PAS-positive Granules Research Articles

A CASE OF SOLID AND CYSTIC TUMOR OF THE PANCREAS AND A REVIEW OF 121 CASES REPORTED IN JAPAN

A rare case of solid and cystic tumor of the pancreas is described with a review of 121 collective cases reported in Japan.A 22-year-old woman consulted our hospital because of continuous upper abdominal pain. A fist-sized tumor was palpated in the right upper abdomen. CT scan showed a cystic tumor located in the head of the pancreas, with the size of 15 cm in diameter. The patient was operated on. The tumor was well encapsulated with a firm, white, fibrous capsule, and was resected. No infiltration into the pancreas parenchyma was noted.On the cut surface, the tumor was composed of solid and cystic lesions, with necrotic and hemorrhagic materials. Microscopically the tumor tissue showed pseudopapillary stractures with numerous PAS-positive granules. Some of tumor cells were positive for α1-antitrypsin. Electron micrograph showed that tumor cells were rich in mitochondria, and some of them contained zymogen-like granules. From these findings the diagnosis of solid and cystic tumor was made. The patient is doing well up to now, 12 months after surgery. A total of 122 cases including this case seen in the Japanese literature were reviewed to clarify the clinical and clinicopathological features.

Microsporidia and Isospora Belli infections in humans

Microsporidial infections in humans are generally caused by four genera, Nosema, Enterocytozoon, Pleistophora , and EncephalHozoon . Infection is through ingestion of the infective spores, either from stool or urine or in tissues. These organisms have been associated with diarrhea and malabsorption, blindness, muscle weakness and contractures, and hepatitis in the liver. The host cells are damaged and often rupture with granulomatous foci in the tissues. In the intestine, there may be flattening of the villi, elongation of the crypts, and an increase in inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. Diagnosis is usually based on demonstration of the spores in tissue biopsy specimens (PAS positive granule, methenamine silver positive, Gram and acid fast variable) or the presence of polar tubules in transmission electron micrographs. Spores have not yet been demonstrated in stool; the development and use of monoclonal reagents are still experimental and not commercially available. Treatment is not well defined and very little has been done on prevention and/or control. With documented diagnosis of these infections in patients with AIDS and other immune deficiencies, the clinician needs to consider microsporidia as possible etiologtc agents of disease in all compromised patients, particularly with symptoms of diarrhea or myositis. Isospora belli is transmitted through ingestion of the infective oocysts. Symptoms may range from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to severe diarrhea. Immunosuppressed patients often present with profuse diarrhea, weakness, anorexia, and weight loss. The disease is usually sell-limiting in the immunocompetent patient. Changes range from broadening of the villus tips to a flat mucosal surface and crypt elongation. There may also be inflammatory infiltrates in the lamina propria. Diagnosis is usually made by finding the oocysts in concentrated stool material (wet preparation examination). Multiple stools are recommended and biopsy material may be positive while the stool examinations are negative. These organisms are found worldwide and are probably more common in the tropics. The drug of choice is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; however, there may be side effects, particularly in patients with AIDS. Although deaths have been reported, the prognosis is usually good with early diagnosis and treatment. Good personal hygiene and proper disposal of human fecal material should help decrease this infection.

Reversible pancreatic elastase-induced bronchial secretory cell metaplasia in the rat

Porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) causes irreversible secretory cell metaplasia (SCM) in the intrapulmonary bronchi of hamsters. To determine whether this lesion can be induced in another rodent species, PPE was transorally instilled into the lungs of anesthetized rats. Saline-treated rats served as controls. Animals were killed 1 week, 3 weeks and 3 months after enzyme treatment and the lungs were inflation-fixed with 4% formalin/1% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M Na cacodylate buffer at pH 7.4. Transverse sections from 3 intrapulmonary airway levels were embedded in paraffin and in glycol methacrylate. The secretory cell index (SCI) was determined from PAS-stained paraffin sections using a standardized scale of 0 to 4. There were no significant differences between SCI values of PPE-treated rats and saline-treated controls at any time point. Secretory cells in methacrylate sections were subclassified into S1, S2 and S3 cells on the basis of increasing amounts of PAS-positive intracellular granules. At one week, there was no effect of PPE on airway level I secretory cells, but significant increases in numbers of S2 and S3 cells were seen in level II and in S3 cells in level III. At 3 weeks, the number of S1 cells were increased in level I and S2 and S3 cells were increased in level III; level II secretory cells were unaffected. Level III secretory cells had returned to normal by 3 months. There were no significant differences between treatment groups in the total number of secretory cells (S1 + S2 + S3) at any airway level or time point examined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vitro capacitation of ejaculated spermatozoa and in vitro fertilization in dairy goats

The aim of this study was to investigate whether prolongation of the period of preovulatory follicular development after superovulation reduces heterogeneity of oocytes of stimulated follicles with respect to the potential to mature, to ovulate, to be fertilized and to develop into embryos. Heifers were treated with eCG on Day 10 and prostaglandin (PG) 48 h later. At the time of eCG administration some of the heifers received a norgestomet implant (N) to suppress the LH surge. After 96 to 104 h, N was removed and an LH surge was induced with GnRH (G) (N/G); the other animals served as controls. Matured oocytes (Experiment A: n=9, 139 [N/G] and 11, 125 [Conrol] heifers, oocytes), zygotes and oviducts (Experiment B: n=8, 44 [N/G] and 9, 72 [Control] heifers, zygotes) and embryos (Experiment C: n=11, 205 [N/G] and 11, 165 [Control] heifers, embryos) were collected at 22 to 26 h, 38 to 52 h and 7 days after the LH surge, respectively. Hatched blastocyst formation of matured oocytes (Experiment A) was analyzed after 11 days of IVC after IVF. In vivo fertilization rate of zygotes, the presence of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive granules in the oviduct (Experiment B) and stage of development of embryos (Experiment C) were analyzed stereomicroscopically. The mean interval between PG and the LH surge was 53.8±3 (SD) (N/G) vs. 42.4±4 h (Control). The maximum peripheral estradiol-17β concentration (529±36 [SEM] [N/G] vs. 403±17 pmol/L [Control]) and the response to superovulation (25.4±2 [N/G] vs. 18.7±2 [Control]) were higher in N/G than in Control heifers. Hatched blastocyst formation rate (37.4 [N/G] vs. 33.6% [Control]), in vivo fertilization rate (69.0±14 [N/G] vs. 73.0±10% [Control]) and the yield of total embryos (3.8±1 [N/G] vs. 5.6±2 [Control]) did not differ between groups. The percentage of heifers with abundant PAS-positive granules in the distal ampulla (0 [N/G] vs. 31% [Control]) was reduced after N/G treatment. Prolongation of the period of preovulatory follicular development increased the number of mature follicles and ovulations but did not result in higher embryo yield, possibly because of an impaired oviductal environment.

Demonstration of bacterial antigen in macrophages in experimental pyelonephritis

The immunomorphological characteristics of interstitial macrophages with PAS-positive granules were studied in experimental Escherichia coli pyelonephritis in rats, using an anti-E. coli antibody. Immunohistochemical, immunoelectron microscopical, as well as light- and electron microscopical findings were compared at twelve time points between 2 days and 13 weeks after infection. Macrophages with PAS-positive granules were present in the inflammatory infiltrates from the 7th day. The granules were phagolysosomes, filled predominantly with myelin figures. The myelin figures originated mainly from the constituents of the bacterial wall and reacted with the anti-E. coli antibody even 13 weeks after infection. The storage of bacterial residues with preserved antigenic structures for several weeks after infection indicates disturbed phagolysosomal elimination of the bacterial substances in the PAS-positive macrophages. In the formation of macrophages with PAS-positive granules, lysosomal overloading with large amounts of bacteria and cell debris is assumed, leading to consumption of the lysosomal enzymes, consequent incomplete breakdown and retention of the bacterial residues.

口底に発生した明細胞腫の１例とその組織化学的および免疫組織化学的検討

A tumor consisting of clear cells such as in the case of clear cell carcinoma of the kidney is often seen in nearly any organ. However this occurs quite rarely in the salivary gland. We examined the histochemical and immunohistochemical distribution of clear cell tumor in the oral floor of a 74 year-old female. The tumor consisted of clear cells with heterogeneity and showing a mixture of bimorphic patterns with glandular elements containing an inner layer having eosinophilic large cells, an outer layer of clear cells and monotonous proliferation of clear cells in some portions. These clear cells contained cytoplasmic glycogen as PAS positive granules. Positive results were obtained for keratin, EMA, vimentin, S-100 protein, actin and myosin by immunohistochemical examination of the tumor cells. This tumor thus originated from multipotential cells capable of differentiating into both glandular epithelial and myoepithelial cells. This tumor appeared biologically to be at least a low-grade malignancy. After a follow-up of 2 years and months following extirpation of the tumor, the patient showed no symptoms.

Effects of antithrombin III on glomerulonephritis induced by antibasement membrane antibody in rats.

Antithrombin III (AT III), a plasma inhibitor of coagulation factors, was evaluated for its inhibitory effects on the development of glomerulonephritis induced by antibasement membrane antibody in rats. AT III was administered intravenously at 250 and 1000 Units/kg to rats once a day for 14 days after intravenous injection of rabbit antiserum against the rat glomerular basement membrane. In the rat model, the high dose of AT III reduced the urinary total protein, plasma total cholesterol and plasma phospholipid, and tended to lower the incidence of fibrin deposits in Bowman's space, cell proliferation in the glomeruli, and PAS-positive granules (absorption droplets) in the glomerular epithelium. The above results suggest that AT III is effective in inhibiting the development of glomerulonephritis.

Do the Cardiac Glands Exist? 6. The Cat

We performed histological and histochemical investigations on so-called cardiac glands and gastric glands in the cat to clarify the existence of the former. 1. Cardiac glands possess some parietal cells and strongly PAS-positive glandular cells in the base of glands containing a small number of fine pepsinogen granules. Consequently, we consider them to be undifferentiated gastric glands. Therefore, the cardiac glands do not exist in the cat. 2. Glandular cells in the basal part of undifferentiated gastric glands react negatively or very weakly to AB (pH 2.5 and 0.5) and present a red color with PAS-AB (pH 2.5) stain. 3. A large number of strongly PAS-positive and pepsinogen granule containing cells are distributed not only in the glandular body but also in the basal part of the glands. These cells are immature chief cells. 4. The above-mentioned cells react weakly or moderately to AB (pH 2.5 and 0.5) and stain light purple by PAS-AB (pH 2.5). They possess weak and strong acid mucopolysaccharides and sialomucin. 5. Mature chief cells are distributed mainly in the glandular base. They are PAS-negative, react moderately or strongly to AB (pH 2.5 and 0.5), and present a dark color of AB with PAS-AB (pH 2.5) stain. Consequently, it can be concluded that these cells contain weak and strong acid mucopolysaccharides but no sialomucin. 6. Mature chief cells possess no sialomucin. However, they present stronger reactions to AB (pH 2.5 and 0.5) than those in immature chief cells. This characteristic does not appear in man and many other types of mammals studied.

Effects of Secretory Stimulation on the Golgi Apparatus and Gerl of Rat Tracheal Gland Cells

The morphological and cytochemical changes of the Golgi apparatus and GERL of rat tracheal serous cells were studied after in vivo secretory stimulation with pilocarpine. Discharge of PAS-positive secretory granules had started within 30 min and complete discharge was finished within 2 h after stimulation. Reaccumulation of secretory granules became evident at 6 h and the volume of granules was similar to that of unstimulated control cells at 8 h. At 6 h after pilocarpine administration, acid phosphatase (AcPase) activity was markedly increased in GERL and immature secretory granules as compared to uninjected controls and this phenomenon continued 12 h after stimulation. GERL appeared to increase in extent and numerous continuities with immature granules were observed. Thiamine pyrophosphatase (TPPase) activity, normally present in trans Golgi saccules was not altered during the secretory cycle. At 2 h after stimulation, tubular structures of GERL, which also react to AcPase, were seldom observed. At 6 h, these structures were more numerous than those of control cells. These results demonstrate that, in rat tracheal serous cells, pilocarpine induces alteration of only GERL, and reconstitution followed by resynthesis of secretory granules is performed without participation of the Golgi stack.

Do the Cardiac Glands Exist? 5. The dog

The authors performed histological and histochemical investigations on the so-called cardiac glands and gastric glands of the dog, and compared the data on these glands. The conclusions were as follows: 1. The so-called cardiac glands have a number of parietal cells and cells distributed in the same glandular base contain fine pepsinogen granules. However, these glandular cells are filled with a PAS-positive substance. Accordingly, the so-called cardiac glands are nothing but undifferentiated gastric glands. 2. Due to the deep gastric pits, the outer layer of the mucous membrane in the clear zone is loose, and a distribution of a smaller number of blood vessels can be expected. These facts may demonstrate a pale or clear appearance of the mucous membrane in the same zone. 3. The gastric pits in the dark zone are extremely shallow. Accordingly, the mucous membrane in this area is dense and a distribution of a large number of blood vessels can be expected. This probably produces a dark color, i.e., reddish brown. 4. The chief cells in the glandular base of the clear zone contain a number of fine and coarse PAS-positive granules. These granules also are a violet color with PAS-AB (pH 2.5) stain. This color resulted from sialomucin. The above mentioned facts mean that the clear zone is an undifferentiated region of the gastric glands. 5. The chief cells distributed in the glandular body and base of the dark zone are PAS-negative and contain no sialomucin. Accordingly, the same zone is the differentiated region of the gastric glands.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Microscopic study of the pyloric caeca of the starfish Marthasterias glacialis (Echinodermata): Finding of endocrine cells.

The ultrastructure of five epithelial cellular types is described. (1) Absorptive-storing cells possess a striated border and accumulate lipids and glycogen. They also contain an apical multivesicular complex and numerous membrane-bound PAS-positive granules of unknown significance. (2) Zymogenic cells contain numerous, large secretory granules. These cells also possess microvilli and accumulate lipid droplets. (3) Current-producing cells contain bundles of thick and thin myofilaments and extend from the basal lamina to the lumen. (4) Mucous cells display the characteristic features of such secretory cells. (5) In addition to these four cellular types, already observed under the light microscope by other authors, endocrine cells have also been identified by both light and electron microscope. They contain variable amounts of secretory granules of diverse sizes and electron densities. Immunocytochemical studies reveal the presence of cells immunoreactive to somatostatin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide. Intraepithelial nerve fibers in contact with endocrine cells are also present. As far as we know, this appears to be the first description of enteroendocrine cells in the phylum Echinodermata.

Cerebral aging: a quantitative study of gliosis in old nude mice

Morphometric glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) studies of the brains of 11 old (18-29 months) female, outbred athymic mice demonstrated astrocytic gliosis (increase in GFAP-positive astrocytes; GFAP-PA) in all mice with a consistent distribution pattern. Specific areas such as the central white matter, hippocampus, diencephalon, gray matter at the floor of the 4th ventricle, and posterior colliculi showed the change most conspicuously, revealing GFAP-PA both interstitially and perivascularly. There was no apparent demyelination in the affected white matter. In addition, there was an increase in GFAP-PA in the external limiting membrane surrounding the diencephalon and base of brain stem, but only to a minor degree over the cerebral hemispheres. The cerebral and cerebellar cortices and hypothalamus showed no significant increase. In contrast, all of the 2-month-old control animals showed only minor amounts of GFAP-PA, seen in the external limiting membrane and a trace in the cerebral white matter. The present data suggest that astroglial sclerotic change in various regions of the brain is an important morphological expression of cerebral aging. In view of the lack of other demonstrable histological changes (i.e., silver and amyloid stains were negative) or significant atrophy, the cause of the observed gliosis in BALB/c mice might represent a genuine aging change. As an incidental finding, aggregates of PAS-positive granules were noted in the Ammon's horn of most old animals, while none were seen in the young controls.

Salicylate effects on a monolayer culture of gastric mucous cells from adult rats.

Aspirin, acetyl salicylic acid, damages gastric mucosal cells. This effect is considered related to its inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. On the other hand, sodium salicylate has been reported to be cytoprotective against drug damage to gastric mucosa in vivo. One reason for this difference is that salicylic acid, unlike acetyl salicylic acid does not inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by gastric mucosa in vivo. Previous studies on tissue culture cells from our laboratory have required gastric mucosa from fetal rats; this was time consuming and expensive. The purpose of this study was to develop a primary cell culture of adult rat fundic epithelial cells and to test the effect of sodium salicylate on: (1) prostaglandin (PGE2) production, (2) cell viability, (3) reducing cell damage by sodium taurocholate. Gastric epithelial cells were isolated from adult rat stomachs and cultured on collagen gel. Cells reached confluency on day 4 at which stage fibroblasts were rarely seen (less than 1%). Autoradiographic study showed that cultured cells incorporated [3-H] thymidine into nuclei. In histochemical studies, 94% of the cells contained PAS positive granules (mucous cells). Mucous granules were observed in the cytoplasm of the majority of cells by electronmicroscopy. These cells synthesised prostaglandin E2 as determined by radioimmunoassay. Indomethacin 10(-4) M strongly suppressed PGE2 production after 30 minutes while 10(-3) and 10(-4)M sodium salicylate had no effect. Pharmacologic concentrations of 10 mM sodium salicylate had no effect on PGE2 production at 30 minutes and only weakly inhibited production after one hour incubation. Sodium salicylate up to 30 mM had no effect on cell viability, a concentration of 50 mM being necessary to produce significant cell damage. Sodium salicylate 10 mM significantly protected cells against damage induced by 10 mM sodium taurocholate. We conclude: (i) adult rat gastric mucous epithelial cells can be successfully cultured in vitro; (ii) prostaglandin synthesis is inhibited by indomethacin but not by low doses of sodium salicylate; (iii) sodium salicylate does not damage gastric mucosal cells except at very high concentrations; (iv) sodium salicylate protects against damage to cells induced by sodium taurocholate.

Liver cell carcinomas in the medaka ( Oryzias latipes) induced by methylazoxymethanol-acetate

Medaka ( Oryzias latipes) were treated with 0·3 ppm methylazoxymethanol-acetate (MAM-A) for 3 days (group I) and with 0·1 ppm MAM-A for 2 weeks (group II) and the effects on the medaka liver cells up to 6 weeks after commencement of the treatemnt and the induction of liver tumours at the 18th or 24th weeks were observed by light and electron microscopy. As an early effect, PAS-positive granules and basophilic liver cells appeared at the fourth or fifth week in group II. In group I, PAS-positive granules, basophilic liver cells and eosinophilic liver cells were observed from the second week. They tended to increase in number and formed aggregate bodies and basophilic liver cell foci. The aggregate bodies of PAS-positive granules resembled melano-macrophage centres (MMC). However, there were ultrastructural differences between these aggregate bodies and MMC. Basophilic liver cells contained much rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and eosinophilic liver cells contained much smooth-surfaced endoplasmic retriculum and mitrochondria by electron microscopical observation. Liver cell nodules appeared in 3 out of 21 fish but liver tumours were not found within 24 weeks in group II. In group I, basophilic liver cell foci progressed to liver cell nodules in 5 out of 9 fish. Furthermore, they progressed to liver cell adenomas in 3 and carcinomas in 3 of 9 fish at 18 weeks. The sequential morphological alterations observed in the present experiment were similar to those obtained in rats. Basophilic liver cell foci appeared to be an early aspect of hepatocarcinogenesis in medaka. Considering the susceptibility of medaka to the carcinogenic effect of MAM-A in a relatively short time and the low concentration of this material required for induction of tumours, medaka seems to be a useful animal for research on neoplasms and pre-screening carcinogenicity of chemicals.

Intrathoracic granular cell tumour in a dog

Multiple granular cell tumours occurred diffusely throughout the pleura of an adult German Shepherd Dog. The growths were scattered over the surface of the lungs, mediastinum and diaphragm. Histologically, the masses consisted of plump cords of cells with eosinophilic, weakly PAS-positive cytoplasmic granules. Electron microscopically, the granules consisted of a pleomorphic population of electron-dense granules. The predilection site in the dog is the tongue and this is the first report of an intrathoracic, pleural site of granular cell tumours in the dog.

Pathological confirmation of cystic fibrosis in the fetus following prenatal diagnosis.

Prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is presently based on the determination of microvillar enzyme activities in the amniotic fluid. However, there seems to be no accurate means for confirming the diagnosis of the aborted fetus. During the past year we performed pathological and histopathological examinations on 7 fetuses diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy to be affected by cystic fibrosis and compared them with 4 control age-matched fetuses. Glycol-methacrylate-embedded 2-3-mu thick sections of the pancreas, lungs, bronchial tree, and GI tract were stained with toluidine blue, H&E, PAS, and AB-PAS, and examined microscopically. In the controls, PAS-positive granules were dispersed throughout the cytoplasm of most pancreatic acinar and tracheal submucosal glandular cells. In the affected fetuses 2 distinct groups were identified. In one group of 4 fetuses, the pancreatic and tracheal submucosal glands were dilated and contained a weak PAS-positive material. The glandular epithelial cells had very little PAS-positive granules. In this group, the tracheal epithelium was either atrophic or metaplastic and devoid of microvilli. In the second group of 3 fetuses there was less dilation of the glands, and both pancreatic acinar cells and tracheal submucosal glandular epithelial cells contained few PAS-positive granules, which were confined mainly to a perinuclear location. The tracheal epithelial cells contained few microvilli which, when present, appeared thicker and shorter as compared to controls. We feel that histochemical evaluation of pancreatic and bronchial tissue may be of help in the pathological confirmation of cystic fibrosis in human fetuses where the results of the biochemical studies are suggestive of the disease.

Effects of estradiol and progesterone on accumulation of relaxin- and carbohydrate-containing granules in endometrial gland cells of the guinea pig.

Guinea pigs were spayed and given various regimens of injections of estradiol and progesterone. The following were monitored in each animal: pubic separation (relaxin stimulation), resorption of the vaginal membrane (estrogen priming), and the presence of PAS-positive granules and/or relaxin in endometrial gland cells (EGC). Injections of estradiol alone resulted in resorption of the vaginal membrane, accumulation of PAS-positive granules in EGC of all animals, and accumulation of relaxin in EGC of two of four animals; but they did not cause pubic separation. Progesterone injections did not result in resorption of the vaginal membrane, separation of pubes, or accumulation of PAS-positive granules; however, one of three animals demonstrated a few EGC that contained relaxin. Animals that received both estradiol and progesterone exhibited PAS-positive granules and relaxin in EGC as well as separated pubes, but did not have resorbed vaginal membranes. Upon examination with the electron microscope, EGC from animals that received estradiol alone exhibited remarkable numbers of secretory granules that contained a carbohydrate-rich material. Secretory granules were not prominent in EGC from animals that received progesterone alone. Estradiol and progesterone injections resulted in accumulation of secretory granules in EGC that contained relaxin and a carbohydrate-rich material. The observations that estradiol and progesterone induce relaxin production in EGC support the hypothesis that uterine relaxin plays an important role in pregnancy and/or parturition in the guinea pig.

The blood leukocytes of Bufo marinus: a light, phase-contrast, and histochemical study

Blood leukocytes of Bufo marinus were studied by light and phase-contrast microscopy and histochemical techniques for the localization of glycogen, lipids, several basic proteins, and a number of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes. The hydrolytic enzymes occurred in varying amounts in neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes; neutrophils were the only leukocytes to demonstrate alkaline phosphatase activity, while β-glucuronidase was only seen in lymphocytes, and aryl-sulfatase was not observed in any leukocytes. Periodic acid – Schiff (PAS) positive granules also occurred in varying amounts in leukocytes. Slight lipid activity was only seen in neutrophils, while arginine, and (or) lysine, and tyrosine reactivity was only observed in eosinophils. The appearance and histochemical reactivity of acid phosphatase granules in neutrophils corresponded closely with the appearance and number of specific neutrophilic granules seen in Wright–Giemsa preparations and with the PAS-positive granules. Small lymphocytes were myeloperoxidase (peroxidase) negative; β-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase, and PAS-positive granules corresponded to neutral red granules seen in supravital films. The oxidative enzymes also occurred in differing amounts in leukocytes, but strongly suggested that the leukocytes of Bufo marinus are capable of some degree of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.

咬筋内に発生した alveolar soft part sarcomaの一例

A 14-year-old boy with a one-year history of an elastic hard tumor in the right preauricular region visited our hospital. The tumor was located in the right masseter and excised. By histopathological examination, this tumor was diagnosed as alveolar soft part sarcoma. This sarcoma is an uncommon neoplasm and infrequently encountered in the region of the head and neck. Histopathological characteristics of this sarcoma are alveolar structures, PAS-positive diastase-resistant granules and crystalloid structures. In our case, NSE and S-100 protein were immunohistochemically detected. The results suggest that alveolar soft part sarcoma is of neurogenic origin.

舌に発生したか粒細胞腫の２例

Granular cell tumor is a rare lesion of unknown origin. The oral cavity, particularly the tongue, appears to be the most common site of the lesion. We experienced two cases of granular cell tumor in the tongue.Case 1: A 12-year-old female visited our clinic complaining of a mass in the left lateral margin of the tongue. The lesion occurred about 4 years ago and had not caused any pain and discomfort. It was excised under local anesthesia on July 27, 1984.Light microscopically, the lesion was composed of a diffuse proliferation of large cells with eosinophilic granules. They contained diastase-resistant PAS-positive granules. Electron microscopical examination showed the basement membrane surrounding each tumor cell and, in cytoplasm many lysosome-like vacuoles contained electron dense particles or myelin figures. No relapse of the tumor was seen 18 months after the operation.Case 2: A 39-year-old female visited our clinic, complaining of a mass in median dorsum of the tongue. The tumor was resected under local anesthesia on October 6, 1985. The patient was relieved of her complaint without any recurrence at 6 months after the operation. Under light microscopy, the tumor showed a marked proliferation of the tumor cells with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. In the covering epithelium, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia was found. Under electron microscopy, the tumor cells were surrounded by the basement membrane. In cytoplasm, there were numberous granules with a limiting membrane.Our investigation by light and electron microscopic examination showed the basement membrane surrounding each tumor cell and in cytoplasm, and many lysosome-like vacuoles containing electron dense particles or myelin figures. But myofibrils were not found. These findings suggest that the histogenesis of the granular cell tumor is a neurogenic origin.