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Biomedical subjects

H Battifora

Publications and source records attributed to H Battifora.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Electron microscopy in the diagnosis of malignant schwannoma.

Fifteen malignant schwannomas were examined by light and electron microscopy. Five tumors arose in patients with neurofibromatosis and five were contiguous with a peripheral nerve (Group I). Five tumors met neither of these generally accepted diagnostic criteria but were light microscopically seen as compatible with malignant schwannoma when examined under light microscope (Group II). In the better differentiated areas of Group I lesions, long, overlapping, tightly packed cytoplasmic processes were parallel to homogeneous flocculent material, occasionally assuming a linear appearance suggesting basal lamina. In Group II, similar cytoplasmic processes were present but the extracellular material was less extensive and had a less obvious relationship to the plasma membrane. In neither group were fine intracytoplasmic filaments prominent. Malignant schwann cells are seldom as ultrastructurally differentiated as their benign counterparts. Nevertheless, within the context of well-studied light microscopy and the sampling error inherent in ultrastructural examination, electron microscopy can support the diagnosis of malignant schwannoma.

Adult↗

"Carcinoid" tumor of the breast. A variant of conventional breast cancer?

A breast tumor with the morphologic features of a carcinoid tumor and containing large amounts of estrogen receptor protein was associated with areas of typical in situ and infiltrating lobular carcinoma. The carcinoid areas were argyrophilic and ultrastructurally contained electron dense granules on which silver grains were localized. Of 21 other examples of ordinary breast cancer, five showed histologic similarities to carcinoid tumors. Focal argyrophilia was observed in 11 invasive tumors. The presence of argyrophilic granules could not be correlated with the presence of "neurosecretory" granules, although groups of such granules were found in one case of in situ lobular carcinoma. Argyrophilic and "neurosecretory" granules imply the presence of hormonal substances, although in breast tumors these granules have not yet been chemically or immunochemically characterized. Until such evidence becomes available it would appear that most cases reported as primary carcinoid tumors of the breast have much more in common with conventional breast cancer than with the usual carcinoid tumor. Within this context it can be acknowledged that some breast cancers may focally exhibit a carcinoid-like differentiation.

Aged↗

Generation of fibroblast-like cells from cloned epithelial mammary cells in vitro: a possible new cell type.

We have isolated clonal cell lines from a nitrosomethylurea-induced mammary tumor in Wistar--Furth rats. The epithelial-like cells of these lines give rise to fibroblast-like cells. A study of several markers showed that the epithelial-like cells are similar to epithelial mammary cells. The fibroblastic cells, however, were similar to stromal cells, except for the production of collagen IV. The events occurring in these cultures are identical to those observed in previously isolated mammary cultures [Bennett, D. C., Peachey, L. A., Durbin, H. & Rudland, P. S. (1976) Cell 15, 283--298], suggesting their generality. The fibroblast-like cells generated in culture may be a hitherto unrecognized type of mammary cell.

Animals↗

Detection of alpha-lactalbumin in breast lesions and relationship to estrogen receptors and serum prolactin.

Alpha-lactalbumin, the B protein of lactose synthetase secreted by the mammary epithelial cells, was isolated and purified from fresh human milk and injected into rabbits for antibody production. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) was done on various types of breast lesions to assess the relationship, if any, between histologic type and production of alpha-lactalbumin. Fifty percent of fibroadenomas and fibrocystic disease and 63% of infiltrating ductal carcinoma showed positive reaction. No false positives were found on IIF of alpha-lactalbumin of several tumors of nonmammary tissue. These findings suggest that IIF for alpha-lactalbumin may be helpful in ascertaining the site of origin of metastatic breast tumors. However, serum alpha-lactalbumin was detected by radioimmunoassay in only 10% of women with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, indicating that this may not be a useful marker for the presence of breast cancer at least by the method employed. This discrepancy between serum and tissue alpha-lactalbumin may be due to the short half-life of serum alpha-lactalbumin or to the lack of secretion of the protein into the blood. There was no apparent relationship between the presence of estrogen receptors or serum prolactin and alpha-lactalbumin in the 27 mammary carcinomas investigated.

Adenofibroma↗

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in two siblings with decreased immunoglobulin A.

A brother and sister with classic, biopsy proved pulmonary alveolar proteinosis are described. Both had low serum and low normal secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels. A tendency for familial occurrence is possible and it is recommended that patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and their families, be evaluated for immunologic deficiencies.

Adolescent↗

The use of antikeratin antiserum as a diagnostic tool: thymoma versus lymphoma.

Indirect immunofluorescence staining in two thymomas, one case of thymic hyperplasia, 10 malignant lymphomas and three seminomas was done with an antibody prepared against keratins from human epidermis. Staining was observed only in the epithelial cells of the thymomas and thymic hyperplasia and correlated well with electron microscopic studies. Immunofluorescence staining of thymic tumors with antikeratin antibody provides a simple, specific, and sensitive method for distinguishing thymoma from lymphoma and seminoma. The method may also prove to be useful in other instances in the distinction between epithelial and nonepithelial tumors.

Adult↗

Electrophoresis of tissue glycosaminoglycans as an aid in the diagnosis of mesotheliomas.

The histologic distinction between mesotheliomas and adenocarcinomas on mesothelial surfaces is sometimes difficult. High concentrations of hyaluronic acid in pleural and peritoneal fluids of mesothelioma patients have been reported. This paper describes results of glycosaminoglycan electrophoresis of papain digests of 7 mesotheliomas and 27 other tumors. Either all or almost all demonstrable glycosaminoglycans in mesotherliomas was hyaluronic acid. Control tissues had variable electrophoretic patterns showing other glycosaminoglycans in addition to hyaluronic acid. In the clinical context of differentiating mesotheliomas and adenocarcinomas in tissue samples, this technique seems simple, economical, and relatively specific.

Adenocarcinoma↗

An unusual neoplasm of adipose tissue in a rat.

The light microscopic features of a spontaneous neoplasm of adipose tissue from a rat were suggestive of a mixed liposarcoma with a myxoid matrix. However, ultrastructurally, the cell characteristics were those of a hibernoma. These characteristics included cells containing lipid droplets of variable size, numberous pleomorphic mitochondria and close apposition to blood vessels. Lipofuscin granules and subplasmalemmal condensations were not observed ultrastructurally.

Adipose Tissue↗

Choroid plexus papilloma: light and electron microscopic study of three cases.

Three cases of choroid plexus papilloma were studied by light and electron microscopy. All had the typical papillary pattern, and, in addition, two exhibited solid areas of tumor growth which predominated in one case. PAS positive (diastase resistant) and argyrophilic cytoplasmic inclusions were present in all three tumors but were particularly abundant in the predominantly solid one. Ultrastructurally, the inclusions appeared as irregularly shaped structures containing lipid droplets, filamentous material and microtubules, and resembled the "silver bodies" of Biondi found in normal choroid plexus. Along with other ultrastructural features of normal choroid plexus, these cytoplasmic inclusions may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of papillary tumors involving the ventricular system.

Adult↗

Primary lymphoma of the breast: ultrastructural study of two cases.

Two cases of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the breast were studied with light and electron microscopy. By light microscopy, according to Rappaport's classification, one was a poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma, the other a diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. However, the ultrastructural features of the latter were more consistent with transformed lymphocytes. The differential diagnosis with medullary and poorly differentiated carcinomas of the breast is discussed. The first case had rapid dissemination as did most of the cases reported in the literature.

Adult↗

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma. An electron microscopic study.

Sixteen cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma are presented. Electron microscopy of 15 cases demonstrated fibroblast-like and mononuclear and multinucleated histiocyte-like cells. A small capillary was at the center of all storiform areas examined. Ultrastructural examination can be diagnostically useful within the context of a narrow differential diagnosis by conventional microscopy and the ability, by electron microscopy, to eliminate other mesenchymal cell types. In 13 cases, follow-up information was available from 18 months to 9 years following histological diagnosis. Five patients are alive and 8 patients have died, including two non-tumor related deaths. In 3 cases follow-up was less than 4 months. The biologic behavior of the tumor in this series was generally not related to histopathological parameters. The issue of histogenesis is largely unresolvable. Ultrastructural studies of various types of fibrous histiocytomas, suggesting cells of origin other than histiocytes, give credence to the concept that the histiocyte may represent a morphologic state of a given mesenchymal cell rather than a particular cell type.

Aged↗

Spindle cell carcinoma: ultrastructural evidence of squamous origin and collagen production by the tumor cells.

Two cases of spindle cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus and skin, respectively, were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The tumor cells were closely associated with collagen fibrils and had abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae. Except for their irregular shape and atypical nuclei they resembled actively synthesizing fibroblasts. In addition to these features, some cells contained numerous tonofibrils and occasional well-developed desmosomes. A gradual transition to typical squamous cells was noted in the skin tumor. These findings suggest that the pseudosarcomatous component of SCC originates from mesenchymal metaplasia of squamous cells and that collagen is produced by these metaplastic cells.

Carcinoma↗

Female adnexal tumor of probable Wolffian origin: evidence of a low grade malignancy.

A broad ligament tumor with the histologic features of a female adnexal tumor of probable Wolffian origin, as described by Kariminejad and Scully, is reported. Although previous cases were thought to be benign, in the present case, hepatic metastasis occurred 6 years after resection of the primary. Cytologic features by light microscopy were more anaplastic than in the original cases. Ultrastructural findings were not specific for any normal adult or fetal mesonephric tissue previously studied by electron microscopy.

Adenocarcinoma↗