ENZYME DIFFERENTIATION OF LYMPHOCYTE SUB-POPULATIONS IN SECTIONS OF HUMAN LYMPH-NODES, TONSILS AND PERIODONTAL-DISEASE

Abstract

Five enzymes were studied to differentiate between T [thymus-derived] and B [bone marrow-derived] lymphocytes in sections of human lymph nodes, tonsils and chronic inflammatory periodontal disease lesions. The presence of acid phosphatase, .beta.-glucuronidase N-acetyl-.beta.-glucosaminidase, non-specific esterase and fluoride-resistant esterase activity was determined histochemically. Cells in the B cell area of lymph nodes and tonsils are negative for enzyme activity, while those in the T cell area show a single intense granule of activity. These enzymes were unable to differentiate between T blasts, B blasts and plasma cells in the sections studied. The majority of the lymphoid cells in the lesions of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease are enzyme-negative and probably of B cell origin.