy; in two others, hysterectomy disclosed no residual lesion. Although adenoacanthosis has certain morphologic features mimicking adenoacanthoma, it can be distinguished from this lesion by its growth pattern and cytologic features. Whether adenoacanthosis is a cancer precursor is unknown, but the potential reversibility of the lesion warrants conservative therapy, particularly in women of childbearing age.

Histogenesis of Brenner tumors, I: histology and ultrastructure

The histology of 36 benign and four proliferative Brenner tumors is reviewed, and the ultrastructural features of benign Brenner tumors are described. Evidence is presented for the origin of these tumors from celomic inclusion cysts through transitional metaplasia of the cyst lining and progressive growth of branching cords of transitional epithelium. Ovarian lesions associated with the Brenner tumor are described, particularly those containing mucinous epithelia, and their significance is discussed.

Histogenesis of Brenner tumors, II: histochemistry and CEA

The histochemical characteristics of 21 benign Brenner tumors were studied. The mucins associated with these tumors are of transitional cell origin and do not represent a secondary metaplasia of transitional to intestinal-type epithelium. The goblet and ciliated columnar cells associated with the proliferative Brenner tumor are thought to represent a parallel mucinous metaplasia from celomic epithelium. Thirteen of the 16 benign Brenner tumors and the one proliferative Brenner tumor were found to contain carcinoembyronic antigen (CEA), indicating an additional antigenic similarity to transitional epithelium.

Müllerian adenosarcoma of the uterus: literature review, case report, and ultrastructural observations

This is a report of a transmission and scanning electron microscopic examination of a müllerian adenosarcoma. The neoplasm had the characteristic pattern of benign neoplastic glands with focal squamous metaplasia and a sarcomatous stroma. Ultrastructurally, both mesenchymal and epithelial elements were identified. The mesenchymal components were ultrastructurally identical to those present in endometrial stromal sarcomas, including active collagen synthesis. The epithelial component resembled bening endometrial glands, and there was significant secretory activity as evidenced by prominent cytoplasmic glycogen collections.

Cervical carcinoma: detection of herpes simplex virus RNA in cells undergoing neoplastic change

3H-HSV-2 DNA has been hybridized in situ to frozen sectioned tissue from human cervical biopsies. RNA complementary to the virus-specific probe was detected in cells undergoing pre-malignant changes, but not in the cells of the fully developed squamous-cell cancer.

Antigens, enzymes and hormones. Their roles as tumor markers in gynecologic neoplasia

The membranes of neoplastic cells contain a variety of glycoproteins which may function as antigens, hormones, or as key enzymes in the modification of the cell surface. The structure of the normal cell membrane, and the glycoproteins which may present within it, are briefly surveyed. Specific emphasis is placed on antigenic changes related to tumors found within the female genital tract. In addition, enzyme changes and mechanisms for the release of these proteins from the cell surfaces are discussed. Methods for detecting glycoprotein (antigenic) changes are briefly surveyed.

Evaluation of polymer flock and metal alloy intra-tubal device in pigtail monkeys

Two intratubal devices, one covered with a flock made from ethylene vinyl acetate and the other constructed of titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy with an etched surface were evaluated after being placed in the Fallopian tubes of pigtail monkeys. In some instances, the devices were medicated with 10% silver nitrate or 50% quinacrine hydrochloride. The microflock device anchored in the tube mechanically, but there is no evidence that either the polymeric or metal alloy device formed an actual attachment with Fallopian tube epithelium. It is suggested that a mechanical design approach to ITDs might be more productive than one which assumes a tissue-device bond.