[Comparative methods for the determination of the activity of serumcholinesterases (acylcholin-acyl-hydrolase E.C. 3.1.1.8) and their diagnostical value (author's transl)].

The activities of serum cholinesterases were determined in parallel with acetyl-, butyryl- and propionyl-thiocholiniodide in healthy persons and patients with acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, fatty liver, cholestasis, intoxication and malignant tumors. The following normal values were obtained: See Article. The correlations between the various methods, especially between butyryl- and propionylthiocholiniodide are statistically significant. Compared to healthy persons, the activity of serum-cholinesterases, determined with the three substrates, decreased significantly in patients with acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, intoxication and malignant tumors. A change of specificity of serum-cholinesterases towards acetyl-, butyryl- and propionylthiocholiniodide in normal persons and patients with endogenous or exogenous coma of the liver was not observed. In all cases a parallel decrease of activity in sera was determined.