Experimental transplantation gliomas in the adult cat brain

Summary In adult cats experimental brain tumours were produced by stereotactical xenotransplantation of the rat glioma clone F 98 into the internal capsule of the left hemisphere. Two to four weeks after transplantation tumours and peritumoural oedema were investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrophysiological recording and analysis of tissue content of water, electrolytes and extravasated serum proteins.Spherical tumours with a diameter of about 10 mm developed at the injection site and were surrounded by massive white matter oedema. Water content in peritumoural white matter increased from 2.63 ± 0.17 to 3.65 ± 0.19 ml/g d.w. (means ± SD), sodium from 187±11 to 351±55 eq/g d.w. and calcium from 7.4±1.1 to 13.3 ± 1.3 ± 1.3 eq/g d.w. Potassium and magnesium did not change. Oedema development was associated with the extravasation of 18.0 ± 16.8mg/g d.w. albumin and 15.8 ± 12.2 mg/g d.w. immunoglobulin. The calculated electrolyte content of oedema fluid approximated that of plasma but the serum protein content was about 40% lower. The ratio of low (albumin) to high (immunoglobulin) molecular weight proteins was the same in blood and oedema fluid. It is, therefore, concluded that peritumoural oedema consist of two components,a whole plasma extravasate and a protein-free ultra-filtrate.Peritumoural oedema could be clearly detected by MRI but differentiation between tumour and oedema was only possible after contrast enhancement with gadolinium-DTPA. The ratios of the intensities of the MR signal correlated linearly with the water content within white matter. MRI, in consequence, allows quantification of oedema provided a reference area with normal water content is present.     

Aggravation of atopic dermatitis‐like symptoms by consecutive low concentration of formaldehyde exposure in NC/Nga mice

Formaldehyde (FA) has been known to be associated with development of asthma (AS) and atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we investigated whether FA inhalation would affect the provocation or exacerbation of AD‐like symptoms. Atopic‐prone NC/Nga mice were exposed to low (0.2 ppm) and high (1.0 ppm) concentration of FA by inhalation. Combined exposure to low concentration of FA inhalation and topical house dust mite (HDM) stimulation significantly upregulated HDM‐induced total plasma IgE and IgG2a production, Th1‐, Th2‐, Th17‐related cytokine as well as COX‐2 mRNA expressions in the skin. Interestingly, independent FA inhalation, especially at low concentration (0.2 ppm), increased the skin mRNA expressions of IL‐13, IL‐17E/IL‐25 and COX‐2, even though it failed to induce AD‐like skin inflammation. In conclusion, we suggest that increased skin mRNA expressions of IL‐13, IL‐25/IL‐17E and COX‐2 by independent low concentration of FA exposure might be a key factor to exacerbate HDM‐mediated AD‐like skin inflammation.     

Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Acute and Chronic Skin Lesions of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Background

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) has peculiar abilities to colonize the skin in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients.

Objective

We sought to determine the colonization rates of SA in acute and chronic skin lesions of AD patients, to find any difference in colonization rates according to age and to find the influences of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil counts to the colonization of SA.

Methods

We evaluated the total IgE level and eosinophil counts, and cultured SA from the skin lesions of 687 AD patients (131 acute and 556 chronic skin lesions) and 247 control urticaria patients (July 2009 to November 2010; Samsung Medical Center Dermatology Clinic, Seoul, Korea).

Results

The SA colonization rates were 74%, 38% and 3% in acute, chronic skin lesions and control skin, respectively, and they were increased with age in AD patients. The colonization rate in chronic skin lesions was higher in the high IgE/eosinophilia groups as compared to the normal IgE/eosinophil groups.

Conclusion

The SA colonization rate was higher in AD patients and especially in acute lesions, and had a tendency to increase with age. As the colonization rates were only higher in the high IgE/eosinophilia groups of chronic skin lesions, we suggested that SA may invade the skin through barrier defects in acute skin lesions, but the colonization in chronic lesions may be orchestrated through many different factors.     

Kaposi Sarcoma in a Patient with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Dialysis

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a multicentric proliferative vascular tumor involving the skin and other organs. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) has been detected in KS lesions and is considered the putative causative agent of KS. The relationship between chronic renal failure, HHV-8, and KS is not clear. KS appears to develop in association with renal transplantation, but is unlikely with dialysis, and there have been few reports on this. Here, we report the case of a 51-year-old man, who underwent peritoneal dialysis to treat chronic renal failure, and presented with multiple brownish plaques on his soles. On histopathological examination, abnormally proliferated vessels, vascular slits, and spindle-shaped cells were seen in the dermis. Immunohistochemical staining for HHV-8 was positive. This case is another example in which factors other than immunosuppression contributed to the development of KS, due to activation of HHV-8.     

Experimental transplantation gliomas in the adult cat brain

Experimental brain tumours were produced in adult cats by stereotactic xenotransplantation of the rat glioma clone F98. Regional ATP, glucose and lactate were measured after 2-4 weeks on coronal cryostat sections by substrate-induced bioluminescence, potassium content was imaged by the histochemical sodium cobaltinitrite method, and regional pH by incubating cryostat sections with the fluorescent pH-indicator umbelliferone. The regional biochemical alterations were correlated with magnetic resonance imaging and tissue water content. Biochemical changes were heterogeneous in tumours but exhibited a rather uniform pattern in peritumoural oedema. ATP was consistently reduced, glucose and lactate were increased and pH was more alkaline than in normal white matter. The decrease of ATP matched the increase of water, indicating that ATP decline represents fractional dilution in the oedematous tissue rather than break-down of energy metabolism. The increased lactate levels, therefore, may originate from the tumour and not from a metabolic disturbance in the peritumoural oedematous tissue. The implications of this interpretation for the pathogenesis of peritumoural oedema are discussed.     

Anatomic limitations of posterior tympanotomy: what is the major radiologic determinant for the view field through posterior tympanotomy?

To radiologically evaluate the anatomic factors that may determine the view field or the accessibility of the posterior tympanotomy into the posterior mesotympanum, a cohort of 30 patients with pneumatic mastoids and 30 patients with unilateral sclerotic mastoids were included. Anatomic relationships were evaluated according to 5 parameters. The reference parameter of the view field through posterior tympanotomy was the maximum view to the stapes area through posterior tympanotomy. Direct distance between the chorda tympani nerve and the facial nerve (FN) and angle between the cortex of the external auditory canal and the FN showed significant positive correlations in pneumatic and sclerotic mastoids. However, the location of the FN was negatively correlated with the maximum view to the stapes area through posterior tympanotomy only in pneumatic mastoids. In particular, the angle between the cortex of the external auditory canal and the FN showed the best correlation with the maximum view to the stapes area through posterior tympanotomy. The angle between the cortex of the external auditory canal and the FN was the most important anatomic determinant for visibility through posterior tympanotomy. This study suggests that pneumatic mastoids, but not sclerotic mastoids, may have a more complex relationship including more factors than those considered in this study. Although this study was performed radiologically, this study can present the insight to surgeons or radiologists.     

Multi-layered culture of primary human conjunctival epithelial cells producing MUC5AC

The purpose of our study was to establish a system for culturing normal human conjunctival epithelial (NHCE) cells under serum-free culture conditions without compromising their ability to differentiate into a mucous epithelium. To this end, small pieces of normal conjunctiva were biopsied from patients undergoing cataract surgery. Obtained NHCE cells were cultured in bronchial epithelial growth medium (BEGM) under serum free culture conditions and passage 3 cells were air-lifted. Cultured NHCE cells displayed typical epithelial morphology. Expression of cytokeratin 19 and conjunctival epithelial specific carbohydrate residue were detected. Air-lifted NHCE cells demonstrated an increase in stratification and differentiation into goblet cells up to 3weeks under air-liquid interface (ALI) culture condition. NHCE cells expressed MUC1, MUC4, MUC16, and MUC5AC mRNA, and MUC5AC production and secretion increased in a time dependent manner after culture under ALI conditions. Exposure of cells to proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma) resulted in upregulation of MUC1, MUC4, MUC16, and MUC5AC gene expression. In conclusion, differentiated NHCE cells showed features of a multi-layered conjunctival epithelium, including goblet cells, and retained functional characteristics similar to those seen in vivo. This cell culture system can better facilitate investigation of conjunctival epithelial cell biology and goblet cell differentiation.     

Utilization of Ultrasonography in Dermatology: Two Case Reports of Calcinosis Cutis

Development of newer generation of cost-effective ultrasonic devices in recent years has increased the use of ultrasonography in dermatology. Several lesions can be diagnosed and managed using ultrasonography. Calcinosis cutis involves the deposition of insoluble calcium salts in the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. On ultrasonography, it specifically presents as hyperechoic deposits with a posterior acoustic shadowing artifact due to the acoustic properties of calcium. A 62-year-old female patient presented with a solitary, skin-colored, palpable nodule on the inner side of the right lower leg. The lesion was beneath the intact skin and detectable only on palpation. However, ultrasonography demonstrated a clear delineation of the lesion, showing hyperechoic deposits with a posterior acoustic shadow (15 MHz, linear probe). Skin biopsy and curettage were performed, revealing histological features consistent with calcinosis cutis. Four weeks after the procedure, ultrasonography performed to evaluate the outcome of treatment, showed recurrence. Another 18-year-old female patient presented with a skin-colored deep-seated nodule on the left temple. On ultrasonography, linear hyperechoic deposits with a posterior acoustic shadow were visible. Skin biopsy was performed, and histopathologic features showed calcified material in the subcutaneous tissue. These two cases of calcinosis cutis highlight the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in dermatology.