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Scanning electron microscopic study of leukemic human B lymphocytes.
Acta Haematologica
|March 1, 1977
Summary
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed homogenous cell populations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other lymphomas. SEM alone cannot distinguish between leukemic B and T lymphocytes based on surface features.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other non-Hodgkin lymphomas are characterized by specific lymphocyte populations.
- Understanding the surface morphology of leukemic cells is crucial for diagnosis and classification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface ultrastructure of lymphocytes from various leukemic conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- To determine if SEM can differentiate between leukemic B and T lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with CLL, lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma, centrocytic lymphoma, and hairy cell leukemia were analyzed.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the cell surface architecture.
Main Results:
- SEM generally showed homogenous cell populations across the studied leukemic types.
- Most lymphocytes exhibited a moderately villous surface; however, smooth surfaces were observed in some CLL and lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma cases.
- Hairy cells displayed surface characteristics resembling both lymphocytes and monocytes.
Conclusions:
- SEM reveals generally homogenous lymphocyte populations in the studied leukemias.
- Surface morphology alone, as visualized by SEM, is insufficient to distinguish between leukemic B and T lymphocytes.
- SEM provides insights into the surface features of various leukemic cells, but further characterization is needed for definitive classification.