[Donnah (OP)]

Can someone tell me about adenosine deaminase?  What is it what does it do, interactions, sources...that sort of thing.

[Ians Daddy]

Donnah,
I didn't read it in it's entirety, but it sounds serious. You don't know anyone with iot do you?

http://www-personal.umd.umich.edu/~jcthomas/JCTHOMAS/1997%20Case%20Studies/CMarting.html

Hope that helps.

[Donnah (OP)]

No, just doing research...seems to be a key factor in failing immune systems.  T-cells initiate an immune response and are produced in bone marrow.  Bone marrow transplants seem to "fix" ADA (adenosine deaminase) deficiency to some degree but I haven't yet grasped the connection between T-cells and ADA.

[bezoar]

From what I gather from the article, The lack of ADA causes an increase in other chemicals which are toxic to the lypmphocytes or white blood cells.  Additionally, there is a breakdown in making and repairing DNA.  What is interesting is that I read they are trying to infuse ADA combined with PEG.  I saw tht they are trying this with interferon for treatment for hepatitis as well.  PEG, if I'm not mistaken, is antifreeze.  Somehow I think it results in higher levels of whatever chemical you combine it with and slower excretion.  All this stuff is way over my head.  We need the doctor!