Paraganglionic Cells Research Articles

The distribution and endocrine nature of the abdominal paraganglia of adult man.

The paraganglia of adult man were studied using the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence (FIF) method for histochemical characterization of biogenic monoamines. Microspectrofluorimetry was used to record the emission spectra and fluorescence intensities of the paraganglionic cells. The study of samples from six patients showed that well vascularized paraganglia were widely distributed throughout the retroperitoneal spaces. The paraganglia exhibited strong FIF with the spectral characteristics of monamines. Treatment with HC1 caused an increase in the fluorescence intensity of the paraganglia and a simultaneous shift of the emission maximum from 480--495 nm. This change suggests the presence of high concentrations of tryptophyl-containing peptides and is not due to monoamines. The possibility of a dual endocrine function for the paraganglia is discussed.

Functional properties of regenerating sinus nerve fibres in the rabbit

After cutting the sinus nerve of the rabbit and implanting the proximal stump into the adventitial layer of the external carotid artery a neuroma develops which 3–4 months postoperatively is intermingled with sinusoids and loose connective tissue. It is thus structurally similar to the carotid body except for the absence of Type I and Type II cells. We refer to the neuroma, sinusoids and connective tissue as a ‘regeneration product’. Electrophysiological recordings show a chemoreceptive function of the regeneration product of the sinus nerve which is quite similar to that of normal chemoreceptors. This means that some parts of the neural tissue in the ‘regeneration product’ must themselves be chemoreceptors and that parenchymal tissue is not needed for chemoreception. We suggest that Type I and Type II cells of the carotid body may take part in the environmental adjusting of chemoreceptors or that they may be secretory, paraganglionic cells.

Functional Tumors of the Organ of Zuckerkandl

Chromaffin-reacting pheochromocytomas of the adrenal medulla are the most frequently encountered functional paraganglionic neoplasms. However, extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas as well as non-chromaffin paragangliomas, including those of the carotid body and glomus jugulare, may produce symptoms from catecholamine secretion. One of the extra-adrenal sites from which these tumors arise is from a collection of para-aortic, paraganglion cells around the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery. This collection of paraganglia was described in fetuses by Zuckerkandl in 1901 and has subsequently been referred to as the organ of Zuckerkandl. The diagnosis and management of these neoplasms differ somewhat from that of adrenal pheochromocytomas, but excellent results are often obtained by excision of these lesions. Four patients with functional tumors of the organ of Zuckerkandl are reviewed together with the other reported cases in the literature.

Intrathoracic Paraganglioma Arising From Aorticosympathetic Paraganglion

A slowly growing intrathoracic paraganglion arising from an aorticosympathetic ganglion was removed from a 22-year-old woman. It was adherent to the parietal pleura and azygos vein, but not to the spinal cord. She has been well for the two years since that time. This patient represents the sixth tumor reported in this location. Most of the reported tumors are benign with occasional local invasion as seen in paragangliomas in other locations (carotid and aortic bodies). Complete excision of the tumor is the treatment of choice, but partial excision may provide long-term survival. A new classification and terminology suggested by Glenner and Grimley is emphasized. It groups logically the tumors arising from the paraganglion cells on the basis of anatomic distribution, innervation, and microscopic structure.

Posterior mediastinal mass

<h3>Common</h3> Neurogenic neoplasms Arising from peripheral nerves Neurofibroma Neurilemoma or schwannoma (benign or malignant) Arising from sympathetic ganglia Ganglioneuroma (benign) Neuroblastoma } malignant Sympathicoblastoma Arising from paraganglionic cells Pheochromocytoma Paraganglioma } benign or malignant or chemodectoma Parasitic cysts (hydatid) Meningocele (meningomyelocele) Neurenteric (archenteric) cyst Gastroenteric cyst Thoracic duct cyst Primary esophageal lesions Neoplasm Esophageal diverticula Megaesophagus Esophageal hiatus hernia Hernia through the foramen of Bochdalek Diseases of thoracic spine Neoplasms Infectious spondylitis Tuberculous Nontuberculous Extramedullary hematopoiesis Aortic aneurysm <h3>Diagnosis</h3> Tuberculous spondylitis. <h3>Comment</h3> A 45-year-old woman was referred to the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, in October 1972 for evaluation of an abnormal chest roentgenogram (Fig 1). The film was taken because of vague chest pains. A Casoni test for hydatid disease was negative. Results of a physical examination showed no abnormalities except for some tenderness in the midthoracic spine. There was no deformity of the spine nor of the

Posterior Mediastinal Mass

Common Neurogenic neoplasms Arising from peripheral nerves Neurofibroma Neurilemoma or schwannoma (benign or malignant) Arising from sympathetic ganglia Ganglioneuroma (benign) Neuroblastoma } malignant Sympathicoblastoma Arising from paraganglionic cells Pheochromocytoma Paraganglioma } benign or malignant or chemodectoma Parasitic cysts (hydatid) Meningocele (meningomyelocele) Neurenteric (archenteric) cyst Gastroenteric cyst Thoracic duct cyst Primary esophageal lesions Neoplasm Esophageal diverticula Megaesophagus Esophageal hiatus hernia Hernia through the foramen of Bochdalek Diseases of thoracic spine Neoplasms Infectious spondylitis Tuberculous Nontuberculous Extramedullary hematopoiesis Aortic aneurysm Diagnosis Tuberculous spondylitis. Comment A 45-year-old woman was referred to the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, in October 1972 for evaluation of an abnormal chest roentgenogram (Fig 1). The film was taken because of vague chest pains. A Casoni test for hydatid disease was negative. Results of a physical examination showed no abnormalities except for some tenderness in the midthoracic spine. There was no deformity of the spine nor of the

Monoamine storage sites in the rat superior cervical ganglion following synthesis inhibition.

Monoamine storage sites in paraganglionic (PG-) cells of the rat superior cervical ganglion were investigated by electron and fluorescence microscopy following treatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA), disulfiram or guanethidine respectively. Dense core vesicles in PG-cells are significantly decreased (p less than 0.001) in number following pCPA, and in the majority of these cells following disulfiram and guanethidine. However in a minor portion of PG-cells the latter agents cause an increase in number and in size of dense core vesicles, in parallel with structural alterations. In agreement with these electron microscopic findings fluorescence microscopic and cytophotometric evaluations reveal a general decrease in catecholamine content with few cells showing an increase. The findings provide a morphological basis for the assumption, that monoamine storage sites in PG-cells can be decreased by inhibition of monoamine synthesis, following administration of pCPA, disulfiram and guanethidine. However the two types of responses of PG-cells which occur after disulfiram and guanethidine demonstrate a functional heterogeneity of this cell system in the rat superior cervical ganglion which is discussed.

Ganglion cells and paraganglionic cells in the developing superior cervical ganglion of normal and p-chlorophenylalanine treated rats

Ganglion cells and paraganglionic (PG) cells in the developing rat superior cervical ganglion were studied following postnatal treatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) for 5 to 8 days. Litter mates, injected with saline solution, served as controls. Ganglion cells of control animals were differentiated ultrastructurally according to L. Eränkö (1972a) into late sympathicoblasts and young sympathetic nerve cells. In both maturation stages treatment with pCPA caused marked swelling of mitochondria, concomitant with minor changes of other cell organelles. Parallel to the ultrastructural alterations, fluorescence microscopy and cytophotometry revealed a slight diminution of diffuse fluorescence intensity in sympathetic neurons as the expression of a mainly extragranular amine depletion. In distinction from ganglion blocking agents the alterations are regarded as a general toxic effect of pCPA upon maturing sympathetic neurons, which secondarily influences catecholamine storage sites. Following treatment with pCPA, in PG-cells an alteration of mitochondria was scarcely to recognize. Specific granules were distinctly decreased in number, in some cases to an almost complete degree. Concordant to ultrastructural observations a marked diminution of fluorescence intensity was demonstrable in SIF-cells. In addition in these elements the fluorescence spectrum shifted towards the green field. Fluorescence cytophotometric evaluations confirmed the optical impression. Provided, that PG-cells, demonstrated with electron microscopy, are identical with SIF-cells in fluorescence microscopy, the results are discussed on the basis of a specific decrease of primary catecholamines due to an enzyme inhibition involved in catecholamine synthesis.

Effects of guanethidine on paraganglionic cells in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat.

Paraganglionic cells in the rat superior cervical ganglion were investigated by fluorescence and electron microscopy following treatment with guanethidine for 5-30 days. Control animals received saline and guanidine. Fluorescence cytophotometric measurements revealed a general decrease in the catecholamine content of paraganglionic cells in guanethidine-treated animals. However a few cell clusters showed focal increases. Similarly by electron microscopy there was a general decrease of cell clusters showing increases. -- guanethidine -- as well as guanidine--treated animals showed non-specific cytological alterations such as mitochondrial swelling and increase of cytoplasmic glycogen. However no changes of catecholamine contents and of dense core vesicles were noted in control animals. These results confirm the conception that in rat paraganglionic cells the dense core vesicles are the main storage site of catecholamines. The marked difference in the response of some cell culsters to the experimental treatment can be considered as evidence of functional heterogeneity of this cell population in the rat superior cervical ganglion.

Innervation of abdominal paraganglia: an ultrastructural study.

AbstractAbdominal extra‐adrenal chromaffin tissue, or paraganglia, was examined at the ultrastructural level to elucidate the innervation of this adrenal medullary homologue. Paraganglia display unmyelinated nerve fibers surrounded by Schwann cell cytoplasm. These nerves are separated from the paraganglion Type I (granule‐containing) cells by cytoplasmic projections of paraganglion Type II (satellite) cells. However, serial sections show that the nerves eventually make synaptic contact with the Type I cell. At the axon‐chromaffin cell junction, only the outer aspect of the nerve is covered by the satellite cell. The presynaptic endings contain numerous synaptic vesicles, mitochondria and glycogen particles. The vesicles are predominantly of the clear‐cored variety, but a few possess centers which are elecron opaque. The pre‐ and postsynaptic membranes are separated bya subsynaptic space and occasionally exhibit the membranal densities usually associated with synaptic areas. These ultrastructural studies establish definite evidence that abdominal paraganglion cells are innervated.

On the effects of parachlorophenylalanin on nerve cells and paraganglionic cells in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat

Die Wirkung von Parachlorophenylalanin (pCPA) auf die paraganglionaren Zellen und sympathischen Ganglienzellen des Ganglion cervicale superius der Ratte wurde untersucht. pCPA beeinflust die sympathischen Nervenzellen im Ganglion cervicale superius geringgradig. Es finden sich unspezifische Veranderungen des Golgi-Apparates und der Nissl-Schollen sowie eine Zunahme von Lysosomen. Bei langdauernder Behandlung degenerieren einzelne Ganglienzellen und Nervenfasern. Die paraganglionaren Zellen sind bei Kontrolltieren durch “dense core vesicles” eines einheitlichen Typs charakterisiert. Im Laufe der pCPA-Behandlung finden sich degranulierte paraganglionare Zellen. Die Degranulation der einzelnen Zellelemente ist jedoch variabel.

Effect of hypoxia on the fine structure of the catecholamine-storing cells of the human fetal paraganglia.

The functional role of human fetal catecholamine-storing tissues was studied using an extracorporeal perfusion of human fetuses combined with electron microscopy. Severe hypoxia lasting 10–15 min caused an extensive loss of the dense cores of the catecholamine-storing granules of the paraganglionic cells. The degree of electron opacity of the catecholamine granules varied greatly after exposure to hypoxia: the high electron opacity of the control material changed into reticular structures of a different density or into a complete lack of electron opaque material. The dense core was also often present but it was partially dissolved forming a typical circular zone within the vesicle. The limitations of the technique and possible importance of the findings are discussed.

Ultrastructure of Mitotic Cells in Paraganglia of the Syrian Hamster

Extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue classified as paraganglia is said to exert its greatest influence during prenatal life while the adrenal medulla is still largely undifferentiated. Various reports indicate that the majority of paraganglionic tissue in the mouse, rat, guinea pig and human involutes rapidly following birth, at which time the adrenal medulla and sympathetic nervous system come into prominence. Ultrastructural observations of hamster abdominal paraganglia have shown that this tissue is precocious, and it is interesting to note that mitotic cells are observed in these organs of neuroectodermal origin.Syrian hamsters 13 days of age or less were perfused with 3% glutaraldehyde buffered with 0.2M phosphate to pH 7.1-7.2.

Electron Microscopical Observations on Mediastinal Neurolemmoma, Neurofibroma, and Ganglioneuroma

Observations on the ultrastructural morphology of benign mediastinal neurolemmoma, neurofibroma, and ganglioneuroma are presented. Distinguishing features of each tumor are described as observed in this study and reported in the literature. In neurolemmoma, the Antoni type A cells exhibit a cellular differentiation totally different from that of the Antoni B cells. The Antoni type A cells are characterized by numerous thin cytoplasmic processes emanating from a cell body with a narrow rim of cytoplasm. The Antoni type B cells lack these processes and have abundant cytoplasm which possesses a complex system of organelles. The extracellular compartment of Antoni type A tissue is composed of Iacunae outlined by lamina similar in appearance to the basement membrane surrounding the principal tumor cells. Neurofibroma is distinguished by elongated cells with a few thick cytoplasmic processes interspersed with occasional myelinated and unmyelinated axons in an extensive collagenous stroma. The principal tumor cells are distinguished from fibroblasts by the basement membrane coating their plasmalemma. Ganglioneuroma is characterized by the presence of large ganglion cells and their satellites and a vast number of myelinated and unmyelinated axons. A well-defined basement membrane coats the tumor cells. The small, membrane-bound osmiophilic granules encountered in the cytoplasm of ganglion cells have been observed in other tumors arising in sympathetic ganglia and paraganglionic cells.

Ultrastructural Similarities Between Adrenal Medullary and Paraganglion Cells

The fine structural characteristics of adrenal medullary chromaffin cells to include their cytoplasmic detail, vascularity, innervation and catecholamine (CAM) content have been well studied. However, not until recently has this same interest been applied to similar chromaffin cells classified, as paraganglion cells and located in areas away from the adrenal medulla. The present results involving morphological comparisons between paraganglion (PC) and adrenal medullary cells (AMC) indicate that these cellular elements are essentially identical.Syrian hamsters were perfused with 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M phosphate buffer and post fixed, in 1% osmic acid. A retroperitoneal tissue block containing the coeliac and superior mesenteric artery trunks and abdominal aorta was excised, divided into slices and flat embedded in Epon 812.

Paraganglioma of the Larynx

Paraganglioma of the larynx is a rare tumor that arises from paraganglion cells. These tumors are generally considered benign and have to be differentiated from other neuroendocrine tumors. Diagnosis relies mostly on histopathologic examination followed by immunohistochemistry. Surgical excision generally confers complete cure of the tumor. We hereby present a case of laryngeal paraganglioma in a 60-yearold female, who underwent total laryngectomy following a diagnostic micro-laryngeal biopsy, which was supported by immunohistochemistry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i3.6031 JPN 2012; 2(3): 245-247

Ultrastructural studies of vagal paraganglia in Syrian hamsters.

Typical vagal paraganglia of Syrian hamsters are encapsulated in connective tissue and consist of groups of epithelial cells. Ganglion cells, a few fenestrated capillaries, and bundles of unmyelinated nerve fibers are intermingled among the parenchymal cells. The parenchymal cells are of two types: chief or paraganglion and sustentacular or supporting cells. The processes of the supporting cells partly or completely surround the paraganglion cells. In addition to the nucleus, Golgi complex, mitochondria, parallel-arrayed granular endoplasmic reticulum, and lipofuscin pigment, the chief cells are characterized by the presence of numerous membrane-bound, electron opaque granules. After an injection of 3H-dopa, labelings were concentrated over the chief cells and were associated predominantly with the granules. Following glutaraldehyde-dichromate treatment the granules gave a positive reaction for unsubstituted amines. These results suggest that the chief cells contain catecholamines in the electron opaque granules.

Neoplasms of the nervous system in Thailand.

Study was made of 309 cases of neoplasms of the nervous system to determine the proportion of various tumors in Thailand. Intracranial neoplasms are the most common tumors of the nervous system. Less in order of frequency are neoplasms of the peripheral nerve, tumors of the spinal cord, neoplasms of the retinal primordium, tumors of the sympathetic ganglia, miscellaneous neoplasms and tumors of the paraganglionic cells. Gliomas are most common among intracranial neoplasms. Among intracranial gliomas, astrocytoma is most common, is found almost as often as intracranial meningioma, and occurs twice as often as glioblastoma multiforme. The remaining gliomas are found in the following descending order of frequency: medulloblastoma, ependymoma, mixed gliomas and oligodendroglioma. Astrocytoma and ependymoma are more frequent than in Western countries, while oligodendroglioma is less common. Nongliogenous tumors occur in the following order: meningioma, congenital tumors, metastatic neoplasms, pituitary adenomas, primary sarcomas and papilloma of the choroid plexus.

METASTASES OF GLOMUS JUGULARE TUMORS.

Introduction THE GLOMUS JUGULARE, a normal structure first described by Guild, 3 lies in the dome of the jugular bulb just below the floor of the middle ear. The is quite small, 0.5 × 0.25 mm, and is composed of nonchromaffin staining paraganglia cells arranged in an organoid pattern. No physiological function has yet been proved, but neoplasms of this tissue are the most frequent type of middle ear tumor 12 and were first described by Rossenwasser. 9 Much confusion as to the nomenclature, clinical signs and symptoms, instance of metastases, and proper therapy of these tumors remains. The purpose of this report is to review the nine cases of glomus tumors with metastases and to record an additional instance of distant spread to the lungs. Material and Methods Medical literature was reviewed for reports on cases of metastatic glomus tumors. The more interesting features of the nine

On Nerve Supply of the Suprarenal Glands of Some Animals

The cortex of the suprarenal glands of dog and flying-squirrel, being an epitheliogenetic endocrine organ, was found devoid of fibres of cortical nerves proper. Of course the periaterial plexus send out nerve fibres which enter its parenchyma accompanying the blood capillaries, but these are extremely small in quantity and cannot be called nerves proper to the cortex. So, the greatest majority of the capillaries and cortical cells are free of nerve supply. Therefore, the mechanism occcasioning the secretion from this part may be interpreted as consisting in the seeping out of the secretory granules from the gland cells by pressure of dilation of the blood capillaries.In dog, the extracapsular connective tissue around the suprarenal gland is rich in fat tissue and contain extracapsular or suprarenal plexus with ganglia of varying size. In the rather thick capsule is formed the intracapsular plexus containing only a very few ganglion cells. In flying-squirrel, however, the capsule as well as the extracapsular tissue is very poorly developed, so that the plexuses in them are also very ill-developed. The ganalion cells in the dog's suprarenal plexus belong either to DOGIEL's Type I or to his Type II; their nerve processes are usually well developed.The suprarenal glands of these animals contain no ganglion cells in its medulla and in its cortex, unlike in the case of man. Therefore, it seems that the presence of nerve cells in the medulla has little functional significance.The nerve bundles or fibres originating in the extra- and intracapsular plexus, without sending out branches into the cortex, run through it into the medulla, so that these are the nerves proper to the latter. This medulla lies in the main in the central part of the suprarenal gland in flying-squirrel, but in dog it is otherwise found distributed in a manner suggestive of its embryological development. Medullar cell groups are found in the extra- and intracapsular spaces too, often keeping connect with the medulla at the center. Some medullar cells are found arranged cord-wise along the fibres of the medullar nerves proper running through the cortex.The medullar nerves proper are not rarely composed of thick fibres only, but usually thin fibres also come into the composition. These nerves proper, unlike those in man, run forth toward the center of the medulla, upon entering it, while sending out irregularly winding finer branches. The nerve fibres here seem to become the fewer, the smaller the animal in body size.Upon parting from the nerve bundles, the medullar nerve fibres run solitary courses as enormously thick fibres showing peculiar winding and perceptible change in size, while thick branch fibres of the same nature and besides many far thinner terminal fibres showing less change in size are sent out during the courses. These fibres of two types never end freely but always come into mutual anastomosis and form a large nervous network in the medulla. In this network, the thick fibres run peculiar looped or augular courses, so that the size and the shape of its meshes are much variegated, forming rectangles, polygones, rhomboids, ovals, spindle-forms and club-forms of varying size. Besides, quite nondescript meshes are also seen. The reticular formation by the thin fibres is also very peculiar, some very large-sized meshes appearing among the usual small-sized ones.The nerve fibres running in the medulla are not accompanied by SCHWNN's cells, because the medulla is composed of sympathetic chromaffin paraganglion cells originating in mother cells, the KOHN's so-called accessory cells, from which the sympathetic SCHWANN's cells are also derived, and thus can naturally dispense with SCHWANN's cells.The above-mentioned enormously thick fibres, besides coming into contact supply to the medullar cells, seem also to effect intracellular supply upon penetrating through these cells.