Scanning electron microscope cytochemistry of normal and leukaemic leukocytes

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Abstract
Backscattered electron imaging (BEI) is a particular technique which permits study of cytochemical reactions with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). BEI data pertaining to specific enzymatic activities can be directly correlated to surface morphology of each individual cell. Leukocytes from 5 normal individuals, 14 patients with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL), 7 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and 3 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (AAL) were studied for myeloperoxidase activity, acid phosphatase localization, silver staining of the nuclei and phagocytosis of iron carbonyl in the BEI mode of SEM. Some normal peripheral blood leukocytes which cannot be distinguished by their surface morphology alone were satisfactorily identified with the BEI technique. Leukemic myeloid cells can be recognized in many cases because of their positive myeloperoxidase reaction, while monocytic elements can be characterized by the presence of surface ruffles, acid phosphatase activity and active phagocytosis. Usefulness of the BEI technique in identifying different blood cell types with the SEM and its possible application to the diagnosis of certain cases of leukemia are discussed.