Atypical cells in sputum from cases of the common cold with severe cough

Abstract

Atypical cells in sputum from 10 cases of the common cold with severe cough were analyzed. These cases were found out of 2840 sputum specimens procedured in Saccomanno's cell concentration method modified by Sato. These cells were seemingly misinterpreted as malignant, but they were not seen after remission of the symptom. The further observation suggested their origin of the degenerated bronchial columnar epithelial cells. Respiratory infection is thought to accelarate the degeneration and desquamation of the bronchial colmnar epithelial cells.