Cytochemical reactions in resting and activated T-lymphocytes

Peripheral blood T-lymphocytes from normal persons were studied before and after incubation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) for the presence of beta-glucuronidase, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase, acid phosphatase, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive material. The number of T-lymphocytes containing beta-glucuronidase, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, and alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase was reduced (P < 0.005) after incubation with PHA. No significant change in the number of T-lymphocytes positive for acid phosphatase was observed. PAS-positive material was markedly increased (P < 0.005) in activated T-lymphocytes. The data suggest that the cytochemical profile of resting T cells differs markedly from that of activated T-lymphocytes.