ATP-ase activity of purified human normal T- and B-lymphocytes

In 15 healthy individuals the ATP-ase activity of circulating B-lymphocytes was found to be significantly higher than of T-lymphocytes. Two different methods were used for the purification of B- and T-lymphocytes and the result was independent of which one of these methods was used. The demonstration of different ATP-ase activities of unstimulated B- and T-lymphocytes corresponds well with previously published histochemical findings in lymphatic tissues examined for ATP-ase activity. It is concluded from the present study that because of overlapping values determination of the lymphocyte ATP-ase activity cannot serve as a single marker for the B- and T-cell nature of human lymphocytes, but demonstration of an unusual high ATP-ase activity in unstimulated lymphocytes will serve as additional identification of these as belonging to the B-lymphocyte population.