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Biomedical subjects

M Ortmann

Publications and source records attributed to M Ortmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Clear cell tumor of the lung].

Clear cell tumors of the lung are rare tumors composed of epithelioid HMB45 positive tumor cells. It has been proposed that clear cell tumors generate from perivascular epithelioid cells which are also found in renal angiomyolipoma. Due to its morphologic epithelioid features with clear cytoplasm the distinction from either primary or metastatic clear cell carcinoma is difficult. Usually clinical investigations do not lead to the final diagnosis so that only subsequent histological examination and immunophenotyping can establish the correct tumor classification. We describe the case of a 52 year old woman who underwent exploratory thoracotomy because of a lung mass in the right lower lobe. In frozen sections a solid trabecular tumor was diagnosed, paraffin histology and immunohistochemistry revealed a clear cell tumor of the lung. The difficulty of the correct diagnosis of the clear cell tumor of the lung in frozen sections is discussed as well as the differential diagnosis.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

[Report of a spindle cell myoepithelialioma of the minor salivary glands with extensive lipomatous component].

Myoepitheliomas of the salivary glands are rare benign tumors composed of spindle-shaped myoepithelial cells, but may show plasmacytoid, epitheloid and clear cell-types that principally exhibit myoepithelial but not ductal differentiation. These tumors are mainly located in the major salivary glands and have sometimes abundant, acellular, mucoid or hyaline stroma but lack chondroid and myxochondroid foci, probably representing the one end of the spectrum of pleomorphic adenoma. Lipomatosis in the form of isolated small islands or scattered single lipocytes, is quite uncommon, and a large amount of adipose tissue in a pleomorphic adenoma and myoepithelioma is a rarity and only described in major salivary glands. We present the case report of a 38-year old man with a myoepithelioma of the minor palatinal salivary glands with extensive lipomatosis as an example of this rare phenomena.

Adipose Tissue↗

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome associated with idiopathic giant cell myocarditis.

The autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) is characterized by a variable coexistence of several autoimmune diseases, affecting predominantly endocrine glands. In general two types of APS are distinguished. Type 1 APS is an autosomal recessive disorder often leading to insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, the parathyroid glands, and/or the gonads. This type of APS often affects the skin in form of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and ectodermal dystrophies (vitiligo, alopecia, keratopathy, dystrophy of dental enamel and nails). The second form of APS is a polygenic disease which usually involves the adrenal gland, the thyroid and the pancreatic beta-cells. In rare cases APS type 2 is associated with myasthenia gravis, autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, Sjogren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis. Here we describe a case of APS with the unusual combination of type 1 diabetes, secondary adrenocortical insufficiency, growth hormone deficiency, and primary hypothyroidism associated with lethal idiopathic giant cell myocarditis. The combination of APS and idiopathic giant cell myocarditis which is a rare, frequently fatal autoimmune disorder of myocardium affecting most commonly young individuals has not been reported so far.

Adrenal Cortex Diseases↗

[Renal oxalosis with renal failure after infusion of xylitol].

HISTORY AND FINDINGS: Ten days after a complication-free operation for early gastric cancer a 61-year old man had a seizure and acute renal failure. INVESTIGATIONS: A percutaneous renal biopsy was performed to find the cause of the renal failure, which at times required several sessions of haemodialysis. TREATMENT AND COURSE: The seizure was thought to have been due to cerebrovascular deposits of oxalate crystals (renocerebral oxalosis). Parenteral xylitol had been given postoperatively, as a glucose substitute (total dose 1560g), together with other routine drugs. Primary oxalosis and other causes of secondary oxalosis had been excluded. CONCLUSION: Xylitol should not be used parenterally as a glucose substitute (banned in the USA).

Acute Kidney Injury↗

[Functional capacity of MRI-compatible biopsy needles in comparison with ferromagnetic biopsy needles. In vitro studies].

PURPOSE: Comparative evaluation of specimens obtained with different MR-compatible biopsy systems and a conventional ferromagnetic system. METHODS: Biopsies of a pig liver were performed post-mortem with three different MR-compatible (Somatex; E-Z-EM; Daum) and one conventional biopsy system (Somatex), five with each device. The specimens were measured and the histopathological quality was graded on a scale from 0 (no tissue) to 9 (best). The tip of the needle was examined with an electron microscope before and after biopsy to demonstrate abrasion. RESULTS: The histopathological score between the first and fifth specimen taken with one biopsy device showed no significant difference. The conventional system yielded significantly better results in nearly all categories (p < 0.05) than the MR-compatible biopsy systems. The areas of the specimens obtained with the MR-compatible biopsy systems (4.27-5.99 mm2) were significantly smaller than those from the conventional system (9.98 mm2). The needle tip abrasion of the different biopsy systems determined by electron microscopy showed no substantial difference. CONCLUSION: Specimens obtained with MR-compatible biopsy systems compared to conventional biopsy systems are of lower histopathological quality. This might be caused by a smaller side notch of the MR-compatible biopsy devices. There was no difference in abrasion of the needle tip due to the softer, non-ferromagnetic alloys.

Animals↗

[Value of fine needle puncture cytology in neoplasms of the parotid gland].

BACKGROUND: In many parts of Germany fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is still not part of the routine preoperative diagnostic evaluation of salivary gland neoplasms. Most opponents consider the study unnecessary and recommend that all salivary gland neoplasms should be excised. OBJECTIVE: Because of this an evaluated the ability of FNAB to provide an accurate diagnosis of parotid gland neoplasms. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between January 1992 and October 1995, 336 patients referred for operative therapy of salivary gland neoplasms underwent retrospective analysis of preoperative FNAB compared with the excised tumor histology. RESULTS: Results showed that the FNAB had a sensitivity of 93.1%, a specificity of 99.2%, a positive predictive value of 93.1%, a negative predictive value of 99.2% and an accuracy of 98.6%. Complications were observed in less than 1%. DISCUSSION: Our findings demonstrated that the FNAB is a safe diagnostic tool that has a reliable sensitivity and high specificity for the assessment of salivary gland pathology. Since many malignant salivary gland neoplasms present with a virtual lack of symptoms indicating actual malignancy we believe that there is need for FNAB in routine preoperative diagnostic testing.

Adolescent↗

Effects of endotoxin on human myocardial contractility involvement of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of endotoxin on cardiac contractility in human myocardium. BACKGROUND: In animal myocardium, endotoxin and cytokine treatment led to enhanced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and contractile dysfunction. Effects in human myocardium are unknown. METHODS: Left ventricular myocardial preparations from failing (n = 18) and nonfailing (n = 5) human hearts were incubated for 6 and 12 h in tyrode solution or in tyrode plus lipopolysaccharides (LPS), with LPS plus N(G)-mono-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), with LPS plus hemoglobin or with LPS plus the superoxide scavenger 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzene disulfonic acid (Tiron). Force of contraction in response to isoprenaline (0.001 to 3 micromol/liter) was determined in electrically stimulated muscle preparations. The iNOS mRNA expression was examined by in situ hybridization and by polymerase chain reaction. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Isoprenaline concentration dependently increased force of contraction. Six and 12 hours of LPS treatment of failing myocardium decreased maximum inotropic response to isoprenaline by 54% (p = 0.009) and by 69% (p = 0.0023), respectively. In nonfailing myocardium, 12 h of LPS treatment decreased maximum inotropic effect of isoprenaline by 66% (p < 0.001). The LPS effects were attenuated by L-NMMA, hemoglobin and also Tiron. The iNOS mRNA was expressed in all LPS-treated preparations but also in most control myocardial preparations. In situ hybridization revealed iNOS expression within cardiac myocytes. There was no increase in myocardial cGMP content in response to endotoxin. CONCLUSIONS: Endotoxin exposure of human myocardium leads to a depression of cardiac contractility, which is mediated by enhanced iNOS activity and release of nitric oxide (NO). Consecutive reaction of NO with superoxide and formation of peroxynitrite may contribute to the decrease in force of contraction.

Adult↗

Depth of infiltration of primary gastric B-cell lymphomas--correlations with proliferation, apoptosis and expression of p53 and bcl-2.

Local extension has been shown to be a major prognostic factor in primary gastric B-cell lymphoma. In order to evaluate whether this parameter might be correlated with cell proliferation or its regulation, a retrospective study was performed. Fifty-three surgical specimens with primary gastric B-cell lymphomas were analysed concerning histological grading, depth of infiltration and Ann-Arbor stage. In addition, immunohistochemistry (p53[Do7], bcl-2[bcl-2-124], Ki-67 [MiB1]) and in situ end-labeling (apoptotic bodies) were applied. The depth of infiltration was significantly correlated with Ann-Arbor stage (p < 0.001) and histological grading (p < 0.002). Furthermore, the semiquantitatively evaluated expressions of Ki-67, apoptotic bodies and p53 revealed that tumours limited to the mucosa and submucosa had lower numbers of stained cells than lymphomas infiltrating the muscularis propria or beyond (p < 0.001 in all cases). Analysis of bcl-2 expression showed an inverse picture (p < 0.05). The importance of local spread of gastric lymphomas is underscored by our findings: in gastric lymphomas infiltrating the muscularis propria or beyond, powerful proliferative stimuli have been acquired, e.g. associated with p53 mutations, that are independent of the known mucosa-associated stimuli, Helicobacter pylori and auto-immunity.

Apoptosis↗

[Renal tubular dysgenesis with fetal renal vein thrombosis].

Renal tubular dysgenesis is a rarely recognized condition characterized by oligohydramnios, Potter's sequence and congenital anuria leading to stillbirth or neonatal death from respiratory failure. It is thought to be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Definitive diagnosis is based on renal histology, revealing the lack of proximal tubule differentiation. Two additional cases of affected sibs in a family with parental consanguinity are reported. Lectin and immunohistochemical studies confirmed structural and functional immaturity of the proximal tubule. Further findings include bilateral renal vein thrombosis. The clinical and morphological parameters defining this disorder and the possible mechanisms of pathogenesis are discussed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

[Extraneural metastasis of brain and spinal cord tumors. Report of 2 cases].

This case report refers to two patients with the rare entity of an extraneural metastasizing central nervous system tumor. The first patient presented with ipsilateral cervical lymph node metastases 4 years after a diagnostic biopsy and 2 years after removal of an anaplastic oligodendroglioma, respectively. The origin of the metastases was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The second case described was found in a 26-year-old female who had suffered from a spinal cord pilocytic astrocytoma in infancy and been treated by surgery and radiotherapy. On postmortem examination, transformation to a primitive neuroectodermal tumor was found. Morphological and immunohistochemical features of the metastases were exactly identical with those of the primary tumors in both cases. The pathomechanisms of metastasizing CNS tumors are discussed with reference to the reasons why such cases are so rarely observed. The incidence of remote metastases and differences depending on tumor type are estimated. No relation to malignancy grade can be detected.

Adolescent↗

Blood group antigen expression in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. An immunohistochemical study on the occurrence of type 1 chain-derived antigens.

Using monoclonal antibodies (MoABs) against blood group determinants and related carbohydrate sequences, it is now possible to clarify their carcinoma-associated modulation at a molecular level. In the present study a panel of MoABs against different type 1 chain derived blood group antigens, comprising A, B, H type 1, Le(a), sialyl-Le(a) (CA 19-9), sialyl type 1 structure (CA 50), and Le(b) was used to investigate their immunoreactivity in 38 medullary carcinomas of the thyroid (MTC) and in normal thyroid tissue. The antigens were not expressed in normal follicular or C-cells but were expressed to a various extent in MTC. The studies revealed some characteristic anomalies in the frequency and patterns of tumor-associated antigen expression. The MoAB C 50 stained 32 of the 38 tumors, H type 1 (Le(d)) was demonstrated in 21 and the Le(b) antigen in 27. The Le(a)- and the A antigen were detected in 10 and 12 tumors and the B antigen in one. From the results some rules about the pathways for tumor-associated re-expression of these antigens can be deduced. Le(a) antigen expression was significantly correlated with the CA 50 and Le(b) antigens. The significant relation observed between A-, H1-, and Le(b) antigen formation in MTC suggests the existence of a carcinoma-associated fucosyltransferase committing the type 1 precursor chain along the H1-antigen pathway, and by further glycosylation to an A-, B-, or a Le(b) antigen. Comparative studies of tumor-associated H type 1 and H type 2 antigen expression revealed that H type 2 antigen synthesis was significantly related to a blood type 0 in the host. On the other hand, H1 antigen reactivity was independent of the AB0 blood type of the hosts and was also detected in H type 2 antigen-negative tumors. These findings support the proposal that even in tumor tissue, H antigen expression is still determined by the interaction of at least two different genes. Despite the occurrence of the precursor substance (CA 50) and the formation of the Le(a)- and Le(b) antigens, indicating the presence of a alpha 1,4-fucosyl-transferase (Lewis-enzyme), only two tumors showed the formation of CA 19-9. In conclusion, the investigations demonstrated the dominant re-expression of three type 1 chain-derived structures in MTC, namely H type 1, Le(b), and CA 50. These findings support the general concept demonstrated in other carcinomas, that fucosyl- and sialyltransferases are preferentially activated in MTC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Sialylated glycoconjugates in chromophobe cell renal carcinoma compared with other renal cell tumors. Indication of its development from the collecting duct epithelium.

The present study was designed to shed light on the extraordinary histochemical properties of the chromophobe cell renal carcinoma detected by Hale's colloidal iron reaction. Special emphasis was laid on the lectin histochemical analysis of cytoplasmic glycoconjugates. Binding of peanut agglutinin (PNA) and Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin (ECA) after enzymatic release of sialic acid and direct binding of Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) correlates well with the expression of binding sites for Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) and Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) revealing abundant sialylated carbohydrate moieties within the cytoplasm. This characteristic binding pattern differs considerably from the faint staining observed in the majority of other renal carcinomas, thus confirming that the chromophobe cell renal carcinoma is a distinct entity. However, the lectin binding pattern of renal oncocytoma obviously resembles that of chromophobe carcinoma indicating a close relationship between these renal tumors. Detailed analysis of adjacent renal parenchyma revealed a lectin binding pattern quite similar to that described in the chromophobe carcinomas exclusively in the intercalated cells lining the collecting duct. This finding suggests that the chromophobe cell renal carcinoma originates from the collecting duct epithelium. The detection of small complexes consisting of altered epithelia which display the morphological characteristics of chromophobe carcinoma and the histochemical properties of intercalated cells probably indicates the emergence of preneoplastic lesions preceding the development of chromophobe carcinoma. Even though further studies are clearly needed to elucidate the physiological role of the cellular glycoconjugates detected, the present results already provide valuable insight into the histogenesis and pathogenesis of the chromophobe cell renal carcinoma.

Adenoma↗

Histochemical reactivity of the Geodia cydonium agglutinin (GCA) in human tissues.

We applied a peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique to study the distribution pattern and binding characteristics of the lectin from the marine sponge Geodia cydonium (Geodia cydonium agglutinin; GCA) in various human tissues. This lectin has been shown to possess a broad reactivity, but there was a distinct distribution of binding sites within the different organs. In the histochemical system GCA displayed no blood group specificity and labeled red blood cells, the vascular endothelium, and epithelial cells showing blood group antigen expression independent of the ABH blood group status. However, inhibition of GCA reactivity by simple sugars and complex carbohydrates demonstrated tissue-specific differences of lectin binding related to the ABH blood group status of the tissue and revealed information on the structural requirements of the histological lectin binding site. Tissues that totally lacked blood group antigens or that expressed only the H-antigen disclosed a GCA reactivity which was completely inhibited by lactose. In contrast, tissues that expressed blood group A- or blood group B-antigen exhibited a lactose-resistant lectin binding which was inhibited only by water-soluble blood group substance A from peptone A and by bovine glycophorin but not by other complex carbohydrates, including human glycophorin and human asialoglycophorin. Competitive inhibition studies in situ revealed that GCA binding was not inhibited by blood group type I/II carbohydrate sequence-specific lectins or by lectins with other sugar specificities. Inhibition by lactose of GCA binding to some histological sites indicates that the binding site consists of a beta-linked galactose-containing disaccharide. However, periodate oxidation of tissue sections had no effect on lectin binding, pointing to a subterminal location of the relevant sequence. The results obtained from inhibition studies with simple saccharides and complex carbohydrates in relation to the expression of ABH blood group antigens suggest a complex lectin combining site(s) in histological specimens. The lectin may possess either one binding site with a range of affinities for different carbohydrates (besides beta-linked disaccharides the GCA binding site accommodates to carbohydrate determinants carrying the blood group A or blood group B determinant), or may possess two different binding sites. Besides an acceptor site for beta-linked disaccharides, an additional binding site may exist accommodating to extended carbohydrate sequences related to A or B blood group structures. In conclusion, GCA represents a blood group-nonspecific lectin whose binding affinities are determined by the ABH blood group status of the tissue.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Endogenous carbohydrate-binding proteins in Pneumocystis carinii.

By using biotinylated neoglycoproteins, the in situ occurrence of endogenous carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) in Pneumocystis carinii has been glycohistochemically demonstrated in lung tissue specimens from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with P. carinii pneumonia. While the parasite possessed only a weak to moderate density of receptors for L-fucose and N-acetylated amino sugars, a strong specific binding of beta-D-galactoside and D-mannoside neoglycoproteins was observed on the cyst surface and within intracystic bodies. It is suggested that these endogenous lectins may be involved in the adhesion of P. carinii to the target.

Acetylation↗

Tracheal agenesis: a case report.

Tracheal agenesis is described in a premature infant. Absent cry, failure of tracheal intubation despite adequate ventilation with a face mask, and ventilation of both lungs after oesophageal intubation suggested the diagnosis. The infant's condition deteriorated rapidly because of severe pulmonary hyaline membrane disease 12 h later due to intractable cardiac failure. At post-mortem examination, large bilateral broncho-oesophageal fistulae were found.

Congenital Abnormalities↗

[Topography and mechanisms of adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli bacteria in the human kidney and renal pelvis].

The occurrence and significance of bacterial carbohydrate recognition proteins (bacterial lectins) and endogenous carbohydrate binding proteins (endogenous lectins) of human urothelium as well as kidney tubulus epithelium was analyzed with respect to the adhesion of urotoxogenic Escherichia coli bacteria. Using biotinylated neoglycoproteins, we demonstrated a wide spectrum of endogenous lectins with Galactose-, Mannose-, Fucose-, N-Acetylgalactosamine-, and N-Acetylglucosamine binding activities in the urothelium. In the kidney the distal nephron and especially the medullar collecting ducts exhibited a similar spectrum of endogenous carbohydrate binding activities as detected for the urothelium. Adhesion- as well as inhibition-experiments with selective blocking of either bacterial lectins or endogenous lectins of the target cells by different carbohydrates both reduced the bacterial adhesion. However, maximal inhibition of bacterial adhesion was achieved by simultanous blocking of microbial and target cell lectins with mannose or mannan. From these results it is reasonable to conclude that specific adhesion which may result in an organotropism (urotropism) of E. coli infection is due to a dual recognition mechanism which is accomplished by the combined interaction of the bachterial and host cell lectins with the corresponding carbohydrates of E. coli and that of the target cells respectively. Further studies showed that normal human serum possesses natural antiadhesins which are represented by the glycan parts of the serum-glycoproteins.

Bacterial Adhesion↗