The Cytochemistry of Tartrate-resistant Acid Phosphatase: Technical Considerations

Abstract

Janckila, Anthony J., Li, Chin-Yang, Lam, Kwok-Wai, and Yam, Lung T.: The cytochemistry of tartrate-resistant acid phos-phatase. I. Technical considerations. Am J Clin Pathol 70: 45–55, 1978. Cytochemical demonstration of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity is essential for the diagnosis of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis. In order to perform this test correctly and to interpret the results properly, it is necessary to understand the technical details of the cytochemical methods thoroughly. The method using naphthol–ASBI phosphoric acid–fast garnet GBC is recommended for this purpose, and factors crucial to the cytochemical study, such asfixation, substrate, coupler, pH and temperature of incubation buffer, counterstains, and mounting media are examined and discussed. Conventional methods for acid phosphatase in the presence and absence of L(+) tartaric acid are also critically examined. The naphthol–ASBI phosphoric acid-fast garnet GBC method is sensitive, technically simple and easily reproducible. Its reaction product is highly chromogenic and is most suitable for cytochemical demonstration of acid phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in cytologic preparations. The naphthol–ASBI phosphoric acid-pararosaniline method is highly specific and is best for histochemical demonstration of acid phos-phatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in tissue sections.