Recent studies suggest a role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in mediating airway inflammation and lung injury. The aim of this study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of ET-1 in the lung following smoke inhalation injury. ET-1 immunoreactivity was assessed in normal sheep (N = 4) and in sheep at 1 (N = 2), 6 (N = 3), 12 (N = 3), and 24 (N = 3) hours after inhalation injury. In normal animals, ET-1 expression was limited to the basal cell layer of the tracheal epithelium, main bronchi, and associated mucous glands. One hour after injury, ET-1 immunoreactivity was enhanced in upper airway epithelium and mucus glands with new expression in bronchioles. Airway smooth muscle, vascular tissue, and alveolar duct smooth muscle cells expressed moderate levels of ET-1 at 12 and 24 hours. ET-1 immunoreactivity was absent in areas of parenchymal edema and inflammation. The pattern of ET-1 expression following inhalation injury suggests that this peptide may contribute to the airway inflammation, mucus secretion, pulmonary hypertension, increased airway resistance, and decreased lung compliance, which are evident in our ovine model of inhalation injury.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

CT and MR findings in tuberculous mediastinitis.

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculous mediastinitis, a rare complication of pulmonary tuberculosis, may simulate a mediastinal tumor on chest radiography. For evaluation and follow-up of the disease, CT and MRI are needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cases of tuberculous mediastinitis are presented with emphasis on the importance of MRI. In both cases, MRI was performed because the CT appearance was unusual for a mediastinal tumor. RESULTS: The areas of low signal intensity within the anterior mediastinal mass on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging were due to the reactive fibrous tissue and were suggestive of an inflammatory mass. CONCLUSION: When a mediastinal mass would be unusual on CT, MRI should be performed. If there are areas of low signal intensity within the mass on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging, an inflammatory mass such as tuberculous mediastinitis, is one of the possibilities.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Preparation of heat-labile antigens on air-dried cytologic specimens for immunocytochemical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy of Zamboni's solution and storage medium for immunocytochemistry of Ki-67, p53 tumor suppressor gene product and CD3 on long-preserved, air-dried cytologic specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Air-dried imprint cytologic specimens obtained from 13 lymphatic tissues and 13 colorectal cancers were fixed with Zamboni's solution and stored for various periods in storage medium including 50% glycerol at -10 to -20 degree C. Mouse monoclonal antibody PC, PAb 1801 and anti-Leu-4 were used for immunostaining. RESULTS: Immunocytochemical identification of Ki-67, p53 and CD3 was possible on specimens stored for 36, 32 and 16 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our method, using Zamboni's solution and storage medium, is feasible for immunocytochemistry on long-preserved, air-dried cytologic specimens using the three antibodies were employed.

Air↗

PubMedDate not supplied

DNA ploidy in undifferentiated carcinomas of the human stomach-with special reference to its heterogeneity and the relation between its intratumor distribution pattern and prognosis.

The intratumor DNA ploidy distribution pattern in 74 undifferentiated carcinomas of the human stomach was analysed by flow cytometric measurements of DNA for stepsectioned specimens taken from throughout the entire tumor. 52 cases showed intratumor DNA ploidy heterogeneity (70.3%), and a conspicuous difference between intramural and transmural carcinomas was seen with regard to the intratumor DNA ploidy distribution pattern as well as prognosis. In the case of transmural carcinomas, the following findings were noted: prognosis was significantly worse, predominant aneuploidy was seen more frequently, the frequency of intratumor DNA ploidy heterogeneity as well as DNA content was significantly increased, and predominant diploidy exhibited a worse prognosis. These were all in contrast to the findings for intramural carcinomas.

Carcinoma↗