Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Volume 32(7); July 1998

Original Articles

Morphologic Characterization of Polycystic Kidney in inv Transgenic Mouse.: Yeon Lim Suh, Mi Kyung Kim, Joungho Han; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):479-487.

1,344 View
10 Download

Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterize the morphology of a polycystic kidney which was found in 100% of the transgenic mice homozygous for inv mutation and to gain insight into the pathogenesis of inherited polycystic kidney disease during the pre- and postnatal periods. The fetal and postnatal kidneys from the homozygous and heterozygous transgenic mice were examined by the light, transmission and scanning electron microscopes, image analyzer, and an immunohistochemistry utilizing the antibodies specific for each segment of the renal tubules (Tetragonolobus purpureas, Arachis hypogaea, Tamm-Horsfall protein, AE1/AE3, EMA, vimentin, Phaseolus vulgaris) was performed to determine the site of origin of renal cysts. Two developmental phases of a cystic disease were identified. The first phase, seen in fetal kidneys, was characterized by dilatation mainly of the proximal tubules and a few distal tubules. The later phase, in postnatal period, was characterized by progressive enlargement of the kidneys due to mainly cystic change of the collecting ducts, which distorted the normal architecture of both cortex and medulla and almost completely replaced the renal parenchyma. The cystic dilatation involved all segments of the nephron and the collecting duct as well as the Bowman's spaces of glomeruli. The epithelial cell hyperplasia was found as a micropolyp formation within the renal cysts and an increase in PCNA positive cells. These findings suggest that a cyst is not simply a ballooning of a renal tubule and the stretching of cells, formerly thought to be due to an altered compliance of an abnormal basement membrane, but indeed the result of increased numbers of tubular epithelial cells.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes from Serum Deprived p388D1 Cells.: Su Young Kim, Sang Ho Kim, Sug Hyung Lee, Nam Jin Yoo, Jung Young Lee, Choo Soung Kim; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):488-493.

1,436 View
10 Download

Abstract: This experiment is designed to find differentially expressed genes in p388D1 cells that are specific for the serum deprived state. Serum starvation induces cells to enter the quiscent state in the cell cycle and is used to arrest cell growth or synchronize the cell cycle. Differential display and ribonuclease protection assay were used to identify quantitative change in gene expression. Nineteen genes that showed a differential expression in the differential display were cloned and 7 clones were verified by a ribonuclease protection assay. Among the 7 clones clone-16 showed same expression pattern in comparison with the differential display. Deduced amino acid sequences of clone-16 had N-glycosylation motif and seems to be a secretory protein. Getting a full sequence of clone-16 is critical for the characterization of it.

Image Standardization and Determination of Gray Level Threshold in the Assessment of the Myocardial Fibrosis by the Computerized Image Analysis.: Nam Young Lee, Young Sik Park, Jin Haeng Chung, Jeong Wook Seo; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):494-503.

1,416 View
10 Download

Abstract: The computerized image analysis is a useful tool for the quantitative assessment of histopathologic findings. In contrast to the usual microscopic examination by pathologists, the computerization should be accompanied with the standardization process of the image. We developed an algorithm to standardize images and to determine the optimal gray level threshold, using a myocardial fibrosis model. Sirius red staining was more convenient for the image analysis than Masson's trichrome staining because of a better contrast with the surrounding structures. To get an optimal measurement, light intensity was standardized at each of the fibrosis, myocardium and background. In this study, the most promising method to determine the degree of fibrosis was that of revising the background without tissue to a gray level of 200, obtaining a green component of the color image, revising the myocardial fiber to 163, and defining a partial ratio as fibrosis index when the gray level threshold was 120. These threshold levels and parameters were determined after drawing the binarization index curves according to the change of the gray level threshold and by the morphological examination of the actual binarization figures overlaid to the original color image. Through these processes we could get a consistent result on the myocardial fibrosis and we expect a similar principle applies when we analyze color images in the histopathologic quantitation by computerized image analysis.

Histopathologic Analysis of Helicobacter pylori-associated Chronic Gastritis between cagA-positive and cagA-negative Strains.: Hun Kyung Lee, Gyeong Hoon Kang, Hwoon Yong Jung, On Ja Kim; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):504-510.

1,508 View
10 Download

Abstract: Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) leads to gastritis, but the majority of infected persons are asymptomatic, and it has been recently described that the ability of H. pylori to cause more severe disease is related to the presence of the cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA). We investigated the prevalence of cagA-bearing strains in a group of H. pylori-positive gastritis, and compared the morphologic differences between cagA-positive and cagA-negative cases on H&E stained slides. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for detection of H. pylori and cagA of 62 gastric biopsy specimens were performed. All the slides were analyzed by the updated Sydney system. Forty eight (77.4%) were PCR positive for H. pylori and thirty four (54.8%) were positive for cagA. There were no significant differences in numbers of H. pylori, degree of infiltration of mononuclear cells and degree of atrophy between cagA-positive and cagA-negative groups. The rates of neutrophilic infiltration and intestinal metaplasia were significantly higher in cagA-positive group than in cagA-negative group. In conclusion, the detection of H. pylori by PCR method is more sensitive than that of microscopic examination and H. pylori strains possessing cagA are associated with an enhanced induction of severe gastritis.

Histopathology and Mainz Classification of Renal Cell Tumors: A Histogenetic Study and DNA Content Analysis.: Yeong Jin Choi, Tae Kon Hwang, Youn Soo Lee, Byung Kee Kim, Sun Moo Kim, Sang In Shim; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):511-520.

1,710 View
10 Download

Abstract: The Mainz classification for renal cell tumors was introduced in 1986 and it's utility has been reported in several histogenetic and genetic studies of renal cell tumors. We present a study of 127 cases of renal cell tumors with clinicopathologic correlation, DNA content analysis, and histogenesis studied by histochemical and immunohistochemical staining. The 127 renal cell tumors classified by the Mainz classification were 87 clear cell, 17 chromophilic, 13 chromophobe and 3 sarcomatoid renal cell carcinomas, 5 oncocytomas and 2 adenomas. These subtypes showed significant correlation not with age, sex, Robson's stage, DNA ploidy or tumor recurrence but with nuclear grade (p=0.001) and tumor size (p=0.001). Hall's colloidal iron (p=0.002) and carbonic anhydrase II (p=0.013) stains, representing the origin of distal nephron especially of collecting duct, were significantly correlated with specific subtypes of renal cell tumors, especially chromophobe cell renal carcinoma. This study demonstrates that the Mainz classification suggests several morphologically different subtypes and variants of renal cell tumors and that some of them may have originated from the distal nephron, particularly from the collecting duct.

Prognostic Significance of PCNA Index and AgNORs Score in Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis.: Wan Seop Kim, Seung Sam Paik, Nam Hoon Kim, Moon Hyang Park, Jung Dal Lee; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):521-530.

1,475 View
10 Download

Abstract: Proliferative activity of a malignant tumor is known to reflect its biological aggressiveness. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a marker of cellular proliferation, and silver-stained nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) have been shown to correlate with ploidy and proliferative activity of cells. In transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis, the prognostic value of these markers has not been well defined. We studied PCNA expression and the AgNORs count in 22 transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis to assess their prognostic significance compared with their cumulative survival rate, the stage of disease and histopathologic features of the tumors. An immunohistochemical method and a standard colloidal silver staining were used. The mean percentage of PCNA positivity (PCNA index) and the mean number of AgNORs per nucleus (AgNORs score) were determined. In a multivariable analysis, PCNA indexes were significantly associated with tumor stage (p=0.024), whereas AgNORs scores were not significantly associated with the stage or histopatholgic features of the tumors. Histologic grade was correlated to disease stage at a significant level (p=0.000). But there was a trend of low tumor PCNA-indices or AgNORs counts with survival advantage for patients, but this did not reach statistical significance. The results suggest that the fraction of PCNA positive nuclei would be useful for investigating the malignant potential of renal pelvic cancers, although their clinical use as markers of biologic behavior may be limited.

Plastination: An Improved Method for Preservation of Pathology Specimens.: Chong Woo Yoo, Min Ho Choo, Sa Sun Cho, Sang Kook Lee, Je Geun Chi, Woo Ho Kim; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):531-534.

1,652 View
10 Download

Abstract: The gross tissue specimens are a valuable aid to the teaching of pathology and anatomy. However, traditional methods for storage and handling of them are discouragingly difficult and, recently, minimal surgical resections as well as preoperative interventions make it more difficult to have instructive gross specimens. Plastination is a process of tissue preservation by impregnation with silicone polymers or epoxy resins. The process in our study involves dehydration by cryosubstitution in aceton, defatting, forced impregnation of silicon polymer in a vacuum, curing and finishing. We submitted 40 surgically resected specimens to plastination. The resulting specimens are odorless, relatively dry, durable, life-like, non-hazardous, maintenance-free, and do not deteriorate with time. Plastinated specimens are a useful adjunct to the teaching of pathology, particularly suited for use in small groups, and appropriate method of tissue preservation. They are much preferred to wet preparation and conventional pots by both students and teachers owing to their accessibility, superior illustrative powers, and comparative ease of interpretation.

Case Reports

Ultrastructural Findings of Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies, Type IV and II.: Jai Hyang Go, Yeon Lim Suh; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):535-539.

1,365 View
10 Download

Abstract: Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSAN) are disorders of hereditary neuropathy mainly affecting sensation and also accompanying autonomic nervous system dysfunction. They are divided into five subtypes based on inheritance pattern and clinical manifestation. Among HSAN, type II is characterized by autosomal recessive inheritance, presentation at later stage of life, slow progression and mainly sensation abnormalities. The main pathology of the peripheral nerve is the absence of myelinated nerve fibers. Type IV is very rare disorder and only a few cases have been reported. It is characterized by autosomal recessive inheritance, presentation at birth as failure to thrive, retarded motor development, unexplained pyrexia and rapidly progressive and severe clinical course. The main pathology of the peripheral nerve is a loss of unmyelinated and small myelinated nerve fibers. We report two cases of type IV and one case of type II especially focusing on ultrastructural findings, which are characteristic of and diagnostic for HSAN.

Extrapulmonary Silicosis: A case report.: Won Mi Lee, Se Jin Jang, Eun Kyung Hong, Jung Dal Lee; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):540-542.

1,800 View
10 Download

Abstract: A case of extrapulmonary silicosis involving abdominal lymph nodes in a 62-year-old man is presented. The patient underwent subtotal gastrectomy and regional lymph nodes dissection for gastric adenocarcinoma of clinical stage III. On gross examination, two separate gastric adenocarcinomas and multiple enlarged lymph nodes mimicking metastatic lesion were noted. Microscopic examination of the enlaged lymph nodes revealed characteristic sclerohyaline silicotic nodules without metastatic adenocarcinoma. Chest roentgenogram showed diffusely scattered multiple tiny nodular lesions in the entire lung fields, particularly the posterior side of both upper lung fields. He had worked in a mine for 18 years and had been exposed to silica for 5 of those years. We report incidentally found, unusual case of extrapulmonary silicosis.

Hemorrhagic Pseudocyst of the Adrenal Gland: A case report.: Kyoung Mee Kim, Anhi Lee, Kyung Myung Sohn, Seung Man Park, Sang In Shim; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):543-545.

1,489 View
10 Download

Abstract: Adrenal pseudocysts are rare benign cystic lesions resulting from a hemorrhage into a normal parenchyme of the adrenal gland. Although the frequency of adrenal cysts are increasing due to improved radiologic imaging techniques, only two cases have been reported in Korean literatures. A 63-year-old man was presented with a 10-year history of a mass in the right abdomen. Abdominal computed tomogram and a magnetic resonance image study showed a 9 cm sized well defined heterogeneous low attenuated mass in the right suprarenal area. Gross examination revealed an ovoid rubbery mass measuring 10 9 8 cm and weighing 355 gm. The content of this lesion was tan to deep brown, necrotic, and creamy with myxoid areas. Histologic examination revealed compressed, thin layers of adrenal cortex embedded in the fibrous tissue, and the cystic contents were eosinophilic fibrinoid materials with a few dilated cavernous vascular spaces lined by endothelial cells.

Spermatic Cord Sarcoma: Two cases report.: Han Seong Kim, Je Geun Chi; Korean J Pathol. 1998;32(7):546-548.

1,483 View
10 Download

Abstract: Present study describes two rare spermatic cord sarcomas. The first case is leiomyosarcoma of a 56-year-old man with 3-years' history of slowly growing hard mass in the right inguinal area, measuring 8x6x5 cm. The second case is fibrosarcoma of a 39-year-old man with 3x2 cm painless right inguinal mass. Both cases underwent radical excision of mass and orchiectomy. Clinico-pathologic characteristics of spermatic cord sarcoma are discussed with literature review.

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Previous issues