[Neutral alpha-mannosidase in human B- and T-lymphoid cells].

The presence of neutral alpha-mannosidase activity in normal and pathological lymphoid cells has been demonstrated. The specific activities of the enzyme in different cell types were similar with the exception of B-cells from B-CLL patients when it was a little higher. The activity of acid alpha-mannosidase was also determined in these lymphoid cells. The neutral to acid alpha-mannosidase activity ratio was different in B- and T-cells: in the former neutral alpha-mannosidase activity prevailed, whereas in the latter the predominance of acid alpha-mannosidase activity was apparent. Neutral alpha-mannosidases from pathological B- and T-cells were partially purified and their properties were investigated. In both cell types the enzyme was localized in the cytosol, was very labile and could be stabilized with Mn2+ and dithiothreitol. The enzyme was activated by Co2+ and inhibited by Zn2+ and EDTA. Swainsonine inhibited the B-cell neutral alpha-mannosidase somewhat more strongly in comparison with the T-cell enzyme.