Lipid-rich residual bodies in the human thyroid gland: ultrastructural, histochemical, and morphometric study.
Eleven samples of surgical and autopsy thyroid tissue were studied by classical histology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, light microscope quantitation and transmission electron microscopy in order to characterize lipid-rich residual bodies (LRRBs) previously reported in human myometrium. The following observations were made: 1) LRRBs were found largely in follicular epithelial cells; 2) they had exactly the same histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics as LRRBs from myometrium; 3) they had a distinctive distribution and morphology compared with lipofuscin; 4) a lysosomal nature was confirmed by their content of acid phosphatase and cathepsin D; 5) they were virtually absent from both the new-born thyroid and from thyroid carcinoma; 6) there was a statistical linear correlation between LRRB frequency and patient age. In conclusion, LRRBs have been demonstrated in an extra-uterine location, and are confirmed as residual lysosomes, probably having been involved in lipid metabolism.
Yamazaki
K
K
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
Eyden
B P
BP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D002402:Cathepsin D / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008062:Lipofuscin / Q000032:analysis; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D008062:Lipofuscin; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases; D002402:Cathepsin D