title: Discrimination of B, T and null lymphocytes by esterase cytochemistry.
abstract: A technique has been devised which optimally demonstrates non-specific esterase activity in human blood lymphocytes. The reaction is carried out on smears fixed with formalin vapour, using alpha-naphthol butyrate as substrate at pH 8 and at a low concentration for a short incubation period. The pattern of esterase activity revealed by this method provides a discriminating marker for mature T-lymphocytes, which show dense, localised, dot-like positivity, and a probable marker for 'null' cells in the form of scattered granular positivity. B cells appear to be negative. Monocytes show a clearly different pattern of granular positivity.
mesh_terms: D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D004950:Esterases / Q000097:blood*; D006651:Histocytochemistry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D008722:Methods; D009000:Monocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D004950:Esterases; D000135:Acid Phosphatase