Distribution of macrophages in the human fallopian tubes: an immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study

The fallopian tubes are essential for the normal transport of gametes, fertilisation and early embryonic development and transport. Their locomotive force is mainly due to the contractility of the smooth muscle cells, as well as to the ciliary activity of the tubal epithelium. Steroid hormones such as oestradiol and progesterone mediate changes in tubal morphology, in particular the tubal epithelium. It is well known that macrophages participate in the immune system, but recent studies have shown that they also play other roles under physiological conditions. They are known to be a source of prostaglandins of the E series, which influence the contractility of the uterine tube. Lymphocytes in the tubal mucosa can be involved in the process of immune tolerance, which could enable sperms and blastocysts to be transported through the oviduct under normal conditions without the activation of local immune mechanisms. Most of the evidence for mucosal immune responses in the female reproductive tract is related to the vagina, with less information available for the uterus. The less known segment in this regard is the oviduct, which prompted us to review and summarise the current state of knowledge of the immune system at the level of the human oviduct. The present study was therefore undertaken to examine the distribution and morphological properties of macrophages in the endosalpingeal stroma and smooth muscle layer of the human fallopian tubes. Thirty fresh fallopian tubes were examined, taken at the proliferative (7 cases) and secretory (12 cases) phases of the menstrual cycle, and during the postmenopausal period (11 cases). Sections were stained by immunocytochemistry with a primary antibody (CD 68) and were used for counting the macrophages. Ultrathin sections were stained with lead citrate and uranyl acetate and studied by means of electron microscopy to asses the ultrastructure of the macrophages. A significant difference was observed between reproductive and postmenopausal women in the number of macrophages (p < 0.05). This study may help to clarify the possible role of macrophages of the uterine tubes in some cases of infertility in females. (Folia Morphol 2008; 67: 43-52

Gaspard de la nuit et l'univers fictionnel de la culture égyptienne

Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal

Morphometric and immunohistochemical study of angiogenic marker expressions in invasive ductal carcinomas of the human breast

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Results from experimental studies suggest that tumour progression and metastasis in breast cancer are angiogenesis dependant. The College of American Pathologists has stated that further study of quantification of tumour angiogenesis is still required to demonstrate its prognostic value in breast cancer. In this study, not only the microvascular density (MVD), but also the vascular area ratio (VAR), and the vascular count in different grades of invasive ductal breast carcinoma were assessed using a pan-endothelial marker, CD34, and monoclonal antibody to CD105, by employing computer assisted morphometric measurements. In addition, quantitative expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected. Correlation of the vascular parameters and VEGF expression with the different grades of invasive ductal breast carcinoma was clarified. Immunohistochemical staining for the CD105, CD34, and VEGF antibodies were performed in 25 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma in King Fahd Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Normal breast tissue samples comprised 15 specimens detected at the safety margin of the malignant breast cases were collected. Positive CD34 stained blood-vessel endothelial cells were observed in all normal breast tissues. In contrast, CD105 and VEGF expression were not expressed in the normal breast ducts and lobules. Widespread staining for CD34, to a lesser extent CD105, and VEGF expression were seen in all tumour specimens with different grades. Significant differences in the vascular parameters, stained with antiCD34, were observed between normal breast tissues and invasive ductal carcinoma. In addition, the vascular parameters stained with antiCD34 and antiCD105, and the percentage of VEGF expression in the three grades of invasive ductal carcinomas showed significant differences with positive correlations. In conclusion, MVD as well as VAR are considered to reflect the final result of the tumour angiogenesis cascade. In addition, VEGF expression was found to be a useful angiogenic marker. However, few cases were VEGF negatively stained. Thus, the expression of MVD, VAR, and to a lesser extent VEGF might be reference predictors for the biological behaviour and prognosis of breast carcinoma

STUDY CORRELATING NIOBIUM SURFACE ROUGHNESS WITH SURFACE PARTICLE COUNTS

Abstract A study has been initiated at Michigan State University (MSU) to relate the surface preparation of Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) resonators and surface particle counts, using niobium samples. During fabrication, undesired surface roughness can develop on the internal surfaces of the resonators. The final cavity finish will be product of material forming, machining, welding, chemistry, high-pressure rinsing, and handling of the niobium material. This study will document niobium samples treated with MSU standard processing procedures; first measuring the surface roughness, then polishing samples with defined techniques, processing, and measuring surface particle counts. The samples will include as received niobium, machined surfaces, welded surfaces, and surfaces with characterized surface imperfections (scratches)