Kurloff cells. 1. Histochemical characteristics of the Kurloff bodies

Kurloff cells, characterized by a large inclusion body in ill-defined lymphoreticular cells, were induced in male guinea pigs by oestrogen administration. The inclusion body material was characterized by way of light- and electron microscopy and histochemical staining reactions. Nucleo-protein were not detected, but certian tests for amino acids were observed and, at the peripheral parts of the inclusion bodies, phospholipid tests were positive. However, forced proteolysis of lipid extractions failed to abolish the reactions for detection of carbohydrate-rich compounds in the inclusion bodies thus confirming that their main characteristics were those of glycoproteins. Series of histochemical tests demonstrated the presence of periodate-reactive 1, 2-glycol groups and sulphate radicals. Periodate-reactive material and sulphomucins represented two separate substances, as demonstrated by extractions and combined staining tests. Some characteristics common with chondroitin sulphates were observed but, on the other hand, the observed differences suggested a different type of sulphation. The inclusion body failed to show any hydrolytic, dehydrogenase or oxidative enzyme activities, thus being metabolically inactive, although the cells showed certain enzyme activities in their cytoplasm and cell organelles.