Cellular differentiations and structural characteristics in nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. An electron-microscopic study.
An electron-microscopic study of 9 nasopharyngeal angiofibromas was performed in order to elucidate the ultrastructural characteristics. Stromal fibroblasts and proliferating cells of the microvasculature were found. The stromal fibroblasts were subdivided into 3 different groups: (1) "classical" fibroblasts, (2) fibroblasts with histiocytelike features, and (3) fibroblasts with myoid features. By proliferation the cells of the capillary vessels change into stromal cells. A particular pattern of nuclei and dense intranuclear granules is only found in stromal fibroblasts. Consequently fibroblasts as well as cells of the microvasculature contribute to the pool of tumor cells.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002648:Child; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000648:ultrastructure*