Nuclear and cytoplasmic annulate lamellae in trophoblast giant cells of rat placenta

Single stranded profiles of nuclear annulate lamellae were identified in giant cells of rat trophoblast from the day when the chorioallantoic placenta first becomes vascularized, viz., day 12 post coitum, until the day before term, viz., day 22. Cytoplasmic annulate lamellae were observed only in giant cells from placentas at day 12. Occasionally cytoplasmic annulate lamellae were found in parallel array. Often the lamellar membranes were continuous with both granular and agranular membranes of endoplasmic reticulum; they closely resembled doubled outer nuclear membrane. Nuclear annulate lamellae resembled doubled inner nuclear membrane; and often the two were found in continuity. In addition, at later gestational ages (17 and 22 days), nuclear lamellae often were related anatomically to the variety of nuclear inclusions which characterize giant trophoblast cells during late pregnancy. A possible relationship of annulate lamellae to the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein is considered.     

FINE STRUCTURAL STUDY OF ANNULATE LAMELLAE COMPLEXES IN HUMAN TUMORS

Specific intracytoplasmic organelles, annulate lamellae and radial clsternae, have been studied In several human tumors. Annulate lamellae are observed In all cases of leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and malignant melanoma, whereas radial clsternae are only found in a case of leiomyosarcoma. Annulate lamellae are characterized by stacks of parallel arrayed long clsternae showing alternative arrangement of annuli and sacs. Some of these clsternae are connected directly with rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and there is continuity with the lumen and membrane. Radial clsternae are mainly composed of two structures: numerous short clsternae, which are a variant of annulate lamellae, and numerous spherical particles derived from the clsternae. The clsternae are arranged parallel or radially around particles measuring up to 1100 A in diameter. These particles consisting' of an amorphous high electron dense material without distinct limiting membrane are organized in groups and vary In number. There is no evidence of a direct relationship between these structures and viral infection.     

Unusual features of the nuclear envelope in human spermatogenic cells

Different types of human germ cells show unusual features of the nuclear envelope. Spermatogonial nuclei demonstrate two kinds of modifications. The first one is a series of intranuclear flattened cisterns, parallel to each other and to the inner aspect of the nuclear envelope. The second one is a nuclear envelope protrusion into the cytoplasm occupied by a double membrane-limited vesicle. Pores are found on the membrane of the vesicle facing the interior of the nucleus. In spermatocytes the nuclear pores are concentrated over certain areas and completely absent from others. In the regions where they are absent a single cytoplasmic cistern of rough endoplasmic reticulum is closely apposed to the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope. Early modifications of the nuclear surface appear in spermatids before the attachment of the acrosomic vesicle and may indicate an active role of the nuclear envelope in the morphogenesis of the acrosome. In round spermatids nuclear pores are absent from the area which is first related to the Golgi and later covered by the acrosomal cap. Single or multiple layers of cytoplasmic annulate lamellae are closely associated with the nuclear envelope over the pore rich areas. Frequently there are intranuclear accumulations of dense material adjacent to the annulate lamellae-nuclear pore complex. The chromatoid body is usually present on the cytoplasmic side of this complex. In the elongating spermatids most annulate lamellae are free in the cytoplasm, often in relation with Golgi and chromatoid body remnants near the axial filament. Few stacks of annulate la-mellae are noted adjacent to the pore rich nuclear regions. It is suggested that the described modifications are related to an active nuclear-cytoplasmic interaction.     

Nuclear membrane modifications in polytene nuclei of Drosophila melanogaster: serial reconstruction and cytochemistry.

The nuclear envelope of polytene nuclei of salivary glands of Drosophila melanogaster displays modifications consisting of nuclear envelope invaginations (NEI) and evaginations (NEE). Ultrastructural analyses combined with three-dimensional reconstruction and cytochemistry show that NEI are bounded by a single membrane and that they may arise as invaginations of the inner nuclear membrane. NEI extend deeply into the nucleus. The lumens of NEI may collapse resulting in membranous sheets which may combine with those arising from adjacent NEI to form intranuclear structures resembling annulate lamellae. All NEI are associated with NEE. In contrast to NEI, NEE are enclosed in a double membrane morphologically identical to the nuclear envelope. While NEI and NEE share wheat germ agglutinin binding properties with the nuclear envelope, they differ in their ability to localize lanthanum. Pore annuli of NEI display complete lack of lanthanum binding, while those of NEE exhibit minor deposition of this cation. In contrast, pore annuli of the nuclear envelope are specifically and significantly decorated by lanthanum. A conceptual model based on the results obtained suggests that NEI are formed by invaginations of the inner nuclear membrane, together with accompanying modifications of pore complexes.     

Functioning microvillous adenoma of the parathyroid gland containing nuclear pores and annulate lamellae

The cytoplasmic membranes of chief cells in parathyroid adenomas from patients with primary hyperparathyroidism associated with either severe or mild hypercalcemia were examined in an attempt to correlate ultrastructural changes and biochemical findings. In the case involving the highest serum calcium level (17.5 mg/dl), the cytoplasmic membrane exhibited numerous long cytoplasmic processes (microvilli) that extended into wide intercellular spaces. In this respect this tumor, associated with severe hypercalcemia, was different from previously described parathyroid adenomas and from the adenomas of the present study that were associated with mild hypercalcemia (12.4 +/- 0.5 mg/dl); the active chief cells of the latter were characterized by a relatively straight plasmalemma with interdigitations and narrow intercellular spaces. Also of interest in the case involving severe hypercalcemia was the presence of numerous nuclear pores and annulate lamellae as well as an inconspicuous Golgi apparatus. These ultrastructural features would seem to indicate the existence of further morphologic parameters for the evaluation of chief cell activity.     

The primary human oocyte: Some observations on the fine structure of Balbiani's vitelline body and the origin of the annulate lamellae

The ultrastructural details of human oocytes from four primordial follicles and one early primary follicle are presented. A fifth primordial follicle is represented by a paraffin section stained by hematoxylin and eosin. The paranuclear Balbiani vitelline body, contsisting of a centrosome surrounded by endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, compound aggregates, annulate lamellae, and mitochondria is described. The annulate lamellae arise as an evagination from the outer leaflet of the nuclear envelope and interdigitate with folds of the endoplasmic reticulum which also is continuous with the outer leaflet of the nuclear envelope. Structural aspects of annulate lamellae are discussed in relationship to current ideas of nuclear membrane ultrastructure and to their possible role in nucleo-cytoplasmic transfer. A biographical note on the life of Edouard Gérard Balbiani is presented.     

Annulate lamellae of the jejunal absorptive cells in 21-day-starved rats

The ultrastructure of annulate lamellae of the jejunal absorptive cells in control and 21 d starved rats was investigated. Annulate lamellae were only rarely encountered in the jejunal absorptive cells of control rats, and then frequently in small stacks continuous with the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, there was a relatively frequent incidence of annulate lamellae in the jejunal absorptive cells of 21 d starved rats, and larger stacks of annulate lamellae were also observed in spite of marked ultrastructural changes of these cells. The annulate lamellae were also continuous with the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, which was degenerating. The degenerative process of the absorptive cells following starvation might be related to the origin and function of the annulate lamellae.     

Viruses and annulate lamellae in Friend erythroleukemia cells

Virus formation in a clone of murine undifferentiated Friend erythroleukemia cells was examined by electron microscopy. Budding C-type particles were present at the cell surface. The principal site of intracisternal particle production was in elements of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum disposed about the periphery of stacks of annulate lamellae. Serial sections demonstrated that these virus-laden cisternae were in direct continuity with the annulate lamellae. In addition, intracisternal particles occurred in membranous honeycomb structures present in the cytoplasm of many cells. Viral elaboration also was associated with stacks of cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum that were devoid of ribosomes, but that were coated with an extensive and continuous layer of dense material. In some instances, the outer nuclear membrane was coated with the same dense substance. It appears that in Friend erythroleukemia cells, a very substantial portion of their cytomembranes is devoted to synthesis of intracisternal particles.     

Maxillary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma with Annulate Lamellae

Of 29 reviewed ultrastructural studies of adenoid cystic carcinoma, only 1 mentions the presence of annulate lamellae. The present report describes a 65-year-old woman who presented with an adenoid cystic carcinoma in her left maxillary sinus. At the light microscopic level, most of the connective tissue was loose and myxomatous and contained fine strands, cords, and islands of epithelium that in places had a cribriform pattern. The ultrastructural appearance was similar to that described by others. Two epithelial cell types predominated. The cytoplasm of one type contained mainly ribosomes, and that of the other type also had peripheral microfilaments. Also present were pseudocysts, lumina with microvilli, and replicated basal lamina. In addition, a number of both types of cells contained parallel arrays of cisternae that had regular small pores. These were annulate lamellae.     

Maxillary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma with Annulate Lamellae

Of 29 reviewed ultrastructural studies of adenoid cystic carcinoma, only 1 mentions the presence of annulate lamellae. The present report describes a 65-year-old woman who presented with an adenoid cystic carcinoma in her left maxillary sinus. At the light microscopic level, most of the connective tissue was loose and myxomatous and contained fine strands, cords, and islands of epithelium that in places had a cribriform pattern. The ultrastructural appearance was similar to that described by others. Two epithelial cell types predominated. The cytoplasm of one type contained mainly ribosomes, and that of the other type also had peripheral microfilaments. Also present were pseudocysts, lumina with microvilli, and replicated basal lamina. In addition, a number of both types of cells contained parallel arrays of cisternae that had regular small pores. These were annulate lamellae.     

Annulate lamellae in hepatic and pancreatic beta cells of the chick embryo

This study is concerned with the finding of cytoplasmic annulate lamellae in normally developing avian somatic tissues. Annulate lamellae were observed in hepatic parenchymal and pancreatic beta cells of the chick embryo on days five and eleven, respectively, of egg incubation. The presence of this cytoplasmic membrane system in normal embryonic tissues supports the view that annulate lamellae may represent normally occurring, transitory organelles common to virtually all cells during early embryonic differentiation.     

ANNULATE LAMELLAE OBSERVED IN HUMAN PROSTATIC CARCINOMA

Annulate lamellae (AL) were observed in only three out of 40 cases of human prostatic carcinoma, but not in 20 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia and 11 cases of presumably normal prostatic tissues. AL showed the continuity with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and seemingly the nuclear membrane consisting of lamellar or concentric arrangement of stacked membranes and occasionally annular structures. In addition, annuli were detected in the rough endoplasmic reticulum near the stacked membranes which were devoid of ribosomal attachment. These results disclosed that in human prostatic tissues, AL could be only rarely detected in actively dividing cancer cells, and were seemingly the temporary transitional structures transforming from the nuclear membrane to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.     

Cytoplasmic distribution of poly(A)-containing RNA in developing Necturus maculosus oocytes with reference to annulate lamellae.

The cytoplasmic distribution of poly(A)+ mRNA and its relationship to annulate lamellae were examined in developing Necturus maculosus oocytes by in situ hybridization with [3H]poly(U). The specificity of [3H]poly(U) binding was tested by incubating control ovarian sections with either KOH or RNase A before in situ hybridization. In both experiments, the silver grain densities were markedly reduced. Poly(A)+ RNA is uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm until the mid-growth phase and then later in vitellogenesis becomes localized in the subcortical ooplasm. The silver grain density in the cytoplasm varied during oogenesis and was greatest in previtellogenic oocytes. Annulate lamellae commonly are observed with the light microscope in oocytes prior to vitellogenesis. In such oocytes, the labeled mRNA probe is observed over cytoplasmic regions of annulate lamellae. The results suggests that a differential localization of messenger RNA occurs during oogenesis in Necturus maculosus. Furthermore, poly(A)+ RNA is present in cytoplasmic regions of annulate lamellae.     

Annulate lamellae-soleplate nuclei associations in skeletal muscle fibers of rats during chronic high-dose exposure to neostigmine

To investigate annulate lamellae (AL) with nuclear changes, ultrastructural time course studies were done of the reversible end-plate myopathy in the soleus muscles of rats exposed chronically to a high dose of the anticholinesterase drug neostigmine. At the earliest stage (2 hours) in which severe subjunctional damage involving a nuclear lesion (nuclear pyknosis) was prominent, AL profiles were undetectable. At the intermediate stage (7, 21 days), in which the subjunctional organelles tended to cluster and nuclear pyknosis often accompanied degenerative features, most AL laid near the surface of the abnormal nuclei, where there were signs of elimination or formation of pores, as well as a progression of changes leading to the loss of pores. At the late stage (56 days), in which muscle repair was nearly completed and euchromatic nuclei usually were found, there was a concomitant enhanced formation of false nuclear inclusions and of the AL profiles in these sites. Pores are packed on nuclear envelopes, which detach themselves from the nucleus and take the same profile as AL. This phenomenon can be envisioned not only in the euchromatic but also in the abnormal (pyknotic or degenerated) nuclei. Following nuclear reconstitution, the nuclear envelope folding is accelerated to induce the usual pattern of AL organization, i.e., budding from the invaginated nuclear envelope.     

The effect of phorbol myristate acetate on human lymphocytes. An ultrastructural study.

Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a tumour promoter, acts as an agglutinin and as a stimulator of human lymphocytes. Agglutination begins within 1 hr and is macroscopically evident within 24 hr. The ultrastructural findings in lymphocytes stimulated with PMA after 48 and 72 hr show blast transformation of the nucleus, increase in cytoplasm and in ribosomes, and occasional “annulate lamellae.” Apart from the finding of “annulate lamellae” the changes are generally similar to those found in PHA stimulated lymphocytes. The function and significance of the “annulate lamellae” are not known but as they have been most often seen in malignant and embryonal cells they may be representative of a more fundamental dedifferentiation of the cells with PMA as opposed to PHA.     

Cytoplasmic distribution of poly(A)-containing RNA in developing Necturus maculosus oocytes with reference to annulate lamellae

The cytoplasmic distribution of poly(A)⁺ mRNA and its relationship to annulate lamellae were examined in developing Necturus maculosus oocytes by in situ hybridization with [³H]poly(U). The specificity of [³H]poly(U) binding was tested by incubating control ovarian sections with either KOH or RNase A before in situ hybridization. In both experiments, the silver grain densities were markedly reduced. Poly(A)⁺ RNA is uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm until the mid-growth phase and then later in vitellogenesis becomes localized in the subcortical ooplasm. The silver grain density in the cytoplasm varied during oogenesis and was greatest in previtellogenic oocytes. Annulate lamellae commonly are observed with the light microscope in oocytes prior to vitellogenesis. In such oocytes, the labeled mRNA probe is observed over cytoplasmic regions of annulate lamellae. The results suggests that a differential localization of messenger RNA occurs during oogenesis in Necturus maculosus. Furthermore, poly(A)⁺ RNA is present in cytoplasmic regions of annulate lamellae.     

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour with annulate lamellae mimicking pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

The nature and nosologic status of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), or at least its most common pleomorphic variant, are a matter of controversy and it is possible that this entity represents the shared morphologic phenotype of a range of other dedifferentiated neoplasms. An unusual case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour which very closely mimicked pleomorphic MFH is presented. Its true nature was only disclosed by ultrastructural examination. A further interesting and previously unreported feature in tumours of this type was the presence of annulate lamellae in many of the tumour cells. This case adds weight to the assertion that the light microscopic features of pleomorphic MFH may not be specific.     

Intranuclear membranous profiles in germinoma cells--a variant of nuclear pockets and intranuclear annulate lamellae

When ultrastructurally examining 24 germinomas comprising 12 seminomas, 4 dysgerminomas, 1 mediastinal germinoma, and 7 intracranial germinomas, intranuclear membranous profiles were noticed in 17 germinomas, ranging from 20-100 nm in width and 3 microns in length. With occasional connections to the nuclear envelope through a small hole, intranuclear membranous profiles in germinoma cells were considered as clefts of the nuclear envelope. While most frequently situated under the inner nuclear membrane, they varied in configuration as well as distribution. As sequestered round mass of nuclear material, they were a variant of nuclear pockets containing nucleoplasm. Intranuclear annulate lamellae were occasionally present apart from the nuclear envelope and connected with nuclear clefts. Eleven of the twelve seminomas and 6 of the twelve non-seminomatous germinomas showed intranuclear membranous profiles, and the incidence of such profiles was much higher in seminomas than in non-seminomatous germinomas. Intranuclear membranous profiles facing the inner nuclear membrane were also noted in spermatogonia in adolescents and adults. It was suggested that intranuclear membranous profiles in germinoma cells could be structures following ones occasionally seen in spermatogonia.     

Cytoarchitecture of Caudiverbera caudiverbera stage VI oocytes: a light and electron microscope study

The general characteristics and salient features of the full-grown stage VI Caudiverbera caudiverbera oocyte at the light and electron microscopy level are described. The oocyte is a huge cell with radial symmetry and distinct polarity. A black animal hemisphere, rich in pigment granules and containing the nucleus, is clearly distinguished from the unpigmented white-yellowish vegetal hemisphere. The cell is surrounded by a highly invaginated plasma membrane, with numerous microvilli. The cortex underlying the plasma membrane contains cortical and pigment granules, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum and coated vesicles. Cytoskeletal components, such as actin filaments and microtubules, are also found in this region. The predominant structures, distributed throughout the cell, are the yolk platelets, which show a gradient in size with small platelets in the animal half and very large ones in the vegetal zone. Mitochondria are also very abundant in both hemispheres and clouds of these organelles are found in the perinuclear region, frequently associated with microtubules. Developed Golgi complexes are present in the cytoplasm and occasionally, annulate lamellae appear towards the inner zones. The nucleus is a large structure containing numerous nucleoli. The nuclear envelope is highly invaginated, especially at the side facing the vegetal pole. It is regularly perforated by large nuclear pores. Our results show that the structural organization of Caudiverbera oocytes, although similar to that of other amphibian oocytes, differs from them especially concerning the spatial distribution of several structural components.     

Unusual configurations of endoplasmic reticulum in human pituitary adenomas

Electron microscopic study of 435 surgically-removed human pituitary adenomas and 43 nontumorous adenohypophyses revealed unusual configurations of endoplasmic reticulum in 102 adenohypophysial tumors (23%) and in 12 nontumorous adenohypophyses (28%). These configurations classified as paired reticulum, annulate lamellae and ribosome-lamellar complexes were noted in various adenomatous and nontumorous adenohypophysial cells, indicating that they could not be used as specific markers for pituitary adenomas or for a particular adenohypophysial cell type. Paired reticulum was a common finding, whereas annulate lamellae and ribosome-lamellar complexes were rarely encountered. Whether or not these endoplasmic reticulum configurations could be considered as normal constituents of adenohypophysial cells was difficult to assess, since nontumorous cells studied were from patients who had various diseases and who had been treated with different hormones. The presence of endoplasmic reticulum configurations was neither related to age, sex of the patients nor degree of differentiation or endocrine activity of pituitary adenomas.