Activity of nonspecific esterases in the marrow of mice following intraperitoneal administration of concanavalin A and PHA.

The activity of nonspecific esterases was studied in the bone marrow cells of mice after single intraperitoneal injections of Con A and PHA-M in the dose of 30 mg per 1 kg of body weight. Samples were collected 24, 72 and 120 hours after the injection of lectins. A cellular reaction to the activity of nonspecific esterases was tested after the method of Heckner using naphthol chloroacetate AS-D as an esterase substrate. In the control group the cells belonging to the granulocytic system except these being in mature forms, showed an apparent activity. A negative esterase reaction was revealed also in megakaryocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes. The administration of Con A intensified the esterase reaction in the cells belonging to the granulocytic series, except the mature forms. The esterase activity appeared in megakaryocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes. Most numerous changes in the activity were noted 72 hours following the injection. PHA-M was found to exert a reverse effect, weakening the esterase reaction in comparison to both the controls and the Con A--group.