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Biomedical subjects

R C Curran

Publications and source records attributed to R C Curran.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

Demonstration of immunoglobulin in cryostat and paraffin sections of human tonsil by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques. Effects of processing on immunohistochemical performance of tissues and on the use of proteolytic enzymes to unmask antigens in sections.

A fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) technique and one based on peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) were used to study the distribution of immunoglobulin (Ig) in cryostat and paraffin sections of human tonsil. Trypsin and other proteolytic enzymes were used to 'unmask' the antigen in paraffin sections. The effects of processing, and particularly of fixation, on the immunohistochemical response of tissues were studied. The FITC and PAP methods detected Ig in paraffin and cryostat sections equally well. The distribution of the antigen was the same with both methods but the PAP method was the more informative. Formaldehyde-sucrose solution proved more suitable for fixing tissues for immunohistochemistry than glutaraldehyde. Trypsin revealed antigen in parraffin sections more efficiently than pepsin, papain, or pronase. Surface Ig (s-Ig) could be demonstrated in trypsinised paraffin sections but less effectively than in cryostat sections. Trypsinised paraffin sections were, however, more suitable for intracellular Ig (c-Ig) than cryostat sections although the performance of cryostat sections could be improved by prior fixation with a coagulative fixative.

Antigens↗
PubMed1977

The Birmingham Histopathology Data Pool: a co-operative project among 10 laboratories.

In 1970 the Birmingham Histopathology Data Pool was established to collect information on biopsies of surgical specimens from three hospitals. The scheme has gradually expanded and 10 hospitals now participate. The pathologist gives each specimen a numerical code based on the Systematised Nomenclature of Pathology (SNOP). The information is processed by computer and stored on cumulative magnetic tape file. At regular intervals (at three, six, and nine months) 'printouts' listing all the information recorded within the interval are produced and a cumulative print-out is issued when the information for a whole year is complete. The data pool system has provided accurate alphabetical and SNOP diagnostic files and has simplified retrieval of data for both follow-up and research purposes. The pathologist may use the computer to retrieve and analyse information from the data pool for this own use or on behalf of clinicians, but he may use information from laboratories other than his own for research purposes and publication only with the permission of the pathologists who submitted the data.

Electronic Data Processing↗
PubMed1977

An on-line computer system for histopathology reporting.

An on-line computer system was developed for issuing histopathology reports as part of an integrated hospital information system. Input is through a Cossor visual display unit with a typewriter keyboard to a Univac 418 III computer. Stored information is available to authorised hospital staff via similar visual display units located in the wards and laboratories. Existing programs and computer staff were used to provide the new service. It has resulted in better method, speedier communication, and saving of laboratory staff time. The system has yet to be fully tested but initial reactions are favourable and indicate that the investment in computer staff time and extra laboratory equipment will be cost effective.

Online Systems↗
PubMed1977

Immunoglobulin-containing cells in human tonsils as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry.

Intracellular immunoglobulin has been demonstrated in human palatine tonsils by the unlabelled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex (PAP) method in which rabbit antiserum to a range of human immunoglobulins (Igs) was linked to the PAP complex by an intermediate stage of swine antiserum to rabbit Ig. The effects of different methods of fixation and processing have been compared, formol-saline fixation giving the best results. The PAP technique proved greatly superior to the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-based technique, not only in sensitivity but in permitting study of the finer histological and cytological features. The lymphoid follicles are shown to have three distinct zones, two forming the follicle centre (zones (a) and (b)), and the third (zone (c)) the lymphocyte cap. Ig synthesis appeared to begin in the cells in zone (b). IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE and IgD were present in all tonsils, with IgG predominating, confirming that the tonsil resembles lymph nodes more closely than it does alimentary lymphoid tissue. Some follicles contained more than one type of Ig. The tonsil appears to have a well-developed T-dependent area, the lymphoid follicles forming a B-cell area. The structure of the tonsil would seem to facilitate contact between its lymphoid tissue and antigens in the crypts, and it is postulated that some T cells within the crypt epithelium, after contact with antigen, may leave the tonsil by the efferent lymphatics and enter the peripheral circulation by the thoracic duct, whilst other primed T cells interact with B cells in the follicle centres. Some B cells may then start to synthesize immunoglobulin, whilst others become memory cells in the lymphocyte 'cap' of the follicle.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

The ultrastructure of benign pigmented naevi and melanocarcinomas in man.

Nine benign pigmented naevi and 16 melanocarcinomas (malignant melanomas) were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy and the fine structure of benign and malignant melanocytes is described. It was found that malignant melanocytes generally exhibit a range of abnormalities of structure of nuclei and cytoplasmic organelles which distinguish them clearly from their benign counterparts. Of the abnormalities, those affecting the specific organelle of the melanocyte, the melanosome, were the most constantly present. No firm evidence was found for the existence of two types of melanosome or two types of melanocarcinoma. Although electron microscopy is capable of showing in great detail within individual melanocytes many changes which are clearly associated with malignancy, the technique does not appear to offer significant advantages over light microscopy in determining the diagnosis and prognosis in this group of conditions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Pulmonary sarcoidosis: A clinico-pathological study.

The light and electron microscopic changes in biopsy tissue from the lung of a 30-year-old housewife severeley incapacitated by diffuse pulmonary sarcoidosis with pulmonary hypertension are presented. The lung tissue was distorted by numerous granulomas in the interstitial tissues and within alveoli. Many pulmonary blood vessels including arteries were damaged by the granulomas. The ultrastructural features of the epithelioid cells were found to be distinctive and probably specific. The giant cells which accompanied the epithelioid cells contained two types of inclusion body: one appeared to be related to the Schaumann body but the nature and origin of the second type was not clear. Many of the granulomas were surrounded by avascular fibrous tissue which contained, in addition to mature fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and a primitive form of cell that appeared to be a fibroblast precursor. It was conjectured that the myofibroblasts, through their contractile powers, might increase the distortion of the lung architecture and thereby the patient's disability. The alveolar walls were thickened by a diffuse infiltrate of macrophages and epithelioid cells but there was no excess of collagen and elastic fibres. The evidence suggested that the epithelioid cells developed from macrophages. From the cellular nature of the diffuse infiltration of the alveolar walls and the absence of fibrosis it seemed that the disease was still at an early and active stage, a conclusion strengthened by the fact that treatment with corticosteroids led to marked and sustained clinical improvement.

Adult↗