Nuclear Inclusions in Malignant Gliomas

Abstract

IN 1932 Russell¹ observed that round or oval eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions occurred in 63 of 192 gliomas, with the highest incidence (61%) being in glioblastoma multiforme. The inclusions were 3μ to 17.5μ in diameter, homogeneous or finely granular, and sharply outlined by a thin basophilic "capsule." Nuclei with inclusions were generally enlarged and frequently hyperchromatic. It was thought that the inclusions resembled those occurring in virus-infected cells and were compatible with being the result of viral activity. Although the author suggested that the inclusions could be distinguished from nuclear folds containing cytoplasm, it is noteworthy that the staining reactions of the former were similar to those expected of cytoplasm. Subsequently Wolf and Orton² reported the presence of morphologically similar inclusions in 16 of 33 glioblastomas and in other forms of intracranial tumors. Again the resemblance to viral inclusions was commented upon, and it was suggested