[Ultrastructural organization of the epithelial layers and surface morphological characteristics of cells in adenocarcinomas of the cervix uteri].

The cell interrelations, and cellular attachment to the stroma in normal columnar epithelium and adenocarcinoma of the cervix uteri were examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The application of rapid enzymatic digestion technique allows to visualize the topography of cell membranes, otherwise disguised in ordinary conditions. Four types of disordered epithelial sheets characterized by different apical, lateral and basal cell surface changes are described. Various alterations in morphology of the basement membrane and adjacent conjunctive tissue are associated with the tumor appearance. Marked deviations in cell-stroma contact may lead to the inversion of cell polarity revealed in cervical adenocarcinoma: cellular parts adjoining to stroma acquire characteristic features of the apical pole.