BLOOD-LYMPHOCYTES IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA AND HODGKINS-DISEASE - IMMUNOLOGICAL FEATURES AND ENZYMES OF NUCLEOSIDE METABOLISM

Abstract

Purified lymphocytes from venous blood of 16 healthy adult subjects, 8 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 10 with Hodgkin''s disease (HD) were examined for adenosine deaminase (ADA), cytidine deaminase (CDA), purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNPase) and AMP deaminase (AMPA), after thawing and homogenization. The same cells were examined for the capacity to form E [erythocyte] rosettes and to respond to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. In CLL a significant reduction (P < 0.001) of AMPA, PNPase and ADA activities was observed without variation of CDA. In HD, PNPase, AMPA and CDA were increased (P < 0.01) while ADA was in the normal range. The E-rosette forming cells were significantly reduced in both diseases, and the capacity to respond to PHA stimulation was strongly impaired in CLL. By this experimental approach it seems possible to demonstrate different states of functional activity of the lymphocytic cells in 2 diseases characterized by reduced T[thymus-derived]-cell-mediated immunity.