Spindle Cells
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Spindle cells, first described by Recklinghausen in frog blood and later found in reptiles and birds, are blood elements corresponding to mammalian thrombocytes. They are distinguished by their distinct nucleus and are sometimes called nuclear thrombocytes.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
SPINDLE CELLS (Recklinghausen's spindle cells), first described by Recklinghausen in the blood of frogs and later discovered in the blood of reptiles and birds, represent formed elements of the blood corresponding to thrombocytes (blood plates or Bizzozero plates, see Bizzozero plates) of mammals. Their characteristic difference from these elements lies in the presence of a distinct nucleus, which is why they are sometimes called nuclear thrombocytes. They are 1/3 to 1/5 smaller than the corresponding erythrocytes, have an oval shape with pointed ends, contain a large oval nucleus, homogeneous protoplasm, and in released blood they clump together, at which point their protoplasm disintegrates, forming a center of fibrin secretion. The question of their hemoglobin content is disputed. The origin of spindle cells remains unexplained.
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“Spindle Cells.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/spindle-cells/