Simple Enzymatic Determination of Polysaccharide (Glycogen) Content of Animal Tissues

Abstract

For determination of (chiefly) glycogen content, tissue homogenates in citrate buffer are mixed with exo-1,4-α-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.3). Liberated glucose is estimated with a Beckman Glucose Analyzer. This method was checked with commercial glycogen (from oysters) and with fish (carp) tissues. Comparative measurements were made with the classic Good-Kramer-Somogyi method [J. Biol. Chem. 100, 485 (1933)]. The described method, suitable for small samples of tissue, such as those obtained by biopsy, seems to be simple and accurate, but gives values 5 to 10% higher than those given by the classic KOH-ethanol method.