Transaminase inhibition by decaborane

Severe central nervous system damage and profound acidosis in persons exposed to pentaborane

Three cases of pentaborane intoxication resulting from a common exposure are presented. These cases were characterized by the rapid onset of seizures and opisthotonic spasms accompanied by severe metabolic acidosis without respiratory compensation. Rhabdomyolysis occurred, serum transaminase levels were elevated, and liver damage was demonstrated histologically. One patient died and another sustained severe neurologic damage. These poisonings are unique with respect to the rapid and devastating neurologic consequences. Pentaborane is an extremely toxic compound and a major hazard not only to exposed workers but also to the medical personnel dealing with them.

Measurement of aminotransferases: Part 1. Aspartate aminotransferase

Aminotransferases are ubiquitous enzymes of mammalian cells and several are of important diagnostic use. The application of aspartate aminotransferase activity measurements in serum from individuals suffering from myocardial infarction brought about a new dimension in clinical laboratory testing in the 1950s. This review focuses on measurement techniques for aspartate aminotransferase and their application (a subsequent article will review other aminotransferases). Assay techniques measuring enzyme activity are direct spectrophotometric measurements, manometric techniques, assays using dye substances, coupled enzyme techniques, and radiometric procedures. Of these procedures, the one employing malate dehydrogenase and NADH is the most important and is covered in particular detail. The estimation of the mitochondrial isoenzyme of aspartate aminotransferase is also of clinical interest, in particular for estimating severity of disease or in specific applications (e.g., chronic alcoholism). Methods reviewed for estimation of this enzyme are electrophoresis, chromatography, differential kinetic behavior, and immunochemical separation. Determination of the enzyme protein by techniques independent of its catalytic activity are also reviewed.