Enzyme analysis and subcellular fractionation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes with special reference to the localization of putative plasma membrane enzymes

Abstract

Human lymphocytes were isolated from defibrinated blood by Ficoll‐Hypaque centrifugation with erythrocyte hypotonic lysis. Homogenates of mixed lymphocytes were subjected to analytical subcellular fractionation by sucrose gradient centrifugation in a Beaufay automatic zonal rotor. The principal organelles were characterized by their marker enzymes: cytosol (lactate dehydrogenase), plasma membrane (5′‐nucleotidase), endoplasmic reticulum (neutral α‐glucosidase), mitochondria (malate dehydrogenase), lysosomes (N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase), peroxisomes (catalase). γ‐Glutamyl transferase was exclusively localized to the plasma membrane. Leucine amino‐peptidase, especially when assayed in the presence of Co²⁺, was also partially localized to the plasma membrane. Experiments with diazotized sulphanilic acid, a non‐permeant enzyme inhibitor, showed that these plasma membrane enzymes are present on the cell surface. No detectable alkaline phosphatase was found in the lymphocytes. Acid phosphatase and β‐glucuronidase were localized to lysosomes and there was some evidence for lysosomal heterogeneity. Leucine amino peptidase, optimal at pH 8.0, showed a partial localization to intracellular vesicles, possibly lysosomes, especially when assayed in the presence of EDTA. These studies provide a technique for determining the intracellular distribution of hitherto unassigned lymphocyte constituents and serve as a basis for investigating the cell pathology of lymphocytic disorders.