The study was aimed to explore the diagnostic significance of hemophagocytosis in the patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). 61 suspected HLH patients from June 2005 to October 2008 were enrolled in the study. The suspected HLH patients were divided into confirmed group (43 out of 61) and excluded group (18 out of 61) according to HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria. The incidences of hemophagocytosis in bone marrow, spleen or lymph nodes were compared in all groups. The results indicated that the hemophagocytosis in bone marrow, spleen or lymph nodes was found in 33 patients of confirmed group, while the hemophagocytosis was found in 4 patients of excluded group. The sensitivity of hemophagocytosis for the diagnosis of HLH was 76.7%, and its specificity was 77.8%. In conclusion, hemophagocytosis is a helpful marker for the diagnosis of most but not all HLH patients, however, the lack of hemophagocytosis does not mean to exclude the diagnosis of HLH.
Biopsy ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic ; diagnosis ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Spleen ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of qingchang huashi recipe (QHR) on the dendritic cells (DCs) of experimental colitis rats, thus exploring its possible mechanisms for treating ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODSThe UC rat model was induced by TNBS/anhydrous alcohol. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the normal group, the model group, the QHR group, and the Mesalazine group, 10 in each group. Since the 2nd day of modeling, corresponding medication was respectively administered to each treatment group by gastrogavage for 10 successive days. The number of DCs in the colonic mucosa was observed using iMmunohistochemical assay. The DCs ratio in the mesenteric lymph nodes, and the expressions of surface molecules MHC-II and CD86 were detected using flow cytometry.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the number of DCs in the colonic mucosa significantly decreased, the expression of MHC-II in the mesenteric lymph nodes significantly decreased in the QHR group and the Mesalazine group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the DCs ratios and the CD86 expression among the 4 groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQHR could decrease the infiltration of DCs in the colonic mucosa, and suppress the activation of DCs in the mesenteric lymph nodes, which might be one of its mechanisms for treating UC.

Animals ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Intestinal Mucosa ; cytology ; Lymph Nodes ; cytology ; Lymphocyte Count ; Male ; Mesentery ; cytology ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

We investigated the characteristic features of cervical lymph node B cells to determine whether their behavior differs from that of B cells located elsewhere, because cervical lymph nodes may be exposed to continual antigenic stimulation from the naso- and/or oropharynx. B cells were isolated from cervical lymph nodes, spleen and peritoneal fluid of mice, cultured in medium, and exposed to various stimuli. The expression of various surface molecules characteristic of lymphoid B cells was assayed by flow cytometry, and immunoglobulin secreted into the culture supernatants was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. B220+ cells were cultured in medium alone or with lipopolysaccharide, and their entrance into S phase in response to stimuli was measured by proliferative assays. Phenotypic characteristics of cervical lymph node B cells included CD5low, CD23high, CD43low, B7.1low, B7.2low, and Syndecan-1low. Unstimulated lymphoid B cells did not secrete immunoglobulin, but, upon stimulation, secretion of IgM was increased more than secretion of IgA and IgG. B cells actively entered S phase after 48 hr stimulation. These results show that B cells in cervical lymph nodes are conventional B2 cells, like splenic B cells.
Spleen/cytology ; Phenotype ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice ; Male ; Lymph Nodes/*cytology ; Immunoglobulin M/chemistry ; Flow Cytometry ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Culture Media/pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Culture Techniques/methods ; B-Lymphocytes/*cytology ; Antigens/metabolism ; Animals

Animals ; Graft vs Host Disease ; immunology ; metabolism ; Intestines ; immunology ; pathology ; Lymph Nodes ; cytology ; Lymphocyte Activation ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; metabolism

INTRODUCTIONPeritoneal washing cytology and imprint cytology of pelvic lymph nodes samples were used to evaluate the rapid cytologic detection of peritoneal and retroperitoneal spread of endometrial cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODSWe undertook a study on 194 endometrial cancer patients who underwent primary treatment in the Gynecologic Clinic, Democritus University of Thrace. All patients were subjected to peritoneal washing (PW) cytology and imprint cytology performed on lymph node sampling. The cytologic specimens were stained by May-Grünwald Giemsa (MGG) and Haematoxylin eosin (HE) techniques. Cell-blocks prepared from peritoneal washings (PWs) and the lymph node samples were sent for histologic examination. The cytologic fi ndings were correlated to histologic results.

RESULTSRapid intraoperative cytology provides a useful diagnostic technique for the assessment of endometrial cancer spread. HE and MGG stain presented different values of sensitivity and specifi city in the detection of peritoneal and retroperitoneal spread of endometrial cancer.

CONCLUSIONCytologic assessment of intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal spread of endometrial cancer is a rapid, intraoperative procedure, which provides the surgeon with useful information regarding the stage of the disease and the subsequent therapeutic approach.

Cytodiagnosis ; Endometrial Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Female ; Greece ; Humans ; Intraoperative Period ; Lymph Nodes ; cytology ; pathology ; Methylene Blue ; Peritoneal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; secondary ; Peritoneum ; cytology ; pathology ; Time Factors

No abstract available.
Acute Disease ; Adult ; Antigens, CD4/metabolism ; Antigens, CD45/metabolism ; Antigens, CD56/metabolism ; Bone Marrow Cells/cytology ; Flow Cytometry ; Hematologic Neoplasms/*diagnosis/pathology ; Humans ; Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit/metabolism ; Lymph Nodes/metabolism/pathology ; Male ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of burn on cytokines in lymph and T lymphocyte subsets in lymph node of rats.

METHODSEighteen Wistar rats were used in the experiment. One of the hind limbs of each rat was immersed in 70 °C hot water for 30 s to reproduce 4%TBSA deep partial-thickness scald model (burn group), while the other hind limb was immersed in 22 °C warm water for 30 s to simulate scald (sham injury group). On post injury hour (PIH) 6, 24, and 72, 6 rats were chosen according to the random number table. Lymph fluid in the lymph vessel of each animal (two groups) was obtained for determination of levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) by ELISA, and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was calculated. Common iliac lymph node of each animal (two groups) was obtained for determination of ratios of CD4(+), CD8(+)T lymphocytes with flow cytometry, and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio was calculated. Data were processed with t test.

RESULTS(1) On PIH 6, 24, and 72, TNF-α level in burn group was respectively (51.6 ± 5.4), (27.4 ± 2.6), (23.0 ± 2.7) pg/mL, which were significantly higher than those in sham injury group [(17.8 ± 1.6), (16.4 ± 1.2), (17.2 ± 2.0) pg/mL, with t value respectively 15.346, 11.854, 4.189, P values all below 0.01]. (2) On PIH 6, 24, and 72, there was no significant statistical difference between burn group and sham injury group in IFN-γ level (with t value respectively 2.059, -0.805, -0.415, P values all above 0.05); IL-4 level in burn group was respectively higher than that in sham injury group (with t value respectively 9.141, 11.669, 6.940, P values all below 0.01); IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in burn group (2.27 ± 0.34, 1.54 ± 0.19, 1.60 ± 0.16) was respectively lower than that in sham injury group (3.33 ± 0.25, 3.34 ± 0.22, 2.52 ± 0.24, with t value respectively -6.298, -11.313, -8.893, P values all below 0.01). (3) On PIH 6 and 24, there was no significant statistical difference between burn group and sham injury group in ratios of CD4(+) and CD8(+)T lymphocytes and also CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio (with t values from -2.486 to -0.215, P values all above 0.05). On PIH 72, ratio of CD4(+)T lymphocytes and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio in burn group was respectively (38.6 ± 2.3)% and 2.13 ± 0.16, which were significantly lower than those in sham injury group [(48.9 ± 2.9)% and 2.68 ± 0.12, with t value respectively -7.551, -5.068, P values below 0.01]; there was no significant statistical difference between burn group and sham injury group in ratio of CD8(+)T lymphocytes (t = 0.845, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBurn may decrease IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in locally drained lymph and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio in locally drained lymph node of rat, which may indicate lowering of local immune function.

Animals ; Burns ; immunology ; metabolism ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Flow Cytometry ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Interleukin-4 ; metabolism ; Lymph Nodes ; immunology ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Vessels ; immunology ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo study the histologic features and immunohistochemical findings of interfollicular stromal cells in hyaline-vascular Castleman's disease (HVCD), and to explore the role of these stromal cells in the pathogenesis of this disease.

METHODSThe clinical findings and microscopic features of 23 cases of HVCD cases were reviewed. Immunohistochemical study for CCL21, MSA, CD21, CD35, S-100 and CD34 was carried out.

RESULTSAccording to the criteria proposed by Danon et al., stroma-rich variant of HVCD contained prominent interfollicular zone which occupied at least 50% of the lymph node area. In the current study, there were 14 cases of stroma-rich HVCD and 9 cases of conventional HVCD. Eleven of the stroma-rich HVCD had paraneoplastic pemphigus and contrastly, no pemphigus lesion obtained in all the 9 cases of conventional HVCD. The association between stromal cell hyperplasia and paraneoplastic pemphigus was statistically significant (P < 0.01).In all the conventional HVCD cases studied, CCL21 and MSA were positive in the stromal cells.The stromal cells in 13 of the 14 cases of the stroma-rich HVCD were also positive for CCL21 and MSA, however, staining for CD21, CD35, S-100 and CD34 was negative in both groups. There was no statistical significance obtained (P > 0.05) between the differences of the staining results.

CONCLUSIONSStroma-rich HVCD and conventional HVCD represent two distinctive histologic variants and have a different association with paraneoplastic pemphigus. Most of the stromal cells locating in the interfollicular areas are fibroblastic reticular cells in origin, with the immunophenotype as CCL21(+)/MSA(+)/CD34⁻/CD21⁻/S-100⁻. The stromal cells proliferation correlate with the occurrence of paraneoplastic pemphigus, nevertheless, more cases are expected for a further study of the underlying pathogenesis.

Actins ; metabolism ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Blood Vessels ; pathology ; Castleman Disease ; complications ; metabolism ; pathology ; Chemokine CCL21 ; metabolism ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hyalin ; cytology ; Lymph Nodes ; blood supply ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pemphigus ; complications ; metabolism ; pathology ; Stromal Cells ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the predictive factors of pathological complete response (pCR) in primary human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

METHODSTotally 101 patients of primary HER2-positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab-based NAC and subsequent curative surgical therapy in the Breast Disease Center of Peking University First Hospital from September 2007 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were female with a median age of 53 (range 23 to 70) years.All patients received a taxanes- and carboplatin-containing chemotherapy, and trastuzumab was administered concurrently.A pCR, defined as the absence of invasive tumor cells in the breast and axillary lymph nodes, was achieved in 37.6% of patients (38/101). For analysis of the associations between clinicopathological factors and pCR, the χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test was used for univariate analysis, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate OR and 95% CI.

RESULTSTumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (χ(2)=14.981, P=0.000), hormone receptor (HR) status (χ(2)=9.513, P=0.002), and tumor grade (χ(2)=4.005, P=0.045) were significantly associated with pCR in univariate analysis. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes positive (OR=4.74, 95% CI: 1.87 to 12.01, P=0.001) and HR-negative (OR=3.28, 95% CI: 1.31 to 8.20, P=0.011) were independent predictive factors of pCR in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONTumor-infiltrating lymphocytes-positive and HR-negative were independent predictive factors of pCR in primary HER2-positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab-based NAC.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Axilla ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating ; cytology ; Middle Aged ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Trastuzumab ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of oral administration of Zaocys type II collagen (ZCII) on the percentages of Treg/Th17 cells in mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes (MLNLs) in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

METHODSCIA was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by immunization with chicken type II collagen. Three weeks later, ZCII, purified by pepsin digestion, was orally administered in the mice for 7 consecutive days (daily dose of 10, 20, or 40 µg/kg). The severity of arthritis in each limb was evaluated using a macroscopic scoring system, and histopathological changes of the joint were observed microscopically with HE staining. The percentages of Treg and Th17 cells in MLNLs was detected by flow cytometry, and the levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the supernatant of MLNLs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSCompared with normal control mice, the mice with CIA had significantly higher scores for arthritis and histopathological changes, with also significantly increased percentages of Treg and Th17 cells in MLNLs and elevated levels of TGF-β and IL-17 in MLNL supernatant (P<0.05). In ZCII peptide-treated mice, the scores for arthritis and histopathological changes were significantly lower than those in CIA model group (P<0.05), and Treg cell percentage in MLNLs was up-regulated while Th17 cell percentage lowered; the level of TGF-β was increased but IL-17 was decreased significantly (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONOral administration of ZCII improves CIA in mice by regulating the percentages of Treg/Th17 cells and the cytokine levels in MLNLs, suggesting the value of ZCII as a promising candidate agent for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; immunology ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Collagen Type II ; pharmacology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Flow Cytometry ; Interleukin-17 ; metabolism ; Lymph Nodes ; cytology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology ; Th17 Cells ; immunology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism