Cytologic characteristics and origin of naked nuclei in breast aspirate smears

To elucidate the origin of "naked nuclei" in breast aspiration smears, 17 cases of fibroadenoma were studied by light and electron microscopy. The ATPase reaction was also studied at both levels. The aspirates contained two types of naked nuclei: denuded degenerated nuclei and oval to spindle-shaped nuclei with very scanty cytoplasm. The cytoplasm of the latter was rich in free ribosomes and rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum but was devoid of cytoplasmic filaments and dense bodies. These cells were negative for ATPase activity. Stromal cells, not myoepithelial cells, characteristically demonstrated such cellular features in the aspirates and tissue sections studied. We conclude that most naked nuclei are derived from stromal cells.