Alpha-naphthyle acetate esterase activity in monocytes and lymphocytes of normal and muscular dystrophic individuals

The cytochemical reaction for [Alpha] -naphthyl acetate esterases in monocytes and lymphocytes of normals and patients with Duchenne, limb-girdle and facios-capulohumeral muscular dystrophies, was studied. A-, B- and choline esterases were the main esterases of normal monocytes and lymphocytes. The latter contained C-esterase in addition. Deranged pattern of esterase activity and deficient A-esterase activity was found in muscular dystrophy. The above findings are discussed and comments are put forward in the direction of finding clue[s] for the nature of the dystrophic defect