Showing papers in "Virchows Archiv in 1980"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed two hundred and seventy five cases of cystadenolymphomas (CAL) from the files of the Salivary Glands Register of the Institute of Pathology, University of Hamburg (1965-1979).
Abstract: Cystadenolymphomas (CAL) of the parotid gland are variable in their epithelial differentiation and the ratio of the epithelial tumor component to lymphoid stroma. Two hundred and seventy five cases of CAL from the files of the Salivary Glands Register of the Institute of Pathology, University of Hamburg (1965-1979) were analysed. Their pathogenesis from parenchyma included in regional lymph nodes is discussed. The following subclassification was established. 1. Depending on to the ratio of epithelial tumor component to lymphoid stroma, three subtypes were distinguished. Subtype 1, "typical CAL" with an epithelial tumor component of 50%, amounted to 77% of all cases of CAL studied. Oncocytic differentiation and focal metaplasia to goblet cells or squamous epithelium was also found. 13.5% of CAL were classified as subtype 2, "stroma-poor CAL" with an epithelial tumor component of 70 to 80%. The tumor structure was similar to that of an oncocytoma in places. Two per cent of the CAL were in subtype 3, "stroma-rich CAL" with an epithelial tumor component of only 20 to 30%. Subtype 3 was found solely in men. The average age at presentation (61 years) was slightly lower than that of all the cases studied (65 years). 2. In 7.5% of the cases large areas of squamous cell metaplasia and regressive changes was found within a CAL. These cases were classified as subtype 4 ("metaplastic CAL"). The average age was 67 years. The case histories showed that 20% of these metaplastic CAL had previously been irradiated. 3. Bilateral CAL was found in 7.5% of the cases. In 4% multifocal CAL occurred in the parotid gland unilaterally. Recurrences were observed in 2% of all CAL. 4. Carcinoma in CAL is rare (we found two cases in our own material). In 50% of all cases reported radiotherapy was mentioned in the case histories. 5. Malignant tumors coincident with CAL were recorded in 3% of the cases. 6. The lymphoid stroma showed reaction patterns similar to those of the regional lymph nodes. These included granulomatous changes (foreign body granuloma with cholesterol deposits, tuberculosis) and tumor metastases. In the neighborhood of oncocytic tumor epithelium focal accumulations plasma cells forming IgA and IgG were found. Metaplasia to squamous epithelium is believed to be caused by circulatory disturbances, irradiation, and other noxae. In the differential diagnosis of the stroma-poor subtype 2, oncocytoma and cystic sialadenoma must be excluded, and in the differential diagnosis of subtype 4 (the metaplastic CAL), sebaceous adenoma, mucepidermoid tumor, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoepithelioma, and other non-tumorous lesions of the parotid gland (lymphoepithelial cysts, myoepithelial parotitis) must be ruled out. Our findings suggest that CAL develops from parenchyma included in parotid lymph nodes with the oncocytic ductal epithelium representing the neoplastic component.
199 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the relative amount of interstitial cortical tissue was measured by the point count method in kidney tissue from human individuals without renal disease, and the relative number of sclerotic, obsolescent glomeruli was very small (0-1%) until the age of 40.
Abstract: The relative amount of interstitial cortical tissue was measured by the point count method in kidney tissue from human individuals without renal disease. One series (54 kidneys) consisted of kidneys intended for transplantation and removed immediately after death from persons who died suddenly. The other series (69 kidneys) was obtained by autopsy. In both groups, the percentage of interstitial tissue was dependent on age and followed the equations of regression (1) y = 12.45 + 0.11 0.11 x (donor series) and (2) y = 23.8 + 0,10 x (autopsy series). The autopsy values were significantly greater than the donor-kidney-values. There was no difference due to sex. The relative number of sclerotic, obsolescent glomeruli was very small (0-1%) until the age of 40. Thereafter it increased, most markedly in the autopsy series, until it reached values of about 30% in persons more than 80 years old.
165 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that papillary epithelial hyperplasia is probably only indicative of early duct obstruction and/or a general neoplastic stimulus, intraductal epithelial proliferation with atypia is a true precursor of duct carcinoma, and chronic pancreatitis lacks atypical duct lesions.
Abstract: In 21 patients who had undergone total pancreatectomy for pancreatic head carcinoma, the uninvolved pancreas was examined with regard to the type, incidence and regional distribution of duct epithelial proliferation. The results were compared with those in 37 operative specimens from patients with chronic pancreatitis, in 46 normal pancreases from autopsies and with findings in experimental pancreatic carcinogenesis. While the incidence of squamous metaplasia and non-papillary epithelial hypertrophy varied little in the different groups, papillary epithelial hyperplasia was found three times more often in cases of carcinoma, with associated mild duct obstruction. Atypical epithelial proliferation was only detected in the vicinity of carcinomas. Unequivocal transition from papillary hyperplasia to atypical proliferation was not observed. In hamsters treated with dihydroxy-di-n-propylnitrosamine (DHPN) for induction of pancreatic duct carcinomas, the early duct lesions closely resembled atypical epithelial proliferation of human pancreas. It is concluded that (1) papillary epithelial hyperplasia is probably only indicative of early duct obstruction and/or a general neoplastic stimulus, (2) intraductal epithelial proliferation with atypia is a true precursor of duct carcinoma, and (3) chronic pancreatitis lacks atypical duct lesions.
147 citations
TL;DR: It was shown by this study that the proof of vascular invasion is more often successful than theProof of capsular penetration and therefore a better indication of malignancy in encapsulated follicular tumors.
Abstract: From 1968 to 1977 a total of 1,394 follicular neoplasms were seen in surgical material containing 4,612 thyroid glands. 1,159 tumors were obviously benign adenomas. All remaining follicular tumors with equivocal histological appearances were extensively re-examined, together with all apparently invasive follicular carcinomas. Thereby, 125 atypical adenomas, 55 encapsulated and 55 widely invasive follicular carcinomas were diagnosed. In 102 tumors a definite diagnosis was reached after excision and histological examination of ten tissue blocks from preserved wet material. In each case the number of blood vessel invasions and penetrations of tumor capsule was recorded. Among these tumors, 17/36 (47%) encapsulated carcinomas proved to be only slightly invasive. All their tissue blocks were cut into sequential sections and in 6/17 cases additional vascular invasions found. It was shown by this study that the proof of vascular invasion is more often successful than the proof of capsular penetration and therefore a better indication of malignancy in encapsulated follicular tumors. Examination of 10 tissue blocks represents the minimum effort to estimate the invasive capability of a follicular tumor, whereas sequential sections through less than 10 blocks are of little help in most cases. A follow-up study of all patients included here seems to justify the distinction we have made between atypical adenomas and encapsulated follicular carcinomas.
132 citations
TL;DR: There were important differences in the distribution of these keratin antigens in altered epithelia which may be of value in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory, premalignant and malignant lesions of the skin and oral mucosa.
Abstract: Immune sera against total keratin and keratin polypeptide subunits were induced in guinea pigs, using the different bands of SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of fibrous proteins of stratum corneum, derived from normal human epidermis. The distribution of the different polypeptides was studied in numerous human biopsies of normal epidermis, normal oral mucosa and epidermal and mucosal inflammatory, premalignant and malignant lesions using the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Antisera against total keratin (TK) and against the keratin polypeptide of M.W. 55,000 dalton (55K) labelled all keratinocytes in normal and pathological conditions. These antisera may be useful for the histodifferentiation in diagnostic pathology. Atisera against the keratin polypeptides of M.W. 67,000 (67K) and 62,000 dalton (62K) identified only keratin antigens in the spinous, granular and keratinized layer of normal epidermis and oral mucosa. No labelling of the basal layer was achieved with these immune sera. However, there were important differences in the distribution of these keratin antigens in altered epithelia which may be of value in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory, premalignant and malignant lesions of the skin and oral mucosa.
123 citations
TL;DR: Among 343 surgically-removed pituitary adenomas, 56 tumors were unassociated clinically or biochemically with increased hormone secretion and contained no adenohypophysial hormones by the immunoperoxidase technique, except for 10 cases in which a few scattered cells showed positive immunostaining for β-TSH or β-FSH, β-EH, prolactin and/or α-subunit.
Abstract: Among 343 surgically-removed pituitary adenomas, 56 tumors were unassociated clinically or biochemically with increased hormone secretion and contained no adenohypophysial hormones by the immunoperoxidase technique, except for 10 cases in which a few scattered cells showed positive immunostaining for beta-TSH or beta-FSH, beta-LH, prolactin and/or alpha-subunit. These tumors were chromophobic adenomas with no PAS, lead hematoxylin or carmoisine positivity and electron microscopy failed to reveal their morphogenesis. The term null cell adenoma of the pituitary is proposed to designate this tumor type. This term recognizes the most obvious features of these tumors: the absence of markers which would permit the disclosure of their cellular origin. Null cells are also found in the nontumorous adenohypophysis, suggesting that null cell adenomas derive from preexisting nonneoplastic null cells. The question of whether pituitary null cells are hormonally inactive committed precursors, uncommitted stem cells or dedifferentiated cells remains to be elucidated.
121 citations
TL;DR: Patients with primary atypical hyperplasia with distinct cellular and structural atypia but without manifest carcinomas in prostatic biopsy or resection material should be followed up at short intervals.
Abstract: In tissue biopsies and resection material (TUR) of the prostate a high coincidence (49.4%) was found between atypical primary hyperplasia with atypical-dysplastic microglandular, adenomatous and cribriform structures on the one hand and carcinomas on the other. The frequency of atypical hyperplasia in prostatic tissue without carcinoma was 2.8%. Microglandular pattern predominates in atypical hyperplasia combined with differentiated adenocarcinomas. A high coincidence between cribriformly structured glands of atypical primary hyperplasia and solid anaplastic — cribriform carcinomas can be observed. Autoradiographically the labeling index of atypical hyperplasia was three times as high as that of simple hyperplasia. The mean labeling index of atypical hyperplasia, however, was similar to that of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and cribriform carcinomas. The similar proliferation pattern of atypical hyperplasia and carcinomas as well as the high coincidence between both indicate that severe atypical primary hyperplasia is a precancerous lesion. Therefore, those patients with primary atypical hyperplasia with distinct cellular and structural atypia but without manifest carcinomas in prostatic biopsy or resection material should be followed up at short intervals.
93 citations
TL;DR: The histopathological spectrum of a large series of a recently described tumour entity is presented in this article, where seven diagnostic features which may be encountered are described and their frequency discussed.
Abstract: The histopathological spectrum of a large series of a recently described tumour entity is presented. Seven diagnostic features which may be encountered are described and their frequency discussed. The most striking clinical feature was the marked male preponderance (M∶F=7.6∶1). It is suggested that an appreciation of the full histopathological spectrum is necessary to ensure adequate diagnosis.
80 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest an increased activity of zymogen granules, an increased autophagocytosis, and penetration of acinar luminal contents into the interstitium.
Abstract: Ultrastructural alterations in pancreatic acini from six patients operated for acute necrotizing pancreatitis are described. One of the patients suffered from biliary tract disease, the rest had excessive alcohol intake as the presumed aetiology. Areas of the pancreatic parenchyma showing oedematous inflammation in light microscopy were studied in the electron microscope. Findings in acinar cells included changes in zymogen granules and an increased autophagocytosis in addition to unspecific organelle alterations. Zymogen granules showed increase in size and number, loss or variation of electron-density and peripheral dissolution. Increased autophagic activity was indicated by several autophagic vacuoles and residual bodies. Acinar lumina were dilated showing effacement of microvilli and invaginations in the luminal plasma membrane of the acinar cells. In acinar lumina and in the interstitium fibrillar material was observed, with an increasing frequency in those areas showing severe cellular disintegration. These findings suggest: 1) an increased activity of zymogen granules, 2) an increased autophagocytosis, and 3) penetration of acinar luminal contents into the interstitium.
73 citations
TL;DR: The basic pathologic features seen in human viral hepatitis are demonstrated, although to a lesser degree, including besides hepatocytic degeneration and necrosis lobular and portal reactions of lymphocytic, macrophagic, and sinusoidal cells.
Abstract: Serial biopsy specimens (up to 21) of 39 chimpanzees who received inocula of defined infectivity containing hepatitis virus A (9 animals), B (7 animals), and non-A-non-B (24 animals) were evaluated under code for light-microscopic alterations. These studies demonstrated the basic pathologic features seen in human viral hepatitis, although to a lesser degree. These included besides hepatocytic degeneration and necrosis lobular and portal reactions of lymphocytic, macrophagic, and sinusoidal cells. Simultaneously determined serum enzyme activities correlated well with histologic parenchymal changes, indicating that diffuse hepatocytic alterations rather than necrosis are the main substrate of functional alterations. Massive necrosis and chronic active hepatitis were never observed. Hepatitis A and B revealed relatively severe changes which in hepatitis A were restricted to the periportal zone. Hepatitis B had a more prolonged course. Hepatitis non-A-non-B appears to represent a lingering disorder with prolonged low-grade activity but may have a transient period of acute hepatocytic degeneration. The histologic changes appeared earliest in hepatitis A, much later in hepatitis B, and intermediate in time in hepatitis non-A-non-B. The histologic features in the three forms of chimpanzee hepatitis may assist in the light-microscopic differentiation of the three forms in man.
69 citations
TL;DR: Altered mitochondrial respiration occurs early in regional and age-dependent association with lead encephalopathy in the rat pup, and the development of leadEncephalopathy also is associated with increased mitochondrial lead concentrations.
Abstract: The toxic effects of inorganic lead feedings on the immature brain were studied in the rat pup. Beginning when litters were two weeks old, PbCO3 was fed to nursing mothers and then to pups directly after weaning. Results in lead-fed pups were compared to age-matched controls and to lead-fed young adult males (60 days old). Anaemia and growth failure developed in both pups and adults. In the second week, more than half the pups developed an encephalopathy, with haemorrhage and oedema predominately in the cerebellum and lead-containing densities in the cerebellar molecular layer. The latter were confirmed by X-ray microanalysis. No lead-fed adults showed signs of an encephalopathy.
TL;DR: In five patients single or multiple glucagonomas were characterized by immunocytochemistry, and two large single glucagonomes were associated with the glucagonoma syndrome, which completely dissappeared after removal of the tumours.
Abstract: In five patients single or multiple glucagonomas were characterized by immunocytochemistry. Two large single glucagonomas were associated with the glucagonoma syndrome, which completely dissappeared after removal of the tumours. The morphologic findings in these patients are compared with 48 others collected from literature. In the other three patients, the glucagonomas were not associated with a clinical syndrome and were detected by chance (one accompanying an insulinoma; the other in pancreases of patients suffering from multiple endocrine neoplasia I; MEN I). These tumours appeared by their histological, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural features better organized than the glucagonomas with syndrome. Glucagonomas not producing a syndrome can be classified into (a) solitary, often malignant endocrine pancreatic tumours, (b) glucagonomas associated with insulinomas and other tumours, (c) multiple glucagonomas in MEN I and (d) single microglucagonomas in elderly patients. It is emphasized that only immunohistology allows clear identification of these tumours as glucagonomas.
TL;DR: Intravascular Papillary Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia comprises approximately 2% of benign and malignant vascular tumours of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and its diagnosis must be based on microscopic examination.
Abstract: Twenty-four cases of Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia (IPEH) have been studied. IPEH comprises approximately 2% of benign and malignant vascular tumours of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This peculiar tumour-like process lacks specific clinical characteristics and its diagnosis must be based on microscopic examination. Histologically it is characterised by a papillary proliferation of endothelial cells forming vascular channels, commonly assocaited with thrombus and in some cases simulating angiosarcoma. — Follow-up of 10 cases indicates a benign clinical course.
TL;DR: Reclassification of malignant goitres surgically removed between 1952–1975 reveals remarkable epidemiological alterations and apparently influences the morphology of thyroid carcinoma, as indicated by the time lag between the introduction of iodine-prophylaxis and the appearance of alterations in incidence.
Abstract: Reclassification of malignant goitres surgically removed between 1952–1975 reveals remarkable epidemiological alterations. There is a proportional decrease in undifferentiated carcinoma, which in males also represents an absolute decrease. The decrease is due to a change in maximum incidence from the 5th to the 7th decade. Differentiated carcinomas, especially the papillary tumours, increase.
TL;DR: It appears more likely that extensive cystic transformation of the kidneys of patients in terminal renal failure is made possible by prolonged survival on maintenance haemodialysis.
Abstract: In the present study, the kidneys of patients who had been on maintenance haemodialysis for variable periods of time were examined at autopsy. In 21 of the 22 patients, multiple pinhead-size to pea-size, nonloculated cysts were observed both in the cortex and the medulla.
TL;DR: No correlation could be proven between any special shape of tumor cells or between different grades of cellular atypism and presence or absence of the immunohistochemical reaction, but lysozyme and alpha1-antichymotrypsin are markers characteristically found in histiocytes, respectively histiocytic tumor cells.
Abstract: Clinically, malignant histiocytosis is a malignant neoplasia with poor prognosis. Diseased are lymphnodes (especially cervical nodes), liver, spleen and bones. Few cases become leukemic. The cells show characteristic pale roundish, often indented nuclei, without large nucleoli and with abundant ill-defined cytoplasm. Phagocytosis of erythrocytes and leukocytes, as well as, hemosiderin deposits may serve as indicators for histiocytic, respectively macrophagic qualities. On touch preparation, tumor cells previously had been marked by acid phosphatase and non-spevific esterase, as being histiocytic. - A comparable marking could be carried out on paraffin embedded material with lysozyme (muramidase) and alpha1-antichymotrypsin, by the indirect immuno-peroxidase technique. No correlation could be proven between any special shape of tumor cells or between different grades of cellular atypism and presence or absence of the immunohistochemical reaction. The reaction with lysozyme and alpha1-antichymotrypsin was also tested in other tumors and was found to be positive in a variety of different tumor cells showing degenerative changes, respectively necrobiosis. - But lysozyme and alpha1-antichymotrypsin are markers characteristically found in histiocytes, respectively histiocytic tumor cells. They are apparently less distinct in MH with a larger number of immature histiocytic tumor cells.
TL;DR: The morphological and functional data (secretory activity and granular appearance) with GH levels (radioimmunoassays) in the blood and in the tumor are compared to provide an indirect proof of the granular localisation of GH.
Abstract: In 22 pure GH cell adenomas and 9 mixed GH cell-prolactin cell adenomas with acromegaly, we compare the morphological and functional data (secretory activity and granular appearance) with GH levels (radioimmunoassays) in the blood and in the tumor. According to morphological criteria, the secretory activity is marked in 13 cases (Group I), mild in 9 cases (Group II), and weak in 9 others (Group III). The mean values of the plasma GH levels in the 3 groups (80 ng/ml±22; 26.5 ng/ml±2; and 16.89 ng/ml±2 respectively) are significantly different. In 17 densely granulated adenomas and 14 sparsely granulated adenomas, the plasma GH values were very variable. The mean levels of these 2 groups (49.76 ng/ml±22 and 41.8 ng/ml±7.8 respectively) are not significantly different. The GH concentrations in the tumor were also very variable (358 to 78,900 ng/mg). Their highly significant relationship with the granular appearance is an indirect proof of the granular localisation of GH. We distinguish between 4 functional aspects of the GH cell adenoma which define the different levels of synthesis, storage, and excretion. The secretory activity of the GH adenomatous cell varies with the adenomas and differs from that of the normal cell.
TL;DR: In the field of metastasizing thyroid carcinoma this immuno-histochemical approach combined with a morphometrical method may enable accurate identification of patients for whom radioiodine therapy is appropriate.
Abstract: This immuno-histochemical description of thyroglobulin synthesis in human thyroid carcinomas is based on the analysis of 72 malignant thyroid neoplasms and about 100 cases of thyroid adenomas and other diseases of the thyroid gland. In our experience immuno-histochemistry has been an invaluable diagnostic adjunct to light microscopy for three reasons: 1) as an approach to a functional classification of thyroid carcinomas, 2) as an aid in the differential diagnosis of thyroid carcinomas of follicle cell type from tumors of other origins, 3) as an aid in the functional classification of non-cancerous thyroid tissue. In the field of metastasizing thyroid carcinoma this immuno-histochemical approach combined with a morphometrical method may enable accurate identification of patients for whom radioiodine therapy is appropriate.
TL;DR: The demonstration of abundant myofibroblasts within a soft tissue lesion which has been subjected to wide sampling strongly suggests a benign proliferative process as opposed to a malignant neoplasm.
Abstract: A series of 129 soft tissue sarcomas was examined ultrastructurally to determine in which neoplasms and to what extent myofibroblasts could be demonstrated. Twenty cases of fibromatosis and fasciitis served as controls. Myofibroblasts were identified in all 30 cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma and all 4 cases of well-differentiated sclerosing liposarcoma. Though most numerous in areas of desmoplasia, in no instance did myofibroblasts constitute the dominant cellular constituent of either neoplasm. Myofibroblasts were identified with lesser frequency and in smaller numbers in fibrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, malignant hemangiopericytoma and neuroblastoma. None were observed in a wide assortment of diverse sarcomas in which desmoplasia was not a feature. In comparison each lesion judged by light microscopy to represent either fibromatosis or fasciitis was composed principally of myofibroblasts. The demonstration of abundant myofibroblasts within a soft tissue lesion which has been subjected to wide sampling strongly suggests a benign proliferative process as opposed to a malignant neoplasm. It is hypothesized that myofibroblasts observed within collagenized regions of soft tissue sarcomas may constitute an expression of host response to neoplasia.
TL;DR: In 1,083 core biopsies of the bone marrow with myeloproliferative diseases 454 cases or 42% were found to have neoplastic megakaryopoiesis, which is included in chronic myeloid leukemia — CML because of the demonstration of the Philadelphia chromosome in the hematopoietic cells of these two groups of patients.
Abstract: In 1,083 core biopsies of the bone marrow with myeloproliferative diseases 454 cases or 42% were found to have neoplastic megakaryopoiesis. Neoplasia of megakaryocytes was assumed from the conspicuous cytological atypicality revealed by light microscopy, extending and confirming earlier ultrastructural findings. Histopathology of the bone marrow in these patients was described as chronic megakaryocytic-granulocytic myelosis — CMGM — since neutrophilic granulopoiesis is also apparently neoplastic and both cell lineages showed a complete differentiation to mature forms. CMGM should be separated from the chronic granulocytic leukemia — CGL — which consists of only a single line proliferation. The incidence of CGL in our total of 1,083 patients was 25%. Both entities are included in chronic myeloid leukemia — CML — because of the demonstration of the Philadelphia chromosome in the hematopoietic cells of these two groups of patients. Primary or idiopathic thrombocythemia has to be differentiated from CMGM since there is no evidence for malignancy of the granulocytic series.
TL;DR: It is proposed that these cells, originating from a subpopulation of epiphyseal cartilage, are able to differentiate and dedifferentiate in vitro.
Abstract: Growth and dedifferentiation of a heterogeneous mouse chondrocyte population, prepared from epiphyses of mouse embryos (day 17 of gestation), were studied in primary monolayer culture. At different times of culture, light and electron microscopic investigations were carried out and the change of collagen types was shown by immunofluorescence microscopy. During the first four days in culture, chondrocytes express their typical phenotype. Round or polygonal cells are embedded in a metachromatically staining matrix and produce type II collagen. After four to eight days in vitro most of the chondrocytes lose their matrix capsule and alter to fibroblast-like cells. Simultaneously, a switch of collagen synthesis to type III and type I collagen occurs, whereas the type II collagen synthesis is stopped. Altered cells and transitional stages have intracellular glycogen like typical chondrocytes, but show phagocytosis and indications of cell migration like fibroblasts. It is proposed that these cells, originating from a subpopulation of epiphyseal cartilage, are able to differentiate and dedifferentiate in vitro.
TL;DR: In vitro studies showed that negative immunostaining of adenoma cells did not preclude the production and secretion of the hormone, and 4 adenomas which could not be shown to produce, store and secrete prolactin by any method available.
Abstract: Fifteen cases of pituitary adenoma, 14 of which were associated with hyperprolactinemia, were studied by observation and granule morphometry of electron micrographs, immunohistochemistry and sequential observation of in vitro release with regard to hormone production, storage and secretion. Adenoma cells of 6 cases with marked elevation of plasma prolactin were sparsely granulated, showed characteristic ultrastrucures including the presence of small secretory granules, well developed Golgi and rough membranes, misplaced exocytosis, and positive or negative immunostaining for prolactin. These adenomas also showed vigorous release of the hormone into the circulation and/or culture medium. In vitro studies showed that negative immunostaining of adenoma cells did not preclude the production and secretion of the hormone. One densely granulated adenoma containing cells with numerous lactotroph type granules showed moderate release of prolactin into the circulation. In an acromegalic case associated with both high plasma growth hormone and prolactin, some cells were shown by immunohistochemistry to store both hormones. There were 4 adenomas which could not be shown to produce, store and secrete prolactin by any method available.
TL;DR: Observations suggest that disturbance in the metabolism of desmin (protein subunit of intermediate filaments and a fundamental component of Z bands) might be involved in this type of cardiomyopathy.
Abstract: Unusual histological and ultrastructural changes in cardiac muscle cells have been found in 3 brothers with progressive myocardial deficiency. Histologically, this cardiomyopathy was characterized by massive storage of PAS-negative proteinaceous material in most cardiac muscle cells. The electron microscope showed that this material consisted of sinuous filaments, 7–10 nm in diameter, similar to the intermediate filaments normally present in cardiac muscle cells. Filament storage coincided with the disintegration of neighbouring myofibrils, with particular change in Z bands giving rise to rod-like bodies and more complex structures formed by the association of Z band material and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) tubules. Filament storage and myofibrillar disintegration always occurred in areas where the SR developed and involuted extensively. Relatively high glycogen accumulation also occurred, in close relation to the SR changes. Discrete SR proliferation, glycogen overload and filament deposits were observed in a few skeletal fibres. These observations suggest that disturbance in the metabolism of desmin (protein subunit of intermediate filaments and a fundamental component of Z bands) might be involved in this type of cardiomyopathy. The influence of a chronic defect in calcium regulation might also be envisaged in view of the marked SR abnormalities.
TL;DR: It is concluded that morphologically and biochemically differentiated Paneth cells occasionally occur in neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
Abstract: A large number of cells containing large eosinophilic granules in their supranuclear cytoplasm was observed in a well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the stomach and its metastases. These cells were identified as Paneth cells by electron microscopy and by their content of lysozyme. Lysozyme-immunoreactivity was well preserved after fixation of tumor tissue in liquid formaldehyde followed by postfixation in osmium tetroxide. Immunoreactivity at immunoelectron microscopy was confined to the large osmiophilic secretory granules. We conclude that morphologically and biochemically differentiated Paneth cells occasionally occur in neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
TL;DR: Fibroblasts, myoepithelial cells and probably some, if not all, smooth muscle cells belong to the same cell system, as revealed in ultrastructural studies of human breast carcinomata.
Abstract: Ultrastructural studies of 11 human breast carcinomata revealed that most stromal cells could be arranged in a cell spectrum from fibroblasts, with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, to myofibroblasts. In 4 out of 11 cases, myoepithelial cells were observed in the parenchyma at the periphery of some carcinomatous duct-like structures or carcinoma cell nests. The distinction between myofibroblasts and myoepithelial cells was usually easy from their respective locations. Their ultrastructural features were summarized as follows. Myofibroblasts: (1) abundance of rough ER and other cytoplasmic organelles; (2) bundles of microfilaments, 50–70 A in diameter and associated dense bodies. Myoepithelial cells: (1) bundles of microfilaments 50–70 A in diameter and associated dense bodies (a common feature); (2) dense bundles of tonofilaments, 80–100 A in diameter; (3) typical desmosomes which connected them with adjacent myoepithelial or carcinoma cells. Myofibroblasts were occasionally located closely contiguous with carcinoma cells, giving an appearance resembling myoepithelial cells. Even in these instances a distinction between myofibroblasts and myoepithelial cells was possible, since myoepithelial cells had dense bundles of tonofilaments and typical desmosomes, which were not observed in myofibroblasts. No cell types intermediate between myofibroblasts and myoepithelial cells were detected. We could not decide whether myoepithelial cells were neoplastic or not despite the facts that they showed obscured polarity and had partially or completely lost their basal lamina. We conclude that fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and probably some, if not all, smooth muscle cells belong to the same cell system. Myofibroblasts in our material are derived from fibroblasts, while myoepithelial cells are epithelial in origin.
TL;DR: A strong correlation was noted between reappearance of AFP in sera, intensity of epithelial bile duct proliferation and cellular AFP staining and regeneration of the damaged liver.
Abstract: Intraperitoneal injections of galactosamine-HCl in rats were followed by transitory elevations of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations. These were associated with regeneration of the damaged liver; a maximum of serum AFP was reached on day 4 (2.08±0.67 μg/ml). In sera of untreated rats, serum AFP levels were <0.1 μg/ml and no cellular AFP was detected in liver sections. Two days after galactosamine injections, AFP was localized for the first time in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of bile ducts and canaliculi in portal spaces. The intensity of AFP staining reached a maximum between days 3 and 4. In addition, faint but distinct AFP-positive reactions were seen in the cytoplasm of randomly distributed hepatocytes. After day 5, AFP-staining cells rapidly disappeared. A strong correlation was noted between reappearance of AFP in sera, intensity of epithelial bile duct proliferation and cellular AFP staining.
TL;DR: Two cases of clear-cell chondrosarcoma located in the upper end of the right femur of men aged 30 and 40 years were reported in this article, and both patients were alive, one and four years after surgical removal of the tumor.
Abstract: Two cases of clear-cell chondrosarcoma located in the upper end of the right femur of men aged 30 and 40 years are reported. The roentgenologic appearances suggested a chondroblastoma. Both patients are alive, one and four years after surgical removal of the tumor.
TL;DR: In this article, the endocrine pancreatic tissue from 13 patients with severe chronic pancreatitis, 5 patients with pancreatic duct carcinoma and 4 non-diseased pancreases was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and morphometry.
Abstract: The endocrine pancreatic tissue from 13 patients with severe chronic pancreatitis, 5 patients with pancreatic duct carcinoma and 4 non-diseased pancreases was analysed by immunocytochemistry and morphometry. The controls revealed two distinct islet types with different regional distribution. The lower dorsal part of the pancreatic head contained islets with irregular outlines and a high number of PP cells (PP-cells 60.4±4.1%; B-cells 29.4±4.6%; A-cells 7.4±1.5%; D-cells 2.8±0.6%). The other parts of the pancreas contained compact islets with only a few PP cells (PP-cells 1.0±0.4%; B-cells 69.3±3.0%; A-cells 24.1±2.1%; D-cells 5.8±0.5%). In chronic pancreatitis the sclerotic tissue of the body and the tail region contained compact islets with altered cell inter-relationships when compared with controls. While the number of B-cells was diminished (48.5%), A and PP cells appeared to be increased in number (42.7 and 4.1%, respectively). Furthermore, ductulo-insular proliferations were conspicuous (nesidioblastosis) with budding-off of small endocrine cell clusters made up predominantly of A and PP cells. In 3 patients with pancreatic carcinoma increased numbers of PP cells and of A cells were found along the advancing edge of the carcinoma.
TL;DR: Electron microscopic examination revealed that the granular cells possessed a continuous basal lamina, numerous pinocytotic vesicles and abundant 80–150 Å microfilament bundles, as well as apposed to the plasma membrane, electrondense bodies were often found.
Abstract: A 78-year-old male presented a tumor mass in the left arm which was surgically excised. Part of the tumor, when examined by light microscopy, showed the characteristic cytological features of a leiomyosarcoma. Other areas of neoplasm comprised layers of tumoral spindle-cells surrounding abnormal blood vessels. Nests of similar neoplastic cells were observed in the intima and media of these blood vessels. Wide areas of neoformation were made up by interlacing bundles of acidophilic polyedral cells with large irregular nucleus. Mitoses were frequent. The cytoplasm contained a great number of granules intensely PAS stained with and without prior diastase digestion. Electron microscopic examination revealed that the granular cells possessed a continuous basal lamina, numerous pinocytotic vesicles and abundant 80–150 A microfilament bundles. Within the microfilament bundles, as well as apposed to the plasma membrane, electrondense bodies were often found. Granules contained degenerated organelles and probably corresponded to digestive vacuoles. In the intercellular spaces, fibrous long-spacing collagen was seen. The transition zone between the leiomyosarcoma cells and the granular cells showed intermediate cell types, with few granules and abundant microfilaments. The origin of granular cells from smooth muscle cells of blood vessels is discussed.
TL;DR: Gastric endocrine tumours that are non-functioning or associated with the carcinoid syndrome are usually referred to as carcinoid tumours of the fore-gut type, while those giving rise to the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are called gastrinomas.
Abstract: Gastric endocrine tumours that are non-functioning or associated with the carcinoid syndrome are usually referred to as carcinoid tumours of the fore-gut type (Williams and Sandler 1963), while those giving rise to the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are called gastrinomas (Creutzfeldt et al. 1975). In a recent study on the clinical picture, morphology and immunocytochemistry of gastric carcinoids, concurrent pernicious anaemia (Wilander et al. 1979) was observed in 3 out of 9 cases examined. At least 8 additional cases of pernicious anaemia in association with gastric carcinoids are documented in the literature (Martin and Atkins 1952; Cattan et al. 1955; Pestana etal . 1963; Black and Haffner 1968; Sheahan et al. 1971 ; Gueller and Haddad 1975; Bader et al. 1977; Harris and Greenberg 1978) and Lattes and Grossi (1969) found that 3 out of 5 patients with gastric carcinoids had definite hyperchromic anaemia. Further, Fontolliet et al. (1976) reported one case of multiple gastric carcinoids with concomittant macrocytic anaemia. Some of the tumours referred to were examined with the silver nitrate stain of Sevier-Munger for the presence of argyrophilia and they were all argyrophil. This silver technique characteristically stains the enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells of the gastric mucosa (Solcia et al. 1970). In patients with pernicious anaemia, atrophic gastritis with a deficient production of \"instrinsic fac tor\" is a classical finding. In addition to achlorhydria, the majority of patients with atrophic gastritis have elevated serum gastrin levels (Stockbriigger et al. 1977). Several studies in man have revealed hyperplasia of ECL cells in association with increased gastrin levels (Solcia et al. 1970; Rubin 1973; Bordi et al. 1975). In a recent report by Larsson et al. (1978) a patient with atrophic gastritis (without pernicious anaemia) with very high serum gastrin levels and multiple gastric endocrine tumours (carcinoids) was described. The majority of the tu-