A novel synthetic route to poly(β-ketone)s via poly(alkoxyethyne)s

Isopropoxyethyne (1a) and tert-butoxyethyne (1b) were polymerized using group 5 and 6 transition metal catalysts to give poly(isopropoxyethyne) (2a) and poly(tert-butoxyethyne) (2b) , respectively. The weight-average molecular weight (M?_w) of the resulting poly(alkoxyethyne)s was up to 1.0 × 10⁴. Among the transition metal catalysts, a tungsten alkoxide or a molybdenum alkoxide having low Lewis acidity were found to effectively promote the polymerization without causing side reactions. Poly(tert-butoxyethyne) was successfully converted to poly(β-ketone) 3 by acid hydrolysis of the tert-butyl vinyl moiety.     

Projection of the retinal ganglion cells to the tectum differentiated from the prosencephalon.

The alar plate of the prosencephalon differentiates into a tectum-like structure when transplanted into the mesencephalon around the 10-somite stage. Here, we report on the projection pattern of the retinal ganglion cells to the transplants. Optic nerve fibers were labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and 3H-proline, and the innervation of the optic nerve fibers to the chimeric tectum was analyzed by HRP histochemistry on whole-mounted specimens, by autoradiography and by electron microscopy on embryonic day 16. In the chimeric tectum, the transplant was distinguished from the host by difference in nuclear structure between the quail and the chick cells. It was shown that the transplant had the laminar pattern of the optic tectum when the transplant was integrated into the host mesencephalon. The whole-mount HRP histochemistry showed that the optic nerve fibers extend to the transplants. Autoradiography showed that the distribution pattern of silver grains was similar in both the host and the transplant. These results may indicate that the optic nerve fibers turn to the transplant and terminate on the transplant. Electron microscopy further confirmed that optic nerve fibers ended by making synaptic contacts with the dendrites in the transplant region of the tectum. These results indicate that the transplant with the laminar pattern of the optic tectum is a true tectum receiving input from the eye.     

Immunoelectron microscopical study of non-lymphocytic leukemic cells. Expressing human granulocyte antigen defined by monoclonal antibody 1G10

The cells from 5 cases of non-lymphocytic leukemia were investigated by immunoelectron microscopy using an anti-granulocyte antibody, clone 1G10 (New England Nuclear), to clarify the nature of immature leukemic cells. Reaction products on the surface of the leukemic cells were composed of two layers, an inner translucent and an outer dense granular zone. Although non-leukemic cells of the granulocytic series in various stages of maturation between promyelocytes and neutrophils were all positive for the antigen-antibody reaction, non-neoplastic monocytes and lymphocytes were all negative. Using this method, it was possible to diagnose the undifferentiated leukemic cells that were negative for myeloperoxidase. Furthermore, the results of our present study suggest the possibility that the antibody 1G10 may be useful for distinguishing granulocytic cells from cells of monocytic lineage.     

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen in malignant and pre-malignant lesions of epithelial origin in the oral cavity and the skin: an immunohistochemical study

Summary Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a nuclear protein synthesized in the late G₁ and S phase of the cell cycle and immunohistochemical detection of the protein represents a useful marker for the proliferating fraction of cells in tissue specimens. A series of malignant and pre-malignant lesions of the oral cavity and skin were evaluated by the streptavidin biotin immunoperoxidase method for detection of this protein. Monoclonal anti-PCNA antibody (PC 10) labelled proliferating cells in all cases with varying intensity of nuclear staining. In squamous cell carcinoma (n=48), PCNA positivity correlated with the differentiation and atypia of the tumour cells; however, in poorly differentiated tumours, the relationship between PCNA expression and proliferation was lost. Basal cell carcinoma showed an increased growth fraction in tiny epithelial nests (mean 43.8, SD 6.0,n=20) than in neoplastic basal cells (mean 30.1, SD 6.9,n=8). The growth fractions were significantly higher in the pre-malignant lesions (leukoplakia, mean 22.3, SD 7.7,n=14; Bowen's disease, mean 45.2, SD 11.7,n=12; senile keratosis, mean 41.2, SD 7.0,n=12) than in the normal mucosa (mean 9.8, SD 4.9,n=10), suggesting that cellular growth fractions correlate with the degree of dysplasia in pre-malignant lesions.     

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma of AILD (angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia) type involving gastrointestinal tract. A morphologic, phenotypic and genotypic study.

A case of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia (AILD) which showed widespread involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is reported. A lymph node biopsy specimen showed the characteristic histological features of AILD. During the progression of the illness, lymphomatous lesions developed in the gastrointestinal tract, complicated by cytomegalovirus infection. A double immunoenzymatic study using a combination of Ki-67 antibody and antibodies against surface antigens demonstrated that CD3+, CD4+, and/or T-cell receptor (TCR) beta+ cells were predominant (67-68%) among the population of proliferating Ki-67% cells, rather than CD8+ or CD22+ cells. Clonal rearrangement of the TCR beta chain gene was also detected. These findings provide further evidence for the neoplastic nature of lesions of this type, and the diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma.     

Monocytoid B-cell lymphoma: a study of 36 cases

We have studied 36 cases of monocytoid B-cell lymphoma (MBCL). We confirm the predilection for females (30 of 36; ratio, five women to one man). The median age was 65 years (range, 29 to 85 years). Monocytoid B-cell lymphoma characteristically involves peripheral lymph nodes (30 of 36) with a propensity for paraparotid or intraparotid nodes. Salivary glands were affected in five patients. Other extranodal sites of involvement included breast, thyroid, stomach, and soft tissue of chest wall. Eight patients manifested with Sj?gren's syndrome, one had systemic lupus erythematosus, one presented initially with Raynaud's phenomenon, and two had a monoclonal gammopathy. "Composite lymphomas" were encountered in seven patients. In addition, association with or progression to a higher-grade lymphoma, ie, mixed small and large cell (one) and large cell (six), was observed in seven patients and was associated with a more aggressive behavior of the lymphoma. Immunohistochemical studies performed on biopsy sections from 20 patients confirmed the B-cell nature of MBCL. An average reactivity of less than 10% of the monocytoid B cells with the proliferation marker Ki-67 was demonstrated, in keeping with the indolent behavior of MBCL. Despite our observation of follicular lymphomas frequently accompanying MBCL, the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation does not appear to play a pathogenetic role for MBCL, as determined by molecular studies for the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation and immunologic studies for the BCL2 protein. Our observations also provide support for the proposal that there is an overlap between MBCL and "MALT lymphomas" (those arising from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue).     

Primary adrenal lymphoma. Report of an autopsy case

A rare case of malignant lymphoma of the adrenal gland in a 68-year-old male is reported. Autopsy revealed bilateral and symmetrical adrenal tumors (lt: 54 g, rt: 39 g) and almost complete effacement of both adrenal glands, while no tumors were present in other organs or systemic lymph nodes. Both adrenal tumors histologically presented a picture of diffuse malignant lymphoma of mixed cell type. Microscopic involvement in both lungs, spleen, liver, lymph node, bone marrow and both kidneys was found. Immunohistochemically, the positive reactions shown by the lymphoma cells were of B cell type, i.e., observed using antibodies to the leukocyte common antigens, MB-1, LN-1, LN-2 and LN-3, but not by anti-factor VIII-related antigen or MT-1. Examination of peripheral blood obtained just before the patient died showed the presence of 18% atypical cells. This lymphoma was considered to have transformed to a leukemic phase, at least at the end stage. To the author's knowledge, this is the second case of primary adrenal lymphoma to be reported in Japan, and the first case showing formation of bilateral and symmetrical tumors.     

ADENOID SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE PENIS Report of a Surgical Case Clinically Manifested with Rapid Lung Metastasis

A surgical case of an aggressive form of adenoid squamous cell carcinoma of the penis was studied. The histological features of the tumor originating from the coronal region of the penis showed a well differentiated keratinized squamous cell carcinoma in the superficial area, which transformed into, with a zone of transition in between, an alveolar structure in the deep invading portion and in the metastatic tumor in the inguinal lymph nodes. The alveolar lining cells exhibited an undifferentiated appearance with prominent nucleoli, frequent mitotic figures, and vascular invasion. These cells were neither dyskeratotic nor acanthotic as described in the literatures. Mucin was negative in the tumor cells and angiosarcoma was ruled out with a sliver impregnation technique. The patient took a rapid downhill course for the ordinary squamous cell carcinoma of the penis, and he expired eight months after penile amputation with a radiological evidence of lung metastasis. These unusual pathological features and an aggressive behavior of this tumor which were not hitherto described for adenoid squamous cell carcinomas necessitated this report. Autopsy was not performed.     

A promiscuous T cell hybridoma restricted to various I-A molecules

In a previous study, we identified T cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) contact sites on the pigeon cytochrome c p43-58 peptide. Positions 46 and 54 of p43-58 were shown to be the MHC-binding sites. Specific amino acids were identified on the MHC-binding sites which bound to the relevant I-A molecule. In the present study, using NOD (I-A^g7) mice, we established a T cell hybridoma, NOE33-1-2, specific for a p43-58 analog 46R50E54A with arginine (R) and alanine (A) at positions 46 and 54, respectively. Interestingly, NOE 33-1-2 recognized 46R50E54A in the presence of not only I-A^g7, but also I-A^{d, s, u and v}. In contrast to previous reports that promiscuous T cells were able to recognize peptide antigens with various HLA-DR or I-E molecules consist of monomorphic α and polymorphic β chains, the promiscuous T cell clone NOE33-1-2 recognized peptides with various I-A molecules lacking the monomorphic chain.