Studies on lymphocyte cell surface in ataxia-telangiectasia

Lymphocyte surface proteins of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and compared by autoradiography. The patients lacked one of the two main bands (Band I at the origin). The second main band (Band II) was absent in some cases. All patients had one or two additional bands of smaller molecular weight than Band II except one case who had no band detectable. In the patients, alkaline phosphatase, total ATPase and Mg2+. ATPase were increased but 5'-nucleotidase was normal. The results suggest abnormality in the plasma membranes of the patients' lymphocytes.