Two new methods for separating and quantifying bone and liver alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in plasma

We describe two new methods for the separation and quantification of the bone and liver isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) in plasma. In the first, we use wheat-germ lectin to precipitate the bone isoenzyme. About 80% of this, but minimal liver isoenzyme, is precipitated. The activity of the bone isoenzyme is calculated from measuring the alkaline phosphatase activity in the precipitate, that of liver alkaline phosphatase by subtracting the activity of the bone isoenzyme from total alkaline phosphatase activity. The liver fraction will also contain biliary, intestinal, and placental alkaline phosphatase if these are present in the original plasma, but correction for such activity is readily made. In the second method, samples are separated on cellulose acetate membranes that, before electrophoresis, have been soaked in buffer containing wheat-germ lectin. The bone isoenzyme is retarded and clearly separated from the liver fraction, allowing these isoenzymes to be quantified by densitometry. Both methods are rapid, reproducible, and suitable for use in the diagnostic laboratory.