On the phagocytic inclusion of carmine particles by sarcoma cells growing in vitro with consequent staining of the cell granules

Abstract

The cells of rat and mouse sarcomata when cultivated in vitro show active amœboid movements and wander for considerable distances into the surrounding plasma. Upon adding finely powdered carmine particles to the plasma medium the wandering tumor cells take up the particles in an active phagocytic manner. The carmine particles within the cells are easily distinguishable by their opacity and angularity. The carmine is partially dissolved within the cell and brings into evidence the granules of the cytoplasm. These granules are round, of very constant size and are stained pink by the carmine. They occupy the entire cytoplasm. By means of Altmann's fixative and stain exactly similar granular pictures are obtained.