Critique of the Concept of the "Pre-L.E." Cell

1. Cells with morphologic features apparently identical with the so-called pre-L.E. cell were demonstrated in L.E. preparations in healthy subjects and in individuals suffering from diverse cutaneous and visceral disorders, as well as in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

2. These cells appear to be decomposition forms without diagnostic significance, resulting from nonspecific autolytic process that sets in and progresses in the course of setting up the L.E. preparation.