Actin filament organization of the Dunning R3327 rat prostatic adenocarcinoma system: correlation with metastatic potential.

Recently, Volk, Geiger, and Raz (Cancer Res., 44: 811-824, 1984) addressed the question of whether variations in actin organization in clones of the murine K-1735 melanoma tumor correlated with their metastatic capability. Using immunofluorescence techniques, they found that clones which had a more ordered actin network were less metastatic, whereas clones having a diffuse actin staining pattern were more metastatic. Similarly, we have found that in the Dunning rat R3327 prostatic adenocarcinoma tumor system, the non-metastatic (less than 0.1%) H-prostatic tumor cell line has a prominent network of actin filament bundles, whereas the highly metastatic (greater than 90%) MatLyLu cell line has a diffuse actin staining pattern. In the low-metastatic (less than 10%) AT1 cell line an intermediate actin organization between H and MatLyLu was observed. Analysis of cell extracts from H- and MatLyLu-cells revealed differences in the level of activity of cellular proteins which affect actin filament assembly and structure in a manner similar to that of the cytochalasins, fungal metabolites which bind with high affinity to the fast-growing end of actin filaments. Extracts of MatLyLu were significantly more effective than those of H-cells in decreasing the extent of actin filament network formation and in inhibiting the rate of filament assembly by blocking monomer addition onto the fast-growing end. Measurements of spin-lattice nuclear magnetic resonance water proton relaxation times (T1) were made in surgically removed tumor tissue from four sublines (H, AT1, MatLyLu, and MatLu) of the Dunning R3327 tumor system. The highly metastatic cell lines had significantly longer water proton T1 relaxation times than did the lines with low metastatic potential. These differences in T1 may reflect the observed alterations in organization of actin filaments within these various sublines of the Dunning R3327 prostatic adenocarcinoma tumor system.

Psychiatric assessment of penile implant recipient. Preliminary study.

Twenty-four post-penile implantation patients and 13 partners, who had not been subjected to formal psychiatric screening prior to surgery, were given psychiatric follow-up by interview in order to evaluate postoperative psychologic adjustment in a "natural" control group. No subject had spontaneous complaints. One subject appeared to have poor psychologic adjustment, but from the remaining participants there was elicted only minor or no concerns. Two patients and partners found their expectations exceeded. It is preliminarily concluded that penile implantation is a psychologically safe procedure and that extensive routine psychiatric screening is unwarranted. Further studies to confirm this conclusion are proposed.

Aggressive surgery for renal cell carcinoma with ena cava tumor thrombus.

Herein is presented what we believe to be the eighth case reported of renal cell carcinoma with caval tumor thrombus treated by radical excision with vena caval resection. A review of the literature reveals that although postoperative morbidity is minimal, only 1 patient survived more than two years. All patients with metastases at time of operation died within one year. It is our conclusion that the length and quality of survival anticipated must be carefully weighed before performing this major surgical procedure.

Significance and evaluation of calcifications associated with renal masses.

Although there are numerous references in the medical literature suggesting that calification associated with renal masses is indicative of malignant disease, our recent experience with four cases emphasizes that it is not possible to predict the nature of these lesions. The significance and etiology of renal calcification are discussed as well as the indications for clinical evaluation.

Pheochromocytoma: recent experience with detection and management.

Our experiences spanning a ten-year period have been reviewed with regard to pheochromocytoma. During this period 1,890 metanephrine excretion levels were performed; 91 of these were elevated. An over-all incidence of 1.9 per cent false positive studies was found. Factors contributing to the false positive studies are discussed. Fourteen patients had 15 pheochromocytomas resected. The presenting features, diagnosis, localization, preoperative and operative management, as well as the results are presented.

Historic notes on the development of the computer.

A summary of some of the major historic achievements in the development of the computer is detailed from the ancient efforts represented by Stonehenge through the development of the transistor.

Autoradiographic localization of tritium-labeled dihydrotestosterone in human vas deferens.

The human vas deferens was examined autoradiographically for the presence and distribution of androgen receptors. Samples of vas deferens from the region proximal to the testis and the region at the internal inguinal ring were incubated in vitro with tritium-labeled dihydrotestosterone ([3H]-DHT). Frozen sections of tissue were mounted on autoradiographic emulsion-coated slides and exposed for up to three weeks to demonstrate cells with nuclear accumulations of radioactive hormone. Quantitation of autoradiograms was performed with a Zeiss Videoplan morphometric analysis system. Cells in all five tissue layers of the vas deferens were able to bind androgen receptors in the nucleus, as evidenced by superimposition of silver grains over the nuclei of cells in external, middle, and internal smooth muscle layers, as well as in epithelial and subepithelial stromal cells.

Fibroblastic tumor of the urinary bladder after cyclophosphamide therapy.

An unusual fibroblastic tumor occurred in a teenage boy following treatment with cyclophosphamide for Hodgkin's disease. To our knowledge, only one other similar case has been reported. The cellular and structural composition of the tumor resembles that of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis and therefore suggests a relationship between the two lesions.

Experience with the thoraco-abdominal incision for nephroblastoma in children less than 3 years old.

Our results with the routine use of a modified thoraco-abdominal incision in the treatment of patients with nephroblastoma are reported herein. We have used this incision successfully in 5 patients less than 3 years old and are impressed with the improved exposure. In our limited experience the thoracic extension has not adversely altered the operative or postoperative course.

Transuterine resection of fibroids: a new approach to the management of submucous fibroids in selected patients.

Transuterine resection of fibroids is an effective alternative to hysterectomy in patients with uterine bleeding secondary to submucous fibroids. To date we have performed this procedure in 3 patients. In 2 patients transuterine resection was performed for uterine bleeding with a successful outcome. In the third patient the procedure was performed to treat infertility and the outcome is not yet known. The procedure should be performed by the combined efforts of a urologist and gynecologist.

Autoradiographic localization of estrogen and androgen target cells in human and rat prostate carcinoma.

The distribution of estrogen target cells within the Dunning R3327-H rat prostate tumor following intravenous injection of tritiated estradiol into rat hosts was compared to the distribution obtained following incubation of a 2 mm. sample of the tumor with tritiated estradiol in organ culture. No difference was observed, indicating that the in vitro method was an effective approach for autoradiographic analysis of tumor biopsy samples. Subsequently, tumor samples were excised from solid tumors of R3327-H and R3327-MAT LyLu tumors growing in Copenhagen rats. These tumor models were chosen as representatives of hormone sensitive (R3327-H) and hormone insensitive (R3327-MAT LyLu) tumors. Normal rat dorsal prostate and human tumor biopsy samples were also studied. Autoradiographic studies were performed in vitro utilizing tritiated estradiol and tritiated dihydrotestosterone to compare the distribution of estrogen and androgen target cells. The present research demonstrated that 1) similar patterns of nuclear uptake of steroids are obtained with in vivo and in vitro autoradiographic techniques, 2) estradiol receptors occur primarily in extra-acinar epitheloid cells in both rat and human prostate carcinomas, 3) these epithelioid cells are not characteristic of the normal rat dorsal prostate, 4) androgen receptors occur in both acinar and stromal epithelioid cells in rat and primarily in acinar epithelial cells in human tumors and 5) in vitro autoradiographic methods can provide insight into differences in sensitivity to steroids which may be of diagnostic importance in the treatment of cancer.

Pathogenesis of pyelonephritis. Escherichia coli-induced renal ultrastructural changes.

Escherichia coli-induced renal ultrastructural changes were observed 4 hr after the intravenous injection of 2 times 10-minus 6 bacteria. The initial changes consisted of mitochondrial swelling followed by intracellular vacuolation, nuclear membrane dilation, and increased lysosomal phagocytic activity. Alterations in the appearance of proximal tubular lysosomes included a loss of osmiophilic staining properties. Many of the involved cells showed necrosis and can presumably act as a nidus for bacterial proliferation.

Crossed-fused renal ectopia with a solitary ureter.

A unique case is presented of a child with crossed-fused renal ectopia, in which the renal pelves joined into a common pelvis drained by a single ureter.

Childhood gonadoblastoma and seminoma in a dysgenetic cryptorchid gonad.

A case of gonadoblastoma and seminoma occurring in a genotypic male child with ambiguous genitalia is presented. A review of the literature establishes that children with intersex disorders who possess a Y chromosome and undescended gonads stand a particularly high risk of having this type of gonadal neoplasm and should be explored.

A new embryologic classification for uro-gynecologic malformations: the syndromes of mesonephric duct induced müllerian deformities.

A new embryologic classification is proposed to explain the association of unilateral renal agenesis with abnormalities of the female reproductive tract. An awareness of the syndrome of combined müllerian and mesonephric duct abnormalities may permit accurate anatomic diagnosis and spare patients needless surgical exploration.

Penile calciphylaxis: rare necrotic lesions in chronic renal failure patients.

PURPOSE: Calciphylaxis is a rare devastating condition of cutaneous necrosis resulting from calcification of small blood vessels in patients with end stage renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism. We describe 5 patients with penile calciphylaxis at a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1992 to 1996, 5 patients had penile calciphylaxis. The charts of these patients were reviewed to determine the nature of the lesions, association with hyperparathyroidism and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: All 5 patients had chronic renal failure, secondary hyperparathyroidism and painful necrotic lesions at multiple sites. Radiographs showed stippled calcification of small vessels, which was confirmed histologically. Three patients had undergone parathyroidectomy with a significant decrease in mean calcium x phosphorus ion products from 86.01 to 45.37 mg.2/dl.2 (p < 0.001), and in 1 calciphylaxis resolved postoperatively. The penile lesions were treated with débridement and aggressive wound care. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the number of patients with chronic renal failure on dialysis may make penile calciphylaxis more prevalent in the future. Lowering of serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and debridement of these necrotic lesions help to diminish this aggressively destructive process.