Adenosine deaminase and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in human lymphomas: An aid to the diagnosis and subclassification of lymphoblastic lymphomas

Abstract

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) activities were determined on 97 biopsy specimens obtained from patients with non-neoplastic diseases (12 cases), Hodgkin (30 cases), and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (55 cases). Thirty additional cases were tested only for TdT. TdT was positive in 10 out of 13 lymphoblastic lymphomas (LL) examined and negative in all the other specimens, including the ten cases of the immunoblastic type. Levels of ADA above 350 U/mg of protein were found in 10 out of 12 LL tested, but not in any other specimen. The 3 TdT- LL had high contents of ADA. Therefore, all LL can be detected using both ADA and TdT markers. The 3 TdT- LL had a heterogeneous phenotype and their possible origin is discussed in view of the possibility that they constitute a rare entity distinct from the more common TdT+ LL. Very low levels of ADA (below 100 U/mg of protein) were found in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and immunocytoma, and in Burkitt's lymphoma. In other B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, intermediate values between 100 and 350 U were often found, and this finding could be relevant to the different cellular origin of the various B-cell neoplasias. We conclude that ADA distribution is solid lymphoid tumors reflects the cellular origin of these neoplasias. Adenosine deaminase alone and in combination with TdT can be useful in the diagnosis and classification of childhood lymphomas in which the immature hystotypes predominate.

Precursor B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in childhood and adolescence: Clinical features, treatment, and results in trials NHL-BFM 86 and 90

“…Therefore, correct diagnosis, including cytomorphology, histopathology, immunophenotyping, and genetics to distinguish patients with PBLL from those suffering from mature B-cell neoplasms, is essential for the allocation of patients to the appropriate treatment strategy. Apart from lymphoblastic histology and FAB-L1 or -L2 cytology, the expression of nuclear TdT, a highly specific marker for lymphoblastic lymphoma [36], and the lack of surface Ig expression are decisive parameters for distinguishing PBLL from mature B-cell neoplasms such as Burkitt lymphoma. Moreover, an unequivocal termi-nology may be important; 6 of our patients were erroneously treated according to the B-NHL strategy mainly because of misinterpretation of diagnostic terminology.…”

Surface expression of adenosine deaminase in mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes

“…Although this enzyme is present in all mammalian tissues, it appears to have a major role in the development and function of lymphoid tissue. Thus, alterations in the level of the enzyme have been described in several diseases such as acute leukaemia [1], lymphomas [2,3], myasthenia gravis [4] and AIDS [5]. Indeed, some derivatives of adenosine, such as 2'-fluoro-2',3'-dideoxyarabinofuranosyladenine or 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine, are used in the treatment of AIDS [6,7].…”

Adenosine deaminase, AMP deaminase, 5`-Nucleotidase, Xanthine oxidase and Xanthine dehydrogenase Activities in Prostate Cancer Patients.

“…The reduction of ADA activity could cause a state of immuno suppression, this is evident from the fact that sever combined immuno deficiency(SCID) patients have very few lymphocytes in their blood (37,38) .…”