Immunocytochemical Study (immunocytochemical + study)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Immunocytochemical study of activin type IB receptor (XALK4) in Xenopus oocytes

DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 2 2003
Akimasa Fukui
Studies have shown that the activin type IB receptor is specific for activin/nodal signaling. Activin is produced by follicle cells in the ovary, and is incorporated into the oocytes. Antisera against three peptides were prepared, encompassing the extracellular, intracellular and serine/threonine kinase domains of the Xenopus type IB activin receptor (XALK4). Immunocytochemistry was done using these antisera to investigate the distribution of XALK4 in the Xenopus ovary. All three antisera stained the mitochondrial cloud of Xenopus previtellogenic oocytes. Purified antibody against the intracellular domain also recognized the mitochondrial cloud. Immunoelectron microscopy localized XALK4 on the endoplasmic reticulum of the mitochondrial cloud, although not on mitochondria. [source]


Immunocytochemical study of the expression of mesothelin in fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
Amy C. Baruch M.D.
Abstract Mesothelin is a potential marker of pancreatic adenocarcinoma that was recently identified by serial analysis of gene expression. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of mesothelin as a marker of pancreatic adenocarcinoma on destained Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and unstained cellblocks from 28 patients using a monoclonal antibody to mesothelin. Intensity and proportion of staining was semiquantitatively graded on a scale of 1,3, and as 0%, 1 to <10%, 10,50%, or >50%. Positive staining for mesothelin was seen in 64% of the direct smears and in 36% of cell block sections. Focal positivity for mesothelin was noted in benign pancreatic tissue in one of 10 cases. Staining was most often focal (<50% of cells) in both direct smears and cell block sections. The overall sensitivity and specificity of mesothelin as a marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma were 68% and 90%, respectively. Sensitivity was higher in Pap smears than in cell block sections (64% versus 36%). The presence of occasional mesothelin expression in benign tissue, its very focal expression in malignant tissue may limit the utility of mesothelin as a marker of pancreatic adenocarcinomas in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:143,147. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Involvement of , protein kinase C in estrogen-induced neuroprotection against focal brain ischemia through G protein-coupled estrogen receptor

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2005
Shigeto Hayashi
Abstract The neuroprotective effects of estrogen were studied in the ischemic model mice by 90 min transient unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 22.5 h reperfusion. The total infarct size in C57BL/6 female mice after MCAO and reperfusion was significantly smaller than that in male mice. Intraperitoneal injection of estrogen after the start of reperfusion significantly reduced the infarct volume in the male mice. However, no significant gender difference was found in total infarct size in , protein kinase C (PKC)-knockout mice, suggesting that the neuroprotective effects of estrogen are due to the activation of a specific subtype of PKC, ,PKC, a neuron-specific PKC subtype, in the brain. We demonstrated that exogenous estrogen-induced neuroprotection was attenuated in ,PKC-knockout mice. Immunocytochemical study showed that ,PKC was translocated to nerve fiber-like structures when observed shortly after MCAO and reperfusion. We also visualized the rapid and reversible translocation of ,PKC-GFP (green fluorescent protein) by estrogen stimulation in living CHO-K1 cells. These results suggest that the activation of ,PKC through the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptors on the plasma membrane is involved in the estrogen-induced neuroprotection against focal brain ischemia. [source]


Fractional CO2 laser: a novel therapeutic device upon photobiomodulation of tissue remodeling and cytokine pathway of tissue repair

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 2009
F. Prignano
ABSTRACT Minimally ablative fractional laser devices have gained acceptance as a preferred method for skin resurfacing. Notable improvements in facial rhytides, photodamage, acne scarring, and skin laxity have been reported. The aim of the present work was to compare how different CO2 laser fluences, by modulating the secretory pathway of cytokines, are able to influence the wound-healing process, and how these fluences are associated with different clinical results. Eighteen patients, all with photodamaged skin, were treated using a fractional CO2 laser (SmartXide DOT, Deka M.E.L.A., Florence, Italy) with varying laser fluences (2.07, 2.77, and 4.15 J/cm2). An immunocytochemical study was performed at defined end points in order to obtain information about specific cytokines of the microenvironment before and after treatment. The secretory pathway of cytokines changed depending on the re-epithelization and the different laser fluences. Different but significant improvements in wrinkles, skin texture, and hyperpigmentation were definitely obtained when using 2.07, 2.77, and 4.15 J/cm2, indicating fractional CO2 laser as a valuable tool in photorejuvenation with good clinical results, rapid downtime, and an excellent safety profile. [source]


Secretory activity in medullary thyroid carcinoma: A cytomorphological and immunocytochemical study

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2007
D.Sc., Dilip K. Das M.B.B.S., F.R.C.Path., Ph.D.
Abstract Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a relatively rare thyroid malignancy of C-cell origin that secretes calcitonin. Although its varied cytomorphologic features are well described in literature, very little is mentioned about the morphologic manifestation of its secretory activity. This study, based on nine fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples from eight MTC patients, is an attempt to present the varied cytomorphologic features suggesting secretory activity in MTC as observed in Papanicolaou and MGG stained FNA smears and correlate them with the immunocytochemical (ICC) staining for calcitonin performed on FNA smears and the serum calcitonin values. The average number of cells in these nine samples was as follows: oval/triangular/plasmacytoid (56.7%), small round (23.6%), spindle-shaped (12.7%), and miscellaneous (7.1%). The cytomorphological features suggesting secretory activity, viz., fine cytoplasmic vacuoles, azurophillic granules, marginal vacuoles, and intracytoplasmic lumina (ICL) with secretions were present in eight, eight, five, and six samples, respectively. Material likely to be amyloid, based on morphological features, was present extracellularly in three samples and both intracellularly and extracellularly in six samples. Immunocytochemically, all the nine samples stained for calcitonin and all the three stained for chromogranin showed positive cytoplasmic reaction in the neoplstic cells. The background amyloid (in six samples), the coarse cytoplasmic granules (in two samples), and the contents of ICL (in one sample) were found to be positively stained for calcitonin. The intracytoplasmic secretory material appeared to be diffusing out of some cells both in the routine MGG stained smears and in the smears stained for calcitonin. Histopathology reports of seven samples in six patients confirmed the cytodiagnosis of MTC in all. Baseline serum calcitonin values in three cases and postoperative serum calcitonin levels during follow-up in three others were high. Thus, our study highlighted the morphological manifestations of secretory activity in MTC and the nature of secretory material as calcitonin, supported by immunocytochemical staining and serum calcitonin level. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:329,337. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Comparison of three cytologic preparation methods and immunocytochemistries to distinguish adenocarcinoma cells from reactive mesothelial cells in serous effusion

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
(I.A.C.), Junko Ueda Ph.D.
Abstract We assessed whether a panel of seven antibodies is useful in the differentiation of adenocarcinoma cells (ACCs) from reactive mesothelial cells (RMCs) in effusion samples and to determine optimal specimen preparation conditions for immunocytochemical analysis of effusion samples. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed on three types of effusion preparations from the same effusion specimens: ethanol-fixed smears, ethanol-fixed cell -blocks, and formalin-fixed cell-blocks. Commercially available antibodies MOC-31, Ber-EP4, CA19-9, CEA, EMA, CA125, and HBME-1 were tested on RMCs from four samples of various etiology and 15 samples of adenocarcinoma from various primary sites. Ethanol-fixed smears showed strong immunoreactivity to all antibodies tested. The immunoreactivity of ethanol-fixed and formalin-fixed cell-blocks was significantly lower with all antibodies except CA19-9. Smear preparations are more sensitive than cell-blocks for immunocytochemical study. A panel of antibodies MOC-31, Ber-EP4, CA19-9, and CEA appears to be suitable to distinguish between ACCs and RMCs. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006;34:6,10. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Human mast cells express androgen receptors but treatment with testosterone exerts no influence on IgE-independent mast cell degranulation elicited by neuromuscular blocking agents

EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
WenChieh Chen
Please cite this paper as: Human mast cells express androgen receptors but treatment with testosterone exerts no influence on IgE-independent mast cell degranulation elicited by neuromuscular blocking agents. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 302,304. Abstract:, Women predominate in the anaphylactic reactions to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA). The expression of oestrogen receptors has been demonstrated in mast cells and oestrogen treatment can enhance mast cell degranulation, but the influence of androgens remains largely unclear. Our immunocytochemical study showed the expression of androgen receptor (AR) in mast cells isolated from human foreskin as well as in two human mast cell lines, HMC-1 and LAD2. The amount of AR was most abundant in human skin mast cells as determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Treatment of the HMC-1 mast cells with testosterone or 17,-oestradiol, alone or in combination with different NMBA, did not affect mast cell degranulation as measured by the release of ,-hexosaminidase. Our study shows for the first time the expression of AR in human skin mast cells. Further studies using primary human mast cell cultures are needed to understand whether and how sex hormones can influence mast cell activation. [source]


Immunocytochemical investigation of immune cells within human primary and permanent tooth pulp

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 1 2006
H. D. RODD
Summary. Aim., The aim of this study was to determine whether there are any differences in the number and distribution of immune cells within human primary and permanent tooth pulp, both in health and disease. Design., The research took the form of a quantitative immunocytochemical study. One hundred and twenty-four mandibular first permanent molars and second primary molars were obtained from children requiring dental extractions under general anaesthesia. Following exodontia, 10-µm-thick frozen pulp sections were processed for indirect immunofluorescence. Triple-labelling regimes were employed using combinations of the following: (1) protein gene product 9·5, a general neuronal marker; (2) leucocyte common antigen (LCA); and (3) Ulex europaeus I lectin, a marker of vascular endothelium. Image analysis was then used to determine the percentage area of immunostaining for LCA. Results., Leucocytes were significantly more abundant in the pulp horn and mid-coronal region of intact and carious primary teeth, as compared to permanent teeth (P < 0·05, anova). Both dentitions demonstrated the presence of well-localized inflammatory cell infiltrates and marked aborization of pulpal nerves in areas of dense leucocyte accumulation. Conclusions., Primary and permanent tooth pulps appear to have a similar potential to mount inflammatory responses to gross caries The management of the compromised primary tooth pulp needs to be reappraised in the light of these findings. [source]


Immunocytochemical studies of the gonadotropic cells in the pituitary gland of male mullet, Mugil cephalus, during the annual reproductive cycle in both natural habitat and captivity

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 3 2000
M. A. Mousa
Summary Using antiserum specific for the , subunit of coho salmon gonadotropic hormone II (GTH II), an immunocytochemical study of Mugil cephalus (L.) pituitaries was conducted during the annual reproductive cycle of the male in both natural habitat and captivity. The gonadotropic potency of the pituitary gland in general underwent an obvious increase during testicular development, reaching a peak at the time of reproductive maturity. During the testicular cycle of M. cephalus, the GTH cells showed an increase in immunoreactive staining intensity, granulation, hypertrophy and hyperplasia during sexual maturation. However, degranulation, vacuolization, and weakened immunoreactivity of these cells occurred during spawning. The GTH cells in the pituitary gland of M. cephalus males reared in captivity appeared with high synthetic and secretory activity but the reproductive activity declined, as reflected in the form of low values of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and earlier resorption of the testes. [source]


Colocalization of GABA and glycine in the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus in rat: An in situ hybridization and semiquantitative immunocytochemical study

THE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY, Issue 4 2001
Raquel Riquelme
Abstract We have studied by in situ hybridization for GAD65 mRNA in thick sections and by semiquantitative postembedding immunocytochemistry in consecutive semithin sections, the expression of ,-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine in cell bodies and axosomatic puncta of the rat ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL), a prominent monaural brainstem auditory structure. The in situ hybridization and the densitometric analysis of the immunostaining suggest that the rat VNLL contains two main populations of neurons. Approximately one-third of neurons are unstained with either technique and are presumably excitatory; their cell bodies are enveloped by a large number of glycine-immunoreactive puncta. Most if not all of the remaining two-thirds colocalize GABA and glycine and are assumed to be inhibitory. These two populations show a complementary distribution within the VNLL, with inhibitory neurons located mainly ventrally and excitatory neurons dorsally. In scatterplots of gray values measured from cell bodies, the double-labeled cells appear to form a single cluster in terms of their staining intensities for the two transmitter candidates. However, this cluster may have to be further subdivided because cells with extreme GABA/glycine ratios differ from those with average ratios with respect to location or size. The VNLL seems unique among auditory structures by its large number of neurons that colocalize GABA and glycine. Although the functional significance of this colocalization remains unknown, our results suggest that the VNLL exerts convergent excitatory and inhibitory influences over the inferior colliculus, which may underlie the timing processing in the auditory midbrain. J. Comp. Neurol. 432:409,424, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Pax-7 Immunoreactivity in the Post-natal Chicken Central Nervous System

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 6 2003
D. H. Shin
Summary In this immunocytochemical study on the constitutive expression of Pax-7 protein in the postnatal chicken brain, Pax-7 showed region and cell type specific expression. In the optic tectum, only cells in grey matter showed positive immunoreactivities (IRs), whereas those in the white matters did not show any IRs. In thalamic nuclei and several pontine nuclei, we also localized Pax-7 positive IRs. On the contrary, in the cerebellum, Pax-7 was mainly localized within the Bergmann glia, whereas Purkinje cells did not show any IRs. In double immunolabelling studies, most of the Pax-7 IRs did not originate from neuroglial cells such as oligodendrocytes, microglia or astrocytes, but from neurons, with the exception of Bergmann glia in the cerebellum. The presence of Pax-7 IRs in the adult chicken brain could suggest that Pax-7 might play a role in maintaining normal physiological function in some postnatal chicken brain cells. [source]


Light and ultrastructural immunocytochemical study of somatotropic cells (GH cells) in ovine adenohypophysis: lactation and weaning influences

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 1 2000
A. Bernabé
The influence of lactation period and weaning on the distribution, number, and structure of somatotropic cells (GH cells) in ewes was studied using immunocytochemical procedures for light and electron microscopy, as well as morphometric and stereological techniques. The adenohypophyseal gland of 12 ewes of the Segureńa breed in different stages of milk production and weaning was studied, while three ewes in anoestrus served as controls. The size of secretory granules was heterogeneous in all stages, suggesting that this characteristic is not related to functional activity. During lactation and weaning the size of GH cells decreased, while the number of ,synthesis cells' increased. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex appeared more developed and small secretory granules showed lower gold particle labelling. These data suggest that GH cells are more active during lactation, particularly during late lactation. [source]