116 The Lymphocyte and Lymphocytic Tissue 



this change in mass. 7 Similar but less striking changes are observed in other 

 lymphatic organs (Peyer's patches, etc.). 



The blood lymphocytes of adrenalectomized animals tend to undergo 

 changes similar to those found in the lymph nodes. 8 In stressed adrenal- 

 ectomized animals this increase in cellular size (Fig. 9-11) and change in 

 staining capacity ol cytoplasm of blood lymphocytes occurs more rapidly. 8 

 Immediately following adrenalectomy, there is a decrease in the number of 

 blood lymphocytes, followed by reconstitution to normal levels at about one 

 hour, and by four hours in the adrenalectomized mouse, the characteristic 

 cellular changes appear. !l There is an increase in the size of the nucleus as 

 well as a marked increase in the amount of the cytoplasm 8 which has a 

 hyaline appearance (Figs. 9-8, 9-11). It is apparent from numerous studies 

 (both experimental and clinical) that mean blood lymphocyte size reflects 

 the amount of Cortisol in the blood which is acting on the cells. 10 - n These 

 cells, which have been called "stress" cells. 8 are characteristically found in 

 adrenalectomized animals and in cases of human adrenal insufficiency. 11 

 Stress lymphocytes have been shown to be more resistant to the cytorrnectic 

 effect of Cortisol than the lymphocytes of similar mean diameter in a state of 

 eucorticism. 10 



THE EFFECTS OF ADRENAL CORTICAL HORMONES 

 ON LYMPHOCYTES 



Reduction of lymphatic tissue weight by adrenocortical hormones is ac- 

 complished by a destruction of lymphocytes (lymphocytokaryorrhexis) by 

 inhibiting the mitosis of lymphocytes, and under conditions of prolonged 

 hyperadrenocortical hormone concentration, Cortisol inhibits differentiation 

 from immature cells (heteroplasia). 6 



The lymphocytokaryorrhexis begins by a shedding or budding off of 

 cytoplasm (Fig. 9-9). This is most marked in medium-sized mature lympho- 

 cytes in both the lymphatic organs and in the blood. 6, ,L> This shedding of 

 cytoplasm is remarkable and has been photographed by time-lapse cine- 

 matography in our laboratory. 13 The buds come off by cytoplasmic rounding 



Fig. 9-8. Normal lymphocytes of CBA mouse. May-Gri'mwald-Giemsa stain (x 950) 



Fig. 9-9. Budding lymphocyte of CBA mouse following Cortisol treatment (0.1 mg. 

 i. p.). May-Griinwald-Giemsa stain. (X 950) 



Fig. 9-10. Lymphocyte of CBA mouse following large Cortisol dose (1 mg. i. p.). May- 

 Griinwald-Giemsa stain, (x 1500) 



Fig. 9-1 I. Lymphocytes and eosinophile of adrenalectomized CBA mouse. Note marked 

 increase in amount ol lymphocytic cytoplasm. May-Grunwald-Giemsa stain, (x 950) 



Fig. 9-12. Chronic Cortisol treatment of CBA mouse (1 mg. da\ lor !) days). Note uni- 

 formity ol pyknotic lymphocytes. Hematoxylin-eosin stain. (X 650) 



Fig. 9-13. Same as Fig. 9-12 21 hours alter last injection. Note increase in cytoplasm of 

 small cells and large number of reticular lymphocytes. Hematoxylin-eosin stain, (x 650) 



