Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Volume 30(3); March 1996

Original Articles

Ultrastructural Changes of the Bile Canaliculi after Common Bile Duct Ligation.: Kook Seon Yoo, Suk Hee Lee, Hee Kyung Park, Chang Ho Cho, Jong Min Chae; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):175-183.

1,697 View
16 Download

Abstract PDF: The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphologic changes of the bile canaliculi and its associated structures of the liver induced by common bile duct ligation(CBDL) in the rat. The canalicular surface and lateral surface of the dry-fractured hepatocytes was studied with scanning electron microscopy at 1~6 weeks post ligation. The first week after CBDL, the bile canaliculi were dilated. The microvilli were increased in number and the lumens contained granular materials After 2 weeks or more, the bile canaliculi were dilated to a variable degree, and with irregularity, measuring from 1.5 to 5 micrometer in diameter, and in the advanced stage, the canaliculi showed blunting and the disappearance of microvilli. Some canaliculi had sprouting side branches. At 4~6 weeks post-ligation, the lateral surface of the hepatocytes also showed some irregularity and a tortuous appearance, and numerous small sized microvillous projections were formed. The tubular structures of the proliferated SER distributed adjacent to the lateral surface of the hepatocytes, and the direct connection of a tubular structure and the cytoplasmic membrane was observed. These results suggest that the deformity and loss of microvilli of bile canaliculi reflect the disturbance of bile secretion from the hepatocytes. And prolonged obstruction of bile flow may result in bile excretion via the lateral surface of hepatocytes.

Ultrastructural Changes of Lead Acetate Induced Liver Injury in Rats.: Eun Sook Chang, Jin Seok Oh; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):184-198.

1,617 View
35 Download

Abstract PDF: To evaluate the ultrastructural changes and the mechanism causing liver injury by lead, light and electron microscopic(LM and EM) examination using Timm sulphide silver method(TSM) was done. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a control and 3 experimental groups. The experimental groups were orally administered 0.5% lead acetate(LA). Group 1 received a one time dose of 10 ml of LA by gastric intubation. Groups 2 and 3 continuously received LA instead of drinking water. The control group was composed of 3 rats in each group which did not receive any treatment. Rats of group 1, 2 and 3 and control were sacrificed at 1/2, 1, 1 1/2 hours, 2 days, and at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks later, except group 3. Before sacrifice, they were perfused with 0.1% sodium sulphide and 2.5% glutaraldehyde through the abdominal aorta for TSM. The liver was taken for LM and EM examinations. Blood lead concentration began to increase from the 2nd day up to 3.29 microgram/ml at 2nd week, and the urinary delta-ALA level showed a steady increase from the 2nd day. LM and EM examination of liver revealed that absorbed lead granules in group 1 were transported into sinusoidal spaces, Kupffer cells, and the hepatocytes within 1 hour and then disappeared 1/2 hour thereafter. In group 2 deposited lead was found in the hepatocytic cytosol bound to mitochondria. That in turn inhibited mitochondrial respiration with resultant mitochondrial swelling at the 1st week and thereafter at 6th week myelin figure formation and condensation of mitochondria, and peroxisomes were increased at 8th week. Based on these results it can be concluded that a transient intake of subletal dose of LA is biotransformed completely by periportal hepatocytes within 1 1/2 hours, but excessively accumulated lead can induce liver cell injury due to lipid peroxidation of membrane by direct toxic effect of lead and by products of lipid peroxidation. We postulate that lead acetate triggers presumably primarily mitochondrial membrane injury and then other organellar changes may play a role in disturbance of a network of interacting of key events capable of causing cell death.

Helicobacter pylori Infection and Histopathological Features of Gastric Mucosa.: Gyung Hyuck Ko, Cheol Keun Park, Chun Sik Choi, Heung Bae Park, Jeong Hee Lee, Hye Jung Lee, Hyun Ju Kim, Kwang Ho Rhee; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):199-209.

1,603 View
14 Download

Abstract PDF: A microscopic examination of 1,000 cases of gastroscopic biopsy specimens revealed that the prevalence and severity of chronic gastritis, neutrophilic infiltration, and Helicobacter pylori infection increased with advancing age until the age reached about 40, but they decreased thereafter in accordance with the increasing prevalence of intestinal metaplasia. The prevalence and severity of Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic gastritis, and neutrophilic infiltration were proportionately related to each other and to gastric peptic ulcer, but inversely related with intestinal metaplasia and gastric carcinoma. The results suggested that chronic gastritis and gastric peptic ulcer may be associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and that if these lesions persist, intestinal metaplasia may develop with decreased severity of chronic gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection but, instead, increase of the risk of gastric carcinoma. And it is thought that the cause of the high incidence of gastric carcinoma in Korea may be related to the fact that chronic gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection develop earlier in life and therefore the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia is higher in Korea than in other countries.

Alteration of Phospholipase C Activity in Human Gastric Cancer Tissues.: Young Ok Kim, Moo Youn Cho, Sung Do Lee, Sung Sook Kim, Pann Ghill Suh, Man Ha Huh; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):210-217.

1,521 View
10 Download

Abstract PDF: Phospholipase C (PLC) plays a pivotal role in transmembrane signal transduction pathway for cellular proliferation differentiation and growth. Thus far, there have been few reports in which PLC activity was investigated in human malignant neoplastic tissues. In the present study, we evaluated PLC activity in 23 human gastric cancer tissues and normal mucosal tissues to investigate whether alteration of PLC activity is associated with gastric cancer. The amount of [14C] diacylglycerol, one of the earliest products of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis by PLC, was measured by thin layer chromatography. Also, expression of PLC-gamma1, which is one of the most important PLC isozymes,was examined by immunohistochemistry using specific monoclonal antibody directed against PLC-gamma1. The results are summarized as follows. PLC activity in all 23 gastric cancer tissues (1.35+/-1.04 units/mg of protein) was significantly higher than normal mucosal tissues (0.28+/-0.21 units/mg of protein) (P<0.001). PLC activity in gastric cancer tissues was not correlated with histologic grade (P>0.05). PLC-gamma1 immunoreactivity was detected in all of 23 cases studied. The intensity and extent of PLC-gamma1 immunoreactivity was not correlated with PLC enzyme activity, although stronger intensity was demonstrated in malignant cells in comparison to normal gland epithelial cells. The present study provides the first evidence of significant elevation of PLC activity in human stomach cancer tissues. Our results strongly suggest that PLC might be involved in tumorigenesis and/or progression(uncontrolled continuous cycling of cells) of human gastric cancer. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of elevated PLC activity in cancer tissues.

Immunohistochemical Study of the Expression of the p53 Protein in Primary Lung Cancer.: Sang Yong Lee, Jin Sook Jeong, Sook Hee Hong; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):218-227.

1,808 View
38 Download

Abstract PDF: An immunohistochemical stain for p53 tumor suppressor gene product was performed in 59 primary lung cancers to study the relation between its expression and type of the tumor, degree of tumor differentiation,clinical stage and smoking. The results were as follows: 1. The expression of mutant p53 protein was noted in 28 of 59 cases(47.5%) of primary lung cancers. The p53 protein was expressed in 21 of 35(60%) squamous cell carcinomas, in 6 of 21(28.6%) adenocarcinomas, and 1 of 1(100%) small cell carcinoma. There was a significant difference in expression of p53 among the different histologic types of lung cancer(p<0.05). 2. The incidence of p53 protein expression did not correlate with the degree of tumor cell differentiation or the clinical stage of lung carcinoma(p>0.05). 3. The incidence of p53 protein expression was higher in smokers(current: 75%, former: 46.2%) than in non-smokers(5.6%) and was increased in direct proportion to the pack years. There was a statistically significant correlation between p53 expression and smoking(p<0.05). The mutation of p53 gene may often be an early event in the development of lung cancer and it is suggested that the smoking known as a risk factor for the development of the lung cancer may be associated with the transformation of p53 tumor suppressor gene into mutant p53 gene or oncogene.

Analysis of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in Breast Carcinoma: Comparison of immunocytochemical assay with biochemical dextran-coated charcoal assay.: Ill Hyang Ko, Kyeong Mee Park; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):228-237.

1,536 View
19 Download

Abstract PDF: Estrogen receptor(ER) is a soluble form of hormone receptor protein which is located in the nucleus and cytoplasm of a cell is found in 60% of cases of the cells of breast carcinoma. Fifty to sixty percent of ER positive breast carcinoma responds to antihormone therapy wheres the response rate is only 5% in ER negative tumors. Currently, the ER assay has become a standard index in the management and prediction of the prognosis of advanced breast carcinoma. Semiquantitative biochemical assay, dextran-coated charcol(DCC) assay, to measure ER from fresh tissue was first developed by Korenman in 1970 using isotope-labled ertradiol, has been widely utilized. In 1978, Kurzon newly developed immunocytochemical assay(ICA) employing monoclonal antibody against those hormone receptors to detect intracellular localization of ER and progesterone receptor (PR). The results of the assay have been reported by many investigators thereafter. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hormonal receptors with a monoclonal antibody using an immunoperoxidase procedure to detect both estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER-immunocytochemical assay:ER-ICA and PR-immunocytochemical assay:PR-ICA) in 59 cases of paraffin embedded sections from formalin-fixed and routinely processed breast carcinoma tissue. Concomitantly, fine-needle aspiration biopsy cytology of the breast cancer from 29 women were assayed for ER/PR receptors. Results were compared with quantitative biochemical values determined from dextran-coated charcoal(DCC) assay on the fresh tumor tissue obtained subsequently from the surgery. ER-ICA showed positive result in 22 out of 36 DCC-positive cases(sensitivity, 61.1%) and negative in 23 out of 23 DCC-negative cases (specificity, 100.0%). PR-ICA was positive in 33 out of 35 DCC-positive cases(sensitivity, 94.3%) and negative in 16 out of 24 DCC-negative cases(specificity, 66.7%). The value of ER-ICA or PR-ICA positivity were roughly correlated with the concentration of ER/PR receptors analyzed by DCC method. The results of both methods were correlated with the nuclear grade of the tumor(ICA:p=0.002, DCC: p=0.015) but were not correlated with histologic grade(ICA: p=0.323, DCC: p=0.0164). ER-ICA positivity was correlated with lower incidence of axillary node metastasis (p=0.021) but no significant correlation between PR-ICA positivity and node metastasis(p=0.171). Both ER/PR-ICA positivity were not correlated with age(p=0.924) and tumor size(p=0.663). The score of ICA particularly ER was proportional to DCC level(ER: r=0.5, p=0.000, PR: r=0.2, p=0.000). ICA concordance with DCC of ER and PR were 76.3% and 83.1%, respectively. The concordance of PR-ICA and DCC was proportional but was statistically less significant. In aspiration biopsy cytology the concordance of ER/PR-ICA and DCC were 72.4% and 65.5%, respectively. Immunocytochemical staining to identify ER/PR receptors from the tissue of breast carcinoma would be tested as a mean to substitute for the conventional DCC method.

Endometrial Ossification: Clinical and pathological analysis of 7 cases.: Kyu Rae Kim, Dong Hee Choi; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):238-244.

1,522 View
13 Download

Abstract PDF: Endometrial ossifications in seven patients who presented with secondary or primary infertility were described. Herein, we described step-by-step bone forming process in the endometrium and we compared the clinicopathological features of metaplastic ossification and fetal remnants. In five of seven patients, metaplasia was unquestionable etiology of ossification, which was ocquired in the healing process of postabortion endometritis. Ossifications were recurred during the follow-up periods after total hysteroscopic removal in 2 cases. Three cases were followed by normal pregnancy, after total hysteroscopic removal of bony spicules in 2 cases and with retaining of bony spicules in 1 case. In one other case, bony spicules of fetal remnants were verified by multiple fetal hair shafts and endochondral bone formation. Therefore, the cause of endometrial ossification can only be determined by histological findings and careful past obstetric history.

Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Studies of Gastric Smooth Muscle Tumor.: Hyang Mi Ko, Kyung Soo Kim, Jae Hyuk Lee, Woo Sik Juhng, Sang Woo Juhng; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):245-254.

1,578 View
13 Download

Abstract PDF: To evaluate the differentiation status of smooth muscle in gastric stromal tumors which were negative for S-100 protein, immunohistochemistry using desmin, actin, myosin and vimentin was performed in 14 cases of gastric smooth muscle tumors. Ultrastructural Examination was also performed. For comparison a case of leiomyoma of the esophagus, a case of the sigmoid colon, 10 cases of the uterus were also examined. The results obtained were as follows. All gastric smooth muscle tumors showed vimentin-positivity. Six of 14 gastric smooth muscle tumors, (5 of 8 leiomyoma and 1 of 4 leiomyosarcoma) showed positivity for desmin, actin, and myosin(42.9%). All esophageal, colonic, and uterine leiomyomas showed diffuse positive reaction for desmin, actin, and myosin. Vimentin positivity was also noted in leiomyoma of the colon and uterus. Ultrastructurally, a few cells in the gastric stromal tumors had scattered microfilaments with dense bodies, subplasmalemmal dense plaques, and micropinocytic vesicles. However, most of the tumor cells did not have any of the ultrastructural features of smooth muscle differentiation. Leiomyomas of the esophagus and uterus showed many cytoplasmic microfilaments with dense bodies. These results suggest that most of the benign and malignant tumor cells of gastric stromal tumors have features of the undifferentiated cells, immunohistochemically as well as ultrastructurally, although a few cells have. It is speculated that most gastric stromal tumors may have lost their smooth muscle differentiation.

Case Reports

"Chordoid" Meningioma with Systemic Manifestations of Castleman Syndrome: A case report.: Hwa Sun Lee, Hweon Ok Kim, Do Youn Park, Mee Yeong Sol, Kang Suek Suh, Sun Kyung Lee; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):255-260.

2,237 View
14 Download

Abstract PDF: Chordoid meningioma is a recently established meningeal tumor and is characterized by a chordoma like histologic appearance, peritumoral lymphoplasma cell infiltrates causing systemic manifestations similar to Castleman syndrome and having a good prognosis. We experienced a case of chordoid meningioma in a 25 year-old woman. The patient preoperatively manifested iron-resistant hypochromic microcytic anemia, polyclonal gammopathy with beta-gamma bridging and detected a huge mass in the right temporo-parietal convexity of the brain. Microscopically, the mass was composed of nests and cords of cuboid, partly vacuolated cells in a mucoid matrix, simulating chordoma. The tumor was surrounded by masses of lymphoplasma cells around vessels, many of the plasma cells contained Russell bodies. Ultrastructural findings showed intranuclear cytoplasmic invaginations, microvilli protruding from cytoplasmic surfaces and well formed desmosomes. Some portions of tumor cell surface were covered by stretches of basal lamina.

Granulomatous(Lobular) Mastitis in a Pregnant Woman: A case report.: Kyu Rae Kim, Hee Sung Kim, Yeon Lim Suh, Jung Hyun Yang, Howe Jung Ree; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):261-265.

2,018 View
37 Download

Abstract PDF: Granulomatous(lobular) mastitis is a distinct disease entity of unknown etiology which is characterized by noncaseating granulomatous lobulocentric inflammation. We describe a rare case of granulomatous(lobular) mastitis of a 36 year-old pregnant woman a review of the literature. The mass which was discovered in the third month of her pregnancy, began as a localized, nontender mass on the left breast and persisted during her entire pregnancy. It decreased slightly in size when she began taking post-partum bromocriptine. Clinically and mammographically, the mass was highly suspected as a carcinoma with axillary lymph node metastasis. Fine needle aspiration smears revealed numerous aggregates of granulomas composed of epithelioid histiocytes admixed with multinucleated giant cells of Langhans' and foreign body type, and collections of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Ziehl-Neelsen, silver methenamine and PAS stain were negative for acid-fast bacilli, fungus, and bacilli on the smear respectively. Histologically, granulomatous inflammation was centered on the breast lobules. Caseation necrosis was absent, instead, numerous microabscesses were formed in the center of the granulomas. Cultures of the fresh tissue for the AFB, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and fungus were all negative. Excision of the mass was performed without further treatment and there was no recurrence of the mass 6 months postoperatively. An autoimmune mechanism, infection, and some association with oral contraceptives have been suggested as etiologic factors in the literature.

Original Article

Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor with a Coexisting Brenner Tumor of the Ovary.: Ji Youn Bae, Sang Pyo Kim, Kwan Kyu Park, Soon Do Cha; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):266-268.

1,664 View
22 Download

Abstract PDF: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor or Brenner tumor is a relatively rare ovarian tumor. Other associated elements in the form of epithelial, mesenchymal, and tumor components of each tumor have been reported. The Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor with a Brenner tumor element has not been documented in the literature, so we are reporting on a case of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor coexisting with a Brenner tumor. This 62-year-old woman presented with a 4 year history of lower abdominal mass and vaginal bleeding. Exploratory laparotomy was done. The left ovary showed a multiseptated, cystic, yellow-white solid mass, measuring 17.0x13.0x5.0 cm and weighing 985.0 gm. Microscopic examination revealed a tubular or trabecular arrangement of the Sertoli cells and variable numbers of Leydig cells. There were several tumor nests with cystic spaces composed of ovoid cells showing longitudinal nuclear grooving. Sarcomatoid or heterologous elements were not found.

Case Report

Ectopic Umbilical Liver Associated with Intrauterine Fetal Death: An autopsy case.: Jai Hyang Go, Sang Ho Cho; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):269-271.

1,384 View
13 Download

Abstract PDF: Ectopic liver in the umbilicus is very rare, and a few cases have been reported in the world. It is thought that an increased intraabdominal pressure resulting in entrapment of liver cell nests causes the presence of liver in the umbilicus. It relates to neonatal problem such as infection. We report a case of ectopic umbilical liver in a stillborn male of 28 gestational weeks. His mother discovered loss of fetal movement 2 days before admission, and intrauterine fetal death was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Grossly, the umbilical cord was markedly swollen. On cut section, a well circumscribed, oval round, tan-colored soft mass was noted within the cord. Histologically, it consisted of hepatic cords without bile ducts. The umbilical vessels were distorted by the ectopic liver, and contained thrombi. These findings suggest that ectopic umbilical liver results in the intrauterine fetal death

Original Article

Papillary and Solid Epithelial Neoplasm of the Pancreas with Multiple Metastases.: Duck Hwan Kim, Youn Ju Kim, Seung Eun Yang, Sung Suk Paeng, Hee Jin Chang, Jung Il Suh; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):272-275.

1,349 View
12 Download

Abstract PDF: Papillary and solid epithelial neoplasm is a rare pancreatic tumor of low-grade malignancy. We report a case of a 23 year old female having solid and papillary neoplasm of the pancreatic tail with mutiple omental and peritoneal metastases. Microscopically, the main tumor showed typical histologic findings including solid and papillary areas with cystic change. But the metastasizing nodules were largely solid and the tumor cells demonstrated increased nuclear pleomorphism, hyperchromasia and an increased mitotic rate. The tumor cells contained considerable amount of intracellular and extracellular eosinophilic inclusions which were ultrastructually zymogen-like granules. These inclusions were more frequently found in the metastatic nodules. By flow cytometric study, the tumor was hyperdiploid. The DNA index was not significant.

Case Report

Malignant Melanoma of the Anus: Report of a case.: Eun Sun Jung, Byung Kee Kim, Sun Moo Kim, Sang In Shim; Korean J Pathol. 1996;30(3):276-278.

1,372 View
12 Download

Abstract PDF: This report describes a primary malignant melanoma which developed in the anus, as documented by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. A 53-year-old woman had a 4 month history of a protruding mass in the anal canal. The mass was located in the squamo-columnar junction of the anal canal, measuring 5.0x4.5 cm. Its cut surface was dark brown and poorly circumscribed. The histologic appearance was characterized by epithelioid or spindle cells with prominant nucleoli and frequent atypical mitosis. Melanin pigments were strongly seen in Fontana-Masson stain. Immunoreactivity revealed that the cytoplasm of tumor cells was strongly positive with antibody directed against S-100 protein, vimentin and it was focally positive with neuron specific enolase.

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Previous issues