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Biomedical subjects

B Arbeille

Publications and source records attributed to B Arbeille.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Immunocytochemical and electron microscopic study of hepatitis B virus antigen and complete particle production in hepatitis B virus DNA transfected HepG2 cells.

The relationship between the presence of hepatitis B virus antigens, their localization and hepatitis B virus replication was studied in different clones of cultured HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells transfected with cloned hepatitis B virus DNA. Intracellular hepatitis B virus antigens were detected by immunofluorescence. The production of these antigens was evaluated in the culture media by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Hepatitis B virus DNA was detected using dot-blot hybridization. Three types of HBcAg staining were observed in transfected HepG2 cells: (a) cells with nuclear HBcAg, (b) cells with cytoplasmic HBcAg and (c) cells with both nuclear and cytoplasmic HBcAg. Cell types b and c also expressed hepatitis B virus DNA in their culture media. Our results suggest that cytoplasmic HBcAg may be more involved than nuclear HBcAg in hepatitis B virus replication. The site of hepatitis B virus formation in hepatocytes was studied by electron microscopic examination of a specific hepatitis B virus producer clone, thereby allowing detection of intracellular Dane particles more easily than liver biopsy samples from infected patients. Dane particles and HBsAg filaments were found in large, dilated structures probably related to the endoplasmic reticulum. Budding of core particles into cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum-related structures appears to be a possible mechanism for hepatitis B virus formation; our results suggest that the exocytosis of cisternae to extracellular spaces may be a mechanism for release of hepatitis B virus particles.

Blotting, Southern↗

Production of recombinant Von Willebrand factor by CHO cells cultured in macroporous microcarriers.

Recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cells producing Von Willebrand factor have been successfully grown in gelatin macroporous microcarriers (Cultispher-G). Serum-free cultures were maintained in 1, 4, and 10 liter fermentors for more than two months. Comparative studies with Cytodex-3 microcarriers have been performed in 1 liter fermentors. The lower specific Von Willebrand factor productivity of CHO cells cultivated on Cultispher-G were offset by higher cell densities (10(7) - 2 x 10(7) cells/ml). Volumetric Von Willebrand factor productivity was influenced by oxygen concentration, and remained stable during scale-up from 1 to 10 liter fermentors.

Animals↗

Papillary tumour of the vagina resembling transitional cell carcinoma.

A case of a peculiar papillary neoplasia of the vagina resembling a urothelial tumour is presented. Four vaginal tumours were excised from a 76-year-old woman. Five years before this patient had undergone a uretero-nephrectomy for a non-invasive papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis. The four vaginal tumours demonstrated gross and microscopic similarities to low-grade papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract. This observation indicates that multicentric, non-invasive, papillary tumours may affect the whole uro-genital area. The vaginal wall was not overlaid by a normal squamous epithelium, but by a peculiar "transitional-like" epithelium. Variegated endocrine cells were documented within this lining, using immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques. The eventuality of a histogenetic link between the tumour and the adjacent epithelial lining remains unresolved.

Aged↗

[Cytokeratins and exocervical malpighian epithelium. Particular distribution of several cytokeratins].

The purpose of this study was to determine tissue distribution of certain cytokeratins along the ectocervical lining. A series of 20 cases was investigated by immunocytochemical labelling with specific antibodies against cytokeratins 19, 18, 8, 7, 10. Monoclonal antibodies were used on frozen sections. Distribution of keratin or alteration in expression was correlated with morphologic changes. All specimens were lined by a normal stratified squamous epithelium which was devoid of argyrophilic cells. Low molecular weight cytokeratins 8, 18, 19 (normally expressed in simple epithelia) were consistently and exclusively expressed through out the basal cell layer of the ectocervical lining. Some other particular immunostainings have been noted. A peculiar staining pattern was observed around some stromal papillae. Development of papillae was accompanied by the expression of cytokeratin 10 (which is commonly detected in skin), and by a reduction in the level of expression of simple epithelial cytokeratins. In addition, in the middle zone, anticytokeratin 10 revealed a mosaic of positive and negative cells even in light microscopically non keratinizing squamous epithelium, with differences of expression from case to case.

Cervix Uteri↗

[Livedo reticularis, cerebrovascular disorders and mitral disease: a new cause of Sneddon's syndrome?].

Sneddon's syndrome consists of livedo reticularis and cerebral vascular accidents with no evidence of systemic disease responsible for the livedo. The syndrome has been assimilated to a subgroup of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with presence of antibodies directed against phospholipids. Recently, a significant increase in the frequency of cardiac valve diseases has been demonstrated in some SLE patients with livedo reticularis, cerebral vascular accidents and antiphospholipid antibodies. We report the case of a 26-year old woman who had been presenting for 6 years with idiopathic livedo reticularis. Her history was remarkable for the occurrence of 2 cerebral ischaemic accidents at the ages of 23 and 26 years, generalized convulsive seizures at 22 years, and hypertension of pregnancy with 2 miscarriages. Biopsy of the livedo showed normal histological patterns, but electron microscopy detected an obliterating endothelial proliferation and endothelial cells with numerous Weibel-Palade bodies. Laboratory signs of SLE, as well as antiphospholipid antibodies were absent. At the age of 26 years, cardiac abnormalities were heard at auscultation for the first time, and echocardiography showed that they were due to a fairly loose mitral stenosis. According to Burton's criteria our patient had all the typical features of Sneddon's syndrome. The finding of mitral stenosis--an emboligenic cardiopathy that is potentially responsible for cerebral vascular accidents--raises the problem of its relationship with Sneddon's syndrome. The association does not seem to be fortuitous, since our case is very similar to the cases of SLE or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome associated with cardiac valve lesions. However, this case is particular in that 6 years after the onset of the disease there was still no sign of SLE and of antiphospholipid antibodies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

[Endocrine cells and Malpighian epithelium. Merkel-type cells? Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study].

This study was devoted to a peculiar population of argyrophilic cells present among various stratified squamous epithelia. The purpose of the study was to determine the distribution and the nature of these argyrophilic cells, and to reappraise their degree of analogy with the Merkel cells of epidermis. Examples of squamous epithelia from skin, exocervix, anal canal and dermoid cyst of ovary were investigated using histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques. Melanin-containing cells as well as peculiar argyrophilic cells were revealed in each series of specimens. These peculiar argyrophilic cells expressed EMA, chromogranin A and NCL-5D3 (cytokeratins 19, 18, 8) immunoreactivities. By contrast, they were serotonin negative. An intense staining for EMA was observed. These cells were obviously endocrine cells. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the presence of endocrine cells within the anal canal and the exocervix; moreover, in anal canal, some of these cells appeared to have contacts with a nerve terminal. Through the epidermis, these cells can only correspond to Merkel cells, because of their chromogranin positivity. Throughout other squamous epithelia, this population of endocrine cells (serotonin negative) bear some analogies with Merkel cells of epidermis. Their distribution, morphology, EMA immunoreactivity and ultrastructural appearance were reminiscent of those of the Merkel cells. They could be named Merkel-type cells. Additional studies, using other characteristic or specific markers of Merkel cells, are clearly required to determine the exact degree of analogy between these types of cells. Merkel-type cells could be largely distributed through stratified squamous epithelia from various tissues. They can be easily visualized by their strong EMA immunoreactivity and must be distinguished from Paget cells.

Endocrine Glands↗

[Cicatricial pemphigoid disclosed by superficial desquamative gingivitis. Clinical and immuno-electron microscopic study of a case].

Six months before consulting, a 71-year old man developed buccal and genital erosions which gradually became worse. Physical examination showed signs of superficial desquamative gingivitis, wide erosions on the bony palate, erythemato-erosive balanoposthitis and 7 bullae or skin erosions on the upper part of the back. At histopathological examination of a cutaneous bulla there was dermoepidermal cleavage and an inflammatory infiltrate without eosinophils. At direct immunofluorescence, linear deposits of IgG and C3 were present along the basement membrane. A search for anti-skin autoantibodies was negative at indirect immunofluorescence but positive at immunoblotting (240 Kd band). The cicatricial pemphigoid was treated with dapsone alone in doses of 100 mg/day. Treatment was continued for 6 months, resulting in complete cure of the mucosal and cutaneous lesions. An immunoelectromicroscopic study, performed according to the technique described by Prost et al., on a fragment of skin from around the bullae, showed deposits of granular IgG in the lamina lucida and the lamina densa and deposits of C3 in the lamina densa. This case of cicatricial pemphigoid exhibited 3 features which are not usually found in bullous pemphigoid. Clinically, the buccal lesions were located on the gums and on the hard palate, i.e. where the mucosa adheres to the underlying bone through the periosteum. This location is habitual in cicatricial pemphigoid and differs from that of the bullous pemphigoid lesions which affect the free mucosa lining the cheeks and the soft palate. Treatment with dapsone was dramatically successful in our patient whose lesions disappeared in 6 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

Endocrine cells in human Bartholin's glands. An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis.

Endocrine cells were investigated in human Bartholin's glands by use of histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural methods. Endocrine cells represent normal constituents of these glands, being mainly distributed throughout the transitional epithelium of the major excretory duct; however, single elements are dispersed among the acinar lobules. Serotonin-, calcitonin-, katacalcin-, bombesin- and alpha-hCG-immunoreactive cells were recognized, with serotonin-immunoreactive cells predominating. Co-expression of calcitonin, katacalcin or alpha-hCG with serotonin was observed in single endocrine cells. At the ultrastructural level, these cells are richly granulated and show typical neuroendocrine features. Bartholin's glands display an endocrine profile quite similar to that of other cloacal-derived tissues.

Antibodies↗

[Malignant mesodermal mixed tumor of the ovary with neuro-ectodermic differentiation].

A striking ovarian tumour was observed in a post-menopausal, 54-year-old woman. Most of the tumour shows histologic features of a malignant mesodermal (müllerian) mixed tumour. However, this tumour harbours a peculiar component suggesting neuroectodermal neoplasia. Histochemical and immunohistochemical studies demonstrate focal pheochromocytomatous (or paraganglionic) and ganglionic differentiations. Several types of cells could be identified: ganglion cells (NSE +, neurofilaments +), pheochromocytes or paraganglion cells (chromogranin +), Schwann cells (S 100 protein +), and neuroblastomatous elements (NSE +). This neoplastic component could be compared with compound tumours such as pheochromocytomaganglioneuroblastoma or gangliocytic paraganglioma. This type of tumour has not been reported in ovary, notably in association with a mesodermal mixed tumour. Such observation prompts us to consider tumours of somatic origin containing germ cell-type elements, with a review of the literature.

Female↗

Endocrine cells in the excurrent duct system of the testis. An immunohistochemical analysis.

A systematic search for endocrine cells in the excurrent duct system of the testis was carried out by means of histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. A panel of antibodies against amine and polypeptide hormones was used. 80 specimens comprising representative areas of rete testis, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymis and 30 examples of ductus deferens were investigated. Cells immunoreactive for serotonin were detected in four out of 110 specimens. They were invariably in normal-appearing ductuli efferentes. A salient feature was their rarity and focal distribution. We failed to detect any endocrine cells in other segments of the excurrent duct system and notably not among epididymal epithelium. It seems of interest that serotonin cells are specifically distributed throughout remnants of excretory mesonephric tubules in both males and females.

Endocrine Glands↗

Endocrine cells in ectocervical epithelium. An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis.

A systematic study of endocrine cells in the ectocervix was carried out using histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques. Serotonin and calcitonin immunoreactive cells were demonstrated in this site. Serotonin and calcitonin immunoreactivities were coexpressed in the same endocrine cell. These distinctive cells were encountered in two main morphological varieties of ectocervical epithelium. Normal-appearing stratified squamous epithelium contained only very rare serotonin and calcitonin cells. In contrast, endocrine cells were fairly abundant in a specific epithelium termed "transitional-like". This type of epithelium was not only confined to the transformation zone but could also extend onto the portio as far as the vaginal cut margin. In some cases, transitional-like epithelium bore morphological resemblance to urothelium. In other cases, it could be regarded as basal cell hyperplasia or immature squamous metaplasia. Of interest, serotonin and calcitonin cells have been well-documented as normal inhabitants of some other non-squamous epithelia, such as urothelium or pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Therefore, it is suggested that certain ectocervical epithelia show some similarities to urothelium, in respect of their morphological appearance and endocrine profile. Further investigations using more objective and specific markers of urothelial cells are needed to assess the exact degree of homology connecting all these types of epithelium.

Calcitonin↗

Glycoprotein hormone alpha-chain-immunoreactive endocrine cells in prostate and cloacal-derived tissues.

All cloacal-derived tissues contain a similar endocrine cell population. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-like immunoreactivity has been reported in some prostatic endocrine cells. On the other hand, immunoreactivity to alpha-hCG is well known to occur in a variety of extraprostatic endocrine elements. Most cloacal-derived tissues were tested with a panel of monoclonal antibodies against hCG and subunits. The previously described hCG-like positivity was found to be exclusively related to the free alpha-subunit of hCG. Moreover, alpha-chain immunoreactivity was more broadly distributed in most cloacal-derived tissues, including those from the anal canal. In the anal canal, alpha-chain was an excellent marker of the anal transitional zone. alpha-Chain-immunoreactive endocrine cells were normal and nonneoplastic constituents of these tissues; they corresponded to a subpopulation of serotonin cells. In addition, certain prostatic argyrophil cell carcinomas might be exclusively alpha-subunit producing.

Calcitonin↗

[Malignant mixed mesodermal tumor with endocrine cells of the corpus uteri].

A case of uterine malignant mixed mesodermal tumor harboring endocrine cells is reported. Endocrine cells were immunocharacterized as serotonin, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide cells. This variety of mixed müllerian tumor is added to other endocrine cells-containing neoplasms of the uterus.

Adenocarcinoma↗

New human T-lymphotropic retrovirus related to simian T-lymphotropic virus type III (STLV-IIIAGM).

This report describes serologic evidence for a virus similar to that known as simian T-lymphotropic virus type III of African Green monkeys (STLV-IIIAGM) infecting apparently healthy people in Senegal, West Africa, and the isolation of virus from these individuals. Serum samples from selected healthy West African people showed unusual serologic profiles when tested with antigens of HTLV-III/LAV, the etiologic agent of AIDS, and of STLV-IIIAGM. The samples reacted strongly with all of the major viral antigens of STLV-IIIAGM but showed variable or no reactivity with the major viral antigens of HTLV-III/LAV by radioimmunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A new human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-IV) isolated from these people was grown in vitro and shown to have retroviral type particles, growth characteristics, and major viral proteins similar to those of the STLV-III and HTLV-III/LAV group of retroviruses. The gp120/160, gp32, p64, p55, p53, p24, and p15 proteins precipitated were the same size as and reactive with STLV-IIIAGM proteins. The serologic data suggest that this virus shares more common epitopes with STLV-IIIAGM than with the prototype HTLV-III/LAV that infects people in the United States and Europe. Further study of this virus and of the origin of the HTLV-III/LAV group of viruses may expand our understanding of the human AIDS virus.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Calcitonin immunoreactive cells in prostate gland and cloacal derived tissues.

Calcitonin- and serotonin-storing cells have been immunocharacterized in prostate gland, urethra, urinary bladder and anal canal. In addition, a few hCG and somatostatin immunoreactive cells have been detected in prostate gland. All these cells were dispersed throughout the epithelial lining. In the anal canal, calcitonin cells were exclusively confined to the anal ducts and anal transitional zone epithelium. Calcitonin and serotonin cells were seen in some examples of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Combined techniques most often showed coexistence of calcitonin and serotonin immunoreactivities in the same endocrine cell. hCG immunoreactive cells corresponded to a subpopulation of serotonin-, calcitonin-storing cells. Calcitonin and serotonin cells were present in most organs which originated from the cloaca. In this territory, this distinctive endocrine pattern could be regarded as an excellent marker of cloacal derived tissues. These tissues constitute an additional site for extrathyroid C-cells. It is likely that calcitonin cells are a component of some prostatic adenocarcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Calcitonin-secreting carcinomas of the prostate. An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis.

Two cases of calcitonin-producing carcinomas of the prostate are reported. Light microscopical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural investigations have been performed. These tumors displayed a remarkable dual, endocrine and common epithelial (exocrine), differentiation. However, they presented two different architectural growth patterns. Of particular interest, numerous calcitonin cells were immunocharacterized. In addition, the endocrine component could harbour carcinoembryonic antigen, serotonin, human chorionic gonadotrophin, and prostate-specific acid phosphatase immunoreactive cells. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed the presence of numerous endocrine cells. These findings are not unexpected, since calcitonin, serotonin, and human chorionic gonadotrophin immunoreactive cells are normal and constitutive inhabitants of prostate gland. In the current cases, calcitonin cells showed a strong carcinoembryonic antigen immunoreactivity, as observed also in thyroidal C-cells. This peculiar kind of prostatic carcinoma might be compared to certain thyroidal tumors of intermediate type coupling parafollicular and follicular differentiation.

Acid Phosphatase↗