[Detection of fibrillary bodies in human and experimental leukemias by polarizing microscopy]

Area of Science:

• Cytology
• Microscopy
• Hematology

Context:

• Leukemic cells, including human leukemias and experimental L 5222 leukemia, present unique cellular characteristics.
• Standard microscopy techniques like phase contrast microscopy and fixed/stained smears have limitations in visualizing certain cellular structures.
• The cytoplasmic fibrillar body is a specific inclusion within leukemic cells.

Purpose:

• To investigate the visualization of the cytoplasmic fibrillar body in leukemic cells.
• To evaluate the efficacy of optical polarizing microscopy for observing these inclusions.
• To compare the findings with other microscopy methods.

Summary:

• An optical polarizing microscope with a high coefficient of extinction was utilized to visualize the cytoplasmic fibrillar body.
• This method successfully revealed these inclusions in both living preparations and smears of human and experimental leukemic cells.
• Crucially, these cytoplasmic fibrillar bodies were not visible using phase contrast microscopy or in fixed and stained smears.

Impact:

• Demonstrates the superior capability of optical polarizing microscopy for identifying specific ultrastructural features in leukemic cells.
• Highlights a novel method for observing cytoplasmic fibrillar bodies, potentially aiding in leukemia diagnosis and research.
• Suggests that standard cytological preparations may miss important cellular details visible with specialized microscopy.