Human leukemic cells. Cytochemical studies on acidic nuclear proteins.

Abstract

Utilizing staining with alkaline fast green (pH 8.1) and toluidine blue O (pH 9.0) stains, the nuclear basic and acidic protein content of individual human lymphocytic cells has been quantitated cytochemically with high resolution, rapid scanning instruments. There were distinct differences in the distribution patterns of the acidic and basic proteins in these human lymphocytic cells. Nucleoli were densely stained by toluidine blue O, confirming the presence of acidic proteins. The acidic nuclear proteins:DNA and basic nuclear proteins:DNA ratios are consistent and quantitatively similar, irrespective of the diagnostic category from which the cells derived and there was a definite correlation between nuclear proteins and DNA content. However, the acidic nuclear proteins represented a larger proportion of the total dry mass of the cell than did the basic nuclear proteins, an observation which may prove to be of interest with respect to control mechanisms.