Fluorometric micromethod for determination of arginase activity in dried blood spots on filter paper

We describe a microfluorometric method for determination of arginase activity in dried blood spots on filter paper. The arginase in discs punched from such dried blood specimens is activated by preincubation with Mn2+ at 37 degrees C. After incubation with substrate at the same temperature, urea is determined fluorometrically by oxidation of NADH to NAD+ in a coupled kinetic reaction. We compare the results of this method with those of a colorimetric method involving liquid blood samples, and assess the stability of the enzyme in dried blood on filter paper. The presence of serum has no effect on the activity. This method may be useful in the early detection of arginase deficiency and certain hematological disorders.