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Ultrastructural characterization of transitional cells in oligodendrogliomas
J M Kros1, A A de Jong, T H van der Kwast
1Department of Pathology, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells in oligodendrogliomas include transitional cells. Gliofibrillary oligodendrocytes (GFOCs) and minigemistocytes show ultrastructural similarities, suggesting they may interconvert.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Oligodendroglial tumors can exhibit glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells with varying morphologies.
- Some GFAP-positive cells display astrocytic features, while others show transitional characteristics, including minigemistocytes and gliofibrillary oligodendrocytes (GFOCs).
- GFAP immunostaining is crucial for identifying GFOCs, which are considered intermediate cells between astrocytic and oligodendroglial lineages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ultrastructurally characterize gliofibrillary oligodendrocytes (GFOCs) in oligodendrogliomas.
- To investigate the relationship between GFOCs and minigemistocytes at the ultrastructural level.
Main Methods:
- Immunogold-silver staining on semithin slides to identify GFAP immunoreactivity.
- Subsequent processing of adjacent slides for immunoelectron microscopy to analyze GFOC ultrastructure.
- Comparative ultrastructural analysis of GFOCs and minigemistocytes.
Main Results:
- Gliofibrillary oligodendrocytes (GFOCs) were characterized at the ultrastructural level.
- GFOCs exhibit parallel bundles of glial filaments, similar to minigemistocytes.
- Ultrastructural features intermediate between GFOCs and minigemistocytes were observed.
Conclusions:
- Gliofibrillary oligodendrocytes (GFOCs) and minigemistocytes share ultrastructural similarities in oligodendrogliomas.
- These findings suggest a close relationship and potential interconvertibility between GFOCs and minigemistocytes.
- GFAP expression in transitional cells provides insights into tumor cell lineage plasticity.