muramidase and Meningeal-Neoplasms

In meningiomas, transformed meningeal cells can share morphological aspects (in hemangiopericytic meningioma) and antigenic properties (i.e.: HLA-DR antigens expression) with elements of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. In this report, we describe a case of a highly vascular meningioma where numerous tumor cells, studied with immunohistochemical methods, present phenotypic properties of macrophages. Moreover, the cerebrospinal fluid (CF) analysis disclosed, using a biological assay, a high level of a growth factor for monocytic elements, the Macrophages Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF). Our findings may confirm that transitional aspects between different mesenchymal cells could be present in meningiomas.

Topics: alpha 1-Antitrypsin; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Neoplasm; Biomarkers, Tumor; Female; HLA Antigens; HLA-DR Antigens; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Keratins; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Macrophages; Membrane Glycoproteins; Meningeal Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Mucin-1; Muramidase; Vimentin

Investigations were performed to become acquainted with the immunohistochemical features of foam cells localized perivascular and intratumoral in neoplasms of neuroectodermal origin. Antibodies against lysozyme (muramidase) (LO), alfa 1-antitrypsin (AT), protein S-100 and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) were used. A weak or medium intense reaction result has been obtained in the cytoplasm of the foam cells if antibodies against LO, and alfa 1-antitrypsin and almost negative result if antibodies against protein S-100 and GFAP were used. Only very few cells which differ from the foam cells morphologically were very intense stained with primary antibodies against LO and alfa 1-antitrypsin. In accordance with the present views the LO and AT positive cells were recognized as macrophages. The application of macrophage markers did not allow us to ascribe unequivocally the foam cells macrophage-like or histiocyte-like properties. May be that the foam cells in tumors of perivascular and intratumoral localization present another phenotypic defined group of histiocytes, despite their morphological similarity to those cells derived from smooth muscle cells of arterial blood vessels observed in arteriosclerosis.

Topics: alpha 1-Antitrypsin; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Ectoderm; Foam Cells; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Glioblastoma; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Lymphocytes; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Muramidase; S100 Proteins

To identify adults with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia at risk for the development of central nervous system involvement, we performed periodic cerebrospinal fluid examinations on patients in remission. Among 58 consecutive patients monitored during first remission, central nervous system leukemia developed in nine (16 percent). Four patients, including one who was symptomatic, had central nervous system leukemia detected simultaneously with marrow relapse. Five additional patients were asymptomatic and continue to have bone marrow remission. Following central nervous system and systemic treatment, two of these five patients have never had relapse, and three had relapse in the bone marrow five, 10, and 21 months later. Factors at diagnosis associated with the subsequent development of central nervous system leukemia were elevated leukocyte count, serum lysozyme and lactate dehydrogenase, extramedullary infiltration including splenomegaly, and monocytic (FAB M4 or M5a) morphology. In six of 17 patients (35 percent) with monocytic morphology, central nervous system leukemia developed compared with only three of 41 patients (7 percent) with other subtypes (p = 0.02). Discriminant analysis identified leukocyte count, splenomegaly, and M4 or M5a morphology as the most important risk factors and led to a mathematical formula that correctly identified 90 percent of the patients. Although the risk of central nervous system leukemia in adults with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia is too low to justify routine prophylaxis, those patients recognized to be at a greater risk should receive prophylaxis or be monitored closely with periodic lumbar punctures.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Female; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Leukemia; Leukocyte Count; Male; Meningeal Neoplasms; Muramidase; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Splenomegaly

Between 1978 and 1980, 45 cases of acute monoblastic leukaemia have been diagnosed, treated and followed in our institute. Morphological diagnosis was performed according to the French-American-British classification. Tumoral syndrome (particularly extra-medullary) and hyperleucocytosis were the most striking findings at the time of diagnosis. Cytogenetic analysis performed in 31 cases before treatment has showed that abnormality of the long arm of chromosome 11 seemed to be more frequently associated with the poorly differentiated cytological subtype M5 (a). Intensive chemotherapy with zorubicin and cytosine arabinoside led to complete remission in 75% of the cases. Central nervous system prophylaxis appeared definitively useful in preventing meningeal relapse. Despite a prolongation of the median duration of complete remission which now reaches 12 months, the prognostic is still poor.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Chromosome Aberrations; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation; Female; Gingival Hypertrophy; Hepatomegaly; Humans; Infant; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute; Lymphadenitis; Male; Meningeal Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Prognosis; Skin Diseases; Splenomegaly