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. 1987 Nov;129(2):313–326.

A morphometric study of Reye's syndrome. Correlation of reduced mitochondrial numbers and increased mitochondrial size with clinical manifestations.

C C Daugherty 1, P S Gartside 1, J E Heubi 1, K Saalfeld 1, J Snyder 1
PMCID: PMC1899719  PMID: 2823614

Abstract

Morphometric analysis of liver ultrastructure in 14 children with Reye's syndrome (RS) of varying morphologic severity was compared with that of 6 children with normal livers. Results showed reduced numbers of enlarged mitochondria in RS. Multivariant analysis identified correlations between increased mitochondrial size, decreased mitochondrial number, and severity of neurologic disease (stage). A disproportionate increase in mitochondrial area and perimeter in the RS cases with the most depressed mitochondrial number distinguished the 4 children with residual neurologic damage or death. Serum salicylate concentrations were negatively correlated with severity of morphologic alteration. Two cases of non-RS salicylate toxicity showed normal or near-normal mitochondrial size and number. In fatty liver from an autopsy specimen from a child, a child with carnitine deficiency, and a child on therapy for dermatomyositis, mitochondrial numbers were also normal. Decreased mitochondrial numbers are characteristic of RS and imply a pathophysiologic mechanism, possibly related to impaired mitochondrial replication. Synergism with other forms of mitochondrial injury, such as salicylates, hypoglycemia, or shock may influence clinical severity, progression, and outcome.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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