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Marrow mast cell hyperplasia in hairy cell leukemia
W R Macon1, M C Kinney, A D Glick
1Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
Summary
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) patients show significantly higher mast cell counts in bone marrow compared to healthy controls. This suggests a potential interaction between mast cells and hairy cells, though its significance remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells are often increased in chronic B-lymphoproliferative disorders.
- Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a type of chronic B-lymphoproliferative disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify mast cell numbers in the bone marrow and spleens of HCL patients.
- To compare mast cell levels in HCL patients with normal controls.
- To investigate potential interactions between mast cells and hairy cells.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow biopsies and splenic sections from 34 HCL patients and 38 controls were stained with toluidine blue.
- Mast cells were counted per high magnification field (HMF).
- Electron microscopy was used to examine mast cell substructure and cell surface interactions.
Main Results:
- HCL bone marrows averaged 12.7 mast cells/HMF, significantly higher than controls (1.1 mast cells/HMF).
- 88% of HCL cases had >= 2 mast cells/HMF, versus 14% of controls.
- Splenic mast cell counts were similar in HCL patients and controls (< 1 mast cell/HMF).
- Electron microscopy revealed filopodia on mast cells contacting hairy cells.
Conclusions:
- Most HCL bone marrows exhibit mast cell hyperplasia, unlike spleens.
- A potential biologic interaction exists between mast cells and hairy cells in HCL.
- Marrow mast cell hyperplasia in HCL may contribute to the increased reticulin fiber network.