Production of Cytoplasmic Azurophilic Inclusions in Connective Tissue Cells by Suspending Agents.

Abstract

Evidence is presented that sodium carboxymethylcellulose, a component of the suspending agents used in cortisone acetate (Merck) produces azurophilic inclusions in the cytoplasm of fibro-blasts of loose connective tissue. Azurophilic inclusions were so named because they stain with the azure component of the polychrome dyes used (May-Grunwald-Giemsa). Similar alterations occurred in fibroblasts when given pectin. Admn. of cortisone acetate in conjunction with the suspending agents tends to increase the number of affected fibroblasts in areas remote from the site of injn. The number of azurophilic inclusions in each fibroblast and their persistence for many days following a single injn. suggests that the function of this cell may be altered.