Immunofluorescent demonstration of myeloperoxidase of phi bodies and rods in leukaemic leucocytes

Previous studies employing enzyme histocytochemical methods based on the catalysis of the peroxidation of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) demonstrated the presence of hydroperoxidase activity in phi bodies and rods of immature leucocytes of patients with active acute myelogenous leukaemia. It could not be determined from these studies whether the DAB oxidation product was demonstrating a single hydroperoxidase, catalase or myeloperoxidase, or both. In the present study, immunofluorescence techniques for the two hydroperoxidases were applied in an attempt to identify this activity specifically. The results obtained indicate that myeloperoxidase is present in the phi bodies and rods, and that this enzyme may be the major or the only hydroperoxidase present. Its activity could account for the peroxidation of DAB under conditions which are more favourable for the demonstration of catalase.