Confocal microscopy analysis reveals that only a small proportion of extracellular vesicles are successfully labelled with commonly utilised staining methods

Assessing genuine extracellular vesicle (EV) uptake is crucial for understanding the functional roles of EVs. This study measured the bona fide labelling of EVs utilising two commonly used fluorescent dyes, PKH26 and C5-maleimide-Alexa633. MCF7 EVs tagged with mEmerald-CD81 were isolated from conditioned media by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterised using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), MACsPlex immunocapture assay and immunoblots. These fluorescently tagged EVs were subsequently stained with C5-maleimide-Alexa633 or PKH26, according to published protocols. Colocalisation of dual-labelled EVs was assessed by confocal microscopy and quantified using the Rank-Weighted Colocalisation (RWC) algorithm. We observed strikingly poor colocalisation between mEmerald-CD81-tagged EVs and C5-Maleimide-Alexa633 (5.4% ± 1.8) or PKH26 (4.6% ± 1.6), that remained low even when serum was removed from preparations. Our data confirms previous work showing that some dyes form contaminating aggregates. Furthermore, uptake studies showed that maleimide and mEmerald-CD81-tagged EVs can be often located into non-overlapping subcellular locations. By using common methods to isolate and stain EVs we observed that most EVs remained unstained and most dye signal does not appear to be EV associated. Our work shows that there is an urgent need for optimisation and standardisation in how EV researchers use these tools to assess genuine EV signals.

Viral Particles in Cervical Condylomatous Lesions

Intranuclear viral particles morphologically identical with papovavirions were observed in large numbers in koilocytotic epithelial cells of 4 of 8 cases of cervical condylomatosis.

Blue Nevus of the Endocervix. A Study of Five Cases

The pathologic and immunohistochemical features of 5 cases of blue nevus of the endocervix are presented: 4 of them were studied ultrastructurally. The lesions were incidentaly discovered at microscopic examination and showed pigmented dendritic cells in the cervical stroma. Immunocytochemical examination showed all cases to be positive for S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally they contained melanosomes, were surrounded by a basement membrane, and displayed occasional desmosome-like devices. Histogenesis is discussed, and support for a schwannian origin is presented.

Rhinovirus 3C protease suppresses apoptosis and triggers caspase-independent cell death

Apoptosis and programmed necrosis (necroptosis) determine cell fate, and antagonize infection. Execution of these complementary death pathways involves the formation of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) containing complexes. RIPK1 binds to adaptor proteins, such as TRIF (Toll-IL-1 receptor-domain-containing-adaptor-inducing interferon-beta factor), FADD (Fas-associated-protein with death domain), NEMO (NF-κB regulatory subunit IKKγ), SQSTM1 (sequestosome 1/p62), or RIPK3 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 3), which are involved in RNA sensing, NF-κB signaling, autophagosome formation, apoptosis, and necroptosis. We report that a range of rhinoviruses impair apoptosis and necroptosis in epithelial cells late in infection. Unlike the double-strand (ds) RNA mimetic poly I:C (polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid), the exposure of dsRNA to toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in rhinovirus-infected cells did not lead to apoptosis execution. Accordingly, necroptosis and the production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) were not observed late in infection, when RIPK3 was absent. Instead, a virus-induced alternative necrotic cell death pathway proceeded, which led to membrane rupture, indicated by propidium iodide staining. The impairment of dsRNA-induced apoptosis late in infection was controlled by the viral 3C-protease (3Cpro), which disrupted RIPK1-TRIF/FADD /SQSTM1 immune-complexes. 3Cpro and 3C precursors were found to coimmuno-precipitate with RIPK1, cleaving the RIPK1 death-domain, and generating N-terminal RIPK1 fragments. The depletion of RIPK1 or chemical inhibition of its kinase at the N-terminus did not interfere with virus progeny formation or cell fate. The data show that rhinoviruses suppress apoptosis and necroptosis, and release progeny by an alternative cell death pathway, which is controlled by viral proteases modifying innate immune complexes.

Light scattering from normal and cervical cancer cells

The light scattering characteristic plays a very important role in optic imaging and diagnostic applications. For optical detection of the cell, cell scattering characteristics have an extremely vital role. In this paper, we use the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm to simulate the propagation and scattering of light in biological cells. The two-dimensional scattering cell models were set up based on the FDTD algorithm. The cell models of normal cells and cancerous cells were established, and the shapes of organelles, such as mitochondria, were elliptical. Based on these models, three aspects of the scattering characteristics were studied. First, the radar cross section (RCS) distribution curves of the corresponding cell models were calculated, then corresponding relationships between the size and the refractive index of the nucleus and light scattering information were analyzed in the three periods of cell canceration. The values of RCS increase positively with the increase of the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio in the cancerous process when the scattering angle ranges from 0° to 20°. Second, the effect of organelles in the scattering was analyzed. The peak value of the RCS of cells with mitochondria is higher than the cells without mitochondria when the scattering angle ranges from 20° to 180°. Third, we demonstrated that the influence of cell shape is important, and the impact was revealed by the two typical ideal cells: round cells and oval cells. When the scattering angle ranges from 0° to 80°, the peak values and the frequencies of the appearance of the peaks from the two models are roughly similar. It can be concluded that: (1) the size of the nuclei and the change of the refractive index of cells have a certain impact on light scattering information of the whole cell; (2) mitochondria and other small organelles contribute to the cell light scattering characteristics in the larger scattering angle area; and (3) the change of the cell shape significantly influences the value of scattering peak and the deviation of scattering peak position. The results of the numerical simulation will guide subsequent experiments and early diagnosis of cervical cancer.

The mechanism of kaempferol induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in human cervical cancer SiHa cell: From macro to nano

Kaempferol has been identified as a potential cancer therapeutic agent by an increasing amount of evidences. However, the changes in the topography of cell membrane induced by kaempferol at subcellular- or nanometer-level were still unclear. In this work, the topographical changes of cytomembrane in human cervical cancer cell (SiHa) induced by kaempferol, as well as the role of kaempferol in apoptosis induction and its possible mechanisms, were investigated. At the macro level, MTT assays showed that kaempferol inhibited the proliferation of SiHa cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that kaempferol could induce SiHa cell apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, and intracellular free calcium elevation. At the micro level, fluorescence imaging by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) indicated that kaempferol could also destroy the networks of microtubules. Using high resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM), we determined the precise changes of cellular membrane induced by kaempferol at subcellular or nanometer level. The spindle-shaped SiHa cells shrank after kaempferol treatment, with significantly increased cell surface roughness. These data showed structural characterizations of cellular topography in kaempferol-induced SiHa cell apoptosis and might provide novel integrated information from macro to nano level to assess the impact of kaempferol on cancer cells, which might be important for the understanding of the anti-cancer mechanisms of drugs. SCANNING 38:644-653, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[The cytological diagnostics of dysplasia and epidermoid carcinoma of the cervix in studying the nucleolar-organizing regions of chromosomes]

The study of the nucleolar-organizing regions of chromosomes in the cells of dys-plastically modified squamous epithelium and epidermoid cancer of cervix was carried out. The successive increase of quantita-tive content of main morphofunctional types of nucleoli is established including active compact and transient nucleolonemic-compact ones in accordance with in-crease of dysplastic modifications and appearance of signs of epidermoid cancer of cervix. The dominance of percentage content of large argyrophilic granules in nu-cleoli of nucleolonemic type under epidermoid cancer of cervix as compared with dysplasia is established. The algorithm of differentiating cytological diagnostics of the degree of dysplasia and epidermoid cancer of cervix is developed. This algo-rithm reflects the degree of structural functional modifications of nucleolar-organizing regions of chromosomes.

Morphogenesis and aggressiveness of cervix carcinoma

The regular nutritional intake of an expectant mother clearly affects the weight development of the fetus. Assuming the growth of the fetus follows a deterministic growth law, like a logistic equation, albeit dependent on the nutritional intake, the ideal solution is usually determined by the birth-weight being pre-assigned, for example, as a percentage of the mother's average weight. This problem can then be specified as an optimal control problem with the daily intake as the control, which appears in a Michaelis-Menten relationship, for which there are well-developed procedures to follow. The best solution is determined by requiring minimum total intake under which the preassigned birth weight is reached. The algorithm has been generalized to the case where the fetal weight depends in a detailed way on the cumulative intake, suitably discounted according to the history. The optimality system is derived and then solved numerically using an iterative method for the specific values of parameter. The procedure is generic and can be adapted to any growth law and any parameterisation obtained by the detailed physiology.

[Analysis of the common morphological characteristics of cancerous cells using atomic force microscope]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the surface ultrastructure of different tumor cells in vivo using atomic force microscope (AFM) and analyze their common characteristics.

METHODS

We selected 60 specimens of each of normal liver cells, liver cancer, cervical squamous cells, cervical cancer cells, ductal epithelial cells and breast cancer cells for scanning using AFM. The cell surface scan images were analyzed using image analysis software to identify their common morphological features.

RESULTS

From normal cervical squamous epithelial cells, intermediate cells, and basal cells to HPV-infected cells, CIN2-3 cells and cervical cancer cells, the membrane surface roughness became gradually increased (P<0.05). Similarly, the surface roughness increased significantly in the order of normal liver cells, hepatitis B cirrhosis liver cells, and hepatocellular carcinoma cells (P<0.05). The average surface roughness also tended to increase from normal mammary gland cells to mammary gland hyperplasia cells and breast cancer cells (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Normal cells and tumor cells show different cell membrane morphologies, and such morphological features provide a reliable basis for clinical pathological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of malignancies.

Ratio-contrast imaging of dual-energy absorption for element mapping with a scanning transmission X-ray microscope

The detection of chemical mapping with a spatial resolution of 30 nm has been achieved with a scanning transmission X-ray microscope at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility. For each specimen, two absorption images were scanned separately with energies E(1) and E(2): E(1) was focused on the absorption edge of the chosen element and E(2) was focused below the edge. A K-edge division method is proposed and applied to obtain the element mapping. Compared with the frequently used K-edge subtraction method, this ratio-contrast method is shown to be more accurate and sensitive in identifying the elements of interest, where the definition of the contrast threshold is simple and clear in physics. Several examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.

[Human papilloma virus and cervical cancer. An historical review on the development of research on cancer of the cervix uteri in Venezuela]

The history on the relationship of VPH infection and cervical cancer was examined. Findings were initially reported in Maracaibo(1971), later in Mexico(1973) and thereafter several studies on the ultrastructure and immunohistochemistry of VPH infection and its role on cervical cancer were described. The ultrastructural findings of viral particles of HPV and their proteins, as well as their role in the incorporation of the viral genome to the human cervical cells were also described. Glycoproteins on the surface of cervical cells were reviewed and their importance on HPV infection was related to p16, blood group antigens and early genetic changes in the cell cycle with loss of heterozigocity, all of which, stimulated by the high risk HPV infection lead to cervical cancer.

Atomic force microscopy detects differences in the surface brush of normal and cancerous cells

The atomic force microscope is broadly used to study the morphology of cells, but it can also probe the mechanics of cells. It is now known that cancerous cells may have different mechanical properties to those of normal cells, but the reasons for these differences are poorly understood. Here, we report quantitatively the differences between normal and cancerous human cervical epithelial cells by considering the brush layer on the cell surface. These brush layers, which consist mainly of microvilli, microridges and cilia, are important for interactions with the environment. Deformation force curves obtained from cells in vitro were processed according to the 'brush on soft cell model'. We found that normal cells have brushes of one length, whereas cancerous cells have mostly two brush lengths of significantly different densities. The observed differences suggest that brush layers should be taken into account when characterizing the cell surface by mechanical means.

Lesions of the subepithelial stromal zone of the lower female genital tract. An immunopathological study

The stroma often fibroepithelial and ten adenomatous cervical polyps, 12 fibro-epithelial vaginal polyps, 20 non neoplastic cervices, 15 cone specimens with CIN changes and five specimens with infiltrative squamous cell carcinoma was investigated. Vimentin, desmin, actin, collagen III, CD34, ER and PgR were studied using the Ventana Automatic Immunostaining System. A subepithelial stromal layer was detected in 17/20 normal specimens, 16/20 cervical polyps, 10/12 vaginal polyps and in 6/15 cone biopsies but not in neoplastic specimens. Vimentin staining was positive in all fibroepithelial polyps, normal specimens and in 6/10 adenomatous polyps. Actin was negative in the loose subepithelial zone but positive in the underlying stroma. Desmin, alpha-1-antitrypsin and CD34 were detected in isolated cells in normal specimens. ER and PgR were observed in isolated subepithelial cells, with greater density in the cells of the fibromuscular wall. In conclusion, loose mesenchymal stroma in the lower female genital tract of a fibrohistiocytic nature was observed with minimal smooth muscle participation--which is the matrix of vaginal and cervical polyps.

Prevalence of micronuclei in exfoliated uterine cervical cells from patients with risk factors for cervical cancer

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Pap smears are the most common and inexpensive screening method for cervical cancer. We analyzed micronucleus prevalence in exfoliated cervical mucosa cells, to investigate associations between increased numbers of micronuclei and risk factors for cervical cancer.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Analytical cross-sectional study, at Instituto de Pesquisa em Oncologia (IPON).

METHODS

Exfoliated cervical cells were obtained from 101 patients between September 2004 and November 2005. Patients' ages, habits (passive or active smoking, alcoholism and numbers of sexual partners), age at first sexual intercourse, contraceptive methods used, histories of sexually transmitted diseases, use of hormone replacement therapy, numbers of pregnancies and abortions, inflammatory cytology and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were obtained. Cells were collected using Ayre spatulas, transferred to vials containing 0.9% saline solution for micronucleus tests and analyzed at 1000x magnification. The number of micronuclei in 1,000 epithelial cells per patient sample was counted.

RESULTS

Comparisons between groups with active (7.9 +/- 7.8) and passive (7.2 +/- 10.6) smoking versus no smoking (3.7 +/- 5.1); with/without alcoholism (7.8 +/- 1.4 and 6.9 +/- 10.1); with/without inflammatory cytology (10.7 +/- 10.5 and 1.3 +/- 1.7); and with CIN I, II and III and no CIN (respectively 4.3 +/- 4.3, 10.6 +/- 5.3, 22.7 +/- 11.9 and 1.3 +/- 1.4) found elevated micronucleus prevalence (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that the prevalence of micronuclei in exfoliated uterine cervical cells was greater in patients with one or more risk factors for uterine cervical cancer than in patients without risk factors.

[hTERT promoter regulated tumor targeting TRALL in cervical cancer cell]

AIM

To investigate the effect of hTERT promoter which regulated tumor targeting TRALL on the cervical cancer cell line HeLa.

METHODS

The mRNA expression of TRAIL on HeLa was examined by RT-PCR. The proliferation, apoptosis, motion of the transfected cervical cancer cell were detected by MTT, flow cytometry, and cell invasion assay respectively. The ultrastructure was observed by electron microscope.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the expression of TRAILmRNA was significantly upregulated in hTERT-TRAIL (P<0.05). The apotosis rate and the inhibitory rate of cell growth of hTERT-TRAIL was significantly high (P<0.05). Electron microscope results indicated that hTERT promoter regulated tumor targeting TRALL facilitated the apoptosis of HeLa.

CONCLUSION

The hTERT-TRAIL significantly inhibits the malignant proliferation and invasion ability of the cervical cancer cell line, and facilitates the apoptosisof HeLa, which lays a foundation for the treatment of patients with cervical cancer.

[Tubeimoside I-induced ultrastructural changes of human cervical carcinoma HeLa cell line and the protective effect of cyclosporine A]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the ultrastructural changes of HeLa cells in response to tubeimoside I (TBMS1) treatment and the protective effect of cyclosporine A (CsA), and explore the role of intrinsic apoptosis pathway in TBMS1-induced HeLa cell apoptosis.

METHODS

HeLa cells were treated with TBMS1 (10-50 micromo/L) alone or in combination with 2 micromol/L CsA for 12 and 24 h and observed with transmission electron microscope (TEM) for the ultrastructural changes of the cells.

RESULTS

TBMS1 induced apoptosis of HeLa cells in a concentration- and time-dependant manner. Under TEM, the treated cells progressively shrunk and the intercellular space widened with loss of microvillus, mitochondrial swelling, rough endoplasmic reticulum enlargement, chromatin condensation, nuclear shrinkage and nuclear pyknosis as TBMS1 concentration increased. At low concentrations, CsA offered partial protection of the mitochondria from TBMS1-induced damage whereas high-concentration CsA did not.

CONCLUSION

TBMS1 induces ultrastructural changes typical for apoptosis of the HeLa cells, which provides morphological evidence for the role of intrinsic apoptosis pathway in TBMS1-induced apoptosis.

Multinucleation of koilocytes is actually multilobation

In order to clarify the complete cytomorphology of cytopathic changes as a consequence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, we performed three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from confocal fluorescent images. After confirming 22 HPV types using a DNA chip, we performed 3D confocal image restoration in human uterine cervical swab samples and corresponding tumor tissues. On restoration of 3D confocal images, the multinucleated feature of koilocytes was revealed to be multilobation of a single nucleus, as opposed to true multinucleation.

AgNOR counts in cervical smears under normal and other cytopathologic conditions

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diagnostic value of AgNOR counts in cervical smears in the process of cervical carcinogenesis and in discriminating the different grades of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL).

STUDY DESIGN

Silver nitrate staining for AgNOR counts was performed in 50 cervical smears of cytologically diagnosed normal, inflammatory, low grade SIL (LSIL) (mild dysplasia), high grade SIL (HSIL) (moderate and severe dysplasia) and squamous cell carcinoma. The smears were derived from the ongoing routine outpatient cytology screening at Queen Mary's Hospital, Lucknow, India.

RESULTS

In normal and inflammatory smears, the number of AgNOR dots varied from 1 to 2, in mild dysplasia from 2 to 4, in moderate dysplasia from 4 to 6 and in severe dysplasia from 6 to 8. Frank cervical carcinoma cases revealed 8-10 dots. Thus, a progressive increase in AgNOR counts was observed when the severity of pathologic lesions increased. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in AgNOR counts between normal and inflammatory smears, but it was highly significant between inflammatory and LSIL cases, between LSIL and HSIL, and between severe dysplasia and frank malignancy.

CONCLUSION

This study underscored the diagnostic importance of AgNOR counts, especially in discriminating between LSIL and HSIL of the cervix. Another study is under way to assess the potentiality of AgNOR counts as tumor markers in cervical carcinogenesis.

Multinucleation of koilocytes is in fact multilobation and is related to aberration of the G2 checkpoint

AIMS

To clarify the fine structure of koilocytes and correlate this with genetic aberration of the G2 checkpoint.

METHODS

Three dimensional reconstruction from confocal fluorescent images, together with functional assays for key molecules of the G2 checkpoint-cdc2 and cyclin B1-was performed in human uterine cervical samples. After confirming 22 human papillomavirus (HPV) types using a DNA chip from 30 cervical swabs, previously confirmed as 15 cervical low grade and 15 high grade intraepithelial lesions, the activity of molecules involved in the G2 checkpoint was evaluated using western blotting for cyclin B1, cdc2, and phospho-cdc2 (Y15 and T161), a nuclear extraction fractional assay, and a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. In addition, three dimensional confocal image restoration was performed on confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia tissue samples.

RESULTS

T161 phospho-cdc2 and cyclin B1 expression was higher in HPV infected cervical lesions than in normal samples. Immunofluorescence, revealed that cyclin B1 was present predominantly in the nuclei of HPV infected cells, confirming the results of the nuclear fractional assay. On restoration of three dimensional confocal images, the multinucleation of koilocytes was revealed to be multilobation of a single nucleus, rather than true multinucleation. This multilobation appeared to be associated with chromosomal instability and aberration of the G2 checkpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

The multiple nuclei of koilocytes are in fact multilobation of a single nucleus, and this phenomenon is associated with upregulation of gene products related to the G2 checkpoint.

Combining intensity, edge and shape information for 2D and 3D segmentation of cell nuclei in tissue sections

We present a region-based segmentation method in which seeds representing both object and background pixels are created by combining morphological filtering of both the original image and the gradient magnitude of the image. The seeds are then used as starting points for watershed segmentation of the gradient magnitude image. The fully automatic seeding is done in a generous fashion, so that at least one seed will be set in each foreground object. If more than one seed is placed in a single object, the watershed segmentation will lead to an initial over-segmentation, i.e. a boundary is created where there is no strong edge. Thus, the result of the initial segmentation is further refined by merging based on the gradient magnitude along the boundary separating neighbouring objects. This step also makes it easy to remove objects with poor contrast. As a final step, clusters of nuclei are separated, based on the shape of the cluster. The number of input parameters to the full segmentation procedure is only five. These parameters can be set manually using a test image and thereafter be used on a large number of images created under similar imaging conditions. This automated system was verified by comparison with manual counts from the same image fields. About 90% correct segmentation was achieved for two- as well as three-dimensional images.

Optical sectioning using a fiber probe with an angled illumination-collection geometry: evaluation in engineered tissue phantoms

We present a fiber optic probe that combines polarized illumination and detection with an angled distal probe geometry to detect the size-dependent scattering at a specific depth within epithelium. Analysis of the scattering signal by use of Mie theory allows the extraction of scatterer size and size distribution-key parameters for precancer detection. The probe was evaluated in two tissue phantoms: polystyrene beads atop collagen gel and multiple layers of cancer cells atop collagen. We also present in vivo measurements in the oral cavity of normal volunteers. The sizes of scatterers extracted from the scattering spectra corresponded to independently measured values.

[ASCUS of metaplastic type. Cyto-histopathological correlations]

We evaluated the cytopathological changes and the prognostic significance of atypical squamous metaplastic cells in cervical smears. 50 ASCUS cases were divided in two groups: 25 cases in different settings and 25 of metaplastic type. All cases were re-evaluated after 6 months and when necessary, verified by biopsy. The second cytological diagnosis was: group I--13 normal, 2 LSIL, 40 ASCUS; group II--6 normal, 2 LSIL, 2 HSIL and 15 ASCUS. The HPV was positive in 5 cases in group I and in 9 cases in group II. In ASCUS persistent cases the biopsy revealed: in group I--3 CIN 1 and 1 CIN 2 cases; in group II--1 CIN 1, 2 CIN II, 2 CIN III and one case of microinvasive carcinoma. In conclusion, atypical metaplastic cells are more frequently involved in serious cervical lesions.

Liquid-based cytology findings of glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix. Report of a case with histologic correlation and molecular analysis

BACKGROUND

Glassy cell carcinoma is a rare form of poorly differentiated carcinoma of the cervix with no obvious squamous or glandular differentiation. Its liquid-based cytology findings have not been described before.

CASE

A 46-year-old Filipina presented with vaginal bleeding due to a bulky cervical tumor. The liquid-based cytology preparation was of moderate cellularity and contained small clusters of polygonal to elongated tumor cells admixed with amphophilic, granular, necrotic debris. The malignant cells possessed round to oval nuclei; a thin nuclear membrane; finely dispersed chromatin; prominent, solitary nucleoli; abundant, cyanophilic cytoplasm; and discrete cell borders. Occasional tumor cells showed phagocytosis of polymorphs. The background contained a mixed population of inflammatory cells. Eosinophils, though present, were not readily identified in the cytologic specimen. There was no evidence of dyskeratosis, cytoplasmic vacuolation or koilocytosis. Histologic and ultrastructural examination of the tumor biopsy showed classic features of glassy cell carcinoma. Molecular analysis using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism revealed the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in the liquid-based cytology sample. The HPV genotype, however, did not belong to any of the commonly encountered prototypes.

CONCLUSION

Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix may show distinct, though subtle, cytomorphologic features in liquid-based preparations. The findings, however, are slightly different from those in conventional cervical smears. Awareness of this rare entity is important, as glassy cell carcinoma is often associated with more aggressive clinical behavior.

Ultrastructural effects of two phthalocyanines in CHO-K1 and HeLa cells after laser irradiation

The effects of Photodynamic Therapy using 2nd generation photosensitizers have been widely investigated aiming clinical application treatment of solid neoplasms. In this work, ultrastructure changes caused by the action of two 2nd generation photosensitizers and laser irradiation on CHO-K1 and HeLa (neoplastic) cells were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride, aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate chloride and radiation from a semiconductor laser at a fluency of 0.5 J/cm2 (Power=26 mW; lambda=.670 nm) were used. The results showed induction of apoptosis. Such alterations where observed in HeLa but not in CHO-K1 cells after Aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate chloride (AlPcS4, photodynamic treatment. The Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlPc) photodynamic treatment induced necrosis on the neoplastic cell line, and cytoplasm and nuclear alterations on the normal cell line.

The relationship between connexins, gap junctions, tissue architecture and tumour invasion, as studied in a novel in vitro model of HPV-16-associated cervical cancer progression

Disruption of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and/or connexins (gap junction proteins) is frequently reported in malignant cell lines and tumours. Certain human papillomaviruses (HPV) associated with the development of cancers, especially of the cervix, have previously been reported to downregulate GJIC in vitro. There is also evidence for reduced gap junctions in cervical dysplasia. However, many squamous hyperproliferative conditions, including HPV-induced warts, often show extensive upregulation of certain connexins. The association between HPV and GJIC, and the mechanism and consequence of deregulated GJIC in cervical tumour progression, remains unclear. Therefore, using a variety of nonmalignant and malignant cell lines and an organotypic raft-culture system, we investigated the relationship between HPV, gap junctions and tumour progression. Established cervical tumour cell lines carrying HPV were unable to communicate via gap junctions (when assayed by dye-transfer techniques). This correlated with lack of connexin protein expression, while transfection with connexins 26 or 43 led to functional gap junction membrane plaques. On the other hand, immortal but nonmalignant cell lines that contained episomal or integrated HPV-16, but required feeder-layer and growth-factor support, were consistently well coupled, and expressed multiple connexins at membrane junctions. In vitro selection of feeder-layer and growth-factor-independent variants eventually lead to loss of GJIC, which correlated with loss of membrane and increased cytoplasmic connexin 43 localization. However, this was preceded by loss of differentiation and stromal invasion, as assayed on the organotypic raft-culture model. Using this model, a comparison between noncoupled, well-coupled and connexin-transfected cell lines revealed no firm correlation between GJIC and dysplasia, but GJIC appeared to favour increased stratification. These findings demonstrate that loss of GJIC is frequent, but appears to occur more as a consequence of, rather than being the cause of, epithelial dysplasia, and may be influenced by, but is not directly attributable to, HPV.

Cytometric features of cell nuclei of adenocarcinoma in situ and invasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to characterize adenocarcinoma in situ (ACIS) and invasive adenocarcinoma (AdCa) of the cervix by using image histometric measurements of nuclear morphometric features.

STUDY DESIGN

Archival pathology slides and tissue blocks from 37 patients with ACIS, 18 with invasive AdCa, and 13 with normal cervical epithelial and glandular histology were reviewed by two pathologists. The controls were matched for age and menstrual status and as closely as possible for the age of the slides; this limited the number of normal cases available. Morphometric, photometric, and textural measurements were made on 4-microm sections of tissue stained with a thionin-SO(2) Feulgen reaction. A mixed analysis of covariance model was used for analysis.

RESULTS

The Integrated Optical Density Index was found between the mean value for normal cells and that for ACIS and invasive AdCa (P <.001). Twenty-two other morphometric features were identified that exhibited differences in their means between at least two of the three tissue types.

CONCLUSION

In the cell populations studied, certain nuclear image features were found to correlate with histologic diagnosis. The features can be measured objectively and could be useful to pathologists in differentiating lesions, although a larger study should be evaluated to confirm these findings. Further, these features may be important as optical technologies are developed that make diagnoses in real time.

Alpha-tocopherol protects cultured human cells from the acute lethal cytotoxicity of dioxin

The possible protection of cultured human cells from acute dioxin injury by antioxidants was investigated. The most potent dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), caused vacuolization of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in cultured human conjunctival epithelial cells and cervical cancer cells. Subsequent nuclear damage included a deep irregular indentation resulting in cell death. A dosage of 30-40 ng/mL TCDD induced maximal intracellular production of H2O2 at 30 minutes and led to severe cell death (0-31% survival) at two hours. A dose of 1.7 mM alpha-tocopherol or 1 mM L-dehydroascorbic acid significantly protected human cells against acute TCDD injuries (78-97% survivals), but vitamin C did not provide this protection. These results indicate that accidental exposure to fatal doses of TCDD causes cytoplasmic free radical production within the smooth endoplasmic reticular systems, resulting in severe cytotoxicity, and that vitamin E and dehydroascorbic acid can protect against TCDD-induced cell damage.

Adenoid basal carcinoma of the uterine cervix: a case report with ultrastructural findings

Adenoid basal carcinoma of the uterine cervix is a rare tumor with a favorable prognosis. A case of adenoid basal carcinoma (ABC) of the uterine cervix was studied using light and electron microscopy. The patient was a 74-year-old Japanese woman who had undergone hysterectomy due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3. Incidentally, ABC was found in the resected uterus. The tumor cells made small nests and infiltrated the cervical portion of the uterus. In the nests, glands, cribriform patterns with glandlike structures, and squamous differentiation were seen. Immunohistochemically, the glandlike structures were positive for laminin and type IV collagen. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells had irregular nuclei, scanty cytoplasm, and cribriform patterns in which glandlike structures were covered with basal lamina. No myoepithelial differentiation of the tumor cells was seen. These findings suggest a similarity between adenoid basal carcinomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas. Furthermore, both tumors are considered to originate in the reserve cells of the uterine cervix. Because their outcomes are different, they should be distinguished from each other.

Detection of human papillomavirus in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix: a study of 12 cases

AIM

To investigate the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the uterine cervix.

METHODS

Twelve archival, immunohistochemically and/or electron microscopically confirmed cases of cervical LCNEC were studied. Non-isotopic in situ hybridisation (NISH) was performed on the formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded biopsies using digoxigenin labelled probes to HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, and 33. The tumours were then subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis using GP5+/GP6+ consensus primers to the HPV L1 gene, in addition to type specific primers to the E6 and E6/E7 genes.

RESULTS

HPV-16 was detected by NISH and/or PCR in seven of the 12 carcinomas. Two additional tumours were HPV-18 positive by NISH and/or PCR. HPV DNA was not detected in the three remaining cases.

CONCLUSION

Integration of high risk HPV, in particular type 16 and to a lesser extent type 18, is associated with this uncommon variant of cervical carcinoma.

Centrosome abnormalities, genomic instability and carcinogenic progression

Centrosome abnormalities are a frequent finding in various malignant tumors. Since centrosomes form the poles of the mitotic spindle, these abnormalities have been implicated in chromosome missegregation and the generation of aneuploid cells which is commonly found in many human neoplasms. It is a matter of debate, however, whether centrosome alterations can drive cells into aneuploidy or simply reflect loss of genomic integrity by other mechanisms. Since these two models have fundamentally different implications for the diagnostic and prognostic value of centrosome abnormalities, we will discuss the relevance of abnormal centrosomes in the context of different oncogenic events as exemplified by high-risk human papillomavirus-associated carcinogenesis.

Significance of AGUS Pap smears in pregnant and postpartum women

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical significance of atypical glandular cells of undertermined significance (AGUS) in pregnant and postpartum women.

STUDY DESIGN

We evaluated 35 women who were pregnant (30) or within three months postpartum (5) and had a cytologic diagnosis of AGUS. Twenty-seven (77%) patients had follow-up: 17 (63%) patients underwent colposcopic examination and biopsy, and 10 (37%) had repeat Pap smears. Eight patients were lost to follow-up.

RESULTS

Five (29.4%) patients had a squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), including three high grade and two low grade, on subsequent biopsy. The remaining (70.6%) patients had benign pathology, which included 5 chronic cervicitis, 4 endocervical and/or endometrial polyps, 2 Arias-Stella reaction and 1 microglandular hyperplasia. Among the patients with repeat Pap smears, two had persistent AGUS/atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, the remaining cases were within normal limits.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy-related changes may present with glandular atypia. In addition, about one-third of pregnant and postpartum women with a diagnosis of AGUS had SIL on subsequent biopsy; that rate is similar to that in nonpregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women with a cytologic diagnosis of AGUS should be followed closely.

Nine cases of granular cell tumors in B6C3F1 mice

The histological characteristics of 9 cases of granular cell tumors (GCTs) observed in B6C3F1 mice were examined to determine their cellular origin. Seven of the 9 cases were found in the uterus and other 2 cases were in the subcutaneous tissue. Tumor cells had abundant granules in the cytoplasm which were stained with PAS and were resistant to diastase treatment. Ultrastructurally, the granules were identified as lysosomes. The cell surface had cytoplasmic processus showing interdigitation with adjacent cells. A character feature of the tumor cells was the presence of a desmosome-like structure on their cell surface but no basal lamina was demonstrated. Although GCTs have been considered to be derived from Schwann cells on the basis of their ultrastructural features and S-100 protein-immunopositive findings, the absence of basal lamina in the present cases may raise a controversy as to their origin.

ASCUS, mature metaplastic type. Cytologic diagnosis and follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To study the cytologic criteria for follow-up of mature metaplastic cells within the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) category.

STUDY DESIGN

Squamous epithelial abnormalities between January 1994 and June 1997 at our institution totaled 2,632 and included squamous carcinoma (1), high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (278), low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (875) and ASCUS (1,478). From the ASCUS group, 134 (9.06%) were metaplastic; 89 were selected for review. Criteria for case selection were follow-up with tissue biopsy or at least two Pap smears and no previous epithelial abnormality. Patients ranged from 27 to 70 years of age. Parameters tabulated included number of abnormal cells per slide, their architecture, cell size, shape, cytoplasmic hue and texture, nuclear size and contour, chromatin pattern and nucleoli. Additionally, specimens were reviewed for hormonal status and inflammation. The findings were correlated with follow-up data.

RESULTS

Cells generally appeared single or in loose, monolayered sheets of three to seven cells per group. The cells were well demarcated, polygonal or oval and ranged from 11 to 30 microns with cyanophilic or eosinophilic thickened cytoplasm. The round to oval nuclei with slight irregularity showed a minimally increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio with stippled chromatin. Upon review, 69 smears were confirmed as ASCUS-M. Follow-up revealed 42 with benign findings, 9 with persistent ASCUS/ASCUS-M and 18 with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

CONCLUSION

In mature metaplastic cells with minimal atypia in patients with no previous or concurrent dysplasia, the follow-up details were similar to those described for ASCUS-superficial/immediate squamous cells. These patients could be followed conservatively.

Atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance in cervical smears after conization. Cytologic features differentiating them from adenocarcinoma in situ

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cytologic features of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) smears following conization through a comparison with adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) smears.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty cervical smears, diagnosed as AGUS based on groups of crowded glandular cells that raised the possibility of AIS, from 38 patients who had conization and 24 AIS smears, histologically confirmed, from 17 patients were reviewed. Subsequent follow-up biopsies or hysterectomies in 38 patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

Nuclear atypia was a more reliable feature than architectural structure in differentiating postcone effect from AIS on cytology. The predominant cytologic features of the postcone smears were crowded glandular cells with a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio and relatively small, hyperchromatic nuclei with rather finely granular and uniformly dispersed chromatin, less distinct nuclear membranes, less frequent mitosis and presence of endometrial-type stromal cells in the background. The architecture of the crowded cells in the postcone smears was sometimes similar to that of AIS. No AIS or high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion histology was encountered in follow-up biopsies or hysterectomy specimens.

CONCLUSION

The cytologic features distinguishing AGUS from AIS may be helpful in identifying the postcone effect. Since it is important to avoid miscalling the postcone effect as AIS, it is recommended that one check for a previous history of a cone biopsy.

Polymorphism of Ag(+)-NORs in cervical smears from women with cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate Ag(+)-stained (Ag(+)-NOR) polymorphism in four groups of patients with various grades of cervical lesions and in a control group.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty-five women were selected, diagnosed and classified on the bases of the Pap smear and colposcopy/biopsy at Hospital de Ginecologia y Obstetricia del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Monterrey, Mexico. Five categories were considered: (1) inflammatory, (2) low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs), (3) high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), (4) invasive cervical cancer, and (5) normal. The cervical smears were stained by the Ag(+)-NOR method. One hundred cells per slide were counted and classified according to the polymorphism of Ag(+)-NOR dots: typical (spherical) and atypical (large, kidney shaped and clustered). The four shapes of Ag(+)-NORs were quantified by percentage and transformed using the arcsine root procedure.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in spherical shape according to neoplastic development. The three atypical shapes showed a significant increase in patients with HSIL and invasive carcinoma in respect to LSIL. Principal components analysis grouped the data at five locations in the plane formed by the first two principal components according to the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of the determination of Ag(+)-NOR polymorphism in cervical cytology studies.

Ultrastructural features of adenoma malignum of the uterine cervix: demonstration of gastric phenotypes

Histochemical staining has shown that so-called adenoma malignum (the mucinous type of minimal deviation adenocarcinoma [mucinous MDA]) of the uterine cervix expresses gastric phenotypes. The present ultrastructural study was undertaken to explore the fine structure and phenotypic expression of this tumor, and to make comparisons with normal cervical glands and gastric pyloric mucosa. Post-embedding, double-immunogold staining for gastric gland mucous cell mucin (HIK1083-reactive mucin) and lysozyme revealed localization exclusively to the matrix and to the core of the mucin granules, respectively, both in mucinous MDA and gastric pyloric mucosa. Mucin granules of normal cervical gland cells lacked core structures and showed no immunoreactivity with HIK1083 or lysozyme. Thus, mucinous MDA was confirmed to be a tumor expressing gastric phenotypes ultrastructurally. Both markers should be useful for the identification of tumor cells.

The increment of micronucleus frequency in cervical carcinoma during irradiation in vivo and its prognostic value for tumour radiocurability

A potential usefulness of micronucleus assay for prediction of tumour radiosensitivity has been tested in 64 patients with advanced stage (II B-IV B) cervical carcinoma treated by radiotherapy. The study of cellular radiosensitivity in vitro was conducted in parallel with the study of cellular damage after tumour irradiation in vivo. Radiosensitivity of in vitro cultured primary cells isolated from tumour biopsies taken before radiotherapy was evaluated using cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Frequency of micronuclei per binucleated cell (MN/BNC) at 2 Gy was used as a measure of radiosensitivity. Radiation sensitivity in vivo was expressed as per cent increment of micronucleus frequency in cells isolated from biopsy taken after 20 Gy (external irradiation, 10 x 2 Gy) over the pre-treatment spontaneous micronucleus level and was called MN20. Very low correlation (r = 0.324) was observed between micronucleus frequency in vitro and in vivo. Although micronucleus frequency at 2 Gy differed widely between tumours evaluated (mean MN/BNC was 0.224; range 0.08-0.416), no significant correlation was observed between this parameter and clinical outcome. The average increment of micronucleus frequency after 20 Gy amounted to 193% of spontaneous level (range 60-610%) and was independent of spontaneous micronucleation before radiotherapy. In contrast to in vitro results, these from in vivo assay seem to have a predictive value for radiotherapy of cervix cancer. The micronucleus increment in vivo that reached at least 117.5% of pretreatment value (first quartile for MN20 data set) correlated significantly with better tumour local control (P < 0.008) and overall survival (P < 0.045). Our results suggest that evaluation of increment of micronucleus frequency during radiotherapy (after fixed tested dose of 20 Gy) offers a potentially valuable approach to predicting individual radioresponsiveness and may be helpful for individualization of treatment strategy in advanced stage cervical cancer.

Sarcoma botryoides of the cervix. Report of a case with cytopathologic findings

BACKGROUND

Cytologic findings of sarcoma botryoides were still equivocal because sarcoma botryoides of the uterine cervix is an extremely rare neoplasm, and few cases have been reported to date.

CASE

A 17-year-old female was diagnosed with sarcoma botryoides of the uterine cervix. The entire vaginal canal was occupied with polypoid masses, which arose from the anterior lip of the uterine cervix, and the tumor was classified as group I (Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study). After wedge resection and six courses of combination chemotherapy, the tumor recurred in the same location of the cervix as the primary lesion. Touch smear of the polypoid mass formed loose clusters and also showed short spindle cells in a necrotic background. The nucleus of the tumor cells had a thin nuclear membrane, fine chromatin pattern and partly clear nucleolus, showing mild nuclear atypia. Immunohistochemically, some of the tumor cells showed positive staining for myoglobin and desmin.

CONCLUSION

The cytologic findings of sarcoma botryoides of the female genital tract are typical features of nonepithelial malignant tumor. Immunohistochemical study is useful for the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Endocervical glandular neoplasia and its mimics in ThinPrep Pap tests. A descriptive study

OBJECTIVE

To document the cytologic features of endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma as observed in ThinPrep slides and to compare these features with those that have been described for conventional smears.

STUDY DESIGN

Six cases of endocervical AIS and three cases of invasive adenocarcinoma were evaluated with respect to 3 low-power and 14 high-power features. All cases were biopsy proven. Glandular "look-alikes" (tubal metaplasia, n = 3; florid repair, n = 3; sampling of lower uterine segment, n = 1) were also examined.

RESULTS

All cases of AIS contained dark groups and sheets at screening power. At higher power, nuclear detail was extremely well visualized. All cases had crowding, continuous depth of focus, variability of nuclear size and shape within groups, irregular nuclear membranes, uniformly stippled chromatin and at least occasional single atypical cells. Only one case lacked nucleoli. Traditional features (strips, feathering, rosettes and mitoses) were observed about as frequently as in conventional smears. Invasive lesions had many of the same features, with relatively more inflammation and lysed blood. Nonneoplastic look-alikes could be distinguished from neoplasms using traditional criteria.

CONCLUSION

In this small study, AIS and invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma maintained the features previously described for conventional smears. Improved visualization of nuclear detail may allow the application of additional criteria, such as irregular nuclear membranes and the more consistent presence of nucleoli, for distinguishing glandular neoplasms from their look-alikes.

Atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance on cervical smears. A study with cytohistologic correlation

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of endocervical adenocarcinoma has increased steadily over the past two decades. Since the Bethesda System was introduced, the diagnosis of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) has also risen and now accounts for 0.46-1.83% of all cervical (Pap) smears. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of a diagnosis of AGUS using cytohistologic correlation.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of archival material from 1993 through 1996 identified 64 patients who had smears diagnosed as AGUS and had a subsequent surgical biopsy. The smears were reviewed and cytologic features analyzed and correlated with the histologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

On biopsy, 3 (5%) of the 64 cases showed endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) (1 case with invasive adenocarcinoma also), 14 (22%) had a benign glandular lesion (endocervical polyp, tubal metaplasia, microglandular hyperplasia, reactive changes), 35 (54%) had squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) (15 diagnosed on the original smear), and 12 (19%) had no abnormality. Among the cytologic criteria evaluated, feathering (P = .01), palisading (P < .001) and chromatin clearing (P = .002) were shown to have a significant association with the histopathologic diagnosis of AIS/adenocarcinoma. These features were also useful in distinguishing AIS/adenocarcinoma from SIL and benign glandular changes from AIS/adenocarcinoma but not benign/reactive glandular changes from SIL.

CONCLUSION

A diagnosis of AGUS correlated with a clinically significant lesion in the majority of cases. Squamous dysplasia (SIL) was the most common lesion identified. The presence of feathering, nuclear palisading and chromatin clearing increased the likelihood of a histologic diagnosis of AIS/adenocarcinoma.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of Langerhans's cells in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

OBJECTIVE

To study Langerhans's cells (LCs) in cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

The study was carried out in the Shatby University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Thirty cases with squamous cell carcinoma, 10 cases with cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 10 cases with normal exocervix were recruited. Sections from the exocervix were stained with gold chloride, immunostaining with S-100 protein antiserum, adenosine triphosphatase ATPase and electron microscopy. Statistical evaluation was done using the t-test.

RESULTS

Gold chloride staining revealed significantly increased number of LCs in all cases of CIN compared to normal controls and with increasing grade of CIN (p < 0.001). No relationship between LCs number and the grade of carcinoma. Least branched LCs were predominant in the normal tissue while in neoplasia, these cells were of the most branched type, indicating a hyperactivity. S-100 protein positive LCs were almost absent in normal controls while their number were almost lower than the corresponding cases of CIN and invasive carcinoma after gold chloride or ATPase stainings. Signs of hyperactivity were evident in LCs of neoplastic cases after electron microscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Proliferation and increased number of LCs in CIN is an immune response, while such reaction is suppressed by invasive carcinoma.

Malignant cervical schwannoma: An unusual pelvic tumor

BACKGROUND

Primary malignant cervical schwannomas (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors) are extremely rare tumors that grossly may resemble many other more common lesions. The diagnosis, management, and follow-up of a malignant cervical schwannoma are presented with a review of the literature.

CASE

A 51-year-old female presented with a 3-year history of perimenopausal vaginal bleeding. A 3 x 3 cm friable, spongy lesion was noted on the posterior aspect of the cervix. Frozen-section analysis could not rule out a malignant smooth muscle tumor. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy aided in the final diagnosis of a malignant cervical schwannoma. The patient is alive and well 1 year from her definitive surgery. Another patient with the same tumor received the same surgical management. This patient is now 10 years from her surgery and is alive with no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSION

Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy are useful in the diagnosis of a malignant cervical schwannoma. This case and long-term follow-up from another case provide evidence that simple hysterectomy may be sufficient therapy for this uncommon lesion.

Cell adhesion force microscopy

The adhesion forces of cervical carcinoma cells in tissue culture were measured by using the manipulation force microscope, a novel atomic force microscope. The forces were studied as a function of time and temperature for cells cultured on hydrophilic and hydrophobic polystyrene substrates with preadsorbed proteins. The cells attached faster and stronger at 37 degreesC than at 23 degreesC and better on hydrophilic than on hydrophobic substrates, even though proteins adsorb much better to the hydrophobic substrates. Because cell adhesion serves to control several stages in the cell cycle, we anticipate that the manipulation force microscope can help clarify some cell-adhesion related issues.

The in situ polymerase chain reaction for detection of chlamydia trachomatis

The in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that has important applications in the diagnosis of viral and bacterial diseases. This study investigated an in situ PCR assay established to detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in endocervical swabs. In addition, histological sections of endocervical squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed because previous studies had revealed a significant association with C. trachomatis. A total of 20 cervical neoplasms (squamous cell carcinoma in situ; n = 10; invasive squamous cell carcinoma; n = 10) and endocervical smears taken from five patients with and without inflammatory changes were analyzed by conventional PCR. Chlamydial DNA was found in 10 histological samples (six carcinomas in situ, four invasive carcinomas) and in one endocervical swab from a patient with known C. trachomatis infection. Positive specimens were used for establishing an in situ PCR assay (IS-PCR). After IS-PCR, these samples showed dense cytoplasmic staining of endocervical cells (smears) and non-neoplastic epithelial cells (cervical neoplasms). The other tumor samples and smears did not demonstrate positive PCR reaction. The results indicate that in situ PCR is an effective technique for localizing C. trachomatis in target cells because IS-PCR detection of chlamydial DNA correlated with histological and cytological features.

Establishment and characterization of a new HPV-negative squamous cell carcinoma cell line (Yumoto) from the human uterine cervix

A new cell line, Yumoto, derived from a squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, was established from serially transplanted tumor tissues in nude mice. Monolayer cultured cells were polygonal and formed pavement-like sheet. They showed a piling-up tendency and were devoid of contact inhibition. Electron micrographs demonstrated the presence of microvilli on the cell surface, abundant tonofilaments in the cytoplasm, and the connection with desmosomes. These electron micrographical characteristics of Yumoto cells were consistent with those of squamous cell origin. Yumoto cells were highly tumorigenic in BALB/c nude mice and produced a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of keratinizing type which closely resembled to the original tumor tissues in nude mice. The presence of HPV DNA was examined using polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis, but no known types of HPV DNA could be detected. Exons 2 through 11 of the p53 gene were analyzed by direct DNA sequencing, revealing a homozygous mutation at codon 281 in exon 8, GAC to CAC (Asp-->His). Furthermore, physical p53-gene deletion was demonstrated by dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization. This cell line is useful for studying the carcinogenesis of cervical carcinoma and for investigating the biological characteristics of a HPV-negative and mutated p53 squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Nucleolar organiser regions and morphologic subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma of cervix

Nucleolar organiser regions (NOR) are chromosomal segments coding for ribosomal RNA. The number of nucleolar organiser regions correlates with cellular proliferation and has a diagnostic and prognostic value in neoplastic diseases. The aim of this study was to study the morphologic subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix in biopsy and hysterectomy specimens and to determine the AgNOR counts in these morphologic subtypes. One hundred and seventy-nine cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were classified into three morphological subtypes namely large cell non keratinising squamous cell carcinoma (113), keratinising squamous cell carcinoma (64) and small cell carcinoma (2). A correlation of histologic typing on biopsy and hysterectomy specimens was done in 142 cases with a complete correlation in 90.5%. Fifty-eight of these tumours were stained with silver nitrate to demonstrate Nucleolar organiser regions (AgNORS). The mean AgNOR count was higher (3.66) in keratinising squamous cell carcinoma, which is known to have a worse prognosis as compared to 3.04 in large cell non keratinising carcinoma and (3.45) in the two cases of small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Atypical cervical polyp with intracytoplasmic inclusions

Benign polyps containing atypical stromal cells are described at many anatomical sites and some such lesions have been shown to contain intracytoplasmic actin-rich inclusions, believed to represent deranged filament metabolism in proliferating myofibroblastic cells. We present a case of an atypical cervical polyp with intracytoplasmic inclusions, occurring in a 23 year old female, and provide support for the proposal that these inclusions are composed of actin filaments, identical to those initially reported in infantile digital fibromatosis. This report emphasises the need to recognise the benign nature of such stromal proliferations and expands the range of myofibroblastic lesions in which actin inclusions may occur. Characterisation of the inclusions will provide further insight into the complexities of actin metabolism.

Effect of glucocorticoid hormone on nuclear matrix in cervical cancer cells in vitro

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the crucial factors in cervical carcinogenesis. High risk HPV16 prototype has been demonstrated in association with the nuclear matrix in a cervical carcinoma cell line(1,2). Nuclear matrix (NM) has been established as playing an important role in various nuclear activities as well as carcinogenic processes. Dexamethasone (DEX) (glucocorticoid hormone) inhibited the growth of CC2/CUHK2 cervical carcinoma cells with concurrent induction of epithelial cell differentiation. 2D- PAGE (IEF and NEPHGE) revealed alternations in NM protein composition. Further demonstration of changes in NM was evidenced by NuMA (a novel NM protein) labelling. The HPV16 E7 oncoprotein was shown to be reduced in total cellular protein as well as in NM protein fractions in response to DEX treatment, and this suppressed expression was confirmed by RT-PCR. Thus, it is suggested that dexamethasone can down-regulate the growth of cervical cancer cells and its induced changes in NM may be a cause of this suppression.