Eosinophilic globule cells in mouse MFH-like sarcomas. Light and electron microscopic studies

Light and electron microscopic observations were made on eosinophilic globule (EG) cells found in 27 subcutaneous malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH)-like sarcomas in aged ICR mice. These tumors, which were composed of fibroblast-like cells as the major component, with small numbers of histiocyte-like cells and undifferentiated cells, showed one or more of five growth patterns: storiform, pleomorphic, fascicular, myxoid, and hemangiopericytoma-like. EG cells were interspersed among the tumor cells and were also present in metastatic lesions. They were pleomorphic in shape and contained various numbers of cytoplasmic globules, which were positive with the periodic acid-Schiff reaction and resistant to diastase digestion. Electron microscopic observation revealed that these cells had small finger-like and pseudopodia-like projections, and contained varied numbers of characteristic osmiophilic globules and glycogen particles in the cytoplasm which seemed to become more abundant as the cells differentiated. The osmiophilic globules consisted of a dense homogeneous core and a marginal area rich in small vesicular membranous structures. A small population of EG cells exhibited features suggesting differentiation to fibroblasts; these were characterized by an increased amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum. It is suggested that the EG cell is a neoplastic cell, perhaps derived from a primitive mesenchymal cell, although an inflammatory cell origin is also possible.     

Observations on the origin of two substances produced by the vitellaria in Gorgoderina attenuata

The vitelline cells in Gorgoderina attenuata produce two qualitatively distinct substances. One substance assumes the form of individual, dense, osmiophilic globules. Many globules are contained in a single vesicle. The other substance is an amorphous mass of medium density that completely fills a vesicle. Observations indicate that the dense, osmiophilic globules develop in association with a system of small, contiguous, ribosome-free vesicles. It is suggested that this system of vesicles constitute a Golgi apparatus for these cells. The amorphous mass substance develops in vesicles which appear to be derived from endoplasmic reticulum. Close association between the amorphous mass vesicle and mitochondria are commonly observed.     

Eosinophilic globule cells in mouse MFH-like sarcomas: lectin histochemistry.

Lectin binding patterns in ten mouse malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH)-like sarcomas containing eosinophilic globule (EG) cells and in granular metrial gland (GMG) cells of mouse placenta were stained with nine lectins (Con A, LCA, WGA, DBA, SBA, e-PHA, PNA, RCA-I and UEA-I) by an avidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex method. EG cells stained strongly with DBA, SBA and PNA which are specific for N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and/or D-galactose. DBA and SBA bound throughout the cytoplasm including the globules; PNA reacted preferentially at the cell surface. There was no evidence that these three lectins were reactive for immature EG cells. WGA, RCA-I and e-PHA also gave a slightly to moderately positive reaction to globules of EG cells. The results indicate that the globules contain abundant O-linked sequences of sugars, but also a few N-linked residues. MFH tumor cells showed a variable degree of binding with Con A, RCA-I, and WGA, but did not react with DBA, SBA and PNA. On the other hand, GMG cells exhibited specific affinities for DBA, SBA and PNA with staining patterns similar to those of EG cells. These findings suggest that EG and GMG cells may be of the same cellular lineage.     

Characterization of Intravacuolar Pigmented Structures in Anthocyanin-Containing Cells of Sweet Potato Suspension Cultures

Intravacuolar pigmented structures occurred in anthocyanin-producingcultured cells of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) were characterized.Formation of the pigmented structures in sweet potato cellswas induced by transfer of callus cultured in 2,4-D containingagar medium into 2,4-D free liquid medium under continuous illumination.These structures were found in the vacuoles. The pigmented structureswere isolated from the protoplasts by precipitation in 60% (w/w)sucrose after centrifugation. Electron microscopic observationsof the anthocyanin-containing cultured cells showed these structureshad neither membrane boundary nor internal structures, and werefound as strongly osmiophilic globules in vacuoles. Numeroussmall osmiophilic globules were observed in central vacuolesat the early stage of anthocyanin accumulation, but not foundin cytoplasm. Similar pigmented structures in vacuoles werealso formed by treatment with neutral red. These observationsindicate that these pigmented structure is the high densityand insoluble globules highly concentrated with anthocyanin,which was synthesized in cytoplasm and transported to the centralvacuoles. ⁴Present address: Department of Cell Biology, National Institutefor Basic Biology Myodaijicho, Okazaki, 444 Japan     

Adrenal cortical foci and nodules in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with N-nitrosomorpholine. Light and electron microscopic findings

Treatment of male Sprague-Dawley rats with N-nitrosomorpholine (NNM) in the drinking water at a dose of 120 mg/l for 7 weeks resulted in a subsequent enhanced development of focal and nodular lesions in the adrenal cortex. Sequential observation revealed that focal lesions in the zona reticularis/fasciculata or the zona glomerulosa developed both earlier and at a significantly higher incidence in animals treated with carcinogen than in untreated controls. Foci observed within or adjacent to the zona glomerulosa were all of pale cell appearance and contained large numbers of electron-dense cytoplasmic granules similar to those observed in normal granulosa cells. The foci and nodules which arose in the zona reticularis/fasciculata were, in contrast, characterized by a reduction or loss of the dense osmiophilic droplets normally seen in the cells of this region of the adrenal cortex, a pronounced increase in pleomorphic mitochondria of atypical appearance and the development of vacuoles.     

Induction of granulopoiesis of mastocytoma cells: ultrastructural and cytochemical studies on production of serotonin in a cultured mouse mastocytoma cell line

Electron microscopic observations of an originally established mouse mastocytoma cell line (BSP-MST-2) revealed that the cytoplasm of many of the MST-2 cells contained small and low osmiophilic granules and a few mature electron-dense granules. Fluorescent- and immuno-histochemical examinations also suggested the immaturity of granules as the cytoplasmic reaction for serotonin (5-HT) was weak. Induction of further maturation of granules was investigated by administration of various chemical agents. Among the chemicals examined, sodium butyrate and hydrocortisone were effective. In the presence of 1 mM sodium butyrate for 24 h, the cytoplasmic granules contained an abundant dense matrix. MST-2 cells incubated with hydrocortisone at 5 micrograms/ml for 24 h showed a somewhat different granulopoietic pattern from those incubated with sodium butyrate, including numerous electron-dense progranules. Fluorescent- and immuno-histochemical studies showed increased reactions of cytoplasmic 5-HT of both butyrate- and hydrocortisone-treated MST-2 cells. The specificity of these morphological and cytochemical changes was confirmed by treatment with reserpine, a drug which depletes cellular 5-HT; electron-dense materials were virtually diminished and cytochemical reactions were significantly decreased. The mode of induced production of 5-HT in mastocytoma granules is discussed, in relation to mastocyte differentiation.     

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland: report of a case with morphology on fine needle aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND: Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the parotid is rare and prone to recur. CASE: A 54-year-old woman had a history of afacial mass 12 years earlier that had been excised and was diagnosed as low grade adenocarcinoma of the parotid. Over the years, the patient had multiple local and lymph node recurrences. Histology of the excised local recurrent tumor showed basal cell adenocarcinoma, and FNAC of a separate recurrent nodule was performed. The aspirate showed moderate cellularity of basaloid cells with mildly pleomorphic nuclei, small nucleoli and occasional mitotic figures. The cells were mostly single, but some formed clusters with a rosettelike pattern of tumor cells surrounding central eosinophilic globules. A second, less prominent population of smaller cells with dark-staining nuclei was also noted. The differential diagnosis included adenoid cystic carcinoma, polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma, and basal cell and pleomorphic adenoma. CONCLUSION: The cytologic features of basal cell adenocarcinoma are not distinctive, but the presence of two cell populations with moderate pleomorphism and a rosettelike pattern with central, eosinophilic globules may assist with its differentiation from other salivary gland neoplasms.     

Ultrastructure and Carotenoid Composition of Chromoplasts of the Sepals of Strelitzia reginae Aiton during Floral Development

Ontogenetic development of chromoplasts from the coloured outerperianth segments of the flower of Strelitzia reginae was examinedwith an electron microscope. The plastids evolved through fivestages, namely, colourless leucoplasts, chloroplasts, pale yellow,deep yellow and orange chromoplasts. The relationship betweenplastid ultrastructure and carotenoid composition is discussed.The development of fibrils from osmiophilic globules is shownto occur in chromoplasts which contained only small amountsof chlorophyll at an early stage of development. Regular lattices of globular subunits were found which showeda hexagonal or rhomboidal pattern and which are probably proteinin nature. The sudden disappearance of these crystals just beforefibrils form, and the complete absence of starch from all stagesof plastid development, suggests that these crystals are a formof energy storage.     

Cortical granule-specific components are present within oocytes and accessory cells during sea urchin oogenesis

The coordinate expression of cortical granule-specific components in sea urchin oogenesis was studied using antibody probes. The components used to generate the organelle-specific antibodies included the whole cortical granule exudate, fertilization envelopes, hyalin, beta, 1-3,glucanase, and Ig8. Using immunolocalization techniques at both the light and electron microscopic levels, these molecules were found to be specific to cortical granules in three distinct cell types: developing oocytes, eggs, and accessory cells. In early oocytes, each of the cortical granule components are coordinately accumulated in the developing cortical granules dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. No other organelle within the developing oocytes or eggs contained detectable levels of any of these epitopes. In the somatic interstitial tissue of the ovary, cortical granule components also were accumulated specifically within cortical granule structures. Found only in select accessory cells, these cortical granules were indistinguishable in morphology and epitope composition from eggs and were contained within cytoplasmic aggregates termed mosaic globules. The mechanism of cortical granule concentration into mosaic globules is unknown, but this demonstration of common organelle constituents between oocytes and accessory cells may provide insight for such an understanding.     

白花罗勒(Ocimum basilium L.)盾状腺毛分泌过程的超微结构研究

白花罗勒成熟的盾状腺毛头部细胞中 ,质体含量丰富 ,体积较大 ,其中有大量的嗜锇物质积累 ;在分泌过程中 ,分泌细胞出现质壁分离现象 ;嗜锇物质向外分泌的途径有两条 :一条是以胞吐的方式 ,另一条是以渗透的方式     

Liver ultrastructure and a new cell type in the Japanese newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster.

The liver of the Japanese newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, has been investigated using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Hepatic parenchyma was composed of clusters and cords or tubules of polyhedral cells separated by a sinusoidal net. Hepatocytes had spherical, euchromatic nuclei with one or more nucleoli and stacked mitochondria with sparse cristae and dense bodies. Rough endoplasmic reticula formed peribiliary stacks and diffusely scattered vesicles and tubules. Smooth endoplasmic reticula were more pronounced in glycogen-rich hepatocytes. Most hepatocytes contained peroxisomes, Golgi complexes and large numbers of fat droplets within the cytoplasm along with glycogen. Some cells were mainly glycogen-storing and contained few or no fat droplets. A special feature of the newt liver was biliary atresia. Bile canaliculi had short, stout microvilli which were entirely atretic in some canaliculi. Canaliculi were sealed off by junctional complexes including zonulae occludentes and maculae adherentes. The latter showed extraordinary wider desmosomal gaps in the vicinity of the atretic bile canaliculi. The sinusoid wall was non-distinctive and contained fenestrated endothelial cells connected to Kupffer cells by zonulae occludentes. A distinctive new cell type (OG cell) was observed in the newt liver. These cells were found individually or in small clusters in proximity with the sinusoidal surfaces. They had small nuclei, a paucity of cytoplasmic organelles, but numerous, unique, osmiophilic granules of two distinct types. Less numerous Type I granules contained homogeneous electron-dense material, and a predominant Type II granule contained circumferentially arranged subparticulation. Granules of both types were detected within the cytoplasm of endothelial cells and within sinusoids together with blood elements. The function of this secretory type cell remains obscure, though it may represent a stage of melanophore.     

Fine needle aspiration cytology of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of salivary glands. A report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare, low grade malignant tumor of the salivary glands. Histologically, it has a biphasic cellular composition and exhibits a high degree of differentiation. The fine needle aspiration cytology of this rare tumor is rarely described in the literature. CASES: We report the fine needle aspiration cytology of three epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas, arising in the right parotid, left parotid and minor salivary gland of the hard palate. Cytology showed a biphasic population consisting of cells of ductal epithelial and myoepithelial origin arranged in small clusters and sheets. The myoepithelial cells had small, uniform nuclei; ample, clear cytoplasm and distinct cell borders, while the ductal epithelial cells had larger, mildly pleomorphic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm. These ductal cells tended to form tubules among background sheets of clear myoepithelial cells. This feature, if present, was an important diagnostic clue. Hyaline material surrounding cell clusters and focal adenoid cystic carcinoma-like areas with orangeophilic globules were also not uncommon. CONCLUSION: While the cytologic appearance of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma may closely mimic that of other salivary gland tumors, such as adenoid cystic carcinoma, pleomorphic adenoma and basal cell adenoma, certain peculiar cytologic features may allow a distinction to be made on fine needle aspiration biopsy.     

AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE SPOROPHYTIC AND GAMETOPHYTIC PLANTS OF PADINA VICKERSIAE HOYT1

An electron microscopic comparison was made of the “isomorphic” sporophytic and gametophytic plants of Padina vickersiae. Light microscopic studies of the 2 generations showed few differences. This observation was also supported by studies at the ultrastructural level. However, minor differences in the gametophytic plant have been noted: (1) a well-defined nucleolus in the nucleus of the non-meristematic cell; (2) a general lack of osmiophilic globules in the chloroplasts; and (3) a clumping of chloroplasts in the maturing oogonium. The first and second differences are considered in terms of growth activity.     

Ultrastructure of Gum-resin Ducts in Cashew (Anacardium occidentale)

In Anacardium occidentale L., the gum-resin ducts in the primaryphloem of the stem develop schizogenously. Appearance of anintercellular space amongst the densely stained cells signalsthe initiation of a duct. During this process, the middle lamella,appears in places, as an electron-opaque area. The epitheialcells bordering the duct are oval and have convex inner tangentialwalls which are without any plasmodesmata, although they areabundant on radial and outer tangential walls. The cytoplasmof the epitheial cells is rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum(ER), free ribosomes, polysomes, mitochondria with swollen cristae,plastids with occasional osmiophilic inclusions, dictyosomesand vesicles. Osmiophilic material has been observed in thedilation of the cisternae of dictyosomes and also in vesicles.Sometimes, the osmiophilic material aggregates and forms largemembrane-bound globules. The globules fuse with the plasmalemmaat the inner tangential wall, and presumably the contents aredeposited in the space between the protoplast and the wall.This material passes through the loose matrix of the wall intothe duct. Some of the epitheial cells of the mature duct show‘dark’ cytoplasm, degraded organelles and occasionallyhigh vacuolation; ultimately they are lysed and their remainscollect in the duct. Anacardium occidentale L., cashew, gum-resin ducts, epithlial cell, dictyosome, osmiophilic material, ultrastructure     

Establishment of porcine transgenic embryonic germ cell lines expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein

The purpose of this study was to isolate porcine embryonic germ (EG) cells and establish transgenic EG cell lines. Plasmid DNA was the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) vector. Porcine EG cells in rapid proliferation (4th to 9th passage) were transfected with LipofecTamine 2000 and TransFast reagents. Porcine EG cells transfected with a complex of 1 microg of DNA and 2 microL of LipofecTamine 2000 reagent yielded four EG-EGFP cell lines, which emitted bright green fluorescence. EG-EGFP cells cultured for more than 2 weeks without passage gave rise to various differentiated phenotypes. In addition, to determine the degree to which EG cells become integrated into the inner cell mass of host embryos, 135 embryos were injected with porcine EG-EGFP cells; 110 embryos survived and developed into blastocysts (81.5%). Eighty-four chimeric embryos contained fluorescent cells after culture; 49 blastocysts contained EG-EGFP cells in the inner cell mass. Our results suggested that the chimeric rate would not be improved via using different stages of embryos for injection.     

Identification of enterochromaffin cells in adjacent Epon-embedded sections at light and electron microscopic levels

Summary Methods for light and electron microscopic comparison of individual argentaffin and argyrophil enterochromaffin cells (EC) in the sheep duodenal mucosa are described. These silver procedures were applied for light microscopy to Epon-embedded sections. The adjacent sections were examined with the electron microscope. The most specific characteristics of the argentaffin and argyrophil EC in electron microscopy are highly osmiophilic cytoplasmic granules. In one cell type these granules are smaller and more roundish than in the another type. These two cell types are stainable both by the argentaffin and argyrophil reactions. No essential difference can be observed in the localization of these elements. It is suggested that both cell types belong to the enterochromaffin system. Both silver methods are also suitable for the light microscopic identification of other intestinal structures in sections adjacent to that sectioned for electron microscopy.This work was supported by a grant from the Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation, Helsinki, Finland.The electron microscopic observations were carried out in the Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Helsinki.     

The Occurence of delta-Tocopherylquinone in Higher Plants and Its Relation to Senescence

delta-Tocopherylquinone (deltaTQ) content was determined in tobacco and yellow maple leaves, green ivy leaves and cactus tissues. It was found that the concentration of delta-TQ was highest in mature or senescent tissues, such as white tobacco leaves (0.02 mumole/g dry wt) while its detection was uncertain in young, green leaves from the apex of tobacco plants. Fractionation by centrifugation of senescent tobacco leaves showed that the osmiophilic globule fraction was enriched in delta-TQ. Electron microscope studies of young, mature and senescent tobacco tissues showed progressive changes in the size and number of osmiophilic globules. After chloroplast breakdown in senescent tobacco leaves, these globules became the predominant constituents of the organelle. delta-TQ which is associated with osmiophilic globules may play a role in the development of plants, particularly during senescence.     

Cytology of a chromophobe pituitary adenoma. A case report

A pituitary tumor with suprasellar and extrasellar extension was investigated by means of the squash-smear cytologic technique. The dominant cell type was large, round to oval cells, with pale-staining, finely granular cytoplasm. The nuclei of these cells often contained single or multiple inclusions of uncertain nature. There also were cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, usually collected in small nests. Hyperchromatic "naked" nuclei, in various shapes, were immersed in a homogeneous, faintly staining ground substance. Mitotic figures were detected easily. Cytology of these combined cell types allowed the intraoperative diagnosis of a rather pleomorphic pituitary adenoma.     

Isolation and Characterization of Carotenoid-rich Lipid Globules from Peridinium foliaceum

Carotenoid-rich oil globules were isolated from the cytoplasm of the binucleate dinoflagellate, Peridinium foliaceum. These orange globules were collected from ruptured cells by ultracentrifugation on a sucrose density gradient, and checked for purity by electron microscopy. The osmiophilic globules were assayed for lipid (including pigment) and protein content. The lipid to protein ratio was 1.39:1, with a calculated density of the globules of 1.05 grams per cubic centimeter. The lipids were composed of hydrocarbon, wax ester (phytyl ester), triglyceride, and polar (no phospholipid) fractions. The biochemical composition indicated that the globules function as a reservoir of energy-rich components in the cell. Microspectrophotometric observations were consistent with pigment analyses which demonstrated that the globules were carotenoid-rich. In addition to β-carotene, γ-carotene, and canthaxanthin, the carotenogenic precursors: phytoene, phytofluence, ζ-carotene and β-zeacarotene were isolated from the globules. Corrected fluorescence maxima of phytoene and phytofluene in hexane were recorded at 340 and 490 nanometers, respectively. Carotenes constituted 3.3% of the total oil globule lipid. The possibility of an extraplastidic carotenogenic enzyme system in P. foliaceum is discussed.     

茶叶叶绿体的嗜锇颗粒含量和适制茶类的关系

应用电子显微镜技术,从细胞亚显微水平研究了81个茶叶品种(或品系)的叶绿体内嗜锇颗粒的分布情况及其适制茶类的关系。结果表明,适制乌龙茶的茶树品种嗜锇颗粒含量都比较多,而有特殊香气的凌云白毛茶嗜锇颗粒含量高达100—46(平均值58),认为嗜锇颗粒含量与成茶香气有关,研究不同茶树品种的嗜锇颗粒含量可为茶树品种的成茶适制性和育成高香型品种的亲本选择提供参考依据。