Neutrophil Segmentation and Radial Segmentation

Abstract

The oxalate‐induced nuclear hypersegmentation in neutrophils may be recorded by counting the segments. In heparinized blood, the number of segments remains fairly constant during incubation at 37° C. for at least 6 hours. Temperature depression and demecolcine decrease the number of segments recorded. Under identical experimental conditions, the formation of radial‐segmented (RS) nuclei in mononucleated blood cells is promoted by incubation at room temperature and inhibited by treatment with demecolcine. Cold (+4° C.) and demecolcine at room temperature induce segmental clumping in the nuclei of neutrophils. The possible role of cytoplasmic microtubules in neutrophil segmentation is discussed.