Carlo Alessandrini

Endogenous codeine and morphine are stored in specific brain neurons

Codeine and morphine have been detected in mammalian brain by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and in brain and other tissues by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry (GCMS) in different laboratories. It has been also shown that rat liver can synthesize the skeleton of the morphine molecule, thus suggesting that this alkaloid, which is the prototype of mu-receptor agonists, plays a physiological role in brain. We report the presence of morphine-like immunoreactive compounds inside the cell body, fibers and terminals of neurons in different brain areas. Moreover, neurons localized in the same brain areas were capable of accumulating and storing [3H]morphine slowly infused intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) through an osmotic minipump.

Mid-dermal elastolysis: an ultrastructural and biochemical study

Mid-dermal elastolysis (MDE) is a particular elastic tissue disorder in which selective loss of elastic fibres occurs in the mid-dermis. It is clinically characterized by the appearence of fine wrinkling of the epidermis and perifollicular protrusion which gives the skin an aged appearence. It is sometimes associated with an inflammatory event such as urticaria while other cases are regarded as idiopathic. The pathogenesis of MDE is still obscure. Some authors have underlined the role of macrophage activation and others have imputed UV radiation. We report here a typical case of MDE arising after several attacks of solar urticaria. Electron microscopic and biochemical studies were carried out. Ultrastructural examination showed active elastophagocytosis by macrophages and mast cells, often degranulated, near phagocytosing cells. Biochemical studies demonstrated that fibroblasts derived from lesional skin of the MDE patient produced high levels of elastase and cathepsin G compared with fibroblasts from a healthy sex- and age-matched control. Phagocytosis of morphologically normal elastic tissue is a noticeable characteristic feature of MDE. In our case mast-cell activation and the abnormal synthesis and/or release of fibroblast elastolytic enzymes seemed to play a role in the pathogenesis of the MDE.

Two cases of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis by Alternaria alternata and Alternaria tenuissima

Two cases of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, one with a nodular appearance and the other with an erythematous infiltrating patch, are reported in immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis was based on histological examination, which revealed hyphae and round-shaped fungal cells in a granulomatous dermal infiltrate, and on identification of the moulds when biopsy fragments were cultured on Sabouraud-dextrose agar without cycloheximide. The pathogens were Alternaria tenuissima in the first case and A. alternata in the second. The fungi were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The patients were checked for bone and lung involvement and were then treated with surgical excision and itraconazole, and itraconazole only, respectively, with clinical and mycological resolution.

Ultrastructural findings in tungiasis.

A man developed two close-set, round, hyperkeratotic nodules with a black central dot on his right foot 2 weeks after returning from a holiday in Brazil. One lesion was manipulated by the patient, who mistook it for a wart, and at the time of observation in our department, this lesion presented as an erythematous, ulcerated nodule exuding purulent material (Fig. 1). The curettage of the lesion permitted us to collect eggs of the parasite, which were just visible with the naked eye, oval, and yellowish. The eggs were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The remaining lesion was used for histologic examination. Serial histologic sections of the lesion showed eosinophil chitinoid fragments of the arthropods cuticle, enclosed in a thick hyperkeratotic epiderrnis. Tubular structures, representing sections of trachea, ovary, and mature eggs, the latter filled with deuteroplasmic drops, were observed (Fig. 2).

Ultrastructural observations in lichen nitidus

SummaryLichen nitidus (LN) and lichen planus (LP) are considered by some investigators to be two variants of the same disease, and by others to be two distinct dermatoses. In order to obtain further information about the relationship between LN and LP we examined the ultrastructure of lesions from two LN patients. In the central part of the lesion, the basement membrane was absent, or was interrupted by migrating phagocytes or lymphocytes. The basal cells and the lower cells of the stratum spinosum exhibited karyolysis and appeared to be compressed and often necrotic. In the upper dermis irregular cell debris full of clumps of tonofilaments and colloid-body-like structures was observed. A dense dermal infiltrate of macrophages, lymphocytes, fibrocytes, and Sezary-like cells was present. Signs of cooperation between lymphocytes and macrophages were also evident. The periphery of the lesion showed no pathological features except for enlargement of the intercellular spaces and the presence of mononuclear cells scattered through the epidermis. Several normal Langerhans cells were noticed. These ultrastructural findings were quite similar to those reported for LP.

Delayed intimal lesion development in cerebral arteries versus aortic and carotid arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The development of intimal lesions is delayed in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in cerebral versus aortic and carotid arteries. The reason for this delayed involvement needs further study.

Igloo-like prepuce: a peculiar aspect of smooth-muscle hamartoma of the genitalia?

Abstract:  We report the case of a 16‐year‐old boy with ‘igloo‐like prepuce’ and hypospadia, successfully treated by asymmetrical antero‐posterior postectomy. Histopathological examination consisting of classical microscopy, immuno‐histochemistry and electronmicroscopy of the surgical material provided insights into the etiopathogenesis of this rare disease.

Endogenous morphine is stored in specific brain neurons

Morphine immunoreactive-like compounds were detected - by immunohistochemical techniques- inside the cell body, fibers and terminals of neurons of different brain areas. Immunoreactivity sometimes was situated in dots around the perikarion in a ring-like fashion. The antisera revealed: numerous nerve cell bodies with variable morphology throughout the cerebral cortex; granule cells of the dentate gyrus, and pyramidal cells of the hippocampus; numerous granule cells in the granular layer and small neurons and fibers in the molecular layer of the cerebellum; cell bodies in the dorsal horn and around the central canal of the spinal cord. In the anterior horn immunoreactive nerve fibers and terminals were observed around the perikaria of some motor neurons