Naphthol-AS-<i>D</i>-chloroacetate Esterase Activity in Globule Leucocytes in the Tracheal Epithelium of Rats

Abstract

The enzyme naphthol-AS-D-chloroacetate esterase is histochemically demonstrated in the granules of globule leucocytes in the tracheal epithelium of rats. The enzyme reactivity may be used as a cytochemical marker of these cells. The previously postulated mast cell origin of globule leucocytes is doubted, and the possibility that globule leucocytes belong to the group of natural killer cells is discussed. The biological role of the located esterase and the function of the globule leucocytes are also briefly discussed.

Isolation and cytochemical characterization of globule leukocytes from rat tracheal epithelium

“…In the peritoneal control cells, only mast cells exhibit a strongly positive reaction for NASDCE. This mast cell reaction is consistent with several previous observations (Moloney et al, 1960;Hahn von Dorsche et al, 1981;Frederix and Baert, 1986) and may be inhibited with PMSF as already indicated in mucosal mast cells (Huntley et al, 1985).…”

Distribution of esterase activity at the level of the epithelium of the diffusely infiltrated area (DIA) and of the cloaca in the Gallus domesticus: An ultrastructural study

“…In the intestinal epithelia of the chicken, as well as other birds, the presence has been described of globular leukocytes (Clara, 1926) that contained metachromatic, eosinophilic, and PAS-positive granules (Greulich, 1949;Kirkman, 1950); observed with an electron microscope, they present bodies with irregular borders (Toner, 1965). Furthermore, globular leukocytes have also revealed an intense naphthol-AS-D-chloroacetate esterase activity in their granules in other animals (Frederix and Baert, 1986). However, globular leukocytes include cells that appear to be united in particular by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm, though their morphology does not appear to be capable of being traced back to the same cellular element; they have in fact been believed to be derived from different cell types Esterase activity in the epithelium of the DIA in 15-dayold chicks.…”

Changes in epithelial secretory cells and potentiation of neurogenic inflammation in the trachea of rats with respiratory tract infections

“…Globule leukocytes. Globule leukocytes are migratory cells in the airway epithelium that appear to be of mesenchymal origin and are considered by some to be mucosal mast cells (Kent 1966;Frederix and Baert 1986;Tam et al 1988). We paid particular attention to these cells because their granules stain with Alcian blue-PAS and toluidine blue and can, therefore, be confused with the granules of epithelial serous cells or mucous cells.…”

“…We paid particular attention to these cells because their granules stain with Alcian blue-PAS and toluidine blue and can, therefore, be confused with the granules of epithelial serous cells or mucous cells. However, unlike the granules of epithelial secretory cells, the granules in globule leukocytes contain a chymotrypsin-like serine protease that can be detected histochemically by its chloroacetate esterase activity (Huntley et al 1985;Frederix and Baert 1986;Tam et al 1988).…”