[Electron microscopic study of villous adenoma of the colon]

Characteristic patterns of the villous adenoma of colon have been studied by electron microscope in 12 cases. In accordance with the data of other investigators it was revealed that dominating cells of the villous adenoma were undifferentiated epithelial cells which normally occurred in Liberkühn crypts. Immaturity of cells, alteration of nuclei and pathologic changes of the cell-membrane seem to indicate malignant transformation. It is supposed, the Leuchtenberger's inclusion bodies develop as a result of strangulation of cytoplasmic processes. In tumours inducing electrolyte loss atypical cells showing evidence of mucus secretion have been observed, nevertheless mucus secreted by these cells differed from that of goblet cells of the normal colon epithelium. Author believes, that atypical cells secrete mucus of abnormal composition and this fact may lie on the basis of electrolyte losing syndrome.