Effects of culture passages on collagen immunostaining in human dental pulp and gingival fibroblasts.

In this study, a scanning microscopic computer-assisted image analysis system was used for the immunocytochemical characterisation of collagen types I, III and V in normal human fibroblasts from pulp and gingival explants, using specific purified antibodies and peroxidase labeling. The culture conditions were standardized in order to evaluate simultaneously the expression of the three antigens in four different culture passages of the two fibroblast types. The optical density values of immunostaining intensities were quantified, the integrated optical density per cell was calculated, and the results were analyzed by a variance test.

[Laser therapy in the prevention and treatment of mucositis caused by anticancer chemotherapy].

The appearance of mucositis is a frequent and painful secondary effect of anticancer chemotherapy. Patients who develop oral toxicity during the first course of treatment will almost assuredly show identical side effects during each subsequent course unless the drugs are changed or the doses are lowered. In the absence of an efficacious antidote or preventive prophylaxis for such lesions to date, this report presents the results of a preliminary retrospective non-randomized study of the effect of soft-laser treatments on mucositis in cancer patients receiving combination chemotherapy, including 5-fluorouracil.

Relationship between cathepsin D, urokinase, and plasminogen activator inhibitors in malignant vs benign breast tumours.

The concentrations of cathepsin D (Cath D), urokinase (uPA) and two plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAI-1 and PAI-2) were analysed in the cytosols of 130 human mammary tumours (43 benign tumours and 87 primary and unilateral breast carcinomas). uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 levels were measured by antigenic immunoassays and Cath D by immunoradiometric assay. The median levels of the four parameters were significantly higher in the malignant tumours than in the benign ones.

Modulation of tPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 antigen and mRNA levels by EGF in the A431 cell line.

It has been reported that EGF treatment enhances uPA but not tPA in the A431 epidermoid carcinoma cell line. To determine whether the absence of tPA modulation by EGF could be due to the action of inhibitors, we assayed tPA, PAI-1, PAI-2 and tPA/PAI-1 complexes by immunological assays and zymography in A431 serum-free medium. We found that, under conditions in which EGF had no effect on tPA activity, tPA antigen increased with a concomitant rise of tPA/PAI-1 complexes, indicating the action of an inhibitor.

Concomitant secretion by A431 cells of tissue plasminogen activator and a specific inhibitor masks EGF modulation of tPA activity.

It has previously been reported that EGF enhances uPA but not tPA in the A431 squamous carcinoma cell line. To determine whether the absence of tPA modulation by EGF reflected steady levels or the action of an anti-activator, we assayed tPA, PAI-1 and tPA/PAI-1 complexes by zymography and immunological assays. Under conditions in which EGF had no effect on tPA activity, tPA antigen paradoxically increased with a concomitant rise of tPA/PAI-1 complexes.

Helium-neon laser treatment transforms fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.

The differentiation of myofibroblastic cells from normal human gingival fibroblasts in vitro has been established by transmission electron microscopy and quantitated by immunohistochemistry, using antigelsolin monoclonal antibodies. Untreated control cultures were compared to cultures exposed to Helium-Neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation. A direct and massive transformation of the cultured fibroblasts into myofibroblasts was observed as early as 24 hours after laser treatment, whereas control cultures were comprised of only resting fibroblasts and active fibroblasts.

[Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of two capping materials: in vitro cell culture study].

Evaluation of the biocompatibility of a crown reconstruction material in vivo on human teeth by histologic observation of pulpal reactions is a long lasting and expensive procedure. Before to start it, a first examination can be done by testing the material on cell cultures. If the used culture cells contain antibiotics, it is necessary to combine these tests with a bacteriologic examination of the tested material.

Toward a new approach in tumor cell heterogeneity studies using the concept of order.

A new methodology was developed to study dynamic processes topographically in biological systems by means of a graph-theoretical method. It is based upon order parameters obtained from a minimal spanning tree analysis coupled with computer simulations. The method was used to analyse the heterogeneous behavior of two neoplastic cell lines after treatment with laminin.

Modulation of plasminogen activator systems by matrix components in two breast cancer cell lines: MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.

We have analyzed the plasminogen activator (PA) systems of two metastatic breast adenocarcinoma cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, as a function of 17 beta-estradiol stimulation when the cells were cultured on purified components of extracellular matrix. Laminin enhanced PA levels in both cell lines, but this enhancement seemed to occur via different mechanisms, including dissociation of inhibitor complexes. The major effect was the marked increase in cell-associated urokinase-type PA (u-PA); the increase was independent of estrogen in hormone-insensitive MDA-MB-231 cells grown on laminin-coated surfaces.

[Dosage and modulation of cutaneous steroid receptors during antihormonal therapy in a case of Stewart-Treves syndrome].

We report a case with clinical symptoms of a Stewart-Treves syndrome 2 years after homolateral mastectomy for carcinoma. The mammary origin of the syndrome was found at histology and confirmed by assays of hormone receptors in skin biopsies before and during anti-hormone therapy. This treatment rapidly attenuated the clinical signs of both the lymphedema and the pseudo-Kaposi cutaneous lesions.

[Breast tissue: estrogen receptors. Immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis of normal and hyperplastic tissue and carcinoma in situ. Apropos of 86 cases].

Estrogen receptors (ER) were investigated using immunohistochemical techniques in 54 cases and biochemical techniques in 38 cases on a series of biopsy specimens of normal, hyperplasic and malignant mammary tissue (intraductal carcinoma). Immunohistochemical data were submitted to quantitative and semi-quantitative analysis (SAMBA 200, TITN). On normal tissue, immunostaining is bright and evenly distributed in galactophores and ductulo-lobular junctions; it is unevenly distributed but consistently present in lobules and increasing after menopause.

Estradiol membrane binding sites on human breast cancer cell lines. Use of a fluorescent estradiol conjugate to demonstrate plasma membrane binding systems.

A fluorescent estradiol macromolecular complex was used to study and to characterize steroid binding to membranes of living target cells. Ligand binding to plasma membranes was quantitated with a sensitivity of 0.1 nM.

Early alterations at the plasma membrane of breast cancer cell lines in response to estradiol and hydroxytamoxifen.

The time course of the early stage of estradiol-17 beta (E2) and hydroxytamoxifen (OHTAM) action at the plasma membrane of hormone-responsive MCF-7 and non-responsive MDA-MB-231 (MDA) breast cancer cell lines was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe X-ray microanalysis and microelectrophysiology analysis. SEM showed a marked increase in the density and the length of microvilli (MV) on MCF-7 cells treated with 1 nM estradiol for 1 min. This membrane response disappeared at 5 min.

Estrogen receptor immunocytochemical assay (ER-ICA): computerized image analysis system, immunoelectron microscopy, and comparisons with estradiol binding assays in 115 breast carcinomas.

An estrogen receptor (ER) immunocytochemical assay (ER-ICA) was applied to 115 malignant breast carcinomas and the results were compared to those of steroid binding assays performed on cytosol extracts of the same tumors. Immunoperoxidase (peroxidase-antiperoxidase) staining was performed on frozen sections using rat monoclonal antibody to estrogen receptor H222SP gamma. A preembedding method was used for the immunoelectron microscopy study.

Immunohistochemical detection of laminin in 98 human breast carcinomas: a light and electron microscopic study.

The distribution of laminin was studied in 98 breast carcinomas with antilaminin and the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Laminin was observed within vascular and epithelial basement membranes. Laminin displayed a continuous linear pattern in intraductal carcinomas, and it was heterogeneously distributed, with a discontinuous linear pattern, in invasive carcinomas.

Estrogen receptor immunocytochemical assay (ERICA) and laminin detection in 130 breast carcinomas and computerized (Samba 200) multiparametric quantitative analysis on tissue sections.

An estrogen receptor immunocytochemical assay (ER-ICA) was applied to 130 malignant breast carcinomas and the results were compared to those of steroid binding assays performed on cytosol extracts of the same tumors. Also laminin (lam) distribution was studied in the same tumors. A semi quantitative analysis and a computerized image analysis system (SAMBA 200 TITN) were used to evaluate the positive ER and lam immunostaining.

Estrogen receptor immunocytochemical assay (ER-ICA) in human endometrium.

An estrogen receptor immunocytochemical assay (ER-ICA) was applied to 15 tissue samples from human endometrium: five proliferative, five secretory, three carcinomas, and two atypical hyperplasias. A monoclonal anti-ER (H 222 SP gamma, Abbott Lab.) and peroxidase antiperoxidase method were applied on frozen sections, 5 micron thick for light microscopy (LM), 100 micron thick for electron microscopy (preembedding).

Localization of lactoferrin and nonspecific cross-reacting antigen in human breast carcinomas. An immunohistochemical study using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method.

A retrospective immunocytochemical study was performed on 67 human breast carcinomas to determine whether the epithelial cell-associated antigens, lactoferrin and nonspecific cross-reacting antigen (NCA), could be used as markers in the prognostic assessment of breast cancers. Fixed paraffin sections were tested with anti-lactoferrin and anti-NCA. Lactoferrin and NCA were found in 7.

Laminin distribution in human decidua and immature placenta. An immunoelectron microscopic study (avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method).

An immunoelectron microscopic study was carried out on human placenta and decidua with the use of preembedding, the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique, and rabbit anti-murine laminin antibody. Laminin was detected in the lamina lucida of basement membrane of placental villi, amniotic membranes, umbilical cord, endometrial glands, and blood vessels. No positive laminin immunostaining was observed in intracytoplasmic organelles.

[Invasion, metastases of solid tumors. Interaction of tumor cells with tissue and vascular basement membranes].

Since early antiquity malignant tumors have been recognized and characterized by: 1) their particular local-regional invasive properties. Developing irregularly from the primary tumor mass, the invasion of adjacent tissues often displays classical crab-like images which distinguish, macroscopically and microscopically, malignant tumors from benign tumors. 2) their metastatic capacities.

Immunocytochemical antigens detection in human breast carcinomas: a light and electron microscopy study using avidin biotin peroxidase and preembedding method.

An immunohistochemical study was carried out on a human breast carcinoma series with the aim to delineate the technical approach to distinguish the epithelial cells from stromal nonepithelial cells in the primary tumor and in cultured tumor cells. Frozen sections from 30 unfixed breast carcinomas were incubated with mouse monoclonal antiepithelial cell membrane antibodies and then with a biotinilizated antimouse antibody and the avidin biotin peroxidase complex (ABC). Thick (100 micron) sections from fresh, unfixed tissue were similarly treated prior to the araldite embedding procedure for EM study.

[Immunocytochemical detection of laminin by light and electron microscopy: study of changes in the basement membrane in tumor pathology].

A wide range of normal human tissue samples including cervix, endometrium, thyroid, pancreas, parotid, breast, placenta, gastric mucosae, striated muscle were compared with tumorous and non tumorous disorders (thyroiditis, Graves disease, follicular adenoma, thyroid carcinomas, breast cystic disease, fibroadenoma, adenosis, breast carcinomas) using anti-laminin and Avidin Biotin Peroxidase complex method on frozen sections (light microscopy study) and vibratome cut 100 micrometer-thick-sections (electron microscopy study). It was shown that laminin was located in the lamina densa of basement membranes (BM) in normal human tissue and visible on BM like structures around decidua cells, BM were abnormally thick and often multilayered but continuous and laminin positive in intraductal breast carcinomas and well differentiated follicular carcinomas of thyroid, in invasive carcinomas laminin immunostaining displayed an heterogeneous pattern with disruptions and even may completely disappeared, in tumor stroma, blood vessels BM had a laminin abnormal staining with a multilayered pattern. Since laminin is involved in cell attachment to basement membrane through specific receptors to laminin and to biochemical components of modified interstitium found in tumorous disorders, laminin immunohistochemical detection constitutes a valuable method for a better understanding of tumor cells diffusion and metastases development.