A double staining method for the detection of a macrophage surface marker and nonspecific esterase activity

A double staining method for the detection on macrophages of a surface marker (Ia molecules) by immunofluorescence and of non-specific esterase activity is described. This method reveals the co-distribution of both markers in macrophages either fixed in suspension or on coverslips with 1% paraformaldehyde. Good resolution of both markers is obtained and the method should be useful for characterizing mononuclear phagocytic cells in heterogeneous cell preparations.