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Argyrophil cells in normal endometrial glands
Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological Anatomy and Histopathology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
This study found endocrine cells in normal endometrial glands, a novel discovery. Argyrophilia in glandular cells was also observed, with some patterns potentially mimicking cancerous changes.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Endocrine cells are known to exist in various tissues.
- Their presence and function in the normal human endometrium remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of endocrine cells in normal endometrial glands.
- To analyze argyrophilia patterns in normal endometrial glandular cells.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of 100 normal endometrial samples using Grimelius staining.
- Immunohistochemical analysis for serotonin and somatostatin.
- Electron microscopy of silver-impregnated sections to assess argyrophilia.
Main Results:
- Endocrine cells were identified in 4% of normal endometrial samples.
- These cells showed positivity for serotonin and somatostatin.
- Argyrophil granules were observed in glandular cells in 23% of cases, with electron microscopy suggesting non-specific origins in most instances.
- Observed patterns in normal endometrium showed similarities to endometrial adenocarcinomas.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report demonstrating endocrine cells within normal endometrial glands.
- The findings suggest a potential role for these cells and highlight similarities in argyrophilia patterns with endometrial cancer.