The correct spelling of "Mott cell" is often a matter of confusion due to its pronunciation. The word is pronounced as /mɑt sel/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The word refers to a type of white blood cell found in the urine of those with renal disease. The origin of the name comes from the pathologist Frank Mott, who first described this cell in 1898. Despite its spelling being debated, the phonetics of the word remain constant.
A Mott cell is a type of abnormal cell found in the urine of individuals with certain kidney conditions, particularly those associated with glomerulonephritis. It is named after the British physician Joeseph Mott, who first described this cell type in 1923.
Mott cells are large, irregularly shaped cells that can be identified through microscopic examination of urine samples. They are characterized by their abundant, eosinophilic cytoplasm, which appears granular or vacuolated. The nucleus of a Mott cell is often large and eccentrically located, displaying irregular contours.
The presence of Mott cells in the urine is associated with certain underlying diseases, such as lupus nephritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, and other autoimmune diseases. Mott cells are believed to derive from plasma cells, which are specialized white blood cells involved in the synthesis of antibodies. It is thought that the presence of Mott cells in the urine indicates an immune response and inflammation in the kidneys.
The identification of Mott cells in urine samples is significant for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of kidney diseases. Their presence may suggest ongoing immune-mediated damage to the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys. Analysis of Mott cells, along with other diagnostic tests, can help healthcare professionals in evaluating the severity and determining the appropriate treatment for the underlying kidney condition.
The term "Mott cell" is named after its discoverer, Dr. Frederick Mott, an English pathologist. He identified and described these peculiar cells in 1901 while examining bone marrow samples from patients with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. Hence, the word "Mott cell" originated from Dr. Mott's name and his contribution to the field of pathology.