Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the uterus: immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and molecular study

A case of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the uterus is reported, occurring in a 32-year-old woman. The tumor (8.0 cm in dimension) showed exophytic growth from the outer half of the myometrium. Histopathologically, the tumor was composed of thick blood vessels and perivascular epithelioid cells. The neoplastic cells were strongly immunoreactive for HMB45 antigen, CD117 (c-kit), vimentin and the progesterone receptor, but completely negative for S-100 protein, smooth muscle actin, desmin, CD34, the estrogen receptor and p16. The Ki-67 labeling index was low (1.25%). Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells had numerous premelanosomes with some glycogen deposits. Single-stranded DNA conformational polymorphism of p53 and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction of p16 revealed negative results. Definite melanosomes on electron microscopic analysis and coexpression of HMB45 antigen and stem cell factor receptor (CD117) may provide the clue to understanding perivascular epithelioid cell tumor because angiomyolipoma also coexpresses HMB45 antigen and CD117.     

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma: a cytogenetic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study of an unusual histological variant

A case of sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma was studied. The tumor cells expressed vimentin, focally epithelial membrane antigen and CD34, contained cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, large Golgi apparatus, many pinocytotic vesicles, and were devoid of basal lamina. Their composite karyotype was 45,Y,t(X;6)(q13;q15), t(6;13)(p11.2;q13),-22?2/46,Y,t(X;6)(q13;q15),add(13)(p12), add(22)(q13)?3/44 approximately 46,der(X)t(X;6)(q13;q21),-Y, t(13;14)(q10;q10),-22,add(22)(q13)?7/46,XY?8.     

Clear cell chondrosarcoma: an ultrastructural study

Clear cell chondrosarcoma (CCC) is a rare neoplasm. We report here a case of CCC. A 67-year-old Japanese man presented with right arthralgia for 1 year, and histological examination of the subsequent surgical resection of the right femoral bone showed the finding of CCC. Ultrastructurally, most organelles were observed in the perinuclear area. Clear neoplastic cells contained many glycogen particles in the area of the cytoplasm lacking organelles, although glycogen particles overall seemed to be evenly distributed in the cytoplasm. Some mitochondria, Golgi complex, actin-like filaments, and rough endoplasmic reticulum were also demonstrated in the cytoplasm of clear cells. Well-developed microvilli were also seen on the surface of neoplastic cells. These structures in neoplastic cells corresponded notably to structures of normal chondrocytes. Finally, our ultrastructural findings support further evidence that clear cells in CCC may show chondrocyte differentiation and a lack of an organelles area as well as abundant glycogen particles, may contribute to the clear cell morphology in CCC.     

Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural analyses of the development of candidal granulomas

The development of Candida granulomas was studied in experimental model using histological, enzyme histochemical and electron microscopic methods. The granulomatous response first appeared 3-5 days after injection of heat-killed Candida albicans blastospores in hepatic portal system of mice. This response reached maximum at 10-12 days, when a significant part of hepatic parenchyma was involved, regressing thereafter. In the course of maturation, the granulomas, initially consisting of loose aggregates of monocytes and immature macrophages, were transformed into compact structures with the predominance of mature epithelioid cells with typical enzyme histochemical and fine structural features. In regressing granulomas, the accumulation of immature cells was again seen. Long-term administration of cyclophosphamide suppressed the development of Candida hepatic granulomas.     

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of soft tissue: case report with ultrastructural study

A perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) arising in the abdominal wall of a 44-year-old female is described. The lesion was a well-circumscribed but unencapsulated, rubbery, subcutaneous mass measuring 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.0 cm which was removed by simple excision. It was characterized by a nest- or sheet-like arrangement of round to polygonal cells with round nuclei and abundant clear to slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm containing glycogen. There was mild to moderate nuclear pleomorphism with mitotic activity of 6 per 10 high power fields. A short fascicular proliferation of the tumor cells was observed focally. The stroma contained abundant small vascular channels with hyalinization. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were strongly positive for vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and HMB45. Ultrastructural examination showed poorly differentiated mesenchymal tumor cells without premelanosomes. There was local recurrence 6 years after excision. Pathologists and clinicians should be aware of the existence of PEComa in soft tissue and should differentiate it from other similar lesions.     

琥珀酸脱氢酶缺陷型肾细胞癌的临床病理学、超微结构及分子特征

目的探讨琥珀酸脱氢酶缺陷型肾细胞癌(succinate dehydrogenase-deficient renal cell carcinoma, SDH RCC)的临床病理特征、免疫表型、超微结构、分子特征及鉴别诊断。方法对解放军东部战区总医院2010至2019年间11例SDH RCC进行光镜观察、免疫组织化学染色、超微结构研究及随访, 并对其中7例进行高通量DNA靶向测序, 分析其分子病理特征。结果 11例患者中女性4例, 男性7例。患者年龄24～62岁, 平均年龄41.4岁, 中位年龄41岁。低倍镜下, 该类型肾癌以实性片状、小管状结构为主, 局部有微囊改变, 其中4例呈巢团状、梁索状结构分布于疏松水肿的间质或瘢痕周围, 类似于嗜酸细胞腺瘤。高倍镜下, 肿瘤细胞胞质呈絮状嗜酸性, 可见特征性的半透明空泡。琥珀酸脱氢酶B在8例中呈明确阴性表达, 有阳性内对照;其余3例肿瘤细胞呈片状或灶性微弱表达, 而肿瘤内正常肾小管及血管内皮细胞呈强阳性表达。高通量DNA靶向测序显示, 7例送检病例(包括3例琥珀酸脱氢酶B表达不明确的病例)中均检测出琥珀酸脱氢酶B基因致病性突变, 未见琥珀酸脱氢酶...     

Intracytoplasmic inclusions in B prolymphocytic leukaemia: ultrastructural, cytochemical, and immunological studies.

The intracytoplasmic inclusions seen in most cells from a patient with B prolymphocytic leukaemia were analysed using both light and electron microscopy. They consisted of a dense homogeneous structure and were surrounded by a membrane, which had no continuity with the Golgi cisternae or the endoplasmic reticulum; some inclusions had a clear association with small lysosomal granules. Immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase studies using light microscopy failed to elucidate completely the nature of the inclusions, but immunocytochemical reactions performed using electron microscopy suggested an immunoglobulin nature. All inclusions were negative for acid phosphatase and periodic acid Schiff. The nature of the inclusions described in the prolymphocytes of this patient were compared with those previously recorded in B prolymphocytic leukaemia.     

Osteocyte dendrogenesis in static and dynamic bone formation: an ultrastructural study

The present ultrastructural investigation into osteocyte dendrogenesis represents a continuation of a previous study (Ferretti et al., Anat. Embryol., 2002; 206:21-29), in which we pointed out that, during intramembranous ossification, the well-known dynamic bone formation (DBF), performed by migrating osteoblast laminae, is preceded by static bone formation (SBF), in which cords of stationary osteoblasts transform into osteocytes in the same site where they differentiated. The research was carried out on the perichondral center of ossification surrounding the mid shaft level of various long bones of chick embryos and newborn rabbits. Transmission electron microscope observations showed that the formation of osteocyte dendrites is quite different in the two types of osteogenesis, mainly depending on whether or not osteoblast movement occurs. In DBF, osteoblasts transform into small ovoidal/ellipsoidal osteocytes and their dendrites form in an asynchronous and asymmetrical manner in concomitance with, and depending on, the advancing mineralizing surface and the receding osteogenic laminae. In SBF, stationary osteoblasts give rise to big globous osteocytes, located inside confluent lacunae, with short and symmetrical dendrites that can radiate simultaneously all around their cell body because they are completely surrounded by unmineralized matrix. Contacts and gap junctions were observed between all osteocytes (both SBF- and DBF-derived) and between osteocytes and osteoblasts. Finally, a continuous osteocyte network extends throughout the bone, regardless of its static or dynamic origin. This network has the characteristic of a functional syncytium, potentially capable of modulating, by wiring transmission, the cells of the osteogenic lineage covering the bone surfaces.     

腹膜后恶性血管周上皮样细胞肿瘤的临床病理分析

目的:探讨腹膜后血管周上皮样细胞肿瘤(perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms,PEComas)的临床和病理学特点,提高对PEComas的认识和诊断水平。方法:对1例腹膜后恶性PEComas进行临床病理分析及免疫组织化学研究,并复习相关文献。结果:肿瘤组织主要由上皮样细胞构成,胞质丰富、透明或嗜酸性颗粒状,间质富于血管。免疫组织化学显示:肿瘤细胞平滑肌肌动蛋白、HMB45,melan A及Desmin阳性,上皮膜抗原和vimentin局灶阳性,CgA,Syn,S-100,CD117,CD34,细胞角蛋白,calretinin及inhibin均阴性。结论:腹膜后PEComas是一种非常罕见的肿瘤,具有独特的组织学和免疫组织化学特征,应与腹膜后其他上皮样细胞肿瘤进行鉴别。     

Primary adenocarcinomas of the human urinary bladder: Histochemical,immunological and ultrastructural studies

Summary Neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissue specimens from ten patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder were examined. Most of these tumors were associated with either foci of transitional cell carcinoma and/or with glandular metaplasia of the bladder epithelium. The mucin produced by the neoplastic cells was PAS, alcian blue, mucicarmine, PB/KOH/PAS, and RPB/KOH/PAS-positive. ABH isoantigens of these tumors were not always deleted. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells resembled goblet cells. Their plasma membrane had numerous microvilli with prominent glycocalyx. Proliferation and attenuation of tight junctions were noted. The gap junctions were few and small. Two types of desmosomes were found. The ultrastructural features of the neoplastic cells were attributed in part to the malignant transformation and in part to the direction of their differentiation. We have not observed any distinctive morphologic, histochemical, immunologic or ultrastructural features that might be diagnostic for these adenocarcinomas.This study was supported by the Institute of International Education, New York; the Charlton Fund, Tufts University School of Medicine; and Grants#CA-15776 and CA 23776 from the National Cancer Institute     

Florid basal cell hyperplasia of the prostate: a histological,ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical analysis

Basal cell proliferation is a common finding in a benign hyperplastic prostate gland. Occasionally, basal cell hyperplasia is so florid that it can be mistaken for prostatic adenocarcinoma. We characterized histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical features of florid basal cell hyperplasia from transurethral resections (n = 11) and prostatectomy specimens (n = 4). Fifteen cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma were used as comparison. Intraluminal calcification was present in 40% of florid basal cell hyperplasia cases (6 of 15) and a unique finding of intracytoplasmic hyaline globules was detected in 53.3% of florid basal cell hyperplasia cases (8 of 15). Ultrastructural analysis revealed luminal calcification and intracytoplasmic electron-dense globules in foci of basal cell hyperplasia. Crystalloids, a frequent finding in low-grade prostate cancer, were absent in all 15 cases of florid basal cell hyperplasia. By immunohistochemistry, the basal cell-specific 34betaE12 and p63 as well as glutathione-s-transferase pi were positive in all basal cell hyperplasia cases but negative in all prostatic adenocarcinomas. These distinguishing features of florid basal cell hyperplasia are helpful in differential diagnosis from prostatic adenocarcinoma. Cytokeratins 8 and 18 were both positive in basal cells, benign secretory cells, and carcinoma cells, failing to be of discrimatory value. Immunostaining for alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme racemase, a new prostate cancer marker, was negative in hyperplastic basal cells but detected a distinct minor benign cell population in basal cell hyperplasia of possible neuroendocrine origin.     

非特殊性血管周上皮样细胞肿瘤31例的病理学观察

目的 探讨非特殊性血管周上皮样细胞肿瘤(PEComa-NOS)的临床病理学特征,评价恶性血管周上皮样细胞肿瘤(PEComa)的诊断标准.方法 回顾性复习31例PEComa-NOS的临床表现、影像学资料、光镜形态和免疫学表型,分析预后资料.2例为空芯针穿刺活检标本,2例为剖腹探查活检标本,其余27例为手术切除标本.结果 ...     

Epithelial inclusion cyst (epidermoid cyst) formation with epithelioid cell granuloma in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen

The histologic characteristics of a case of epidermoid cyst formation with an epithelioid cell granuloma that developed in intrapancreatic accessory spleen were investigated, with the aim of clarifying its origin as well as etiologic factors. The patient, a 48-year-old male, was found to have a cystic lesion in the tail of the pancreas and renal cell carcinoma (clear cell carcinoma) during a medical check up. The pancreatic mass appeared to be a so-called "mucinous tumor" on imaging, and combined resection of the body and tail of the pancreas and the spleen was performed together with a left nephrectomy. The lesion in the tail of the pancreas was then demonstrated to have accessory splenic tissue with cyst formation in its central region. The cystic wall was covered with stratified squamous epithelium and ductal epithelium with squamous metaplasia, and pancreatic islet cells were evident at various sites within the accessory spleen. Formation of epithelioid cell granuloma tissue was observed around the cysts. The epithelium of the cyst was positive for CA19-9 and negative for antibodies against mesothelial cells, whereas the pancreatic island cells were positive for insulin. These results suggested that cystic epithelium in the accessory spleen could be derived from pancreatic duct epithelium. Frequent recurrence of chronic inflammation and epitheloid cell granuloma formation may have resulted from an aberration of the ectopic remaining pancreatic tissue in the spleen.     

Experimental production of pulmonary granulomas. I. Immune granulomas induced by chemically modified cell walls and their constituents.

The intrabronchial instillation of stimulants in an oily vehicle induces a solitary inflammatory focus in the rabbit lung. When heat-killed tubercle bacilli were administered to tuberculo-immune animals, a necrotizing focus with cavities was induced. Delipidation of the bacterial cells stimulated the production of a necrotizing focus. In contrast, acetylation of the mycobacterial cell walls resulted in the replacement of cavity formation with epithelioid-cell granuloma production similar to that seen after the administration of Wax D, a peptidoglycolipid fraction of the cell walls. These lesions were induced much faster than in controls, indicating that some immune mechanisms are involved. In the present study of the specific granuloma induction mechanism, the biological activities of the chemical constituents of Wax D were examined. It was concluded that specific granuloma induction is due to the long delayed hypersensitivity antigenicity of Wax D which is brought about by the conjugation of biologically inactive mycolic acid with Arthus-antigenic peptidoglycan. Wax D glycolipids with delayed-type antigenicity also take part in the induction. The intrinsic adjuvant activity of these compounds may stimulate granuloma production. The haemagglutination antigenicity and Arthus-type antigenicity of the polysaccharide or peptidoglycan moiety are not involved.     

Chromosome analysis and molecular cytogenetic investigations of an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare, well-differentiated endothelial tumor with a wide spectrum of clinical behavior and for which genetic data are extremely limited. We present a case of an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in a 22-year-old male, which was analyzed with multiple cytogenetic approaches. Conventional cytogenetic analysis detected structural abnormalities of 11q13 and 11q14, rings, and marker chromosomes. Multi-color FISH (mFISH) and high-resolution multi-color banding (mBAND) analyses demonstrated that the aberrations of chromosome 11 were deletions and that the ring and marker chromosomes consisted of 12(q14 approximately q21) material. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis revealed gains of 11(q13 approximately q14) and 12(q11 approximately q21), loss of 11(q21 approximately qter), and 2 amplicons at 12(q12 approximately q13) and 12(q14 approximately q21). Our data indicate that a subset of epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas may be characterized by complex rearrangements involving deletions and gains of 11q and 12q amplifications. The present case also shows that, in order to describe and understand such complex chromosome aberrations, chromosome analysis must be complemented with several molecular cytogenetic techniques.     

Neurogenesis,gliogenesis and the developing chicken optic tectum: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis

We present the first comprehensive analysis of avian optic tectum development, including proliferation, migration and maturation of both neuronal and glial cells. The distribution of doublecortin, Tuj-1, vimentin and GFAP was characterized by immunohistochemistry between E3 and E20, and correlated with the electron microscopic structure in the chicken optic tectum. The immunohistological markers used in our study are known to be critical for distinct steps of neurogenesis and gliogenesis. We demonstrate that neurogenesis within the optic tectum starts at E3 with prominent doublecortin and moderate Tuj-1 expression. With the aid of electron microscopy, we also show that most of the cells are still undifferentiated at E4. Starting from E6, all postmitotic Tuj-1-positive neurons have left the ventricular zone and concurrently, with the end of proliferation around E12, doublecortin disappears from this region. Before hatching, doublecortin expression totally ceases, indicating that now all neurons have matured, this was also confirmed by ultrastructural investigations. Furthermore, vimentin expression starts around E4, prior to the appearance of the first radial glial cells at E6. Astrocytes can be detected by GFAP expression at E12. As radial glial cells (RGC) transform into astrocytes between E12 and E20, the vimentin signal is progressively replaced by the GFAP signal. We could also show that vimentin-positive RGCs do express doublecortin between E4 and E6, the time-point of prominent neurogenesis, reflecting their bipotent character.