Ultrastructure of the nuclear bodies in the human parotid gland

The ultrastructure of 17 human parotid glands was studied in order to determine the features of the nuclear bodies and their possible relation to various pathological conditions. Types I and III nuclear bodies were frequently identified in acini and in striated ducts. Type IV nuclear bodies were seldom found. The percentage of nuclear sections containing nuclear bodies varied from 5.7 to 66.4 for the acini, and from 17.8 to 80% for the striated ducts. In 4 out of our 6 cases of chronic inflammation, numerous nuclear bodies were observed in the same nucleus. The increase in the number of nuclear bodies seemed to be related to an altered cell metabolism. In 3 cases, membranous type inclusions were found. This type of nuclear inclusion is quite different from the true nuclear bodies.