Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

The α-test: Rapid Cell-free CD4 Enumeration Using Whole Saliva
Published on: May 16, 2012
White blood cells and the diagnosis of alpha-glucosidase deficiency
Abstract:
Leukocytes were obtained from 14 healthy subjects, one patient with the infantile form, two patients with the adult variant of acid maltase deficiency, two patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia, two patients with acute myeloid leukemia, and two patients with chronic lymphotic leukemia. In addition, lymphocytes were prepared from three normal subjects, and five established lymphoid lines were used. Cells were extracted either with Triton 0, 2%, or with water followed by 0.2% Triton. alpha-Glucosidase activity was measured in water homogenates, water extracts after centrifugation, and Triton extracts, with or without antisera directed against acid maltase (EC 3.2.1.3) and renal maltase (EC 3.2.1.20). The percentage of acid and renal maltases was then calculated in each soluble fraction. Normal whole leukocytes (mostly granulocytes) contain both acid and "renal" maltases, whereas normal lymphocytes contain very little or no "renal maltase." This isozyme is present in chronic myelocytic leukemia, but is absent in acute myeloid and chronic lymphocytic leukemia as well as in established lymphoid lines. Acid maltase is almost completely extracted with water, whereas renal maltase is extracted only with Triton. From the results, it appears that for the diagnosis of alpha glucosidase deficiency, cells should be extracted in water and centrifuged before determination. Lymphocytes, which are devoid of renal maltase, are a better diagnostic material than are granulocytes.
Related Concept Videos
Glucose Transporters
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Hyperglycemia

