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Biomedical subjects

R Moll

Publications and source records attributed to R Moll.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

[Evaluation of ventral stabilization techniques for thoracolumbar fractures by helical computer tomography].

PURPOSE: To assess the volumetric change of the implanted graft in thoracolumbar fractures treated with dorsal and ventral stabilization. Comparison of two methods of ventral stabilization to avoid loss of correction and rekyphosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 38 patients with 40 thoracolumbar fractures were treated with a tricortical bone graft of the pelvis (n = 27) or bone cement (SRS: skeletal repair system, n = 13), measuring the volume and the length of the implanted graft by helical CT (Somatom Plus 4, Siemens): after ventral stabilization, preoperative before and six month after removal of the fixateur interne. The bone and SRS volume were assessed as a product of slice thickness and cross-section, the length of the implanted graft was measured by the cranial and caudal table position. RESULTS: Loss of graft volume between implantation and explantation of the fixateur interne was 24.3 %, and between implantation and the check six months after removal 40.5 %; loss of length until removal 14.6 % and between implantation and six months after the removal 24.1 %; no difference between the tricortical bone graft and the skeletal repair system. CONCLUSION: Volumetric and length study assessed by CT shows a loss of volume and length of the tricortical bone graft and the skeletal repair system with no dependence on the used material. CT enables an exact and feasible assessment of the localisation, volume, size and possible complications of the implanted bone graft and SRS. The considerable loss of volume and length of the graft is one of the reasons correction loss and rekyphosis in the stabilization of the thoracolumbar fractures.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Organization of uroplakin subunits: transmembrane topology, pair formation and plaque composition.

The apical surfaces of urothelial cells are almost entirely covered with plaques consisting of crystalline, hexagonal arrays of 16 nm uroplakin particles. Although all four uroplakins, when SDS-denatured, can be digested by chymotrypsin, most uroplakin domains in native urothelial plaques are resistant to the enzyme, suggesting a tightly packed structure. The only exception is the C-terminal, cytoplasmic tail of UPIII (UPIII) which is highly susceptible to proteolysis, suggesting a loose configuration. When uroplakins are solubilized with 2% octylglucoside and fractionated with ion exchangers, UPIa and UPII were bound as a complex by a cation exchanger, whereas UPIb and UPIII were bound by an anion exchanger. This result is consistent with the fact that UPIa and UPIb are cross-linked to UPII and UPIII, respectively, and suggests that the four uroplakins form two pairs consisting of UPIa/II and UPIb/III. Immunogold labelling using a new mouse monoclonal antibody, AU1, revealed that UPIII is present in all urothelial plaques, indicating that the two uroplakin pairs are not segregated into two different types of urothelial plaque and that all plaques must have a similar uroplakin composition. Taken together, these results indicate that uroplakins form a tightly packed structure, that the four uroplakins interact specifically forming two pairs, and that both uroplakin pairs are required for normal urothelial plaque formation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

[Fulminant course of falciparum malaria].

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 57-year-old white man had been travelling in Kenya for vacation until 14 days before admission. Due to apprehension about side effects, the patient had refused any malaria prophylaxis. Ten days before admission he developed low grade temperatures and suffered from pain in the limbs, from nausea and vomiting. A new episode of tachyarrhythmia was diagnosed two days before admission and was treated by his general practitioner. Finally he was admitted to our hospital because of high temperatures, chills and progressive clinical deterioration. Autopsy revealed prominent congestion of liver, spleen and cerebral vessels as well as subdural and subarachnoidal hemorrhage. INVESTIGATIONS: In both thin and thick peripheral blood smears Plasmodium parasites were demonstrated in approximately 30% of the eryhthrocytes and the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum was immediately confirmed by an immunological test. TREATMENT AND COURSE: Due to the fulminant clinical and neurological deterioration with progressive hypoxaemia, the patient required ventilator therapy already one hour after admission. Therapy with chinine and doxycycline was initiated and exchange transfusion was considered. However, due to hyperkalaemia and cardiac arrest, the patient died 4 hours after admission due to parasitic hemolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Severe Plasmodium falciparum infection in non-immunized patients is a medical emergency and requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. Malaria should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in persons who have travelled to endemic areas and presenting not only with temperatures, but also with non-specific clinical signs, like cardiac arrhythmias. Although never entirely effective, chemoprophylaxis is highly recommended.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2001

Characterization of a human carcinosarcoma cell line of the ovary established after in vivo change of histologic differentiation.

OBJECTIVES: Cell lines are valuable in vitro models for clinical and basic research. Most ovarian cancer cell lines described are serous cystadenocarcinomas or poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. The establishment of ovarian cancer cell lines with rare histologic differentiation is especially of interest. We describe the establishment of a carcinosarcoma cell line of the ovary after in vivo selection. METHODS: The cell line OV-MZ-22 was established from a solid tumor mass in the upper abdomen. At the time of establishment, the patient underwent secondary debulking and was pretreated with six cycles of cis-platinum/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide. Features of the cell line studied included morphology, ultrastructure, heterotransplantation, chromosome analysis, and analysis of intermediate filament proteins and actins by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The first histologic report of the patient described a papillary cystadenocarcinoma, which changed to a carcinosarcoma with predominantly sarcomatous differentiation at secondary debulking. This cell line is aneuploid and shows no expression of the tumor-associated antigens CA-125 and CEA, but an overexpression of MDR-1, lung resistance protein, p53, and topoisomerase I and II, but not of multidrug-resistance-associated protein. The cell line did not give rise to transplant tumors in nude mice. The histologic and immunocytochemical comparison of the primary and the relapsed tumor proved evidence of an in vivo change of differentiation from predominantly papillary cystadenocarcinoma to carcinosarcoma. Morphological characteristics and intermediate filament pattern underlined the sarcomatous differentiation and origin of this cell line. The differentiation phenotype of OV-MZ-22 cells is that of smooth-muscle cells. CONCLUSION: The change of histologic differentiation was apparently due to a selection process caused by platinum-containing chemotherapy. The origin of the cell line and its rarity make this new line an appropriate tool for further investigation.

Actins↗
PubMed2001

Telomerase activity of Merkel cell carcinomas and Merkel cell carcinoma-derived cell cultures.

Merkel cell carcinomas are rare malignant tumors of the skin, which are predominantly observed in elderly patients (mean age 65-70 years). It is believed but not yet proven that these tumors are derived from the Merkel cells of the epidermis and hair follicles. The Merkel cells themselves probably originate from an asymmetric cell division of basal keratinocytes and the resulting differentiated Merkel cells have presumably, at least in humans, lost their growth potential. The capability of indefinite cell division in germ line cells and in the great majority of malignant tumors as well as an increased growth potential in certain somatic cells (such as basal cells of renewable tissues) is correlated with cellular telomerase activity, which is absent in differentiated somatic cells. In this study the telomerase activity in cryostat sections of frozen Merkel cell tumor biopsies and in in vitro cultivated Merkel cell carcinoma cells was analyzed. We detected telomerase activity in four tumors and three of four cell cultures. These results show that despite their pronounced neuroendocrine differentiation and their occurrence in patients of advanced age, Merkel cell carcinomas possess telomerase activity similar to that of common carcinoma types.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Brenner tumors but not transitional cell carcinomas of the ovary show urothelial differentiation: immunohistochemical staining of urothelial markers, including cytokeratins and uroplakins.

To determine whether Brenner tumors and transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) of the ovary are urothelial in type, the immunoprofiles of 14 Brenner tumors, including three malignant examples, and eight ovarian TCCs were compared with those of Walthard nests, urothelium, 12 urinary bladder TCCs and 17 ovarian adenocarcinomas (serous, endometrioid, mucinous, and undifferentiated type). The immunohistochemical stains used included those for cytokeratins CKs 5/6, CK7, CK8, CK13, and CK20, vimentin, CA125, and the specific urothelial differentiation marker uroplakin III. CK7 and CK8 were broadly expressed in most tumors of ovary and bladder examined, while vimentin was focally present in some ovarian TCCs and adenocarcinomas. As in normal and neoplastic bladder urothelium, urothelial markers, including uroplakin III, CK13, and CK20, were detected in the epithelial nests of Brenner tumors. Brenner tumor cells also expressed uroplakins Ia and II. CA125 was observed focally in some Brenner tumors. In contrast, TCCs of the ovary and Walthard nests lacked uroplakins and were essentially negative for CK20 and CK13 but quite strongly expressed CA125. This immunophenotype closely resembled that found in ovarian adenocarcinomas. Thus, it appears that the only true urothelial-type ovarian neoplasm is the Brenner tumor, whereas ovarian TCC most likely represents a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with a morphologic transitional cell pattern. These results may explain the controversies as expressed in the recent literature concerning TCC of the ovary and establish its place among the ovarian adenocarcinomas of müllerian type.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Value of sentinel lymphonodectomy in head and neck cancer patients without evidence of lymphogenic metastatic disease.

OBJECTIVE: Only few communications deal with the value of sentinel node (SN) biopsy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Based on the results of 38 investigated patients with clinically N0-neck the feasibility of SN biopsy in HNSCC is critically discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight previously untreated patients with clinically N0-neck were staged by intraoperative SN biopsy. After intraoperative identification of the hottest node (SN(1)) and further less tracer accumulating lymph nodes (SN(2), SN(3)), patients were treated by different types of neck dissection (ND), adjusted to the location and extent of the primary tumour. Postoperatively the histologic results of the SN(1-3) and the entire ND specimen were compared. RESULTS: The stage of cervical metastatic disease was demonstrated by a disease-free SN(1) in 32 patients. In five patients an isolated metastasis could be proven in the intraoperatively identified SN(1), while in the remaining patient an isolated metastasis was found in the SN(2). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative SN biopsy seems to be valuable for the detection of occult lymph node metastases in HNSCC. This method might help to limit the extent of ipsilateral ND, if used as an intraoperative staging procedure to investigate the first draining tracer accumulating lymph nodes (SN(1-3)).

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Value of the CT angiography in the diagnosis of common carotid artery bifurcation disease: CT angiography versus digital subtraction angiography and color flow Doppler.

OBJECTIVE: assessment of the degree of stenosis is the central point in the treatment of carotid stenosis. The purpose of our study was to assess whether invasive CT angiography (CTA) is a feasible alternative to the current invasive gold standard carotid digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the current non-invasive gold standard color flow doppler. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: about 178 patients with cerebrovascular disease underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA), CFD and CTA. CTA was performed on a Somatom plus 4 (Siemens, Erlangen Germany). CT was performed with 2/3/2 (collimation/table feed/reconstruction interval) or 2/3/1 mm, start delay 15-20 s, flow 2.5-3.0 ml/s, using 120 ml non-ionic contrast medium (300 mg J/ml). Quantification of degree of stenosis was based on the perfused area in the axial slices. Plaque morphology (soft and hard) and ulceration were evaluated. RESULTS: CTA detected nine cases of significant stenosis, which had been underestimated by DSA. CTA failed in two cases of a membraneous stenosis, which were underestimated, and in two cases with teeth artifacts. Calcifications were more readily appreciated by CTA than in CFD. In this respect, both methods were superior to DSA. CFD, DSA and CTA had a sensitivity of 100% for occlusions, respectively. CONCLUSION: CT angiography is useful in case of inconclusive CFD in the pre- and postoperative phase, and as a third modality in case of disagreement between DSA and CFD.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The signal recognition particle of Archaea.

It is becoming increasingly clear that similarities exist in the manner in which extracytoplasmic proteins are targeted to complexes responsible for translocating these proteins across membranes in each of the three domains of life. In Eukarya and Bacteria, the signal recognition particle (SRP) directs nascent polypeptides to membrane-embedded translocation sites. In Archaea, the SRP protein targeting pathway apparently represents an intermediate between the bacterial and eukaryal systems. Understanding the archaeal SRP pathway could therefore reveal universal aspects of targeting not detected in current comparisons of the eukaryal and bacterial systems while possibly identifying aspects of the process either not previously reported or unique to Archaea.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

[Embolization of aneurysma spurium of the superior gluteal artery].

While for the surgical treatment there are the transgluteal and the retroperitoneal approach, the alternative radiological modality is less invasive. It is performed by a from contralateral placed guidant-catheter in combination with a tracker catheter with the possibility of transcatheter embolization with liquid, particles or coils. The rate of success is high, complications are seldom and the hospital stay is short. Both modalities can and should be used complementary. In the case of an intractable acute hemorrhage transcatheter embolization should be used firstly.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Lectin and proteoglycan histochemistry of Merkel cell carcinomas.

Changes in carbohydrate residue expression and in proteoglycan distribution occur during different stages of tumor development and progression. However, few data concerning carbohydrate residue analysis as performed by lectin histochemistry and proteoglycan distribution of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare malignant tumor of the skin, have been reported. Hence, lectin- and proteoglycan immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin wax material of 9 cases of Merkel cell carcinomas characterized by cytokeratin and neurofilament immunohistochemistry. The lectin binding pattern of tumor cells varied between lectins with different sugar binding specificities, while within a given nominal sugar specificity intensities were remarkably similar between tumors from different patients. The most intensive reaction was observed using Con A (mannose/glucose-specific) followed by LCA with the same specificity and the N-Acetyl glucosamine-specific lectins (WGA, UDA, CMA), while no fucose binding sites were detected (UEA-I). In addition, N-Acetyl galactosamine residues were only occasionally detected. The lectin binding pattern of Merkel cell carcinoma cells indicated that predominantly N-linked glycans and not O-linked glycans, typical for mucins of most epithelia, were present. Hence these tumor cells were relatively undifferentiated and resembled stem cells more closely than differentiated epithelia. The tumor stroma was especially evaluated in this study and showed a lectin reaction, which was intermediate between the tumor cells and extra-tumoral stroma. For example, the reactions of N-Acetyl galactosamine-specific lectins were intensive in the extra-tumoral stroma but nearly negative in tumor cells, while the lectin reaction of the intra-tumoral stroma was similar to the cellular reaction. These results indicated an influence of tumor cells on the stromal constituents. Antibodies against chondroitin type glycosaminoglycans reacted with the tumor stroma and the pericellular substance around the tumor cells most intensely in - and around the major tumor septae which, in general, were well vascularized. The most intensive immunoreactivity was detected using the chondroitin-6-sulfate antibody. The cellular and membrane-associated reaction for heparan sulfate was less intensive in comparison to epidermal cells. In conclusion the pattern of lectin-binding sites, the high chondroitin(sulfate) specific reactivity and the relatively low intensity of heparan sulfate immunohistochemistry indicate a low degree of differentiation and high malignity of the tumors, which is consistent with the clinical behavior of Merkel cell carcinomas.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2001

Colour flow Doppler ultrasound of the carotid bifurcation: can it replace routine angiography before carotid endarterectomy?

The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of colour flow Doppler ultrasound (CFD) and its potential to replace digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before carotid endarterectomy (CEA). All patients undergoing CFD of the carotid bifurcation in our department over a period of 1-1/2 years for whom both CFD and DSA results were available were included in the study. We evaluated the feasibility of CFD, its diagnostic accuracy and its potential to diagnose clinically significant stenosis (50%, 70% and 90% NASCET type diameter stenosis) compared with DSA. 225 carotid bifurcations in 116 patients met the criteria for evaluation (biplane arterial DSA without superimposition). Data analysis yielded the following diagnostic performance of CFD: sensitivity for a 50% stenosis 91.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 83.3--96.2%), specificity 93.2% (95% CI 87.1--96.8%) and accuracy 92.4% (95% CI 88.4--95.4%); sensitivity for a 70% stenosis 89.2% (95% CI 81.9--94.1%), specificity 96.2% (95% CI 90.5--98.6%) and accuracy 92.4% (95% CI 88.4--95.4%). In 9 of 116 cases, carotid angiography was used to evaluate inconclusive CFD results. DSA disclosed relevant information not suspected by CFD in only 1 of the 116 cases. Thus, 91% (106/116) of the angiographies could have been dispensed with without loss of information. One major stroke occurred during diagnostic DSA. We conclude that DSA of the carotid arteries is unnecessary when CFD is unequivocal. The diagnostic gain of DSA must be counterweighted against its potential risks.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗
PubMed2000

[Eosinophilic myocarditis in Churg-Strauss syndrome. A rare cause of left heart decompensation with lung edema].

HISTORY: A 50-year-old woman was admitted because of marked dyspnoea at rest and signs of left heart failure with pulmonary oedema. 9 years ago, the diagnostic constellation of bronchial asthma, polyneuropathy, pericardial effusion and eosinophilia had indicated Churg-Strauss syndrome. Since then she had remained symptom-free under maintenance doses of azathioprine (for 2 years) and gradually reduced doses of steroids. INVESTIGATIONS: Chest X-ray showed signs of pulmonary congestion and cardiomegaly, echocardiography demonstrating enlargement of the left heart with marked impairment of ventricular function, and both revealed pericardial effusion. The electrocardiogram showed complete absence of R waves and ST elevation in leads V1-V5. Coronary angiography excluded coronary artery disease. Myocardial biopsy contained signs of active but no longer acute myocarditis with eosinophilic tissue infiltration and microgranulomas. White blood cell count was normal, but there was marked eosinophilia (39%). IgE was elevated (601 kIU/l). DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: In view of the good therapeutic effects 9 years ago, this relapse of Churg-Strauss syndrome with eosinophilic myocarditis was again treated with azathioprine and steroids. In addition, diuretics, digitalis and ACE-inhibitors successfully treated the heart failure. In the course of treatment the signs of inflammation, including the eosinophilia, regressed or became normal. CONCLUSION: After a 10-year remission without complication of a Churg-Strauss syndrome the onset of cardiac signs is the decisive long-term prognostic factor.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2000

The crystal structure of the conserved GTPase of SRP54 from the archaeon Acidianus ambivalens and its comparison with related structures suggests a model for the SRP-SRP receptor complex.

BACKGROUND: Protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotes and to the cell membrane in prokaryotes is mediated by the signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor (SR). Both contain conserved GTPase domains in the signal-peptide-binding proteins (SRP54 and Ffh) and the SR proteins (SRalpha and FtsY). These GTPases are involved in the regulation of protein targeting. Most studies so far have focussed on the SRP machinery of mammals and bacteria, leaving the SRP system of archaea less well understood. RESULTS: We report the crystal structure of the conserved GTPase (NG-Ffh) from the thermophilic archaeon Acidianus ambivalens at 2.0 A resolution and of the Thr112-->Ala mutant, which is inactive in GTP hydrolysis. This is the first structure of an SRP component from an archaeon and allows for a detailed comparison with related structures from Escherichia coli and thermophilic bacteria. In particular, differences in the conserved consensus regions for nucleotide binding and the subdomain interfaces are observed, which provide information about the regulation of the GTPase. These interactions allow us to propose a common signalling mechanism for the SRP-SR system. CONCLUSIONS: The overall structure of SRP-GTPases is well conserved between bacteria and archaea, which indicates strong similarities in the regulation of the SRP-targeting pathway. Surprisingly, structure comparisons identified a homodimeric ATP-binding protein as the closest relative. A heterodimer model for the SRP-SR interaction is presented.

Archaea↗
PubMed2000

Arrhythmias in acute pericarditis. An endomyocardial biopsy study.

It is still controversial whether the arrhythmias in acute pericarditis are of myocardial or pericardial origin. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of arrhythmias and conduction disorders in patients with acute pericarditis with no endomyocardial biopsy evidence of myocarditis (group 1: 40 patients, 65% males, mean age 45.6 +/- 15.7 years, mean heart rate [HR] 98.7 +/- 22.2 beats per minute) in comparison to endomyocardial biopsy proven acute myocarditis/perimyocarditis (group 2: 10 patients, 3/10 with perimyocarditis, 70% males, mean age 46.1 +/- 15.8 years, mean heart rate 76.7 +/- 33.1 beats per minute). At the initial assessment all patients underwent comprehensive clinical work-up including echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and endomyocardial biopsy. In all patients biventricular endomyocardial biopsy was performed using standard femoral approach and Schikumed 7 F or 8 F bioptomes. Tissue samples were stained by H & E, v. Gieson and independently reviewed by two cardiac pathologists. In addition immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry were performed, and only patients fulfilling Dallas and World Heart Federation criteria were selected for group 2. Comparative analysis of electrocardiograms and 24-hour Holter recordings at initial presentation revealed in group 1 vs group 2 significantly less frequent paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (5% vs 40%), and ventricular fibrillation (0 vs 20%), in contrast to atrial fibrillation that occurred more often (20% vs 0) (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the group 2 one patient died due to VF and two patients underwent ICD implantation. Low voltage (40% vs 30%) and ST/T wave changes (47.5% vs 30%), as well as the incidence of the II degree AV block (5% vs 0) and complete AV block (2.5% vs 10%) were not significantly different between the groups. In conclusion, patients with pericarditis and no endomyocardial biopsy indications of myocarditis had significantly less often life threatening rhythm disorders in contrast to patients with endomyocardial biopsy proven acute myocarditis/perimyocarditis. On the contrary, incidence of transitory atrial fibrillation was higher in acute pericarditis, than in myocarditis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Proliferation and number of Clara cell 10-kDa protein (CC10)-reactive epithelial cells and basal cells in normal, hyperplastic and metaplastic bronchial mucosa.

Clara cell 10-kDa protein (CC10) is an inhibitor of phospholipase A2 and binds to phosphatidylinositol. It may therefore interfere with intracellular signal transduction. Bronchial CC10-reactive cells have been described by several authors. In contrast to the bronchiolar CC10-containing Clara cell, which is a progenitor cell of terminally differentiated airway epithelium, the role of bronchial CC10-reactive cells remains to be elucidated. We assessed the number of bronchial CC10-reactive cells in relation to cytokeratin (CK) expression and proliferative activity in normal, hyperplastic and squamous metaplastic epithelium. Sixty-five human bronchial mucosal specimens were investigated immunohistochemically for CK expression (CK7, CK13 and CK5/6), proliferative activity (MIB-1) and number of CC10-reactive epithelia. The proliferation fraction of CC10-reactive cells was assessed with double staining for MIB-1 and CC10. The proliferation index of the epithelium differed significantly between normal, hyperplastic and metaplastic epithelium. The number of CC10-reactive cells was inversely related to the epithelial proliferation. Bronchial CC10-reactive cells showed no proliferative activity as assessed using immunohistochemical double staining for CC10 and MIB-1. In contrast to normal and hyperplastic epithelium, squamous metaplasia disclosed CK5/6 in all epithelial layers, a loss of CK7 and a gain of CK13. We conclude that CC10-reactive cells have no progenitor role in the bronchial mucosa. However, because the proliferative activity is inversely related to the number of CC10-reactive cells, the CC10 protein may play a role in the regulation of epithelial repair. Squamous metaplasia most likely originates from basal cells.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Dose response relations of collagen IV expression in irradiated submandibular gland of the rat].

The extent of radiogenic salivary gland damage depends on the radiation dose, the fractionation, and the localization of the gland in the radiation field. Because extracellular matrix proteins, for example collagen IV, belong to the main components of basement membranes (BM), which are considered to posses cell- and structure-regulating functions, this study set out to describe radiogenic BM changes. The staining profile of collagen IV was studied in 110 female rat mandibular glands depending on age (1 year vs. 1 1/2 years), dosage (2 Gy/d; total dosages 20, 40, or 60 Gy), the radiation field (inside vs. outside), and on the latency period (1/2 year vs. 1 year), using immunohistochemical methods. The stainings were assessed semiquantitatively and differences were evaluated using multivariate analysis. The staining pattern of the polyclonal antibody in rat tissues did not differ from the pattern found in human salivary glands. Collagen IV was detected at variable levels in the glandular and nerve tissue and in vascular walls (negative: adventitia). Irradiated tissues were stained more strongly than non-irradiated, and differences were significant in salivary glands exposed to more than 20 Gy. Age and the latency period had no significant effect on staining. The BM constituent collagen IV showed dose-dependent increasing expression analogous to the salivary gland damage, which could contribute to disturbed cell-matrix interactions following salivary gland radiation exposure. Several tissue structures may be more sensitive to possible scattered radiation. Information on the pretreatment status is mandatory in histopathological studies on the BM of salivary glands.

Animals↗