Myeloperoxidase staining by the reagents of an automated differential analyzer (Hemalog-D)

Volume, conductivity, and scatter changes of activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes: an estimation by Coulter Counter STKS analyzer

Suspensions of phorbol myristate acetate-activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes were analyzed with a Coulter Counter STKS hematological analyzer. Phorbol myristate acetate activation induced an increase in polymorphonuclear leukocyte volume and conductivity, while scatter was unchanged. Phorbol myristate acetate-activated neutrophils in a suspension containing nitroblue tetrazolium showed increased scatter. The rise in scatter was phorbol myristate acetate dose dependent, completely inhibited by diphenylene iodonium and partially by dimethyl sulfoxide, two inhibitors of NADPH oxidase. Zymosan-activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes were notably larger with a characteristic position on discriminant function 1 display (volume versus scatter) of the analyzer. Volume and conductivity changes were seemingly inexplicable features of phorbol myristate acetate activation. The rise in scatter was produced by cytoplasmic precipitation of reduced nitroblue tetrazolium and thus by O2-generation in phorbol myristate acetate-activated neutrophils. Zymosan phagocytosis was responsible for the notable rise in polymorphonuclear leukocyte volume. The analysis of activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes by Coulter Counter STKS may provide useful information on their activation and a pragmatic approach for studying function.

Total peroxidase deficiency in eosinophils: a report on twin sisters, one with a refractory anaemia

A total lack of EPO was fortuitously discovered in a 63-yr-old woman from the north of France who had primary refractory anaemia, but without dysgranulopoiesis; MPO activity was normal. Her twin sister, whose blood count was normal, also had EPO deficiency. This familial disorder was first described in the Israeli Jewish population and is very rare in Caucasians; it seems to have no pathological consequences. Microscopic studies showed no anomaly except a negativity of Sudan Black B staining which we consider to be a sign of peroxidase deficiency. Ultrastructural studies of the granules revealed normal cristalloid, but the matrix, which contains EPO in normal eosinophils, was very thin; the nature of the relation between functional and morphological anomalies has still to be elucidated.