Separation and measurement of isoenzymes and other proteins by high-performance liquid chromatography

We review the state-of-the-art of the separation of isoenzymes and other proteins by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and their subsequent, continuous detection and activity assay by post-column reaction (PCR). We describe the developments leading to current practice. These developments are categorized by column packings, post-column reaction detectors and applications in which specific analysis systems for isoenzymes, especially for lactate dehydrogenase (LD) and creatine kinase (CK) are discussed. Although HPLC coupled with PCR detection is well developed and in many cases is analytically superior to other isoenzyme technologies, it is not at the present used for routine clinical applications. We expect this trend to be reversed with clinical demonstration and the addition of commercially available automation.