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Mallory body-like structures in the lung
Acta Pathologica Japonica
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Mallory body-like structures (MBLs) were found in lung cells of patients with interstitial pneumonitis. These structures suggest pathological keratinization in alveolar epithelial cells, potentially linked to type 2 cells.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Pathology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Mallory bodies (MBs) are characteristic inclusions in hepatocytes.
- Similar structures, termed Mallory body-like structures (MBLs), have been observed in other organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and origin of MBLs observed in lung tissue.
- To compare MBLs with hepatic Mallory bodies.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy was used to examine MBLs in lung tissue.
- Immunohistochemistry with anti-keratin antibody was performed.
Main Results:
- MBLs were identified in the cytoplasm of swollen alveolar epithelial cells in four cases of interstitial pneumonitis.
- MBLs exhibited morphological and tinctorial similarities to hepatic MBs.
- MBLs comprised intermediate-type fibrils positive for anti-keratin antibody.
Conclusions:
- MBLs in the lungs represent a form of pathological keratinization of alveolar epithelial cells.
- The cells containing MBLs are likely related to type 2 alveolar epithelial cells, though their precise origin remains unclear.