By the use of specific antibody to human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) as well as to its β‐subunit, and the application of the indirect fluorescein‐labeled and peroxidase‐labeled antibody techniques, we have demonstrated the presence of a membrane (wall)‐associated CG‐similar immunoreactive protein in 15 strains of bacteria isolated from tissues of patients bearing malignant neoplasms. These microorganisms were classified as S. epidermidis, (12), E. coli (2), and a single strain of P. maltophilia (ATCC 13637). The absence of the CG‐like antigen in other “cancer associated bacteria”, Streptococcus faecalis (ATCC 12818) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (from patient with cancer of colon), demonstrated that not every “cancer associated bacteria” has the capability to synthesize the trophoblastic‐like protein. The negative results obtained with a number of “noncancer control” bacteria of known origin, obtained from ATCC and from clinical samples, strongly supported the idea that the existence of these CG‐like protein producing microorganisms is not a ubiquitous finding. The demonstration of a de novo bacterial biosynthesis of a protein having similar antigenic and biophysical properties to those of the human trophoblastic hormone, has great biological implications, especially if its biosynthesis is proven only in bacterial strains growing in the presence of cancer cells in which we have already demonstrated the presence of a similar antigen. The explanation of the phenomenon is unknown. Because of their origin, the potential of “genetic exchange” with subsequent expression of the mammalian gene by the bacterial cells becomes a possibility. It is also possible that the gene coding for the CG‐like protein is normally present but inactive or repressed in all bacteria.

Primary and metastatic lesions from a fibroxanthosarcoma (FXS) originating in the neck of a 29‐year‐old Caucasian woman are reported. Light and electron microscopic observations are correlated to define the various types of cells constituting this neoplasm. Ultrastructural examination verified that several types of cells can act as facultative fibroblasts. Since a malignant potentiality cannot be predicted solely from the histopathology of fibroxanthomas, an attempt was made to categorize certain ultrastructural nuclear and cytoplasmic organelles associated with FXS cells. This was done in order to further define the malignant neoplastic cells of the FXS, so that distinguishing the malignant from benign forms of this neoplasm may become more feasible.

A rare malignant blue nevus resected from the back of a 34‐year‐old Caucasian woman is reported. Histopathologic examination showed the presence of a CBN as well as MBN. The CBN elements of this lesion showed the characteristic prominent neural type fascicles intertwined with melanocytes. The deeper regions of this skin neoplasm showed considerable variation in histopathologic patterns. Metastascs to the axillary lymph nodes and multiple subdermal soft tissue sites, invasion of the underlying skeletal muscle, and several recurrences in the chest wall indicate that this neoplasm is malignant, though of a lower order than a malignant melanoma. The ultrastructural characteristics of neoplastic cells indicate that this neoplasm is of Schwann cell origin.

Control mice and those treated with cortisone were exposed to aerosols of viable spores of Aspergillus flavus. Fifteen to 20 minutes later, animals were killed, and alveolar macrophages were obtained by tracheobronchial lavage. Electron-microscopic examination of these cells revealed that, whereas the lysosomes of control macrophages showed extensive attraction and fusion with the phagocytic membranes surrounding spores, the lysosomes of macrophages from animals treated with cortisone revealed little, if any, interaction. This diminished lysosomal response in forming phagocytic vacuoles may be important in the subsequent development of hyphal bronchopneumonia which frequently, occurs in cortisonetreated mice exposed to spores of A. flavus.

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Immunocytochemical studies using antisera to whole human choriogonadotropin (hCG), to its alpha- and beta-subunits and to the COOH-terminal peptide of hCG beta, and two monoclonal antibodies to hCG beta, demonstrated expression of hCG-like material, its individual subunits and/or fragments in nine bacterial strains. Seven of these were isolated from patients with cancer and were definitely identified as Streptococcus faecalis (three strains), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (two strains) and Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli (single strains). The other two strains were cell-wall-deficient (CWD) variants, one identified as Streptococcus bovis, isolated from the blood of a patient with a fever of unknown origin and a possible brain abscess. The other was a Gram-negative diphtheroid isolated from the urine of a pregnant woman, which during the period of study reverted to a Gram-positive Corynebacterium identified as a 'C. ulcerans' strain and expressed the hCG-like factor only during its phase as Gram-negative diphtheroid. Electron microscopy of these nine strains (including negative controls of strains of the same species subjected to the same immunocytochemical analyses and under identical cultural conditions) revealed morphological alterations in the bacterial cell walls and cytoplasmic material and/or bizarre forms of reproduction in six of the nine strains expressing hCG-like material including the two CWD variants. Collectively, these results provided evidence that (1) hCG-producing bacteria isolated from patients with overt cancer are not a new and unique species as claimed by others, and (2) there is a close resemblance between the bacterial protein and the human trophoblastic hormone, based on immunochemical recognition of different parts of the hCG molecule.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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