PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Jenny

Publications and source records attributed to B Jenny.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Expression and localization of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in glioblastomas and haemangioblastomas.

Primary human brain tumours account for approximately 2% of all cancers. High levels of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), a potent angiogenic factor, are linked to poor prognosis. In contrast, the potential role in human brain tumour biology of newer VEGF family members, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, both of which are lymphangiogenic factors, is poorly understood. In the present study, the expression of all VEGFs (VEGF-A, -B, -C, and -D) and their receptors (VEGFR-1, -2, and -3) has been assessed in 39 primary human brain tumours. The well-established findings were confirmed with VEGF-A. Surprisingly, however, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, as well as VEGFR-3, were expressed in some tumour types such as haemangioblastomas and glioblastomas, despite their lack of lymphatic vessels. VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 transcripts were localized to the tumour palisade around necrotic areas in glioblastomas and were evenly distributed throughout haemangioblastomas. VEGF-C protein was localized by immunohistochemistry to the palisade layer in glioblastomas. More than 50% of VEGF-C-positive cells also expressed the intermediate-stage inflammatory macrophage marker CD163; however, a significant proportion of VEGF-C-positive cells were CD163-negative. These data demonstrate the presence of molecules, primarily described as regulators of lymphangiogenesis, in normal human brain and brain tumours that are devoid of lymphatics. Their localization in macrophages points to a role in tumour-associated inflammation.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Traumatic vertical atlantoaxial dislocation.

We present a case of traumatic vertical atlantoaxial dislocation of 16 millimetres with a fatal outcome. We hypothesize that this extremely rare traumatic vertical atlantoaxial dislocation results from insufficiency of the C1/C2 facet capsules after rupture of the tectorial membrane and the alar ligaments.

Atlanto-Axial Joint↗

Aggressive intracranial fibromatosis: case report.

Fibromatosis is a locally aggressive, proliferative fibroblastic lesion affecting musculoaponeurotic structures, most often in the limbs and trunk. Intracranial fibromatosis is extremely rare and requires aggressive treatment to prevent recurrence. We present the case of a 48 year old woman with aggressive skull base fibromatosis. The lesion extended through the sphenoid sinus, into both pterygoid recesses, destroying the right lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus and invading the cavernous sinus. There was also involvement of the floor of the sella, the clivus, the right petrous temporal bone and the right mastoid. The patient underwent partial resection of the lesion via an extended trans-sphenoidal approach. Postoperative MRI showed residual tissue. A review of the literature shows that intracranial fibromatosis usually appears in the first or second decade. Complete resection is often impossible because of its widely infiltrative nature. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often required to improve local control of the lesion.

Female↗

[Transthoracic transvertebral approach for resection of an anteriorly located, calcified meningioma. Case report].

We report the case of a 61-year-old woman, who developed progressive paraparesia over a period of 8 months. Conventional X-rays of the thoracic spine showed an intra-spinal calcified lesion at T10. On CT-scan and MRI, the lesion appeared anterior to the cord, thus making a posterior approach hazardous. Total resection of this calcified meningioma was achieved through a right transthoracic transcorporeal approach, under close monitoring of the somatosensory evoked potentials. Despite a delayed pseudomeningocele formation requiring an additional thoracotomy, outcome after 7 years is excellent with no residual neurological deficit. No recurrence was seen on a CT-scan performed two years after the surgery. Calcified anterior meningiomas of the spine are rare lesions. Surgical outcome has been unfavorable for a long time in relation with posterior or postero-lateral approaches. Although anterior transthoracic procedures are routinely performed for extradural spinal lesions, this approach is rarely used for intradural lesions. A calcified anterior spinal thoracic meningioma should be managed like the more frequent calcified thoracic disk hernia, despite the increased risk of cerebrospinal fluid effusion requiring subsequent repair.

Calcinosis↗

Cervical cord compression due to a hypoplastic atlas. Case report.

The authors report the case of a 66-year-old man with progressive, nontraumatic, C-1 cord compression who presented with a complete but hypoplastic atlas. They review six cases found in the literature. Symptoms usually develop in the late adulthood; the sagittal diameter of the canal measures 10 mm or less. The treatment requires a posterior decompression. Opening of the dura is sometimes necessary. There is no pressing need for a primary stabilization device.

Aged↗

Multiple molecular forms of purified human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase.

1. Human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase was solubilized by Triton X-100 and purified by affinity chromatography to a specific activity of 3800 IU/mg of protein. The yield of the purified enzyme was 25--45%. 2. Gel filtration on Sepharose 4-B in the presence of Triton X-100 revealed one peak of enzyme activity with a Stokes' radius of 8.7 nm. Density gradient centrifugation in 0.1% Triton X-100 showed one peak of enzyme activity with an S4 value of 6.3S. 3. Isoelectric focusing in Triton X-100 resolved the enzyme into five molecular forms with isoelectric points of 4.55, 4.68, 4.81, 4.98 and 5.18. Upon incubation with neuraminidase the enzyme activity in the first four forms was decreased with a concommitant increase in activity in the form with the higher isoelectric point. 4. After removal of excess Triton X-100 on Bio-Gel HTP, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed seven bands of protein and corresponding bands of enzyme activity. Density gradient centrifugation of the detergent-depleted enzyme at high ionic strength revealed five multiple molecular forms with S4 values of 6.3 S, 10.2 S, 12.2 S, 14.2 S and 16.3 S. At low ionic strength, higher aggregates were observed in addition to the other forms. Dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gave one subunit only with an apparent molecular weight of 80 000. 5. These results suggest that human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase, solubilized by Triton X-100, exists in various forms differing in net charge but of apparently similar molecular dimensions. After removal of the detergent, forms with different molecular sizes are observed.

Acetylcholinesterase↗