[Computed image analysis of neutrophils: alkaline phosphatase]

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity was detected under optic microscope in neutrophilic leukocyte granules and intergranular cytoplasm. Computer analysis of the image showed that activation of neutrophils in the blood of patients with purulent peritonitis was paralleled by a drastic increase in the activity of AP and its intracellular redistribution. AP granules increased in size and their capacity to conglomeration increased. The enzyme activity increased both in the granules and diffuse zone of the cytoplasm. Total area of AP granules directly correlated with the size of the zone of the enzyme diffuse-granular location.