Multinucleated stromal cells of the anal mucosa: a common finding

Aims To document the presence, morphology, immunophenotype and ultrastructure of multinucleated stromal cells within the anal mucosa and to discuss possible pathogenetic mechanisms for this occurrence. Methods and results Multiple sections of normal anal mucosa from 30 abdominoperineal resection spe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Histopathology 2000-03, Vol.36 (3), p.224-228
Main Authors: GROISMAN, G. M, AMAR, M, POLAK-CHARCON, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Anal Canal - pathology
anal mucosa
Biological and medical sciences
Cell Nucleus - pathology
Cell Nucleus - ultrastructure
Female
Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen
Humans
Intestinal Mucosa - pathology
Intestinal Mucosa - ultrastructure
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
multinucleated stromal cells
Other diseases. Semiology
Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus
Stromal Cells - pathology
Stromal Cells - ultrastructure
Tropical medicine
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Summary:Aims To document the presence, morphology, immunophenotype and ultrastructure of multinucleated stromal cells within the anal mucosa and to discuss possible pathogenetic mechanisms for this occurrence. Methods and results Multiple sections of normal anal mucosa from 30 abdominoperineal resection specimens were analysed by light microscopic, electron microscopic and immunohistochemical methods. Multinucleated stromal cells were found in 22 cases (73%). They contained two to five nuclei, arranged in a linear fashion or in a rosette or grape‐like pattern. They stained positive for vimentin and negative for actin, desmin and oestrogen/progesterone receptors. Ultrastructural examination confirmed their fibroblastic lineage. Mast cells were frequently observed in the immediate vicinity of mono‐ and multinucleated cells. Conclusions Multinucleated stromal cells are a common occurrence in the normal anal mucosa. They should not be misinterpreted as neoplastic cells. Mast cells may play a role in their morphogenesis.
ISSN:0309-0167
1365-2559
DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2559.2000.00905.x