C-erb-B2 and Bcl-xl protein expression in Barrett's oesophagus in correlation with morphological parameters

The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of c-erb-b2 and Bcl-xl expression in biopsy specimens of Barrett's oesophagus from 44 patients with morphological features. The examined group was subdivided into: negative for dysplasia, indefinite for dysplasia, positive for dysplasia-low grade, and adenocarcinoma with high grade dysplasia. Positive c-erb-B2 staining was found in 34.1% and Bcl-xl protein expression was observed in 96.9% of BE. The results showed increased c-erb-B2 and Bcl-xl protein expressions with progressive grades of dysplasia to adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, an evaluation of c-erb-B2 and Bcl-xl expression can be useful for the histopatologic diagnosis of BE and correct interpretation of dysplasia.

CD44 expression in colorectal cancer. An immunohistochemical study including correlation with cathepsin D immunoreactivity and some tumour clinicopathological features

CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule involved in tumour growth and progression. This study was undertaken to evaluate the expression of CD44 standard protein in a series of 54 colorectal adenocarcinomas in correlation with cathepsin D immunoreactivity and some other clinicopathological variables. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues were investigated with anti-CD44 standard protein and anti-cathepsin D antibody. Immunolocalisation of CD44 protein and cathepsin D was performed using LSAB method. 13 (41.9%) out of 31 carcinomas without lymph-node metastases had positive CD44 expression, whereas only 6 (26.1%) out of 23 carcinomas with lymph-node metastases were found positive for CD44 expression. CD44 expression in carcinomas was positively correlated with tumour cells cathepsin D (p<0.01) immunostaining. statistically significant correlation was found between the expression of CD44 standard protein and the tumour site, age and sex of the patients. These results suggest that the standard-type CD44 protein lymph-node metastases, probably with cooperation of cathepsin D.

Morphometric analysis of the cerebellar cortex capillaries in the course of experimental valproate encephalopathy and after chronic exposure to sodium valproate using transmission electron microscopy

Morphometric analysis of the cerebellar cortex capillary cross-section area performed in experimental valproate encephalopathy using transmission electron microscopy showed that prolongation of VPA application resulted in more enhanced lumen narrowing manifested in gradual reduction in the mean value of the coefficient examined. After 6, 9 and 12 months of experiment this value was statistically different from that obtained in control subgroups, being respectively lower by approximately 22%, 48% and 65%. One month after terminating of chronic administration this value was close to the one found after 12 months of the study. Three months after the drug withdrawal the coefficient was higher by approximately 44% compared to the one after 12 months, which seemed to indicate an increase in capillary lumen patency. The morphometric analysis of the cerebellar cortex capillary cross-section area performed in the present study objectifies the results of qualitative ultrastructural investigations concerning the microcirculation of this CNS structure.

Histological diagnosis of gastritis based on Sydney System

The review of literature concerning gastritis, especially the chronic form has been carried out. Based on published data and own authors experience an application of the Sydney System in differential diagnosis of gastritis was presented.

A comparison of the peritoneal cell population of pregnant rabbits after LPS or TNF-alpha induced septic shock

Septic shock is a catastrophic consequence of invasive infection. Unfortunately, recent advances in surgical and medical sciences have not significantly reduced the overall mortality from septic shock. Bacterial antigens stimulate a cascade of cytokine release; each cytokine helps the host to overcome infection, but their excessive production causes them to trigger events that lead to septic syndrome and shock. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) has a pivotal role in orchestrating the events leading to septic shock. Intraperitoneal administration of certain substances can increase the number and phagocytic activity of cells, which reach naturally the site of infection. Activation of the immunity cells in the peritoneal cavity and their immunocompetence are found to be responsible for the organism protection against abdominal cavity infections. Macrophages, lymphocytes and granulocytes of low activity in the non-stimulated peritoneal cavity become significant due to the influence of numerous biologically active substances. This study was designed to determine the peritoneal response to local administration of LPS or TNF-alpha in the course of experimental septic shock.

Cyclophosphamide-induced changes of serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and pulmonary microvessels ultrastructure

The effect of cyclophosphamide (CP) on the ultrastructure of the lung tissue and the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in serum was evaluated in rats. The animals were given cyclophosphamide (CP) in a single intraperitoneal dose of 150 mg/kg b.w. ACE activity was evaluated in the blood serum collected from the left ventricle of the heart using the spectrophometric method. In all time subgroups, the CP-receiving animals showed a decrease in ACE activity. Ultrastructural examinations of CP-treated animals revealed increased adhesion of neutrophiles and monocytes to the damage endothelium of the alveolar septa vessels and focally accumulation of the platelets.

Cyclophosphamide in diffuse lung damage

Some cyclophosphamide toxic effects on lung tissue are presented. Cyclophosphamide metabolism, pathogenesis of lung damage and morphological lung tissue changes caused by that agent were characterized. Attention was focused on BAL evaluation as a useful method in the monitoring of lung tissue damage degree.

Effects of pentoxifylline on some peripheral blood parameters and haemostasis in acute pulmonary tissue injury after cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is one of the widely used cytostatic drugs, with a strong toxic influence on pulmonary tissue. Experimental works have shown that a single high dose of CP causes injury to all elements of the interalveolar septum, especially to the alveolar endothelial and epithelial cells. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of pentoxifylline (PTXF) (30 mg/kg b.w.) on the ultrastructure of lungs capillaries and blood cell count as well as plasma fibrinogen levels in Wistar rats after intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/b.w. CP. We established that in the doses applied PTXF had no statistically significant influence on the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes determined in the left ventricular blood of rats receiving CP, while the number of white cells from animals given PTXF only was higher than in controls. There was a smaller decrease in the number of platelets (p < 0.05) and smaller reduction in fibrinogen level (p < 0.01) in the serum of PTXF-CP animals than in the CP group. The results obtained suggest a protective effect of PTXF on CP induced changes, which have been evidenced in some of the parameters examined. Ultrastructural examinations found the lungs to be the organ of extramedullary thrombocytopoiesis in CP-treated animals and revealed that platelet accumulation in the system of lung capillaries was a potential cause of the decrease observed in the number of blood platelets following CP administration.

[Morphologic analysis of congenital central nervous system malformations in children from the first of life dying in the years 1986-1990]

An incidence and morphology of the CNS congenital malformations in newborn babies and infants were analysed in the consecutive autopsies carried out in 1986-1990, i.e. following Tscharnobyl disaster. The obtained results were compared to those seen in the two earlier periods (1976-1980 and 1981-1986). In 1986-1990, a percentage of autopsies showing congenital CNS malformations increased approximately by two-fold (15%). The highest percentage of such malformations in specific years of the analysed period was noted in 1990 (20%). Central nervous system malformations were more frequent in female sex (57%) than in male sex (43%). In 64% of cases newborn babies were affected. A percentage of CNS malformations coexisting with other congenital malformations increased to 40% in the analysed period of time (from 29.4% in 1976-1985). Meningomyelocele (41%), congenital hydrocephalus (21.5%), multiple anomalies in brain (14%), and anencephaly (12.6%) constituted the most frequent group of CNS malformations. In 1986-1990, an incidence of meningomyelocele increased by more than two-fold (if this anomaly coexisted with hydrocephaly, an increase in the incidence exceeded three-fold), and hydrocephaly as well as an increase in the incidence of anencephaly by 1.5 times in comparison with 1976-1985.

[Coexistence of some diseases and analysis of death causes based on autopsy examinations carried out in liver cirrhosis patients based on autopsy observations in 1976-1990]

The 19,094 autopsy examinations carried out between 1976-1990 revealed 698 (3.65%) case of cirrhosis, of which 64.6% were men. During the last 5 years the percentage of coexistance of hepatoma (hepatocellular carcinoma) with cirrhosis was higher 5-year periods (5.8%; 5.4%). Moreover, the same changing interrelation was observed for other malignancies and cirrhosis-higher (15%) in the last period than in the proceeding years (11.1%; 11.3%). The severity of atherosclerotic changes and coexistance of peptic ulcers, gall bladder disease and productive pulmonary tuberculosis in cirrhotic patients were also assessed. Finally the direct causes of these patients' death were discussed.

Changes of myocardial capillary density in progression of experimental lung emphysema

A morphometrical analysis of changes in the heart of rats with experimental lung emphysema due to single intratracheal administration of papain solution has been done. Special attention has been paid to quantitative changes of capillaries and to the cardiomyocyte diameter in respective regions of the myocardium after one, three and six months following the administration of papain. A histological and morphometrical analysis of changes in the lungs has also been carried out and partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the arterial blood of the examined animals have been marked. It has been found that a single administration of papain caused emphysematous changes in the lungs, growing more intense until the third month of the experiment. The progression of these changes corresponded to a capillary density increase in the right ventricle, interventricular septum and in the subendocardial layer of the left ventricle. The increase in the number of capillaries was interpreted as the first adaptive stage of cor pulmonale development and explained by the occurrence of angiogenesis. The changes co-existed with a decrease in partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood. After six months of the experiment, a reduction in capillary density in the heart regions mentioned above and a simultaneous increase in the cardiomycyte transversal diameter were observed, being the exponents of evident myocardial hypertrophy. Development of ultrastructural changes in the hearts of rats has been analysed too. Simultaneous development of changes in the right ventricle muscle and in the subendocardial layer of the heart left ventricle myocardium was observed. The role of hypoxia as a one of essential factors responsible for the observed morphologic changes has been discussed.

The effect of a herbicide--sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on guerin carcinoma

The effect of sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, being an active component of herbicide "PIELIK", upon the development of Guerin carcinoma implanted in male Wistar rats, was studied. 192 animals were divided in to 6 equal groups: I-animals which obtained physiological salt solution; II-rats exposed to the herbicide in postlactational period; III-animals with Guerin carcinoma, non exposed to the herbicide; IV- rats exposed to the herbicide in postlactational period+Guerin carcinoma; V-animals exposed to the herbicide from prenatal period to the end of an experiment, without Guerin carcinoma; VI-the same as in V group, but with Guerin carcinoma. The effect of the herbicide on tumor growth dynamism (diameters and mass), degree of tumour malignancy (metastases to lymph nodes), animals survival time and morfological changes in the primary tumour and in metastases was evaluated. Basing of the results obtained, it was stated that this herbicide accelerates the development of Guerin carcinoma and reduces the survival time in the rats exposed to it in the prenatal and postnatal period. However, it does not significantly influence the growth of the carcinoma in the rats exposed only in the postlactational period.

[Evaluation of agreement between brushing cytology diagnosis and histology evaluation of biopsy from gastric mucosa based on analysis of 362 cases]

Retrospective analysis is presented for the diagnoses basing on brushing cytology and biopsy histology in 362 patients selected from the total number of 8600 cytologic examinations of gastric mucosa performed in this Department in the years 1984-1992. Endoscopy suggested neoplasma in 58 cases, peptic ulcer in 146 and gastritis in 158 cases. In 64 cytologic specimens neoplastic cells were found (17.7%). Histologic evaluation, in addition to brushing cytology, was possible in 316 cases; in 186 on gastroscopy, in 82 in surgical specimens, in 48 on postmortem. In one case only of positive brushing cytology the diagnosis of cancer was confirmed (1.7%). In 16 cases (8.2%) the brushing cytology is stressed, especially in monitoring subjects of high risk.

The effects of sodium valproate and its metabolites (5-OH-VPA and 4-OH-VPA) on electroconvulsions in rats

Effects of sodium valproate (VPA) and the omega-oxidation metabolites (5-OH-VPA and 4-OH-VPA) on the electroconvulsions in rats were analyzed. The drug (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) revealed marked dose-related anticonvulsant effect which manifested themselves by shortening the convulsions time and their intensity. The anticonvulsant effect of the omega-oxidation (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) were weaker compared with the parent drugs.

[Extensive myocardial fibrosis in an 8-month old infant following an inflammatory condition of probable viral origin]

The authors found lesions of inflammatory-fibrotic character in the myocardium of an 8-month-old infant in whom during the first 7.5 months of life no signs of disease were observed. At the end of the 8th month of life the signs of upper respiratory tract infection appeared. In view of rapidly deteriorating health condition, the infant was admitted to hospital, where severe heart failure was revealed, which became the cause of death after three weeks of treatment. The authors supposed that viral myocardial infection initiated the inflammatory process which--after activation of autoimmune mechanisms--led to vast destruction of myocardial fibres and development of fibrous connective tissue.

[Pneumonia in children and adolescents up to 18 years of age--a comparative analysis of the years 1976-1985 and 1986-1990]

An analysis was done of 1084 autopsies of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age carried out in the years 1986-1990. In the analysed period 631 cases were found of pneumonia (P) (58.2% autopsies) which was an increase of about 14% in relation to the years 1976-1985. Pneumonia was most frequently observed in the age range 1-12 months. It was the direct cause of death (primary pneumonia--PP) in 130 cases (11.9% autopsies) while in 501 cases (46.2%) it accompanied other primary diseases (secondary pneumonia--SP). In relation to the years 1976-1985 a decrease was observed of the per cent of autopsies with the diagnosis of PP (from 19.5% to 11.9%), as well as a significant increase of the per cent of SP) from 25.1% to 46.2%).

Inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat brain by nifedipine and clorazepate after electrically induced seizures

The effect of nifedipine and clorazepate on the concentration of lipid peroxides (LP) in rat brain, and the characteristics of electrically induced seizures were assessed. A significant increase in the concentration of brain LP after electroshock was found. Both nifedipine (1.00 mg/kg per os) and clorazepate (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally) decreased the levels of LP in the rat brain after electroshock. Nifedipine combined with clorazepate brought an inhibition of LP formation and an additive anticonvulsant activity.

Rat liver pathomorphology during prolonged sodium valproate administration

Prolonged administration (1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) to rats of an antiepileptic drug--sodium valproate (Vupral--"Polfa") in the dose of 200 mg/kg/day produced the first hepatic morphological lesions after 3 months of the experiment. These structural abnormalities progressively increased to achieve their peak within 12 months. The most prominent microscopic changes consisted of extensive microvesicular fatty change and vacuolar degeneration of periportal hepatocytes. Intralobular focal necrosis, infiltrations of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and phagocytes in the portal tracts, and centrilobular congestion were also present. The connective tissue did not proliferate either in periportal lobular zone or around the central veins. The described lesions seem thus to be reversible.

[A case of epidermal nevus (Jadassohn's phacomatosis) with changes in the nervous system]

A 22-year old patient with Jadassohn's naevus phacomatosis affecting the right side of the head, face and brain is reported. Besides naevus linearis on the forehead, lipomata of the right palpebra, skin and palate, 2 odontomata, hypodermal and submucosal hyperplasia of the right half of the oral cavity, a small aneurysm of the internal carotid artery in the cavernous sinus and linear calcification in the cortex of the medial surface of the occipital lobe like those in Sturge-Weber disease were found. Clinically, she was found to be mentally retarded (moderately) and having epilepsy. Epileptic attacks occurred up to the age of 13 years, while changes in EEG are still present.

[Multifocal periventricular leukomalacia in children up to 1 year of life]

The authors present an analysis of the multifocal leucoencephalomalacia in children under 1 year of life based on the material obtained from 2.398 autopsies. It was found that 32 autopsied children suffered from this disease (1.33%). Twenty four of these children were premature. The disease was more frequent in the infants (23 cases) than in neonates (9 cases), and in boys (20 cases) than in girls (12 cases). Multifocal leucoenephalomalacia was manifested mainly as spastic infantile paralysis in the majority of the infants (14 cases). Morphological lesions to the brain most frequently embraced white substance adjacent to the cerebral ventricles (foci of leucoencephalomalacia of 1 cm in diameter) and cerebral vessels. Widening of the ventricular system of the brain was seen in 15 cases. Pathological reaction resulted from the brain anoxia and ischemia in perinatal period (20 cases) or septicaemia (12 cases) while predisposing factors included: prematurity, respiratory failure with hyaline membranes in the lungs and congenital abnormalities of the heart.

[Clinico-morphologic analysis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in patients up to the 19th year of life]

Deaths of patients with the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis were analysed in the non-selected autopsy material within 1976-1985. Fifteen cases of the disease, i.e. 0.12% of all autopsies and 3.8% of autopsies in the age group between 1 and 19 years, were noted. Fourteen cases of the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis were noted in the age group of 5-14 years. Mean age was 9.3 years. The disease was nearly three-fold more frequent in male patients. Time lapse between measles infection or antimeasles vaccination and hospitalization for the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis was 4.2 years for both sexes and was much lower for male patients--2.9 years. Morphological lesions characteristic for the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis were seen in the white matter and cortex of the brain in all examined patients. Lesions to the basal ganglia were noted in 9 cases, and additionally to the brain stem and vermiform lobe in 3 cases. The most frequent clinical symptoms accompanying the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis at the beginning of the hospitalization, other diseases and conformation of the clinical diagnosis with sectional findings are also discussed.

[Malignant neoplasms in autopsy specimens and the magnesium level in the soil of the communities of Gródek and Tykocin]

Morphological and statistical analysis was done of deaths caused by neoplasms in the populations of the communities Gródek and Tykocin on the basis of autopsies carried out in the years 1982-1986. The content of magnesium was determined also in the arable layer of soil in these communities. The proportion of deaths from malignancies in the analysed autopsy material was nearly threefold higher in the Gródek community (27.67%) than in the Tykocin community (9.87%). The Gródek community had nearly twice as much (49%) sandy soils with low magnesium content as the Tykocin community (24%). The prevailing malignancies in the Gródek community were in males aged 51-60 years mainly in the digestive tract (61.3%) and respiratory system (22.3%). Histological structure was in most cases that adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas.

[A case of myxoma of the left cardiac atrium--morphologic analysis]

A case is reported of left atrial myxoma with clinical manifestations suggestive of mitral stenosis. The morphogenesis of the tumour is analysed on the basis of histological examination.

[A rare case of coexistence of pancreatic cystadenoma and adenocarcinoma of the rectum]

A rare coexistence is reported of a benign pancreatic tumour--cystadenoma--with anal adenocarcinoma. A particular attention is called to the histological structure of the tumour and differential diagnosis. Photographic documentation is enclosed.

[Biliary atresia in children]

Congenital biliary tract atresia was found in 0.58% of children dying in the first year of life. Most frequently atresia included the extrahepatic bile ducts, among them the common bile duct. Five cases (35.7%) had atresia associated with other developmental anomalies, which may suggest a genetic determination of the atresia. The most frequent cause of death of the newborns and infants with congenital biliary tract atresia was bronchopneumonia with associated biliary cirrhosis of the liver.

[Analysis of neoplasm metastases to the bone marrow in patients with lung cancer]

The authors analysed bone marrow metastases in lung cancer in 104 deceased patients. Trepano-biopsy was taken from the sternum, hip bone and spine. Bone marrow metastases were found in 33 cases (31.73%). Most often they were seen in small cell lung cancer (16 cases--35.56%). In 12 cases the bone marrow was the only site of lung cancer metastases.

[Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system in autopsy specimens]

On the basis of an analysis of 2398 autopsies of infants aged up to 1 year in 194 cases congenital anomalies of the central nervous system were found (8.1%). Most cases of these anomalies were noted in the group of newborns (85%) and the most frequent anomalies were: myelomeningocele (35.6%), multiple anomalies (20.1%), congenital hydrocephalus (17%), anencephaly (14.4%) and corpus callosum malformations (3.6%). Myelomeningocele, congenital hydrocephalus, anencephaly and true microcephaly were more frequent in girls, while multiple anomalies and corpus callosum malformations were more frequent in boys.

[A case of malignant extrameningeal meningioma of the spinal canal with multiple metastases in a 17-year-old patient. Clinical and morphologic studies]

A clinical description and pathological findings are reported in a case of extrameningeal, angiogenic malignant meningioma of the vertebral canal (Th7-Th11) in a patient aged 17 years. Clinical picture was that of transverse myelitis at the Th9 level, with spastic paraparesis, funicular loss of all sensory functions and sphincter disturbances. The authors suppose that the used combined treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgery) improved greatly the health state inhibiting the spread of metastases and prolonged survival to 3 years. Autopsy demonstrated recurrence of he tumour in the vertebral canal and numerous metastases to the brain, lungs, liver, bones and pancreas.

[Porencephalia vera in autopsy specimens from the Department of Pathological Anatomy, Medical Academy, in Białystok 1976-1985]

Morphological and statistical analysis of true porencephaly based on 2793 autopsies of children aged up to 18 years showed 12 cases of porencephaly, accounting for 0.43% of the autopsy material, and 5.2% of all anomalies of the central nervous system in this age group. The greatest number of porencephaly cases (6) was in the age group 3-18 years. The anomaly was twice as frequent in boys (8 cases) than girls (4 cases). Nine cases of porencephaly showed coexistence of other developmental anomalies (75%) mainly with those of central nervous system, especially microecephaly, congenital hydrocephalus, which could indicate a genetic determination of the anomaly. The most frequent associated neurological singn in porencephaly was psychomotor underdevelopment.