Abstract
The cytopathological changes produced in lymphocytes by various noxious agents applied in vitro were studied under the electron microscope.Four different lesions were found: (1) the ‘anoxic’ lesion, produced by anoxia or cyanide, characterized by gross watery swelling of all the cytoplasmic components and internal breakdown of the nucleus; (2) the lesion produced by SH poisons, characterized by swelling of the cytoplasmic matrix and destruction of the cell and nuclear membranes; (3) the ‘lytic’ lesion, produced by tear gases and chloroform, characterized by rapid onset of cytoplasmic lysis, and (4) the ‘radiomimetic’ lesion, produced by X‐rays, cortisone, mitotic poisons, barbiturates, and glucose deprivation, in which the most striking feature was an increased number of ribosomes.The results suggest that radiation, cortisone, mitotic poisons and barbiturates kill lymphocytes by interfering with the uptake or early metabolism of glucose by the cells.