Phenotypic and functional characteristics of tumour-derived microvascular endothelial cells.

We recently developed a method for the isolation and purification of tumour-derived endothelium. In this study the phenotypic and functional properties of human tumour-derived microvascular endothelial cells (TdMEC) were examined. Endothelium obtained from human adrenal gland specimens (HAMEC) was used as a reference microvascular endothelial cell population. TdMEC formed a confluent monolayer with the typical morphological appearance of endothelium and were positive for endothelial markers such as Ulex-1 lectin, CD31 antigen, von Willebrand Factor and VE-cadherin. The addition of acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor (aFGF), basic FGF (bFGF) or Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) substantially improved proliferation of TdMEC; and kidney carcinoma derived endothelial cells were more responsive to FGFs, whereas glioblastoma derived endothelial cells greatly responded to VEGF TdMEC expressed high levels of the VEGF receptors, KDR/flk-1 and Flt-1, as shown by northern blot analysis. TdMEC expressed the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin that could be further increased by exposing TdMEC culture to interleukin-1. All the TdMEC expressed interleukin-8 mRNA. These findings show that TdMEC in vitro maintain several of the features described for microvasculature. Thus, TdMEC represent a useful tool to study markers for tumor vasculature.

[A case of renal clear-cell carcinoma simulating a renal cyst. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations]. / Su di un caso di carcinoma renale a cellule chiare simulante una cisti renale. Considerazione diagnostiche e terapeutiche.

The authors describe one case of renal cyst with radiological evidence of psammoma-like calcifications. Explored surgically, and even though the liquid content was clear, this cyst revealed the presence of a light-cell carcinoma at the bottom of the cavity. One the strength of this finding, the authors recommend exploratory lumbotomy and opening of the cyst wall in such cases.

[Mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the bladder]. / L'adénocarcinome mésonéphrique de la vessie.

The authors report on the third case in the world of mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the bladder. The tumour which may well derive from embryonic rests of mesonephric origin, developed in the region of the bladder neck and proximal urethra. The symptoms that led to the consultation consisted of dysuria with episodes of complete urinary retention. Clinical examination and IVU confirmed the presence of a tumour which could be seen on endoscopy, thus enabling biopsy. As there were no metastases, irradiation with telecobalt cured this patient. The undesired side-effect was the development of bladder retraction. This necessitated a cutaneous transcolic ureterostomy. The histological structure of these tumours is distinctive and easily recognizable and should not be missed by the pathologist. In regard to this rare tumour, it is interesting to note its radiosensitivity, and hence the potential of radiotherapy to effect a cure in patients so afflicted.