[Cytochemical activity of cells of the lymphocytic-macrophageal system in patients with chronic acquired toxoplasmosis]

The peripheral blood lymphocytic activities of acid phosphatase (AP) and acid nonspecific esterase (ANE) (alpha-naphthylacetate esterase) were determined in 45 patients with chronic acquired toxoplasmosis on an exacerbation. There was a considerable increase in the activity of AP in the white blood cells, which being more pronounced in the monocytes. The activity of ANE was moderately enhanced in the lymphocytes. The determination of the leukocytic activities of AP and ANE may be used as additional tests in the diagnosis of an exacerbation of chronic acquired toxoplasmosis and in the evaluation of the efficiency of the treatment performed.

Histologic characteristics and local cellular immunity of the gland of the third eyelid after topical ophthalmic administration of 2% cyclosporine for treatment of dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of topical administration of a 2% solution of cyclosporine (CsA) for treatment of dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and to correlate results with histopathologic characteristics and local cellular immunity of the gland of the third eyelid.

ANIMALS

24 dogs with bilateral KCS.

PROCEDURE

Lacrimal secretion was measured, using Schirmer tear test (STT) strips. Leukocyte and T-lymphocyte subsets were determined in blood samples. Histopathologic changes as well as CD4+, CD8+, and alpha-naphthyl-acetate esterase-positive (ANAE+) lymphocytes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Clinical signs resolved at the end of 1 month in conjunction with significantly increased STT values, compared with baseline values. Fifteen and 30 days after discontinuation of CsA treatment, a decrease was observed in STT values in both eyes; however, only values for the right eye were significantly different. There was a significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes and ANAE+ lymphocytes 15 and 30 days after discontinuation of CsA treatment, compared with baseline values. Differences were not observed in number of CD4+ lymphocytes among treatment groups. However, there was a significant decrease in number of CD8+ lymphocytes with reversal of the CD4+:CD8+ in both eyes after CsA treatment for 30 days, compared with the control group. Increased secretory activity and decreased lymphocyte infiltration were characteristic histopathologic findings.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Topical administration of a 2% solution of CsA was effective for the treatment of dogs with KCS. Strict follow-up monitoring is required after the cessation of treatment because of the possibility of recurrence of KCS.

Light and electron microscopic studies on alpha naphthyl acetate esterase activity of peripheral blood T lymphocytes in chicken

The purpose of this study was to determine the percentage of peripheral blood T lymphocytes and the localization of Alpha Naphthyl Acetate Esterase (ANAE) enzyme at the electron microscopic level in healthy adult chickens by an alpha naphthyl acetate esterase procedure. Peripheral blood samples taken from 30 adult Leghorn breed chickens were used. The percentage of ANAE positive lymphocytes was 56.4 +/- 2.82% (SD). Pseudoeosinophil and eosinophil granulocytes showed a granular positivity. In the electron microscopic examination, ANAE positive reactions were seen in lysosomal granules found in T lymphocytes, pseudoeosinophil, and eosinophil granulocytes.

Light and electron microscopic studies on alpha naphthyl acetate esterase activity of the peripheral blood T lymphocytes in van cats

The purpose of this study was to determine the percentage of peripheral blood T lymphocytes and the localization of ANAE enzyme at the electron microscopic level in Van cats by using an alpha-naphtyl acetate esterase procedure. Peripheral blood samples taken from 20 Van cats were used. The percentage of ANAE positive lymphocytes was 83.0%. Neutrophilic granulocytes gave a negative reaction, whereas monocytes, eosinophilic granulocytes showed a diffuse granular positivity. In the electron microscopic examination, ANAE positive reactions were seen in lysosomal granules found in lymphocytes.

Monocyte analysis in chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia

It is suggested that monocytes in patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) or chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) with monocytosis have morphological/functional abnormalities which cause inaccurate counting in automated analysers. In this study, monocytes in 21 normal and 14 CMML blood samples were subjected to morphological analysis and were counted by the manual reference method, three automated analysers and esterase staining. Morphological analysis showed no significant difference between control and CMML monocytes. The alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase scores, a measure of monocyte function, showed a reduction of 40% in CMML monocytes compared to controls. Counts by analysers showed that the Sysmex NE 8000 was the least accurate for CMML monocyte counts and that the Coulter STK-S and Sysmex SE 9000 gave results closer to the manually counted standards.

[Effect of acupuncture on immunologic function and histopathology of transplanted mammary cancer in mice]

This experiment mainly describes the effects of acupuncture on immunologic function and histopathology of transplanted mammary cancer in mice. The results were as follows: in acupuncture group, NK cell activity and T-lymphocyte positive rate of acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and lymphocyte transformation rate were all increased. Compared with the control group, there was a significant difference (P < 0.01). The difference was insignificant, when compared with normal group (P > 0.05). Comparing the pathology grading of acupuncture group with control group, it showed marked difference in pathological section (P < 0.01). Adenoid structure and the degree of lymphocytic infiltration also have marked difference between acupuncture and control group (P < 0.05). Less tumour volume in acupuncture than control group were observed (P < 0.01). This indicated that acupuncture might increase the immunologic function of transplanted mammary cancer in mice and inhibit the growth of mammary cancer and enhance both differentiation level of mammary cancer cells and lymphocytic infiltration. Possibly acupuncture mightt reduce the malignancy of mammary cancer cells.

Enhancement of fibrinolytic activity of human plasma in the presence of acetone

The fibrinolytic system was studied in normal human plasma containing increasing concentrations of acetone up to 23.4 mmol l-1. Fibrinolytic activity measured as euglobulin clot lysis time [ECLT] and amidase activities toward chromogenic peptide substrates H-D-Valyl-L-Leucyl-L-Lysine-p-nitroanilide 2 HCl [S-2251], designed for plasmin determination, H-D-Valyl-L-Phenylalanyl-L-Lysine-p-nitroanilide 2 HCl [S-2390], designed for the determination of t-PA in plasma via plasminogen activation and H-D-Prolyl-L-Phenyl-Alanyl-L-Arginine-p-nitro-anilide 2 HCl [S-2302], designed for the determination of kallikrein and activated Hageman factor, increased when 15.7 mmol l-1 concentration of acetone was reached. A parallel increase of esterolytic [substrate: naphthol-AS-acetate] activity was observed in euglobulin fractions. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis [CIE] revealed changes in fibrinogen profiles of plasma enriched with acetone as compared to native plasma. These findings suggest that acetone present in plasma in concentrations comparable to those found in some pathological states might activate fibrinolytic system.

Endotoxin-induced tissue factor in human monocytes is dependent upon protein kinase C activation

Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane receptor which, in association with factors VII and VIIa, activates factor IX and X, thereby activating the coagulation protease cascades. In response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) monocytes transcribe, synthesize and express TF on their surface. We investigated whether LPS-induced TF in human monocytes is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) activation. The PKC agonists phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate (PdBu) were both potent inducers of TF in human monocytes, whereas 4 alpha-12, 13 didecanoate (4 alpha-Pdd) had no such effect. Both LPS- and PMA-induced TF activity were inhibited, in a concentration dependent manner, by three different PKC inhibitors: H7, staurosporine and calphostin C. TF antigen determination confirmed that LPS-induced cell-surface TF protein levels decreased in parallel to TF functional activity under staurosporine treatment. Moreover, Northern blot analysis of total RNA from LPS- or PMA-stimulated monocytes showed a concentration-dependent decrease in TF mRNA levels in response to H7 and staurosporine. The decay rate of LPS-induced TF mRNA evaluated after the arrest of transcription by actinomycin D was not affected by the addition of staurosporine, suggesting that its inhibitory effect occurred at a transcriptional level. We conclude that LPS-induced production of TF and its mRNA by human monocytes are dependent on PKC activation.

[alpha-Naphthyl acetate esterase--a cytochemical marker of the T-helpers]

The authors analyze the correlation between the frequency of detection of alpha-naphthylacetate esterase in peripheral blood lymphocytes and T helper/inductor ratio determined by immunological methods from CD-4 MCAB expression. The results indicate that the counts of esterase-positive lymphocytes cytochemically detected by alpha-naphthylacetate esterase activity reliably correlated with T helper counts assessed by immunoperoxidase method with Technicon H-1 flow analyzer.

Morphological and biochemical characterization of Procambarus clarki blood cells

Morphological and cytochemical analysis of Procambarus clarki hemocytes demonstrated three cell types: hyaline, semigranular, and granular. Hyaline cells showed a higher nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio with few small electron-dense granules in the cytoplasm. Semigranular cells presented numerous round or oval eosinophilic granules (0.40-0.78 micron). Granular cell contained large eosinophilic granules (1.79-3.05 microns). Ultrastructurally, all cells showed microtubules near the borders, a poorly developed Golgi complex, and secretory-type electron-dense particles. No mitotic figures were seen. Cell monolayers showed three morphologically distinct cell types (composed of flattened and well-spread cells) depending on the presence and size of granules (hyaline, semigranular, and granular). No sex-related differences could be documented in cell features or proportions. Cytochemical studies showed that the three cell types were positive for acid phosphatase. Granular and semigranular cells were also positive for nonspecific esterase. Phenoloxidase activity was localized only in granular and semigranular hemocytes, and peroxidase activity was observed only in the granular hemocytes. These results may suggest that the semigranular and granular hemocytes participate in the prophenoloxidase system and also in phagocytic or cytotoxic function.

[Cytochemical evaluation of blast cells in acute myeloblastic leukemia after induction of their maturation in liquid culture--diagnostic usefulness]

We have performed the cytochemical analysis (myeloperoxidase, ASD-chloroacetate and acid alpha-naphthylacetate esterases, Sudan black B) of blast cells from 25 acute leukemia patients, after 3, 5 and 7 days of liquid culture with conditioned medium from phytohemagglutinin stimulated leukocytes (PHA-LCM). In case of acute myeloid leukemia blast cells an increase of percentage of positive cells simultaneously with the enhancement of the cytochemical reactions was observed. This method may be useful for the precise diagnosis of poorly differentiated blasts with weak expression of cytochemical phenotype.

[The cytochemical marking of lymphocyte subpopulations in determining the immunoreactivity status of children vaccinated with a live measles vaccine]

In 54 children aged 1.5-2 years, immunized with the same batch of live measles vaccine prepared from strain, the relative and absolute numbers of different lymphocyte subpopulations were determined in parallel by means of two cytochemical reactions: for acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase and acid phosphatase in their dynamics. According to the data obtained in these reactions, the determination of lymphocyte subpopulations by two cytochemical methods in the same blood sample yielded similar results indicating that immunization with attenuated measles virus strain induced a rise in the number or zero lymphocytes and was accompanied by the decrease of the immunoregulatory index (T-helper/T-suppressor ratio), most pronounced in children with a high level of antibody formation.

The cytochemical reaction of alpha-naphthyl-acetate esterase (ANAE) in peripheral blood lymphocytes of human cancer

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from neoplasic patients have been investigated by cytochemical analyses of alpha-naphthyl-acetate-esterase (ANAE), marker of both cellular types and differentiation, maturation stages in relation with immunobiologic background of cancer. Our studies employed 32 cancerous human patients and compared them to 13 healthy people used as controls. The cytoenzymatic analysis was performed on whole blood samples, mononuclear cell concentrates (PBL) and rosetted ET and E45 preparations. ANAE dot like reaction, marker for mature T lymphocytes, considered by some authors to be specific to T helper lymphocytes, is present in a reduced number of lymphocytes, markedly below the control values. ANAE dot like positive lymphocytes reached average values of 22.5% (12-30%) in peripheral blood samples, 22% (6-32%) in mononuclear cell concentrate (PBL) and 21.3% (12-30%) in rosetted ET preparations, respectively. Comparing the cytoenzymatic data to those immunologically obtained with rosetted ET, we found out that the average values of ANAE dot like reacted lymphocytes, i.e. 22% (22.9-24.3%) were much lower than those of ET lymphocytes rosetted with sheep red blood cells, i.e. 60% (32-75%). The percentage of ANAE dot like reacted lymphocytes was also lower than that of T helper lymphocytes (40.2%). Therefore, there is a dissociation between ET rosetting capacity and the expression of ANAE dot like enzymatic reaction, the latter being more reduced than the former. Our results indicate that the deficiency present in ANAE dot like reaction is due to a constant important decrease of ANAE dot like positive lymphocytes, what suggests a functional deficiency of T helper lymphocytes in neoplasic patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differential sodium fluoride sensitivity of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase in human, bovine, canine, and murine monocytes and lymphocytes

The sensitivity of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) activity of human, bovine, canine, and murine leukocytes to low (42 micrograms/ml incubation mixture) and high (1.5 mg/ml incubation mixture) concentrations of sodium fluoride (NaF) was compared. The ANAE activity of bovine and canine monocytes was only slightly inhibited by the low concentration of NaF, whereas that of murine peritoneal macrophages was moderately inhibited and that of human monocytes was completely inhibited. Human and canine monocytic ANAE was completely inhibited by the high concentration of NaF, whereas the ANAE activity in 1% of bovine monocytes and murine peritoneal macrophages was not inhibited. The ANAE activity of human and murine lymphocytes in nonenriched venous blood samples showed no or negligible NaF sensitivity to the low concentration of NaF, whereas bovine lymphocytic ANAE showed slight and canine lymphocytic ANAE moderate NaF sensitivity. The ANAE of murine T-lymphoma L5178Y cells was resistant to the low concentration of NaF, but the ANAE of both murine T-lymphoma L5178Y cells and murine lymphocytes was completely inhibited by the high concentration of NaF. Human, bovine, and canine lymphocytic ANAE showed marked NaF sensitivity toward the high concentration of NaF, showing 73%, 86%, and 93% inhibition, respectively. The neutrophils in murine venous blood and ascites were positive for ANAE activity, which was only slightly inhibited by the low concentration of NaF but completely inhibited by the high concentration. Results of this investigation demonstrate that the ANAE of leukocytes of various species show remarkable differences in its sensitivity to low and high concentrations of NaF, indicating that appropriate concentrations of NaF are required for distinguishing the ANAE of lymphocytes and monocytes of different species.

Quinidine-induced inhibition of leukocyte esterases

We have demonstrated the feasibility of a system based on image processing to measure enzyme activity inside morphologically classified individual cells. When used in this system, quinidine inhibited naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase in polymorphonuclear neutrophils and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase and alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase in monocytes. These effects were dependent on the duration of exposure and on drug concentration. Dose-effect relationships were established and the concentration at which 50% inhibition (ID-50) occurred was used as a reference point to compare the toxicity of different compounds. Chloroquine, primaquine, and quinine (which, like quinidine, possess a quinoline ring) also affected the esterases, but had no effect on several other enzymes. Neostigmine inhibited the esterases we studied but only at a very high concentration. Various chemicals inhibited the enzymes within the cells, as has been demonstrated for the enzymes in plasma.

Relationship between acupuncture-induced immunity and the regulation of central neurotransmitters in the rabbit: I. Effect of central catecholaminergic neurons in regulating acupuncture-induced immune function

The central catecholaminergic neurons play an important role in the promotion of the T-lymphocyte transformation and the regulation of the positive rate of acid a-naphthylacetate esterase (ANAE) activity with acupuncture. The mechanism by which acupuncture promotes the T-lymphocyte transformation function may be principally by promoting the anabolism of the T-lymphocyte and speeding up the anabolism of the DNA. Judging from the fact that acupuncture increases the positive rate of ANAE, it can be assumed that the quantity of T-lymphocyte was increased markedly. It remains to be clarified what links exist through which the central catecholaminergic neurons can influence the acupuncture induced immunity, and what the effect of other transmitter neurons of the central nervous system are on acupuncture induced immunity.

Acid alpha naphthyl acetate esterase reacting lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of chickens challenged with Marek's disease after vaccination with three different vaccines

The average percentage of acid alpha naphthyl acetate esterase reacting lymphocytes (APARL) was enumerated in the peripheral blood of chickens challenged with Marek's disease after vaccination with either turkey herpesvirus (HVT), inactivated Marek's disease virus (IMDV) or a mixture of the two (bivalent vaccine). A gradual increase in APARL value was noticed in the vaccinated chickens from day 7 to 70 after challenge with a virulent Marek's disease virus. The increase was consistent and significantly higher in bivalent (HVT plus IMDV) than in HVT-vaccinated chickens while the slight increase noticed in IMDV vaccinated-challenged birds was inconsistent.

Nonspecific esterase staining patterns in acute monocytic leukemia

Staining patterns for nonspecific esterase (NSE) were analyzed retrospectively in 14 cases of acute monocytic leukemia (M5) using alpha-naphthyl acetate as substrate. An attempt was made to correlate variability in NSE activity with clinical findings. Two staining patterns were distinguished: (1) diffuse fine granular cytoplasmic staining, and (2) dense focal staining superimposed on a weak positive cytoplasmic background. The 14 cases were divided into two groups according to their different staining qualities: Group 1 (6) diffuse and Group 2 (8) focal. All six cases of Group 1 were typical hypercellular acute leukemias. Group 2 contained four cases of hypercellular acute leukemia and four cases of hypocellular acute leukemia. All the cases of hypocellular leukemia showed the pattern of focal NSE activity. No difference in the clinical presentation or course of the disease between Groups 1 and 2 was found.

Staining of pig lymphocytes subpopulations with acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase

The use of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) as a T cell marker in some other species and the broad correlation of incidence of ANAE-positivity and E rosette-formation in the pig suggest that ANAE-staining may be a T-cell marker in the pig. However, by studying the staining of lymphocytes within a variety of rosettes in fixed preparations a similar incidence of pig blood lymphocytes were found to be ANAE+ among T cells (E rosettes formed in dextran), B cells (antiglobulin rosettes) and Fc-gamma receptor-bearing B and T cells (EA rosettes in saline and dextran): complement (C') receptor-bearing cells showed a higher incidence of staining than other lymphocytes. Analysis of staining morphology suggested that certain morphologies within the B and T lineages may be confined to subpopulations. Thus ANAE positivity is certainly not a marker identifying blood T lymphocytes but could be of some value indicating subpopulations of B and T lymphocytes.

Immunophenotyping of acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemias

Using monoclonal antibodies specific for myelomonocytic cells, 40 non-lymphoblastic leukaemias were analysed applying immunostaining to cytospin preparations. Based on the reactivity patterns six groups of acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemias could be determined, mirroring the bimodal differentiation pathway of myelomonocytic cells. Comparative enzyme cytochemical analysis did not render a clear cut correlation and discrimination of the immunocytochemically defined groups. It is concluded that only the application of a broad panel of immunocytochemical and enzyme cytochemical methods allow a sound subdivision and diagnosis of acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemias.

Acid hydrolase activities in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia lymphocytes: correlation of cytochemical reactions with immunological phenotype

The cytochemical reactions of 5 acid hydrolases, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE), acid phosphatase (AP), beta-glucuronidase, beta-glucosaminidase and dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV (DAP IV) were investigated in lymphocytes from 30 patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL). Based on ANAE and AP reactivities, 4 cytochemically distinctive subgroups were identified: Group 1: AP and ANAE less than 50% positive lymphocytes (5 cases); Group 2: AP greater than 50%, ANAE less than 50% positive lymphocytes (11 cases); Group 3: AP less than 50%, ANAE greater than 50% positive lymphocytes (7 cases); Group 4: AP and ANAE greater than 50% positive lymphocytes (7 cases). beta-Glucuronidase displayed similar patterns of reactivity to AP. beta-Glucosaminidase activity was observed in the majority of lymphocytes in most patients, whereas DAP IV activity was present in less than 20% of lymphoid cells. The study failed to establish any relationship between cytochemical grouping and patients' clinical status, peripheral lymphocyte counts, E or mouse rosette values, light or heavy chain cellular immunoglobulin (Ig) class. Attempts to correlate acid hydrolase and Ig heavy chain isotype expression, putative markers of B cell maturation, were unsuccessful and indicate that within the narrow spectrum of B cell differentiation seen in B-CLL these characteristics are unrelated.

A study of certain functional parameters of monocytes from patients with multiple myeloma: comparison with monocytes from healthy individuals

Selected functions (i.e. phagocytosis and chemotaxis of circulating blood monocytes were studied on cells obtained from 20 patients with untreated multiple myeloma (MM) and the results were compared with those obtained on cells from 60 healthy persons. The mean number of circulating monocytes was only slightly increased over the normal value although a marked monocytosis was demonstrated in all of the 4 patients with M-components of the lambda light chain type. Plasma cells isolated from peripheral blood and from bone marrow of patients with MM were found to possess a strong alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase activity. No differences were observed in the phagocytic activity of monocytes from patients compared with those of the controls, whereas the chemotactic responsiveness of the monocytes from the patients was slightly increased.

Changes in the populations of lymphoid cells in human peripheral blood following physical exercise

Marked lymphocytosis occurs after exercise. In a study of healthy volunteers this was dominated by one population lacking T cell and B cell determinants and another expressing the Leu 2a phenotype (cytotoxic/suppressor). Lymphocytes from two individuals were characterised further and a near five-fold increase in cells expressing antigens associated with natural killer (NK) cells (Leu 7 and Leu 11) was noted. In addition, these emergent lymphocytes, unlike most T cells, lacked acid alpha-naphthyl esterase activity. In functional studies, exercise led to significantly greater NK activity but, in spite of altering the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations, there was no detectable change in the proliferative response to the T cell mitogen, concanavalin A, over a wide range of cell concentration, mitogen dose and time. The numbers of low density macrophages and dendritic cells increased concomitantly with the increase in total lymphocytes. We conclude that exercise increases the proportion of circulating NK cells and cells expressing the Leu 2a phenotype.

Cytochemical and electrophoretic characterisation of alpha naphthyl acetate esterases (ANAE) in acute myeloblastic leukaemia

The alpha naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) cytochemical staining patterns were examined in 40 cases of acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML: FAB groups M1 and M2) classified by morphological and immunological criteria. The blast cells in most cases (62%) were ANAE-negative with the remainder showing diffuse, granular or focal reactions of varying intensity. The nature of cytoplasmic ANAE enzymes was further characterised in 20 cases by isoelectrophoretic analysis of ANAE isoenzymes. The results suggest that the presence of significant cytoplasmic ANAE reactivity in leukaemic myeloblasts is not due to the presence of monocyte-associated isoenzymes, in otherwise well-defined myeloblasts, but may reflect abnormally increased synthesis or atypical localisation of normally-occurring ANAE isoenzymes. In particular, the results of this study indicate the lack of discriminatory value of ANAE cytochemistry in the differentiation of AML from other acute leukaemias of non-monocytic type.

[Electron microscopy and cytochemistry studies of lymphocyte subpopulations in corticosteroid deficiency]

The authors studied the number, structure and function of different blood T lymphocyte subpopulations in experimental hypocorticoidism of male CBA mice with the use of modern hematological, cytochemical, immunological and electron microscopy methods. One week after bilateral adrenalectomy the blood showed a considerable absolute and relative lymphocytosis determined by an increase in the content of Thy I-positive, ANAE-positive (giving positive reaction during identification of acid non-specific alpha-naphthylacetate esterase) cells and large granule-containing lymphocytes, a group, which includes natural killers and cells possessing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated changes in submicroscopic structure of different blood lymphocytes in adrenalectomized mice. It may be inferred that during hypocorticoidism, there takes place a complicated immunological transformation resulting in the changes in the function of different T lymphocyte subpopulations and natural killers responsible for immune defence of the body.

Dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV activity in normal and leukemic T-cell subpopulations

Dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV (DAP IV) cytochemical reactivity was investigated in monoclonal antibody defined T-lymphocyte subpopulations from normal blood and in cells from a series of T-cell leukemias of defined immunologic phenotype. A combined monoclonal antibody/immunocolloidal gold technic, which enabled simultaneous visualisation of immunogold label and DAP IV reactivity, was used to study enzyme reactivity in normal T-cell subpopulations. Single or several discrete granules of DAP IV reaction product were observed in 72% of OKT3+ and OKT4+ cells, whereas a significantly (P less than 0.01) lower percentage of OKT8+ cells (41%) displayed positivity; B-cells were invariably DAP IV negative. In the T-cell leukemias, DAP IV reactivity was strongest in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and T-prolymphocytic leukemia cells. In contrast, DAP IV activity was absent or expressed in a minority of cells of the more immature T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The enzyme reaction also was negative in lymphocytes from other mature T-cell leukemias: T-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (OKT8+), adult T-cell lymphoma-leukemia, and Sezary syndrome (both OKT4+). DAP IV expression did not parallel that of acid phosphatase or alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase in leukemic T-lymphoid cells except in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and T-prolymphocytic leukemia, where a strong reaction with the three hydrolytic enzymes was observed.

Monocytic leukemia in a horse

On clinical examination, a six-year-old Hassian gray gelding with a history of impaired performance, slight cough, colic, and edema of the ventral abdomen, prepuce and the legs had reduced skin turgor, pale mucous membranes, forced costoabdominal breathing, reduced venous return, enlarged lymph nodes, and splenomegaly. Hematologic findings revealed anemia, leukocytosis and a high percentage of monocytoid leukemic cells. Generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, ascites, hydrothorax, and a diffusely thickened gut wall were found at necropsy. Massive infiltration with monocytoid leukemic cells was detected in lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, liver, gut wall, kidneys, and choroid plexus. Incubation of living cells obtained from a leukocyte concentrate with latex particles revealed phagocytosis in the leukemic cells on light and electron microscopy. The leukemic cells also had a marked alpha-naphthyl-acetate and naphthol-AS-acetate esterase activity, but were only weakly positive to naphthol-AS-D-chloroacetate esterase. A very weak alkaline phosphatase activity only was demonstrated in a few leukemic cells. On scanning electron microscopy, the leukemic cells had prominent ruffles and ridge-like profiles. These features of the leukemic cells excluded lymphocytic and granulocytic leukemia, and monocytic leukemia was diagnosed.

Abnormal expansions of polyclonal large to small size granular lymphocytes: reactive or neoplastic process?

Morphological, immunologic, and functional properties of peripheral blood cells from two patients with chronic proliferations of granular lymphocytes are described. Cells from both patients showed a heterogeneous pattern from both a morphological and immunologic standpoint, indicating a polyclonal, rather than a monoclonal, expansion of these cells. In fact, both large and small-to-medium-sized granular lymphocytes were observed, and different percentages of positivity were found in the analysis with a large panel of monoclonal antibodies. Serologic and histologic features support the hypothesis that this lymphocytosis could be secondary to bacterial or viral infections rather than a primary event, suggesting that these patients may have chronic reactive immunoregulatory disorders.

Phenotypically and functionally distinct subpopulations of human lymphocytes with T cell markers also exhibit different cytochemical patterns of staining for lysosomal enzymes

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes that express T cell markers, when reacted for the cytochemical localization of lysosomal acid hydrolases, display two major patterns of staining, i.e., dot-like and scattered granular. Previous attempts to fractionate T cells according to surface markers have yielded populations of cells with heterogeneous patterns of cytochemical staining. In this study, peripheral blood cells forming rosettes with sheep erythrocytes have been fractionated by sequential staining with two monoclonal antibodies, D12 and 2D2, followed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. These reagents have been shown previously to recognize a subpopulation of cells capable of suppressing T cell proliferation. All of the cells positive for D12 and 2D2 stained for acid hydrolases with the scattered granular pattern, whereas the large majority of the cells negative for both markers stained with the dot-like pattern. It is concluded that suppressor cells within the E+ cell fraction have the cytochemical characteristics of large granular lymphocytes.

Ultrastructural localization of acid alpha-naphthylacetate esterase in human normal and neoplastic lymphocytic and monocytic cells and in hairy cells

The ultrastructural localization of acid alpha-naphthylacetate esterase (ANAE) activity was studied in normal and neoplastic human monocytic and lymphocytic cells including hairy cells. Normal monocytes and malignant monocytic cells from cases of AML-M4 and -M5 (FAB-classification) displayed fundamentally the same ANAE staining pattern with reaction products localized to the external surface of the plasma membrane and to small vesicles close to this membrane, more rarely to larger intracytoplasmic vesicles containing endocytosed material or cellular debris. The enzyme activity of the neoplastic cells increased with morphological differentiation. Certain normal blood lymphocytes and T cell-derived CLL cells showed the reaction product associated with paranuclearly located clusters of vesicular structures, extending from the membranes into the adjacent cytoplasm. Gall bodies were often found in the vicinity and were invariably positive for ANAE. Now and then, plasma membrane activity was present, but never as pronounced as in monocytes. Hairy cells demonstrated a pattern of reaction very similar to that of monocytic cells, whereas B cell-derived CLL cells and lymphoblasts of T- and common type ALL were generally non-reactive.

Acid phosphatase and acid esterase activity in neoplastic and non-neoplastic lymphoid cells. A semiquantitative evaluation related to immunological markers in 112 cases

Acid phosphatase (AcP) and acid alpha-naphthylacetate esterase (ANAE) were examined in lymphoid cells from 104 patients suffering from various lymphoproliferative disorders and from 8 healthy controls. Enzyme activities were evaluated by means of a scoring system. Scores of AcP and ANAE were higher in normal T cells than non-T cells. In comparison, the activated T cells in infectious mononucleosis showed increased AcP and decreased ANAE reaction. Malignant T lymphoblasts had a distinct granular AcP positivity in contrast to the faint reactivity observed in cALL blasts, whereas ANAE showed negative or weak reaction in both subsets. High scores and distinct staining patterns for both enzymes were found in T CLL and T prolymphocytic leukaemia, clearly different from the weak activities seen in B CLL, B PLL and some B cell lymphomas. The latter, too, could be distinguished by mutual differences in enzyme reactions. High AcP and ANAE scores were also found in hairy cell leukaemia, and the staining patterns together with the tartrate resistance firmly established the diagnosis. Thus, simultaneous determinations of AcP and ANAE can be of great value in the diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies.

Differential effect of the serine protease inhibitor phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride on cytochemically detectable esterases in human leucocytes and platelets

Esterases of human leucocytes and platelets were studied by cytochemical methods. The aim of the study was to clarify the cellular distribution and possible nature of esterases types differing in their substrate specificity and/or their inhibitor sensitivity. 3 substrates (alpha-naphthyl acetate: ANA; naphthol AS-D chloroacetate: NASDCA; and N-acetyl DL-alanine alpha-naphthyl ester: NACALA) were used and the effects of 2 inhibitors (sodium fluoride and the serine protease inhibitor phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride: PMSF) were evaluated. 4 enzyme types were described: Type I, present in granulocytes, was detected using NASDCA and NACALA and was resistant to fluoride but sensitive to PMSF. Other types were detected using ANA as substrate. Type II, present in monocytes, was inhibited by both fluoride and PMSF. Type III, present in platelets and plasma cells, was inhibited by fluoride but resistant to PMSF. Type IV, present in lymphocytes, was resistant to both fluoride and PMSF. The specific aims and possible areas for application of these results are discussed.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV and alpha-naphthylacetate esterase in human T lymphocytes: cytochemical and biochemical investigations

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV) activity of human lymphocytes was measured using biochemical assays of cell suspensions and enzyme cytochemical staining of smears from capillary blood and mononuclear cells (MNC). The hydrolysis rate of Gly-Pro-pNA in suspensions of MNC correlates well with the number of DP IV reactive cells as determined by cytochemical staining. MNC from healthy volunteers were shown to contain 44 +/- 10% lymphocytes reactive for DP IV. Using preparations of T lymphocytes and adherent MNC it was shown that DP IV is specific for T lymphocytes. About 60% of T lymphocytes contain DP IV and 94% of DP IV reactive cells form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes. Parallel staining for DP IV and unspecific acid alpha-naphthylacetate esterase (ANAE) yielded nearly the same figure of cells stained for ANAE in a dot-like pattern (50 +/- 10% MNC) as was observed for DP IV. Correlation of both markers indicates that DP IV expressing lymphocytes presumably represent that subpopulation of TM cells which is characterized by a dot-like reaction pattern of ANAE.

[Enzyme activity of isolated leukocyte populations. I. Cytochemical and zymographic studies of stored blood under various storage conditions]

Heparinized venous blood was stored under sterile conditions at different temperatures (4 C, 20 C, 37 C) for various intervals (0-7 days). After storage the granulocytes and lymphocytes were isolated with routine methods. Naphthol AS-D-chloroacetate esterase as a granulocyte marker and acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase as a T-lymphocyte marker were identified on smears of the washed cell suspension. Different enzymes were identified in the cell sediment with electrophoresis. Relatively pure lymphocyte suspensions were obtained within the first 24 h. After this time, however, the percentage of these mononuclear cells declined markedly. The percentage of isolated granulocytes varied slightly; there was a marked predominance of granulocytes (more than 70%) at all intervals investigated during the isolation. Cytochemical analysis of the granulocytes and lymphocytes indicated that the decrease in the percentage of enzyme-positive cells depends in each case on the duration of the storage interval. During the first 24 h, only PGM1 and GOTM could be identified in the lymphocyte suspension with horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. The enzymes PGM1, PGM3, PGI, MDH, GOTM, 6-PGD, ADA could always be identified in the granulocyte suspension; AK, FUCA, MEM could be occasionally identified; and GPT and GLO could never be identified.

[Enzyme activity of isolated leukocyte populations. II. Cytochemical and zymographic studies of cadaver blood]

Blood was taken from the femoral vein of 17 autopsied cadavers with different diagnoses and postmortal intervals (10-120 h). The granulocytes and lymphocytes were isolated with routine methods. The cell suspensions were subject to morphologic, enzyme-cytochemical (naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase) and electrophoretic (PGM1, PGM3, GOTM, PEPA, MEM, FUCA) investigations. The following results were obtained: Erythrocyte-free cell suspensions are only found during short postmortal intervals; Isolation of pure lymphocytes from cadaver blood using the described method is only possible very early in the postmortal interval (within 10 h); The isolated granulocytes contain an impressively high percentage of eosinophilic granulocytes; The percentage of naphthol AS-D-chloroacetate esterase-positive granulocytes is considerably lower in stored, conserved blood than in blood smears; Identification of the above mentioned enzymes from isolated granulocytes from all cadavers is possible by electrophoresis.

Alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase activity is not a specific marker for ovine T lymphocytes

Alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) activity was demonstrated in ovine lymphocytes harvested from blood on Ficoll-metrizoate gradients. The enzyme's specificity for T lymphocytes, identified by immunofluorescent staining of T cell-specific antigens, was assessed. Correlation analysis of the results obtained using unfractionated lymphocytes from 12 sheep showed no correlation between ANAE activity and the expression of T cell antigens (r = 0.22). When lymphocytes from 4 sheep were fractionated on nylon wool columns a mean of only 43.2% of the cells in the non-adherent population were ANAE-positive whereas 94.7% of these cells were identified as T lymphocytes. Blood lymphocytes from 5 animals were separated into 3 fractions using Percoll discontinuous density gradients. No significant relationship was seen between ANAE activity and T cells in Fractions 1 and 3 (r = 0.41 and 0.21). Fraction 2 cells, however, did show a significant positive relationship (r = 0.91) between these two features but the biological significance of this relationship is unknown. It was concluded that ANAE activity is not a specific marker for ovine T lymphocytes.

Acid alpha naphthyl acetate esterase positive lymphocytes in cattle with carcinoma of the mucosa of the ethmoid

The T lymphocytes (alpha naphthyl acetate esterase positive cells) were estimated in the peripheral blood smears as well as in the separated lymphocytes in tumour bearing and non-tumour bearing control cattle. The results obtained with both techniques were similar and it was suggested that the blood smear staining technique could be routinely used in place of the time consuming and laborious cell separation technique. The T lymphocyte percentage in the peripheral blood of the tumour bearing animals was lower than that of healthy control animals. However, the animals in stages 1 and 2 showed slightly higher values than the stage 3 tumour bearing cattle.

Alpha naphthyl acetate esterase in human blood cells with different molecular weights

Normal human blood cells contain esterases which hydrolyze alpha-naphthyl acetate (alpha NA). Purified preparations of these cells were investigated by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis at pH 9.0 and subsequent staining of gels for esterase activity. Extractable alpha NA esterase was separated according to molecular weight. alpha NA esterase with molecular weight of 55 000 was observed only in lymphocytes and red cells. Lymphocytes from patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) showed alpha NA esterase with molecular weight of 45 000 instead of 55 000. Esterases with molecular weights of 60 000 and 70 000 were detected in granulocytes monocytes and red cells. Only platelets and red cells exhibited alpha NA esterase with molecular weight of 80 000. alpha NA esterases with molecular weight of 290 000 could be demonstrated in granulocytes and red cells. All blood cells contained esterase with molecular weight of 360 000. alpha NA esterase with molecular weight of 390 000 was detected only in red cells. In all blood cells (without lymphocytes) esterase with molecular weight of 500 000 was demonstrated. Only the enzyme in monocytes, granulocytes and red cells was sensitive to fluoride inhibition.