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The origin of multinucleate giant cells in myeloma kidney from mononuclear phagocytes: an ultrastructural study
Abstract:
Ultrastructural examination of a biopsy of a myeloma kidney has shown structural relationships between the multinucleate giant cells which characterize this condition and macrophage polykarya. On the other hand, no evidence was found of any resemblance to renal tubular cells. Moreover the electron microscopic observations indicate that these multinucleate giant cells, in common with the mononuclear phagocytes, attempt to ingest the cast material which in addition becomes fibrillar in the zones of endocytosis. No such phenomena were observed in the vicinity of tubular cells. In conclusion the ultrastructural evidence suggests that the multinucleate giant cells of myeloma kidney are derived from mononuclear phagocytes.
Insights
Multinucleate giant cells in myeloma kidney originate from mononuclear phagocytes, not renal tubular cells. These cells, along with macrophages, attempt to ingest cast material during endocytosis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma can cause kidney damage, known as myeloma kidney.
- The characteristic multinucleate giant cells in myeloma kidney have an unclear origin.
Observation:
- Ultrastructural examination of myeloma kidney biopsies was performed using electron microscopy.
- Structural relationships between multinucleate giant cells and macrophage polykarya were investigated.
- The interaction of these cells with cast material was observed.
Findings:
- Multinucleate giant cells in myeloma kidney show structural similarities to macrophage polykarya.
- No resemblance was found between these giant cells and renal tubular cells.
- Both multinucleate giant cells and mononuclear phagocytes attempt to phagocytose cast material, which becomes fibrillar during this process.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that multinucleate giant cells in myeloma kidney are derived from mononuclear phagocytes.
- This clarifies the cellular origin of a key feature of myeloma kidney pathology.
- Understanding the origin and function of these cells may inform future therapeutic strategies.