Ultrastructural and histochemical observations of neuroendocrine granules in nonneoplastic ovaries.

Argyrophil and argentaffin cells are rarely seen in female genital tract structures. Their presence in normal, apparently healthy ovaries has not been reported until the present observation. Histochemical and ultrastructural studies demonstrated cells within the ovaries of two nonpregnant patients in the reproductive age that belong to the neuroendocrine or amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD) system. The lack of other discernible pathologic conditions suggests that these cells may be normal cellular constituents within the ovaries and lends support to the belief of a neural crest origin for primary ovarian carcinoid not associated with teratomatous or mucinous elements.