[Cytochemistry of leukocytes in children. II. Changes in cytochemical reactions of neutrophil granulocytes in the course of leukoses]

Abstract

A report is presented on the changes of cytochemical reactions of neutrophilic granulocytes in children during acute leukaemia. Various hydrolases revealed a significant increase of activity during the acute stage of disease. The enzyme activity begins to decrease in remission, but regains its normal value only in the activity of alkaline granulocytic phosphatase. The glycogen content of granulocytes is reduced at the beginning of the disease and during the recidive as well as in the granulocytes of children affected with chronic myeloid leukaemia. The enhanced enzyme activity of granulocytes refers to the fact that the defence function of cells in acute leukaemias is not completely cancelled. Only a decreased glycogen content of cells refers to a disturbance in the metabolism of granulocytes.