Beta-glucuronidase activity of lymphocytes in the premature infant with special reference to the fetal maturation...

Activity of beta-glucuronidase (GR) was determined cytochemically by the Hayashi et al. method on peripheral blood lymphocytes of 50 premature infants, born between 21st and 37th week gestation. The subjects studied were subtyped into group I (21st to 28th week), group II (29th to 33rd week), and group III (34th to 37th week). Absolute count of enzyme-positive lymphocytes was lower in group I, when compared with group II and III as a whole. Absolute count of GR-positive lymphocytes exhibiting granular reaction type was significantly lower in group I, when compared with other groups. Absolute counts of GR-positive cells, with both granular and diffuse, or diffuse enzymatic reaction did not differ in groups I, II and III. The results obtained indicate ontogenetic development of lysosomal granules containing GR in the lymphocyte cytoplasm in premature infants related to their fetal age.