Divalent cation-activated-ATPase and ecto 5 '-nucleotidase activities in chronic tonsillitis

The activities of two ectoenzymes, Mg2+-ATPase (ATPase) and 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) from tonsillar mononuclear cells (TMC) and peripheral blood mononu clear cells (PBMC) were investigated in idiopathic tonsillar hyperplasia an d recurrent tonsillitis. The ATPase activity of TMC was significantly highe r in recurrent tonsillitis than in idiopathic tonsillar hyperplasia, wherea s no difference was demonstrated in ATPase activity of PBMC. The activity o f 5'-NT was similar in both investigated groups. However, ATPase and 5'-NT activities were significantly higher in TMC compared to PBMC. Such results suggest a possible role of ATPase in the activation of TMC during the cours e of chronic tonsillitis and indicate a difference in the function of TMC a nd PBMC.