A method is described for the quantitative determination of alkaline lipase activity of blood cells. The pH optimum of the enzyme in macrophages and lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymph-leukemia is 9.2, the optimum substrate (triglyceride) concentration is 7 x 10-2 M, and the Michaelis constant approximately 4.3 x 10-2 M. Macrophages from guinea pigs exhibit a lipase activity approximately 10 times that of granulocytes and lymphocytes. In granulocytosis an acid lipase could also be demonstrated. The physiologic importance of this finding is discussed.

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© 1964 by American Society of Hematology, Inc.
1964
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