The Lysosomal Enzymic Activities of Lymphocytes in Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was provoked by sensitization of guinea pigs with pure human basic protein (BP) and Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA). Purified lymphocytes of the EAE animals showed, when compared with those of control animals or of animals injected with Freund’s complete adjuvant, an increased lysosomal acid phosphatase and β-d-glucosaminidase activity, but normal redistribution of these enzymes when lymphocytes were incubated with BP in vitro. The increased lysosomal activities of peripheral blood lymphocytes were found prior to manifest clinical symptoms (8 days after immunization). The findings are discussed in relation to the question of how lymphocytes may trigger the demyelination process.