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Biomedical subjects

B Lifschitz-Mercer

Publications and source records attributed to B Lifschitz-Mercer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Inhibition of mitogen-induced changes in intracellular fluorescein fluorescence polarization of human peripheral blood lymphocytes by colchicine, vinblastine and cytochalasin B.

We have previously reported that the exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to a variety of stimulants caused rapid changes in intracellular fluorescein fluorescence polarization (IFFP) in the activated cells. In the present study we further analyzed possible mechanisms responsible for the changes in IFFP in PBL exposed to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and anti-CD3 antibody. By employing several agents which are known to affect the polymerization of the cytoskeleton we showed that both cytochalasin B, which regulates the microfilaments structure, and vinblastine and colchicine, which affect the microtubules, completely abolished the changes induced in IFFP of human PBL by both PHA and anti-CD3. This effect was dose dependent and was noted at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 microM of cytochalasin B and 10 microM of vinblastine and colchicine. The effect of these cytoskeleton modulators occurred within 20 minutes after the initiation of activation with PHA. Our results indicate that activation with PHA and anti-CD3 causes early changes in the microtubules and microfilaments components of the cytoskeleton. The possible application of IFFP measurement in analyzing early changes in the cytoskeleton following cell activation is discussed.

Colchicine↗

Hyperestrogenemia and presence of estrogen receptors associated with an epithelial ovarian tumor of low malignant potential.

An 80-year-old woman presented with breast congestion, tenderness and pain. Mammography was normal. Circulating estradiol was markedly elevated, while LH and FSH were low. Pelvic examination and imaging revealed an ovarian mass which was extirpated during total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathology revealed an ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of low malignant potential, stage 1. The tumor was positively stained for estrogen receptors. Estradiol levels returned to normal post-operatively, with a corresponding adjustment of LH/FSH. Possible autocrine steroid production is discussed.

Aged↗

Recurrent mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ovary presenting as an inguino-labial hernia.

We report a case of a 65-year-old woman who nine years previously had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophorectomy for a large ovarian cyst. During surgery the cyst had ruptured and some mucinous material had been spilled intraabdominally. Histopathological studies demonstrated the cyst to be a mucinous adenocarcinoma of low malignant potential. Appendectomy had also been performed due to an enlarged appendix, which proved to be a mucocoele. The patient had been lost to subsequent follow-up. Her current presenting symptom was a giant inguino-labial hernia of 25 cm diameter with two small skin perforations leaking a gelatinous discharge. Subsequent laparotomy and inguinal exploration have disclosed herniated small intestine with an attached metastatic multicystic mucinous adenocarcinoma. This case represents a case of borderline mucinous adeno-carcinoma-pseudomyxoma peritonei recurring in a unique pattern as a huge inguino-labial hernia, and serves to emphasize the possible consequences of spillage of ovarian cyst contents during surgery.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

Metastatic breast carcinoma manifesting as postmenopausal uterine bleeding in a patient on tamoxifen therapy.

A rare case of breast carcinoma metastasizing to the endometrial and endocervical mucosa during tamoxifen treatment is presented. Routine histologic evaluation has been supplemented by immunohistochemical staining for intermediate filaments. Although the association of tamoxifen therapy for breast carcinoma with the development of endometrial carcinoma is well known, this is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of metastatic breast carcinoma to the uterus of a patient on tamoxifen therapy.

Aged↗

Phenotypic modulation of fibroblasts in massive ovarian edema: an immunohistochemical study of three cases.

An immunohistochemical study of three cases of massive ovarian edema revealed coexpression of vimentin, total actins, alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin and low molecular weight cytokeratins in the stromal spindle cells composing the edematous ovarian tissue. In addition these stromal cells expressed smooth muscle myosin which is a marker for terminal smooth muscle differentiation. This remarkable fibroblastic cell plasticity in massive ovarian edema may represent yet another example of fibroblastic modulations occurring under the influence of microenvironmental stress factors.

Actins↗

Differentiation potential of ovarian dysgerminoma: an immunohistochemical study of 15 cases.

An immunohistochemical study of 15 ovarian formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded dysgerminomas showed positive staining of tumor cells for vimentin in all cases. Ten dysgerminomas stained for cytokeratin 18. Desmin positivity of single tumor cells was detected in four dysgerminomas. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was present in two tumors. Prominent human beta chorionic gonadotropin staining was seen in one tumor. S-100 protein was found in two and carcinoembryonic antigen in one of the dysgerminomas. Placental alkaline phosphatase was present in 12 of the 15 tumors studied. The heterogeneity of the cytoskeletal profile and of other markers showed some similarities to our previously published results on testicular seminomas. Thus, in contrast to previous concepts, dysgerminoma, as is the case with its testicular counterpart the seminoma, appears to be capable of further differentiation, albeit at a primitive level. Our observations also may help to elucidate the relationship between dysgerminoma and other nondysgerminomatous ovarian germ cell tumors, and may be of help in the differential diagnosis with poorly differentiated carcinoma, ovarian lymphoma, or other germ cell tumors.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Carcinoma of the clitoris: a histologic study with cytokeratin profile.

A carcinoma of the clitoris showed a variety of histologic features not usually encountered in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. In addition to poorly differentiated nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, there were large areas showing a transitional cell carcinoma pattern, as well as foci of spindle and anaplastic cells. The clitoral neoplasm also differed in its cytokeratin (CK) profile from that described in invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, especially with regard to the widespread staining for CK 18 and 19 in the former. Thus, our study suggests that some carcinomas of the clitoris differ from those of ordinary squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva. More cases should be studied using immunohistochemical methods in order to establish the full histopathologic and CK range of the former.

Aged↗

Epidermoid cyst of the spleen: a cytokeratin profile with comparison to other squamous epithelia.

The stratified squamous epithelium of a splenic epidermoid cyst was studied with a battery of monoclonal antibodies to cytokeratin (CK) proteins. CKs 10 and 11 were found in the suprabasal layers of the stratified squamous epithelium, while staining for CK 13 was focal or diffuse throughout. CKs 18 and 19 decorated individual squamous cells or stained the entire thickness of the epithelium. These results were compared with those previously obtained by us in stratified squamous epithelia of ovarian mature cystic teratoma, fetal epidermis, adult epidermis and squamous metaplasia in a peritoneal cyst. From these comparisons it emerges that the epidermoid splenic cyst is either of teratomatous derivation or originates from inclusion of fetal squamous epithelium. Squamous metaplasia of mesothelium or inclusions of mature squamous epithelium appears to be an unlikely source of origin of these cysts.

Adolescent↗

Wegener's granulomatosis with peripheral eosinophilia. Atypical variant of a classic disease.

A patient with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) diagnosed by ultrasound-guided transthoracic biopsy of a pulmonary nodule is reported. The case is atypical because of marked eosinophilia in the peripheral blood and the pleural effusion. The granulomatous infiltrate of the lung showed the classic picture of WG without eosinophils. The patient responded dramatically to treatment with steroids and cyclophosphamide. This variant form of WG poses problems in its distinction from Churg-Strauss syndrome, and the differential diagnosis between these two entities is discussed.

Adult↗

Unsuspected involvement of the female genitalia in pemphigus vulgaris.

A 56-year-old woman had erosions due to pemphigus vulgaris in the inner thighs and perineum. The cutaneous lesions cleared following intramuscular gold therapy. However, because of complaints of dyspareunia, a colposcopic examination was performed and involvement of the cervix was demonstrated. The need for a vaginal examination in the monitoring of pemphigus vulgaris is emphasized.

Colposcopy↗

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study with a review of the literature.

This is an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of two small cell carcinomas of the ovary with a review of the literature. These cases showed a dimorphic population of small and large cells sharply demarcated from each other. Cytokeratin 18 and vimentin were mainly expressed in the large tumour cells, some of which also stained for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Periodic-acid-Schiff-positive, alpha-1-antitrypsin-positive hyaline globules were present in one case. Ultrastructural findings included filamentous nucleolonema as well as evidence of smooth muscle differentiation. Some of these observations have not been previously reported. Certain of the above features seem to support a germ cell origin of small cell carcinoma, but they cannot be considered specific for germ cell neoplasms. Thus, small cell carcinoma of the ovary cannot be classified into one of the known categories of ovarian tumours at the present time.

Actins↗

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva.

A case of aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) of the vulva is presented. The tumor presented as a slowly growing polypoid mass in the right labium minus near the clitoris. The tumor was treated by wide local excision. The microscopic appearance was that of spindle-shaped neoplastic cells widely separated by a loose myxoid stroma rich in collagen fibers, hyaluronic acid, and prominent irregular-shaped blood vessels. Aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva must be distinguished from the more common benign and malignant myxoid tumors including myxoma, myxoid liposarcoma, myxoid variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, sarcoma botryoides, nerve sheath myxoma, and other soft tissue tumors with secondary myxoid changes. Local recurrence of AAM may be avoided by wide local excision.

Adult↗

Delayed reaction to suture material simulating melanoma.

A twenty-one-year-old woman who had been involved in an accident sustained severe trauma to the left side of her face and scalp. Because of deterioration in her neurologic condition, a number of exploratory burr holes were drilled in her skull. Fifteen years later, a 6 mm black tender nodule was noted on the left temple, close to one of the burr holes. Nodular melanoma was suspected, but results of microscopic examination proved the lesion to be a granuloma with transepidermal elimination of exogenous filamentous material. The relationship between foreign bodies and cutaneous neoplasia, genuine or simulated, is noted briefly.

Adult↗