Ultrastructural localization of 5'-nucleotidase in guinea pig neutrophils based upon the use of cerium as capturing agent

Abstract

A cytochemical method for 5'-nucleotidase localization in which cerium serves as the capture agent in order to enzymatically detect liberated inorganic phosphate has been developed. The method has been established in cell-free model systems and in guinea pig neutrophils where 5'-nucleotidase is restricted to the plasmalemma as an ectoenzyme. This cerium-based method gives better results for ultrastructural localization of 5'-nucleotidase than conventional lead-based methods.