NTPDase (EC 3.6.1.5) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes extracellular nucleoside tri-and/ or diphosphates to form ATP, which can serve as a substrate for ecto-5'- nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5), releasing adenosine, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and an immunosuppressant agent. In this study, the activity of enzymes that hydrolyze adenine nucleotides was investigated in lymphocytes and platelets of immunosuppressed rats. NTPDase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase activities were determined by colorimetric assay with quantification of the inorganic phosphate released. A significant increase in NTPDase activity was observed in lymphocytes (about 30% in ATP hydrolysis and 80% in ADP hydrolysis, at p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). In platelets, there was a significant increase in 5'-nucleotidase activity in immunosuppressed rats (p<0.01) when compared with controls. These results suggest that the hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides is modified in the immunosuppressed state, possibly to compensate for alterations that occur and to avoid the adverse effects of therapy.
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