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Ultrastructural Studies on Monocytic Leukaemia
Author(s) -
Freeman Arnold I.,
Journey L. J.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1971.tb07031.x
Subject(s) - chromatin , golgi apparatus , ultrastructure , cytoplasm , vacuole , biology , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , dna , medicine , endoplasmic reticulum , genetics
S ummary . Bone marrdw specimens from four cases of pure monocytic leukaemia. (Schilling type) and three cases of myelo‐monocytic leukaemia (Naegeli type) were examined by electron microscopy. The hallmark of the monoblasts and more mature monocytoid forms was the extreme nuclear irregularity with frequent nuclear bridges and blebs. Abundant cytoplasm with a serrated margin, dense granules, numerous pinocytic vesicles and vacuoles, frequent peri‐nuclear fibrillar bands and a well‐developed Golgi zone served as additional criteria for identifying monoblasts. Various stages in the maturation of monoblasts were observed. Stem cells possessed a large round nucleus which became extremely folded with increasing maturity. The graduai appearance of condensed chromatin paralleled this nuclear polymorphism. The fine structure of these monoblasts was compared with that of myeloblasts to point out distinguishing features. It is felt that ultrastructural analysis can be of value in separating pure monocytic leukaemia from myelo‐monocytic leukaemia.