Follicular Growth Pattern Research Articles

Prospective assessment of follicular growth and the oocyte cohort after ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation in 90 cancer patients versus 180 matched controls.

A lower number of metaphase II oocytes eligible for vitrification after controlled stimulation in cancer patients has recently been reported, suggesting that cancer may impair the dynamics and quality of follicular growth. In this prospective, non-interventional study, the pattern of follicular growth and oocyte cohort after ovarian stimulation in cancer patients was analysed. Ninety cancer patients, recruited before starting chemotherapy, were compared with 180 time- and age-matched healthy controls undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Primary outcome was total number of metaphase II oocytes and metaphase II /total oocytes rate. Basal anti-Müllerian hormone levels (P < 0.05) and antral follicle count (P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in cancer patients. Recombinant FSH total dose was significantly higher in the cancer group (P < 0.0001). No differences were found in duration of stimulation, mean number of mature follicles on day of ovulation induction and total oocyte number after retrieval; the number of metaphase II oocytes retrieved (6.2 ± 4.7 versus 8.8 ± 4.2; P < 0.0001) and number of metaphase II oocytes-total oocytes ratio were significantly lower in cancer patients (56% versus 78%, P < 0.0001). Fewer metaphase II oocytes were eligible for vitrification and lower maturation rate in the cancer group.

Applications of ultrasonography in cattle reproduction

Ultrasonography is becoming a useful diagnostic toolin the field of cattle pathophysiology, aiding to meet the demands of the expanding cattle breeding. Transrectal ultrasonography is a rapid, reliable and safe technique for both the animal and the operator. With the use of ultrasonography in research, the hypothesis concerning the wave - like pattern of follicular growth has been confirmed. In addition it has been proved that follicular growth, development and regression continue during early pregnancy. The application of ultrasonographic techniques in concert with modern biotechnology, boosted the production of embryos from genetically superior cows and prepubertal heifers and indirectly solved the problem of infertility in valuable animals. In clinical practice, the use of ultrasonography for early pregnancy diagnosis and for diagnosis of pathologic conditions which lead to prolonged postpartum anoestrous, makes a considerable contribution to the reduction of calving interval. In this review basic physical principles of ultrasonography are described and selected applications in the field of cow reproduction are discussed.

CD5 positive follicular lymphomas: A diagnostic dilemma in a resource restricted laboratory setting

Background: Follicular lymphoma is an indolent B Non Hodgkin lymphoma which has a characteristic follicular growth pattern and immunohistochemical expression. The neoplastic cells express CD20, CD10, BCL2 and are negative for CD5, CD23 and Cyclin D1. CD5 is a useful marker in the differentiation of various B cell lymphomas. Small cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma express CD5. Some of the follicular lymphomas express CD5 which results in diagnostic confusion. Methods: 52 cases of lymphoma were diagnosed over a period of 2 years in a tertiary care centre in south India. Among these, 9 cases were diagnosed as follicular lymphoma based on the morphological abd immunohistochemical study. A panel of antibodies were chosen based on the morphological diagnosis.The panel used for small cell lymphomas include CD20, CD3, CD5 CD23, Cyclin D1, CD10, BCL2 and Ki67. Result: Of the nine cases of follicular lymphoma, three were CD5 positive. Two showed bone marrow involvement. There was no significant morphological difference between CD5 positive and CD5 negative follicular lymphoma. Conclusion: The expression of CD5 by follicular lymphomas could be problematic when the follicular lymphoma as such lacks its characteristic follicular pattern and there are no molecular studies available. Eventhough rare , follicular lymphoma is to be considered in the differential diagnosis of CD5 positive follicular lymphomas. DOI: 10.21276/APALM.1364

Follicular large cleaved cell (centrocytic) lymphoma: an unrecognized variant of follicular lymphoma

The World Health Organization classification of lymphoma recommends the subdivision of follicular lymphoma (FL) into 3 grades (FL1-3) based on the average number of centroblasts per high-power field in the neoplastic follicles, but does not recognize a form of FL characterized by a predominance of large cleaved cells (centrocytes) without enough centroblasts to meet the World Health Organization criteria for FL3. We have classified such cases as follicular large cleaved cell lymphoma (FLC) and, herein, describe the pathologic and clinical features of 72 cases of this entity. The features of FLC include a follicular growth pattern with pale follicles at low magnification and frequent follicular and/or interfollicular fibrosis. Cytologically, the cells are predominantly large cleaved cells with moderately coarse to fine chromatin, absent or inconspicuous nucleoli, and small to moderate amounts of pale cytoplasm. The mean nuclear diameter of the large cleaved cells was 10.1μ, approximately twice that of small lymphocytes and similar to centroblasts. The t(14;18) was present in 83% of the cases, and a high proportion expressed BCL2 (84%), BCL6 (100%), and CD10 (88%) and had high Ki67 proliferation (81%). The clinical features of patients with FLC were similar to those with other types of FL, and survival was excellent with anthracycline-based chemotherapy plus rituximab. FLC is a variant of follicular lymphoma which should be recognized in future lymphoma classifications because the diagnosis of FLC may be important for the selection of therapy.

Follicular large cleaved cell (centrocytic) lymphoma: A distinctive but unrecognized variant of follicular lymphoma

Introduction: The WHO classification recommends the subdivision of follicular lymphoma (FL) into three grades based on the average number of centroblasts per high-power field in the neoplastic follicles. However, we have encountered cases of FL in which the follicles are comprised predominately of large cells with cleaved nuclei (large centrocytes), but without enough centroblasts to meet the WHO criteria for grade 3 FL (FL3), and have classified such cases as follicular large cleaved cell lymphoma (FLC). The objective of this study was to describe the pathologic and clinical features of a large series of patients with FLC. Methods: The pathologic features of 72 cases of FLC were evaluated, including morphometry, immunostaining, and cytogenetic studies. Clinical features were tabulated and compared to a series of patients with the other subtypes of FL (332 FL1/2, 181 FL3), and survivals were compared for those treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy plus rituximab. Results: FLC has a follicular growth pattern with pale follicles at low magnification and frequent follicular and/or interfollicular fibrosis. Cytologically, the cells are predominantly large cleaved cells (centrocytes) with moderately coarse to fine chromatin, absent or inconspicuous nucleoli, and small to moderate amounts of pale cytoplasm. The mean nuclear diameter of the large cleaved cells was 10.1 μ, similar to centroblasts and approximately twice that of small lymphocytes. The t(14;18) was present in 83% of the cases, and a high proportion expressed BCL2 (84%), BCL6 (100%), and CD10 (88%) and had high (≥30%) Ki67 proliferation (81%). However, almost one-half of the cases of FLC were misdiagnosed as low-grade FL. The clinical features of patients with FLC were similar to those with the other types of FL, and survival was excellent with anthracycline-based chemotherapy plus rituximab. The 5-year overall survival (OS) of these patients was 95% and the 5-year event-for survival (EFS) was 90%. No significant differences in OS were found between FLC, FL1/2, FL3A, or FL3B. However, FLC and FL3A had significantly better EFS than either FL1/2 (P = .05) or FL3B (P = .028). Conclusions: FLC is a distinctive variant of follicular lymphoma, which should be recognized in future lymphoma classifications. The correct diagnosis of FLC is critical for the selection of appropriate therapy. Keywords: B-cell lymphoma; follicular lymphoma (FL); R-CHOP

The effect of follicle size and homogeneity of follicular development on the morphokinetics of human embryos

PurposeOur aim was to investigate follicular size (large, ≥17 mm and small, <17 mm) at the time of OPU and homogeneity of follicular development (homogenous development: follicles being present in a homogenous spread of all sizes; heterogeneous: a predominance of small and large follicles) by analysing the morphokinetics of embryo development.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 2526 COCs belonging to 187 patients were cultured to day 5. Embryos were evaluated morphokinetically. Four subgroups were defined: large follicles from heterogeneous cycles (LHet) and homogenous cycles (LHom) and small follicles from heterogeneous cycles (SHet) and homogenous cycles (SHom).ResultsRates of fertilization, blastocyst formation and top and good quality blastocysts were found to be significantly higher in embryos from the LHom group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Small follicles from both homogenous and heterogeneous cycles had significantly lower blastocyst formation and top and good quality blastocyst rates (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Embryos from SHet had significantly more direct cleavages (p = 0.011). Time to reach blastocyst was shorter in SHom than LHet and LHom (p = 0.002; p = 0.027, respectively). However, once the blastocyst stage was achieved, implantation rates were not significantly different between subgroups, the highest rate being observed in the LHom group. Multivariable analysis revealed that homogeneity of follicular development and follicular size had a significant effect on blastocyst development and quality (p = 0.049; p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionFollicular dynamics, illustrated by follicular size and homogeneity of follicular development, influence early human embryo development. Patterns of follicular growth have an impact on embryo quality and viability which is reflected in morphokinetic variables.

Clinical characteristics and treatment of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents: a retrospective analysis of 83 patients

To study the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents. We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 83 cases of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents from January 1990 to December 2010. We compared extra-thyroid extension, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and prognosis between pediatric patients ≤12 years of age (27 cases) and those >12 years of age (56 cases). All the patients agreed to undergo thyroidectomy and endocrine therapy, and the consent was obtained from parents or guardians. Histopathology included papillary carcinoma in 67 cases, papillary carcinoma with partial follicular growth pattern in 1 case, papillary carcinoma with squamous metaplasia in 4 cases, follicular carcinoma in 7 cases, medullary carcinoma in 3 cases, and poorly differentiated carcinoma in 1 case. The total lymph node metastasis rate was 78.31%. Patients ≤12 years of age showed a higher rate of lymph node metastasis than the older group (92.59% vs. 71.43%, P=0.028). The incidence rate in females in the older group was higher than that in the younger group (80.36% vs. 59.26%, P=0.041). There were no significant differences in extra-thyroid extension, distant metastasis, survival rate, or recurrent disease between the two groups. The lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer is higher in patients ≤12 years of age than in those >12 years of age; the incidence rate is higher in females than in males. Childhood thyroid cancer has a good prognosis, surgery being the most effective treatment. Choosing a reasonable surgery method and comprehensive postoperative treatment can achieve a cure and satisfactory survival rate.

BONE MARROW IN FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA PROGNOSIS

Background. Bone marrow is the mostfrequent metastatic site in follicular lymphoma, 40-70 % cases. It’s unfovourable prognostic role is stated in the index FLIPI-2 (Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index-2). Objective. To study both prognostic role of bone marrow involvement and it’s relation to erythropoiesis peculiarities in follicular lymphoma was the purpose of this research. Materials and methods. Histological study was performed in 269 follicular lymphoma patients. Erythropoiesis peculiarities were studied in that patients according to standard myelogram analysis. Results. Bone marrow involvement was noted according to trephine biopsy section staining in 37,9 % of follicular lymphoma case (102 from 269). Bone marrow involvement did not influenced the prognosis (overall survival) in all period of observation (p = 0,18). Longterm survival (more than 48 months) was negatively influenced by bone marrow involvement (p = 0,04). Intertrabecular pattern of follicular lymphoma growth in bone marrow was negative prognostic factor (p = 0,02). We noted negative correlation between bone marrow involvement and the elevation of orthochromic normoblasts in bone marrow of patients with follicular lymphoma. In cause of bone marrow such elevation was noted in 67 %, and in the absense of involvement - in 78 % (p = 0,043). Elevation of orthochromic normoblasts did not influenced the overall survival of follicular lymphoma patients (p = 0,89). Conclusion. Bone marrow involvement in follicular lymphoma plays prognostically unfavourable role in long-time observation periods (later than 48 months). The most unfavourable are the intertrabecular patchy lesions. Involvement of bone marrow is in opposite relations to elevation of orthochromic normoblast, but the latter sign is of no prognostic significance.

Monitoring of Ovarian Follicular Development and Ovulation with Transvaginal Sonography (TVS) in Infertile Women in Eastern Region of Nepal

Background Ultrasonography is the first line imaging modality for evaluation of ovaries, monitoring ovarian follicular development and detecting ovulation in infertile women; thus plays a significant role in infertility management. This study was undertaken to evaluate the pattern of ovarian follicular growth and to predict and detect ovulation in infertile women by transvaginal sonography in eastern region of Nepal.Material and Methods Hospital based prospective cross-sectional study on 100 infertile patients referred for ultrasonographic monitoring of ovarian follicle was conducted over duration of 26 months. Serial transvaginal sonography of the patients was performed using standard procedure daily from day 10 of menstrual cycle till detection of ovulation. Identification of ovarian dominant follicle, monitoring of dominant follicle development and detection of ovulation was assessed in relation to the day of menstrual cycle.Results Increase in mean diameter of the dominant follicle was seen in serial ultrasound scan till ovulation, which occurred in all cases by day 16 of menstrual cycle. The average daily follicular growth rate ± SD from day 10 of menstrual cycle till detection of ovulation was 2.2 ± 0.2 mm per day and the mean diameter ± SD of dominant follicle on the day prior to ovulation was 21.4 ± 2.8 mm (range: 17.2 – 26.3 mm).Conclusion Transvaginal sonography is an excellent method for monitoring of ovarian follicular development and shows a linear increase in mean diameter of dominant follicle from day 10 of menstrual cycle till detection of ovulation.Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVolume 5, Number 1, Issue 8, January-July 2016, 43-48

Genome-wide analysis of pediatric-type follicular lymphoma reveals low genetic complexity and recurrent alterations of TNFRSF14 gene

AbstractPediatric-type follicular lymphoma (PTFL) is a variant of follicular lymphoma (FL) with distinctive clinicopathological features. Patients are predominantly young males presenting with localized lymphadenopathy; the tumor shows high-grade cytology and lacks both BCL2 expression and t(14;18) translocation. The genetic alterations involved in the pathogenesis of PTFL are unknown. Therefore, 42 PTFL (40 males and 2 females; mean age, 16 years; range, 5-31) were genetically characterized. For comparison, 11 cases of conventional t(14:18)− FL in adults were investigated. Morphologically, PTFL cases had follicular growth pattern without diffuse areas and characteristic immunophenotype. All cases showed monoclonal immunoglobulin (IG) rearrangement. PTFL displays low genomic complexity when compared with t(14;18)− FL (mean, 0.77 vs 9 copy number alterations per case; P < .001). Both groups presented 1p36 alterations including TNFRSF14, but copy-number neutral loss of heterozygosity (CNN-LOH) of this locus was more frequently observed in PTFL (40% vs 9%; P = .075). TNFRSF14 was the most frequently affected gene in PTFL (21 mutations and 2 deletions), identified in 54% of cases, followed by KMT2D mutations in 16%. Other histone-modifying genes were rarely affected. In contrast, t(14;18)− FL displayed a mutational profile similar to t(14;18)+ FL. In 8 PTFL cases (19%), no genetic alterations were identified beyond IG monoclonal rearrangement. The genetic landscape of PTFL suggests that TNFRSF14 mutations accompanied by CNN-LOH of the 1p36 locus in over 70% of mutated cases, as additional selection mechanism, might play a key role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The genetic profiles of PTFL and t(14;18)− FL in adults indicate that these are two different disorders.

B-cell cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia: report of two cases and histopathologic differentiation of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma

B-cell cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia (B-cell pseudolymphoma) represents a heterogeneous group of benign reactivelymphoproliferative diseases caused by polyclonal B-cell rich lymphocytic infiltrates, simulating the appearance of acutaneous B-cell lymphopma clinically and/or histologically. A histopathologic differentiation of cutaneous lymphoidhyperplasia with follicular growth pattern from follicle center cell lymphoma is important. However, the differentiationbetween cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia and cutaneous lymphoma is somewhat difficult and close long-term follow-upmay be necessary. Herein, we present two cases of B-cell cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia with a clinico-pathologicreview of the literature.

Clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objective: To provide fertility assistance and to determine the response of clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovarian syndrome. Design: Observational study. Place and duration of study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Lady Willingdon Hospital Lahore. Eighty-four patients of polycystic ovarian syndrome who required fertility assistance were subjected to clomiphene citrate therapy for duration of 12 months from February 2005 to January 2006. Intervention: Clomiphene citrate (50-150mg) was administered from second to sixth day of menstrual cycle and TVS performed on 12th and 16th day of cycle for follicular growth, ovulation, endometerial thickness and echogenic pattern. Main outcome measures: Ovulation, conception rate, miscarriage rate and ovarian hyperstimulation rate were assessed. In addition the thickness and echogenic pattern of the endometrium was observed in conceived group. Results: Forty-six patients (54.76%) ovulated in six cycles while twenty-seven (32.14%) remained anovulatory. Sixteen women (34.79%) conceived during the study period. Out of which ten women (62.5%) miscarried. Endometerial thickness did not differ (P&gt;.50) between the conceived and non-conceived group but echogenic grade A pattern (75%) was observed during the conceived cycles (P&lt;. 001). Conclusion: Clomiphene citrate (CC) is a successful drug for ovulation induction in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. But the discrepancy in ovulation and pregnancy rate s upport that clomiphene citrate therapy has antiestrogenic effect at the endometrium, which interferes with implantation of pregnancy. The high miscarriage rate in these patients demand some other forms of therapies. These include weight reduction, use of insulin sensitizing drugs, gonadotrophin therapy and ovarian drilling to reduce high LH levels, thus correcting disturbed hormonal milieu, ovulation resumption and pregnancy outcome.

A subset of low-grade B cell lymphomas with a follicular growth pattern but without a BCL2 translocation shows features suggestive of nodal marginal zone lymphoma.

In our consultation practice, it was noted that many cases that were considered to represent follicular lymphoma (FL) without a BCL2 translocation were ultimately classified as nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL). This study set out to define recurrent morphological features of these cases. Thirty-three low-grade B cell lymphomas without a BCL2 rearrangement were studied for recurrent morphological features. These features were then applied on 20 randomly selected cases to verify if these criteria are able to distinguish between lymphomas with and without a BCL2 rearrangement, assigning them to one of five categories ranging from “certain FL” to “certain NMZL.” Highly recurrent morphological features were noted in the lymphomas without a BCL2 rearrangement, which were strongly overlapping with the morphological features of NMZL. All six cases that were assigned to the category of certainly FL or most likely FL indeed harbored a BCL2 rearrangement, whereas all 12 cases assigned to the category of most likely NMZL or certain NMZL had no BCL2 break. Of the two cases in the ambiguous category, one had received a final diagnosis of FL and the other of NMZL. This study raises the hypothesis that a subset of low-grade B cell lymphomas with a follicular growth pattern but without a BCL2 translocation actually represents NMZL. This is at present difficult to prove, because no gold standard is available to differentiate between NMZL and FL without a BCL2 rearrangement, so further investigations are needed.

Effect of maternal nutrition and days of gestation on pituitary gland and gonadal gene expression in cattle

This study investigated effects of maternal overnutrition on gonadal development and pituitary-gonadal gene expression in cattle fetuses at mid- and late-gestation. Twenty-seven multiparous dry cows were fed either high (ad libitum, H) or moderate (M) intake of the same diet. Twelve cows from H (n=6) and M (n=6) intake carrying females fetuses were euthanized at 199 and 268d of gestation (DG; n=3 for H or M on each DG). Fifteen cows from H (n=6) and M intake (n=9) carrying male fetuses were euthanized at 139, 199, and 241 DG (n=2 for H and n=3 for M on each DG). Fetal gonads and pituitary gland were sampled for gene expression and histological analyses. Sex-specific responses to maternal intake were observed. Primordial and total follicle numbers were lower in fetal ovaries from H than in M intake cows. These results were the reverse for preantral and antral follicles. Volumetric proportion and diameter of seminiferous cord were lower in fetal testis of H than M intake cows. The expression level of FSHB was greater in pituitary gland of the female fetus from H compared with M intake cows, irrespective of DG, whereas LHB gene expression did not differ. In males, FSHB and LHB gene expression levels were similar between maternal intake groups. Fetal ovarian expression of P450 aromatase, StAR, BMPR2, TGFBR1, GDF9, FSHR, Bax, and CASP3 genes were higher in H than in M intake cows, irrespective of DG. Fetal testicular expression of StAR, HSD17B3, IGF1, IGF2, and IGF1R genes was higher in M than in H intake cows. The differences in gene expression for steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, and apoptosis may explain the distinct pattern of follicular growth between offspring of M and H intake cows. By contrast, the lower volumetric proportion, diameter, and length of seminiferous cord may relate to decreased gene expression in fetal testis from H intake cows. In conclusion, maternal H intake seems to affect fetal ovarian follicular growth and number of follicles, which may affect the size of ovarian reserve in their offspring. In male fetus, maternal H intake seems to disturb testicular development and may have implications on sperm production. The underlying mechanism of differential gene expression and the effect on offspring reproductive potential should be the focus of further research, especially considering larger sample size, reducing the chance for type I errors.

CK19 IS A USEFUL MARKER IN DISTINGUISHING FOLLICULAR VARIANT OF PAPILLARY THYROID CARCINOMA FROM BENIGN THYROID LESIONS WITH FOLLICULAR GROWTH PATTERN.

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Within various subtypes of thyroid neoplasms, those with follicular growth pattern usually make diagnostic problems. To examine ck19 expression as a diagnostic marker in thyroid neoplasms with follicular growth pattern. In this cross sectional study, 86 patients were enrolled. Totally 22 follicular adenoma (FA), 18 well differentiated tumors with undetermined malignant potential (WT-UMP) and 46 follicular variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FV-PTC) were enrolled and examined for Ck19 expression by immunohistochemistry staining. Membranous/cytoplasmic staining patterns were considered as positive. Specimens without staining were considered as 0, < 5% positively stained cells as 1+, 5%-25% as 2+, 25%-75% as 3+ and >75% as 4+. CK19 was negative in most cases of FA while positive in most WDT-UMP and FV-PTCs, p<0.001. Additionally, most cases with 2+ and 3+ staining patterns were FV-PTC (75% and 81%, respectively, p<0.001) and none of FAs showed 3+ positivity (p<0.001). Additionally, most of strongly positive results in patients > 45 y/o were PTC (p<0.001). Ck19 is a useful marker in differentiating FA from FV-PTC. We found diffuse and strong (3+) staining pattern in FV-PTC but none of FAs were so. We concluded that diffuse and strong staining for ck19 in a thyroid lesion with follicular pattern of growth, especially in a patient older than 45 y/o should raise the possibility of malignancy.

Initiation of Ovarian Stimulation with Recombinant FSH in a GnRH An-tagonist Cycle: Day 2 versus Day 5?

Recent approaches in IVF are trending towards more physiological and patient friendly stimulation cycles, with reduction in cost and stress associated with ovarian stimulation. Delaying onset of stimulation from day 2 to day 5 in a GnRH antagonist protocol is a novel approach which helps maintain a more physiological hormonal milieu. The present review compares the follicular growth patterns and endocrine profiles in women undergoing delayed onset versus the conventional day 2 start of ovarian stimulation.

Neonatal testosterone exposure induces early development of follicular cysts followed by sympathetic ovarian hyperinnervation.

This study analysed the temporal association between ovarian cyst development induced by neonatal androgenisation and sympathetic innervation. Neonatal rats (postnatal Days 1 to 5) were treated with testosterone or dihydrotestosterone and the effects were evaluated at postnatal Days 20, 40, 90 or 180. Ovulation rate, number of cystic follicles and density of sympathetic fibres were analysed. The effects of surgical denervation or gonadotrophin stimulation were also assessed. Rats exposed to testosterone showed no oestrous cycle activity and did not ovulate, maintaining a polycystic ovarian morphology at all ages studied. Also, a significant increase in ovarian density of noradrenergic fibres was detected at postnatal Days 90 and 180. Sympathectomy was unable to re-establish ovarian activity; however, human chorionic gonadotrophin stimulation was enough to induce ovulation. The impact of dihydrotestosterone on ovarian function was less noticeable, showing the coexistence of corpora lutea and cystic structures without changes in sympathetic innervation. Our findings suggest that a remodelling of ovarian sympathetic innervation occurs as a response to modifications in the pattern of follicular growth induced by testosterone. A role of sympathetic innervation in the maintenance of the polycystic condition is suggested.

CD10 delineates a subset of human IL-4 producing follicular helper T cells involved in the survival of follicular lymphoma B cells

AbstractIn follicular lymphoma (FL), follicular helper T cells (TFH) have been depicted as one of the main components of the malignant B-cell niche and a promising therapeutic target. Although defined by their capacity to sustain FL B-cell growth together with specific gene expression and cytokine secretion profiles, FL-TFH constitute a heterogeneous cell population. However, specific markers reflecting such functional heterogeneity are still lacking. In this study, we demonstrate that CD10 identifies a subset of fully functional germinal center TFH in normal secondary lymphoid organs. Importantly, this subset is amplified in the FL context, unlike in other B-cell lymphomas with a follicular growth pattern. Furthermore, whereas FL-TFH produce high levels of interleukin (IL)-21 and low levels of IL-17 irrespectively of their CD10 expression, CD10pos FL-TFH specifically exhibit an IL-4hiIFN-γloTNF-αhi cytokine profile associated with a high capacity to sustain directly and indirectly malignant B-cell survival. Altogether, our results highlight the important role of this novel functional subset in the FL cell niche.

Transcriptome profiling of granulosa and theca cells during dominant follicle development in the horse.

Several aspects of equine ovarian physiology are unique among domestic species. Moreover, follicular growth patterns are very similar between horses and humans. This study aimed to characterize, for the first time, global gene expression profiles associated with growth and preovulatory (PO) maturation of equine dominant follicles. Granulosa cells (GCs) and theca interna cells (TCs) were harvested from follicles (n = 5) at different stages of an ovulatory wave in mares corresponding to early dominance (ED; diameter ≥22 mm), late dominance (LD; ≥33 mm) and PO stage (34 h after administration of crude equine gonadotropins at LD stage), and separately analyzed on a horse gene expression microarray, followed by validation using quantitative PCR and immunoblotting/immunohistochemistry. Numbers of differentially expressed transcripts (DETs; ≥2-fold; P < 0.05) during the ED-LD and LD-PO transitions were 546 and 2419 in GCs and 5 and 582 in TCs. The most prominent change in GCs was the down-regulation of transcripts associated with cell division during both ED-LD and LD-PO. In addition, DET sets during LD-PO in GCs were enriched for genes involved in cell communication/adhesion, antioxidation/detoxification, immunity/inflammation, and cholesterol biosynthesis. In contrast, the largest change in TCs during the LD-PO transition was an up-regulation of genes involved in immune activation, with other DET sets mapping to GPCR/cAMP signaling, lipid/amino acid metabolism, and cell proliferation/survival and differentiation. In conclusion, distinct expression profiles were identified between growing and PO follicles and, particularly, between GCs and TCs within each stage. Several DETs were identified that have not been associated with follicle development in other species.

Thyroid Gland Tumours in the Horse: Clinical Diagnostic, Treatment and Histological Characterisation

Reasons for performing studyTumours of the thyroid gland are rare in the equine species. In literature varying clinical signs and diagnostic findings are described in single reports and case series. Reported clinical signs are related to upper airway compression or thyroidal metabolic activity. A considerable risk of laryngeal hemiplegia is described when horses were treated with hemithyroidectomy [1].ObjectivesTo review 11 horses referred with a unilateral thyroid neoplasia in order to describe clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment and outcome. Histopathology was performed on all resected thyroid lobes.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsRecords from horses with histologically confirmed thyroid tumours treated with unilateral thyroid lobe resection were reviewed (2003–2013). Short‐term outcome was defined for 2 weeks after surgery. Owners’ questionnaire was performed for evaluation of long‐term outcome defined as a minimum of 6 months.ResultsAffected horses were aged between 6 and 21 years. In contrast to literature the majority of tumours were adenocarcinomas (9/11), mainly found in mares (8/9). Histology revealed follicular and parafollicular (C‐cell) mixed growth pattern of the carcinomas. Tumour size, growth rate and sonographic appearance did not correlate to histological characteristics. Ventral displacement of the thyroid lobe and close preparation along the thyroid capsule during surgical resection are inevitable to avoid damage to laryngeal nerves. Seroma formation was the only observed short‐term complication. No long‐term complications occurred.ConclusionsHemithyroidectomy is regarded the treatment of choice in horses with a unilateral thyroid lobe neoplasia with excellent long‐term prognosis. High incidence of malignant tumours particularly in mares has to be considered. Tumour characteristics can only be derived from histopathology and immunhistochemistry.Ethical animal research: Ethical committee oversight not currently required by this congress: retrospective study of clinical records. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study was not stated. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.