STUDIES ON CHARCOT-LEYDEN CRYSTALS

Abstract

1. Synthetic detergents of the anionic, cationic and nonionic types result in the rapid and constant formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals from eosinophils. 2. Charcot-Leyden crystals have a negative crystalline birefringence and form penetration twins. 3. The changes taking place in the eosinophil in the formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals under the influence of wetting agents, utilizing phase and polarizing microscopy, are described. 4. In the formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals with wetting agents, the nucleus of the eosinophil lyses with no appreciable effect on the granules. 5. In the formation of Charcot-Leyden crystals with a wetting agent, there is no change in the lipoid cortex of the eosinophil as demonstrated by staining with sudan black B. 6. Charcot-Leyden crystals undergo changes on standing that affect their solubilities. 7. The staining reactions and solubilities of Charcot-Leyden crystals are described. 8. Oxyhemoglobin crystals constantly form from red cells on exposure to Aerosol MA; on two occasions, tyrosine crystals formed from the blood of a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia. 9. Evidence is offered that Charcot-Leyden crystals are crystalline proteins derived only from the nucleus of the eosinophil.