Transforming growth factor beta(TGF-p), initially identified in vlatelet extracts by virtue of its ability to confer anchorage of independent growth and a necplastic phenotype on mesenchymal cells, has subsequently been identified as a potent inh bit or of proliferation in most cells of epithelial origin. The family of TGF-p peptides is currenly onsisted of four subtypes (TGF-pl, p2, p3, p4). Tkiey are initially translated very larged are urssors of approximately 390 amino acids and produced by a wide variety of cell type. iricluding normal cells and tumor cells. TGF-ps promote deposition of extracellular matrix compcineits, facilitate remodeling events during embryonic development, and suppress immune ce 1 fimetion during the inflammatory process. Several nutaneous diseases are characterized typxcessive and progressive fibrosis of the dermis anil subcutaneous tissues. Prominent amon these disorders are progressive systemic sclerosi(PSS) and generalized morphea(GM), is well as the recently described syndrome of diffuse fasciitis eosinophilia(DF), also known; Shulmans syndrome. The hallmark of the pathologic alteration in these disorders is the excessive deposition of collagen and other connenctive iissues. Macromoleculse in the aerriis and/or the subcutaneous and fascial strutures often accompanied by variable degress of hronic inflammatory cell infiltrates. Now we have examined the expression of TGF-b1 mRNA using of northern blot hybridization with specific sequenced cDNA probe in the normal curltured fibroblasts, placental tissues, and fibrosarcorna derived tumor cell line(HT1080). We found that the size of TGF-b mRNA of each specimen was 2.5kb and theres no alteration of its quality.
Amino Acids ; Blotting, Northern ; Collagen ; Dermis ; DNA, Complementary ; Embryonic Development ; Extracellular Matrix ; Fasciitis ; Female ; Fibroblasts* ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Peptides ; Phenotype ; Pregnancy ; RNA, Messenger* ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Transforming Growth Factor beta* ; Transforming Growth Factors ; Virtues

BACKGROUND: Laminin, which is present in all basement membrane, is a multifunctional glycoprotein with diverse biological activities. Like fibronectin, it can influence cell adhesion, growth, morphology, differentiation, and migration as well as the assembly of the extracellular matrix. Laminin primarily affects cells of epithelial origin, and response varies depending on the cells. OBJECTIVE: Studies about the relationship of laminin and the pathogenesis or metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma(SCC). MEHTODS: In this study, we have examined the laminin B1 mRNA expression and localizing pattern of laminin in SCC, using Northern and slot-blot hybridization, in situ hybridization and immunoperoxidase stain. RESULTS: In Northern blot hybridization, 5.6Kb mRNA transcript was detected in control and SCC specimens. Slot-blot hybridization indicated theat amounts of laminin B1 mRNA expression in SCC was 677.0+/-268.5 densitometer absorbance unit, in control was 228.0+/-16.37 unit respectively. There is a 3-fold increase in SCC compared to control. In in situ hybridization, 35S-labeled laminin B1 cDNA-mRNA hybrid granules were detected along the basement membrane and adjacent cells of SCC. In immunoperoxidase stain, laminin has stained strongly and continuously along the basement membrane of the tumor nest in well differentiated SCC, and weakly and interrupted in poorly differentiated SCC. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that laminin might be related to the pathogenesisand metastasis of squamous cell carcinomas.
Basement Membrane ; Blotting, Northern ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Cell Adhesion ; Extracellular Matrix ; Fibronectins ; Glycoproteins ; In Situ Hybridization ; Laminin* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; RNA, Messenger* ; Skin*

A 19-month old male patient developed mutiple, firm, plum-colored, finger tip to chestnut sized nodules on the left cheek, right preauricular area, both elbow joints, and right wrist. On physical examination, a right cervical lymph node was palpable. Histology from one of the nodules revealed a diffuse infiltration of atypical, hyperchromatic, polymorphous lymphocytes in the dermis and subrutaneous fat. Bone marow aspiration, chest X-ray, ultrasonogram, and computerized tomogram were performed revealing bone marrow and lymph node involvement. The patient was treated with a POG @8617 schedule. Skin lesions markedly improved after one cycle regimen. We present a case of diffuse, ponrly differentiated, malignant lymphocytic lymphoma in the early childhood.
Appointments and Schedules ; Bone Marrow ; Cheek ; Dermis ; Elbow Joint ; Fingers ; Humans ; Infant ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphocytes ; Lymphoma* ; Male ; Physical Examination ; Skin ; Thorax ; Ultrasonography ; Wrist ; Prunus domestica

No Abstract Available.
Trabeculectomy*

We report a case of cutaneous metastasis of thymic carcinoma in Korean. A 44-year-old female, who had been diagnosed as thymic carcinoma and treated with total thymectomy and post-operative radiation therapy, presented grouped erythematous papules on the left chest. CT scans revealed metastatic lesions in the left pleura and abdominal cavity. Histopathologic examination of skin biopsy showed extensive infiltration of malignant cells in dermis and subcutis. The morphology of infiltrating cells was similar to that of tumor cells from primary thymic carcinoma specimen. The results of immunohistochemical study for skin biopsy were consistent with the features of non-neuroendocrine thymic carcinoma. Histopathologic and immunohistopathologic similarity between cutaneous lesion and previous tumor suggested that malignant cells in the skin lesion could originate from progressing thymic carcinoma.
Abdominal Cavity ; Adult ; Biopsy ; Dermis ; Female ; Humans ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Pleura ; Skin ; Thorax ; Thymectomy ; Thymoma* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue(PFPT) is a rare benign pigmentary disorder of the tongue. In dark-skinned individuals, PFPT appears to be relatively common, whereas this entity is seldom reported in fair-skinned people and Asians. Although the relevance to systemic conditions has been suggested in several reported cases, the etiology and pathogenesis of this entity are not yet clearly defined. We report two cases of PFPT in young Korean females. Clinically both patients presented with asymptomatic pigmentary lesions confined to fungiform papillae of the tongue, which had been detected several months ago. Histopathologic findings revealed increased melanophages in the subepidermal area within the fungiform papillae.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Female ; Humans ; Tongue*

PURPOSE: We investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of amniotic membrane(AM) ointment in filtering surgery of rabbits. METHODS: After filtering surgery was performed on both eyes of 10 rabbits, the AM ointment was applied over and under the scleral flap on one eye whereas base ointment excluding AM element was applied to the other as a control. The shapes of blebs were observed under slit-lamp biomicroscopy at postoperative 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks, and the tissues were excised for histologic studies. RESULTS: Serial changes of intraocular pressures had no significant difference. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy demonstrated that conjunctival blebs of AM ointment group were more elevated and cystic at 1 and 2 weeks. The heights of conjunctival blebs were significantly higher at 1, 2 and 4 weeks, and the width of scleral tracks was significantly wider at 1 and 2 weeks in AM ointment group. The number of inflammatory cells in the scleral track was significantly less at 3 days and 1 week, the number of fibroblasts in scleral track was significantly less at 2 and 3 weeks in AM ointment group. Masson s trichrome stain was less positive in AM ointment and the stain area of alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive fibroblasts was insignificant with image analysis system. Collagen type 3 appeared in scleral track from postoperative 1 week in control group, however, in AM ointment group, from 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: AM ointment is beneficial to suppress fibroblast differentiation, proliferation and inflam-matory reaction in filtering surgery and might be safe and effective adjunctive for enhancement of success in filtering surgery.
Amnion* ; Blister ; Collagen ; Fibroblasts ; Filtering Surgery* ; Humans* ; Intraocular Pressure ; Rabbits*

A case of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung, originated from the trachea, was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration. Although the cytologic features of adenoid cystic carcinoma have been well described, it is easy to confuse adenoid cystic carcinoma with more common primary small cell neoplasms of the lung, i.e., small cell carcinoma, well differentiated adenocarcinoma, and carcinoid tumor of the lung. The features distinguishing adenoid cystic carcinoma from these neoplasms include 1) tight, globular, honeycomb pattern of cells, 2) acelluair basement membrane material in the lumen, and 3) cells lacking true nuclear molding and having bland chromatin pattern. The mcrphologic feature of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma in this case was so distinctive as to permit a definite diagnosis by aspiration cytology.
Adenocarcinoma ; Basement Membrane ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Carcinoid Tumor ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; Carcinoma, Small Cell ; Chromatin ; Diagnosis ; Fungi ; Kidney* ; Lung ; Trachea

BACKGROUND: Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of inherited disorcier characterized by blistering of the skin as a result of minor trauma. OBJECTIVE: There exist very little epidemiologic data for most of the major and minor subsets of inherited epidermolysis bullosa in Korea. We look forward to obtaining basic data for the pathogenesis and treatment of epidermolysis bullosa. METHOD: We performed 1st and 2nd trial of survey with the help of 28 dermatologic Departments snd 28 pediatric departments of medical colleges and 14 dermatologic dipartments of general hospitals. RESULTS: 68 cases were collected and classified by disease type, sex distribution, age distribution, and regional distribution. In disease type, 42 cases of EB simplex(62%), 8 cases of junctional type(12%), 10 cases of dominant dystrophic type(15%), 8 cases of recessive dytrcphic type(12%) were reported. In most cases males predominnted, but in dominant dystrophic type both sexes were equivalent. EB simplex, junctional type, RDEB were mostly developed in the 1st decade of life, dominant dystrophic type in the 2nd decade of life. In regional distribution, the number of pi tients was outstanding in large cities such as Seoul, Pusan, Taegu, Kwanju. CONCLUSION: Due to many limitations and shortage of techniques, this epidemiologic study may be notgood enough for the total estimated number of epidermolysis bullos. patients, prevalence rate, and therapeutic modalities. Furthe evaluation should be necessary next time.
Age Distribution ; Blister ; Busan ; Daegu ; Epidemiologic Studies* ; Epidermolysis Bullosa* ; Gwangju ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Korea* ; Male ; Prevalence ; Seoul ; Sex Distribution ; Skin

We analyzed the clinical result of trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation which has antifibrotic and antiinflammatory action in risky glaucoma patients. Subjects were included four eyes of four patients with neovascular glaucoma, one eye of one patient with primary open angle glaucoma and four eyes of three patients with congenital glaucoma. After limbal based scleral flap was made in triangular shape with 5x4 mm sized, amniotic membrane, sized by 6x6 mm with epithelial side up, was placed on the scleral flap and then sutured to medial and lateral portion at 3 mm superior to base of scleral flap base with 10-0 nylon(2 points). The state of bleb, intraocular pressure and complications were observed at postoperative 1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th week. The IOP was reduced from 33.6+/-11.1 mmHg, to 15.5+/-6.5 mmHg at postoperative one week, 17.0+/-8.3 mmHg at three weeks, 16.9+/-8.1 mmHg at six weeks, 17.1+/-6.4 mmHg at nine weeks. 6 eyes(77.7%)had controlled IOP under 21 mmHg without antiglaucomatous agents at last follow up. Avascular blebs were observed throughout postoperative period in all subjects. Postoperative complications were shallow anterior chamber in one eye at 1st week and low intraocular pressue in one eye at 1st, 3rd week, that resolved at six weeks. Trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation on the scleral flap appeared to be effective as an augment therapy for filtering surgery in risky glaucoma.
Amnion ; Anterior Chamber ; Blister ; Filtering Surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glaucoma ; Glaucoma, Neovascular ; Glaucoma, Open-Angle ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Membranes* ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Period ; Trabeculectomy