Tyrosine-rich crystalloids in pleomorphic adenoma: SEM findings and partial biochemical characterization

The rare tyrosine-rich crystalloids (TRC) of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (PA) give a positive Million reaction indicating the presence of tyrosine. Their varied histochemical reactions, however, suggest a more complex composition. Two cases of TRC were encountered in a series of 144 PA (1.4%). Both were studied with several histochemical stains, and one tumor particularly rich in TRC was further examined with transmission and scanning electron microscopy and subjected to biochemical analysis using fresh-frozen tissue. TEM showed amorphous, electron-dense masses with no discernable internal structure. SEM revealed a geodelike structure of radially arranged, interlocking plates. Amino acid analysis of normal parotid, tumor with TRC, and a similar tumor without TRC indicated a slightly elevated level of tyrosine and arginine in the tumor with TRC. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of tissue dissolved in sodium dodecyl sulfate revealed dense banding corresponding to polypeptides of a relative molecular weight of approximately 17,000 only in the TRC-rich sample. These bands on further analysis contained relatively large amounts of arginine. Tyrosine was present in only small amounts. TRC appear to be small proteins containing some tyrosine but rich in arginine.