Cytochemical and electron microscopic research on the peripheral blood leukocytes and skin fibroblasts in mucopolysaccharidoses

Cytochemical studies of the peripheral blood leucocytes in patients suffering from mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) have revealed metachromatic granules in the cell cytoplasm. Electron microscopy of these cells has shown multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles. It is supposed that metachromatic granules in blood leucocytes of patients with MPS observed in the photo-optical studies correspond to the vacuoles found under electron microscope. The obtained data have shown that peripheral blood leucocytes and skin fibroblasts have the common ultrastructure in MPS patients. The data of electron histochemical studies testify to that the vacuoles of skin fibroblasts are filled with glycosaminoglycans.