Fig. 3: Micronuclei, ant-bear cells and nuclear budding in BIMT.
From: Novel insights into the BAP1-inactivated melanocytic tumor
Micronucleus in a BAP1-inactivated melanocyte. Micronuclei are defined as a small nucleus or nuclear buds being 1/3 or smaller compared to the main nucleus presented with a similar or slightly lighter non-refractile staining intensity (arrows). They are observed in the cytoplasm of epithelioid melanocytes, as well as lying in contact with their membrane. Compare their dimension with the nucleus of a lymphocyte or plasma cell (arrowheads) (A). Large epithelioid melanocytes with cytoplasmic protrusions resembling proboscis (ant-bear cells). Note the micronucleus and small nucleus at the end of the protrusions (arrows) (B). Nuclear budding in BAP1-inactivated melanocytes. The nuclei of the epithelioid cells display extreme variability in size, shape, and stain intensity. Note nuclear buds of variable dimension detaching from the main nucleus (C, D).
