[Multiple molecular forms of serum gamma-glutamyltransferase: characterization and clinical significance].

Heterogeneity of serum gamma-glutamyltransferase was described for the first time about thirty years ago. It seems to result from post-translational modifications of a single type of molecule. The study of that heterogeneity is based upon the use of separation techniques such as gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography with lectines, and especially electrophoresis on various supports. The most promising clinical applications concern hepatology. In particular, appearance of certain fractions observed by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel could evoke the existence of malignant phenomena.