A juxtaglomerular cell tumour: light and electron microscopic studies of a renin-secreting kidney tumour containing both juxtaglomerular cells and mast cells

Abstract

The fine structure of a renal tumour which was associated with hypersecretion of renin with resulting hypertension has been studied. There were two main cell types in the tumour. One contained cytoplasmic granules similar to those seen in juxtaglomerular cells. Some of these granules were rhomboidal or polygonal and some were round and many were shown to have a crystalline substructure. These granules are similar to specific juxtaglomerular cell granules believed to be renin-containing. The other type contained numerous cytoplasmic granules of different size, shape and electron density, characteristic of those seen in the human mast cell. The tumour is best regarded as a growth of juxtaglomerular cells with secondary mast cell infiltration. The term juxtaglomerular cell tumour' is recommended for renin secreting tumours in which specific juxtaglomerular cell granules are identified. The fine structure of a renal tumour which was associated with hypersecretion of renin with resulting hypertension has been studied. There were two main cell types in the tumour. One contained cytoplasmic granules similar to those seen in juxtaglomerular cells. Some of these granules were rhomboidal or polygonal and some were round and many were shown to have a crystalline substructure. These granules are similar to specific juxtaglomerular cell granules believed to be renin-containing. The other type contained numerous cytoplasmic granules of different size, shape and electron density, characteristic of those seen in the human mast cell. The tumour is best regarded as a growth of juxtaglomerular cells with secondary mast cell infiltration. The term juxtaglomerular cell tumour' is recommended for renin secreting tumours in which specific juxtaglomerular cell granules are identified.