LYMPHOCYTE-5'-NUCLEOTIDASE IN PRIMARY HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA AND CORD BLOOD

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (2) , 337-343
Abstract
The 5''-nucleotidase (5''-N) deficiency on circulating mononuclear cells of patients with common variable hypogammaglobulinemia (CV-H) was the result of 1 or more of 3 factors: reduced T [thymus-derived] cell 5''-N activity, a reduced percentage of circulating B [bone marrow-derived] cells and low B cell 5''-N activity. Lack of circulating B lymphocytes, and a low T cell 5''-N activity in some cases, was responsible for the deficiency of lymphocyte 5''-N in patients with X-linked hypogammaglobulinemia (X-H). Low levels of 5''-N activity in CV-H and X-H patients were not due to abnormal compartmentalization of the enzyme, altered enzyme kinetics, or the presence of a regulatory factor. Cord blood B and T cells had lower 5''-N activity than adult lymphocytes. The patient and cord blood data were discussed in relation to the stage of cellular maturity.