Dopamine receptors in human platelets.

The expression of dopamine receptors by human platelets was investigated by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical techniques using antibodies raised against dopamine D1-D5 receptor protein. The influence of dopamine D1-like and D2-like receptor agonists on adrenaline-induced platelet aggregation was also investigated. Western blot analysis revealed that platelet membranes bind anti-dopamine D3 or D5 receptor protein antibodies, but not anti-D1, D2 or D4 receptor protein antibodies. Cytospin centrifuged human platelets exposed to anti-dopamine D3 or D5 receptor protein antibodies developed a specific immune staining, whereas no positive staining was noticeable in platelets exposed to other antibodies tested. Both the D1-like receptor agonist 1-phenyl2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol hydrochloride (SKF 38393) and the D2-like receptor agonist 7-hydroxy-N,N-di-n-propyl-2-aminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) dose-dependently inhibited adrenaline-induced platelet aggregation. These effects were decreased respectively by the D-like and D2-like receptor antagonists R(+)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepin-7-ol hydrochloride (SCH 23390) and (-)sulpiride. The above findings indicate that human platelets express dopamine D3 and D5 receptors probably involved in the regulation of platelet function.

[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the kidney associated with urothelial carcinoma: report of a case with unusual clinical presentation]. / Carcinoma sarcomatoide del rene associato a carcinoma uroteliale: descrizione di un caso con inusuale presentazione clinica.

We report a case of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma and simultaneous transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis in a 77 year old man admitted for uroseptic fever persisting for two months. Seven years earlier he underwent cystectomy with ureterosigmoidostomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. CT scan described a severe hydronephrosis with dilated pelvis, several pseudocystic formations with renal parenchima thinning and absence of contrast excretion. Radical nephrectomy was performed consequent to a clinical diagnosis of uroseptic fever in secondary hydronephrosis due to stenosis of ureterosigmoidostomy. Tumors were suspected on cut section and confirmed by histological examination.

Metastases of the ureteral stump and bladder from renal cell carcinoma: report of a case.

The case of a 56 year-old male patient with asynchronous isolated metastases to the ureteral stump and bladder from renal cell carcinoma is presented. Ureteral metastasis was discovered 2 years after nephrectomy. Cystoscopy and MRI were performed. An excision of the ureteral stump with a cuff of bladder was carried out. No other metastasis was observed. Six months later a transurethral resection was performed on account of metastasis of the right wall of the bladder. Pathological examination demonstrated a renal cell carcinoma metastasis. After 6 months a new vesical metastasis from renal cell carcinoma was found. The small nodule of the lower part of the right wall of the bladder was removed. The literature is reviewed and the presentation, metastatic pathways, management of ureteral stump and bladder metastases from renal cell carcinoma are discussed.

Oncocytic cells and parenchymal tumors of the kidney.

OBJECTIVES: The oncocytic cell is an epithelial cell with granular eosinophilic cytoplasm extremely rich in mitochondria. It may be observed in different parenchymal tumors of the kidney: oncocytoma, granular cell carcinoma (oncocytic adenocarcinoma), clear cell adenocarcinoma. Renal oncocytoma, a benign tumor, is made up exclusively of regular oncocytic cells. METHODS/RESULTS: In granular cell carcinoma (oncocytic adenocarcinoma), different aspects of malignancy are present as necrosis, cellular pleomorphism. In clear cell adenocarcinoma, on the contrary, it is possible to observe only some nests of oncocytic cells. CONCLUSIONS: The Authors underscore the presence of oncocytic cells in such different neoplasms and the possibility, especially in clear cell adenocarcinoma with nests of oncocytes, that needle biopsy or aspiration cytology from such an area can lead to a misdiagnosis.

[Leiomyosarcoma of the kidney arising from an arterial vessel. Presentation of a case]. / Leiomiosarcoma del rene a partenza da un vaso arterioso. Presentazione di un caso.

A case of leiomyosarcoma arising from the wall of arterious renal vessel is described. While the origin of this neoplasm from the smooth muscle cells of the capsule, blood vessels or the pelvis of the kidney is well known, it is rarely possible to demonstrate the site of origin.

[Squamous metaplasia as a prognostic factor in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder]. / La metaplasia squamosa come fattore prognostico nel carcinoma uroteliale della vescica.

The Authors report a retrospective review of 224 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder observed between 1986 and 1990. Squamous metaplasia was present in 45 case. This histological feature was found especially in association with poorly differentiated and invasive tumours: the presence of extensive areas of squamous metaplasia (metaplastic areas = or greater than 50% of neoplastic surface) was always found in association with high grade neoplasms and with a disease-free period shorter than transitional cell carcinoma. The Authors conclude that squamous metaplasia in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is a really unfavourable prognostic factor.

[Epidermoid carcinoma of the bladder]. / Il carcinoma epidermoidale della vescica.

The Authors report their personal experience of pure squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. Between 1984 and 1988 they have observed 389 tumors of the bladder; squamous cell carcinoma was present in fifteen cases (3.8%). Epidemiology, pathology (gross configuration of tumor, histologic grading, staging according to the criteria of the UICC of 1987), presenting symptoms, treatment and survival have been considered. The Authors underline the importance of a careful histologic examination of the vesical tumors.

[Functioning and non-functioning tumors of the adrenal gland. Presentation of 4 cases]. / Tumori funzionanti e non funzionanti del surrene. Presentazione di quattro casi.

The Authors describe their own experience of functioning and nonfunctioning tumors of the adrenal gland. In two cases the neoplasm was an adrenal adenoma, one causing a Cushing syndrome, the other clinically asymptomatic and associated with renal tuberculosis. In two patients the neoplasm was a clinically unsuspected pheochromocytoma and in one case it proved to be a malignant tumor.

Inverted papilloma of the ureter.

We report a case of inverted papilloma of the ureter. To date it is the 12th case documented. The lesion was treated by conservative surgery; negative controls following the excision for 5 years represent a further proof of the benign nature of these tumors.