Effects of Synthetic Detergents and Other Agents on Eosinophils in the Formation of Charcot-Leyden Crystals

ECENTLY,’ the senior author reported a method by which Charcot-Leyden crystals could be formed rapidly and constantly from eosinophils with a detergent and wetting agent, dihexyl sodium sulfosuccinate, (Aerosol MA). It was found that crystals could be formed in the buffy coat of per cent of 100 routine hospital admissions within twenty-four hours by this technic. Using the Aerosol MA technic in cases with marked eosinophilia, large numbers of CharcotLeyden crystals may be formed within a few seconds. The present knowledge of Charcot-Leyden crystals is limited, although they have been the subject of intensive study for a period of nearly one hundred years. The paucity of available information concerning these crystals may be illustrated by the following statements from the literature: Gunn,2 and CharcotLeyden crystals, the nature and origin of which are unknown.” Todd and Sanford,3 “Their exact nature is unknown. Their formation seems to be connected in some way with the presence of eosinophilic cells.” Ringoen,4 “The precise relationship of eosinophils to Charcot-Leyden crystals is largely undetermined. The evidence seems to indicate, however, that the latter are the product of the former.” (McDonald and Shaw’). Neumann#{176} regards the crystals as a coagulation product of eosinophils. Liebreich7 believes they represent crystallization products. Parker9 states: “They are derived from the disintegration of eosinophils, are associated with bronchial asthma and may be seen embedded in Curschmann’s spirals.” Experiments were carried out to characterize further certain aspects of the formation and nature of Charcot-Leyden crystals. The problem was attacked from the following standpoints: (i) Effects of synthetic detergents and other agents on eosinophils in the formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals. (2.) Crystallography of Charcot-Leyden crystals; studies with the polarizing microscope. ( ) Studies with the phase microscope on formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals in Aerosol MA-eosinophil preparations. (4) Staining reactions of Charcot-Leyden crystals. ( ) The staining reaction of eosinophil granules with sudan black B in Aerosol MA-cosinophil preparations during formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals. (6) Solubilities of Charcot-Leyden crystals.