How Do Mitochondrial Diseases Present Histologically?
Histologically, mitochondrial diseases can manifest in various ways depending on the affected tissue. Some common histological features include:
- Ragged Red Fibers: Observed in muscle biopsies stained with modified Gomori trichrome, these fibers indicate abnormal accumulations of mitochondria. - Cytoplasmic Inclusions: Accumulation of abnormal mitochondrial or residual bodies can be seen in affected cells. - Oxidative Enzyme Activity: Decreased cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity can be demonstrated using histochemical staining techniques.
