Deficit in neuraminidase associated with mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease).

Using a tritiated sialyloligosaccharide as a substrate, the authors showed that mucolipidosis II is characterized by a lack of neuraminidase activity in leucocytes, while the other acidic hydrolases activities are normal. According to Ashwell, terminal galactose is the required signal for glycoproteins uptake by the cells. Thus, a neuraminidase deficit may explain the increase of sialylated hydrolases activities in the plasma and the non-recognition of these enzymes by cultured fibroblasts.