The morphology and cytochemistry of the blood leukocytes of Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi)

Abstract

Blood leukocytes of Lepidochelys kempi were examined by bright-field microscopy and cytochemistry for the determination of glycogen, lipids, and several hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes. Mature large and small eosinophils and small lymphocytes were the principle leukocytes encountered; basophils were rarely seen, and neutrophils and monocytes were not demonstrated. The large eosinophils contained two types of granules and demonstrated periodic acid – Schiff (PAS) reactivity and some sudanophilia. The large eosinophils also possessed alkaline phosphatase, myeloperoxidase, adenosine triphosphatase, and some nonspecific esterase activity. The small eosinophils demonstrated acid phosphatase. No reactivity for β-glucuronidase, aryl-sulfatase, or for the oxidative enzymes, succinate, lactate, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases, or cytochrome oxidase, occurred in the large or small eosinophils. Small lymphocytes contained a few PAS-positive granules or intracellular particles; some nonspecific esterase activity but no reactivity for other hydrolytic or oxidative enzymes or for neutral lipids was observed.