Nuclear segmentation, condensation and bilateral symmetry in polymorphonuclear leukocytes reflect genomic order and favor immunologic function.

Segmentation, condensation and bilateral symmetry of the nuclei of polymorphonuclear leukocytes seem related to their function. Segmentation of the nuclei into two or more lobes and their condensation facilitate their passage (diapedesis) through the endothelial layer of blood vessels to the extravasal space and subsequent locomotion through the interstitial compartment of different tissues. Bilateral symmetry of these nuclei along with their association to the cytoskeletal fibers contribute to their efficiency in locomotion by alignment of the axis of nuclear symmetry to the axis of cellular polarity, which orients towards the direction of locomotion in response to cytokines and other stimuli. Observations of the cytogenetic facets of intranuclear order support these assumptions.