ABSTRACT
Hyaline bodies are morphologic curiosities that have been described in various unrelated conditions and whose presence occasionally contributes to a diagnosis. The finding of extracellular hyaline bodies within the epithelial linings and connective tissue walls of odontogenic cysts, although of no diagnostic value, has stimulated a variety of studies to determine their origin, structure and possible role in pathogenesis. A large array of nonspecific staining methods and histochemical techniques have been applied to Rushton bodies in an attempt to determine their origin and nature. The inconclusive results from histochemical studies of Rushton bodies has prompted various attempts to determine their ultrastructure. Because of the low incidence and focal distribution of these structures within cyst epithelium the majority of specimens have been retrieved from wax blocks or material stored in formalin. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis performed on lamellated hyaline bodies has revealed the presence of a number of elements including sulfur, chlorine, calcium, and iron.
