Dewez B, Lans M, Allaeys V, Karaoglou A, Taper H, Roberfroid M
Département des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgique.
Eur J Clin Chem Clin Biochem. 1993 Nov;31(11):793-7.
Alkaline deoxyribonuclease (DNase) is present in human circulating serum but its physiological role and signification of its variations are still largely unknown. The present report demonstrates that between 37 degrees C and 50 degrees C, as measured in the presence of 0.25 mmol/l Ca2+ and 5 mmol/l Mg2+, serum alkaline DNase activity increases, in most sera, reaching a level far higher than expected from thermal activation. This observation is thought to be due to the thermal inactivation of a serum inhibitor of the enzyme, which limits its usefulness as a therapeutic marker. By measuring serum alkaline DNase activity at 50 degrees C, the authors have developed a clinical test which has been successfully applied to the therapeutic monitoring of patients with various types of cancers.
