Epithelial-Like Cells Containing Leucocytes (Nurse Cells) of Human Palatine Tonsils, Uterus Cervix and Pleural Fluid: An Advancement of Research

Abstract

Nurse cells (NCs) have been discovered in lymphoepithelial organs. NCs show neither phagocytic ability, nor alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and peroxidase cytochemical reactions. The goal was to test the hypothesis that NCs are found in tonsil epithelium (group 1), vaginal epithelium (2), and pleural fluid (3), as well as to determine the diagnostic value of palatine tonsil (PT) NCs in leukaemia. NCs were found in group 1 patients with leukaemia, group 2 patients with dysplasia and cancer, and group 3 patients with AIDS; NCs were not found in practically healthy patients (groups 1-3), cancer patients (groups 1, 3), and patients with various infections and inflammation diseases (group 1-3). NCs are atypical cells. The PT NCs can be used to detect leukaemia at an early stage.