The Volume Distribution of Human Lymphocytes ∗

Summary

Human lymphocytes were separated on glass bead columns and measured electronically for cell volume distribution. Cells from healthy subjects have a modal volume of about 250 μ³, and a mean cell volume around 250 μ³. Skewness of the right limb of the volume distribution curve suggests a second population of large cells. Acute lymphocytic leukemia patients in relapse demonstrate true bimodality, while those in remission do not. Data are presented to suggest that lymphocytes which appear to be large on stained slide preparations may be merely more distensible cells of average volume.