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Colitis nucleomigrans: The third type of microscopic colitis (part 2). An ultrastructural study
Mitsuhiro Tachibana1, Yutaka Tsutsumi1,2
1Departments of Diagnostic Pathology, Shimada Municipal Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan.
Pathology International
|August 8, 2020
Summary
Colitis nucleomigrans (CN) involves abnormal nuclear migration and apoptosis in colorectal cells. Ultrastructural analysis revealed nuclear debris and phagocytic macrophages, suggesting altered apoptotic processes in CN pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Colitis nucleomigrans (CN) is proposed as a third type of microscopic colitis.
- CN is characterized by nuclear migration within surface-lining columnar cells and scattered apoptotic debris.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform ultrastructural analysis of colorectal biopsy tissue from patients with CN.
- To investigate the cellular mechanisms and ultrastructural features of CN.
Main Methods:
- Buffered formalin-fixed CN biopsy tissues (n=2) were retrieved from paraffin blocks.
- Deparaffinized tissues underwent conventional preparation for ultrathin sectioning.
- Sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate for electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Ultrastructural analysis showed satisfactory morphological preservation after paraffin embedding.
- Apoptotic nuclear debris was consistently found within the cytoplasm beneath migrated nuclei.
- Minimal abnormalities were observed in cytoskeletal filaments (actin, cytokeratin, tubulin).
- Macrophages in the lamina propria phagocytized electron-dense globular materials.
- Intraepithelial lymphocytes with dense bodies were noted.
Conclusions:
- Altered apoptotic processes in colorectal surface-lining epithelial cells are implicated in CN pathogenesis.
- Mechanisms of nuclear migration and anchoring impairment in CN remain unclear due to limited cytoskeletal abnormalities.
