LEUKOCYTE ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN HEALTH & DISEASE

Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase (LAP) is an intriguing enzyme and its control is related to pituitary-adrenal function. Determination of this enzyme in peripheral blood neutrophils is diagnostically useful and is performed with a semi-quantitative assay known as the LAP score. It is valuable in the work-up of certain hematological diseases. The staining and scoring methods described are reproducible and readily permit the detection of gross differences in LAP activity, allowing comparison of enzyme activity in disease states with the normal. The method requires a minimum of time and equipment and should facilitate studies associated with the present interest in leukocyte enzyme systems.