Peroxisomes (microbodies) in human glial tumors. a cytochemical ultrastructural study.

Morphologically and cytochemically defined peroxisomes (microbodies) were demonstrated in a series of 11 human glial tumors. The cytochemical methods used were diaminobenzidine method for catalase and a tetrazolium salt-phenozine methosulfate method for D-amino-acid oxidase. Ultrastructurally, the peroxisomes were found as single membrane limited organelles with a granular matrix. Marginal plates as well as continuities with the smooth endoplasmic reticulum could be demonstrated. Peroxisomes were found most abundantly in subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, to a lesser number in astrocytomas and least abundantly in glioblastomas.