Reinke crystals

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Reinke crystals are rod-like cytoplasmic inclusions which can be found in Leydig cells of the testes. [1] Occurring only in adult humans and wild bush rats, their function is unknown. [2]

Leydig cell

Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells of Leydig, are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle. They produce testosterone in the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH). Leydig cells are polyhedral in shape, display a large prominent nucleus, an eosinophilic cytoplasm and numerous lipid-filled vesicles.

Bush rat species of mammal

The bush rat is a small Australian nocturnal animal. It is an omnivore and one of the most common indigenous species of rats on the continent, found in many heathland areas of Victoria and New South Wales.

Ovarian stromal tumors having a predominant pattern of fibroma or thecoma but also containing cells typical of steroid hormone-secreting cells were reported. Some of the tumors were classified as luteinized thecomas because the steroid cells resembled lutein cells and lacked crystalloids of Reinke. But others were classified as stromal Leydig cell tumors as seen in tumors of the testes because Reinke crystalloids were identified in the steroid cells. The Stromal Leydig tumors occurred at an average age of 61 years and were associated with Ovarian hyperandrogenism which led to virilization in some cases, endometrial hyperplasia in other cases, and endometrial hyperplasia with carcinoma in the rest of the cases. Luteinized thecomas and stromal Leydig cell tumors are indistinguishable except for the presence of crystalloids of Reinke in the latter. In view of the prolonged search that is necessary to find these structures in some stromal Leydig cell tumors and their well-known absence in the majority of testicular Leydig cell tumors, it is reasonable to assume that an unknown proportion of tumors in the luteinized thecoma category are unrecognized stromal Leydig cell tumors. [3] [4]

Another ovarian tumor where Reinke crystalloids were noted is the Brenner tumour, an epithelial-stromal ovarian tumor distinguishable by nests of transitional epithelial cells (urothelial) with longitudinal nuclear grooves (coffee bean nuclei) in abundant fibrous stroma. [5]

Brenner tumour ovarian benign neoplasm that has material basis in the surface epithelium of the ovary

Brenner tumors are an uncommon subtype of the surface epithelial-stromal tumor group of ovarian neoplasms. The majority are benign, but some can be malignant.

Also recall that the "coffee bean nuclei" are the nuclear grooves exceptionally pathognomonic to the sex cord stromal tumor, the ovarian granulosa cell tumor, with the fluid-filled spaces Call-Exner bodies between the granulosa cells.

Call-Exner bodies

Call–Exner bodies, giving a follicle-like appearance, are small eosinophilic fluid-filled punched out spaces between granulosa cells. The granulosa cells are usually arranged haphazardly around the space.

They are large enough to be seen in an optical microscope and can be visualized using Giemsa, trichrome, Gram, and PAS stains. [6] Reinke crystals are rare in normal testes, but are found in approximately 1/3 of all Leydig cell tumours. [7]

Optical microscope Microscope that uses visible light

The optical microscope, often referred to as the light microscope, is a type of microscope that commonly uses visible light and a system of lenses to magnify images of small objects. Optical microscopes are the oldest design of microscope and were possibly invented in their present compound form in the 17th century. Basic optical microscopes can be very simple, although many complex designs aim to improve resolution and sample contrast. Often used in the classroom and at home unlike the electron microscope which is used for closer viewing.

Giemsa stain

Giemsa stain, named after German chemist and bacteriologist Gustav Giemsa, is used in cytogenetics and for the histopathological diagnosis of malaria and other parasites.

Leydig cell tumour sex cord-stromal tumour group of ovarian and testicular cancers

Leydig cell tumour, also Leydig cell tumor, (testicular) interstitial cell tumour and (testicular) interstitial cell tumor, is a member of the sex cord-stromal tumour group of ovarian and testicular cancers. It arises from Leydig cells. While the tumour can occur at any age, it occurs most often in young adults.

These crystals are named after the German anatomist Friedrich Berthold Reinke. [8]

Friedrich Berthold Reinke German anatomist

Friedrich Reinke was a German anatomist. Reinke crystals, Reinke's space and Reinke's edema are named after him.

Related Research Articles

Ovarian cancer female reproductive organ cancer that is located in the ovary

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that forms in or on an ovary. It results in abnormal cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. When this process begins, there may be no or only vague symptoms. Symptoms become more noticeable as the cancer progresses. These symptoms may include bloating, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, and loss of appetite, among others. Common areas to which the cancer may spread include the lining of the abdomen, lymph nodes, lungs, and liver.

Corpus luteum Corpora leutia

The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure in female ovaries and is involved in the production of relatively high levels of progesterone, moderate levels of estradiol and inhibin A, and small amounts of estrogen. It is the remains of the ovarian follicle that has released a mature ovum during a previous ovulation.

Serous tumour Human disease

Serous tumours are part of the surface epithelial-stromal tumour group of ovarian neoplasms, which derive from Mullerian epithelium. They are common neoplasms with a strong tendency to occur bilaterally, and they account for approximately a quarter of all ovarian tumors.

Surface epithelial-stromal tumor ovarian tumor that is derived_from ovarian surface epithelium

Surface epithelial-stromal tumors are a class of ovarian neoplasms that may be benign or malignant. Neoplasms in this group are thought to be derived from the ovarian surface epithelium or from ectopic endometrial or Fallopian tube (tubal) tissue. Tumors of this type are also called ovarian adenocarcinoma. This group of tumors accounts for 90% to 95% of all cases of ovarian cancer. Serum CA-125 is often elevated but is only 50% accurate so it is not a useful tumor marker to assess the progress of treatment.

Sertoli–Leydig cell tumour Human disease

Sertoli–Leydig cell tumour is a group of tumours composed of variable proportions of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and in the case of intermediate and poorly differentiated neoplasms, primitive gonadal stroma and sometimes heterologous elements.

Thecoma

Thecomas or theca cell tumors are benign ovarian neoplasms composed only of theca cells. Histogenetically they are classified as sex cord-stromal tumours.

Granulosa cell tumour

Granulosa cell tumours are tumours that arise from granulosa cells. These tumours are part of the sex cord-gonadal stromal tumour or non-epithelial group of tumours. Although granulosa cells normally occur only in the ovary, granulosa cell tumours occur in both ovaries and testicles. These tumours should be considered malignant and treated in the same way as other malignant tumours of ovary. The ovarian disease has two forms, juvenile and adult, both characterized by indolent growth, and therefore has high recovery rates. The staging system for these tumours is the same as for epithelial tumours and most present as stage I. The peak age at which they occur is 50–55 years, but they may occur at any age.

Sex cord–gonadal stromal tumour reproductive organ cancer that is located in the sex cord-derived tissues of the ovary and testis

Sex cord–gonadal stromal tumour is a group of tumors derived from the stromal component of the ovary and testis, which comprises the granulosa, thecal cells and fibrocytes. In contrast, the epithelial cells originate from the outer epithelial lining surrounding the gonad while the germ cell tumors arise from the precursor cells of the gametes, hence the name germ cell. In humans, this group accounts for 8% of ovarian cancers and under 5% of testicular cancers. Their diagnosis is histological: only a biopsy of the tumour can make an exact diagnosis. They are often suspected of being malignant prior to operation, being solid ovarian tumours that tend to occur most commonly in post menopausal women.

Granulosa cell cell

A granulosa cell or follicular cell is a somatic cell of the sex cord that is closely associated with the developing female gamete in the ovary of mammals.

In medicine, Meigs' syndrome, also Meigs syndrome or Demons-Meigs syndrome, is the triad of ascites, pleural effusion, and benign ovarian tumor. Meigs' syndrome resolves after the resection of the tumor. Because the transdiaphragmatic lymphatic channels are larger in diameter on the right, the pleural effusion is classically on the right side. The causes of the ascites and pleural effusion are poorly understood. Atypical Meigs' syndrome, characterized by a benign pelvic mass with right-sided pleural effusion but without ascites, can also occur. As in typical Meigs syndrome, pleural effusion resolves after removal of the pelvic mass.

Endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) is a premalignant lesion of the uterine lining that predisposes to endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma. It is composed of a collection of abnormal endometrial cells, arising from the glands that line the uterus, which have a tendency over time to progress to the most common form of uterine cancer—endometrial adenocarcinoma, endometrioid type.

The theca folliculi comprise a layer of the ovarian follicles. They appear as the follicles become secondary follicles.

Ovarian tumors, or ovarian neoplasms, are tumors arising from the ovary. They can be benign or malignant.

Endometrial hyperplasia uterine benign neoplasm that is characterized by excessive proliferation of the cells of the endometrium

Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition of excessive proliferation of the cells of the endometrium, or inner lining of the uterus.

Sertoli cell tumour Human disease

A Sertoli cell tumour, also Sertoli cell tumor, is a sex cord-gonadal stromal tumor of Sertoli cells. They can occur in the testis or ovary. They are very rare and generally peak between the ages of 35 and 50. They are typically well-differentiated, and may be misdiagnosed as seminomas as they often appear very similar.

Hyperthecosis is hyperplasia of the theca interna of the ovary. Hyperthecosis occurs when an area of luteinization occurs along with stromal hyperplasia. The luteinized cells produce androgens, which may lead to hirsutism and virilization in affected women.

References

  1. ↑ Young, Barbara; Woodford, Phillip; O'Dowd, Geraldine (2013-10-09). Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas (FUNCTIONAL HISTOLOGY (WHEATER'S)) (Kindle Locations 9938-9939). Elsevier Health Sciences UK. Kindle Edition.
  2. ↑ Young, Barbara; Woodford, Phillip; O'Dowd, Geraldine. Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas (2014), Sixth Edition, Elsevier, Philadelphia, p. 344.
  3. ↑ Zhang, J.; Young, R. H.; Arseneau, J.; Scully, R. E. (1982). "Ovarian stromal tumors containing lutein or Leydig cells (luteinized thecomas and stromal Leydig cell tumors)--a clinicopathological analysis of fifty cases". International Journal of Gynecological Pathology: Official Journal of the International Society of Gynecological Pathologists. 1 (3): 270–285. doi:10.1097/00004347-198203000-00004. ISSN   0277-1691. PMID   6309683.
  4. ↑ Sood, Neelam; Nigam, Jitendra Singh; Goyal, Geetika; Ranjan, Reeta (2014-08-12). "Virilizing Ovarian Fibrothecoma with Minor Sex Cord Elements in a 13 Year Old Girl: a Rare Case". Pediatric Reports. 6 (3): 5447. doi:10.4081/pr.2014.5447. ISSN   2036-749X. PMC   4292058 . PMID   25635214.
  5. ↑ Ahr, A.; Arnold, G.; Göhring, U. J.; Costa, S.; Scharl, A.; Gauwerky, J. F. (July 1997). "Cytology of ascitic fluid in a patient with metastasizing malignant Brenner tumor of the ovary. A case report". Acta Cytologica. 41 (4 Suppl): 1299–1304. doi:10.1159/000333524. ISSN   0001-5547. PMID   9990262.
  6. ↑ Mesa Hector, Gilles Scott, Smith Sophia, Dachel Susan, Larson Wendy, Manivel J. Carlos, The Mystery of the Vanishing Reinke Crystals, Human Pathology (2015), doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.01.004
  7. ↑ T. M. Ulbright and R. H. Young. AFIP Atlas of tumour pathology. Tumours of the testis and adjacent structures. Fourth series fascicle 18, Silver Spring, Maryland: ARP Press, 2013, p. 271–286.
  8. ↑ "Friedrich Berthold Reinke". Whonamedit.com. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
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