Premium
Surface Features of Leukaemic Megakaryocytic Precursors
Author(s) -
Polliack Aaron,
Leizerowitz Rachel,
Berrebi Allan,
Gurfel Dorit,
Gamliel Haim
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0036-553X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1983.tb01462.x
Subject(s) - cytochemistry , lymphoblast , myeloperoxidase , pathology , ultrastructure , platelet , pseudopodia , precursor cell , myeloid , chemistry , myelofibrosis , megakaryocyte , staining , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , immunology , haematopoiesis , bone marrow , medicine , biochemistry , cell culture , stem cell , inflammation , genetics
Megakaryoblasts and maturing megakaryocytic precursor cells from 5 patients with megakaryoblastic leukaemia were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The diagnosis in all cases had been established by ultrastructural cytochemistry on the basis of a positive platelet peroxidase reaction with negative staining for myeloperoxidase. 1 case presented as acute myelofibrosis and 4 as acute megakaryoblastic transformation of chronic granulocytic leukaemia. Under the SEM, megakaryoblasts and maturing megakaryocytic precursors showed typical surface features including the presence of rounded and irregular blebs, broad folds and pseudopodia. The nature of these surface blebs is still unclear but they probably represent surface membrane alterations relating to imminent platelet shedding at least in the more mature precursors. These surface microprojections are distinctly different from those encountered on leukaemic lymphoblasts, myeloblasts and monoblasts. It is suggested that SEM may be used in conjunction with the PPO reaction as in aid in the diagnosis of megakaryocytic leukaemias.