Giant cell tumor of major salivary glands: report of three cases, one occurring in association with a malignant mixed tumor

Three cases of a heterofore undescribed neoplasm of major salivary glands morphologically similar to giant cell tumor of bone are presented. All tumors were located in the parotid gland of adult individuals, and all patients are alive and well following surgical excision. One of the three cases was associated intimately with a malignant mixed tumor (carcinoma in pleomorphic adenoma). Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies failed to provide conclusive evidence about the specific nature of the tumor cells. The major salivary glands should be added to the long list of organs in which extraskeletal giant cell tumors have been observed, whether alone or in association with an epithelial malignancy.     

Detection of integrated murine leukemia viruses in a mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia by fluorescence in situ hybridization combined with tyramide signal amplification

This study was undertaken to develop a reliable method to enumerate and map somatically acquired, clonal, murine leukemia virus (MuLV) proviral insertions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells from the BXH-2 mouse strain. This was achieved by using fluorescence in situ hybridization combined with tyramide signal amplification (FISH-TSA) and an 8.8 kilobase pair (kb) full-length ecotropic MuLV or 2.0 kb MuLV envelope (env) gene probe. Two-color FISH was utilized combining chromosome-specific probes for regions near the telomere and/or centromere and the MuLV probes. The technique reliably detected germline and somatically acquired, tumor-specific, MuLV proviruses in BXH-2 AML cell lines. It was possible to readily verify homozygous insertions at endogenous ecotropic MuLV loci, Emv1 (chromosome 5), Emv2 (chromosome 8) and a BXH-2 strain-specific locus (chromosome 11). This strategy also verified the presence of molecularly cloned proviral insertions within the mouse Nf1 gene and another locus on distal chromosome 11, as well as on chromosome 7 and chromosome 9 in BXH-2 AML cell line B117. The technique was also used to detect several new tumor-specific, proviral insertions in BXH-2 AML cell lines.     

Isolation and cultivation of integrin alpha(6)beta(1)-expressing salivary gland graft cells: a model for use with an artificial salivary gland

Regeneration of the salivary glands' (SGs) normal function for patients with cancer of the head and neck treated with irradiation would be a major contribution to their quality of life. This could be accomplished by re-implantation of autologous SG cells into the residual irradiated tissue or by implantation of tissue-engineered artificial SGs. Both methods depend on the isolation of cells able to propagate and differentiate into SG epithelial cells. Recently, it has been shown that SG integrin alpha(6)beta(1)-expressing (SGIE) cells have stem cell capabilities, but these cells could be isolated only after duct ligation insult requiring surgical intervention. Because such an invasive procedure is not clinically acceptable for these patients, our aim in the present study was to explore the use of immuno-magnetic separation of untreated and short heat stress-conditioned rats as a less-insulting methodology for enhancement of these cells. Our results show that submandibular SGIE cells could be isolated and cultivated from untreated animals. However, short heat stress (HS) increased the number of isolated SGIE cells 4.7-fold and their proliferation and clonal capability 4.6-fold and 3 fold, respectively. We believe that SGIE graft cells may be suitable candidates for future tissue-engineered SGs that have been damaged by irradiation in patients with head and neck cancer.     

Pulmonary salivary gland-type tumors with features of malignant mixed tumor (carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma): a clinicopathologic study of five cases

We report 5 cases of pulmonary salivary gland-type tumors with features of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. Patient ages ranged from 44 to 71 years (mean, 53.8 years); 4 patients were men and 1 was a woman. In all 5 cases, the lesions were associated with the bronchial system. None of the patients had a history of a head and neck salivary gland neoplasm. Histologically, the lesions were invasive tumors containing malignant myoepithelial elements and duct-like structures embedded in a benign chondromyxoid stroma. Areas reminiscent of residual pleomorphic adenoma were noted in 2 cases. Follow-up for 3 patients revealed that 2 died 22 and 54 months after diagnosis and 1 was alive 20 months after diagnosis. The cases are characterized by unique morphologic features that, coupled with their immunoprofile, suggest the possibility that these tumors represent carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, an entity that has not been well documented in the bronchopulmonary system.     

True malignant mixed tumor (carcinosarcoma) of parotid gland with unusual mesenchymal component: a case report and review of the literature

True malignant mixed tumor (carcinosarcoma) of the salivary gland is an extremely rare tumor. By definition, it is composed of both malignant epithelial and malignant mesenchymal elements. The most common type of the former is squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma and the most common type of the latter is chondrosarcoma, followed in frequency by fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and in rare instances liposarcoma. We report a case of true malignant mixed tumor of the parotid gland in association with a pleomorphic adenoma in a 47-year-old man that contained a very unusual type of malignant mesenchymal component, rhabdomyosarcoma. Cytologic and histologic features and immunohistochemical results are presented. In addition, the literature is reviewed, and the possible histogenesis and pathogenesis of malignant mixed tumor of the salivary gland are briefly discussed.     

Malignant progression of a weakly malignant rat mammary tumor cell line, ER-1, by tumor microenvironmental factors

Malignant progression is the process by which tumor cells acquire more malignant properties, such as invasiveness and metastasis, during tumor development. The process is thought to be regulated by the microenvironment surrounding tumor cells, which can modify the malignant properties of tumor cells directly or through various humoral factors. Using a cloned weakly malignant cell line, ER-1, which we established, we demonstrated that growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-#) derived from host cells play an important role in promoting malignant progression of ER-1 cells. It is noteworthy that EGF treatment induced not only reversible but also irreversible progression to ER-1 cells depending on the treatment period. An increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species by EGF stimulation was thought to be one of the key factors involved in EGF-induced malignant progression of ER-1 cells. Morphological investigations revealed that ER-1 cells that had acquired malignant properties showed more abundant microvilli on the surface compared to ER-1 cells. Thus, the ER-1 cell line is a useful tool for biological and morphological analyses of the mechanisms of malignant progression of tumor.     

Expression of antigen reactive with a monoclonal antibody to HTLV-1 P19 in salivary glands in Sjögren''s syndrome.

To examine the possible involvement of retroviruses in Sjögren's syndrome (SS), labial salivary gland sections from 99 individuals were probed with three MoAbs to core (gag) proteins of human T cell leukaemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) and two MoAbs to HIV-1. Sections from 31% of 39 patients with primary SS (pSS) contained an epithelial cytoplasmic protein reactive with a MoAb(197) to the p19 group specific antigen (gag) of HTLV-1. The antigen was also detected in samples from 24% of 17 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and SS. 21% of 14 patients with sicca symptoms and 12.5% of 16 patients with other connective tissue diseases. It was not found in the salivary glands of 13 normal controls. A second MoAb to p19 gag, a MoAb to the p24 gag of HTLV-1 and MoAbs to HIV-1 p17and p24 gags gave negative reactions. Serum antibodies to HTLV-1 were negative, confirming that the antigen was not part of HTLV-1. The antigen showed properties consistent with an endogenous retrovirus in that it was absent in healthy tissues or resting cells but inducible by stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) It appeared to be distinct from the endogenous retroviral sequence HRES-1. These data suggest the presence of an endogenous retrovirus in salivary gland epithelium which could contribute to the chronic inflammation of SS.     

Production of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by a rat corneal epithelial cell line

Production of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by rat corneal epithelial cells in response to lipopolysaccharide and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) was tested. Supernatants from rat corneal epithelial cells treated with lipopolysaccharide and PMA were collected after 6, 24 and 48 h and tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. The activity of TNF-alpha was additionally confirmed with bioassay on L929 cells. It was found that control groups did not produce significant levels of either cytokine. However, after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, cells produced mainly IL-6, whereas after PMA they produced mainly TNF-alpha. IL-6 levels 24 and 48 h after PMA stimulation were also elevated, which could have been caused by the presence of TNF-alpha. Production of IL-1 beta in all groups was very low and remained within the test sensitivity range. These results show that the rat corneal epithelial cell line produces inflammatory cytokines in response to proinflammatory mediators. For this reason, it could be used for measuring the effects of irritants on the cornea.     

SIKVAV, a laminin alpha1-derived peptide, interacts with integrins and increases protease activity of a human salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line through the ERK 1/2 signaling pathway

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a frequently occurring malignant salivary gland neoplasm. We studied the induction of protease activity by the laminin-derived peptide, SIKVAV, in cells (CAC2) derived from this neoplasm. Laminin alpha1 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 were immunolocalized in adenoid cystic carcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro. CAC2 cells cultured on SIKVAV showed a dose-dependent increase of MMP9 as detected by zymography and colocalization of alpha3 and alpha6 integrins. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of integrin expression in CAC2 cells resulted in decreased adhesion to the peptide. SIKVAV affinity chromatography and immunoblot analysis showed that alpha3, alpha6, and beta1 integrins were eluted from the SIKVAV column, which was confirmed by mass spectrometry and a solid-phase binding assay. Small interfering RNA experiments also showed that these integrins, through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling, regulate MMP secretion induced by SIKVAV in CAC2 cells. We propose that SIKVAV increases protease activity of a human salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line through alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 integrins and the ERK 1/2 signaling pathway.     

An interesting syndrome of hemolytic anemia, degeneration of the liver and diabetes associated with a high red cell Mg-ATPase, detected by 31P NMR spectroscopy

31P NMR was used to study the erythrocytes of three patients who exhibited a familial multisystem disease characterized by fatty liver, diabetes and nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia of unknown etiology. 31P NMR measurements disclosed an abnormally high level of intracellular inorganic phosphate (Pi) and an abnormally low level of ATP in the erythrocytes 6 h after blood withdrawal from proband (I-1). This finding suggested that ATP was markedly decreased in the red cells of this proband, as compared with those of normal subjects. Time-dependent changes of 31P NMR spectra of the erythrocytes from the two daughters (II-1, II-2) of the proband demonstrated clearly an enhanced decomposition of ATP with a concomitant increment of Pi. Several ATP-consuming enzymes in erythrocytes, such as those in the Embden-Meyerhof system, pentose phosphate pathway enzymes, Na+, K(+)-ATPase and Ca2+, Mg2(+)-ATPase, were within normal limits of activity, but Mg2(+)-ATPase was drastically above the normal limit. The Mg2(+)-ATPase activity was 3 times higher in the red cell membranes of these patients than in those from normal subjects.     

High frequency of submicroscopic chromosomal imbalances in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis detected by a combined approach of microsatellite segregation analysis, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and array-based comparative genome hybridisation

We present the first comprehensive study, to our knowledge, on genomic chromosomal analysis in syndromic craniosynostosis. In total, 45 patients with craniosynostotic disorders were screened with a variety of methods including conventional karyotype, microsatellite segregation analysis, subtelomeric multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification) and whole-genome array-based comparative genome hybridisation. Causative abnormalities were present in 42.2% (19/45) of the samples, and 27.8% (10/36) of the patients with normal conventional karyotype carried submicroscopic imbalances. Our results include a wide variety of imbalances and point to novel chromosomal regions associated with craniosynostosis. The high incidence of pure duplications or trisomies suggests that these are important mechanisms in craniosynostosis, particularly in cases involving the metopic suture.     

Molecular characterization of VP4, VP6 and VP7 genes of a rare G8P[14] rotavirus strain detected in an infant with gastroenteritis in Italy

In this study, the molecular characterization of a rare G8P[14] group A rotavirus (GARV) strain detected in Northern Italy during the 2004-2005 epidemiological rotavirus season is described. Two hundred and seventy three rotavirus-like particle positive stools out of 856 stools from children (31.9%) hospitalized with gastroenteritis were analyzed using polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis and 271 GARVs were genotyped by VP7 and VP4 specific RT-PCRs. One strain (PR/1300/04) with a long electropherotype (e-type) displayed the G8 specificity and was VP4 un-typeable. The P and the subgroup (SG) specificities were determined by sequencing the VP4 and the VP6 gene, respectively. The PR/1300/04 strain exhibited P[14] and SGI specificities. By sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the VP4, VP6 and VP7 amplicons, the PR/1300/04 VP4 and VP6 genes were demonstrated to be of human rotavirus origin, with the VP4 gene closely related to the human Italian PA169 strain (G6P[14]), while the VP7 gene was of animal origin (bovine). These data suggest that the Italian PR/1300/04 strain could be a reassortant between a PA169-like Italian strain with P[14] specificity, long e-type and SGI, and a G8 animal strain. The increasing number of reports of atypical GARVs in humans suggests that interspecies transmission of genes greatly contributes to the GARV genetic evolution.     

The long-acting somatostatin analogue octreotide alleviates symptoms by reducing posttranslational conversion of prepro-glucagon to glucagon in a patient with malignant glucagonoma,but does not prevent tumor growth

A 52-year-old female with metastatic glucagonoma secreting glucagon and chromogranin A was treated with the somatostatin analogue octreotide for 2 years without any additional tumor-reducing interventions. Before therapy plasma glucagon was above 8 g/l (normal <0.2) and within 2 days 3 × 200 g octreotide daily suppressed plasma glucagon to 2.2–2.5 g/l. Concomitantly, chromogranin A dropped from 0.85 mg/l (normal <0.1) to 0.2. After 3 weeks the preexisting disabling necrolytic migratory erythema had vanished completely, and weight loss was temporarily stopped. During therapy chromogranin A and plasma glucagon rose, exceeding pretreatment levels after 3 and 14 months, respectively. After 1 year the erythema recurred, responding only transiently to increasing doses of octreotide. The patient died after 2 years of therapy of tumor cachexy despite very highdosesof octreotide (4 × 600 g/day). Throughout treatment octreotide did not prevent tumor growth, as demonstrated by computed tomography and sonography. Determination of immunoreactive glucagon before and during octreotide therapy in fractions of plasma samples subjected to gel chromatography revealed a reduction in the ratio of glucagon to preproglucagon from 1.83 (before) to 0.56 (during therapy), indicating inhibition of posttranslational processing of preproglucagon by octreotide, thereby reducing circulating bioactive glucagon. In summary, octreotide induced a remission of clinical symptoms by inhibiting posttranslational conversion of preproglucagon to glucagon but did not prevent tumor growth. Therefore, octreotide is a valuable therapy for rapid relief of clinical symptoms, thereby improving the possibilities for other tumor-reducing therapies.Abbreviations CGA chromogranin A - IRG immunoreactive glucagon - OC octreotide Correspondence to: D. Reinwein     

Characteristics of two malignant lymphomas in C57B1/6J mice. Cytogenetic changes and the distribution of i.v. transfused tumor cells with and without enzyme (pronase, neuraminidase) treatment

Two T-cell lymphomas induced by a combination of antigen stimulation and immunosuppression in inbred C57Bl/6J mice, BWL1 and BWL2 (Ryd et al. 1985), were further characterized. Cytogenetically they have the same trisomy 15 abnormality as chemically, virally and radiation induced T-cell lymphomas. Analyses of early and late tumour generations indicate that both tumours are chromosomally stable. After i.v. transplantation, the two tumors grew in a similar manner and preferentially in spleen and liver. Proteolytic treatment of the tumor cells changed the distribution of both lymphomas from the lungs to other organs. Neuraminidase treatment had no such effect on BWL2, but a similar but weaker effect than pronase on BWL1. Our findings support the notion that the distribution of lymphomas are, at least in part, governed by cell-surface characteristics.     

Topography of dopamine behaviours mediated by D1 and D2 receptors revealed by intrastriatal injection of SKF 38393, lisuride and apomorphine in rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesion

Stereotaxic injections of a dopamine D1 receptor agonist (SKF 38393) into different regions of the supersensitive striatum of rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesion duplicated the systemic effects of the drug in a topographical manner. Although there was considerable overlap, it was possible to recognize discrete active zones or "hot-spots" giving rise to prominent sniffing, head movements and contralaterally directed circling, posture and grooming, both in the coronal plane and along the rostro-caudal axis. Two behaviours peculiar to D1 stimulation included contralateral forepaw myoclonus and forepaw nibbling, which paradoxically was directed mainly ipsilaterally. Each of the behavioural elements occurred independently of the others and after an inexplicably long latency. They were inhibited by the D1 antagonist SCH 23390, but not by the D2 blocking drug metoclopramide. Comparable circling responses were evoked by a D2 agonist (lisuride) injected into the neostriatum after a short delay, and instantaneously by apomorphine (D1/D2 agonist). Both drug behaviours originated diffusely from all parts of the denervated striatum with no obvious "hot-spots", except for circling which exhibited a bimodal distribution rostro-caudally. The actions of lisuride were blocked by systemic metoclopramide, but not by SCH 23390, while the actions of apomorphine were inhibited by both antagonists. Topographies of D2 receptor-mediated events were quite different from those encountered for D1 receptor stimulation by SKF 38393, though neither corresponded to the autoradiographic distribution of D1 and D2 binding sites in the intact striatum. These results reiterate the importance of D1 receptors in motor control and provide a basis for future investigations of the output pathways subserving D1-mediated behaviours.