Follicular Growth Pattern Research Articles

Presence of t(14;18) positive cells in blood and bone marrow does not predict outcome in follicular lymphoma

Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index-FLIPI is an established clinical predictor for outcome in follicular lymphoma. The role of molecular abnormalities in blood and bone marrow of follicular lymphoma patients including t(14;18) is less clear. Seventy-five patients from a single institution diagnosed with follicular lymphoma between1999 and 2005 were included into the study. Diagnosis was based on lymph node biopsy in 62 cases (83%). Thirty-nine patients (52%) had G1 histological grade and 47 (63%) had entirely follicular growth pattern, as well as 9 patients (12%) had systemic symptoms and 33 (44%) were assigned to a good risk according to FLIPI. Median age of patients was 53 years. During a median observation time of 3 years 63 patients (84%) required initiating anti-lymphoma treatment. Seventy-five samples of peripheral blood and 65 samples of bone marrow were collected at the diagnosis. Bcl2 rearrangements including major breakpoint region and minor breakpoint cluster region were investigated using nested polymerase chain reaction technique. The primary end points of the study were time to first line lymphoma treatment and progression-free survival. Cells carrying t(14;18) were found in 31 cases (41%) including 29 samples of peripheral blood and 26 samples of bone marrow. Detection of t(14;18) in blood and bone marrow at diagnosis had no influence on clinical outcome. Age, follicular growth pattern systemic symptoms, and FLIPI score above 1 were predictive for initiation of the first lymphoma therapy. Follicular growth pattern, initial nodal involvement, serum LDH level, and FLIPI score above 1 were predictive for longer progression-free survival.

A study on the ovarian follicular dynamic in Iraqi Northern Buffaloes

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis of wave pattern of follicular growth and to monitor the ovarian follicular dynamic in Iraqi buffalo cows. Reproductive tracts were collected at random intervals slaughtered at Mosul abattoir. According to morphological appearance of the corpus luteum, the estrous cycle was divided into four stages. The number of subordinate follicle (<5 mm in diameter) was higher during stage 1 (metestrous) and stage (proestrous and estrous) than during other stages of the estrous cycles, 13.5 +/- 6.08 and 4 9.41 +/- 3.94, respectively. There were fewer follicles (5-8 mm in diameter) during early diestrous and proestrous, 1.66 +/- 1.42 and estrous, 0.69 +/- 0.47 than during metestrous, 4.53 +/- 3.23 and late diestrous, 3.66 +/- 2.23. Follicles > 8-12 mm in diameter were more numerous during early diestrous, 1.62 +/- 1.29 and late diestrous, 1.03 +/- 0.72. A total 38 (64.6%; 82/127) animals examined showed follicles larger than 8 mm during early and late diestrous (stage 2 and stage 3). This indicated that these buffaloes developed two follicular waves in their cycle. Buffaloes did not show follicles larger than 8 mm during early and late diestrous were 45 animals (35.4%; 45/127), but all of these presented one large follicle during the following stage. These buffaloes develop only one follicular wave in their cycle. It could be concluded that, 64.6% of Iraqi buffalo cows develop two patterns of follicular waves, and 35.4% showed one wave of follicular dynamics.

Application of immunohistochemistry to thyroid neoplasms.

Abstract Context.—Thyroid lesions with nodular architecture and follicular pattern of growth often pose difficulties in accurate diagnosis during the assessment of cytologic and histologic specimens. The diagnosis of follicular neoplasm on cytology or of follicular tumor of uncertain malignant potential on histology is likely to cause confusion among clinicians and delay effective management of these lesions. Occasionally, thyroid tumors represent unusual or metastatic lesions and their accurate diagnosis requires immunohistochemical confirmation. Objective.—To review the literature on the applications of immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of thyroid tumors. Data Sources.—Relevant articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) between 1976 and 2006. Conclusions.—Our review supports the use of ancillary techniques involving a panel of antibodies suitable for immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis in the assessment of thyroid nodules. These tools can improve diagnostic accura...

Application of Immunohistochemistry to Thyroid Neoplasms

Thyroid lesions with nodular architecture and follicular pattern of growth often pose difficulties in accurate diagnosis during the assessment of cytologic and histologic specimens. The diagnosis of follicular neoplasm on cytology or of follicular tumor of uncertain malignant potential on histology is likely to cause confusion among clinicians and delay effective management of these lesions. Occasionally, thyroid tumors represent unusual or metastatic lesions and their accurate diagnosis requires immunohistochemical confirmation. To review the literature on the applications of immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of thyroid tumors. Relevant articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) between 1976 and 2006. Our review supports the use of ancillary techniques involving a panel of antibodies suitable for immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis in the assessment of thyroid nodules. These tools can improve diagnostic accuracy when combined with standard morphologic criteria.

An unusual case of synchronous lymphoma and adenocarcinoma occurring as a collision tumour in the stomach – a case report

Summary The occurrence of malignant gastric lymphoma and adenocarcinoma in the same patient is very rare. Here we report a case of synchronous gastric carcinoma and gastric lymphoma with a follicular growth pattern associated in a 73-year-old man. Preliminary diagnosis gastric tumour was suggested so laparotomy was performed for the purpose of treatment resection of the stomach. In the operation field, there was a main lesion spreading through the whole of the stomach and additional multiple lymph node enlargements at the hepato-duodenal, retro-pancreatic and the para-aortic lymph nodes. A short-term intraoperative examination of one of the metastatic lymph nodes showed lymphoma of the stomach. Palliative total gastrectomy Roux-en-Y was performed. Finally the pathology of the specimen revealed two different collided tumours: adenocarcinoma solidum and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma malignum with follicular growth pattern. Following surgery and chemotherapy, the patient is now in a disease progress state.

“Follicular Variant” of Hyaline-vascular Type of Castleman's Disease : Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study of 11 Cases

Occasionally, the hyaline-vascular type of Castleman's disease (HVCD) contains numerous lymphoid follicles which usually occupy more than 50% of the lesion. Such lesions are called the follicular variant (FV) of HVCD. To clarify the histological and immunohistochemical findings of lymphoid follicles in the FV of HVCD, we examined 11 such cases. Histologically, five types of lymphoid follicles were delineated. Lymphoid follicles ; (i) with normal germinal centers (GCs) ; (ii) showing follicular lysis ; (iii) with progressive transformation of GC (PTGC) ; (iv) where the large nodule of mantle zone lymphocytes contained multiple small atrophic GCs (multiple GC pattern) ; and (v) where the large, often irregularly shaped nodules of mantle cells radically penetrated small vessels with inconspicuous GCs. These nodules somewhat resembled primary lymphoid follicles (primary follicular pattern). The majority of lymphoid follicles in all 11 cases were of the primary follicular pattern and/or multiple GC pattern. However, three lesions also contained normal germinal GC, while two contained normal GC, follicular lysis and PTGC and one other contained normal GC and PTGC. Moreover, in 3 cases of primary follicular pattern, the majority of the lymphoid follicles were surrounded by a pale cuff of mantle cells. Because of the presence of numerous lymphoid follicles, the FV of HVCD should be sometimes differentiated from Hodgkin lymphoma and low-grade B-cell lymphomas showing follicular growth pattern. Recognition of the histological and immunohistochemical findings of the FV of HVCD is needed to avoid overdiagnosis.

Histopathological variation of primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the oral cavity

Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type lymphoma arising in the oral cavity is rare. We examined histopathologic, immunohistological and genotypic findings of seven cases of intraoral MALT lymphoma using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Histologically, two variants have been delineated. (i) In four cases of minor salivary gland type, the lymphoid follicles were surrounded by centrocyte-like (CCL) cells with occasional follicular colonization. The CCL cells invaded the residual salivary gland duct resulting in a lymphoepithelial lesion. CCL cells frequently showed plasmacytic differentiation. (ii) In three cases of follicular growth type, the lesion was characterized by follicular growth pattern resulting from prominent follicular colonization. CCL cells showed minimal plasma cell differentiation. There was no residual epithelial component detected even by cytokeratin immunostaining. There were no Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA-positive cells detected by in situ hybridization. API2-MALT1 fusion transcript does not appear to be associated with either histological variant of primary intraoral MALT lymphoma.

Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas with Follicular Growth Patterns Are Derived from Follicular Helper T Cells (TFH): A Link with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphomas?.

Nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas represent a heterogeneous category, composed of three entities: anaplastic large cell lymphomas, peripheral T-cell lymphomas unspecified (PTCLu) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas (AITL). The later entity has been recently recognized to derive from follicular helper T cells (TFH). Among PTCLu - which represents an ill-defined entity - a peculiar form with follicular growth pattern (PTCL-F) has been recently reported, and one article stated their association with t(5 ;9)(q33 ;q22) involving ITK and SYK (Leukemia 2006; 20: 313–318). However, the origin of tumor cells and clinical aspects of this group of PTCL-F are still unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse a series of PTCL-F to describe their clinical and histopathological aspects, to identify their cell of origin, and their relationship with AITL. Fourty-two patients from 32 to 85 years of age with 51 biopsies were selected from three Departments of Pathology (Creteil, n=24, Nantes n=13, Vienna n=14). All patients showed histopathologic features of PTCL-F in at least one biopsy. Biopsies were classified into three categories according to predominant morphological features at low power magnification:1.follicular lymphoma-like (n=7),2.progressive transformation of germinal center-like (n=22), and3.AITL-like features with follicular colonization (n=19).Several cases have combinations of patterns. The neoplastic population is characterized by medium-sized cells with clear cytoplasm surrounded by IgD+ B-cells. Tumor cells are of helper T-cell immunophenotype [CD2+ (33/33 = 100%), CD3+ (45/48 = 93%), CD4+ (35/42 = 83%), CD5+ (39/39 = 100%), CD7+ (7/37 = 19%)], with frequent expression of CD10 (29/43 = 67%) and of TFH markers [PDCD-1 (32/36 = 88%), CXCL13+ (33/38 = 87%), BCL6+ (15/25 = 60%), CD57+ (9/16 = 56%)]. Scattered CD20+ B-immunoblasts (27/28 = 96%) and EBV+ cells (18/30 = 60%) are also frequently observed. Seven out of 31 patients (22%) in the 3 morphological patterns have t(5 ;9)(q33 ;q22) detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization. At prentation and/or at relapse, most patients had multiple lymphadenopathies (19/23 = 83%) and disseminated disease (stages III–IV, 22/28 = 79%). Skin lesions and B symptoms were present in 7/19 (37%) and 6/22 (27%) patients, respectively. In addition, 2 patients with sequential biopsies disclosed typical clinical & histopathological features of AITL in one episode. Our results show that this rare form of PTCL1.has an immunophenotype indicative of TFH origin,2.is associated with t(5 ;9) in a proportion of cases,3.shows some similarities in morphology and immunophenotype with AITL, suggesting a relationship, and4.generates diagnostic pitfalls, especially with atypical reactive lymphoid lesions and some B-cell lymphomas.The use of immunohistochemistry with TFH markers and molecular studies can help to make a correct diagnosis.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas of the Waldeyer's Ring Frequently Have a Germinal Center-Like Phenotype: A Clinico-Pathological Study of 209 Patients from the Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de L'Adulte (GELA).

Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) are markedly heterogeneous, and there is increasing evidence that the biological features of these tumors vary according to the primary site of disease (lymph node or various extranodal organs). The Waldeyer's ring (WR), a circular band of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue composed of the palatine, lingual and pharyngeal tonsils, is the second most common site of extranodal invovlement by DLBCL. The presence of focal follicular features in tonsillar DLBCLs has been previously reported. In this study we included 209 adult patients with de novo DLBCL presenting in the WR consecutively included in the GELA protocols during a 10-year period (1993–2004). All patients (M/F ratio: 1,77/1, mean age 59 years) comprising 81% with stages I–II and 19% with stages III–IV disease, received intent-to-cure anthracyclin-based polychemotherapy. Morphology, pattern of growth, immunophenotype and differentiation profile were analyzed and correlated to the clinical features. Survival and outcome were analyzed in comparison to a matched cohort of patients with primary nodal DLBCL. By morphology, 55% of tonsillar cases were classified as centroblastic, 39% as centroblastic-polymorphous, 3% as immunoblastic, and 3% were unclassifiable. Among large biopsy specimens (n=79), 18% had a prominent nodular pattern consistent with transformed follicular lymphomas, 35% had a minor nodular component (<50%) interpreted as follicular colonization and 47% were purely diffuse. The nodular pattern correlated with centroblastic morphology (p=0,0007). The prevalence of antigen expression was: bcl-2: 105/189 (60%); CD10: 75/178 (42%); bcl-6 :40/76 (53%); mum-1:40/109 (37%). Global immunophenotypic profile assessed on 136 cases was GC-like in 60% and non-GC-like in 40%. The GC-like profile correlated with absence of bcl-2 expression (p<0,0001) and with centroblastic morphology (p=0,04). In multivariate analysis, the GC-like phenotype correlated with better OS (p=0.014), and CD10 expression correlated with better EFS (p=0.0061). For 144 paired tonsillar/nodal cases, the complete remission rate was significantly better for tonsillar patients (p=0.01) but the 5-y OS and EFS rates - respectively, 79,7% and 70,9% for tonsillar patients, and 76,7% and 66,7% for nodal patients - did not significantly differ. When restriciting the comparison to the cases with no factor of the age-adjusted IPI (109 paired patients), the primary tonsillar localization was associated with a higher 5-y EFS (78,5% vs. 71,2%; p=0,029) and 0S (84,7% vs. 79,8%; p=0,047) rates. In conclusion, WR DLBCLs frequently have a partially follicular pattern of growth, and a GC-like phenotype. In DLBCL patients with no factor of the age-adjusted IPI, the tonsillar localization appears to confer a better outcome than primary nodal involvement.

Relationship Among Follicular Growth, Oestrus, Time of Ovulation, Endogenous Estradiol 17β and Luteinizing Hormone in Bos Indicus Cows After a Synchronization Program

To determine the pattern of follicular growth during oestrus and the relationship with estradiol and luteinizing hormone in ovulating and non-ovulating cows, three groups of (n = 10), thirty cyclic, Bos indicus cows were synchronized with CIDR, consecutively at 9-day intervals. Twenty-four hours after implant withdrawal, all cows synchronized in the same group with other cows displaying estrous behaviour after implant withdrawal were subjected to an intensive period of ultrasonographic observations (every 6 h for 120 h). Blood samples were taken to evaluate LH surge and 17-beta estradiol. No differences were observed in follicular growth, ovulatory diameter and growth average in the three groups of synchronized cows. Cows ovulating (CO) had a better growth average in comparison with the group of cows not ovulating (CNO) (1.4 +/- 0.7 mm vs 0.7 +/- 0.5 mm, p < 0.06). The average time from estradiol release to LH surge was 39.3 +/- 24.6 h. Differences were also observed between CO and CNO with respect to both the first concentration (27.7 +/- 5.2 vs 58.6 +/- 31.9, p < 0.004) and last concentration (79.3 +/- 23.3 vs 99.2 +/- 27.3, p < 0.05) of estradiol above 5 pg/ml. The average time from overt signs of oestrus to LH release was 8.4 +/- 7.7 h. In the CNO, the increase in LH concentration was never above two SD from the basal average. In conclusion, there is a wide variability in follicular growth and ovulatory diameter between CO and CNO, which can affect the intervals of LH release, estradiol peak and ovulation. Yet, LH surge might be a good marker for timing ovulation in Zebu cows.

Trisomy 17 as a Marker for a Subset of Noninvasive Thyroid Nodules with Focal Features of Papillary Carcinoma: Cytogenetic and Molecular Analysis of 62 Cases and Correlation with Histological Findings

Differentiated carcinomas of the thyroid are divided into follicular thyroid carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), based on their propensity to invade and their cytological features [papillary carcinoma-type nuclear changes (PTC-NCs)]. PTC typically exhibits a diploid karyotype sometimes with inv10(q11.2q21.2), leading to rearranged RET gene. Follicular thyroid carcinomas are often aneuploid and may exhibit t(2;3)(q13;p25), resulting in PAX8-PPARgamma1 gene fusion. Isolated trisomy 17 has rarely been reported in thyroid lesions, and its significance is unknown. Our objective was to determine whether isolated trisomy 17 corresponds to a specific histological or molecular thyroid tumor subset. Nine cases with isolated trisomy 17 were critically reviewed and investigated for RAS and BRAF mutations and for RET and PAX8-PPARgamma1 rearrangements. All nine cases were noninvasive, exhibited follicular growth pattern, and showed PTC-NCs focally defined within the nodule: four were PTCs follicular variant within larger tumors, and five were follicular-patterned nodules with incomplete cytological features of papillary carcinoma (variable proportion of cells with PTC-NCs scattered inside the lesion). RAS, BRAF V600E mutation, RET or PAX8-PPARgamma1 rearrangements were not identified. One case had BRAF K601E mutation. Only two of the 53 control cases showed focal PTC-NCs. Isolated trisomy 17 is associated with focal papillary carcinoma changes in follicular-patterned thyroid nodules and may be a marker for this subset of thyroid lesions that are often difficult to classify.

Avaliação ultra-sonográfica da dinâmica folicular e lútea em vacas da raça Guzerá

Caracterizaram-se o padrão de crescimento folicular e a função lútea ao longo do ciclo estral em vacas da raça Guzerá (n=5), multíparas, não-lactantes. Os animais utilizados apresentavam idade e condição corporal semelhantes e peso corporal médio de 518± 48.5kg. A dinâmica folicular foi monitorada diariamente a partir do dia da ovulação, durante dois ciclos consecutivos, utilizando-se um aparelho de ultra-sonografia equipado com uma probe linear retal de 5MHz. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas a cada 48h, a partir do momento da ovulação, durante os dois ciclos. O primeiro ciclo foi sincronizado pela administração de um luteolítico (cloprostenol), e o segundo foi natural. Os folículos foram identificados e mensurados; e os dados obtidos, registrados em função do dia do ciclo. O comprimento do ciclo estral foi de 19,10± 1,86 dias. Observou-se maior incidência de ciclos com três ondas de crescimento folicular (50%), mas ciclos com duas (37,5%) ou quatro ondas (12,5%) também foram identificados. O diâmetro máximo dos folículos dominantes não ovulatórios foi de 11,60± 2,37 mm, e dos folículos ovulatórios de 14,4± 0,5 mm. A taxa de crescimento dos folículos dominantes da primeira, segunda, terceira e quarta onda foi de 1,48± 0,60; 0,81± 0,13; 1,10± 0,27 e 1,33mm/dia, respectivamente. A concentração máxima de progesterona no diestro foi de 5,50± 0,92ng/ml. A raça Guzerá apresenta características da dinâmica folicular semelhantes àquelas observadas em outras raças zebuínas, como a tendência ao maior número de ondas de crescimento associadas à menor taxa de crescimento, diâmetro máximo e persistência dos folículos dominantes das ondas intermediárias.

Kinetic topographical heterogeneity in follicular thyroid neoplasms and growth patterns

Kinetic topographical heterogeneity in follicular thyroid neoplasms and growth patterns

Plasmablastic microlymphoma occurring in human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8)‐positive multicentric Castleman's disease and featuring a follicular growth pattern

Plasmablastic microlymphoma (PML) is defined as the accumulation of monotypic but polyclonal plasmablasts in lymphoid tissues involved in human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)-positive multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). So far, the nature of this very rare condition remains poorly determined. In this study, we describe a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patient who developed a PML in the setting of HHV-8-positive MCD. In contrast to the cases previously reported, most of the plasmablasts in our patient were localized within the germinal center (GC) of lymphoid follicles. These plasmablasts expressed the multiple myeloma-1/interferon regulatory factor-4 (MUM1/IRF4) protein as well as IgMlambda in a monotypic fashion. They did not show any immunoreactivity with antibodies directed against Pax-5, CD20, CD79a, CD10, CD30, CD23, CD138, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) or BCL-6. These cells exhibited a high proliferation rate, expressed the HHV-8 latent nuclear antigen-1, and secreted the HHV-8 viral homologue of human interleukin-6. Polymerase chain reaction analysis did not demonstrate any clonal rearrangement of the genes coding for the heavy chain of the immunoglobulin. Moreover, no Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) RNA transcript could be found, using in situ hybridization. The present case illustrates that PML may arise within the GC of lymphoid follicles in the absence of EBV coinfection. In our opinion, PML occurring in MCD likely represents a variant of HHV-8-positive MCD in which lytic HHV-8 replication is particularly prominent, due to a local or systemic immune imbalance.

Follicular growth pattern in normal-cycling Brazilian adolescents

To examine the follicular growth characteristics in normal Brazilian adolescents. Descriptive study. Adolescent clinic in a university hospital. Healthy normal cycling adolescents. Endovaginal ultrasound; blood samples for hormone measurement. Follicular-phase length, follicular growth rate. The menstrual-cycle interval was 29.5 +/- 1.6 days. Sixty-five percent of adolescents had follicular-phase length of <or=16 days (group 1), and nearly 35% had follicular-phase length of >16 days (group 2). In the early follicular phase, the levels of FSH, LH, and E(2) were 5.1 mIU/mL, 3.0 mIU/mL, and 28.3 pg/mL, respectively. There was a mild negative correlation between FSH and follicular-phase length across the whole cohort (r = -0.464), but after analysis as a separate group, the correlation was present only in those adolescents with follicular phase lasting </=16 days. There was no correlation between LH or E(2) levels and the follicular-phase length in either group. There was good correlation between the follicular size and follicular-phase length in both groups of adolescents. The follicular growth rate was 1.11 +/- 0.05 mm/d across the whole cohort, 1.33 +/- 0.05 mm/d in the adolescents with follicular-phase length of <or=16 days, and 0.88 +/- 0.06 mm/d in those in whom the follicular phase lasted >16 days. A long follicular phase is common in normal-cycling, healthy adolescents as a consequence of slow follicular growth rate.

Follicular waves during the oestrous cycle in Nili-Ravi buffaloes undergoing spontaneous and PGF 2α-induced luteolysis

The objective of this study was to characterize the follicular waves and associated ovarian events during spontaneous and PGF 2α-induced oestrous cycles in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. In Exp. 1, ( n = 13 oestrous cycles) follicular and luteal development was monitored by ultrasonography and jugular blood samples were collected simultaneously on alternate days. Of 12 oestrous cycles, 9 (75%) had two waves of follicular activity and only 3 (25%) had three waves. The mean (±S.E.M.) length of the oestrous cycle was shorter ( P < 0.05) in buffaloes with two waves than in those with three waves (21.2 ± 0.1 days versus 22.8 ± 0.1 days). In Exp. 2, follicular dynamics were compared in buffaloes undergoing spontaneous ( n = 12 oestrous cycles) and PGF 2α-induced ( n = 9) regression of the corpus luteum (CL). The dynamics of ovulatory follicular growth during the 3 days before oestrus were similar ( P > 0.05) in buffaloes undergoing spontaneous and PGF 2α-induced luteolysis. These results show that (1) the majority of buffaloes had a two wave pattern of follicular growth and emergence of a third wave was associated with a longer luteal phase, and (2) follicular dynamics during the 3 days before oestrus were similar in buffaloes undergoing spontaneous and PGF 2α-induced luteolysis.

Follicular dynamics in Anglo-Nubian goats using transrectal and transvaginal ultrasound

The objective of the current trial was to characterize the follicular dynamics, the time of ovulation and to determine the efficiency of transrectal linear versus transvaginal microconvex endocavitary ultrasound transducers, under tropical conditions. The estrous cycles of goats were subjected to daily ultrasound evaluation for 2 cycles, alternating linear and microconvex transducers. The pattern of follicular growth was characterized by 3 or 4 follicular waves. Follicular wave emergence occurred at days 1.0 ± 0.0, 5.17 ± 1.06, 10.63 ± 2.01 and 14.5 ± 0.33 during the first estrous cycle, and at days 1.17 ± 0.24, 5.33 ± 0.47, 11.17 ± 1.34 and 16.5 ± 0.99 during the second estrous cycle. Similarly the interval between the follicular waves was 4.17 ± 1.05, 5.67 ± 1.07, 5.33 ± 0.70 and 5.75 ± 0.72 days for the first estrous cycle and 4.17 ± 0.43, 5.83 ± 1.05, 7.17 ± 0.99, 6.75 ± 0.72 days for the second estrous cycle. No difference between cycles regarding the timing of follicular wave emergence and interval between follicular waves was recorded. The diameter of the ovulatory follicle was 5.4 ± 0.46 mm and 5.3 ± 0.23 mm in goats with 3 and 4 follicular waves, respectively. The microconvex transducer caused less animal discomfort, allowed faster visualization of the ovaries and produced higher quality images, compared to the linear transducer. In conclusion, it can be said that follicular growth in Anglo-Nubian goats under tropical conditions was characterized by a wave-like pattern which did not differ between estrous cycles and could facilitate more efficient control of ovulation.

Vaginally administered estroprogestinic decreases serum inhibin A and inhibin B levels and reduces endometrial thickness

Serum levels of inhibin A, inhibin B, FSH, and LH were measured in healthy volunteers before and during oral or vaginal estroprogestinic administration. In addition, the effect on endometrial thickness and on follicular growth pattern were also assessed by vaginal ultrasound. Prospective study. University of Siena. Seventeen healthy fertile women. This open-label study was performed in 10 healthy volunteers, who were assigned to vaginal ethinylestradiol (15 microg) and etonogestrel (120 microg), one ring to be used for one cycle, after stratification for the ovulation day in a pretreatment cycle. A similar study on seven women assigned to oral ethinylestradiol (20 microg) and levonorgestrel (100 microg) was considered, to compare the effects of the two different routes of administration. Blood samples were collected the cycle before (days 8-10) and during (days 8-10) vaginal ring insertion and serum inhibin B, inhibin A, FSH, and LH levels were measured by ELISA. Concomitantly, transvaginal ultrasound was performed in all subjects for endometrial and follicular growth assessment. Inhibin A, inhibin B, FSH, and LH levels. Vaginal administration induced a significant decrease of serum inhibin A, inhibin B, FSH, and LH. No significant changes in inhibin B and FSH secretion were observed during oral contraceptive (OC) administration, whereas LH and inhibin A levels significantly decreased. Endometrial thickness and ovarian volume decreased significantly during vaginal ring insertion, but not after OC administration. The present findings showed that treatment with vaginal estroprogestinic decreases serum inhibin A and inhibin B levels, the follicular diameter, and endometrial thickness, showing a rapid and significant effect with the vaginal route.

Thyroid Tumors With a Follicular Growth Pattern: Problems in Differential Diagnosis

Tumors of the thyroid characterized by a follicular growth pattern constitute the most common type of lesion of this organ encountered by pathologists. The vast majority of such lesions do not pose difficulties for histopathologic interpretation. A subset of these tumors, however, can represent a serious challenge for diagnosis. Thyroid tumors with a follicular growth pattern include a broad range of lesions that range from benign, hyperplastic nodules to follicular adenomas to follicular carcinomas. In addition, other types of tumors belonging in separate diagnostic categories can also present histologically with a follicular growth pattern, including the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma and medullary carcinoma. The histologic features and diagnostic criteria used for distinguishing among these conditions can often be subtle and subjective.

Molecular genetic study comparing follicular variant versus classic papillary thyroid carcinomas: association of N- ras mutation in codon 61 with follicular variant

Although the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) has been classified as a papillary cancer based on nuclear features, its follicular growth pattern and potential for hematogenous spread are more characteristic of follicular carcinoma. To gain insight into the biologic nature of FVPTC, we compared genetic alterations characteristic of papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas in 24 FVPTCs and 26 classic PTC (CPTCs). In FVPTCs, we observed ras mutation in 6 of 24 cases (25%), BRAF mutation in 1 of 13 cases (7.6%), and ret rearrangement in 5 of 12 cases (41.7%). In CPTCs, we found ras mutation in no case, BRAF mutation in 3 of 10 cases (30%), and ret rearrangement in 5 of 11 cases (45%). One FVPTC exhibited simultaneous ras mutation and ret/PTC1 rearrangement, and one CPTC harbored simultaneous BRAF mutation and ret/PTC3 rearrangement. Based on these findings, we concluded that ras mutation correlates with follicular differentiation of thyroid tumors whereas ret activation is associated with papillary nuclei but not with papillary architecture. ret activation is not exclusive of ras or BRAF mutation, whereas ras and BRAF mutations are mutually exclusive. The implications of these results for follicular and papillary carcinogenesis are discussed.