Proper detection of the nuclear shape: ways and significance.
(15/80)
Shape and size of the nucleus, coupled with changes in chromatin amount and distribution, still remain the basic microscopic criteria for cytological diagnoses. Diagnostic recognition of the nuclear shape in pathological histology and cytology has been always based on the assumption that it is the content in nucleic acids, which determines the nuclear shape. The present review challenges this opinion, focuses on the structure, and functions of the nuclear envelope and on how these features can be exploited in diagnostic pathology. In particular, we will present the contribution of thee-dimensional modeling to the understanding of nuclear irregularities in breast cancer and papillary thyroid carcinomas. Specifically, it will be shown how tagging the nuclear membrane with anti-Emerin antibodies can represent an additional and valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of thyroid lesions. Finally, the prognostic importance of detecting irregularities of the nuclear shape in breast carcinomas by immunofluorescence staining for nuclear proteins will be discussed. (+info)
In situ nuclear morphology measurements using light scattering as biomarkers of neoplastic change in animal models of carcinogenesis.
(16/80)
Light scattering spectroscopy measurements can be used to determine the structure of tissue samples. Through refined data acquisition and signal processing techniques, quantitative nuclear morphology measurements may be obtained from light scattering data. These data have been used primarily as a biomarker of neoplastic change in a wide range of settings. Here, we review the application of light scattering to assessing the health status of tissues drawn from animal models of carcinogenesis, in particular, the rat esophagus and the golden Syrian hamster trachea carcinogenesis models. In addition, we present results from ex vivo human tissues to demonstrate the relevance of the use of animal models which are excellent surrogates for several human cancers. These models provide the opportunity to develop biomarkers and test chemopreventive and therapy strategies before application in humans. (+info)