P1-neutrophils



	S1C11P1-1:The pattern is that of a neutrophilic collagenosis; the preponderant cell is a neutrophil, but histiocytes are also represented. These two cell types are the chief phagocytic cells of inflammation. In response to injury, neutrophils release digestive enzymes into the tissue. Cellular and non-cellular debris accumulate in the sites of injury. Histiocytes phagocytyze, and digest, the debris. In this field, some of the histiocytes have phagocytyzed cellular (nuclear) debris (green arrows); histiocytic cells containing the nuclear debris present cytologic features that have been characterized as “bean-bag” cells. In the area of damaged connective tissue, collagen bundles are widely spaced; some are fibrillated (a quality in which the bundles appear to be increased in number, but reduced in size). Some of the alterations in the connective tissue are a result of the effects of digestive enzymes; the enzymes have been released into the tissue by the neutrophils and histiocytes.


S1C11P1-2: Blue arrows identify neutrophils. Activated histiocytes are at the tips of green arrows. The yellow arrows identify dying histiocytes (karyolysis). The widened spaces among collagen bundles provide evidence of edema. The collagen bundles in areas of pallor have been partially digested; some are partially fibrillated.

S1C11P1-3: In this field, the preponderant cell is an activated histiocyte (green arrows). The vacuolated cytoplasm of some of these cells is a result of the formation of phagosomes. A blue-green arrow points to a histiocyte with a partially digested nuclear fragment in the cytoplasm (this round lavender structure has the tinctorial qualities of a so-called hematoxylin body). The cell at the tip of the red arrow is a neutrophil. Just below it, there is a eosinophil (bi-lobed nucleus).

S1C11P1-4: In this area of necrosis, connective tissue fibers have been digested. The partially preserved cells are degenerating histiocytes and neutrophils. Many of the cells show fragmented nuclei (leukocytoclasia).

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