Ultrastructure of Choriocarcinoma in Vitro

Growth of cell system (BeWo-cell line) derived from human gestational choriocarcinoma has been established and continuously maintained in-vitro. Furthermore, it is evident from the previous studies that this cell line has retained the physiological function of the placental trophoblasts, namely the synthesis of human chorionic gonadotrophil(HCG).The BeWo cells were relatively small and possessed single nuclei, thus indicating that this cell line consists exclusively of cytotrophoblasts. In some instances cells appeared widely separated and their lateral surfaces were provided with numerous microvilli (Fig.1).</jats:p

Differentiation of malignant mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare tumor arising predominantly from either the visceral or parietal pleura or peritoneal surfaces. It primarily effects individuals between 45 and 75 years. of age and asbestos is felt to be the single most important etiologic agent. Studies suggest that the incidence of MM is increasing perhaps at a rate of as high as 13% per year. The diagnosis of MM can be difficult and is often complicated by the tumors similarity to metastatic adenocarcinoma, both in it's microscopic appearance and to some extent clinical course.In this particular study the immunohistochemical properties of 22 malignant mesotheliomas (20 pleural and two peritoneal) are compared with 20 pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Each tissue was examined using monoclonal antibodies to wide-spectrum cytokeratin, CEA, Leu-M1 and B72.3. Extensive asbestos exposure was identified in all but 1 of the mesothelioma cases. The cases of peritoneal MM were found to have a history of chrysctile exposure only (Fig.1). Distant metastases were present in four cases of MM.</jats:p

Type VI Glycogenosis

Type VI glycogenosis is characterized by the phosphorylase deficiency in the liver and as a result of this inborn defect massive glycogen deposits occur in the liver. This report describes the findings of electron microscopic and biochemical analyses of liver and leukocytes from four children affected by Type VI glycogenosis.The most striking findings in the liver were large pools of cytoplasmic glycogen. These deposits consisted of monoparticulate glycogen with admixture of glycogen rosettes (Fig. 1). In the majority of hepatocytes, the cytoplasm was almost completely occupied by glycogen deposits, deeply embedded in which were few cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria, lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum. Except for the presence of a few giant mitochondria with highly developed cristae and tubules, cytoplasmic organelles were normal in appearance.</jats:p

Comparison of Choriocarcinoma and Normal Placenta

Two different cell lines (Be-Wo and Jar) of human gestational choriocarcinoma have been maintained in continuous tissue culture for a period of four and two years respectively without losing the ability to elaborate human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Tissue cultures, as revealed by electron microscopy, consisted of small cells with single nuclei. In some instances cell surfaces were provided with microvilli but more often the intercellular spaces were narrow and bridged by desmosomes. However, syncytium was not formed. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was poorly developed in both cell lines, except in some Be-Wo cells it was prominent. Golgi complex, lysosomes and numerous free ribosomes, as well as excessive cytoplasmic glycogen, were present in all cells (Fig. 1). Glycogen depletion and concomitant increase of ER were observed in many cells following a single dose of 10 ugm/ml of adrenalin added to medium (Fig. 2).</jats:p

Immune-complex Disease in Guinea Pig Lungs: I. Elicitation by Aerosol Challenge, Suppression with Cobra Venom Factor, and Passive Transfer with Serum

Immune-complex disease was elicited in the lungs of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs following an aerosol challenge with specific antigen. An acute inflammatory reaction, characterized by peribronchial polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, edema, and hemorrhage, was observed 2 hr following aerosol challenge. This focal reaction developed into a diffuse reaction within 6 to 12 hr postchallenge. By 24 hr postchallenge, the acute inflammatory process had begun to resolve. The active disease was suppressed with cobra venom factor and was transferred to normal guinea pigs with immune serum