A detailed study (phase contrast, bright field and electron microscopy) of the primitive leukemic cells from a patient with atypical myeloblastic leukemia has been presented. An unusual mucopolysaccharide-containing vacuole has been observed and characterized both morphologically and histochemically. In addition, this study has yielded considerable information concerning the structure and chemical composition of the fibrillar formations, fat droplets and the alterations in erythrocytes following their ingestion by the leukemic cells. Intramitochondrial structural alterations have been observed and characterized in many of the primitive myeloblasts. Changes in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum may reflect impaired or altered metabolism in these abnormal leukemic cells.

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© 1960 by American Society of Hematology, Inc.
1960
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