Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to E M Wood.
Variations in centromeric staining of chromosome 19 appear to be an uncommon polymorphism inherited in a Mendelian manner and easily seen in G-banded cells. It should not be misinterpreted as a structural cytogenetic abnormality.
The present investigation is concerned with the use of the post-formalin ammoniacal silver reaction to detect the arginine-rich cationic proteins in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes at the ultrastructural level. These proteins appear to function as neutral proteases in antibacterial action and as mediators of inflammation. Originally, the ammoniacal silver reaction relied upon primary fixation in dilute formalin which prevented optimum fixation of tissues. This study shows that by using the proper sequence of glutaraldehyde fixation and the ammoniacal silver solution in conjunction with osmium tetroxide treatment, better fixation of the tissue and localization of the ammoniacal silver reaction can be achieved. Also, the ammoniacal silver reaction in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes is exclusively located in the large, crystalline cytoplasmic granules of eosiniphils. All other cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils were found to be devoid of the ammoniacal silver reaction product. These results are contrary to previously published experimental data. Possible explanations for this discrepancy are discussed.
Confirmation of cytogenetically abnormal fetuses following saline abortion has been shown to be possible with the placenta as the source of viable fetal cells. The method is described in detail. In one third of cultures, only female cells were present. Differentiation between maternal and female fetal tissue when no numerical or structural cytogenetic disorder is present requires detailed analysis of fluorescently stained chromosomes for polymorphisms.