Ultrastructural and stereological analysis of walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells at various stages of their differentiation.

Ultrastructural and stereological study of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells implanted into the femoral muscle of Wistar rats was performed. Two types of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells were distinguished and their ultrastructural analysis was carried out. Five differentiation stages were described for each of the two cell types. Differentiation of carcinosarcoma cells was associated with a decrease of the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, enlargement of the cell, and hyperplasia of granular cytoplasmic reticulum elements, fixed ribosomes, and mitochondria. Differences in the ultrastructure of the two cell types at similar differentiation stages were detected.

Immunohistochemical study for the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins in Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells under the influence of cytostatic drugs.

Immunohistochemical study was performed to evaluate the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, and Bad) in Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells after implantation into the thigh muscle of male Wistar rats (10(6) cells). The experiment was conducted under conditions of spontaneous tumor development and individual or combined treatment with melatonin and cyclophosphamide. The use of melatonin as monotherapy or in combination with cyclophosphamide was followed by a significant decrease in Bcl-2 expression in carcinosarcoma cells. The Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-2/Bad ratio was significantly reduced under these conditions (particularly after combined treatment with cytostatic drugs). These changes were accompanied by a significant (by 93.61%) decrease in the volume of transplantable tumor on day 14. Daily treatment with melatonin was accompanied by significant changes in the structure of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma. It was manifested in the formation of connective tissue septa and pseudofollicles.