The aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, is largely unknown. In this paper we present and discuss possibilities to study the putative pathogenic properties of endometriotic cells in vitro. The current focus of our investigations is on the invasive phenotype of the disease, assuming that this might contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. So far, we have shown that: (i) cytokeratin-positive and E-cadherin-negative endometriotic cells have an invasive phenotype in a collagen invasion assay in vitro similar to metastatic carcinoma cells; (ii) the invasiveness of endometriotic but not of eutopic endometrial cells can be stimulated by a heat-stable protein present in peritoneal fluid; and (iii) the endometriotic cell line EEC145T, which we established, may be a useful tool for the identification of gene products which are, positively or negatively, invasion-related. Finally, our studies suggest that the invasive phenotype in endometriosis shares aspects with tumour metastasis, but might also have unique mechanisms.

Ascitic Fluid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prognostic relevance of Ki-67 antigen expression in 329 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Prognostic relevance of Ki-67 staining in oral squamous cell carcinomas was investigated by immunohistochemical expression in 329 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity due to a formamide pretreatment. The growth fraction (Ki-67 labelling index, LI) was correlated to histopathological grading, lymphocytic reaction, stroma/tumour proportion, pattern of invasion, mitotic rate, degree of keratinisation, tumour size, thickness of tumor, depth of invasion, lymph node involvement and five-year survival rate. Highly significant inverse correlation was found between the Ki-67 LI, the stroma/tumour proportion and the degree of keratinisation whereas no correlation could be established between the Ki-67 LI and all the other histological and clinical paramters. Ki-67 staining alone has no prognostic relevance in oral cancer.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Urinary kidney-derived antigens determined by tests built on monoclonal antibodies: new markers for kidney damage.

We have developed a series of sandwich ELISA for the quantitation of kidney derived urinary antigens (UA) utilizing monoclonal antibodies specific for antigens localized in cells of defined subunits of the nephron of human kidney. Antigens derived from the distal and proximal parts of the tubular system as well as antigens localized over its entire length can be detected and quantified in urine samples. Antigen excretion was measured in the urine of healthy individuals, patients with various diseases with and without kidney involvement, kidney transplant recipients, and healthy volunteers after receiving antibiotics. Low antigen excretion values were found in healthy individuals, patients with diseases primarily affecting the glomerulus, and inactive phases of chronic diseases. Toxic side effects of drugs were reflected by slightly (antibiotic drugs) or strongly (cytostatic drugs) enhanced antigenuria. Excretion of some or all of the antigens was always indicative of massive alteration of tubular structures, such as in acute phases of tubulointerstitial disease or during rejection episodes in kidney transplant recipients. The results obtained indicate that it is possible to obtain information on the location and extent of acute primary processes in the kidney with these tests.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Giant cell arteritis in a 19-year-old woman associated with vertebral artery aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a disease chiefly found in elderly patients. Intracranial vessels are rarely involved in GCA. Here we report the case of a 19-year-old woman with GCA in the basilar and vertebral arteries. Two weeks after the first symptoms, she developed an aneurysmatical dilatation of the right vertebral artery which ruptured leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although the ruptured right vertebral artery was clipped neurosurgically, she died two days later. Autopsy revealed GCA with focal medial necrosis and intimal thickening of the vertebral arteries and the basilar artery. No other arteries were affected. In the involved vessels, the media exhibited C1q immunoreactivity. At the intimal site of the internal elastic lamina there were increased levels of elastase. Other arterial diseases showing the pattern of GCA were excluded. This case demonstrates that GCA is not necessarily restricted to elderly people. Moreover, this case shows that a GCA-induced aneurysm is a very rare reason for subarachnoid hemorrhage even in young adults.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Angiolipoma of the maxillary sinus as a cause of recurring sinusitis-like symptoms].

A review of the literature shows that intraoral lipomas are more common than they are generally believed to be. The clinical course of a case with unusual localization, size and clinical manifestation of an angiolipoma of the maxillary sinus is described. Differential diagnosis with other types of intraoral lipomas is made.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cytoimmunologic monitoring in early and late acute cardiac rejection.

The absolute concentration of circulating lymphoblasts and prelymphoblasts has been shown repeatedly to closely correlate with acute cardiac rejection in heart transplant recipients. Little information, however, is available with respect to the reliability of this measurement in the late postoperative course. Fifty-two heart transplant recipient operated on from October 1985 through September 1986 were studied with cytoimmunologic monitoring for lymphocyte activation in peripheral blood. Immunosuppressive therapy consisted of azathioprine, cyclosporine, and steroids. Endomyocardial biopsies were obtained at regular intervals. Cytoimmunologic monitoring was performed daily during hospitalization and together with endomyocardial biopsy at outpatient visits. A total of 768 endomyocardial biopsies and 1077 mononuclear concentrates for study of lymphocyte activation were obtained. Concentration of activated cells showed a significant increase during acute rejection. Cytoimmunologic monitoring had an overall sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 79%. Within 90 days after transplantation cytoimmunologic monitoring showed a sensitivity of 84%, which decreased to 71% beyond 3 months. We therefore conclude that cytoimmunologic monitoring, a noninvasive adjunct for diagnosis of acute allograft rejection, cannot replace routine endomyocardial biopsy, particularly in view of a significant loss in sensitivity in the late postoperative course.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Appearance of triterpenes in the bark of Aspidosperma quebrache blanco Schlecht].

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Chromatography↗