Studies on the Peroxidase Reaction of Living Eosinophils and Other Leucocytes

Abstract

The application of the Nadi mixture as a reagent for peroxidases has been investigated with special reference to the eosinophil leucocytes. Two types of staining were distinguished; both are probably mediated by enzymes. The first, evident in all leucocytes, does not directly involve hydrogen peroxide. The second type was demonstrated in only the specific granules of the eosinophil under conditions appropriate to the inhibition of haem enzyme and does require peroxide to be present. The peroxidase responsible for this latter staining therefore differs sharply from other peroxidases characterised to date.