Localisation of ecto-5′-nucleotidase and divalent cation-activated ecto-ATPase in chronic tonsillitis

The histochemical localisation of two ecto-enzymes, 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) and Mg2+-ATPase, was investigated in hyperplastic and recurrent tonsillitis. Detection of enzymes was performed on frozen sections using the classical lead nitrate method. Activity of 5'-NT was demonstrated particularly in the cells of lymphoid follicles and in the basal layer of the surface tonsillar epithelium. There was no difference in localisation of 5'-NT between hyperplastic and recurrent tonsillitis, whereas a stronger reaction in follicular mantle zones was observed in recurrent tonsillitis compared to hyperplastic tonsillitis. Mg2+-ATPase activity was mainly associated with the cells lining the tonsillar crypt, with the interfollicular areas and blood vessels. In recurrent tonsillitis only half of the studied follicular germinal centres expressed Mg2+-ATPase activity, compared to hyperplastic tonsillitis. The similar localisation of 5'-NT and ecto-ATPase in both types of chronic tonsillitis suggests that in inflamed tonsils expression of investigated enzymes probably does not depend on the type of chronic tonsillitis.