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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
06:58
Live Imaging of the Ependymal Cilia in the Lateral Ventricles of the Mouse Brain
Published on: June 1, 2015
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The fine structure of ependymomas.
Stavros J Baloyannis1, Ioannis S Baloyannis
1Aristotelian University Department of Neurology, Thessaloniki & Research Institute for Alzheimer's disease, Iraklion Langada, Greece. sibh844@otenet.gr.
CNS Oncology
|July 24, 2014
Summary
Electron microscopy aids in diagnosing brain tumors with unusual histology. For ependymomas, specific ultrastructural features like microvilli, cilia, and junctional complexes provide definitive diagnostic value.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Cell Biology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Brain tumors with atypical histological patterns present diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of electron microscopy in identifying ependymomas.
- To detail the characteristic ultrastructural features of ependymomas.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electron microscopy to examine the fine structural morphology of ependymoma tissues.
- Analyzed key cellular and extracellular components for diagnostic criteria.
Main Results:
- Identified pathognomonic ultrastructural features in ependymomas.
- Observed numerous microvilli, cilia, centrioles (blepharoplasts), fragmented microtubules, junctional apparatus, basement membrane-like structures, and elongated cells.
Conclusions:
- Electron microscopy is a definitive diagnostic tool for ependymomas, especially those with atypical histology.
- Specific ultrastructural criteria, including microvilli, cilia, and junctional complexes, confirm ependymoma diagnosis.
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