Biomaterial Database

Ultrastructural resemblance of basal cell epithelioma to primary epithelial germ. 1978

M Kumakiri, and K Hashimoto

Six examples of basal cell epithelium were compared to fetal and adult skin. Five parameters were used in this study: abnormally large aggregates of melanosomes in epithelial cells; the paucity of half-desmosomes; the increase of microfilaments in the cell periphery; clustered membrane-limited granules; and desmosome-like structures of stromal fibroblasts. All of these indicators were positive in both basal cell epithelioma and fetal hair follicle; but they were negative in both fetal and adult epidermis. Therefore, it was concluded that basal cell epithelioma seems to mimic fetal primary epithelial germ. Interestingly, stromal fibroblasts of basal cell epithelioma phagocytize collagen fibers, and membrane-limited granules were found both inside and outside the tumor cells facing the digested collagen stroma. In view of the collagenolytic activity of the homogenate of basal cell epithelioma, membrane-limited granules might represent zymogen granules for collagenases.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008544	Melanocytes	Mammalian pigment cells that produce MELANINS, pigments found mainly in the EPIDERMIS, but also in the eyes and the hair, by a process called melanogenesis. Coloration can be altered by the number of melanocytes or the amount of pigment produced and stored in the organelles called MELANOSOMES. The large non-mammalian melanin-containing cells are called MELANOPHORES.	Melanocyte
D009940	Organoids	An organization of cells into an organ-like structure. Organoids can be generated in culture, e.g., self-organized three-dimensional tissue structures derived from STEM CELLS (see MICROPHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS). They are also found in certain NEOPLASMS.	Organoid
D002280	Carcinoma, Basal Cell	A malignant skin neoplasm that seldom metastasizes but has potentialities for local invasion and destruction. Clinically it is divided into types: nodular, cicatricial, morphaic, and erythematoid (pagetoid). They develop on hair-bearing skin, most commonly on sun-exposed areas. Approximately 85% are found on the head and neck area and the remaining 15% on the trunk and limbs. (From DeVita Jr et al., Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology, 3d ed, p1471)	Carcinoma, Basal Cell, Pigmented,Epithelioma, Basal Cell,Rodent Ulcer,Ulcer, Rodent,Basal Cell Carcinoma,Basal Cell Carcinomas,Basal Cell Epithelioma,Basal Cell Epitheliomas,Carcinomas, Basal Cell,Epitheliomas, Basal Cell,Rodent Ulcers,Ulcers, Rodent
D003594	Cytoplasmic Granules	Condensed areas of cellular material that may be bounded by a membrane.	Cytoplasmic Granule,Granule, Cytoplasmic,Granules, Cytoplasmic
D003599	Cytoskeleton	The network of filaments, tubules, and interconnecting filamentous bridges which give shape, structure, and organization to the cytoplasm.	Cytoplasmic Filaments,Cytoskeletal Filaments,Microtrabecular Lattice,Cytoplasmic Filament,Cytoskeletal Filament,Cytoskeletons,Filament, Cytoplasmic,Filament, Cytoskeletal,Filaments, Cytoplasmic,Filaments, Cytoskeletal,Lattice, Microtrabecular,Lattices, Microtrabecular,Microtrabecular Lattices
D003896	Desmosomes	A type of junction that attaches one cell to its neighbor. One of a number of differentiated regions which occur, for example, where the cytoplasmic membranes of adjacent epithelial cells are closely apposed. It consists of a circular region of each membrane together with associated intracellular microfilaments and an intercellular material which may include, for example, mucopolysaccharides. (From Glick, Glossary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1990; Singleton & Sainsbury, Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 2d ed)	Desmosome
D004817	Epidermis	The external, nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers of EPITHELIUM: (1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); (2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); (3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); (4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and (5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis).
D005153	Facial Neoplasms	New abnormal growth of tissue in the FACE.	Facial Neoplasm,Neoplasm, Facial,Neoplasms, Facial
D005347	Fibroblasts	Connective tissue cells which secrete an extracellular matrix rich in collagen and other macromolecules.	Fibroblast
D006197	Hair	A filament-like structure consisting of a shaft which projects to the surface of the SKIN from a root which is softer than the shaft and lodges in the cavity of a HAIR FOLLICLE. It is found on most surfaces of the body.	Fetal Hair,Hair, Fetal,Lanugo,Fetal Hairs,Hairs,Hairs, Fetal