Nucleated thrombocytoid cells

Abstract

The so-called nucleated thrombocytes of the domestic fowl (and mallard) were analyzed intravitally by use of phase- and interference-contrast microscopy with regard to their morphology and functional state, and in comparison to other avian blood cells and mammalian blood platelets. Since nucleated thrombocytoid cells of birds do not differ in size from white blood cells, they are automatically included in differential cell counts. They can easily be confused with other white blood cells and even with erythrocyte ghosts, which also appear to be hemostatically active elements. However, the nucleated thrombocytoid cells displayed a characteristic, definite morphology. The platelet-like spreading process and elongation of aging cells in vitro to spindle forms deserve special attention. A technique of counting live avian blood cells was used to determine their values in chickens of different sexes and ages.

Thrombocyte morphology and morphometric observations in two vulture species

“…The little basic hematologic information that is available for avian species is derived largely from studies on a few domesticated birds, mainly the chicken 1–5 . Although birds may be similar in many respects, species‐specific differences are also likely to be found 6 .…”

CD41+ extracellular vesicles produced by avian thrombocytes contain microRNAs

“…The chicken is an animal whose genome sequence database has been established for this purpose. The existence of oval-shaped thrombocytes was reported previously (Janzarik, 1981), and the cd41 gene was also registered in the database. Fertilized chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) eggs were purchased from commercial breeders and incubated at 37 C in a humidified chamber, and embryos were harvested at the appropriate time.…”