bromochloroacetic-acid and Lymphatic-Diseases

Cytoskeletal research in recent years has revolutionized cell biology and biomedicine. The cytoskeleton spans the cytoplasm and interconnects the cell nucleus with the extracellular matrix, thereby forming a structural link between molecules involved in cell communication on the one hand, and gene expression on the other. Since the cytoskeleton is involved in virtually all cellular processes, abnormalities in this essential cellular component frequently result in disease. In this introduction, the basic structure of the cytoskeleton is briefly outlined. Furthermore, the disease processes in which the cytoskeleton plays a decisive role, and which are reviewed in detail in the papers in this issue, are briefly introduced. The advances in our understanding of the cytoskeleton and its function in disease will lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the foreseeable future.

Topics: Actins; Cell Nucleus; Cytoskeletal Proteins; Cytoskeleton; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Intestinal Diseases; Keratins; Liver Diseases; Lymphatic Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Skin Diseases

There were investigated 22 cases from which the thymic tissue was removed either during surgery for cardiovascular malformations (n = 14), or for myasthenia gravis (n = 8). Histological sections were stained with routine morphologic methods, and immunohistochemistry was performed for cytokeratin, CD20, CD3, and S100 protein. Aspects characteristic for thymus involution were found in 11 cases without myasthenia gravis and in all cases with myasthenia gravis. Morphological changes of the thymus of involution are age-dependent. There were characterized stages of involution, with special reference to cortical - medulla inversion, lymphocyte depletion and sequestration. In advanced-stage of involution, epithelial cells are arranged in cords or compact islands, and could mimic a thymoma or a metastatic carcinoma. The immunohistochemical profile is similar but not identical to the active thymus. We noticed a decreased expression of cytokeratin, and a reduced number of CD3, CD20, and S100 positive cells. Morphologic and immunohistochemical peculiarities of the thymus of involution are discussed in relation with the specific pathology of the organ.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antigens, CD20; Atrophy; Carcinoma; Cardiovascular Abnormalities; CD3 Complex; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Keratins; Lymphatic Diseases; Middle Aged; Myasthenia Gravis; Thymus Gland; Thymus Neoplasms

Lymph node infarction is a spontaneous coagulative necrosis of the affected lymph node and is frequently associated with concurrent and subsequent malignant lymphoma. However, this phenomenon appears to be rarely associated with metastatic carcinomas. Here, we report on the histopathologic and immunohistologic findings of three cases showing lymph node infarction in the regional lymph node associated with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. Histologically, coagulative necrosis of metastatic carcinoma was surrounded by a thick rim of granuloma consisting of histiocytes with or without epithelioid features, foamy cells, and a small number of lymphocytes. The immunohistochemical study of the coagulative necrosis demonstrated that cytokeratins (AEI/AE3 and CAM5.2) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were well preserved in all three cases. However, compared with viable tumor tissues, only a few tumor cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen. Using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues, immunostaining for cytokeratins and CEA of the lymph node containing necrotic carcinoma may provide clinically valuable information.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Adult; Aged; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Colorectal Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infarction; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphatic Metastasis; Middle Aged; Necrosis

Lymphadenopathy in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be of diverse etiology, ranging from infection to cancer. A neoplasm of epithelial origin manifested as inguinal lymphadenopathy without a primary lesion is rare. We report a case of Merkel cell tumor confined only to a lymph node in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We believe this is the first report of primary nodal Merkel cell tumor in a patient with HIV. Because Merkel cell tumor is a rare skin neoplasm with features suggestive of high malignant potential, it is important to distinguish a primary nodal Merkel cell tumor from malignant metastatic processes on the one hand and relatively benign causes of adenopathy on the other.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Adult; Axilla; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Chromogranins; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; Humans; Inguinal Canal; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Diseases; Male; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; Synaptophysin

A primary neuroendocrine carcinoma with ganglion cell differentiation is described in a crural lymph node. The patient, a 48-year-old woman, presented a palpable lymph node of the crural region in March 1994. Histologically, the lesion was composed mostly of small cells immunoreactive for cytokeratins, neuron specific enolase and synaptophysin. The small cells merged gradually with areas containing ganglion cells immersed in a fibrillar matrix resembling neuropil. Ganglion cells expressed neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin, neurofilament proteins and S-100 protein. Moreover, a minority of them featured cytokeratin expression. Electron microscopy was performed in the small cell component. These cells featured attenuated desmosomes and electron dense granules with an average size of 120 nm within bundles of intermediate filaments. Clinically, no tumour was found elsewhere despite extensive work-up over the 76-month follow-up period. Although similarities with previous cases of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of lymph node, ganglion cell differentiation has never been described.

Topics: Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine; Cell Differentiation; Cell Nucleus; Cytoplasm; Female; Ganglia; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Leg; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Diseases; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Neurofilament Proteins; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; S100 Proteins; Synaptophysin

Topics: Animals; Base Sequence; Biopsy, Needle; Diagnosis, Differential; DNA, Complementary; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Exons; Female; Genes, p53; Genes, ras; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Diseases; Microscopy, Electron; Molecular Sequence Data; Point Mutation; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Thymic cysts have not been previously reported in harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Two hundred forty stranded or "by-caught" harbor porpoises originating from the German North Sea and Baltic Sea and 14 animals from the waters of Greenland were necropsied. Thymuses of 78 porpoises of the North Sea and Baltic Sea were considered suitable for histopathologic examination based on the extent of postmortem autolysis. Immunohistochemistry using an anti-cytokeratin antibody was employed to demonstrate thymic epithelial structures in selected cases. Thymic macrocysts were rare and were only found in animals > or =7 years of age. Thymic microcysts, lined by a single cytokeratin-positive cell layer, were common in involuting thymuses, and the prevalence increased with advancing age. Thymic cysts might have arisen from degenerating Hassall's corpuscles or condensed epithelial reticulum. Thymuses were easily identified macroscopically in most adult healthy harbor porpoises, suggesting that physiological thymic involution proceeds slowly in this species.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Atlantic Ocean; Cysts; Female; Germany; Greenland; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Lymphatic Diseases; Male; North Sea; Porpoises; Retrospective Studies; Thymus Gland

A total of 291 enlarged lymph nodes showing a range of reactive-inflammatory processes, primary and metastatic neoplasms were studied to determine the distribution and immunoprofile of their cytokeratin-positive interstitial reticulum cells (CIRC) in comparison with normal nodes. In 258/291 nodes (89%), CIRC numbers were distinctly increased in the subcapsular, paracortical and, occasionally, in the medullary zones; often, these increased CIRC formed networks around follicles, sinuses and vessels. CIRC had comparatively small, irregularly shaped bodies and dendritic processes; occasionally, giant forms were noted. CIRC contained cytokeratins (CK) 8 and 18 but not 19, as shown by immunohistochemistry, and by gel electrophoresis with subsequent immunoblotting. They co-expressed vimentin consistently, alpha-smooth-muscle actin frequently, and desmin less frequently. They did not contain desmoplakins, Factor VIII, S-100, LCA, B and T lymphocyte- and macrophage-associated antigens, chromogranin A, synaptophysin or the A-80 glycoprotein. We found no clear correlation between the increased CIRC and given nodal disease processes. However, CIRC were most abundant in nodes free of but draining malignant tumours; bizarre CIRC assemblies were noted in HIV lymphadenopathy. CIRC appear to represent a subset of the so-called "fibroblastic reticulum cells" of lymph nodes. Their function remains undetermined; their increase in diverse lymphadenopathies suggests that they partake in nodal reactions to injury. It remains unclear whether the increase in CIRC relative number is due to proliferation or to CK gene induction processes but their presence and potential capability to undergo hyperplasia with dysplastic forms should alert pathologists to possible diagnostic pitfalls. In addition, we discuss that CIRC may undergo transformation and represent the "cell of origin" of certain CK-positive tumours restricted to lymph nodes.

Topics: Cytoskeletal Proteins; Dendritic Cells; Humans; Hyperplasia; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphangitis; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphoma; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Neoplasms

Extrafollicular reticulum cells in lymph nodes are heterogeneous. They express cytokeratins, desmin, and/or vimentin as their intermediate filament profile. Using those markers, we undertook an immunohistochemical study of human lymph nodes under various pathologic conditions. Samples included 15 simple reactive lymph nodes, 7 follicular hyperplasia, 1 necrotizing lymphadenitis, 4 tuberculous lymphadenitis, 13 malignant lymphoma (9 non-Hodgkin's and 4 Hodgkin's lymphomas), and 11 metastatic adenocarcinoma. In lymph nodes with follicular hyperplasia, cytokeratin and/or desmin expressing reticulum cells displayed a characteristic dendritic meshwork in the subcapsular, perisinusoidal, and paracortical regions. In other forms reactive lymph nodes, they were similarly distributed but were less prominent. By SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting, cytokeratin polypeptides were identified. In necrotizing lymphadenitis, they were increased and the pattern of distribution was disturbed. In tuberculous lymphadenitis, they were also increased and located at nongranulomatous as well as in perigranulomatous areas. In lymphomas the reticular meshwork was entirely obliterated. Cytokeratin or desmin expressing reticulum cells were rarely seen within tumors. The reticular meshwork was also obliterated in metastatic carcinoma. However, the meshwork was maintained in uninvolved areas. In conclusion, extrafollicular reticulum cells displayed characteristic patterns of distribution under various pathologic conditions, and may be implicated in the pathogenesis of those pathologic conditions in human lymph nodes.

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Desmin; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Diseases; Vimentin

We describe two patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who initially presented with cervical lymphadenopathy. Lymph node biopsy specimens in each patient were initially diagnosed as Hodgkin's disease. In both cases, the neoplastic cells had large, vesicular nuclei with prominent eosinophilic nucleoli; some neoplastic cells were identified in lacunar spaces. In addition, numerous inflammatory cells were present, including eosinophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. At the time of referral, the correct diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma was made, and primary nasopharyngeal carcinomas were subsequently identified. The possibility of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma should always be considered in adults with enlarged cervical lymph nodes that resemble Hodgkin's disease. The cytologic features of the malignant cells are the clue to the correct diagnosis. Immunophenotypic studies easily resolve this diagnostic dilemma if the possibility of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma is considered.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Biopsy; Diagnosis, Differential; Eosinophils; Female; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Immunophenotyping; Keratins; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymphocytes; Male; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Uterine Cervical Diseases

A neoplastic epithelial cell line, TYS, was isolated from a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma expressing carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) that arose in human oral mucosa. Expressions of CEA and amylase as well as ample tonofilaments were detected in cultured TYS cells. Transplantation of the cells into athymic nude mice resulted in production of adenoid squamous cell carcinoma containing CEA and amylase. Cultivation of TYS cells in the presence of sodium butyrate resulted in suppression of cell growth and production of secretory granules with amylase in the cytoplasm of the cells. When the sodium butyrate-treated cells were transplanted into nude mice, a small mass developed transiently at the inoculation site and then disappeared. This mass was histopathologically interpreted as acinic cell carcinoma with squamoid lesion. These findings suggest that we have established a human adenoid squamous carcinoma cell line presumably derived from a minor salivary gland present in oral mucosa.

Topics: Adenoids; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Line; Female; Humans; Keratins; Lymphatic Diseases; Mouth Neoplasms; Neoplasm Transplantation; Neoplasms

A case of Woringer and Kolopp disease "Pagetoid reticulosis" is described. Clinical features include a ring of a target pattern of erythemato-squamous infiltrated skin lesion. The characteristic histological aspect of dense epidermal infiltrate by abnormal cells with a spared dermis has been observed. Ultrastructural findings include cytoplasmic granules with a found electron dense core and close relationship to neurites, two features of the Merkel cell of human normal epidermis. By comparing our patients with the already reported cases of Woringer and Kolopp disease it seems likely that this is a unique disease with no relationship with cutaneous lymphoma but which is defined by a Merkel cell proliferation.

Topics: Aged; Cytoplasm; Humans; Keratins; Langerhans Cells; Lymphatic Diseases; Male; Melanocytes; Organoids; Skin Neoplasms