Immune Cell Location and Function During Post-Natal Mammary Gland Development

Post-natal mammary gland development requires complex interactions between the epithelial cells and various cell types within the stroma. Recent studies have illustrated the importance of immune cells and their mediators during the various stages of mammary gland development. However, the mechanisms by which these immune cells functionally contribute to mammary gland development are only beginning to be understood. This review provides an overview of the localization of immune cells within the mammary gland during the various stages of post-natal mammary gland development. Furthermore, recent studies are summarized that illustrate the mechanisms by which these cells are recruited to the mammary gland and their functional roles in mammary gland development.     

Imaging of the pituitary and parasellar region

The pituitary is part of a chain of enormous biologic amplification, which is regulated by a small amount of releasing factors in the portal blood from the hypothalamus. The pituitary is a master gland that regulates a number of hormones. A subtle abnormality in the pituitary can cause significant changes in body metabolism. Because the pituitary glands are small structures, high-resolution imaging techniques are required to satisfactorily evaluate the gland. It is imperative for the radiologist to be familiar with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the pituitary gland, which provides a solid foundation for accurate interpretation of the imaging studies of the pituitary gland.     

Primary hydatid cyst of adrenal gland. Report of two cases

Primary hydatid cyst of adrenal gland is still an exceptional localization. The adrenal gland is an uncommon site even in our country in which echinococcal disease is endemic. We report two cases of primary hydatid cyst of adrenal gland presented with isolated abdominal pain. The diagnosis was based on CT-scan, which showed a cystic mass of respectively the right and left adrenal gland with a calcified wall. The echinococcal immunologic test (Elisa) was positive in one case. The surgical treatment consisted on a total resection of the cyst, without rupture of the cystic wall and preserving the gland. The diagnosis was confirmed on the macroscopic examination of the resected pieces. In the first case the cyst was multilocular filled with daughter cysts and in the second case the cyst was unilocular filled with hydatid membrane and clear fluid. In the two cases, the postoperative course was uneventful. No recurrence had occurred respectively after 24 months and 36 months of follow up.     

The mammary gland: A unique organ for the study of development and tumorigenesis

The microanatomy and development of the mammary gland are unique and a reflection of its function to synthesize and deliver milk to the newborn offspring. The uniqueness of the mammary gland resides in several factors. First, the mammary parenchyma undergoes the vast majority of its growth postpubertally, thus enabling experiments on development to be performed in the juvenile or adult and presenting opportunities for experimental manipulation of the gland not available with other organs. On the basis of this characteristic, the fat pad transplantation method was developed, which resulted in the elaboration of important concepts in senescence, immortalization, and preneoplasia. Second, the accessibility of the gland and the ductal organization allows delivery and localization of specific molecules to mammary parenchyma cells, the cells which are the site of origin of neoplastic development. Third, the organ is the target of viral, chemical, and physical carcinogens, allowing development of unique and complex models for neoplastic development. Finally, the complexity of hormone and growth factor regulation of mammary gland function allows a sophisticated approach to the study of hormone action. The purpose of this review is to illustrate some unique properties of the gland which provide the basis for specialized approaches to developmental, neoplastic, and functional problems.     

Submandibular accessory salivary gland causing Warthin's duct obstruction

BACKGROUND: Submandibular masses are mostly secondary to sialolithiasis. Salivary gland tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis. In this case report, an unusual cause of Warthin's duct obstruction caused by an accessory salivary gland tissue is presented. METHODS: Sialography revealed the submandibular accessory salivary gland. RESULTS: Submandibular gland excision was performed and histopathologic investigation showed the accessory salivary tissue, which was narrowing the Warthin's duct. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of a symptomatic submandibular accessory gland, excision extirpation of the submandibular gland and accessory salivary tissue should be undertaken.     

Difficulties in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis of the breast

An analysis of the own material and of literature data permits to note alterations in the clinical course of mammary gland tuberculosis, which is the manifestation of tuberculosis pathomorphism under modern conditions. The lesion of the mammary gland is most commonly an isolated disease. This interferes with the differential diagnosis between tuberculous mastitis and tumors of the mammary gland and supports the opinion that the spreading of infection from other old tuberculous foci via hematogenic path plays the main part in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis of the mammary gland.     

Pubertal Mammary Gland Development: Insights from Mouse Models

During puberty the mammary gland develops from a rudimentary tree to a branched epithelial network of ducts which can support alveolar development and subsequent milk production during pregnancy and lactation. This process involves growth, proliferation, migration, branching, invasion, apoptosis and above all, tight regulation which allows these processes to take place simultaneously during the course of just a few weeks to create an adult gland. The process is under hormonal control and is thus coordinated with reproductive development. Mouse models, with overexpressed or knocked-out genes, have highlighted a number of pubertal mammary gland phenotypes and given significant insight into the regulatory mechanisms controlling this period of development. Here we review the published findings of the wide range of gene-manipulated mammary mouse models, documenting the common pubertal mammary gland phenotypes observed, and summarizing their contribution to our current understanding of how pubertal mammary gland development occurs.     

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of salivary gland with metastasis to lung: report of a case and review of the literature.

A 63-year-old man was initially seen with multiple pulmonary nodules 14 years after a left parotidectomy for an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of salivary gland. Eight and 18 months after parotidectomy, the patient had local recurrence of his salivary gland tumor. He remained disease-free before being seen with pulmonary nodules, which were evaluated by open lung biopsy. The pathologic features of the pulmonary nodules were identical to the salivary gland tumor resected 14 years earlier. This is the fourth reported case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of salivary gland metastasizing to a distant site.     

Different pathological findings in each of four parathyroid glands in a long-standing hemodialysis patient

A 51-year-old male patient with chronic renal failure, who had required dialysis for 22 years, presented with a cervical mass. Laboratory data were consistent with secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic renal failure. Cervical exploration was performed with excision of four parathyroid glands and autotransplantation of the normal gland into the forearm. The cervical tumor of the right inferior gland demonstrated parathyroid carcinoma histologically. Adenoma of the right superior gland and hyperplasia of the left superior gland were also recognized. The left inferior gland was normal. A few cases of parathyroid carcinoma in patients on maintenance hemodialysis have been previously reported. However, this is the first report in which all four parathyroid glands revealed different pathological findings: carcinoma, adenoma, hyperplasia and normal gland. Chronic stimulation of the parathyroid glands to release parathyroid hormone might have caused the variety of findings in the four parathyroid glands.     

分离培养汗腺导管部细胞的新方法

目的 探讨建立汗腺导管部细胞分离的新技术.方法 成人仞厚皮片和薄中厚皮片标本(n=10)剪碎后用Ⅱ型胶原酶消化12 h,吸取并转移汗腺导管到培养皿中贴壁培养.应用流式细胞仪、免疫组织化学染色和逆转录-聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)以及蛋白印迹(Western Blot)分析检测培养细胞的汗腺特异标志CEA、CK8、CK18、CK19抗原表达,并用膜片钳技术检测培养细胞膜上阿米洛利(amiloride)敏感Na~+离子通道,用t检验比较分析两组间实验数据.结果 汗腺导管贴壁48 h后,围绕汗腺导管出现单层扁平的上皮细胞,生长2～4周融合成片.流式细胞学检查示原代培养汗腺导管细胞与原代培养汗腺细胞在癌胚抗原(CEA)阳性率[(90.26±1.12)%vs.(89.70±1.43)%]和细胞角蛋白8(CK8)阳性率[(94.41±1.84)%vs.(93.65±1.63)%]上,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).形态学染色汗腺导管细胞抗CEA、CK8、CK18、CK19染色均为阳性.RT-PCR表明原代培养汗腺导管细胞表达CEA、CK8、CK18、CK19基因,Western Blot清晰显示CEA条带,CK8、CK18、CK19蛋白条带.膜片钳检测表明原代培养汗腺导管细胞膜上存在amiloride敏感Na~+离子通道.无血清表皮细胞EpiLife培养基在汗腺导管细胞生长过程中抑制成纤维细胞生长.结论 从仞厚皮片和中厚皮片分离培养汗腺导管部细胞的方法较传统的分离方法具有简便快速的优点,EpiLife培养基可抑制培养过程中成纤维细胞的生长,可以在体外建立最佳汗腺导管细胞模型.     

Mammary Gland Macrophages: Pleiotropic Functions in Mammary Development

Mammary gland development is a complex process involving epithelial cells and supporting stromal cells. Macrophages (M∅s) are an important component of the mammary gland stroma and are critical for normal mammary gland development; however, the mechanisms by which macrophages regulate these processes are not well understood. M∅s are known to interact with numerous cell types, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and endothelial cells, all of which are significant components of mammary gland development. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to describe the interactions between M∅s and these various cell types and use this knowledge to identify potential functions of M∅s in the mammary gland.     

Extra-cranial metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme presenting as acute parotitis

We present an unusual case of extracranial metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) to the parotid gland and cervical lymph nodes. The patient had previously undergone two craniotomies to debulk a left frontal GBM, followed by radiotherapy. After the second craniotomy, while waiting for chemotherapy, the patient was re-admitted with a short history of a painful swelling of his left parotid gland. The initial diagnosis was infective parotitis; however, as there was no improvement with broad-spectrum antibiotics, CT was undertaken, which revealed a mass in the parotid gland with a necrotic centre and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Parotid gland biopsy revealed a parotid GBM metastasis. This case illustrates how GBM behaves in an aggressive manner even outside the CNS. A brief review of the literature and of the theories, which might explain the extra-neural metastasis of this tumour is also presented.     

甲状旁腺功能亢进症术前和术中定位病变甲状旁腺的研究进展

甲状旁腺是人体颈部的一个结节状内分泌腺体,位于甲状腺后方,其主要功能是分泌调节血钙的甲状旁腺激素（PTH）。甲状旁腺功能亢进症（HPT）是指甲状旁腺分泌过多PTH,从而引起血生化改变,导致相关系统功能的损害,严重影响患者的生活质量,甚至导致死亡。目前最主要的治疗方式是手术切除病变甲状旁腺,而准确定位对微创甲状旁腺切除术至关重要。因为它能提高手术成功率,最大限度地减少误伤甲状旁腺的发生率以及损伤相关的并发症。近几年来,随着技术设备的创新和普及,不同的定位方式有了更好的敏感度和准确率。随着临床研究的不断深入和更新,对于不同类型HPT的定位方式有了更好的指导意义。目前甲状旁腺微创外科技术已经取代了传统的广泛探查,在保证手术成功率的同时带来更少的损伤和并发症,这也是对甲状旁腺定位方式更高的要求。因此,笔者就目前HPT病变甲状旁腺定位方式的研究进展进行综述,旨在为临床HPT的手术治疗提供更优的定位选择以及一些新的思路和方向。     

Comparison of the intraspecific growth of the endocranial organs (hypophyseal lobes, pineal gland, SFO) in the white Wistar rat. Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout), with their interspecific growth in the rodents]

The intraspecific growth of various endocranian organs (hypophysis, pineal gland and SFO) in the Rat compared to a group of Rodents shows that their allometry coefficient/somatic weight is : close to isometry for the anterior and intermediate lobes of the hypophysis which is suitable for endocrine glands; lower and close to that found for the relation brain weight/somatic weight for the nervous lobe in the Rat and in Rodents; and extremely low (0,33) for the SFO in the Rat, which is comparable to that found in Rodents (0,44). The allometry coefficient found for the pineal gland is not comparable to that found in Rodents (1,25). Many facts (important intra and interspecific variations, existence of species or individuals deprived of pineal gland) seem to indicate that this gland is not related to an essential somatic function.     

Sipple's syndrome: a case report

A 41-year-old woman was hospitalized for evaluation of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The hormonal and radiological examinations revealed that she had pheochromocytoma of bilateral adrenal gland and medullary carcinoma of thyroid gland. Therefore, she was diagnosed as having Sipple's syndrome. She had no definite familial history, but her two sisters, already dead, had been strongly suspected of having had pheochromocytoma. First, bilateral adrenalectomy was performed and secondly, total thyroidectomy, excision of parathyroid and cervical lymph node dissection were performed. Histopathological diagnosis was pheochromocytoma of bilateral adrenal gland, medullary carcinoma of thyroid gland and chief cell hyperplasia of parathyroid gland. We report a case of Sipple's syndrome, which probably is the 88th case in Japan, with the review of the previous Japanese literature.     

A surgical approach to the sublingual salivary gland.

A new surgical approach to the sublingual salivary gland is described, the key feature of which is the use of a flap rather than the usual incision. The flap includes the submandibular duct and, because of the relationship of the duct and lingual nerve, allows early identification of the latter before dissection of the gland. Improved access also simplifies dissection of the gland, particularly on its deep aspects where troublesome bleeding may be encountered.     

Preoperative localization of supernumerary and ectopic parathyroid glands in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

The undetectable supernumerary and ectopic parathyroid glands have a high risk of persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism, especially in the patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Preoperative image diagnosis, CT scan, echogram and 201T1C1 scintigram were very useful for detecting supernumerary and ectopic parathyroid glands in our 132 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Among these methods the scintigraphy showed the highest detection rate of the glands in the thymic tongue and in the upper mediastinum. CT scan showed the best detection rate of the glands located in the thyroid gland and those located between the thyroid gland and trachea. The echography was useful in detecting the glands in the thyroid gland, but could not offer easy visualization those located in the mediastinum. Even the ectopic parathyroid glands, weighing more than 500 mg were identifiable at about 90% when all the methods were applied routinely. In our experience, four patients had a supernumerary gland which was detected by the preoperative image diagnostic procedures at the initial surgery. One patient had a supernumerary gland in the mediastinum which was detected by image diagnosis after the initial operation and was removed at reoperation.     

Salivary neoplasms: overview of a 35-year experience with 2,807 patients

We have reviewed a 35-year experience with 2,807 patients treated for salivary tumors which arose in the parotid gland (1,695 patients; 70%), submandibular gland (235 patients; 8%), and seromucinous glands of the upper aerodigestive tract (607 patients; 22%). Pleomorphic adenomas comprised 45% of the total, most of which occurred in the parotid gland. The clinical findings and the distribution of patients according to the histology and the site of origin are summarized. Treatment was surgical and the resection was conservative when possible, depending upon the extent of the tumor. The impact of site, histology, grade, and tumor stage on the results is shown.     

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the prostate capsule

This report deals with the clinical, ultrasonographical, computertomographical and morphological aspects of the rare malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the prostatic gland. A 80-year-old patient suffered from a fast growing painless tumor of the prostatic area, which, on microscopical examination, proved to be a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The patient refused surgical treatment and died several weeks thereafter. On autopsy no metastases were found. The diagnosis of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the prostatic gland can only be made on microscopical grounds. The differential diagnosis includes a pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma or a pleomorphic liposarcoma. The clinical differential diagnosis includes, first of all, a carcinoma of the prostatic gland. Surgery is the therapy of choice. The prognosis of the malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the prostatic gland is poor.