Ultrastructural Characteristics of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Abstract

The ultrastructural studies of Glioblastoma multiforme was carried out from tissue obtained from human intracranial neoplasms obtained in Madras Institute of Neurology.Light microscopy showed a highly cellular neoplasm with areas of sinusoidal necrosis palisaded by spongioblasts. The malignant cells exhibited hyperchromatism, pleomorphism, bizarre nuclei and there were marked endothelial proliferations. Mono nuclear cell aggregates are also seen.Ultrastructurally Glioblastoma multiforme exhibited great variation in size and shape of cells. In the main, the cells were off moderate size with ovoid nuclei and fine chromatin distributed evenly throughout the nucleus. Nucleoli were prominent and here also the two distinct nuclear membranes could be easily be made out. Fine pores were seen in the nuclear membranece.The cytoplasm was relatively lucent and showed various organelles such as mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and elements of the rought endoplasmic reticulum in moderate numbers. The endoplasmic reticulum was dilated in many regions and numerous electron dense bodies could also be seen.