ISSN:
1432-119X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary A sensitive cytochemical staining method for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in individual human erythrocytes is described. This staining method can be used for the rapid routine discrimination of patients with a deficiency of the enzyme in its homozygote or heterozygote form, but also for quantitative localization of its activity in individual erythrocytes. The staining procedure in its optimal form consists of a treatment of the erythrocytes with sodium nitrite, then a “fixation” in 0.025% glutaraldehyde (under NADP+ protection of the active site of the enzyme), followed by incubation of the cells in suspension in the presence of tetranitro BT, 1-methoxyphenazine methosulphate and polyvinyl alcohol. Using this new technique, a sharp localization is obtained of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, which enables discrimination between red cells with different levels of enzyme activity, as a consequence of enzyme deficiencies or age changes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00640601
