ALK+ Anaplastic large cell lymphoma with extensive cardiac involvement: A rare case report and review of the literature

Cardiac lymphoma is a rare entity. In this setting, the secondary involvement of the heart is far more frequent than the primary cardiac lymphoma. Herein, we present an autopsy case of a disseminated anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma with a dominant mediastinal involvement. Extensive cardiac infiltration with the near replacement of the myocardial wall by the neoplastic cells was observed. A total of nine isolated case reports of anaplastic large cell lymphoma with cardiac involvement were found in the English-language literature, and a widespread cardiac and thymic infiltration by the systemic ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma has not been documented. An incidental regenerative nodule was also identified in the liver. The patient died of pulmonary thromboembolism and cardiac arrest.

Revisando un órgano olvidado: Evaluación del timo en PET-CT / Revisiting a Forgotten Organ: Thymus Evaluation in PET-CT

Resumen La pesquisa incidental de lesiones tímicas ha aumentado. Una adecuada aproximación a esas lesiones en la tomografía computada por emisión de positrones (PET-CT) es fundamental, pues se usa como parte de la mayoría de los procedimientos de planificación oncológica. Se han seleccionado casos representativos respecto de los aspectos más importantes de las imágenes de timo en PET-CT y cómo esa técnica puede contribuir a un diagnóstico preciso o a la planificación del tratamiento. Específicamente, presentamos una descripción general de las lesiones tímicas comunes y los imitadores de enfermedad, con énfasis en los hallazgos en PET-CT, incorporando también ejemplos de resonancia magnética (RM).

Abstract Incidental thymic lesion findings have increased. An adequate characterization of these lesions in positron emission computed tomography (PET-CT) is essential, since it is used as part of most oncological planning procedures. Representative cases have been selected regarding the most important aspects of thymus imaging in PET-CT and how this technique can contribute to an accurate diagnosis or treatment planning. Specifically, we present a general description of common thymic lesions and disease mimics, with an emphasis on PET-CT findings, also incorporating examples of magnetic resonance imaging.

Modulação da expressão gênica no timo: uma perspectiva integrativa da regulação gênica no desenvolvimento de timócitos e involução tímica decorrente de infecção / Gene expression modulation in thymus: an integrative perspective of the gene regulation during thymocyte development and thymic involution due to infection

O timo é um órgão linfoide primário no qual ocorre o desenvolvimento de células T. Distúrbios nesse processo podem levar a doenças diversas inclusive à autoimunidade. [...] Nesse sentido, essa tese aborda os aspectos moleculares envolvidos na linfopoiese T sob a perspectiva das células progenitoras e das TEC. Nosso estudod e meta-análise utilizando microarranjos de timócitos em estágios de desenvolvimento definidos pela expressão de moléculas CD4 e CD8 permitiu a identificação de 14 agrupamentos gênicos,os quais se relacionam intimamente às etapas do desenvolvimento dessas células. A modulaçãodesses genes está vinculada à sinalização via receptor de células T (TCR) e pode sercorrelacionada com a afinidade pelo complexo formado entre peptídeo e o complexo principal dehistocompatibilidade (MHC). Destacam-se ainda, vias de sinalização relacionadas a outrosreceptores de superfície, evidenciando a importância dos estímulos externos no desenvolvimentode células T. Através da integração de dados, nós identificamos as vias e moléculas com maiorimpacto para a diferenciação de timócitos, bem como complementamos a compreensão de comoos eventos envolvidos nesse processo se organizam temporalmente, apresentando umaperspectiva global das ondas de modulação gênica. Já em outra perspectiva, estudamos aregulação gênica em TEC comparando células corticais e medulares, mas também focamos nainvolução tímica, uma resposta natural a diversas fontes de estresse e ao envelhecimento.Nessa tese, esse fenômeno foi estudado em modelos experimentais de fase aguda da doençade Chagas, pois existem evidências de que as alterações no timo durante a fase aguda podemser responsáveis pelo desfecho da doença anos mais tarde...

The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ, where the T cell development takes place. Disturbanceson this process can lead to a diversity of diseases, including autoimmunity. [...] In this sense, this thesis addresses the molecular aspects involved on Tlymphopoiesis under the progenitor cells and TEC perspective. Our meta-analysis study usingmicroarrays of thymocytes sorted based on the developmental stages defined by the CD4 andCD8 expression allowed to identify 14 gene clusters, which are closely related to thedevelopmental stages of these cells. Those genes modulation is linked to the T cell receptor(TCR) signaling pathway and it can be related to the TCR affinity for the complex formed betweenthe peptide and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Moreover, other signaling pathwaysrelated to surface receptors stand out, highlighting the importance of external stimuli on the T celldevelopment. Through data integration, we identify pathways and molecules that have morerelevant impact on the thymocyte differentiation, as well as, we improved the comprehension onhow the events are organized temporally, providing a global perspective on the gene modulationwaves. In another perspective, we have studied the gene regulation on TEC by comparingcortical and medullary cells, but also focused on thymic involution, a natural response to varioussources of stress and aging. In this thesis, this phenomenon was studied using Chagas' diseaseacute phase experimental model because there are evidences showing that the thymic alterationsduring the acute phase can be responsible for the disease outcome years later...

Technique of Framework Cemented on Prepared Abutments to Obtain Passive Fit at Fixed Complete Denture: A 2-Year Follow-Up Report

The passive fit of implant-supported dentures is fundamental to the rehabilitation success due the absence of the periodontal ligament in osseointegrated implants. Many techniques to obtain passive fit have been reported in the literature, some inaccessible for the clinicians and dental laboratories. This case report presents a technique to fabricate fixed complete dentures aiming at obtain passive fit with reduced time and cost, but without demerit for the aesthetics, function and longevity. A 40-year-old woman was referred for treatment presenting some teeth in the maxilla and an edentulous mandible, reporting eating problems related to instability and little retention of the mandibular complete denture. Treatment based on the reverse planning was performed to guide the rehabilitation with a complete mandibular fixed complete denture and maxillary occlusal plane adjustment. The framework of the fixed complete denture was manufactured luting a cast metal bar above the prepared titanium cylinder abutments using resin cement. The aim of this technique was to obtain a fixed complete denture with passive fit presenting positive esthetic and functional outcomes after 2 years of follow-up.

A adaptação passiva de próteses implantossuportadas é fundamental para o sucesso da reabilitação devido à inexistência de ligamento periodontal em implantes osseointegrados. Inúmeras técnicas de confecção da infraestrutura destas próteses tem sido relatadas na literatura, algumas inacessíveis para os clínicos e laboratórios de prótese. Este relato de caso apresenta uma técnica para confecção de próteses totais fixas visando obtenção de adaptação passiva com tempo e custo reduzido, porém sem demérito à estética, função e longevidade. Uma paciente de 40 anos se apresentou para tratamento apresentando alguns dentes na maxila e mandíbula edêntula, relatando dificuldades na mastigação relacionados a instabilidade e falta de retenção da prótese total inferior. Foi realizado um planejamento reverso para orientar a reabilitação com prótese total mandibular fixa e adequação do plano oclusal da maxila. A infraestrutura da prótese total fixa foi confeccionada pela cimentação de uma barra metálica em cilindros de titânio preparados com cimento resinoso. O objetivo desta técnica foi obter uma prótese total fixa com adaptação passiva apresentando resultados positivos em termos de estética e função após 2 anos de acompanhamento.

Metastatic Thymic Carcinoid: Does Surgeon Have a Primary Role.

Thymic carcinoids are rare mediastinal tumours. These are aggressive tumours that often present late and have poor prognosis. Primary surgical treatment is recommended even in metastatic tumours since the role of adjuvant therapy is not well established. We present a case of metastatic thymic carcinoid managed with surgical excision.

Nonadenomatous nonencapsulated thymic parathyroid tissue concomitant with primary hyperparathyroidism due to ectopic parathyroid adenoma / Tecido tímico paratireoidiano não edematoso e não encapsulado concomitante com hiperparatireoidismo devido a adenoma paratireoidiano ectópico

Primary hyperparathyroidism due to ectopic parathyroid adenoma is not infrequent. Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by unusual thymic nonadenomatous nonencapsulated parathyroid tissue has been reported before. Both can cause unsuccessful neck explorations. Here we presented for the first time a patient with hyperparathyroidism due to ectopic parathyroid adenoma concomitant to the presence of thymic nonadenomatous nonencapsulated parathyroid tissue.

O hiperparatireodismo primário devido a adenoma ectópico paratireoidiano não é raro. O hiperparatireodismo primário causado por tecido tímico paratireoidiano não edematoso e não encapsulado incomum já foi relatado anteriormente. Ambos podem levar à exploração cervical malsucedida. Apresentamos aqui, pela primeira vez, uma paciente com hiperparatireoidismo decorrente de um adenoma paratireoidiano concomitante com a presença de tecido tímico paratireoidiano não edematoso e não encapsulado.

effect of Nigella sativa on the thymus of young and adult rats: Histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric study

The thymic microenvironment plays a central role in T-cell differentiation. Involution of the thymus begins relatively early in life, resulting in decreased immunity. Nigella sativa is known for its immunopotentiating effects. The aim of the study was to elucidate the effect of N. sativa on the structure of the thymus in young and mature adult rats. Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups: group I and group II. Group I was further divided into subgroup Ia and subgroup Ib. Subgroup Ia included seven 1-month-old young rats weighing 50-60 g that received plain water by gavage for 15 days. Subgroup Ib included seven young rats that received 2 ml/kg body weight of 1% petroleum ether extract of N. sativa by gavage for 15 days. Group II was further divided into subgroup IIa and subgroup IIb. Subgroup IIa included seven mature 12-month-old adult rats weighing 600-650 g that received plain water by gavage for 15 days. Subgroup IIb included seven mature adult rats that received 2 ml/kg body weight of 1% petroleum ether extract of N. sativa by gavage for 15 days. Thymi from different subgroups were processed for histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric studies. In subgroup Ib, the thymus of N. sativa-treated rats revealed a significant increase in the number of CD3-positive cells in the cortex. Some CD3-positive cells were seen in the medulla. In subgroup IIa, signs of thymic involution in the form of expansion of perivascular spaces containing adipocytes and stromal cells with a significant decrease in the number of CD3-positive cells were noticed. In addition, CI cells non reticular thymulin secreting cells along the capillaries were detected. In N. sativa-treated adult rats [subgroup IIb], restoration of the normal stroma and parenchyma occurred. Moreover, a significant increase in the number of CD3-positive cells in the cortex and medulla with an increase in the secretory activity of reticuloepithelial cells was noticed. Oral administration of the petroleum ether extract of N. sativa for 15 days to young and mature adult rats results in enhanced proliferation of thymocytes and increased activity of reticuloepithelial cells

Efecto en la estructura histológica del timo de ratas Sprague-Dawley tratadas con trióxido de arsénico / Effect on the histological structure of thymus on Sprague-Dawley treated with arsenic trioxide

En las áreas costeras del norte de Chile es común encontrar en el agua para consumo humano niveles medios o altos de arsénico. La exposición al arsénico puede ir asociada a efectos agudos o crónicos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el daño histológico que provoca el trióxido de arsénico a nivel de los compartimentos del timo de ratas Sprague-Dawley. Se utilizaron 24 ratas de ambos sexos de 55 días de vida. Las ratas fueron pesadas y divididas en 3 grupos (4 hembras y 4 machos). A los grupos tratados se les aplicó 5 mg y 10 mg de As2O3 respectivamente, en dosis única diaria vía intraperitoneal por 15 días. Al grupo control se le aplicó agua destilada sin arsénico. Después del tratamiento los animales fueron sacrificados y retirado el timo de ellos, los cuales fueron lavados, pesados y seccionados en dos, luego se fijaron en formol tamponado al 10 por ciento. Mediante técnica histológica convencional se obtuvieron 4 muestras seriadas de cada timo, de 5 um de espesor y separadas por 100 um entre si, luego fueron teñidas con H-E. Se analizaron 30 campos (120 campos por órgano). Los resultados muestran que el As2O3 provoca la pérdida de celularidad en ambos compartimentos del timo, tanto en la corteza como en la médula, viéndose más afectado el compartimento medular (junto a la unión corticomedular). Se observó una reducción significativa del tamaño de la zona medular en ambos grupos tratados (5 y 10 mg de As2O3 respectivamente), siendo probablemente la disminución de este tejido el responsable de la atrofia del timo. Además se observó un aumento del tamaño de la corteza en las ratas hembras tratadas con 10 mg de As2O3. La unión corticomedular de las ratas tratadas se observó difusa o difícil de distinguir.

In coastal areas of northern Chile medium or high levels of arsenic are commonly found in drinking water. Arsenic exposure may be associated with acute or chronic effects. The objective of this investigation was to determine the histological damage caused by arsenic trioxide level of the compartments of the thymus of Sprague-Dawley rats. We used 24 rats of both sexes of 55 days of life. The rats were weighed and divided into 3 groups (4 females and 4 males). In the treated groups were administered 5 mg and 10 mg of As2O3 respectively, in a single daily dose for 15 days intraperitoneally. The control group was administered distilled water without arsenic. After treatment the animals were sacrificed and the thymus removed, washed, weighed and divided into two, then fixed in 10 percent buffered formalin. By conventional histology samples were obtained serially every 4 thymus, 5 microns thick and separated by 100 microns each, then were stained with HE. We analyzed 30 fields (120 fields per organ). The results showed that As2O3 causes loss of cellularity in both compartments of the thymus, both in the cortex and in the bone, medullary compartment was more affected (near the corticomedullary junction). There was a significant reduction in the size of the medulla in both groups (5 and 10 mg As2O3 respectively), probably the decrease of the tissue responsible for thymic atrophy. We observed an increase in the size of the cortex in female rats treated with 10 mg of As2O3. The corticomedullary junction of the treated rats showed diffuse or difficult to distinguish.

The prophylactic effects of folic acid and vitamin E against valproic acid during fetal thymus development: an ultrastructural study / Los efectos profilácticos del ácido fólico y la vitamina E contra el ácido valproico durante el desarrollo fetal del timo: un estudio ultraestructural

To evaluate histopathologic differences in the thymus of Wistar Albino rat fetuses prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA), folic acid (FA) and vitamin E (Vit-E). VPA (400 mg/kg), FA (400 mcg/kg) and Vit -E (250 mg/kg) were administered to rats on each of gestation days 8, 9 and 10. The fetuses (n:24) were divided into four groups: control, VPA, VPA+Vit-E and VPA+FA groups. On the 20th day of gestation, all pregnant rats were sacrificed and the fetuses were extracted. Thin sections from thymus of live fetuses were stained with uranyl acetate-lead citrate and were examined under transmission electron microscope. The histopathological findings of control group was normal. In VPA group, it showed extensive degenerative changes by VPA were on all tissue compartments when compared to controls. In VPA-FA group, vacuoles, mitochondrial cristalysis and swelling were decreased in cytoplasm. In VPA-Vit-E group, lipid storage and vacuolization were observed. Mitochondrial cristalysis decreased. Our aim in the present study is to analyze histopathological changes which may occur in a high risk experimental model after giving of VPA. In addition, protective roles of the administration of FA and Vit-E are assessed.

Se realizó este estudio para evaluar las diferencias histopatológicas en el timo de fetos de ratas Wistar Albinas expuestas prenatalmente a ácido valproico (VPA), ácido fólico (AF) y vitamina E (Vit-E). VPA (400 mg/kg), FA (400 mcg/kg) y vitamina E (250mg/kg) administradas a ratas en los días 8, 9 y 10 de gestación. Los fetos (n=24) fueron divididos en cuatro grupos: control, APV, APV + vitamina E y VPA + FA. En el día 20 de gestación, todas las ratas preñadas fueron sacrificadas y los fetos fueron extraídos. Se obtuvieron secciones delgadas del timo de los fetos y se tiñeron con citrato de uranilo - acetato de plomo, siendo examinados al microscopio electrónico de transmisión. Los hallazgos histopatológicos del grupo control fueron normales. En el grupo VPA, se observaron cambios degenerativos en todos los compartimentos de tejido en comparación con los controles. En el grupo VPA+FA, las vacuolas, cristalisis mitocondrial e inflamación se redujeron en el citoplasma. En grupo VPA + Vitamina E, se observó el almacenamiento de lípidos y vacuolización. La cristalisis mitocondrial disminuyó. El estudio permitió analizar los cambios histopatológicos que pueden ocurrir en un modelo experimental de alto riesgo después de la administración de VPA, además, las funciones de protección por la administración de AF y vitamina E.

Valoración del timo fetal a través de la relación timo-tórax / Fetal thymus evaluation by thymus-torax ratio

Introduction: Recent advances in ultrasound technology have made possible an easy and accurate visualization of the fetal thymus in vast majority of cases. On ultrasound, thymus is visualized in the upper mediastinum, between sternum and great vessels. Despite several previous papers published, there is no consensus regarding a clear correlation between these measurements and thymus hypoplasia. Nowadays thymus evaluation is not mandatory in routine ultrasound examinations, however at referral centers its evaluation could help to identify patients with high risk for microdeletion 22 q11. Recently it has been proposed a new method to assess the thymus; the “thymus-torax ratio”, this has been proven to be altered in 95 percent of fetuses with congenital heart disease and microdeletion 22q11. This study describes the experience at our unit using this new tool as part of routine fetal examinations. Materials and methods: A descriptive study, 44 ultrasound examinations between 19 and 38 weeks of gestation, in which thymus-thoracic ratio was measured as part of the routine fetal examination at this perinatal referral center. Objective: Determinate the factibility of measurement of the thymus- thoracic ratio in routine fetal ultrasound examinations. Results: The thymus- thoracic ratio was measured successfully at our routine fetal ultrasound examinations, results were similar to those previously reported. The ratio was not affected by fetal or maternal pathology and gestational age. Discussion: The thymus thorax ratio appears to be constant through gestation despite of maternal and fetal pathologies; it seems to have advantages over other types of measurements described in previous publications. However, due to small number of cases we suggest a new analysis with a larger number of patients.

Avances recientes en ultrasonido han permitido una visualización fácil y certera del timo fetal en la gran mayoría de los fetos examinados. En el examen de ultrasonido, el timo se encuentra en el mediastino superior, entre el esternón y los grandes vasos. A pesar de numerosas publicaciones, actualmente no existe consenso respecto de las técnicas utilizadas para realizar estas mediciones y el diagnostico de hipoplasia de timo. La evaluación del timo fetal no forma parte del examen de ultrasonido de rutina. Sin embargo, en centros de referencia pudiera ser de utilidad para identificar los pacientes con alto riesgo de presentar microdelecion 22q11. Recientemente se ha propuesto una nueva forma de evaluar el timo a través de la relación timo- tórax, la cual ha probado estar alterada en el 95 por ciento de los fetos con cardiopatía congénita y microdelecion 22q11. Este estudio describe nuestra experiencia en la incorporación de esta nueva herramienta en el examen de rutina fetal. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, 44 reportes de exámenes ultrasonográficos realizados entre las 19 y 38 semanas de gestación, en los cuales se realizó la medición de la relación timo- tórax como parte del examen fetal de rutina, en este centro de referencia perinatal. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia de la unidad en la medición de la relación timo- tórax en el examen ultrasonografico fetal de rutina. Resultados: La medición de la relación timo- tórax fue incorporada de manera exitosa como parte del protocolo estándar de mediciones realizado en la unidad, con resultados similares a los reportados previamente. La relación no fue afectada por patología fetal o materna ni edad gestacional. Discusión: la relación timo- tórax parece ser constante a través de la gestación a pesar de la presencia de patología materna o fetal, siendo una medida que aparentemente provee ventajas sobre las otras descritas previamente en la literatura. Sin embargo debido al tamaño de la muestra...

Signo de las alas de ángel / The angel's-wings

The angel’s-wings sign is useful for diagnosis of pneumomediastinum in children. It is depicted on plain chest radiograph and is produced by the outlining and elevation of the thymic lobes due to presence of air in the mediastinum.

El signo de las “alas de ángel” es útil para diagnóstico de neumomediastino en niños pequeños. Se visualiza en radiología simple de tórax y se produce por la delimitación y elevación de los lóbulos del timo por aire en el mediastino.

Thyroid spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE): case report and review / Tumor epitelial de células fusiformes com diferenciação thymus-like da tireoide (SETTLE): relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like element (SETTLE) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the thyroid, occurring predominantly in children, adolescents, and young adults. SETTLE usually presents itself as a thyroid mass, without metastases at diagnosis. It is believed to derive from branchial pouch or thymic remnant tissue showing primitive thymic differentiation. This article reports the clinical, cytological, histological and immunohistochemical features of a SETTLE in a 3-year-old girl. Microscopic exam revealed a nodular, highly cellular neoplasm displayed in the classic biphasic pattern, with mixture of prominent spindle cell component and a minor glandular component lined by mucinous or respiratory-type epithelium. The immunohistochemical study showed strong and diffuse positivity for pan-CK, vimentin and smooth muscle actin. The present case is the first SETTLE case reported in Brazil. To date, the patient described remains without evidence of recurrence or metastasis 5 years after surgery.

O tumor epitelial de células fusiformes com elemento thymus-like é uma rara neoplasia maligna da tireoide, ocorrendo predominantemente em crianças, adolescentes e adultos jovens. Habitualmente, esse tumor se apresenta como massa tireoideana, sem metástases ao diagnóstico. Acredita-se derivar de arco branquial ou tecido remanescente tímico, apresentando diferenciação tímica primitiva. Este artigo descreve os aspectos clínicos, citológicos, histológicos e imuno-histoquímicos de um caso de SETTLE diagnosticado em uma menina de 3 anos de idade. O aspecto microscópico encontrado no tumor foi de uma lesão nodular, hipercelular, disposta em aspecto bifásico clássico, com componente de células fusiformes, e de tecido glandular acompanhado por epitélio mucinoso e respiratório. O estudo imuno-histoquímico foi positivo para pan-CK, vimentina e actina de músculo liso. Esse caso é o primeiro relato de SETTLE no Brasil. A paciente descrita permanece sem evidência de doença em atividade cinco anos após o tratamento cirúrgico.

Thymic atrophy in cattle poisoned with Solanum glaucophyllum / Atrofia do timo em bovinos intoxicados por Solanum glaucophyllum

Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) [= S. malacoxylon] is a calcinogenic plant inducing "Enzootic Calcinosis" in cattle. The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, its main toxic principle, regulates bone and calcium metabolism and also exerts immunomodulatory effects. Thymocyte precursors from bone marrow-derived progenitor cells differentiate into mature T-cells. Differentiation of most T lymphocytes is characterized not only by the variable expression of CD4/CD8 receptor molecules and increased surface density of the T cell antigen receptor, but also by changes in the glycosylation pattern of cell surface glycolipids or glycoproteins. Thymocytes exert a feedback influence on thymic non-lymphoid cells. Sg-induced modifications on cattle thymus T-lymphocytes and on non-lymphoid cells were analysed. Heifers were divided into 5 groups (control, intoxicated with Sg during 15, 30 or 60 days, and probably recovered group). Histochemical, immunohistochemical, lectinhistochemical and morphometric techniques were used to characterize different cell populations of the experimental heifers. Sg-poisoned heifers showed a progressive cortical atrophy that was characterized using the peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin that recognizes immature thymocytes. These animals also increased the amount of non-lymphoid cells per unit area detected with the Picrosirius technique, WGA and DBA lectins, and pancytokeratin and S-100 antibodies. The thymus atrophy found in intoxicated animals resembled that of the physiological aging process. A reversal effect on these changes was observed after suppression of the intoxication. These findings suggest that Sg-intoxication induces either directly, through the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 itself, or indirectly through the hypercalcemia, the observed alteration of the thymus.

Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) [= S. malacoxylon] é uma planta calcinogênica que induz "Calcinose Enzoótica" em bovinos. O 1,25-dihidroxivitamina D3, seu principal agente tóxico, regula o metabolismo ósseo, o metabolismo de cálcio e também mostra efeitos na imunomodulação. Precursores de timócitos derivados da medula óssea se diferenciam em linfócitos T maduros. A diferenciação da maioria dos linfócitos T é caracterizada pela expressão variável de moléculas de receptores CD4/CD8 e densidade aumentada dos receptores antigênicos de superfície de células T. Alem disso, há mudanças no padrão de glicosilação de glicolipídeos na superfície celular ou de glicoproteínas. Timócitos mostram uma influência de retro alimentação em células tímicas não-linfóides. Foram analisadas modificações induzidas pelo Sg em linfócitos T e células tímicas não-linfóides de bovinos. Novilhas foram divididas em 5 grupos (controle, intoxicadas com Sg durante 15, 30 ou 60 dias, e grupo provavelmente recuperado). As diferentes populações celulares das novilhas experimentais foram caracterizadas com técnicas histoquímicas, imuno-histoquímicas, lectina-histoquímicas e morfométricas. As novilhas intoxicadas com Sg mostraram uma atrofia cortical progressiva que foi caracterizada usando a lectina aglutinina de amendoim (PNA) que reconhece timócitos imaturos. Estes animais também aumentaram as células não-linfóides tímicas por unidade de área, detectadas com a técnica de Picrosirius, lectinas WGA e DBA e anticorpos antipancitoqueratina e anti-S-100. A atrofia de timo observada nos animais intoxicados foi semelhante àquela do processo de envelhecimento fisiológico. Após supressão da intoxicação, foi observado um efeito de reversão nestas mudanças. Estes resultados sugerem que a intoxicação por Sg induza a alteração observada no timo diretamente, pela ação de 1,25-dihidroxivitamina D3, ou indiretamente, pela ação da hipercalcemia.

Pathological features of bone marrow transplantation-related toxicity in a mouse

In this case report, we present a mock-transduced bone marrow (BM) transplantation in a mouse, which was found moribund and autopsied to evaluate pathogenesis. Macroscopically, red discoloration of systemic organs was observed. Hematological values revealed a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelets, but an increase in reticulocytes. In BM cytology, hematopoietic cell lines were severely depleted. Histopathologically, hemorrhage in the cerebellar parenchyma, hemosiderin deposition and hemorrhage in the heart, necrosis and telangiectasia in liver, pulmonary parenchymal cysts, spermatogenic germ cells necrosis, atrophy and hemorrhage in testis, oligospermia and hemorrhage in the epididymis, and atrophy of BM, thymus and spleen were observed. In conclusion, autoimmune-like complications such as hematological value change, BM dysplasia and systemic hemorrhage appear to be the lethal cause of the mouse transplanted with mock-transduced BM.

Carcinoma da tireóide com diferenciação semelhante a timo (CASTLE): relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Thyroid carcinoma with thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE): case report and review of the literature

O carcinoma com diferenciação semelhante a timo (CASTLE) é uma neoplasia epitelial maligna rara, que surge nos tecidos moles do pescoço ou na glândula tireóide. O diagnóstico diferencial deve ser estabelecido com carcinoma pavimento-celular primário ou secundário da cabeça e do pescoço ou da tireóide, visto que têm prognósticos distintos. A imunorreatividade para CD5 pode ser útil no diagnóstico de CASTLE. O CASTLE possui elevada taxa de recidiva local, apesar de o seu curso clínico indolente, ao contrário das neoplasias previamente referidas, que têm um prognóstico muito reservado, dada a elevada taxa de disseminação sistêmica. O tratamento inclui excisão cirúrgica e radioterapia. A quimioterapia também tem sido realizada, apesar de até a presente data não existir evidência clara da sua eficácia. Relata-se caso de doente de sexo masculino, com 52 anos, que surge com tosse seca, disfonia e massa da tireóide, que foi submetido à tireoidectomia. O exame anatomopatológico da peça operatória permitiu o diagnóstico de CASTLE. O doente efetuou radioterapia e quimioterapia e obteve resposta mínima. Pretende-se discutir o diagnóstico anatomopatológico diferencial e a abordagem terapêutica mais adequada de uma patologia com prognóstico favorável, mas de natureza recidivante, que exige seguimento rigoroso a longo prazo.

Carcinoma with thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) is a rare malignant epithelial tumor wich arises on soft tissue of the neck or thyroid gland. It is important to differentiate CASTLE from primary or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck, and from squamous cell thyroid carcinoma, because it has a different prognosis. CD5 immunoreactivity might be helpful in CASTLE diagnosis. CASTLE behaves generally in an indolent fashion, even though it has a high relapse rate, while the other have a dismal prognosis due its high dissemination rate. Treatment includes surgical excision and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy can be offered, although its efficacy is not clear. Authors present a case of a 52 year-old male that complaints with cough, disphony, asthenia, and thyroid mass. Thyroidectomy was performed and the pathology revealed a CASTLE. After radiotherapy and chemotherapy, minimal response was obtained. The authors intend to discuss the differential pathologic diagnosis and the best therapy of this indolent but recurrent neoplasm, that demands strict long term follow-up.

Pathological changes in turkeys experimentally infected with different doses of A/ostrich/Italy/984/2000 H7N1 avian influenza virus

Following experimental inoculation of 3-week-old turkeys with different titres [10[6], 10[4], 10[3], 10[2] and 10[1] egg infectious dose [EID50]] of A/ostrich/Italy/984/2000 H7NI highly pathogenic avian influenza virus [HPAIV], the selected tissues and organs were examined for pathological changes. Tissue samples from different organs that obtained from dead and sacrificed birds were fixed in 10% neutral buffer formaldehyde. Mortality of turkeys which inoculated with different doses of EID50 at different times post inoculation [PI] is as follows: 1] at 48 h PI [HPI]: one, two and four turkeys inoculated with 10[3], 10[4] and 10[6] EID50, respectively 2] at 72 HPI: two, two and one turkeys inoculated with 10[2], 10[3] and 10[6] EID50, respectively 3] at 96 HPI: one and two turkeys inoculated with 10[2] and 10[4] EID50, respectively and 4] at 120 HPI: just one turkey inoculated with 10[4] EID50. Birds inoculated with 10[1] EID50 did not show any mortality. Seven days PI [DPI] the remaining birds were sacrificed. Postmortem examination of birds that died 48 HPI showed very severe hyperaemia and haemorrhage of the lung, slight swelling of kidneys and splenomegaly. Moderate to slight hyperaemia of the lung was observed in the birds sacrificed on day 7. Histopathology showed very severe haemorrhage and vasculitis in the lung, multifocal areas of degeneration and necrosis in the pancreas of birds inoculated with 10[6] EID50. Hyperaemia, haemorrhage, degeneration and vasculitis were also observed in the lung of birds from the other groups; however the severity of lesions correlated positively with the viral dose. The spleen, caecal tonsils and thymus showed extensive necrosis and lymphoid depletion, even in birds inoculated with 10[2] and 10[1] EID50 that were sacrificed 7 DPI, and some repopulation of the spleen was observed 7 DPI. Other organs including the kidneys and adrenal gland showed moderate to slight hyperaemia and necrosis. In conclusion, the lung vascular damage, lymphoid tissue destruction and necrosis were notable even with low viral doses