In:
Clinical Chemistry, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 45, No. 6 ( 1999-06-01), p. 807-813
Kurzfassung:
Background: Procarboxypeptidase U (proCPU) is a novel proenzyme found in human plasma. The active form, carboxypeptidase U (CPU; EC 3.4.17.20), retards the rate of fibrinolysis through its ability to cleave C-terminal lysine residues on fibrin partially degraded by plasmin. This reduces the number of high-affinity plasminogen-binding sites on fibrin. Methods: We developed an assay to determine the proCPU concentration in human plasma. The assay involved quantitative conversion of proCPU to active CPU by thrombin-thrombomodulin, a very efficient activator of proCPU, followed by determination of the enzymatic activity of CPU with the substrate hippuryl-l-arginine, using an HPLC-assisted determination of the released hippuric acid. Using this method, we established a reference interval based on 490 healthy individuals. Results: The mean proCPU concentration, determined after activation of the zymogen in diluted plasma and expressed as CPU activity, was 964 U/L, with a SD of 155 U/L. The population showed a gaussian distribution. However, we noticed important differences related to age and the use of hormone preparations. Conclusions: The sensitivity and precision of the method make it suitable for routine clinical determinations and as a reference procedure.
Materialart:
Online-Ressource
ISSN:
0009-9147
,
1530-8561
DOI:
10.1093/clinchem/45.6.807
Sprache:
Englisch
Verlag:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publikationsdatum:
1999
