BACKGROUND: Demonstration of sex chromatin forms an important aspect of human genetics. It also establishes the interrelationship between sex chromatin and an inactive X-chromosome. The term "sex chromatin" in blood refers to the "Drumsticks of polymorphonuclear leukocytes" or "Davidson's bodies". OBJECTIVE: This correlative study evaluates the presence of these drumsticks quantitatively and also highlights the concept of blood chimaerism in humans. METHOD: Leishman-stained peripheral blood smears from 60 individuals (30 males and 30 females) were obtained and studied under bright-field microscope (40X) for presence of Drumstick appendages. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: On comparing mean numbers of Davidson's bodies in females and males, an extremely significant correlation (P < 0.0001) was seen. Hence, it could be surmised that the presence of appendages in neutrophils (Drumstick bodies) can be useful in gender differentiation.
BACKGROUND: Demonstration of sex chromatin forms an important aspect of human genetics. It also establishes the interrelationship between sex chromatin and an inactive X-chromosome. The term "sex chromatin" in blood refers to the "Drumsticks of polymorphonuclear leukocytes" or "Davidson's bodies". OBJECTIVE: This correlative study evaluates the presence of these drumsticks quantitatively and also highlights the concept of blood chimaerism in humans. METHOD: Leishman-stained peripheral blood smears from 60 individuals (30 males and 30 females) were obtained and studied under bright-field microscope (40X) for presence of Drumstick appendages. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: On comparing mean numbers of Davidson's bodies in females and males, an extremely significant correlation (P < 0.0001) was seen. Hence, it could be surmised that the presence of appendages in neutrophils (Drumstick bodies) can be useful in gender differentiation.