Bone marrow bi-hypoplasia in a dog with a sertoli cell tumor / Hipoplasia dupla de medula óssea em um cão com tumor de células de sertoli

A 20-year-old unneutered male poodle presented prostration, apathy, staggering gait, lack of appetite and tick infestation. The dog was diagnosed with a Sertoli cell tumor in an undescended testicle by cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical tests. Pancytopenia with moderate nonregenerative anemia, leukopenia and severe thrombocytopenia were detected in the complete blood count. Cytological and histopathological evaluation of the bone marrow revealed a cellularity of 30%, with erythroid (59%), lymphoid (40%) and mast cells (1%), and an absence of granulocytic, monocytic and megakaryocytic lineage cells. In post-mortem examinations, changes related to hemostatic disorders were found. The absence of microorganisms in molecular tests and an estrogen serum concentration over reference values confirmed hyperestrogenism as a possible cause of pancytopenia. The literature describes a Sertoli cell tumor hyperestrogenism that induced pancytopenia, along with bone marrow hypoplasia of all hematopoietic lineages. In contrast, in the present case, the erythroid precursor cells were preserved in the bone marrow, although there were no reticulocytes circulating in the blood. This case, therefore, should be considered in future investigations of pancytopenia induced by Sertoli cell tumor hyperestrogenism.(AU)

Um cão Poodle, macho, de 20 anos, não castrado, apresentou prostração, apatia, andar cambaleante, falta de apetite e infestação por carrapatos. Nesse animal, foi diagnosticado tumor de células de Sertoli em um testículo não descendente, utilizando-se citologia, histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica. Pancitopenia com anemia moderada não regenerativa, leucopenia e trombocitopenia intensas foram detectadas no hemograma. Na avaliação citológica e histopatológica da medula óssea, havia celularidade de 30%, constituída pelas linhagens eritroide (59%) e linfoide (40%) e por mastócitos (1%), com ausência de células das linhagens granulocítica, monocítica e megacariocítica. Em exames post mortem, mudanças relacionadas à hemostasia foram encontradas. A ausência de micro-organismos nos testes moleculares e a concentração sérica de estrogênio acima dos valores de referência confirmaram hiperestrogenismo como a possível causa da pancitopenia. A literatura descreve hiperestrogenismo em tumores de células de Sertoli induzindo pancitopenia associada com hipoplasia da medula óssea de todas as linhagens hematopoiéticas. Em contraste, no presente caso, as células precursoras eritróides estavam preservadas na medula óssea, embora não houvesse reticulócitos no sangue. Assim, o relato apresentado deve ser considerado em futuras investigações de pancitopenia induzida por hiperestrogenismo em tumor de células de Sertoli.(AU)

Glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma of the feline mammary gland: case report / Carcinoma de células claras rico em glicogênio da glândula mamária felina: relato de caso

The aim of this report is to describe the first histopathological, immunohistochemical, and clinical characteristics of a feline glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma (GRCCC). A Persian queen was admitted with mammary gland tumors and underwent radical unilateral mastectomy. Overall survival was considered 33 days and death was due to clinical evolution of the disease. Microscopic evaluation demonstrated epithelial cells arranged in a predominantly solid pattern, tumor cells presented an ample, granular, and foamy clear cytoplasm, and moderate cellular pleomorfism. The presence of cytoplasmatic glycogen was confirmed through diastase digestion followed by PAS staining. Histopathological and histochemical findings lead to the diagnosis of GRCCC with regional metastases.(AU)

O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever as características clínicas, histopatológicas e imuno-histoquímicas do primeiro carcinoma mamário de células claras rico em glicogênio em felino. Uma gata persa foi atendida com tumores na glândula mamária e foi submetida à mastectomia radical unilateral. A sobrevida livre de doença foi considerada 33 dias, e o óbito foi devido à evolução da doença. A avaliação microscópica demonstrou células epiteliais arranjadas em um padrão predominantemente sólido, as células tumorais apresentaram um citoplasma claro, amplo, granular e espumoso e pleomorfismo celular moderado. A presença do glicogênio citoplasmático foi confirmada pela digestão pela diástase, seguida da coloração de PAS. Achados histopatológicos e histoquímicos levaram ao diagnóstico de carcinoma de células claras rico em glicogênio felino com metástase regional.(AU)

HER-2, EGFR, Cox-2 and Ki67 expression in lymph node metastasis of canine mammary carcinomas: Association with clinical-pathological parameters and overall survival.

Studies about canine mammary tumors based on single molecular markers probably cannot accurately account for the heterogeneity of this disease, and the investigation of multiple molecular alterations in primary tumors and their metastases, in conjunction, has assumed great importance for the understanding of mammary tumor progression. In the present study, we selected 54 primary mammary carcinomas with lymph node metastasis (T1,2,3N1M0), 29 primary mammary carcinomas without metastasis (T1,2,3N0M0), and 25 canine lymph nodes metastasis to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of HER-2, EGFR, Cox-2 and Ki67 and its association with clinical-pathological parameters and overall survival. Our results found a concordance between the expression of HER-2 (K coefficient: 0.250), Cox-2 (K coefficient: 0.571), and Ki67 (K coefficient: 0.397) and a discordance between EGFR expression (K coefficient: -0.195) in primary mammary carcinomas and paired lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, a high Ki67 index (>24%), large tumor size and the presence of angiolymphatic invasion in canine primary mammary carcinoma with lymph node metastasis plus the presence of extracapsular extension in lymph nodes metastasis were also related to worse prognoses and shorter overall survival (P<0.05). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that primary mammary carcinomas with high expression of HER-2, Cox-2 and Ki67 also show high expression of these markers in paired lymph node metastasis. Moreover, the expression of these molecular markers in lymph nodes metastasis did not demonstrate a prognostic relevance.

The Relationship Between E-Cadherin and its Transcriptional Repressors in Spontaneously Arising Canine Invasive Micropapillary Mammary Carcinoma.

E-cadherin downregulation is related to metastatic behaviour and a poor prognosis in cancer. It might be induced by transcriptional repression mediated by the transcription factors SNAIL, ZEB1, ZEB2 and TWIST. Here, we investigated E-cadherin expression and its relationship to those transcriptional repressors (i.e. SNAIL, ZEB1, ZEB2 and TWIST) in the progression from carcinoma 'in situ' to invasion to lymph node metastasis in spontaneously arising canine invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC). E-cadherin expression decreased from carcinoma in situ to invasive progression and was likely to increase with lymph node metastasis. Expression of SNAIL decreased from carcinoma in situ to invasive areas and from invasive areas to lymph nodes. Metastatic lymph nodes had higher expression of ZEB1 than carcinoma in situ and invasive areas. ZEB2 expression was observed in 52%, 38% and 33% of carcinoma in situ areas, invasive areas and lymph node metastases, respectively. TWIST expression was observed in 52%, 38% and 33% of carcinoma in situ areas, invasive areas and lymph node metastases, respectively. In invasive areas, E-cadherin downregulation correlated significantly with SNAIL and TWIST upregulation. Additionally, in infiltrating components of IMPCs, E-cadherin(-)SNAIL(+) neoplastic epithelial cells were observed by immunofluorescence. Taken together, canine mammary IMPCs had a loss of E-cadherin from carcinoma in situ to invasive areas, which appears to be induced by the transcription factor SNAIL. In lymph node metastasis, ZEB1 appears to not exert E-cadherin transcriptional repression activity.

ZEB2 and ZEB1 expression in a spontaneous canine model of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the mammary gland.

ZEB1 and ZEB2 have been recently related to cancer prognosis. We investigated their expression and its association with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival in invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC), which is a metastasising neoplasm of the canine mammary gland. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed nuclear and cytoplasmic staining for ZEB2 and nuclear staining for ZEB1. 'In situ' areas presented higher positivity for cytoplasmic ZEB2 than invasive areas of IMPC did (p = 0.03). ZEB1 positivity was associated with a low histological grade (p = 0.01). A shorter overall survival rate was observed in IMPCs that were positive for cytoplasmic ZEB2 (p = 0.04). Antibodies specificity in canine species was confirmed by western blot. Our results indicated that cytoplasmic ZEB2 appears to be an important factor in the early stages of malignancy and predicts a poor overall survival rate for IMPC in this canine mammary cancer model. ZEB1 downregulation appears to be associated with the dedifferentiation process of IMPC.

HLA antigenic and haplotype frequencies estimated in hematopoietic progenitor cell donors from Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation is considered a standard-of-care treatment for defined hematological and non-hematological conditions affecting bone marrow-derived cells. METHODS: Patients and potential donors are HLA typed for their HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, and -DQB1 alleles. The best allogeneic donor is one for which each allele matches the patient at HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DRB1 (8/8). For patients with no related donor, the transplant physician will start a search for unrelated donors. The search is performed through a local registry and often includes the search for donors worldwide. The Argentinean HPC Donors Registry was established in 2003. Our National HPC Donor Registry has already typed more than 31,000 donors for HLA-A, -B, and -DR. RESULTS: We present the analysis of HLA frequencies and haplotypes estimates for the subset of our donor database that is additionally typed for HLA-C. We analyzed HLA data from 2657 donors. Antigen and haplotype frequencies were estimated through the use of expectation maximization. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis showed for the first time the antigenic HLA frequency distribution from HPC donors in Argentina. Knowing haplotype frequencies in our population will help us to select potential donors for high-resolution typing for the patients.

Metastatic well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in the prepuce of a dog: a report of clinicopathological, immunophenotypic and therapeutic approach / Carcinoma de células escamosas bem diferenciado metastático no prepúcio de cão: relato da abordagem clinicopatológica, imunofenotípica e terapêutica

This report describes a case of a well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the foreskin of a dog, with metastasis in the regional lymph node. A six-year-old male intact Pit Bull dog presented a preputial ulcerated lesion with an evolution time of one year and enlarged left inguinal lymph node. Surgical resection of the preputial lesion and inguinal lymph nodes was made. The diagnosis of a well differentiated SCC was made following histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry technique was used to confirm lymph node metastasis and to determine the histological features of the tumor. Here we demonstrated that immunohistochemistry can be an important complementary diagnostic tool to assess the prognostic features of SCC and to determine the treatment of choice. Also, the combination of COX-2 selective inhibitors in adjuvant therapy is presented as an effective alternative treatment for metastatic SCC in dogs...

Este relato descreve um caso de carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) bem diferenciado no prepúcio de um cão, que apresentou metástase para o linfonodo regional. Um cão macho inteiro, de seis anos de idade, da raça Pit Bull, apresentou lesão ulcerada na região prepucial, com evolução de um ano, e linfonodo inguinal esquerdo aumentado, e foi submetido à exérese cirúrgica. O diagnóstico de CCE bem diferenciado foi obtido após avaliação histopatológica, e a técnica de imuno-histoquímica foi realizada para confirmação de metástase em linfonodo e para determinação das características imunofenotípicas do tumor. No estádio avançado da doença (T3N2M0) e com positividade para COX-2, foi proposta a utilização de quimioterapia adjuvante com carboplatina combinada com inibidor seletivo de COX-2. Neste estudo, demonstrou-se que a técnica de imuno-histoquímica pode ser uma importante ferramenta diagnóstica para determinar o prognóstico e o tratamento de escolha do CCE. Adicionalmente, a associação de carboplatina com inibidores seletivos de COX-2 é apresentada como uma efetiva alternativa de tratamento de CCE metastáticos caninos...

Clinical and pathological aspects of multicentric hemangiosarcoma in a Pinscher dog / Sinais neurológicos multifocais devido ao hemangiossarcoma multicêntrico em um cão Pinscher: aspectos clínicos e patológicos

A 3-year-old female Pinscher dog was presented with a history of lameness and pain in hind limbs for one week which acutely progressed to non-ambulatory paraparesis. The dog had been apathetic and anorexic during the six days prior to presentation. The neurological findings were compatible with upper motor neuron signs to the left hind limb due to a spinal cord compressive mass on the twelfth thoracic vertebral body. On the other hand, signs of lower motor neurons to the right hind limb were due to a mass with a pathological fracture in the right proximal femur, compressing the sciatic nerve. A histopathological analysis of all organs revealedthe proliferation of endothelial cells showingin filtrative growth and organization into vascular structures with a solid pattern. In addition, immunohistochemycal analysis revealed low proliferation index and citoplasmatic positivity for CD-31, confirming the vascular nature of the neoplasm. Clinical, histopathological and immunophenotipical findings were consistent with hemangiosarcoma.

Uma cadela Pinscher de três anos de idade foi atendida em Hospital Veterinário Escola com histórico de dor nos membros pélvicos com progressão aguda para paraparesia não ambulatória. O animal estava apático e anoréxico há seis dias. Os achados neurológicos foram compatíveis com sinais de lesão de neurônios motores superiores para o membro pélvico esquerdo devido a uma massa no 12º corpo vertebral comprimindo a medula espinhal. Por outro lado, foram observados sinais de lesão de neurônios motores inferiores para o membro pélvico direito devido a uma fratura patológica no colo proximal do fêmur direito que comprimiu o nervo isquiático. Análises histopatológicas de todos os órgãos revelaram proliferação de células endoteliais com crescimento infiltrativo e organização sólida em estruturas vasculares. Adicionalmente, a análise imuno-histoquímica revelou baixa proliferação e marcação citoplasmática positiva para CD-31, confirmando a natureza vascular da neoplasia. Os achados clínicos, histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos foram consistentes com hemangiossarcoma.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment of invasive micropapillary mammary carcinoma in dogs: a retrospective study.

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of the mammary gland, despite its rare occurrence in humans and dogs, is an important neoplasm due to its aggressive behaviour. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological and immunophenotypical characteristics of IMPC and to determine the overall survival of dogs with this tumour. Of the selected cases, the majority had >3 cm neoplasms (15/19, 78.95%) and lymph node metastases (16/16, 100%), but only two cases (2/9, 22.2%) had distant metastases. The IMPCs were classified as either pure (15/22, 68.18%) or mixed (7/22, 31.82%) types. There was a predominance of moderate histological grade tumours (16 grade II) and the average overall survival was 120 days. Positive immunohistochemical staining for epithelial membrane antigen and negative staining for CD-31, p63 and cytokeratin (CK) AE1AE3 in cystic formations confirmed the micropapillary nature of these neoplasms. A proportion of cases exhibited positive epithelial staining for p63 (4/20, 20%) and CK34ßE12 (20/22, 90.9%). Most cases were positive for oestrogen (19/20, 95%) and progesterone (19/20, 95%) receptors, but lacked HER-2 (16/22, 72.72%) and epidermal growth factor receptor (15/22, 68.18%) over-expression. The mean proliferation index was 14.8%. The findings demonstrate that, similar to humans, canine IMPCs behave aggressively with high rates of metastasis to regional lymph nodes and short overall survival times.

Malakoplakia after renal transplantation in the current era of immunosuppressive therapy: case report and literature review.

Malakoplakia is a rare chronic granulomatous disease of unknown cause. It is thought to be caused by an acquired bactericidal defect of macrophages. Malakoplakia is associated with chronic infections and immunosuppression. Although it occurs mainly in the urinary tract, it has already been reported in almost every organ system. The isolation of bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, is common in malakoplakia patients. Here, we present a case of primary cutaneous malakoplakia in a kidney transplant recipient who had been taking prednisone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate. Culture of a lesion grew Burkholderia cepacia complex. Treatment with high doses of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was successful. We also present a systematic review of the literature, identifying 4 previously reported cases of malakoplakia after renal transplantation under similar immunosuppressive therapy, most occurring in the urinary tract or perineum and following benign courses to cure. Data in the literature suggest that malakoplakia has become even rarer since changes were made in the immunosuppressive therapy employed after kidney transplantation.

Tubulopapillary carcinoma of the mammary gland in a maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus): histopathological and immunophenotypical analysis / Carcinoma túbulo-papilar da glândula mamária em lobo guará fêmea (Chrysocyon brachyurus): análise histopatológica e imunofenotípica

A maned female wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) showed nodules in the inguinal and left abdominal cranial mammary glands. The mammary gland was surgically excised, and microscopic analysis revealed epithelial cell proliferation in a tubular and papillary pattern; delicate fibrovascular stalks presenting numerous layers of moderately pleomorfic epithelial cells were observed. This histologic appearance was compatible with a diagnosis of mammary tubulopapillary carcinoma. The immunohistochemical profile revealed nuclear positivity for estrogen (70 percent) and progesterone (at least 90 percent of the neoplastic cells). The myoepithelium-associated with neoplastic cells lacked integrity, as evidenced by failed smooth muscle alpha actin reactivity in microinvasive areas. A low proliferation index was observed (3.4 percent). To the authors' knowledge, the present case represents the first finding of female tubulopapillary carcinoma in a mammary gland in this species.

Um lobo guará fêmea (Chrysocyon brachyurus) apresentou nódulos nas mamas inguinal e abdominal cranial esquerda. As glândulas mamárias foram cirurgicamente excisadas, e na análise microscópica revelaram proliferação de células epiteliais em arranjo tubular e papilar com tecido conjuntivo de sustentação delicado e formação múltiplas camadas de células epiteliais moderadamente pleomórficas. Os achados histopatológicos foram compatíveis com carcinoma túbulo-papilar da glândula mamária. O estudo do perfil imuno-histoquímico mostrou positividade nuclear para estrógeno (70 por cento) e progesterona (em pelo menos 90 por cento das células). Observou-se perda da integridade da camada mioepitelial, adjacente a proliferação epitelial, evidenciada pela perda de reatividade para alfa actina de músculo liso em áreas de microinvasão. Índice de proliferação celular baixo foi observado (3,4 por cento). O presente relato representa a primeira descrição de um carcinoma túbulo-papilar da glândula mamária em uma fêmea desta espécie.

Cistoadenocarcinoma simulando hemangiossarcoma de glândula salivar em cão: relato de caso / Cystadenocarcinoma simulating hemangiosarcoma of the salivary gland in dog: case report

Cystadenocarcinoma is regarded as a rare adenocarcinoma variant in animals. This work reports the case of an 8-year-old female Poodle dog with salivary gland cystadenocarcinoma with morphological characteristics similar to a hemangiosarcoma. Histopathological analysis showed a tumor mass with cystic formations containing a large amount of red blood cells. In order to distinguish these two entities, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining and immunohistochemical analysis were carried out with the use of cytokeratin AE1/AE3 (CK) and CD31-specific antibodies. Neoplastic cells were PAS-negative, CK-positive and CD31-negative confirming their epithelial origin. Based on the findings, the diagnosis of high grade cystadenocarcinoma was established.

O cistoadenocarcinoma é considerado uma variante do adenocarcinoma de rara ocorrência em animais. Este trabalho relata um caso de cadela Poodle de oito anos, portadora de cistoadenocarcinoma de glândula salivar com características morfológicas semelhantes a de hemangiossarcoma. Na análise histopatológica observou-se uma massa tumoral com formações císticas contendo grande quantidade de hemácias. Para a diferenciação entre as duas entidades realizou-se coloração pelo ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) e análise imuno-histoquímica com a utilização de anticorpos para citoqueratina AE1/AE3 (CK) e CD31. As células neoplásicas apresentaram-se PAS negativas, CK positivas e CD31 negativas demonstrando a origem epitelial. Com base nos achados firmou-se o diagnóstico de cistoadenocarcinoma de alto grau.

Evaluación de la contaminación microbiológica en productos de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas. Experiencia de un laboratorio de procesamiento de CPH y Banco de Sangre de Cordón Umbilical / Microbiological evaluation in hematopoietic progenitor cell products. Experience from an HPC processing laboratory and Cord Blood Bank

Los productos de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (CPH) representan una fuente potencial de infección en pacientes inmunosuprimidos que reciben infusión de CPH como parte de su tratamiento. La probabilidad de contaminación de cada producto difiere según la técnica de colecta y el procesamiento aplicado. En este trabajo hemos realizado un análisis retrospectivo de los resultados de cultivos microbiológicos de 1707 productos de CPH obtenidos de sus tres fuentes (médula ósea, sangre periférica y sangre de cordón umbilical) con el objetivo de determinar la proporción de unidades contaminadas. Además, fueron comparadas las distintas técnicas de colecta y las diferentes manipulaciones a las que fueron sometidos los productos. Por otro lado, se analizaron las posibles fuentes de contaminación según el microorganismo identificado y se evaluó la supervivencia de los mismos luego del descongelamiento. La prevalencia de productos de CPH con cultivos microbiológicos positivos reportados en este estudio (5,2%) se corresponde con lo descripto en la literatura. No encontramos diferencias significativas al comparar los productos según la fuente de la cual provenían las CPH. Tampoco hubo diferencias según los procedimientos aplicados a cada unidad. Los microorganismos aislados en los productos de CPH fueron los esperados de acuerdo a la fuente de la cual provenían las células. Pudo comprobarse que algunos de ellos son capaces de sobrevivir a los procesos de criopreservación y descongelamiento. La estricta adhesión a las normas de buenas prácticas de manufactura y buenas prácticas tisulares es un requisito para minimizar los riesgos de introducir microorganismos contaminantes. Disponer de un producto de CPH seguro es fundamental para el éxito de un trasplante.

Hematopoietic stem cell products (HSCP) represent a potential source of infection for immunosuprressed patients that receive HSCP infusion as part of their treatment. The probability of contamination of a HSCP product depends on the collection technique as well as the processing performed. In this work we have carried out a retrospective analysis of the results of 1707 microbiological cultures of HSCP products obtained from three different sources: bone marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood. We determined the proportion of HSCP units that were contaminated by microorganisms. Furthermore we compared the results obtained with different collection techniques and with the distinct manipulations that were used for processing. Moreover we analysed the possible sources of contamination related to the microorganisms identified and we evaluated the survival of them after thawing. The proportion of HSCP products with positive microbiological cultures obtained in this study (5,2%) correlates with that reported by other authors. We have not found significant differences between the results achieved with HSCP products from different sources. There were neither differences depending on the procedures applied. The isolated microorganisms from the HSCP products were the expected in accordance with the source of the cells. It could be demonstrated that some of them were capable of surviving the cryopreservation and thawing processes. Adherence to good manufacture practices and good tissue practices regulations is critical for minimizing the risks of introducing contaminant microorganisms. A safe HSCP product is essential for the success of a transplant.

Nicotinamide increases thyroid radiosensitivity by stimulating nitric oxide synthase expression and the generation of organic peroxides.

Differentiated thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism are treated with radioiodine. However, when the radioisotope dose exceeds certain limits, the patient must be hospitalized to avoid contact with people that would otherwise be exposed to radiation. It would be desirable to obtain a similar therapeutic effect using lower radioiodine doses. Radiosensitizers can be utilized for this purpose. Nicotinamide (NA) increases thyroid radiosensitivity to 131I in both normal and goitrous glands. NA causes a significant increase in thyroid blood flow, which would increase tissue oxygenation and tissue damage via free radicals. Wistar rats were treated with either nicotinamide (NA), 131I or both. The expression of the three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the thyroid (Western blot) and the activities of SOD, GPx, catalase and organic peroxides were determined. Treatment with NA or 131I increased the expression of eNOS and the generation of organic peroxides. When administered jointly, they showed a synergistic effect. No changes were observed in the other NOS isoforms or in the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. NA potentiates the effect of 131I by increasing eNOS, which would in turn stimulate NO production, increasing thyroid blood flow and tissue damage via organic peroxides.

Banco público de sangre de cordón umbilical / A public cord blood bank. Programs for related and unrelated transplantation

La sangre de cordón umbilical (SCU) ofrece una fuente rica de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas para trasplante de médula ósea (TMO). En el año 1996 comenzó en nuestro Hospital un programa relacionado de Banco De SCU. Este programa permite que familias con un niño que padece una enfermedad tratable con TMO almacene la SCU de un hermano por nacer para su futuro uso. En este tabajo presentamos nuestra experiencia de más de 8 años. Uno de nuestros objetivos ha sido comparar retrospectivamente carecterísticas de los donantes y unidades de SCU según el tipo de parto (vaginal Vs. cesárea). Desde marzo de 1996 hasta noviembre de 2004 se inscribieron 106 familias. Características de las unidades: volumen colectado 113 más o menos 36 ml; volumen preservado 76 más menos 28 ml; células nucleadas totales 10 más menos 5 por 108 cél.; células CD34 más 2,41 más menos 2,31 por 106 cél. La dosis de células nucleadas fue mayor a 2 por 107 por Kg. de receptor para el 93 por ciento de las unidades almacenadas. Las colectas provenientes de partos por cesárea no difieren significativamente de los partos vaginales. Recientemente, el programa no relacionado ha sido aprobado y recibió apoyo financiero del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación para adquirir nuevo equipamiento. Este programa tiene como objetivo colectar y preservar unidades de SCU donadas de manera altruista, que quedan disponibles para su uso en TMO alogeneicos en pacientes que no poseen otro donante compatible. El funcionamiento de este Banco nos permitirá aumentar la oferta internacional de unidades con perfil HLA latinoamericano hispano, escaso en los registros existentes en la actualidad.

[Analysis on 149 consecutive cases of intervertebral lumbar and cervical disc prolapse operated with microendoscopic (Metr'X) technique]. / Analisi su 149 casi di ernia del disco lombare e cervicale operati con metodica microendoscopica (Metr'X).

Herniated disc patients represent a limited subset of patients with low back pain. Incidence of surgical intervention for lumbar disc pathology is 3% to 4%. The goal of surgery is to achieve neural decompression and relief neurological symptoms. Discectomy through laminotomy is the most common approach. More recently percutaneous approaches to lumbar discectomy, include the use of suction, laser and spinal endoscopy have evolved with mixed results. Microendoscopic discectomy (MED) combines endoscopic technology with the principles of microdiscectomy: open surgical principles are used through a tubular retractor using endoscopic visualization. We present our experience with MED in 149 patients who underwent this procedure. The patient population consisted of 83 men and 66 women aged 18 to 88 years. All patients had substantial relief of their radiculopathy.