Ultrastructural study of tumor cell differentiation in osteosarcoma of jaw bones

Tw osteosarcomas of jaw bones have been studied by electron microscopy. The objectives were to examine the specific cell types in relation to functions and ultrastructural features, and to examine matrices produced by tumor cells. The osteosarcoma cells were subdivided into four cell types: anaplastic, chondroblastic, osteoblastic, and osteocytic--giant cells were not considered in the present investigation. Compared to normal bone cells, no specific sign of malignancy was found. However, tumor cells seem to lose functional abilities, i.e. a modification of matrix. Consequently, tumor matrix has altered organic and inorganic components with impairment of collagen maturation and matrix mineralization. The alteration in both processes may be related to a diminished production of proteoglycans. The cytogenic hypothesis of a tumor stem cell may be supported by the identification of anaplastic osteosarcoma cells resembling immature reticulum cells. One may speculate on transformation of this cell type as a genetically predetermined osteoprogenitor cell of malignant potential.