Histochemical studies for 5'-nucleotidase and alpha-naphthyl (non-specific) esterase in lymphocytes from patients with primary immunoglobulin deficiencies
Matamoros, N.; Horwitz, D.A.; Newton, C.; Asherson, G.L.; Webster, A.D.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 36(1): 102-106
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 466856 Document Number: 139356
Lymphocytes from patients with primary immunodeficiency were tested histochemically for ecto 5'-nucleotidase (5'N) and alpha-naphthyl (non-specific) esterase. More than half the patients with 'common variable' hypogammaglobulinaemia, all those with X-linked hypogammaglobulinaemia and some of those with selective IgA deficiency had a very low percentage of lymphocytes staining for 5'N as compared to controls. A lack of B cells probably explains the finding in X-linked hypogammaglobulinaemia, but does not fully explain the results in the other groups. Most patients with 'common variable' hypogammaglobulinaemia had a very low percentage of lymphocytes with granular staining for alpha-naphthyl (non-specific) esterase in contrast to normal numbers in those with X-linked hypogammaglobulinaemia and most of those with selective IgA deficiency. Granules containing non-specific esterase are characteristically found in 'mature' T lymphocytes. The enzyme abnormalities in the T and B cells of 'common variable' hypogammaglobulinaemic patients could be explained by 'immature' cell types.