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Biomedical subjects

S Cinti

Publications and source records attributed to S Cinti.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Correlated ultrastructural and immunological findings in CD8+ and CD4+ peripheral T-cell lymphomas.

Ultrastructural features of CD8+ and CD4+ peripheral T-cell lymphomas were studied and the results revealed distinct traits correlated with phenotype. CD8+ peripheral T-cell lymphomas were characterized by a rich organular pattern with a well-developed Golgi apparatus, dense granules, numerous and atypical giant mitochondria. CD4+ peripheral T-cell lymphomas were characterized by wide cytoplasmic areas devoid of organelles. Since similar ultrastructural features differentiated normal and pathological CD8+ and CD4+ peripheral T-lymphocytes, we conclude that under both normal and pathological conditions the expression on the part of the peripheral T-lymphocytes of CD8+ and CD4+ phenotypes is associated to morphological features which distinguish the two subsets.

Adult↗

Diabetic hand syndrome.

Diabetic hand syndrome is a condition affecting about 30% of patients with insulin-requiring juvenile diabetes. Characteristic findings in this syndrome are mild- to- moderately severe joint contractures of the fingers, particularly at the proximal interphalangeal joints in the ring and small fingers, and thickening of the skin of the dorsum of the hand. There is no evidence of palmar fascial thickening or Dupuytren's contracture. Occasionally other joints may be involved, such as the wrists, elbows, hips, knees, and toes. In the case presented in this report light and electron microscopic studies showed that the disease presents aspects similar to those of other "fibrotic diseases" as described by Kisher and Speer. Surgical treatment was only partially beneficial in this patient.

Child↗

Marginal and folliculo-stellate cells of the pituitary gland of the rat. A comparative morphometric study in lactating animals.

We examined non-granulated pituitary cells (folliculo-stellate cells and anterior and posterior marginal cells of the pituitary cleft) in lactating and virgin female rats by means of electron microscopy and morphometry. Ultrastructure and morphometric parameters of the cells lining the pituitary cleft were similar in the two groups of animals. On the contrary, folliculo-stellate cells showed a marked nucleocytoplasmic activation in lactating rats in the electron microscope, which was confirmed by morphometric measurements. These results are not consistent with the hypothesis that the three cell types share the same reactivity during pituitary hyperfunction and that they have a common function, as suggested by purely morphological studies in various endocrine conditions. We believe that quantitation of cell response during such stimuli could be useful to further elucidate this matter.

Animals↗

Ampullary somatostatinoma. An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

Two new cases of ampullary somatostatinoma are reported. In one case the tumor is associated with an increase in somatostatin-positive cells in the adjacent duodenal mucosa. Both tumors show a predominant glandular pattern with many psammomatous calcified bodies. Such bodies seem to arise by calcium phosphate encrustation of intraluminal cellular debris. The neoplastic cells contain two distinct types of intermediate filaments: the first is located along the plasma membrane and reacts to keratin antiserum; the other, appearing as paranuclear aggregates, reacts to neurofilament antiserum. The neoplastic cells show signs of intestinal differentiation (microvilli, glycocalyceal bodies, filamentous core rootlets) as well as of neuroendocrine differentiation (secretory granules, whorls of neurofilaments).

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

Evidence of immune deposits and of basement membrane alterations in dermal vessels of normal skin of patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia.

To gain insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of immune complex-mediated vasculitis, clinically normal skin specimens from the forearms of 12 patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia were investigated by light microscopy, immunofluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy. Basement membrane alterations were documented in 9 patients. Eleven patients had deposits in vessel walls, but only in 1 was there evidence of inflammation. The same immunoglobulins of the cryoproteins could be demonstrated in the tissue deposits by immunofluorescence analysis and by immunoelectron microscopy. These findings suggest that, in essential mixed cryoglobulinemia, immune reactants in dermal vessels of normal skin are more common than is evidenced by clinical examination. Moreover, it seems that cryoglobulins, as such, are not sufficient to trigger an inflammatory process: Additional local or plasma factors are required. Deposits were absent in 7 patients with cryoglobulinemia that was associated with a primary disorder. This could be ascribed to the lower cryocrit levels documented in this group of patients, or to the shorter duration of their disease.

Adult↗

Effects of noradrenaline exposure on rat brown adipocytes in cultures. An ultrastructural study.

Adipocytes in intact brown adipose tissue show multivacuolar lipid deposit and mitochondria of 'typical' morphology. Cultured brown adipocytes retain the multivacuolar lipid deposit, while 'typical' mitochondria degenerate and 'atypical' organelles appear instead of the former. Since evidence exists that catecholamines deeply influence brown adipose tissue morphology and function in vivo, we undertook the present ultrastructural investigation to assess whether exposure of cultured brown fat cell to noradrenaline could prevent (or induce regression of) the in vitro morphological modifications of brown adipocytes. Brown adipocytes cultured for 8 h in the presence of noradrenaline (5 X 10(-5) M) had a larger mitochondrial area (i.e. a larger percentage of cytoplasm occupied by non-degenerating mitochondria) in comparison with control cells, as assessed by morphometry; this was due to larger number of mitochondria in noradrenaline-treated cells. Moreover, a number of cells with mitochondria strictly resembling those of the intact tissue were visible in noradrenaline-treated cultured after 8 hr, while 'typical' mitochondria were no longer observed in parallel control cultures. After 5 days of culture without hormone addition, exposure to noradrenaline (5 X 10(-5) M) did not induce quantitative modifications of 'atypical' mitochondria or changes of their ultrastructure up to 12 hr. However, reduction in size of the lipid deposit and activation of both rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus were evident in noradrenaline-treated adipocytes in comparison with non-treated cells.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

Brown adipose tissue: a scanning electron microscopic study of tissue and cultured adipocytes.

The ultrastructure of rat brown adipose tissue (BAT) and of adipocytes cultured from BAT were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Brown adipocytes in the intact tissue were arranged in lobules with bundles of collagen among them; within each lobule 20- to 40-microns-large adipocytes were packed together. Fibers of reticular collagen enveloped each adipocyte and also connected each cell to vessels and nerves. At the adipocyte surface rounded protrusions were present, which corresponded to the BAT-typical multivacuolar lipid depot. Gradual digestion of the stroma with collagenase disclosed a more delicate, felt-like cover surrounding each adipocyte, probably representing the external lamina of the cell. Complete digestion of the stroma showed a smooth plasmalemma with occasional roundish blebs which varied in size. Cultured (24 h) brown adipocytes from the stromal-vascular fraction of BAT were elongated or polygonal in shape, with a flattened, central nucleus and a number of spherical cytoplasmatic inclusions which have the same dimension and location as lipid droplets. These inclusions were arranged either at cellular poles or around the nucleus; this suggests that brown adipocytes with mature features were present in the culture. Pictures suggesting the detachment of lipid droplets from the cell body were also visible. Lipid droplet extrusion could be a complementary mechanism which might explain the rapid delipidation of brown adipocytes in culture.

Adipose Tissue↗

Parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism: an ultrastructural study of 50 cases.

Parathyroid glands from 50 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism were examined by light and electron microscopy in an attempt to elucidate the diagnostic role of electron microscopy in this disease. In the cases in which only one gland was removed at surgery, a final diagnosis by light microscopy was not possible. The electron microscopic findings for some of these single glands (e.g., ribosomal-lamellar complexes and groups of centrioles) suggested that they were adenomas. In cases in which two or more enlarged glands were removed, a correct final diagnosis could be made on the basis of the light microscopic findings alone, and electron microscopy provided no further significant information. Where one enlarged gland and one normally sized gland were removed, electron microscopy disclosed important findings in the normally sized glands. Specifically, light microscopic examination of normally sized glands suggested endocrine suppression, while electron microscopy showed chief cell activity, thereby changing the final diagnosis from adenoma to hyperplasia. The clinical follow-up assessment in some of these patients confirmed the electron microscopic findings. Therefore, the incidence of adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism should be critically re-evaluated by ultrastructural studies of the normal glands that should be removed with the enlarged ones.

Adult↗

Liposarcoma. An ultrastructural study of 15 cases.

Fifteen liposarcomas from 13 patients were examined by electron microscopy. These included nine primary tumors, four recurrent tumors after primary surgery or irradiation, and two metastatic lesions. Twelve of the liposarcomas were located in the thigh, and 11 were of the myxoid variety. All neoplasms were composed of cells having the ultrastructural characteristics of some stage of lipoblastic differentiation, i.e., lipid droplets, micropinocytotic vesicles, glycogen, external lamina, intermediate filaments, Golgi apparatuses, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. The nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and nuclear pleomorphism were related inversely to the size and number of lipid droplets. Lipoblasts were frequently in close association with capillaries and pericytes, and in four cases lipid droplets were found in pericytes. Multivacuolated, mitochondria-rich lipoblasts, resembling brown fat cells, also were seen. Most tumors contained lipid-free, poorly differentiated mesenchymal cells that showed a continuum of morphologic differentiation to cells that closely resembled early lipoblasts that contained nonmembrane-bound lipid vacuoles. Fibrolipoblasts, cells containing lipid droplets and abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, were observed only in well-differentiated liposarcomas. Some soft tissue sarcomas contain vacuolated cells that simulate lipoblasts by light microscopy but prove to be reactive or malignant fibroblasts, histiocytes, or smooth muscle cells ultrastructurally. Therefore, use of electron microscopy may be necessary to establish the line of differentiation in these neoplasms.

Adolescent↗

T lymphocytic subpopulations of normal human peripheral blood defined by monoclonal antibodies: an ultrastructural study using immunogold staining method.

Submicroscopic findings of T lymphocytic subpopulations of normal human peripheral blood defined by OKT monoclonal antibodies were studied using ultrastructural immunocytochemistry (immunogold staining). The results show that OKT4-and OKT8-positive lymphocytic subpopulations have a distinct morphological pattern, although some variations in the ultrastructural details of cells in each subset are evident. The most representative features of OKT8-positive cells are regular or slightly indented nucleus with condensed chromatin, abundant cytoplasm, prominent Golgi apparatus, several granules frequently localized in the Golgi area, and numerous mitochondria, often in cluster disposition. OKT4-positive cells show generally less condensed chromatin, scanty cytoplasm and poor organule pattern. Furthermore, positive lymphocytes with prominent nuclear irregularities are found in both lymphocytic subpopulations. Ultrastructural similarities between the T cell subsets phenotypically characterized by monoclonal antibodies and other immunological criteria are also discussed.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Human thymocyte differentiation: an ultrastructural study using monoclonal antibodies and immunogold staining method.

The ultrastructural features of normal human thymocytes were analyzed at various stages of immunologic differentiation as defined by a panel of OKT monoclonal antibodies visualized by colloidal gold labelled antimouse IgG. The study shows that first stage thymocytes (OKT10+, OKT9+) have a typical morphology not found in more mature stages and describes the critical ultrastructural change which they undergo in becoming second stage thymocytes (OKT10+, OKT6+, OKT8+, OKT4+). No change in thymocyte fine morphology has been found in the progression from second to third stage (OKT10+, OKT3+, OKT8+ or OKT10+, OKT3+, OKT4+). Cells with ultrastructural features intermediate between those of the first and second stage have been found to react with monoclonal antibodies characterizing the first and the second stage. Ultrastructural similarity and homogeneity found in OKT8+ and OKT4+ thymic subpopulations suggests the acquisition by T lymphocytes of morphologic structures correlate with immunologic features previously found in peripheral blood T cell subpopulations to be a post-thymic process.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Isolation and ultrastructural features of brown adipocytes in culture.

Interscapular brown adipose tissue was removed from young rats, the cells isolated using collagenase, pelleted by centrifugation and cultured. Ultrastructural observations were made on these cells immediately after isolation and on Days 1, 2, 4, 10 and 14 of culture. The isolated cells show the typical submicroscopic features of cells in intact brown adipose tissue, i.e. a multivacuolar lipid depot and numerous typical mitochondria with dense cristae. However, as early as Day 1 of culture, the cells show degeneration of the typical mitochondria which are probably then extruded from the cells. Atypical mitochondria now begin to appear and become dominant on Day 4 of culture. By contrast, the typical multivacuolar shape of the lipid droplet does not change. Not even after prolonged periods of culture (2-4 weeks) is there any evidence of coalescence of the multivacuolar lipid depot. These findings are consistent with the possibility that the typical mitochondria of brown adipocytes depend on in vivo conditions, perhaps adrenergic innervation, while the multivacuolar characteristic of the lipid depot does not, and may be an intrinsic feature of the brown adipose cell.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

Ultrastructure of brown adipocytes mitochondria in cell culture from explants.

Brown adipocytes lose in culture their typical mitochondria, which are replaced by others of non typical morphology. During studies aimed at clarifying this phenomenon we found that better preservation of the 'typical' mitochondrial morphology is obtained in vitro after a long period of time, when cells from small fragments (explants) of brown adipose tissue (BAT) are cultured instead of collagenase-isolated brown adipocytes. These results suggest that the explant technique could be better suited to study brown adipocytes in culture than other methods employing collagenase-isolated cells.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

An ultrastructural morphometric analysis of the adenohypophysis of lactating rats.

A morphometric analysis of the adenohypophysis (pars distalis) of lactating rats was carried out by a semi-automated method at the ultrastructural level. The cellular elements were identified by their ultrastructural morphology. The following values were considered for the morphometric study: numerical density of cells/mm3 of tissue and the percentage of parenchymal volume occupied by every cell type. Mammotropes (PRL cells) numbered 624 X 10(3)/mm3 and occupied 59.9% of the parenchymal volume (p.v.). Somatotropes (GH cells) numbered 206 X 10(3)/mm3 and occupied 15.0% of the p.v. Folliculo-stellate cells (FS cells) numbered 128 X 10(3)/mm3 and occupied 8.1% of the p.v. Gonadotropes (GN cells) numbered 47 X 10(3)/mm3 and occupied 6.0% of the p.v. Adrenocorticotropes (ACTH cells) numbered 45 X 10(3)/mm3 and occupied 3.8% of the p.v. Thyrotropes (TSH cells) numbered 36 X 10(3)/mm3 and occupied 3.4% of the p.v. PRL cells were characterized by aspects compatible with intense hormone production. GH cells did not show differences with those of nonlactating animals. Folliculo-stellate elements appeared hypertrophic with abundant cytoplasm, enlarged Golgi complex, and dilation of the follicular lumina. GN cells had abundant cytoplasm with a well-developed and dilated ergastoplasm, particularly in type II GN cells. ACTH cells did not show differences with those of nonlactating animals. TSH cells showed moderate nucleocytoplasmic activation. These fine structural morphometric findings are discussed in relation to other studies regarding nonlactating adenohypophysis and hormone changes during lactation.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗