Transformation of Lymphocytes in Cultures of Human Peripheral Blood

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Abstract
Previous tracer studies have demonstrated the lymphocytic origin of proliferating cells in blood cultures. Detailed morphologic observations are reported on the transformation of small lymphocytes into larger cells capable of division in tissue culture of human peripheral blood. The large cells have ample cytoplasm with multivesicular bodies, well-developed Golgi apparatus, scanty endoplasmic reticulum, ample ribosomes, and variable fat-laden vacuoles as well as peculiar granular inclusions, large and occasionally bizarre nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Under the condition of culture no further differentiation of these cells has occurred. The potentialities of the small lymphocyte are discussed in the light of recent radiobiologic and cytogenetic investigations.