[Cytochemical aspects in bone marrow cells in macrocytic anemias]

Cytochemical investigations are useful for the characterization of different kinds of macrocytic anemias. Vitamin B12 and folate defects or chronic alcoholic myelopathy, induce in the erythroblasts cytochemical patterns which can be distinguished from those seen in preleukemia, erythroleukemia, or in drug induced toxic anemia. Tests for alpha-naphthol-acetate-esterase, for acid phosphatase, for iron, and for polysaccharides (PAS-stain), are especially valuable for these diagnostic procedures.