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Biomedical subjects

G Cenacchi

Publications and source records attributed to G Cenacchi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

An immunohistochemical study of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Seven cases of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAs) were studied by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry. Microscopically, atherosclerosis coexisted with adventitial fibrosis and inflammation. The inflammatory component showed a follicular and a diffuse pattern. Fibrous entrapment of fatty tissue, adventitial vasculitis, neuritis were also common findings. By TEM, sparse smooth muscle cells having dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, large bundles of collagen fibres and oedematous, amorphous fibrillary elastin were observed. By immunohistochemistry, the follicles mostly contained CD22+ B-cells. T4- (CD2+/CD4+/CD8-), T8-(CD2+/CD4-/CD8+) cells as well as macrophages (CD4+/CD11c+) and follicular dendritic reticulum cells (DRC1+) were also detected. The monoclonal antibody Ki-67 reacted with 2-48% of germinal center cells. In the fibrous extrafollicular adventitia, actively synthesizing plasma cells prevailed over T4-cells, and macrophages. Some of the macrophages were also activated (CD4+/CD11c+/CD25+/CD30-). IgM, IgG and C3c deposits were detected in the fibrous zone, in the germinal centers, within adventitial vessels and nerves. HLA-DR antigen was diffusely expressed in cells populating both the fibrous and the follicular zones as well as in endothelial and Schwann cells. These findings suggest that IAs could develop in some individuals affected by advanced atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta through a pathogenic B-cell response to locally presented antigens.

Antigens, CD↗

In situ hybridization at the ultrastructural level: localization of cytomegalovirus DNA using digoxigenin labelled probes.

We describe a procedure for detecting and localizing cytomegalovirus DNA sequences based on in situ hybridization at the ultrastructural level. A digoxigenin-labelled probe, identified with an anti-digoxigenin colloidal gold-labelled antiserum, was employed on infected cells embedded in a new acrylic resin (Bioacryl). The silver enhancement method on the same specimen was used to more easily reveal the reaction also at low magnification. The immunolocalization was characterized by high specificity with virtually no background staining and a good maintenance of submicroscopic cell features.

Acrylic Resins↗

True and false aneurysms in Behçet's disease: case report with ultrastructural observations.

One of the most important aspects of Behçet's disease is aneurysmal arteriopathy. The major problem of this complication is its tendency to develop recurrent false aneurysms at anastomotic and traumatic sites, such as angiographic punctures. We present a clinical case in which five aneurysms, some true, some false, were operated on during a period of 6 years, with the aid of ultrastructural observations of the wall of a true and a false aneurysm. One of the true aneurysms, localized in the aorta, was treated by direct aneurysmorrhaphy, and the 6-year follow-up demonstrated the absence of recurrences. Based on both this experience and the data in the literature, we suggest that the most appropriate surgical approach would, when possible, be direct aneurysmorrhaphy.

Adult↗

Peroneal muscular atrophy with hereditary spastic paraparesis (HMSN V) is pathologically heterogeneous. Report of nerve biopsy in four cases and review of the literature.

Peroneal muscular atrophy (PMA) associated with hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) is a nosologically ill-defined disease, which has been classified by Dyck as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type V (HMSN V). Nerve biopsy has been rarely reported in this condition. We examined sural nerve biopsies in four patients, demonstrating the following: severe myelinated fiber loss especially of large fibers, with moderate (one case) or prominent (one case) onion bulb formation; selective decrease of large fibers with moderate Schwann cell hyperplasia (one case); normal myelinated fiber population with minimal changes (one case). After reviewing previously reported cases we, conclude that in PMA with HSP sural nerve biopsy may show features either of hypertrophic type of PMA, of neuronal type, or of spinal type; thus, it seems inappropriate to allocate PMA with HSP in a unique subtype of HMSN. In addition, HSP may be not associated with peripheral neuropathy, and thus the classification in the HMSN group may be incongruous. A proper classification of PMA with HSP may be in the "complicated" forms of HSP according to Harding [Lancet I: 1151-1155 (1983)]; however, the nosology of this condition needs to be further elucidated, possibly on the basis of the underlying molecular genetic mechanisms of HSP and PMA.

Adult↗

Human cytomegalovirus nuclear and cytoplasmic dense bodies.

One of the characteristic features of cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication is the formation of cytoplasmic dense bodies. Recent findings revealed similar structures also in the nuclei of CMV-infected cells. By transmission electron microscopy, immuno electronmicroscopy, and cytochemistry, we have studied the morphogenetic steps and macromolecular composition of both structures. Our results show that both structures contain DNA, RNA and viral antigenic proteins. Nuclear dense bodies are probably an expression of a stimulated cellular metabolism, while cytoplasmic dense bodies may represent the site where surplus cellular and viral molecules are stored before being eliminated.

Cell Nucleus↗

A new acrylic resin formulation: a useful tool for histological, ultrastructural, and immunocytochemical investigations.

We describe a new formulation for a hydrophilic resin, mostly composed of glycol methacrylate and hydroxypropyl methacrylate and here referred to as bioacryl, that allows the performance of morphological and immunohistochemical investigations at both light and electron microscopic levels. Immunolocalizations performed on bioacryl-embedded tissues are characterized by high specificity with virtually absent background staining. Finally, the new resin yields satisfactory fine-structural preservation, resulting in ultrastructural images of better quality than those obtained with Lowicryl K4M.

Acrylic Resins↗

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection of endothelial cells in vitro: a virological, ultrastructural and immuno-cytochemical approach.

In an attempt to better understand the role of endothelial cells during HIV-1 infection, we report a virological and ultrastructural study on isolated endothelial cells from human adipose tissue, infected by HIV-1 in vitro. Supernatants from cultures showed the presence of p24 antigen and reverse transcriptase activity starting two days after HIV inoculation. A significant decrease of viral rescue was observed in cycloheximide treated cells confirming a de novo synthesis of viral products. SEM analysis individualized several surface slender projections and interdispersed virus-like particles in the infected cells. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed cellular aspects of HIV phagocytosis and virus budding, suggesting that endothelial cells may represent a CD4 negative cell target of HIV-1 infection.

Adipose Tissue↗

Meningeal sarcoma with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation: case report.

A case of primary neoplasm of the meninges with unusual histological and clinical features, which occurred in a 61-year-old man is described. Although conventional light microscopy revealed an undifferentiated tumor consisting of small- to medium-sized elements, it did not allow any definitive histogenetic interpretation. Immunohistochemistry showed that the neoplastic cells were positive for actin, desmin, myoglobin, and vimentin, thus leading to the diagnosis of meningeal sarcoma with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. This interpretation was also supported by electron microscopy, in dewaxed tissue samples, which revealed the presence of abortive Z-lines. It is noteworthy that retrospective microscopic examination of all the slides obtained both at initial presentation and at relapses demonstrated in some fields that the undifferentiated population was associated with typical meningiomatous features, as was also shown by the staining for the epithelial membrane antigen. Clinically, the tumor was characterized by an exceedingly long course (10 years). The histogenesis of the tumor and the diagnostic relevance of immunohistochemical techniques are discussed.

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic↗

Human cytomegalovirus structural components: intracellular and intraviral localization of p38.

Rabbit antisera raised against the product of ORF UL 80 of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) genome (HindIII L fragment of AD169 strain) as well as IgM from acutely infected patients recognize an antigen of Mr 38 kDa. In the viral particle this antigen is bound via S-S bridge to a lower Mr compound to form a final complex of 62 kDa that is also recognized by rabbit antisera as well as patients' IgM. P38 is present both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of CMV-infected cells starting from 24 h p.i. and increasingly thereafter. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that this antigen is mainly associated with the internal portion of viral capsids both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm.

Antigens, Viral↗

The cellular component in the parietal infiltrate of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA).

Eight cases of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) (group I) and a control group of ten cases of atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with little or no parietal inflammatory infiltrate (group II) were studied; using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunohistochemistry. These were used to define cell composition in the inflammatory process, the degree of cell activation and alteration of connective tissue. Large numbers of B lymphocytes were present in IAAA with preservation of the T4/T8 ratio. In addition, HLA-DR and the IL2-R antigen (specific for activated cells) were widely expressed in the cell population. The interstitial matrix contained deposits of IgG, IgM and C3c together with an increase in type III collagen and a reduction in elastin which appeared fragmented and swollen. This study, therefore, characterised the cellular component of the parietal inflammatory infiltrate in IAAA. The degree of activation shown by these cell elements and the activation of complement suggest that the relevant antigen may have been localised in the aneurysm wall at the time of observation.

Aged↗

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection of endothelial cells in vitro.

In order to establish whether endothelial cells are involved in immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, we performed a virological study on endothelial cells isolated from human adipose tissue and infected with HIV-1 in vitro. Supernatants from cultures showed a reverse transcriptase activity starting one day after HIV inoculation. Viral rescue was significantly impaired in cycloheximide treated cells confirming a de novo synthesis of viral products.

Adipose Tissue↗

Conventional and high resolution scanning electron microscopy of biological sectioned material.

Intracellular structures of embedded biological tissues (rat kidney, myocardium and small intestine) were observed by conventional-scanning electron microscopy (C-SEM) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) after glass knife sectioning. C-SEM of semi-thin sections of material processed the same way as conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provided strong backscattered electron (BSE)-dependent, two-dimensional secondary electron images (SEI(-)) which precisely integrated and further extended previous light microscopy (LM) observation of the same specimen. In addition, the three-dimensional (3-D) arrangement of intracellular organelles was appreciated using a mixture of acetone-soluble acrylic resin in place of epoxy resin embedding. Since the identification of such structures was hampered by the use of conventional fixations we introduced osmium maceration as a preliminary step to remove excess cytoplasmic matrix from the specimen. Consequently, semi-thin sections for LM and thin sections for TEM were obtained by sectioning of the tissue blocks. After resin removal, the sections were successfully observed in 3-D under a C-SEM. Finally, the deembedded, osmium treated sections proved to be smooth enough to facilitate deposition of continuous, ultra-thin (1 nm) chromium films and, therefore, HR-SEM studies of macromolecular cell membrane structures.

Animals↗

Correlative light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy of osmium-macerated biological tissues.

A method facilitating correlation of light microscopic (LM), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images was developed. Rat kidney and heart were initially subjected to the osmium maceration procedure and then embedded in acrylic resin. Semithin sections of the tissue blocks were first provided for LM and then examined by SEM after resin removal. Furthermore, the ultrathin sections adjacent to the semithin sections were observed by TEM. The three-dimensional images of intracellular organelles provided an informative adjunct to LM and TEM.

Animals↗

Relationship between connective tissue cells and fibronectin in a sequential model of experimental hepatic fibrosis.

The cellular and non-cellular components of fibrous septa formed at early and late stages in a sequential model of experimental hepatic fibrosis have been investigated using ultrastructural and immunocytochemical techniques. In the early septa, cells with intermediate features between lobular Ito cells and active fibroblasts were formed. These cells frequently displayed subplasmalemmal microfilaments (myofibroblast-like cells). Macrophages were also present. Scanty typical fibroblasts were present in the late septa. This cellular recruitment might be related to an extracellular glycoprotein-fibronectin-which is at present under investigation as a chemotactic factor for fibroblasts. Strong positivity for fibronectin in early septa and its sharp decrease in late septa seems to support this view. Fibroblasts and/or macrophages are the likely source of fibronectin synthesis.

Animals↗