Spironolactone Bodies: An Immunoperoxidase Study with Biochemical Correlation

The present immunoperoxidase study attempted to localize aldosterone and cortisol in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded adrenal glands or tumors. Apparently, steroid substances are solubilized during routine tissue processing, and the cytoplasm of adrenal cortical cells is not stained by either antialdosterone or anticortisol antibodies. However, spironolactone bodies react positively with antialdosterone antibody. The presence of aldosterone in the concentric laminations of spironolactone bodies supports the concept that spironolactone bodies are not artifacts. Furthermore, the fact that aldosterone does survive in spironolactone bodies suggests that it is bound in some unusual form. The spironolactone bodies are probably derived from endoplasmic reticulum, and the membranes of endoplasmic reticulum are considered capable of storing steroids. It is likely that during the formation of spironolactone bodies are probably derived from endoplasmic reticulum, and the membranes of endoplasmic reticulum are considered capable of storing steroids. It is likely that during the formation of spironolactone bodies, aldosterone or a few cortisol-like substances are trapped in these laminated concentric bodies.