Histology and histopathology Vol. 9, nº 2 (1994)

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Open Access
Invited Review: 65Zn in studies of neurobiology of Zinc
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Vera-Gil, A.; Perez-Castejon, M.C.
The presence of Zinc in the mossy fibre system of the Hippocampi~s is the most thoroughly studied of Zinc relation to the CNS, but many other areas of the CNS are Zinc-containing. Many methods have been used in order to investigate the above mentioned relation, most of then1 being based on histochemistry and physical measurement. 6 5 ~ tnra ce has also been used, but scarcely, probably due to the ciifficulty of radioisotope handling. In the present review we focus on 6 5 ~ nst udies i n the CNS and comment on their advantages and disadvantages.
Open Access
ImmunohistochemicaI-morphometric study of the LH-adenohypophyseal cells following chronic treatment with met-enkephalin
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Rubio, M.; Sanchez, F.; Carretero, J.; Riesco, J. M.; Cabo, L.; Vazquez, R.
In order to test the possible effect of chronic treatment with met-enkephalin upon the LHadenohypophyseal cells, an imrnunohistochemicalmorphometric study was carried out in rats of both sexes receiving a daily dose of 40 pg of met-enkephalin intramuscularly over 15 days. Following the administration of the opioid, a drastic decrease in the cellular, cytoplasmic and nuclear areas when compared to the normal and control animals was detected. Morphologically, the main finding in males was the appearance of irregularly-shaped pseudovacuolated cells. On the other hand, in females a decrease in the intensity of reaction was found. These results strongly suggest a decrease in the activity of the LH-adenohypophyseal cells following chronic administration of met-enkephalin.
Open Access
Transitional papillary cell carcinoma of the ureter, a histological and ultrastructural study
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Melis, M.; Petrozza, V.; Pulvirenti, S.; Eleuteri, E.; Mosca, A.; Angelini, L.; Carpino, F.
We report a case of transitional papillary carcinoma of the distal left ureter. The histological and ultrastructural features were seen and compared by SEM and TEM. Observations confirm the data of literature that the deep cells of neoplasm are a normal morphological finding while the superficial cells do not have the characteristics present in normal transitional cells. In addition, SEM shows small groups or single cells with ccpleomorphic microvilli>, on the cell surface. These, in ureter, confirm the studies of many authors who have observed these abnormalities in carcinomas of several organs like breast, colon, liver and mesothelium.
Open Access
Morphology and changes in Clara cells in the foetal bronchioles of Swiss mice
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Blanco, A.; Mendez, A.; Carrasco, L.; Bautista, María José; Sierra, M. A.
In this work we have studied the morphology and evolution of Clara cells in the bronchiolar mucosa of lungs from 63 Swiss mice foetuses that were classified into three groups according to age (14, 16 and 18 days). A control group composed of 21 15-day-old Swiss mice was also studied. The most salient feature of the Clara cells observed was the occurrence of two types of secretory granules and a large smooth endoplasmic reticulum . On the other hand, the Clara cells of the control group had a single secretory granule. Clara cells thus seem to take part in bronchiolar metabolism, as they were quite abundant in the early foetal groups and diminished as birth approached. This cell decrease was confirmed by the control group (15- day-old mice), the bronchioles of which contained scant cells and numerous ciliated cells.
Open Access
Neutrophil interaction with tumour cells in small early gastric cancer, ultrastructural observations
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Caruso, R.A.; Speciale, G.; Inferrera, C.
The authors studied the neutrophil inflammatory reaction by light and electron microscopy in 4 small early gastric cancers (three tubular adenocarcinomas and one adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell component), selected for the absence of coagulative necrosis and ulceration. Neutrophils showed ultrastructural signs of activation such as aggregation, adhesion and lipid bodies. Some neutrophils were found to be in intimate contact with the intact tumour cells and with those that displayed a varying degree of damage. In particular, relatively early damage, such as disorganization of the intermediate filaments and dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, occurred at the contact regions. In spite of the severe damage to the tumour cells, the neutrophils themselves were intact. These findings are discussed in relationship to a number of recent studies of the neutrophil-mediated tumour cell injury, in man and animals.
Open Access
Carbohydrates and soluble lectins in the regulation of cell adhesion and proliferation
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Zanetta, J.P.; Badache, A.; Maschke, S.; Marschal, P.; Kuchler, S.
There is a large body of suggestions that complex carbohydrates play a role in the regulation of cell adhesion and cell proliferation. Many reports have emphasized that proteoglycans. glycoproteins or glycolipids are participating to cell adhesion mechanisms. The use of polyvalent anti-carbohydrate antibodies and plant lectins as well as the use of glycosy lation inhibitors suggested that cell proliferation can be nlodulated by surface carbohydrates. The dating experiment of Burger and Noonan (1970) showing restoration of contact inhibition of malignant cells by monovalent concanavalin A was a determining experiment. However, in the latter as in the others, no precise mechanism was demonstrated how carbohydrates can be involved in adhesion and proliferation. New insights were opened with the discovery of vertrebrate membrane-bound and soluble lectins. The latter generally display agglutinating activities in in vitro systems, suggesting that they were potential cell adhesion molecules, by forming bridges between cell surface carbohydrates. These polyvalent molecules may be also considered as clustering agents for their cell surface ligands, conseq~~entlgye nerating signals for cell proliferation andlor differentiation.
Open Access
Effects of prostaglandin Eq on the ultrastructure of the golden hamster parathyroid gland
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Emura, S.; Utsumi, M.; Hayakawa, D.; Yamahira, T.; Terasawa, K.; Tamada, A.; Isono, H.; Shoumura, S.
The effects of different ages on large vacuolar bodies in the parathyroid glands of golden hamsters after administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were investigated. In the parathyroid glands of the young and senile animals 15 min and the senile animals 60 min after administration of PGE2, the mean serum calcium concentration was significantly higher when compared to that of the young and senile control animals, respectively. In the experimental adult animals 60 min after administration of PGE2, the serum calcium concentration was seen to increase. In the parathyroid glands of the young animals 15 min and the adult and senile animals 60 min after administration of PGE2, the percent area occupied by large vacuolar bodies was significantly increased when compared to that of the young, adult and senile control animals, respectively. These findings suggest that the percent area occupied by large vacuolar bodies is increased in response to hypercalcemia induced by PGE2. It is thought that in the parathyroid glands suppressed by hypercalcemia there is a relationship between the percent area occupied by large vacuolar bodies and aging.
Open Access
The distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibres in the brain of Gambusia affinis and Salmo trutta
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Coto-Montes, A.; García-Fernández, J.M.; Del Brío, M.A.; Riera, P.
The study was carried out on the distribution of neurons and fibres which contain the Corticotropin releasing factor-like (CRF) immunoreactivity in the encephalon of two species of teleosts, Gambusia affinis and Salmo trutta. The peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) immunocytochemical technique was employed. The present study has shown differences between both species. In Gambusia affinis, positive neurons were observed in the area ventralis telencephali pars lateralis (VLT), in the nucleus praeopticus (NPO) and in the nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT). The immunoreactive fibres were in the area ventralis telencephali, in the preoptic hypophyseal tract and in the hypophysis. In Salmo trutta the immunoreactive cells were seen in the pars magnocellularis and pars parvocellularis of the NPO and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contacting neurons of the NLT. The pattern of distribution of immunoreactive fibres in Salmo trutta was different from that in Gambusia affinis. In addition to the distribution of perikarya in Gambusia affinis (in the VLT and in the preoptic hypophyseal tract), fibres were also observed in the tubero-hypophyseal tract and in the posterior hypothalamus. The hypophysis of Salmo trutta also presents an extensive labelling. The interspecific differences shown in the present study should be due to the different degree of evolution in the two species studied and to other causes, such as environmental ones.
Open Access
In favour of an oncofoetal concept of bronchogenic carcinoma development
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Ten Have-pbroek, A.A.W.; Benfield, J.R.; Hammond, W.G.; Teplitz, R.L.; Dijkman, J.H.
Our recent studies in a heterotopic model of non-small cell lung cancer in dogs (subcutaneous bronchial autografts treated with 3- ~i iethylchola~i threnhea) ve provided evidence that alveolar type I1 cells may newly arise during initial phases of bronchial carcino-genesis. In the light of these novel findings, which are in agreement with our observations in human non-small cell lung cancer, and in \~iew of present insighrs into embryonic lung differentiation, we discuss evidence that favours a new1. oncofoetal concept of bronchogenic carcinoma development. According to this concept, the primary cells of origin for these tilmors are undifferentiated primordial-like cells that derive from bronchial epithelial cells present in major bronchi or their divisions by retrodifferentiation. Such primordiallike cells of origin ~~nde rgnoo vel differentiation into the potential (alveolar, bronchial or primordial) tumor stem cells, which occupy the dividing cellular layers of the (pre)neoplastic lesions and constitute the actively dividing and invading part of the neoplasn~. Examples of tumors that may originate from alveolar tunlor stem cells are carcinon~aso f the bronchioloalveolar, papillary, acinar, and adenoid-cystic types. Squamous cell carcinon~asc ould possibly belong to this group as well, but much more evidence is required to reach conclusions regarding this type of cancer. We suggest that epithelial retrodifferentiation followed by novel differentiation (oncofoetal mechanism) is fundamental in bronchial carcinogenesis.
Open Access
Human eosinophils in vitro. An ultrastructural morphology primer
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Dvorak, A. M.; Ishizaka, T.
An ultrastructural morphological primer of human eosinophils is presented. Mature and immature eosinophils. obtained from peripheral blood and bone marrow, as well as activated tissue eosinophils are all used to illustrate the various morphologies assumed by eosinophils in vivo. The various ultrastructural changes expressed by this cell lineage in vivo reflect the impact of differentiation, maturation, activation, secretion, and cell injury on morphology. Nearly all of the changes described in vivo are also evident in eosinophils arising in in vitro systems. We review published studies of these culture systems, which have been supplemented with various conditioned media containing naturally occurring growth factor(s) that are permissive (or not permissive) for eosinophils or with the recombinant growth factors, IL-5 or IL-3. These sti~diesw ere helpful in the recognition of eosinophil-promoting, -sustaining and -activating properties of human IL-3 and IL-5. Moreover, mature and immature eosinophils were shown to release a granule matrix protein - eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) - by its transport in small cytoplasmic vesicles, a process termed piecemeal degranulation (PMD). accounting for the gradual emptying of granule contents in the absence of granule fusions to the plasma membrane. Also presented are eosinophil morphologies that occur in vitro in suspension cultures of human cord blood supplemented with the c-kit ligand from various sources. The wide variety of eosinophil subcellular changes in the c-kit ligand-supplemented cultures, like the changes of which eosinophils are capable in vivo, reflects the processes of differentiation, maturation, activation, secretion and cell injury. Presentation of this ultrastructural morphological primer of human eosinophils in vitro should enable investigators to recognize eosinophils in all of their diverse morphologic forms i n cultures that contain differentiating and Offprint requests to: Ann M. Dvorak. M.D.. Department of Pathology. Beth lsrael Hospital. 330 Brookline Avenue. Boston. MA 02215, USA functioning rnenibers of other lineages, also present in ckit ligand-supplemented cultures. These lineages include mast cells, basophils, neutrophils. monocytes, macrophages. megakaryocytes, and endothelial cells.
Open Access
Zinc in hypothalamus and hypophysis of the rat
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Pérez-Castejon, C.; Vera-Gil, A.; Barral, M.J.; Perez-Castejon, M.J.; Lahoz, M.
Zinc has been located using both histochemical and autoradiographic procedures in the neurons of the nuclei of the hypothalamic medial area and in some adenohypophisary cells. Some suggestions about the functional significance of the presence of Zn in these places are made.
Open Access
Glycosaminoglycan-sac formation in vitro. Interactions between normal and malignant cells
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Logothetou-Rella, H.
The interaction of monolayer normal human or normal rat cells with suspension Walker rat tumor cells was demonstrated cytologically, during a cocultivation period of thirty days. At ten days, Walker rat tumor cells were interiorized in the cytoplasm of the normal monolayer host cells. At twenty days, degeneration of the interiorized tumor cells followed by mucification led to glycosaminoglycan-sac formation. At thirty days, tumor nodules and protease (a,- chymotrypsin)- bound glycosaminoglycan(s) extracellular matrix, transversing the culture in membranous rivulets, were formed. The overall interaction resulted in the death of the interiorized tumour cell and survival of the normal host cells containing a glycosaminoglycansac. The use of bladder tumor cell imprints showed that cell interiorization, degeneration and extracellular matrix formation identical to that of the CO-cultures, also occur in vivo. Cell interiorization within malignant cell cultures led to syncytia formation and survival of both host and interiorized cells. Identical glycosaminoglycan extracellular matrix to that of the CO-cultures and syncytia was also observed in smears of EBV-producing (P3HR-l) cell cultures. The observations are discussed in terms of invasion, emperipolesis, cannibalism, phagocytosis and extracellular matrix. It is concluded that a glycosaminoglycan-sac is produced by the interiorization of a tumor cell into a normal cell while interiorization of a tumor cell into another tumor cell resulted in syncytia formation.
Open Access
Primary biliary cirrhosis PBC, antigen-presenting cells differ in their distribution in early and late stage PBC and involve the ductal...
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Rontogianni, D.; Gerber, H.; Zimmermann, Astrid
We have studied the distribution patterns of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in different stages of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). 58% of cases with early PBC (stages I and 11) exhibited dendritic APCs (S-loo+, HLA-DR+, KiMlp+) in bile duct epithelia. In contrast, APCs, were not detected in ductular proliferations occurring in late PBC (stages I11 and IV), but occurred in portal tracts and piecemeal necroses. There was a correlation between the presence of APCs and HLA-DR expression in bile ducts but, in contrast to former studies. we noted a heterogeneous ductal HLA expression. These observations support the hypothesis that: 1) APC distribution in PBC may change as a function of stage, involving hepatic parenchyma in late PBC; 2) ductular epithelia may not represent a target for immune attack, because APCs do not accumulate in these structures; and 3) HLA expression in bile ducts may be heterogeneous, suggesting one mechanism why bile duct destruction in PBC does not take place in a synchronous way.
Open Access
The fate of the luminal asymmetric unit membrane of the superficial cell of the rat transitional epithelium
(Murcia: F. Hernández, 1994) Zhang, S.X.; Seguchi, H.
The fate of the luminal asymmetric unit membrane (AUM) of the superficial cell of the transitional epithelium of the rat urinary bladder was electron microscopically and cytochemically investigated using exogenously administered horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as tracer. HRP-positive discoidal vesicles were formed by the folding of the AUM of the luminal surface plasma membrane. With the passage of time, these vesicles changed their shapes and were finally transformed into lysosomes by the following possible routes: 1) by becoming multivesicular bodies (MVBs); 2) by directly fusing with lysosomes; and 3) by becoming autophagic vacuoles. Another possibility would be reutilization.
Open Access
Age-dependent changes in the function and morphology of mitochondria of rat adrenal zona fasciculata
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Markowska, A.; Rebuffat, P.; Gottardo, Giuseppe; Mazzocchi, G.; Nussdorfer, G.G.
The function and morphology of adrenal zona-fasciculata (ZF) mitochondria were studied in 4-, 10- and 16-month-old rats, since in this species ageing causes a marked decline in glucocorticoid secretion coupled with high levels of circulating ACTH. Dispersed intact ZF cells displayed a significant age-dependent impairment of their basal pregnenolone (PREG) secretion, but isolated ZF mitochondria showed an increased capacity to convert cholesterol to PREG (the first rate-limiting step of steroid synthesis). These data are in keeping with the contention that the age-related deficit of rat ZF secretion is located prior to the activity of intramitochondrial cholesterol side-chain cleaving enzymes (cytochrome-P450scc). Stereology showed a notable age-dependent increase in the number of mitochondria per unit cell-volume, coupled with a marked decrease in their average volume. The width of the mitochondrial intermembrane space remained unchanged, but its average volume strikingly decreased. This last finding fits well with the enhanced capacity of mitochondria to produce PREG, since intermembrane space is an acqueous barrier to the translocation of free cholesterol from the outer membrane to the cristae, where cytochrome-P450scc is located. In conclusion, the hypothesis is advanced that all these age-related functional and morphological mitochondrial changes are an ACTH-dependent compensatory response enabling ZF cells to partially counteract their decreased glucocorticoid secretory capacity, which in turn is due to the impaired utilization of intracytoplasmic stores of cholesterol esters.
Open Access
Influence of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone LHRH, treatment on cellular proliferation in the rat anterior pituitary
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Carbajo, S.; Gonzalez, F.; López-Muñiz, A.; Carbajo-Pérez, E.
This study was designed to gain insight into the action of LHRH on the control of cellular proliferation in the anterior pituitary. The fraction of cells labelled with bromodeoxyuridine (S-phase cells) was studied in cytospin preparations of anterior pituitary cells taken from control male and female rats and from rats treated with daily doses of 2 pg1100 g body weight of LHRH (7 days), with doses of 40 pg of LHRH given on alternate days for 14 days (7 doses) or, finally, treated with daily doses of 50 ng of busereline acetate (14 days). Treatment with LHRH for 14 days resulted in a significant increase in the fraction of S-phase cells. However, neither the blockade of gonadotrophin secretion with busereline acetate nor its stimulation with LHRH for seven days resulted in a significant change in the proliferative activity of anterior pituitary cells. This action was independent of sex. No significant changes were seen in the proportions of pituitary gonadotrops of the different study groups. Regardless of the treatmentgroup very few cells doubly-immunostained for BrdU and LH were found. It is concluded that LHRH may stimulate cellular proliferation in the anterior pituitary, but further studies are needed to define which cells are involved in this action.
Open Access
Astrocytes in brain tumours. Differentiation or trapping
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Escalona Zapata, J.
Adult astrocytes have been described in several types of gliomas, being accepted as high differentiated cells. Their presence is specially important concerning the concept of undifferentiated neuroectodermal tumours (PNET). We have studied two series of brain tumors and compared and contrasted them with silver impregnation (89 cases) and GFAP (127 cases). These are our conclusions: these astrocytes show the same morphology not only in neuroectodermal tumours, but also in CNS parenchyma around meningiomas, metastasis and brain lymphomas; many of these astrocytes are mature, normal cells with involutive features, lying among tumoral cells without transitional stages; their presence is directly related to a prominent peritumoral gliosis, a high proliferation rate and an infiltrating growth. On this basis, it is suggested that most of them are astrocytes belonging to the invaded CNS tissue and not true tumoral cells.
Open Access
Pathological findings in a cat with cryptococcosis and feline immunodeficience virus infection
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Ramos-Vara, J.A.; Ferrer, L.; Visa, J.
This report describes the gross, histopathological, imm~~nocytochemi c aaln d electron rnicroscopic findings in a cat with systemic cryptococcosis and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection. Lymphadenopathy and cloudiness of leptomeninges were the major gross findings. Numerous cryptococcal yeasts were found in lymph nodes, brain, and lung, and were less common in the kidney and the eye. The inflammatory reaction varied i n intensity and cell type (mononuclear through granulomatous) depending on the organ involved. Yeasts were mainly within phagocytes as revealed by electron microscopy. Some inflammatory cells were imrnunocytochemicaIly-stained with anti-CD3 antibodies.
Open Access
The diffusely-infiltrated lymphoid tissue of the bursa of fabricius of Sturnus unicolor. Histological organization and functional significance
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Fonfría Díaz, José; Moreno, J.; Gomez del Moral, M.; Alonso, L.M.; Zapata, A.G.
In the present study we confirm and extend previous reports about the existence of a T-dependent area in the bursa of Fabricius of some birds, analyzing ultrastructurally the cell content of the so-called diffusely-infiltrated lymphoid tissue of the bursa of the spotless starling, Sturnus unicolor. I t consists of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages (MW) and interdigitating cells (IDCs) in a supporting reticular stroma which, apart from blood capillaries, contains postcapillary high-endothelial venules (HEVs). The presence of both IDCs and HEVs confirms the T-celldependent nature of this area, as previously claimed for other avian species, and emphasizes other functions. apart from its role in B-cell maturation, for the bursa of Fabricius specially in adult birds.
Open Access
AgNOR and breast cancer. A study by image analysis
(Murcia : F. Hernández, 1994) Ronco, A.; Larran, J.; Lopez, A.; Vilches, J.
The nucleolar organizer regions are used as a new marker in proliferation cell. AgNOR are loops of DNA actively transcribing to ribosomal RNA and they are associated with nonhistone proteins with strong argyrophile. In the present study we correlated the relationships between number and size of AgNOR measured by an automatic image analysis using CAS- 100, in eleven breast carcinomas in different clinical stages and histological grades. We could identify the AgNOR with silver stain; the relationship between the numberlsize and histological gradelclinical stage shows that in normal breast we find one or two AgNOR but this number is larger when the carcinomas are less differentiated. When studied, the size is larger in the normal breast. We can make the same conclusions with the carcinomas which are lymph-node +.