Composition and Structure of Cytoplasmic Globules in Leukemic Lymphocytes

Abstract

Abstract Lymphocytes from a patient with lymphocytic leukemia were found to contain cytoplasmic globules. The globules varied in size, the largest appearing identical to Russell bodies. Histochemical staining was used to demonstrate the glycoprotein composition of these bodies. Electron microscopy revealed this material to be within dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. It is proposed that these globules are abnormal accumulations of glycoprotein which represent stages in the evolution of "Russell bodies." The generic description of these cytoplasmic globules would seem to be preferable to the continued use of eponyms.