title: The cytochemistry of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Technical considerations.
abstract: Cytochemical demonstration of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity is essential for the diagnosis of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis. In order to perform this test correctly and to interpret the results propertly, it is necessary to understand the technical details of the cytochemical methods thoroughly. The method using naphthol--ASBI phosphoric acid--fast garnet GBC is recommended for this purpose, and factors crucial to the cytochemical study, such as fixation, substrate, coupler, pH and temperature of incubation buffer, counterstains, and mounting media are examined and discussed. Conventional methods for acid phosphatase in the presence and absence of L(+) tartaric acid are also critically examined. The naphthol--ASBI phosphoric acid--fast garnet GBC method is sensitive, technically simple and easily reproducible. Its reaction product is highly chromogenic and is most suitable for cytochemical demonstration of acid phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in cytologic preparations. The naphthol--ASBI phosphoric acid--pararosaniline method is highly specific and is best for histochemical demonstration of acid phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in tissue sections.
mesh_terms: D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000032:analysis*; D002021:Buffers; D005994:Glycerophosphates; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D007943:Leukemia, Hairy Cell / Q000175:diagnosis; D009281:Naphthalenes; D009284:Naphthols; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010756:Phosphoric Acids; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013644:Tartrates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002021:Buffers; D005994:Glycerophosphates; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D009281:Naphthalenes; D009284:Naphthols; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010756:Phosphoric Acids; D013644:Tartrates; D000135:Acid Phosphatase