Chondroblastoma—the nature of the basic cell.A study by means of histochemistry, tissue culture, electron microscopy, and autoradiography

Abstract

The histogenesis of chondroblastoma is controversial; both cartilage cells and reticulohistiocytes have been proposed as the cell of origin. We have examined a humeral chondroblastoma histochemically and autoradiographically for mucopolysaccharide production and compared the tumor cells ultrastructurally with normal fetal and adult cartilage cells. The chondroblastoma cells produced sulfated acid mucopolysaccharides and ultrastructurally showed features of both fetal and adult cartilage cells. The relationship of the chondroblastoma cells to reticulohistiocytes has been examined, and we have concluded that origin of the tumor from reticulohistiocytes is unlikely and that the chondroblastoma is truly cartilaginous in origin. Since the term chondroblast is used so variably, we have attempted to define this cell functionally and morphologically. The implication that a chondroblastoma is made up of embryonic cells is questionable.