bromochloroacetic-acid and Teratoma

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the central nervous system is a highly malignant neoplasm and that usually arises in the posterior fossa, survival from this is frequently poor. We present a unique case in a 21-month-old girl who had an atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor with cystic components located in the right fronto-parietal lobe. The patient underwent radical surgical intervention followed by chemotherapy. It consisted of five chemotherapeutic agents, but the patient did not receive any radiotherapy. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was followed-up by cranial magnetic resonance imaging every 3 months. Two years later at the last follow-up visit, there was no evidence of a tumor relapse on MRI, and the examination was symptom free. It is possible the favorable outcome of the patient resulted from a rapid diagnosis, prompt management, radical surgical intervention and aggressive chemotherapy.

Topics: Actins; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Biomarkers, Tumor; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Combined Modality Therapy; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Frontal Lobe; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Humans; Infant; Keratins; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Microsurgery; Mitotic Index; Necrosis; Neurologic Examination; Parietal Lobe; Rhabdoid Tumor; Supratentorial Neoplasms; Teratoma; Vimentin

Gonadal germ cell tumors continue to be the cause of diverse, diagnostically challenging issues for the pathologist, and their correct resolution often has major important therapeutic and prognostic implications. They are academically interesting because of the biological diversity exhibited in the two gonads and variation in frequency of certain neoplasms. The most dramatic examples of the latter are the frequency of dermoid cyst in the ovary compared to the testis and the reverse pertaining to embryonal carcinoma. Within the teratoma group, there is strong evidence that ovarian and prepubertal testicular teratomas are derived from benign germ cells, a pathogenesis that likely applies also to the rare dermoid cysts and uncommon epidermoid cysts of the testis. In contrast, postpubertal testicular teratomas derive from malignant germ cells, specifically representing differentiation within a preexistent nonteratomatous cancer. As expected, given the foregoing, teratomas in boys are clinically benign, whereas in postpubertal males they are malignant, independent of their degree of immaturity. On the other hand, immaturity is an important finding in ovarian teratomas, irrespective of age, although its significance in children has recently been challenged. It is usually recognized on the basis of embryonic-appearing neuroepithelium, which shows mitotic activity and apoptosis in contrast to differentiated neuroepithelial tissues, which may occur in mature ovarian teratomas. Rarely it is based on the presence of cellular, mitotically active glial tissue. Fetal-type tissues alone are not sufficient for a diagnosis of immature teratoma. Further differences between the teratomatous tumors in the two gonads are the relative frequency of monodermal teratomas in the ovary in contrast to the testis, where only one subset, carcinoids, is seen with any frequency. When uncommon somatic-type malignancies (usually squamous cell carcinoma) occur in mature cystic teratomas of the ovary, this is a de novo form of malignant transformation; similar tumors in the testis, a very rare event, represent overgrowth of teratomatous elements that originated from malignant, nonteratomatous germ cell tumors and, therefore, had previously undergone malignant transformation. Germinomas may have several unusual features in each gonad; these include microcystic arrangements that suggest yolk sac tumor, tubular patterns that mimic Sertoli cell tumor, apparent increased cytological atypia that

Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Germinoma; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratin-7; Keratins; Ki-1 Antigen; Male; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal; Organic Cation Transport Proteins; Ovarian Neoplasms; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) and choroid plexus tumors (CPT) represent, so far, 2 well defined types of CNS neoplasm on the basis of their histological features and clinical presentation (10). While CPTs are intraventricular epithelial tumors arising from choroid plexus epithelium, the cellular origin of ATRTs is still unknown. Inactivating mutations of the hSNF5/INI-1 gene located in the chromosomal region 22q11.2 are regarded as a crucial step in the molecular pathogenesis of ATRTs; the genetic changes associated with CPTs are largely unknown. However, the recent finding of inactivation of hSNF5/INI-1 in choroid plexus carcinomas and papillomas (9, 18) points to a closer relationship between these 2 entities. This is supported by the occurence of choroid plexus carcinomas (CPC) in the setting of families with rhabdoid predisposition syndrome (RPS), (19) caused by germ line inactivation of the INI1 gene.

Topics: Central Nervous System Neoplasms; Choroid Plexus Neoplasms; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; DNA-Binding Proteins; Gene Silencing; Humans; Keratins; Mutation; Rhabdoid Tumor; Sequence Analysis, DNA; SMARCB1 Protein; Teratoma; Transcription Factors

Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is a rare clinical entity that can occur in patients with a history of treatment for germ cell tumors (GCTs) and normalized serum tumor markers. Owing to the assortment of tissue types found in teratomas that may exhibit atypical features, distinguishing GTS from metastatic cancer in extragonadal masses can be challenging. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) can be useful for the rapid diagnosis of metastatic masses and has been effective in distinguishing GCTs from one another. However, discrepancies in cytologic and histologic diagnoses have been reported in the evaluation of GCTs by FNAB. The potential incomplete sampling of metastatic teratomas in GTS by FNAB along with features of cellular atypia commonly found in teratomas can lead to a misdiagnosis of metastatic carcinoma and drastically affect treatment. Correlation of cytologic, histologic, clinical, and radiographic findings are essential in evaluating metastatic masses in patients with a history of GCT. We report a case of a 46-year-old man with GTS originally diagnosed on FNAB as metastatic adenocarcinoma compatible with a colorectal primary tumor.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; Rectum; Teratoma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors are rare malignant pediatric brain tumors. This study was performed to characterize the clinicopathologic and neuroradiologic characteristics of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors from 8 patients, including 5 male and 3 female infants (median age, 67 months). Neuroimaging revealed bulky masses of heterogeneous intensity with inhomogeneous enhancement. Three cases were infratentorial and 5 were supratentorial. Histopathologically, the tumors were predominantly composed of rhabdoid cells and undifferentiated small cells, mixed with some spindle or epithelial components. The tumors displayed striking polyphenotypic immunoreactivity, including varying degrees of positivity for vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, smooth-muscle actin, cytokeratin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament protein, synaptophysin, and CD99, and immunonegativity for desmin, placental alkaline phosphatase, and INI-1. The median survival duration was 9.5 months (range, 1-15 months) despite aggressive therapy. These results suggest that atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors display distinct clinicopathologic characteristics and indicate a poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry facilitates the appropriate diagnosis of these tumors.

Topics: 12E7 Antigen; Adolescent; Antigens, CD; Brain Neoplasms; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Child; Child, Preschool; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; DNA-Binding Proteins; Female; Humans; Infant; Keratins; Male; Mucin-1; Retrospective Studies; Rhabdoid Tumor; SMARCB1 Protein; Teratoma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Transcription Factors; Young Adult

Topics: Actins; Carcinosarcoma; Craniopharyngioma; Diagnosis, Differential; Esthesioneuroblastoma, Olfactory; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Mucin-1; Nasal Cavity; Nose Neoplasms; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms; Pituitary Neoplasms; Teratoma; Vimentin

Malignant transformation is rarely seen in the disease course of mature cystic teratoma (MCT) of the ovary. Adenocarcinoma arising from MCT is especially rare. We herein present the case of a premenopausal woman with a mucinous borderline-like tumor arising from a MCT. Based on the histological transition between the borderline-like tumor and gastrointestinal elements of the MCT, we consider that the tumor derived from teratomatous gastrointestinal epithelium. Immunohistochemistry showed that the proliferating mucinous cells were diffusely positive for cytokeratin 20 and partially positive for cytokeratin 7. MUC5AC was partially positive, whereas MUC2 and MUC6 were positive in a small number of tumor cells. The immunophenotype of cytokeratins and mucins in the present case was compatible with malignant transformation of the teratomatous gastrointestinal epithelium.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Middle Aged; Mucins; Ovarian Neoplasms; Phenotype; Teratoma

To study the clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical findings, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) of central nervous system in childhood.. The clinicopathologic data, morphologic features and immunophenotypes were reviewed in 6 cases of AT/RT. EnVision method was applied. Antibodies include cytokeratin (CK), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), vimentin, smooth muscle actin (SMA), muscle specific actin (MSA), glial fibrinary acid protein (GFAP), desmin, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) and INI1.. Five of the six cases of AT/RT occurred in infancy and early childhood. Histologically, the predominant component was rhabdoid cells. Cytoplasmic inclusions were present in all cases. Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) component was also identified in 5 of the 6 cases studied. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin. The staining for INI1, desmin and PLAP was negative. Smooth muscle actin was expressed in 2 cases and glial fibrillary acidic protein in 5 cases. The proliferative index as demonstrated by Ki-67 staining was high.. AT/RT is not a particularly uncommon malignancy in childhood. The histologic hallmark is the presence of rhabdoid cells with cytoplasmic inclusions. The tumor cells are positive for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin, and negative for INI1. Differential diagnosis includes PNET, medulloblastoma and medullomyoblastoma.

Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Infant; Keratins; Male; Medulloblastoma; Mucin-1; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive; Rhabdoid Tumor; Teratoma; Vimentin

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma is an uncommon, aggressive, morphologically heterogenous tumor composed of cells derived from the 3 somatic layers. A histogenetic origin from a multipotential adult somatic stem cell with divergent differentiation has been favored over a germ cell origin. This assumption has been based on the lack of germ cell elements and, until recently, the absence of demonstrable amplification of 12p. We report a case that exhibited foci of yolk sac elements with papillary structures and intracytoplasmic periodic acid-Schiff-positive, diastase-resistant, α-fetoprotein-positive, hyaline globules. An expanded area of undifferentiated cells, likely precursor cells, in the basal layer of the overlying mucosal epithelium transitions into and merges with the immature epithelial, neuroepithelial, and mesenchymal components. These previously unreported histomorphological features support the hypothesis that this tumor is a teratomatous tumor arising from pluripotent embryonic stem cells in the basal layer of the sinonasal epithelium. That notion is further supported by fluorescence in situ hybridization cytogenetic analysis, which showed a distinct subpopulation of the tumor cells with an extra copy of chromosome 12p13.

Topics: 12E7 Antigen; alpha-Fetoproteins; Antigens, CD; Biopsy; Carcinosarcoma; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Chromosome Duplication; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Germ Cells; Humans; Hyalin; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Isochromosomes; Keratins; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms; Paranasal Sinuses; Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction; Teratoma; Yolk Sac

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Adult; Choristoma; Humans; Keratins; Male; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

Adenomatoid tumors are rare benign neoplasms thought to be of mesothelial origin. Although most reported cases arise from the epididymis, rare cases have been reported in the spermatic cord, testicular tunica, ejaculatory ducts, prostate, and suprarenal recess. We describe a 4.5-year-old boy who presented with a relatively asymptomatic right testicular mass that was resected and confirmed to be adenomatoid tumor of the testis by histopathology. Because of its rarity, the clinical and histopathologic aspects are discussed.

Topics: Adenomatoid Tumor; Biomarkers, Tumor; Child, Preschool; Cryptorchidism; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Keratins; Male; Organ Sparing Treatments; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms; Ultrasonography; Vimentin

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Adult; Choristoma; Humans; Keratins; Male; Orchiectomy; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare aggressive infantile neoplasm of uncertain origin. This study was performed to assess the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of four AT/RT cases.. Two cases were male and two were female, and their ages ranged from 8 to 103 months. Tumors were located in the cerebellum (two cases), frontoparietal lobe (one case), and third ventricle (one case). Histopathologically, the tumors were composed of rhabdoid cells and undifferentiated small cells mixed with epithelial or mesenchymal components. However, one of the tumors was composed predominantly of a mesenchymal component mimicking a sarcoma. Immunohistochemically, vimentin (4/4), epithelial membrane antigen (4/4), cytokeratin (3/4), smooth muscle actin (4/4), glial fibrillary acidic protein (4/4), S-100 (4/4), and synaptophysin (1/4) were positive in varying proportions, while desmin and INI-1 were negative in all the cases. All of the patients died within a mean of 14 months due to tumor progression despite the chemotherapy. Only one of our patients lived for 40 months after the diagnosis. In conclusion, AT/RTs are aggressive tumors. They can occur in a variety of locations, such as the third ventricle. Morphologically, a large spectrum can be seen, like predominantly sarcoma in appearance, but immunohistochemistry is helpful in the correct diagnosis.

Topics: Actins; Brain; Brain Chemistry; Brain Neoplasms; Child; Child, Preschool; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; Desmin; Diagnosis, Differential; DNA-Binding Proteins; Female; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infant; Keratins; Male; Mucin-1; Rhabdoid Tumor; S100 Proteins; SMARCB1 Protein; Synaptophysin; Teratoma; Transcription Factors; Vimentin

The aim of this study was to induce organized layered tissues with characteristics of the urinary tract from embryonic stem (ES) cells alone. We seeded embryoid bodies (EBs) originating from mouse ES cells onto mono-layered collagen membranes and cultured them in four different media. Group 1 was grown in a mixed medium of keratinocyte serum-free medium (KSFM) and Medium 199, Group 2 in a mixed medium of KSFM and conditioned medium collected from 3T3 fibroblasts, Group 3 in an EB formation medium (control group), and Group 4 in KSFM only (control group). After 28 days, cultured tissues were transplanted into nude mice. Cultured tissues from Groups 1 and 2 formed four-layered structures comprising a stratified epithelium, a submucosal loose connective tissue layer, a smooth muscle cell layer identified immunohistochemically by alpha-smooth muscle actin, and a deep loose connective tissue layer identical to the adventitia. Immunohistochemistry showed that the epithelia were positive for cytokeratins. Tissues also expressed uroplakin as detected by reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction. In contrast, specimens from Groups 3 and 4 demonstrated necrotic features. Uroplakin-positive (i.e., urothelium-like) cells developed only in Group 2 in the transplanted culture tissues in nude mice. In addition to inducing organized layered tissues from mouse ES cells directly in vitro, these findings demonstrate that tissues cultured in KSFM plus conditioned medium from 3T3 fibroblasts differentiate into luminal walls similar to those of urinary tract in vivo. These findings suggest a new approach to urinary tract regeneration.

Topics: Actins; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Collagen; Connective Tissue; Culture Media, Conditioned; Embryonic Stem Cells; Epithelial Cells; Gene Expression; Keratins; Membrane Glycoproteins; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Mice, Nude; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; PAX2 Transcription Factor; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; Swiss 3T3 Cells; Teratoma; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds; Urinary Tract; Uroplakin II; Uroplakin III

To investigate the common characteristics of a rare entity of ovarian cystic teratoma with intracystic floating balls in conjunction with a case.. Case report.. University hospital.. A 41-year-old woman with abdominal discomfort and a 2-year obscure history of an ovarian cyst.. Right salpingo-oopherectomy by laparotomy.. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a cystic mass (>10 cm) with a unique appearance of multiple floating balls on the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. The MRI showed the same balls with a slightly high fat content. Histopathological diagnosis was mature cystic teratoma and the balls were mostly made of keratin.. The appearance of intracystic floating balls is rarely seen but is pathognomonic for mature cystic teratoma. When this typical appearance is found on ultrasonography the value of other diagnostic tests, such as tumor markers, serological tests for echinococcosis, computerized tomography (CT), and MRI, can be considered as limited.

Topics: Adult; Dermoid Cyst; Female; Humans; Keratins; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Ovarian Cysts; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovariectomy; Teratoma; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Diagnosis, Differential; Hamartoma; Humans; Inflammation; Keratins; Nasal Mucosa; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Papilloma, Inverted; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms; Polyps; Teratoma

Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary (MCTO) is the most common type of ovarian teratoma and also the most frequent tumor originating from germ cells. It is usually diagnosed in early adulthood and, by definition, is composed of well-differentiated tissues, which originate from all three germ cell layers. Unusual types of tissues can be found in MCTO, such as kidney, adrenal, and prostatic tissues. Malignant transformation is reported in less than 2% of teratomas. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy arising in these otherwise benign tumors. We present the first case of MCTO containing a chordoma. The chordoma differentiation was supported by immunohistochemical staining and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (IP-FISH) technique showing 19% of the nuclei of the MCTO displaying polysomy for the chromosome X, while 28% of the chordoma nuclei showed chromosome 7 mosaicism. These results are concordant with previous studies, showing chromosomal anomalies in chromosomes X and 7 in MCTO and chordomas, respectively.

Topics: Adult; Cell Differentiation; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Chordoma; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7; Chromosomes, Human, X; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Keratins; Ki-67 Antigen; Mosaicism; Mucin-1; Ovarian Neoplasms; S100 Proteins; Teratoma; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Vimentin

Pluripotent stem cells transplanted into immune-deficient mice form complex teratomas. Although such tumors are generally haphazard in their organization, they do contain some structures that resemble tissues normally seen in the embryo. As a consequence, the teratoma model is useful for exploring the developmental potential of stem cells and studying certain aspects of tissue development. To further our understanding of this process, we examined whether the anatomical location into which human pluripotent stem cells were grafted influenced their growth in situ. Here we report that cells grafted into the liver rapidly produced large tumors containing predominantly immature cells. In contrast, subcutaneous implants were significantly slower growing and eventually formed tumors composed of differentiated tissues. The alternative growth patterns recorded between these two graft sites indicates how environmental cues affect stem cell behavior. This approach may lead to the identification of new ways to control stem cell growth and differentiation.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate; Cell Transplantation; Glycosphingolipids; Humans; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Nude; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Nestin; Neurofilament Proteins; Pluripotent Stem Cells; Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigens; Subcutaneous Tissue; Teratoma; Transplantation, Heterologous

Gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma arising in mature cystic teratomas of the ovary is extremely rare. We report a case of well-differentiated intestinal adenocarcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary in a 77-year-old woman, presenting as acute abdomen with ovarian torsion. An immunohistochemical study revealed expression of CK20 and CK7, and the tumor was also positive for MUC2. The patient had no evidence of disease after 12 months of follow-up.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Aged; Biomarkers, Tumor; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Female; Humans; Intestinal Neoplasms; Keratin-20; Keratin-7; Keratins; Mucin-2; Mucins; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Ovarian Neoplasms; Teratoma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

It has generally been accepted that pseudomyxoma peritonei/disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis originates from appendiceal low-grade adenomatous mucinous tumors. A woman who underwent an appendectomy 42 years ago, presented with a unilateral ovarian tumor whose immunohistochemical phenotype and its association with a teratoma, strongly suggest that pseudomyxoma peritonei originated from a ruptured mucinous tumour arising from a mature cystic teratoma.

Topics: Adenoma; Aged; Appendectomy; Douglas' Pouch; Fallopian Tubes; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Immunohistochemistry; Keratin-20; Keratins; Omentum; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovariectomy; Pseudomyxoma Peritonei; Rupture, Spontaneous; Splenectomy; Teratoma

To study the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) occurring in the central nervous system.. Two cases of AT/RT were studied by hematoxylin-eosin, reticulin and immunohistochemical staining. The clinical and pathologic features were analyzed and the literatures reviewed.. Histologically, AT/RT was characterized by the presence of rhabdoid cells associated with various degrees of primitive neuroectodermal, epithelial or mesenchymal differentiation. Abundant reticulin fibers and a complex immunophenotype were observed. The tumor cells were positive for vimentin, CD99, epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, S-100 protein, neurofilament, desmin and smooth muscle actin. They were negative for synaptophysin, MyoD1, placental alkaline phosphatase and HMB45.. AT/RT is a highly malignant tumor occurring in the central nervous system. It manifests mainly in children and occasionally in adults. The tumor is characterized by a heterogeneous histologic and immunohistochemical phenotype. It needs to be distinguished from a number of central nervous system tumors, including medulloblastoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, germ cell neoplasm and rhabdoid meningioma.

Topics: 12E7 Antigen; Actins; Adult; Antigens, CD; Brain Neoplasms; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Child, Preschool; Desmin; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Male; Mucin-1; Muscle, Smooth; Neurofilament Proteins; Rhabdoid Tumor; S100 Proteins; Teratoma; Vimentin

To investigate clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of 31 cases of oral teratoid cyst.. Thirty-one cases of oral teratoid cyst according with Meyer's diagnosis criteria were retrospectively studied and their histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed from the files of Department of Pathology, School of Stomatology, Wuhan University between 1963 and 2003.. Twenty-seven cases (87.10%) were children, and twenty-four cases were congenital. The ratio of male-to-female was 1:0.55, and the affected sites were floor of mouth (22 cases) and tongue (8 cases). Clinical findings were nonspecific, and prognosis was good following complete excision. Histology indicated that squamous, respiratory and/or gastrointestinal epithelium consistiuted basic structure of teratoid cyst in addition to simple cuboidal epithelium in 8 cases. Antibody against AE1/AE3 was strongly expressed and CK16 was weak in four types of epithelial lining of oral teratoid cyst. Expression of AE1, CK7, 8/18, 19 varied in superficial, suprabasal and basal cells of squamous epithelium but were strong in respiratory, gastrointestinal and simple columnar epithelium; only gastrointestinal epithelium expressed CK20 heterogeneously.. Oral teratoid cyst showed the highest incidence in children, and floor of mouth and tongue were mostly affected sites. Features of histology were complex, and immunohistochemistry indicated that epithelium of oral teratoid cyst shared similar patterns of cytokeratin with counterpart of normal tissues, showing different origin and differentiation of epithelial lining of the present cyst.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infant; Keratins; Male; Mouth Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Teratoma; Young Adult

We describe unusual cytologic features of the peritoneal fluid in a patient with immature ovarian teratoma. Immature embryonal and neuroectodermal components of such tumors are rarely observed in the ascites; to our knowledge, there have been only three reports of cytologic findings of immature teratoma cells in the ascites. Our patient was a 26-yr-old woman who presented with a huge pelvic mass. A grade 3 immature right ovarian teratoma was diagnosed pathologically. Cytologic examination of the ascitic fluid revealed a variety of neoplastic cells, including immature neuroepithelial cells forming rosette-like structures, keratinized squamous cells, squamoid metaplastic cells, and immature glial-appearing cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that immature gastrointestinal elements and yolk sac elements were positive for alpha-fetoprotein. This is the first description of the cytologic features of non-neuroepithelial elements in the ascitic fluid in a patient with immature ovarian teratoma.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Fetoproteins; Ascitic Fluid; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratin-20; Keratin-7; Keratins; Neoplasm Staging; Ovarian Neoplasms; Teratoma

A 9-year, 7-month-old female German shepherd weighing 26.6 kg was admitted to the hospital for pica and diarrhea. A large mass was found in the right ovary and removed, and cross section of the mass revealed a multilobular tumor consisting of several cystic cavities which contained tufts of dark hair in thick creamy-white sebaceous fluid. Histologically, the tumor consisted of adipose tissue, central nervous tissue, crystalline lens, cartilage and bone. In the central nervous tissue, lens and lesions like nonsuppurative inflammation comprizing of accumulation of glial cells and lymphocytic perivascular cuffing were observed. The tumor was diagnosed as a mature cystic teratoma.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Cartilage; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Lens, Crystalline; Ovarian Neoplasms; S100 Proteins; Teratoma; Vimentin

Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratin-20; Keratin-7; Keratins; Male; Ovarian Neoplasms; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Teratoma

Mature cystic teratomas of the ovary frequently contain intestinal type epithelium, but they are rarely associated with complete intestinal wall. The association of mature cystic teratoma with mucinous cystadenoma is not unusual. However, the pathogenetic relationship between these two lesions remains unanswered. We report a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary in a 16-yr old female that contained a complete colonic wall in continuity with an endocervical-type mucinous cystadenoma. Both the mucinous cystadenoma and the colonic wall showed the typical histopathological and immunohistochemical patterns of classical mucinous cystadenoma (positive for CK7, negative for CK20) and normal colonic wall (positive for CK20, negative for CK7), respectively. The microscopic and immunohistochemical patterns of the epithelium from the transitional zone between colonic wall-like structure and mucinous cystadenoma demonstrated features of both types of epithelium, positive for both CK7 and CK20, and focally positive for a neuroendocrine marker, chromogranin, which is normally present in colonic mucosa. These results suggest that the mucinous cystadenoma originated from the colonic epithelium of the mature cystic teratoma.

Topics: Adolescent; Colon; Cystadenoma, Mucinous; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratin-20; Keratin-7; Keratins; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Ovarian Neoplasms; Staining and Labeling; Teratoma

Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Keratins; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovary; Teratoma; Ultrasonography

Atypical teratoma/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) of the central nervous system is a highly malignant neoplasm in infants and early childhood. Approximately one third of patients develop intracranial dissemination with involvement of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The clinical, radiological, and pathological features have been described, but cytology of the tumor cells in CSF has not. Multiple CSF samples were examined in a case of AT/RT in a 2-yr-old girl. The most consistent cytologic features of AT/RT are the large size of the tumor cells, eccentricity of the nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. The differential diagnosis includes medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the brain. Because AT/RT often contains PNET-like regions, the differential diagnosis mainly relies on the presence or absence of large rhabdoid tumor cells. Cytological examination of CSF from a patient with AT/RT is important in the early diagnosis, disease progression analysis, and therapy modulation.

Topics: Brain; Brain Chemistry; Brain Neoplasms; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Ki-67 Antigen; Mucin-1; Rhabdoid Tumor; Teratoma

Congenital epithelial tumours of the salivary glands are very rare. The Salivary Gland Registry maintained in the Department of Pathology. University of Hamburg, contains only three cases among a total of 6,646 salivary gland tumours from the years 1965-1994. The three cases were classified as congenital basal cell adenoma, two of the parotid gland and one of the submandibular gland. Histologically, the three adenomas were similar in structure to the adult counterpart of basal cell adenoma with solid, trabecular or tubular (duct-like) patterns. In some cystic spaces of the duct-like structures PAS- and Astra blue-positive substances were secreted. On immunocytochemistry, the luminal duct-like cells showed membranous expression of cytokeratins 3, 5, 6, 7, 13 and 19. In the isomorphic basaloid cells of the solid and trabecular cell nests few cells expressed cytokeratin. On the outside of the solid cell nests there were smaller elongated myoepithelial-like cells, which expressed cytokeratin 14 and vimentin. Cytokeratins 1, 2, 4 and 18 were not expressed. The pattern of expression reflects the different stages of maturity of the tumour cells and is related to the development of the salivary glands until the end of the 3rd embryonal month with an arrest of further cell differentiation. No acinic cells, invasive growth, recurrence or metastases were observed. The differential diagnosis includes other congenital salivary gland tumours, such as hybrid basal cell adenoma-adenoid cystic carcinoma, sialoblastoma or embryoma, carcinoma, hamartoma and teratoma.

Topics: Adenoma; Carcinoma; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Hamartoma; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infant, Newborn; Keratins; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Parotid Neoplasms; Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction; Submandibular Gland Neoplasms; Teratoma; Vimentin

A 21 cm retroperitoneal cystic mass was excised from a 71 year old woman. The cyst was filled with a hemorrhagic fluid and contained a 5 cm parietal hemorrhagic nodule. On histology, the nodule was composed of a uniform population of round cells arranged in trabeculae and nests. The neoplastic cells were immunoreactive to cytokeratin, EMA, NSE, chromogranin A, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and Gastrin (G). Ultrastructural observation of neurosecretory granules confirmed the neuroendocrine nature of the tumor. No other lesions were detected and a diagnosis of primary epithelial neuroendocrine tumor was rendered. The histogenesis of the tumor including the possibility of a paraganglionic origin is discussed.

Topics: Aged; Biomarkers, Tumor; Calcitonin; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine; Diagnosis, Differential; Epithelium; Female; Gastrins; Humans; Keratins; Neoplasm Proteins; Pancreatic Polypeptide; Paraganglioma; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms; S100 Proteins; Teratoma

Treatment of cultured cells with sodium butyrate, that is the histone deacetylase inhibitor, induces the histone hyperacetylation and the expressions of various mammalian genes without affecting the level of protein synthesis. However, butyrate is a non-specific inhibitor of deacetylase because of its effects on various other enzymes and nuclear proteins other than histones. On the other hand, Trichostatin A (TSA) was recently found to be a potent and specific inhibitor of histone deacetylase. We examined the effect of TSA on the expression of mouse cytokeratin A (endo A). TSA increased endoA expression in F9 cells, and was effective at a much lower concentration than sodium butyrate. We also examined the changes of chromatin structure induced by the two drugs by a DNase I-hypersensitivity assay. Both drugs induced the formation of a DNase I-hypersensitive site (DH site) in only the promoter region. The precise mechanism(s) by which the two drugs increase endoA gene expression is unknown, but these results suggest that endoA expression is induced by inhibition of histone deacetylase and that the effect is at the transcriptional level.

Topics: Animals; Binding Sites; Butyrates; Butyric Acid; Chromatin; Deoxyribonuclease I; DNA; Enhancer Elements, Genetic; Gene Expression; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; Hydroxamic Acids; Keratins; Mice; Promoter Regions, Genetic; RNA, Messenger; Teratoma; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Mouse cytokeratin EndoA is an intermediate filament subunit of the type II cytokeratin class which initiates expression in trophectoderm cells of blastocyst during embryogenesis. To identify the regulatory elements of the endo A gene, we constructed a series of CAT expression vectors and transfected them into PYS-2 cells. We found an enhancer element locating 1 kb downstream from the endo A gene which acts on both the endo A and SV40 promoters. This enhancer consists of six direct repeated sequences with homology to the PEA3 motif in polyoma virus alpha enhancer core. In undifferentiated F9 embryonal carcinoma cells, expression of the construct containing the enhancer was not detected. These results indicate that one of the regulatory mechanisms of endo A gene expression is the 3' downstream enhancer.

Topics: Animals; Base Sequence; Cells, Cultured; Cloning, Molecular; DNA; Enhancer Elements, Genetic; Gene Expression Regulation; Keratins; Mice; Molecular Sequence Data; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; Restriction Mapping; Teratoma; Transfection; Tumor Cells, Cultured

When P19 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells were cocultured with cells from one of several established visceral-endoderm-like cell lines, the EC cells were rapidly induced to aggregate and differentiate, into cell types including mesoderm-derived cardiac and skeletal muscle. Neither parietal-endoderm- nor mesoderm-like cell lines induced aggregation or differentiation of EC cells in coculture, although a cell line with both parietal and visceral endoderm characteristics induced aggregation but not differentiation. Also, without the feeder cells aggregates of P19 failed to differentiate, provided that serum in the culture medium had been previously passed over dextran-coated charcoal to remove lipophilic substances, which may include endogenous retinoids. All experiments were carried out using serum treated in this way. Taken together, the results demonstrated that aggregation was necessary, but not sufficient, to make P19 EC cells differentiate. Direct contact between the two cell types was not necessary, since even when separated by an agar layer in cocultures, aggregates of P19 still differentiated. Medium conditioned by cells of the END-2 line, a visceral-endoderm-like derivative of P19, was particularly potent in inducing endodermal and mesodermal differentiation of single P19 aggregates, confirming the involvement of a diffusible factor secreted specifically by visceral-endoderm-like cells in this process.

Topics: alpha-Fetoproteins; Animals; Antibodies; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Cell Aggregation; Cell Communication; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Endoderm; Fibronectins; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Keratins; Laminin; Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-2; Membrane Glycoproteins; Mice; Myosins; Teratoma; Tretinoin

Observations differ on the pre-invasive malignant lesions associated with the various categories of testicular germ cell tumours. Such lesions have been found to be similar in appearance and are assumed to be composed of multipotent cells, or conversely a distinctive pre-invasive stage has been reported in association with each form of germ cell neoplasm. This study was undertaken to see whether distinctive morphological and immunohistochemical features of carcinoma in situ adjacent to various categories of germ cell tumours could be established. Carcinoma in situ adjacent to seminomas, teratomas and mixed germ cell tumours in 18 adults was indistinguishable morphologically. Placental alkaline phosphatase was demonstrated immunohistochemically but vimentin and low molecular weight cytokeratins were uniformly absent in these abnormal germ cells from all three groups. These findings support the concept of a multipotent pre-invasive malignant cell for both seminoma and teratoma in the adult. Carcinoma in situ was not seen adjacent to 15 spermatocytic seminomas, nor was placental alkaline phosphatase demonstrated in tubules adjacent to these tumours. These negative findings are additional evidence that spermatocytic seminoma differs from classical seminoma in its histogenesis. Carcinoma in situ, as defined morphologically and immunohistochemically in adults, was not identified adjacent to yolk sac tumours and differentiated teratomas in 20 prepubertal testes. The possibility that pre-invasive malignancy in children may not resemble that in adults must be considered when assessing the malignant potential of cryptorchid testes on biopsies taken during orchidopexy.

Topics: Adult; Alkaline Phosphatase; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Carcinoma in Situ; Child, Preschool; Dysgerminoma; Humans; Infant; Keratins; Male; Mesonephroma; Retrospective Studies; Sertoli Cells; Spermatogonia; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms; Vimentin

The patterns of cytoskeletal differentiation were studied in 20 testicular non-seminomatous germ cell tumors by immunohistochemistry, using diverse monoclonal antibodies specific for different intermediate filament (IF) proteins and for desmoplakin. Immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase methods on both formalin-fixed and frozen tissues were applied, in some cases together with a gel electrophoretic analysis of IF proteins. The tumors examined included embryonal carcinoma (EC), endodermal sinus tumor (EST), choriocarcinoma and teratoma. Nine of the tumors were composed of only one histological type, the others showed mixed components. Cytokeratins 8 and 18 were identified in all these neoplasms, but their immunostaining was weak in ECs. Cytokeratin 19 was absent or very scarce in ECs, but strongly expressed in ESTs, choriocarcinomas and teratomas, thus allowing the identification of small EST and choriocarcinoma elements in ECs even when they were morphologically not obvious. Occasionally, some cells in ECs and ESTs also stained for cytokeratins 4 and/or 17, indicating potential for epithelial stratification. The majority of the germ cell tumors showed varied amounts of vimentin, often in co-existence with cytokeratins. Neurofilaments were demonstrated in scattered tumor cells in a single case of EST. In the teratomas studied, each type of tissue component present showed the expected IF protein. However, in many germ cell tumors some stromal cells and blood vessels contained, in addition to vimentin and desmin, also cytokeratins 8 and 18. This heterogeneity of the cytoskeletal profile of germ cell tumors is indicative of the varied differentiation potential inherent in these neoplasms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Cell Differentiation; Choriocarcinoma; Desmosomes; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Male; Mesonephroma; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

XB2 cells, a teratocarcinoma derived cell line of keratinocyte lineage, have been shown to proliferate and differentiate in low calcium medium (0.03 mM Ca2+) at a density of 500 cells/9.6 cm2 without the need for fibroblast feeder layers or conditioned medium. The degree of differentiation can be assessed by measurements of keratin production and stratification of colonies of cells. Both of these parameters, as well as the proliferative capacity of the cells, can be altered by treatment of the cultures with various promoting agents and non-genotoxic carcinogens. Treatment with teleocidin and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate induced large increases in proliferation, stratification and keratinization; mezerein-treated cells showed increased stratification at higher doses; butylated hydroxyanisole treatment resulted in hyperkeratinization and hyperstratification to lower levels than that seen with the phorbol-ester-like promoters; butylated hydroxytoluene had purely hyperproliferative effects. We suggest that this culture system may provide a useful model for studies of the mechanism of promotion and non-genotoxic carcinogenesis in epithelial tissues.

Topics: Animals; Butylated Hydroxyanisole; Butylated Hydroxytoluene; Calcium; Carcinogens; Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Cocarcinogenesis; Diterpenes; Keratins; Lyngbya Toxins; Mice; Teratoma; Terpenes; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Cells, Cultured

F9 embryonal carcinoma cells (F9EC) can be induced to differentiate in vitro into epithelial cells expressing keratin 8 (K8) and keratin 18 (K18). cDNAs corresponding to K8 and K18 mRNAs were cloned and used to study the change in the abundance of these mRNAs during differentiation of F9 cells into parietal endoderm-like cells by treatment with retinoic acid (RA) or with RA and dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2cAMP). Using an RNase protection assay, it was determined that K8 mRNA was induced slightly before K18 mRNA and that it accumulated to a greater extent than K18 mRNA. Furthermore, differentiation in presence of Bt2cAMP plus RA resulted in an earlier induction of the two mRNAs and a higher level of expression of K8 mRNA. These results indicate that K8 and K18 mRNAs are regulated differently in F9 cells.

Topics: Animals; Base Sequence; Blotting, Northern; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Cloning, Molecular; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Keratins; Kinetics; Mice; Molecular Sequence Data; Molecular Weight; Oligonucleotide Probes; Restriction Mapping; RNA, Messenger; Teratoma; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The cell differentiation properties of thirty-four sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCT) and their five recurrences were immunohistochemically studied for the expression of different classes of intermediate filament proteins, muscle actin (MA) and S-100 protein. Out of thirty-nine tumors twenty-three were SCTs with only mature tissue elements, seven immature teratomas, five pure endodermal sinus tumors (EST) and four ESTs or embryonal carcinomas (EC) combined with mature components. Cytokeratin positivity was found in all epithelial structures and sometimes also in smooth muscle and primitive mesenchymal cells. An intense cytokeratin immunoreactivity was observed in EC and EST components. Muscle markers, desmin and MA were present in smooth and striated muscle cells. Focal desmin positivity was also found in some epithelial structures in two cases. Glial tissue positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was found in twenty-eight out of thirty-nine tumors. Some cases with no apparent glial tissue in hematoxylin and eosin staining showed glial differentiation as proved by GFAP positivity. In six out of eleven choroid plexus-like tissues GFAP positive cells were observed. S-100 protein showed an intense distribution of immunoreactivity outside neural tissue, and focal positivity was observed in malignant epithelial structures. Immunohistochemical markers did not reveal any prognostic significance in teratomas. Our findings, however, showed some aberrant features of cell differentiation from normal mature tissue components but closely parallel to those found in normal fetal development.

Topics: Actins; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Child; Desmin; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Keratins; Male; Mesonephroma; Neoplasms; Prognosis; S100 Proteins; Sacrococcygeal Region; Teratoma

The murine keratins Endo B and Endo A, which are homologs of the human keratins K18 and K8, constitute the intermediate filaments (IFs) that are found in all simple epithelia of the adult and in the first epithelial derivatives of the early embryo. The cellular role of simple epithelial keratins in development and differentiation was investigated by inducing filament collapse in HR9 endoderm and F9 embryonal carcinoma cells in which mutant Endo B protein was constitutively expressed. By immunolocalization techniques a perturbation of the keratin network was revealed as well as concomitant disruption of vimentin IFs and displacement of surface desmosomal proteins, demonstrating an intimate structural association of Endo B/A filaments with these cellular components. In aggregates of differentiating F9 cells displaying altered Endo A/B IFs, the formation of a compact, polarized visceral endoderm layer was significantly compromised. These results indicate that an intact keratin network influences the three-dimensional formation of cell-cell or cell-substratum contacts in embryonic visceral endoderm.

Topics: Animals; Bucladesine; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Cytoskeleton; Desmosomes; Endoderm; Intermediate Filaments; Keratins; Mice; Morphogenesis; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Teratoma; Tretinoin; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Vimentin

Three cases of epididymal adenomatoid tumor are presented. The adenoid compositions of the tumors lined by epithelial cells showed a canalicular pattern with large vascular spaces, tubular pattern with glandlike regions or plexiform pattern with connective tissue strands. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positive cytoplasmic staining for keratin, but negative for carcinoembryonic antigen and factor VIII-related antigen in each neoplastic tissue. These findings support the mesothelial origin of the epididymal adenomatoid tumors.

Topics: Adult; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Epididymis; Humans; Keratins; Male; Mesothelioma; Middle Aged; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms; von Willebrand Factor

A double immunofluorescence method was developed for the monitoring of proliferation and differentiation of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells. Cytokeratin filament expression was used as a marker for differentiation, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)/cyclin or bromodeoxyuridine labeling were used as markers for proliferation. F9 cells had a high proliferation rate and were cytokeratin-filament-negative. Upon treatment with retinoic acid and dibutyryl cyclic AMP, cytokeratin-filament-positive cells with differentiated phenotype appeared. After 3 days, the extent of proliferation of cytokeratin-filament-positive cells was comparable to, but after 5 days significantly lower than, that of cytokeratin-filament-negative cells in the same culture. In differentiating F9 cells, cytokeratin filament expression is associated with, and even slightly precedes, the dramatic decrease in the rate of proliferation.

Topics: Actin Cytoskeleton; Animals; Antigens, Neoplasm; Bucladesine; Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Keratins; Mice; Nuclear Proteins; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; Teratoma; Tretinoin; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Cell interactions have been implicated in the differentiation of visceral and parietal endoderm in the developing mouse embryo. Embryoid bodies formed from F9 embryonal carcinoma cells have been useful in characterizing the events which lead to endoderm formation. As part of our effort to specify the interactions which may be involved in this process we have isolated visceral endoderm-like cells (VE) from F9 embryoid bodies and cultured them under various conditions. Using a combination of immunoprecipitation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we demonstrate that monolayer culture of these cells on a number of different substrates leads to a dramatic decrease in the level of alphafetoprotein (AFP), a VE-specific marker. Northern blot analysis of AFP mRNA indicates very low levels of this message are present after 48 hr in monolayer culture. Coincident with the drop in AFP levels is an increase in the levels of the cytokeratin Endo C and tissue plasminogen activator, both markers for parietal endoderm (PE). Morphological evidence at the ultrastructural level supports a transition from VE to PE. In contrast, the VE phenotype can be maintained in vitro by interaction with aggregates, but not monolayers, of stem cells. In addition, culturing the cells on the curved surface of gelatin-coated dextran beads, but not on a flat gelatin surface facilitates AFP expression and the cells are morphologically intermediate between VE and PE cells. The potential role of junctional complexes and cell shape are discussed.

Topics: alpha-Fetoproteins; Animals; Bucladesine; Cell Communication; Cell Differentiation; Ectoderm; Endoderm; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Immunosorbent Techniques; Keratins; Mice; Microscopy, Electron; RNA, Messenger; Stem Cells; Teratoma; Tissue Plasminogen Activator; Tretinoin; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Viscera

Twenty-six intracranial germ cell tumours (11 germinomas, 10 teratomas, 2 endodermal sinus tumours, 1 teratocarcinoma, and 2 undifferentiated embryonal carcinomas) and 26 gonadal germ cell tumours (13 testicular seminomas, 2 ovarian dysgerminomas, 9 ovarian teratomas, and 2 myometrial choriocarcinomas) were studied by immunoperoxidase with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin, and vimentin. Typical tumour cells in three of the 11 germinomas (two of the latter being situated in the posterior fossa) expressed both EMA and cytokeratin, whereas those in the seminomas and dysgerminomas did not. In one seminoma, a few multinucleated giant cells expressed cytokeratin. In three of seven germinomas, vimentin-positive tumour cells were found, but all seminomas and dysgerminomas were negative. In the other forms of intracranial and gonadal germ cell tumours, epithelial and mesenchymal elements displayed the expected patterns of immunoreactivity to the respective determinants. The immunoperoxidase differences between the intracranial germinomas and their gonadal equivalents indicate that, in the former, early epithelial or mesenchymal differentiation of the primordial germ cells may be present. The findings draw attention to the heterogeneous cellular composition of these otherwise morphologically homogeneous-appearing tumours and, especially in the posterior fossa, to their transitional links to the immature teratomas.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antigens, Neoplasm; Brain Neoplasms; Child; Child, Preschool; Choriocarcinoma; Dysgerminoma; Epitopes; Female; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Infant; Keratins; Male; Membrane Glycoproteins; Mesonephroma; Middle Aged; Mucin-1; Ovarian Neoplasms; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms; Uterine Neoplasms; Vimentin

A case of adenomatoid tumor arising from the epididymis is reported. A patient visited our hospital with complaint of a painless intrascrotal mass. Preoperative diagnosis was right epididymal tumor. Right epididymectomy was performed and histological diagnosis was adenomatoid tumor of the epididymis. We examined the histogenesis of this case by the immunoperoxidase technique. The tumor revealed cytoplasmic staining of tubular lining cells for keratin with no staining for myoglobin. This finding supported a mesothelial rather than endothelial derivation for this tumor. We found no muscle elements in this tumor.

Topics: Adult; Epididymis; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratins; Male; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

Undifferentiated F9 cells transfected with plasmids encoding adenovirus E1a gene products underwent radical morphological changes. They ceased to express the SSEA-1 stem cell marker antigen and started to express a number of the characteristics of the differentiated state that is induced in F9 cells by treatment with retinoic acid. In particular, they expressed keratin intermediate filaments and acquired the ability to synthesise simian virus 40 tumor antigens after virus infection. The transfected cells expressed the E1a proteins, and this expression was necessary to induce the phenotypic changes, since a coisogenic plasmid encoding only a truncated 70-amino-acid E1a polypeptide and the transfection procedure itself did not detectably after the morphology or marker expression of the F9 stem cells. The phenotypic change was induced by both 13S and 12S cDNA plasmids. We discuss these results in the context of known E1a functions and with reference to the other oncogenes and external factors that can cause F9 cell differentiation.

Topics: Adenovirus Early Proteins; Adenoviruses, Human; Antigens, Surface; Antigens, Viral, Tumor; Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Keratins; Oncogene Proteins, Viral; Simian virus 40; Teratoma; Transfection

A panel of monoclonal antibodies against different keratin polypeptides, epithelial glycoproteins, placental alkaline phosphatase and collagen type IV was used to evaluate immunohistochemically the expression of the target antigens in 30 different human testicular germ-cell tumours of various types. Antikeratin antibodies detecting markers of different routes of epithelial differentiation revealed remarkable similarity of differential expression of various keratins in epithelial structures of teratomas and combined tumours as compared with normal human epithelial tissues. A considerable proportion of embryonal carcinoma cells stained positively for keratins 8, 18 and 19, while a minor subpopulation of tumour cells in embryonal carcinomas, some seminomas and many atypical intratubular cells expressed keratins 8 and 18 but usually lacked keratin 19. Antibody RICEO-MFG-06.3, specific for epithelial glycoproteins, gave negative results with seminomas as opposed to positivity in all but two nonseminomatous tumours. All but two neoplasms showed positivity for placental alkaline phosphatase, thus supporting its reliability as a marker of germ-cell tumours. It is concluded that the monoclonal antibody RICEO-MFG-06.3 and especially the keratin-19-specific antibodies BA16 and BA17 can be helpful in distinguishing embryonal carcinoma from seminoma and, together with antibodies to other keratins, in the study of the origin and histogenesis of testicular germ-cell tumours.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Cell Differentiation; Collagen; GPI-Linked Proteins; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Isoenzymes; Keratins; Male; Membrane Proteins; Mucin-1; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal; Placenta; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

170 germ cell tumours of childhood and adolescence were studied by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.3. 52 (30.6%) tumours were benign (mature teratoma), 30 (17.6%) potentially malignant (immature teratoma), and 88 (51.8%) unequivocally malignant. The main locations were ovary, testis and sacrococcygeal region. 92 tumours were located in a gonad, 78 tumours in extragonadal sites (ratio: 1.2:1). Of the frankly malignant tumours 40 were yolk-sac tumours (YST) and an additional 19 tumours of more than one histological type contained a YST component. Therefore, 67% of the malignant tumours had a YST component. Children with immature teratoma and pure YST showed the lowest median age (5 and 24 months, respectively), while children with germinomas of various locations had the highest median age (153 months). A festoon pattern was the predominant histological feature in all YST and in the YST component of mixed germ cell tumours. Hyaline globules were found in 33/37 YST and in 16/17 YST components. Immunohistochemically, alpha 1-fetoprotein (AFP) was demonstrated in 18/22 YST and in 6/7 YST components of mixed germ cell tumours. Hyaline globules were mostly AFP-negative (only 5 cases with AFP-positive globules in addition to many AFP-negative globules). In 3 cases beta-HCG-positive giant cells were seen. In most YST prekeratin intermediate filaments could be demonstrated in the epithelial cells. Follow-up data, available from 51 cases of YST and tumours with YST components showed disease-free survival in 37 cases (72.5%). 10 patients (19.6%) died of disease, and 4 patients (7.8%) are living with disease. The comparably high rate of survivors reflects the effectiveness of modern therapy, particularly polychemotherapy, in addition to surgery.

Topics: Adolescent; alpha-Fetoproteins; Child; Child, Preschool; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; Dysgerminoma; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Infant; Keratins; Male; Mesonephroma; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal; Ovarian Neoplasms; Peptide Fragments; Protein Precursors; Sacrococcygeal Region; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

In culture the human teratocarcinoma cell line HT-H generates both adherent monolayer and free-floating aggregates. Some populations of aggregated cells develop further to form cystic bodies. A previous study showed the morphological resemblance of the cystic bodies to cells of blastocyst of preimplantation embryo. In this study, HT-H adherent cells were further separated into two subpopulations, fast adhering and slow adhering cells. Fast adhering cells produce fibronectin, spread well onto substratum, and do not proliferate. In contrast, slow adhering cells do not produce fibronectin. Trophoblastic markers were examined in each morphological stage of HT-H cells and the following results were obtained. Only fast adhering cells produce progesterone. Human chorionic gonadotropin was secreted preferentially by fast adhering cells, about six times less by slow adhering cells, and was not secreted by aggregates or cystic bodies. All stages of HT-H cells express c-fos but only fast adhering cells express c-fms oncogene. Cytokeratin 18 was expressed in all stages of HT-H cells. The level of cytokeratin 18 is modestly decreased from adherent to aggregates further into cystic bodies. These results indicate that HT-H cells share properties with cells in trophoblast, placenta, and extraembryonic endoderm. Spontaneous differentiation of HT-H cultures results in the appearance of fast adhering cells which exhibit biochemical properties expected for syncytiotrophoblast.

Topics: Cell Adhesion; Cell Aggregation; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Cytoskeletal Proteins; Fibronectins; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Keratins; Progesterone; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Proto-Oncogenes; RNA, Messenger; Teratoma; Trophoblasts

When mouse-teratocarcinoma-derived fibroblasts (1246 cell line) are subjected to treatment with the inhibitor of DNA methylation, 5-Azacytidine (5 AzaC), they transiently express at 55-kilodalton intermediate-filament protein recognized by the epithelial-specific monoclonal antibody, TROMA-1, although they retain a fibroblastic morphology. However, rare clones (e.g., the 1339 cell line) that permanently express the antigen recognized by TROMA-1 can be derived from the 5 AzaC-treated 1246 population, and these clones have an epithelial phenotype. In the present study, we used cloned DNA probes to demonstrate that, in 1246 fibroblasts, 5 AzaC induces the appearance of Endo-A mRNA. High levels of Endo-A mRNA were also detected in the epithelial derivative, cell line 1339. In both cases, the capping site of the Endo-A mRNA was found to be the same as that in epithelial cells which normally express this RNA.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Azacitidine; Cell Line; Connective Tissue; Epithelium; Female; Fibroblasts; Keratins; Mice; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Pregnancy; RNA, Messenger; Teratoma; Trophoblastic Neoplasms

The immunohistochemical characteristics of 8 adenomatoid tumors of the epididymis are reported. Using the peroxidase antiperoxidase technique and the avidin-biotin complex method, antibodies against carcinoembryonic antigen, factor-VIII-related antigen and keratin were tested. In agreement with previous findings strong cytoplasmic staining for keratin was seen in all the tumors, whereas the factor-VIII-related antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen were absent. These results suggest a mesothelial origin of the adenomatoid tumor.

Topics: Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Epididymis; Epitopes; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratins; Male; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

Epithelial cells always co-express acidic and basic keratin polypeptides. Mesenchymal cells, which do not normally contain keratins, can be induced by the inhibitor of DNA methylation 5-azacytidine to synthesize the basic keratin Endo A. In the present paper we show that the acidic keratins Endo B and Endo C can also be induced by 5-azacytidine in teratocarcinoma-derived fibroblasts. Furthermore, individual cells in which Endo B and/or Endo C keratins are found, always co-express the basic polypeptide Endo A. Other cytokeratins are not or very rarely found. Interestingly, Endo A, B, and C are usually associated in vivo and are known to be the first keratin polypeptides appearing during the development of the mouse embryo.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Azacitidine; Cell Line; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Fibroblasts; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Keratins; Teratoma

Four testicular adenomatoid tumors were studied by immunohistochemistry, using the following antibodies to cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, and factor VIII-related antigen. Cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen demonstrated a different pattern of positive immunostaining while carcinoembryonic antigen and factor VIII-related antigen proved constantly negative. Our findings support a mesothelial origin for adenomatoid tumors.

Topics: Adult; Antigens; Antigens, Surface; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Epithelium; Factor VIII; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Keratins; Male; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms; von Willebrand Factor

Normal testicular tissue and 76 testicular germ-cell tumors of various types were immunohistochemically evaluated for the expression of intermediate filament proteins of different types. In normal testes, the rete testis epithelium was positive to cytokeratin, and the Sertoli cells, stromal cells, and Leydig cells were positive for vimentin. Cytokeratin-positive cells were also found lining atrophic seminiferous tubules and were occasionally seen within nonatrophic seminiferous tubules. The classical seminomas showed vimentin positivity, but this was usually observed in a small number of tumor cells. In addition, nearly half the seminomas contained single cytokeratin-positive cells, some of which were multinucleated and appeared to represent syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells. The tumor cells in embryonal carcinomas, endodermal sinus tumors, and choriocarcinomas displayed cytokeratin positivity. In some embryonal carcinomas vimentin-positive tumor cells were also found, probably representing attempts at further differentiation of the tumor cells. In immature teratomas, both the immature and the mature epithelial structures showed cytokeratin positivity. The stromal components, including cartilage, contained vimentin, and the smooth-muscle elements, desmin. Neural tissue positive for neurofilaments and glial tissue positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, were observed in 5 and 3 of 15 cases, respectively. It is considered that antibodies to intermediate filaments are suitable tools to characterize the differentiation patterns of testicular germ-cell tumors and have the potential to aid in the differential diagnosis especially between seminoma and embryonal carcinoma.

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Choriocarcinoma; Desmin; Dysgerminoma; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Male; Mesonephroma; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms; Testis; Vimentin

Monoclonal antibodies to cytoskeletal proteins were used to study the intermediate filament proteins of human embryonal carcinoma (EC) cell lines, tumors produced in nude mice from these cell lines, and surgically removed testicular germ cell tumors. It was found that all cells of tumor lines 2102Ep, 1156 and Tera 1 react with antibodies to low molecular weight keratin proteins. By immunoblotting of SDS gels it was found that these lines expressed three keratin polypeptides (40K, 45K and 52K). Clonal line NTera-2 derived from Tera-2 differed from the above listed cell lines in that only 10% of the cells expressed the 40K keratin polypeptide. Upon treatment with retinoic acid 70% of NTera-2 cells became reactive with the antibody to the 40K keratin polypeptide. All cell lines contained a small population of vimentin-positive cells. The number of vimentin-positive cells could be increased by retinoic acid treatment of NTera-2 cells or by seeding the 2102Ep cells at low cell density. Neurofilament-positive cells could be induced in the cell line NTera-2 by retinoic acid treatment. Tumors produced from NTera-2 cells injected into nude mice contained cells reacting with antibodies to keratin, vimentin, neurofilament proteins and desmin. Keratin polypeptides were immunohistochemically demonstrated in embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma and trophoblastic components of solid human germ cell tumors. Atypical intratubular cells ('carcinoma in situ') also reacted with antibodies to keratin.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Cytoskeleton; Electrophoresis; Humans; Keratins; Male; Mice; Mice, Nude; Neoplasm Transplantation; Peptides; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

The authors investigated the presence and distribution of keratin in germ cell tumors using a rabbit-anti-keratin antiserum and a monoclonal antikeratin antibody--which is specific for keratin classes of 40, 50, and 56.5 kdaltons--by various immunohistochemical methods on frozen sections, alcohol-fixed, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Thirty-four germ cell tumors were studied. These were the following: 18 seminomas, 10 embryonal carcinomas, 2 teratocarcinomas, 3 yolk sac tumors and 1 choriocarcinoma. All seminomas, including four poorly differentiated (so-called anaplastic seminomas), gave negative results, regardless of the method employed. Embryonal carcinoma, the epithelial component of the teratocarcinoma, the yolk sac tumors, and choriocarcinoma were at least focally positive for keratin. The monoclonal antibody provided a cleaner background and stronger staining than the rabbit-anti-total-human-epidermal-keratin antibody. Best results were obtained from fresh-frozen sections or alcohol-fixed, paraffin-embedded materials. Formalin-fixed, nonseminomatous tumors, when predigested with trypsin and incubated overnight with primary antibody, gave no false-negative results but staining was often focal. The authors' results agree with the reported absence of detectable keratin in primordial germ cells of the normal testis, and with prevailing concepts of the histogenesis of germ cell tumors. These results indicate that the presence or absence of keratin by immunocytochemical methods can be helpful in distinguishing seminoma from embryonal carcinoma.

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Choriocarcinoma; Diagnosis, Differential; Dysgerminoma; Female; Frozen Sections; Humans; Immunologic Techniques; Keratins; Male; Mesonephroma; Ovarian Neoplasms; Pregnancy; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms; Uterine Neoplasms

Undifferentiated F9 teratocarcinoma cells were induced to differentiate in culture using retinoic acid and cAMP. As a result the morphology of the cultures changes dramatically. Using a monoclonal antibody directed against cytokeratin polypeptide 18 (RGF 53) in the indirect immunofluorescence technique we could show that this cytokeratin subunit is synthesized and assembled into a filamentous network upon differentiation in about 50% of the cells. Immunoblotting studies confirm these results.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Cytoskeleton; Humans; Keratins; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; Teratoma

Undifferentiated F9 teratocarcinoma cells were induced to differentiate in culture using retinoic acid and cAMP. As a result, the morphology of the cultures changes dramatically. Using a monoclonal antibody directed against cytokeratin polypeptide 18 (RGE 53) in the indirect immunofluorescence technique we could show that this cytokeratin subunit is synthesized and assembled into a filamentous network upon differentiation in about 50% of the cells. Immunoblotting studies confirm these results.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Neoplasm; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Neoplasm Proteins; Teratoma

A cloned human embryonal carcinoma (EC) cell line 2102Ep derived from a testicular teratocarcinoma was characterized by means of electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. These EC cells when plated at high cell density grow mostly as undifferentiated cells displayed relatively little pleomorphism. Eighty-five to 90% of these cells contain keratin in the form of peridesmosomal tonofilaments. Cell populations of the same clonal line plated at a low cell density contain, in addition to undifferentiated EC cells, large cells displaying complex cytoplasmic architecture, more complex junctions, and intracytoplasmic keratin in the form of bundles. Some of these cells also react with antibodies to human chorionic gonadotropin indicative of trophoblastic differentiation. Furthermore, some cells form "morules" which are multicellular aggregates composed of a core of EC cells and an attenuated, more differentiated outer cell layer. These data thus point out not only some similarities but also even more prominent differences between human and mouse EC cells.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Cell Nucleus; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Cytoplasm; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Intercellular Junctions; Keratins; Male; Mice; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms

Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting techniques were used to study the presence and distribution of vimentin and keratin type intermediate filaments, actin, and vinculin (130 kD protein) during retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation of F9 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells. The undifferentiated F9 cells regularly expressed vimentin, usually concentrated close to the nucleus, but not keratin. Actin appeared as short intracellular filaments and as spikes at the edges of the colonies, together with some diffuse cytoplasmic staining. F9 cells also showed a weak, diffuse cytoplasmic vinculin-specific fluorescence in addition to occasional small focal vinculin patches at the edges of the cell colonies. RA treatment led into a series of changes in the cytoskeletal organization of F9 cells. These changes were initiated by the appearance of distinct vinculin plaques and followed by formation of actin stress fibers and by profound changes in the organization of vimentin in the flattening cells. RA treatment finally led to the appearance and co-expression of keratin fibrils in many of the vimentin-containing F9 cells. This sequence of changes suggests that the vinculin-containing adhesion plaques may be important in the mechanism of RA-induced differentiation of EC cells.

Topics: Actins; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Cytoskeleton; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Muscle Proteins; Teratoma; Tretinoin; Vimentin; Vinculin

Four adenomatoid tumors of the epididymis were evaluated immunohistologically for the expression of intermediate filaments and endothelial cell markers, factor VIII-related antigen and binding of Ulex europaeus I-lectin (UEA I). Immunofluorescence microscopy showed a strong reaction with antikeratin but not with anti-vimentin antibodies, indicating that adenomatoid tumor cells contain epithelial but not mesenchymal type of intermediate filaments. No staining of tumor cells was seen with anti-FVIII-related antigen antibodies or with fluorochrome-coupled UEA I. The results support the mesothelial, non-endothelial origin of adenomatoid tumors.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antigens; Cytoskeleton; Epididymis; Factor VIII; Humans; Keratins; Lectins; Male; Middle Aged; Teratoma; Testicular Neoplasms; von Willebrand Factor

Two layers of extra-embryonic endoderm, viz. the parietal endoderm (PE) and the visceral endoderm (VE), arise in the mouse embryo shortly after implantation. Both cell populations apparently originate from the primitive endoderm of the blastocyst. While the endoderm differentiation has been studied both in the embryo and in the embryonal carcinoma model system, the investigation has been hampered by the paucity of unequivocal markers of differentiation, especially in the case of the PE. Here we show that the PE and VE of mouse conceptuses differ in their expression of intermediate filaments: while both cell types contain cytokeratin, expression of vimentin was only revealed in the cells of the PE. The association between the differentiation of PE and the appearance of vimentin filaments is discussed.

Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Cytoskeleton; Endoderm; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Mice; Teratoma; Vimentin

Murine extra-embryonic endodermal cell lines derived from either teratocarcinomas or mouse embryos contain a cytoskeletal protein (Endo A) of Mr = 55,000. Endo A was immunoprecipitated from [35S]methionine-labeled lysates of three parietal endodermal cell lines, A presumptive visceral endodermal cell line, and a fetal hepatoma cell line, but not from fibroblasts, myoblasts, erythroleukemic cells, neuroblastoma cells, keratinocytes, or embryonal carcinoma cells. Embryonal carcinoma cells induced to differentiate by exposure to retinoic acid synthesized increased amounts of Endo A approximately 48 h after exposure to the inducer. Two-dimensional gel analysis of immunoprecipitated samples confirmed that Endo A is distinct from vimentin and murine keratinocyte proteins recognized by two different keratin antisera. Comparison by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of immunoprecipitated Endo A labeled with either [35S]methionine or [32P]orthophosphate indicated that the multiple forms of Endo A resolved by isoelectric focusing were due, at least in part, to phosphorylation. Serine was identified as the phosphorylated amino acid. Endo A was the only major antigenic protein found in a parietal endodermal cell line which was recognized by a monoclonal antibody prepared by other investigators against trophoblast cytoskeletons. The results indicate that Endo A, like the previously described Endo B protein, is distinct from other cytoskeletal proteins and will be useful as a marker of the differentiation of murine embryonal carcinoma cells to extra-embryonic endoderm.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Cell Line; Cells, Cultured; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Embryo, Mammalian; HeLa Cells; Keratins; Mice; Molecular Weight; Protein Biosynthesis; Proteins; Teratoma; Tretinoin

Teratocarcinoma differentiation has been studied using sera specific for each of the five intermediate filament (IF) classes. These antibodies distinguish cells of epithelial, muscle, neural, astrocytic, and mesenchymal origin. In embryoid bodies, derived from embryo transplants and obtained in the ascitic fluid by transplantation of teratocarcinoma, the cells of the inner cellular mass did not express any of these intermediate filament types while the outer cells expressed cytokeratin. Intermediate filament expression in the embryoid body thus appears analogous to that in the blastocyst and differs from that in embryonal carcinoma (EC) lines. Twelve EC lines have now been shown to express vimentin although in some EC lines not all cells express vimentin. Other established permanent differentiated cell lines, derived from EC lines in vitro or from tumors in vivo, have been characterized with respect to the type of IF they contain. The distribution of different IF types has been examined in EC cells induced to differentiate by addition of retinoic acid. The proportion of cells expressing each type of intermediate filament appears to depend on the EC cell line used, on the inducing agent, and on the length of treatment. Thus, for instance, F9 cells express cytokeratin, PCC3 derivatives express vimentin, many 1009 derivatives express either glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFA) or neurofilament proteins. Overall the results obtained are in excellent agreement with emerging principles of intermediate filament expression during embryonic differentiation, thus emphasizing the potential use of the various EC lines to study differentiation in culture.

Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Cytoskeleton; Desmin; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Male; Mice; Neoplasms, Experimental; Protein Precursors; Teratoma; Tretinoin; Vimentin

1003 is a multipotential embryonal carcinoma (EC) clonal cell line which can be induced to follow different developmental pathways by altering the composition of the culture medium. When grown in serum-containing medium the great majority of 1003 cells remain undifferentiated; they express the ECMA 7 cell-surface embryonic antigen and very low amounts of vimentin. In serum-free medium, most 1003 cells differentiate into neuroepithelial cells. The majority of these cells are still labelled with ECMA 7 antibodies. They contain higher amounts of vimentin than EC cells, but no neurofilament proteins. Neuroepithelial cells then differentiate into neurons through a stage of preneurons containing both vimentin and the 70-K neurofilament protein. Fully differentiated neurons contain 70-K neurofilament protein but no vimentin. The 200-K neurofilament protein is detected later in the neurons. Mesenchymal cells (induced by re-adding serum) express high amounts of vimentin organized in networks. Preneurons , neurons, and mesenchymal cells do not express ECMA 7 antigen.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, Surface; Cell Line; Clone Cells; Collagen; Culture Media; Cytoskeleton; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Protein Precursors; Teratoma; Vimentin

Autopsy specimens of normal human thymus, from cases of accidental involution, follicular hyperplasia, thymomas and a teratoma were investigated by immunocytochemistry using specific immune sera to small and large keratins. Keratin antisera represent a "marker" of both Hassall's corpuscles (HC) and so-called epithelial reticular cells. There were no apparent differences in keratin polypeptides distribution between cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells. In accidental involution, the epithelial framework became prominent: epithelial cortical borders and epithelial perivascular sheaths appeared often to be discontinuous structure. The central and occasionally cystic spaces of HC did not react with keratin antisera. In follicular hyperplasia, almost solid epithelial aggregates were seen which were located around germinal centers. In thymic tumours, neoplastic epithelial cells displayed a marked immunoreactivity with keratin antisera. Immune sera against keratin filaments represent an interesting tool in thymus research and in the diagnostic pathology of thymic tumours.

Topics: Aged; Autopsy; Child; Child, Preschool; Epithelium; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Hyperplasia; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Teratoma; Thymoma; Thymus Gland; Thymus Neoplasms

Topics: Animals; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Clone Cells; Dioxins; Enzyme Induction; Fibroblasts; Keratins; Mice; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Receptors, Drug; Structure-Activity Relationship; Teratoma

Topics: Animals; Blastocyst; Cell Differentiation; Cytoplasm; Cytoskeleton; Desmin; Endoderm; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Keratins; Mice; Microtubules; Muscle Proteins; Teratoma; Vimentin

Topics: Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Culture Techniques; DNA; Glycine; Keratins; Protein Biosynthesis; RNA; Teratoma; Time Factors; Uridine

From a transplantable mouse teratoma it has been possible to derive an established keratinizing cell line (XB) which grows well in cultures containing lethally irradiated 3T3 fibroblasts at the correct density. Single cells of the keratinizing line grow into colonies each consisting of a stratified squamous epithelium. The keratinizing nature of the colonies has been demonstrated by specific staining with Rhodanile blue, and by light and electron microscopy of sections through the colonies. A function of fibroblasts appears to be a strict requirement for keratinization and an important though less strict requirement for cell growth. The fibroblast function can be carried out by medium harvested from 3T3 cultures. It is possible to detect keratinizing colonies in primary cultures of disaggregated teratoma cells combined with 3T3 cells. Such colonies appeared in cultures of a transplantable teratoma with an overall frequency of 6 X 10(-6) of the cells plated. Nonkeratinizing colonies of cells with otherwise very similar appearance were about 10 fold more abundant. Since both the keratinizing and the related nonkeratinizing colonies can be identified in the living state, it is possible to isolate them from the primary cultures.

Topics: Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Cell Line; Clone Cells; Epidermal Cells; Epithelial Cells; Hydrocortisone; Keratins; Neoplasms, Experimental; Teratoma; Vitamin A

Topics: Cecal Neoplasms; Cecum; Epithelium; Female; Humans; Infant; Keratins; Teratoma

Topics: Dermoid Cyst; Female; Granuloma; Humans; Keratins; Laparoscopy; Medical Records; Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal; Ovarian Neoplasms; Peritoneum; Teratoma