Biomedical subjects

H Sasano

Publications and source records attributed to H Sasano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

A point mutation of c-Ki-ras gene was found in human esophageal carcinoma cell lines but not in primary esophageal carcinomas.

Activation of the ras oncogene in primary human esophageal carcinomas and cell lines established from such carcinomas was analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-direct sequencing method. This analysis revealed a GC----AT transition at the second base in the 12th codon of the c-Ki-ras gene in TE1 and TE2 esophageal carcinoma cell lines. In contrast, no point mutation was detected in the 12th, 13th, and 61st codon of the c-Ki-ras and c-Ha-ras gene in 31 primary esophageal carcinomas including those from which TE1 and TE2 cell lines were established. These results demonstrate that while activation of the c-Ki-ras gene by point mutation occurred in a subset of esophageal carcinoma cell lines during establishment of the cell lines, the activation events are not important in the transformation of human esophageal epithelial cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1992

Oncogenes in gynecological tumors.

Evidence is increasing that proto-oncogenes and cancer suppressor genes are involved in the development and/or progression of gynecological malignancies. While histopathologic examination remains an indispensable tool of the surgical pathologist in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with gynecological malignancies, the advancement to technology and the development of new knowledge regarding neoplastic transformation are providing a basis for new opportunities to improve patients care. These new opportunities will depend on the use of the skills and reagents developed in the basic medical science laboratories. Thus, it is important for those in the field of diagnostic pathology to begin to acquire a knowledge of proto-oncogenes and cancer suppressor genes as well as a basic understanding of the techniques used to detect and evaluate them.

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic↗

PubMed1992

Testicular sex cord-stromal lesions: immunohistochemical analysis of cytokeratin, vimentin and steroidogenic enzymes.

We have studied immunolocalization of all steroidogenic enzyme involved in sex steroids biosynthesis, P-450 side chain cleavage (P-450scc), 3 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), P-450 17 alpha hydroxylase (P-450(17 alpha)) and P-450 aromatase (P-450arom) and that of vimentin and cytokeratin in 14 cases of testicular sex cord-stromal tumours (6 Leydig cell tumours, 5 Sertoli cell tumours, 2 fibromas and 1 granulosa cell tumour) as well as 4 cases of hyperplasia (2 Leydig and 2 Sertoli). Leydig cell tumour expressed all four steroidogenic enzymes examined, indicating that this tumour can synthesize oestrogen from cholesterol. In 2 cases of Sertoli cell tumour, the tumour cells with clear cytoplasm and without Reinke's crystals expressed P-450ssc, 3 beta-HSD and P-450(17 alpha), suggesting the capability of androgen production in these tumour cells. Fibromas and granulosa cell tumour were negative for the enzymes examined. In immunohistochemistry of intermediate filaments, Leydig cell tumours demonstrated only vimentin. Sertoli cells in hyperplasia and non-neoplastic testis expressed only vimentin but Sertoli cell tumours expressed both cytokeratin and vimentin. Cytokeratin immunoreactivity was correlated with morphological epithelial differentiation in Sertoli cell tumour. These findings in testicular Sertoli cell tumour are considered to represent the multiple differentiation capacity of this neoplasm. Immunohistochemical study of steroidogenic enzymes and intermediate filaments provided new insight into neoplastic steroidogenesis and the differentiation capacity of testicular sex cord-stromal neoplasms.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

PubMed1992

Immunolocalization of c-myc oncoprotein in mucinous and serous adenocarcinomas of the ovary.

Activation of c-myc oncogene has been reported in increasing numbers of human ovarian carcinomas and appears to play a role in the biologic behavior of the neoplasms. We have studied the immunohistochemical localization of p-62c-myc, the gene product of c-myc, in 44 cases of serous and mucinous cystadenoma, adenocarcinoma of low malignant potential, and invasive adenocarcinoma, using a monoclonal antibody raised to a synthetic human p62c-myc sequence (Myc 1-6E10). Both serous and mucinous cystadenomas demonstrated a higher frequency of nuclear localization than did carcinomas, which showed much greater cytoplasmic staining, while tumors of low malignant potential showed an intermediate pattern. However, the observed differences did not reach statistical significance. No significant correlation was observed between intracellular localization patterns of p62c-myc and histologic and nuclear grades and mitotic activity in the cases of carcinoma. Great care should be taken in the interpretation of immunohistochemical analysis of oncogene products, especially when attempting to correlate the findings with biologic tumor behavior.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

PubMed1992

Expression of p53 in human esophageal carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study with correlation to proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression.

Immunolocalization of the nuclear protein p53 tumor suppressor gene product is considered to be one of the best methods of detecting a mutated form of p53. We have studied p53 immunohistochemically by using monoclonal antibody pAb1801 in 15 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Immunoreactive p53 was observed in the nuclei of tumor cells in 4% paraformaldehyde-fixed, frozen sections (12 of 15) and paraffin-embedded sections (11 of 15), but not in routinely processed (10% formalin-fixed) specimens. p53 expression was closely correlated with the malignant phenotype, including dysplasia. p53 was not observed in histologically normal mucosa, except in three cases in which scattered immunoreactivity was observed in parabasal and basal cells. Immunostaining of ki67 and proliferating cellular nuclear antigen on adjacent tissue sections revealed that p53 expression was strongly correlated with ki67 and proliferating cellular nuclear antigen in carcinoma and dysplastic cells, but not in normal mucosa, suggesting involvement of the mutated form of p53 in the cell cycle of malignant cells. Immunohistochemical patterns of p53 were not related significantly to clinicopathologic parameters in the cases examined. Therefore, p53 expression was strongly associated with the proliferation of carcinoma cells but not with that of normal cells in esophageal carcinoma.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Small adrenocortical tumors without apparent clinical endocrine abnormalities. Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes.

Immunohistochemical analysis of steroidogenic enzymes (P-450 side-chain cleavage, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, P-450 C21-hydroxylase, P-450 17 alpha-hydroxylase and P-450 11 beta-hydroxylase) was performed on fifteen cases of small adrenocortical adenomas, which were detected incidentally in hormonally asymptomatic patients (non-functioning adrenocortical tumor), in order to study steroidogenesis in these tumors. Immunolocalization revealed that all cases examined expressed all the enzymes in the adrenocortical steroidogenic pathway to various degrees, and in twelve cases abnormalities of precursor hormones and steroid metabolites were clinically observed. Attached non-neoplastic adrenals were present in twelve cases. Among these twelve cases, eight showed cortical atrophy, especially in the zona fasciculata. These atrophied adrenals expressed little immunoreactivity of the enzymes examined. These results strongly indicate that most of small non-functioning adrenocortical tumors have the capacity to produce biologically active steroids including cortisol, although not necessarily associated with hypercorticism. Especially in the cases with cortical atrophy in attached non-neoplastic adrenals, it is considered that autonomous neoplastic production and secretion of cortisol may be insufficient to cause clinical and routine laboratory abnormalities but sufficient to subtly alter the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by suppressing ACTH and/or CRF secretion and to result in adrenocortical atrophy. It should be recognized that corticosteroidogenesis does take place in the majority of clinically small non-functioning adrenocortical tumors incidentally detected in hormonally asymptomatic patients when managing these patients.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1992

De novo expression of aromatase in gastric carcinoma. Light and electron microscopic immunohistochemical and immunoblot study.

We have performed immunohistochemical and immunochemical studies of steroidogenic enzymes involved in estrogen biosynthesis in 30 cases of gastric carcinoma in order to investigate possible in situ production of estradiol (E 2) in carcinoma cells. Positive incidence of immunoreactivity for E 2, testosterone (T), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P-450 scc) and aromatase (P-450 arom) were 17/30 (56.7%), 11/30 (36.7%), 3/30 (10.0%) and 23/30 (76.7%), respectively on light microscopy. Estrogen receptor (ER) immunoreactivity was not observed in any of the 30 cases examined. Normal gastric mucosa was negative for P-450 arom and P-450 scc. Examination of serial sections revealed that immunoreactivity of E 2 and P-450 arom were located in the same cells of carcinomatous glands. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that E 2 and P-450 arom were located along the membrane and cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER). Western blot analysis showed one major band of 55 kDa of P-450 arom in the gastric carcinoma tissues examined. Retrospective analysis of immunohistochemistry of E 2 in 108 cases of gastric carcinoma revealed that E 2 positive carcinoma cases were likely to demonstrate better survival rate than negative cases. These results above strongly suggest that E 2 is produced by de novo expressed aromatase in gastric carcinoma cells and is possibly involved in the biology of gastric carcinoma cells.

Aromatase↗

PubMed1992

The proliferative cell fraction in cytology specimens. A study of human esophageal carcinoma.

Immunostaining of cell cycle-related antigens, especially Ki-67, DNA polymerase alpha, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, has become an important method to assess the proliferative activity of tumors. These three nuclear antigens were studied by immunohistochemical analysis of cytologic smears. These smears were obtained by scraping the cut surface of 10 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and were fixed and prepared by different methods. The results were compared with those of tissue sections to apply the immunocytochemical findings of these antigens to cytology specimens. Smears that were placed on Denhardt- or Neoprene-coated slides and subsequently fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and methanol exhibited the best cell adherence to the slides, had minimal loss of antigenicity, and had good preservation of cell morphologic features for all three antigens examined. The percentage of positive tumor cells in the cytology smear was generally in good agreement with that in the tissue section. For these three antigens, proliferating cell nuclear antigen demonstrated a much higher percentage of positive cells than either Ki-67 or DNA polymerase alpha, in both the smears and the tissue sections. In summary, Ki-67, DNA polymerase alpha, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen can be immunolocalized successfully in cytology smears and may become another parameter to assess the proliferative activity of tumors in the field of diagnostic pathology.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

PubMed1992

Age-dependent decrease in histamine H1 receptor in human brains revealed by PET.

Age-related changes in histamine H1 receptors were studied using [11C]pyrilamine or [11C]doxepin by positron emission tomography (PET). The frontal, parietal and temporal cortices showed age-related decreases in binding of approximately 13% per decade. In contrast, the thalamus showed no apparent decrease in binding during normal ageing because of its higher nonspecific binding. Post mortem studies also indicated that the nonspecific binding of [3H]pyrilamine in the thalamus was approximately 112% higher than that in the cortex. However, no significant decrease in histamine H1 receptors with age was observed by in vitro binding assays of autopsied human frontal cortex. Possible reasons are given for the larger effects of age observed in the PET study than in the in vitro post mortem binding study.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Immunolocalization of epidermal growth factor receptor and c-erbB-2 oncogene product in human ovarian carcinoma.

Abnormalities of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-erbB-2 have been demonstrated to be correlated with aggressive biologic behavior in a variety of human cancers. To analyze the possible roles of these oncogenes in ovarian neoplasms, immunolocalization of EGFR and c-erbB-2 oncogene product was performed in 45 cases of human ovarian mucinous and serous cystadenomas, carcinomas of low malignant potential (LMP), and invasive carcinomas by employing antibodies against these oncogene products. EGFR immunoreactivity was present in 15 of 35 LMP and invasive carcinomas and 1 of 10 cystadenomas. On the contrary, immunoreactivity of p185, which is an oncogene product of c-erbB-2, was detected only in five cases of carcinoma and in no benign cystadenoma. These results indicate that EGFR may be involved in the neoplastic process in epithelial ovarian adenocarcinoma, especially mucinous carcinoma, but involvement of c-erbB-2 is probably not as prevalent as considered previously. Four of the five cases immunohistochemically positive for p185 were also positive for EGFR, which suggests that expression of EGFR and p185 is to some extent correlated in human ovarian carcinoma.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed1992

Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization of P-45017 alpha (17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase).

Cytochrome P-45017 alpha catalyzes both 17 alpha-hydroxylation and 17,20-side-chain cleavage in steroidogenesis and lies at a key branch point in the pathways of steroid hormone biosynthesis. To obtain information on the precise localization of P-45017 alpha in swine testis, ovary, and adrenal, we undertook the simultaneous detection of P-45017 alpha mRNA and protein by combining immunohistochemistry with in situ hybridization. In situ hybridization was performed on 4% paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections by employing either a 39-base oligomer or a cDNA insert (1.7 KB) of porcine testis P-45017 alpha as DNA probe. Immunohistochemical study was performed by employing anti-P-45017 alpha. Hybridization signals were obtained in Leydig cells of the testis, theca interna of the ovarian follicle, and zona fasciculata reticularis cells of the adrenal cortex. Oligonucleotide probing yielded lower background signal than the cDNA probe. No specific signals were obtained in seminiferous tubules of the testis, medulla, and zona glomerulosa of the adrenal, and in membrana granulosa and interstitial cells of the ovary. Hybridization signals were obtained in the cells where immunoreactivity of the enzyme was observed by immunohistochemistry, except for some Leydig cells of the testis and theca interna cells of the ovary in which only immunoreactivity but not hybridization signal was observed. The present study provided detailed information about the precise cellular localization of P-45017 alpha expression at both the protein and mRNA levels in swine adrenal glands and gonads. This approach of simultaneous immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization analysis of steroidogenic enzymes can be applied in the future to tissues exhibiting abnormal steroid metabolism and should contribute to a better understanding of steroidogenesis.

Adrenal Glands↗

PubMed1992

Immunolocalization of mineralocorticoid receptor in human kidney, pancreas, salivary, mammary and sweat glands: a light and electron microscopic immunohistochemical study.

Using a polyclonal antibody against a synthetic fusion protein corresponding to 167 amino acids of the N-terminal region of the human renal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), an immunohistochemical study was performed to investigate the intraglandular and intracellular localization of the receptor in human kidney, salivary gland, pancreas, mammary gland and sweat gland both at the light and electron microscopic levels. In the kidney, immunoreactivity was observed in distal convoluted tubules, branches of Henle's loop, and collecting tubules in the renal cortex, and papillary and Henle's loops' ducts in the renal medulla. No significant differences in the distribution of immunoreactivity were observed using different fixatives (10% neutral formalin, 100% methanol, 4% paraformaldehyde, PLP (periodate-lysine-2% paraformaldehyde) solution and Zamboni solution) and processing methods (paraffin embedding and frozen sectioning). Immunoreactivity in the kidney was observed in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, with cytoplasmic staining predominant, regardless of the methods of tissue preparation. Immunoelectron microscopy, employing a pre-embedding method, demonstrated the presence of immunoreaction precipitates in nuclei, endoplasmic reticulum, perinuclear cisternae, free cytoplasm and cell membranes. In nuclei, immunoreactivity was observed in euchromatin but not in heterochromatin, which is consistent with an association of MR with specific DNA regulatory elements located in transcriptionally active euchromatin. In other organs, MR was expressed in cells of the excretory ductal system where mineralocorticoids are known to play a role in electrolyte homeostasis.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Discerning malignancy in human adrenocortical neoplasms: utility of DNA flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.

In order to evaluate more objective laboratory methods that may help practicing pathologists to discern malignancy in human adrenocortical neoplasms, we have examined cellular DNA content by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical distribution of c-myc, vimentin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in 15 cases of human adrenocortical neoplasms (nine carcinomas and six adenomas). All of these examinations were performed on routinely processed surgical pathology specimens. All carcinoma cases met Weiss's histologic criteria. Seven of eight adrenocortical carcinomas demonstrated aneuploid DNA content, while all adenomas were diploid by flow cytometry. c-myc oncoprotein was observed both in cytoplasms and nuclei in all carcinomas but only in nuclei in adenomas. Vimentin was present in all carcinoma cases examined but was also observed in three of six cases of adenoma. There were no clinical or histologic differences between vimentin-positive and vimentin-negative adenomas. Immunoreactivity of PCNA and EGFR was observed in all the cases examined. There were no significant differences in distribution or patterns of immunoreactivity between adrenocortical carcinoma and adenoma. Therefore, we conclude that only DNA ploidy examined by flow cytometry and immunolocalization patterns of c-myc oncoprotein expression have any practical value in the pathologic evaluation of adrenocortical neoplasms. Careful morphologic and/or clinical studies are still considered to be the best available methods in discerning malignancy in resected human adrenocortical neoplasms.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1992

Nucleolar organizer regions in human esophageal disorders: comparison with proliferating cell nuclear antigen by immunostaining.

A silver colloid technique to demonstrate nucleolar organizer region-associated proteins (AgNORs) was performed on sections of 15 samples of human esophageal tissue, including five nonpathological esophageal epithelium, two esophageal dysplasia of the squamous epithelium, and eight esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Initially we examined various protocols for AgNOR staining. Staining performed on 4% paraformaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens with an incubation time of 30 min yielded the most satisfactory results. In nonpathological esophageal epithelium, the mean number of AgNOR counts per nucleus in the four layers of esophageal epithelium was greatest in the parabasal layer and was statistically significant. No significant differences were observed among the mean number of AgNOR counts per nucleus in the nonpathological parabasal layer, dysplasia, and carcinoma. Positive correlation was observed between the PCNA labeling index of esophageal disorders and the mean number of AgNOR particles per nucleus. Therefore, in esophageal disorders, the AgNOR staining per nucleus appears to correlate with proliferative activity but is of little practical value in discerning malignancy and/or aggressive biological behaviors.

Esophageal Diseases↗

PubMed1992

In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry of p53 tumor suppressor gene in human esophageal carcinoma.

We have studied expression of p53, a tumor suppressor gene, by using both immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in 20 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed by using monoclonal antibody pAb1801. Immunoreactive p53 was observed in the nuclei of the tumor cells in 17 cases. We used 35S-labeled anti-sense single-stranded synthetic oligonucleotide probe ON102, which hybridized with DNA sequence near the 5' end of p53, for in situ hybridization. In all the cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma studied, no significant accumulation of p53 hybridization signals was observed in carcinoma cells. This result indicates that overexpression of p53 observed by immunohistochemical staining is not due to an increase in the steady-state level of p53 mRNA in frank carcinoma cells. In six cases of morphologically normal esophageal mucosa distant from carcinoma, accumulation of hybridization signals was observed in basal and parabasal cells of the mucosa. The mucosa of these cases was negative for p53 immunoreactivity except for one case showing sporadic positivity. Accumulation of hybridization signals was observed in foci of squamous dysplasia not associated with invasion in three cases.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMed1992

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD): immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization analysis of steroidogenic enzymes in eight cases.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare but an interesting adrenocortical disorder associated with ACTH-independent hypercortisolism. We have studied eight cases of the adrenals with PPNAD by immunohistochemistry of all steroidogenic enzymes involved in cortisol biosynthesis (P-45scc, 3 beta-HSD, P-450c21, P-45017 alpha, and P-45011 beta) and also by performing in situ hybridization of P-45017 alpha in seven cases in order to localize the sites of specific steroidogenesis in this unique disorder. Immunoreactivity of all the enzymes examined was intense in almost all of the cells in adrenocortical nodules, especially the cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm in all the cases examined. The internodular cortex, which demonstrated atrophy in five cases, normal appearance in two cases and hyperplasia in one case, was negative for the enzymes with an exception of 3 beta-HSD. Hybridization signals of P-45017 alpha were condensed over the nodules in in situ hybridization study, suggestive of an increased production of the enzyme itself in cortical cells of the nodules. These results may be consistent with autonomous cortisol production by the nodular cells and indicate that almost all of the cells in the nodules produce cortisol, which can also explain the presence of hypercortisolism despite small sizes of adrenals in PPNAD. Immunoreactivity of steroidogenic enzymes is observed in a small cluster of cortical cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm located at the zona reticularis but not in adjacent non-nodular cortex, which may support an abnormal development of the zona reticularis as a possible pathogenesis of this disorder.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

PubMed1992

[An analysis of oncogene activation in ovarian carcinoma].

Evidence is increasing that oncogenes are involved in the development and/or progression of gynecological malignancies including ovarian carcinoma. While histopathologic examination remains an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with ovarian carcinoma, the advancement of technology and the development of new knowledge regarding neoplastic transformation are providing a basis for new opportunities to improve patients care. In this review, a variety of techniques to study the abnormalities of oncogenes, especially of c-myc oncogenes in clinical specimens of human ovarian malignancies are reviewed. Emphasis in placed on whether the techniques are feasible in routine clinical laboratories and have potential values to the care of patients with ovarian carcinoma. At this juncture, an examination of c-myc oncogene abnormalities at the DNA level appears to have a greater potentials in the field described above than those at mRNA and protein levels.

DNA Probes↗

PubMed1991

Adrenocortical oncocytoma. A true nonfunctioning adrenocortical tumor.

We studied three cases of adrenocortical neoplasms that were detected incidentally after radiological examination of the abdomen. These cases did not demonstrate any clinical evidence of adrenocortical abnormalities, such as virilization. Macroscopically, the tumors were light to dark tan on cut surface. Light-microscopic examination revealed compact cells with abundant lipid-sparse eosinophilic cytoplasm and occasional enlarged nuclei. In one case, ultrastructural observation demonstrated abundant mitochondria. Immunohistochemical examination of all of the adrenocortical steroidogenic enzymes showed that none of the cases had immunoreactivity. No mitotic activity and no vascular invasion was observed. The postoperative course were uneventful. The follow-up interval varied from 8 to 27 months. These three neoplasms apparently represent the first reported cases of adrenocortical oncocytoma. They can be considered true nonfunctioning adrenocortical neoplasms because steroidogenic enzymes required for corticosteroid biosynthesis were not expressed in the tumor cells.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗