Method for preserving erythrocytic delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity that facilitates population studies on lead intoxication.
A method preserving the activity of the erythrocytic enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.24) was developed using a vehicle of 50% aqueous glycerol containing dithiothreitol (80 microM). Whole heparinized blood (0.5 ml) was added to 0.75 ml of this mixture in a cryovial tube (capacity 1.3 ml), mixed well and stored in a freezer at -20 degrees C for 21 days. Statistical comparison of the enzyme activity when freshly assayed and after storage indicated excellent agreement for quantitation of the non-activated enzyme (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99) and the activated enzyme (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.98). This storage method will facilitate future population studies on lead intoxication, particularly those in remote locations.
Burns
C B
CB
Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, Darwin, Australia.
Sriprakash
K S
KS
Powers
J R
JR
Currie
B J
BJ
D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000201:enzymology; D000623:Porphobilinogen Synthase / Q000097:blood* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods
D000623:Porphobilinogen Synthase