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Abstract:
Cells resembling the smaller variants of the Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells of measles were observed in the pulmonary alveolar capillaries in a high percentage of primates and humans apparently free from pathological changes associated with measles. Cells resembling megakaryocytes were found also in the liver and spleen in both groups but only in a small minority of cases. The relative appearances and distribution of these two types of cells pointed to their both being circulating megakaryocytes, the majority being filtered off in the pulmonary alveolar capillaries, where they become compressed. The paucity of these cells in other tissues is a reflection of the small number of megakaryocytes capable of passing along the alveolar capillaries. The presence of these cells in the lungs and to a lesser extent elsewhere appears to be a frequent occurrence in both diseased and healthy subjects and the factors involved in their appearance are discussed.
Insights
Circulating megakaryocytes, resembling Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells, are frequently found in pulmonary capillaries of humans and primates. Their presence in lungs suggests a normal physiological filtering process, not necessarily measles infection.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pulmonary Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells are characteristic of measles but can appear in other conditions.
- Megakaryocytes are large bone marrow cells responsible for platelet production.
- The presence and distribution of circulating cells can indicate physiological or pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and prevalence of cells resembling Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells in pulmonary capillaries.
- To determine if these cells are related to megakaryocytes and their circulation.
- To understand the implications of these cell findings in both healthy and diseased subjects.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of lung, liver, and spleen tissues from primates and humans.
- Comparative analysis of cell morphology and distribution.
- Correlation of findings with the absence of pathological changes associated with measles.
Main Results:
- Cells resembling Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells were frequently observed in pulmonary alveolar capillaries.
- Cells resembling megakaryocytes were found less frequently in the liver and spleen.
- The findings suggest these are circulating megakaryocytes, primarily filtered and compressed in the lungs.
Conclusions:
- The presence of megakaryocytes in pulmonary capillaries appears to be a common physiological event.
- Pulmonary capillaries act as a significant filtering site for circulating megakaryocytes.
- These findings are relevant to understanding cell trafficking and do not solely indicate measles infection.