Composition and structure of cytoplasmic globules in leukemic lymphocytes.

By JOHN LASZLO, HERBERT J. GERBER AND JOACHIM R. SOMMER T HE PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER is to describe certain similarities between globules observed in leukemic lymphocytes and globules in plasma cells referred to as Russell bodies. Demonstration of structural and chemical identity of these globules would further strengthen the concept of a transitional pathway between lymphocytes and plasma cells.’ Indeed, if normal lymphocytes can differentiate into plasma cells, then transitional stages might be anticipated during malignant lymphocytic proliferation. In the following report, an instance of subacute lymphocytic leukemia is described in which many of the lymphocytes contained cytoplasmic globules. The structure and composition of these globules is described.