title: Rapid method for determining T lymphocyte levels using acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase.
abstract: A method for rapidly determining levels of T lymphocytes in humans is presented. The method involves staining lymphocytes in peripheral blood or buffy coat smears for acid alpha-naphthylacetate esterase for 1 hr at 37 C. After counterstaining with Wright's stain, the percentage of esterase-positive lymphocytes accurately reflects the percentage of lymphocytes forming E rosettes with sheep erythrocytes.
mesh_terms: D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000379:methods*; D009283:Naphthol AS D Esterase / Q000378:metabolism*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D009283:Naphthol AS D Esterase; D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases