Detection of oncogene rearrangements in human non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Southern blot hybridization was used to detect the rearrangement and amplification of five proto-oncogenes (bcl-2, bcl-1, c-myc, c-myb and c-Ha-ras) and one tumor suppressor gene (RB-1) in 55 Japanese patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; 16 with T-cell lymphomas and 39 with B-cell lymphomas (7 follicular and 32 diffuse lymphomas). Genetic abnormalities of the proto-oncogenes were detected in 7 of the 55 (13%). Genetic abnormalities of bcl-2 plus other genes were detected in 5 of 7 cases of follicular lymphoma (71%), rearrangements of bcl-2 and c-myc, rearrangement of bcl-2 and amplification of c-myb. Genetic abnormalities were observed in only three cases of diffuse lymphoma. In each of 3 cases of B-cell lymphoma, one of the genes, blc-2 mbr, bcl-2 mcr and c-myc, was rearranged respectively. The incidence of genetic abnormalities in diffuse lymphomas (6.3%) was lower than that in follicular lymphomas. None of diffuse lymphomas had double oncogene abnormality. No abnormalities were found in RB-1, bcl-1, and Ha-ras. These findings suggest that follicular lymphomas are associated with some abnormalities of oncogenes not restricted to bcl-2 that facilitate growth which may be associated with their clinical features.</p

Two Distinct Pathways to Development of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 95% of the malignant tumors of the vaginal vulva and is mostly found in elderly women. The future numbers of patients with vulvar SCC is expected to rise, mainly because of the proportional increase in the average age of the general population. Two different pathways for vulvar SCC have been put forth. The first pathway is triggered by infection with a high-risk-type Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Integration of the HPV DNA into the host genome leads to the development of a typical vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), accompanied with overexpression of p14ARF and p16INK4A. This lesion subsequently forms a warty- or basaloid-type SCC. The HPV vaccine is a promising new tool for prevention of this HPV related SCC of the vulva. The second pathway is HPV-independent. Keratinizing SCC develops within a background of lichen sclerosus (LS) through a differentiated VIN. It has a different set of genetic alterations than those in the first pathway, including p53 mutations, allelic imbalances (AI), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Further clinical and basic research is still required to understand and prevent vulvar SCC. Capsule. Two pathway for pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma of the value are reviewed

Successful management of placenta percreta by cesarean hysterectomy with transverse uterine fundal incision

Placenta accreta presents one of the highest risks to pregnancy, and its more severe variant, placenta percreta, is particularly risky. The incidence of both conditions is increasing. Placenta percreta requires a cesarean hysterectomy for management, but the challenges associated with this surgery often result in severe obstetric hemorrhaging and high rates of maternal morbidity. Several recent obstetric studies have reported on the usefulness of the transverse uterine fundal incision for the management of placenta accreta and its variants. However, these reports included only a few cases of placenta percreta. Here we present a case of placenta percreta covering the anterior uterine wall that was successfully managed using a transverse fundal incision, which avoided incising the placenta at delivery and thus reduced maternal blood loss. After delivery, the patient underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy without the need for a blood transfusion. We conclude that a transverse uterine fundal incision can be very useful for the management of placenta percreta of the anterior uterine wall

Application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to the microscopically identified cells on the slides: evaluation of specificity and sensitivity of single cell PCR.

The sensitivity and specificity of single cell polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were studied. Its high sensitivity enabled detection of a single-copy gene, such as human T-lymphotropic virus type I genome in paraffin sections. The rate of obtaining positive signals with this method was affected by the number of copies of the gene in the target cell. Specificity was satisfactory if the procedure was properly and carefully followed. Since the single cell PCR is a time-consuming method which requires skill and experience to pick up the target cells accurately, the applicability of this method is limited. It works best when it is used to analyze a single or a few copy genes in histologically identified cells.</p

Metaplastic bone formation in a hyperplastic polyp of the stomach: a case report.

Metaplastic bony tissue along with hyperplastic mucosal epithelium showing no atypism was detected in biopsy materials from a Yamada type I gastric polyp. The tissue was metaplastic woven bone associated with calcification. Histogenesis of the bone formation is as yet unknown. This is the first reported case of the presence of metaplastic bone accompanied by hyperplastic gastric mucosa so far.</p

Comparison of monoclonal antibodies reactive with lymphocyte subsets in routinely fixed paraffin-embedded material: flow cytometric analyses, immunoperoxidase staining and influence of fixatives.

We have attempted to clarify the characteristics of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) detecting lymphocyte subsets in fixed materials. We examined by means of flow cytometric technique influences of fixatives and reactivity with malignant lymphomas (MLs). Specific markers for T-cells were UCHL1 and OPD4, which reacted especially with helper/inducer T-cells. MT1 recognized almost all of T-cells from peripheral blood and tonsils, but reacted with a part of B-MLs. As for B-cell markers, L26 was the most reliable marker for B-MLs. L26 and MB1 antigens could not be detected on living cells flow cytometrically. LN1 reacted with a part of T-cells as well as B-cells, but fluorescent intensity of the former was apparently stronger than that of the latter. Although LN2 antigen was located mainly in the cytoplasm close to the nuclear membrane immunohistochemically, it could be detected on living cells flow cytometrically. LN2 positive cells belonged to B-cells in peripheral blood and tonsils. When fixed for relatively short time, B5 and buffered formalin were better for examining MAbs than non-buffered formalin and ethanol.</p

Partial Purification and Chraracterization of Dendritic Cell Differentiation Factor

Previously, we reported that interleukin-2 (IL-2)-stimulated helper T cells produced an unknown soluble factor which induced dendritic cell-like differentiation in primary cultures of monocytic leukemia cells and we referred to this factor as dendritic cell differentiation factor (DCDF). In this study, we attempted to purify and characterize DCDF and investigated its biological effect on normal human monocytes. Gel filtration chromatography indicated that the molecular weight of DCDF is approximately 30-35 kDa. Chromatofocusing indicated that the isoelectric point of DCDF is approximately 5.0. DCDF, partially purified by subsequent gel filtration, chromatofocusing, and hydrophobic chromatography, significantly enhanced the HLA-DR expression of normal human monocytes and a human monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1. This biological activity was not neutralized by any known antibodies to human cytokines. DCDF significantly amplified the T-cell stimulatory activity of monocytes in the allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). Moreover, DCDF significantly enhanced IL-1 beta and IL-6 production by monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that DCDF is a novel human cytokine which stimulates the accessory cell function of monocytes.</p