Studies of Lymphocytes and Their Derivative Cells in vitro

Abstract

Lymphocytes were compared with PHA [phytohemagglutinin]-transformed cells and macrophages derived from leukocyte cultures for various cytochemically demonstrable enzymes. Acid phosphatase and 5-nucleotidase are found in all 3 cell types, but macrophages show the strongest reactions. PHA-transformed cells stain more intensely than lymphocytes for these enzymes and localization in some of the cytoplasmic vacuoles is seen. Many macrophages stain strongly for a nonspecific esterase while the other cells types are negative. Glycolytic and Krebs cycle enzymes are present in lymphocytes and macrophages to a comparable degree, and to a greater extet in PHA-transformed cells. Enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway are present in lymphocytes and also in the other cell types to an equal or greater degree.