Chromosomes of leukocytes. The problem of human individuality.

The technique of chromosome analysis of human leukocytes after short periods of culture in vitro gives promise in several areas of basic biology and medicine. Information is being accumulated on the possibility that stem-line cells in the circulation can assume hemopoietic function. A large number of congenital diseases are being described in terms of chromosomal aberrations. Human blood cells are found to be useful in the study of radiation, air pollution and drug injuries. It is possible that this method may also be helpful in evaluating various cancer therapeutic measures. Basic information is needed to assemble tables of constants regarding variation in the range of modal chromosome numbers (aneuploidy), as well as the occurrence of polyploidy and injury in presumably healthy persons.