Development of carboxypeptidase K (creatine kinase conversion factor) in man

The developmental appearance of carboxypeptidase K in human plasma was determined by quantifying the creatine kinase (CK) isoforms present and by measuring the conversion of tetrathionate-blocked CK in vitro. Analysis of plasmas from second and third trimester fetuses, newborns and adults showed that isoforms were absent from second trimester fetuses, were present in similar amounts in third trimester fetuses and newborns, and had increased to about twice this amount in adults. Carboxypeptidase K activity was correspondingly absent from second trimester fetuses but present in the other three groups in statistically indistinguishable amounts. Carboxypeptidase N was present in all groups although activity was low in second trimester fetuses. Addition of cobalt ions activated both carboxypeptidases K and N in all samples and unmasked carboxypeptidase K in second trimester samples.