Morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of a cell line originated from noninvasive human bladder transitional-cell carcinoma.

A cell line (IG) was derived from a noninvasive transitional cell carcinoma grade II. The cells were propagated in vitro for 9 months, had a low proliferative capacity, formed tumor nodules, and showed four characteristic morphological stages. Primary epithelial-like cells were characterized as stage I; fibroblast-like cells with loss of contact inhibition of growth as stage II; fibroblast-like cells with long cytoplasmic projections, massive glycosaminoglycan content and tumor nodule formation as stage III; and, as stage IV, granulated stellate cells.

Common characteristics of primary cell cultures originated from invasive urothelial carcinoma.

Ten primary cultures from invasive urothelial carcinomas were studied by light and electron microscopy. In all cultures, cells with accumulations of glycosaminoglycans were observed. Long membrane extensions with accumulations of glycosaminoglycans invaded neighboring cells and formed an extracellular matrix as well.

Construction of transferrin-coated liposomes for in vivo transport of exogenous DNA to bone marrow erythroblasts in rabbits.

A method for coating liposomes with transferrin is described. Such liposomes have been used for carrying exogenous DNA to rabbit bone marrow (BM) precursor cells, in vivo. A large amount of the DNA contained in the liposomes was delivered specifically into the erythroblasts of the test animals.

Effectiveness of intravenous Augmentin in the treatment of thalassaemic patients with Yersinia enterocolitica infection.

Four thalassaemic patients with severe Yersinia enterocolitica infection were treated effectively with Augmentin. In three patients initial treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin was not effective. Augmentin was well tolerated and no toxic effects were detected on biochemical and haematological follow-up.