Activity of lysosomal enzymes and glycogen content of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in healthy controls a continuous rise in acid phosphatase activity was observed in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes and the activity index was higher in patients than in controls. Differences were also observed between these groups in the activity of nonspecific esterase, beta-glucuronidase, and glycogen content at different hours of culture.

Cytochemical studies of rosette-forming cells.

Two types of rosette-forming cells were identified: rosette-forming cells with membrane-bound receptors for sheep erythrocytes (E-RFC) and rosette-forming cells with Fc receptors (EA-RFC). In both types of lymphocytes the activity of acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, non-specific esterase and the content of glycogen were studied. A significant difference was established between E-RFC and EA-RFC lymphocytes as concerns acid phosphatase activity; corresponding mean values being 72.