title: Histochemical studies for 5'-nucleotidase and alpha-naphthyl (non-specific) esterase in lymphocytes from patients with primary immunoglobulin deficiencies.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000361:Agammaglobulinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology*; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D004406:Dysgammaglobulinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology*; D004950:Esterases / Q000097:blood*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009708:Nucleotidases / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D004950:Esterases; D009708:Nucleotidases