Variability in the cell phenotype of aggregates or "clones" of human osteoarthritic cartilage. A case report

Human samples of articular cartilage from the knee of a clinically classified osteoarthritic patient, assessed by arthroscopy as part of the surgical treatment was studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. This particular case differed from others already reported in the variability of cell phenotype within the aggregates or "clones" frequently present in the osteoarthritic cartilage. The most common morphology of "clonal" cells forming the aggregates were large and rounded with an euchromatic nucleus. The cytoplasm was characterized by the presence of alternately clear and dense sites. At the ultrastructural level it was seen that the clear sites were formed by disrupted intermediates filaments and small particles, and that the dense sites were constituted by the segregation of different organelles of the chondrocytes. In addition, there were atypical aggregates composed only by secretory cells or by degenerating chondrocytes. Furthermore, a complex structure consisting of a very large cell inside a giant lacunae delimited by electron-dense material with small vesicles is described as a novel finding. The variability in the chondrocyte phenotype of the aggregates described here could be an indication of a better prognosis; nevertheless, the follow-up of the evolution of this patient is needed in order to know the final outcome.

What is a chromosome like in Leishmania?

Hereby, we present evidences of the presence of centromeric proteins in Leishmania mexicana. These proteins were partially purified and used to bind Leishmania DNA. The protein-DNA complex was immunoprecipitated and the DNA extracted, like in the human sample. Two major fragments of 1.2 and 2.2 Kbp, respectively, were resolved in agarose gel electrophoresis. A model of chromosomal structure and chromosomal segregation in Leishmania is presented