A novel alkaline phosphatase isozyme in human adipose tissue.

A novel alkaline phosphatase (AP) isozyme was found in human adipose tissue. Adipose tissue alkaline phosphatase differed in enzymatic properties from liver, placental and intestinal alkaline phosphatases. On electrophoresis it showed the same mobility as intestinal alkaline phosphatase, but after treatment with neuraminidase its mobility was decreased to the same as or slightly less than that of neuraminidase-treated liver alkaline phosphatase. Its inhibition by amino acids, inactivation by urea and activation by Mg2+ were almost the same to those of liver alkaline phosphatase. However, at 56 and 65 degrees C it was more stable than liver alkaline phosphatase. Alkaline phosphatase activity was demonstrated histochemically in adipose tissue with naphthol AS-MX phosphate as substrate. It was localized in the wall of blood capillaries, but not present in adipocytes.