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Twenty cases of primary Fallopian tube endometrioid carcinoma (PFTEC) are presented in the paper. This accounts for 42.5% of all histologic forms of primary Fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) found in our Department. The youngest patient was 38, and the oldest 68 years (mean: 56 years). Seven patients were nulliparas. Only two cases were bilateral. According to FIGO staging, 13 cases were evaluated as stage I, 4 as II, and 3 as stage III. Due to the histologic grading, 8 tumors were classified as well, 7 as moderately, and 5 as poorly differentiated. In the time of preparation of the manuscript, 12 women were still alive, 2 of them with recurrent disease. The follow-up of patients without recurrence ranged from 4 to 120 months (median: 63). Eight patients had died (survival time: from 4 to 65 months; median: 26). Metastases were found in 8 patients, especially to ovaries. In 14/20 cases of PFTEC various forms of tubal wall invasion were observed. Blood or lymphatic vessels involvement was found in 9 patients. Six of them had died and one is alive with the symptoms of disease. Immunohistochemical detection of the mutant form of p53 protein and oncogene product, c-erbB-2, was studied in 17 cases. Nine patients exhibited simultaneous p53 protein accumulation and c-erbB-2 expression. 2/9 of these patients are alive with recurrent tumors and 4/9 died. Endometrioid carcinoma of the Fallopian tube can be characterized by a tendency to superficial invasion of tubal wall and in a half of the cases by invasion of vessels. The majority of these tumors were diagnosed at an early stage tumors.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare complication of renal transplantation in Poland (in our center 2 of 1000 patients). Neovascularization (typical for KS) is promoted by KS-related vascular endothelial growth factor (t-r-VEGF). Sirolimus may reduce t-r-VEGF synthesis and inhibit PI3K-p70S6 kinase of endothelial cells. Two men, 58 and 51 years old, were transplanted in 2002. Initial immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone. In the second patient, at the week 8 the immunosuppression was switched to tacrolimus and mycophenolate mophetil. KS symptoms appeared on hard palate and skin in month 7 in both patients. In the first patient, the X-ray showed enlargement of mediastinal lymph nodes and diffuse interstitial infiltrates with nodular changes in both lungs. Serum creatinine of the first patient was increased from 1.6 to 1.9 mg/dL, while in the second it remained stable (approximately 2.0 mg/dL). Since confirmation of KS immunosuppression has been minimized in both patients; all drugs except prednisone were withdrawn, and sirolimus was introduced (1-2 mg/24 hours blood level 5-8 ng/mL). Within a month the progression of lung and skin disease ceased, and patients' conditions began to improve with lung opacities regressing, the biggest skin lesions diminishing and smaller ones disappearing. Within 1 year renal function improved. Our observation suggests that sirolimus-based immunosuppression proffers the possibility of KS regression with concomitant renal function preservation among renal graft recipients. It is difficult to ascertain whether KS regression may be attributed to sirolimus treatment or to the reduced overall immunosuppression.

A 64-year-old man presented with symptoms of systemic immune disease dominated by rapidly progressive glomerular injury with highly positive ANCA of cytoplasmic distribution. The clinical course was characterized by dependence upon the intensity of immunosuppression, which has finally led to development of fungal septicaemia and death. The post mortem examination revealed occult gastric cancer with regional lymphatic involvement and crescentic glomerulonephritis, while failing to substantiate clinical findings of systemic vasculitis. This is, to our knowledge, the first case of ANCA-positive glomerulonephritis accompanying visceral malignancy and as such raises the question of whether it results from a simple coincidence or a causal relationship.

Primary multiple carcinomas are not observed very frequently. Research has been focused mainly on such issues as the frequency of occurrence of primary multiple carcinomas, the identification of high-risk groups, early diagnosis, treatment methods, and prognosis. The purpose of this article is to present our own experience in the surgical treatment of patients with multiple cancers.The paper presents 13 patients of both sexes with primary multiple carcinomas. Four of these patients were diagnosed with synchronous carcinomas, the remaining patients with metachronous. The malignant tumors were variously localized. In the group with synchronous carcinomas, the malignant tumors were located in esophagus, stomach and rectum, pancreas and right ovary, esophagus and palatine tonsil. In the group with metachronous carcinomas, another cancer was diagnosed 12 months to 24 years after the treatment of the first carcinoma was completed. The other cancers were located in esophagus, stomach, pancreas, lung, and the skin of the cheek. Nine patients were qualified for surgical treatment on the basis of the preoperative TNM classification. Various surgical procedures were used. In cases of synchronous multiple carcinomas one-stage operations were preferred.Significant postoperative complications were noted in 2 cases. In the first case, a recto-sigmoid anastomotic leak resulted in increased circulatory and renal insufficiency, leading to the patient's decease. In the second case, a massive gastric hemorrhage after ileocoloesophagoplasty led to respiratory insufficiency, which was the cause of the patient's decease. Two patients died within 12 months after surgical treatment. In the first case cancer recurrence was the cause of death; in the second, myocardial infarction. Long-term follow-up was focused on 5 patients with no cancer recurrence during the period from 12 months to 4 years after surgical treatment.The results of this study suggest that patients who have had a first cancer successfully treated are at higher risk of developing a subsequent cancer, and that regular follow-up with thorough examination in patients successfully treated for cancer may lead to the early detection of a subsequent cancer when it is still at a curable stage.

The classification of primary fallopian tube cancer (PRJ) set in 1991 in accordance to FIGO is unquestionable the best prognostic marker. Nowadays there some circumstances indicate the necessity of its modification. Authors describe a clinical course and morphological picture of PRJ located in fimbria. The subclinical form of PRJ was diagnosed during an explorative laparotomy due to high blood CA 125 level. In the modified classification of PRJ the fimbrial localization of cancer is defined as IF grade. We think, that in this special form of PRJ there is considerable possibility of early metastases to ovary and to the peritoneum. Besides because of fimbria peculiar anatomic structure the cases of PRJ located in fimbria should be classified as IIF grade. The role of blood CA 125 as PRJ marker is then emphasized.

Neuroepithelial dysembryoplastic tumour was first described by Daumas-Duport in 1988 and in WHO classification was included into the group of neuronal and mixed neuroglial tumours. This is a benign and very rare tumor with a good prognosis occurring in children and young adults. The tumour caused characteristic clinical symptoms: epileptic fits, supratentorial, intracortical localisation, most often in temporal lobe and specific nodular architecture with heterogenic cell composition. Oligodendrocyte-like cells, glial and neuronal elements are usually found. The authors present a case of a 24-years old female with partial epileptic sensorial symptomatology. CT examination revealed a tumour in the left parietal lobe. Histological findings showed a typical texture of DNT. The tumour has no tendency for recurrence even in case of incomplete removal and does not require chemotherapy nor radiotherapy which is significantly important for accurate diagnosis, in order to avoid an aggressive therapy in young patients.

The rats exposition for 15 weeks to SO2 inhalation resulted in chronic bronchitis. The BALF evaluation revealed an increase in inflammatory cells number: neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes. Electron microscope examination demonstrated that macrophages were activated in comparison to healthy rats. Immunoreactive endothelin was found in bronchial specimens mainly in alveolar macrophages (we used a computer-assisted system of image analysis). The expression of endothelin was significantly increased in rats irritated with SO2. Low molecular weight heparin-nadroparine has been administered parenterally in 3 doses to 3 groups of rats. In animals subjected to SO2 irritation and simultaneous heparin treatment we observed significant decrease in number and activation of macrophages and endothelin expression as well. The results of this experiment suggest antiinflammatory properties of heparin.

The application of semipermeable membranes for immunoisolation of living pancreatic islets is an interesting alternative for treatment in diabetes mellitus patients. The aim of this work was in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) macrocapsules and of the polyethylene foil itself as well. To establish the value of the artificial prosthesis made from settled with viable pancreatic islets (PVA) macrocapsules the glucose plasma levels were analyzed versus time after implantation into peritoneal cavity of rats with alloxane-induced diabetes. The results of the experiment revealed the progressive disadvantageous alterations of PVA hydrogel membrane resulting in decrease of permeability of albumin and glucose. The histologic examination of the cellular enzyme activities to estimate the intensity of inflammation in surrounding tissues showed changes typical or chronic proliferative inflammation. The correct function of artificial prosthesis of the pancreas manifested in normalization glucose plasma level has been observed for from 14 to 42 days after implantation.

The possibility of transplantation of immuno-isolated viable pancreatic islets is a promising alternative for treatment diabetic patients. To establish the value of the artificial prosthesis made from settled with viable pancreatic islets microcapsulated using sodium alginate and poly-L-lisine, the glucose plasma levels were analyzed versus time after implantation into peritoneal cavity of rats or mice with alloxan-induced diabetes. The proper function of the bio-artificial pancreas manifested in normalization of glucose plasma level has been observed from 14 to 21 days after implantation in diabetic mice and rats.

We describe a clinical data and histopathological findings in hydatidiform mole found in 59-years-old woman. The patient was admitted to Hospital with vaginal bleeding. Diagnostic curettage revealed hydatidiform mole VI group according to Hertig-Sheldon classification. The patient underwent transabdominal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorosalpingectomy. The serum level of beta-HCG has decreased from initially observed 128.6 U/l to less than 3 U/l after 3 courses of MTX therapy. Patient is under every-six-month observation. No further treatment is planned.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used in the treatment of laryngeal lesions. The disorders comprised primary dysplasia and leukoplakia of the vocal cords. The patients after diagnosis were subjected to the therapy. Six hours prior to the light irradiation the patients received 4% solution of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) during 30 minutes inhalation. After 6 hours all the changes were irradiated using 400 nm wavelength light from 300 W halogen lamp (range: 380-420 nm) in order to visualize them. Next, the wavelength was tuned to 650 nm (range 620-680 nm) and the total dose 120 J/cm2 for all cases. Control examinations in patients revealed complete response of the lesions within 2-3 months after PDT.

Lipoma-like liposarcomas of the scrotal wall are very rarely reported neoplasms in the surgical and histopathological literature. We treated a well-differentiated liposarcoma of the inside wall of the scrotum in a 62-year-old man. Following local excision, the tumor recurred after three months, and a funiculoorchidectomy was performed. Today, 24 months following secondary surgery, the patient is completely asymptomatic and there is no evidence of tumor recurrence either on physical examination, ultrasonography or abdominal and pelvic computed tomography. In this paper we present the case and a review of the relevant literature.

The authors present a rarely-observed case of endolymphatic stromal miosis (ESM) in a fifty-year old female patient. ESM is a low malignancy stromal endometrial tumor that is usually treated by surgery.

Here we report on histopathological findings from 46 cases of primary Fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) which were diagnosed and/or consulted in the Department of Pathology, University Medical School of Wrocław between 1982 and 1997. PFTCs can be classified according to the WHO International Classification of Ovarian Tumors. Reexamination of glass slides revealed at least five histological types of PFTC. Our results indicated better prognosis in patients with primary Fallopian tube endometrioid carcinoma rather than with serous carcinoma. Patients with PFTC expressing urothelial differentiation also show better prognosis. These findings confirm greater usefulness of primary ovarian carcinoma classification in the evaluation of the primary salpingeal carcinomas. The problems encountered in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of PFTC are discussed.

We present results of preliminary studies on 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-photodynamic therapy (PDT). In order to assess the effectiveness of 5-ALA-PDT we have used BALB/c mice transplanted subcutaneously with mouse colon adenocarcinoma C51. 5-ALA in the dose of 50 mg/kg was given intraperitoneally and 5 h later tumors were exposed to light at total doses from 50 to 75 J/cm2, wavelength 630+/-20 nm and light intensity 200 mW/cm2. Several time points following 5-ALA injections have been used to measure protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) concentration in different tissues from unirradiated mice. PDT effects were evaluated with regard to survival time, tumor response and necrosis depth. The main finding in our tumor model was that the optimum tumor to skin ratio of PpIX occurs within 5 h after sensitizer injection. 5-ALA-PDT resulted in prolongation of survival time of treated mice as compared to control animals and, in some cases, in complete response of tumors. PDT also caused increase in tumor necrosis, while no skin photodamage was observed.

A case of eosinophilic hyperplasia of the fallopian tube has been reported in a 71-year old woman with ovarian serous cystadenofibroma. Morphological characteristics and p53 protein expression of hyperplastic eosinophilic epithelium are then discussed.

The authors report a case of 47 years old male who was treated for 1,5 year because of recurrent bleedings from upper GIT. Performed examinations showed the presence of retroperitoneal paraganglioma parasympaticum with multiple metastases in bones. A Zollinger-Ellison syndrome was suspected. The final correct diagnosis was established at last microscopically after surgical excision of the specimens.

The authors describe diagnostic difficulties connected with proper estimation of stromal sarcoma biological activities, which developed in uterus corpus in 18 years old girl previously treated with hormones, because of irregular painful menses. Macroscopic and microscopic investigations of postoperative specimen allowed to set final diagnosis: stromal sarcoma with intermediate grade of malignancy, which showed an aggressive growth in the surrounding tissue and demonstrated moderate, focal polymorphism and different amounts of the mitoses in different areas.

As tubulointerstitial damage is regarded secondary to glomerular injury in primary glomerulopathies, we assessed lesions to renal tubulointerstitium in recently diagnosed primary glomerular diseases and evaluated their impact on progression of the disease during the first 2 years after diagnosis.A nonrandomized prospective study assessing tubulointerstitial morphometry at diagnosis, markers of tubular function within the next 6 months and progression of the disease (creatinine clearance) during 24 months' follow-up.Single tertiary referral centre.Forty-six patients with primary glomerular disease, the diagnostic oligobiopsy performed within 2 months of the onset of clinical symptoms.All patients were subjected to antiinflammatory/immunosuppressive treatment.Alterations in results of tubulointerstitial morphometry and tubular function tests, correlations between these variables and parameters of nephrosis/renal function, selection of the most accurate predictor of disease progression within 24 months after diagnostic biopsy.Function of proximal tubules, markedly deteriorated at the time of diagnosis, significantly improved 6 months later (urinary beta2-microglobulin: P0.0025), along with reduction in proteinuria (P0.00125). No appreciable alterations in function of distal tubules were noted. Morphometric indices revealing interstitial expansion and tubular atrophy significantly correlated with creatinine clearance at 6 months (P = 0.032) and were the best predictors of deteriorating renal function at 24 months. Excretion of beta2-microglobulin at the time of diagnosis was the best marker for impairment of glomerular filtration 6 months later.Significant damage to cortical tubulointerstitium occurs concurrently with glomerular injury in primary glomerulopathies and may predict the clinical course of the disease already in its initial phase.

The authors describe diagnostic difficulties connected with proper estimation of stromal sarcoma biological activities, which developed in uterus corpus in 18 year old girl previously treated with hormones, because of irregular painful menses. Macroscopic and microscopic investigations of postoperative specimen allowed to set final diagnosis: stromal sarcoma with intermediate grade of malignancy, which showed an aggressive growth in the surrounding tissue and demonstrated moderate, focal polymorphism and different amounts of the mitoses in different areas.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heparin on the rat bronchial mucosa changes induced by sulphur dioxide (SO2) inhalation. Sixty five rats were used in this experiment. Five of them constituted a control group, while 60 were exposed to SO2. Forty of the latter subgroup were additionally treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), either during or after terminating exposure to SO2. In all animals exposed to SO2 inflammatory cells were found in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALf) in numbers significantly higher from those observed in healthy controls. The rats exposed to SO2 and treated with LMWH showed intermediate cell pattern in the bronchi between healthy and SO2- exposed animals. When comparing histological picture of the bronchi, we noted extensive changes in irritated rats. These changes were either less expressed or totally absent in animals treated with heparin. The activity of enzymes: acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) rose in BALf, although the rise was not parallel and did not correlate with the magnitude of cellular influx or histological changes. Heparin did not influence this changes.

A case of an extremely rare cancer of the uterine tube in a 43 year old woman is reported. The tumor has been diagnosed as primary giant-cell carcinoma of the uterine tube.

In 20 rats bronchitis was evoked by permanent 12-week long inhalation of SO2. For this purpose a special chamber with gas supply was prepared. In all rats exposed to SO2 changes in cellularity of BALF were found (a statistically significant increase of the percent of macrophages and neutrophils). Histologic examination revealed bronchial changes especially in epithelium. The method applied, based on an original technology is cheap and effective and can be recommended in developing experimental bronchitis.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of heparin on inflammed bronchial mucosa in rats. Sixty five animals were used in the study; 5 of them constituted the control group, whereas 60 were submitted to long term SO2 irritation in specially constructed chamber, what resulted in chronic bronchitis. Low molecular weight heparin preparation--Frexiparine has been administered in inhalation or parenterally to 40 rats, simultaneously or immediately after SO2 exposition. In all animals exposed to SO2 the BALF evaluation revealed predomination of inflammatory cells. The results obtained in healthy rats were different and BALF cellular sediment contained 92% of epithelial cells. However in animals submitted to SO2 irritation and simultaneous heparin treatment we observed significant increase of the number of inflammatory cells in BALF in comparison to healthy rats but it was not as high when compared to animals irritated only with SO2. In all animals exposed only to SO2 we were able to find disseminate inflammatory changes and/or planoepithelial metaplasia in bronchial specimens. However we did not observe any sings of inflammation in specimens obtained from 50% of heparin treated rats, whereas in the other 50% they were described as mild or moderate.1. Low molecular weight heparin decreased signs of experimentally provoked bronchial inflammation in rats. 2. Simultaneous heparin and SO2 administration was extremely efficient. This finding suggests prophylactic properties of heparin. 3. The heparin activity does not depend on inhalatory or parenteral way of administration.

The authors presented their methods of protecting esophageal grafts made of colon intestine from the gastric reflux to the graft; the methods were invented in their Department and verified in clinical practice. 51 patients had anti-reflux interpositions of jejunal or ileo-cecal segments made during the initial reconstruction or as a reoperation. Despite this, reflux was found on control examination in 12 cases, 8 of which had esophagitis confirmed by histology.

Granular cell myoblastoma is a relatively rare and, exceptionally, malignant tumor. Here we report on two cases found in the gingiva in newborns. None of the previously described congenital lesions has been malignant. The treatment is always wide surgical excision and observation for possible recurrence. Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) and S-100 protein immunoperoxidase studies revealed that cells of the granular cell myoblastoma react positively for both antigens, thus confirming the neurogenic origin of this tumor.

A case is reported of 63 year old male with disseminated multiple myeloma treated for more than 2.5 year with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After partial remission lasting for 8 months secondary myeloma infiltration closing nearly the whole hypoglottical part of the larynx and upper part of the trachea developed. Surgical excision of the infiltration was technically impossible to perform. An intensive cytostatic treatment was ineffective but radiotherapy seemed to give some results. Patient suddenly died during morning toilet.

Given the evidence accrued by other authors on beneficial effect of protease inhibitors on experimental immune nephritis, and following our preliminary report on abrogation of immune glomerulopathy in the rat by antifibrinolytic and antiproteolytic drug, epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), we investigated the effect of this drug on the rat autologous anti-GBM nephritis. Along with the EACA we evaluated another protease inhibitor, aprotinin, an antagonist of serine proteases.EACA (0.3g/kg) or aprotinin (5000 kallkrein inhibition units, KIU/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (t.i.d.) from day 0 (preventive protocol) or day 3 (therapeutic protocol) of autologous anti-GBM nephritis induced in Wistar rats. Proteinuria, creatinine clearance and renal histopathology were assessed as markers of disease activity, while glomerular fibrin deposits (immunoperoxidase staining) and standard parameters of coagulation/fibrinolysis of peripheral blood enabled insight into local and systemic haemostatic mechanisms. Glomerular binding of anti-GBM antibodies (immunofluorescence) and serum titres of autologus nephrotoxic antibodies (haemagglutination assay) represented conditions of immune induction of glomerulopathy.Our experiments indicated that EACA, and to a lesser extent also aprotinin, are capable of preventing proteinuria (EACA, reduction by 57.6%; aprotinin, reduction by 26.8%, compared to untreated nephritic rats, day 3 post-induction) and glomerular histopathological changes, without affecting endogenous creatinine clearance, otherwise depressed in this model of glomerulonephritis. More importantly, both drugs significantly ameliorated glomerular lesions and proteinuria, even when the treatment was initiated on day 3 post-induction, after the injury has begun (EACA reduced proteinuria by 32.0%, and aprotinin reduced it by 20.9% day 7). Administration of EACA and aprotinin at doses reducing glomerular injury did not cause appreciable fibrin deposition in glomeruli of nephritic rats, nor did it modify parameters of systemic coagulation and fibrinolysis in these animals, EACA and aprotinin did not interfere with serum titres of nephrotoxic antibody, nor with the intensity of its binding to the glomerular basement membrane in vivo.Antiproteolytic drugs utilized in our studies exert their beneficial effect on autologous anti-GBM nephritis through interference with inflammatory phase of the disease, while sparing its immune induction and mechanisms of coagulation/fibrinolysis.

The weight of thyroids from cadavers in the Province of Wrocław in the year 1991 was not lower and, on the contrary it was frequently higher than in the year 1957. One of the causes of this may be incorrectly conducted iodine prophylaxis. Other causes cannot be ruled out including the influence of pollution after Chernobyl reactor disaster. The data from the Province of Lublin indicate that mass of thyroids in this region is even higher than that in the Province of Wrocław considered to be the area of goitre endemic.

A case is presented of a 23-year-old female hospitalized for infertility in whom full Morris syndrome was diagnosed. In the patient apart from testosterone level typical of a sexually mature man, high "castration" LH and FSH values and extreme hyper-estrogen secretion were found in hormonal investigation. In the histopathological pattern of the testicles removed from both inguinal canals numerous adenomas were demonstrated, originating from Sertoli cells and also, to a lesser degree, from Leydig cells. The unusual character of the case results also from complete insensitivity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system to circulating oestrogens and androgens (LH and FSH levels were not significantly changed after castration, and the GnRH stimulation test gave similar results before and after the operation). The authors discuss the possible mechanisms of the observed phenomena.

Glomerulonephritis is a well established but rather uncommon complication of latent secondary syphilis. We present three cases of glomerulopathies associated with luetic infection, observed and managed in our institutions in the past three years. They illustrate a variety of clinicopathologic presentations of this nephropathy, from acute nephrotic syndrome through membranous glomerulopathy up to rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Regardless of the clinical course and histologic type, they were all characterized by strongly positive results of serologic tests for syphilis. Our observations suggest the necessity of eliminating luetic infection in aetiologic considerations of each newly diagnosed case of nephrotic syndrome.

Ascitic samples from 19 patients with primary ovarian non-mucinous carcinomas, three with Krukenberg tumors and eight with noncancerous peritoneal effusions were studied by conventional cytology and immunocytochemical staining. Density gradient centrifugation was applied to fractionate ascitic fluid cells. The enrichment of cell types by this method facilitated their cytomorphological characterization and identification of neoplastic cell subpopulations existing in peritoneal effusions. Immunophenotypic studies of cells were made using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens (OC 125, 10B, 8C) and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA). Non-specific cross-reacting antigen (NCA) was applied as a marker for granulocytes which often accompany peritoneal effusions. Our results indicated that immunofluorescence (IF) staining contributed to the distinction between the primary and secondary ovarian carcinomas. Density gradient centrifugation appeared to be a useful method for separation of mesothelial cells.

The cells of cystic fluids from patients with malignant and benign serous ovarian neoplasms were separated by density gradient centrifugation. Density distribution and morphological features of cell fractions were analyzed. The immunophenotypic characterization of each cell fraction using poly- and monoclonal antibodies was performed. The application of density gradient centrifugation allowed to yield and catalogue several cell subpopulations according to their stage of pathological differentiation starting from typical, morphologically malignant until normal epithelial cells. Significant morphological and immunological heterogeneity among and within individual tumors was found. Our studies indicated the value of isolated cell subsets for estimation of interrelationships among various neoplastic markers and for comparison the reactivity of different antibodies and evaluation of their immunodiagnostic potency.

Three subpopulations of cancer cells with different morphologic features were separated by density gradient centrifugation of two ascitic fluids and one cystic fluid from one patient with ovarian clear cell carcinoma and one with endometrial clear cell carcinoma. Immunophenotypic analyses of isolated fractions using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens revealed significant immunologic heterogeneity among the tumor cells. The identical histopathologic structures of the ovarian and endometrial clear cell carcinomas and the similar distribution and immunologic reactivity of the cell types isolated from the ascitic and cystic fluids confirmed the common histogenesis of both cancers. These findings suggest that the conventional cytologic diagnosis of clear cell carcinomas could be supplemented by immunofluorescent staining. Density gradient centrifugation appeared to be a useful method for the separation of mesothelial cells.

The immunological reactivity of serous ovarian tumor cells was evaluated, taking into account their density and morphological features. Discontinuous density gradient centrifugation was applied to fractionate cell subpopulations from cystic fluids of patients with ovarian serous carcinomas, cystadenomas and benign serous cysts. For phenotypic characterization of tumor cell subpopulations the immune sera against perchloric acid extracts of ovarian serous (anti-PCA-CaOs) and mucinous (anti-PCA-CaOm) carcinomas were used. The expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and nonspecific cross-reacting antigen (NCA) on tumor cell fractions was also checked. Some relationship between immunological reactivity, cell morphology and cell density was found; however, individual patient-to-patient variations in cellular composition and antigenic expression were also observed. The presence of ovarian serous carcinoma-associated antigen (CaOs-Ag) was related mainly to frankly malignant cells. Neither CEA nor NCA were constant and characteristic markers for serous ovarian neoplasms. These neoplasms were unreactive with anti-PCA-CaOm serum. Our results indicate the possibility of correlation between morphological features, density distribution and immunological phenotypes of ovarian tumor cell populations.

The Bowen disease is rare, especially when the focus is located on the vulva. In each case of diagnosis of+ the disease, one should also examine the patient with respect of the coexistence of an additional neoplastic focus in the skin or other internal organs. In their teaching hospital the authors observed a patient in whom the Bowen disease coexisted with preinvasive cervical carcinoma.