[Once again: theoretical pathology].

Theoretical pathology refers to the attempt to reintroduce methodical approaches from the humanities, philosophical logic and "gestalt philosophy" into medical research and pathology. Diseases, in particular disease entities and more complex polypathogenetic mechanisms of disease, have a "gestalt quality" due to the significance of their pathophysiologic coherence: they have a "gestalt". The Research group Theoretical Pathology at the Academy of Science in Heidelberg are credited with having revitalized the philosophical notion of "gestalt" for morphological and pathological diagnostics.

Drebrin, an actin-binding, cell-type characteristic protein: induction and localization in epithelial skin tumors and cultured keratinocytes.

Isoform E2 of drebrin, an actin-binding protein originally identified in neuronal cells, has recently been identified in diverse non-neuronal cells, mostly in association with cell processes and intercellular junctions. Here, we report on the presence of drebrin in normal human skin, epithelial skin cancers, and cultured keratinocytes. Keratinocytes of normal epidermis contain almost no drebrin but the protein is readily seen in hair follicles.

Phosphorylation of the gap junction protein Connexin43 in CIN III lesions and cervical carcinomas.

Connexins are proteins that form the connexons, gap junction structures, which allow cells to communicate. Phosphorylation of connexins has been found to impair this communication. Using an antibody specifically recognizing the S279/S282-phosphorylated form of connexin43 (Cx43) for immunohistochemistry, we have analysed Cx43 phosphorylation in normal epithelium, CIN III lesions, and carcinomas of the cervix.