Neutrophil Segmentation and Radial Segmentation

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.