Lymphocyte ectoenzyme activity compared in healthy persons and patients seropositive to or at high risk of HIV infection

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Abstract
We measured two ectoenzymes, ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of various groups of HIV-infected patients because of the previous implied relationship of these enzymes to immune function. NT expressed as mean nmol/h per mg protein (s.d.) was significantly depressed in the HIV-seropositive asymptomatic (42 32; PPP = 001 and P= 002 and 005. respectively) and AIDS group (0096 0036; P = 0002 and 002. respectively). The healthy seronegative group had DP activities not significantly different to the AIDS groups. Similarly the high risk seronegative and healthy seropositive group had similar DP activities. These results taken together indicate that measurement of both DP and NT should be evaluated prospectively as a monitor of the clinical progression of HIV infection.