A one-step determination of serum 5'-nucleotidase using a centrifugal analyzer

We describe a one-step kinetic method for the determination of 5'-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5). Inosine is formed by the hydrolysis of inosine 5'-monophosphate which is catalyzed by seric 5'-nucleotidase, and then is converted to hypoxanthine by nucleoside phosphorylase. Two moles of hydrogen peroxide are formed for each mole of hypoxanthine oxidized to urate by xanthine oxidase. The rate formation of hydrogen peroxide is monitored at 510 nm using the oxidation of the chromogenic system 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid/4-aminophenazone in the presence of peroxidase. beta-Glycerophosphate inhibits the unspecific cleavage of the substrate by alkaline phosphatases. Inorganic phosphate is added to improve the reagent stability, and ferrocyanide to reduce bilirubin interference. Automation of the technique requiring 20 microliter of serum on a centrifugal analyzer is also described.