Branched-chain-amino-acid aminotransferase assay using radioisotopes

A method for the assay of the activity of branched-chain-amino-acid aminotransferase from Escherichia coli has been developed. Radioactive isoleucine is used, the radioactive oxoacid formed in the enzymic reaction is converted to its p-nitrophenylhydrazone, and the hydrazone is extracted into toluene based scintillation liquid. The small reaction tubes containing the toluene layer and the reaction mixture as a water layer are placed into liquid scintillation vials and counted for radioactivity. The radioactive amino acid remaining in the water layer causes only a rather low background.