Three-dimensional structure of oncocyte mitochondria in human salivary glands: a scanning electron microscope study

Oncocytes occurring in otherwise normal human salivary glands were examined by scanning electron microscopy after being subjected to a maceration technique that removes all soluble cytoplasmic components and leaves only membranes in place. The three-dimensional images resulting from this procedure confirm that the majority of oncocyte mitochondria have shelf-like cristae that are attached to the inner boundary membrane, often by means of tubular structures. In some mitochondria, the cristae are digitiform and, when transected, give rise to putative vesicles. The oncocytic mitochondria in human salivary glands, by and large, lack the structural irregularity that has been reported for these organelles occurring in oncocytes in other organs.