Hairy Cell Leukemia (‘Leukemic Reticuloendotheliosis’), Reticulosarcoma, and Monocytic Leukemia

Abstract

Cytochemical and electron-microscopic studies have been carried out on leukemic monocytes and ‘hairy cells’ (HC), ‘reticulosarcoma’ (RS) cells and cells of cases of ‘reticulosis’ and ‘reticulosarcoma cell leukemia’. Additional investigations included quantitative determinations of the urinary lysozyme excretion, skin window studies, testing of the phagocytosis of ferritin by HC, and labelling of the Fc receptors on HC at the ultrastructural level. Clear evidences against any cytological relationship among leukemic HC and monocytes have been provided. Further results argued also against the frequently stressed relationship among leukemic monocytes and RS cells. Cases of ‘RS cell leukemia’ and ‘reticulosis’ had to be reclassified as lymphosarcoma cell leukemia, acute lymphatic, and myeloblastic leukemias. Besides distinct ultrastructural differences among HC, RS cells, and lymphocytes, mainly gradual differences have been noted using cytochemical methods and by evaluating the phagocytosis of ferritin particles. A further common trait of HC, RS cells, and B lymphocytes seems to be the presence of surface Fc receptors. A more precise classification instead of the diagnosis ‘reticulosarcoma’ and ‘reticulosarcoma cell leukemia’ is required, and the use of the term ‘hairy cell’ leukemia is suggested instead of the misleading term ‘leukemic reticuloendotheliosis’.

Cytochemical and Immunocytochemical Characterization of Yoshida Ascites Sarcoma Cells

“…The enzyme reactions tested by us are also in agreement because the extensive cellular stain for ANAE and ANBE activity results in a staining pattern resembling that of an exu date of peritoneal phagocytes. Similar results have been obtained by Catovsky and O'Brien [16] in monocytic leukemia, Schmalz et al [ 17] in hairy cell leukemia and Horousseau et al [18] in the leukemic phase of malignant histiocytosis.…”

Hairy Cell Leukemia Involving an Inguinal Hernial Sac

“…Knecht et al [16], in a report of central nervous system infiltration by hairy cells following lymphocytic meningitis, pro posed that hairy-cell infiltration was a sequela of pre vious meningeal inflammatory disease. Hairy cells have also been present, although infrequent, in Re buck skin-window preparations, suggesting a re sponse to chemotactic factors [17,18]. However, no evidence of chemotaxis was found in one study using the Boyden chamber [10], Lymphatic congestion of the sac could also have contributed to a localized con centration of hairy cells.…”

Hairy Cell Leukaemia: Seven Cases with Probable B‐Lymphocytic Origin

“…Glass coverslips contained in the tubes were removed, washed, stained and examined for adherence. Latex particle phagocytosis was measured as previously described (Smith et al, 1977). Erythrophagocytosis was assessed after sensitization of human group A Rh positive red cells with a 1:4 dilution of commercial anti-A or anti-D (Spectra, Oxnard, California) antiserum, as described by Zipursky & Brown (1974).…”