Chemical inhibition method for alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in human serum.

The authors adapted a chemical inhibition procedure using L-phenylalanine and urea as specific inhibitors to quantitate the activities of bone, liver, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzymes in human serum. The results of this assay were compared with electrophoretic separation, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) activity, and the clinical setting in a group of patients with elevated total ALP activity. In addition, expected ranges of serum ALP isoenzymes for healthy young men and also for a geriatric population are presented.