Masayoshi Furukawa

Cell cycle analysis of human dermal fibroblasts cultured on or in hydrated type I collagen lattices

SummaryThe proliferation and cell cycle phase composition of human dermal fibroblasts cultured on or in type I collagen lattices (reconstituted dermis model) were examined. On collagen lattices, as compared with conventional cultures on plastic dishes, the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts was suppressed, being arrested at about one-half the saturation density after 10 days of culture. In collagen lattices, proliferation was further suppressed, being nearly arrested within 4–7 days of culture. Cells were analyzed for cell cycle phases by two-color flow cytometry using DNA staining and S phase cell staining with FITC-conjugated antibromodeoxyuridine antibody. After 5 days of culture, the number of S phase cells on collagen lattices was 49.3% of that on plastic dishes, with an increase in G0G1 phase cells of 79.8%. In collagen lattices, the number of S phase cells was very small (4.3% of all cells), and most of the cells accumulated in G0G1 phase. These findings suggest that the cell cycle of fibroblasts is arrested at G0G1 phase by their interaction with collagen. On the basis of these results, the reconstituted dermis model using collagen lattice is considered to be analogous to the dermis in vivo with respect to cell growth and cell cycle phase composition.

RHINOPHYMA IN JAPAN

Background. Rhinophyma is an end stage of acne rosacea. It results in a large nose due to a proliferation of sebaceous glands and fibrous tissue. Many cases of rhinophyma have been reported in the Western world; however, in Japan, rhinophyma has been an uncommon disease.

Parallel Arrangement, Growth Inhibition and Cell Cycle Phase Analysis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts Cultured in Collagen Lattice

Human dermal fibroblasts were cultured in a hydrated type I collagen lattice. When collagen fibers were arranged in one direction, fibroblasts were arranged in the same direction. Cell proliferation was markedly suppressed in the collagen lattice as compared with that on plastic, with growth being arrested after day 5. No differences in proliferation were observed between aligned cells and randomly oriented cells.

Pseudocyst of the Scalp

We describe 4 cases of pseudocyst of the scalp, which still is only being described in the Japanese literature. The tumor is characterized as follows: localized between the top and the forehead area of the scalp, it first appears as a solitary reddish, painful small nodule or papule; it then gradually increases in size, protruding into a dome-shaped mass, and becomes associated with alopecia limited to the lesion area. This report describes typical cases of pseudocyst of the scalp, reviews the reported Japanese cases and introduces this tumor to western dermatology.

A simple operative procedure for the treatment of Stahl's ear

Stahls ear is a rather rare congenital deformity and operative procedures for its correction have seldom been reported. We recently devised a simple method of surgical treatment, which is briefly described as follows: incisions are made into the third crus cartilage to facilitate the formation of a helical fold, and the cartilage is sutured by means of a mattress suture. This method makes it possible to produce a natural helix, though it fails to eliminate the third crus.

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma: ultrastructural study and immunolocalization of Types I, III, IV, V collagens and laminin

A primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the skin is reported. Light microscopy revealed pseudocysts. PAS‐positive basement membrane and true glandular lumen, which in aggregates are specific for adenoid cystic carcinoma. Perineural invasion was also observed. Ultrastructural examinations revealed three types of cystic spaces; pseudocysts, true glandular lumens and intercellular spaces. Enzyme histochemical examinations showed positive reactions for eccrine enzymes, including phosphorylase and succinic dehydrogenase and negative for apocrine enzymes. Immunolocalization of collagens and laminin revealed that basement membranes of the pseudocysts involve Type V collagen as well as Type IV collagen and laminin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Developing in Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica

Abstract: Two patients with epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica recessiva who had squamous cell carcinoma are presented. Case 1 is a 40–year‐old woman who had ulcers on her left lower leg. Case 2 is a 42–year‐old man who had a tumor on his left first toe. Wide surgical excision with skin coverage by autograft was performed in case 1. Amputation of the toe in case 2 was performed. A review of the cases of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica associated with cancer reported in Japan is also presented.

Effects of Human Recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α (TNF‐α) on the Proliferative Potential of Human Keratinocytes Cultured in Serum‐free Medium

The effects of human recombinant tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on human keratinocytes cultured in a serum‐free medium were investigated. TNF‐α markedly suppressed cell growth. The growth‐inhibitory effect was reversible and cytostatic at a concentration of 1–5 U/ml, but appeared to be irreversible and cytocidal at 10 U/ml. The growth suppressive effect was more marked when TNF‐α was added in the late growth phase or preconfluent phase than when it was added in early or mid‐growth phases. No effects of TNF‐α on cell adhesion to the substrate were observed. These results indicate that TNF‐α is a very potent anti‐proliferative agent for human keratinocytes.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the scrotum

A patient with psoriasis was found to have a large skin tumor on his scrotum. He had received psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation therapy to control psoriasis. Histopathologic study revealed that the tumor was a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. We present this rare case and suggest that the genitalia be shielded during ultraviolet therapy.

Primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma of the skin: A case report suggesting that regressing atypical histiocytosis and lymphomatoid papulosis are subsets

A patient with primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma of the skin with characteristic clinical findings is described. The diagnosis was made on the basis of histologic and immunohistochemical findings. The phenotype of the tumor cells was not determined, but rearrangement of the T-cell receptor beta gene indicated that the tumor was of T-cell lineage. Despite high-grade malignancy of the tumor cells, the patient unexpectedly had a benign clinical course. The findings in this case suggest that regressing atypical histiocytosis and lymphomatoid papulosis type A are subsets of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.