Tumor cytotoxicity of human macrophages after incubation with synthetic analogues of 2-lysophosphatidylcholine

Human alveolar macrophages as well as macrophages derived from Teflon culture of blood-borne monocytes were incubated with synthetic analogues of 2-lysophosphatidylcholine and then tested for their cytotoxic capacity against an allogeneic lymphoma cell line. Metabolic, rather stable analogues enhanced macrophage cytotoxicity significantly. This phenomenon was shown both in a growth-inhibition assay as well as in the 51Cr release assay. Macrophage activation was dose- and time-dependent and was potentiated at temperatures above 37 degrees C. Incubation of the macrophages with the active compounds induced characteristic changes in cell morphology as revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

Small cell neuroendocrine (oat cell) carcinoma of the male breast. Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural investigations

A case of small cell neuroendocrine (oat cell) carcinoma of the breast in a 52-year old male is presented. Oat cell carcinomas have been reported in various extrapulmonary sites, but this is the second case of a primary oat cell carcinoma of the breast and the first one to have been documented in a male. The tumor was investigated histologically, immunocytochemically and ultrastructurally. The relationship to so-called "carcinoid" mammary tumors is discussed.

Cytotoxic effector cell function at different stages of human monocyte-macrophage maturation

Human blood-borne monocytes were cultured for up to 22 days on disposable Teflon foils. Within 8 days, these monocytes developed into mature macrophages. At various stages of differentiation, the cells were recovered from the hydrophobic membrane and were assayed for typical monocyte-macrophage enzymes and morphology, binding of monoclonal antibodies (OKM1, OKla1), Fc and transferrin receptors, phagocytic activity, lysozyme production, and ability to inhibit the growth of an allogeneic tumor target cell line (U937). A significant antitumor activity of mature macrophages was found, which developed along with the differentiation of the monocyte precursor cells. In addition, cytotoxic effector macrophages could be activated by lymphokine-rich medium and synthetic alkyl-lysophospholipids. After density gradient separation, light cells (less than 1.05 and less than 1.06 g/ml) showed enhanced cytotoxicity, whereas cells from the dense fraction (greater than 1.06 g/ml) with low base-line activity could be best activated for cytotoxicity by lymphokines. If monocyte-macrophages are involved in a natural surveillance mechanism, our results may indicate the importance of unimpaired macrophage maturation to generate effective host defense against tumor development.

[Therapeutic response of various histological osteosarcoma subtypes to high-dose methotrexate treatment]

The successful or unsuccessful chemotherapy of osteosarcoma has given rise to the division of these tumors into responders and non responders from the clinical point of view. In order to work out drug sensitive tumor components we studied 9 osteosarcomas by a histological subdivision of the osteosarcoma tissue into 6 subtypes. Seven of the 9 osteosarcoma patients had developed lung metastases under adjuvant high dosage methotrexate (HDMTX) therapy. The aim was to identify the components of the primary tumors which had endured HDMTX-therapy as lung metastases. As HDMTX-sensitive histologic differentiation form of osteosarcoma tissue we regarded the no matrix producing-subtype (III), because it did not occur in the lung metastases. The classical subtype (IV) seems to be only partially sensitive because the corresponding lung metastases showed a higher osteoblastic differentiation with increased osteoid production. No therapeutic effect could be observed in the chondromatous (I) and in the sarcomatous (II) subtypes as well as in the two subtypes with intensive osteoid production being termed trabecularly sclerosing (V) and massively osteoid producing subtypes (VI).

Enhancement of spontaneous and lymphokine activated human macrophage cytotoxicity by hyperthermia

Human macrophages grown on hydrophobic teflon membranes from blood-born monocytes were incubated at hyperthermic temperatures for various time periods and then tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of an allogeneic lymphoma cell line (U 937). Incubation at 40.5 degrees C greatly enhanced macrophage cytotoxicity. This effect of hyperthermia developed slowly with an optimal incubation period of 48 h. In addition, lymphokine activation of macrophages for cytotoxicity appeared to be more effective at elevated temperatures.

Localised (circumscribed) nodular synovitis (histiocytic xanthogranuloma)

Localised nodular synovitis is a benign tumour which originates from the synovia. The circumscribed nodules are characterised by multinucleated giant cells associated with the proliferation of histiocytes. There is a histiogenetic relationship to the diffuse, heavily pigmented, villo-nodular form. The treatment consists in excising the complete nodule.

Fast hardening aminoacid-solution as potential carrier of chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis

Report about an aminoacid, which hardens quickly in liquid environment. It is highly suitable as carrier of chemotherapeutic agents. In-vitro tests show an antibiotic inhibitory activity of different compounds for at least 41 days. According to in-vivo experiments in 17 rats the new substance is replaced in the bone and in soft tissues by fibrous tissue; the antibiotic activity is released slowly. This offers a new carrier which is suitable for occlusion of cavities. The instillation of the new amino-acid (Ethibloc) combined with antibiotics could be a new treatment for chronic osteomyelitis.

Fine structure, pattern of division, and course of wound phloem in Coleus blumei

The wound phloem bridges which have developed six days after interrupting an internodal vascular bundle contain wound sieve-elements, companion cells, and phloem parenchyma cells. An analysis of the meristematic activity responding to the wounding clearly demonstrates that three consecutive divisions are prerequisite to the formation of phloem mother-cells. Companion cells are obligatory sister cells of wound sieve-elements, connected to the latter by specific plasmatic strands and provided with a dense protoplast. Six days after wounding most of the wound sieve-elements are still at a nucleate state of development, but already have characteristic P-protein bodies and plastids containing sieve-element starch. Their cytoplasmic differentiation corresponds to the changes recorded during maturation of ordinary sieve elements. Sieve-plate pores penetrate through preexisting parenchyma cell walls, only, and develop from primary pitfield-plasmodesmata. Wound sieve-elements do not connect to preexisting bundle sieve-elements, they open a new tier of young sieve elements produced by cambial activity.

[Peripheral vestibular vertigo (author's transl)]

In 88 patients with benign paroxysmal postural vertigo and repeated attacks of vestibular vertigo the clinical and electronystagmographic findings were evaluated in a retrospective study. After an interval of at least two years 16 patients with paroxysmal postural vertigo were symptom-free 39 had rare or (and) tolerable vertigo, 30 frequent and (or) disturbing recurrent postural vertigo. Five patients showed transition into spontaneous recurrent attacks of vertigo. Out of 37 patients with single vestibular vertigo after an interval of at least 4 weeks 9 had unilateral caloric unresponsiveness, 11 hyporesponsiveness, 11 spontaneous nystagmus and 6 normal findings. 58 patients with recurrent vestibular vertigo could be differentiated into two groups: 29 with signs of labyrinthine damage and 29 with persistent normal findings in the interval even after many years of the disease. The two groups were significantly different in their age of manifestation. It is thus justified to separate functional from organic vestibulopathies. Not even in the group of organic vestibulopathy was there any clear-cut evidence of general vascular disease as the underlying cause.

Histomorphometric analysis of bone changes in surgically proven primary hyperparathyroidism and nephrolithiasis--the importance of bone biopsy in diagnosis

The morphologic changes in trabecular bone were studied in 60 patients with surgically proven hyperparathyroidism and in 69 patients with nephrolithiasis. The hyperparathyroid bone lesions showed substantial variation in their extent. Four, typical stages were defined. The structure of trabecular bone remained intact in most cases. Bone turnover is significantly higher in the patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Fifty percent of all patients with nephrolithiasis had bone changes similar to those found in the surgically proven hyperparathyroidism group. In 50% of so-called asymptomatic cases of hyperparathyroidism, the iliac crest biopsy is a useful supplement to clinical and hormonal data in deciding whether to operate on the parathyroid glands. In about 45% of cases, however, no definite diagnoses is possible. The determination of serum parathyroid hormone in primary hyperparathyroidism has a greater importance for diagnostic purposes than morphologic investigation of the bone biopsy.

[Evaluation of Berlin jacket crowns compared with plastic or ceramic jacket crowns]

34 jacket crowns of ceramic material, of plastic and of a combination plastic-ceramic material (Berlin jacket crowns), respectively, were clinically re-examined using a uniform scoring scale. The results obtained show that the Berlin jacket crowns can be ranked between the ceramic jacket crowns and the plastic jacket crowns.

[The coincidence of Paget's disease and an immunoblastic sarcoma (author's transl)]

Malignant change is to be expected in about 1% of patients with Paget's disease. Usually these are osteosarcomas. Fibrosarcomas, benign and malignant giant cell tumours and chondrosarcomas are less common. The present case concerns the development of an immunoblastic sarcoma in the humerus, which was affected by Paget's disease. Only one other similar case is recorded in the literature. Other myelogenous tumours, such as plasmocytomas, are very rare in association with Paget's disease. Consequently there is no evidence for a causal connection between Paget's disease to these tumours, whereas sarcomas arising from bine tissue may be regarded as a form of malignant degeneration of Paget's disease.

Morphology of osteosarcoma: new qualitative and quantitative investigations

Results on seven cases of osteosarcoma are reported, based on new morphologic methods and quantitative procedures. Tumor tissue was embedded without prior decalcification in plastic and sectioned. Imprint cytology preparations were produced from fresh tumor tissue, and cell nuclei were measured with an electronic image analysing computer system. The loss of differentiation seen in osteosarcomas differs among osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. The differentiation of osteoclasts, namely their resorptive characteristics, disappears relatively early. Tumor osteocytes show loss of differentiation in their osteocyte processes. The new formation of tumor bone tissue remains in the near normal range of volume density when nuclear polymorphy is limited. The formation of ground substance and mineralization are apparently closely couplet to one another, since in our cases mostly ordered osteoid seams were observed. The capacity for mineralization of bone tissue is lost with marked polymorphy. The significance of these results for diagnostic statements and therapeutic consequences will be further discussed in long term studies.

Ultrastructural study of tumor cell differentiation in osteosarcoma of jaw bones

Tw osteosarcomas of jaw bones have been studied by electron microscopy. The objectives were to examine the specific cell types in relation to functions and ultrastructural features, and to examine matrices produced by tumor cells. The osteosarcoma cells were subdivided into four cell types: anaplastic, chondroblastic, osteoblastic, and osteocytic--giant cells were not considered in the present investigation. Compared to normal bone cells, no specific sign of malignancy was found. However, tumor cells seem to lose functional abilities, i.e. a modification of matrix. Consequently, tumor matrix has altered organic and inorganic components with impairment of collagen maturation and matrix mineralization. The alteration in both processes may be related to a diminished production of proteoglycans. The cytogenic hypothesis of a tumor stem cell may be supported by the identification of anaplastic osteosarcoma cells resembling immature reticulum cells. One may speculate on transformation of this cell type as a genetically predetermined osteoprogenitor cell of malignant potential.

Astro 7 zodiacal light uv polychromator and its absolute radiometric calibration

The uv polychromator, flown in 1975 on the Astro 7 zodiacal light rocket experiment, and its absolute radiometric calibration are described. The instrument is essentially a broadband double polychromator with high stray light suppression. The spectral ranges of +/-20-nm width are cenyered at 180 nm, 220 nm, and 260 nm, respectively. The absolute calibration is based on the synchrotron radiation of the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron, Hamburg with deuterium lamps as transfer standards.

[Paget's disease of bone: ultrastructure and cytogenesis of osteoclasts (author's transl)]

The cytogenesis of giant osteoclasts in Paget's disease of bone was studied by means of electron microscopy. 26 iliac crest biopsies were made and divided for light and electron microscopic investigation. A special procedure was used for electron microscopic preparation of bone without previous decalcification. Paget osteoclasts are characterized by their high content of nuclei. Several nuclei may show paracrystalline inclusions pointing to a possible virus infection of these cells. Giant osteoclasts have an increased mobility and a high resorptive activity, manifest by the dissection of bone fragments from endosteal bone surfaces. Cell membrane interdigitations between mononuclear cells and osteoclasts occur as a morphologic concomitant of cell fusion. Frequent occurence of such cell membrane contacts seem to indicate an increased tendency to cell fusion among the mononuclear precursors of Paget-osteoclasts. Precursor cells are located in the pericapillary region, and morphologically resemble pericytes. The assumption of an increased rate of cell fusion amoungst the precursor cells of osteoclasts might explain the development of giant osteoclasts in this disease. Further studies of the paracrystalline nuclear inclusions of Paget-osteoclasts are necessary to determine whether this process can be considered to be a cytopathogenic effect of virus infection.

Odontogenic myxoma - clinical concept and morphological studies

Our experience with the odontogenic myxoma of the mandible is presented. Although it is a benign, slow growing neoplasm, it is locally aggresive. Patients rarely complain of any symptoms produced by this tumor. Morphological studies included enzymes histochemistry, as well as light and electron microscopy. Two major types of tumor cells were identified. One resembled a mature fibroblast, while the other had the morphological and functional criteria of a so-called myxoblast. We would recommend therapy comprising wide resection and consecutive primary osteoplasty.

A reliable method of preparing undecalcified human bone biopsies for electron microscopic investigation

Undecalcified preparation of bone tissue for electron microscopic investigation depends on an adequate embedding method. A low viscosity resin proved to comply with the particular conditions as there is good infiltration of specimen by the monomer medium and also sufficient hardness of the polymerization product. Both properties stabilize the transition of soft tissue to mineralized bone surface; thus reproducible results of good quality are obtained in ultra-thin sectioning. A special preparation technique of human bone biopsies for simultaneous light and electron microscopic investigation has been developed. The method is based on experiences with approximately 300 iliac crest biopsies in metabolic and endocrine bone disorders.

Advances in the morphological diagnosis of bone tumours: cytology, cytochemistry, acrylate embedding and electron microscopy (author's transl)

An exact morphological diagnosis of bone tumours is the prerequisite for selective treatment. In a given case this may present great difficulties, partly because of the rarity of a tumour group and thus lack of experience, partly faulty removal of the specimen and unsatisfactory further technical handling. Progress can be expected only by widening the spectrum of methods by using modern morphological tests. In a programme using imprint cytology, cytochemistry, rapid section, histochemistry, paraffin, non-decalcified embedding in acrylate and electron microscopy it was demonstrated in 78 cases of bone tumour (seen over a period of two years) that with these tests, especially cytology, cytochemistry and non-decalcified acrylate histology, significant improvement can be obtained in the morphological diagnosis of bone tumours. In addition, new lights on cytogenesis and pathogenesis of these tumours and possible points of attack of cytostatic treatment are provided.

Trismus resulting from central nervous system lesion

Three cases of unusual trismus are reported, occurring in patients with lesions of the central nervous system. On the basis of the clinical and electromyographical findings and observation of the course of the trismus this is interpreted as a symptom of a lesion of the brain stem, causing a dis-synergism of the masticatory muscles.

[Central giant cell granuloma. Histochemical and ultrastructural study on giant cell function (author's transl)]

Multinucleated giant cells in giant cell granuloma are formed by cell fusion of capillary pericytes. In our present study we tried to analyze cell function and activity by histologic, histochemical, and electronmicroscopic examination of giant cells. Lysosomal enzymes such as acid phosphatase and amino-peptidase were found in giant cells which is in agreement with former work. By their lysosomal system giant cells are proved phagocytic. In addition, giant cells being localized at trabecular surfaces of newly formed woven bone may develop osteoclastic functions. The enzymatic and funcational resemblance of giant cells and multinucleated osteoclasts points to the possibility of a similar cytogenesis of both cell types.

[Differential diagnosis of cerebral convulsive seizures in the tetanic syndrome]

An analysis of the types of attacks occurring in tetanus patients shows that epileptic attacks are a relatively frequent occurrence in such patients. In patients under anti-epileptic therapy it is readily possible for the clinical picture to be concealed, and this may then result in irreversible damage due to the disturbance of metabolism remaining uninfluenced. It is recommended that the treatment of patients with cerebral attacks should include measures aimed at preventing the occurrence in them of convulsions resulting from the particular metabolic situation in the case of tetanus. What is also pointed out by the authors in their present paper is that tetanus patients treated with anticonvulsives and particularly disposed sufferers from epilepsy may show a deterioration of the metabolic situation and a loss of stability of the vitamin D metabolism, respectively. Accordingly, it is advisable that regular clinical and paraclinical checks be made in the case of the two syndromes referred to above.

[Immunoreactive parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxycalciferol and bone histology in renal osteodystrophy (author's transl)]

Immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and 25-hydroxycalciferol (25(OH)D) serum levels were determined in 32 patients with renal osteopathy, they were correlated with the results of bone biopsy and other clinical parameters. iPTH was closely related to bone histology, it did not correspond to serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase, but the correlation to serum phosphate was statistically significant. 25(OH)D levels were not related to the histological findings of osteomalacia or increased bone resorption, while a correlation between the vitamin D metabolite and serum calcium could be observed. Since iPTH and 25(OH)D levels exhibited a significant correlation, an inhibitory effect of 25(OH)D on parathyroid gland function in renal failure was discussed.

[Central giant cell granuloma: histochemical and ultrastructural study on its histogenesis (author's transl)]

Until now numerous studies on central giant cell granuloma of jawbones have not been able to reveal the histogenesis of this tumourlike lesion. The aim of the present investigation in two surgically proven cases was to study this question by means of histochemical and electron-microscopic methods. Rather similar histochemical properties were shown in giant cells and pericytes of capillary sproute penetrating the granuloma. Cell fusion occurred between both cell types as was observed by electron microscopy. The process of cell fusion is defined by characteristic interdigitations of cell membranes. Therefore pericytes are believed to be the stem cells of multinucleated giant cells in giant cell granuloma. The abundance of giant cells usually occurring in the granuloma might be explained by plenty of capillary sprouts made up by clusters of pericytes. The factors inducing the pericytic cell fusion process are still unknown. The question arises whether cytogenesis of giant cells in giant cell granuloma might be similar in other giant cell lesions or even in the development of multinucleated osteoclasts.

[The effect of long-term calcitonin administration on bone cells and bone mineralization in the rat (author's transl)]

The effect of calcitonin on bone tissue was studied in rat cortical and trabecular bone after long-term treatment. The aim of this study was to get exact data on calcitonin action on bone tissue by histomorphometry. Histomorphometric analysis of bone alterations was performed using undecalcified longitudinal as well as grounded cross sections of the tibial metaphysis and diaphysis. In agreement with other authors our experimental results show that calcitonin inhibits clasts but by a reduced cellular resorption activity of osteoclasts. Bone formation is not affected by calcitonin in intact as well as in parathyroidectomized animals. On the contrary bone mineralization is clearly improved under calcitonin administration in parathyroidectomized rats. This favourable effect is probably caused by a direct hormonal influence on calcium transport in the osteoblast.

[Recent progress in morphology and diagnosis of bone diseases and bone tumors (author's transl)]

1. Bone structure is shaped by a specialized bone cell system comprising osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts. --2. The function of this bone cell system is impaired by metabolic bone disease altering bone structure, bone mass and mineral content. --3. In metabolic bone disease a striking improvement in morphologic diagnosis could be obtained recently using undecalcified preparations of bone tissue as well as histomorphometric methods. --4. For exact diagnosis and successful therapy of bone tumors interdisciplinary cooperation is mandatory. The advantages of modern morphologic methods are proven helpful in diagnosing benign and malignant bone tumors.

[Embedding of undecalcified bone tissue for electron microscopic investigation (author's transl)]

The preparation of undecalcified bone tissue for electron microscopic investigation depends on the quality of the embedding medium. Penetration of bone tissue is improved by a low viscosity of the monomer plastic material. Hardness of polymerized embedding medium should be similar to bone tissue, but a good cutting quality must be maintained. A low viscosity resin proposed by Spurr (1969) proved to be in compliance with these conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The embedding medium is composed of four components: vinylcyclohexenedioxide (ERL, 4206), polyglycolepoxide (DER 736), nonenyl succinic anhydride (NAS) and dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). The most favourable molar ratio between anhydride (NSA) and epoxide (ERL 4206 and DER 736) was A : E = 0.81 : I. Hardness and brittleness of polymerized epoxy resin can additionally be influenced by varying the amounts of both epoxy components in the final mixture. Human iliac crest trabecular bone as well as rat bone tissue were embedded to test the quality of the medium. Resutls: Ultra-thin sections were performed at low cutting speed (0.5 mm/sec) using diamond knives. Artificial alterations of bone surfaces did hardly occur due to a good penetration of the bone tissue. The special hardness of the embedding medium stabilized the tissue, thus chattering of the transition from osteoid to mineralized bone could be markedly reduced.