Demonstration of lysozyme, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, albumin, and transferrin with the immunoperoxidase method in lymph node cells.

Abstract

The immunoperoxidase method was used to investigate the presence of intracytoplasmic lysozyme, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-ACT), alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT), transferrin, and albumin in hyperplastic and inflamed human lymph nodes. Lysozyme was demonstrated in eosinophils, neutrophils, histiocytes, in epithelioid cells, mast cells, and some lining cells of lymph node sinuses. alpha 1-ACT was detectable in many, but not all histiocytes that stained for lysozyme, and in sinus histiocytes, epithelioid cells, and mast cells, but not in neutrophils or eosinophils. alpha 1-AT was demonstrable in mast cells, neutrophils, and some epithelioid cells, but not in histiocytes. Transferrin was found in mast cells, but not in any of the other cell types investigated. Albumin was detectable in a few epithelioid cells and giant cells of the Langhans type. Lysozyme, alpha 1-ACT, alpha 1-AT, transferrin, and albumin were never demonstrable in interdigitating reticulum cells, dendritic reticulum cells, or lymphoid cells.