Zinc can activate cellular acidic alpha-D-glucosidase activity.

In an attempt to elucidate the effect of metallic ions and EDTA on acidic alpha-D-glucosidase activity, we measured acidic alpha-D-glucosidase activity from either lymphocyte and muscle tissue homogenates or intact cells after incubation with metallic ions. The results showed that this enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by Ag+, Hg2+, and Fe3+ in either lymphocyte or muscle tissue homogenates. There was no effect of Zn2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+. However, intact cells, either lymphocyte or muscle cells, after incubation with Zn2+ for 1 or 2 hr, showed enhanced enzyme activity and suppression in the other metallic ion groups, especially in Ag+, Hg2+, and Fe3+. Since deficiency of this enzyme can cause type II glycogen storage disease (Pompe's disease), the more we understand the character of this enzyme, the more we can improve our enzymatic therapy.