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Biomedical subjects

N M Pettigrew

Publications and source records attributed to N M Pettigrew.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (so-called pseudosarcoma) of the larynx simulating malignant giant cell tumor of soft parts. A case report.

A tumor of the larynx composed of a small infiltrating and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and a large polypoid sarcomatous mass showing the histologic features of the malignant giant cell tumor of soft parts (MGCT) is reported. Other types of sarcomatous components have been described with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx and names such as pseudosarcoma, carcinosarcoma, and spindle cell carcinoma have been used for these peculiar tumors. Because most data support that the sarcomatous component is an unusual carcinoma transformation due to unknown factors the authors prefer the term sarcomatoid carcinoma. Sarcomatoid carcinomas having the features of MGCT have been described in multiple epithelial organs. Therefore, an extensive search for a carcinoma component always should be carried out in tumors arising in any organ, including the larynx, and showing the typical histologic features of MGCT.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Hypoventilatory respiratory failure in generalised scleroderma.

A patient with generalised cutaneous and gastrointestinal scleroderma subsequently died from respiratory failure secondary to hyperventilation. At necropsy changes consistent with scleroderma of the diaphragm were found; these were thought to have contributed appreciably to the terminal respiratory failure.This case indicates that diaphragmatic changes should be added to the list of respiratory complications of scleroderma.

Adult↗

Microcirculation in hypertrophic burn scars.

Using the technique of capillary microscopy the microcirculation of post burn hypertrophic scars and grafts, at varying stages of maturity, have been documented. Sympathetic innervation of larger vessels beneath and within the scarred tissues could be found only in fully-matured scars, suggesting a link between the processes of scar reinnervation and maturation.

Adrenergic Fibers↗

IgD kappa plasma cell dyscrasias: extraosseous manifestations including isolated leptomeningitis.

IgD kappa plasma cell Dyscrasias are rare. Two cases with unusual presentations and courses area described. One of these patients had myelomatous pleural effusions, and subsequently experienced myelomatous leptomeningitis. The significance of this combination is discussed and the literature reviewed. The value of immunofluorescent techniques in identifying plasma cells in the cerebrospinal fluid and pleural fluid is emphasized.

Humans↗

Thymic origin of the prolactin-dependent Nb2 lymphoma cell line.

Blast cells in acute leukemia and lymphoma appear to be "frozen" at various stages of lymphoid cell differentiation. The enzymatic and antigenic phenotypes expressed by these cells often correspond to the gene products of their normal precursors. We have used various immunocytochemical and enzymatic techniques to identify membrane, nuclear, and cytoplasmic markers associated with the prolactin-dependent Nb2 lymphoma cell line. The Nb2 cells, whether stationary or in log-phase growth, did not express any surface immunoglobulin. However, 100% of the Nb2 cells bound both a monoclonal antibody raised to rat thymocyte W3/25-HLK, which specifically binds an antigenic determinant on rat T-helper cells, and second monoclonal antibody OX8-HL, which identifies rat nonhelper T-cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed no evidence of phagocytic vacuoles, and activity of the lysosomal enzyme muramidase was also absent. There was no evidence of the DNA polymerase enzyme terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. alpha-Naphthyl acetate esterase activity was indicated in about 50% of the Nb2 cells by a faint particulate cytoplasmic staining similar to that found in thymocytes. Rosette formation with guinea pig erythrocytes, a property of mature rat thymocytes, was not observed with Nb2 cells. The data suggest that the Nb2 tumor may have arisen from a thymocyte at an intermediate stage of differentiation. The presence of Thy-like alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase pattern and the binding of both W3/25-HLK and OX8-HL support the thymic origin and relative immaturity of these lymphoid cells. It is becoming increasingly apparent that a significant proportion of lymphomas and leukemias also originate in undifferentiated thymic cels.

Animals↗

Hepatitis B surface antigenaemia in Kenyans with chronic liver disease.

Fifty Kenyan patients with chronic liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma were tested for hepatitis B surface antigenaemia by radioimmunoassay. The hepatitis B surface antigen was detected in 77% of the patients with chronic persistent or chronic aggressive hepatitis, or cirrhosis confirmed by liver biopsy, compared with 15% in a control group. All six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had detectable hepatitis B surface antigen or antibody. 50% of the controls had hepatitis B surface antibody in their plasma detectable by haemagglutination. Auto-immune associated liver disease appeared infrequent. The possibility that the hepatitis B virus is an important cause of cirrhosis in Kenya is discussed.

Cell Membrane↗

Mechanisms of invasion and lymphatic penetration in human colorectal cancer.

The invasive areas in 24 unselected human colorectal cancers were examined by light and electron microscopy and it was shown that the invasive process involves tubes of cells rather than single cells, that degenerative changes take place in specialized cells ahead of the invasive cancer cells and that the endothelium of the lymphatic vessels disintegrates, leaving gaps in the endothelial lining.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗

Diagnostic potential for cancer via 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy of colon tissue.

Specimens of colon tissue were examined by 1H MRS (360 MHz) in order to determine the usefulness of rat colon (n = 44) as a model for human colon (n = 60), particularly for the characterization of preneoplastic lesions. Human tissue was characterized by 1H MRS as a precursor to in vivo studies. For both tissues, resonances from mobile lipids were not characteristic of pure mucosa, but correlated with the presence of submucosa. The mean intensities of the resonances at 3.2 and 3.4 ppm (assigned mainly to choline-containing compounds and taurine, respectively) of rat mucosa compared to those of human mucosa, and of rat tumours compared to human tumours, were not significantly different, while both resonances were significantly more intense in rat tumours compared to rat mucosa. The spectra of premalignant lesions in rat colon have features between those due to tumours and normal tissue. We conclude that rat colon is a useful model for human colon in 1H MR spectroscopic studies. MR spectra from human colon control tissue and tumours were classified with 100% accuracy using multivariate analysis.

Animals↗