Honors Thesis Archive
| Author | Meghan Biniker |
|---|---|
| Title | A Histological Study on Human Tumors of the Brain and Nervous System by Means of High-Resolution Light Microscopy, Immunomicroscopy, and Electron Microscopy |
| Department | Biology |
| Advisor | David Mason |
| Year | 2003 |
| Honors | University Honors |
| Note |  Passed with Distinction |
| Full Text | View Thesis (146 KB) At the author's request, an electronic copy of this thesis is only available to on-campus users. |
| Abstract | The goal of this study was to evaluate selected tumors of the brain and nervous system for unique cellular and histological features than can help with their identification. Tissue samples from ten patients presenting at Community Hospital in Springfield, Ohio, were fixed for light and electron microscopy, embedded in Spurr plastic, sectioned, stained, and viewed under both light and electron microscopes. The following tumors were evaluated by these techniques: astrocytoma, glioblastoma multiforme, oligodendroglioma, medulloblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, meningioma, schwannomas, and neurofibromas. For light microscopy selected cellular markers helpful for identification were immunostained by the application of primary antibodies conjuguated to peroxidase. These included: glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for astrocytomas and glioblastoma multiforme, estrogen and testosterone for meningiomas, and S-100 protein for neurofibromas. Electron microscopy was employed for identification of Luse bodies in schwannomas, GFAP in astrocytomas and glioblastoma multiforme, hyperchromatic nuclei in medulloblastomas, and membrane-bound inclusion granules in ganglioneuroblastomas. High-resolution light and electron microscopic images are presented, showing features that are helpful for the identification of each tumor type. |
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