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Morphometric analysis of nucleolar organizer regions in benign and malignant peritoneal effusions using backscattered electron microscopy
Author(s) -
Lim S. Megan,
Duggan Máire A.,
Ruff Monica,
Rahim Shameem,
McGregor S. Elizabeth,
Green Francis H. Y.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.1711660109
Subject(s) - pathology , nucleolus organizer region , electron microscope , staining , malignant cells , nucleolar organizer region , medicine , biology , nucleolus , cancer , physics , optics , nucleus , psychiatry
Nucleolar organizer regions are loops of DNA associated with silver‐stainable proteins (AgNORs). In general, malignant cells have more and larger AgNORs than benign cells. An inconsistent argyrophilic method and difficulties a objectively evaluating AgNORs account for some of the reluctance to utilize AgNOR staining as a diagnostic tool to differentiate benign and malignant lesions. Section from paraffin‐embedded cell blocks of 10 cases of benign and nalignatnt peritoneal effusions were stained with a modified AgNOR method. Backscattered electron imaging in the Scanning electron microscope, together with image analysis, was used to evaluate more objectively a number of AgNOR parameters and to determine which measurement was the most reliable discriminant of the two types of fluids. One hundred nuclei per case were identified and imaged. In contrast to benign nuclei, AgNORs in malignant nuclei were more numerous ( P 0.0001). and larger ( P 0.0001) A cut‐off mean AgNOR area of 1.1 μm 2 ( P 0.0001) correctly categorized all malignant (1.1 μm 2 ) and benign (>1.1 μm 2 ) cases. This system's objectivity and specificity could be and to enhance the cytological interpretation of effusions, where the separation of reactive mesothelial cells and malignant cells is extremely difficult.