Ultrastructural and biochemical studies in phaeochromocytoma

The purpose of the work was evaluation of the ultrastructure of phaeochromocytoma and its relation to catecholamine pattern and clinical features. The investigation included 6 patients aged 9-60 years. The urinary excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites as well as their content in the tumour were estimated. Ultrastructure studies were done with the Jem 7 and Jem 100C electron microscopes. Moreover, comparative studies of tissue adrenaline and noradrenaline content were performed in each tumour. The results of the study have disclosed morphological differences of tumours which enabled 3 types of tumours to be distinguished according to their structure and hormonal activity. Moreover, a relationship between the ultrastructure of the tumour and the clinical pattern of hypertension was disclosed.