Nonspecific Esterase of B Lymphocytes From a Case of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and of Normal T Lymphocytes: Similar Constellations of Isoenzymes

Lymphocytes from a case of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLI) were obtained in a highly purified state from a therapeutic leukapheresis preparation. The CLL lymphocytes showed a fine, scattered, granular pattern of nonspecific esterase cytochemical reactivity with either a-naphthyl acetate (aNA) or a-naphthyl butyrate (aNB) substrate as opposed to the more focal pattern of control (T) lymphocytes. Nonspecific esterase of CLI lymphocytes and normal control lymphocytes was equally resistant to inhibition by fluoride ion. Extractable nonspecific esterases from the CLI lymphocytes and from purified normal T lymphocytes were indistinguishable in regard to specific