Esophageal Mast Cell Infiltration in a 32-Year-Old Woman with Noncardiac Chest Pain

Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is one of the most common esophageal symptoms and lacks a clearly defined mechanism. The most common cause of NCCP is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). One of the accepted mechanisms of NCCP in a patient without GERD has been altered visceral sensitivity. Mast cells may play a role in visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome. In this case, a patient with NCCP and dysphagia who was unresponsive to proton pump inhibitor treatment had an increased esophageal mast cell infiltration and responded to 14 days of antihistamine and antileukotriene treatment. We suggest that there may be a relationship between esophageal symptoms such as NCCP and esophageal mast cell infiltration.

Dose-Response and Time-Course of a-Tocoferol Mediating the Cytoprotection Of Dental Pulp Cells Against Hydrogen Peroxide

This in vitro study evaluated the potential protective effect of vitamin E alpha-tocopherol (α-T) isomer against the toxicity of hydrogen peroxide (HP) applied on dental pulp cells. Odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells were seeded on 96-well plates for 72 h, treated with different concentrations of α-T (1, 3, 5, and 10 mM) for different times (1, 4, 8, and 24 h) and then exposed or not to a 0.018% HP solution for 30 min. In positive and negative control groups, cells were exposed to HP or culture medium (DMEM containing 5% DMSO), respectively. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay and the absorbance numeric data, expressed as percentage values, were subjected to the statistical analysis by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (α=5%). Considering the cells in the negative control as having 100% of cell viability, all combinations of α-T concentrations and pretreatment times showed a protective effect against HP cytotoxicity. Significant reduction of cell viability (59%) was observed in the positive control compared with the negative control. The highest values of pulp cell viability were obtained after pretreatment with 1 and 3 mM α-T concentrations for 24 h followed by exposure to HP (126% and 97% of cell viability, respectively). Under the tested conditions, the most effective cell protection against the cytotoxic effects of HP was provided by the lowest concentrations of α-T (1 and 3 mM) applied for 24 h.

Neste estudo, foi avaliado o potencial protetor do isômero alfa-tocoferol da vitamina E (-T) contra a ação tóxica do peróxido de hidrogênio (PH) aplicado sobre células pulpares. Células odontoblastóides MDPC-23 foram semeadas em placas de 96 compartimentos por 72 h, tratadas com diferentes concentrações de α-T (1, 3, 5 e 10 mM) por diferentes períodos (1, 4, 8 e 24 h) e, então, expostas ou não a uma solução com 0,0018% de PH por 30 min. Nos controles positivo e negativo, as células foram expostas ao PH ou meio de cultura (DMEM contendo 5% de DMSO), respectivamente. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada pelo teste do MTT e os valores numéricos de absorbância, expressos em porcentagem, foram submetidos a análise estatística pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney (α=5%). Considerando as células do grupo controle negativo como apresentando 100% de viabilidade celular, todas as combinações de α-T, nas diferentes concentrações, e tempos de pré-tratamento demonstraram um efeito protetor contra a citotoxicidade do PH. Redução significativa da viabilidade (59%) foi observada para o grupo controle positivo comparado ao controle negativo. Os maiores valores de viabilidade celular foram obtidos após pré-tratamento com 1 e 3 mM de α-T por 24 h seguido de exposição ao PH (126% e 97% de viabilidade celular, respectivamente). Assim, de acordo com as condições experimentais, o efeito protetor mais efetivo contra os efeitos tóxicos do PH foi observado para as menores concentrações de α-T (1 e 3 mM) aplicado por 24 h.

The effects of cadmium chloride on the oesophagus of rats / Efecto del cloruro de cadmio sobre el esófago de ratas

Cadmium Chloride (CdC1) is a teratogen which is commonly used in industry. Although it is well known to cause toxicity in testes, kidney, heart and liver, few studies have been carried out in the digestive system. In the present study the effects of CdC1 on the esophagus of rats were investigated Wistar albino rats weighing 180 ­ 200 g were used. The animals were divided into two groups; one group was administered 2 mg/kg/day CdC1 intraperitoneally for one week. Esophagus was removed and placed in 10 percent formaline. Sections were stained with Hematoxylene-Eosine and observed under light microscopy. Hyperplasia in the epithelium, an increase in fibrotic cells under epithelium, hemorrhage in vessels, free floating erythrocytes were all observed following fetal exposure. In conclusion and most importantly, cadmium chloride was found to cause an increase in connective tissue in esophagus mucosa.

El cloruro de cadmio (CdCl2) es una sustancia teratogénica utilizada en la industria. Aunque es conocido por causar toxicidad en testículos, riñones, corazón e hígado, pocos estudios se han realizado en el sistema digestivo. Se estudió el efecto del CdCl2 en el esófago de ratas. Fueron utilizadas 24 ratas Wistar albinas de180-200 g. Los animales fueron divididos en dos grupos: a un grupo se le administró 2 mg/kg/día de CdCl2 vía intraperitoneal durante una semana, y un grupo control. Luego, el esófago fue extraído y fijado en formalina al 10 por ciento. Las secciones fueron teñidas con H-E, examinándose al microscopio óptico. Se observó después de la exposición fetal, hiperplasia epitelial, con un aumento en las células fibróticas en el epitelio y hemorragia en los vasos sin eritrocitos flotantes. Es importante destacar que el cloruro de cadmio causó incremento en el tejido fibroso de la mucosa esofágica.

The granulopoietic organs of the narrow nose smooth hound: a light and electron microscopic study

Los elasmobraquios son modelos naturales espontáneos importantes para el estudio de la hemopoyesis, dado que tienen disecados naturalmente los distintos microambientes inductores. Describimos la microarquitectura y la morfología celular de las dos estructuras granulopoyéticas principales de Mustelus schmitti (Springer, 1936): los órganos epigonal y de Leydi; además semicuantificamos los distintos compartimientos hemopoyéticos. Las células mieloides pertenecen a tres líneas diferentes y las principales células no mieloides son linfocitos, macrófagos y células reticulares. No se encontraron focos eritroides ni trombocitoides en ninguno de los parénquimas. La morfología general de ambos órganos fue concordante con la reportada para otros selacios, pero sus tamaños y la diversidad celular es típica para la especie. Un conocimiento más detallado del ambiente estromático de estas estructuras tan específicas y únicas puede brindar información importante para la comprensión de sus funciones inductivas

Pesquisa de micronúcleos na mucosa esofágica e sua relaçäo com fatores de risco ao câncer de esôfago / Research of micronuclei in the esophageal mucosa and its relationship with risk factors to esophagus cancer

Micronúcleos sao fragmentos de DNA nao incorporados ao núcleo na divisao celular e que apresentam relaçao com agentes genotóxicos (mutagênicos ou clastogênicos). Os micronúcleos podem ser detectados nas células esfoliadas dos tecidos. OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência de micronúcleos na mucosa esofágica, relacionando com determinados hábitos. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Em pacientes submetidos à endoscopia digestiva alta e sem evidências de anormalidades esofágicas, foram colhidos materiais através de escovado do esôfago médio, para pesquisa de micronúcleos. Após à endoscopia, os pacientes foram questionados sobre seus hábitos. RESULTADOS: A freqüência de micronúcleos nao mostrou diferenças significativas (p > 0,05) em relaçao ao sexo, local de residência (rural ou urbana), tipo de atendimento (ambulatorial ou hospitalizado), ingestao de álcool. Nas variáveis fumo e mate houve diferenças significativas entre as categorias expostos e ex-expostos em relaçao à categoria nunca expostos. CONCLUSAO: A freqüência de micronúcleos na mucosa esofágica foi maior nos pacientes fumantes e bebedores de mate

Esofagomiotomía: técnica abierta versus laparoscópica. Modelo experimental piloto en rata Wistar / Esophago-myotomy: Open vs laparoscopic technique. An experimental model utilizing Wistar rats

Este modelo piloto se planeó para adiestrar cirujanos pediatras o generales en técnicas de laparoscopia avanzada y para comparar dos abordajes quirúrgicos distintos como son la vía laparoscópica y la vía tradicional. Se conformaron dos grupos con 10 ratas Wistar cada uno. A todos los animales se les realizó esofagomiotomía; a las de un grupo con técnica abierta y los del otro con técnica laparoscópica. Después de la cirugía, las ratas fueron mantenidas vivas por un mínimo de tres semanas. Antes de sacrificar a los animales, a cada uno se le realizó laparoscopia para registrar en vídeo los hallazgos y evaluar los resultados. Se efectuaron cortes histológicos del área quirúrgica a todas las piezas de autopsia. El tiempo requirio para la cirugía fue similar en ambos grupos: siete a 12 minutos con la técnica abierta (promedio de 10 minutos) y seis a 20 con la laparoscópica (media de 12 minutos). No hubo mortalidad. No se registraron diferencias en la evolución posoperatoria. En cuanto a la formación de adherencias, el grupo con técnica abierta apreciativamente mostró un grado mayor que su contraparte laparoscópica. Los hallazgos del estudio de histología no se correlacionan con las observaciones clínicas, por lo que no son útiles para establecer una clasificación con base en ellos. La rata es un modelo experimental adecuado para realizar protocolos de investigación quirúrgica. La esofagomiotomía es un procedimiento posible de efectuar en la rata, tanto por vía tradicional como por vía laparoscópica. El abordaje laparoscópico, per se, disminuyó la formación de adherencias postoperatorias en este modelo

Feeding manipulation elicits different proliferative responses in the gastrointestinal tract of suckling and weanling rats

Food deprivation has been found to stimulate cell proliferation in the gastric mucosa of suckling rats, whereas the weanling period has been reported to be unresponsive in terms of proliferative activity. In the present study we analyze regional differences in the effect of milk or food deprivation on cell proliferation of the epithelia of the esophagus and of five segments of small intestine in suckling, weanling and newly weaned Wistar rats of both sexes. DNA synthesis was determined using tritiated thymidine to obtain labeling indices (LI); crypt depth and villus height were also determined. Milk deprivation decreased LI by 50 percent in the esophagus (from 15 to 8.35 percent) and small intestine (from 40 to 20 percent) of 14-days-old rats. In 18-days-old rats, milk and food deprivation decreased LI in the esophagus (from 13 to 5 percent) and in the distal segments of the small intestine (from 36-40 to 24-32 percent). In contrast, the LI of the epithelia of the esophagus (5 percent) and of all small intestine segments (around 30 percent) of 22-day-old rats were not modified by food deprivation. Crypt depth did not change after treatment (80 to 120 mum in 14- and 22-day-old rats, respectively). Villus height decreased in some small intestine segments of unfed 14- (from 400 to 300 mum) and 18-day-old rats (from 480 to 360 mum). The results show that, contrary to the stomach response, milk deprivation inhibited cell proliferation in the esophagus and small intestine of suckling rats, demonstrating the regional variability of each segment of the gastrointestinal tract in suckling rats. In newly weaned rats, food deprivation did not alter the proliferation of these epithelia, similarly to the stomach, indicating that weanling is a period marked by the insensitivity of gastrointestinal epithelia to dietary alterations.

Effects of hypervitaminosis A on rat fetus esophagus smooth muscle cells

Excessive ingestion of vitamin A during pregnancy causes teratogenic effects on the offspring. Houever, many of these modifications have not been described at the cellular level. the objective of the present study was to characterize alterations of the smooth muscle cells of the esophagus of rat fetuses. On thetenth day after conception, 42 pregnant rats (5 months of age) subdivided into 6 groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of vitamin A at doses of 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, 70,000, 100,000 or 150,000 IU. Seven pregnant control rats received saline solution. After the twentieth day of pregnancy, the fetuses were delivered by cesarian section and weighed and the length of their umbilical cords was measured. Histologic sections were obtained from the esophagus and characterized with the light microscope under oil immersion. There was a significant increase in the nuclear volume of the cells of esophageal smooth muscle from treated animals compared to the control group. The median for the group treated with 100,000 IU of vitamin A(23.8 µm3) was significantly greater than that for the control group (12.3 µm3). The body weight (reported as mean ñ SEM) of fetuses treated with the various doses of vitamin A was lower (1.78 ñ 0.18, 1.77 ñ 0.08, 1.48 ñ 0.20, 1.72 ñ 0.11, 1.70 ñ 0.09 and 1.54 ñ 0.13 g, respectively) than that of the control group (2.14 ñ 0.13g). The mean lenght of the umbilical cord of fetuses treated with 30,000 (1.66 ñ 0.15 cm), 40,000 (1.78 ñ 0.18 cm), 50,000 (1.58 ñ 0.15 cm), 70,000 (1.90 ñ 0.19 cm), 100,000 (1.58 ñ 0.24 cm) and 150,000 IU (1.48 ñ 0.11 cm) vitamin A was significantly shorter when compared with the mean lenght of the umbilical cords of control fetuses (c.1 ñ 0.46 cm). Malformations in treated animals such as agnathia, palpebral aplasia, hepatomegaly, exophthalmos, fochomelia and spina bifida were observed macroscopically

Evaluation of endoscopic forceps biopsy and brush cytology in diagnosis of carcinoma of the esophagus

Twenty-five patients complaining of dysphagia were studied. Rigid esophagoscopy was done for all patients and brush cytology utilizing a newly designed brush as well as punch biopsy were done. Meanwhile, fiberoptic esophagoscopy with brush cytology and punch biopsy were done in ten patients only. Brush cytology was positive in 100% of patients utilizing the designed brush which proved to be more convenient

Response of oesophageal strictures to dilatation [Experience at Shaikh Zayed hospital, Lahore]

Out of three thousand patients evaluated for upper G.l. symptoms, forty five patients [1.5%] were found to have oesophageal strictures; 28 benign and 17 biopsy proven malignant strictures-7 adeocarcinoma, 9 squamous cell carcinoma and one lymphoma. Of 28 patients with benign strictures, 15 were due to acid peptic esophagitis, 6 due to intake of corrosive agents, 3 lower oesophageal rings, 3 due to repeated variceal sclerotherapy and one due to radiation. Response to dilatation by peroral bouginage was good in 15 cases [53.57%], satisfactory in 9 cases [32.14%] and poor in 4 patients [14.29%]. No complication, except haemorrhage in one case was noted