A distinct beta-hexosaminidase isoenzyme separated from human leukemic lymphocytes and myelocytes

The beta-hexosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.30) isoenzymes were separated on the basis of their carbohydrate moieties by an affinity chromatography using immobilized phenylboronate. Normal lymphocytes and granulocytes contain two major forms of beta-hexosaminidase, acute lymphoblastic, acute myeloblastic, chronic lymphocytic and chronic myelocytic leukemic cells contain an extra, distinct isoenzyme of beta-hexosaminidase. This extra isoenzyme may be a marker for the leukemic conversion of hematopoietic tissue.