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Globule leukocytes in the respiratory epithelium of human upper airways: an ultrastructural study
Abstract:
The ultrastructure of globule leukocytes is described in the nasal and tracheal respiratory epithelium of three boys suffering from chronic airway infections. The globule leukocytes lie free in the intercellular spaces and appear to be migratory cells. They are characterized by intracytoplasmic membrane-bound globules, variable in number, size, shape, and internal structure. The globules may apparently release their content between the neighboring epithelial cells. Human globule leukocytes are also characterized by the presence of intracytoplasmic rod-shaped bodies, the significance of which is not known. They usually display an extended juxta-nuclear Golgi apparatus, presumably involved in the formation of the globules. Comparison of the fine structure of the globules in the globule leukocytes with that of the granules found in the subepithelial mast cells does not support a mast cell origin for human globule leukocytes. On morphological grounds, natural killer cells are postulated as a possible source for globule leukocytes. The function of globule leukocytes is briefly discussed. We presume that the globule leukocytes belong to the group of migrating and secreting cells involved in the defense of the organism against foreign material.
Insights
Globule leukocytes in respiratory tracts are migratory cells with unique globules. Their origin is likely natural killer cells, not mast cells, suggesting a role in immune defense.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Globule leukocytes are found in respiratory epithelium, particularly during chronic infections.
- Their ultrastructure and origin remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the ultrastructure of globule leukocytes in human nasal and tracheal respiratory epithelium.
- To investigate the potential origin of globule leukocytes.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine globule leukocytes from three boys with chronic airway infections.
- Morphological comparison was made between globule leukocytes and subepithelial mast cells.
Main Results:
- Globule leukocytes are migratory cells with variable intracytoplasmic globules and rod-shaped bodies.
- The Golgi apparatus suggests a role in globule formation.
- Morphology does not support a mast cell origin; natural killer cells are a potential source.
Conclusions:
- Human globule leukocytes possess distinct ultrastructural features.
- Evidence suggests globule leukocytes originate from natural killer cells.
- These cells are likely involved in the organism's defense against foreign material.