[Occurrence of naphthol-AS-D-chloracetate-esterase-activity in mast cells with special references to cutaneous mastocytoses (author's transl)].

The enzyme naphthol-AS-D-chloracetate esterase (NASDCE) was demonstrated histochemically in mast cells of tissues of laboratory animals and men under normal and pathological conditions using the method after Leder (1964). Investigating the possible action of different fixations as Bouin's and Carnoy's fluid as formaldehyde also cryostate sections were studied for comparison. After tissue fixation the activity of the NASDCE is localized strongly in the granules of mast cells. The type of fixation is without influence on the histochemical reaction and localization. Differences concerning the investigated species could not be demonstrated. In benign neoplasias of mast cells such as diffuse (urticaria pigmentosa) and localized cutaneous mastocytosis as well as benign systemic mastocytosis with skin involvement (Sagher) the granule bound reaction is very intensive. The NASDCE can be recommended as a marker for the microscopical localization of mast cells, especially in the histological diagnosis of their benign and malignant neoplasias.