Hairy cells and macrophages: a comparative study
Palutke, M.; Weise, R.W.; Tabaczka, P.; Varadachari, C.; Axelrod, A.
Laboratory Investigation; a Journal of Technical Methods and Pathology 39(3): 267-280
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6837 PMID: 568692 Document Number: 128124
Leighton tube cultures of peripheral blood leukocytes and splenic cell suspensions of 11 patients with hairy cell leukemia (leukemic reticuloendotheliosis) were utilized to compare characteristics of hairy cells and macrophages. Light and electron microscopy, both transmission and scanning, as well as cytochemical studies demonstrated several striking similarities to macrophages. They included phagocytosis of red cells, platelets, cellular debris, and latex particles, adherence to glass with development of long pseudopodia and cytoplasmic granules, alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase activity and diffuse and granular periodic acid-Schiff positivity.