ABSTRACT
The possible value of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of skin window preparations in the clinical situation has been investigated with reference to 48-hour macrophages in 26 patients with malignant lymphoma. The preparations were processed for SEM using critical point drying and sputter coating. Identification of macrophages was made with reference to light microscopy both of parallel preparations and of specimens already studied by SEM. Distinctive SEM appearances were present in most of the patients. Although many macrophages were similar to those from normal subjects, the majority showed a more variable morphology including the presence of ruffles and coarse ridge-like profiles. Highly significant differences were found on statistical analysis. It is suggested that immaturity of the 48-hour macrophages is present in some patients with malignant lymphoma (perhaps reflecting the macrophage dysfunction already described in these diseases). The findings indicate the potential clinical application for this technique.
Subject(s)
Hodgkin Disease/immunology , Lymphoma/immunology , Macrophages/ultrastructure , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Microvilli/ultrastructure , Middle Aged , Skin Window TechniqueABSTRACT
Pigment granules have been studied in macrophages of skin window preparations. These granules usually appeared blue with Romanowsky stains, and stained positively for melanin but negatively for iron. There were significantly more pigment granules per macrophage in sun-tanned individuals and in coloured subjects and in the latter, the granules were usually larger and darker. Presumably, the source of the melanin is damaged or degenerating pigment cells of the skin and reflects a normal in vivo phenomenon.
Subject(s)
Cytoplasmic Granules/analysis , Macrophages/ultrastructure , Melanins/analysis , Skin Window Technique , Adolescent , Adult , Black People , Cytoplasmic Granules/ultrastructure , Humans , Middle Aged , Staining and Labeling , White PeopleABSTRACT
Percutaneous aspiration needle biopsy forms a simple method of obtaining histological material from solitary peripheral lung lesions. A new method for separating and preparing the material for histological examination is described. The results in 50 cases are recorded with a positive diagnosis in 46. The number of symptomatic complications with this technique is low. The clinical place of the biopsy in management is discussed.
