Cytochemical studies of rosette-forming cells.

Two types of rosette-forming cells were identified: rosette-forming cells with membrane-bound receptors for sheep erythrocytes (E-RFC) and rosette-forming cells with Fc receptors (EA-RFC). In both types of lymphocytes the activity of acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, non-specific esterase and the content of glycogen were studied. A significant difference was established between E-RFC and EA-RFC lymphocytes as concerns acid phosphatase activity; corresponding mean values being 72.4 +/- 7.5 respectively 44.4 +/- 4.5 (p less than 0.01). As oppose to the acid phosphatase activity the glycogen was significantly higher in EA-RFC lymphocytes (mean 67.2 +/- 6.9), as compared with E-RFC (mean 41.6 +/- 9.2). It seems to us that estimations of acid phosphatase activity may be of value in differentiating 2 populations of lymphocytes.