Morphological studies on allergen induced blast transformation of sensitized lymphocytes

The morphological and ultrastructural changes occurring in blast transformed lymphocytes, isolated from patients sensitive to grass pollen and penicillin, were studied. Certain differences in the appearance of the blast cells, as evidenced by light microscopic observation, were not found by electron microscopy. The blast cells showed foamy protoplasm regardless of the nature of the allergens employed. An increased number of either single or rosette-forming ribosomes was established. Numerous vesicles were visible in the cytoplasm. The endoplasmic sacs were more numerous. Golgi apparatus was well-developed; the mitochondria were increased and had a dense matrix.