Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the activities of ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase; EC 3.6.1.5; CD39) and adenosine deaminase (E-ADA; EC 3.5.4.4) in lymphocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirty patients diagnosed with RA through American College of Rheumatology criteria as well as 30 healthy patients were selected. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated, and E-NTPDase and E-ADA activities were assayed. The results demonstrated an increased E-NTPDase activity (both ATP and ADP as substrates) and a decreased E-ADA activity in RA patients. These data suggest an organic effort to preserve the adenosine level, which is known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, working as a potent suppressor of immune response.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
