Abstract |
I describe a fluorescent spot test for detecting the acidic glycosidases in meconium. Meconium is mixed with various 4-methylumbelliferylglycosides at the appropriate pH. In the presence of carbohydrate-splitting enzymes, 4-methylumbelliferone, a strongly fluorescent compound, is released. The reaction mixture, when spotted on chromatography paper and viewed under ultraviolet light, exhibits a bright fluorescence for specimens containing acidic glycosidases. The technique is applicable to any test that involves production of fluorescent products from non-fluorescent reactants. The procedure was applied to meconium specimens selected because of increased albumin content known to be associated with cystic fibrosis in newborns. The presence of beta-D-fucosidase in meconium was correlated to increased albumin content. Detection of beta-D-fucosidase by the present procedure may be useful as a screening test for cystic fibrosis.
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Authors | M C Hsieh |
Journal | Clinical chemistry
(Clin Chem)
Vol. 27
Issue 3
Pg. 388-90
(Mar 1981)
ISSN: 0009-9147 [Print] England |
PMID | 6258822
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Albumins
- Umbelliferones
- Hymecromone
- Glycoside Hydrolases
- alpha-Glucosidases
- beta-Glucosidase
- alpha-Galactosidase
- beta-Galactosidase
- alpha-L-Fucosidase
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Topics |
- Albumins
(analysis)
- Fluorescence
- Glycoside Hydrolases
(analysis)
- Humans
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Hymecromone
- Infant, Newborn
- Meconium
(enzymology)
- Ultraviolet Rays
- Umbelliferones
- alpha-Galactosidase
(analysis)
- alpha-Glucosidases
(analysis)
- alpha-L-Fucosidase
(analysis)
- beta-Galactosidase
(analysis)
- beta-Glucosidase
(analysis)
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