SURFACE-MEMBRANE CHARACTERISTICS AND CYTOCHEMISTRY OF ABNORMAL CELLS IN ADULT ACUTE-LEUKEMIA

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 51  (4) , 681-692
Abstract
Membrane marker and cytochemical analyses were carried out on the abnormal cells from 70 adult acute leukemia patients. Such information may supplement standard morphology and serve as a basis for a new classification scheme for acute leukemia, and characterize the surface membranes of granulocyte, lymphocyte and monocyte progenitors. Classification of acute lymphoid leukemias solely on the basis of morphology was unsatisfactory. The presence or absence of T[thymus-derived]- or B[bone marrow-derived]-cell markers was helpful in classifying lymphoid leukemias. Monocyte progenitors were characteristically nonspecific esterase positive and Fc-receptor and membrane-Ig[immunoglobulin]G positive, but poorly phagocytic. Promyelocytes and myelocytes were frequently Fc-receptor positive and consequently positive for surface Ig. Myeloblasts were characteristically Fc-receptor negative. Surface membrane markers are essential in diagnosing lymphoid leukemias and helpful in nonlymphoid acute leukemias. Cytochemistry is essential in delineating lymphoid from nonlymphoid leukemias and in subclassifying the latter.