A simple rapid fluorescent assay for adenosine deaminase activity
Vaca, G.; Sanchez-Corona, J.; Olivares, N.; Medina, C.; Ibarra, B.; Cantu, J.M.
Annales de Genetique 22(3): 182-184
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3995 PMID: 316678 Document Number: 145656
A simple, rapid (2 hours), fluorescent test for the activity of blood adenosine deaminase (ADA) is described. The test which can be performed on both heparinized and dried blood, is based on the conversion of adenosine to inosine and ammonium in the presence of ADA. The enzyme activity is visually estimated by the oxidation of NADH (fluorescent) to NAD+ (non-fluorescent) in a coupled reaction with glutamate dehydrogenase. The disappearance of fluorescence indicates ADA activity in the sample. The advantages are discussed of the use of this test for the study of the autosomal recessive severe combined immunodeficiency.