Expression of ecalectin, a novel eosinophil chemoattractant, in nasal polyps

CONCLUSION

Ecalectin, which is produced in the mucosa of nasal polyps, seems to play an important role in the accumulation and activation of eosinophils in nasal polyps, regardless of the presence or absence of atopic predisposition.

OBJECTIVE

Ecalectin is a recently discovered eosinophil chemoattractant which elongs to the galectin family. We investigated the expression of ecalectin in nasal polyp tissues associated with various nasal and paranasal diseases in order to clarify the pathogenesis of eosinophilia in nasal polyposis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nasal polyps were taken from 56 patients diagnosed as having chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis. The surgically resected polyps and nasal turbinates were immunohistochemically stained using antibodies against EG2, human mast cell tryptase, CD3 and ecalectin.

RESULTS

The number of EG2- and ecalectin-positive cells was significantly higher in nasal polyps than control turbinates. Ecalectin-positive cells were observed in the subepithelial layer, where many EG2-positive cells were present. The number of ecalectin-positive cells correlated significantly with the number of EG2-positive cells in nasal polyps. Many ecalectin mRNA-positive cells were also observed in nasal polyps with an accumulation of EG2-positive cells.

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 infect the mouse pituitary gland and induce apoptotic cell death

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infected the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland resulting in cytopathic changes following intravenous (i.v.) inoculation of male mice. Both HSV type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) were isolated from pituitary gland following i.v. infection, but not after intraperitoneal inoculation. HSV-infected pituitary cells were microscopically visible beginning at 24 h or 48 h following i.v. inoculation and were localized in the anterior pituitary. In both HSV-1 and -2 infections the pituitary lesions were apoptotic, as determined by light and electron microscopy, TUNEL, and DNA gel electrophoresis. However, the pituitary infection does not appear to be life-threatening since pituitary lesions were also observed following i.v. infection with HSV-1 strain -GC which possesses low virulence. These results suggest that the pituitary gland is one of the target organs of HSV infection.

Equine endotoxemia: pathomorphological aspects of endotoxin-induced damage in equine mesenteric arteries

To evaluate the effects of endotoxin on the morphology of the equine mesenteric vasculature, each of two thoroughbred horses were given two intravenous injections (24 h apart) of a sublethal dose of endotoxin (10 microg/kg). Each injection produced results similar to those of clinical cases of equine colic with obstructive nature of the loop of bowel: diarrhoea within 2 h after administration, followed by cessation of both faecal excretion and sounds of intestinal peristalsis. The most prominent morphological change was the development of moniliform appearance of small mesenteric arteries, in which there were contracted and dilated segments of the small mesenteric arteries. This was accompanied by parietal hyalinization and intramural and extramural haemorrhage. These mesenteric vascular changes appear to reflect dynamic vasoconstriction in the living animal, resulting in reduction of mesenteric and intestinal blood flow and possibly inducing alterations of gastrointestinal function such as cessation of intestinal peristalsis.

Acute adrenal infection by HSV-1: role of apoptosis in viral replication

Replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in the adrenal gland of mice was observed 12 h after intravenous inoculation, peaked at 48 h (7 x 10(7) PFU/tissue), and was maintained until death. Virus spread to the bilateral intermediolateral column of the thoracic spinal cord. Infected cells appeared in the fascicular zone of the adrenal cortex 12 h after infection, and cell death was evident in lesions found in the adrenal cortex. Lesions involved the medulla 48 h after inoculation. In cortical lesions, cell nuclei were fragmented or shrunken with little damage to the cytoplasm. DNA fragmentation appeared 12 h after inoculation and increased mainly in cortical lesions, which were characterized by apoptosis induced by HSV-1 infection. In the adrenal medulla, cells were fused and formed multinucleated giant cells but rarely displayed cell death. Macrophages, which serve as a frontal barrier to viral infection in the adrenal gland, especially the cortex, were fewer in number than those found in the liver or spleen. It is likely that HSV-1 easily infects the adrenal gland, resulting in suppression of local immunity, and that adrenal cell apoptosis serves as a primitive type of immunity to limit viral replication.

Are there histopathologic characteristics particular to fulminant hepatic failure caused by human herpesvirus-6 infection? A case report and discussion

An 8-month-old boy was admitted to a neighboring hospital for severe liver dysfunction and drowsiness 4 days after a diagnosis of exanthem subitum. A diagnosis of fulminant hepatic failure was made, and liver biopsy was performed during the acute stage. The presence of human herpesvirus-6 variant B (HHV-6B) DNA was shown in liver tissue by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in the endothelium of the portal vein by in situ hybridization (ISH). Histologic examination showed microvesicular steatosis resembling that of Reye's syndrome, even though aspirin had not been prescribed. We considered HHV-6 to be the causative agent in this case and report what is perhaps the first precise histologic description of fulminant hepatic failure caused by HHV-6.

Immunohistochemistry of atrial natriuretic peptide in brain infarction

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was originally isolated from cardiac atria, and has potent natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant properties. It has been localized in neurons and astrocytes in the cerebral cortex and the white matter. We hypothesize that glial ANP may contribute to the regulation of cerebral blood flow in brain infarction. In order to elucidate this possible role, the immunohistochemistry of ANP was studied in cases of brain infarction and in other cases of brain trauma for comparison. A statistically significant increase in the number of ANP-immunoreactive glial cells (mainly astrocytes) was observed in the white matter surrounding the brain infarction compared with the intact area. No statistically significant increase in ANP-immunoreactive glial cell number was observed in the cerebral white matter from brain haemorrhage, contusion and control cases. Our results indicate that glial ANP may increase in number in brain infarction, and that it may be involved in the regulation of the cerebral blood flow in the infarcted area.

Epstein-Barr virus infection resembling autoimmune hepatitis with lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase anomaly

A 73-year-old man had fever, lymphadenopathy, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, ascites, pleural effusion, liver injury, and an allergic-like skin rash. Autoantibodies, such as anti-nuclear antibody, were shown, and there were lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase anomalies and platelet-associated IgG. His liver injury resembled that in autoimmune hepatitis. He was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection associated with autoimmunization because of his clinical course, fluctuation of anti EBV antibodies and positive EBV genome in circulating lymphocytes and serum. This case suggests a close relationship between EBV infection and autoimmunization or autoimmune-like hepatitis.

Herpes simplex virus hepatitis in macrophage-depleted mice: the role of massive, apoptotic cell death in pathogenesis

Infection with herpes simplex virus or hepatitis viruses can lead to fulminant hepatitis, but there is controversy about the underlying conditions needed for such disease. To investigate how the impairment of host defences might be involved, macrophages were depleted by administration of silica to mice before intravenous injection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Such mice died rapidly and their livers were yellowish and shrunken (acute yellow atrophy), and occasionally grossly haemorrhagic. Small foci of apoptotic cells developed in the liver lobules; these rapidly became confluent and zonal over time. The overall lesion pattern was similar to massive hepatic necrosis, and there was extensive HSV replication in the liver lesions. In the liver, DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis followed the time course of HSV-1 propagation. These findings suggest that one of the underlying conditions for fulminant viral hepatitis may be inadequate macrophage response, and that the massive hepatic damage, often defined as cell necrosis, may actually be apoptosis of liver cells subsequent to virus infection.

Differential expression of S-adenosylmethionine synthetase isozymes in different cell types of rat liver

Mammalian S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) synthetase exists as two isozymes, liver-type and nonhepatic-type enzymes, which are the products of two different genes. It is known that the liver-type isozyme is only expressed in adult liver. Whereas, the nonhepatic-type isozyme is widely distributed in various tissues. In addition to the liver-type isozyme, a minor amount of the nonhepatic-type isozyme is also detected in adult liver. To investigate the distribution of these two isozymes in the liver in detail, the localization of these two isozymes was examined in each cell type of liver using a combination of cell fractionation technique and Western blot analysis. In the parenchymal cells, the liver-type isozyme protein was predominantly expressed, and a small amount of the nonhepatic-type isozyme protein was also detected. On the other hand, in the stellate cells the nonhepatic-type isozyme protein was exclusively or only expressed. Interestingly, a large amount of both isozymes were present in endothelial and Kupffer cell fraction. Using both antibodies to anti-rat nonhepatic-type and liver-type isozymes, respectively, immunohistochemical analysis clearly confirmed these results. In addition, in cultured hepatocellular carcinoma cells (FAA-HTC1), the nonhepatic-type isozyme protein only was detected, and the liver-type isozyme protein completely disappeared. This result indicates that the changes in the isozyme expression is regulated within the parenchymal cells. Administration of hepatotoxic drug carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to rats resulted in about 40% to 50% reduction of enzyme activity in parenchymal cells and stellate cells compared with those of control rats. However, enzyme activity in endothelial and Kupffer cell fraction was not changed.

Systemic lupus erythematosus with multiple perivascular spongy changes in the cerebral deep structures, midbrain and cerebellar white matter: a case report

A 42-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus developed an episode of tonic seizures and progressive disturbance of consciousness at the terminal stage. Neuropathological examination of the brain revealed a nearly symmetrical distribution of multiple spongy foci in the internal capsules, thalami, globus pallidus, mesencephalic tegmentum, cerebral peduncles and hilus of the dentate nuclei. The spongy lesions were obviously distributed along apparently intact medium-sized veins, and contained large numbers of macrophages, and axonal spheroids and a few reactive astrocytes, without inflammatory cell infiltration. In addition, the perivenous spongy lesions exhibited IgG immunoreactivity, so it is surmised that some neurotoxic factor(s) that exuded from the veins in the center of the perivenous lesions may have brought about such a unique pathology.

T lymphocytes and silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in mice

BACKGROUND

Silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in animals provides a good model for chronic pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. Although lymphocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, experimental models using silica-treated athymic nude mice have not been successful in showing the fibrogenic mechanism regulated by T cells. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the role of T lymphocytes in the development of silicosis by comparing the response to silica administration of nude athymic mutants with that of euthymic animals.

METHODS

Suspensions of silica particles were transnasally administered to nude athymic mice (Balb/c nu/nu) as well as to their euthymic littermates (Balb/c nu/+). The degree of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis was assessed on days 14, 28, and 56 based upon histological observation, analysis of collagen deposition in the lungs, and analysis of the cellular constituent, protein, and phospholipid content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

RESULTS

Histologically, athymic mice developed less severe interstitial pneumonitis than euthymic mice. In euthymic mice the lung hydroxyproline content increased with time after silica administration from 6.48 (0.38) micrograms hydroxyproline/mg dry lung weight on day 0 to 8.87 (0.41) micrograms/mg on day 56. A gradual increase in lung hydroxyproline content was also observed in athymic mice but the increase was significantly smaller than in euthymic mice (6.63 (0.43) micrograms/mg on day 0, 7.90 (0.19) micrograms/mg on day 56). Administration of silica resulted in an increase in the number of macrophages and neutrophils and in the total protein and phospholipid content of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in both mouse strains. No significant difference was detected between athymic and euthymic mice in the numbers of macrophages, but the increase in neutrophils in the BAL fluid of athymic mice was significantly smaller than in euthymic mice on days 14 and 56. The total protein and phospholipid content of the BAL fluid from athymic mice was lower than that from euthymic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

T lymphocytes appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of silica-induced pneumonitis. Since pulmonary fibrosis develops even in nude athymic mice, T cells do not seem to play a primary part in fibrogenic response but they regulate, at least to some extent, the response of inflammatory cells and fibrogenesis of the lung.

[Dystrophin abnormality in a patient with polymyositis associated with primary biliary cirrhosis and myocardial injury]

We have reported a 58-year-old Japanese female with polymyositis, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and arrhythmia. In contrast to the previously reported 13 cases of polymyositis associated with PBC, symptoms and laboratory data abnormalities responded to oral administration of predonisolone. Interestingly, immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses of biopsied skeletal muscle revealed diminished expression of dystrophin carboxyl-terminal domain in the sarcolemma, suggesting that, in analogy to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, secondary abnormality of the link between the basal lamina and cytoskeleton via the dystrophinglycoprotein complex may have played a role in the molecular pathogenesis of muscle fiber degeneration in this patient.

HPV type 16 in conjunctival and junctional papilloma, dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma

AIMS

To clarify the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the development of papilloma, dysplasia, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell epithelioma arising from the eyelids, including the tunica conjunctiva palpebrum (conjunctiva), its junction to epidemis of eyelid skin (junction), and eyelid skin.

METHODS

Sixteen cases of papilloma, four of dysplasia, four of squamous cell carcinoma, and 12 of basal cell epithelioma were examined using formalin fixed and paraffin embedded samples. Detection of HPV-DNA was performed by PCR-RFLP and in situ hybridisation (ISH) methods.

RESULTS

HPV-16 was detected in 12/16 papillomas (75%), 2/4 dysplasias (50%), and 1/4 squamous cell carcinomas (25%) but in none of the basal cell epitheliomas. No other HPV subtypes were found. ISH assay showed positive signals in only two cases of dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. The mean age of HPV-16 positive dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma cases (81.7 years) was significantly higher than that of HPV-16 positive papilloma cases (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the presence of HPV-16 in both benign and malignant lesions and the age distribution, it seems likely that HPV-16 alone may be incapable of causing development of conjunctival and junctional dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma, and that any correlation between the papilloma-squamous cell carcinoma sequence and HPV infection may be due to rare events.

Increased S-100 protein-immunoreactivity of Kupffer cells is associated with lymphohematological malignancy

The distribution of S-100 protein in normal tissue has been studied extensively. However, little is known about its expression in pathologic states. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of S-100 protein in diseased human liver, especially in Kupffer cells. One hundred cases of autopsy livers originating from patients with various diseases were examined. Increased S-100-immunoreactivity of Kupffer cells was observed in six cases. Of the six cases, four were derived from a lymphohematologic malignancy, such as B cell lymphoma, B cell lymphoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma and chronic myelogenous leukemia with lymphoblastic crisis. Lymphohematologic malignancy accounted for 16 out of the 100 cases examined. Thus, increased S-100-positive Kupffer cells was significantly associated with lymphohematologic malignancy (P < 0.01); 25% (4/16) in cases with lymphohematologic malignancy versus 2.4% (2/84) in the remaining cases. Moreover, some of these S-100-positive Kupffer cells were positive for S-100 beta-subunit, which is not normally expressed by Kupffer cells. Although the reason for this increased S-100-immunoreactivity is speculative, the authors' hypothesis is that tumor cells may produce some factor(s) that induce the expression of S-100 protein in Kupffer cells.

Kupffer cells in multiple organ failure--their activation as revealed by immunohistochemistry for lysozyme, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, and lectins

It has been recently suggested that multiple organ failure (MOF) is caused by activation of inflammatory cells and subsequent release soluble factors from these cells. However, morphologic data to support this hypothesis is lacking. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the activation of Kupffer cells in multiple organ failure by applying immunohistochemical techniques to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded autopsy materials. Eleven liver samples of multiple organ failure were stained for lysozyme, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, and by lectins, such as ConA, RCA-I, WGA and PNA. Normal livers and diseased livers of miscellaneous origins were also stained and compared. In normal livers, Kupffer cells were generally negative or weakly positive for lysozyme, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, ConA, RCA-I, and PNA, while they were positive for WGA. In multiple organ failure, by contrast, Kupffer cells showed stronger staining for alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, lysozyme, ConA, RCA-I, WGA, and PNA, indicating activation of Kupffer cells. Increased reaction to WGA and RCA-I was also observed in diseased livers of miscellaneous origins. These results are in agreement with the current hypothesis that activation of Kupfer cells is involved in the pathogenesis of MOF. Our findings also indicate, however, that activation of Kupffer cells is not a phenomenon unique to MOF.

Hypocomplementemia associated with hepatitis C viremia in sera from voluntary blood donors

OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces extra-hepatic manifestations, most of which are considered to be mediated by circulating immune complexes. For evaluating this association in a wider perspective, complement activity was determined in sera from apparently healthy individuals, and hypocomplementemia was tested for correlation with HCV viremia.

METHODS

Sera from 10,532 voluntary blood donors were stored at 4 degrees C overnight, serially diluted 2-fold, and tested for hemolytic activity by a microtitration method and antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) by passive hemagglutination with recombinant HCV antigens of the second generation. HCV RNA was determined in sera with anti-HCV or hypocomplementemia, or both, by polymerase chain reaction with nested primers deduced from the 5'-noncoding region of the HCV genome.

RESULTS

Hypocomplementemia was detected in 53 (0.5%) of 10,532 donations and anti-HCV in 94 (0.9%). Anti-HCV was detected in 48 (91%) of the 53 sera with hypocomplementemia, more frequently than in 46 (0.44%) of 10,479 sera without (p < 0.001). Among 94 sera positive for anti-HCV, HCV RNA was detected in 45 (94%) of 48 sera with hypocomplementemia, more often than in 10 (22%) of 46 sera without (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A close association of hypocomplementemia with HCV viremia among apparently healthy blood donors would reflect circulating immune complexes which may cause extrahepatic diseases, such as cryoglobulinemia and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, in some HCV carriers. The storage of sera from HCV carriers at 4 degrees C before the test would have contributed to a decreased hemolytic activity due to the cold activation of complement by cryoglobulins involving HCV.

[Histopathological studies on paranasal mucosa from patients treated with erythromycin]

Low-dose and long-term administration of erythromycin (EM therapy) has been reported to be very effective for patients with intractable chronic sinusitis including sinobronchial syndrome. However, we sometimes encounter patients whose sinusitis is extremely resistant to EM therapy. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the correlation between the clinical efficacy of EM therapy and the histopathological features of the ethmoidal mucosa and nasal polyps of patients treated with erythromycin. Patients with significant lymphocytic infiltration in the submucosal area responded well to EM therapy. Furthermore, patients with neutrophilic infiltration within and beneath the ciliary epithelium tended to show improvement with this therapy. On the other hand, EM therapy was minimally effective in patients whose subepithelial layer showed marked eosinophilic infiltration. In patients showing excellent and good clinical results, histological changes in the paranasal mucosa after therapy were as follows: a decrease in the number of inflammatory cells, reduced interstitial edema, increased fibrosis and normalization of the secretory glands. From these results, we conclude that erythromycin may suppress chronic inflammation except for an allergic reaction characterized by marked eosinophilic infiltration.

Mast cells are essential for the full development of silica-induced pulmonary inflammation: a study with mast cell-deficient mice

Silicosis provides a good model for chronic interstitial pulmonary inflammation. In order to clarify the role of mast cells in the development of interstitial lung diseases, silica suspension was transnasally administered to mast cell-deficient mice (WBB6F1-W/Wv) and their mast cell-intact littermates (WBB6F1(-)+/+) as well as to normal mice (C57BL/6). Histologic examinations and analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) components indicated that silica instillation induces less severe lung lesions in mast cell-deficient mice than in mast cell-intact mice. BALF neutrophilia was prominent in mast cell-intact mice, but mast cell-deficient mice developed significantly milder BALF neutrophilia. An increase in the number of lung mast cells was observed in mast cell-intact mice. To further prove the involvement of mast cells, bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells from +/+ mice were adoptively transferred to mast cell-deficient mice. These mast cell-reconstituted mice developed more severe pulmonary lesions than did the mast cell-deficient mice; the severity of the lesions was similar to that in mast cell-intact mice. In addition, BALF neutrophilia was elicited by mast cell reconstitution. A significant number of mast cells was found in the lungs of mast cell-reconstituted mice when silica was administered. These results suggest the involvement of mast cells in the development of silicosis and implicate interactions between mast cells and neutrophils in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Effect of PSK, a protein-bound polysaccharide preparation, on liver tumors of Syrian hamsters induced by Thorotrast injection

The contrast medium Thorotrast, an agent well known to be carcinogenic, was injected into 400 congeneic Syrian hamsters. The resulting incidence of malignant hepatic tumors such as cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and hemangiosarcoma, was significantly higher in the male experimental group than in the control group, and the 50% survival period in the male group was shortened by about 100 days (P < 0.01). However administration of the antitumor drug PSK (Polysaccharide Kureha), a protein bound-polysaccharide extracted from basidiomycete fungi, prevented this carcinogenic effect. The incidence of malignant hepatic tumors in the experimental group was 22.5% compared with 2.8% in the control group (P < 0.01) and 10.5% in the PSK-treated group (P < 0.01). PSK also increased the 50% survival period by 61 days (P < 0.01).

Lack of susceptibility of various primates and woodchucks to hepatitis C virus

Five different species of primates including cynomolgus monkey, rhesus monkey, green monkey, Japanese monkey, and doguera baboon and woodchucks were inoculated intravenously with infectious serum from a chimpanzee infected with hepatitis C. Serum samples obtained weekly from these animals were negative for hepatitis C virus RNA and anti-HCV during six months following inoculation. Furthermore, serum alanine aminotransferase remained within normal limits, and normal liver histology was seen. This study indicates that these primates and woodchucks do not appear to be susceptible to hepatitis C virus.

Clear cell sarcoma of kidney. Two cases in adults

BACKGROUND

Clear cell sarcoma of kidney (CCSK) is an aggressive renal tumor occurring most frequently in the second and third years of life. Although it has been reported in the literature in patients as old as 21 years of age, there has been no report focusing on adults with CCSK. The authors describe two cases of CCSK in men and the findings at autopsy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Histologically, the renal tumors consisted of a homogeneous proliferation of polygonal or short spindle cells with faintly eosinophilic cytoplasm supported by a network of small vessels. Ultrastructurally, clusters of tumor cells were surrounded by collagen bundles. Elongated cytoplasmic processes, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, and intermediate filaments in the cytoplasm; primitive desmosome-like junctional structures; and incomplete basal lamina were observed. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells had positive results only for vimentin. Cytokeratins, epithelial membrane antigen, desmin, myoglobin, S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, and chromogranin A were not detected in the tumor cells. Both patients died within 2 years of onset of disease, and autopsy showed widespread metastases, especially in the soft tissue and bone.

CONCLUSIONS

Morphologic findings and an aggressive clinical course with metastasis to the bone and soft tissue are supportive of the diagnosis of CCSK in these patients.

Multiple strictures of the small intestine after long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy

A 60-yr-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis presented with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced ileal ulcers which caused intestinal bleeding and multiple strictures. Results of investigations, including radiological, pathological, and bacteriological examinations, were not consistent with Crohn's disease or intestinal tuberculosis. Rather, the lesion was characteristic of "diaphragm disease" caused by NSAIDs. Discontinuance of NSAIDs in combination with administration of ornoprostil (prostaglandin E1-derivative), sucralfate, and sulfasalazine put an end to the intestinal bleeding. This is a rate case of a patient with multiple strictures of the small intestine caused by NSAIDs.

Solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas: MR imaging and pathologic correlation

Correlation of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings and those at pathologic evaluation was attempted in six cases of solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas. All patients were female, and the mean patient age was 26 years (range, 13-73 years). On T1-weighted spin-echo images, tumors were well demarcated, and areas of high signal intensity were evident within them. At macroscopic examination, these areas corresponded to solid portions with marked hemorrhagic necrosis or cystic portions filled with hemorrhagic debris. In three of four masses surrounded by macroscopically evident fibrous capsules, a rim of low intensity was revealed at T1-weighted imaging. When T1-weighted spin-echo imaging reveals obvious areas of high intensity within a sharply marginated tumor of the pancreas, especially in a young woman, solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm might be a primary diagnostic consideration.

Direct correlation between sonography and histology of minute malignant hepatic nodule

To improve the qualitative diagnosis of ultrasonography (US) of minute malignant hepatic nodules, we studied the accurate and direct correlations between US and histopathology of 33 lesions using formalin-fixed autopsied livers. The target nodules were cut on the same plane as their US-image. The solid nests of malignant tumor without degeneration were hypoechoic on US. Hepatocellular carcinoma showed a wide variety of echo levels, from hypoechoic to isoechoic, and its images were more heterogeneous than those of other malignant lesions. The squamous cell carcinoma ranged from hypoechoic to hyperechoic according to the degree of keratinization. US may be useful for evaluating the degree of differentiation in squamous cell carcinoma. Marked mucin-production and "comedo" pattern seem to be histological factors of the hyperechoic US image of adenocarcinoma. This study may contribute to improve the quality of US-diagnosis of minute hepatic nodular lesions.

The effect of CV-3988 and CV-6209 on the acute gastric erosions of rats due to water-immersion and restraint stress

CV-3988 and CV-6209 inhibited gastric erosions in rats due to water-immersion and restraint stress in a dose-dependent manner. The above inhibitory effects of CV-3988 were observed in the presence of indomethacin, which may indicate that the inhibition is not prostaglandin dependent. The studies indicate that platelet-activating factor may be involved in the formation of erosions in rats under water-immersion and restraint stress.

Development and growth pattern of small hepatocellular carcinomas in woodchucks--analysis of an animal model of human hepatocellular carcinoma by ultrasonography

Woodchucks are very useful animal models of human hepatocellular carcinoma. It is important to detect carcinomas in their early stage to study the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. By ultrasonography (echogram) we found tumors less than 10 mm in diameter. Echographically all of the tumors except one were hypo-echoic in their early stages. One tumor showed a hyper-echoic pattern which grew very rapidly. Pathologically they were all well differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma and there were no differences between hypo- and hyper-echoic tumors. When volumes of tumors were less than 10 cm3 they grew very slowly but when tumors were larger than 10 cm3 their volume increased very rapidly. The ultrasonographic patterns of large tumors were iso-echoic and mosaic, as in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Quantitative evaluation of parenchymal liver cell volume and total hepatocyte number in cirrhotic patients

A simple morphometrical method was developed using a color image analyzing system, which allowed quantitative evaluation of parenchymal liver cell volume and total hepatocyte number in cirrhotic patients. With this method, we estimated these values in 29 cirrhotic patients who underwent hepatic resection (nine cases) or nonshunting operation (20 cases). Liver volume, calculated from computed tomographic images, was 976 +/- 196 cm3 (range = 602 to 1,376 cm3); the parenchymal cell volume ratio, obtained based on liver histological appearance with silver stain, was 0.665 +/- 0.092 (range = 0.510 to 0.881); and the parenchymal cell volume, calculated by multiplying the liver volume with the parenchymal cell volume ratio, was 645 +/- 140 cm3 (range = 403 to 936 cm3). The total hepatocyte number obtained in a similar manner using hematoxylin-stained specimens was 1.72 +/- 0.56 x 10(11) (range = 0.74 to 2.94 x 10(11)). The validity and applicability of the method is discussed, and the data are compared with those reported in other studies.

Expression of androgen receptor mRNA in human hepatocellular carcinomas and hepatoma cell lines

The expression of androgen receptor messenger RNA in hepatocellular carcinomas and hepatoma cell lines was studied using Northern-blot analysis and the complementary DNA-polymerase chain reaction method. Androgen receptor messenger RNAs were detected (although in low levels) in both hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and noncancerous tissues of the liver in all eight cases we studied, except for the tumor sample of one case. None of the hepatoma cell lines studied, however, expressed detectable levels of androgen receptor messenger RNA except for the SK-HEP-1 hepatoma cell line.

Induction of fatty liver by fasting in suncus

We found that a fatty liver was easily induced in a novel experimental animal, Suncus murinus (suncus), by withholding food. Hepatic triglyceride content increased linearly for up to 24 h after fasting in these animals. Serum levels of neutral lipids are very low in the fed state compared with those in rats, and decreased significantly after 24 h fasting. On the other hand, serum free fatty acids, which are at the same level in fed animals as in rats, increased threefold in the fasting suncus. In order to learn whether the fatty liver induced by fasting is an unusual physiological state or a pathological on-going state in suncus, they were refed after 24 h fasting. Refeeding resulted in a decrease in hepatic triglyceride content to the level of fed animals. Serum lipid levels, which decreased with fasting, returned to those of fed animals. This evidence indicates that hepatic lipid secretion is impaired even in a physiological state to some extent and that starvation causes increasing influx of free fatty acid to the liver, which might be followed by esterification and result in triglyceride accumulation in the liver. In conclusion, hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism is unique to the suncus, which is a useful animal model for the study of intra-hepatic lipid transport.

[Iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma of woodchuck]

To determine the utility of iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), MR imagings of an adult woodchuck with two nodules of HCC was obtained before and after an injection of iron oxide. On postcontrast images, signal intensity decreased in one nodule and did not change in the other. Pathologically, the former was well-differentiated HCC with trabecular pattern and the latter was with pseudograndular and scirrhous pattern. Iron oxide particles were noted within the former. Iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging is a promising method for differentiation of pathological subtypes of HCC, however well-differentiated one with reticuloendothelial cells might be overlooked.

Characterization of a newly established cell line (JR-St) derived from human gastric signet ring cell cancer, producing tumor markers

Despite the importance of in vitro study of gastric cancer, there are very few established cell lines derived from human gastric carcinoma. We have recently established a new cell line derived from human gastric cancer which has the ability to produce tumor markers. This cell line has been designated JR-St. This cell line was derived from the cerebrospinal fluid of a 37-yr-old female patient who had metastatic brain tumor of signet ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma. This cell line has been maintained for more than 24 months through 80 passages with stable growth. PAS staining showed intracellular mucin granules. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed cells with numerous microvilli and fine projections as well as intracellular granules, indicating mucin. This cell line had the ability to produce high concentrations of tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9. Thus Thus this cell line should provide a very useful tool for the investigation of gastric cancer such as analysis of tumor markers as well as effects of anti-cancer drugs or growth factors.

Tetraprenylacetone promotes healing process of ethanol-induced gastric damage in the rat

Tetraprenylacetone (TPA: teprenon, geranylgeranylacetone) is a novel anti-ulcer agent developed in Japan. The aim of this study was to test whether TPA has the ability to promote the healing process of rat gastric mucosal injury induced by absolute ethanol (ET). Fasted rats received orally 5 ml/kg of absolute ET. Sixty minutes later, TPA (200 mg/kg) or saline (control) was administered intragastrically. Thereafter, the same dose of TPA or saline was given orally every 8 hours. To investigate the role of endogenous prostaglandins, indomethacin was given intraperitoneally every 8 hours. Twenty four or 48 hours after the first administration of TPA or saline, rats were sacrificed and the stomachs were removed. Administration of TPA significantly reduced lesion indices from 100 +/- 12.9% (control) to 57.0 +/- 12.8% (24 hours, P less than 0.05) and from 100 +/- 15.3% (control) to 17.6 +/- 3.4% (48 hours, P less than 0.01). Addition of indomethacin did not significantly affect this effect of TPA. Ultrastructural studies revealed that TPA stimulated regeneration of gastric mucosa damaged by ET after 24 and 48 hours. These results indicate that TPA has the ability to promote the healing process of gastric mucosal damage induced by absolute ET. It is, however, unlikely that endogenous prostaglandins are involved in this promotive effect of TPA on the healing process of gastric injury.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: MR appearance mimicking cavernous hemangioma

A case of hepatocellular carcinoma is reported in which a calculated T2 value of the tumor was exceptionally long and differentiation from cavernous hemangioma based on T2 signal intensity was difficult. Pathologically, the mass consisted of dense, homogeneous acinar formation (pseudoglandular type). The T2 prolongation of the mass was probably due to abundant fluid in the acini.

Anti IgE-induced asthma in guinea pigs; a new model for asthma. Physiological and pathological studies

We established an experimental animal model for IgE-mediated asthma by the use of intravenous injection of rabbit anti guinea pig IgE in normal guinea pigs. The degree of asthmatic airway obstruction was quantitatively estimated by Mead's apparatus which enabled us to use unanesthetized guinea pigs. With the injection of anti IgE, only an early asthmatic response was observed. Inhalation of anti IgE did not trigger asthma. Histo-pathological changes in the lung obtained immediately after the injection of anti IgE resembled those reported in human asthma. This system may be used for pathological and pharmacological studies of the IgE-dependent early asthmatic response.

[Histopathological analysis of 73 autopsy cases of "acute-on-chronic" in Japan--influence of alcohol abuse on exacerbation of chronic liver disease]

Cases of acute exacerbation in chronic liver disease ("acute-on-chronic") in Japan were surveyed by questionnaire method since 1986 and 220 cases were collected. 73 pathological specimens of 102 cases which were autopsied were subjected to morphological analysis. The cases were divided according to causes of acute exacerbations: namely super-imposed viral infection or drugs (Group I), unknown causes or post immunosuppressant therapy (Group II), alcohol abuse (Group III), operation, digestive tract hemorrhage or post TAE etc, (Group IV). Area of hepatic necrosis was large and regeneration of hepatocytes were significantly strong in Group I and II compared with cases of Group IV. Regeneration was also inhibited in liver of habitual alcohol drinker. Significant difference was shown in cases of Group IV. Pathologically liver of 10 cases of Group III divided to florried cirrhosis (3 cases), alcoholic liver cirrhosis (4 cases) and alcoholic hepatitis combined with post hepatitic liver cirrhosis (3 cases, all HBV carriers).

Experimental pulmonary eosinophilia in mice by Ascaris suum extract

The transnasal administration of an extract of the parasite Ascaris suum (Asc) to C57BL/6 mice for 3 wk produced marked eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. This pulmonary eosinophilia was not accompanied by blood eosinophilia. The oral administration of cyclosporin, 50 mg/kg body weight, every other day significantly suppressed the pulmonary eosinophilia. Athymic C57BL/6-nu/nu mice failed to develop pulmonary eosinophilia. These data indicate that pulmonary eosinophilia caused by this parasite extract is T-cell-dependent. Genetically mast-cell-deficient (WB X C57BL/6)F1-W/WV (W/WV) mice developed marked eosinophilia in the BAL, which shows that mast cells are not necessary in the formation of eosinophilia in BAL in this model. C57BL/6, W/WV, and Balb-C mice that developed eosinophilia in the BAL also showed elevated total IgE levels and IgE titers against Asc in the sera. On the other hand, C57BL/6-nu/nu mice and IgE low-responder SJL mice, which developed little eosinophilia, did not show elevated total IgE levels and IgE titers against Asc in the sera. However, oral administration of cyclosporin, 50 mg/kg, which inhibited eosinophilia in the BAL in C57BL/6 mice, did not significantly inhibit the elevation of total IgE or IgE against Asc in the sera. This indicates that serum IgE production is not required for the formation of eosinophilia.

Heat-shock proteins and nucleolar hypertrophy in the liver of rat infused with methionine-free total parenteral nutrition

Infusing a methionine-free solution into rats for 7 days resulted in a marked enlargement of liver nucleoli. By the analysis of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, a spot 'a' (76 kDa, pI 5.3) stained with Coomassie blue was observed to accumulate highly in liver cytosol from rat infused with methionine-free solution. Metabolically labeling experiments with [35S]methionine showed that 'a' was more heavily labeled in primary hepatocytes of rats infused with methionine-free solution than in those of control rat. To ascertain whether 'a' is one of stress proteins, primary hepatocyte cultures were incubated at 42 degrees C for 2 h. 'a' (76 kDa, pI 5.3) was slightly induced in control hepatocytes but not appreciably in hepatocytes from the treated rat. In contrast, two other spots 'b' (74 kDa, pI 5.6) and 'c' (74 kDa, pI 5.3) were highly induced at 42 degrees C in hepatocytes from control and treated rats. The antibody against the consensus sequence peptide of hsp70 family reacted with 'a' (76 kDa, pI 5.3) as well as 'b' and 'c'. Immunoblot analysis revealed that 'a' accumulates highly in hepatocytes of treated rats. These results indicate that infusion of methionine-free solution into rats induces one member of the hsp70 family in hepatocytes.

A histopathological analysis of five cases of adenomatous hyperplasia containing minute hepatocellular carcinoma

We present five cases of adenomatous hyperplasia (AH) containing minute hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic liver. All the patients were Japanese, four males and one female, ranging in age from 60 to 80 years. Two of the specimens were obtained at surgery and the others at autopsy. The AH specimens ranged from 2.0 to 3.0 cm in diameter, and the maximum diameter of HCC foci in the AH was 2.0 cm. Histologically, apart from the HCC foci, the AH specimens showed intrinsic atypia, suggesting preneoplastic change. These features included an increase of both cellularity and the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio, distortion of cord structure and pseudoacinar formation. All of the AH specimens contained typical portal triads. Details of diagnostic imaging were also obtained in four cases. The findings of the present study support the possibility that AH with intrinsic atypia is a preneoplastic lesion of HCC. The sequence of "adenomatous hyperplasia with intrinsic atypia-HCC foci" would thus represent part of the early phase of hepatocarcinogenesis in humans.

Regenerating nodules of liver cirrhosis: MR imaging with pathologic correlation

To determine the pathologic basis for low-intensity nodules seen on MR images of the liver in patients with cirrhosis, we obtained spin-echo and gradient-echo MR images in 20 cirrhotic patients in whom partial hepatectomies were subsequently performed for hepatocellular carcinoma. Low-intensity liver nodules were shown on gradient-echo and spin-echo images in eight patients. Pathologic study of the liver in these patients showed that these nodules were regenerating nodules containing hemosiderin. Low-intensity nodules were seen only on T2-weighted spin-echo images in four other patients. Microscopic examination of the liver in these patients showed regenerating nodules without hemosiderin deposits. Broad fibrous septa containing vascular spaces were present in two of these four patients. These results suggest that regenerating nodules containing hemosiderin or those that are surrounded by vascular fibrous septa are visible on MR images as low-intensity nodules and that gradient-echo images are useful in demonstrating nodules with hemosiderin.

A monolayer culture of gastric mucous cells from adult rabbits

A new method for the primary monolayer cultures of adult rabbit gastric mucous cells has been developed. Rabbit gastric mucosal cells were isolated with etylenediaminetetraacetic acid and collagenase. Cells were cultured in Coon's modified Ham's F-12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 15mM HEPES buffer, antibiotics, and antimycotic. The cells reached confluency on days 3-4. Histochemically 92% of the cells contained PAS positive gramules (mucous cells), 3% of cells showed a strong reaction for succinic dehydrogenase activity (parietal cells), 2% of the cells showed positive granules by Bowie staining (chief cells), and G6PDH staining was positive in 5% of the cells (surface mucous cells). Fibroblasts were rarely seen until day 7 (less than 1%). Thus rabbit cultured gastric cells were considered to be mainly comosed of mucous neck cells. These cells produced prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGI2. Quantitatively cultured cells synthesized 1.475 +/- 0.039 ng/mg protein/hour of PGE2 and 0.244 +/- 0.042 pg/mg protein/hour of PGI2. This relatively simple and convenient technique provides a useful model for the study of cellular functions of gastric mucosa.