THE HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF ESTERASE ACTIVITY IN HUMAN BLOOD AND BONE MARROW SMEARS

Abstract

By using a modified naphthol-AS technique, nonspecific esterase can be demonstrated in almost all formed elements of normal blood and bone marrow. In the bone marrow, strongest activity is seen in megakaryocytes and myelocytes. Myeloblasts show some staining even in cases of acute myeloblastic leukemia. Esterase activity is also seen in platelets and in most erythrocytes in bone marrow and peripheral blood.