Keratin phenotypes in Basal-cell carcinomas of the skin

Immunohistochemical profiles of 23 cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were examined and compared with adjacent normal skin using three keratin antibodies, 34betaB4, 312C8-1 and E3, which recognize keratin 1, 14 and 17, respectively. In normal skin, 34betaB4 was expressed in suprabasal cells of the epidermis, sebaceous duct cells and the outer root sheaths of hair follicles at the level of sebaceous duct insertion. 312C8-1 was seen in basal cells of the epidermis, the outer root sheaths of hair follicles, and the peripheral cells of sebaceous glands. E3 was detected in the outer root sheaths of hair follicles, and the peripheral cells of sebaceous glands, while it was absent in the epidermis. In BCC, 312C8-1 and E3 were homogeneously found in all 23 cases, and 34betaB4 was sporadically expressed in 3. Therefore. the results suggest that the keratin expression of BCC resembles that of the pilosebaceous apparatus.

Strain differences in neoplastic response to dmba-induced uterine vascular tumors in mice

We examined strain differences in neoplastic response to DMBA-induced uterine vascular tumors in mice. Female BALB/c, C57BL, C3H, SWR/J, GRS/A and DDD/1-Mtv-2 mice were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection (ip) of 1 mg of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) at 4 weeks of age, and observed until they were 32 weeks of age. The BALB/c, C57BL, C3H strains showed a high incidence of uterine vascular tumors (87%, 93%, and 90%, respectively), while in contrast, the SWR/J, GRS/A, and DDD/1-Mtv-2 strains showed a low incidence (17%, 11% and 15%, respectively); these differences were striking. The mice of American origin (BALB/c, C57BL and C3H) appeared to be susceptible to DMBA, while those of European origin (SWR/J, GRS/A and DDD/1-Mtv-2) were resistant to the induction of uterine vascular tumors.

Essential tyrosine residues in 3-ketosteroid-delta(1)-dehydrogenase from Rhodococcus rhodochrous

Tetranitromethane treatment of 3-ketosteroid-Delta(1)-dehydrogenase of Rhodococcus rhodochrous caused loss of the catalytic activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Peptides (P-81) and (PN-83) were isolated from tryptic digests of the native and tetranitromethane-treated enzyme proteins, respectively. PN-83 was the nitrated form of P-81. The amino acid sequence was GGAPLIDYLESDDDLEFMVYPWPDYFGK (positions 97-124 of the dehydrogenase sequence). PN-83 showed a low yield of PTH-Tyr of position 116, i.e. less than 5% of that of P-81, and instead a high yield of PTH-3-nitrotyrosine. This indicated that tetranitromethane modifies Y-116 under the experimental conditions used. Mutation of Y-104, Y-116, and Y-121 to smaller amino acid residues, Phe, Ser, or Ala, significantly changed the catalytic activity of the dehydrogenase. All of the mutants contained FAD and exhibited the same spectrophotometric properties as those of the wild type enzyme. The K(m) values for 4-androstene-3,17-dione of the Y-104, Y-116, and Y-121 mutants changed to large values. The most drastic change was observed for Y116A. The K(d) values for 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione of the Y116 mutants changed to 1.5-2.6-fold larger values than that of the recombinant enzyme. The Y-121 mutant enzymes exhibited catalytic activities like those of the recombinant enzyme, but the catalytic efficiencies of Y121F and Y121A drastically decreased to 0. 014-0.054% of that of the recombinant enzyme. The present results indicate that Y-121 plays an important role in the catalytic function, and that Y-116 and Y-104 act on binding of the substrate steroid.

Steroid monooxygenase of Rhodococcus rhodochrous: sequencing of the genomic DNA, and hyperexpression, purification, and characterization of the recombinant enzyme

Steroid monooxygenase of Rhodococcus rhodochrous is a Baeyer-Villigerase catalyzing the insertion of an oxygen atom between the C(17)- and C(20)-carbons of progesterone to produce testosterone acetate. The 5.1-kbp-long BamHI DNA fragment containing the steroid monooxygenase gene, smo, was cloned from the chromosomal DNA and sequenced. The smo gene is 1,650 nucleotides long, starts with a TTG codon, and ends with a TGA codon. The deduced amino acid sequence indicates that the enzyme protein consist of 549 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 60,133. Thus, the molecular mass of the holoenzyme is 60,919. The amino acid sequence is highly homologous (41.2% identity) to that of cyclohexanone monooxygenase of Acinetobacter sp. In the upstream of the smo gene, the genes of heat shock proteins, dnaK, grpE, and dnaJ, located on the complementary strand, and the DNA-inserts of pSMO and pD1, which contains the ksdD gene, were joined at the BamHI site of the dnaJ gene. The smo gene was modified at the initiation codon to ATG and ligated with an expression vector to construct a plasmid, pSMO-EX, and introduced into Escherichia coli cells. The transformed cells hyperexpressed the steroid monooxygenase as an active and soluble protein at more than 40 times the level in R. rhodochrous cells. Purification of the recombinant monooxygenase from the E. coli cells by simplified procedures yielded about 2.3 mg of enzyme protein/g wet cells. The purified recombinant steroid monooxygenase exhibited indistinguishable molecular and catalytic properties from those of the R. rhodochrous enzyme.

CEA-producing mucin-negative gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine markers: a case report

Biopsy and autopsy materials excised from a 69-year-old woman were investigated. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) showed a high value of 955 ng/mL. A plateaulike tumor was located in the gastric cardia and fundus to the entire gastric body. It showed severe proliferation and infiltration from the mucosa to the serosa. The tumor was comprised of signet-ring cells and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells, which spread into the submucosa of the pylorus, duodenum, and jejunum. Signet-ring cells had a large, eccentric vesicular nucleus and a pale cytoplasmic inclusion. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells had a pleomorphic nucleus, small eosinophilic nucleolus, and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Both neoplastic cells were positive for CEA, epithelial membrane antigen, Leu-7 (CD57), and neuron-specific enolase, and were negative for cytokeratin, vimentin, and periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue, and mucicarmine stains. Electron microscopy showed endocrine granules with a limiting membrane measuring approximately 238 nm in diameter in the cytoplasm. The authors diagnosed this patient as having mucin-negative gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine markers, which is suggested to exist among poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, and signet-ring cell carcinoma.

Moderate hypothermia reduces hypotensive, but not hypercapnic vasodilation of pial arterioles in rats

Two types of acid-base strategies are available for the blood gas management of patients during hypothermia: alpha-stat and pH-stat management. However, the more suitable strategy for therapeutic hypothermia is unclear. We studied the effects of hypothermia (30 degrees C) and acid-base management on reactivity to hypercapnia and hypotension in rat pial arterioles, using a closed cranial window. The baseline diameter during hypothermia decreased in the alpha-stat (PaCO2 was maintained at 35 mm Hg when measured at 37 degrees C, n = 8), but not in the pH-stat (PaCO2 was maintained at 35 mm Hg when corrected to the animal's actual temperature, n = 7). Vasodilation induced by hypotension was significantly reduced in hypothermic groups compared with the normothermic group (n = 7), whereas responses to hypercapnia were preserved. Moreover, hypotensive vasodilation was more attenuated in the pH-stat, than the alpha-stat, management. These findings show that moderate hypothermia and acid-base management alter cerebrovascular autoregulation.

3-Ketosteroid-delta1-dehydrogenase of Rhodococcus rhodochrous: sequencing of the genomic DNA and hyperexpression, purification, and characterization of the recombinant enzyme

The gene encoding 3-ketosteroid-Delta1-dehydrogenase from Rhodococcus rhodochrous was cloned and sequenced. The gene (ksdD) consists of 1,536 nucleotides and encodes an enzyme protein of 511 amino acid residues. The amino terminal methionine residue was deleted in the mature protein. The amino acids involved in the flavin binding site are conserved in the dehydrogenase sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly homologous to that from Arthrobacter simplex but less so to that from Pseudomonas testosteroni. Upstream of the gene was located a heat shock protein gene, dnaJ, and downstream, a gene of a hypothetical protein. The enzyme gene was ligated with an expression vector to construct a plasmid pDEX-3 and introduced into Escherichia coli cells. The transformed cells hyperexpressed the 3-ketosteroid-Delta1-dehydrogenase as an active and soluble protein at more than 30 times the level of R. rhodochrous cells. Purification of the recombinant 3-ketosteroid-Delta1-dehydrogenase from the E. coli cells by a simplified procedure yielded about 13 mg of enzyme protein/liter of the bacterial culture. The purified recombinant dehydrogenase exhibited identical molecular and catalytic properties to the R. rhodochrous enzyme.

Coexisting primary early gastric plasmacytoma and sarcoidosis with hypercalcaemia

We report on a 61-year-old woman with coexisting early stage primary gastric plasmacytoma and sarcoidosis with hypercalcaemia. Laboratory data on admission showed hypercalcaemia, with 12.8 mg/dl, parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) 1.2 pmol/l, C-PTHrP 69.5 pmol/l, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 46.7 pg/ml. Neoplastic plasma cells proliferated in the propria mucosa of the stomach, showed a monoclonal immunoglobulin of cytoplasmic IgA (lambda light chain) and were positive for leucocyte common antigen and epithelial membrane antigen on paraffin section prepared from a stomach biopsy specimen. Russel bodies were present, as were crystals. Abundant sarcoid granulomas were observed in many of the regional lymph nodes around the stomach and in the dermis of a skin nodule. The patient underwent subtotal gastrectomy with administration of antimyeloma chemotherapy. We suggest that the hypercalcaemia in this patient was due to PTHrP production by neoplastic plasma cells.

Impaired autoregulation in an experimental model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To verify the hypothesis that impaired autoregulation may contribute to cerebral swelling or hemorrhage after a sudden recovery of perfusion pressure, we studied the chronic effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on the autoregulatory responses of the pial arterioles in situ.

METHODS

Eight to 12 weeks after a carotid-jugular fistula was created in rats, experiments were performed under alpha-chloralose and urethane anesthesia. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was determined by the hydrogen clearance method, and carotid pressure was measured. Using a closed cranial window, we determined the autoregulatory responses of the arterioles (30 to 50 microns) to both hypertension induced by norepinephrine and sudden fistula closure at various mean arterial pressures (MAPs).

RESULTS

rCBF on the fistula side was reduced by 27%. Carotid pressure was significantly lower than normal but was immediately increased by fistula closure. The pial arterioles showed marked elongation and enlargement. During induced hypertension, the arterioles in the fistula group started to dilate at an MAP lower than that of the control group (130 versus 180 mm Hg, respectively). The arterioles constricted when the fistula was occluded at normal MAP. However, when the fistula was occluded at an MAP higher than 130 mm Hg, the vessels dilated.

CONCLUSIONS

It was demonstrated that (1) chronic hypoperfusion induced impairment of the upper limit of autoregulation and (2) sudden fistula closure under hypertensive conditions caused vasodilation of the arterioles. These findings suggest that rapid restoration of perfusion pressure is possibly followed by a pressure breakthrough phenomenon in a chronically hypoperfused cerebrovasculature.

[Follow-up study of Takayasu arteritis with aortic regurgitation]

The clinical courses of patients with Takayasu arteritis vary especially when aortic regurgitation is involved. The clinical features and outcomes of Takayasu arteritis were studied in 78 patients to clarify the influence of aortic regurgitation on the natural history, especially the earlier stages of aortic regurgitation after onset of Takayasu arteritis. During the average 12.7-year follow-up period, 7% (3/43) of patients without aortic regurgitation died, but 17% (6/35) of patients with aortic regurgitation died. Mortality was low (6%; 1/16) in patients with mild (grade II or less) regurgitation, but high (26%; 5/19) in patients with severe (greater than grade III) regurgitation. Predictors indicating patients likely to die of severe aortic regurgitation were age at onset (mean age of 30.0 years), C reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and presence or absence of involvement of major branches of the aortic arch. Mortality was 33% (2/6) in patients without involvement of the major branches, which was significantly higher than that of patients with such involvement (17%; 2/12). From the initial consultation, most patients with mild regurgitation remained stable, but younger patients with severe regurgitation due to acute pathological processes of the ascending aorta from the early stage and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed deterioration in their clinical courses. Younger patients with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, intact major branches of the aortic arch, no signs of classical pulseless disease, and severe aortic regurgitation due to Takayasu arteritis have a poor prognosis.

Diagnostic significance of serum neuron-specific enolase and myelin basic protein assay in patients with acute head injury

BACKGROUND

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in the peripheral venous blood (PVB) have been reported to be sensitive markers for judging the prognosis of patients with head injury. However, to our knowledge, the levels of NSE and MBP in the internal jugular venous blood (IJVB) have never been studied.

METHODS

In 25 patients with acute head injury, blood samples were taken from the internal jugular vein and the peripheral vein at the same time before any medical or surgical procedure was performed. The levels of NSE and MBP in the both venous blood samples were measured. The time interval between injury and sampling was 1.5-8.0 hours (mean 4.3 hours). The levels of NSE and MBP in the IJVB were compared to those in the PVB. The relationship between the clinical outcome and the serum levels of those was evaluated.

RESULTS

The levels of NSE and MBP in the IJVB were almost equal to those in the PVB. The levels of NSE and MBP were significantly higher in the patients who died than in those who survived. In the survivors, the levels of NSE and MBP in the IJVB were 17.6 +/- 11.4 ng/ml and 1.4 +/- 1.5 ng/ml, whereas in the patients who died, both levels were elevated to 51.3 +/- 27.3 ng/ml (p < 0.005) and to 11.3 +/- 9.5 ng/ml (p < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The assay of serum NSE and MBP levels provides a reliable laboratory indicator of the degree of brain damage and allows early prediction of the prognosis in patients with acute head injury.

Diagnostic significance of serum neuron-specific enolase and myelin basic protein assay in patients with acute head injury

BACKGROUND

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in the peripheral venous blood (PVB) have been reported to be sensitive markers for judging the prognosis of patients with head injury. However, to our knowledge, the levels of NSE and MBP in the internal jugular venous blood (IJVB) have never been studied.

METHODS

In 25 patients with acute head injury, blood samples were taken from the internal jugular vein and the peripheral vein at the same time before any medical or surgical procedure was performed. The levels of NSE and MBP in the both venous blood samples were measured. The time interval between injury and sampling was 1.5-8.0 hours (mean 4.3 hours). The levels of NSE and MBP in the IJVB were compared to those in the PVB. The relationship between the clinical outcome and the serum levels of those was evaluated.

RESULTS

The levels of NSE and MBP in the IJVB were almost equal to those in the PVB. The levels of NSE and MBP were significantly higher in the patients who died than in those who survived. In the survivors, the levels of NSE and MBP in the IJVB were 17.6 +/- 11.4 ng/ml and 1.4 +/- 1.5 ng/ml, whereas in the patients who died, both levels were elevated to 51.3 +/- 27.3 ng/ml (p < 0.005) and to 11.3 +/- 9.5 ng/ml (p < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The assay of serum NSE and MBP levels provides a reliable laboratory indicator of the degree of brain damage and allows early prediction of the prognosis in patients with acute head injury.

Improved lipid visualization with a modified osmium tetroxide method using ultrasonic treatment and intensification with imidazole or triazole

Formalin fixed autopsy tissue containing lipids were cut into 1-5 mm thick blocks, washed well, then postfixed in 2% OsO4 in 0.03 M veronal acetate buffer for 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 min with or without ultrasonic treatment. Tissues exposed to ultrasound for 90 min showed superior penetration of OsO4 and well preserved histological architecture. Tissues also were immersed for 1 hr in veronal acetate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 0.5% imidazole or triazole and compared with untreated controls. Paraffin sections, 4 microns thick, were examined under a light microscope with an image analyzer. Both intensity and percentage area of osmium blackening were significantly higher in samples immersed in imidazole or triazole than in untreated controls. No difference was observed between imidazole- and triazole-immersed samples. The OsO4 method, modified by ultrasound treatment and imidazole- or triazole-immersion, can be applied to routine formalin fixed autopsy materials for improved lipid visualization.

[Completely thrombosed large aneurysm of the distal middle cerebral artery: a case report]

A 19 year old male was admitted for evaluation after a seizure. Physical and neurological examination was normal. CT demonstrated an enlarged, high density mass in the right parietal lobe. MRI showed a homogeneous high intensity T1 weighted mass, surrounded by a low intensity T2 weighted rim in the right parietal lobe. Angiography did not show any abnormal findings. A diagnosis of cavernous angioma with primary bleeding in the subcortical region of the right parietal lobe was made after radiological examination. Histological examination showed a completely thrombosed aneurysm. The mechanism of the complete thrombosis and the growth of this large aneurysm and the shortcomings of radiological examination are discussed.

The effects of a carotid-jugular fistula on cerebral blood flow in the cat: an experimental study in the acute period

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of feline carotid-jugular (CJ) fistula (Spetzler's model) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the acute period after creation of the fistula. Using laser-Doppler flowmetry, cortical CBF was measured on the fistula side of 11 cats. Temporary occlusion and opening of the fistula led to an immediate increase and decrease, respectively, in cortical CBF. However, CBF returned to baseline within 1 minute, on average. CO2 reactivity in the closed fistula was preserved. It is suggested that cerebral hemodynamic changes due to Spetzler's CJ fistula model are minimal in the acute period after fistulization.

[Intracranial extracerebral glioma]

A case of solitary leptomeningeal extracerebral glioma is reported. A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of headache and right hemiparesis. CT scan and carotid angiography revealed a tumor in the left convexity. At operation, the tumor was located between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane and adhered to the brain surface only in a limited area. Histological study including immunostain and electron microscopy showed the tumor as anaplastic oligo-astrocytoma. We speculate that our case may originate from a heterotopic glial nest in the dural border cell layer of dura mater. This explanation seems likely because the tumor was located mostly in the subdural space.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of serum glycerol in patients with brain edema: comparison of oral and intravenous administration

To clarify the pharmacokinetics and effect of ICP reduction of glycerol administered orally, the serum concentration of glycerol was measured by the enzymatic method and ICP was measured by the subdural balloon method in severe head injured patients with brain edema and increased ICP. Sequential change of serum glycerol concentration and its relationship to the reduction of ICP were analyzed. The results showed that the pharmacokinetics of glycerol through oral administration were similar to that of intravenous glycerol administration and the changes of ICP were also similar to that of intravenous glycerol administration. We determined that glycerol can be administered either per oral or per venous to obtain the same results for treatment of brain edema with raised ICP.

Esophageal carcinoma in house musk shrews, Suncus murinus (Insectivora), induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

Female 6-week-old shrews were given a solution of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at a concentration of 50 micrograms/ml or 100 micrograms/ml in the drinking water. All 11 shrews receiving 100 micrograms/ml MNNG died 8-13 days after the beginning of carcinogen administration and 6 of the 20 shrews receiving 50 micrograms/ml MNNG died after 10-54 days. When animals were between 43 and 54 weeks of age, multiple esophageal lesions were evoked in all 14 that had received 50 micrograms/ml MNNG for 30 weeks. All shrews developed a protruding, ulcerative, or superficial type of squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus, accompanied by papillomas. Local invasion was seen in squamous-cell carcinoma but no distant metastasis was noted. None of the 5 control shrews developed any esophageal abnormality. No gastric adenocarcinoma, intestinal sarcoma, or other tumors were induced with MNNG. It can be concluded that MNNG has a carcinogenic effect on shrew esophageal epithelium.

Mammary tumour induction by pituitary grafting in male mice: an animal model for male breast cancer

Isologous anterior pituitary grafting, 4 each, to 3-4-month-old SHN and SLN male mice resulted in an appearance of mammary tumours from 8 months of age and the incidence at 12 months reached 53.8% in each strain. All tumours were diagnosed as type B adenocarcinomas. In association with the results, normal mammary gland growth and mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV)-gp52 antigen levels in the submaxillary glands were stimulated by the treatment in these strains. The effect of pituitary grafting was much less in GR/A male mice in which no mammary tumours appeared.

Growth of the mammary gland in rhino mouse

The rhino mouse, so called because of its characteristic rhinocerous-like skin cannot raise its young. Although the animal has rudimentary mammary glands, these are thought to be defective due to their impossibility to raise their young. Morphological observations of the female mammary glands of rhino mice (hrrh/hrrh) were carried out and the results were compared with those of their normal litter mates (hrrh/+) at various ages from 1 month to 1 year. No morphological differences in mammary gland development was seen between the rhino mice and their normal litter mates, and normal secretory changes were observed in the rhino mice after delivery. Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) expression and the occurrence of hyperplastic alveolar nodule (HAN) were analogous to these features in phenotypically normal hrrh/+ mice. Further, the sweat glands in the rhino mouse were normal. Thus, anomalies in the rhino mouse appeared to be limited to the skin and pilosebaceous apparatus.

Tenascin staining positivity and the survival of patients with invasive breast carcinoma

Tenascin immunohistochemical staining was investigated in 82 patients with primary invasive breast carcinoma followed for at least 5 years after surgery; the staining was analyzed in relation to clinicopathological factors. An intense tenascin staining pattern was noted in 59 patients (72%), but no definite correlation was found between tenascin positivity and clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, or estrogen receptor status. However, tenascin-positive patients had a significantly better prognosis than tenascin-negative patients. Tenascin staining may therefore be a useful marker for predicting the survival of breast cancer patients.

Antithrombotic effect of argatroban on the pial vessels of the rat: a study with He-Ne laser-induced thrombus formation

The antithrombotic effect of the synthetic thrombin inhibitor (2R,4R)-4-methyl-1-[N2-(3-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-quinolinesulfon yl)-L-arginyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid monohydrate (argatroban) was investigated in cerebral vessels of the rat. An occlusive thrombus was formed in pial vessels using a He-Ne laser in a closed cranial window technique. Argatroban retarded the formation of thrombi in a dose-dependent manner. The antithrombotic effect of a single intravenous dose of argatroban at 0.5 mg/kg was diminished after 30 min in arterioles and after 50 min in venules, respectively. The antithrombotic activity was maintained, however, by continuous intravenous infusion (2 mg/kg/h).

Cellular proliferation in the anterior pituitary gland of normal adult rats: influences of sex, estrous cycle, and circadian change

Proliferative activity of the anterior pituitary gland in 10 week-old male and female rats under normal conditions was investigated by counting mitotic figures and using single and double immunostaining of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and six pituitary hormones. To determine which proliferative changes depend on the estrous cycle and circadian changes, respectively, six groups of female and two groups of male rats were studied at various times of day. Additionally, BrdU-incorporated cells were further classified by the six types of hormones they contained, or as immunonegative cells. Cell proliferative activity in the females fluctuated drastically with the highest activity in estrus and the lowest in diestrus. In the males, proliferative activity was at a relatively low level, and was similar to that in females in proestrus or early estrus, with the greater activity at night. Identified by their pituitary hormones, the distribution of the proliferating cells was almost the same in each sex, with prolactin (PRL) cells accounting for the highest proportion, followed by growth hormone (GH) cells, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) cells. These percentages agreed well with previously reported levels of cell types among all pituitary cells of the rat. It is therefore suggested that the life span and cycle of rat pituitary cells does not differ among cell types. In another test, male and female rats were given BrdU continuously via an osmotic pump for 8 days to compare cell proliferative activity between sexes, exclusive of the influence of estrous cycle and circadian changes. In this way, we were able to demonstrate that the cumulative incorporation of BrdU in females was consistently twice as high as in males over a constant period of time, and to conclude that cell renewal occurs at a doubled rate in the pituitary of female rat.

Neuron-specific enolase and glial fibrillary acidic protein in vitamin-A-induced mouse myeloschisis: an immunohistochemical study

In an effort to establish the appropriate timing of myeloschisis repair, changes in the exposed neural tissue were studied during fetal development. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were examined immunohistochemically in mice with vitamin-A-induced myeloschisis. As in the normally developing lumbosacral spinal cord, NSE was already expressed in the cytoplasm of neurons in the basal plate of the neural plaque in 16-day-old embryos. GFAP became positive at day 17 both in normal embryos and at the outer border of the plaques in dysraphic embryos. Expression of both NSE and GFAP in normal controls was unchanged in intensity and localization during later fetal development. In contrast, the expression of GFAP increased during later development in the neural plaque of dysraphic animals and suggests a progressive gliosis of tissue with the passage of time. The expression of NSE in the plaque did not change during this time. These results suggest that the neural plaque retains intact neurons in the face of progressive gliosis. Moreover, the results suggest that repair of the myeloschisis should start before irreversible changes are established by progressive gliosis.

Lectin-binding profiles for normal skin appendages and their tumors

A histochemical investigation of lectin-binding sites was carried out on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of 60 skin appendage tumors and adjacent normal skin appendages, using four different biotinylated lectins, peanut agglutinin (PNA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), soybean agglutinin (SBA), and Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-1), and avidin-biotin-horseradish peroxidase labeling. In the secretory segments of eccrine sweat glands, the superficial dark cells showed strong cytoplasmic staining with UEA-1, whereas DBA and SBA strongly stained the plasma membranes of basal clear cells. The acinar cells of apocrine sweat glands revealed sporadic apical membrane staining with all four lectins. In some cases, the luminal membranes of sweat gland ducts showed apical membranous staining with all four lectins. In the hair follicles, the inner root sheath was positive for all four lectins, and the outer root sheath was stained by PNA. The sebaceous ducts, as well as the outer root sheath at the level of sebaceous duct insertion, were also labeled by all four lectins. Sebaceous lobules showed cytoplasmic and membrane staining of mature sebocytes with PNA and SBA. Although sweat gland tumors revealed differences in lectin binding when compared to their corresponding normal tissues, the lectin-binding pattern of pilosebaceous tumors was analogous to the pilosebaceous apparatus.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of mam-3 and mam-6 antigens in squamous-cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

MAM-3 and MAM-6 antigens of human milk fat globule membrane designated as human polymorphic epithelial mucin (PEM) were detected immunohistochemically in a total of 86 specimens from 39 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 6 cases of normal oral mucosa. The two antigens were identified by MoAbs 67D11 and 115G3 (MAM-3 antigen) and by MoAbs 115D8 and 115F5 (MAM-6 antigen) in paraffin sections. MoAb 115G3 staining was found in well keratinized foci; whereas, MoAb 115D8 and 115F5 staining was very low in keratinized tumor cells. The cytochemical distribution of the antigens was classified into 3 types; (i) cell membrane positive type, (ii) whole cell positive type and (iii) antigen negative type. Reduction and disappearance of the two antigens were correlated to the mode of tumor invasion and suggested that glycocalyx complex in cell membrane properties was changed for malignant transformation.

Breast carcinoma in patients receiving neuroleptic therapy. Morphologic and clinicopathologic features of thirteen cases

We report 13 cases of breast carcinoma in patients treated with neuroleptics (prolactin-releasing drugs). Twelve of the patients were female and one was male. Nine patients had unicentric carcinoma, one had multicentric tumors arising synchronously, and three had bilateral tumors (synchronous in one case and metachronous in two cases). Thirteen tumors in ten patients were invasive ductal carcinomas, two tumors in one patient were mucinous carcinomas, and the two other patients had lipid-secreting carcinomas. Immunohistochemical staining showed alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) in the lipid-secreting carcinomas at sites exhibiting active lipid secretion. A precise cause-effect relationship is difficult to elucidate, since the patients ranged in age from 40 to 64 years (mean: 51 years) when cancer was first diagnosed. However, the relatively high incidence of multiple tumors and the production of lipid and alpha-LA by the cancer cells were unusual features suggesting an association with neuroleptic therapy.

Neoplastic response to dmba powder in mammary and interscapular tissues in wistar furth and copenhagen female rats

To investigate genetic factors in local tumorigenesis, a dusting of 1 mg of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)-anthracene (DMBA) powder was directly applied to exposed mammary tissue in 15 Wistar/Furth (WF), 20 Copenhagen (Cop), 19 (WF x Cop) F1, 16 backcross (BC) (F1 x WF) and 19 BC (F1 x Cop) females, at the age of 30 days. By 28 weeks after dusting, gross tumors were induced in 15 WF, 17 Cop, 12 (WF x Cop) F1, 11 BC (F1 x WF) and 14 BC (F1 x Cop) rats. Depending on their neoplastic response, carcinomatous response was 93% in WF, 5% in Cop, 16% in (WF x Cop) F1, 31% in BC (F1 x WF) and 0% in BC (Fl x Cop) rats, and sarcomatous response was 20% in WF, 85% in Cop, 58% in (WF x Cop) F1, 44% in BC (F1 x WF) and 73% in BC (F1 x Cop) rats. When dusting was performed on the interscapular fat tissue of 21 WF and 22 Cop females at 38 days of age, sarcomas were found in 67% of WF and 91% of Cop rats. Therefore, susceptibility and supressor gene(s) are suspected in mammary epithelial cells of the WF and Cop, respectively, for carcinogenesis, while co-dominant allele for sarcomagenesis exists in the Cop and WF mammary stromal cells.

A mixture of paraphenylenediamine and imidazole: its effect on the extraction of lipid droplets during electron microscopy staining

To prevent extraction of lipids during a double staining procedure for electron microscopy, the tissue slices, double fixed with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide to preserve microvesicular lipid droplets in the cytoplasm, were immersed for 2 hr in veronal buffer (pH 9.0) containing 0.5% p-phenylenediamine and 0.5% imidazole immediately after postfixation. The stained sections of the immersed tissue slice showed blackened, well circumscribed lipid droplets similar to those in corresponding unstained sections. Moreover, highly contrasting features of the cellular architecture could be visualized with the double stained, as well as routinely prepared sections.

DMBA-induced intestinal tumors in the Japanese house musk shrew, Suncus murinus (Insectivora)

Intestinal tumors were induced in the Japanese house musk shrew, Suncus murinus (Family: Soricidae, Order: Insectivora) with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). The animals were divided into 10 groups: groups 1-4 received gastric intubation of DMBA, groups 5-8 received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of this agent, and groups 9 (female) and 10 (male) were untreated and served as controls. Group 1 (females) and group 2 (males) received 10 mg DMBA at 50 days of age; group 3 (females) and group 4 (males) received 2 x 10 mg doses at 50 and 55 days of age; groups 5 and 6 (females) received weekly i.p. administration of 1.25 mg (group 5) and 2.5 mg (group 6) for 4 weeks; and groups 7 and 8 (females) received weekly i.p. administration of 1.25 mg (group 7) and 2.5 mg (group 8) for 8 weeks from 8 weeks of age. Intestinal tumors developed in 3/8 (38%) animals in group 1, 2/6 (33%) in group 2, 5/11 (45%) in group 3, 5/10 (50%) in group 4, 3/6 (50%) in group 5, 2/4 (50%) in group 6, 5/8 (63%) in group 7, and 5/6 (83%) in group 8, but not in untreated shrews up to 50 weeks of age. The induced tumors, which began to appear by 15 weeks after the initial treatment, were randomly distributed throughout the intestine. Histologically, the lesions were classified as adenocarcinomas similar to those found in humans. BrdU immunohistochemistry indicated an extension of the proliferative zone and labeling of many neoplastic cells. Local invasion was seen but no metastasis was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Choroid plexus arteriovenous malformations

Among 24 arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving the choroid plexus, 11 were plexal type AVMs predominantly located in the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle, and 13 were parenchymal type AVMs mainly situated in the paraventricular cerebral parenchyma. 83% of all AVMs involved both the choroid plexus and the paraventricular cerebral parenchyma. Most cases presented with intracranial hemorrhage, particularly intraventricular hemorrhage. The most serious surgical problem was a small residual nidus unrecognized at the initial operation causing postoperative hemorrhage. Five parenchymal type AVMs presented residual niduses in the choroid plexus, causing death in two cases. Two plexal type AVMs resulted in residual AVMs supplied by the cisternal segment of the anterior choroidal artery, situated in the medial temporal lobe. To prevent postoperative hemorrhage from a small residual nidus, immediate postoperative angiography while the patient is still under general anesthesia should be performed to identify any residual nidus.

Keratin profiles in normal/hyperplastic prostates and prostate carcinoma

Immunoreactivities in 25 cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma and 10 normal/hyperplastic prostates were investigated in methacarn-fixed, paraffin-embedded serial sections using a panel of nine anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs); 34 beta E12, CK8.12, 312C8-1, CK4.62, RPN1165, RPN1162, 35 beta H11, CK5, M20, and one of anti-actin mAb, HHF35. In normal/hyperplastic prostates, RPN1162, 35 beta H11, CK5 and M20 stained luminal cells without staining basal cells, and 34 beta E12, CK8.12 and 312C8-1 stained basal cells but not luminal cells. Other mAbs, CK4.62 and RPN1165, stained basal cells as well as luminal cells. All of the mAbs labelling luminal cells stained cancer cells with variable frequencies in a manner unrelated to the grade of tumour differentiation. Of the prostate cancer cases 92% were scored positive with M20, 84% with 35 beta H11, 80% with CK5, 68% with CK4.62, 60% with RPN1165 and 4% with RPN1162. However, basal cell-specific keratins labelled with 34 beta E12, CK8.12 and 312C8-1 were totally negative in the cancer cells. HHF35 showed no labelling in normal, hyperplastic or neoplastic epithelial cells of the prostate. Our findings indicate that the major part of the cells of prostatic adenocarcinomas have keratin phenotypes similar to luminal cells but not basal cells, and that no myoepithelial differentiation can be detected in epithelial cell of the prostate. Thus, mAbs for keratins facilitate the identification of epithelial cell phenotypes in normal, benign and malignant conditions of the prostate.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of breast-derived and/or carcinoma-associated glycoproteins in normal skin appendages and their tumors

Sixty-six benign and malignant skin appendage tumors were studied for the expression and localization of the glycoproteins identified by the monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) GCDFP-15, CU18, B72.3, and VU-1D9. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue was processed by the avidin-biotin complex method. In normal eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, GCDFP-15, CU18, B72.3, and VU-1D9 staining was localized differently (intracellular, membranous, or intraluminal), whereas eccrine glands showed no B72.3 staining. There were various patterns of positive staining of tumors arising from sweat glands, but no immunoreactivity for B72.3 was found in eccrine-derived tumors. CU18 and VU-1D9 labeled mature sebocytes in a vacuolar fashion and stained sebaceous carcinomas. VU-1D9 labeled membranes of the secondary germ cells in early anagen of a hair follicle bulb as well as the basaloid cells of trichoepitheliomas and basal cell carcinomas. These MoAbs appear to be valuable markers for the study of normal skin appendages and their tumors.

Immunohistochemical staining patterns of tenascin in invasive breast carcinomas

Eighty-two cases of primary invasive breast carcinoma and adjacent "normal" mammary glands were examined immunohistochemically for tenascin expression and distribution. Formalin-fixed tissues pretreated with actinase were processed by the avidin-biotin complex method using anti-human tenascin monoclonal antibody (RBC1). In normal mammary glands, tenascin was distributed around the ducts and ductules but not around the acini. In carcinomas, a high incidence of tenascin-positive cases (greater than 67%) was seen with various histological appearances, with the exception of lobular carcinoma where a low incidence was found (25%). Although intense staining was seen around cancerous foci when compared with normal mammary glands, tenascin was often expressed at cancer-mesenchymal junctions with dense fibrotic stroma, but not at junctions with active inflammatory change and a loose fibrotic stroma. Tenascin, expression is not an all-or-none marker for mammary malignancy and the staining pattern suggests either a role in stimulating cancer cells or a host defence mechanism accompanied by a desmoplastic response to them.

An autopsy case of purulent mycobacterial meningitis in AIDS

The patient was a 46-year-old male hemophiliac who died of acute mycobacterial meningitis associated with AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Autopsy revealed severe basal meningitis which was characterized by an infiltration of numerous polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Severe mural inflammation of the subarachnoid arteries was noted, and innumerable acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated. Epithelioid cell granulomas were not found in the meningeal lesion. The lungs, liver, spleen, and bone marrow contained many epithelioid cell granulomas with caseous necrosis. Massive proliferation of swollen histiocytes could not be identified in any organ. The absence of epithelioid cell granulomas in the meningeal lesion indicate a severe impairment of cell-mediated immunity in the patient; this anergic type of lesion is one of the characteristics of tuberculosis occurring in association with terminal AIDS.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of keratins 8 and 14 in benign tumours of the skin appendage

The expression of keratins 8 and 14 was investigated immunohistochemically by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase (ABC) method using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens from 42 tumours of human skin appendages. Results were compared with the staining of 34 specimens from normal skin and skin appendages adjacent to the tumours. Keratin 14 was detected by the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 312C8-1, and was found in the basal cells of the epidermis, the outer root sheaths of hair follicles, and the peripheral cells of sebaceous glands. It was also detected in the inner and outer layers of cells in the ductal portion and the myoepithelial cells in the secretory portion of apocrine and eccrine sweat glands. Keratin 8 was detected by mAb 35BH11, and was present in the secretory cells of eccrine and apocrine sweat glands but not in myoepithelial or ductal cells. The pilosebaceous apparatus and the epidermis were uniformly negative. In benign skin appendage tumours, the staining patterns for both keratins generally resembled their distribution in the corresponding normal tissues. The demonstration of keratins 8 and 14 may be useful in the recognition, classification and diagnosis of skin appendage tumours.

Lectin-binding patterns in transplantable mouse mammary tumors and their metastases

Lectin binding was assessed in a transplantable pregnancy-dependent mouse mammary tumor line (TPDMT-4), its autonomous sublines (T4-0196 and T4-01165) and their artificial metastases (lung colonies), using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. Soybean agglutinin (SBA) and peanut agglitinin (PNA) bound to the luminal surfaces of TPDMT-4 tumor cells, while dolicos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) showed no binding. In T4-0196 and T4-01165 tumors as well as their lung metastases, SBA and PNA binding was mixed and both positive and negative cells were detected, indicating that these lectins were not associated with the metastatic phenotype. Although the T4-0196 and T4-01165 sublines had a mixture of DBA-positive and DBA-negative cells, all the metastatic T4-0196 subclones contained only DBA-positive cells and all the metastatic T4-01165 subclones had DBA-negative cells. Thus DBA-positive, and DBA-negative subclones had respectively metastasized to the lungs from these autonomous sublines, implying that the carbohydrate moieties detected by DBA were not associated with metastatic potential but that the lung metastases were clonal in origin.

Induction of tumors in the Japanese house musk shrew, Suncus murinus (Insectivora), by dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

The carcinogenic effect of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) was examined in the virgin female Japanese house musk shrew, Suncus murinus (family: Soricidae, order: Insectivora). Leukemia, musk gland tumors, pilosebaceous tumors and sarcomas were induced in the DMBA-treated shrews, whereas none of the controls developed any tumors up to 50 weeks of age. DMBA emulsion was administered i.p. at a dose of 1.25 or 2.5 mg once a week, with either four or eight doses being given from 8 weeks of age. Leukemia developed in 100% (9/9), 50% (5/10), 56% (5/9) and 0% (0/10) of the animals treated with a total dose of 20 mg (8 x 2.5 mg), 10 mg (8 x 1.25 mg), 10 mg (4 x 2.5 mg) and 5 mg (4 x 1.25 mg) of DMBA respectively. Leukemia was of the lymphatic and/or mast cell type, and the spleen was the organ invariably involved. A dose-dependent effect of DMBA was not observed for pilosebaceous and musk gland tumors. When 1 mg of DMBA powder was dusted into the subcutaneous tissue at 4 weeks of age, sarcomas developed at the dusted site (69%; 9/13).

Immunohistochemical distribution of MAM-3 and MAM-6 antigens in developing salivary glands of the human fetus

The immunohistochemical expression of MAM-3 and MAM-6 antigens was studied developing human fetal salivary gland removed at autopsy of 22 normal fetuses of varying maturity (10-40 weeks of gestation). The onset of functional maturation in the fetal gland was seen at 21 weeks of gestational maturity. The acini and ducts then underwent distinct alterations in antigen expression with growth and maturation until the late developmental stage (33-40 weeks of gestation) when they resemble the adult salivary gland. The role of maturing duct cells in histogenesis of salivary gland tumours is discussed.

Keratin expression in the normal breast and in breast carcinoma

The immunohistochemical reactivities of 69 cases of breast carcinoma were examined on methacarn-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections using eight different monoclonal antibodies which recognize one or a few keratin polypeptides. In the normal breast, the monoclonal antibodies RPN1162, RPN1165 and AE1 stained almost all the luminal cells but not the basal (myoepithelial) cells. The monoclonal antibodies 35BH11, M20, CK5 and CK8.12 stained only a subset of the luminal cells. In contrast, 312C8-1 stained basal cells but not luminal cells. All the tumour specimens reacted with AE1, while over 80% of them also reacted with 35BH11 (57/69), CK5 (57/69) and RPN1165 (55/69); 30% reacted with CK8.12 (21/69) and 16% with RPN1162 (11/69). Basal cell-specific keratin, as defined by 312C8-1, was detected in only 1% of cases (1/69). Monoclonal antibodies to different keratin polypeptides may be of use in the characterization and subdivision of breast cancer.

Immunohistochemical localization of MAM-3 and MAM-6 antigens in adenoid cystic carcinoma

MAM-3 and MAM-6 antigens were detected immunohistochemically in 34 cases of adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) of the salivary glands and these patterns were compared to these of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and laminin. ACC was histologically divided into three types; the cribriform pattern, the tubular and trabecular pattern, and the solid cluster pattern. Immunostaining of EMA and MAM-6 antigen had a similar distributions in the luminal borders of luminal tumor cells, whereas the MAM-3 antigen was slight or negative in luminal borders. Myoepithelial derived tumor cells of ACC accompanying hyaline stroma demonstrated positive staining for the MAM-6 antigen (whole cell positive type), and luminal tumor cells of microcysts showed strong staining for the MAM-3 antigen. Laminin staining was confined to the basement membrane and surface borders in pseudocyst cavities. In salivary gland ACC, laminin staining can be used as a marker of pseudocyst surfaces and immunostaining of EMA and the MAM-6 antigen as a marker of luminal borders of cyst. These two histochemical markers were useful for discriminating pseudocyst and cyst.

DMBA-induced uterine vascular tumors in BALB/c mice: ovary-dependent carcinogenic response

Female BALB/c mice treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg of 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) at 4, 8 and 20 weeks of age showed a high incidence of uterine vascular tumors. Bilateral ovariectomy preceding DMBA treatment almost completely inhibited the induction of vascular tumors, while ovariectomy following DMBA treatment resulted in endometrial gland atrophy and a high incidence of vascular tumors. Vascular tumors were also induced when DMBA was given to neonatal androgenized mice, whereas among neonatal androgenized and normal female mice not treated with DMBA the incidence was 0%. Histological examinations revealed benign hemangiomas or angiosarcomas. In contrast, DMBA-treated male BALB/c mice and orchiectomized mice, and DMBA-untreated males showed no vascular tumors. A striking ovarian dependence of induction of uterine vascular tumors was observed.

Loss of basal cell phenotype with acquisition of lung-colonizing capability in mouse mammary tumors

A transplantable pregnancy-dependent mouse mammary tumor, TPDMT-4, and its ovarian-dependent (T4-OR26) and autonomous (T4-OI96, T4-OI145, T4-OI165, T4-OI320 and T4-OI320CY) sublines were examined immunohistochemically for the expression of keratin 14 and type IV collagen. T4-OI96, T4-OI145, and T4-OI165, but not T4-OR26, T4-OI320, or T4-OI320CY, formed lung colonies (metastasis) after intravenous injection as a single-cell suspension. Despite the similar morphology of TPDMT-4 and its six sublines, only TPDMT-4 and the nonmetastatic sublines revealed a basal cell phenotype as defined by keratin 14 expression. Staining for type IV collagen was complete at the peripheries of the glandular structures in TPDMT-4 and nonmetastatic sublines but was patchy in the metastatic tumors.

Immunophenotypic difference of keratin expression in normal mammary glandular cells from five different species

The immunohistochemical reactivity of human, monkey, shrew, rat and mouse normal mammary glands was examined using methacarn-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens and acetone-fixed frozen sections using the avidinbiotin-peroxidase method for cell phenotype comparison. Actin was visualized using anti-smooth muscle actin antibody and keratin expression was determined by employing 12 different monoclonal antibodies. All these antibodies cross-reacted specifically with the species examined. Basal (myoepithelial) cells from all species showed muscle-specific actin according to reactivity with HHF35 monoclonal antibody. Keratin expression showed significant phenotypic differences among species. In human and monkey, AEL-KS2, KL1, CK8.13, AE3 and 34BE12 stained luminal cells as well as basal cells. AE1, RPN1165, CK4.62, 35BE11, M20 and RPN1162 labeled only luminal cells whereas 312C8-1 preferentially bound to basal cells. In shrews, AEL-KS2, CK8.13 and AE3 reacted to both cell types, AE1 reacted only with luminal cells, and 35BE12 and 312C8-1 selectively stained basal cells. In rodents, AEL-KS2 reacted to both cell types, CK8.13, AE3, 34BE12 and 312C8-1 stained rat basal cells, and 34BE12 and 312C8-1 reacted to mouse basal cells. The data represents cytoskeletal differences among species.