Ultrastructural study of the choroid plexus of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

We previously gave an account of an increased ion transport activity in choroid plexus from spontaneously hypertensive rats. We have since examined this organ in scanning and transmission electronic microscopy. In the choroid plexus from young spontaneously hypertensive rats, the epithelial cells showed the following: a partial loss of the brush border and infoldings of basolateral membranes, an increased number of Golgi apparatus, vesicles, and mitochondria, and an activated nucleus. In adult hypertensive rats, the mitochondria had increased in number and tended to fill the cytoplasma while the nuclei had returned to a resting level. These ultrastructural changes furthermore suggest an increased secretory activity in the choroid plexus in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Cell abnormalities associated with human papillomavirus-induced squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions. Multivariate data analysis.

One hundred ninety-six cervical scrapings were obtained for simultaneous research of cell abnormalities in Papanicolaou smears and detection of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes by polymerase chain reaction in extracted DNA from each clinical sample. The samples described by six discriminant cytologic parameters, and a synthetic HPV-presence/absence parameter provided an efficient matrix for multiple correspondence analysis. This statistical analysis displayed a plurality of HPV-related cell abnormalities in squamous intraepithelial lesions, and a high correspondence between HPV infection and the presence of multinucleated squamous cells, morphologically transformed keratinocytes (dyskaryotic cells), koilocytes, and cellular changes related to epithelial maturation. Because of the low proportion of detectable koilocytes in the HPV-infected scrapings, the authors also inferred that cellular changes related to epithelial maturation and morphologically transformed keratinocytes are the most accurate and efficient cell abnormalities, in terms of frequency and correlation, for cytodiagnosis of HPV-induced or associated squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions.

Ectopic prolactinoma within the sphenoid sinus.

A case of an ectopic prolactin-producing tumor located within the sphenoid sinus is reported. It was discovered in a girl who experienced secondary amenorrhea without galactorrhea. We discuss the different diagnoses proposed before immunocytochemical staining results were available. This case presented unusual radiological, surgical, and histopathological aspects.

[Comparison of the effects of cicletanine and captopril on kidney and heart lesions in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP)]. / Comparaison des effets du ciclétanine et du captopril sur les lésions rénales et cardiaques du rat spontanément hypertendu (SHR-SP).

All studies carried out on stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) have clearly demonstrated that cicletanine protects tissues and vessels. This effect has also been observed with captopril. However, the effectiveness of captopril seemed to be dependent on its blood pressure lowering effect, and this was not found with cicletanine in previous experimental studies on SHR-SP. In view of the difference in effectiveness between captopril and cicletanine as regards blood pressure, it was considered important to compare the two compounds in a similar blood pressure complex. In this study, the effects of cicletanine at two dosage levels (3.33 and 10 mg/kg/day) on the tissue and vascular lesions of SHR-SP were compared with those of captopril in doses of 1 mg/kg/day. Iffa Credo SHR-SP rats aged 7 weeks were divided into four groups of 12 animals each: 2 groups received cicletanine 3.33 and 10 mg/kg/day respectively, 1 group received captopril 1 mg/kg/day and 1 group served as control. Blood pressure was recorded once a week. After 44 days of treatment, all animals were killed and autopsied. A significant antihypertensive effect was observed with both captopril (p less than 0.001) and cicletanine 10 mg/kg (p less than 0.05). In doses of 3.33 mg/kg cicletanine induced only a very slight fall in blood pressure, not significantly different from controls. On the other hand, histological and ultrastructural examinations showed better preservation of tissues and, chiefly, vessels with cicletanine at the two dosage levels than with captopril 1 mg/kg.

[Effects of cicletanine on kidney lesions associated with age. Light and electron microscopy studies]. / Effets du ciclétanine sur les lésions rénales liées à l'âge. Etudes en microscopie optique et électronique.

Aging laboratory animals constantly present with chronic progressive nephrosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of a chronic treatment with cicletanine in aging rats, notably as regards kidneys. Sixteen Wistar rats aged 26 months were divided into two groups: one group served as control, while the other received oral cicletanine 30 mg/kg/day. Blood pressure, weight and death rate were recorded. No rise of arterial pressure was observed in either group. The rats were killed on day 151, i.e. aged 31 months, after 5 months of treatment. All were autopsied and their kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, brain and eyes were removed for examination. Light microscopy of the renal tissue showed the lesions described in the chronic progressive nephrosis of the aging rat. These lesions were diffuse and pronounced in the control group and minimal in treated rats. The difference was confirmed by electron microscopy. The basal membrane of renal tubules was slightly thickened in the treated rats and two or three times thicker in control rats. Mitochondrial alterations were observed in the proximal tubules of controls but not in those of rats treated with cicletanine. Thus, after a 5-months treatment with cicletanine aging Wistar rats well known for their renal pathology were protected against kidney lesions in contrast with untreated rats.

[Protective action of cicletanine on the vascular walls in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats]. / Etude de la protection par le ciclétanine des parois vasculaires du rat "Stroke-Prone" spontanément hypertendu.

UNLABELLED: In previous works, cicletanine has proven a protective effect on tissues in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats. The mechanism by which cicletanine lessens the tissue lesion incidence may be explained by the direct vascular effect of increased prostacyclin synthesis and by interaction with various agents mobilizing intracellular. Ca2+ ions. Histological so as to ultrastructural studies of the capillaries and small arteries were performed, specially on those of brain, kidney, heart, and choroid. Method : 36 SHR-SP/A 3N Iffa Credo rats aged 11 weeks were divided into 3 groups. Their drinking water was added with 1 p. 100 NaCl in. Group I was a control group, groups II and III were orally treated with cicletanine, respectively 100 and 150 mg/Kg. Systolic blood pressure, body weight, survival were reported. After 7 weeks of treatment the surviving rats were sacrificed. RESULTS: the control group arterioles showed endoluminal debris with intimal proliferation and a large disorganisation of the media with adventitial fibrosis. The treated groups only showed a slight oedema of the subendothelial space in ultrastructure with no intimal proliferation and no muscle coat disorganisation or proliferation. CONCLUSION: even though the decrease in blood pressure turned out to be very unimportant, the amount of lesions in vessels was striking even when treatment had been started on a already high blood pressure. The vessel walls only presented the impairments usually observed in early arterial response to hypertension. This study shows that cicletanine, due to its properties to increase PG12 synthesis and counterbalance the increase of cytosolic free Ca2+, improves the normal course of hypertensive vascular lesions in the SHR-SP.

[Malignant hypertensive retinopathy in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats. Effect of treatment with cicletanine]. / Rétinopathie hypertensive maligne chez le rat "stroke-prone" spontanément hypertendu. Effet du traitement par le ciclétanine.

Stroke-Prone spontaneously hypertensive rat strain (SHR-SP) always develops hypertensive retinopathy. The aim of the present work was to study the activity of a new antihypertensive drug, a synthetic furopyridine: cicletanine, in retinal hypertensive morphological lesions. The experiment was performed in 39 rats SHR-SP/A3N Iffa Credo, 11 weeks old, divided into 3 groups: group 1 was the control group, groups 2 and 3 were orally treated with cicletanine (respectively 100 and 150 mg/kg). All the rats had free access to tap water containing 1 p. 100 NaCl. During 6 weeks, blood pressure, body weight and survival were recorded, then all the rats were sacrificed. The eyes were removed, the posterior pole collected and fixed with Trump liquid for transmission election microscopy. In the SHR-SP control group, each layer showed neural body and/or process lesions: in the ganglion cell layer, some ganglion cells realized cytoid bodies corresponding to a lysed cell with nucleus degeneration, most of the axons were destroyed. In the inner and outer plexiform layers, most of the contacts between processes were lost because of fibrinous deposits. Numerous synapses were destroyed in the outer plexiform layer. These findings might explain the numerous dense bodies in the inner rod segment and the vesiculation of the rod outer segment. The capillaries showed markedly hypertensive lesions. Whereas, in both treated groups, rare and animal lesions were observed. The fact that these lesions were so few and so unimportant after 6 weeks of treatment, as well as for the photoreceptors which remained unimpaired, is closely related to cicletanine therapy, since it was so even though the treatment had been started with an already high blood pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Malignant mesodermal mixed tumor of the ovary with neuro-ectodermic differentiation]. / Tumeur mixte mésodermique maligne de l'ovaire avec contingent neuro-ectodermique.

A striking ovarian tumour was observed in a post-menopausal, 54-year-old woman. Most of the tumour shows histologic features of a malignant mesodermal (müllerian) mixed tumour. However, this tumour harbours a peculiar component suggesting neuroectodermal neoplasia. Histochemical and immunohistochemical studies demonstrate focal pheochromocytomatous (or paraganglionic) and ganglionic differentiations. Several types of cells could be identified: ganglion cells (NSE +, neurofilaments +), pheochromocytes or paraganglion cells (chromogranin +), Schwann cells (S 100 protein +), and neuroblastomatous elements (NSE +). This neoplastic component could be compared with compound tumours such as pheochromocytomaganglioneuroblastoma or gangliocytic paraganglioma. This type of tumour has not been reported in ovary, notably in association with a mesodermal mixed tumour. Such observation prompts us to consider tumours of somatic origin containing germ cell-type elements, with a review of the literature.

[Adenoid basal carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma of the uterine cervix]. / Carcinome adénoïde basal et carcinome adénoïde kystique du col utérin.

Adenoid basal carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma are rare primary cervical neoplasms occurring in postmenopausal women. They are generally regarded as distinct entities on the basis of their distinctive morphology and a different biological behaviour. Although the separation of these two entities is still mandatory, some rare complex cases may show overlapping pathological features and are difficult to classify. We report a case of composite cervical tumor with both types of carcinoma, an in situ epidermoid carcinoma and a hitherto undescribed clear cell component, each with a different morphology and immunophenotype. The adenoid basal component is mainly immunoreactive for cytokeratin KL1. The adenoid cystic component is strongly stained for smooth muscle actin and is associated with a hyaline stroma immunostained for collagen IV.

[Desmoplastic recurrence of a melanoma of the female urethra]. / Récidive desmoplastique d'un mélanome de l'urètre féminin.

We report a case of melanoma of the female urethra, recurring on the vulva as a desmoplastic invasive melanoma. The urethral tumor was an unclassifiable melanoma with an invasive epithelioid, and an intraepidermal atypical melanocytic component. The desmoplastic recidive was made of intersecting fascicles of spindled, moderately atypical cells, scattered over a dense collagenous matrix. Tumor cells were immunoreactive for S100 protein and vimentin, negative for HMB45. The morphological and immunophenotypic differences with the initial tumor, the absence of melanocytic dysplasia within the overlying epidermis, could lead to a misinterpretation of this lesion as a fibrous scar or a fibrohistiocytic tumor. Desmoplastic melanoma shares many homologies with acrolentiginous and mucous membrane melanoma and could occur more frequently on the genitourinary tract than it is generally assumed.

[Diagnostic problems posed by inflammatory pseudotumors of the orbit: study of 3 cases]. / Problémes diagnostiques posés par les pseudo-tumeurs inflammatoires de l'orbite: étude de 3 cas.

Orbital inflammatory pseudo-tumor is a rare benign condition not always very well known by pathologists. Clinical characteristics and laboratory data were reviewed in 3 affected patients (one child, two adults). Changes in orbital tissues were described according to various histopathological classifications reported in literature. The authors stressed the difficulties to diagnose such a lesion and to eliminate the possibility of either eosinophilic granuloma or rhabdomyosarcoma in infants. As in most cases the disease responded favourably to steroids and its etiology was unknown. Relapses, bilateralization and bad effect of biopsy should be considered.

[Malt lymphoma of the thyroid and Graves'disease]. / Lymphome thyroïdien de type MALT et maladie de Basedow.

Maltoma of the thyroid associated to Graves'disease is not such a frequently described association. We report a case of Maltoma of the thyroid gland in a patient with Grave's disease. The diagnosis was established by histological examination after total thyroidectomy. Slow enlargement of the thyroid gland despite a clinically successful antithyroid drug therapy could be considered as an advocating clinical manifestation. Associated anti-neoplastic chemotherapy and cervical irradiation resulted in good outcome with six years follow-up. A review is presented on treatment and prognosis of these tumors.

[Detection of human type 16 papillomavirus in epithelial cells of the uterine cervix]. / Détection du papillomavirus humain de type 16 dans les cellules épithéliales du col utérin.

Cervical cells obtained by scraping from 126 women living in the Tours area, France, were tested for the presence of HPV 16 infection, using the PCR method. In all samples analysed no evidence was found of HPV 16 b subtype. The incidence of HPV 16 infection ranged from 4% in women without history of genital HPV infection to 48% in women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). It must be noted that HPV 16 infection is twice as frequent in women with a history of HPV-induced cervical lesions as in those without this history. Thus, a normal cytology does not always mean an absence of HPV infection of the uterine cervix. It may be concluded from these results that detection of cervical HPV 16 infection by the PCR method makes it possible to identify a group of women at high risk of developing SIL or cervical cancer. Regular cytological surveillance of these women who are healthy carriers of HPV 16 without detectable squamous cell abnormalities must be implemented.

[Histopathology of the vein of Galen]. / Histopathologie de la veine de Galien.

Histology of cerebral arteries and veins are reviewed to show variances with extracerebral blood vessels. Muscles fibers even in large cerebral veins are easily overlooked. The thick wall of the vein of Galen grossly and microscopically resembled dura mater fed by microscopic blood vessels and capillaries. The authors reported 4 cases of arteriovenous aneurysms of the great vein of Galen. When compared to the rest of the histological reports on this subject published till now, it is obvious that this new cases bring new facts. First is the presence of an irregular muscle coat in the aneurysmal wall suggesting early hemodynamic troubles. The second and most important data is the association of multiple malformations of the pineal gland, of the vascular elements of the tela choroidea of the third ventricle between which the aneurysm of the great cerebral vein is found. These unusual data suggested complex congenital malformation in the early stages of development.