IMAGES IN CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY
Acid phosphatase in blood smears of Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae)
Maria Isabel Afonso da Silva; Maria Tercília Vilela de Azeredo Oliveira; Claudia Regina Bonini-Domingos
Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
Corresponding author Corresponding author: Maria Isabel Afonso da Silva Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho" Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265 - Jd. Nazareth 15054-000 - São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil Phone: 55 17 3221-2392 bebel_afonso@yahoo.com.br
Acid phosphatases belong to the hydrolases class of enzymes; they act on organic esters, releasing phosphate ions in acidic conditions. These enzymes are found in lysosomes and secretory vacuoles. They are important for tissue autolysis and proliferation and differentiation and cell transformation processes, but also indicate possible tumors. Deficiency may limit leukocytes, resulting in recurrent infections.(1) Acid phosphatase staining was performed in blood smears of Phrynops geoffroanus using the lead phosphate method,(2) with eosinophils being strongly stained (Figure 1). In human blood samples this cytochemical stains the neutrophils. In chelonians, there is a low number of neutrophils and a high number of circulating eosinophils which respond to parasitic infections.(3) Cytoplasmic staining suggests that eosinophils are rich in lysosomes which is probably related to their mobilization as defense cells.
Submitted: 8/24/2010
Accepted: 9/3/2010
Conflict-of-interest disclosure: The authors declare no competing financial interest
Financial support: FAPESP, CNPq
- 1. Bull H, Murray PG, Thomas D, Fraser AM, Nelson PN. Acid phosphatases. Mol Pathol. 2002;55(2): 65-72.
- 2. Gomori G. An improved histochemical technique for acid phosphatase. Stain Technol. 1950;25(2): 81-5.
- 3. Goulart CE. Herpetologia, herpetocultura e medicina de répteis. Rio de Janeiro. LF Livros de Veterinária Ltda; 2004. p.21-56, 99-108, 131-144.
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Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
13 June 2011 -
Date of issue
2011