Related Experiment Videos
Fine structure of EBV-infected keratinocytes in oral hairy leukoplakia
J S Greenspan1, J P Rabanus, V Petersen
1Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0512.
Abstract:
We evaluated biopsy specimens of 42 cases of clinically suspected oral hairy leukoplakia for the pattern and frequency of ultrastructural alterations specific to epithelial cells infected with Epstein-Barr virus. Some structures could clearly be identified as Epstein-Barr virus at different stages of assembly, but other intranuclear and cytoplasmic alterations were not conclusively identifiable as any known structure. Keratinocytes producing Epstein-Barr virus contained intranuclear particles of different size and shape; some of them were arranged in a monodispersed pattern and others formed arrays. In contrast, both lesional keratinocytes not producing virus and keratinocytes in uninvolved mucosa contained intranuclear particles reminiscent of perichromatin granules. The nuclei of productive cells also contained marginated chromatin, tubular structures, and, occasionally, crystalline and fibrillar formations as well as enveloped virus. Formations of electron-dense bilayers were seen on both sides of the nuclear membrane. In the cytoplasm of productive cells we observed aggregates of parallel tubules and enveloped electron-dense bodies. Although many of these observations are of diagnostic and pathobiological significance, the morphogenesis, composition, and function of alterations with uncertain morphological identification remain unclear.
Insights
This study examined ultrastructural changes in oral hairy leukoplakia cells infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Researchers identified EBV particles and other cellular alterations, though some remain morphologically unclear.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Virology
- Electron microscopy
Background:
- Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a benign lesion linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
- Understanding the ultrastructural characteristics of EBV-infected cells in OHL is crucial for diagnosis and understanding pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific ultrastructural alterations in epithelial cells of OHL associated with EBV infection.
- To characterize the pattern and frequency of these changes using electron microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Biopsy specimens from 42 clinically suspected OHL cases were analyzed.
- Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine cellular ultrastructure.
- Identification of EBV particles and associated nuclear/cytoplasmic alterations was performed.
Main Results:
- Epstein-Barr virus particles at various assembly stages were identified in productive keratinocytes.
- Intranuclear inclusions, marginated chromatin, tubular structures, and crystalline formations were observed in productive cells.
- Uncertain ultrastructural alterations were noted, with unclear morphogenesis, composition, and function.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed ultrastructural insights into EBV-infected cells in OHL.
- While EBV is confirmed, some observed cellular alterations require further investigation for definitive identification and functional significance.