title: Neutrophil-rich gastric carcinomas: light and electron microscopic study of 9 cases with particular reference to neutrophil apoptosis.
abstract: The authors report 9 cases of gastric carcinomas characterized by a prominent neutrophilic infiltration of the stroma. These tumors (8 of intestinal type, 1 of diffuse type) showed a pushing growth pattern. Metastatic involvement of regional lymph nodes was seen in 5 cases. The metastatic foci were associated with heavy neutrophilia as well. There was no histologic evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection, whereas various degrees of multifocal intestinal metaplasia were present in the background mucosa. Based on histologic and histochemical results, there were no apparent causes due to other infectious agents responsible for the neutrophil-rich gastric carcinomas. Some of intraepithelial and stromal neutrophils exhibited apoptotic changes, such as chromatin condensation and cell shrinkage, and were TUNEL-positive. Electron microscopy disclosed apoptotic neutrophils in cytoplasmic vacuoles of tumor cells, a finding suggestive of neutrophil-tumor cell phagocytosis (cannibalism). Different stages of neutrophil apoptosis were also shown by electron microscopy and the ultrastructural findings were compared to those described in experimental models, both in vivo and in vitro.
authors: Department of Human Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors: R A
authors: RA
authors: Caruso
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Rigoli
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Parisi
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Fedele
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Bonanno
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Paparo
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Querci
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Crisafulli
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Branca
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Venuti
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000556:secondary / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D000368:Aged; D017209:Apoptosis; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D020556:Neutrophil Infiltration; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*