IXFLAMMATIOX AND LKI'COCVTE RKSrONSE 63 



by the pale nucleus without chromatin, tlie nucleoli and the width 

 of the nucleus. 'Stab' cells are older, and consequently stain more 

 deeply, have no nucleoli, show dense chromatin structure, and have 

 a fairly narrow nucleus. "When any reasonable doubt exists as to 

 whether a cell has reached the 'stab' stage or is still a juvenile, 

 Schilling suggests that it be called a 'stab.' 



" 'Stab' or Band or Kod Nuclear NEUTRorriiLic Cells. — The 

 term 'stab' is a German word wliich refers to the ability of the 

 rod-shaped nucleus to become bent or twisted. Since there is no 

 liandy English equivalent, the German term has been retained. 

 Numerous synonyms are found in the literature; such as, 'staff 

 cells,' 'rod nuclears,' 'nonfilamentous forms,' 'band cells,' etc. 

 'Stab' cells are neutrophilic cells and are found in the normal cir- 

 culating blood in the percentage of 3 to 5. The cytoplasm is pink 

 or lavender. The nucleus is a definite flexible rod, which may be 

 bent in smearing, so tliat it takes the form of the letters S, T, V, V, 

 or ir. It does not show segmentation, although degeneration forms 

 in which the nucleus is vacuolated or fringed may occur. Any cell 

 which shows even slight segmentation is not considered a 'stab' 

 cell. The niicleus contains definite chromatin structure, which 

 must not be mistaken for nucleoli. It stains more intensely than 

 the nucleus of the juvenile cell, and is slightly narrower. It does 

 not contain nucleoli. 



"The granules are usually distinct, very fine, purple-staining 

 stippling, distributed less regularly than the granules of the eosino- 

 philes, but more regularly than those of the basophiles. Under 

 conditions of severe infections, they are very coarse and clumped. 

 If there is any reasonable doubt as to whether a cell is a 'stab' or 

 a segmented form. Schilling suggests that it be called a segmented 

 cell. The nucleus of the stab may undergo changes due to mechan- 

 ical pressure in smearing. Unusual forms are to be looked for 

 and recognized. 



"It is important to remember, too, that there are degenerative 

 forms of the stab cells. The degenerative forms show small band 

 forms of nuclei, irregular, hyperchromatic, pyknotic, and structure- 

 less. They are easily broken up in making the preparation. There 

 is tendency toward vacuolization and diminished resistance 

 are a result of a toxic element or infection. /^ 



\wS, 



