A New Crystal-Containing Cell in Human Adrenal Cortex

Electron microscope examination of the adrenal cortex from three male human subjects revealed a special type of cell occurring in periendothelial spaces, in all adrenal cortex zones. It is a clear, spindle-shaped cell the principal cytoplasmic features of which are crystalline inclusions with a stru...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of cell biology 1972-10, Vol.55 (1), p.126-133
Main Author: Magalhães, Maria C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acid Phosphatase - metabolism
Adrenal cortex
Adrenal Glands - cytology
Adult
Cells
Citrates
Crystals
Cytoplasmic Granules
Electron microscopy
Histocytochemistry
Humans
Inclusion bodies
Inclusion Bodies - metabolism
Inclusions
Interstitial cells
Leydig cells
Male
Microscopy, Electron
Middle Aged
Pepsin A - pharmacology
Peroxidases - metabolism
Phosphatases
Pronase - pharmacology
Ribonucleases - pharmacology
Sex Factors
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Description
Summary:Electron microscope examination of the adrenal cortex from three male human subjects revealed a special type of cell occurring in periendothelial spaces, in all adrenal cortex zones. It is a clear, spindle-shaped cell the principal cytoplasmic features of which are crystalline inclusions with a structure similar to that of the Reinke crystals of human testicular interstitial cells and an abundance of microfilaments. Enzymatic digestions with pronase, pepsin, and ribonuclease were performed, and no digestion of the crystals was obtained. The crystals had no peroxidase or acid phosphatase activities. This cell appears to be exclusive to human males and it may be related to adrenal androgen secretion.
ISSN:0021-9525
1540-8140
DOI:10.1083/jcb.55.1.126