Enumeration of semen leucocytes by fluorescence in situ hybridisation technique

Aim—To determine whether the fluorescent in situ hybridisation technique (FISH) using a total human DNA genomic probe can be used to enumerate semen leucocytes.     

Genetic diversity and antigenic polymorphism in Plasmodium falciparum: extensive serological cross-reactivity between allelic variants of merozoite surface protein 2

Diversity in the surface antigens of malaria parasites is generally assumed to be a mechanism for immune evasion, but there is little direct evidence that this leads to evasion of protective immunity. Here we show that alleles of the highly polymorphic merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP-2) can be grouped (within the known dimorphic families) into distinct serogroups; variants within a serogroup show extensive serological cross-reactivity. Cross-reactive epitopes are immunodominant, and responses to them may be boosted at the expense of responses to novel epitopes (original antigenic sin). The data imply that immune selection explains only some of the diversity in the msp-2 gene and that MSP-2 vaccines may need to include only a subset of the known variants in order to induce pan-reactive antibodies.     

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (eosinophilic granuloma) of bone in children

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of three cases of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (eosinophilic granuloma [EG]) of bone in children (mean age--8.3 yr; range 5-11 yr) is presented. Two patients presented with vertebral lesions and the third had a femoral mass. Cytomorphologic features of EG were seen in all cases including Langerhans' cell histiocytes having oval to reniform shape nuclei with nuclear grooving and abundant pale cytoplasm. The background showed a polymorphic population of cells including neutrophils, lymphocytes, foamy histiocytes, and osteoclasts. Moderate numbers of eosinophils were seen in two cases, while eosinophils were sparse in the third case. Ancillary immunocytochemical (ICC) studies performed on the aspirated material demonstrated positive staining for S-100 protein (all three cases) and T-6 antigen (one case). Ultrastructural examination (EM) performed in one case demonstrated characteristic Birbeck granules in the histiocytes. A specific cytologic diagnosis was made in all cases, enabling proper chemotherapy in one case, surgical excision in another and spontaneous resolution in the third case. Our experience demonstrates that FNA cytology can make a definitive diagnosis of EG, especially when coupled with ancillary studies such as ICC and EM on the aspirated material.     

The pulmonary biology of isoprostanes

Isoprostanes were first recognized as convenient markers of oxidative stress, but their powerful effects on a variety of cell functions are now also being increasingly appreciated. This is particularly true of the lung, which is comprised of a wide variety of different cell types (smooth muscle, innervation, epithelium, lymphatics, etc.), all of which have been shown to respond to exogenously applied isoprostanes. In this review, we summarize these biological responses in the lung, and also consider the roles that isoprostanes might play in a range of pulmonary clinical disorders.     

Pulmonary carcinoid tumours: a comparative regional study.

Twenty-two pulmonary carcinoid tumours (18 central, 4 peripheral) were seen in this department over an 11-year period. The majority of the tumours displayed a mixed pattern on microscopic examination, and cell-nest formation was a prominent feature in sixteen. The findings are at variance with the results of a similar series reported from Japan and suggest that there is regional variation in the tumour pattern of pulmonary carcinoids. Various aspects of the histopathology are discussed, and a causal relationship between ossification of bronchial cartilage in these tumours and locally produced calcitonin is postulated.