Reverse hemolytic plaque assay. Electron microscopic observation of plaque-forming single adenoma cells in GH producing adenomas

Pathol Res Pract. 1991 Jun;187(5):546-51.

Abstract

In this study, 3 GH-producing adenomas were studied as materials to clarify the usefulness of electron microscopic investigation of plaque-forming single adenoma cells, and ultrastructural morphometric comparisons were made to determine whether some differences exist at the cytoplasmic organelle level between small plaque-forming cells and large plaque-forming cells. In two cases, the relative cytoplasmic volume density of Golgi apparatus and lysosomes were significantly greater and the diameter of seretory granules were significantly smaller in large plaque-forming cells compared to small plaque-forming cells. Moreover, in one of them, not only the diameter but also the cytoplasmic volume density of secretory granules were significantly smaller in large plaque-forming cells. These findings suggest a greater secretory granule synthesis and internal granule destruction, and faster granules secretion at an early stage of formation in large plaque-forming cells compared with small plaque-forming cells. It became apparent through this study that electron microscopic investigation of plaque-forming single cells is practically useful since plasma membrane and cytoplasmic organelles were preserved well after processing for EM in most plaque-forming cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / metabolism
  • Adenoma / pathology
  • Adenoma / ultrastructure*
  • Adult
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Hemolytic Plaque Technique*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / ultrastructure*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Growth Hormone