Neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leucocytes in obese children. Studies by Sudan Black B and electron microscope

In 378 obese and 35 control children, a patho-histometric study was performed regarding the relation of the morphology of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leucocytes(PMNL) to obesity. Sudan Black B staining studies were undertaken to compare the change in PMNL in obese and nonobese childhood groups. The size and density of the cytoplasm of the PMNL were greater in the obese group. The average diameter of PMNL was 14.2 +/- 0.1 micra in the obese group and 13.6 +/- 0.2 in the control group. The electron microscopic feature of PMNL in the obese group included an increase in the number of the specific granules with diameter of 0.1 to 0.2 micron. These PMNL in obesity may be correlated with changes in the serum or hepatic lipid levels. An elevation of cholesterol, triglyceride, and beta-lipoprotein in the serum was found in obese children. The hepatic function was abnormal only in advanced degree of obesity.