Damage induction by direct electric current in tumoural target cells.

Damage induction to tumour target cells (P815) by direct electric current (DC) was investigated. A 6 min treatment of P815 cells with DC generated decreased levels of cell viability and proliferation. The ultrastructural analysis of DC-treated cells revealed the presence of blebs, loss of cell surface filopodia, and ruptures in cell membrane. Mitochondrial alterations, swelling of cells, cytoplasmic matrix rarefaction, and cellular debri formation were also observed. The study shows that tumoural target cells can be damaged by direct electric current and this approach may provide means to understand the mechanism of tumour regression induced by electrochemical therapy.

Malignant systemic mastocytosis.

Malignant Systemic Mastocytosis is a very rare condition. Only about less than 40 well documented cases have been reported as per the available literature. The paper presents the case report of a 54 year old male patient who presented with huge hepatosplenomegaly and abdominal lymphadenopathy. Splenectomy specimen was 17 x 16 x 10 cm size with cut surface studded with numerous tiny 1-2 mm nodules. Histologic sections of spleen showed extensive mast cell (typical and atypical) infiltrates. Liver biopsy and abdominal lymphnode biopsy specimens and bone marrow smears also showed similar infiltration by mast cells. Special stains done for non-specific esterase and chloracetate esterase showed strong positivity for mast cells. The results of immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies are also presented.