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The tadpole-shaped structures in human non-necrotizing granulomas
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|May 1, 1981
Summary
Researchers discovered unusual tadpole-shaped structures (TSS) in patients with granulomas. These structures, identified via electron microscopy, may represent a novel microorganism linked to granuloma formation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Granulomas are inflammatory responses often associated with infections or autoimmune diseases.
- The cellular mechanisms and potential causative agents of granuloma formation require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructure and composition of cellular inclusions in epithelioid cells from patients with non-necrotizing granulomas.
- To identify potential novel microorganisms involved in granuloma pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy (LM) for initial specimen examination.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural analysis of cellular vesicles.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with plasma etching for stereoscopic visualization of structures.
- X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (XEDS) for microchemical analysis.
Main Results:
- Tadpole-shaped structures (TSS) were identified in secondary lysosomal vesicles of epithelioid cells in 4 out of 9 patients.
- TSS were approximately tenfold larger than mycobacteriophages.
- SEM confirmed the integral nature of TSS, and XEDS revealed no nonbiologic elements.
- Morphologic features, location, and microchemistry suggest TSS are microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- The identified tadpole-shaped structures (TSS) are likely a novel microorganism.
- These putative microorganisms may play a role in the formation of non-necrotizing granulomas in the studied patients.