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J N Bulmer

Publications and source records attributed to J N Bulmer.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Granulated lymphocytes in human endometrium: histochemical and immunohistochemical studies.

Granulated lymphocytes with an unusual antigenic phenotype (CD56+ CD38+ CD2 +/- CD3- CD16-) form a substantial proportion of leukocytes in human endometrial stroma. The purpose of this study was to examine morphological and antigenic heterogeneity in endometrial granulated lymphocytes (eGL) in imprint preparations, paraffin-embedded sections and frozen sections. eGL in decidual imprints showed variations in cell size, nuclear size, shape and chromatin content and the number and size of cytoplasmic granules. eGL were detected in paraffin-embedded sections using phloxine tartrazine, alcian blue and toluidine blue stains. There was no difference in the number of eGL among the three stains but the granules appeared smaller and more regular when stained with toluidine blue. The proportion of stromal cells which were leukocytes increased from 8.2% in proliferative endometrium to 31.7% in early pregnancy decidua. The number of CD56+ and CD38+ cells increased in late secretory endometrium; CD56+ cells formed greater than 75% of the leukocytes in first trimester decidua. The increased number of CD2+ cells in decidua was not comparable with CD56+ and CD38+ cells suggesting that a lower proportion of CD56+ cells in first trimester decidua coexpress CD2, an observation which was supported by double labelling studies. eGL therefore show morphological and antigenic heterogeneity and the study of granulated lymphocytes in pathological endometrium and decidua will require careful phenotypic and morphological analysis of accurately dated samples.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1991

Further studies of lectin binding by villous and extravillous trophoblast in normal and pathological pregnancy.

Examination of human pregnancy tissues with a panel of lectins provides the opportunity to probe different aspects of carbohydrate structure. Nine biotinylated lectins [concanavalin A (con A), wheat germ agglutin (WGA), Lens culinaris A (LCH-A), Pisum sativum (PSA), Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA-E and PHA-L), Ulex europaeus 1 (UEA1), Griffonia simplicifolia (GSI and GSII)] were used to investigate the lectin binding of human trophoblast in normal, tubal, and molar pregnancy. All lectins except UEA1 bound to normal villous syncytiotrophoblast. Binding of lectins to extravillous trophoblast was more restricted than to villous trophoblast, occurring predominantly with con A, PHA-E, PHA-L, WGA, GSI, and GSII. LCH-A reacted with cyto-trophoblastic columns but not with interstitial or endovascular trophoblast. Con A and GSII were the only lectins that bound to trophoblastic giant cells. GSI and GSII bound preferentially to extravillous trophoblast, showing only focal reactivity with villous trophoblast. Lectin binding in ectopic pregnancy was similar to that in normal first-trimester intrauterine pregnancy. Reactivity in molar pregnancy also generally mirrored that observed in normal pregnancy; however, reactivity of GSII with villous trophoblast was more consistent than that observed in normal pregnancy, and GSI showed uniform binding to proliferating syncytial areas. Thus, lectin binding studies allow definition of surface carbohydrates, which may play a role in the controlled trophoblast proliferation and invasion that occurs in normal pregnancy.

Amnion↗
PubMed1991

Characterization of intraepithelial lymphocytes in human endometrium.

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) were characterized and quantitated in normal non-pregnant endometrium and in early pregnancy decidua using H & E and phloxine tartrazine stains and a panel of monoclonal antibodies in an indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The relative numbers of granulated and non-granulated IELs varied according to menstrual cycle stage and in early pregnancy all IELs appeared to be granulated. There was a higher surface:gland ratio for IELs in proliferative endometrium compared with late secretory phase and early pregnancy endometrium. In proliferative endometrium most IELs were T cells, predominantly of the CD8 + subset. In first trimester decidua, higher numbers of CD56 + cells were observed, in keeping with the increased proportion of granulated IELs. IEL populations in human endometrium vary according to menstrual cycle stage and endometrial IELs appear to show phenotypic differences compared with IELs in the human gastrointestinal tract.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1991

Lectin binding of endometrium in women with unexplained infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether peri-implantation phase endometrium in women with unexplained infertility differs from the endometrium of normal fertile women. DESIGN: Assessment of the function of the endometrium by using endometrial biopsy specimens and lectin histochemistry. SETTING: Infertility Clinic, Jessop Hospital for Women, Sheffield, United Kingdom. PATIENTS: Eighteen normal fertile women (group I) and 18 women with unexplained infertility (group II). INTERVENTIONS: Endometrial biopsies were obtained from both groups at 5, 7, and 9 days after the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Five biotinylated lectins, concanavalin A (ConA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), soybean agglutinin, Peanut, and Ulex europaeus I were used as analytical probes to study endometrial glycoconjugates. Histochemical staining was performed using the avidin-biotin peroxidase method. The lectin binding by endometrial glands, surface epithelium, stromal cells, and vessels was assessed. RESULTS: In group I, ConA stained the subnuclear glandular cytoplasm, glandular lumen, stroma cells, and surface epithelium. In group II, ConA binding to glandular or surface epithelium was none or equivocal. In group I, WGA bound to glandular cytoplasm and stroma cells on days LH + 5 and LH + 7. In group II, WGA binding was absent in glands but present in stroma. CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive failure of women with unexplained infertility may be associated with defective biosynthesis and distribution of glycoconjugates that subsequently results in an unfavorable endometrial environment during the peri-implantation phase.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Phenotypic characterization of macrophage subpopulations and localization of factor XIII in the stromal cells of carcinomas.

The infiltration of macrophages both within and at the margin of malignant neoplasms can be extensive, but their functions are not well defined. Definitions of the antigenic phenotype defined by various monoclonal antibodies may allow insight into macrophage function. Single and double immunoenzymatic labelling techniques were used to characterize sub-populations of macrophages both within and at the margin of breast carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma using a panel of antibodies. Factor XIII, previously identified in macrophage cytoplasm, was localized at the same sites. Two major groups of tumour-associated macrophages were identified; class II MHC+, CD11c+ macrophages predominated within the neoplasm, whereas CD14+ macrophages were the major population at the invasive margin. Factor XIII+ macrophages were also seen predominantly at the invasive margin. Phenotypic variation between macrophage sub-populations may reflect functional variation such that macrophages may be beneficial or detrimental for neoplastic growth. Factor XIII derived from macrophages may be important in stabilization of fibrin deposits associated with the neoplasm.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1990

Minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (adenoma malignum) of the endocervix: a histochemical and immunohistochemical study of two cases.

The histopathological diagnosis of minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (adenoma malignum) of the endocervix may be difficult. Two cases of minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA) were examined using mucin histochemistry and immunocytochemistry with antibodies to epithelial membrane antigens (HMFG1, Ep1), low-molecular-weight cytokeratins (CAM 5.2), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and alpha-amylase. The results were compared with those for normal endocervical glands. Reactivity for CEA in MDA was focal and would be unreliable for biopsy diagnosis. Both cases of MDA contained abundant neutral mucins and sialomucins, whereas sulfomucins were rarely detected; this pattern contrasted with that of normal endocervix. Neoplastic glandular epithelial cells in MDA consistently showed both luminal and cytoplasmic reactivity with Ep1 and HMFG1, whereas normal cervix showed luminal labeling only. Thus, mucin histochemistry and immunohistochemical detection of epithelial membrane antigens may distinguish between extremely well differentiated neoplastic glands in MDA and normal endocervical glands, and hence may aid diagnosis in biopsy specimens.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1990

Immunology of human placental trophoblast membrane antigens.

The identification of the mechanisms of immunological survival of the semiallogeneic conceptus in utero during viviparous pregnancy is central to current studies in pregnancy immunology, since any other unmatched intrauterine allograft would be expected to suffer tissue rejection. Elucidation of normal feto-maternal interactions in human uteroplacental tissues, as well as the characterization of fetal trophoblast cell surface antigen expression, has now offered insight into these processes; these have largely focussed on the lack of trophoblastic expression of classical class I MHC antigens and the specialized local immuno-regulatory response that may occur following maternal recognition of other particular trophoblast cell surface antigens. The role of trophoblastic expression of growth factor receptors, endogenous retroviral activity and cellular oncogene products in the growth and differentiation of trophoblast, and its interaction with the host maternal tissues in early pregnancy, remains to be further clarified.

Antigens, Surface↗
PubMed1990

Phenotypic and functional analysis of human CD3- decidual leucocyte clones.

CD3- leucocyte clones were generated from human first-trimester decidualized uterine endometrium in a culture system containing interleukin-2 (IL-2) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). All CD3- clones tested by Southern blot analysis had T-cell receptor (TcR) gamma and delta genes in germ-line configuration. Thirty-six CD3- cell clones obtained from eight decidual samples were mostly CD2+CD56+ but, unlike fresh decidual leucocytes, many were also CD16+. Morphological differences were noted between CD16+CD56+ and CD16-CD56+ clones, with the latter cells possessing granules of more variable size. All CD16+ clones expressed strong cytotoxic activity against natural killer (NK) sensitive and NK-resistant cell targets, while CD16- clones had low or negligible activity. Some CD3- clones produced high levels of interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-negligible activity. Some CD3- clones produced high levels of interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) upon stimulation, but there was no relationship between specific cytokine production and cell clone phenotype or cytotoxic function. Levels of TGF-beta were generally higher than those produced by decidual CD3+ T-cell clones. Since decidual CD3- CD16- leucocytes have a low proliferative capacity in response to IL-2, and as clones with this phenotype invariably possess low NK cell activity, it is suggested that the NK cell activity of fresh decidual leucocyte populations is mediated largely by the small numbers of CD3- CD16+ cells present.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1989

Proteinase and proteinase inhibitor localization in the human placenta.

Standard immunoperoxidase techniques were used to investigate the distribution of the intracellular proteinase cathepsin D, two serine proteinase inhibitors--alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-AChy)--and plasma fibrin stabilizing factor XIII (FXIII) in paraffin-embedded tissues from early and late intrauterine pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy. Localization of cathepsin D, alpha 1-AT, and alpha 1-AChy was identical in ectopic and intrauterine gestation: there was labeling of villous syncytiotrophoblast and a proportion of Hofbauer cells but no labeling of villous cytotrophoblast. The majority of interstitial extravillous trophoblast yielded negative results, but alpha 1-AT and alpha 1-AChy were consistently demonstrated in endovascular trophoblast. FXIII was not found in any trophoblast population but was demonstrated in Hofbauer cells, stromal fibroblasts, and interstitial dendritic cells. Granular, extracellular FXIII reactivity was present among sheets of infiltrating extravillous trophoblast in ectopic pregnancy but only occasionally in early intrauterine pregnancy. The results document further the heterogeneity of trophoblast, with the endovascular trophoblast forming an immunophenotypically distinct population. Furthermore, the pattern of extravillous trophoblastic invasion of maternal tissues in ectopic pregnancy appears to differ from intrauterine pregnancy; the poor decidualization of tubal mucosa in ectopic pregnancy may play a role in this variation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1989

Subinvolution of the uteroplacental arteries in the human placental bed.

Subinvolution of the uteroplacental arteries of the placental bed is a recognized cause of post partum haemorrhage causing significant morbidity. Whilst the physiological changes in these arteries during pregnancy and the part played by endovascular trophoblast migration are well documented, the sequence of events during involution and the pathophysiology of subinvolution are unknown. Using immunohistochemical techniques we have studied uteroplacental arteries in the placental bed in 25 cases of post partum haemorrhage and compared the subinvoluted vessels with normally involuted vessels. Non-involuted vessels were present in 22 test cases; these abnormal vessels were filled with thrombus and no endothelial lining was detected. Extravillous perivascular trophoblast was usually present in the walls of these abnormal vessels and in some cases was seen in an endovascular position. Subinvolution of placental site vessels may represent an abnormal interaction between maternal uterine cells and fetal trophoblast.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Proliferative activity in endometrial stromal granulocytes throughout menstrual cycle and early pregnancy.

The proliferative activity in endometrial stromal granulocytes was studied using two approaches. Firstly, mitotic activity was studied in paraffin wax embedded sections of normal non-pregnant endometrium and early pregnancy decidua stained with phloxine-tartrazine. Secondly, the monoclonal antibody Ki67 was applied to cryostat sections of similar tissues. Endometrial stromal granulocytes were identified by their labelling with NKH1, Dako T11, UCHL1 or Dako-LC. The percentage of cases in which endometrial stromal granulocytes showed mitosis was 25%, 75%, 86%, and 93%, respectively in proliferative, early secretory, mid secretory, and late secretory phases, and 14% in early decidua. There were at most one or two endometrial stromal granulocytes in mitosis per 10 high power fields. Double labelled cells were present in small numbers in proliferative endometrium and in moderate numbers in secretory endometrium. Only a few cells in early decidua double labelled with Ki67/T11; moderate numbers of cells double labelled with Ki67/Dako-LC. It is concluded that proliferative activity does occur in endometrial stromal granulocytes and is particularly prominent in the late secretory phase.

Decidua↗
PubMed1989

Isolation and functional studies of granulated lymphocytes in first trimester human decidua.

Granulated lymphoid cells (CD2+, CD7+, CD38+, NKH1+, CD3-, CD5-, CD4-, CD8-, CD25-) are prominent in human endometrial stroma in the late secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and in early pregnancy, and may play an important role in implantation and placentation. Cell suspensions enriched for granulated lymphoid cells were prepared from first trimester human decidua using a panning technique; cells were labelled with the monoclonal antibody NKH1 and separated by adherence to immunoglobulin-coated plates. The enriched cells were characterized with a panel of monoclonal antibodies using an indirect immuno-alkaline phosphatase method, and subjected to various functional assays. Most cells in the enriched preparations showed the characteristic morphology of granulated lymphocytes in smears stained with toluidine blue or May Grunwald Giemsa. CD45+ cells were obtained up to 98 +/- 1% purity (n = 10) and CD2+ cells were enriched up to 84 +/- 4%. The enriched populations were efficient effectors in a K562 chromium-release assay but showed minimal proliferative response to phytohaemagglutinin, concanavalin A, ionomycin and phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate (PdBU), interleukin 1 or interleukin 2. The precise lineage and in vivo function of decidual granulated lymphocytes remains to be established.

Decidua↗
PubMed1988

Expression of the proliferation markers Ki67 and transferrin receptor by human trophoblast populations.

Immunohistochemical techniques were used to investigate the expression of proliferation markers (Ki67 and transferrin receptor) by fetal trophoblast in normal human pregnancy. In placental villous tissue, transferrin receptor was detected not only on the apical syncytiotrophoblastic membrane but also on the proximal portion of cytotrophoblast columns, an area of high cellular proliferative activity. The majority of cells in cytotrophoblast columns and shell showed nuclear reactivity with Ki67. Villous syncytiotrophoblast was uniformly unreactive with Ki67 but a proportion of the underlying cytotrophoblast was Ki67-positive throughout pregnancy. Occasional Ki67-positive trophoblast cells were identified within chorion laeve at term. In contrast, interstitial and endovascular extravillous trophoblast in maternal uterine decidual tissue failed to label with either proliferation marker. Thus, chorionic villous cytotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast in the chorion laeve appear to retain their proliferative capacity into late pregnancy. Cytotrophoblast columns represent a zone of cellular proliferation which may be dependent on transferrin.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1988

Immunoregulatory cells in human decidua: morphology, immunohistochemistry and function.

Suggestions that local intrauterine materno-fetal immune interactions may be important for normal pregnancy have led to investigation of immunoregulatory function by decidualised endometrium. Human decidua is complex and cell types may be difficult to distinguish at the light microscope level. Immunohistochemical techniques have allowed antigenic identification of cells within decidua and abundant leucocytes are present throughout pregnancy. Macrophages (CD14+) are abundant in decidua basalis and decidua parietalis throughout pregnancy and may be closely associated with extravillous trophoblast. Expression of class II MHC antigens and CD11c may suggest an immunological role but their content of lysosomal enzymes could indicate phagocytic functions. Antigen-presenting capacity has been noted in early human decidua and may be due to macrophages. Decidual macrophages have also been attributed with immunosuppressive function due to secretion of prostaglandin E2. Decidual granulated lymphocytes are abundant in the first trimester and correspond to the so-called endometrial stromal granulocytes. They express CD2, CD7, CD38 and NKH1 but are negative for classical T cell and NK cell markers and they do not express the IL2 receptor. Semipurified populations show low levels of cytotoxicity in a standard NK assay. Thus, immunohistochemical techniques have allowed characterisation of potentially immunocompetent cells in human decidua. However, their roles both in vitro and in vivo remain to be established with certainty.

Antigens, Surface↗
PubMed1988

The human placental bed: histology, immunohistochemistry and pathology.

There has been much interest recently on local intra-uterine materno-fetal interactions particularly in the placental bed where cellular relationships between mother and fetus are at their most intimate. While few histopathologists are expected to interpret formal placental bed biopsy specimens, confrontation with tissue from this site is common following abortion, post-partum haemorrhage or molar gestation. This review gives an account of recent advances in our knowledge of the histology, immunohistochemistry and pathology of the placental bed. It focuses particularly on extravillous trophoblast populations and their relationship to maternal cells and emphasizes the importance of vascular changes.

Arteries↗