Which characteristic is commonly found in toxic neutrophils?

Which characteristic is commonly found in toxic neutrophils?

• A. Vacuolated cytoplasm
• B. Howell-Jolly bodies
• C. Dohle bodies
• D. Basophilic cytoplasm

Answer: (C)

When neutrophils show toxic changes, one hallmark feature is the presence of Dohle bodies. These are pale blue–gray, oval inclusions in the cytoplasm near the cell edge, representing aggregates of rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. They indicate accelerated neutrophil production and maturation in response to severe infection or inflammation. While cytoplasmic vacuolization can also occur in toxic neutrophils, Dohle bodies are the most characteristic and frequently observed finding. Howell-Jolly bodies are nuclear remnants seen in other conditions (like asplenia or certain anemias), and basophilic cytoplasm is not specific to toxic changes. Therefore, Dohle bodies best explain the expected feature.

When neutrophils show toxic changes, one hallmark feature is the presence of Dohle bodies. These are pale blue–gray, oval inclusions in the cytoplasm near the cell edge, representing aggregates of rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. They indicate accelerated neutrophil production and maturation in response to severe infection or inflammation. While cytoplasmic vacuolization can also occur in toxic neutrophils, Dohle bodies are the most characteristic and frequently observed finding. Howell-Jolly bodies are nuclear remnants seen in other conditions (like asplenia or certain anemias), and basophilic cytoplasm is not specific to toxic changes. Therefore, Dohle bodies best explain the expected feature.