Comparison of the measurement of lysosomal hydrolase activity in mycoplasma-contaminated and non-contaminated human fibroblast cultures treated with mycoplasma removal agent.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of both mycoplasma contamination and of its remover (MRA), through human fibroblasts culture over the activity of some lysosomal hydrolases. DESIGN AND METHODS: Activity was measured in contaminated fibroblasts before and after the addition of MRA. Results were compared with the enzymatic activity in control fibroblasts with and without MRA.
RESULTS: Only beta-glucosidase showed no significant alteration in the presence of either mycoplasma or MRA. Total hexosaminidase and beta-galactosidase underwent significant interference in the presence of the mycoplasma and the MRA. The % of hexosaminidase A and arylsulphatase A altered their activity only in the presence of MRA. Beta-glucuronidase changed its activity only in the presence of mycoplasma.
CONCLUSIONS: The fibroblast enzymes behaved differently in the presence of MRA and/or mycoplasma, demonstrating the sensitivity of these hydrolases. Our work suggests that mycoplasma and MRA alter the activity of some lysosomal hydrolases.