Histochemistry of Hodgkin's disease

The histochemistry of Hodgkin's cells is controversial. Limited numbers and the variety of techniques used make comparisons difficulty. Acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase have been the two enzymes most frequently tested because the presence of these enzymes has been thought to be characteristic of histiocytes. Despite the controversial results, these studies have frequently figured prominently in arguments about the cell of origin in Hodgkin's disease. Authors identifying the presence of acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase have generally favored a mononuclear phagocyte origin; those with negative results have favored a lymphoid origin. We have evaluated a series of 21 cases of Hodgkin's disease using tissues embedded in plastic and tested for acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase. We found that Hodgkin's cells were frequently positive for acid phosphatase (20 to 21 cases) and/or nonspecific esterase (18 of 21). The reactions are weak and sensitive to inhibition by processing procedures. The reaction patterns are unusual for lymphoid cells and histiocytes. The finding is similar to that seen in interdigitating reticulum cells, a specialized cell found in the paracortex of human lymph nodes.