ISSN:
1433-2981
Keywords:
Cytochemical staining
;
Leucocytes
;
Snake
;
Ultrastructure
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Cytochemical staining and ultrastructural characteristics of peripheral blood leucocytes from the yellow rat snake are described. A panel of cytochemical stains, including demonstration of myeloperoxidase, acid phosphatase, naphthol AS-D chloracetate esterase, alpha-naphthol butyrate esterase and alkaline phosphatase activities; and periodic acid-Schiff and Sudan Black-B staining was performed. Snake heterophils lacked peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity. Azurophils stained positively for all stains except alkaline phosphatase activity. Lymphocytes showed positive acid phosphatase activity. Differentiation of thrombocytes from lymphocytes was very difficult even with cytochemical staining. Only a minor staining difference was observed with periodic acid-Schiff stain. Thrombocytes exhibited coarse, dark, purple stippling usually located in the polar area of the cytoplasm, whereas lymphocyte staining varied from none to very fine, pale pink granules dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. Ultrastructural characteristics were similar to those of mammalian leucocytes with the exception that the snake basophil granules have no crystalline matrix, and heterophil granules appeared as large, elongate, membrane bound structures of varying density with no distinct core or matrix.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00426047
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