Distribution and variable expression of secretory pathway protein reticulocalbin in normal human organs and non-neoplastic pathological conditions.

Reticulocalbin (RCN) is one member of the Ca(2+)-binding proteins in the secretory pathway and is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. RCN may play a role in the normal behavior and life of cells, although its detailed role remains unknown. Overexpression of RCN may also play a role in tumorigenesis, tumor invasion, and drug resistance. The new antibody for human RCN is used in the distribution of RCN in normal human organs of fetuses and adults with or without inflammation. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a broad distribution of RCN in various organs of fetuses and adults, predominantly in the endocrine and exocrine organs. However, RCN expression was heterogeneous in each constituent cell of some organs. Among non-epithelial organs, vascular endothelial cells, testicular germ cells, neurons, and follicular dendritic cells showed strong staining. Plasma cells were the only RCN-positive cells among hematopoietic and lymphoid cells. In inflammatory conditions, RCN expression was enhanced in both epithelial and non-epithelial cells. Heterogeneous expression of RCN indicates that the amount of RCN needed for cell behavior and life may be variable, depending on each cell type and, therefore, RCN may be helpful in establishing the cell origin of neoplasms in some organs. However, further study is needed to establish the significance of RCN in tumorigenesis and in some peculiar features of neoplasms.

[Mycobacterium shinshuense isolated from cutaneous ulcer lesion of right lower extremity in a 37-year-old woman].

PURPOSE: Second clinical infection case of Mycobacterium shinshuense was presented, we tried the identification of M. shinshuense that is isolated from skin. OBJECT: Mycobacteria species isolated from cutaneous ulcer lesion of right lower extremity in a 37-year-old woman. METHOD: Identification by DNA-DNA Hybridization, 16S rRNA and rpoB method as genomic level and conventional method. RESULT: It did not grow on 1% Ogawa's slant medium at both 37 degrees C and 42 degrees C, but grew at 28 degrees C. It formed yellowish colonies in the dark. It was difficult to distinguish M. shinshuense from M. ulcerans and M. marinum by DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) and DNA sequencing. To identify that it is M. shinshuense, growth rate, temperature range of mycobacterial growth, light coloration reaction, biochemical and biological tests, and drug susceptibility testing were further explored. Finally it was identified as M. shinshuense based on these CONSIDERATION: For Mycobacteria species which grow 2 weeks after inoculation at 28 degrees C, and which is identified as M. marinum by DDH method, it is necessary to identify with sequence and conventional method.