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Synthesis of multilamellar phospholipids in meningioma cells
T Yamashima1, Y Tohma, H Nitta
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kanazawa University School of Medicine.
Abstract:
This report is to demonstrate that specimen pretreated with tannic acid before osmification permits the ultrastructural identification of multilamellar phospholipids in 23 of the 30 meningiomas. The phospholipids very often had a fingerprint-like appearance, and were found within the cytoplasm of meningioma cells, among the plasma membranes and in the extracellular matrices. A preferential ultrastructural localization of multilamellar phospholipids to the glycogen-rich area within the cytoplasm was seen in 5 cases. They were intermingled with glycogen granules, or the latter were precipitated on the phospholipids. It is suggested that glycogen may serve as a source of energy for precursors of phospholipid synthesis in meningioma cells.
Insights
Tannic acid pretreatment aids in identifying multilamellar phospholipids in meningiomas. These phospholipids, often fingerprint-like, were found in various cell locations and may link to glycogen metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Meningiomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system.
- Ultrastructural analysis is crucial for understanding tumor cell biology.
- The role of phospholipids in meningioma pathogenesis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of tannic acid pretreatment for ultrastructural identification of multilamellar phospholipids in meningiomas.
- To characterize the localization and appearance of these phospholipids within tumor cells and extracellular matrices.
- To explore the potential relationship between phospholipids and glycogen in meningioma cells.
Main Methods:
- Specimen preparation using tannic acid pretreatment followed by standard osmification.
- Transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural examination of meningioma tissues.
- Morphological analysis to identify and localize multilamellar phospholipids and glycogen granules.
Main Results:
- Tannic acid pretreatment enabled clear ultrastructural identification of multilamellar phospholipids in 77% (23/30) of meningiomas.
- Phospholipids exhibited a characteristic fingerprint-like appearance.
- These structures were observed within the cytoplasm, associated with plasma membranes, and in extracellular matrices.
- A preferential localization to glycogen-rich areas was noted in 5 cases, with phospholipids intermingled or coated by glycogen granules.
Conclusions:
- Tannic acid pretreatment is effective for visualizing multilamellar phospholipids in meningiomas.
- The presence and localization of these phospholipids suggest a role in meningioma cell biology.
- Glycogen may serve as an energy source for phospholipid synthesis precursors in meningioma cells.