[Leucocyte tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase as marker for the transition of monocyte to macrophage].

The presence of the 5 degrees isoenzyme of leukocyte tratrate-resistant acid phosphatase (FATRE) was investigated in human peripheral blood monocytes in 32 samples: 26 normal, 4 thrombocytopenia, 1 anemia and 1 hairy cell leukemia. The Cobe Spectra Version 4 cell separador was used for 3 samples while the others were obtained by centrifugation with or without latex particles in order to study macrophages and monocytes, respectively. Using a Sigma Kit for both total acid phosphatase and FATRE reactions, the presence of two monocyte populations was detected, one slightly positive and the other negative for FATRE. Upon the addition of latex particles, the monocytes were transformed into intensely FATRE positive macrophages. It can be concluded that FATRE must play an important role in macrophage function and consequently in human cell immunity.