Reaction rate retardation as a method for serum alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme measurement

A method for serum alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes using an enzyme reaction rate analyser is described. The complete urea-induced degradation of enzyme activity is monitored, from which individual isoenzyme activities are obtained by calculating the constituent exponential components of the degradation curve. Activities have been measured with adequate sensitivity and selectivity for up to four isoenzyme components in normal and in pathological sera. The identity of each isoenzyme present is assigned from its characteristic degradation half-life, and by this method bone and liver alkaline phosphatase are clearly distinguished and quantitated, and a composite value for placental-intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity is obtained. The approach promises to be applicable to a wide range of isoenzymes, and in analogy with 'reaction rate' the term 'reaction rate retardation' is suggested for the procedure.